16LE BACK TALK· .

" '. START!;' o~ 'PAGE ~

2011 SUBARU

FORESTER

AS LOW AS

ADD TAX TAG AND DOC FEE TO ALL ADVERTISED PRICES. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MIS-PRINTS. PRICES GOOD UNTIL FEB. 28TH 201i 1,

2011 SUBARU

OUTBACK

2.5i

Cit.Vi.] (113

02.18.11

Many opt ions for LGBT worsh i ppers, Page 5 LGBT Atlantans who won fights to

remain in their denominations. Page 6

Ten religious friends of lGBT equality .. Page 8 Ten rei igio us fa es of LGBT eQua I ity. Page 9 How to co unl er anti-gay

religious arguments. Page 10

Beyond Judeo'Chri stian traditio ns. Pag e 13 'Is religious faith important to you?' Page 14 S pi ritual reso urees. Page 15

'Eagle 8' prosecutor fired. Page 16 Atlanta police blunders continue in fallout of Eagle raid. Page 16

Arson of gay man's home may not meet hate crime criteria. Page 18

Anti-gay states may be hazardous to your health. Page 19

Guest editorial: A spiritual call for LGBT unity. Page 24

Mike Ritter Cartoon:

Now It Makes Sense. IPage 24

Speaking Out: Readers react to Lady Gaga, Red Dog Unit Pag.e 2S

El'.___ _

'I n the Life' paved way lor generation of black gay men. Page 27

Theater: 'Exit, Pursued by a Bear' breaks mold for gay character. Page 29

Dining: Sweet, sweet Auburn. Page 30 Books: New Jane Lawless

lesbian mysterv_ Page 31

Events: Photos from

lovs-therned parties. Page 32

Atlanta Pride rema ins in October, conflicts with Yom Kippur. Pa.ge 33

Nonprof.it spotlight: HRC Atlanta bowls, di nes for equality. Page 34

Business spotlight: Meak Productions takes radio shows online. Page 34

Domesticall.y Disturbed: Confessions of an unapologetic insomniac Page 38

Pa.ges 28-30

o . IS OKENIN THEIR OWN WORDS

"like many of you, I

was always a friend of the gays ... and then li.berals come around with some idea that no one has thought of for

a thousand years: gay marriage .... The left is trying to co-op gays and I don't think we should let them, They should be on our side .. We're for low taxes, we're for low crime, we're against the terrorists that want to kill' gays. Gays are natural conservatives,"

-Conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who last yea r hea-d lined a qayoonservative conference called Homocon 'but opposes gay marriage and gays in the mi litary, speaking feb. 12 at tfle Conservative Polilical Action Conference (CPAC) in Washi ngtOIl (On Top Magazine, Fl<b" 13)

FAITH & REtl,GION BY THE NUMBERS

60

Pe rcen t of gay ad u Its wh 0 describe faith as "very important" to them, compared to 72 percent 01 heterosexuals

70

Pe ree nt 01 gay ad ulls wh 0 identi.ly as Chri slia n

(85 percent for heterosexuals)

2 7 Percent of adult gays who are "born again" Christians

.• (47 percent 01 heterosexuals)

15 Percent 01 gays who said they

. go to church, pray a rdrsed

. the Bible in a typ ca I week (31

percent 01 heterosexuals)

Sou'o~ Survey of 9.232 pe<>ple conuucloo by fII)I1"p,l'tisan, for-profil reseor(h firm 111 eBarna Group and putlli,hed in 2009

"He'd say weird things like, 'You're very sick, so you need to go and buy a cow then we'll transport your spirit into the cow.' But I said, 'You'll end up with a gay cow.'"

- Open Iy gay BBe Radio 1 DJ Scott Mi II s, explaining What ~appenlW when he saw a Ugandan witcih doctor Who tried to cure his homosexua li ty, ss p.l rt of tl1e BBe docu me ntal'l 0 n Uga rda "The World's Wo rst Place to Be Gdy?" (The Su n, Feb. 13)

"If you want to drop your pants, drop 'em, dog. I got your back."

- Jimmy McM iIIan, who ga i ned notoriety as leader of the Rent Is Too Dam n Hig h Party, when asked about "personal liberties" at CPAC, where he stopped by the gay GOProu d booth to Sily he supports gay rna rriag.e a nd personal privacy "because I get freaky in my bedroom:' McMillan plans to ru n lor president in 2012. (CaS News via Autostrad'd Ie.com, Feb. 13)

"I guess that if you are a Guatemalan gay man who likes to gamble and smokes marijuana, you probably think we're onto some good ideas here."

- Rhode Island House Minority leader Robert A. Watson, a RepubliCiin. co mp laining that the state legisl. hres too fixated on gay rna rriag e, im migration, gambling a nd medical ma lijua ra instead 01 finances. Some immigrant groups complained (On Top Magazine, Feb. 13)

"I live in New York, New York is a place with lots of gays, and I think it is great. But I'm not in favor of gay marriage."

- Business mogul Donald Trump, who is considering ru n ning fa r p resident in 2012, in an in terv iew with Greta Van Susterens "On the Record" (USA Today, Feb. 15)

~ ,.

5 j

Metropol"tan Community

Experience this and more - Sundays 11 AM

1379 Jullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 Gust off 185 at North Druid Hills Road) Phone: 404-325-4143 I Rev. Paul Graetz, Senior Pastor I www.firstmcc.com

•

I What you will experience at

First Metropolitan Community Church:

• Dynamic worship that is a celebration featuring today's contemporary music

• Teaching that empowers you, not preaches at you

• A diverse multi-cultural congregation that welcomes you and everyone else

• Opportunities to make a difference in the world

• A great place to make friends & build community

Lin e s b I u r r in g be t wee n that continues to build bridges. It seemed to us

~ • '. • that ina place that's ·as gay-friendl y, and ac-

gay, g.a Y {rl.~fjld I y and cepting and open to diversity as Atlanta, that

t r ad it ional con g' regat io ns? e, ~.e wanted to have a foot on !'me side ?f the

~. • ~ , "::'..;~ 'tind~ and another foot all the other slde to

~:It. , make a really integrated congregation ~ in re-

By Ryun Lee ",'" ~rd to sexual orientation, m regard to gender,

._, .. ' "'t:;:-~ •

• . .:-IV regard tarace."

Gay and lesbian people of falth are. i; f' - Gonsidedng the MCC label "a barrier" to the midst of a In'oden: Great ·A~ke.ni~g. attempts to be inclusive to heterosexuals, the Once deemed outcasts from the'maJorlty Decatur church disaffiliated from the Metro-

::;. of religions, they now have more opporru- pollran Community Church in July, and joined nines to worship in afflrming environments' the United Church of Christ in Noveiubet

~ ~ ~ whether gay Churches, gay-friendly con- The newly renamed Decatur United Church

• grsgauons and even more traditional'church- of Christ currently attracts about a half-dozen

es that have tempered their hostilirj' to ho- heterosexual worshippers each weekend, and

mosexuality ~ than ever before. " . is doing outreach via neighborhood associa-

Many' LGBT worshippers anti rel.igiou:j tions and a musical recital series to draw more.

leaders ere also re-examining their posltiomin ':[ dunk that 20.yeilfS ago we really felt that

'spiritUal circles, moving from the fringes mto need forsafery and for camaraderie, and also to

.more mainstream areas in order to'keep up with t really process things in terms of being gay:les.

rapid generational chang~ in socie't!l's views bian and trans from a theological perspective,"

of God and gays. Some are choosing to be ad- Shepherd said. 'What the larger Christian

vocates for ga:~ inclusion in traditiqnal congre- • chwm needs now is for gay ~nd lesbian people ~ago~, while others,ax: ~wilching de~~:-. to be ~ oommU[1ity with heterosexual, people nons ill an attempt to join into "one \:lady' With ~ I think that's how the next laxer of change,

heterosexual members of their faith. ~,.. educatipn and acceptance will happen.t

Glenna Shepherd, who in 1992 was the ' . , •

founding pastor of Christ Coyenant in' De- lncluslon a priority

catur, discovered how dynamically the spiri- While Decatur UCC has codified its de-

tual scene was shlfting when she returned to sire to be more inclusive by changing de-

metro Atlanta last year after a decade Jiving nominations, di\'iel'sity of sexual orientation

elsewhere. Christ Covenant was formed Is a mission for many Atlanta congregations

under the auspices of the gay Metropollran that are <;onsidered gay churches. •

Coiymunity Church, but Shepherd said thar : "The exciting thing is that we're welcom-

when she resumed leadership in 2010, she ing straight.pepp.lg," saiq ~v. Paul Graetz,

learned that worshippers believed the church senior pastor. aCFirs! M,CC of ArJall!_a.

had outgrownlts origins. '~We're finding more and more heterosexual

"When I came back, it was really clear people say we love your stand, we love your that the congregation had made a shi f1; in l~ message, we love-who yon are and we wani their understanding of their mission, ana. to be part of that, too. There's a keen inter-

" . kind of dleir place in the religious landscape' \ est among the hetero~exual community to be in Atlanta," Shepherd said. "The co'ngregaj' part of a church that has modeled such lib-

tion decided that tlrey wanted to really, inten- eration for 39 years."

tionally be more diverse. Rabbi Joshua Lesser, leader" of <Zon-

"We all know thll." MCC basically means' gregation Bet Havertm.isaid tha"( his syna~g~y church," Shepherd added. "We really ~ gogue's founding principle of inclusion ., thought that we wanted to be a congregation\. inspires the congregarion, to welcome he ~

.. ',. ....

l

... '" ,-"_.' ) .....

GI?nnu Shepherd (left to righ~~lWi Joshua., esser, Rev. Paul Graetz and ReV. Antonio Jones are among LGBT faith .Ieuder5 in

AI/onto. (Pl1otrx; via Facebook) •

;:r. " '" . •.

erosexual worshippers. - ~v:. . . ,,_ - .

"vve know the heart of the stranger because J of be niched into cerra1n markelS, I think; is we were strangers ourselves," Lesser said ",counterproductive to the very messag€> of Je-· "We didn't like that classification of stranger sus," he adged.

that the Jewish coJ1lmuni~ labeled us, which . "Ii! • -

is what we felt, and.sQ'~e want to eliminate 'I am home' ? ". 'i.;.f.

people feeling like st:t'<Thghs to Judaism.. If;; the £me between gay chjT~ ana

"Do.:-r€- wan! tQ.,pe i,ust inclusive o~our- inclusive congregations blurs, so does tbe

selves and create a ):acsl(l).ile of a gay ghetto, .division between gay-friendly ch\l!cPes am or do we, want to U'se. that value of inclusion traditional churches. Whetlier at thee Ico-

- \'

to make,athers feel like they have a spiritual nium Baptist Church in-Southsast Atlanta or-

place tHat has a stake- in who they are?" he the, venerable All Saflits' Episcopal <Low'eli 1

a"d'aeCl. '~We "have decidedly become the lat- downtown, gay worshipers also find passion- ,

ter, and that's why Jews who are tradition- ate affirmation in mainstream COlJgreg~tiollS.

~ no~ ~comfor~ble 0 other sehlngs often - "I just had two people who were dfrgy

come ahd spend'~_Wlth us." just this last week come to me and teU me

~0th (,e~seran? '8J1etz are hopeful that; that they would like to learn bo~ 10 do cOJ!!"

'til Il?nde~b_u§:~of wo'.shiP thtzy,are ere- mj~nt cere~lJjes," Graetz said: "Atlanta

ating will fu,theffiiol;rtlaliie<,h._bm@S€xJalicy h~ vety"'ltrong chllrch c1!!llJxe, ana: so

among the heterosexual faithful.' -, • w~ re ~~in!kmbre-anq more c~urche(start

"Our chil dren's departrn entis flO\:ll1Sl1ing," to acldress'tfi I s issue." .,

Graetz said of'E1iSt Mec. 'We're lookJJig at About a dozen.tomrrutment ceremonies

the next g~eratioT1 cif MCCers; ~nd it'S go- have been performed at" Ail Sain'k, where

)ng to be a very, very, mixed ~group ofpSlple, Bruce Game_cias worshlppedsmce I!;l81an_d •

y.le'.re nora gay-oruy church, we're not a one- , where he currently serves as head v-erger. .

issue church, we're a chU,teh for all people. • "They do not actually bless" the'relati@lh'

,. "That sense of buJ[djng, a united qommu~ • I

nity is whac we're aU abo!.!!~ and' for us, 19 sort .Ple;;se.s~CONGREGATIO.s on Page 6

.,

,

';\.

J- , .

D GA Voice \ February 18,2011 \ Faith & Religion

www.lheGAVoice.com

Presbyterian Rev. Erin Swenson (le{r) made nadonal news as rhe prst known mainstream Protesram minister to keep her job during a gender transifioll, Pastor Bmrlley Schmelin_g (right) was the public{ace of the fight to QUOW gay clergy in commined reladonships to 5eM' in the Lutheran Church,

Two who stayed to f gh

Meet two LGBT Atlantans who won national battles to remain in their denominations

By Dyuna Bagby Rev. Erin Swenson

In 1973, Rev.Eri c Ka rl Swen son was ord sin ed by the Presbytery of Atlanta, But some 20 yea rs la ter, Eric Swenson knew he was co nl ill uing to I ive a lie that he struQglecl with since early childhood, And~ so he began his Ira nsition from male to female a nd in 1996, Rev. Erin Swenso n a Iler a few years of hard wo rk, was abl e to keep her ordinati,o n She made nstio na I news as the f i rstknown mai nstream Protestant minister to keep her job during a gender transition.

Today, Swenson continues her work in the Presbyterian Church as well as advocacy lor transge n der peo p Ie th roug h out th e country. IV h ile th e Presbyterian Church is currently struggling with gay and I,esbi an clergy be in gab Ie to 0 p enly serve, Swenso n co nt inue s to a I so 1'10 r:k for th e day wh en openly trensuencer clergy can also become ordained ministers in the Presbyterian Church.

Swenson saidi that .her reason to stay with the church during her transition, despite backlash from some, was at first because she needed to have med ica I i nsu r a nce to cover co sts fo r he r d isa bled cia ug hie r.

"When I transitioned I was a husband and fa" [her. And we h ave two da u g hiers, th e you n 9 er being severe.ly disabled," Swenson said. "I had no way of providing insurance without keeping my ordination - at the very beginning I was not able to let go. If I resigne d .I wou ld lose 0 ur insu ra nce an d Ih e possibility 01 bein~ insured would be nil."

Sh e laid her commu n ity the situation and a Presbyteri an camm i ttee ag reed to try to find a way 10 let her resig n but a Iso keep her insura nee.

Bu tal ter a newspape r arti c Ie in 1995 spl ash ed he r slory a I lover Georg i a and across the n al ion, Swenson began receiving calls - some mean, but ma ny sup portive. A nd it wa s a Iter hea ring D ersona I stories 01 hidden trensqender people in the Presbyterian Church that she knew keeping her ordlnation was her calling.

Wh i Ie sh e ad mils t hat she so melim es had dou bts aboul stay i ng with a mai nstream rei i 9 ion, Swen son said that the Presbyterian Church had been a safe place for he r wh en sh e was 9 rowin 9 up and slrugg ling with her gend er identity.

"The church was one place to go and feel safe," she said.

Pastor Bradley Schmeling

When lutheran minister Bradley Schmeling fell in love with Da r i n Easler,al so a lu th era n mini ste [, the two beg a n a commi It ed re la ti 0 n shi p. Easl er moved 10 At I anla. in 20. 0.5 lobe wit h Schm eli ng, and Schmeling's congreGation at SI. John's Lutheran Ch u rch wei come d the two with op en arms.

But when Schm eling told his sy nod bishop about the relationship. a battle began within the Evangelical luth e ra n Ch urch in Am e rica on wheth er openly gay clergy in committed relationships coul'd serve. In early 2007, Schme lin g was put 0 n a chu rcn trial ancl th at summer he was re moved from the clerg-y roster.

The trial made nat;ional headlines and was another example of the cebstes taking place within numerous churches and denominations about how LGBT people lit into a ch u rc h's ove rail m iss ion.

Sc h me I ing said he Ie I tat rna ny times he wanted to leave the lutheran Church and perhaps go to a more lGBT affirming religion. But aller a protest at th e cn urchwid I' olfices in Chicago, when he saw people inside the building showing their support for him, he knew it was more Ihan "us versus them."

"We talk about the church as a monolithic block, but it is diverse with lots of different opinions," he said. "That helped frame things for me. I ,knew I wasn't alone in my work to change things."

Another i mporta nt factor in Schme lin g's decision to slay with Ihe Lutheran Chu rth is the ove rwhel ming support he got from his cong reqatlon Wh ife he was removed fro m the clergy roster, the co ng regation We nted him to re rna in as Iheir pasta r. And he did.

In 2010., the deno mination voted 10 a I low gay clergy in com mitted relationshi ps to rema i n in the thu rch Schmel i ng was offic ia Ily D ut ba tk on the rolls.

"The Lutheran Church as a whole is not a mora list i c I radi tion. Thee hu reh' s prima ry foeu sis the un C ond iii ona I love 0 f God. Wh en a ch urch st arts there, it's easier to be in disagreement" he said,

More options for LGBT worshippers

lM~[IJ#I

FAITH & RELIGION

CONGREGATIONS, continued from Page 6

ship because the scripture has forbidden that, but there is a blessing of the rings that people exchange, [the couple] exchanges vows, and every one that I have been to, the priest said, 'Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder,''' Gamer said. "In my perspective, if it looks like a duck, waiks like a duck and quacks, it's a duck."

All Saints' has a gay and lesbian ministry, a sizeable gay population, and human sexuality issues are periodically discussed from the pulpit and inS u n day sc hool classes, Gamer sa id.

"My sexual orientation was never an issue, it never became an issue," he said. "One of the things that most people in our community forget is that once you are in there, though, you have to keep reminding people that you are there, because like most minorities, once you are there, you can disappear.

"It's a ministry that I call putting a face on the faggot, because once the faggot has a face, he ceases to be <1. faggot anymore," Gamer added."He's the child of God he was to start with, and me same goes for lesbians. When you strip away me issues and realize mat you're looking at a person, a child of God, it's much more difficult to dismiss them or treat them badly."

A5 explicitly gay and gay-friendly congregations have proliferated over the decades, Gamer said he has visited other

congregations but continues to feel most comfcrtable atAlJ Saints'.

"I think it's wonderful for some people, it's just not my cup of tea." Garner said. "It's JUSt not what feeds me spiritually. I didn't find the same mix of the liturgy, the ceremonial- the ceremonial has come to mean a lot to me because of what it represents."

Ceremony is also one of the reasons Von Collins prefers attending a traditional church to one with a gay or gay-friendly reputation.

"It's what I'm more f.amiliar with, growing up in a black church," said Collins, who asked that his church not be identified because he did not want to portray it in a negative lighr,

"It's not like the pastor is bashing gay people every Sunday or telling me that I'm going to hell, but it's [Jot what I would call gay-friendly," Collins said. "But I feel welcome there. I am at home there, both in tenus of belonging there now, and in the way that it reminds me of the church I grew up in."

Many black gay congregations have maintained the charismatic worship style that is pervasive in many traditional churches, but Collins said the latter feels like a more authentic worship experience for him.

"I want to go to the club on Saturday night, not Sunday morning, and the few times I went to a 'gay church' it felt like that's all that was

going on," Collins said. "Everybody checking everybody else out and trying to flirt, and that's not what I'm used to at church."

Gamer knows that gay churches are often labeled cruisy, but he thinks it's unfair.

"I kind of laugh at that, because what do you think straight people are doing j n church, at any church?" he said. "That's where they're supposed to go to meet their mate,"

Worshipping authentically

Indeed, churches - and especially synagogues - have been a crucial place to search for love over the years, and Lesser confessed that he is disappointed more matchmaking isn't occurring at Congregation Bet Haverim.

However; he recognizes that Bet Haverim's mission to be fully inclusive complicates the search for a gay partner.

"I do think that there are people who don't come because we aren't more exclusively gay in our membership," Lesser said. "For some people who would see a. synagogue as a place where they could meet a. partner perhaps, I think we muddy the waters for them a little bit because it's hard to know who's gay and who's straight,"

Still, welcoming heterosexuals does not dilute Bet Haverun's identity as one of a handful of gay synagogues in the country, Lesser said.

"People always refer to LIS as gay-friendly, but I always go, 'No, you have it wrong: we're straight-fri endly, '" he said. "As a queerfounded congregation, we recognize ihe value of inclusion from d.l€ very fabric of how we were created.

"When I think about our kids growing up in a synagogue that affirms them, I'm willing to give up a little of my comfort because that's social change," he added. "If I had had something like this when I was a child, I could have saved myself many years of deep pain."

Whether at a gay, gay-friendly or traditional church, it is important for LGBT worshipers to expect explicit vaJidation of their worth, as opposed to "global affirmations" that gloss over ingrained biases, said Rev, Antonio Jones, pastor of the gay Unity Fellowship Church.

"There are folks who are very clear that they're not go ing to lea ve their church, they're going to stay there and make their church throw their anus eround them because they have invested a lot in that congregation and they love their church, aside from this one particular matter," Jones said. "That, to me, isa very, very valid argument and it's a very passionate argument.

