Southern Exposure, the successful weekly live music series at Blake’s on the Park, will give Atlanta’s LGBT community a chance to hear the group’s established roster of LGBT musicians – renowned, rising and underground – in the first annual Southern Exposure Gay Pride Music Festival, scheduled to coincide with Atlanta Pride. The event will be held at Front Page News (Midtown location) on Friday, July 4th & Saturday, July 5th, The festival will feature 14 local and two national musical acts. Solo artists and full bands, all fronted by GLBT performers, will perform their uniquely queer approach to folk, spoken word, electronic, punk, country and rock music.

Southern Exposure Pride Schedule (Subject to change)

Friday July 4th
Doors open 6 p.m.

Richard Solomon, Barb Carbon + Hollin Gammage + Arrie Bozman, Miss Xanna Don’t, Mike Rickard, Jessica Dunnagan, The Sexual Side Effects, Jet Blk Joy featuring: Emily Kate Boyd, Angela Motter and West, Eric Himan

Saturday July 5th
Doors open 6 p.m.

The Wayne Fishell Experiment + Amy Lashley, Julia Carroll + Corey.E.Houlihan, Guyton Maurice, Mr.B, Sean Kagalis, Flat Cat, Tracy Rice, Richard Bicknell & the Shameless Lovers

Representatives from Chriskids.org “Rainbow House Program” will be on hand both nights to accept contributions for homeless and displaced GLBT youth in Atlanta. This is a grassroots effort to raise awareness and create a positive impact in the community.

Get exposed to gay and lesbian music at The Southern Exposure Gay Pride Music Festival. There is no cost to attend this event. Get your gay and lesbian music fix at:

Front Page News, 1104 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 897-3500

Ample off street parking is available, as well as a full parking deck across the street from the venue. The festival is all ages until 9 p.m., 21 and over after 9 p.m.

So much to do. So many places to see and be seen. What’s a dyke to do at Atlanta Pride? Well, I’m going to try to help. This is Life on Q’s officially unofficial guide to Atlanta Gay Pride. In this post, you’ll get the 411 on where the women will be. In a later post, I’ll attempt the same for gay men’s events and events for all. That’s not to imply that gay men are not welcome at women’s events in Atlanta. Most events will allow men, outnumbered though they may be.

What’s different about this Atlanta Pride Guide is my attempt to describe some of the events and venues as I have experienced them as a “pride veteran.” I have lived in Atlanta since… well, since a long time ago… and I have attended Pride events and have patronized gay and lesbian nightclubs in Atlanta for what feels like forever. For out-of-towners trying to figure out what’s what and who’s where, consider me your dyke welcome wagon. I’m going to list all the events, meetings and such I’ve researched with a combination of the promoter’s description and, where I have one, my own opinion and experiences. Please take my opinions for what they are. If you’re old enough to get into a bar, you’re old enough to think for yourself and make your own choices. If you’re planning to visit Atlanta Pride from out of town, or you’re an Atlantan looking for a change of scenery from your usual haunts, read on.

Three Themes, One Pride

There are three different women’s events happening simultaneously during Atlanta Pride weekend. The “official” women’s events (i.e., promoted by the Atlanta Pride Committee) are sponsored by Curve Magazine and are branded as “Peach.” The Peach events culminate with a massive dance party Saturday night. Girls in the Night and Girlology 101, who regularly bring Atlanta women great events, are calling their weekend party package “Fever.” And why not–it will be hot, on many levels. And Traxx Girls is adapting some of their regular events for a pride audience under the theme “Honey.” Both Peach and Fever events have individual night cover charges or VIP passes for all events. Check the specific event details below for info on cover charges, where available.

Getting Out and Around

For any out-of-towners or Atlantans who have been living under a rock, you should know that Atlanta Pride has moved from Piedmont Park to the Atlanta Civic Center. Almost all of the women’s events are just a few blocks north and south of this new Pride Central. Many are in Little 5 Points, just a few blocks south and east of the Civic Center. Others are in Midtown, a few blocks north of Pride itself. Remember that 14th Street has been closed for construction and that the Peachtree Road Race will be creating congestion early in the morning on July 4th. But if you’re planning to kick-off Pride with Thursday night’s events, you’ll probably still be sleeping as thousands run down Peachtree Street. If you’re a morning person, you’ll want to plan your breakfast location accordingly.

