Georgia Voice - September 2025

DoxyPEP

Atlanta’s Favorite

Real Estate Team

I’ve lived in Morningside since second grade and I’m proud to call Atlanta home. My team and I have helped over 6,500 buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.

"Zac Did It Again!" is more than just my tagline - it's my promise.”

Let us show you why we are Atlanta's favorite real estate team.

Zac Pasmanick, Team Leader ZacSellsAtlanta.com

404 564 7272 · Zac@Zac Biz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Awards and anniversaries

This month, Georgia Voice was honored with the 2025 Legacy Award by the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists. In these uncertain and fraught political times, we know that the Voice’s very existence is more vital now than ever. As we mark our 15th anniversary, the NLGJA recognition of our ongoing work is just the boost we needed to face the onslaught of misinformation and gaslighting from the current administration.

Being a journalist these days has never been more difficult, especially when you’ve got half of the U.S. electorate who believes everything produced by mainstream media is “fake news.”

Growing up, I never wanted to be anything but a reporter. Some kids wanted to be astronauts, firefighters, doctors, lawyers, but I was inspired by my distant relative Margaret Mitchell (so distant I’ll never see any of that “Gone With the

Collin Kelley

Executive Editor

Beth McKibben

Editor-in-Chief

Sr. Editor Food & Dining

Cathy Cobbs

Managing Editor, Reporter Newspapers

Sammie Purcell

Associate Editor

Staff Writers

Katie Burkholder, Bob Pepalis, Logan C. Ritchie, Sarra Sedghi

Wind” money), who began her career as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine.

I started writing a column for the Fayette Sun newspaper in 1985 called “The Wonderful World of Libraries” (yes, I am that nerd), covering happenings and news from all of the county’s local homes

for tomes.

Then, in 1986, like Cousin Peggy before me, my first piece of journalism appeared in the AJC’s long-defunct Sunday Magazine. Eliptically, it was the first article ever written about efforts to restore Mitchell’s Midtown apartment into a museum. I was 16.

Working at the Marietta Daily Journal/ Neighbor Newspapers in 1991.

Published By

Rough Draft Atlanta

Keith Pepper

Publisher keith@roughdraftatlanta.com

Heather Gibbons

Associate Publisher

Neal Maziar Chief Revenue Officer neal@roughdraftatlanta.com

Rico Figliolini

Creative Director

Tim Boyd

Publisher Emeritus

Operations

Savannah Pierce savannah@roughdraftatlanta.com

More freelancing followed for a variety of magazines, then as a beat reporter for the Sun, and an assistant editor at a business magazine.

I spent more than a dozen years at the Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers before becoming the editor of Atlanta Intown and now as executive editor of our parent company, Rough Draft Atlanta.

Even with all the insanity happening in the world, I still want to be a journalist. I have my “other life” as a poet and novelist, but being a reporter is still my bread and butter.

Forty years later, I continue to live my dream as a reporter. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Advertising sales@roughdraftatlanta.com

Jim Brams

Sr. Account Manager jim@roughdraftatlanta.com

Deborah Davis Account Manager | Sales Operations deborah@roughdraftatlanta.com

Jeff Kremer Sr. Account Manager jeff@roughdraftatlanta.com

Suzanne Purcell Sr. Account Manager suzanne@roughdraftatlanta.com

Dixon Taylor Sr. Account Manager dixon@roughdraftatlanta.com

National Advertising Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021 sales@rivendellmedia.com

Friday, Oct. 3: Evening Events

Kidnote 6 PM | Keynote 7 PM

Saturday, Oct. 4: Festival Day

10 AM - 6 PM

AIDS Walk and Music Festival returns to Piedmont Park Sept. 27

By Katie Burkholder

On Sept. 27, thousands of Atlantans will gather to run, walk, and join together in Piedmont Park to raise money for HIV/ AIDS healthcare at the AIDS Walk and Music Festival.

Returning for its 34th year, the event will kick off with a 5K before a festival featuring live musical performances and community celebrations.

CeeLo Green will headline this year’s festival, joined by New Orleans-based entertainer Trombone Shorty. Green, known for hits like “Forget You” and “Crazy,” rose to prominence as a founding member of the Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob. Trombone Shorty plays both trombone and trumpet, blending rock and hip-hop with old-school funk and brass. Other featured performers include King Jai, a hip-hop artist from Birmingham, AL, and DJ Sed the Saint, a multi-genre DJ from New Orleans.

The AIDS Walk, hosted by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has raised more than $1 million a year for Atlanta-based HIV/AIDS service organizations. This year’s benefitting organizations are AID Atlanta, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Aniz Inc., Bridge of Light, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Georgia Equality, I Am Human, Lost-N-Found Youth, LGBTQ+ Institute, Positive Impact Health Centers, and Trans Women of Color Healing Project.

