David Magazine v7-i25 | A World of Pride

Europride 2023

In Malta

Drag Me To Church

+Photos & More

Socializers Club

Caught Up With the Queen: JIMBO

JUNE 21, 2023

V7-25

DAVID Magazine

Peach Media

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Brian Sawyer brian@davidatlanta.com

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

Mikkel Hyldebrandt mikkel@davidatlanta.com

SALES | EVENTS

Josh King Josh@davidatlanta.com

Russ Bowen-Youngblood

SOCIAL MEDIA & MORE

Valiant Marketing

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Two Years of Socializing

It started as a small group of friends in a ‘Covid pod’ and grew to one of the largest networking groups in Atlanta. It’s been two years since the first time the Socializers Club started its unique networking initiative – and it’s still going strong! David spoke to the group that started it all.

It was a time when we were all living with mask mandates, social distancing, and the occasional long-term lockdown. It was also a time when vaccines had become available, and the official rules for socializing in larger numbers were being amended. A group of friends, who had been ‘podding’ during all of the lockdowns, started to see the opportunity to break the bubble just a tiny bit to get out into the world – and that’s when Greg Barnard, Sue Duffy, Larry Hurst, Bill Rutkowski, and Roger Rutkowski got a seemingly simple, but brilliant idea: to create a socializing event for friends, while also reintroducing everyone to the Atlanta bar scene, that had been so neglected during the past couple of pandemic years.

The group enrolled another friend, Russell Youngblood, to apply his marketing talents to what was quickly becoming a well-rounded socializing concept perfect for re-adjusting to times when people could slowly get out there again safely. With Russell as the newest member of the group, the concept of Socializers Club became even more solid with a strong marketing strategy that both sought to drive attendance at the monthly meetups and positively impact the businesses during the ‘non-peak’ hours of the day. Russell states, “It was a great way to show community support and appreciation for our LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants that were still hurting after Covid.” With time, the marketing strategy also led to a media partnership with David Magazine (then Peach) Magazine. In fact, the (re)launch of David Magazine was at a Socializers event.

The group also realized that Roger Rutkowski, whose many ideas on creating fun events and themes, was the natural leader in the group. So, two years ago, at the end of June, the first Socializers Club took place and was attended by a couple of handfuls of people.

Since then, the Socializers Club has had monthly events at just about all the LGBTQ+ bars and spaces across town; there has been a dinner club, a weekend at River’s Edge, and special nights at various non-bar places throughout town. In two years, the Socializers Club has become the biggest networking group in the LGBTQ+ community, with over 3,000 Facebook followers.

So what is it about The Socializers Club that makes it so popular? For starters, it was timing. “We were all so ready just to get out and be among people,” says Roger Rutkowski, “and with this, it was fairly uncomplicated: you show up for a few hours, enough to get your social fill, and then that’s it.” Another thing that made the group stand out was its familiar vibe. As Bill Rutkowski describes it, it was friends inviting friends, who then invited their friends, so the circle expanded quickly, and whoever showed up would already know someone there. According to Bill, that sentiment persists today, even though hundreds of people attend different events, “it isn’t networking as in you

walk around and hand out your business card. It really is socializing. It’s a way for you to meet up with people you to Bill, know, and then perhaps get to know some new people.” It has a unique personal touch that no other event has, ss Greg Barnard describes it, “there is something familiar and personal about it. Even if you’re new, people will welcome you. We are all connected somehow, and it just works.” For Sue Duffy, the success is also ascribed to the familiar vibes with Roger at the center, “to me, it’s about Roger. You see him at our events, and he greets and hugs everyone, ensuring everybody feels welcome.”

The changing venues also became a Socializers signifier, continuously keeping the format fresh. As the Socializers Club grew, it became more attractive for bars and venues across town to host a Socializers event. “Imagine having 150-250 people at your bar on a Wednesday or Thursday night,” Roger says, “of course, a lot of places love that, but that also means that you have to be prepared.” An important lesson learned is to give the different venues fair and timely warning so they can prepare for an influx of people eager to mingle drink in hand. The club’s success has also cemented the fact that the ‘pink dollar’ has a lot of buying power because the Socializers Club meetings have expanded to include venues and businesses beyond the LGBTQ+ community.

