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By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
New ownership doesn’t necessarily mean an all-new approach to a tried, tested, and highly successful event platform like One Magical Weekend. For Ethan Suarez, CEO of Pineapple Healthcare and recently part of the new ownership of One Magical Weekend, it means adjusting the dials over so slightly to elevate the OMW experience even more for its patrons. David got a chance to talk to Ethan about taking over the reins and what he plans to bring to One Magical Weekend.
After 15 years, the reins of One Magical Weekend have been handed over to you and Pineapple Healthcare. What prompted your decision to purchase OMW?
I have been engaged with the organization OMW since my early twenties. In recent years, we have served as a sponsor. Upon learning that OMW was available for sale, we submitted a bid, and I am pleased to
report that we were selected as the buyer.
Tell us a little about Pineapple Healthcare – when and how did it all begin?
It was founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Pineapple Healthcare is a primary care practice in Central Florida, specializing in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases, which has a team of HIV/AIDS care specialists providing a full range of health services for all people ages 12 and up. Pineapple Healthcare is an allencompassing medical practice that aims to serve as a one-stop shop for evidence-based, progressive treatment for the LGBTQ community.
What do you say to people who find it strange for a healthcare organization to host a party weekend?
A lot of parties that people attend are owned by non-profits, such as Winter Party in Miami Beach, which is produced by the LGBT+ task force and Orange Party in Tampa. By encompassing our organization into One Magical Weekend, it allows us to keep up with our mission in a time when federal grant dollars are drying up and funders are very scared of anything Gay or what can be perceived as DEI.
What do you plan to bring to OMW as the new owners and to make it even better?
OMW is already a remarkable experience, and my goal is to refine and elevate it further for our guests. We plan to introduce some exciting celebrity appearances and implement subtle changes each year to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Ultimately, I want OMW to remain true to its essence while continuously enhancing its appeal.
Being a healthcare organization, will you also bring more healthcare initiatives to OMW?
The history of circuit parties encompasses events that not only invigorated our spirits during the height of the AIDS epidemic but also serve to empower the emerging generation of leaders. These gatherings reflect a purposeful celebration and contribute to funding our advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and research aimed at providing low-cost or no-cost care to individuals living with or affected by HIV. During this year’s OMW weekend, Pineapple Healthcare will offer DoxyPEP free of charge to any individuals who request it. When administered within 24 to 72 hours following sexual activity, this prophylaxis has been shown to reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 70% to 80%.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s OMW?
I am most looking forward to seeing friends and chosen family, that I have met at previous One Magical Weekends, who live in different states and only get to see every once in a while. I am also looking forward to
seeing our international array of DJs because, at my heart, I am a house fan and love getting lost in the music on the dance floor.
What is your best piece of advice for people attending OMW?
Be your true, authentic self, let the hair down, and just ride the wave. Wearing a smile is the best accessory that you can put on. You will meet new friends or maybe even the boyfriend. I know it sounds cliché, but it truly is a magical weekend.
I cannot wait to welcome everyone to Orlando this year and years into the future, and like any true Southern host, if there is anything my team can do to make your stay more magical, please let us know.
By Matt Bearden
Photos: Courtesy of Miki Abraham
On behalf of David Magazine, thank you so much for making time for this interview. I’m excited to meet you and learn how you bring yourself to the role of Lulu. Where did you grow up? Where did your singing begin?
I was raised in Paducah, Kentucky. I grew up singing country music and doing musical theater. I had to make a choice between whether I was going to pursue musical theater or vocal country music. When I was 19, I played Alex in The Glee Project in 2011. I was like the country singer on the show. The fact that Shucked was my Broadway debut and it’s a country musical theater show feels like some wild stuff. I’ve lived in New York for almost 10 years. I’m
married to another actor, Alex Joseph Grayson, who is in Outsiders right now on Broadway. I have a little shih tzu named Jennifer Lewis. Oh! When I was younger, I used to clog like tap dancing and went to clogging conventions
Clogging?! That’s amazing. I’ve never met a clogger before. In a way, that demystifies and shows a dimension of you none of us would expect, that you have a personality—a really kooky one! Okay, who is Lulu to Miki?