"But for those who are just there out of fear and don't know that who they are is definitely loved by God, my advice would be to find a space that's healthy and safe, and find a space that will constantly affirm your value to God - your total value, not just part of you," Jones said.

•

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR

UNCORK A _1.lClll::'

ozt!'le www.theGaVoice.com

21st Annual

Wine and Food Tasting and Live and Silent Auction

to Help Fight HIV

Benefiting AReA

(the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta)

Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 6-9 pm The Foundry at Puritan Mill

916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, NW

A.OiE LTA

On-site drawing for two Delta business class domestic tickets.

Buy your event and drawing tickets now at:

www.uncorkacure.org or call 404.876.2317

Restaurant, sponsorship, silent auction, Qnd yolunteer opportunities also available on the web.

THE OFFICIAL AFT.ERPARTY

tonctue O&groove.

OVER 20 RESTAURANTS: .LIST IN FORMATION

~ .. ,~\

~ Mclti~Pot.

TH~~~ III fondu~lJraJ:ll"

HIGH ROAD

{ffhighland bakery

....

lal(eS;deA.3r;//

SPONSORS: .LIST IN FORMATION

S L S JEZEBEL ~

DES I G N HlVI..,"",..,..... __ .. -----.,

D GA Voice \ February 18,2011 \ Faith & Religion

www.theGAVoice.com

KEEP IT CLEAN.

NATURALLY~

INTRODUCING FLEET' NATURALS CLEANSING ENEMAS.

Gentle enough for daily use, now you con feel cleon and fresh-without the drugs found in laxative enemas,

Drug Free I Safe For [):Jlly Use I Hygienic

10 religious allies of LGB

By Laura Douglas-Brown Ibrown@chegavoice.com

Too often, debates over LGBT lights are couched in terms of gay people 011 one side of the issue, and religious people - especially Christians - on the other. It's understandable, since very often people who oppose LGBT rights use re llgious arguments in their explanations.

But the false dichotomy or gays versus God ignores the majority of LGBT people who are religious, and the large and growing movement of progressive religious leaders and faiths that offer spiritual support for illclusion and equality

Here are 10 religious allies on LGBT rights.

They may not always be perfect on our issues, but all have had an impact in their faith communities and thecommunity at large.

ARCHBISHOP D'ESMOND TUTU

A Nobel Peace Prize winner and Anglican archbishop, Desmond Tutu battled apartheid in his native South Africa, and eloquently battles homophob ia and other human rights issues arc und the world. ''We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made LO suffer for something we could do nothing about; our very skins .. .!t is the same with sexual orientation," Tutu has said. "It is a given."

REFORM JUDAISM

The largest branch of Judaism in the United States, with more than l.? million members, has long been an ally on gay and lesbian rights. In 1977, Reform's Central Conference of American Rabbis held that gay sex is OK and called for an end to anti-gay discrimination, according to HRC's Faith & Religion Project In 2000, Reform rabbis officially gained permission to officiate same-sex commitment ceremonies, and the faith opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment, an unsuccessful attempt to amend the U.S. Consritutlon to ban gay marriage.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH USA

The Episcopal Church USA risked schism with the 77-milJion member Anglican Communion to consecrate V. Gene Robinson in 2003 as bishop of New Hampshire - making him the first openly gay bishop in the worldwide church. The denomination has faced controversy ever since, includrng condemnation from other Anglicans and Losing more than 800 congregations to the Anglican Church or North America, a rival group formed by churches opposed to the Episcopal Church's increasing gay inclusion. Robinson retired early last year, noting the toll of constant criticism and even death threats he has endured. But the Episco-

JAY BAKKER

Son of disgraced televangelists Jim Bakker and Thmmy Faye Bakker Messner of PTL Ministries, Jay Bakker followed his family's calling to ministry - with a twist. Known for his tattoos and punk style, Jay Bakker founded Revolution Church, and is on the forefront of young pastors preaching radical inclusion. Wthile his mother drew adoration from gays for her over-the-top style, resilience in the face of scandal, and acceptance of gay people, Bakker goes much further - usmg his national prominence to speak OUI for equality for gay people, including marriage rights, even when speaking to unaccepting audiences. His new book, "Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self, and Society," written with Martin Edlund, was released this year.

pal Church isn't stepping back: In May, Rev. Canon Mary Classpool was consecrated as the second openly gay Anglican bishop.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION

The Unitarian Universalist Association has supported tullequallty (or LGBT people since 1970 - and today markets itself to the LGBT community as an inclusive religious organization, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The UUA passed a resolution in 1984 allowing its clergy to perform same-sex unions; a 1987 resolution requires church members to speak out against ami.-LGBTlaws.

REV. JIMMY CREECH

United Methodist Rev. Jimmy Creech could have played it safe after he was acquitted in a 1998 church trial for performing a same-sex union ceremony. Instead, Creech did il again, and was defrocked ill 1999 after another church trial that drew national headlines, Creech, who is not gay, helped found Fillth in America and now sits on tile advisory board of Soulforce, with seeks to counter religious bigotry against LGBT people .. His book,"Adam's GIft: A Memoir of a Pastor's Calling to Defy The Church's Persecution of Lesbians and Gays," is due out In April.

rights

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The United Church of Chnst, wruch cites about 1.3 million members, in 2005 became the first mainline Christian denomination to approve of gay marriage, according to HRC. The milestone came a year after the uec made national headlines with a television ad campaign that portrayed a gay couple being welcomed at a uce congregation after being tumed away from another; NBC and CBS refused to air the cornmercia I, calling it too controversial.

RE.V.TlMOTHY MCDONALD

Pastor of First Icomurn Baptist Church in Atlanta, Rev. TImothy McDonald has hosted a church conference about LGBT Inclusion, and was one of the plaintiffs in the 2004 lawsuit that med to derail Georgia's slate constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. ''We cannot have people of faith supporting discrimination in any form," McDonald said then, McDonald also stepped up to chide Bishop Eddie Long for receiving money from then-President George W. Bush's faith-based initiative, "If you look at the black pastors who have come out with the faith-based money, they're the same ones who have corns out with campaigns on ilie gay marriage issue," he said.

RT. REV .. CHRISTOPHER SENYONJO

Senyonjo r-etired as an Anglican bishop 10 years ago, but spoke out last week on the murder of Ugandan gay activist David Kato. Senyonjo, who had worked with Kato, called on the AngLican Communion L'O take a stand against the increasing brutality against gay people in Uganda "The crimlnaiization of homosexuality remains the greatest state and church sanctioned violence: perpetrated against LGBT people and their allies in many countries, We must agree 10 demolish all forms of institutional homophobia beginning with the removal of all laws that punish human beings for being gay or living in loving relationships," he wrote.

M ETROPOLITANCOMMUN lTV CHURCHES & UNiTt FEllOWSHIP CHURCH

Even as mainstream religious leaders and faiths grown more inclusive, it is impossible to overstate the importance of these two denominations that were founded for gay people, by gay people. Metropolitan Community Churches, founded in 1968 by Rev. Troy Perry, now includes 43,000 members in 250 churches ill 22 countries, according to its website, The newer Unity Fellowship Church Movement was founded in 1982 by Archbishop Carl Bean for African-American lesbians and gays. It now cites 20 churches in cities around the country.

www.theGAVoice.com

Faith & Religion I February 18. 2011 I GA Voice ..

10 re lgleus enemies of LGBT rights

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@rhegavoice.com

Some claim to love the sinner but hate the sin, while others simply love to hale us. Some think we make God angry enough to cause hurricanes and earthquakes, while others pour millions of dollars that could help needy people into keeping us from marriage.

Their strategies may vary, but their goal is the same: imposing their interpretations of me Bible on our civil rights. Here are 10 of the most anti-gay religious people or groups we face.

REV. FRED PHELPS

"God Hates Fags." Is there any tiling else that needs to be said about this man and his Westboro Baptist Church made up mostly of family members? From protesting at the funeral of slain gay student Matthew Shepard to the funerals of sold iers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to even the funeral of Caretta Scott King, Phelps and his followers know no shame.

POPE BENEDICT XVI

The head of the Catholic Church has said same-sex marriage is among the "most Insidious and dangerous challenges that today confront the common good." Before he became Pope and was known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he helped cover up scandals of priests molesting boys, according to a report by the New York Times. Apparently pedophilia is not as bad as two consenting adults of the same gender wanting to marry each other. He further added to confusion about his policles with recent statements that condoms might be OK for prostitutes to LIse, but not OK for general use in the prevention of HTV and AIDS.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMONS)

When California voters passed Proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage - after it already had been legalized - the nation's LGBT activists were shocked. How could discrimination be written into the state constitution of one of the most progressive states in the country? The answer: Money, and lots of it, coming from the Mormon Church. "8:

The Mormon Proposition," a documentary of how the Mormons worked hard to pass Prop 8, shows that after their prophet made a plea to Mormons from all over the world to ensure the passage of Prop 8, some $30 million in donations from Mormons flowed into California in a matter of days.

BISHOP EDDIE LONG

This is a man from metro Atlanta's own backyard who led a march of thousands through the dry's streets to protest gay marriage (even though Georgia voters already passed a constitutional amendment banning it), whose megachurch New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has a congregation of more than 20,000 and who enjoys private jets and Bentleys. He's also accused of coercing at least four young men into sexual relationships according to lawsuits filed in DeKalb Court - all while preaching against the sin of homosexuality and offering a ministry for those looking to' become "ex-gay."

JAMES DOBSON

He's the founder of the large estate known as Focus on the Family that has its own zip code ln Colorado Springs. He is considered one of the most powerful and influential right-wing leaders in the country and can hold court wnh top political leaders - and he absolutely abhors gay people. His Love Won Out conferences held around the nation are like mega conferences for so-called ex-gays to share their stories - and buy Dobson's books.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

While other mainstream Christian denominations struggle thoughtfully with questions about ordaining gays and blessing same-sex unions, the Southern Baptist Convention kicks out congregations deemed too gay-friendly. When you want to back up the Bible's anti-gay teachings, it's always good to go to science. For the SBC, that means quackery, Joseph Nicolosi, who the SBC considers an expert "on the causes of homosexuality as a sexual disorder;' is the founder of the National Association of Research & Therapy of Homosexuality. Says Nicolosi, who has been discred ited by rna i nstream experts: ''There is no such th ing as a homosexua I person. . .. It is not a description of the inmnsi c na ture 0 f the person." In adler words, you are not born that way.

SCOTT LIVElY

In 2009, Massachusetts rmruster Scott Lively and other Christian preachers went to Uganda, where they railed against homosexuality to thousands, Gay rights groups in Uganda say Lively's trip set off an even stronger sentiment of anti-gay hate as the nation works to pass the AmiHomosexuality Bill, a bill Lively supports, After Lively's visit, the Ugandan newspaper Rolling Stone put the faces of many openly gay people on the cover, making them targets, And one of the faces on the cover- well-known gay rights activist David Kato - was killed recently.

ALVEDA KING

The niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Al veda King formed her own fundamental Christian ministry, King for America, She'salso noted for speaking at National Organization for Marriage events, including a slimmer stop in Atlanta, where she preached that gay marriage will lead to genocide. In 1998 at a speech at UNC Chapel Hill, King is quoted as saying, "Homosexuality cannot be elevated (Q the civil rights issue. The civil rights movement was born from the Bible. God hates homosexuality."

PAT ROBERTSON

This guy really, really hates us and thinks we have all kinds of power to piss off God - enough that the Big Guy wants to wreak all kinds 0 f namraj dlsasters on us (and innocent non-gay people too). In 1998, he told the people of Orlando to watdl out for "eanhqoakes, tornadoes and possibly a meteor" because LGBT Disney World fans gathered for the annual Gay Days. He loves me sinner, not the sin, and followed up dlis infamous quote with, "This is not a message of hate, this is a message of redemption."

TED HAGGARD

This former ann-gay evangeJicalleaderwho got caught up in a gay sex scandal fell hard, being booted from the church and as head of the National Association of Evangelicals. After therapy, he was "cured" of homosexuality, only to admit in a recent interview with GQ that he is "bisexual .. " Last month, he was featured in a TLC special titled, "Ted Haggard: Scandalous," focusing on the opening of his new church, Haggard graces the cover of the current Advocate, a national LGBT magazine, with the headline, "Can You Forgive Ted Haggard?" Can we?

Honorable mendon: Peter Lafsarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, whose Tweets against LGBT activists are so enrertalning, Check out his rams at rwi tter: coml Peter Labarbera.

KEEP THEM CLEAN.

NATURALLY.

INTROOUCING 'FlEET NATURALS CUEANSING ENEMAS.

Genlle enough for doily use, now you con feel cleon and fresh-without the drugs found in laxative enemas.

Drug Free I Safe For Dally Use I HygieniC

D GA Voice \ February 18, 2011 \ Faith & Religion

www.theGAVoice.com

Countering common anti-gay religious arguments

From slogans to the so· called "clobber" passages, verses in the Bible commonly used to condemn homosexuality, we as LGBT people frequently encounter religious objections to everything from our full equality to our very existence.

Rev. Mel White, a former speechwriter for Jerry Falwell turned openly gay religious leader; attacks these arguments head on in 'What the Bible Says (And Doesn't Say) About Homosexuality," a 24-page booklet available through Souiforce, the organization White founded to counter anti-LGBT religious bigotry with non-violence.

Here are excerpts to help you counter and understand the passages commonly used against us. You can download the entire PDF for free or order a print copy for $3 at www.soulforce.org.

Many of the pro-gay religious groups listed in the Resources on Page 15 also offer information for responding to biblical arguments.

- Laura Douglas-Brown

BIBLICAL CONDEMNATION

If they say ...

The Bible condemns homosexuality.

Yo-u can ,say ... Jesus says nothing about samesex behavior, The Jewish prophets are silent about homosexuality, Only six or seven of the Bible's one million verses refer to same-sex behavior in any way - and nons of these verses refer to homosexual orientation as it's understood today.

ADAM AND STEVE

If they say ...

The Bible says God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

YOll can say ... Th.is creation story is primarily about God, a story written to show the power of God who created the world. Because the text says it is "natural" that a man and a woman come together to create a new life, some people think this means gay or lesbian couples are "unnatural." They read this interpretation into the text, even though the text is silent about all kinds of relationships that don't lead to having children, like heterosexuals who are infertile or too old to have children. Are these relationships "unnatural"?

SODOM AND GOMORRAH

If they say ...

God destroyed Sodom due to homosexuality.

Genesis 19: Now before they lay down, the men of rhe city, the men of Sod om, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house, 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, ''Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them camaJly."(New King James version)

You can say ... Jesus and five Old Testament prophets all speak of the sins that led to the destruction of Sodom - and not one of them mentions homosexuality.

Listen to what Ezekiel 16:48-49 tell us: "This is the sin of Sodom; she and her suburbs had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not help or encourage the poor and needy."

It was common tor soldiers, thieves, and bullies to rape a fallen enemy, asserting their victory by dehumanizing and demeaning the vanqutshed. This act of raping an enemy is about power and revenge, not about. homosexuality or homosexual orientation.

LEVITICUS & ABOMINATION

If they say ...

Leviticus 18:6 reads: "You shall not he with a male as one lies with a female. It is an abomination." A similar verse occurs two chapters later, in Leviticus 20:13: "A man who sleeps with another man is an abomination and should be executed."

You can say ... Levtticus is a holiness code written 3,000 years ago. This code includes many of other outdated sexual Jaws (like stoning adulterers and brides who are not virgins, and executing a married couple for having sex during the woman's period), and a lot more. It also includes prohibitions against round haircuts, tattoos, working on the Sabbath, wearing garments of mixed fabrics, eating pork or shellfish, getting your fortune told, and even playing with the skin of a pig. (There goes football!)

So what's a holiness code? It's a list of behaviors that people of faith find 0 ffensive in a certain place and time. In this case, the code was written for priests only, and its primary intent was to set the priests of Israel over and against priests of other cultures.

What about this word abomination that

F xrrn & RELIGION

comes up in both passages? In Hebrew, "abominations" (TO'EBAH) are behaviors that people in a certain time and place consider tasteless or offensive. To the Jews an abomination was not a law, not something evil like rape or murder forbidden by the Ten Commandments.

Jesus and Paul both said the holiness code in Leviticus does not pertain to Christian believers.

NATURAL AND UNNATURAL

If they say ...

Romans 1:26-27: "For thts reason God gave them up to vile passions, For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." (New King James Version)

You can say ... This verse appears to be clear: Paul sees women having sex with women and men having sex with men, and he condemns that practice. But let's go back 2,000 years and try to understand why.

Paul is writing this letter to Rome after his missionary tour of the Mediterranean. On his journey, Paul had seen great temples built to honor Aphrodite, Diana, and other fertility gods instead of the one true God the apostle honors. Apparently, these priests and priestesses engaged in some odd sexual behaviors - including castrating themselves, carrying on drunken sexual orgies, and even having sex with young temple prostitutes (male and female),

The Bible is dear that sexuality is a gift from God. Our Creator celebrates our passion. But the Bible is also clear that when passion gets control of our lives, we're in deep trouble.

As Rev. Dr. Louis B. Smedes, a distinguished

Christian author and ethidst, explains: "The homosexuals that I know [have not] given up heterosexual passions for homosexual lusts .... They did not change from one orientation to another; they just discovered dm they were homosexual. It would be unnatural for most homosexuals to have heterosexual sex."

CORINTHIANS & TIMOTHY

If they say ...

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6 and 1 Timothy 1 that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God and lists them among those who are not righteous.

You can say ... To remind the churches in Corinth and Ephesus how God wants us to treat one another, Paul recites examples from the Jewish law first, Don't kill one another. Don't sleep with a person who is married to someone else. Don't lie or cheat or steal. The list goes on to include admonitions against fornication, idolatry, whoremongering. perjury, drunkenness, revelry, and extortlon. Ifwe go back to the Greek, he Ineludes "malokois" and "arsenokoitai."

Here's where the confusion begins. What's a malokois? What's an arsenokoitai? Actually, those two Greek words have confused scholars to this very day ....

Greek scholars say that in first century the Greek word malaokois probably meant "effeminate call boys."

As for arsenokoitai, Greek scholars don't know exactly what it means - and the fact that we don't know is a big part of this tragic debate. Some scholars believe Paul was coining a name to refer to the customers of "effeminate call boys."

In 1958, for the first time in history, a person translating that mysterious Greek word into English decided it meant homosexuals, even though there is, in fact, no such word in Greek or Hebrew ....

In the past, people used Paul's writings to support slavery, segregation, and apartheid. People still LIse Paul's writings to oppress women and limit their role in the home, in church, and in society, Is a word in Greek that has no dear definition being used to reflect society'S prejudice and condemn God's gay children?

We all need to look more closely at that mysterious Greek word arsenokoitai in its original context. [One] convincing argument from history is that Paul is condemning the married men who hired hairless young boys (rnalakois) for sexual pleasure JUS! as they hired smoothskinned young girls for that purpose.

Responsible homosexuals would join Paul in condemning anyone who uses children for sex,

TRAVERTINE

$ b~

De5ert S3UO Durango 1 1

12" x 12". sq. ft.

Riviera ~4'1 12"x12" '5"'!GJI.

lightB.ige? . 6"xl2" ~!G.fI.

12" x 18'· sq.ft, 6" X 6" f3% !GJl

6 MONTHS NO PAYMENT

AND NO INTEREST*

No monthlv ~ent required for first 6 months. Valid onAmomt Financed of $750 or more made bet\Neen November 5, 2010 and March 31, 2011 on your Roor and Decor Installment Loan Account

Ad. ~iatko $2.50.

Waillut -I

12" • 24" sq. ft.

Desert S3/0

Durango D-I

16" x16" sq.tt.

Perla SLfUO 5cabos SLfOO

Beige .1.-1'.2" x 12. or -n.

12" x 12" sq.ft, 18" x 18" Iq.ft.

Ivory $&.fQQ

Silver -1-1

16" x 24" sq.lt.

* No finance charges will be assessed and no payments will be required for first 6 months. Thereafter, a rate of 15.99% will apply and monthly payments will be requred Example: Month~ payments required over a 48 month term at a 15.99% rate: $28.34 per $1000 financed .. Program minimum amount financed is $750. Offer is subject to credit approval by GE Money Bank.

1-85 I Clairmont 404-315-6287

1690 N E Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 7AM-9PM M-F • 9AM-9PM SAT

Designers Outlet 404-633-4888

1706 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 10AM-7PM M-F· 9AM-7PM SAT

1 OAM-6PM SUN

1 OAM-6PM SUN

lecstlon. We re<sl?l'IJS' the I to limn qeantrties on advefused hems. s.ee store for d'eta~s.. Co~right 0 2011 Plccr and Derr;;:or Oudets of Arne-rica, In\:. A~ i Res.erve.:l

smd thes.e s:tyles: an d mere III our stor-es. Pn,es. colors and

Southlake 678-422-7272

1056 Personal Place Morrow, GA 30260 7AM-9PM M-F • 9AM-9PM SAT

Kennesaw 678-626-1167

1200 Barrett Pkwy.,Suite 118 Kennesaw, GA 30114 7AM-9PM M-F • 9AM-9PM SAT

1 OAM-6PM SUN

1 OAM-6PM SUN

D GA Voice \ February 18,2011 www.theGAVoice.com

DIREC ORY LIST NGS To advertise, email sales@thegavoice.com QWJ,-. -KELLER WlLLIAMS~

REA L T 'I

BARB ROWLAND SERVING THE DECATUR AREA DOS • Lorn • mWNHOMES & MORE

Barbara Gulledge, M.A. Psychotherapist • 404~2 73~9990

Com pass i onate (0 unselin 9 • 20 yea rs experience LGnQ and nnn-sexuals or those confused' All Ages

Charles Bright, MAEd.