“This annual event offers a time to create a greater awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the local Atlanta community as well as an opportunity to bring together thousands of individuals from across the region to raise critical funds for these 12 worthy organizations,”

Dr. Felicia Ivey, AHF Atlanta regional director, said. “AHF is proud to present this event as one of the many ways that we educate and empower the local community to join the fight against HIV and AIDS.”

The event will also include on-site HIV testing, so anyone attending can know their status.

According to a recent report from Invigor Medical, Georgia ranked the highest in the country in 2023 for new HIV cases, with 2,359 new cases. Fulton County saw the highest volume of HIV in Georgia that year, along with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

On July 31, the Fulton County Department for HIV Elimination received an increase in federal funding to combat the epidemic in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties. But with more than $1.7 billion cut from core HIV prevention and treatment programs in the Trump administration’s proposed 2026 federal budget, Imara Canady, the National Communications Director of AHF, told Georgia Voice that funds raised by this year’s AIDS Walk are critical.

The money raised for these organizations – dollar-for-dollar matched by AHF – is unrestricted funds, meaning each organization can use it for operating costs like rent and employee paychecks that are often not covered by grants, which benefit holistic HIV care.

“This is about ensuring that the foundation and the infrastructure of these organizations can maintain and sustain to do the tremendously impactful work that they’re doing all across the metro area,” Canady said.

To register for the AIDS Walk and Music Festival, create a team, or join a team, visit aidswalkatlanta.org.

Midtown’s rainbow crosswalk safe from erasure

By Katie Burkholder

City of Atlanta officials say that Midtown’s rainbow crosswalk is not in danger following the removal of a similar crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando, FL.

On Aug. 20, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) painted over the rainbow crosswalk, created in 2017 as part of a memorial for the 49 people killed in a shooting at Pulse nightclub.

An FDOT spokesperson said in a statement that the department has a duty to “ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems” and ensure “roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis echoed this sentiment on X, writing, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”

The removal of Orlando’s rainbow crosswalk came after a letter sent by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to all 50 governors on July 1, demanding

that “consistent and recognizable traffic control devices” like crosswalks be “kept free from distractions.”

Orlando protesters used chalk to color the rainbow crosswalk again, but FDOT crews repainted it black and white, and stationed transportation officials and Orlando police at the crosswalk. A Georgia man was arrested for putting chalk on the bottom of his shoes and leaving footprints on the crosswalk.

While Atlantans may worry about the state of our own rainbow crosswalk, located at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, Michael Smith, the press secretary for Mayor Andre Dickens’ Office, told Georgia Voice that the directive should not impact the crosswalk.

“Both Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street are City-owned streets,” he said. “It is our understanding that the directive in question implicates effects on Federal or State-funded projects. Atlanta’s iconic Rainbow Crosswalk was paid for out of the City’s General Fund by Atlanta taxpayers.”

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

Source:

News Roundup

Trans scapegoating after school shooting

After the shooter who opened fire at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 17 others, was identified as a transgender woman, LGBTQ+ organizations are warning against anti-transgender scapegoating and advocating for gun reform.

Because of the shooter’s gender identity, right-wing legislators have used the Aug. 27 incident to insist on the mental unwellness of the community and advocate for anti-transgender legislation.

“We recognize that some may use this story to attempt to divide faith communities and the transgender community, but we know that both of those communities are vital parts of our larger LGBTQ+ community,” Jessica Douglas, the Development and Communications Manager of Georgia Equality, said. “We condemn any attempt to divide us and to scapegoat the transgender community for political gain.”

GA faces sex ed funding cut

The U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) has demanded that 46 states, including Georgia, remove all references to transgender people and “gender ideology” from their sex education programs or lose federal funding.

In a statement posted on its website, the HHS said it was sending letters to the states and territories telling them to remove all references to gender ideology in their federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) educational materials within 60 days.

According to a graphic linked on the HHS website, Georgia could lose $4.5 million in PREP funding.

Atlanta Pride announces entertainers

Atlanta Pride has announced the first round of entertainment for the 2025 Pride Festival on Oct. 11 and 12 at Piedmont Park.

This year’s lineup includes Bob the Drag Queen, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 8; 2AM Ricky, the first Black

trans man to reach #3 on the iTunes Electronic Charts; indie pop artist Bentley Robles; and folk artist Adeem the Artist.

“We’re thrilled to kick off our 2025 entertainment announcements with such a dynamic group of performers,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride. “From chart-topping artists to boundary-breaking storytellers, these entertainers reflect tremendous talent, creativity, and perfectly capture this year’s festival theme ‘Rooted in Resistance.’ This

is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share even more talent to be announced in the weeks ahead.”

Fed employees lose gender affirming care

The Trump administration has moved to bar the federal government’s largest health insurance programs from covering gender-affirming care, even for adults.

