Soldiering on
Wednesday, May 7 — Tuesday’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the Trump administration’s ban on transgender troops to take effect is another disheartening development, but lawsuits filed by trans service members mean the fight continues. Read more below.
Also on my radar this week:
🔎 Our friends at GPB News take a closer look at the death of Savannah resident Chris Allen Villegas, a gay man who some believe was the victim of a hate crime.
🍷 We’re excited about the soon-to-open Finca to Filter and Side Saddle Wine Saloon in Boulevard Heights. Owner Kayla Bellman said she will continue her mission to support women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community in every aspect of the business, from the staff and events to food and beverages.
👀 This week’s Met Gala offered some eye-popping – and wildly off-theme – couture, but the indisputable queen of the night was Diana Ross and her 18-foot-long train. Still a boss!
🤣 And if you’re not watching the hilariously acrimonious fourth season of “Hacks” (Jean Smart gunning for her next Emmy), you are truly missing comedy gold.
As always, thanks for reading!
Collin
Supreme Court lets ban on trans troops take effect
⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to enforce its ban on transgender people in the military while a series of legal challenges continue.
According to the Associated Press, three federal judges had ruled against the ban before the Supreme Court decision. AP reported that the trans service members who challenged the ban have amassed more than 70 medals in a combined 115 years of service. The lead plaintiff is Navy Commander Emily Shilling, who has 20 years of service and flew combat missions during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
➡ Read the full story.
MORE HEADLINES
⚕️ Federal funding for a program that used dating apps to connect people with free HIV home tests – identifying nearly 7,000 new cases since its start in 2022 – has been canceled.
⛪ The conclave to select the next pope is underway in Vatican City, with LGBTQ+ Catholics wondering if the church will continue the path of outreach charted by Pope Francis or return to its hardline stance.
Celebrate Pride Night with the Braves June 3!
SPONSORED BY THE ATLANTA BRAVES
⚾ Don’t miss the Pride ticket package at Truist Park on Tuesday, June 3 as the Atlanta Braves take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This specialty ticket package includes a game ticket, access to a pregame party at the Coca-Cola Roxy, a Braves Pride t-shirt, and $4 from every ticket package sold will go back to The OUT Georgia Impact Fund powered by United Way of Greater Atlanta.
➞ Capacity is limited so lock in your Pride ticket package before they are sold out!
Review: ‘Trick! The Musical’ brings new life to queer cult classic
🎭 Over the years, “Trick,” the 1999 movie about two men repeatedly attempting and failing to have a one-night-stand, has grown into a queer cult classic. Through May 17, Out Front Theatre is staging the world premiere of the musical adaptation of the film.
“Trick! The Musical” stars Aavyn Lee as Gabriel, a sweet, slightly awkward aspiring musical theater songwriter who meets Mark (Will-Franklin Eller) at a gay club – think the relationship type meets the hook-up type.
The two are immediately attracted to each other, but their attempt at a one-night stand is thwarted at every turn, leaving them time and space to actually get to know one another, and maybe fall in love.
➡ Read Sammie Purcell’s full review here.
MORE THEATRE
🎟️ Synchronicity Theatre hosts “GAY Love Jones,” a reimagined take on the 1990s romantic-comedy film, May 9-10.
🎶 Rus McCoy’s “Angels of the Southern Accents,” a musical about “Gone With the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell, is at OnStage Atlanta May 9-18.
💰 “Millions,” a new musical about two brothers, their newly widowed father, a train robber, and (possibly) a miracle, runs May 9 – June 15 at the Alliance Theatre.
Underdog Glorious: A personal remembrance of Jill Sobule
🎗️ Entertainment writer and poet Gregg Shapiro writes a moving remembrance of the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ musician Jill Sobule, who died in a house fire on May 1.
From discovering her music while wandering the aisles of a music store in 1990, to interviewing her during her breakout success with “I Kissed A Girl,” to eventually performing together, Shapiro and Sobule would form a friendship that lasted until her tragic death.
➡ Read Gregg’s tribute to Jill here.
Best Bets
③ Birdcage Bingo is tonight, May 7, at 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle. The event is free, and all tips to the drag queens will go towards sustaining the work of Georgia Equality.
🍽️ Brunch Baes: A Brunch For Women Who Love Women is set for May 10 from noon to 6 p.m. at Octopus Kitchen & Hookah, 1551 Piedmont Ave. The brunch is designed for women to connect, mingle, and enjoy delicious food in a welcoming environment.
📖 Genderqueer poet Sara Mae reads from her new collection “Phatasmagossip” at A Cappella Books on May 11 at 3 p.m. Mae’s poems infuse formal funeral tradition with discomfort, speaks to queer ancestors, and speculates on the fleeting worlds of gender.
Social Follow of the Week
📸 The AIDS Memorial pays tribute to the millions who have lost their lives in the pandemic, featuring stories and photos of lost loved ones from friends and family members. The AIDS Memorial helped Madonna craft the backdrop of photos during her performance of “Live To Tell” on The Celebration Tour.
