Decades of Support for Pets and Their People
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of PALS Atlanta
On August 23, PALS Atlanta is lauding their 35th anniversary with a big celebration at Park Tavern. With a decades-long commitment to serving the community and their pets, PALS Atlanta has many initiatives to raise funds and awareness to their cause. We got a chance to speak to executive director, Tommy Burkhalter Lazaro, about the legacy of PALS, how to get involved with the organization, and of course, the anniversary party on August 23.
PALS Atlanta is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary with a big celebration on August 23. But first, why don’t you tell us a little bit about how PALS started?
PALS Atlanta was founded in 1990 by Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinarian, and Dr. Margaret Schulte, an educator, who met
while doing volunteer work for DeKalb Humane Society. While there, they heard about a person with AIDS who was living alone with his best friend, a cat. He was sharing his one meal per day with his cat and foregoing some of his medications to pay for vet care for his animal. Dr. Wynn and Dr. Schulte were very touched by the fact that this individual was risking his own health for the health of his only friend, his cat.
They immediately realized that the humananimal bond was extremely important to persons living with AIDS. So many lost the support and contact of family and friends, not to mention their financial independence, jobs, homes, and savings. This was an area in the life of persons living with AIDS that needed to be addressed. So, they began
collecting pet food. This was the humble beginning of PALS Atlanta.
Still today most of our clients are individuals living with HIV, but we have expanded our services to include those with cancer, disabilities, the elderly and US veterans.
The event on August 23 is about celebrating decades of accomplishments. Can you reveal what guests can expect at this grand party?
We are still working on our program, but attendees will hear from at least one of our founders, Dr. Wynn, and possibly Dr. Shulte. There will also be music, dancing, likely a performance by one of our PALS drag queens or guest drag queens, raffles, a wine pull, and, of course, food, drinks ,and dancing. We will also be revealing some exciting updates and swag that everyone who is anyone will want.
Ican’t wait for this party, but PALS does so many other things to raise funds throughout the year, your bingo night at Lips being one of them. Tell us about those other initiatives.
Our monthly drag bingo, which David Atlanta is a part of, and we thank you for that, is the longest running drag bingo game in the United States. It has been hosted since 1997 by Atlanta drag icon Bubba D Licious. Bubba has been doing drag in Atlanta since the Earth first cooled, I think only Lena Lust has been doing it longer. Our game is always the second Tuesday of the month at Lips Atlanta and Lips donates their space and time to us every month.
We recently partnered with Skiptown to host a drag show for Pride Month. Skiptown is a bar/dog park in Kirkwood. Misti Shores hosted, and it was a hoot to see all our queens do their numbers with a bunch of dogs running around. The dogs and the people seemed to really enjoy it so we will be doing a few more of those.
We have other events throughout the year like Yappy Hour where we have people and their pets come out for drinks and raise a little money for our mission.
Many of PALS Atlanta’s initiatives are volunteer-based – how and when can people get involved as a volunteer?
Our main need for volunteers is dog food delivery to our clients. I would like to expand our services to include dog walking and fostering. We have a lot of clients who are disabled or otherwise home bound and their dogs could use some walking and outdoor time. We could also use some fosters for large dogs. Our clients get into situations where a temporary foster home is sometime needed.
We also run a monthly vaccine clinic for our clients and the public that requires volunteer assistance and of course we can always use some help with bingo setup and manning tables at events.
After this party, do you have any events planned for the rest of the year?
Yes, this gala has taken up a lot of planning obviously, but we are looking to do another drag show at Skiptown, an online photo contest (with a twist) where there will be a party at the conclusion. That will hopefully
be in October and a holiday Yappy Hour in December. Our drag bingo is always the second Tuesday of each month and folks can always see what events we are hosting by visiting palsatlanta.org/events
As the Executive Director, what do you hope that this party will achieve for PALS?
My main goal is to raise awareness about what we do for people, their pets, and our place in Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community. There are a lot of people who just associate PALS with drag bingo, but we are so much more than that. Anyone who comes to one of our clinics or delivers dog food for us comes away very moved after interacting with some of the vulnerable people and pets we serve.