Licensed Professional Counselor

~IB

DecaturFirst

General counseling with:

Individuals • Couples Families & Adolescents

1120 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 300]0

404- 373 -1000

404- 373 -6549 fax www.decaturfirstbank.com

404 - 873 - 6840 ext. 7

BE YOUR BEST.

THE CRAFTSMEN REMODELINGLLc

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS & RESTORATIONS, ADDITIONS, ATTIC CONVERSIONS, CUSTOM CABINETS & BUILT-INS, KITCHEN & BAlli, DECKS, HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Relationship Difficulties

· Addictions (sex, shopping, drugs)

• Spirituality • Coming Out

PAUL AUSTIN, M.S., L.P.C.

Serving the CLBIQ. commllnity for IS<> years

404-664-4000

(f)~ deh f~

rarnperec • e.

diX-Dve..- fI..e t.hef 11'\ $iM-

DUSTIN DAVIS

lndependera DireclOf

Phone: 404-824-31 10 cookingwilhduslin@me.com www.pompe.eclchef.biz/du5Tindo\lis

Bolm..,.vVloil,linc Insuranc.., !\gcncy, Inc

440 South Peachtree Street Norcross, GA 30071

Tel: 770·558-8050, Fax: 77()"558-0852 E-mail: judybohne@bw-<ins.com

Home. Auto. life· Commercial

Judy Bohne President

2009 Atlanta Gay Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year.

"I know that I wa.5 put on this earth to be a chwoRrador and aftect as many lives as possible through the power of love and touch."

Dr. DanieUe Drobbin

DR. TOM BORN

Chiropractic &. Massage

1512 Piedmont Ave. NE,Suite 201 • Atlanta, GA 30324

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK

Robert Steiner-Stergas) LMT

Over 10 vears experience'

Atlanta Gay & li:s!l18.n Chamber 01 Comm erce Member 595 Wimbledon Road NE,Atlanta, GA 30324 p: 315.729.8377le: rstergas.@gmall.com _" w: rsterqas.massaqatherapycom

~StateFarm'

Cleo L. Meyer, Agent 1447 Peach nee SI N E Atlanta, GA 30309 Bus: 404 ·817-0960

cleo. meyer_ mdhi@slatelarm.com

www.theGAVoice.com

Faith & Religion / February 18, 2011 / GA Voice m

Beyond Judeo-Christian traditions

Some LGBT Atlantans choose to believe in other deities - or none at all

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@rhegavoice.com

While Christianity is said to be the most popular religion worldwide, there are plenty of people - and plenty of LGBT people - who do not foUow the teachings of Jesus. This can sometimes be tough, especially when living ill the Bible belt, but many in Atlanta's gay community prefer to believe in other entities - or not believe in any at all.

Coming out as atheist

Charone Pagett, 46, of Atlanta, is an out and proud atheist. She also identifies as a queer femme. Praying to God or to Jesus is something she Just never was raised with or connected to, she said.

''My family, we never really did church. Although now my father is working his way to becoming a minister," she said.

Pagett, who grew up Greensboro, N.C., is legally blind and as a child attended a school for the blind, The school was very Christian, she said, with prayers said all the time and field trips taken to revivals,

"There was always a disconnect for me and I just figured, 'That's something they do, '" sh e said.

Revivals, often very passionate affairs for believers, were, to Pagett, "boring and pointless."

Pagett first learned of atheism in 1994 and about four years ago she decided to start educating herself on what it means to be a non-believer and to also advocate for other a theists.

Pagett is currently attempting to organize queer atheists in Atlanta and understands me difficulty some have with not identifying as such in public. She's formed the Q & A of Atlanta Facebook page to get the movement started.

"I started thinking, where are all the queer non-believers? Being an atheist is another level of being out, I think, and many people are not ready to deal with mat or it's not central to rheu life," she added.

As an activist in the queer communi !y,. Pagett also attends plenty of social events for LGBT people. At one event, she remembered a prayer being said before everyone ate dinner.

Already a fum atheist, Pagett was offended by the prayer and walked out. One woman asked her why, and when

Lesbian Buddhist Sharon DeParm of Atlanw says chanting is a \,>(Iy to keep he,;elf grounded. (PhO!P by Lucy Estephanos)

Pagett responded she did not believe in God, the woman - a member of the LGBT community - told her,"That's a shame on you."

"There are more churches being invalved in me queer movement, and that'S OK," Pagett added. "I have a lot of respect for that. Bur I don't see their God."

And while she is out as an atheist, Pagett said it not always easy for other gay people.

"It's interesting being a closeted atheist in a community you would think would understand," she said.

'''Why are you an atheist? What do you do? What does that mean?' I get asked that a lot," Pagett said. "It's isolating."

For queers of color, this is especially difficult because the Christian church often played a large role in their life growing up.

"The black church is allover the place.

It is a controlling mechanism. It is so stron g a nd powerful," s he said. "I can see why some folk stay in it for that sense of commuruty - if they came out as atheist, they would lose that community."

One thing Pagett wants people to understand is that atheists are not immoral people because they don't believe in God, There is science, nature and other human beings to believe in, she said.

"Morality doesn't rest within a religion," she said.

Buddhist and gay

Sharon DeParra, 51, was raised Catholic because she was a good child and did what her parents wanted he!' to do.

"But at a very early age I couJdn't understand the Bible, the language. It didn't resonate with my life," she said,

She now feels the pedophilia and 0t11- er scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church are proof that as a child she was correct in her intuition that the church was no place for her.

She met her first Buddhists - two women - after leaving a gay bar with her former girlfriend more than 20 years ago.

The Buddhists invited them to a meeting and so she went to see what they were talking about.

"My first impression was so amazing, they were so friendly. The sounds of chandng were strange but familiar .. I felt an instant connection," she said.

There are many gay Buddhists, Deparra explained. In Atlanta she practices Buddhism at the Soka Gakkai International community center on 14th Street where ali people are accepted.

"T know of no other religion that embraces gay people so much. We even have an LGBT conference each year ill Florida," she said.

Please see NON·JUDEO on Page 19

DIRECTORY LilSTINGS

MASSA.GE THERAPY

+ Reduce Stress

+ Rei i eve Sore M u sdes + Imp rove Athleti (;

Performan(;e

Ansley Midtown

DENTAL

Dr. Michelle Greissinger Dr. Tony Long

BUY' SELL • TRADE • CLEAN' GUNSMITHING Mon. - Sat. I 10 a.m. -6 p.m. I 770-451-4239

5093 Buford Hwy. I Doraville

DOGGIE DAYCARE .. BOARDI NG .. GROOMING

501 Am~lerdom Ave., NE I Allanta, GA 30306 I 404·873"5400

-+0-\ 3-i 5-5 6Rl. 1.ikeMyOwo]'ctSilling. com

D GA Voice \ February 18, 2011 \ Faith & Religion

www.theGAVoice.com

Is religious fai h impor ant to you?

LEE WHITE

23· GAY NEWCASTLE UPON TINE

ZACHARY MAXEY

24 • ,RIVERDALE • GAY

"I used to [attend churchJ. but not any more. I'm a student at GeoITJia State so I do go to that Catholic Church. by Un de rg roun d for Mass sam etimes whe n I have tim €. ... With me and my religion I try net to aHow the oITJa· nized aspect to concern me from having a relationship with God. I separate it becsese I know that people aren't God. They say th ey know, but they do nt know. I jus I try to live a good liIe and do all the right things and not rea lIy let tha t co ncern rna"

TIFFANY JOEL

33 • BUCKHEAD • LESBIAN

"[Fa ith] plays a pretty large ro I e in my I ife. I do n' t go to church on a regular basis, but I ern a spiritual person. I believe in GOd ..... When I go to church I normally seek out a church that saVs theY're gay friendly. and' that pretty much dete rmi n es wh i ch one I go to ....

"There was a time where I was going to a church in Buckhead. I can't remember the name of it. and I was go i ng there my girlf r i en d; she was very sp ir i tua I an d was raised in the church. I was going and ,I was enjoying the message and I was enjoying the feeling I was get· ting. Bull couldn't get pas! the fact Ihal if these people kn ew we were log eth er Ihey p robablv wou Idn'l be so friendly. and !n a! bot h ersd me .. Because I wa sn t ra ised in the ohurch I cont feellhe need 10 go every Sunday, I just ~o when I feel the need. That was a big issue for rne and I stopped ~oing because of rt"

F AITl-I& RELIGION EDWARD JONES

35 • SANDY SPRINGS· GAY

"My church is Love & Accep' lance Tabernacle located on Bouleva rd ... I'm n 01 ori gin ally from Allan ta a n d one of my friends took me there. I wanted to atlend a church where I felt comlortsbla a church that dido·t condemn me or that sa id I wa s going to hell because 0 f this or t.ha t or the other. I grew up in the Church of God in Christ Holi· ness and I hat's wha I th ey tauQht.1 f I was going to hell, I was going to hell and I just got tired of hearing that. So I wa nted a ch urch that would accept me ....

I would say that my Icurrenl1 church is multi-ssruat we have transsexuals. straight couples, gay couples. mar· ried couples as well. My pastor preaches love and acceptance; he doesnt condemn anyone:'

"PREm RICKY" ACOFALIN

27- MIDTOWN - GAY

"My f ami Iy is Calhol i c. so I have a Calh olic u pbr i ngj ng, and my family is currently Baptist so I have been baptized. Since I've been out on my own, faith is so meth i ng th at I have i nle rna Ily. I don't believe in the institution of church, so I don't go to ('hurch. I do be lievei n God. I do bel i eve in a hi g he r power, ~I jus! don'! believe in any structured rule setting. ... I'rn one of those people who believes thai God is in me, so I have Iha! personal relationship with him. I have had to have faith to go through. my normal daily life."

CHRIS MULLER

51· MIDTOWN • GAY

"I go 10 [SI. Ma rk Un ited Meth' odst Church] ... I deliberately choose the chu reh beca use they were an open and accept i ng ell u rch .... 1 wou Id say that it is still a struggle even in th e Method ist Church with the hier arclly an d on the governan ce 01 the chu rc 11. So it's slill a work in progress on that level, but the local church is aocepting end that's good enough for me. I think the best religions are the ones tihat grow along with the people wh a a re serving i I. I th ink that God is growing as well. If the universe is growing I don't see Why Go d ca n't."

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

How do you feel about reliqion and faith? Tell us at www.theGAVoice.com

JULIET MAGANT

2D· MIDTOWN STRAIGHT AllY

"In Russia [where I was raised] I was kind 01 forced. to go chu reh. and wh en I came here I do my own thing .... I have faith. I do have failh that everythi ng that ha ppens in my life ... I have faith. "

EDWINA L 28- VININGS

"I a tten d the Power Center, they are 0 pen 0 r accepti ng. I'm not sure whi ch term they like to use .... 1 was in~roduced to them th rou gh a friend an d h ave been th ere ever si nee. I've actually been leading worship at another inclusive church called Restor atio n M i nistr i es

"'I'm not the so rt 01 person who identifies as a gay woman; I'm jus! do whall wa nt to do wh en I want to do it So long as I'm not h urti ng nobod y it shouldn't be anybody·s business. I'm still kind of reconciling it bull subscribe 10 Ihe belief that God loves me regardless of what I do."

BRANOO SALYATIE 37 - RACINE, WISe.. - GAY

"I was born in the Philip" pines. so growing up we went eh urch a Imos t every Su nd ay, i

eve rybo dy did. I've been here in th estates lor 15 yea rs an d I q 0 10 eh u rch My partn er andl are Catholic, he's olltal" ia n desce nt. We've tal ked a bou lit a nd we p robab Iy need to go more onen than we've been going. I think it plays a big pa rl Ih at I cs n al ways go back to my roots my I ailh, n 01 just in good times, bu I also in bad ....

"I've had more questions now that I've come into my own about the teaching of the Catholic Church and my sexuality. Growing up in the P.hilippines. the church there is very tradition based, like it's a sin to use a condom. There are more questions now.,bul I'm not going to throw my faith out the window."

"I was a completely atheist lamily. Well, no! outwardlY athei sl, just p eop I e who have no pen cha nt 10 r rei i g lous teac h in 9 whatsoever. I twas n ever rea IIV bro ugh t up: th e o nl y place I wa s rea Ily made aware of it was at school which had compulsory religious education, which I whol e hearted Iy d isa gree with .. .Irn n at an athe i sl; I think it's too arrogant to even say with conviction that t herei s no God, just as mu eh a s 'it is to say that there is. I don't believe in organized religion at all. but I do kinda believe tna t there is sam e sort 01 high.er en ergy or be" in Q. I don't kn ow."

, ALLISON ROY

39· CANTON • LESBIAN

"I have a personal faith. I don't have a regularly at· tended church because I feel like my lifestyle doesn't embrace tbat as much as I wish it COUld .... As I've gollen older I've felt like I, broade ned my hor i zon s a lilt I e bi I, so I've definitely opened up to other religions more. I grew up in a religious home and so my faith was kind of grounded early on, and then I wenl to a Baptist college. I we nt to Bay lor a ndit was so heavily impacted tha t it mad e me wit hdr aw a I itlle bit b ecau se it was al illle bit over the top at tim es. So si nee c-o liege I've been wor,k i ng on what does it mean to me, and I sort of just have my own personal fa i t h:·

LOGAN KLEOPHER

21· MIDTOWN· "PANSnDAt" "I was born and raised a devout Catho.lie and I've sorta strayed lrom that. I'm a little different than the rest of my lamily, so no disrespect to that but it's the wrong thing lor me ... I think when people state defi nitive.ly that there is no God, it's just as wrong as definitively saying there .is one. I don't think anyone can really know lor sure, so I'm more aenostc than anything:'

-Interviews by Matt Schafer

www.theGAVoice.com

Faith & Religion / February 18.2011/ GA Voice IF'

.SpiritU8'1 Resources

NATIONAL. GROUPS

The,e organizations counter anti·~ay religious bigotry and support LGBT rights from a religious perspective.

Soulforee P.O. Box 2499

Ab i I en e. Texas 79604 www.soulforce.org

Faith in A.mericil

P.O. Box 1176

Hudson, N.C. 2863B wwwJaithinamerica.org

Human Rights Campaign Religion & Filith Program

1640 Rhode Isla nd Ave. 'NW

Wa sh i nglon. D.C. 20036·3278 www.hrc.org!issHes/religion.asp

Nationa I Gay & Lesbian TaskFtl ree

• lnslilute for welcoming Resources

• National Religious leadership Roundtab.le 1325 Massac h usett sAve. NW, Suite 600 Washington. DC 20005 www.thelaskforoe.org(l>sues/faith

MAINSTREAM DENOMINATIONS

These organizations advocate for lGBT inclusion with in til eir res pechve den 0 m i nsf 0 n S 0 r faith s. Vi sit their we bsi Ie s for local cha pters. Ma n y al so contai n I sts or Ii n ks to wei com i n 9 co ng re galion s,

catholic I 0 ign ity USA PO Box 376

Me dford. M A 02155 www.dignityusa.org

Catholic I.Rainbow Sash Movement www.rainbowsashmovement.com

Ep iscopa I I Integ rlty USA 620 Park Avenue 1I311 Roch.ester NY 14607-2943 www.integrityusa.ofg

Jewish I World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews: Keshet Ga'avah P,O. Box 23379

Washington. DC 20026-3379 www.glbtjews,org

Lutheran! Lutheran 5 Concerned PO Box 4707

Sai nt Pa u I, M N 55104-0707 www.lcna.org

Mormon I Affirmation P.O,. Box 1435

Palm Springs, CA 92263-1435 www.affirmation.org

Muslim I A I Fatih a www.al-fatiha.org

Presbyterian I More Light Presbyterians PMB 246

4737 County Road 101

Mi nneton ka, M'N 55345·2634 www.mlp.org

SeVenth OilY Adventist I .Kin sh ip In ternationa I S DA K i ns hip I ntern at ional

PO Box 69

n Ilam oak OR 97141·0069 www.sdakinShip.org

Unite d Method i st I Affirm at ion P.O, Box 1021

Evanston,ll 60204 WWly.umaffirm.org

Unitarian U niversa lists I Office of

Bisexual., Gav, lesbian & Transgender Concerns 25 Beacon SI.

Bo sto n. MA 02108

hit pj /arc hive.uu a.org/ob glle/

United CllUre h of Christ I

Coa rmon for LGBT Concerns 2592 West 14t h SI.

Clevela n d, OH 44113

i'lli' w.u cccoa I ilion.org

LGBT Ministries: WW\¥,u(c.org/lgbt

lGBT·INCLUSI,VE GA CONGREGATIONS

The religion directory on our website lists dozens of lGBT-welcoming houses of worship. ine,ludingboth in dep enden t eh urche 5 and can grega I ions in maj a r f ail hs a nd de nom in alions.

The di recto ry in cl ude s Ba pllst, Bud dh i 51. Ca tho I ie, Episcopal, Jewish. lutheran. Methodist. MC( Presbyterian. Religious Science, Unitarian Universalist, United Church 01 Chris!, Unity and other spiritual groups.

Mosl are located in melro Atlanla, but there are also eo n 9 re galion sin 11th ens, Colu mb us. Co nye rs, Chattanooga, Dahlonega, Douglasville, Ellijay. Lawr,eneeviHe, Macon. Marietta. Sandy Springs. Savannah. Sautee Nacoochee, Suwanee and Thunderbolt.

GA Va ice Re ligion Directory · www.thegavoice.com

• Community tab

• Orga niza tio ns

• Cliok '·Religious"

"Radical inclusion," "Extravagant grace." "Relentless compassion,'1

- Rev. Michael Piazza, S~ Pastor

Join us for worship on Sundays at 11 a.m.

A United Church of Christ

& Alliance of Baptists Congregation

VIRGINIA HIGHLAljp

c.t{LA-rc.

vhch u rch. 0 rg

A historic church with new horizons 743 Virginia Ave., NE • Atlanta, GA 30306

D GA Voice \ February 18, 2011 \ News

www.theGAVoice.com

Fallout continues fro

~ .Qyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

Almost 18 months alter the Atlanta police raid on the Atlanta Eagle, all of those arrested at me gay bar have been acquitted or had their charges dropped, and a massive civil lights lawsuit against the d ty has been settl ed.

But fallout from the illegal raid continues, WiUl new coruroveesies involving the prosecution and the police officers who took pan, as well as mejor changes to the Atlanta Police Department

',Eagle 8' prosecutor fired for not payingi state bar dues

The prosecutor of the Eagle 8 lrial was fired after it was learned he had not paid his State Bar of Georgia dues, according to a Feb. 14 statement from the Atlanta Solicitor's Office,

The GA Voice learned Larry Gardner, a prosecutor for the Atlanta Solicitor's Office, had not paid his bar dues when the Eagle lIial occurred in March 2010, which is necessary to practice law in Georgia. By not paying dues, attorneys are put on administrative suspension.

The Eagle 8 mal was the result of me Atlanta Police Department's raid on the Atlanta Eagle. While the APD said lr was investigating allegations of lllkit sex and drugs in the bar, the raid on Sept. 10, 2009" resulted in the arrest of eight employees charged. l.ridl minot permit violations. Charges were elmer dropped against the defendants or they were found not guilty.

The city eventually settled for more than $1 million with patrons of the bar the night it was raided who sued the ci ty because their constitutional rights Well! violated.

According to Municipal Court Solicitor Raines Carter, Gardner has prosecuted "approximately five to seven other trials [in addition to the Eagle 8 mall during his suspension because he did not Inform the office Ihat he was not in good standing with the bar nor did we have any notice from the bar that he was suspended."

"The mals he prosecuted are not void because the failure of a prosecutor in Georgia to be in good standing due to failUll! to pay bar dues at the time of trial does not render the prosecutor incompetent to perform his du ties," Carter said in a statement.

The Atl.anta Deparunent of Human Resources confirmed Gardner is no longer working in any capacity with the city.

''We also confirm that Mt Gardner Is no longer with. the office," Carter said.

Police to disband Red Dog Unit

The Atlanta Police Department will disband its coneoverslal Red Dog Unit in 60 days, Chief George Tamer announced at a press conference on Feb. 7.

The paramilitary-style unit had come under

Atlanta Eagle raid

Atlanta Police Chief G00I"ge Turner (lefi) held a press conference Feb. 7 to announce that the controversial Red Dog Unit would disband in 60 days. Mayor Kasim Reed (right) atlended the pres> conference alld said the decisioll was nor dictated by the mayor~ office. (Photos by Laura Douglas-Brown)

scrutiny for its supporting role in Eagle raid, and recent complaints from two men that Red Dog officers - including two who also took part in the Eagle raid - subjected them to a strip search on a public s tree! in broad dayligh t

The Red Dog unit will be replaced by a new elite unit that has yet to be named, Tumer said .. The new unit will focus chiefly on violent crime, whereas the prunary focus of Red Dog was streetlevel drug activity. Current Red Dog officers wiJJ have to apply to be part of the new unit, and will have to meet stringent standards including physical fitness and being free from any sustained complaints against th.em, Turner said.