The Advocate reports that an internal letter issued Aug. 15 announced that the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) programs will stop covering hormone therapies and surgeries related to gender transition beginning in 2026. The FEHB covers more than eight million federal workers, while PSHB provides benefits to about two million postal employees.

Health, financial, civic concerns voiced at LGBTQ+ town hall

By Katie Burkholder

Community leaders, city employees, and entrepreneurs gathered at Atlanta City Hall on Aug. 8 for an LGBTQ+ Town Hall, led by the new Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Dewayne Queen.

The event served as an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns about LGBTQ+ issues in Atlanta and inform the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s (MOEDI) future programming.

Among those in attendance were Andi Monroe, the Southern Regional Office Manager and Regional Program Coordinator for Lambda Legal; Bentley Hudgins, the Georgia State Director of the Human Rights Campaign; Alphonso Mills, a community health worker at Positive Impact Health Centers; and Dr. R. Wayne Woodson, the CEO of NAESM.

Issues raised by the community included limited access to mental health services and other health care, a lack of financial education surrounding building wealth and starting a business, and legislative attacks on queer youth, specifically regarding education.

“The kids are experiencing a generational attack on the institution of public education that undermines everyone’s access to education,” Hudgins said. “[The FBI] had a report come out about hate crimes, and [the LGBTQ+] community is the top three [of communities victimized by hate crimes in 2024]. A trend that came from the year before that is sustained by this year’s report

is that schools are the number one location for hate crimes for kids who are queer. They’re facing violence and discrimination at school, where they’re required to be by law.”

A lack of transparency within local government was another concern raised. Some in attendance said they didn’t even know about the existence of MOEDI before the event, let alone what work the office was doing.

Other attendees offered tangible solutions like a mentorship program between LGBTQ+ youth and elders, an exclusively LGBTQ+ elder care facility, grants and other financial support for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and a resource center.

“[We need] a resource center that does more than just provide resources,” Ja’Mel Ware, the founder of the IR Agency, said. “We need to be able to teach people from a foundational level all the way into an implementational level about how to build wealth and what different careers are available to you.”

Malik Brown, Queen’s predecessor, is currently directing a feasibility study to explore the potential development of an LGBTQ+ community center in Atlanta, a hub for connection and resources that could serve as a space to address some of the issues raised on Friday.

Queen says he hopes to make the town hall a quarterly event to continue receiving feedback from the community year-round. To keep up with the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, follow them on Instagram @atlequity.

SUN, OCT 5TH from 12 to 6PM

Come experience Atlanta’s biggest block party on Howell Mill Road.

FOOD & DRINK

PETTING ZOO

LIVE MUSIC STAGES PUMPKIN PATCH

MAKER’S MARKET

LOCAL BUSINESSES

Veteran Atlanta bartender opening cocktail bar Buddy Buddy at Midtown Promenade

By Beth McKibben

A new bar will take over Tapa Tapa at Midtown Promenade this fall.

Veteran Atlanta bartender Nick Chaivarlis will open Buddy Buddy in September, a low-key bar serving playfully named riffs on classic cocktails and food paying homage to his Greek heritage.

Described as a come-as-you-are kind of place, Buddy Buddy’s decor will be comfortable, dimly lit, and maybe a bit of a throwback to your grandmother’s “good living room.” You know, the museum-like room in your grandmother’s house where family heirlooms are kept and furniture harkens back to another age.

Chaivarlis partnered with Andy Alibakhsh, the owner of neighboring Apres Diem at the Monroe Drive shopping complex. The pair have worked together for years at Tapa Tapa, which Alibakhsh also owns. Chaivarlis bartends at Apres Diem and runs the bar program for Miracle on Monroe, the annual pop-up that transforms Tapa Tapa into an over-the-top holiday bar.

For longtime followers of Atlanta’s cocktail scene, Chaivarlis is a familiar face. He’s been behind the stick at some of the best bars in Atlanta, including 8ARM, Dead

End Drinks (formerly Ration and Dram), and The Lawrence. But Buddy Buddy isn’t his first foray into bar ownership. Chaivarlis co-owned Ink and Elm at Emory Village until it closed in 2015.

Chaivarlis said he isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to cocktails at Buddy Buddy, or bring back Ink and Elm. People can expect well-made classics, along with cocktails incorporating washes, infused base spirits, and house-made syrups and cordials, like cherry-lemongrass.

Chaivarlis’ favorite cocktail–the martini–comes three ways at Buddy Buddy: gin with a twist; with agave-infused gin and avocado-washed Spanish vermouth; or with sesame-washed Japanese gin and seaweedinfused bittersweet vermouth. Espresso martini lovers will find one made with Greek yogurt, metaxa punch, Greek coffee-infused vermouth, and ouzo.

