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06.25.10
NEWS
OUTSPOKENIN THEIR OWN WORDS
Military homophobia? Savannah beating
prompts hate crime investigation. Page 4

Photo courtesy Showtime

Citizens Review Board weighs Atlanta
Eagle cases. Page 8
Blake’s won’t close over indictment,
manager says. Page 8
Augusta hosts historic first
Pride festival. Page 10
Family & Medical Leave Act to include
“I’d say there was a fair amount of
gay parents. Page 13 straight male interest in ‘The Real L
Word’ based on what people saw.”
VOICES
— Dan Cutworth, one of the executive producers
Editorial: Pride’s history is our future. Page 14 of “The Real L Word,” the new Showtime lesbian
Mike Ritter Cartoon: Fierce Advocate. Page 14 reality series that debuted June 20. Television
critics have noted the highly sexual content of
Speaking Out: Readers respond to Elton the new series. (The Futon Critic, July 18)
John, gay country star. Page 15
Photo via Facebook

A&E “I think if two people love each other, then what

New film ‘Stonewall Uprising’ revisits
LGBT milestone. Page 17
the hell? I think that everyone should have the
Gay historian reflects on lessons from chance to be equally miserable, if they want.”
Stonewall. Page 17 — Rapper Eminem, who has previously been criticized for anti-gay lyrics, supporting gay
marriage in an interview with the New York Times Magazine (The Guardian, June 18)

Publicity photo
Music: Christian singer Jennifer Knapp
comes out, goes secular. Page 19

NUMBERS POP QUIZ

BY THE

WITH JZ
Theater: Shay Youngblood’s ‘Shakin’ the
Mess Outta Misery’ comes home. Page 20
Food: Cool meals for Hotlanta, whether “Please don’t tell me that God
dining in or out. Page 21 made Adam and Eve, not Adam
Books: ‘Filth elder’ John Waters explores and Steve. If the Bible story is lit-
his ‘Role Models.’ Page 23

COMMUNITY
20 & 26
Ages of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven
erally true, who did Cain marry?”
— Cox newspapers columnist Cynthia Tucker, arguing
that allowing same-sex couples to marry will not
Hotlanta Softball hosts Big Peach Monjeza, gay men who held an engagement weaken heterosexual marriage (AJC.com, June 18)
tournament. Page 25 ceremony in Malawi

14
Events: East Point Possums drag Years of hard labor in prison
extravaganza. Page 26 to which the two were sen-
Georgia Spotlight: GLBT Seniors tenced for “gross indecency
Advocacy of Georgia, North Georgia and unnatural acts”

1-2
Rainbow Coalition. Page 27
tQAtlanta.com

Days the couple spent to-

Publicity photo
CALENDAR gether after being pardoned
MARY NORWOOD
by the president of Malawi
Pages 28-30 under international pressure FULTON COUNTY CO
Photo courtesy Projec

MMISSION HOPEFUL

1
theGAVOICE.com View the full interv “Everybody kind of knew [Rock
iew
t h e GAVO IC E .co mat
Members of the couple — Steven Monjeza
— who is now dating a woman. The two Hudson’s] situation but it didn’t
• Breaking news as it happens men were told they could be arrested
• Top events and headlines updated daily again if they remained a couple. seem to hold back his career.
• Extensive video and photo galleries Cary Grant the same thing.”

30
“I’ve kissed lots of people. I’ve kissed
Nations in Africa many, many, many girls, but I think — Actress Betty White, apparently outing iconic actor
where homosexuality Cary Grant on “The Joy Behar Show.” Asked further
facebook.com/thegavoice
twitter.com/thegavoice is illegal you were talking about a different questions about whether Grant was gay, White de-