Atlanta Mayor Kasirn Reed attended the press conierence and said me decision to replace Red Dog was Turner's, and not dictated by the mayor's office .. Reed reiterated his SUPPOl1 for Turner and the Atlanta Police Department.

Despite complaints involving Red Dog officers, Turner said at the press conference that the disbanding was not prompted by me recent allegations.

The raid on the Atlanta Eagle in September 2009 was conducted by the APD's Vioe Squad, which called in the Red Dog Unit for backup. Patronsin the bar mat night, who later sued the APD including many Red Dog officers, said members of the paramilitary unit used anti-gay slurs against them, used excessive force, and searched them without probable cause, None of the patrons were arrested during the raid.

The city settled a federal lawsuit with the Eagle plaintiffs in December for $1.025 million. 111e settlement also included refonms to APD's standard operating procedures by mandating no more illegal search and seizures, as well as an Internal i nvesti gati on into all of the officers involved in the raid, The investigation is set to be

concluded by May.

Richard Ramey, co-owner of the Atlanta Eagle, said he is pleased that me Red Dog unit is being dismantled.

"I'm relieved the new city officials, the mayor and the police chief, see the need to make the changes. I'm glad they did it - I'm glad they finaUy rscognzed there was an issue," be said.

"The citizens and visitors to Atlanta will benelit.111er€ are probably good officers in the Red Dog unit, but Iothersl need to stop violating the civil rights of people. These people need to be in Afghanistan or Iraq - we are a city that is not under siege," Ramey said.

Atlanta police officers drinking on the job before Eagle raid

Atlanta police officers involved in the Atlanta Eagle raid spent a great deal of money on shots of liquor before the actual raid began, according to a news report.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reponed Feb. 15 that Officer Bennie Bridges, the Jead investigator of the raid and who was working undercover, spent $50 of APD funds on drinks on Sept. 10, 2009, the night of me raid. The AJe also stated tim Bridges spent another $60 on drin_ks 011 May 29,2009, while undercover and lnvestlganng allegations of illicit sex and drug use taking place at the Midtown gay bar.

Another officer the night of the raid, Jared Watkins, also working undercover, spent $60 on drinks the night of the raid.

It was never determined if the officers were impaired, according 10 the Ale.

Carlos Campos,.APD spokesperson, said in an e-mail that APD "employees are prohibited from consuming intoxicants or illegal substances while

on duty. However, exceptions are made for employees working undercover on specific law enforcement operations. Those exceptions must be approved ahead of time in writing by an employee's supervisor, and must be limited to prevent the lrnpalrmenr of the employee."

Dan Grossman, who represerxed Eagle patrons in the federal d vil lawsu it against the d ty, said mat it was irresponsible for the undercover officers to apparently drink so much right before a major raid was to take place.

"I think they just like drinking," Grossman said. "And even if they believe they had to drink to fit in and be undercover, once the raid starts they should just leave .. "

Bridges has been on paid leave from the Vice Unit since he was arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana in Cobb County on Feh. 3 while driving an unmarked city-owned vehicle.

The Office of Professional Standards is looking into Bridges' Dl.Il,

"Chief TUrner expects Atlanta police officers to £0110\." rhe laws they are sworn to uphold and enforce. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action," said APD spokesperson Kimberly Maggan in a statement.

At the Municipal COUlt trial of the raid for the employees who became known as the "Eagle 8" in March 2010, Bridges testified for the prosecution how he visited the bar undercover on Sept. 10, 2009, hours before the raid.

He said he paid $5 that was later explained to be an exchange fee on Thursday's "Underwear Night." The $S fee was paid and a drink ticker was given to patrons. Bridges testified he ordered four drinks that night but only took one sip from each drink and threw me drink away.

- [mIra Douglas-Brown con/J"ibuted

www.theGAVoice.com

News / February 18.2011/ GA Voice AD

Ga. lawmaker like rs gays to 'unrepentant drug dealers'

Rep. Bobby Franklin refuses activists' demand for apologv

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com

After receiving national attention for comments comparing gays to drug dealers, Ga. Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta) has declined to issue an apology.

In a Feb. 7 interview with the Marietta Daily Journal, Franklin compared gays and lesbians to unrepentant drug dealers while discussing his opposition to the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

'The Bible says it's a capital offense," Franklin said. "You warn someone with lillrepentant criminal behavior? And it's not just that, neither should adulterers, neither should thieves, neither should a lot of things.

"The church is full of sinners, but we're told in 1st Corinthians it rattled off the homosexual, the adu I terer, the thief, III e liar, and such were some of you, hut you've been washed, you've been justified and so forth, It's not what you were," he said. "You're not punishing a thought. But do you want an unrepentant drug dealer in the military? Same thing."

201'1 JAGUAR

$599/42 mos.

21m Ja~ 11. $S99 plus lax pol monlll. 42 monlll '1 ...... $4999 cap coetreO_ pi .. ~

r",. !irnlmonttls :payment. lax, IiIg, 'U. and

r"""", lees ~ ... 81 lease I"""ptlon. 1 Ok miles UOwed ,per year. MSAI'S5UI5.>On>e rM1JictiOnS apply. see dealer lor deIaIls.

Late last week, the Queer Justice League, an Atlanta-based LGBr advocacy group, sent Franklin a letter calling for a publiC apology and sensitivity training for Franklin and his staff.

"As Georgians, the citizens you were elected to represent, we demand that you issue a formal and personal apology in response to your comments," Ole letter read. "We also demand that you and your sta ff engage in senst livity and diversity trai l1ing, in order to better address the diverse opi ni ons, beliefs and values of your consnmeots,"

Last weekend, Franklin responded loan inquiry from the MOJ asking If he had received the QJL letter and if he planned an apology. He response: "I have not seen any such remarks (from The Queer Justice League) and will not waste my time reading them. 1 will not apologize for making references to what the Bible teaches. If anyone has a problem with what the Bible teaches then their problem is with God and not with me."

Jeff Schade, a spokesperson for the Queer Justice League, said Feb. 15 he was disappointed by Franklin's reaction.

"We've seen Rep. Franklin's response and are extremely disappointed by it. We're working to organize a coalition of community organizations to respond to him," Schade said.

An official response from the QJL regard-

ing Franklin's response was not available by press time.

The ini ti al sto ry was h ighli ghted across the gay blogosphere and was even featured on Huffington Post, though the negative attention hasn't softened Franklin's stance.

Calls and e-mail to Frankhn's office for comments have gone unanswered,

'Conscience' of GOP'?

According to his official biography, Franklin "has been calledithe conscience of the Republican Caucus' because he believes that civil government should return to its bibllcally and constitutionally defined role."

Franklin, a member of the State House since 1997, ran unopposed in the last election. He is known for his outspoken, and some would say outlandish, stands in the General Assembly.

In the current session, Franklin has introduced 37 bills, many echoing far-light causes. HB 1 would ban all abortion or, as he terms it, "prenatal murder." HB 3 is a bill requiring the state make financial transactions in gold or silver coinage. HE 7, Franklin's "Right to Travel Act," would do away drivers' licenses.

Franklin's HE 14 would change all references to "victim" to instead read "accuser" in Georgia laws related to stalking, rape and fami-

'The Bible says [homosexuality] is a capita! offense,· Rep. Boblzy .Franklin said in 0 recent imerview. (photo courTesy G a. HO!J!;e)

ly violence. The legislation has drawn fire from women's rights advocates who feel it implies that women may falsely report rape.

His HB 37 would require the Georgia Secretary of State to certify through "original documents" the qualifications of candidates for president and vice president, an apparent reaction to persistent conspiracy theories that President Barack Obarna was not born in the United States.

His fIB 54 and HE 55 would repeal prohibitions on guns in houses of worship and schools. ln the Marietta Daily Journal interview, he also said he believes the United States has completely adopted the Communist Manifesto.

JAGUAR

ATLANTA

;Piedmont .• n EaSt paces Feny

404.261.5700

HENNESSY

GWINNETT

3393 Old. Norcross Rd., Duluth

JAGUAR

770.680.3000

D GA Voice \ February lB, 2011 \ News

www.theGAVoice.com

By Dyana Bagby dbagby@thegavoice.com

The arson of a gay man's home in Carroll" ton, Ga., continues to be investigated by local and federal authorities. However, it appears doubtful that it will be classified as a hate crime as defined by federal law.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates told the GA VOice this week through a spokes" person that the matter is still being investigated and the FBI is partnered with the Carroll COUllty Sheriff's Office. No subjects have been identified and it is still undetermined whether there will be federal junsdicuon.

Chris Staples, 43, was inside his small. home in Carroll County on Saturday, Jan. 22, when a rock with an anti-gay note attached was thrown through his window. Hours later, Staples woke up to find his home engulfed in flames. carroll County is some 50 miles west of Atlanta.

FBI spokesperson Stephen Ernrnen said

Feb. 9 that tile agency is not taking over the investigation. "The matter will stay with Carroll County authorities," Emmert said.

Capt. Shane Taylor of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department said his agency is "the lead on this."

"The FBI and ATF (the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) are assisting us," he said.

Taylor said before anything (all be determined on how to classify the crime - such as If it is a hate cri me ---suspects must be apprehended.

"There is arson, attempted murder; if we can prove it," Taylor said.

If federal prosecutors decide the alleged attack on Staples fits the criteria, it would likely be the firs t case in Ceo rgla c barged under me new Matthew Shepard & lames Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, according to Emmett.

Georgia is one of only five states in the country without a state hate crime law. While the federal law is helpful, it is very difficult to meet the federal criteria, noted Georgia Equality in a recent email to its members.

"Sadly, it's looking more and more like the crime r against Staples] will not meet the standards the new law requires," according to Georgia Equality's February newsletter.

The federal hate crimes law strengthened the 1969 hate crimes law to add sexual orien-

Chris Slaples' home was deliberalely burned down last month and [ederQ/ and local authoriries contirlUe ro invesligare. (pharo courtesy WSB TV)

tation, gender identity and disability as new categories. However, for a hale crime based on sexual orientation to be meet the criteria for prosecution, three criteria have to be met: attempt to cause bodily injury, motivated by actual or perceived bias and also rhe crime must fall under the "commerce clause," which means money must be interrupted in some way.

"That is what they have not yet been able to prove in this case," Georgia Equality states.

Georgia Equality gives the example that if Staples had been renting the house that was

burned down, then it might be possible to show that the landlord suffered a disruption of "flow of commerce," meeting that third requirement.

Yates sent Georgia Equality a statement as well that says, "The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is committed to aggressively prosecuting hate crime. AU reported lnddents of bias-based violence against victims in the Northern District of Georgia are reviewed by the u.S. Attorney's Office and investigated by our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"If federal jurisdiction exists, my office will make every effort to prosecute the offenders with every tool available - including the [Hate Crimes Prevention Act]. If no federal jurisdiction exists, we will continue to assist local and state aurhonnes in their investigations and prosecutions in any way possible," she added.

A hale crime is determined based on the evideuce, said Taylor of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department.

"If we could show that it is, we could use that in court for a harsher penalty," he said.

The federal hate crimes law, as well as some state hate crimes laws, allows for harsher punishments when it is proven that a crime is COI11- mined against a person because of who he or she is and to target a larger group of people - such as gay people.

A Lend ,Rover is a great addition to any business. This exclusive and immensely capable vehicle ill as prestigious to .own as it is rewarding to drive. And since the LR4, Range Rove~ and Range. Rover Sport qualifies for the "Heayy SUV- tax classification and accelerated ~epreciation schedule, It can also be rewarding to your bottom IIne.*

GWINNEn

NORTH POINT

15 05 M Q'lIell Rd. Alph II r·eft II

710.587.2000

BUCKHEAD

Ea.1 'a(u F.rryRd. AI,lanlq· 404.261.4400

3423 Old Norcto .. Rd. Duluth

770.680.5000

,Land RoverAtlan.ta.com

Sin ce B II LR 4, Renge Rover and Range Rover Sport models have 8 Gro ss Veh lc Ie We i ght R eting (GVW A) of over 6,000 po u n ds**, they qu a lify for an a ccele rated tax dep re ciati on s c h ad u Ie. When used fo r bus iness, th ey ca n be dep re elated at a fs·ster rate than luxurvcsrs, The tax d·epreciation applies for business owners who purchase a new LR4,. Aang.e Rover and Range Rover Sport

and Who use their vehicles 100 percent. for business.

TAX DEPRECIATION COMPARISON

$49,000 LAND ROVER LR4 VS.$49,DOO LUXURY CAR

for a $49,000 ,lIInd Rove r lFI·4

'ltli'ICIMdLl8'1 tIIx IIltu,rtkN'Ii: may '{aroy. The irlfOrm8Uon on ttlill ad 'fflIB Ktl.ilrilta lilt the time or P'lbmstJlng. Fedtln] nIfeS and tax g!:lkl8~, Eire 81J1tj8ctto chang8'. CgmNlt your tax .ad¥isDr rll1 ecmplete details on NBS a.p,pliCllllle to: vour tnlnlllEIoCli:h:n

"Il ...... VlIhlc:l. W~ht AlII:lng· (1l1lWA)!o tho mllJ1ul'Ilctunl. nd:Ing ·of tho VllhI':100 mIl.l ... m woIgOl: ""'.n M'I loadlBd 'With: iIlli!iO,pil!! !lnd ctif"gD.

••

www.theGAVoice.com

News / February 18.2011/ GA Voice IF'

Warning: Anti-gay states may be hazardous to your health Studies show negative mental health impact of anti-gay laws

By Dana Rudolph

Same-sex couples with adopted children living in states with anti-gay adoption laws and artirudes had more mental health issues in their fi rst yea r 0 f paren thood th a n coup I es wi th adopted children living in more accepting states, a new study has found.

In addition, same-sex couples with adopted children who perceived higher support from their family and workplace and lived in more gay-friendly neighborhoods reponed better mental health than those who did not.

While the results may seem like common sense, this is the first study to examine changes in depression and anxiety across the first year of adoptive parenthood in same-sex couples. It is also the first study to examine mental health among new gay male parents, either adoptive or biological.

Dr. Abbie Goldberg, assistant professor of Psychology at Clark University in WorcestE'r, Mass., co-authored the work with JuliAnna Smith at the Center for Research on Families of the University of Massachusens-Amharst. Their report appears in the in February 2011 issue of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, a peer-reviewed publication of the American Psychological Association.

Goldberg profiled 180 individuals in 90 same-sex couples (52 lesbian couples and 38 gay maJe couples) ar three separate times during their first year of parenting an adopted child.

She said in an interview that while the sample size is not huge, the data extends over time, which is an improvement over previous studies that have tried to make related observations looking only at one point in time.

Gay and lesbian adoptive parents living in states with untavoreble laws regarding adoption by gay people showed greater increases in symptoms of depression and anxiety (as measured by standard clinical scales) during the period of study than did individuals living in states with more favorable legal climates.

The effect was most pronounced among those with high levels of internalized homophobia - which was assessed by a questionnaire asking participants how strongly they agreed with statements such as,"lf someone offered me the chance to be completely heterosexual, I would accept thE' chance."

In comparison, individuals with high levels of intemahzed bcmophobla, but who lived in states with favorable legal climates, experieneed decreases in symptoms of depression duri ng the period 0 f stud y.

D~ Abbie Goldberg srudfed SGme-se>t couples wirh newIyadopred children and found those living in srates wit!) cmri-gay laws faced more memal health iSSUes in their {irs/year of pG.remhood. (Photo ooul1esy Goldberg)

Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Utah have laws or policies resmenng samesex couples (or unmarried couples, which in those states means aU same-sex couples) from joi ntly adopting. A number of other states also restrict "second-parent adoptions" in which one partner adopts a child who is already the legal child 0 f the oth er parent.

An Arizona Senate committee on Feb. 2 passed a bill that would give married couples preference ina d opti on placements. Five days later, a Utah Senate committee tabled a bi!! that would have allowed second-parent adoptions.

Georgia law is currently silent on adoptions by gay parents, leaving decisions up to individual judges to make in the best interest of the child. Gay lobbyists continue to worry that the Slate legislature will attempt to limit gay adoption, but so far this year, no specific bills have materiallzed,

'Trickle down effect'

Goldberg explained in an interview that the anti-gay attitudes reflected in anti-gay adoption pollcles are likely to "trickle down into community attitudes." These attitudes, her data suggests, can have a negative effect on the mentaJ health of gay and lesbian parents.

Whne studies show that many peopie, including heterosexuals, show an increase in depressive or anxious symptoms in early parenthood, Goldberg explalned, most recover later. But, she added, higher levels of depression or anxiety "could have negative effects beyond the individual," including among their children, espedally if the factors causing them -llIlSUPpornve workplaces, families, neighborhoods, or laws - don't change.

In addition to state legal climates, other factors in the study that predicted lower symptoms of depression and/or anxiety among new adoptive parents were workplace support, friend support, relationship quality, and f amiJy SUppOl1.

"Families of origin appear to continue to oc-

cupy a socially meaningful role in many lesbians' and gay men's lives, even as they begin to form families of their own," 'Wl"OtE' Goldberg. " ... Nonsupport may have particularly deleterlous consequences on mental health during the transition to parenthood."

This echoes the findings of Dr. Caitlin Ryan of San Francisco State University, whose Family Acceptance Project has found that acceptance ofLGBTyouth by parents and caregivers can help protect them against depression, substance abuse, and suicide in early adulthood. Conversely, LGBT young adults whose families rejected them were more than three times as likely to have suicidal thoughts and to report suicide attempts.

Goldberg's paper notes some of the lirnltalions of her adoption srudy. A majority of participants lived in states that were "relatively supportive" of adoption by same-sex couples. The stu dy a Iso looked at the effect of a rut-gay ad option laws but not at other anti-gay laws, such as marriage bans, and it did not consider the impact of cenal n factors, such as racial iden tily.

But Goldberg wrote that the study is "an important first step" towards understanding the menral health of new lesbian and gay adoptive parents.

Anti-lGBT laws also related to suicide risk

Although this is the first study to 1001< at lesbian and gay mental health among new adopti vs parents, several previous studies have shown a general correlation between states With anti-LGBT lews and negative mental health in LGBT people. Most recently, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention released a comprehensive report on the causes of suicidal behavior in LGBT adolescents and adults. It concluded.v'dlscrunlnatory laws and public policies have a profound negative impact on the mental health of gay adults."

The report, published in the January 2011 Journal of Homosexuality, was the result of a conference on LGBT suicide risk sponsored by the Foundation, the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. SPRC is a congressionally mandated and federally funded initiative, managed through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

And HHS's Healthy People 2020 report, which came out in December 2010 and sets the nation's 10-year goals and objectives for health promotion and disease prevention, stated that "Research suggests that LGBT individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Dtscnmlnauoo against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide."

Gay Wicca.n embraces 'non-judgmental' practice

NON-.JUDEO, continued from Page 13

Buddhism really speaks to DE'Parra because she said .it easy enough for her to understand while aJso allowing her to be herself.

"Buddhism is based on the philosophy of universal law. There is the constant reminder that every thought, word and action are making a cause and there will be an effect," she said. "This keeps me conscious of my being. That grounds me."

A gay Wiccan

Wicca can generally be defined as a modem form of witchcraft, but not in dle spooky, Halloween kind of way. For many Wiccans, the religion is based on the worship of the god and goddess that varies in the numerous denominations.

Dannie Lane, 41, of East Point, is a massage therapist who works with the Atlanta Bucks rugby team. He said he learned about Wicca in 1998 and started reading more.

"J wasn't raised in any aile religion. I went to a Catholic elementary school but I asked a lot of questions and was always reprimanded," he said.

Even as a young child he ImE'W he was looking for something other than a mainstream religion, but just not what that might be.

"There is no hart! and fast rule for being Wiccan, but it is all inclusive," he said. "And if I had a question, they had an answer. The symbolism aJso made me feel very welcomeWicca is non-judgmental."

Lane is a. soli tary Wiccan, meaning he doesn't belong to a coven, and that is mostly because he has Nanve American ancestry and he likes to include Native American beliefs into his practice.

"There are quite a few groups in Georgia but I never fit in with that," he said.

He stressed that the worship of dual deides, a god and goddess, are central to Wiccan theology.

"They are two halves of the same thing," he explained.

It's also important for Wiccans to live their lives by being conscious of not causing harm to any living thing.

"It's more oJ a way of life," he said.

The biggest misconception is that Wicca is a fonn of Satanism. That is not true, Lane said. in fact, Wicca doesn't believe in good or bad or the devil- rather the religion understands that to understand peace there has to be chaos, to understand happiness, there has to be sorrow.

The earth also plays a large role in Wicca. In high school, Lane already practiced Wicca and said one teacher kept trying to get him kicked out of school. But most people left him alone,

"1 grew up in the mountains of North Car0- lina and when I would hang a herb with thoms eround it on my porch for protection, people wouldjust say they remember their grandparents doing the same thing," he said.

f3v~ new {lioe~

fOY L-afi<;ha

<f!P REYATAZ®

(ata za n avi r su I fate) ~o~~g1~Or~~ Fight HIV your way.