“I love classics, but I also like to get a little squirrely with them. It’s something I learned from Andy [Minchow] working at Ration and Dram, that you don’t have to get all crazy with cocktails,” Chaivarlis said. “People like well-made drinks that are approachable.”

Working under longtime Atlanta barman Eric Simpkins at The Lawrence in Midtown

years ago, Chaivarlis learned to appreciate preparation techniques such as washes and infusions that still allow for the creation of unique cocktails, while cutting down on the time it takes to make a drink à la minute.

At Buddy Buddy, Chaivarlis will finally lean into his Greek heritage. It’s a way to honor his parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Greece before he was born.

“I’m 100 percent Greek. My parents don’t speak English to me when I’m home,” Chaivarlis said, who credits food for always bringing Greeks together.

Led by Chef Joshua Moss (The Lawrence), the menu at Buddy Buddy will merge Greek street food with the homestyle dishes Chaivarlis grew up eating, including avgolemono (lemon chicken soup), yemista (stuffed peppers), and roast lamb spiced with garlic, aleppo, and oregano chermoula served with Greek lemon potatoes, fried couscous pearls, and a feta and beet salad.

Small plates and sides include tinned fish, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), zesty seasoned fries, and more lemony Greek

potatoes.

As for the bar’s name, it’s a term of endearment between Chaivarlis and his friends and colleagues. It started behind the bar at The Lawrence, which has since closed, as friendly banter between bartenders.

“When you’re super close to somebody, you’re buddy-buddy with them,” Chaivarlis explained, adding that the Midtown bar is meant to bring people together. Buddy Buddy, 931 Monroe Dr., Midtown. Opening by the end of September.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While their boss remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she? With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, based on the iconic 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5 is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge that is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Atlanta’s preeminent, Oscar-qualifying and USA TODAY “10 Best” film festival, Out On Film, will present its provocative

lineup Sept. 25 to Oct. 5.

Presented by GILEAD, festival screenings, Q&As, and panels will take place at the historic Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema and Out Front Theatre Company.

The 38th annual Out On Film will offer a diverse selection that includes 35 features (19 narrative films, 16 documentaries), five streaming-only films, and 105 short films for a total of 150 films. In all, Out On Film will host nine world premieres, four international premieres, 10 U.S. premieres, and 32 regional premieres as part of the 2025 festival. Festival ticket packages are available now at outonfilm.org.

The Queer Film Summit will feature panels on film pitch sessions, creating low/no-budget films, practical special effects, and readings from the year’s Out On Film Screenplay Competition.

In addition, Out On Film will present its 2025 Icon Award to actor, singer, entrepreneur, and advocate Angelica Ross (“Pose,” “American Horror Story”). Her award will be presented at an in-person, free ceremony at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema on Sept. 30 at noon.

“In a year where our rights are being threatened, it’s as important as ever to stand up and show we are around - and not going anywhere,” said Out On Film Festival Director Jim Farmer. “This year’s Out On Film is one of our biggest, most in-your-face events ever.”

Regarding this year’s theme, Executive Director Justice Obiaya said, “In a time when ‘Queer Propaganda’ is used as a political weapon to shame, censor, and vilify LGBTQ+ lives, we’re reclaiming it. At Out On Film, we’re turning the term on its head and making it our own. Queer Propaganda isn’t about pushing an agenda;

38th annual Out on Film festival returns Sept. 25 - Oct. 5

it’s about telling the truth.” It’s about reclaiming our right to be seen, to be heard, and to shape the narrative. Our stories build empathy. They reflect the world as it truly is: diverse, complex, and beautifully queer. In the face of rising backlash and politicized attacks, we’re not backing down. We’re leaning in, louder, prouder, and more united than ever.”

Opening and Closing Night Films

The Opening Night film set for the 11-day festival is the documentary feature “I Was Born This Way,” directed by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard, which spotlights how pioneering disco artist Carl Bean’s 1977 anthem became a cultural milestone for LGBTQ+ music. Through interviews with music legends such as Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, Questlove, and Dionne Warwick, the story unfolds of Archbishop Bean’s groundbreaking impact on queer representation in mainstream culture in this exceptional, empowering documentary.

military facility into a Black queer utopia, blending art, AI, and performance. Through stunning visuals and deeply personal performances, the film captures the transformative power of creativity as a fractured community comes together to find strength, solidarity, and liberation.

The festival will conclude with the heartwarming Irish feature film “Four Mothers,” directed by Darren Thornton. A struggling novelist in Dublin, planning for an upcoming book tour, is forced to take care of three eccentric older women – and his own mother, recovering from a stroke – over the course of one chaotic weekend in Dublin in this warm and funny crowd pleaser. Starring James McArdle (“Andor,” “Sexy Beast”), this beauty won the Audience Award at the BFI London Film Festival.