Thursday July 3

Charis Lesbian Author Event with Jane Vollbrecht & Julia Watts

Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 | Get Directions | Free | 7:30 - 9 p.m. | www.chariscircle.org

Charis Books & More gives Atlanta women the opportunity to meet two lesbian fiction authors. Julia Watts, a native of southeastern Kentucky, is the author of eight novels which humorously explore the chaos and community of lesbian life in the Bible Belt. Jane Vollbrecht began her life as hog farmer’s daughter in northern Minnesota and now makes her home in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains. Jane is the author of five novels and has contributed short stories to three anthologies. Charis is an awesome women’s bookstore. I highly recommend you stop in to browse.

Peach Welcome Party

Sabroso Mexicano, 351 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 | Get Directions | $5 cover | Starts 8 p.m. | www.curvemagazine.com

Curve Magazine’s Peach parties are the official women’s events of Atlanta Pride. The party will start at Sabroso Mexicano in Little 5 Points. VIP passes to all Peach events are also available. Visit www.curvemag.com for more info. 8 p.m. till 2 a.m.

Skin Party
Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 | Get Directions | $10 cover | www.myspace.com/girlsinthenight
The Skin Party is the kick-off of Girlology 101 and Girls in the Night’s Fever Weekend, a series of women’s events that are also gay-male-friendly. Special appreance by actress Persia White, “Lynn” on the TV show Girlfriends. Music by DJ Truz. A $100 cash prize for the woman showing the most skin. Dress code: Skimpy yet classy, casual yet chic. Girls in the Night is a party promoter primarily serving women of color, but the crowds are usually diverse. Girls in the Night events are always welcoming and comfortable for all women. The music is always great and the scenery beautiful. And I’m not talking about the view of Piedmont Park and Midtown from the Park Tavern. Although that’s nice to look at too.

Xplosion Thursday, Honey Edition

The Blue Room, 2359 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA | Get Directions | Cover charge unknown | www.traxxgirls.com

A Pride edition of Traxx Girls’ Xplosion Thursdays, promoted under the “Honey” theme. Features a lingerie fashion show.

Friday July 4

Boom!

Front Page News, 351 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 | Get Directions | $10/advance, $15/door | Starts 9 p.m. | www.curvemagazine.com
Curve Magazine celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Dance to the sounds of the hottest women DJ’s from San Francisco, Miami and right here in Atlanta. Featuring sexy go-go dancers and host Dani Campbell from MTV’s A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila… plus, special surprise guests. VIP passes to all Peach events are also available. Visit www.curvemag.com for more info.

Freedom

ICE Ultra Lounge @ Utopia, 840 Marietta St., Atlanta, GA 30318 | Get Directions | $10 cover (unverified) | Starts 10 p.m. | www.myspace.com/girlsinthenight

The second event in Girlology 101 and Girls in the Night’s Fever weekend. Billed as a sexy, sultry event for independent women who love the company of women. Featuring all girl entertainment and music by DJ Truz of Hot 107.9 radio.

Honey Wet T-Shirt Competition

Club Miami, 3011 Buford Hwy., Atlanta, GA | Get Directions | Cover charge unknown | Starts 10 p.m. | www.traxxgirls.com

Another Family Affair and Traxx Girls present the first event of their Honey weekend line-up at Club Miami. There’s a $500 prize in the wet t-shirt contest. My understanding is that Traxx Girls promotes events catering to African-American women. I have not yet personally attended a Traxx Girls event, so I have no first-hand experience with this promoter.

Saturday July 5

Foreplay

Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309 | Get Directions | $10 cover (unverified) | www.myspace.com/girlsinthenight

Another Girls in the Night/Girlology 101 “kick-ass grown and sexy” event, part of the Fever Weekend. I have attended Foreplay parties in the past and it’s always a great time.

Glow, a Special Honey Edition

Sabroso Mexicano, 351 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 | Get Directions | Cover charge unknown | Starts 10 p.m. | www.traxxgirls.com

Traxx Girls will present DJ DejaVu and a special surprise performance.

Peach Mega Dance Partry

Center Stage/The Loft, 1374 West Peachtree St (at 17th St), Atlanta, GA 30309 |Get Directions | $15/advance, $20/door (if available) | Starts 10 p.m. | www.curvemagazine.com

Curve Magazine’s Peach Mega Dance Party will return this year. It’s one of the biggest women’s parties at Atlanta Pride, featuring two dance floors, a special VIP lounge and bar, the hottest go-go dancers and talented women DJs from Miami, San Francisco and Atlanta. Note that this event is open to ages 18 and up. VIP passes to all Peach events are also available. Visit www.curvemag.com for more info. I attended the Peach Party last year and had a great time. You can read my blog post about it here.