Also, we were very honored to be named a 2025 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshal, and I hope that recognition for our long service to the community will make people want to learn more about us.
On a broader note, what do you wish to accomplish for PALS going forward?
Since becoming the Executive Director of PALS Atlanta, my main goal has been to grow the client base we serve. That is my short-term goal, and we have been making steady progress on that. I have been networking with AID Atlanta, the Grady Ponce Center and the Ryan White Program at Emory to have their case workers refer more clients to us.
I am also working closely with PAWS Atlanta to see how we can collaborate since we offer complimentary services.
As a long-term goal, I would love to have the funding to offer grants to our clients for emergency vet services and end of life care for their companion animals. All of that takes funding and donations from our community.
Tell us how we can attend the party – are there general admission and VIP tickets?
There are general admission and VIP tickets available to the gala on August 23rd. People can visit palsatlanta.org/pals35 to purchase tickets and view sponsorship information if they would like to be a sponsor
What if you can’t make it to the party –how can we support PALS?
We are always in need of donations; anyone can donate online by visiting give. palsatlanta.org/donate.
Also, attending our monthly drag bingo game is always a way to support us, have a little fun and possibly win a little money. Our bingo patrons are very generous and most of our winners donate their winnings back to us. We do not promise to be the best drag show in town, but it is always a fun, hot mess and you are doing a lot to help our mission just by attending.
Anything you’d like to add?
I would just like to thank the community that has supported us over the last 35 years. We have been able to help over a thousand dogs and cats get the care that they need so that they can be loving companions to their humans.
Bear World TV Is Coming
—And It’s Serving Big, Hairy, Fabulous Energy
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Bears, get ready to binge. Bear World Magazine—the go-to lifestyle source for the global bear community—is turning up the volume on representation with the launch of Bear World TV, a fresh, fabulous, and undeniably fuzzy video platform debuting August 7. From nightlife to travel, pop culture to community icons, Bear World TV promises to serve weekly doses of bear-centric news, entertainment, and queer joy—all created for and by the bear community.
Streaming on bearworldmag.com, YouTube, and social media, Bear World TV is more than just a new channel—it’s a movement. With five wildly charismatic hosts bringing you quick-hit two-minute segments each week, viewers can expect plenty of laughs, insight, and sparkle. The lineup includes Marquis The Honey Bear, Joe Martone, Alexander Rodriguez, Ravi Roth, and Hunter Harden—a dream team covering everything from party picks to international getaways.
So, what exactly can you expect?
Think comedic deep dives into niche bear culture, tips for hitting the hottest parties, interviews with queer icons, and travel guides that’ll have you booking your next gaycation before the video ends.
“Bear World Magazine turns 13 this September, and we wanted to do something special to mark the milestone,” says CoFounder Richard Jones, who, along with Robin Gray, is producing the new platform. “Creating a broadcast platform will not only entertain but also amplify the many voices within our vibrant, diverse community.”
Each segment brings its own flavor. Alexander Rodriguez, known for his quick wit and celebrity interviews, leads Alexander on Screen. “Our representation in media is evolving, and so should our journalism,” he says. “Bear World TV viewers can expect smarter questions and deeper conversations with queer icons and unsung heroes alike.”
Looking for laughs? Tune in to Marquis is Barely Informed, where Marquis The Honey Bear takes on bear culture with a comedic twist. “We’re tackling gay and bear culture one ridiculous topic at a time,” he says, calling his content “unseriously serious fun.”
Need nightlife inspo? Hunter Harden has you covered with Hunter’s Hot Nights, a nightlifefocused segment sponsored by Gun Oil Personal Lubricant. “It’s all about vibe,” he says. “A party with hugs, a great DJ, body positivity, and a
little glitter? That’s what I call a hot night.”
Joe Martone keeps us in-the-know with What to Know with Joe, your go-to guide for must-see events. “I spotlight the movers and shakers, and the everyday legends who have carried the bear world on their hairy shoulders,” he explains. His segment is sponsored by DeviousSaint.com—because even legends like a little kink.