Lulu kind of encapsulates every matriarch that exists in my family. I was raised by Southern women. I’m biracial: my father is black and my mother’s white. And so I have the two ends of the spectrum of Southern: eastern Kentucky mountain Southern and the Mississippi black Southern. There’s a mixture of this femininity and masculinity that exists in Lulu that I think is just one of my favorite things about playing the role. She takes up space in such a specific way, too.
What have you learned while playing Lulu after all this time?
Lulu is teaching me a lot about queerness and my gender identity. Our creative team accidentally created a queer non-binary character in the musical theater canon. Alex Newell is non-binary, and then I took over the role on the tour, and I’m not binary. It’s just so beautiful. I’ve learned that
Lulu, in this strong, feminine-masculine role is to take up as much space as possible and make space even when there’s not space. It’s okay to show up have like tons of makeup on and be super hyper-fem, which is what I do every night in this show. It allows for a lot of space for growth and exploration. I’m having like the best time.
For those of us who may not occupy those spaces, who may only see the binary in the show’s portrayal, or those of us who may not identify as non-binary, how can they find themselves in this musical that’s country oriented? It creates an interesting contradiction or a puzzle of queerness.
Something that is that is interesting to know about the whole thing is that this whole show was created by queer people. The show creators, Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, are gay. The writer, Robert Horn, is gay. It is gay through and through. It’s important for you to know that it was written for us by us for the queer people. There’s different body types and gender expressions and all kinds of different diversity in this company on tour. it’s the most diverse company I’ve ever seen or been involved in, and it’s just people are playing people. Let it serve as a safe space for two and a half hours for queer people to come and
just laugh and know that it’s a safe space to laugh. We’ve got you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me about this wonderful role and getting to know you as a person, your journey, and your favorites. I’m so excited to see the show and hear all these corn puns!
Shucked premieres at the Fabulous Fox Theater on May 20 – May 25. Get your tickets at foxtheatre.org.
For the full-length interview with Miki Abraham, go to DavidAtlanta.com.
Hey Coach,
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Most of the gay men in my life are folks I have had sex with. I would love to meet other gay men in a non-sexual way and build a friendship that isn’t based on sex. I feel like sex is more important than building community to many gay men. Am I the only one? Thanks!
Ooof. How long do we have to dissect this topic? First of all, you are not alone. I have many clients who feel the same way. Hell, I just hosted a GBTQ retreat in April with 17 men, who signed up because they knew that my retreats aren’t based around sex, nudity, or drugs/alcohol. These 17 men came together for four days of bonding, hiking, opening up, and growing together. They all expressed a shared frustration that finding quality, authentic friends in the gay community can be difficult.
At the same time, many of us like to think of ourselves as sexually liberated! How often have we had sex with a dude and then become friends (aka ‘The Gay Handshake’)? This also brings
up the point that gay men mostly meet each other in gay bars, clubs, and on apps- places that are sexually charged. So it makes sense that sex may come first. But for many of us, a one-night stand isn’t what we are looking for – a partner or a friendship is what we are truly craving.
Here are a few tips on finding friendship over f*ck buddies:
− Update your profile on the apps stating that you’re looking for friendship as well as fun. I’ve met some amazing new friends in Atlanta on the apps.
− Find non-sexual spaces to meet gay friends. You could volunteer for an LGBTQ charity, find a book club, hiking group, or queer event (like a comedy night) where the sexual energy isn’t as charged.
− Ok, so y’all slept together. If you enjoy the vibe, ask if they would be interested in another non-sexual meet-up, such as lunch, checking out an art gallery, or a drag show.