Please note the Web links and other resources I’ve provided for more information. If you see an error or omission, please send an e-mail to editor@lifeonq.com. Check back as we count the days until Atlanta Pride. I’ll add events as they come. And please feel free to comment and add your $0.02 about any of these events.

If you lived through the 1980s, liked leg warmers or shoulder pads, be warned: you could have a faux-hawk flashback when the Seattle duo Team Gina comes back to Georgia just after Atlanta Pride. Gina Bling and Gina Genius, the sum total of Team Gina, will come through the South on their “Product of the 80s” tour, in support of their new album of the same name released on June 17.

The Products of the Eighties Tour will be at Little King’s Shuffle Club in Athens, Ga. on July 8 and at Mary’s in East Atlanta on July 9. I first saw the Ginas perform at MondoHomo 2007, and caught such a fever that I had to dig out my old sweatbands. Their previous album, Gina Gina Revolution, features tunes with such catchy lyrics as: “Straight Boys Love Us (But We Like the Girls),” and “I like butch dykes.”

IMHO, the Ginas are both Bling and Genius. Part camp, part rap, part high school cheerleader, part 80s hair band, this team is not your typical lesbian music duo. Team Gina will really take you back, playfully remind you of all the fun we had during the Reagan years, and bring out your inner Flashdancer. As Gina Bling might say, the Team Gina experience is “a total Landsberry.” If you’re not hip to the latest Gina Slang, you’ll just have to go to the show in Athens or Atlanta and ask them yourselves.

If you’ve never had the Team Gina experience, get a glimpse in their latest video:

For more info on Team Gina and the Products of the 80s Tour, visit Gina Bling and Gina Genius on myspace at myspace.com/teamgina. You’ll find other cities and show dates there for their nationwide tour.

Gina Bling was just in Atlanta to MC a show at MondoHomo 2008. She is looking good, and it only made my baby dyke crush worse. Ah, to be young again. Like I was in the 80s.

After much wailing and gnashing of teeth with our original queer Atlanta calendar, Life on Q is debuting a new and improved calendar. We’re using Google Calendars and will add gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other general queer community events as we find them. As before, the Queer Calendar will focus on LGBT events in Atlanta and Georgia, with the occasional listing of national and international events when they are of particular interest to us or to the queer community in the Atlanta area.  We are determined to include not only gay and lesbian nightlife in Atlanta, but all LGBT events and meetings — from support groups to community service meetings to educational seminars to political events and more.  If it affects your queer life, we will try to include it.  It even includes a weather forecast for the next few days.  Take a look and let us know what you think.

Event organizers: if you see an error in a listing, please send an e-mail to editor@lifeonq.com. Event organizers who would like to see their events on the LGBT calendar should send an e-mail to editor@lifeonq.com. Send your Google Calendar URL or info on how to access your iCal-compatible calendar to editor@lifeonq.com. Events not available on a Web-based calendar will be added by Life on Q as time allows, pending editorial approval.  Atlanta is a big gay town and there’s only so much time to type in events, but we’ll do our best to keep the latest happenings noted.  We are in the process of adding Atlanta Pride event listings, so check back often as we add all the Pride festivities to your queer schedule.

Scientists have proven that gay men are like straight women, and lesbians are like hetero men. It’s not that my preference for pants gave it away, or my friend David’s girlish screams upon encountering a spider. No, apparently researchers in Sweden got inside our heads and saw similarities between the brains of homo sapiens who are oriented toward their same sex and their opposite sexes in the hetero world. A study by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm subjected 90 healthy people to the noisy confines of an MRI machine and PET scans, and discovered that lesbians and straight men had larger right hemispheres than gay men and straight women. The study was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Further tests found additional evidence in the nerve connections of the amygdala, that part of the brain responsible for our “fight or flight” reactions and “orientation.” In an article by BBC News, Dr. Qazi Rahman, a lecturer in cognitive biology at the University of London, explained that the similarities in nerve connections among the oppositely-oriented sexes were significant because of the amygdala’s role in “orientating” (that’s British for “orienting”) the rest of the brain in response to an emotional stimulus, whether directing the brain during a “fight or flight” response, or when a potential mate comes to our brain’s attention. I find this interesting, because my response to a potential mate often seems to come from a completely different anatomical area.

Dr. Rahman further asserted that these differences could not be attributed to nurture, but more likely occurred naturally in the womb. “As far as I’m concerned there is no argument anymore - if you are gay, you are born gay,” he told the BBC.

Well then, that settles it. Swedish and British scientists agree: it’s all in our heads.