Sources: BBC News, CNN International

kind of romantic interlude.” murred, adding, “I never had him.” (Fox News, June 18)
 4 GA Voice June 25, 2010 News
Savannah LGBT activists: ‘Enough is enough’
Alleged gay bashing by two Marines raises questions Why Ga. needs
about state hate crimes law and military homophobia a state hate
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
Under the shade of oak trees on Johnson
Square in the historic district of Savannah,
Ga., with City Hall as a backdrop, dozens of
LGBT activists gathered June 20 to express
outrage over the recent alleged beating of a
gay man by two U.S. Marines.
While the incident remains under inves-
tigation, it raises serious questions about ho-
mophobia in the military — which will face
significant scrutiny if “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
is repealed — and whether Georgia needs to
finally pass a state hate crimes law.
The purpose of the rally was to bring atten-
tion to the need for a state hate crimes law and
to demand that city leaders address violence
against LGBT people in Savannah, said Kevin
Clark, Savannah chapter director for Georgia
Equality, the state’s largest LGBT group.
“We hope to show in a powerful and vivid
way to the community of Savannah and more
importantly the leadership at all levels that
GLBT community has had enough — enough
violence, enough attacks,” Clark said.
The alleged victim, Kieran Daly, 26, did
not attend the June 20 rally, however. He could
not be reached for comment.
“As we can imagine this has been extreme-
ly traumatic event. He is still recovering and
is spending time with his family,” said Cody
Patterson, a rally organizer and Daly’s friend.
Clark added the rally was not just about the
alleged attack on Daly but also other attacks
against gay people, including those that have
gone unreported.
“This is not only about Mr. Daly. This has
been going on for decades. We don’t know
how many victims there are,” he said.
“We are demanding justice, condemnation
of the violence and calling for the leadership
of this city to call for swift, appropriate justice
... We are going to see justice done come hell
or high water,” Clark said.
Attacked because of a wink?
According to a Savannah-Chatham Met-
ropolitan Police Department report, Daly was
allegedly attacked at about 3:45 a.m. on June
12. Charged with misdemeanor battery in the
beating were two U.S. Marines — Christopher
Stanzel, 23, and Keil Cronauer, 22.
Daly’s friend, Alison Brennan, told po-
lice “they were all eating pizza [in Johnson
Square] and were joking around with the two
subjects when Mr. Cronauer got upset because
More than 100 people rallied in Savannah on June 20 in the wake of an alleged beating of a gay man by two
Marines the previous weekend. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
he found out Mr. Daly was a homosexual. She
continued to state that she was trying to get
Mr. Daly to walk away because she heard Mr.
Cronauer tell him ‘did you just wink at me!’
“At which point she stated Mr. Stanzel
walked behind Mr. Daly and when she turned
her attention to them Mr. Daly was on the
ground unconscious. She immediately ran to
him and in passing asked Mr. Stanzel, ‘did you
just hit him?’ Mr. Stanzel’s response was ‘No’
and took off running with Mr. Cronauer head-
ing west on Congress St.
“She then went to the aid of Mr. Daly and she
stated he did not have a pulse at first. She then
gave him some ‘chest rubs’ and all Mr. Daly did
was lift his eyebrows but did not wake up.”
Police found the two suspects in a fenced,
empty lot after they were seen running “full
sprint” from where Daly was injured. They
told police they were waiting for friends.
“Mr. Cronauer stated that they were being
harassed by a white homosexual male earlier
in the evening and just wanted to get away and
meet their friend on Bay St. Mr. Stanzel stated
that he was going to meet a friend on River
St.,” according to the police report.
They were turned over to military police.
Further reports that Daly suffered a seizure and
required CPR caused an uproar among LGBT
people in Georgia and nationwide, who demand-
ed police charge the Marines with a felony.
The incident also prompted Georgia Equal-
ity to ask the Department of Justice and the
FBI to intervene to investigate whether or not
the incident is a federal hate crime.
“I’m very concerned this happened in the
first place. But these misdemeanor charges are
outrageous,” said Georgia Equality Executive
Director Jeff Graham. “And then to turn [the
Marines] over to the military police is a mis-
carriage of justice.”
FBI spokesperson Steve Emmett could
only say an investigation is underway.
“A preliminary investigation was opened
but I can’t give an update,” he said this week.
Police unresponsive?
Gena Moore, spokesperson for the Savan-
nah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department,
said her department has recorded three gay-re-
lated beatings in the city in the past five years.
“That is the lowest statistic of any crime in
Savannah,” she said. “We treat everyone equal-
ly, regardless of their sexual preference.”
Moore added the police department intends
to wrap its investigation into Daly’s case pos-
sibly by the end of this week.
Clark’s accusation that local police do not
www.theGAVoice.com
crimes law
Georgia is one of only five states that does
not have a state hate crimes law. But now that
President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard
& James Byrd Jr. Act into law in October, the fed-
eral hate crimes law should be enough, right?
No, say local LGBT activists.
Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff
Graham explained that, simply, there are
differences in federal and state laws. With
a state hate crimes law, local law enforce-
ment personnel — police, investigators, first
responders, prosecutors — would have the
ability and authority to investigate an al-
leged hate crime.
“What is happening in Savannah is a
perfect example,” Graham said. “The police
authorities there didn’t feel they had the au-
thority to investigate this at the local level.”
If Georgia had its own hate crime law
that included sexual orientation and gender
identity, there would be more training direct-
ed at the local level to investigate potential
anti-LGBT crimes, he said.
“They would have the weight of state law
behind them and criteria could be set on a
local level,” he said.
An important criteria of the federal hate
crimes law that would not be necessary for
a state law is the “interstate commerce”
clause, said Greg Nevins, supervising senior
staff attorney in the Southern Regional Of-
fice of Lambda Legal based in Atlanta.
A very clear example of meeting the
interstate commerce clause would be if
a person in Augusta, Ga., calls a friend in
South Carolina and says, “Hey, come to
town so we can beat up a bunch of queers,”
Nevins explained.
“As the body of case law gets more es-
tablished, these kinds of cases will become
easier to try,” Nevins said. “But right now
that is a box the feds have to check off that
the state would not.”
support the LGBT community in cases of al-
leged anti-gay violence is not true, according
to other local gay activists. In a letter to the Sa-
vannah Morning News, Robert Dunn, co-chair
of Stand Out Youth Savannah, and Christina
Focht, executive director of Savannah Pride,
Please see SAVANNAH on Page 6
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 6 GA Voice June 25, 2010 News
Savannah beating confronts military homophobia
SAVANNAH, continued from Page 4
defended police actions in the Daly case.
The letter noted the Savannah Chatham
Metropolitan Police appointed a gay liaison of-
ficer and launched the Savannah Chatham Po-
lice & Gay Community Collaborative in 2007.
“They have definitely not turned a blind
eye,” the letter argued.
The LGBT liaison was appointed with help
from Clark and Georgia Equality after Travis
McClain, a young gay man, was attacked and
called “faggot” in a parking lot during the city’s
popular St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 2007.
Last week, Clark and Georgia Equality pub-
licized a second alleged gay bashing this year.
The victim, John Takats, came forward
through a statement from Georgia Equality
saying he was attacked in February, possibly
by one of the same Marines that attacked Daly.
He said he tried to file a report with police at
the time but was discouraged from doing so.
At the June 20 rally, Takats said police did
not respond to his desire to report the incident
and suggested he instigated the beating.
“I was told, quote, ‘This kind of stuff hap-
pens in Savannah. You are gay and need to tone
it down.’ They claimed I must have made them
uncomfortable,” he said. “I walked away dis-
couraged, scared and alone. I’m asking you to
all come together and fight for what is right.”
Moore said Takats was expected to meet
with the LGBT liaison, Terry Walden, this
week to discuss the incident.
Walden also asked the public to wait until
all the information is released before calling
what happened to Daly a “hate crime.”
“The information coming out now is there
may have been more to it” than what the al-
leged victim originally reported and that he
may not have tried to walk away as he told
police initially, she said.
“Whatever happened, that does not give
anyone the right to raise their hand and hit
someone in violence,” Walden said.
“But we have to investigate this to the full-
est extent we can and then turn the informa-
tion over to the D.A. — whether it falls under
a hate crime is for him to decide,” she said.
Conflicting stories
Moore, the police spokesperson, said the
Marines were charged with a misdemeanor
based on Daly’s injuries. Daly was admitted to
the hospital June 12 and released the next day.
He gave local media interviews June 14.
Moore said the department has been trying
to get Daly to turn over his medical records
for more than a week so they can see exactly
what injuries he sustained. Daly was supposed
to come in for a police interview on June 21
but he did not do so, Moore said.
“His lawyer said the investigators needed
to come to them. The meeting didn’t take
U.S. Marines Keil Cronauer (left) and Christopher Stanzel are charged with misdemeanor battery in an
alleged assault on gay man Kieran Daly. (Photos courtesy Chatham County Sheriff’s Department)
place. He said he turned his medical records
over to the D.A.,” Moore said.
A spokesperson for District Attorney Larry
Chisolm confirmed June 22 that Daly did turn
over his medical records to an assistant D.A.
The D.A.’s office will now turn the medical
records over to the police, she said.
While LGBT activists may want more se-
vere charges to be filed against the two Ma-
rines, the investigation so far does not warrant
doing so, Moore said.
For an aggravated assault charge, there has
to be a weapon used. Right now, all police
know is Daly suffered a concussion, she said.
“We’ve gone above and beyond the call
and if the medical records show he suffered
more severe injuries, we will make sure the
charges are elevated,” Moore said. “But we
have to go forward based on facts.”
Brennan, Daly’s friend and a witness, re-
fused a second interview requested by police,
Moore added. The reason for additional inter-
views is because of conflicting accounts as to
what happened.
On June 14, the Marine Corps Air Station
Beaufort in South Carolina, where Stanzel
and Cronauer are stationed, issued a statement
saying the men were restricted to the base dur-
ing the investigations.
“We have found through our preliminary
internal investigation that the Marines in ques-
tion stated there were unwanted verbal ad-
vances and a threat was communicated by a
member of the other party,” said Col. David
Robinson in the statement.
“While this might not justify the actions
of the Marine punching the individual in the
face, there is certainly more than one side of
the story that is currently being reported.”
Robinson added the Marine Corps “does
not tolerate discrimination or violence of any
kind” and the two men will be punished “to
the fullest extent” if any laws were broken.
On June 20, the day of the rally, the Savan-
nah Morning News reported Daly got into a
fight with a truck driver in a road rage incident
Jan. 19 and allegedly used a racial slur against
the truck driver. Daly denied he used any slurs
in a prepared statement to the newspaper.
Daly was charged with battery, affray and
reckless driving, but the charges were dis-
missed after he pleaded guilty to disorderly
conduct. The truck driver also had his charges
dropped in exchange for a guilty plea on dis-
orderly conduct.
Clark and Patterson said they knew about
the incident and Daly told them the accusation
was false. Clark further stated it was one more
way for police to “blame the victim.”
City Alderman Jeff Felser, who is gay,
spoke at the rally, saying Mayor Otis S. John-
son was out of town but sent his support of the
“GLBT community, the diversity of Savannah
and the need for a state hate crimes law.”
Felser also discussed Daly’s alleged slur.
“As an attorney, I don’t like it when you
have a rapist who goes on trial and the victim
then becomes the focus of their past. Whatever
their past may be it does not mean the present
act was right. Just walk away,” he said. “Kieran
is not on trial, OK? The investigation is not
about Kieran. Let justice and the facts prevail.”
Homophobia & ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
The day before the Savannah rally, Dan-
ny Ingram of Atlanta, national president for
American Veterans for Equal Rights, attended
the first Pride festival in Augusta, Ga.
There he met a young, gay military service
member. The soldier told Ingram, who has lob-
bied for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,”
he did not want to see the repeal go through.
That surprised Ingram.
The service member had seen the movie
“Soldier’s Girl” about the brutal murder of
Pfc. Barry Winchell in 1999.
“And that movie scared him,” Ingram said.
A fellow soldier beat Winchell in the head
with a baseball bat after a day of drinking over
the Fourth of July weekend in Nashville. Other
soldiers spread rumors that Winchell was gay
after discovering he was dating a transgender
www.theGAVoice.com
woman, Calpernia Addams.
The soldier who beat Winchell to death,
Calvin Glover, is serving life in prison. The
murder raised serious doubts about the mili-
tary’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and
President Clinton, who signed the bill into
law, ordered a review of its implementation.
Some 11 years after Winchell’s murder, re-
peal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is now in sight:
The U.S. House voted last month to repeal the
policy as part of the massive Department of
Defense authorization bill, and the Senate may
begin debating DADT later this month or in
July, according to Servicemembers Legal De-
fense Network, which lobbies for repeal.
As what happened in Savannah made its
way through the national news and blogo-
sphere, some questioned whether an incident
like the alleged attack means the military isn’t
ready for a repeal of DADT.
“Obviously, an investigation is ongoing,
and no one’s guilty yet,” wrote Adam Wein-
stein for a Mother Jones blog on June 13.
“But if service members on liberty can’t
hold their liquor or their emotions — and re-
gardless of what happened, that much seems
clear here — there’s a long way to go before
the military will be able to successfully inte-
grate gays and lesbians in the military ranks,”
Weinstein wrote.
Ingram said he doesn’t think the high-profile
debate over repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
is fueling homophobia in the military, but noted
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Con-
way is an outspoken opponent of repeal.
“I would not ask our Marines to live with
someone who is homosexual if we can pos-
sibly avoid it,” Conway told Military.com in
March. “And to me that means we have to
build BEQs (bachelor enlisted quarters) and
have single rooms.”
But SLDN and Ingram stress that those
against repealing the ban, like Conway, are of
an older generation.
“The younger generation of service members
largely doesn’t care about whether their com-
rades are gay or lesbian, and they understand that
sexual orientation has nothing to do with com-
pleting the mission,” said Paul DeMiglio, senior
communications manager for SLDN.
SLDN also reports that a 2006 Zogby In-
ternational poll showed 73 percent of military
personnel are comfortable serving with gays.
Should “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” be re-
pealed, policies would be required to protect
openly gay service members from harassment
and discrimination, DeMiglio said.
“Policies and regulations to allow gays
and lesbians to serve openly would need to
be written and put in place,” he said. “SLDN
will also encourage the president to issue an
executive order protecting service members
from discrimination based on their actual or
perceived sexual orientation.”
Have your beer
and enjoy
it too.
™