And for globetrotters, Ravi Round the World is your passport to adventure. “Travel is more than a vacation. It’s visibility, connection, and celebration,” says LGBTQ+ travel expert Ravi Roth, whose segment is sponsored by Island House Key West. “We’re making the world your bear playground.”
The show’s bold look was captured by photographer Nathan Noyes at the W Hollywood’s Creator Lounge, an art deco dream designed to spark creative fire—making it the perfect visual home for a project this fierce.
With a new episode dropping every week, Bear World TV is setting a new standard for queer media with heart, humor, and a whole lot of hair.
As Jones puts it best: “Bear World TV will be a call to celebrate who we are: loudly, proudly, and together.”
Bear world TV premiered August 7 on bearworldmag.com, and follow @bearworldmag for all the latest.
Beyond Coming Out: Mental Health Challenges Across Di erent Life Stages for Gay Men
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Coming out is often viewed as a milestone moment, but for gay men, mental health challenges continue to evolve throughout their lives, requiring different supports and strategies at each stage.
Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Foundation Building
Later Life: Confronting Generational Trauma
Young gay men face unique pressures during identity formation. Beyond the typical challenges of adolescence, they navigate family acceptance, school environments that may lack LGBTQ+ representation, and the fear of rejection from peers. Research shows gay youth are at significantly higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This period often involves developing resilience skills and finding initial community connections that will serve as protective factors later in life.
Older gay men carry unique psychological burdens from living through the AIDS crisis, decades of legalized discrimination, and social isolation. Many lack traditional family support systems and worry about aging alone or receiving care in environments that may not be LGBTQ+-affirming. Depression and anxiety in this population often stem from grief, survivorʼs guilt, and fears about end-of-life care.
Tips for this stage: Connect with LGBTQ+ youth groups or online communities for peer support. Practice selfcompassion during the identity exploration process. Seek out affirming mentors or therapists when possible, and remember that family acceptance often takes time.
Mid-Life: Relationship and Career Navigation
As gay men enter their thirties and forties, mental health challenges shift toward relationship dynamics, career advancement in potentially unwelcoming workplaces, and decisions about family building. Many face the complex emotions of watching friends start traditional families while navigating their own paths to parenthood through adoption or surrogacy. Workplace discrimination concerns can create chronic stress, even in seemingly progressive environments.
Tips for this stage: Build a chosen family of supportive friends and allies. Consider couples therapy to strengthen relationships during major life transitions. Advocate for LGBTQ+ workplace policies and seek out affirming professional networks.
Tips for this stage: Join senior LGBTQ+ social groups to combat isolation. Consider creating advance directives that specify LGBTQ+-friendly care preferences. Engage in grief counseling to process losses from the AIDS crisis and other life transitions.
The Path Forward
Mental health support for gay men must be age-appropriate and culturally competent. Young men benefit from affirming therapy and peer support groups. Mid-life men often need relationship counseling and workplace stress management. Older men require grief counseling, community connection programs, and advocacy for LGBTQ+friendly senior services.
Understanding that coming out is just the beginning of a lifelong journey helps mental health providers, families, and gay men themselves recognize that ongoing support isnʼt weakness—itʼs wisdom. Each life stage brings distinct challenges that deserve recognition, resources, and compassionate care.
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Do you have more questions about mental health or looking for some life coaching support?
Email me at cator@davidatlanta.com, and letʼs connect!
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
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
DINING
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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
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BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
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CHESHIRE
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SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Photos by: Russ Youngblood
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.
Ever been so stressed and you look in the mirror, and you are like wow ok grear I’m f*cking ugly too!
Why can’t I be addicted to something productive like the gym or saving money.
Normalize telling your pets your entire schedule when leaving the house, so they aren’t confused.
“People you know” and itʼs someone I would set on fire.
Fake laughing at work is exhausting. Bro, please go away and stop talking.
They say “listen to your body” but all my body wants to do is quit my job, travel, eat carbs, and take naps.
I need to sit by the ocean and disassociate for like three days.
If you keep your AC higher than 75, please don’t invite me to your terrarium, you lizard.
DoxyPEP