Please .see Important Patient Information abou.t REYATAZ. on the adjacent .pages.

Once-daily REYATAZ can help fight your HIV. REVATAZ, a protease inhibitor (PI), in H IV combination therapy:

• Can help lower your viral load and raise your I-cell (CD4t- cell) count

• Has a. low chance of diarrhea (shown in clinicallrials)

- R EY AlAZin comb inali on therapy had a 1. %-3% rate of mod e rale-Ia-severe dis rrhea ina dulls

• Is taken on Qe a day wilh a soa ck 0 r meal

R.EYATAZ is one of several treatment options your doctor may eenslder,

Do not take REVATAZ if you are allergic to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredi.ents_

Ask your healthcare team about REYATAZ www.REYATAZ.com

Find out if you can save on REVATAZ.

Call 1-888-281-8981 or visit ReyatazSavings.com for details.

Subject to terms and conditions. Restrictions apply.

REVATAZ does not cure H IV and has not been shown to reduce the risk of passing HIV to others. o Bristol-Myers Squibb

REYATAZis a reg~!ered 1Tildem.riloIBn~lol·M)'t~ S!i.ujbb.

All ot~er uadtmarl:.s a re the :property of t~eii respective owner; and not of Brislo!·M)'t~ Squibb.

e 201OBIiIloI·Mym Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08541U.sA.

6Il1US 1 OABIl6412 06110

II you or someJlneyou ;m. GW n!til .. shelp paying formediline, I ~J PartneTShip fllr

tall' l·888-4PPA·NOW (l·888-4n ·2669). Or go 10 www.pparx.org .,... Pmoi ption AssistanCf

F'DA-ApprovedPatient Labeling ,p ali en I I nformati on

~DNLY

REYATAZ® (RAY-ah-tazj (generic name » atazanavirsulfate)

Capsules

ALERT: find oul about medicines Ihat should NOT be taken with REYATAZ. Read the section "Whal important inlormation should I know about laking REYAT AI with oth ar m ed ici n as?"

Read the Pati e nt I nto rmati a n. th at com es with REYAT AZ beloreyo u start usi n 9 it and each time you get a relill. There may be new information. This leaflet provides a sum mary about REYAT AZ and does not include everytll ing the rs is to know about your medicine. This mformallcn does not take the place of talking with your health care provider about you r mad ica I co n d ition or 11l'eatm e nt,

What is REYATAZ?

REYAT AZ is a prescription mad i cine use d with omer anti-H I.V m ed ie i ne s to treal people who are inlected with the humanimmunodeliciency virus (HIV). HIV is. the virus that causes acquired, immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). REYATAZ IS a type 01 anti - HIV m ed ici ne call ed a protease in hib itor. H IV infection destroys CD 4+ (I) cells, which are important to the immune system. The immune system helps lig ht i nle cti on. After a large numb er of (I) ce lis are. destroyed. AIDS d evel ops. REY AT AZ helps to bloc,k HIV protease, a n enzyme thali s needed for the HIV virus to multiply. REYATAI may lower the amount 01 HIV in your blood, help your body keep lts sup p Iy of CD4+ (1) cells. an d' reduce ih e risk 01 death and i II II ess associ ate dl with H IV.

Doe.s REYATAZ cure HIV or AIDS?

REYATAZ does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. At present there is no cure lor H IV i nlecti on. Pea pi e taking REY AT AZ may sli IIg et opp ortuni sri ci nlecti ons or oth er co nd ItionS that happen with HIVlnlecti on. Opportu n i stic i nlectio ns are inlecti 0 ns that develop because the immune system isweak. Some 01 these conditions are pneumonia,. herpes virus inlections, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections. It is very important that you see your health care provider regularly while takingREYATAZ.

REYATAZ does not lower your chance 01 passing HIV 10 oti1er people through sexual contact, sharing needlas, or being exposed to your blood. For your health and the health of omers, it is important to always pracf ce saler sex lOy us i n 9 a latex or polyu rethane co ndom or other barrier to lower the chance 01 sexuel co ntact with se men. vag i nal secretl 0 ns, 0 r blood. N ever use or share di rty need I es,

Who should not lakeREYATAZ?

Do not takeREYATAZ if you:

- are tak'ing certaIn medicines. (See "What important inlormation should I Iknow about taki n g' HEY AT AZ with other medici n es?") S sri 0 us I lte- threateni n 9 side effects or death may happen. Belore you take R EY ATAZ, te II yo ut neanncsre provider about all medicines you are taklnQi or planning to take. These include other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vttamins, and herbal sup p lem ents,

- a re a lIergi c to REY AT AZ 0 r to any of ils in g redients .. Til e activei n gredient is atazan av.ir su Ifate. See th e end 01 th is I eallet for a com plete list 01 ingredients in REYATAZ. Tell your neanncare provider if you think you have had an aile rg ic reaction to any 01 these in g re d ienls.

What should l tell my health.care provider belore I take REYATAZ? Tell your heallflcare provider:

- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. II is nolknown il REYATAZ can harm your unborn baby. Pregnant women have experienced serio us sid e effects whe n laki n g. REVIIT AZ wllh oth e r H IV m ed icin es call ad nucleoside analogues. Vou and your healthcare provider will need to decide if REYAT AZ. is ri ghl lor yo u. If yo u use REV AT AZ wn it e yo II are pregnant, taJ k to your h ealthcare provider ab out the Anti retrovi ra I Pre 9 nancy Reg istl)'.

• If you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-teed il you are HIV-positive because of the chance 01 passing HIV to your baby. Also, it is no! known il 'REVATAZ can pass into your breast milk and il it can harm your baby. II you are a woman who has 0 r wi II h ave a bally. tal k with yo u r h ealtheare provi d or aboulth e be st way to leed yo u r baby.

- If you have liver problems or are infected with th.e hepatitis B or C virus.

Se e 'Wh at are the p oss i ble sldeeffecls 01 R EYAT AZ?"

• II you have end slage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis. -II you have diabetes. See "What are the pass ibl e si d e efle cis olR EYAT AZ?"

- II you have h emoph ilia.. See "Wh at are th e noss i b Ie side effects 01

REYATAZ?"

- About all the medicines you tak.e including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitami ns, and he rba I su p p lem ents. Ke epa list 01 your medi e i n es with you to show your heal.thcare provider.. For more inlormation. see "What imp ortant inlormatio n shOul d .1 kn ow about taki rig R EVAT AZ with other medicines?" and "Who should not take REVATAZ?" Some medicines can cau sa serious side effects II taken with REYAT AZ.

REYATAZO" (atazanavlr sulfate)

How should I take REYATAZ?

Tak.e REYATAZ once every day exactly as instructed by your heallhcare p rov.ider. Your h ealthcare p rovi de r will prescribe the amount of R EYAT AZ that is (i.ght lor you.

• Fo r adulls who have neve r take n anti-H IV m ed i ci nes b store, the dose is 300 mg once daily with 100 mg 01 NORVIRI!> (rilonavir) once dally taken with food. For adulls whO are unable to toierate ritonavir, 400 mg' (two 200-mg capsules) once daily (without NORVIR<!l) taken with lood is recommended.

• For adults who have taken anli-HIV medicines in the past, the usual dose is 300 mg plus 1 00 m 9 of NO RVI RI!> (ri tonavir) 0 n es dai Iy taken with food.

Your dose will depend on your liver function. and. on the. other anli-HI:V medici nes that you are laking. R EYAT AZ is always used with other anti -H IV medicines. If you are taking REYATAZ with SUSTIVA'" (efavirenz) or with VIREAO<!l (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), you should also be taking NORVIFr' (ritonavir).

- Always take REYATAZ with load (a meal or snack) to helpil work better.

Swallow the capsules whole .. Do not open the capsules. Take REYATAZ at the sam e ti m e each day.

• If you are taking antacids or didanosine (VIDEXil> or VIDE:Xi!O EC),. take REYATAZ 2 houns beloreor 1 hour after these medicines.

• If you are taking medicines for indigestion,. heartburn, or ulcens such as AXIO"'(nizatidine),PEPCID AC'" (famotidine), TAGAMEF (cimetidinej, ZAIfTAC'" (ranilidinej, AcipHex* (rabeprazole), NEXIUMIl> (esomeprazole), PREVACI~ (Iansoprazole), PRILD5.ECi!O (omeprazole),. or PROTONIXIII (pantoprazole), talk to your heaJthcare provider.

• 00 not change your dose or stop taking REYATAZ without first talking with your heallhcare provider. It is important to stay under a heallhcare provider's care while taking REVATAZ.

• When your supply olREYATAZ starts 1.0 run low, get more lrom your h ealthcars provi d er or pharmacy. II is .i mportant n at to run out of REY AT Al. The amount of HIV in your blood may increase il Ihe medicine is stopped for even a short tim e.

If you m iss a dose of R EY.AT.AZ, lake it as soon as possi ble an dth e n take yo u r next sche d u led dose at .its reg u lar Ii me. II. however, it is with in 6 ho u rs 01 your next dose. do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the nextdose at the regular time. Do not double the next dose. It is important that you donet miss any doses of REYATAZ or your other anti·HtV medicines.

If yo u ta ke more tha n the prescribed dose of R EY A.T AZ, call you r heallhcare provider or poison control' ce nter right away.

Can children take REYATAZ?

Dosi n g recomm en danons are availabl e lor chi Idren 6 years 01 age an d a I de r for R EY AT AZ cansu lea DOSing! reco mm endafions are not avai labl e for eh i Id re n fro m 3 mo ntns to less thanS years 01 ag e. R EYA r AZ shoul d notb e used in bab ie sunder the age 01 3 months.

What are the possible side effeds of REYATAZ?

Th.e foil owing list of sl de effe cts is not co m pi ete. .Report any new orcontinul ng symptoms to yourhealthcare provider. If you have Questions about side ettects, ask your heallhcare provider. Your heaJthcare provider may be able to help you manag e Ih ese side effects.

The following side effects have been reported wilh REYAT.AZ:

• mild rash (redness and .itching) without other symptoms sornenmes oecers in pati ents taki n 9 REY AT AZ. most ofte n in the Ii rst lew we~ ks after the medicine Is started. Rashes usuaHy go away within 2 weeks With no change in trea tme nt. r e II your heal thcare provider il rash oecu ns.

severe rash: I n a small number of patients, a rash can develop thati s associated with othe r sym ptorn s wh lch (XI uldb e se rlous and potentially cause death.

If you develop a rash with any of the foHowing symptoms stop using REYATAZ and call your healthcare provider right away:

• sncrtnessore reath

• general ill feeling or "flu-like" symptoms

• fever

• muscle or joint aches

- conj u n ctivitis (red or: nfl amed eyes, like "pi n k eye ")

• blisters

• mouth sores

• swell i ng 01 you r lace

yellowing of the skin or eyes. These effects may be due to increases in bilirubin levels in the blood (billrubin is made by the liver) .. Call your h ealthca re provider il your skin or th e white part 01 your eyes tum ye How. Aith ough these effects may not 'b e damaging to yo ur live r ,. ski n, 0 reyes, iti 5 i m po rtant to tell you r healthoare provi d er promptlyi f they occur,

REYAT AZG(atazanavir sulfate)

• a change in the way your heartbeats (heart. rhythm change). Call your health care provider right away il you get dizty or lightheaded. These could be symptoms 01 a heart problem.

• diabetes and high blood sugar (h.yperglycemia) sometimes happen in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines like AEYATAZ, Some patients had diabetes before taking protease inhibitors while others did not Some patients may need changes in their diabetes medicine.

• if you have liver disease including hepatitis B or C, your liver disease may get worse when you take anti·HIV medicines like REYATAZ.

• kidney stones have been repartedin patients taking REVATAZ.lf you develop signs or symptoms of kidney stones (pai n in your side, blood in yo u r urine, pain Wh en you urinate) tell yo u r health care provide r prom pUy.

• some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding problems with proleaseinhibilors like HEYATAZ.

• changes in body fat These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper 'back and neck ("buffalO hump"), breast, and around the trunk, Loss of fal from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The, cause, and long-term h ealth effects of Ih eseeon ditions are not known althis tim e.

Other common side effects 01 REYATAZ taken with olher anU-HIV medicines in cl ude nausea; headache; stomach pain; va m iti ng; di arrnea dep ress ion; fever; di'zziness; trouble sleeping; numbness, tingling, or burning of hands or feet; and muscle pain.

Gallbladder disorders (which may include gallstones and gallbladder i nflam m ation) have bee n repo rted in pati ants taking REYAT AZ.

What Important information should I know about takingREYATAZ with. other medicineS?

Do not take REYATAZ if you tak.e the following medicines (not all brands may be listedi tell yourhealthcareprovider about all the medicines you take). REYATAZ may cause serio LIS, life-threatening side effects or death when used with these medicines.

• Ergot medicines: dihydroergotamine, ergonovine,ergotamine, and melhylergonovine such as C.A:FERGOT~, MIGRANAL *, D.H.E. 45~.ergotrale maleate, METHERGIN~, and others (used' for migraine headaches).

• ORAP~ (pi m olide,. used for T ou rette's disord ar).

• PROPUlSIDIt (cisapride, used for certain stomachprcblemsj.

• Triazolam, also known as HALCION·1t (used lor insomnia).

• Midazolam, also known as VERSEO~ (used for sedation), when taken by

mouth.

00 not take the following medicines with REYATAZ because of possible sennus side effects:

• CAMPTOSAR!' (irinotecan, used for cancer).

• CRIXJVJl:N~ (indinavir, used lor HIV infection). BothREYATAZ and CRIXIVAN

som eti mes cause increased leve Is of b iI i rU.b in in th e blood.

• Cholesterol-lowering medicines MEVACO~ (Iovastatin) or ZOCOR~ (simvastatin).

• UROXATRAL II> (alluzosin. used 10 treat benign enlargement of the prostate).

• REVA11O~ (sildenaril, used to treat ,pulmonary arterial hypertenSion).

00 not tak.e the following medicines with :REYATAZ because they may lower the amount of REYAIAZ In your blood. This may lead to an increased HIV viral load. Resistance to REYATAZor cross-reststanee to other HIV medicines may develop:

• Ri.fampin (also known as RIMACTANE~, RIFAOINIt, RIFATERa, or RIFAMATEa, used for tuberculosis).

• St.John's wort (Hypericum perforatumJ,an herbal product sold as a dietary

su PD lement, or pro du cts co ntaini n 9 SI. J oh n's wort ..

• IJ1RAMUNE* (nevi rapine, used lor HIVinleGtion).

1:he following· medicines are not recommended with REYATAZ:

• SEREVENT DISKU~ (salmelerol) and ADVAIR~ (salmeterel with flulicasone), used to treat asthma. emphysem aich rc n ic obstru ctive p u 1m onary disease also known as COPO.

Do not take the following medicine if you are taklngREYATAZ and NORVlR.GI logether:

• VfEND~ (voriconazole).

The fOllowIng medicines may require your healtbeaTe provider to monitor your therapy more closely (for some medicines a change in the dose or dose schedule may be needed):

• CIALlS~ (tadalafil~, tEVITRAIt (vardenafH), or VIAGRA'" (siidenafiQ, used to treat erectile dysfunction. REYATAZ may increase the chances 01 sertous s.id e effa cts Ihal can hap pen w lin CIALI S. lEVITRA, or VIAGRA. Do not use ClAUS, LEVITM,. or VlAGRA while you are taking REYATAZ unless your health care p rovi de r teUs youiti s okay.

• AOCIRCA~ (tadalafil) or TRAClEE~ (bosel'ltan), used to treat pulmonary arieri al hypertensi 0 n.

• U PITORa (ato rvastati n) or CRESTORIt (ros uvaslatl 1'1). There is an increase d chance of serious sideellects if you lake ,REYATAZ with this cholesterollowering medicine.

REYAT~ (atazanavir sulfate)

• Medicines for abnormal heart rhythm: COROARONE* (amiodarone), lidocaine, quinidine (alsok.nown as CAROIOOUlN", OUINIOEX·, and others).

• MYCOBUTIN~ (rifabuHn, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis).

• BUPRENEX-, SUBUTEX-, SUBOXONE-,. (buprenorphine or buprenorphinel

naloxone, used to treat pain. and addiction to narcotic painkillers).

• VASCO~ (bepridil, used for chest pain).

• COUMADIN~ (warfarin).

• Tricyclic antidepressants. such asELAVIL ~ (amitriptyline), NDRPRAMINa (desipramine), SINEQUAN~ (dOxe£in), SURMONIIL'" (!rimipramine). TO FRAN IL "'(imipramine}. or IJ1VACTIL (protriptyline).

• Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection: SANOIMMUNE~or NEORAL(cyclosporin),RAPAMUNE* (sirolimus). or PROGRAF'" (tacrolimus).

• The anti depressant trazodone (OESVAEL" and others).

• Fluticasone propionate (FLONAS~, FlOVEN~), given by nose or inhaled to !real allergic symptoms or asthma. Your doctor may choose not to keep you on Iluticasone,espeeially if you are also taking NORVIR*.

• Co I ch icine (COL CRYS·), us ad 10 prevenl or treat gOllt or treat lam iii 31

Me cile rra nean feve r.

The foHowing medicines may require a change in the dose or dose sch.edule of either ·REYATAZ or the other medicine:

• INVIRASE* (saquinavir).

• NORVIRe (ritonavir).

• SUSTIVAIt (elavirenz).

• ARtaei ds or buffe red m ed iei n es.

• VIDEX~ (didanOSine).

• VIREAD~ (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate).

• MYCOBUIINa (rifabulin).

• Calcium channel blockers such as CAROIZEM" or TlAZACIt (diltiazem).

COVERA-HSIt or ISOPTIN S~ (Verapamil) and others.

• BIAXIN'" (clarithromycin).

• Medicines for indigestion,heartburn, or ulcers such as .AXID~ (nlzatidine),

PEPCID ADZ (famolidine),. TAGftMEJit (cimetidine), or ZANTADZ (ranitidine).

Talk 10 your h.ealthcare provider about choosing an efJectivem.ethod of contraceptio n.R EY AT AZ may allect the safely and elle cliveness oth ormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills or the contraceptive patch. Hormonal contnaceptives do not preve nt the SD read ofH IV toathers.

Remember.

1. Know all the medicines you take.

2. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.

3. 00 net start a new medicine without talking 10 your healthcare provider .. How sh.ouldl stere REvATAZ?

• Store REYATAZGapsules at room temperature, 59° to 860 F (150 1030° C).

Do not store Ihis medicine in a damp place such as a bathroom medicine cabinet or near lIle kitchen. sink.

• Keep your medicine in a tightly closed container,

• Keep all medi ci n es out of the reach 01 chi Idren and pels at all Ii m es. Don 01 keep m ed Iclne th at is out 01 date or that you 1'10 longer ne ed, 0 ispose of unused medicines through community take·back disposal programs when available or place REYATAZ in an unrecognizable, closed oontainer in the h 0 usehol d: trash,

General infonmation about REYATAZ

This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. Do not use REYATAZ for anemer condition. 00 not give REYA! AZ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. II may harm them. Keep REYATAZ and an medicines out. of the reach 01 children and pets.

Th is su m mary does not in cl u de everylh ing th e r·e is to know about R EYATAZ. Med icines are so m eli mes p rescrt b ed forcondill ens thai are not mentioned in palient information leaflels. Remember no written summary can replace careful discussion with your healthcare provider. II you would like more informalion, talk with your health care provider or you can call 1-800-321-1335.

Whal are the ingredients inREYAIAZ?

A.ctive Ing red ient:. atazana.vir su IIate

Ina.ctive ingredients: Crospovidone. lactose monohydrate (milk sugar), magnesium stearate, gelatin, FO&C Blue #2, and titanium dioxide.

VIDCXe and REYArAZ~ are registered trademarks 01 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co m pany. CO U MADI N«' and SUSTIVA* are registere d trade mar1<s of 8 rislol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. o ESYRELeis a registered trademark of Mead Johnson and Co m pany. Oth er bran es listed a re the trademarks of th ei r respeetveowners and are no! !rad ernarks of Brlsto I-Myers Sq uib b Company.

., Bristol-Myers Squibb

Princelon. NJ 08543 USA

124622.6A7 F1·80001B-04-10 Rev.Apnl 2010

B GA Voice \ February lB, 2011 \ Voices

www.theGAVoice.com

The Georgia Voice

1904 1010 nro e Dr .. Sui te 130 Atlanta, GA 30324 404·815·6941 www.lhegavoiCe.com

EDITORIAL

Edito r: La ura D ou g te s'B rown I b rown@lhagavoice.com

Deputy Ediior; Dyana Bagby d bag by@thegavoice.com

Web Manager: Ryan Walkins fl'la,tkin s@thegavoice.com

Art Director: Bo Shell

bshe 1I@lhegavoiG€.com

Contributors: Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames. Robin 'Kemp. Ryan Lee, Mike Ritter.