Per 12 oz., MGD 64 contains 64 cals., 2.4g carbs, < 1g protein, 0.0g fat.
 8 GA Voice June 25, 2010 News
Blake’s unaffected by Farkas indictment, manager says
Gay bar not included in list
of assets for forfeiture
By Laura Douglas-Brown
Blake’s on the Park, the popular gay bar on
10th Street in Atlanta, will not close in the wake
of Lee Farkas’ indictment on federal charges of
financial improprieties, the bar’s general man-
ager said June 21.
Rumors about the future of Blake’s have
been rampant since June 15, when Farkas was
indicted on one count of conspiracy, six counts
of bank fraud, six counts of wire fraud and three
counts of securities fraud.
The charges are related to Taylor, Bean &
Whitaker Mortgage Corp., the Ocala, Fla.-
based mortgage lending company where he
served as chairman and majority shareholder.
On Monday morning, Blake’s General Man-
ager David Stark said he could only comment
that the bar was open for business today, deferring
other questions to James Nelson. On Monday af-
ternoon, Stark said he could confirm that the bar is
not shutting its doors due to Farkas’ problems.
Citizens Review Board weighs Atlanta Eagle gay bar raid
Panel upholds complaint
from one bar employee;
two more slated for July 8
By Dyana Bagby
The Atlanta Citizens Review Board will
discuss the cases of Atlanta Eagle co-owner
Robby Kelley and doorman Ernest Buehl at
its July 8 meeting. The two men allege that the
Atlanta Police Department, including mem-
bers of the notorious Red Dog Unit, used abu-
sive language toward them during the Sept. 10
raid on the gay bar.
The CRB took up its first of a total of 14
Atlanta Eagle complaints on June 10 when it
upheld manager David Shepherd’s complaint
that he was falsely arrested during the raid.
The board also recommended Officer B.E.
Bridges be issued a written reprimand to go
into his personnel file and Officer John Brock
be punished with a three-day suspension for
their roles in Shepherd’s arrest. Atlanta Inter-
im Police Chief George Turner has 30 days to
respond to the CRB recommendations.
Shepherd was in his apartment above the
bar when the raid took place and was not on
duty when police arrested him and charged
“There are no plans either now or in the future
to close Blake’s,” Stark said June 21. “We are open
and continuing to conduct business as usual.”
Johnny Chisholm, a nightclub owner and
party promoter, purchased Blake’s in 2003
from owner Alison Brown.
Thunderflower, LLC, purchased Blake’s
on the Park, and the now defunct Atlanta gay
bars Blu and WETbar, from Chisholm in 2004,
according to a report in Ambush Magazine.
Thunderflower, LLC, incorporated in Florida
in 2004 with Lee Farkas as a manager.
In September 2008, Thunderflower closed
WETbar but said Blake’s would not be impact-
ed by the decision.
CPMG, LLC, a Georgia corporation, is now
doing business as Blake’s on the Park, accord-
ing to the minutes of a March 2010 meeting of
the Atlanta License Review Board, which ap-
proved CPMG’s application to hold the annual
Easter drag races in Blake’s parking lot.
CPMG, LLC, was created in April 2003, ac-
cording to the Georgia Secretary of State’s of-
fice. James Nelson is the registered agent.
A name reservation for Blake’s on the Park,
LLC, was filed with the Georgia Secretary of
State on June 3, 2010.
him with license and permit violations. The
police alleged the bar was operating as an
adult entertainment venue without proper li-
censing from the city during its “Underwear
Night” in which men danced in their under-
wear for tips.
“The report contained no allegation against
Shepherd,” CRB Executive Director Cristina
Beamud said at the June 10 public meeting.
“This man was guilty of watching TV.”
Seth Kirschenbaum, a criminal defense
attorney and vice chair of the board serving
at his last meeting, at first agreed Shepherd’s
complaint was easy to uphold. But he later
questioned if going just after the arresting of-
ficers was enough.
“To have Red Dog come to ride herd on
them while their [the patrons’] personal infor-
mation was extracted — I think the real re-
sponsibility lies at a higher level. It’s a terrible
mistake just to punish these officers who were
part of a big, concerted, coordinated effort or-
ganized by higher ups,” Kirschenbaum said.
“We have the responsibility to go up the chain
of command to ask who knew what and when
did they know it.”
In March, the eight employees arrested in
the raid, known as the Eagle 8, went on trial
for license and permit violations. Bridges
and Brock both testified at the trial. Bridges
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
• Visit us on the web
for breaking news
Stark did not respond by press time to fol-
low-up questions to clarify Farkas’ current rela-
tionship with Blake’s on the Park.
Forfeiture and flight risk
Blake’s on the Park is not listed among
Farkas’ assets for forfeiture in the extensive
federal indictment unsealed last week. Farkas,
who is gay, lived in Florida and was a donor to
Equality Florida, the state’s gay political group,
among other causes.
Anthony Cochran, an attorney representing
Farkas, said he did not have any information re-
lated to Farkas and Blake’s on the Park.
“We will try to speak with Lee to see if we can
get answers to your questions,” Cochran said.
No further information was received by press
time on June 22. Cochran has said publicly that
Farkas, who remained jailed in Ocala as of Tues-
day, will plead not guilty to all of the charges.
Asked whether Blake’s on the Park is includ-
Joy Morrissey, a lesbian who serves as chair of the
Atlanta Citizens Review Board, noted that two police
officers involved in the Eagle raid faced numerous
personnel complaints. The board recommended dis-
ciplinary action. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)
misidentified several of the defendants who
had their charges dismissed during the course
of the trial. Charges were dismissed against
Shepherd, bartender Chris Lopez, Buehl and
Robert Kline. Kelley and dancers Thadeus
Johnson and Leandro Apud were found not
guilty. Dancer Antonio Benitez did not appear
in court and a bench warrant was issued for
his arrest.
Before the board voted on recommenda-
tions for discipline, Joy Morrissey, chair of
the CRB and who is openly gay, reported that
Bridges and Brock each had several personnel
complaints on file against them.
Brock has been with APD since 1992 and
has 21 complaints filed against him, Morrissey
www.theGAVoice.com
Lee Farkas was arrested June 15 after he was in-
dicted on conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and
securities fraud. (Photo courtesy Marion County
Sheriff’s Department)
ed in the federal investigation, Alisa Finelli, a
spokesperson for the Department of Justice, said
she could not comment on the ongoing inves-
tigation beyond what prosecutors have already
released in court documents and press releases.
Those documents allege that Farkas mas-
terminded a complex scheme to prop up his
failing mortgage company, described in the
Please see FARKAS on Page 13
said, which consisted mostly of not appearing
in court. During the trial, Brock described one
dancer as wearing a “diaper.”
Bridges is a 19-year veteran of the APD and
has 32 complaints filed against him, including
having the smell of alcohol on his breath dur-
ing roll call of the police academy one morning,
using excessive force and lying about driving
drunk during a hit and run crash he was respon-
sible for.
Bridges testified during the Eagle 8 trial he
purchased several beers while doing surveil-
lance the night of the raid but was not drunk
because he only took one or two sips of each
drink before throwing the beer away.
“I have no doubt his days are numbered,”
Morrissey said of Bridges.
The APD’s Office of Professional Standards
is also investigating numerous complaints from
patrons and employees of the bar who allege
they were mistreated and even had anti-gay slurs
used against them during the controversial raid.
Those complaints were filed shortly after
the raid took place and are still being reviewed
with no timeline set for the internal investiga-
tion to be completed, said Sgt. Curtis Daven-
port, spokesperson for the APD.
A federal civil lawsuit filed by several pa-
trons and employees of the bar against the city
of Atlanta and the APD is ongoing.
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10 GA Voice June 25, 2010 News
First Augusta Pride draws thousands
Diverse crowd packs
historic festival
By Laura Douglas-Brown
lbrown@thegavoice.com
Grammy winner Thelma Houston closed
out the stage for Augusta Pride on June 19, but
there was one more inspiring moment awaiting
the hundreds who withstood the
withering heat to be there for the
festival’s finale.
As Augusta Pride organizers
took the microphone to thank at-
tendees and celebrate the success of
the city’s first-ever gay Pride, a faint
rainbow arched across the sky.
“That was like a sign from
God,” Augusta Pride President
Isaac Kelly said.
The festival was the culmination
of more than a year of planning, as
Kelly and the Pride board overcame
naysayers who predicted the eastern Georgia
city could not support an out gay event.
Facing citizen complaints about the festival
earlier this year, Augusta Mayor Deke Copen-
haver responded by seeking a legal opinion
confirming his belief that the First Amendment
would prevent banning an LGBT event on city
streets and property.
Copenhaver also issued a proclamation de-
claring June 19 as “Augusta Pride Day” and
urging “all citizens to recognize and applaud
the numerous contributions of the Augusta
Pride Committee as well as all gay and trans-
gender community members.”
Thanking Kelly for his leadership from
the stage during the festival, Pride fundraising
chair David Stepp noted that when word of the
event first began to spread, media predicted it
may draw 100 attendees.
City officials estimated the crowd at 3,500,
Stepp said.
Festivities began in the morning with a pa-
rade down Broad Street that brought out a sea
of rainbow flags, hundreds of cheering support-
ers, and a handful of anti-gay religious protest-
ers who regularly picket at gay events in Atlanta
and around the region.
After the parade, attendees flocked into the
Pride festival at the Augusta Commons. A range
of performers, from drag queens to rock bands,
kept the stage lively, while some 60 vendors —
including LGBT groups from South Carolina,
Savannah and Atlanta, along with Augusta —
offered everything from HIV tests to rainbow
jewelry and stuffed “Pride pets.”
David Thompson, a community outreach
specialist with the Medical College of Geor-
gia’s Ryan White program, spent the day over-
seeing the free, 20-minute HIV tests.
www.theGAVoice.com
He estimated some 60-70 people were test-
ed at the Pride festival.
“A lot of people had their first test today
and we are thrilled that they felt comfortable
enough here to be tested,” Thompson said.
There were small gay-owned businesses,
but also food vendors including Augusta res-
taurants and national chains like Subway and
Dippin’ Dots.
Craig Oglesby’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice booth
was popular in the sweltering heat. Oglesby said
he had received an application to be a vendor
because he works other events in
Augusta, and was pleased with the
“steady” business he received.
“I think it has been a pretty
good turnout for the first time they
have had it here,” he said of the
city’s first gay festival. “I would
do it again.”
Performers noted the success of
the historic first festival as well.
“I lived in the big city — I
lived in New York City — where
you really don’t have to fight for
your pride,” Zoe Vette, backed by
her band The Revolvers, said from the stage. Frenchie Davis Thelma Houston
“Thank you for reminding us what it is like.”
Somber moments
The festival included somber moments, as
Danny Ingram, an Atlanta resident and national
president of the American Veterans for Equal
Rights, opened the Pride stage with a call to
overturn the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
ban on openly gay soldiers and played taps in
honor of all servicemembers.
Speaker Elke Kennedy also drew both
tears and cheers for her call to end hate-based
violence. Kennedy’s son, Sean Kennedy, was
killed in 2007 in nearby Charleston, S.C., by a
man who called him a fag, then hit him.
The impact when Kennedy fell to the
ground severed his brainstem, but the man who
punched him, Stephen Moller, was convicted
only of involuntary manslaughter.
Elke Kennedy founded the Sean’s Last Wish
Foundation and said she has traveled 100,000
miles and spoken at more than 100 events to
raise awareness of the bullying, violence and
religious oppression that LGBT people face.
She hopes other parents of gay children
can learn from her acceptance of Sean, recall-
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
ing how when he told her he was gay, he said, • Video and photo galleries
“Mom, if you don’t want to love me anymore,
I’ll understand.” miracle,” Kelly said in an interview shortly af- echoed the sentiments of many attendees as she
“I told him that there is nothing he could ter Houston left the stage. marveled at the crowds.
ever do to make me stop loving him,” she said. Augusta Pride has already set a date for the “I am 32 years old and I didn’t think I would
next festival — June 25, 2011 — and Kelly and get to see this in my lifetime,” she said, noting
‘Nothing is impossible’ the Pride board encouraged other Georgia cities that she regularly attends Pride in Charlotte and
“American Idol” contestant Frenchie Davis to host their own celebrations. Atlanta Black Gay Pride.
and Thelma Houston were the headliners and fi- “A word of advice to anyone starting a new “I didn’t think I’d ever see it in Augusta,”
nal stage acts, drawing the crowd to their feet. Pride: Nothing is impossible as long as you put Brown said. “I’m amazed, and it’s great.”
“For our first Pride to be this big and this your mind and your heart into it,” Kelly said.
successful and to have headliners — that’s a Lifelong Augusta resident Juronda Brown Photos by Laura Douglas-Brown
Celebrating pride