Centerpiece Films

“Assembly” – A documentary feature directed by Rashaad Newsome and Johnny Symon and recipient of 2024’s inaugural Out On Film Filmmaker Fund Award, “Assembly” follows visionary artist Newsome as he transforms a historic

“Exit Interviews” – Debut feature from GA-based Writer/Director/Executive Producer and Atlanta Comedy Theater Owner Garrett Abd (“ATL Comedy Arts Fest,” “Strip Off”). Starring Tuc Watkins (“Uncoupled,” “Desperate Housewives”) Thomas Dekker (“Swimming With Sharks,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), Adam Huss (“Power,” “General Hospital”) and Ray Santiago (“Ash vs. Evil Dead,” “Meet the Fockers”), the independent film explores the complicated emotional terrain of love, regret, and personal reflection through the lens of one man’s journey to confront the ghosts of his past relationships head on.

“Fairyland” – Based on the acclaimed memoir of the same name by Alysia Abbott, “Fairyland” is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s vibrant cultural scene in the 1970s and ’80s. Written/Directed by Andrew Durham (in his feature directorial debut) and produced by Sofia Coppola, the film chronicles a father and daughter relationship as it evolves through an era of bohemian decadence to the sober and heartbreaking era of the AIDS crisis.

Stars Emilia Jones (“CODA”), Scoot McNairy (“A Complete Unknown”), Cody Fern (“American Horror Story”), Maria Bakalova (“The Apprentice”) and Bella Murphy (“Coming 2 America”), with Adam Lambert (“Glee”) and Geena Davis (“Thelma & Louise”), and introducing Nessa Dougherty.

“Lesbian Space Princess” – In Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese’s

crowd-pleasing, Teddy Award-winning animated feature, a space princess is thrust out of her sheltered life and into a galactic quest to save her bounty hunter exgirlfriend from the Straight White Maliens.

“The Librarians” – Documentary filmmaker Kim A. Snyder (2025 Oscar®nominated “Death By Numbers,” “Newtown,” “Us Kids”) takes us to an unexpected front line where librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy, free access to information, and our First Amendment Rights. As they well know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities. When an unprecedented wave of book banning largely addressing race and LGBTQ+ issues is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.

“Plainclothes” – Promising undercover agent Lucas (Tom Blyth, “Billy the Kid”), assigned to lure and arrest gay men, defies professional orders when he falls in love with a target, Andrew (Russell Tovey, “Looking”). Director Carmen Emmi’s gripping feature film charts the unexpected relationship between the two men and Lucas’ internal growth.

2025 Out On Film Official Selections

“Afrodite” (International Premiere) –Professional diver Ludovica witnesses her diving school go bankrupt due to her partner’s debts to the mafia. Left alone and burdened with too many debts to pay, she finds herself forced to extract TNT from a Second World War shipwreck, sunken in the middle of the sea, on behalf of the mafia, which in the meantime has declared war on the Italian state.

“A Night Like This” – Using London’s gritty nightlife as a backdrop, Liam Calvert’s debut film is about a stone-broke gay actor, Lukas (Jack Brett Anderson), and privileged bonehead Oliver (“In From the Side” standout Alexander Lincoln), with a failing business cross paths on a winter night. The two join forces in a quest around London to find a meaning to their lives.

“Blackbird” (10th Anniversary Screening)

– Set in a small Baptist community in the south of Mississippi, a 17-year-old high school senior and talented singer, Randy (Julian J. Walker, “Being Mary Jane”), juggles with his sexuality and religion while also dealing with the disappearance of his younger sister as it tore his family apart. Mo’Nique stars and is one of the executive producers.

“Dreams In Nightmares” – After losing her job, Z embarks on a trip across the American Midwest. Together with her two closest friends, she is searching for another friend of theirs who has seemingly disappeared off the grid. In each city, the three queer Black femmes face new threats that test their priorities, causing personal and ideological fractures to emerge. With their second film, Shatara Michelle Ford puts their own singular stamp on the American road movie.

“Drive Back Home” – In the winter of 1970, a cantankerous, small-town plumber

from rural New Brunswick must drive his beat-up work truck 1,000 miles to Toronto to get his estranged, gay brother (Alan Cumming) out of jail after being arrested for having sex in a public park. The two men are then forced to drive back home together at the behest of their hard-nosed mother before they kill each other in this winning comedy-drama.

“Lakeview” – A vibrant, heartfelt queer ensemble comedy that celebrates friendship, freedom, and the joy of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a girls’ weekend convened to mark a transformative divorce, Lakeview gets into the lives of a close-knit group who are navigating the hurdles of life and love at a picturesque retreat. Directed by local treasure Tara Thorne, this film captures both the excitement of newfound freedom and the bittersweet nostalgia of letting go.

“Night Stage” – An ambitious actor and a successful politician start a secret affair, and together they discover their fetish for having sex in public places. The closer they get to their dream of fame, the more they feel the urge to put themselves at risk. From directors Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon comes this sexy drama/ political thriller. In Portuguese with English subtitles.

