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By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
As part of the second bracket of All Stars Season 10, another Atlanta legend will enter the world stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It has been 15 years since Nicole Paige Brooks was first on the show, and now she is back, true to form and ready to teach the other girls on the All Stars cast how to respond quickly and not change everything about themselves to be on the show. We got a chance to talk to the local legend before her episodes air on May 23.
photo from the NYC premiere party of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10.
The infamous NPB from Atlanta, Georgia! Just to introduce you and to speak about your incredible career, why don’t you tell us about where it all started?
I started doing drag in 1995 in Oklahoma, but then I moved to Atlanta in 1997 and started performing at Backstreet in 1998. It was the second place I ever performed, and I was added to the cast there for Wednesday nights, and since then, I have performed in just about every single bar and club in Atlanta. You know, I’ve got my 15-year anniversary since I was cast on Drag Race the first time, and it’s also my 30-year anniversary since starting drag, and now I’m back on Drag Race again! It’s somehow a full circle.
And it’s always been Atlanta?
You know I’ve just been traveling the world, basically doing drag, but I have no desire to ever leave the city that has supported me for so long, and I just love it here.
How has life been since the cast announcement in April, and now after the premiere of All Stars 10?
Crazy to be honest! My Instagram got hacked
a couple of years ago, so I only had like 7000 followers, and I was like the lowest Ru girl in terms of followers or whatever, but it’s already that’s already doubled. I’m not really a big social media person, and all the online stuff is really completely different from what it was 15 years ago. Back then, we were told to sign up for these new platforms, Instagram and Twitter, and it’s just a whole different animal now, but I’m enjoying it!
So have you had to rethink your whole social and online presence for this?
Well, I’m just trying. I’m not really that techsavvy, so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, and hope I don’t mess it up too bad! I’m certainly surprised by the online reaction – well, maybe surprised is not the best way to describe it –but it’s been really cool to get this kind of great reception after all this time.
Has this helped you realize just how much of an icon people consider you to be?
For me, it’s been strange and wonderful to see the international attention I have been getting. You see a post in a foreign language you can’t even read, and you hit the translate button, and it says “icon” and “legend,” and I think ‘Do they really know me in Tokyo?’ You know, I usually say that “icon and “legend” are my pronouns, and I feel like I have earned that here in Atlanta, but now there’s a whole new audience, and it has been unexpectedly wonderful how well people have reacted.
Tell me about all the premiere events for All Stars. Judging from social media, it looked absolutely insane.
We didn’t have all of this back in my first season! But I’m used to having a mic in my hand, and I like being asked questions, and it was a lot of fun. As the other girls like to point out, I am the OG on the show. We haven’t all filmed together, and I hadn’t seen some of them in an All Stars capacity yet, so it was cool just to be together in a hotel and hang out and get to know each other.
How was your experience being back in front of a camera now versus then?
The first time, I really self-edited a lot because my family didn’t even know I was on the show, so people who watched that season would
ask, ‘Why are you so reserved?’ I had never experienced anything like that, so you walk in the room, and you’re just hit with like 15 cameras that you’re supposed to be ignoring. This time around, I know how it goes, so I said to myself it’s kind of like going to your cousin’s house that you’ve only been to once or twice before, but you’re familiar with it.
How did you prepare for this season, where expectations are usually sky high?
They give you the categories, and you have to try to figure those out, so I ran those by a few people to pick their brains about it. I used designers that I have always been using here in town, because I wanted everything to be FAG – from Atlanta, Georgia.
I don’t have the designers that some of these girls, who return season after season, have, so, in the end, I wanted to make sure my aesthetic was genuine to me. So whenever I got in my head about turning it into something I would never wear, I made sure to swing back around and make it true to myself.
I have maintained a career over all this time, and I still think I look the same as I did back then. I haven’t gone through the glow-up that many of these queens do for All Stars, but I stay true to myself, and I think that is something that the audience also needs to see. I’m owning my age; I’m okay with the way I look. My body is a little different, but I can still work it.
What or who surprised you the most about this season?