When you look back at the efforts and achievements of LGBT men and women over the years, there’s
every reason to be proud. Not just once a year, but every day. Wells Fargo takes great pride in the
diversity of the communities we serve. That’s why we continue to make financial contributions to
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www.theGAVoice.com
Dept. of Labor defines ‘son and daughter’
to include children of same-sex partners
Gay workers can take
family leave to care
for partner’s kids
By Laura Douglas-Brown
In a move praised by LGBT groups, the
U.S. Department of Labor announced June
22 that it would expand the definition of “son
and daughter” to make more gay families eli-
gible for coverage under the Family & Medical
Leave Act to care for sick children.
“No one who loves and nurtures a child day-
in and day-out should be unable to care for that
child when he or she falls ill. … The Labor De-
partment’s action today sends a clear message
to workers and employers alike: All families,
including LGBT families, are protected by the
FMLA,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.
The announcement came the same day
that President Obama vetted LGBT activ-
ists at the White House for his second annual
Pride reception.
The FMLA requires companies with 50 or
more employees to allow up to 12 weeks of un-
paid leave for an employee at the birth or adop-
tion of a child, to care for a relative with a serious
health condition, or due to the employee’s own
health condition. The changes will allow gay
employees to care for their partner’s children.
A press release from the Department of La-
bor notes that the expanded interpretation of
“son and daughter” will benefit many types of
families, including a grandmother caring for a
sick grandchild or an uncle caring for the chil-
dren of a sibling who is in the military.
But the press release also makes no secret
that the changes, which “ensure that an em-
ployee who assumes the role of caring for a
child receives parental rights to family leave re-
gardless of the legal or biological relationship,”
will benefit gay families, particularly where
one partner is not able to adopt the children that
the couple is raising together.
“This action is a victory for many non-
traditional families, including families in the
lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community,
who often in the past have been denied leave
to care for their loved ones,” states the press
release, which also notes that “an employee
who intends to share in the parenting of a child
with his or her same sex partner will be able to
exercise the right to FMLA leave to bond with
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says a policy clarifica-
tion issued this week by her department ensures that
children of ‘all families, including LGBT families,’
are covered by the Family & Medical Leave Act.
(Photo courtesy Dept. of Labor)
that child.”
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s
largest gay political group, praised the change,
while noting that gay employees remain unable
to use FMLA to care for their sick partners.
“Today’s announcement, which does not
extend FMLA leave to the same-sex partners
and spouses of employees, also highlights
the limitations of what fair-minded agen-
cies can do,” HRC President Joe Solmonese
said. “The Defense of Marriage Act contin-
ues to treat our families as second-class, and
to achieve true equality for LGBT people, it
must be repealed.”  motion alleges.
News June 25, 2010 GA Voice 13
Farkas could face 435-year
sentence, millions in fines
FARKAS, continued from Page 8
June 15 indictment as “one of the largest pri-
vately held mortgage lending companies in the
United States,” by misappropriating more than
$1 billion in funds from related banks, federal
financial institutions, and the U.S. government’s
Troubled Asset Relief Program.
In a pre-trial detention motion filed June 16,
federal prosecutors argued that Farkas should
not be released from jail because his substantial
assets and the fact that he faces the possibility
of life in prison if convicted on all the charges
make him a serious flight risk.
“As a result of the indictment, the defendant
faces a total statutory maximum sentence of 435
years, fines of at least $13.75 million and forfei-
ture of at least $22 million,” the motion noted.
The document also alleges that in addition to
the fraud, Farkas “misappropriated over $20 mil-
lion in TBW funds for his personal use,” includ-
ing some $2.7 million used as a down payment
on a private jet. It further argues that Farkas has
attempted to hide or liquidate some of his assets
after finding out about the federal investigations.
“The defendant has recently quit claim
deeded multiple properties to close associates
for seemingly inadequate consideration,” the
14 GA Voice June 25, 2010 Voices
The Georgia Voice
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www.thegavoice.com
EDITORIAL
Editor: Laura Douglas-Brown
lbrown@thegavoice.com
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dbagby@thegavoice.com
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rwatkins@thegavoice.com
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bshell@thegavoice.com
Contributors: Jim Farmer, Shannon Hames,
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Matt Schafer, Christopher Seely, Steve Warren, Justin Ziegler
BUSINESS
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BOARD OF ADVISERS
Richard Eldredge, Sandy Malcolm,
Lynn Pasqualetti, Robert Pullen
All material in the Georgia Voice is protected by federal
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VOICES OPINION & REACTION
Pride in our history
Stonewall’s legacy is the
future of our community
Editorial
By Laura Douglas-Brown
Some 41 years ago this weekend, a ragtag
group of gay street youth, drag queens, dykes
and transgender people fought back against a
police raid at New York City’s Stonewall Inn.
The 1969 uprising is widely viewed as
launching the modern gay rights movement,
igniting a more radical approach than the fledg-
ling “homophile” movement that was already
quietly underway.
By the next June, cities began hosting ral-
lies and celebrations to mark the anniversary of
Stonewall, creating the Gay Pride events that
continue to this day.
Now, some 40 years later, there are so many
Gay Pride events that not all are held the last week-
end in June. Some are held on adjacent weekends
to allow attendees the chance to go to several;
others are held throughout the year at times more
convenient for those local communities.
After decades of being held on the anni-
versary of Stonewall, Atlanta Pride is now one
of those other Prides — the official festival is
scheduled for Oct. 9-10, after being held over
Halloween last year.
But the spirit of Pride Month continues in At-
lanta Stonewall Week, and in other recent and up-
coming Pride celebrations throughout the state.
In this issue, we pay tribute to
the history of Stonewall and Pride
Month around the nation. Look for
the rainbow Pride Month logo on
these stories, and be sure to visit
our website, www.thegavoice.
com, for photos and video from
Pride and Stonewall Week events.
Our A&E section begins with
a review of “Stonewall Uprising,”
a new documentary about the riots
that plays at Midtown Arts Cinema
this week, with several special dis-
cussions scheduled as part of Stonewall Week.
The “Stonewall Uprising” feature (page
17) includes an interview with David Carter,
a native of Jesup, Ga., and Emory University
graduate who wrote “Stonewall: The Riots
that Sparked the Gay Revolution,” the book on
which the film is based.
Atlanta’s Stonewall Week got underway
July 19 with the massive, hilarious East Point
www.theGAVoice.com
Possums show, and you’ll find photos and cov-
erage of that event in our Community section
(page 26).
Additional Stonewall Week events for Fri-
day, June 25, and Saturday, June 26, including
the Pride Run and a community brunch, rally
and picnic, can be found in our Best Bets cal-
endar (page 28).
You can also read all about the first-ever
Augusta Pride (page 10), which drew a crowd
of thousands last weekend, and the upcoming
Marietta Rainbow Festival (page
27), which is set for July 24 and
will be the first Pride event for that
Georgia city.
In our interview this week
about the importance of Stonewall,
David Carter makes the point that
we need a common knowledge of
our history to shape our identity as
an LGBT people and culture.
“Think of it: is there any im-
portant group identity that does
not involve a common narrative?
And does not that narrative then give the group
a key part of its meaning?” Carter asks.
“If we do not know our history, how can we
ask others to take our history, and therefore us
as a community, seriously?”
Unlike other minority groups, LGBT peo-
ple often have to seek out our own history.
“After all, we are not like Jews or blacks or
Hispanics or most other groups who are born
into a family of the same kind and are taught
about this critical part of our identity and mean-
ing by our parents,” Carter notes. “And since
our sexual orientation is so important to us as
a people whom the world has not yet chosen to
embrace, I think this kind of positive cultural
identity is all the more important.”
I agree completely with Carter, and yet I am
also struck by an image that appeared in the Sun-
day issue of the Augusta Chronicle, accompany-
ing a mediocre story on the historic Pride festival
that gave far too much weight to the handful of
protesters, who were outnumbered by Pride sup-
porters by a ratio of approximately 350 to 1.
The photo shows a little girl in a sundress,
blond pigtails streaming, joyfully waving a
rainbow flag as the parade passes by.
The child is my five-year-old daughter, who
was snapped by a Chronicle photographer while
I took pictures for the Georgia Voice.
I have no idea if she, or any of the many
other children at Augusta Pride, will grow up to
be gay or straight, and it doesn’t matter.
What matters is that they are already learn-
ing the history, and celebrating the freedom,
that has been denied to so many for so long.
www.theGAVoice.com Voices June 25, 2010 GA Voice 15

SPEAKING OUT
No more ‘Transformers’
to save Screen on the Green
Re: “‘Dreamgirls’ provides only drama at
Screen on the Green” (www.thegavoice.com,
June 19)

I attended [the] ‘Dreamgirls’ viewing. I

have to say that not only was I pleased that
there was more police presence, but also that
they were friendly and courteous. I hope that
Screen on the Green organizers will take note
and provide more movies geared towards
adults. In my opinion, unsupervised teens at
these events is what has garnished such vio-
lence.
Was Elton John wrong to sing
at Rush Limbaugh’s wedding?
Re: Discussion at facebook.com/thega-
voice (June 6)
Since slavery has been abolished I
wouldn’t accept a job offer from a bigot. I am
guessing that Elton has different values and
no self-respect.
I always try to give Elton the benefit of
a doubt considering the millions of dollars
he has raised for people with AIDS. Some-
times he puts that benefit to the test. And, no,
I don’t know how Elton feels about what I
did to earn my salary today.
Sir Elton John (Photo via Facebook)
Editor’s note: These comments on Georgia
Voice articles were submitted via our
Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thega-
voice). Want to weigh in? Follow us there or
submit comments on our website.
Good thing we respect the values of mar-
riage and didn’t let those nasty gay people
ruin it. Some people can’t even get there first
and he’s starting number four.
To all you rock-throwers: nice job of em-
bodying the prissy, knee-jerk stereotype of
liberal mind. For a million bucks I’d put on
a dress and dance the Charleston at Glenn
Beck’s next wedding. Then I’d put the mon-
ey toward a purpose that would make blood
run out of his eyeballs.

