V8-07 02.14.24
The Power of Madonna in Concert
Hey Qween! It’s Jonny McGovern
5 Reasons to Embrace Being Single
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How Madonna Reminded Me That Gay Boys Can Survive
By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Getty Images/Kevin Mazur, Ricardo Gomes What I saw Madonna do on stage for her When Madonna came home recently, so Celebration tour may seem less bold by did I. I came home to a version of myself today’s pop star standards, ones that, of that had grown up against so many odds, course, were heavily influenced by her, but surviving hard-to-be-gay 1990s oppression, I thought a lot about that gay boy I was and anti-queer Catholic dogma and all- gay boys now and this era of “don’t say gay.” consuming, AIDS-fueled fear that almost At the concert, Madonna said gay and queer took me out. But not without Madonna’s and lesbian and sex and masturbation and help as someone who showed me that I kink and AIDS. She also literally said “I went to my first gay nightclub here,” referring to could survive — that I deserved to. growing up in Rochester Hills and, as a teen, I didn’t think I’d make it through those years clubbing at Menjo’s in Detroit. (Madonna didn’t think she’d make it through last year, after a health scare, in which she All grown up now, I was clubbing with “almost died”), but there I was at 11 p.m. Madonna in Detroit at a much bigger on a Monday night in 2024 at Little Caesars Menjo’s (you can imagine anything if you Arena at a show with Madonna right in front try hard enough — the story of my youth), of me, memories of how she influenced me watching as she made out with a femaleas a gay boy flooding my mind: seeing her presenting dancer during “Hung Up.” bend gender in the “Express Yourself” video, Boys wore heels throughout this queer the way she dismantled sexual shame with extravaganza, and sometimes not much else “Human Nature” and how she introduced (a couple wore just jockstraps, their butts me to queer culture before the internet completely exposed). Some boys were in could when I kept MTV on in the background Madonna drag, including one that wore the to catch the “Vogue” video just so I could cone brasserie made famous by her, also feel better about feeling different than the worn by her in this show. During “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” other boys. reimagined as a march anthem, she wore a Pride flag as a cape, raised a fist and
chanted, “No fear.” For “Vogue,” she honored displayed images of friends she lost to the song and video’s ball culture roots and, AIDS, which was inspired by an Instagram through images of the Stonewall riots era, account she follows, @theAIDSmemorial. history of the gay rights movement. During Martin Burgoyne, Madonna’s close friend that number, she also took on the role of and an artist who was instrumental in the house mother — she really has mothered early years of her career, was featured so many of us — at the end of a runway first, followed by another AIDS victim, and where voguers served and we all, including another. Then many, many more. Madonna, ate. And Bob the Drag Queen, who could celebrate Madonna in a way that I was scared of being gay when I was a spoke directly to my inner gay boy whose teenager who learned that people, many life she changed, emceed the whole show. of them gay, were dying of AIDS, and when it comes to political theater, it doesn’t get The entire concert was performance art much more breathlessly moving than this. I with heart, where Madonna did show her knew the “Live to Tell” part of the show would age. But it was in a way you wouldn’t expect: stir something inside of me when I first read She was much softer than I had ever known about it and saw a clip. What I didn’t expect her to be. If she has been seen as someone from feeling immersed in her performance who is impermeable to life’s punches and — a feeling that was ever-present during the the emotion that nostalgia can carry, it show — was experiencing myself during my might only be because, until this once-in-a- own eras as Madonna was going through lifetime show, the Bay City native has never hers. If this is what they call “the soundtrack performed 40 years of her hits-filled catalog of our lives,” Madonna, like a prayer, the just miles away from Menjo’s with her kind I used to cling to in bed late at night as 92-year-old father, Silvio, who she revealed a suicidal kid hoping I’d grow up and be OK, has Parkinson’s, in attendance — all after nearly dying last year. “If you think I’m tough and if you think I’m a warrior and if you think that I’m a beast or a superhero, it’s because of my father,” Madonna told the audience during a long, emotional stretch in which she recognized him in a way that made it feel like she had few chances left to do so, even noting that he’s still running his vineyard near Traverse City. The 65-year-old gay icon spoke a lot about where she came from, recognizing a sign a fan made that read “Hometown Hero” and offering sincere gratitude to her Michigan fans who have stood by her. “Thank you for supporting me through all these years,” Madonna said, nearly tearfully. Emotions were also felt during the gutpunch of what came after “Holiday,” which she performed on a revolving turntable — an extraordinary part of the stage — as she and her dance troupe moved with carefree ease. The song was as vibrantly performed as it was upon its release in 1983. But then the bouncy pop hit slowed to a haunting crawl, just one dancer left, no longer standing more than took me there. but lying on the ground. As she gently placed her jacket over the dancer’s body, Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Madonna’s voice whimpered the last couple Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, of lyrics, before they both disappeared into the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, the darkness. including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey She came back to the stage alone singing and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared “Live to Tell” inside a framed lift that rose in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ high toward the roof of the arena. During and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ what became a heartfelt tribute, screens chrisazzopardi.