“Outerlands” – Cass juggles jobs as a nanny, restaurant server, and party drug dealer to make ends meet and pay for

their tiny San Francisco apartment. After a one-night stand with Kalli, a co-worker they have a crush on, the non-binary Cass agrees to watch her 11-year-old daughter, Ari, while she goes out of town. But as days pass without word from Kalli, Cass and Ari form a bond that spirals Cass back to their own difficult childhood and the pain they’ve been running from. Elena Oxman’s film features a stunning lead performance by Asia Kate Dillon as Cass.

“Queens of the Dead” – When a zombie apocalypse breaks out in Brooklyn on the night of a warehouse party, an eclectic group of drag queens, club kids, and frenemies must put aside their drama and use their unique skills to fight against the brain-thirsty, scrolling undead. This campy horror comedy stars an all-star cast including Pose’s Dominique Jackson, Margaret Cho, Cheyenne Jackson, and Katy O’Brien.

“Sandbag Dam” – In a flood-threatened village, Marko’s life is turned upside down when Slaven returns for his father’s funeral and rekindles their forbidden romance. Marko must confront his family and make a difficult choice about his future. In Croatian with English subtitles.

“She’s The He” – Just before graduation, Alex and Ethan pretend to be trans women to get into the girls’ lockers. It’s all a joke until Ethan realizes she really is trans. The two must reckon with their changing friendship and the process of coming out in this cheerful, very funny new film.

“Sisters” – In this beautiful comedy, 20-something best friends Lou and Esther are each other’s “chosen sisters.” But when Lou discovers she has a long-lost actual sister, her and Esther’s co-dependent bliss is rudely interrupted. As Lou becomes closer with her impossibly chic half-sister, she must redefine what that loaded F word – family – really means to her.

“T” – Shot over the lead actor’s first year on testosterone, T follows Em through

their journey of gender discovery, and the challenges and joys they face in their romantic relationships, friendships, and family. T is a recipient of a 2024 Out On Film Filmmaker Fund Award.

“The Best Friend” – In this sexy and funny musical comedy, Lucas, an architect, travels to Canoa Quebrada after a crisis with his boyfriend. He then encounters Felipe, a former classmate, stirring up old feelings and forcing Lucas to choose between his current relationship and a past passion.

“The Last First Time” – Eighteenyear-old Eduardo travels from a small Mexican town to the city of Guadalajara to take a university admission exam. In this strange, big city, far away from his mother’s surveillance, he experiences his first missteps in love and sex. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Documentary Feature Films

“A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Blooroot” – In the ’70s and ’80s, there were over 230 feminist restaurants, cafés, and coffeehouses throughout the United States and Canada. Bloodroot, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is now the oldest and longest-lasting of those spaces, in continuous operation for over 46 years. “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot” explores this feminist, queer, vegan restaurant and bookstore, and illuminates the legacy of its pioneering proprietors, Selma Miriam and Noel Furie.

“It’s Dorothy” – Since Dorothy Gale started her epic journey down the Yellow Brick Road 125 years ago in L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” she’s become a celebrity, a brand, and a beacon for marginalized voices across our culture. It’s Dorothy brings to life her timeless adventures in Oz through the human experiences of a new generation of star performers, infused with the spirit and influence of Judy Garland and more. With a chorus of cultural icons, unforgettable music, and a magical remix of archival and cinematic art, this film centers the perspectives of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ voices.

Continued on page 16

Continued from page 15

“Just Kids” (Southeastern Premiere) – Gianna Toboni’s extraordinary documentary follows three families in states that have banned gender-affirming care as they navigate a heartbreaking decision: Should they stay in their home states, where their whole life is, and risk their child’s health and safety? Or should they flee? Over the course of a year, these families endure impossible challenges and show unparalleled strength as they fight to save their children’s lives.

“Last Dance at the Sundance Stompede” – In November 2023, over 800 people from all over the world gathered in San Francisco to attend the Sundance Stompede, an LGBTQ+ country-western dance weekend with four days of workshops and exhibition performances across three venues. After 27 years, this year is the final Stompede. The film documents the weekend of dancing and the thoughts and reflections of 15 participants.

“Love Me Bait Me: The Power of Queer Representation” – This feature documentary explores the historical relationship between Hollywood, television, and the authentic portrayal of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences over the course of more than a century. Interviews and archival footage provide a constructive critique of the U.S. film industry that emphasizes the life-saving role storytelling plays in our collective imagination for a better future.

“Night in West Texas” (Southeastern Premiere) – Forty years after a gay Apache man is framed for the brutal murder of a closeted Catholic priest, a police chief uncovers long-buried evidence that shakes up the small, oil-rich West Texas town that imprisoned him. From Deborah S. Esquenazi, the director of the acclaimed Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four, comes this powerful and jolting new documentary.