LETTER
Sugarland’s Kristen Hall also
‘out of the country closet’
To the Editors:
I was surprised to see your article on
Chely Wright titled “The road to country’s
first openly gay star” (June 11) which ques-
tioned “if kd lang should count?”  The an- Kristen Hall (right) was a founding member of
swer is neither was the first openly gay coun- Sugarland. (Publicity photo)
try music star!
The first openly gay country star was Sugarland, poised to become a household
Georgia’s own Kristen Hall; who was well word, out artist Kristen Hall is pickin’ on top
out of the closet as the founder of Sugarland.  of the world.”
k.d. lang didn’t come out as an artist until
1992; well past her country music days. Kris- Mary F. Ferrara
ten Hall was out at the formation of Sugar- Atlanta
land with their first album “Twice The Speed
of Light.” Editors’ note: Good point, Mary. We’re
Sadly, Kristen Hall left (?) Sugarland to fans of Kristen Hall, but did not list her as
stay home and “write songs” months after her the first out country star because, while she
appearance in the June 21, 2005, edition of was a founder of Sugarland, she was not the
The Advocate magazine. That article was ti- primary face of the band and left soon after it
tled “Sweet Success: With her country band, gained major success.
 18
2 GA Voice June 25, 2010 A&E
‘Stonewall Uprising’ could be a right winger’s horror movie
UPRISING, continued from Page 17
old myths out in the open where they could be
discussed and challenged.
More obscure and more damaging is a simi-
lar documentary, “The Homosexual,” aired a
year earlier on a local Miami station. A decade
before Anita Bryant’s rise to prominence South
Florida was already hostile territory. There’s a
clip of a detective from the Dade County Mor-
als & Juvenile Squad scaring a school assembly
about those dangerous queers out there.
There are tales of the horrors of psychiatric
treatment, including aversion therapy and experi-
mentation, such as “a pharmacological version of
waterboarding,” that led California’s Atascadero
institution to known as “Dachau for queers.”
Most of the film is centered on New York,
since that’s where Stonewall was. It’s said that
the Stonewall Inn, like all gay bars in the area,
was run by the Mafia. Though they were rou-
tinely raided the raids usually occurred during
non-peak hours so as not to interfere too much
with business.
Gay New Yorkers in the ‘60s had sex in the
balconies of 42nd Street movie theaters and in the
notorious trucks parked in the warehouse district,
even though it’s said the latter were raided two or
three times a night.
In 1964 the NYPD was told to get the “weird-
ness” off the streets prior to the World’s Fair. In
1969 Mayor John Lindsay, running for re-elec-
tion, ordered a clean-up of the city that included
the fateful Stonewall raid.
As events play out we learn which of the peo-
ple we’ve been listening to were on the scene that
night and what role they played. For instance, Sey-
mour Pine, Deputy Inspector of the NYPD Morals
Division, led the raid. Howard Smith and Lucian
Prescott IV covered it for the Village Voice.
Kate Davis also directed “Southern Com-
fort,” the 2001 documentary about Georgia
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
‘Stonewall Uprising’
June 25 – July 1 at Midtown Arts Cinema
931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308
www.landmarktheatres.com
Special events
• June 25: After 7 p.m. show, Out on Film and
Atlanta Pride host sign-making to prepare for
the June 26 “Be Visible, Make a Statement” rally
at the state capitol. (See page 28)
• June 26: After 1 p.m. show, Louise Covington
speaks about her experience living in New York
City at the time of the Stonewall riots. After the
7 p.m. show, Out on Film hosts a discussion with
those impacted by the September 2009 police
raid on the Atlanta Eagle, to address how the
two gay bar raids compare
transgender man Robert Eads, who died of
ovarian cancer after struggling to find a doctor
who would treat him.
As Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Project col-
lects the memories of Holocaust survivors, it’s
important to preserve our history so future gen-
‘Georgia still has
a long way to go’
STONEWALL, continued from Page 17
creation of a new phase of our movement
for equality, the “gay liberation” phase that
followed the “homophile” phase. In other
words, I wish people would take more of an
interest in the history of the Gay Liberation
Front and especially the Gay Activists Alli-
ance (GAA), for it is GAA that found a way
to spread the militant energy, the new con-
sciousness that Stonewall expressed.
When people read about Stonewall and
stop there, it is as if someone read about the
fall of the Bastille but knew nothing about
the French Revolution.
www.theGAVoice.com
erations don’t forget it.
“Stonewall Uprising” might be marketed to
right-wingers as a horror movie, “The Night the
Queers Fought Back,” but for us it’s a treasured
snapshot to be viewed with fondness whenever
we need a reminder of how far we’ve come.
You are from Georgia. How do you think
the state compares to the rest of the coun-
try on LGBT rights?
Clearly Georgia still has a long way to
go, farther than most other states, but the
LGBT community in Georgia does have its
own record of proud accomplishments, and I
have faith that my native state will eventually
grant equality to its LGBT citizens, just as it
has to its black citizens, an area where Geor-
gia also lagged behind in my youth.
What can we learn from Stonewall to apply
to the current LGBT rights movement?
The most important lesson in my mind is
to always stand up for ourselves: being asser-
tive may not usually mean civil disobedience
or taking to the streets, but we must be strong
and stand up and work to get our civil rights,
else we shall never get them.
www.theGAVoice.com A&E June 25, 2010 GA Voice 19

MUSIC by Shannon Hames

Faith in
her fans
After a career in Christian
music, Jennifer Knapp
gains new support after
coming out
Jennifer Knapp, a Grammy nominated, Dove
Award winning Christian recording star, has just
released “Letting Go” – her first recording in
nine years. She is currently touring and will be a
performer on the 2010 Lilith Fair tour at shows
in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.
Knapp recently talked with the Georgia Voice
about her former career as a Christian performer,
her seven-year hiatus in Australia and her return
to the music scene as an out lesbian.

Georgia Voice: You have been facing some

harsh interviews with fundamentalist evan-
gelicals who are trying to “bring you back
home” or warn your former fans not to
follow your career now that your music is
secular. When you were on Larry King Live
with Bob Botsford, the pastor that they got
up there to address your “sin,” you were so
gracious in the way that you put him in his
place by asking him why you all weren’t
there discussing his sin instead. It had the
Internet buzzing and many fundamental
evangelicals wondering how they could
make sure that a gay person never made
such good sense again – it was wonderful.
How do you prepare for these interviews?
Jennifer Knapp: I didn’t even know that
Larry King show would be a panel situation un-
til late the night before. My responses in these
interviews are just reflective of the amount of
time that I’ve spent considering my own faith.
I’ve had seven years out of the public eye to
consider these questions. I was just living my
life in Australia considering who I was before
God. It’s been helpful for me to take that time
to become confident in who I am.
One of the biggest problems for (the fun-
damentalist Christian community) is that I’m
unapologetic. I think that they would be fine if I
just admitted that I had homosexual feelings as
opposed to the fact that I’m saying “Yes, I’m a
homosexual and I still have my faith.” That par-
ticular pastor — his accusation towards me was
that I am justifying my homosexuality rather
than me openly talking about my journey and
how I got to that point of understanding. I don’t
and won’t justify myself or my faith.
After making her name in the Christian music scene, Jennifer Knapp returns from a nine-year hiatus
and is now an out lesbian. (Photo by Eye Photography)
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
‘Letting Go’
By Jennifer Knapp
Graylin Records
www.jenniferknapp.com
When someone like you or Ray Boltz
comes out of the closet as Christian sing-
ers, what is the response from the fan base
that you had and from the Christian com-
munity and media?
It’s been both positive and negative. Re-
connecting with my fan base is just part of my
journey. Many of those fans are going through
their own journey right now about deciding
whether or not they are going to be a fan be-
cause I’m gay.
The positive aspect is that a lot of those
fans are just happy that I am making some re-
ally great music and my sexuality isn’t a factor
for them. Then, there is a majority of them that
have either been through this or have a friend
or family that is gay and they are expressing
joy that I am going through this process and
surviving it.
On the negative side, there has definitely
been a concerted effort by certain members of
the Christian community and the press writing
treatises and argumentations of why I shouldn’t
be supported in any manner whatsoever. It’s
like they want to use me as an example of how
homosexuality and Christianity are incongru-
ous — like oil and water. Nobody who writes a
blog saying that I’m going to hell is calling me
for an interview, though.
I am sure that there are those in the LGBT
community who had never heard of you be-
fore you came out but are now interested to see
what you’re all about. Have you seen a change
in your audience now that you’re out?
Yes. I have my diehard fans that were with
me in the beginning. A lot of those are still
coming. Then, there are new fans that just
show up to see what’s going on. It’s so excit-
ing to see a broader, more diverse audience.
I have the tie-wearing evangelical Christian
sitting there next to an openly queer couple.
That’s the joy for me — to find that common-
ality between us and share that thing that we
love — music.
20
2 GA Voice June 25, 2010 A&E
THEATER by Jim Farmer
Horizon Theatre’s production of ‘Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery’ features (clockwise from bottom) An-
drea Frye, Margo Moorer, Marguerite Hannah, Naomi Lavette, Danielle Deadwyler, Cynthia D.
Barker, Tonia Jackson and Amber Iman. (Photo by Horizon Theatre)
The Big Mamas come home
‘Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery’ returns to Horizon Theatre
Although no longer an Atlantan, lesbian play-
wright and author Shay Youngblood considers
the city her second home and is excited to return
here for Horizon Theatre’s remount of her signa-
ture play “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery.”
Youngblood was born in Columbus, Ga.,
and graduated from Clark-Atlanta University.
She held various jobs around town, but Charis
Books & More proved to be a stepping stone.
Youngblood worked at the now 35-year-old
feminist bookstore for a year, beginning when
she was only 19, and was persuaded to hold her
first public reading there. That event gave her
confidence and the drive to move on.
“I started to wonder what I really awanted
to do with my life,” she recalls.
She decided to go into the Peace Corps and
wound up in France for a year, all the while de-
ciding exactly what she wanted to write about.
In “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery,” the char-
acter of Daughter finds herself under the wing of
eight Big Mamas. As the play opens, Daughter
— whose birth mother is dead — comes home
to bury the last of the Big Mamas who raised her.
Later we see the adult woman as a 13 year old
who learns from the Southern women in her life.
“These women give her gifts, gifts of sto-
ries,” Youngblood says. “They also give her her
name for the first time and bring her into the
circle of womanhood. It’s a joyous ritual.”
The Big Mamas prepare Daughter to go to
the river, her rite of passage into womanhood.
“My birth mother died when I was two and
my father was not around,” Youngblood says.
“I had these great women around me who
raised me, women in their ‘50s and ‘60s. They
all took on these responsibilities of raising me.
They were mother figures to me and they all
gave me the attention I needed.”
Youngblood calls “Shakin’ the Mess Outta
Misery’” a “love letter to all my Big Mamas.”
She feels the themes of the work are universal.
www.theGAVoice.com
“All of us have had a mother,” says Young-
blood. “This is a celebration of that, a celebra-
tion of womanhood and a love of family. I have
a community of men and women who nurture
me. I think what people respond to with this
play is the humanity.”
Way back in 1988, when Horizon Theatre
was in its early stages, the company launched
Youngblood’s play. It was the company’s first
ever world premiere.
In addition to “Shakin,” Horizon is also pro-
ducing Youngblood’s children’s play “Amaz-
ing Grace” as well. “Amazing Grace,” which
celebrates the diversity of youth, is based on
the book by Mary Hoffman and was adapted
into a play by Youngblood.
As part of the “Shakin’” remount, Charis
will hold a benefit showing and reception with
Youngblood on June 29. Tickets are $60.
Angela Brown, the interim executive direc-
tor of Charis Circle, expects the benefit to be a
great event for the bookstore
“We are very excited to have Shay back,”
she says. “She is our daughter. She launched
her career here.”
Youngblood, author of the novels “Black Girl
in Paris” and “Soul Kiss,” as well as the short
fiction collection “The Big Mama Stories,” has
won numerous awards for her writing.
Although she does not live in Atlanta anymore
(she’s about to move to Denton, Texas), Young-
blood is grateful for the time she spent here.
“I come back a lot to see family,” she ad-
mits. “This event is a reunion in a way. It’s like
coming home.”
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
‘Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery’
July 2 – Aug. 22 at Horizon Theatre
1983 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
404-584-7450, www.horizontheatre.com
www.theGAVoice.com
by ROB ANDREWS
ACROSS THE TABLE
Eat cool in Hotlanta
Whether dining out or
staying in, these meals
will help you beat the heat
This is why we call our city Hotlanta. Sum-
mer just officially started, but it’s already swel-
tering. I meant to go to the gym yesterday but
my brain said, “Tread mill, or margaritas and
guacamole?” It can be exhausting at the end of
a long hot summer day to decide what to eat, so
here are some ideas for restaurants and fast and
easy dishes to make at home.
One of my favorite summer restaurants is
Joe’s on Juniper. I’ve been going to Joe’s for
years and they really support our community.
When the sun sets you’ll find plenty of LGBT
diners on their spacious patio. I love their
Thursday Trivia night because it’s fun to hear
the crass team names people come up with. A
fierce group of gays and girlz called “The Stim-
ulus Package” recently won.
The food is mainly bar food, so don’t expect
gourmet fare. Joe’s has really good burgers and
chicken sandwiches. Since I’m a guacamole freak
I like the $ 8.95 border grilled chicken sandwich
with crispy fries or slaw. Joe’s also has tasty salads
and cheap $5 martinis. Service can be slow when
they’re slammed, so sit back and enjoy the eye
candy. They’re open late so it’s also a good place
to take a first date, or to meet that guy you chatted
up online to make sure he isn’t psycho.
If you would rather impress that first date
— or your longtime mate —at home, local mar-
kets like Publix and Trader Joe’s have all you
need to whip up a quick, cool meal.
We’ve all been there: It’s a weekday night,
time is tight, you’re hot and cranky, and you just
spent all that money on sassy sandals or an AC
recharge. Get a Publix rotisserie chicken (room
temperature), a head of romaine lettuce, a soft-
to-the-touch ripe avocado, tomato, maybe some
cheese, dried fruit or nuts, Paul Newman’s Ital-
ian or your favorite dressing.
Toss all of the ingredients together and serve
with Publix key lime pie and fresh strawberries.
This is one of my favorite weekday summer
meals. You could entertain with this big salad
also and toss in some cooked corkscrew pasta to
stretch a buck. Then use the leftover chicken to
make chicken salad sandwiches on croissants.
A&E June 25, 2010 GA Voice 21
Trader Joe’s is always filled with great meat…
and the food isn’t bad either. Seriously, there are
plenty of cute guys there. Anyway, if you have
a grill, get their marinated carne asada steak and
cook three to four minutes on high heat. Serve
with tortillas, guacamole, tomatoes and other
condiments for a festive Latin fajita bar.
You can serve either of these meals with
Key Lime Margaritas: 1 cup Nelly and Joe’s
Key Lime Juice (available at Publix), 1 cup te-
quila, 1 cup Cointreau, super fine sugar to taste.
Blend with ice or serve on the rocks in festive
salt-rimmed glasses. Go crazy and fill hollowed
red peppers with a Joe’s yogurt and scallion dip
with pita chips.
Other cool summer restaurants
Metrofresh (Midtown Promenade):
Menu changes daily. This is one those local
places with great karma and healthy fresh cui- MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
sine. Good cold soups and salads.
Iberian Pig (Decatur): Hot, humid sum- Joe’s on Juniper
mer night? Let’s have some air conditioning 1049 Juniper St.
and candlelight. Excellent tapas like baked Atlanta, GA 30309
www.joesatlanta.com
stuffed calamari and salads. Great date or spe-
cial occasion place.
MF Sushi Bar (Midtown): Sushi is refreshing Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream & Des-
on those hot summer nights and this is one of the serts (East Atlanta): Cool off with gourmet
more glamorous, expensive sushi places. A perfect ice cream flavors like Coconut Jalapeno and
place to wear your summer linens. Zippy spicy Death by Chocolate, plus scratch French crepes
tuna rolls and crispy soft shell crab spider rolls. Or made with Nutella and healthy tangerine and
for more casual fare and a gay disco scene, head blackberry sorbets. Try the Mexican milk shake
to Ru Sans off Monroe and Piedmont. blended with a touch of cinnamon.
22
2 GA Voice June 25, 2010 A&E www.theGAVoice.com