It is near 5 p.m. here in Atlanta, meanwhile LGBT Californians have three more hours to wait before they can have the state’s permission to marry. According to a story by Reuters, some of the more gay-friendly cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco and West Hollywood) plan to begin issuing licenses and conducting state-condoned gay wedding ceremonies after the close of California business, when the Supreme Court ruling officially goes into effect.

One visible change to California marriage that I find somehow humurous, or at least subtly ironic, is a change to the state marriage license. Rather than referring to a bride and groom, the form now lists Party A and Party B. In my dark, dry humor, I find that change to be a benefit to everyone. Shouldn’t all weddings result in at least two parties?

I don’t mean to make light of such a significant step forward for gay rights. Most significant is California’s willingness to issue marriage licenses to citizens of any state, unlike Massachusetts, which legalized gay marriage only for queers who have a legal address in the commonwealth. For the first time, our rights as citizens is not limited by our sexual orientation or where we get our mail. It’s more of a giant leap for our kind, rather than Massachusetts’ somewhat smaller step. But I have to admit that I see both the forest and the trees in what the California Supreme Court has given the LGBT community.

I can’t help but notice the timing of the ruling. Why do court decisions on LGBT issues seem to always come in an election year? Is it coincidence or carefully crafted timing cooked up by the vast right wing conspiracy? Nothing lights a fire under a fundamentalist Christian’s self-righteousness like the chance to vote in judgment of others. Call me paranoid, but it makes me wonder if they’re disguising their intent to get us with a Trojan Horse for a wedding present. Is California just another gift that will ultimately have to be returned? Will there even be time to write the thank-you notes? There is, after all, a marriage amendment on the ballot for this November, where a simple majority of simple-minded Californians could revoke the marriage licenses that will be issued in the six months until then.

Maybe I’m just one conspiracy theory away from A Beautiful Mind. Maybe I should just soften my jaded defenses and find beauty in the moment. So I’ll stop and smell the roses as Parties A and Parties B pass by on their way down the isle. Congratulations, everyone!

If the sound of your ticking biological clock is driving you crazy, you may want to spend some time with the MEGA Family Project this Saturday, June 14 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at UUCA. The LGBT family-focused organization is holding a workshop called Creating a Family: Choices for Prospective LGBT Parents. The day will include advice on your baby birthin’ options from professionals as well as personal stories about the issues faced, told by lesbian moms and gay dads who have already brought home their little bundles of joy and dirty diapers.

MEGA says the workshop will cover issues like open adoption, donor insemination, the current state of international adoptions, foster parenting, adopting from the foster care system and surrogacy, guided by professionals who work on these issues. Apparently The Stork was not available. An adoption attorney will advise you on the very important legal issues you need to consider in deciding to become a parent, and take questions from workshop attendees. Queer parents will share their personal journeys through the different methods available. Parental discretion is advised.

The workshop is $15, which even includes a pizza lunch, snacks and drinks. (If you cannot eat pizza, you can e-mail Kathy@megafamilyproject.org to discuss alternative menu choices.) There was no indication as to whether the drinks provided would include the liquid-courage adult beverages that some may require. You can register online anytime before the deadline, which is 11 p.m. tomorrow, Friday June 13.

Blogger’s Note: My feeble attempts at humor in this posting simply serve to express my personal fear of babies. This lesbian has never had even one fraction of a second of maternal instinct. I don’t know nothin’ about birthin’ no babies, and I prefer to keep it that way. Besides, it’s probably best for this DNA to stop here. For those of you with the intestinal fortutitude, desire and boundless love to take on the task of child rearin’, more power to you. And don’t miss MEGA’s workshop, where you’re sure to get the strength you will need. Kathy Kelly and her crew have done amazing work for queer families, and I’m sure this workshop will be no exception. The MEGA Family Project provides support, education and advocacy for Georgia’s LGBT families and our children. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of whether or not you have children.

After several hours of CNN, I’m left with the feeling that American Idol, America’s Next Top Model and their clones have given some politicians and pundits an overly healthy appetite for the dramatic pause. And the winner of the Democratic nomination is…the person who will face John McCain is…going to be revealed right after this ad for Lipitor. What I need is a dose of Xanax.

Hillary Clinton gave a defiant speech tonight, in front of an emotional crowd of supporters, and ultimately refused to concede the nomination, even though Barack Obama earned enough elected delegates to secure the nomination, then topped it off with more super delegate endorsements. The talk about “what will Hillary do” appears that it will continue ad nauseum — or at least a couple more days. Either way, it’s adding to my nausea.