“Sally!” – “Sally!” brings into focus the life and legacy of Sally Gearhart — a charismatic lesbian-feminist, activist, professor, and fantasy author. A trailblazer in the 1970s and ‘80s U.S. lesbian feminist movement, Sally is a “hidden figure” deserving more attention: she was a key spokeswoman for an important period of women’s history.

“The Dancer” (U.S. Premiere) – “The Dancer” is a coming-of-age film about Ahmad Joudeh, born stateless in Syria’s Yarmouk camp. Ahmad is a dancer who battles against inner and external war in his pursuit of the true meaning of freedom.

“This Is Ballroom” – In Rio de Janeiro city and its outskirts, LGBTQ+ youth of color recreate ballroom culture on their own terms. A portrait of the dramas, the voguing performances, and the art of shade, 50 years after its inception in New York, Rio is burning! In Portuguese with English subtitles.

“Under the Southern Cross: The Art and Legacy of Henry L. Faulkner” – Under the Southern Cross is an unflinching portrayal of Appalachian queer painter and poet Henry L. Faulkner from Egypt, Kentucky (1924–1981). The most documented queer man in the history of Kentucky, Faulkner documented his life and lovers as an adolescent in the 1930s until the day he died.

“We Are Pat” – Filmed in Georgia, this documentary is a tale of obsession, transness, and how art ages over time, told through the 1990s cult character Pat from SNL. It explores the evolution of gender identity and comedy from the ’90s until today through the lens of the iconic It’s Pat sketch. Trans and non-binary comedians and culture-makers reimagine and rewrite the original Pat material, using camp and humor to reclaim and reenvision an iconic character in American comedy.

SHORT FILM PROGRAMS

Animation Explosion

“A Bird Hit My Window and Now I’m a Lesbian” (USA, dir. Carmela Marie Murphy)

“How a River Is Born” (Brazil, dir. Luma Flores)

“Mike and the Magazine” (Italy, dir. Marcello Paolillo)

“If/When” (Australia, dir. Courtney Westbrook)

“The Eating of an Orange” (U.K., dir. May Kindred-Boothby)

“Butterfly Kiss” (Germany, dir. Zohar Dvir)

“Two Black Boys in Paradise” (U.K., dir. Baz Sells)

“In the Chutes” (USA, dir. Jena Avriel Rice)

Drama Shorts

“Witness” (USA, dir. Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan)

“Two People Exchanging Saliva” (France, dir. Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata)

“Skin on Skin” (Germany, dir. Simon Schneckburger)

“A Little Bit of Glitter” (U.K., dir. Siddharth Menon)

Final Shorts

“Clutter” (U.K., dir. James Card)

“The Cure” (USA, dir. Katie Hightower)

“A Synonym for Art: Andrinki” (U.S., dir. Casey L. Martin)

Around the World

“Pakka” (Netherlands, dir. Iniyavan Elumalai)

“Menschen unter Wasser / People Under Water” (Germany, dir. Paul Galli)

“Madonna Mia” (Italy, U.K., dir. Valentina Garrett)

“When the Summer Ends” (China, dir. Tianyuan He)

Closing Arguments

“The Divine Femme” (USA, dir. Odu Adamu)

“Māhū: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter” (USA, dir. Lisette Marie Flanary)

“Flat” (Canada, dir. Suri Parmar)

“Unfurled” (USA, dir. Gail Willumsen)

“Spit Me Out” (USA, dir. Lauren Ludwig)

“Cicada” (U.K., dir. Roxana Stroe)

“Una Notte” (U.K., dir. Rob Harris)

Georgia on My Mind

“Asha” (USA, dir. Moitri Ghosh)

“Zora Head: The Life and Scholarship of Valerie Boyd” (USA, dir. Adam Forrester, Clint Fluker)

“Fairy Play” (USA, dir. Freddy Bendekgey)

“The Cure” (USA, dir. Katie Hightower)

“What Friends Are For” (USA, dir. Kristina Arjona)

“Are You Fucking Kidding Me?” (USA, dir. Zen Pace)

“The Beard” (USA, dir. Javiera Zapata)

Continued on page 18

Continued from page 16

Global Affairs

“The 5 O’Clock Chime” (Japan, dir. James Cooper)

“Cura Sana” (Spain, dir. Lucía G. Romero)

“Rebel!” (Slovakia, dir. Erik Jasaň)

“Solers United” (U.K., dir. Sara Harrak)

“A Cappella” (Poland, dir. Marcin Kluczykowski)

Herstory

“Calamity Jane” (USA, dir. Robin Cloud)

“Clam Diving for Beginners” (Germany, dir. Clara Marshall)

“Divine Intervention” (U.K., dir. Raveena Tran)

“The Plumbing” (USA, dir. Charlotte Istel)