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5 Fabulous Reasons to Embrace
Being Single
This Valentine’s Day
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Ah, Valentine’s Day—the holiday of love, chocolates, and heart-shaped everything. While it may seem like everyone’s coupling up, us fabulous single gay men have plenty of reasons to celebrate flying solo this February 14th. So, grab your glitter and get ready to embrace the single life with these five fabulous reasons. 1. Freedom to Flaunt Your Fabulous Self 4. Boys’ (or Girls’) Night Out When you’re single, you have the ultimate Who needs a significant other when you have freedom to flaunt your fabulous self without your fabulous squad by your side? Gather worrying about anyone else’s opinions or your closest friends for a night of laughter, preferences. Want to binge-watch RuPaul’s cocktails, and unforgettable memories. Drag Race in your sequin pajamas? Go for Whether you’re hitting the hottest gay bars it, darling! Whether you’re strutting your stuff in town or hosting a cozy movie night at on the dance floor or experimenting with a home, spending Valentine’s Day with your daring new look, being single means you chosen family is guaranteed to be a blast. can focus on expressing your authentic self Who knows? You might even meet your next without any compromises. bestie or future ex! 2. Unleash Your Inner Flirt 5. Embrace Your Independence Being single means you’re free to flirt Being single isn’t a curse—it’s a fabulous shamelessly and mingle with an array of opportunity to embrace your independence charming suitors. Whether you’re swiping and live life on your own terms. Take this time right on dating apps or making eyes at that to focus on personal growth, pursue your cute bartender, the possibilities for romantic passions, and chart your own course in the connections are endless. Embrace the thrill world. Whether you’re traveling the globe, of the chase and indulge in the excitement of advancing your career, or simply savoring meeting new people. Who knows? You might the joys of solitude, being single allows you just find a fabulous fling to spice up your the freedom to create a life that’s uniquely Valentine’s Day! yours. 3. Self-Love Reigns Supreme So, my fellow single gay men, this Valentine’s Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic Day, let’s raise a glass to independence, selflove—it’s also the perfect opportunity to love, and the endless possibilities that come shower yourself with some much-deserved with flying solo. Whether you’re strutting self-love. Take this time to pamper yourself your stuff on the dance floor or indulging in a with a luxurious spa day, treat yourself to decadent dessert for one, remember that the a decadent dessert, or embark on a solo most important relationship you’ll ever have adventure to discover new passions and is the one you have with yourself. So, go interests. Remember, the most important ahead—embrace your fabulous single status relationship you’ll ever have is the one and celebrate the love that truly matters: the you have with yourself, so why not make it love for yourself. Cheers to being single and fabulous? loving every fabulous moment of it!