I have been a Clinton supporter and contributor since Bill’s first run for president. In fact, this Georgian sent a campaign contribution to the senator when she first ran for the Senate in New York. I spent quite a lot of time agonizing over whether to vote for Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama. I ultimately decided to support Obama, because he is an energizing leader who started where Howard Dean, my 2004 choice, left off. He was vocally opposed to the war in Iraq. He understood the power of using the Internet as a tool for mobilizing supporters and fundraising. And Obama does not embody evil encarnate from a Republican’s point of view. When a good friend of mine, who is a friend despite being a Republican, wanted to send me a link to some conspiracy video online detailing the numerous people whom the Clinton’s secretly killed, a la Swift Boat Veterans, my decision was easy. That moment last fall gave me a glimpse of an election season of more Republican vitriol, venom, distortions and outright lies. I knew I just couldn’t take it. Obama it is.

Meanwhile, the recent behavior of the Clintons has caused a reaction in me that I didn’t think possible. I actually don’t like them very much right now. Like fish or relatives that don’t know when to leave, my nose knows it’s time for them to step away.

Barack Obama made history tonight as this country’s first African-American candidate for a major political party. For LGBT Americans, this is perhaps a moment of great significance for us as well. Obama has been a reliable, public supporter of gay and lesbian rights in general. He did not touch the gay marriage tar baby. But he did speak publicly and often, even in front of less-than-gay-friendly groups, against homophobia and for a more tolerant and accepting society. For the leading, mainstream candidate, Obama did a better job than most of walking the wedge issue. Perhaps this fact signals that this country may truly be ready to change. Thanks to Barack Obama, I may actually have a little hope welling up past my general state of political dejection.

As for Senator Clinton’s “no decisions” speech tonight: this was a moment to truly think of the country and the Democratic Party. I actually feel a little betrayed that she didn’t seize it. And the whole situation almost makes me believe that the Clintons are ultimately more concerned with political power than with working for the ideas and policies that led me to support them for more than a decade.

So enough already. We know who the new American Idol is, and we know who will lead the Democratic charge to take back this country. With all due respect to the Clintons, and to all their supporters, many of whom are among my best friends, this is not about you. this is about all of us. Pick your high crime or misdemeanor of choice, from the Iraq war to Halliburton to climate change to your mortgage. We have to get this country back on track. IMHO, there’s never been a more important election in my lifetime. This train is leaving the station. Get on board, or get out of the way.

MondoHomo’s Chock Full O’ Nuts concert at Lenny’s was chock full ‘o fun. Bigg Nugg made a return appearance this year. A genuinely nice bear of a guy, Bigg Nugg’s homo hop is as contagious as his friendly approach to his fellow MondoHomies. His album La Revolucion (2007) is full o’ catchy rants that seem to spur us to action. The title track talks of a gay revolution that seems both in-your-face angry and uplifting. It’s an interesting mix. The track I Remember is one of those songs that took me days to get out of my head. If I could stop playing it several times a day, that might help.

After seeing Bigg Nugg at MondoHomo 2007, I had befriended him on myspace. I remember getting a thank you that struck me as written by Bigg Nugg directly — canned “marketing” by an agent or manager does not usually seem that genuine and gracious. His comment to me on myspace was the same as his autograph on the La Revolucion CD I bought at MondoHomo 2008: “Thanks for the support.” Bigg Nugg’s second thank-you was punctuated with a genuinely warm hug and smile. I like this guy, and his music.

Also performing at Lenny’s was DaLyrical, Atlanta’s own HomoHopper. I first saw her perform at Black Pride a couple of years ago. She struck me then as very talented onstage and almost painfully shy offstage. A couple of years later, she seems to be growing into the increasing attention. I did not have the chance to talk with her offstage, but her onstage performance was more connected and more confident that I remembered. DaLyrical is getting sexier, and her performance with Ohio’s Unecc got many of us hot from more than the Atlanta spring heat. Before her performance, DaLyrical shared that family tragedy had her distracted, but she put aside personal worries and gave the MondoHomo crowd all she had.

If you missed MondoHomo, you still have a chance to experience the triple threat of Bigg Nugg, DaLyrical and Unecc. They are touring together in a Unity Tour this year. Keep an eye on the Unity Tour ‘08 schedule so you won’t miss the chance to experience these talents in a city near you. With luck, maybe they’ll warm up Hotlanta again.

Check out our photos of MondoHomo ’08’s Carnivale at Lenny’s Bar.

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