“Munchies” (USA, dir. Brittany Alexia Young)

“Old Dykes” (USA, dir. Ezra Rose)

Latinexcellence

“Me Porto Bonita” (USA, dir. Cecilia Romo)

“Three Courses” (Mexico, dir. Saul Francisco Esparza Ornelas)

“Have a Plan Theo” (Mexico, dir. Paden Koltiska)

“Heels” (USA, dir. Kevin Rosa)

Let’s Talk About Sex

“Juliette” (USA, dir. Emma Jean Scott)

“Speak” (USA, dir. Justyn Bell, Ella Bardine)

“By the Lake” (USA, dir. Alex Dauphin)

“Muse” (USA, dir. Chad Zemel)

“Pink Isn’t Your Color” (USA, dir. Fatima Diallo)

Love, Loud and Proud

“Dandelion” (USA, dir. Fiona Obertinca)

“Taper” (USA, dir. Ben Locke)

“Home” (USA, dir. Kimberly Ndombe)

“At My Girlfriend’s Funeral” (USA, dir. Hanuel Kim)

“The World Stood Still” (Finland, dir. Elise Celestia)

“Arman” (USA, dir. Farzad Kiyafar)

Pageants, Sisterhoods and Justice

“While We Still Have Time” (Australia, dir. Ava Grimshaw-Hall)

“Sistahood: A Story of Strength” (USA, dir. Jessica R. Chaney)

“Sex in Drag” (USA, dir. John Mark Hostetler)

“Not Just Another Pageant” (Thailand, dir. Larry Tung)

“Tippi and Barb” (USA, dir. Brad Burleson)

Queerly Hilarious: Comedy Shorts

“Sunday Sauce” (USA, dir. Matt Campanella)

“Teth” (U.K., dir. Peter Darney)

“Gender Reveal” (Canada, dir. Mo Matton)

“Poreless” (USA, dir. Harris Doan)

“The New Gardener” (USA, dir. Ryan Parma)

“Teen Mary” (USA, dir. Ali Rosenthal)

Roots and Revelations

“Tumtum” (U.K., dir. Rebecca Ozer)

“Kansas, 1989” (USA, dir. Clayton Dean Smith)

“Greenhorn” (Canada, dir. Sabrina Way)

“Donor” (USA, dir. Erin Doyle Cooper)

“Meet Me” (USA, dir. Jay Najeeah)

“There’s Something I Have to Tell You” (USA, dir. Jamie Savarese)

“My Age Now” (USA, dir. Daniel Talbot) Out of This World

“Summer Fling” (Canada, dir. Krit Komkrichwarakool)

“Dolls” (Canada, dir. Geena Rocero)

“Far Between Us” (Slovakia, dir. Vojtech Javurek)

“The Last Story on Earth” (USA, dir. Aaron Immediato)

Simply Stunning

“Never Kill a Femboy on the First Date” (Ireland, dir. Oonagh Kearney)

“Newbies” (USA, dir. Kimiko MatsudaLawrence, Megan Trufant Tillman)

“After What Happened at the Library” (Picture Lock) (USA, dir. Syra McCarthy and Kyle Casey)

“One Day This Kid” (Canada, dir. Alexander Farah)

“A Friend of Dorothy” (U.K., dir. Lee Knight)

“Home” (USA, dir. Donja R. Love)

The Fright Collection: Horror Shorts

“Strangers on a Beach” (USA, dir. Michael Schwartz)

“Demonboy” (USA, dir. Aaron Lovett)

The Hold (USA, dir. Ashley James Panton)

“Prom Party Massacre” (USA, dir. Jordan Gustafson)

“The Holly King” (USA, dir. Tim O’Leary)

“Idle/Wild” (USA, dir. Kaitlin Fontana)

“Masclooking” (USA, dir. Jonatahan Brandon)

Transfabulous

“Always Azizam” (USA, dir. Shayan Ebrahim)

“Tucking” (USA, dir. Toni Blando Blando)

“Rainbow Girls” (USA, dir. Nana Duffuor)

“Sweet Talkin’ Guy” (USA, dir. Dylan Wardwell, Spencer Wardwell)

“Clementine” (USA, dir. Sally Tran)

“Grace” (USA, dir. Alexandra Grey)

“Cockroach” (USA, dir. Justice Maya Singleton, Liliana Padilla)

Web Series/Episodics and Music Videos

“Committed” (USA, dir. Lisa Raymund)

“Inclusiphy” [Vol. I] (USA, dir. Jalen Wilhite)

“Non-Binary Music-Video” (USA, dir. Lena-Camille Otalora)

“Until Tomorrow” (USA, dir. Vincent Cooper)

“Natives Episodes 1 & 2” (USA, dir. Brittany Franklin)

Starting at $89

• Free STD Screening & Treatment

• HIV Testing & Linkage to HIV care

• PrEP Services