Ma tt Seha fer, SIeve Wa rre n

BUSINESS

Pu bfi sher: C h ri stl na Cas h ccas h@thegavoice.com

Business Manager: Tim Boyd I b oyd@!hega,voice.com

Sa I es Ex ecut ive: M arsha II G r aha m mg r aha m@lh.egavoice_com

Sa I es Execut ive; Robe rt Pu II en [PU II en@!hegavoice_com

National Advertising:

Rivendell Media, 908·232·2021 sa les@rivendellmedia.com

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm. Lyn n P a seu a lelli. Robe rt Pullen

All malerial ln Ille Georgia !/(lice is prolecled bV felleriil Wpytight loW ond mav not be reproduced will10ut the written consent 01 Ihe Georg ia Voice_ The sex"al orie n lalion 01 adverti s· ers, phOtographers. writers and cartooni.sls publisnM herein il neilher inlerf€d nor implied. lile appearance 01 nilmes or pictorial repre.enlation doe. not necessarily indicale I'ne >e!uill orientati on of th.t persoa or persons. We also do not mept rsspo ns i bilily lorda ms made !lIy a d',ertisers.

Unlolkited eliiloriill m.Jtfrial is accepted by the Georgi.

Voice. but 'lie do not lake respolllibilily lor itl return. The editors reserve the right 10 accept reject or edlt iI~V submilsioo. Guide-lines lor f~eel ance contribulors ore available upon reQu esl.

Asi ngl e eopv of the Georg i a, Voicei. avai lable from a", thorlzed distributio~ points, Multiple copies sre av,ilable from lne Georgia Voiee office only call for rates. If VOU are un~llle 10 reac h • CQIlve" ient he distribution po int. you moy receive a 26·issue malled su ~cripti on for $60 per ,ea r Otecks 0 r credil card order> can be sent 10 Tim Boyd, tbovd@the~avoice.com

Po,lm aster: Send a ddr~ (hanges to the Georgia Voi (e. 19M Monroe Drive, Suite flO. At;lanta .. GA 1[JZ4 lh~ Georgia Voice ,spublished mry other rri~ay bV The Georgia Voice. LlC. I ndivi dua l subscrl plio ns are $00 per year for Zfi i ssues, Postage p,i~ ,I Atlanta, GA. and additional mailin9 office~

lhe editorialj)OSllions of the Georgia Voice are e.pressed inedi tori als a rrd in editor', netes, other opi nion sore t hose of bhe writer> <I nd do n ot n ~ss.Jrilv re present theopi nlon of the Goorgio Voice and its stall.

To SI.lbmil a letter or tOrmtem.ary. Le~ers >houkl be lewer than ~O words and commentary. for wffi or print. s~uld De I~

than ISO worul StJllmissiool mil'! Ile

O edited for (Ootent aod ie"'lth. and mllll inctude a, nam~. address ,1'1(1 phooe rumber for verificotion. [miIll submissioo\ In edit~tllegavOO:Wlm or mail to the address ilbov~.

A splrltea cal 'for LGBT unity

We are too close to equality to let infighting hold us back

Guest editorial by Rev. Paul nwner

We know the LGBTQLA community has made a great deal of progress over the past 40 years, This progress has c-ome because the community as a whole has stepped far out of the closer into the everyday world.

There is no place one can go and not find welladjusted and successful folk. ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is about to become a thing of the past. More states are granting rights to same-sex couples. The national polls show we are making great strides to become an accepted part of society-

The more we are honest about who we are and who we love, the more true is Rev. Troy Perry's proclamation of 30 years ago: "To know us is to love us!"

In every major faith there are affirming congregations who stand proudly for and with us as a whole people of God. We participate in many sports and excel right next to our straight sisters and brothers. We even run for public office and win.

Praise is to God for all those in the LGBTQJA community who have been willing to let their light shine brightly for all to see. Thank God for

all those who face the loss of fam iI y, job, properry or even the loss of life, and stand strong and say, "No, the close! is no place to live."

In the red zone

Yet with all this progress, we now find ourselves in the "red zone" on the football field of life. The fed zone is the last 20 yar-ds a team must travel on the field to score a touchdown. It is said by football experts that it is the hardest ground to make progress because the defending team will do everything it can to stop you.

The only way to get into the end zone is for the team driving to unite to continue the progress to the goal line ..

My point is that now is not the time to allow Out community to become divided and apathetic towards those who would do us harm. For [lOW the teal test comes. Will the diversity of our community be our strength orwill we tum on ourselves and begln to self-destruct?

Let there be no mistake, those who would do us harm are now desperate and wtll stop at nothing to derail and push back our" progress. They will lie, attempt to legislate, ex-comrmmlcete, fire from jobs, make up wild stories, or physically assault us so as to raise the level of fear to ungodly heights.

We need not look any further than our own backyard, In just the last month. Georgia state Rep. Bobby Franklin has compared us to drug

dealers and noted that "the BIble says [hornosexualiry] is a capital offense." In Carrollton, a gay man had his home burned after someone threw a rock through the window with a homophobic note attached.

Now is the time

This kind of stuff is only going to get more focused and painful if we stop what we have done all along, which is to allow our diversity to shine through.

Now is not the time to move to the suburbs and pretend everything is OK.

Now is not the time to pit organizations in our cornrnunlty one against the other.

Now is not tile time to say,''You can't speak for me because you axe white" Or black Or young. Or transgenden Or not.

Now is not the time to dum" anyone or group from our community under the bus simply because we are not comfortable with them.

Now is not the time for the faith commuunity to be guarding its particular turf.

Now is not the time for those who are from the "grass roots" way of doing things and those from the more corporate side of our community to say, "We can't and we won 't work together. "

Now is the time to allow Georgia Equality, the Queer Justice League and a host of other organizations to come at our oppressors from every direction and with a diversity of plans of action.

Now is the time for our faith communtdes to come together, and be the spiritual leaders our community needs.

Now is the time to gel involved, to find those places in the communiry where your ideas, creativity and passion can be most useful. Yes, that includes being .... 'iLling to spend a little less on partying and giving some of that money to those who are In your opinion doing tile work.

Now is the time to revisit an andenr writing from 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, with renewed corrunltrnent to its purpose:

"If the ear should say, 'Because J am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body .... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is ho nored, every part rejoices with it."

We are in the red zone. Now is the time for out diversity to be our integrity and strength.

Rev. Paul Turner is pastor of Gentle Spirit Christian Church, www.gentiespirit.org

www.theGAVoice.com

Voices I February 18. 2011 I GA Voice m

Lady Gaga no Madonna?

Re: "Gaga's '80m This Way': Impress or 'Express '?" (BlDg by Bo Shell, Feb. 11)

This has been the longest lS minutes of fame I've ever seen.

She wishes she could make a song as great as Madonna's "Express Yourself." Madonna - often imitated, never duplicated!

If I hadn't seen this first and then listened to it, I don't know if I would have caught the similarities.

I like Gaga, but it was a mistake to hype "the next great gay anthem" for six months and then release a mediocre, sound-alike club track. An anthem gathers momentum, it is not produced.

I wouldn't really call it a modern reboot.

If it was that she would have JUSt redone "Express Yourself." While I can hear riffs from "Express Yourself" in the song, I also hear a "Vogue" sound in the talking parts. I feel that the song is more of a way of saying thank you to Madonna. She obviously inspired a lot of girls and Lady Gaga has proven that she was one of those girtsrime and time again. In conclusion 1 absolutely love the song.

Holy tenor, Bo. Atlanra Gay Men's Chorus needs you. C'mon, girl.

Readers chide APD Red Dog Unit; former member speaks out

Re: "Atlanta police to disband controversial Red Dog Unit" (www.thegavoice.com. Feb. 7; detai./s, Page 17)

About damned time.

They are simply getting reassigned. Patterns of behavior will just get buried until the next incident pops up with one of them. It's the same old, same old story.

It's about time: they were supposed to have been organized to catch drug gangs, but they never even made a dent in that problem. It was too easy for them to set up stings and harass the gay community; made them feel like

they were earning their salaries; I guess now they will go back to regular patrol duty, drive around and eat donuts.

OUT

Is Lady Gaga's much-hyped single 'Bom rhis Wily' jus: a rehash of Madonna's 'Express Yourself'? (Publicity photo)

Editor's note: These comments on Georgia Voice articles were submitted via our websjte and Facebook page (www.faceboak.com! thega.voice). Want to weigh In? Follow us there or submit comments on our website.

I think that most officers are good in their hearts and want to do their very best. It is tile few who get away, repeatedly, with awful abuses that make it bad. Tills is not a new situation. It's been allowed to fester unchecked for years. There needs to be a top down cleansing as well as re-education, not just of Red Dog but across the board.

Red Dog addressed the most violent offenders in Atlanta. In many cases these offenders operate openly without challenge from anyone but Red Dog. We ask these heroes to stand the line and fight the war against good and evil bert when they falter, we offer only abandonment. It's not the heroes of Red Dog that will suffer for the decision to disband Red Dog. the citizens of Atlanta will suffer. Signed, prior proud Red Dog

Too early for gay groups

to endorse in East Point race

Re: "Gay East Poinr councilmember endorsed by Georgia Eqlwlity, Vicrory FUl1d" (Feb. 1)

Given that it is only Feb. 1 and the qualifying period isn't until August and the election in No" vember, isn't this way too early to do an endorsement? This is crazy and I for one will never give Georgia Equality a dime since it is dear all they want to do is keep helping iheir friends.

These organizations are irrelevant and searching for some influence. Endorsing anyone (let alone Rhodes, but I digress) in February

is absurd. VVho knows what highly qualified candidate could emerge? Stupid.

Let us shop for the BEST home and auto rates.

Bohne- Whits tine Insurance Agency Inc.

I

judy Bohne

440 S. Peachtree St. Norcross, CA 30071 770-558-8050

J u dyBoh ne@bw-ins.com Ufe. Home. Car.

Crystals.,., stones w lncense w Oils"" Meditation Music ""Yoga Supplies Books 00 Jewelry 00 Tea 00 Candles 00 Artwork 00 Unique gift items

Books on:

Alt. Medicine Astrology Buddhism Chakras Crystals Kabbalah

Meditation

Reiki Shamanism Spirituality Wicca

Book Clubs Personal Growth Recovery

T eenFiction

Trilogy Tots 1'8mo. to 4 yrs. Tues. & Thurs.

11am&1:15

Tarot .Readings Psychic Readings Workshops

Story Time Thurs. all0:30am Sun. al1pm

For more information or to register, visit:

www.trilo&:fbookstore.com 1.26 N. Avondale Rd, Avondale Estates, GA 404.228.3828 info@trilogybookstore.com

Bring this ad for 10% off of your purchase!

............... +-

.. ' .. •••••••• -.'.

<; DESTINATION:

..'.' .. ••••

.0.·

••••

•••

••

... ' ..

•••••••

.. ' ....

•• . ~

••

•

••

••

••

••

•

••

' ..

••

••

•

•

• • • • •

\

.'

•

•

• • • • . '

•

•

•

• • • • •

A GUIDE FOR VIS ORS.

A RESOURCE FOR RESIDENTS.

SPRING 2011.

A&E / February 18, 2011 / GA Voice iii

Honoring Joseph Beam and the book that gave me courage 'In the Life'

Personal essay by Craig WQshington

Craig Washing.ton (illustration bV 80 Shell)

I first learned that I had the power to become, to define myself beyond the circumstance of my birth, throu gh the cui tu ral pride my parents instilled in me and my brother, Our home was enriched with artifacts of black genius, There were books and albums of art titans such as Lorraine Hansbeny, James Baldwin, the'Iemptadons, Coltrane and Labelle. There was the framed "Free Angela Davis" portralt posted so high her regal afro nearly touched our living room ceiling.

Through the acknowledgement of record, this little black boy was sh own hi s past and thus fe It assured a place in the world. "When 1 speak of home, I mean not only the familia] constellation from which I grew, but the entire black commW1ity: the black press, the black church, black academicians, the bl ack literati, and

the black left."

But as the gnawing con-

sdousness of my queerness grew, so did a sense of dislocation from family and community, all that I considered home - a loss of place. I found little affirmation

within and outside of this home for the self that time was quickly uncovering. ''Where is my reflection?"

For black sissies corning of age in the late 1970s, author James Baldwin was the sole homosexual male figure we could look to who had won admission within

the guarded gates of resp eCI-

able black culture .. Just at the edge of those gates, embraced by fellow outsiders, Sylvester, the femme disco diva, helped bro-

ker a wider acceptance of gender fluidity that defined the emerging decade. But beyond Baldwin and Sylvester, there was little evidence in black or queer media that black gay men existed.

By the middle of the decade, a new generation of black gay men's voices began arising in concert, We were writing, publishing work and building organizations that articulated our realities and placed

BLACK HISTORY MONTH'TRIBUTE

Craig Washingt.on is an Atlanta writer. performer and activist for HIV and lGBT causes .. He can be reached via his website at www.craigwerks.com

footholds on cultural and polldcal Ian dscapes across the coun try.

Joseph Beam,editor of "In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology," the 1986 pivotal black gay men's collection, stood squarely at the forefront of this nascent movement The book, which featured the work of 29 auth ors, was the first compilation of openly gay black men's writings.

As such, "In the Life" helped break stony ground for successive generations of black queer writers to publish work and build an indispensible canon that continues to deconsnuct concepts of identity, love, gender, race, class, sexuality, family, class and the dynamics of power and privilege.

None other than the fabulous Sylvester gave the compelling forward - "At times J

cried just remembering

how it is to be both black and gay during these truly difficult times. But here we are still proud and living, with a culture all our own."

An act of survival

"I am most often rendered inVisible, perceived as a threat to the family, or am tolerated if I am silent or inconspicuous," With "In The Life," Beam presented his forsaken lot within heterosexist black so ciety as a fundamental con di ti on endured by most black gay men. He called out the parallel exclusions from queer culture, listing the absences of black men from the books and magazines that occupied the shelves of Giovanni's Room where he worked,

Like his close friend and colleague Essex Hemphill, Beam was emboldened by the work of lesbian feminists of color such as June Jordan, Barbara Smith and Cherie Moraga. He knew that black gay men, like their black lesbian sisters before them, would have to ch art their own path toward self determination and visibility, to discover their own power.

"Visibility" he wrote, "is survival .. " Beam pointed out that while the participation of black gay men in all relationships and systems that make up black society is undeniable, in 1984 we were still largely unacknowledged and coerced into silence.

"The legacy we leave." In order to nurture, indeed to save, black gay men's lives, Beam knew that we had make our truths indelible by writing them in their fullness so that they may be shared and passed on. He likened the anthology to the very organization Hemphill wishes (0 start "to save my Life" in Hemphill's signature piece "For My Own Protection."

For Beam, creating "In The Life" was much more than an

Please see 'In the Life' on Page 28

D GA Voi ce \ February lB, 20n \ A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

'In the Life' paved the way for new generation of black gay men

'In the Life,' continued from Page 27

mentioned living black and gay during those "truly difficult times." I can recall with certainty and the added clarity of hard "earned wisdom how hard those times were for me.

It was in 1985 that at 25, I had developed symptoms of HIV infection, then a hopeless diagnosis. At that time, r was writing and performing poetry on my own and as part of an ensemble Us's.

I discovered in dl e face of my threa tenedextinction that I am a writer and that writing more

than any act might enable me [0 survive and leave something of use behind.

expression of artistic vision or a showcase for black gay writers, In the face of racism, homophobia, violence, depression, isolation, dehumanization and of course AIDS, "In The Life" was an act of survival, a gift of love to feed those who hungered for self-definition.

I can only wonder exactly what Sylvester meant in the "In The Life" foreward when he

'Our lives. our loves. our visions'

By 1986, r had heard about Beam too late to respond to his call for manuscripts. That summer I had planned a trip to Philadelphia. to see my friend Cynthia who was also a friend of his. Sbe promised to introduce us and he and I even spoke over the phone, I remember hls warmth

and our mutual eagerness to meet in person.

I had to cancel my trip for some forgotten reason. I was more than consoled by the autographed copy of this newly published work he mailed me. "For Craig (via Cynthia)," it reads. ''The legacy we leave are the deeds we do. Joseph Beam 13 September 1987."

I recall tile skin-prickling revelation as I turned from page to page that T was holding a precious piece of history in my hand. I was reading the works of living black gay men who were my contemporaries. "We are Black men who are proudly gay."

r had first seen Essex Hemphill at a reading featuring Audre Lorde and was immediately taken in. There was Assoto Saint, a mystical, witty character whom r met at a Blackheart Collective meeting, Craig G. Harris and Donald Woods, both New Yorkers whose local work I had admired

I knew that miraculous as it was, this was a beginning and that it offered me possibilities .. By then AsSOl'O and Donald had become active performers with Other Countries, a black gay men's collective that continued the tradition Beam largely made possible, How poetically sad and strange it is that Joseph Beam never lived to see much of what would unfold through the doors his efforts opened. On December 27, 1988, Beam died from AIDS-related complications, less than a week following his legendary brother Sylvester.

The li fe that I lead now is an inherited privilege and my work 11 sacred cornautment handed down from Joseph, Sylvester, Essex and all those wonder-weaving brothers and sisters. I often hear Joseph's voice in my own writing. His legacy is manifest through the work of G.Winston James, Marvin K. White, Adodi Muse and other artists he inspired.

Upon the occasion of Black History Month 2011, Jet us commit to learn more and regard the legacy left by Joseph Fairchild Beam. Like many of my brothers, his name continues to go unmentioned in recent documentaries and anthologlesthat recount black and LGBT liberation movements. Too few black queer folk have a due who he was and what he did for us.

T recognize as a SO-so methlng S urvi vo r of that generation I am here to tell the stories and name the names. What may the deeds Joseph accomplished over 20 years ago implore us to embark now? How might we, as Joseph, act to make sure that we aJI know our black gay heritage?

Every day, J carry in my heart, J move and move others through Joseph's resounding declaration:

"The bottom line is this: We are black men who are proudly gay. What we offer is our lives, our love, our visions .. We are risin' to the love we all need. We are coming home with our heads held up high,"

"In the Li.fe: A Black Gqy Anthology," edited by Joseph Beam is now available in the 2008 edition pllblished by Redbone Press.

www.theGAVoice.com

A&E / Februrary 18. 2011 / GA Voice m

IWtiUil. by Jim Farmer

Exit, cliche gay sidekick

Exit. Pursued by a Bear' aims to break mold for gay character

Playwright and former Atlantan Lauren Gunderson's comedy "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" is about to have its world premiere locally, courtesy of Synchronicity Performance Group, with gay actor Clifton Guterman part of the cast.

Described as one part "I Love Lucy," one part revenge tragedy and one part 'feminist ballad, "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" is the tale of Nan (Veronika Duerr). a woman living ill the North Georgia mountains. She loves her husband Kyle but is in an abusive relanonsh'p with him.

VVilh the help of her best friend Simon (Guterman), a gay man, and a stripper named Sweetheart, Nan decides to leave and get revenge. Revenge is s€lved by tying Kyle up and re-enacting bad moments from his past, making him realize what a bad husband he has been - and by putting meat and honey beside him to draw attention from bears.

As part of her research, Gunderson looked Lnto the dynamics of abuse and why some women remain in dysfu ned on a.l relationships. "1 didn't feel going to actual support groups was right, but I did some chatting in online groups," says the playwright. Sbe admits it's a hard issue.

"The character oE Nan opens up the show by addressing the audience and saying 'I bet you're wondering' why she has remained," Gunderson says.

Nonetheless, Gunderson didn't want to make the piece gloomy. Firsr and foremost, it's a comedy, albeit a dark one.

"We don't ever see any abuse - him hitting her - but we get to experience it," says Cunderson, "I think we come to the truth more through comedy. With comedy you always have a safe place."

3 bcd, 2 hath eondo

on Lawrenceville H convenient to 1-285.1-85 andHWY78.

Offered at $90,000

A Decatur native, Gunderson went to graduate school in New York then moved to San Francisco.

Guterman's character of Simon is unaware that the relationship between Nail and her husband is as bad as it is.

''When he finds alit, he is not happy," Guterman says.

Simon lives in Atlanta, writes a blog and has a "fabulous life." He and Nan have remained friend over the years.

''They are soulmates - be came om to her - but Simon has never liked Kyle," Guterman says.

Guterman and Gunderson have worked hard not to make Simon the stereotypical witty gay sidekick

"That was something that was important to us all, not to make him a cliche," Gutennan says. "He has his sarcasm but we didn't want him to be all jokey, just the comic relief. We all wanted to find moments where he is real. He's the one who gives Nan the courage to leave."

He admits Simon is a lot more extroverted than he is, as well as the characters he is known for, such as the gay teens he played in "The Goat" and "Beautiful Thing," both at Actor's Express

The performer moved to California in 2005 and then to New York, where he eventually met his partner. After some time, they decided to move to Atlanta, which Guterman had not planned to do. Simon is not based on anyone in particular, but Gunderson does adrrd t she has lots of gay friends. "1 grew up in theater and my best friends have been gay guys," she says.