Lydia B. Collins was a surprise, because when we filmed, season 17 hadn’t even aired, so none of us knew who or how she was, and we
had only seen clips of her. But I really think this is such a good group of girls. I love the age range, there’s a lot of diversity on this show, including trans and non-binary, and of course, all the legends and icons, so all of that was a nice surprise.
What about the drama factor of the season? Do you get into it with the girls?
For some reason, in all the interviews, the girls were trying to say that I was the drama, but I don’t really remember it that way – but you know, I just defend myself, so if somebody says something, I probably respond to them.
I’ll have a quick response – that’s kind of the old-school thing –and some of those girls are pretty long-winded, but you don’t have to do a whole monologue to get to your point across. These girls wanna go on and get 30 minutes of airtime!
It’s going to be interesting to see when it airs, because with the new points system, we’ll see how messy it gets. I know that my bracket isn’t as congenial as the first one.
Besides on our TV screens, where else can we see Nicole Paige Brooks?
Well, I’ll be doing viewing parties at Lore on May 23 and 30, and I’ll be at the Eagle on May 24, and then back at Lore May 31 with Biqtch Puddin’. You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok (@thenicolepaigebrooks), and my YouTube channel is still active.
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Girl, Thanks to this current regime, I just got laid off. We are entering the summer party season, and I don’t want to miss out on the fun, but I need to keep my wallet cute over the next few months. Do you have any tips?
Thank you! - Musk Sucks
Here are some practical tips to help you save money while maintaining your social life:
I see you, sis. I am so sorry for the job loss; sadly, you are not alone. First of all, take care of your mental health. Losing a job can wreck our nerves and leave us feeling less than. I lost countless jobs when I was a wee Queen. I would always spend a few hours every day looking for new job opportunities while balancing healthy habits like exercise and seeing friends.
Now for the summer social season. The last thing you want to do is squirrel away while everyone else is twirling.
Enjoy a drink or two at home before heading out. This classic tactic reduces the number of expensive drinks you purchase at the bar.
Many bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hours or on specific nights. Some establishments also provide free appetizers or discounted meals during certain hours.
This may not be the time for the costly craft cocktail. Stick to basic beverages like beer or well drinks, typically more affordable than elaborate cocktails.
Set a budget for the night and consider bringing only cash to avoid overspending. This approach helps you keep track of your expenses and prevents impulse purchases.
Host or attend bring-your-ownbeverage events with friends. This not only saves money but can be amazing during the summer. Porch or pool party, anyone?
Look for bars or venues that offer free entertainment, such as live music or trivia nights. These events provide fun without additional costs.
Do you have questions about mental health/wellness? Send them to cator@davidatlanta. com, and check each week to see if your question was selected. Don’t worry, we won’t share your name.
Take care of you!
When I was a kid, I was sick. A lot. I had asthma, severe heartburn, and intense allergies. I caught strep throat and ear infections multiple times a year—and even had a bout of shingles before I was old enough to drive. I was on a cocktail of daily medications and spent what felt like every other week at the doctor’s office.
But no one ever explained why. Why was my body constantly struggling? Why did I feel so run down all the time? Like so many people, I never received a real health education. Not in school. Not from doctors. And certainly not from TV, where health advice is often squeezed between fast food commercials and pharmaceutical ads.
That’s what this column is here to change.
Each week, I’ll break down one simple but powerful concept to help you better understand how your body works—and how to care for it in a way that actually makes sense. Think of it as the health class we all should’ve gotten but didn’t. No fads, no gimmicks, and no fluff. Just real, practical knowledge you can use in your day-to-day life.
A little about me: I have an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. I’ve been in practice for over a decade, and I’m the owner of Any Spine Chiropractic & Massage Studio in Inman Park—a proudly 100% LGBTQ+ owned and operated practice. Our mission has always been to provide a space where healing is personal, empowering, and inclusive. My husband, Will, is also our licensed massage therapist, and together we’ve created an environment where patients can feel truly seen, supported, and cared for.