DIRECTORY LISTINGS To advertise, email sales@thegavoice.com

www.OffhandPhotography.com
404.312.5392
www.theGAVoice.com
THEATER by Gregg Shapiro
‘Role Model’ citizen
Pop icon John Waters on
butch strippers, being a
‘filth elder,’ and indie film
For more than 40 years, John Waters has
been one of the most original voices in contem-
porary pop culture. His films, including “Pink
Flamingos,” “Desperate Living,” “Polyester,”
“Hairspray” and “Pecker,” brought the under-
ground and independent creative spirit to main-
stream audiences.
Waters is also the author of several books,
including his latest, “Role Models,” released
last month. In “Role Models,” Waters pays
homage to the people, some famous, some not,
who helped to make him who he is today.    Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Georgia Voice: “Role Models” is a literary
self-portrait, but after reading the section on
gay and straight boyfriends in the “Outsider
Porn” chapter and accidentally killing some-
one in the “Leslie” chapter, I wondered if you
were surprised during the course of writing
the book about what you found yourself to
be revealing.
John Waters: Well…you’re right. I think
you have to reveal something in a memoir.
I don’t name my boyfriends’ names, they’re
not famous people. I know one or two of them
might not like being in the book.
I do have a private life and I also talk about in
the book that when I see celebrities revealing ev-
ery personal thing to a journalist, I always think
they don’t have friends. And they don’t! [Laughs]
That’s why they have to tell a journalist.
The same principle applies to telemarket-
ing. The reason some people go for it is that
some people’s phones never ever ring except
for that call and they’re lonely. I do have
friends that I confide in.
But at the same time, when I’m talking about
something as serious as the Leslie Van Houten
chapter—there are no jokes in that chapter—is
that basically that is something that I never re-
vealed for a long, long time. It just seems that
when you’re reflecting on somebody else’s hor-
ror that they’re trying to get it over, it was the
closest I had to that horrible experience. I didn’t
tell it with any humor, certainly.
And the stuff about the boyfriends is true. I
don’t necessarily fit in all gay culture either. My
friends are straight, gay. I love young people
because they don’t care anymore so much. It’s
not isolated or ghettoized. I usually like the gay
people that don’t fit in gay culture either, that go
to hipster bars, so it’s easier shopping, really. It
might be a straight bar, and there might be three
gay people there, but they’d be the three gay peo-
ple I’d like if I was in an all-gay bar [laughs].
I’m glad that you mentioned that, because
I laughed out loud on numerous appropri-
ate occasions in the book, but never more so
than when you wrote about the joke you and
Gus Van Sant make about the press calling
you “openly gay.”
They always say that, “openly gay.” Once
I was on the cover of The Advocate, “Openly
gay director, John Waters.” But they never
asked me! So my joke now with my staff when
someone says “openly gay” is “how dare they
presume I’m gay!”
I’m just kidding, of course. I’ve always said
I was gay. But “openly gay,” Gus and I always
say, “What does that mean?” I guess it means that
we’ve said we’re gay and it’s no big deal. But to
me, “openly gay” somehow sounds like you’re
running into parties screaming, “got any Judy
Garland records?” Like the worst cliché of what
it could be.
I love Judy Garland; I don’t think that’s a
bad cliché. I’m a fan of Judy Garland’s, even
more so now. It’s a term that’s taken the place of
flamboyant, which used to mean gay when they
couldn’t say it in a mean way.
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
‘Role Model’
By John Waters
May 2010
320 pages
At the very beginning of the book, in the
“Johnny and Me” chapter, you pose an in-
teresting question idolizing “our imagined
opposites, yearning to become the role mod-
els for others we knew we could never be for
ourselves.” How do you respond to people
who tell you that you are their role model?
They do a lot now, these days, and I’m very
flattered. I joke that I’m a “filth elder.” I played
the Coachella Festival recently and I really felt
like a “filth elder.” It was packed with 20 year
old kids. That is the ultimate compliment that I
can have.
I’ve been doing this for almost 50 years, I
started in ’64. These kids weren’t even alive
when I made my later movies! So it’s really
flattering to me that something I’m saying is ap-
pealing to them. I still am interested in what’s
going on. I never think, “It was more fun when
I made ‘Pink Flamingos.’”
It was different. I don’t look backwards. I
try to find out what is the next thing a kid is do-
A&E June 25, 2010 GA Voice 23
Though John Waters has been associated with
queer-inclusive independent film since its early
days, he says he doesn’t necessarily fit in all gay
culture. (Publicity photo)
ing to get on people’s nerves, which has always
interested me.
Speaking of things coming around again, in
the “Baltimore Heroes” chapter, you wrote
about Burlesque queen Lady Zorro. What do
you think of the current burlesque revival?
It’s good and I love it, but they don’t have butch
lesbian ones that are strippers. That come out nude
and snarl, “What the fuck you lookin’ at?” I think
they should. Just come out and say, “Yeah, what do
you think you’re lookin’at, you pig?” I’m still friends
with Zorro’s daughter and she liked the book. And
Playboy is printing that chapter, which I find so hilar-
ious in a way, Zorro is finally in Playboy! [laughs].
Have you started your next film project?
No. I’m trying to get this one “Fruitcake”
made. Right now, to be honest, in America I
don’t know anyone who can get an independent
five million dollar film made. Independent film
is the worst it’s ever been since I started and
it’s probably the best for Hollywood big budget
movies since I started.
 Stonewallweek_ad_gaVoice.pdf 1 6/21/10 4:52 PM
24 GA Voice June 25, 2010 www.theGAVoice.com