Judith Ivey's 'Carapace'

The just-opened "Carapace" at the Alliance has some star power in its director's chair: two-time Tony winner Judith Ivey. "Carapace" is the latest winner of the Kendada Graduate

Jacob Gallman, REA.LTOR- 404-874-6357 jgallmcm@14west.com www.j acobgallman. com

Left: Clifwn Glllerm.an portrays Simon in 'Exic, Pursued by a Bear' Guterman, who is goy, says he is working to make Simon more than the stereotypical gay sidekick. (photo courtesy Synchroniciry) Above: Judith lvey, who gained gay (ans as an actress on 'Desiglling Women,' directs 'Corapoce'ot the Alliance through March 6. (publicity photo)

Playwriting Competition, which brings world premieres to Atlanta.

The actress and director admits she fell for playwright David Mitchell Robinson's story of a father uying to reconnect with his 23 year old daughter, despite the roadblocks he has set LIp. As a mother of two herself, Ivey could understood the father's plight.

"In the play, the daughter has cut off the father," Ivey says. "He is left to 'wonder 'Is it my fault? Did J say somethlng I shouldn't have?' J think every parent goes through this."

Ivey had always wanted to work at the Alliance and embraced this opportunity. She describes the playas a "dramedy," fu] oJ comic touches but at heart a drama.

The actress is something of a gay icon, known for her roles in 'Will and Grace" and especially "Designing Women," where she replaced Julia Duffy, who before her had replac-ed Delta Burke. She starred as Texan 8.J. Poteet. She laughs when asked if she feels like an icon.

"I'd like to be an icon for anyone - you'll take anything you can get," she says.

Ivey calls "Designing Women" a terrific experience. "It was surreal - I used ro watch that show and then I was on it .. It was a great

connection erotic touch massage heart-time playtime intimacy joy pleasure

Iv Ul jl' III II' www.theGAVoice.com

'Exit. Pur.sued by 11 Bear' March 3-lf

7 Sta.qes

1105 buclid Ave.

Alia n tao GA 30307 www.synchrolhealre.com

'Carapace'

Throuqh March 6

AlIi ance Hertz Staqe 1280 Peachtree 51.

Alia n tao GA 30309 www.allia n ceth ea traorq

part of my career," she says.

Last year, she was also involved in an unorthodox production of "111e Glass Menagerie," a version that embraced the fact thatson Tom was gay. She admits some purists weren't pleased with it but lr still managed to get strong reviews in Connecticut, New York and Los Angeles.

After "Carapace," she will direct a production of "Tru," the TIllman Capote play, with "SNL" star Darrell Hammond in New York.

April 2-3

Contact:

(678) 524-8670 blueanddogwood@aol,com

or register online www.theBodyElectric5chool.com

www.theGAVoice.com

Sweet, sweet Aubu n

From restaurants to groceries, historic curb market offers something for everyone

We have a historic gem in our city called Sweet Auburn, and I'm sure somewhere in the South there's a drag queen with the same name and she's fierce.

The Sweet Auburn Curb Marketls a huge farmers market located in Downtown Atlanta on Edgewood Avenue that features restaurants and specialty culinary shops. Whatever craving you have can be found here.

Like any good Southern drag queen, Sweet Auburn has character and charm. You get a sense of historic Atlanta while the convivial merchants are only too happy to guide your palate into simple satiation or splendid nirvana like the Sweet Auburn Bakery, withtranscendental strawberry cheese Danish, or Miss D's New Odeans Pralines.

This is an excellent place to take out of town guests or visit if you've never been. You can have a cheap tasty meal and then stock up your pantJy with heal Illy organic fresh produce, spe-

125 Clai'remont Ave, Suite 15()

Decatu'r, GA 30030 404-836-1120

tit vvww,hlmonestop.com

cialty meat and cheese shops .. Plus you can have Atlanta's cheapest ocean-fresh seafood at Atlantic Seafood where they will also steam your crab and seafood with a dusting of Ole Bay.

Why did I first go to Sweet Auburn? Do you remember in ihe 19905, when Ponce De Leon Avenue was seedier than today? Yes, it's gotten better. There was a little burrito dive called Tortillas. 1 used 10 go there at least once a week when I was in college because it was so cheap and different. All the food was fresh and scratch made. Even the fresh dried soaked pinto beans weren't canned.

Sadly Tortillas closed but it's been resurrected ill Sweet Au burn as Bell Street Burritos and even says "For those who miss Tortillas."For only $6.50 you can get a huge chicken burrito with the pintos, jack cheese, cilantro, and I add their amazing green tomatillo salsa. I drank gallons of this sauce in the '90s. It was pure nostalgia. They also do an excellent fresh chunky guacamole. Advice to starving GSU students:

I used to get the simple jack cheese quesadilla, dipped it in green sauce for only $2.25 and was vel)' satisfied" The is real deal, fresh San Fraucisco-style mission lex mex,

For something different try Afrodish Restau-

Bell Street Burritos isjusc one o{che gems tucked inside the Sweel Auburn Markel. (Phoro via Facebook)

rant, which serves up homemade Caribbean and West African fare like jerk chicken, savory stews, and plantains, It's curry comfort on rice. TIle owners have been serving for over 12 years.

If you're feeling more hedonistic, which I often am, visit Grindhouse Killer Burgers .. Like Tortillas, Grindhouse lakes sornethlng ordinary like a burger and elevates it to a fresh, non-chain artisanal level. I tried the "Apache Style" with roasted New Mexico green chiles, grilled onions and pepper jack cheese. Be really bad and pair it with Vidalia onion rings. I tried my vegan friend's very good veggie burger made with black beans, protein-rich quinoa and fresh avocado. Pretty

Sweet Auburn Curb Market 209 Edgewood Ave, SE

Alia n ta GA 30303

Monday - Saturday. 8 am - 6 pm www.sweetauburncurbmar;ket.com

good. Grindhouse is also preparing to open a second location at 1842 Piedmont Ave.

Finally for a true taste of the soulful South try me meat-and-three Metro Deli Soul Food, owned by the true Southern diva Ms Mimi. It's cold, so don't you want a plate of baked chicken, collard greens, mac-and-cheese, black eyed peas and some cornbread?

Individual and g.roup classes

Pablo Aspe 404.771.7341 Foreign Language Teacher, MS_

NOW FORMING advanced conversation group Call now - limited to 4 participants

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR

LGBT-FRIENDLY

BUSINESS

www.theGAVoice.com

A&E / Februrary 18. 2011/ GA Voice m

l:nN:t .. by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Not so happily ever after?

New Jane Lawless tale a worthy addition to lesbian mystery series

Your accountant is so proud of you.

Like me good saver you are, you've tried to invest a little money here or mere. A few acres of land, maybe. A good education for you Of me kids. Perhaps you've even stuck a buck into stocks or bonds for the future,

If Chester "Chess" Garrity had his way, you'd invest in antiquities. He's got valuable loot on his hands and in the new book "The Cruel Ever After" by Ellen Halt, he needs to get rid of it, pronto.

But first, he needs to stop drinking. That was obvious to Chess as he clisentangled himself from Melvin Dial's back porch on a sunny Minnesota morning. Though his head was pounding, the l1ight of poker and booze would be worth every minute if DiaJ bought the ancient bulJ statue that Chess had to sell.

But that would never happen. Making his way through the house, Chess found himself staring at the corpse of Melvin Dial.

Stunned and panicky, Chess looked up his old friend, Jane Lawless. He needed someplace to think, and Jane was good hearted and discreet.

Years ago, they were married briefly, just long enough for Chess to get his inheritance. It was a union meant only for money, so when Chess pocketed the cash, he gave Jane a portion and they split amiably. Jane set herself up with a restaurant in downtown 51. Paul, and since it wasn't exactly a love match - she was gay and she'd assumed Chess was, too - she decided to keep the whole tiling secret.

But Chess wasn't gay; in fact, he was having an affair with a married woman.

He and Irena Nelson had met in Istanbul and had a quick, urgent fling. Chess professed love and Irena agreed to help him sell the annquities he had in his possession, all stolen from the Baghdad Museum. Irena's mother owned Morgana Beck Gallery of Antiquities. Getting rid of ancient Iraqi pieces wouldn't be difficult.

But Chess never counted on anybody getting killed, and Irena was acting weird. So when she "lost" the golden bull statue, and three guys started stalkmg Jane, Chess knew it was time to take the ancient bull by tile horns ...

A five·lime winner o( the Lambda Literary Award for best lesbian myslery, Ellen Him rerurns wilh 'The Cruel Ever A(rer. '(Publicity phow)

When a book starts out with a lengthy cast of characters, pay attention: In "The Cruel Ever After," you're going to need thet list.

The mystery is the latest in Halt's Jane Lawless series. A five-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award for best lesbian mystery, she has been dubbed "the gay Agatha Christie."

Hart packs a good number of people in this Jane Lawless mystery, which could be discombobulating if some of them didn't die off (it is a mystery, right?). Though there are times when overpopulation might tempt you to quit this book, the good news is that the remaining characters move this story along nicely through a few decent surprises to a satisfying ending. Just keepthe cast list handy, that's «n.

If you've been saving your whodunit hunger for just the tight book, try this one.

1~U1ij' 11111, www.theGAVoice.com

'Th.e true.1 Ever After' by Ellen Harl

December 2010. Minotaur Books $24.99/ $29.99 Canada. 320 pages www.eHenhartcom

HOPE. PARTICIPATION HAS .IMPACT.

WE ABE SEEKI N G MEN AND WU MEN BETWEEN 18 AND 50 YEARS OF AGE. WHO 00 NOT HAVE HIV, AND ARE READY TO JOI:N OUR OUEST FOR A VACCINE TO COMBAT HIV.

If eligible you will participate in a study to evaluate a vaccine developed to prevent HIV/AIDS and stimulate the body's immune system. The study will examine the safety of the vaccine and assess the immune response in those who are immunized. The voccine does not contain HIV. and you wil! receive $75 per study visit for your time and travel expenses to the study location in Decatur, Georg.ia. This study is being conducted by Dr. Mark Mulligan of the Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, located at 603 Church Street. Decatur, GA 30030.

Hope .. .ha a part of it Call 877-424-HOPE (4673) tu laam more ... www.nopeciinic.emory.edu I vaccine@emory.edu

M EMORY I The Hope Clinic of the I.()I UN 1 VE-RSITY Emory Vaccine Cenrec

D GA Voice \ Februrary lB, 2011 \ A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

PHOTOS

by Brent Corcoran and Sher Pruitt

Love, LGBl All style

Love-thsmed events drew colorful crowds this month as Valentine's Day neared. On Feb. 6, the Same Love, Same Rights Wedding Expo featured vendors to help LGBT couples say "I Do." On Feb. 12, the Radical Faeries and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hosted the outof-this-world Intergalactic Love Affair to raise money for YouthPride. And on Feb. 13, Love on the Rocks raised funds for Joining Hearts and housing for people with HIV (Wedding Expo and Intergalactic Love Affair photos by Brent Corcoran I RNZ Photography; Love on the Rocks photos by She!" Pruitt)

www.theGAVoice.com

Community / February 18,2011 / GA Voice a

Celebrati.nga MILESTONE? Share your engage' men ls, wed dings. b lr t hs. adoptions. ann i versa r ies, birthdaYs and olhersventsl Announcements tim be up to 200 word, and can includea photo. E'mailedilor@ Ihegavoice.com with your milestone and contact into to see you r na me i n print!

Atlanta Pride remains i

October for 2011

Dates conflict with Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur

By Ryan Watkins rwatkins@thegavoice.com

The Atlanta Pride Committee announced the da tes for the 2011 Atlanta Pri de festival th is week. The event will retain its recent October home in Atlanta's Piedmont Park.

This year's festival will be held during the second weekend of October, Oct. 8-9, and will again correspond with National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11.

Atlanta Pride Executive Director James Parker Sheffield said he is "happy" that the festival will be held in October.

"We're happy that the event will correspond with 811 important date with queer significance," Sheffield said in an interview. "Traffic and crowds an, getting close to where they were in 2007. Last year was very successful."

In 2010, Pride marked its 40th year. For most of those four decades, Atlanta Pride was held at the end of June to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, in which patrons at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought back against police harassment in what is often viewed as the start of the modern gay rights movement.

But after being celebrated the last weekend in June in Piedmont Park for most of its history, Atlanta Pride was forced to move in 2008 when city officials booted large festivals from the parched park.

Held over July Fourth weekend at the Civic Center, Pride anendance and finances suffered. The festival moved back to Piedmont Park for 2009, but over Halloween, to get around city policies that limited summer fesnvals due to drought concerns. TIle 2010 festival was held me second weekend of October in Piedmont Park,

In recent months, some LGBT Atlantans, including OJ Vicki Powell and OJ, activist and former mayoral candidate Kyle Keyser, called on Pride to move back to June. Neither Keyser nor Powell could be reached for comment about the 2011 dates.

Sheffield is quick to point out that the Atlanta Pride Committee will again sponsor educational and historical events during Stonewall Week at the end of June, during the traditional Pride season.

"Do I recognize that some people aren't

happy with the festival being in October? Absolutely. I understand. I have to think about the safety of the volunteers, the stability and wellbeing of the organization," he said.

Sheffield said that the challenge of holding the festival in June would require a multi-year plan, some three to five years of additions 1 fundraising to move Atlanta Pride back to summer.

Sheffield added the short turnaround of moving the festival up would be a major financial challenge for the Pride Committee.

"The reality is this event can't happen without half a million dollars," he said. "And that's a conservative estimate."

Sheffield said that much of the money to run Pride comes from corporate sponsorship and many of the major sponsors couldn't contribute money twice in the same fiscal year.

Supporters of the October date have also noted that holding the festival during cooler fail weather makes it more accessible to children, the elderly and those with health concerns.

Pride conflicts with Jewish holiday

When Atlanta Pride announced the 2011 dates, several gay Atlantans expressed concern over the scheduling con fl i ct wi th me Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur:

"When I first heard the news, I was terribly disappointed," Rabbi Josh Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim said in a phone interview. "Yom Kippur is the most holy day of the year."

Lesser said Sheffield has reached out to Atlanta's LGBT Jewishcommuniry and will work toward providing Jewish-specific events that recognize the community at this year's Pride.

"I appreciate Shef and the Pride board examining an solutions. A mistake got made. They aren't shying away from the mistake. They're taking responsibility. We can be an example of two communities working together," Lesser said.

Atlanta Pride has circulated a lener to concerned community members in which Sheffield apologizes for the conflicting dates and outlines steps being taken to mitigate concerns.

One idea being tossed around is a "Break Fast" celebration held Saturday night in the park for Jewish Pride participants. The APC

TheAtlanta Pride Festival w.ill once again be held the second weekend in October in Piedmont Park (photo by Bo Shell) Left: Rabbi Joshua Lesser officiated last year!; Pride COmmitment Cel<!mony, which is traditionally held on Saturday night of the festival. Lesser will be unable fa lead the c€l<!many this year unless it is moved 10 a diffel<!nt dale, because me festival weekend confliCts with Yom Kippur. (photo by Laura Douglas-Brown)

will also sponsor the Pride Seder service at Congregation Bet Haverim in June during Stonewall Week and will work toward bringing Jewish speakers to the festival the Sunday following Yom Kippur.

"This realization was an extremely difficult one for us, as it would have an impact on fesnval-goers and members of our own board and committee," Sheffield said in a media release. "The idea that any group may feel alienated from our event is extremely disheartening."

"APe recognizes that even with these minarives that some may still feel upset over the date conflict, and understandably so. We ate actively seeking to create something positive from this. It is ow' hope that when all is said and done, our time spent at the table together over this issue will lead to a stronger bond and long term partnerships between Pride and the Jewish community," Sheffield added.

In press statements and a "frequently asked questions" section on the A tlanra Pride website, Sheffield notes that Pride has asked the city to grant them rights to me second weekend in October for three years - 2011, 2012 and 2013.

It also notes that Pride dates will not conflict with Yom Kippur for at least the next decade.

Sheffield called a meeting to discuss ways to include the Jewish community in this year's

Atlanta Pride Committee 1530 OeKalb Ave. NE. Suite A AI;I an ta Georg ia 30307 www.allantapride.org

event. Lesser participated in the meeting.

Lesser said he understands the Pride Committee's desire to host the festival on a consistent date each year - coinciding with National Coming Out Day - and added thar moving the date was just not feasible.

The rabbi, who has officiated the Atlanta Pride Commitment Ceremony in recent years, said that due to the activities surrounding Yom Kippur he would be unable to participate this year. The APC is exploring moving the Commitment Ceremony to earlier in the week to allow for Jewish participants who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Congregation Bel Haverim will have a booth at this year's festival, but it wilI be closed the Saturday of Pride, according to Lesser.

Lesser said he felt the Pride Committee was receptive to Jewish concerns.

''They heard it and got it," Lesser said. "If we always demonize our leaders publicly for their mistakes, no one will step up to serve."

m GA Voice \ February lB, 2011 \ Community

www.theGAVoice.com

NOW OFFERING GLUTEN - FREE

DESSERTS!

GOURME'r, DESSERTS WHOLE OR BY THE SLICE

VEGJt'N DESSERTS VVEDDIN"G CAKES

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

HRe Atlanta bowls, dines for equality

The HRC Atlanta Steering Comrnluee is gearing up fora. busy season, with its popuJar Bowling for Equalily set for Feb. 26 and ticket sales underway for the signature Atlanta HRC Dinner in May.

The Atlanta Steering Committee is the local affiliate of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay lights group. The 11th annual Bowling for Equality features bowling in "waves" from 1:30-4;30 p.rn, and 5-8 p.rn, OJ Shane V will spin.

"The bowling event is first and foremost a fun event for every bowlmg level. We call it a tournament and certainly some teams get competitive with each other, but the majority of people to have a good time and support the work of HRC," says Ed Patterson, spokesperson for the Atlanta Steering Committee.

"AU will have a good time regardless of whether we are throwing gutter balls or strikes," he added.

The Atlanta HRC Dinner, set for May 14 this year, is an annual black-tie fundraismg dinner that is among the city's largest gay events of the year. Known for high-profile celebrity guests, last year's event drew a crowd of about 1,000 and raised approximately $300,000 for HRC's national advocacy work.

Ticket sales are now underway, and organizers recently announced that this year's dinner theme is "Our Stories." Lead-up events to reinforce the theme will include a video contest, with th e b est videos shown at the dinner.

HRC's Atlanta Federal Club, a group for higher level donors, also hosts a discussion of the military's ban on openly gay soldiers on 11.lUTS-day, Feb. 24. President Obama signed legislation passed by Congress mat will repeal the ban if the president and military leaders agree that it won't hurt military readiness.

"DADT; How W& Did It, What's Next" Ieaturss HRC President Joe Solrnonese and Ellen Kahn, HRC Family Project director.along with a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and a video presentation. It will be held at the Marriott Marquis, which is also the site of the HRC Dinner.

- Laura Douglas-Brown

B SINESS SPOTL GHT

Bowli.l1g (or Equality uwues bowlers o( Q// skill levels for an afternoon o( (un and (undl"Olsing for HRC. Whom COW,€sy ProjeClQAtlanw.com)

'yu)alllllll,

HRC Atlanta Steering Committee Allanta.hrc.org

'DADT: How We Did It., What's Next' Thursday. f"eb. 24.6:30 D,m,

Sell rs Restau ra nt at Ma rrio tt M erq uis 265 Peae htree ten te rAve.

A tla nta. GA 30303

RSVP by reb. 21: Kevin.I'aylon@hrc.org

BowlinQ for Equalil.y

Saturday. feb. 26. I pm.

Midtown Bowl

1936 Pi edmo n t Circle N E Alia n ta GA, 30324

HRC AUanta Dinner May 1.4

Marriott Marquis www.atlanlah red i n ner.o rg

Meak Productions brings LGBT issues to the airwaves

Meak Prcductionsdubs itself as the 'World's First LGBT Exclusive Talent Agency, Casting & Production Company," but is perhaps best known by many in the Atlanta LGBT community for its live radio remotes from sucheverus as the Transgender Day of Remembrance and the recent NOH8 photo shoot.

Miko Evans, CEO and executive producer of Meak Productions, also hosts the syndicated Same Gender Loving Expressions on the Exceptional Radio Network (www .. exceptional. radio.cern) and recently partnered with Click Click Expose (www.clickclickexpose.com) to have a program which features LGBT mdie music artists, he said.

Same Gender Loving Expressions is a radio show that tries to break out of me box of normal radio shows, Evans said, and has included interviews with mostly African-American At-

I rlU jllill 'I'

Meak Productions www.meakproduelion s, com

lama LGBT business leaders and community activists.

"We wanted to get me voices out there that aren't always heard," Evans said. "There are a lot of us in the LGST community who are not able to tell our stories."

The mission of Meak Productions is "to provide an avenue of marketing exposure and performance opportunities to LGBT talent, as well as create a more professional equal and diverse image of LGBT culture, which in turn will help prevent the current stereotypes and discrimination towards the community as a whole."

'We are the first syndicated radio show to do live remotes, we broadcast live from last year's International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO) and from the Sylvia Rivera Brunch," Evans said.

Currently the company is restructuring and undergoing planning for the future, he added.