With solid success criteria and two years of experience, what is next for the Socializers Club? For Roger, it is a mix of reinvention and consistency, “I want to reintroduce some of our events and make them more of an annual occurrence. For instance, we just did a weekend at River’s Edge, which we will definitely do again. But we will also make sure that we keep doing something new and fresh.”

In addition to these ever-evolving events, Socializers has taken on an important cause near and dear to all of its founders’ hearts. As Larry Hurst explains, “With all of the success of Socializers Club came the urge to give back in a meaningful way. We discussed the many needs in our community and decided to support the organization Lost and Found Youth.”

The group was already involved with the workings of Lost and Found Youth as Roger Rutkowski has been a long-time board member. He states, “We felt this organization to be especially important as it addresses the immediate and ongoing needs of some of society’s most underserved and at-risk populations, LGBTQ homeless youths. We want to use our voice to call attention to their plight and support the mission of this important non-profit organization producing real results.”

On June 29, it all returns to where it all started –X Midtown – but the difference from then to now is almost unfathomable. With 3,100 members, the private socializing group is one of the most extensive socializing networks the community has ever seen, and with this group of friends behind it, there is no way but forward.

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Caught Up With the Queen: JIMBO

X Midtown is bringing some of the biggest drag queen superstars from RuPaul’s Drag Race to Atlanta. Last weekend, Jimbo graced the stage alongside the Diamond Divas cast at X Midtown. DAVID got at quick word with the queen after the show! Oh wow!

Where can we experience you right now?

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8! Now streaming on Paramount Plus!

You’ve been to Atlanta several times (last time for War On the Catwalk) – What keeps bringing you back?

I love Atlanta! I keep coming back, cause it’s always a good time and to see my Sis Miss LaLa Ri!

We’ve seen you perform on TV – what can we expect of a Jimbo live stage show?  You can expect to be dazzled, amazed, bewildered, and left wanting more.

Now it’s All Stars, where you’re doing exceptionally well and is a fan favorite –what’s next for Jimbo?

Next, I will be headed out to tour around the world again! And I have some exciting new projects on the horizon.

You can experience the Diamond Divas with very special guest stars on every Saturday at X Midtown. Showtime at 10 pm, and you can get tickets and reserve your table at xmidtown.com.

St. Luke Lutheran Church, in partnership with The Atlanta Pride Committee, honors the Stonewall Riots and celebrates Pride with the drag gueen worship service, Drag Me to Church. David spoke to Rev. Matt O’Rear, the Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Atlanta, who as a proud gay man, is deeply connected to and passionate about the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community.

On June 25, your church St. Luke Lutheran Church is hosting an event – Drag Me to Church – in association with the Atlanta Pride Committee. How did this all come about?

The idea for Drag Me to Church came about as a collaborative effort between St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Atlanta Pride Committee, and our deep reverence for the historic Stonewall Riots. We wanted to create an event that honors the legacy of Stonewall while celebrating the vibrant artistry of drag within the inclusive and welcoming embrace of our church community. It is a commemoration of love, diversity, and unity, where we come together to honor the courageous acts of resistance that sparked a movement for LGBTQ+ rights.

Drag Me to Church

Why do you think it is important for your church to show up and show out for the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community?

It is crucial for St. Luke Lutheran to show up, show out, and support the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community, especially in light of our current political atmosphere. We are deeply aware of the ongoing challenges and threats faced by the LGBTQ+ community. We firmly believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and it is our mission to be a steadfast source of love, acceptance, and inclusivity. By hosting Drag Me to Church, we aim to create a sacred and transformative space where LGBTQ+ individuals can freely express their identities and spirituality. This event is our way of honoring the courageous acts of resistance at Stonewall and providing a welcoming environment that celebrates the beauty and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.

What is your stance on all the legislation being proposed and passed right now often under religious arguments that ban drag queens and seek to limit the liberties of LGBTQ+ folks?