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9 10 & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 16 G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE 17 Henry’s 132 10th St NE 19 La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE
6 My Sister’s Room66 12th St NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE
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1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180
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14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE 15 Flex Spa
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26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd
28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd
30 Gravitee Fitness
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
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32 Atlanta Eagle 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 33 Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 34 The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 35 Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 36 Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE The T Woof's 494 Plasters Ave NE
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1447 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
41 Equilibrium Fitness 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
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A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in DAVID & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
SNAPS
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
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
132 10th St NE
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OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
CHESHIRE
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I’m experiencing workplace abuse! (They’re making me work). B*tch, yes Iʼm self-centered. Who else am I supposed to be center on? Love it when my pet sighs deeply, like what ails you my little unemployed freeloader? It’s a leap year – you’re allowed to just jump to conclusions! I’m not a “hater” – I’m a freelance cultural critic.
When I said I like it rough, I didn't mean my entire life.
Hey Qween!’s Jonny McGovern is Gay AF: Spilling the Tea on TV and Podcast Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt In the vibrant realm of LGBTQ+ entertainment, Jonny “In Jonny McGovern is GAY AF, I’m taking deep dives McGovern is reclaiming his throne as the ultimate into stories that might make other podcasts blush,” Gay Pimp with not one but two sensational shows: Jonny teases. From uncovering which drag queens have Hey Qween! and Jonny McGovern is GAY AF. From OnlyFans accounts to pondering whether preacher TD sizzling interviews with RuPaul’s Drag Race queens to Jakes is a power bottom, Jonny fearlessly delves into scandalous pop culture gossip, Jonny is back and gayer the juiciest of topics. “Only me, Jonny McGovern, than ever! because I am and have always been, gay AF,” he proudly declares. In the glitzy world of Hey Qween!, Jonny invites eliminated queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Jonny’s journey in nightlife entertainment spans two 16 to spill the tea in their first TV interviews post- exhilarating decades, from his infectious Dirty Gay elimination. With episodes streaming exclusively on Hits to his stint on The Big Gay Sketch Show alongside World of Wonder’s SVOD platform WOW Presents Plus, comedy luminaries. He’s graced stages worldwide, the show promises piping hot gossip straight from the captivating audiences with his irreverent charm and main stage. “The queens go from the main stage to my infectious energy. From MTV to Netflix, Jonny’s star stage, and the T is piping hot!” Jonny exclaims, dishing continues to rise, leaving an indelible mark on LGBTQ+ out the drama with flair. entertainment. “It’s been a long road to get here,” Jonny reflects, “but With his TikTok sensation “Man Areas” garnering I’m thrilled to have Hey Qween! back on TV and officially millions of streams, Jonny is gearing up for a new album part of the mothership of WOW Presents Plus.” While release, promising a fresh dose of Dirty Gay Hits to acknowledging the absence of his beloved friend Lady ignite dance floors this summer. But amidst his musical Red, who was Jonny’s best friend and sidekick on Hey endeavors, Jonny remains committed to his television Qween! From the show’s inception in 2024, Jonny ventures, including Look at Huh on Netflix and GoGo celebrates her memory as Kevin Aviance takes on her for the Gold on OUTtv. classic opening for the new season. “Kevin was the diva who sparked my love for the art of drag in my early NYC Join Jonny McGovern on his fabulous journey as club days, and he and Lady Red loved each other so he he spills the tea, celebrates queer culture, and was the only person I could imagine filling in for her,” embraces his unapologetic, Gay AF identity. Follow Jonny reminisces, ensuring Lady Red’s legacy lives on. him on TikTok @JonnyMcGovern and on Instagram @jonnymcgovernisyourdaddy for a peek into his For fans hungry for more queer content, Jonny serves up glamorous world. And don’t forget to tune in to new weekly episodes of his podcast, Jonny McGovern is GAY episodes of Hey Qween! streaming every Monday on AF. It’s a celebration of all things homosexual, featuring WOW Presents Plus, while Jonny McGovern is GAY AF Jonny’s unique take on pop culture, scandalous tabloid is available on Spotify, Apple, and all major podcast tales, and internet thirst traps. “I missed having a place platforms. to speak directly with my fans about the gayest topics,” Jonny admits, diving headfirst into stories that might With Jonny at the helm, LGBTQ+ entertainment has make other podcasts blush. never been more fierce, fabulous, and, of course, Gay AF!
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