2010
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www.theGAVoice.com
COMMUNITY LOCAL LIFE
Bring the Georgia heat
Hotlanta Softball hosts
Big Peach tourney over
Fourth of July weekend
By Dyana Bagby
dbagby@thegavoice.com
Take a bite out of the Big Peach. Or at least
try to hit one out of the park.
It’s that time of year again when the Hotlan-
ta Softball League hosts its annual Big Peach
Softball Tournament, with teams coming from
as far as Houston and New York to play in the
competitive, but fun, tournament.
“This is the second year we’ve held the tour-
nament over the Fourth of July weekend. In the
past it was always held over Memorial Day
weekend, but last year it worked really well and
we’ll be the only tournament going on in the
southeast region over the Fourth of July,” says
Kyle Miller, co-director of the tournament with
Rick “Kitchen” McCracken.
Forty teams are registered to play in the
weekend-long tournament, including many
from Atlanta. But teams from across the South-
east will also converge on Atlanta for some
softball action.
“Atlanta is a draw because of its nightlife
options. It brings teams and players together
for softball and it also brings the nightlife,”
Miller says.
Miller, who plays outfield for the HSL
HitMob team, says the only thing organizers
are really worried about is the Georgia heat.
Community June 25, 2010 GA Voice 25
Celebrating a MILESTONE? Share your engage-
ments, weddings, births, adoptions, anniversaries,
birthdays and other events! Announcements can be up
to 200 words and can include a photo. E-mail editor@
thegavoice.com with your milestone and contact info
to see your name in print!
Temperatures can get up into the 90s in July
(they’ve already reached these temperatures in
June) and when you combine heat with running
and standing in the sun, health is an issue.
“We’ll have plenty of water on hand for
players to stay hydrated,” he says.
The tournament begins with a bang with
a registration and welcome party at Jungle on
Friday, July 2.
New this year will be a talent show for teams
to compete in at the welcome party.
Oh, and there will also be an underwear
contest as well.
But first, let’s talk about the talent show.
Teams or individuals are encouraged to
“juggle, ‘Glee it up’ and sing your heart out,
drop it like it’s hot, or ‘lip sync for your life,’”
according to the Big Peach website. But most
importantly, organizers say, “Don’t fuck it up.”
And then, for the underwear contest, all men
are invited to show their, ahem, bats and balls.
All men are welcome, from slender and The Hotlanta Softball League hosts its annual Big Peach Softball Tournament, combining fun and competi-
smooth to muscular and hirsute, to don some tion over the Fourth of July weekend. (Photos courtesy ProjectQAtlanta.com)
sexy underwear and “do a little shake” for 30
seconds to a song of their choice, Miller says. the games have been played, the closing party
There will be judges for the competitions who will be at Burkhart’s Pub on Sunday.
MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
will make the choice of who is best. The winner The tournament itself includes teams in Big Peach Softball Tournament
of the talent contest will win free entry for his three divisions — B, C and D. The B division Friday, July 2 - Sunday, July 4
or her team into next year’s Big Peach Softball has eight teams competing, the C division has Southside Softball Park
Tournament, a prize worth close to $400. 15 teams competing and the D division has 17 3460 Jonesboro Road SE
The winner of the underwear contest, in teams competing. Atlanta, GA 30354
www.hslbigpeach.com
addition to winning many admirers, will also This year the tournament actually turned
receive a prize package that includes gift cer- away teams to ensure all games could be
tificates from all around the city for food, drinks played at one field, the Southside Softball “You find many teams that stick together —
and shopping. Park, and players will be able to root for each they hang out together when they’re not play-
There is an after-party to the welcome party other and other teams from their hometowns, ing. It’s sort of a community within a commu-
at Heretic Friday night and on Saturday the host Miller says. nity. And it’s a tremendous outlet for having fun
bar is slated to be Blake’s on the Park. After all “Softball is great for networking,” he adds. while also being competitive.”
26 GA Voice June 25, 2010 Community www.theGAVoice.com

EVENTS by DYANA BAGBY

East Point Possums show raises $10,000

Annual fundraiser benefits
Atlanta Pride, Atlanta
Lesbian Health Initiative
The East Point Possums Show, the first event
in Atlanta’s Stonewall Week, raised just over
$10,000 for Atlanta Pride and the Atlanta Health
Initiative at its 13th annual fundraiser on June 19.
Some 28 acts took the stage and wowed a
crowd estimated at more than 1,500. From
drag queens to drag kings and songs from
Ke$ha to Lady Gaga, the annual show
was a hit for the LGBT crowd as well as
the straight people who come each year
to enjoy the antics and fun of one of the
largest drag shows in the Southeast.
The show is already planning for next
year and sponsors are already on board,
says Rick Westbrook, also known as Shenita Lott,
a founding member of the East Point Possums.
The Possums are unlike any other drag
show, he says.
“You have straight families with their kids MORE INFO www.theGAVoice.com
sitting on the hillside, kids tipping drag queens,” • Photo gallery
he says. “It really is off the hook.” • Video coverage
(Photos by Dyana Bagby)
www.theGAVoice.com
GEORGIA SPOTLIGHT
GLBT Seniors Advocacy of Georgia
Aging isn’t easy for anyone, but LGBT se-
niors face additional challenges: Many pension
programs and government services like Social
Security don’t recognize same-sex spouses, gay
couples may fear not being able to be “out” in
nursing homes and assisted living programs,
and many older LGBT people don’t have adult
children or other family members who often
care for aging relatives.
Helping LGBT elders navigate these and oth-
er issues is the mission of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexu-
al, Transgender Seniors Advocacy of Georgia.
Dubbed GSAGA for short, the group is actu-
ally a coalition made up of the Atlanta Lesbian
Health Initiative, The Rainbow Center, Aging
Services of Georgia, and other advocates.
GSAGA hosts a forum July 10 focused on
North Georgia
Rainbow Coalition
For some, Marietta and Cobb County still
carry the stigma of 1993, when the Cobb County
Commission made international headlines with
a resolution condemning the “gay lifestyle” as
incompatible with community standards.
But much has changed in Cobb over the last
17 years. The gay bar LeBuzz continues to draw
a steady crowd, and a gay man, Johnny Sinclair,
serves on the Marietta City Council.
Now, for the first time, Marietta will also have
its own Pride celebration. The Marietta Rainbow
Festival, scheduled for July 24, is a project of the
new North Georgia Rainbow Coalition.
The new LGBT group is headed up by
Johnathon Murphy, the president and managing
partner of LeBuzz, who believes it’s high time
people realize that there is a vibrant community
north of the perimeter.
Community June 25, 2010 GA Voice 27
MORE INFO
GLBT Seniors Advocacy of Georgia
www.GAsage.org
Planning for Successful Aging
Saturday, July 10
2-4 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center
1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
404-840-8050
“Planning for Successful Aging.”
“We hope to begin the dialogue not only
about the unique challenges facing the LGBT
community as we age, but aging issues in gen-
eral,” says Doug Carl, a GSAGA organizer.
The forum will include discussions of social
networking, legal protections, health and well-
ness, and housing and financing.
MORE INFO
North Georgia Rainbow Coalition
www.rainbowgeorgia.com
Marietta Rainbow Festival
Saturday, July 24
Noon – 11 p.m. in the parking lot of LeBuzz
585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067
The theme for 2010 is “Our Declaration of
Independence.”
“We may be by ourselves, but we are never
alone,” the Rainbow Coalition says. “We rec-
ognize and celebrate our diversity together. We
stand now with Pride in North Georgia and de-
clare that we will now lead and never follow.”
The July 24 festival will take place in the
parking lot of LeBuzz, with master of ceremo-
nies Nicole Paige Brooks and DJs, bands and
drag shows. The festivities then move inside
LeBuzz for a dance party until 3 a.m.
— Laura Douglas-Brown
28 GA Voice June 25, 2010 Calendar
BEST BETS 06.25 - 07.09
SPOTLIGHT
Photo courtesy the Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Saturday, June 26
The Sylvia Rivera Stonewall Communi-
ty Brunch — sponsored by Transgender
Individuals Living Their Truth, the Jux-
taposed Center for Transformation and
the Atlanta Pride Committee — focuses
on the contributions the transgender
community has made to the LGBT civil
rights movement. $5 suggested donation
with proceeds going toward the 2010
Transgender Day of Remembrance and
the 2011 Bayard Rustin-Audre Lorde
Community Breakfast. 11:45 a.m.-1:45
p.m., Central Presbyterian Church, 201
Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
www.atlantapride.org
Saturday, June 26
“Be Visible, Make a
Statement” rally and
community art project
at the State Capitol
following Sylvia Rivera
Stonewall Community
Brunch. Dress for
photographic project
“that represents all
our queer colors.” Pride photographers will
capture the scenes and the results will be
displayed at Atlanta Pride in October.
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 100 Washington St. SW,
Atlanta, GA 30334, www.atlantapride.org
Friday, June 25
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
hosts its Fourth Friday Networking with special
guests Appreciation Events and The Hope Clinic of
the Emory Vaccine Center. Appreciation Events will
offer discounted gift packages and The Hope Clinic
will speak about a new study to evaluate the safety
and potential efficacy of an HIV vaccine. $10 for
members, $15 for non-members. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,
No Mas! Cantina, 180 Walker St. SW (Castleberry Hill),
Atlanta, GA 30313, www.atlantagaychamber.org
The documentary “Stonewall Uprising,” part of
Atlanta Pride’s Stonewall Week, opens and runs for
one week. The movie chronicles the events and people
surrounding the famous uprising at the New York
bar. After the 7 p.m. showing, Out on Film and Atlanta
Pride will have a sign-making party in advance of the
June 26 “Be Visible, Make a Statement” rally and photo
shoot at the state Capitol. Midtown Art Cinema, 931
Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308,
landmarktheatres.com, atlantapride.org, outonfilm.org
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” comes to the New
LeBuzz. Purchase tickets online for $5 at www.
atlantalite.biz. Proceeds benefit AID Atlanta. 8 p.m.,
585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA, 30067, 770-424-1337,
www.thenewlebuzz.com
A “scaled down” Pride “Heaven Party” with the
traditional sexy angels. Wear angel wings for special
perks. $5 cover. White attire suggested. 9 p.m., Bel-
lissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306,
www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge
Saturday, June 26
The annual Atlanta Pride 5K Run/Walk, sponsored
by Front Runners Atlanta, at Piedmont Park. Race
day registration $30. Proceeds benefit H.E.R.O. For
Children. 8 a.m. Start line near the Aquatic Center.
www.frontrunnersatlanta.org
The first East Side Pride picnic celebrates the LGBT
community in Clarkston, Avondale, Tucker, Stone
Mountain and other areas east of Atlanta. Bring items
to grill and a side dish to share. 1-5 p.m. at Milam
Park, Pavilion One, 3867 Norman Road, Clarkston, GA
30021, awhite@cityofclarkston.com
The new Queer Justice League presents “Stonewall
Pride: Picnic in the Park” to celebrate the date
of the Stonewall riots. Bring your own food and
beverages to share for a day of fellowship. Gather in
meadow of Piedmont Park near Park Tavern.
3 p.m.-6 p.m., www.queerjusticeleague.net
Join the Flaming Sugarbaker Sisters for “Stone-
wall, Sisters and Spirits!” $10 bottomless beer and
raffles. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. F.R.O.G.S. Cantina, 931 Monroe
Drive #A107, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlsisters.org
www.theGAVoice.com
ADD YOUR EVENT
There are two ways to add your events to
our online and print calendars. Submit your
info to www.theGAVoice.com or e-mail
details to editor@theGAVoice.com.
Sunday, June 27
Gay favorite Dar Williams performs with
Photo via darwilliams.ning
special guest Sara Watkins. 8 p.m. Variety
Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
30307, www.variety-playhouse.com
MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS www.theGAVoice.com
Looking for more events? Visit our website for our extensive daily calendar, including nightlife
schedules and community organization meetings, provided by our friends at ProjectQAtlanta.com.
Thursday, July 1
The National AIDS Education & Services for
Minorities Inc. and Forever Standing Enter-
tainment LLC present a screening of “Epi-
demic Chronicles.” Filmed in Atlanta, the movie
chronicles the lives of five African-American
men from five major cities who contracted HIV
from the same man. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. cocktail
reception, movie viewing 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. A Q&A
with producer Lance Forrest follows the screen-
ing. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe
Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308. theepidemicchronicles.
moonfruit.com, www.naesm.org
Photo via theepidemicchronicles.moonfruit.com
After the 7 p.m. showing of “Stonewall Uprising,” A Stonewall “Twist” party with DJ Duck spinning a
Out on Film hosts patrons and officials of the Atlanta
mix of hip-hop, Top 40, and hot dance music. 9 p.m.
Eagle to discuss the Sept. 10 raid on the bar by the Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Police Department and draw parallels be-
30306, www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge
tween what happened at Stonewall and themselves
40 years later. Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive,
DJ Chris Griswold spins at the Atlanta Eagle. 10 p.m.
Atlanta, GA 30308, www.landmarktheatres.com, 308 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308. www.
www.atlantapride.org, www.outonfilm.org,
atlantaeagle.com
www.atlantaeagle.com
The Brown Sugar Vibe’s “Sugar Shack Juke
Sunday, June 27
Country trio Rascal Flatts brings its “Unstoppable”
Joint” celebrates three years as well as the 25th tour to Atlanta; the band drew gay fans with its song
anniversary of “The Color Purple.” Hosted by Lakara
“Love Who You Love.” Lakewood Amphitheatre. 7:30
Foster. 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Kat’s Café, 970 Piedmont Ave., p.m. 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta, GA 30315,
Atlanta, GA 30309. myspace.com/katscafeatlanta
www.livenation.com
www.theGAVoice.com
Monday, June 28
Scissor Sisters “Night Work” album release
party. Hosted by Peep Peep of Le Sexoflex, Scissor
party
Sister videos playing on all the monitors, a sing-a-
long and a Scissor Sisters set by DJ Dax! 9 p.m. with
the new album being played at 10 p.m. Mary’s, 1287
Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, marysatlanta.com
Tuesday, June 29
“Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery,” a performance
to benefit Charis Circle, includes a VIP wine and
cheese reception for $60 with playwright Shay
Youngblood. General admission tickets for $25. VIP
reception at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. Horizon
Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-584-
7450, www.horizontheatre.com, www.chariscircle.org
Wednesday, June 30
Courtney Love brings her band, Hole, to Atlanta to
spread the love. 8 p.m. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. NW,
Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-659-9022, tabernacleatl.com
Thursday, July 1
New York Times bestselling author of eight novels and
Georgia resident Karin Slaughter reads from her book
“Broken” in association with Outwrite Bookstore &
Coffeehouse. 7:15 p.m., Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore
St., Decatur, GA 30030. outwritebooks.com
Friday, July 2
She’s not at The Palace, but she is in Atlanta.
Liza Minnelli performs with the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra. 8 p.m. Chastain Park Amphitheatre. 4469
Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327(at the intersection of
Powers Ferry Road and Stella Drive),
www.classicchastain.com
Calendar June 25, 2010 GA Voice 29
Publicity photo
Sunday, July 4
DJ Paulo returns to Atlanta to let freedom
ring for the Fourth of July Weekend. Presented
by CARIOCA Productions and Chris Coleman
Enterprises. Party starts at 10 p.m. at Club Q, a.k.a.
Legends, 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW,
Atlanta, GA 30312. chriscolemanenterprises.com
Latin White Party featuring Cristina. 10 p.m.
Chaparral Nightclub, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA
30324, www.chaparralalternativo.com
Friday, July 2-Sunday, July 4
Take a bite out of the Big Peach as the Hotlanta
Softball League hosts its annual softball tourna-
ment with dozens of teams from Atlanta and the
entire south participating. On Friday there will be the
official Big Peach welcome and registration party
from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, At-
lanta, GA 30324. After party is at Heretic on Cheshire
Bridge Road. On Saturday play begins with Blake’s
on the Park serving as the official host bar, 227 10th
St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. Games continue on Sunday
with a closing party at Burkharts Pub, 1492 Piedmont
Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA. Games played at Southside
Softball Park, 3460 Jonesboro Road SE, Atlanta, GA
30354. www.hslbigpeach.com
Saturday, July 3-Sunday, July 4
Flux Deluxe returns for a special Fourth of July
celebration. Dance all Saturday night with DJ Vicki
Powell spinning the beats and then on Sunday enjoy
a brunch with a rooftop pool party to follow to watch
the fireworks. Special room rates available if you
mention Flux by calling Bill Kaelin at 404-396-5750.
The Livingston, 659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA
30308, www.livingstonatlanta.com
CONTINUED
ON PAGE 30
30 GA Voice June 25, 2010 Calendar www.theGAVoice.com