MikQ Evans is CEO and executive producer {or Meak Productions as lvell as hOSi of dle Same Gender L0ving Expressions radio show that can be heard online at Exceptional.Rodio. (Phoro via Facebook)

Podcasts of old SGL shows can also be heard online. "

Meak Productions is currently accepting new music tracks to be induded in its February edition of the MUSiC Radio Show (The Various Artists Talent Showcase). Send all MP3's to; music@meal<.productions.com

- Dyana Bayby

www.theGAVoice.com

SPOTLIGHT

Lesbia n eroli c a wrile rand for mer A I la nla n Fiona, Zed de ret urn s to read, S i ~ nan d chat about her new book, "Dangerous Pleasures." 7:30 prn at tharis Books & More,I189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www,chariscirCle.orq

"The Kids Are Ali ,Right," the Oscarnom i nated film abo ut Iesb ia n moms and the ir kid s, screen s at th e Thi rei F rid ay Fi 1m Series. Suggested donation $1-$10 sliding scale. Doors open at 7 p.m, lilm starts

at 7:30 pm discussion to follow. First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta" GA 30307

Phoenix hosts a viewing party for "RuPaul',s Drag Race" at 9 pm. followed by Drag on the Edge alii pm at Blake's on the Park, 221 lOth St N E, Atla n ta GA 30309. www.blakesontheparkatlanla.com

Thursday, Feb. 17-· Sa,turday. ,Feb. 19

"Designing Women Live" is a drag rendition of

the be lovsd tel ev i sian se ri es abo u t st rong'w ille d Southern women. Now they are back with two new "episodes" straight from the small screen: "Blame

it On New Orleans" and "Julia Gets Her Head Caught in a renee." Includes GA Voice columnist Topher Payne as Julia Sugarbaker. 8 pm at Onstage Atlanta, Onstage Atlanta, 2597 North Decatur Road., Allanta, GA 30033, www.theprocesstheatre,org

Thursday, Feb. 17 .. Sunday, Feb. 20

"Those Fabulous '50s" features both easy listening and rock-and-roll tunes, performed by Lisa Paige, Wendy Melkonian and libby Whittemore, with erranaerneots by Robert Strickland, 1:30 pm at Actor's Express, 887 W. Ma r ie tta SI. Sui Ie J-I07, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.actors·express.com

Frida.y, Feb. 18

Cirque Mechanics fly, climb, and contort their way through Boomtown, the new show set in a Wild West mining town in 186'5. 8 prn at Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech, 349 rers! Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

The .Decatur Women's Sports League hosts sienups for the spring softball season, which starts March 11. Register from 5:30 -7 prn, at Savage Pizza, 115

La redo Drive., Avon d a leE state, GA 30002, Sa,vagePizza.Go m d ecatu rwo men sspo r Is I ea g ue, i nf 0

"Carni.vale" .is the Rio de JaneirO-inspired theme

for Actor's Express' annual fundraiser,. which includes stre et performers, pa I m reade rs, taro t ce ra rea ders, sultry burlesque performances, a kissing booth, a photo booth, DJs. cocktails, nibbles and a silent auction. 8 prn at the Gallery at King Plow Arts Center, 887 W. Ma ri ella SI.. Atla nta GA 30318, www.adors·express.com

Traxx Girls hosts Pretty Girls Hide Out, with classy and sexy attire encouraged. 10 prn at Cream Ullra Lounge, 3249 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.traxxgirls.com

"3 STR8 GIRLS A DYKE AND A MIC" features comedlans Marni Podber, Kim Huapaya, Tammylmiq and Brady Smith. 8-9:30 prn a t Be II iss i ma, 56Q-B Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306, www.bellissima-atlanta.com

The Gaybie Hawkins Dance is put on by lGBT youth and allies in Cobb Counly, with all high school youth welcome. Semiformal attire, no alcohol. 7 p.m to 11 pm at Allure Dance Studio, 2980 Cobb Parkway Suite 104, Atlanta, GA 30339a

0303

Calendar / February 18, 2011/ GA Voice m

ADD YOUR EVENT

There ere two ways to add your events to our online and print caiendars, Submit your info to www.theGAVoice.com or e·mail details to editor@theGAVoice.com.

Saturday. Feb. 19

Ou ee r-tavcr ile cornsda n and performer Margaret Cho brings her no·holds·

ba rred sty.le 10 the Atla nta staG e a ga in.

a pm at the Ferst Center for Ihe Arts at G eorQ ia Tec h, 349 Fe rst '0 rive N W, Atla I1ta, GA 30332, wwwJerstcenter.gatech.edu

Looking for more events? Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar: including niQhtl ile schedules and"c'Ommunity org~mization'meetings:'provided by our frlands at Pr.oj"e·cWAllanta.com_

Saturday, Feb. 19

The .Akoma Book Club (of Women Healing Women) holds its February meeting to discuss "Perfect Peace" by Daniel Black; all are we.leome even if you have not read the book but want to discuss the ideas. 10:30 arn - 12 prn, Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.orq,

The Armorettes say "Goodbye To The Circus" to send BumbleBee Toon-k Head out with a bang,

OJ Chad Jack lollows. Amorettes at 8 prn at The Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.her:etic~tlanta.com

OJ Rob Reum spins at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.junglecluballanta.com

Sunday. Feb. 2.0

The Atlanta Harlequins, the *12 Division I women's rugby tea min Ihe na lion, ho sis Ih e Spr i n g Rugby 101 Clinic for players 01 all skill levels. 12 prn - 3 prn, location TBD. www.allantaharlequins.com

Monday. Feb. 21

I n The Life At la nta orqa ni ze r of .A t lanta 's B lac k Ga.y Pr i de eve r Labor Day Weeken d, host sits 1 i r st community planning meeting for Pride 201'1: free and open to the public, 6 - 9 prn at First MCC Church 01 Atlanta,1379 Tullie Road, Aifanta, GA 30329, www.inthelifeaU.com

Tuesday, Feb. 22

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon. 11:45 am - I p.m at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantaq.ayehamber.orq

Catch "G.lee," the queer·inclusive high school musical., every week on the big screens. 8 pm at Amste rdern Atlanta, 502·A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, ww\V,amslerdamatlanta.com. Or watch "Glee" at 8 p.m. followed by show tunes at Oscars, 1510 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.oscarsatlanta.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

D GA Voi ce \ February lB, 20n \ Calendar

www.theGAVoice.com

I~S HOT AS EVER!"

- The San Francisco Chronicle

IIGO! Have The

Time Of Your Life!"

-NY Newsday

"A PHENOMENAL SHOW!

A JOYOUS INVENTION/"

- Chicago Tribune

BACK WITH NEW SURPRISES!

March 2-6

THEA1'D. OF ~ AT THE FOX Til UT RI: 800 .. 98l-l187 tick,tmast,r.(om

GROUPSALU: '/2 PRICE r;I WED, MARCH 2 &

("0",881-2000 TICKETS I ii!!THUR., MARCH 3 SHOWS ONLY!

CONTlN.uED FROM PAGE 35

Tuesday, Feb. 22

The Big Gay Supper Club dines lrom 7-10 pm at Rosebud, 1397 North Highland Ave., Atla~ta, GA 30306, www.thebiggaysupperclub.com

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Eileen Myles and Megan Volpert are featured in a fundr.aiser for the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival. which moves from October to Stonewall Week at the end of June this year. 7:30 pm at Charis. 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atla~ta, GA 30307,charisoooksandmore.com. www.atIQueerlilfest.co m.

"Women Of Rock" - Caroline Aiken, Donna Hopkins & Diane Durrett - perform in-the-round at 8 prn at Eddie's Attic. 515 N M cDonou g h S L Deca tu r, GA 30030, www.eddiesaltic.com

LeBuzz presents Atlanta's Got Talent ~ a competi· ticn lor drag: queens, kings. singers. dancers, or anylhing else. 10 prn at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Rd., Marietta GA 30067., www.thenewlebuzz.com

EnJOY Karaoke Idol at Burkhart's, 1492-F Piedmont Ave., At I enta GA 30324, www.bmkharls;com

Thursday, Feb. 24

Be ready to laugh as the Comedy Joke-Off Wars conclude wilh the championship round .. 8·11 pm .. at Belliss i mao 560 Amsterd am Ave. Alia nta. GA 30306. www.bellissima-atlanta.com

"Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Block" head," winne rof the gay GLIIA D Med ia, Award lor Best OU·aff-Broad.way producti 0 n, 0 pens today and runs through March 13 at Fabrefaction Theatre Company, 999 Sr ady Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.fabrefaction.org

Etcetera, the artist and. music showcase brought to you by B.arry Brandon. tonight features Ranae ,Kel" ley and shara-sue Crump. 10 p.m. at Gilbert's Cafe & Bar. 21910th St. NE. Atlanta, GA 30309, www;gilbertscafe.com

Friday, Feb. 25

Emma's Revolution, bi II ed as "I ikeRa ch el Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars."

pe rtorrns at 8 prn at Uni tari an Un i ve rsa I lst Congregat.ion of Allanta. 1911 Cliff Valley Way, At la nta, GA 30329. for more in fo.em ail Dana Taylor. dlaylor@uuca.org.

Radical. lesbian feminist author Sonia Johnson celebrates her 75th birthday with Charis., reading from her new book. "The Sisterwitc:h Conspiracy," and talking about her life Journey, which includes

be ing e x.commun i csted fro m the Mormon eh u rc n. and running for president. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, n89 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta. GA 30307. www.chariscirele.org

OFFye rH EAD is the Qua rle rly 8ritpop and I nd i e music event at Mary's. featuring OJ POST-MODern and special guest OJ Quinn, 9:30 p.m. at Mary's, 1287 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatldtlta.com

Friday, Feb. 25

Halcyon performs at 10 p.m. at My Sisler's Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave" Atlanta, GA 30316, mysislersroom.com

G litter bisc u its and Oppos iIe Life pe rfor m a I 8 p. m. a t Belli ssma 560 Amst ere a m Ave., A II enta GA 30306, www.bellissima·atlanta.com

The ManShaft: LumberJack Edition celebrates the furry flannel boys. ··Happy Trail Happy Hour"" from 7-10:30 om features DJ Warm & Fuzzy and OJ Sensa! ion a I Gravity Boy; OJ 0 i a b 10 Ro jo spi ns fro m IQ:30 prn to 2:30 a.m. Mary's, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysallanta.com

Saturday, Feb. 2.6

Bowling for Equality raises funds for the Human Rights Campaign, the nalion's l.argestlGBT political group. Noon - 6 prn at Midtown Bowl. 1936 Piedmont Circle NE. Atlanta. GA, 30324. Allatlla.hrc.org

The New New Year's Community, Heafth & Safety Fair, postponed due 10 snow in January. is created by Novice Sister Prissy Go-Lightly of Atlanta,'s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and includes LGBT health organizations as well as legal and political groups, plus Atlanta Police LGBT Liaison Officer Brian Sharp. 4-7:30 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta. 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amslerdamatlanla.com

www.theGAVoice.com

Calendar / February 18, 2011/ GA Voice m

Saturday, Feb. 26

Bearracuda Atlanta features internatio nal OJ Fra n c i see G uer ra. Doors 0 p en at 10 p om. at th e H ereti c, 2069 Che shi re Bridge Road, At I anla, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

OJ Wes from Town in D.C. spins for Divas of the Dance Floor at JunQle., 2115 faulkner Rd". Allanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta_com

Saturday, Feb. 26~ Sunday, Feb. 27

Th e qaV Nat i onal Flag Fo ()tball lea gue ()f Atla nta hosts Play 'n Greet 0 rientat i on for prospe eli ve

and relu rni nq players. New p I ayers shou Id attend e i" ther Saturday or Sund ay, 11:30 a.m. - 2 prn, Grant Park. 840 Cherokee Ave" Atlanta, GA 30315, www.nllla.com

Sunda,y, Feb. 27

Granville Automatic, Emily Lynch, Bethany Dick.aids., John McNich()las and JessicaCayne bring their folk-rock tunes to Eddie's Attic. 730 am at 515 N Me Donou g h S t, D eca tu r, GA 30030, www_eddiesaUic.com

OJ Bill Berdeaux and Dary.1 Cox spin for brunch, 12- 3 p.m at Blake's on the Park, 2Zf loth 5t NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. www.blakesontheparkatlanla.com

Monday, Feb. 28

My Sisters' Room hosts an Open Forum to bring together "gay. straight. black, white, Irans -all of us to discuss th in qs that are unsettl in 9 in our com m unity. and to talk about things that we want to change ... things that are important to us and why" with the Qoal of a greei n 9 0 n 1·3 com m unity prior i ties 7·10 pm at My Sister's Room. 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta. GA 30316, www_mysistersroomcom

Mondays is live piano with David Reeb, Make requests and sing along from 8 p.m. to midnight at Min Atlanta, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Tuesday, March 1

Longtime LGBT activist Betty Couvertier hosts "Alternative Perspectives" every Tuesday Irom 7·8 prn on WRFG 89.3. The show is a mix 01 news and interviews f ow sed on lGBT iss ues a nd concerns.

Wednesday, March 2

Enjoy indoor rock climbing every Wednesday with the lGBT group Georgia Dyno'mos. 7·10 prn at Stone Su m m it. 3701 Pres i den! ia I Parkway, Alia n ta GA 30340, www.queerclimbing;com

" Stomp," th e f 0 u n d·p ercuss ion e xl r ova 9 anza 0 pens today and runs through March 6 at the fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Sl NE. Atlanta, GA 30308. www.foxtheatre.org

Thursda.y, March 3

Bring your friends and test your skills with. trivia from 8-10 p.rn. with Mo at Joe's on Juniper, 1049 Juniper 51.. Atlanta, GA 30309. joesonjuniper.com

Saturday, March 5

OJ Martin Fry spins, and Xavier Gold performs at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta. GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

The Doug Varone Dancers perform al8 p.m. at Ferst Cente r for the Arts at Georg ia Tech. 349 Fe rst Dr. NW,Atla nta GA 30332. ferstcen ter.ga tediedu

Thursday, March 10

The Miss Georgia USofA, At large and Newcomer Pageants take the stage from 7:30'10:30 prn at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta;com

Friday, March 11

it's opening night for softball for the Decatur Worn en's Sp orts lea gues. Games on F r i day evenings through May 20 at Kelly C. Cofer Park, 4259 N. Park Drive. Tucker. Georgia 30084, www.decaturwomenssporlsleague.inlom

Friday, March 11~ Saturday, March 12

Seasons of Love. the annual variety show benefit for CH R is Kids.i nvites aUendees to s i ngalong and wa ten dan eers pay ho mag e to gay f aves and many more. 8 prn each night at 14th Street PI ayhouse. 173 14th Street N E. A t1antil, GA 30309, www.chriskid5.0f9

Saturday, March 12.

lesbian blues-rocker Michelle Malone returns to At1a nta for two shows. 7 pm and 9:30 p.m. a tEd' die's Allic, 515 N McDonough Sl. Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Purim Off Ponce, the annual Rainbow Center benef i t fea ture san Egypti an th em e: "Let My People Come 0 utI" with cosiu me co ntest and p erio rm ences by the Armorettesand traDeze ertsts. 7:30 -11 p.m. at Ca Iia nwolde Fin e Arts Center, 980 Bria rcliff Roa d, Atl'anta, GA 30306,. W\vW.p ur i m ollpon ce.o rg

Dr. Scott Conkright

Clinical Psychologist

Let's talk about it:

Out of control sexual behaviors • Coming out Depression/anxletye Relationship difficult.ies HIV+ support groups. Groups for developing close and intimate relationships

404.315.7150

scott@atlantatherapy.com

www.atlantatherapy.com.1955CliffValleyWaY.Ste.115·Atl.GA 30329

Buy and sell high quality furniture 500/0 .. 80%

off retail.

D GA Voi ce \ February 18, 2011 \ A&E

www.theGAVoice.com

AUTOMOBILE WRECK? SERIOUS INJURY?

Trial Lawyers Aggresively Respresenting Families in Our LGBT Community

RANDYE. FRY

TRIAL LAWYER· PERSONAl INJURY

A proud member of:

Srone~IIlIU Bm Association • Georgia Trill! La.111)'eT:! Association America II Tria I La'lI)'ers Associ ati 11" • Adallla Bar Associ a d.o "

FREE

CONSULTATION

· AUTOMOBILE COLLISIONS

· TRACTOR:TRAILER WRECKS MOTORCYCLE COLLISIONS ON-THE-JOB INJURIES SLIP/FALL

MEDICAL BIllS

• LOST WAGES

PAl NAND SUFFERI NG

• WRONGFUL DEATH

BRUCE A. HAGEN, P.C. 404-522-7553 RandY@hagen-law.com

119 North McDonough St. Decatur, GA 30030 www.hagen-law.com

DOMESTCA Y OISI BE

•• i111 ill ill iIII ........ ,., .... ,..ti ill ill ill ... Itiilll ....... i111i111i1111 iI ... ill iIII ......... ill ill ill. iI III ill ill iii ....... ,., ,.,110,., ........... ,., I

ig ts out

Confessions of an unapologetic insomniac

l've never particularly cared for sleeping.

It's a ghastly waste of time, all those hours spent doing nothing, dtscovertng nothing, accomplishing nothing.

When I was in Mrs. Martin's kindergarten class, we would follow our snack lime of Kool-Aid and NiLla Wafers with "rest time," which was a flawed pian from the start -pump a bunch of five year-olds full of sugar and tell them to go lie on the floor. But each day, we'd all unfold our paper-thin vinyl mats and have our restful moment.

Twenty of us, lying prone on the floor, a tableau of tiny bodies littering the linoleum like the victims of a sniper attack. And 1 would lay there, wide awake, amazed by the classmates who were able to actually go to sleep In public. In what sort o-f homes were they being raised that they were allowed to JUS! drop to the floor and lose consciousness? We were not housecats. This was not something to be encouraged,

At home, bedtime was a nightly battle, which J eventually remedied by giving the illusion of acquiescence. I suddenly developed a fear of the dark, and required a nightlight in my bedroom. Once J'd said my prayers and my bedroom door was closed, I'd He on the floor reading books by the nightHght.

I was usually awake long after my parents had turned in for tl1l" evening. It was so frustradng, because there were a good number of things t would have liked to do with that time - baking, rollerskating; singing a selection from one of the musicals I'd wrinen about my life - but T couldn't, because everyone was sleeping, and 1 knew J had to keep up this illusion that J was too.

Long before I wanted to kiss boys or dress up as Dixie Caner, my categorical rejection of sleep was my first indication that there were specific rules the world followed that made no sense to me. I could rail against it, or 1 could just give the impression that r was like everybody else without 100 much trouble.

In my early twenties, I found myself in a relationship with a man who loved sleeping. It was

Toph.er Payne is an Atlanta'ilaser playwriQht and the aulhor of lhe book·· Necessary Luxuries: Noles on a Sem~Fabulous Ufe:' Find 001 more al Il'1pherpayne.com

his favorite pan 01 the day. When we first got together, I found his sweet surrender to sleep mildly baffling, but adorable. He liked to nap. How cute.

But it is Scientifically proven that the things you lind appealing in the beginning will be the things you hate them for in the end, and five years down the road, his desire for sleep made me want to strangle him. It became his way of avoiding our rapidly deteriorating reladonship. You can't have a proper fight if one of you is unconscious. His willful narcolepsy felt like an elaborate plot to leave me without leaving me.

When Preppy and I started dating a few years later, J paid close attention to his sleep patterns. He liked to stay up late, and had a job which required him to get up early. Most nights he onJy sl ept for four or five hours, so r fsl t confident we were weU-matched. But it turned out the early mornings were borne solely from necessity, and on days off he could easily sleep 'nl noon.

I panicked. I'd fallen in love with another Sleeper. I would make breakfast as an excuse to wake him up. I'd try morning sex. I'd play music too loud, or run the vacuum cleanec I couldn't just tell him that I resent people who sleep, because I'd known it was my freaky thing since I was five. So ! tried to adapt, and go to bed like normal people. But it was Mrs. Martin's classroom all over again, me lying there wondering why anyone would want this.

Wben the truth came out, as it is wont to do, Preppy was surprisingly sensible about it. He told me to stopdtlnldng of it as time that I'm abandoned by the world, and instead think of it as the bonus round of my day: The extra lap I get to run when everyo ne else thinks th e race is done.

Now, I schedule for it - we have our farnil y ti me, an d th en husband and dog tum in for tile night, leaving me with my time. I've come to cherish it.

Sometimes happiness doesn't lie in changing behavior, but in changing perspective. And if you're really lucky, you lind someone who supports letting your freak flag fly any time of day.

Saint Mark

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

781 Peachtree St., NE

at the comer of

Peachtree & Fifth 404.873.2636. www.stmarkumc.org Facebook: Saint Mark United Methodist Church

Dr. Beth laRocca-Pitts Senior Pastor

Sunday Services 8.:.45 a.m. & 11: 15 a.m ..

Upcoming .special Events Free & Open to the Public Sunday, February 20 • 6: 30 p. m.

Song and Dance IndIana University Singers

Sunday, February 27. 3:00 p.m.

Robert Ray's Gospel Mass Saint Mark Chancel Choir

Saint Mark ls proud to be Atlanta's first church

to offer a cool cup of water . and a warm welcome to our LGBT community.

on ponce

a steakhouse

116 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. Decatur, Ga 30030 404.924.2230

Monday - Thursday 11-10 . Friday 11-11

Saturday 4-11 . Sunday Brunch 11-3, Dinner 4-10