At St. Luke Lutheran Church, we take a firm stance against any legislation that aims to restrict the liberties and undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe in the fundamental equality and inherent worth of every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our commitment to justice and inclusion drives us to actively oppose and challenge any laws or policies that perpetuate discrimination under the guise of religious arguments. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we strive to create a society where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and full acceptance.

As you know, many members of the LGBTQ+ community have a strained relationship to church and religion due to prejudice notions and actions. How do you think your church can help heal that trauma?

I recognize that many members of the LGBTQ+ community have experienced trauma and alienation from religious institutions in the past, and for that, I am sorry. At St. Luke Lutheran Church, we aim to heal that trauma by fostering a community of love, acceptance, and support. Through inclusive worship, open dialogue, and LGBTQ+ outreach programs, we hope to create a space where individuals can reconnect with their spirituality and experience healing and reconciliation.

Looking ahead, do you plan to continue your collaboration with the Atlanta Pride Committee and how?

Absolutely, we plan to continue our collaboration with the Atlanta Pride Committee in the future. We see it as an ongoing commitment to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. We will explore new avenues for collaboration, whether it’s through joint events, advocacy efforts, or continued participation in Atlanta Pride celebrations.

Tell us more about Drag Me to Church event – what can we expect?

Drag Me to Church is an event that combines the vibrant artistry of drag with the commemoration of the historic Stonewall Riots. It is a powerful and transformative experience where we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and honor the courageous individuals who fought for equality during the Stonewall Riots. We recognize that there is no modern-day drag culture or LGBTQ+ civil rights movement without the bravery of Trans Women, especially BIPOC Trans Women, who paved the way. We owe our transgender community the utmost recognition, support, and solidarity today and always. Drag Me to Church is a platform to amplify their voices, uplift their experiences, and stand firmly alongside them in the ongoing fight for equality. Through music and spoken word, we will create a sacred space where love, acceptance, and liberation are honored. I can’t forget to mention a cocktail reception to follow, with a cocktail named after historic drag queens at Stonewall.

Is it okay to attend even if you are not a believer?

Absolutely! Drag Me to Church welcomes everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. It is a celebration of diversity and an invitation to experience the love and acceptance that a community offers. We believe that everyone can find joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging at this event.

Tell us more about your church’s LGBTQ+ outreach programs.

St. Luke Lutheran Church is deeply committed to LGBTQ+ outreach and support and has been for nearly 40 years. We have programs and initiatives in place to foster inclusivity, provide resources, and create a brave and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to be a source of love, affirmation, and advocacy for all individuals, and our LGBTQ+ outreach programs are an

integral part of our mission to create a more just and compassionate world.

and discrimination. I invite everyone to join us at Drag Me to Church and be part of this transformative celebration. Let us come together, embrace our diversity, and honor the power of love.

--

Event Details

Drag Me to Church

A Commemoration of the Stonewall Riots

Anything else you’d like to add? I want to express my gratitude to the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community for their resilience, strength, and ongoing fight for equality. Together, we can create a world where love and acceptance triumph over prejudice

Date: June 25, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: 3264 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

NEW ONLINE CALENDAR of EVENTS

EUROPRIDE 2023

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN THE HEART OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

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

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in DAVID & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

SNAPS

WESTSIDE

MARQUETTE

868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW

840ATL

840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW

ANSLEY

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

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

MARY’S marysatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

sisterlouisaschurch.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

DINING

MIDTOWN

CASA ALMENARA

991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com

HENRY’S henrysatl.com

132 10th St NE

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

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ANSLEY

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com

1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A

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

EMAIL iNFO@DAViDATLANTA.COM FOR FREE BUSINESS LISTINGS THERE IS ROOM FOR YOU!

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.

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m serving C*NT all Pride month! I wouldn’t call myself quirky, but there’s def something wrong with me.

I don’t care what anybody says, but this summer is PADAM!

Love walking up to wealthy-looking women at the grocery store asking ‘do you work here?’ – just to keep it real.

Always a relief to your bestie alive after ‘that one drink’ turned into getting wasted last night.

At this point, waiting for the meteor to hit or my bestie to win the lottery so we can quit our jo and go drink every day.

Just before you die, swallow a whole bag of popcorn kernels. Your cremation will be epic.