My philosophy is grounded in one foundational idea: the human body is 300,000 years old. Not your individual body, of course, but the blueprint it follows. Our biology evolved in a very different world— one where we moved constantly, ate whole foods, lived in rhythm with the sun, and were part of tightknit communities. Fast forward to today, and most of us are living in highly artificial environments: sitting all day, disconnected from nature, stressed out, overstimulated, and under-rested.
That mismatch between ancient biology and modern living is at
We’ll explore topics like posture, movement, gut health, sleep, hormones, stress resilience, and even how to recover after a night out (because yes, your hangover is trying to tell you something). Some weeks will be light and fun. Others might challenge long-held beliefs. All of it will be focused on one thing: helping you feel more at home in your body.
the heart of many of our health struggles—fatigue, poor digestion, chronic pain, anxiety, and more. Rather than focusing only on symptom management, my goal is to reconnect you with the foundational habits and rhythms your body still craves. This isn’t about turning away from medicine—it’s about complementing it with strategies that respect the way your body was built to thrive.
Whether you’re a gym rat, a weekend hiker, or just trying to get through the day without crashing at 3 p.m., this column is for you. Whether you’re queer, trans, cis, or figuring it all out, you belong here— because everybody deserves to be understood, respected, and cared for.
Let’s unlearn the noise.
Let’s relearn what matters.
Let’s open The Body Manual.
See you next week.
Dr. Zachary LaVigne, B.S., D.C.
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Atlanta is a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ culture, offering a rich tapestry of queer and queer-friendly festivals throughout the summer. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s your guide to the must-attend events in and around the city, along with a spotlight on national celebrations like WorldPride in Washington, D.C.
Atlanta’s Queer Summer Festivals
Pride Run ATL
June 1, 2025
Kick off Pride Month with the Pride Run ATL, a 5K run/walk through Piedmont Park. Organized by Front Runners Atlanta, this event has been uniting the community since 1991 to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by HIV. All proceeds benefit local HIV charities, making it a meaningful way to celebrate pride and support vital causes.
Southern Fried Queer Pride
Late June 2025
Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) is a five-day festival celebrating queer and trans people of color. Expect a mix of art shows, drag performances,
dance parties, and workshops held at various DIY venues across Atlanta. SFQP provides a safe and inclusive space for the community to express and celebrate their identities.
Atlanta Black Pride Labor Day Weekend, August 28 – September 1, 2025
Recognized as the world’s largest Black gay pride celebration, Atlanta Black Pride attracts over 100,000 attendees annually. The festival features a range of events, including cultural activities, parties, and educational forums, highlighting the rich diversity of the African-American LGBTQ+ community.
Atlanta Pride Festival
October 11–12, 2025
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Mark your calendars for the 55th annual Atlanta Pride Festival, the largest free Pride event in the Southeast. Held in Piedmont Park, the festival features a vibrant parade, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors and activities. Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, it’s a powerful celebration of unity and visibility.
This year, Washington, D.C., hosts WorldPride from May 17 to June 8, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the capital. Under the theme “The Fabric of Freedom,” the event brings together millions to honor LGBTQ+ history and advocate for equality.
WorldPride Parade: June 7, featuring vibrant floats and performances along Constitution Avenue.
� Street Festival and Concert: June 7–8, with performances by artists like Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan.
� International March on Washington & Rally: June 8, culminating in a closing concert with acts like Doechii and Khalid.
WorldPride 2025 promises to be a historic and unifying event, celebrating the progress and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community on a global stage.
Whether you’re participating in local festivities or traveling to national events, these celebrations offer opportunities to connect, celebrate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
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.
When you tell me to go have fun, I take it as a threat. I’m going to have a blast!
It’s unsticking your thighs from chairs season.
Karen died doing what she loved: Walking into the street while screaming that pedestrians have the right of way.
Am I prepared for an earthquake? I’m not even prepared for regular life…
Sometimes Iʼm like “fuck social media” – I donʼt need to know what some skinny b*tch in Australia is up to!
Next time the barista asks my name, I’ll simply say “the barista strangler.”
My friends love sugar – they even eat with their nose!
He’s 5’11”, but he makes 500K a year, so basically 6’5”…