EVENTS
GEORGIA EQUALITY

EVENING FOR EQUALITY
THANKS:
HOST COMMITTEE as of June 18, 2010
Atlanta AIDS Partnership
Barry Golivesky & Dan Bloom
Beth Farokhi - for State School Superintendent
Brian Basinger & Joshua Saunders
Cathy Woolard & Karen Geney
Charlie Frew
Claiborne & Surmay, P.C.
Committee to Elect Michael Rothenberg
Councilman Alex Wan & Joe Bechely
Councilwoman Carla Smith
Drew Plant & Bill Golden
Elena Parent for State House District 81
Fulton Co. Commission Chairman John Eaves
Gail Buckner for Secretary of State
Gail Cowie & Jean Spencer
Glen Paul Freedman IMO Allen Thornell
Graham Balch for State Senate
Henry Scott
Honorable Lisa M. Borders
James Paulk
Janet Smith & Susan Archie
Jeff Cleghorn & Kevin Kirby
Jeremy Burnette
Joan Garner for Fulton Co. Commissioner
Kathy Palumbo
Ken Britt
King & Spalding LLP
Kyle Williams & Larry Kosten
LeeAnn Jones & Becca Sherrill
Publicity photo
Lisa Liang
Michael Baker
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
Mary Norwood for Fulton Co. Commission
Mills for Secretary of State
Paul Horning
Rabbi Joshua Lesser & Shane Fountain
Sunday, July 4
“Hedwig & the Angry Inch” is performed at the
Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan & David Morgan
Rep. Karla Drenner
Spring4thCenter. Tickets are $10 and $15. Showtime is
7 p.m. with a Q&A to follow with the cast.
Rep. Kathy B. Ashe
Rep. Margaret Kaiser Spring4th Center, 728 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA
Rep. Rashad Taylor 30308, www.spring4th.com
Rick Farmer & Lawrence Dietrich
Ronald Moore
Ladies at Play presents its Fourth of July Bash. $5
Senator Vincent Fort
Shelitha Robertson before 10 p.m., $10 after 10 p.m. Luxe Ultra Lounge
(formely Enigma), 1100 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA
for Fulton Co. Superior Court Judge
Sumner Riddick 30309, www.vladiesatplay.com
Tracy Elliott
SPONSORS Monday, July 5
The Schapiro Group Know when to fold ‘em. It’s Texas Hold ‘Em night
Making Projects Work, Inc. at Woofs. 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m., 2425 Piedmont Road NE,
Michael Grover Atlanta, GA 30324, www.woofsatlanta.com
Walker Harper & Bill Thompson
MEDIA SPONSORS
Saturday, July 3
Project Q Atlanta Tuesday, July 6 DJ Susan Morabito of New York spins
for Independence Weekend. Doors open
The GA Voice The Atlanta Executive Network travels outside
Fenuxe Magazine the perimeter for a Mix & Mingle at LeBuzz. 6:30 at 10 p.m. $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after.
Creative Loafing p.m.-9:30 p.m., 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA
Equally Wed Magazine 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
www.aen.org, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Wednesday, July 7

Debi Lowry, a.k.a. “Mama Deb,” reads and signs her
book “Three Grim Fairy Tales and a Happy End-
ing.” All royalties from books sold will go to GLAAD,
For the Kids and the CHRIS Kids Rainbow program.
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Outwrite Bookstore & Coffee-
house, 991 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.outwritebooks.com
Thursday, July 8
DJ Vicki Powell helms the turntables for Georgia
Voice’s Best of Atlanta Awards party. A couple of
complimentary drinks, other drink specials and hors
d’ oeuvres are sure to get the party going. 6 p.m. - 10
p.m. at Aurum, 108 8th St., Atlanta, GA 30309.
www.theGaVoice.com
UPCOMING
Saturday, July 10
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered
Seniors Advocacy of Georgia presents “Plan-
ning for Successful Aging.” Experts will be on
hand to discuss legal protections, health and
wellness and also housing and financial matters.
There will also be time for social networking. RSVP
by July 7 by calling 404-840-8050 or GAsage.
org/contact.php. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Phillip Rush
Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307.

It’s the “New Way to Party and Play” Saturday, July 24

every Thursday with Traxx and Traxx Girls. Joining Hearts 23 brings sum-
No cover for those age 21 and older. For mer in with a “Splash” with the
those younger, free before midnight, $7 annual party at the Piedmont
after. Includes DJs, interactive video games, Park pool and DJ Roland
and the Computer Luv video game. 10 p.m. Belmares manning the tables.
Publicity photo

Obsessions, 4525 Glenwood Road, Decatur, 100 percent of every dollar

GA 30022, www.traxxatlanta.com
Friday, July 9
Enjoy Happy Hour with Martina Diamante bartend-
ing every Friday at Bellissima.. 6 p.m.-9 p.m., 560 B
Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.myspace.
com/bellissima_lounge, 404-917-0220,
bellissima_info@comcast.net
raised through ticket sales and
tips is donated to the beneficia-
ries, AID Atlanta and Jerusalem
House. Over the years, Joining Hearts has
donated more than $1million to help provide a
home for those living with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta.
Tickets now on sale: VIP are $150, general admis-
sion is $65. 4 p.m.-11 p.m. www.joininghearts.org
www.theGAVoice.com June 25, 2010 GA Voice 31

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