− Most importantly, lean into being more vulnerable! If we are always on the surface with people, we don’t give them the chance to get to know us. When he asks how you are, really share what’s going on in your life- work sucks, your parents are annoying you, your partner hurt your feelings. Once you open up, this lets them know that you are offering a safe space for them to go deeper as well. And that is how a quality, enduring friendship can be born.
Do you have more questions about mental health?
Send them to cator@davidatlanta. com and check back each week to see if your question was selected. We promise never to publish the name of the person who asked the question. Anything you share will be confidential, of course.
Peace and Love Y’all!
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Get ready to unleash your inner magic, because One Magical Weekend 2025 is bringing the heat to Orlando from May 29 to June 2! Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this is your invitation to join thousands of LGBTQ+ partygoers from around the globe for an unforgettable Pride celebration!
From sun-soaked pool parties to electrifying after-hours events, here’s a glimpse of the dazzling lineup awaiting you.
Thursday, May 29
#TBT Welcome Party
8 pm – 1 am
Kick off the festivities on Thursday night with a free event featuring dazzling drag performances and beats by DJ Edil Hernandez at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel.
Friday, May 30
Therapy Pool Party: Flamingo Friday 12 - 8 pm
Dive into the poolside revelry with DJs JB Burgos and Alex Lo spinning the hottest tracks, creating the ultimate daytime dance experience at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel..
RIPTIDE at Typhoon Lagoon
8 pm – 2 am
On Friday night, the entire 52acre waterpark transforms into a nighttime paradise with international DJ Kitty Glitter, thrilling water
rides, and 6,000 partygoers dancing under the stars.
CADABRA After Hours: Neon fantasy 2 – 8 am
When the main events wind down, the magic continues with three nights of surreal, latenight dance parties featuring international DJ Jerac at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel.
Saturday, May 31
Therapy Pool Party: Sexy Red Saturday 12 - 8 pm
Get ready for another splash poolside at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel with DJs LisaRodriguez and Mohammad.
RED Vol 8: ROMA
8 pm – 1 am
Saturday night at the House of Blues, step into ancient Rome with DJ J Warren,
where passion and power collide in a grand amphitheater setting. Dress in your best Roman gear and prepare for a night of epic proportions.
CADABRA After
Hours: Locker Room
2 – 8 am
Join DJ Micky Friedmann for a night of late-night magic on the dancefloor. Dress to impress in your sexiest athletic gear and connect on the dancefloor at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel.
night of dancing and connection at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel.
Don’t miss out on this magical journey of music, friendship, and pride. Secure your spot today and be part of the most electrifying LGBTQ+ celebration of the year!
Sunday, June 1
Therapy Pool Party: Pride Kickoff
12 - 8 pm
Atlanta’s DJ Kyle House and DJ Nick Stracener will be spinning pool-sode at this Pride kickoff extravaganza at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel.
WorldPride Kickoff Party: Born This Way
9 pm – 1 am
Conclude the weekend with a powerful tribute to unity and pride at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Hotel, as DJ Ana Flor from Brazil leads an electrifying celebration that sets the stage for WorldPride 2025 in Washington, DC.
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit onemagicalweekend. com.
CADABRA After Hours: DADDY
2 – 8 am
A true life DADDY party full of confidence and charm. Dress in best Daddy getup and get ready for a
Photos By Russ Youngblood
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL
840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
LORE ATLANTA loreatl.com 466 Edgewood Ave loreatl.com
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
ANSLEY
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
Being Gen X is being 45-60 years old, looking 30-40 years old, and feeling 100-110 years old.
Why do those of us who f*ck around also have to find out?
Anxiety is really just conspiracy theories about yourself.
Itʼs always “kids donʼt need 30 dolls, they can have 2” and never “rich people donʼt need 30 billion dollars, they can have 2 billion and pay taxes.”
Autocorrect has become my worst enema.
I hate it when the voices in my head go quiet. It makes me wonder what they’re up to.
Going to a gay gym is where everyone is physically healthy but emotionally unstable.
If I share my location with you, you are now responsible for my life if I go missing.
