From Cats to Hamilton and beyond, Jerusalem House takes gay Atlanta’s must-do Halloween party to Broadway.

By James Parker Sheffield

It’s that dreaded time of year. We have to come to terms with summer being over and… Nope. Who am I kidding? Fall in Atlanta is awesome, especially October. Atlanta Pride, Halloween, and dressing in layers is the magical gay trifecta.

October also ushers in the beginning of the holiday season, which means welcoming back the Jerusalem House Halloween Party.

This year’s theme, A Night On Broadway, brings the opportunity to dress like Cats and finally be relevant again. OK so most will go Hamilton. That’s cool too. Besides a rotating theme, an open bar, great music and cash prizes are just few of the staples that keep us coming back to this event year after year. While the party is definitely a great time, it’s also one of the premier fundraisers for a vital organization.

Since 1988, Jerusalem House has grown into the largest provider of permanent supportive housing for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. Funds raised at the Halloween party go to furthering the mission and work of the organization.

That’s right. Not only do you get to bring your Broadway “A” game, you’ll feel good about doing it. I mean, you’ll feel good dressed up as a singing feline, but you’ll feel extra good knowing you did it for a worthy cause.

Look. If you aren’t excited about the revival of an Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, you don’t have to go that route. In fact, to win the party’s infamous costume contest, you don’t even have to stick to the theme. Going to a gay costume party and being off theme is beyond my personal scope of understanding, but apparently it’s a thing that people do and it’s considered acceptable allowable.

“Contest winners are always original,” says Jon Santos, director of development for Jerusalem House. “They stand out for being unique, extraordinary, and self-explanatory.”

He also recommends being funny and never breaking character. “Those two things really stick with judges during deliberation,” he says, encouraging all partygoers to get in on the fun. “Entry into the contest is included for all guests, so everyone should take their chance to be in the spotlight.”

Whatever direction you decide to go with for your costume, be on point – maybe with tips from our costume starter kit in this issue of Goliath. There’s $3000 in cash and prizes to be awarded, and the judges are looking for the best of the best.

In addition to the awards for the top three individuals, a new category has been added to the mix for 2016. The “Halloween Krewes” group category includes everyone buying the 10-ticket bundle pack. Besides saving money by purchasing as a group, you also get an extra shot at prizes by coordinating costumes. Keep in mind, only those purchasing the ticket bundles get to enter the group category.

Wherever you land on the costuming to dominate Instagram, this is the place to be to kick off Halloween. Veteran DJ Bill Berdeaux kicks the beat, W Atlanta Midtown offers the backdrop, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka provides the libations. Ticket prices are higher at the door, so purchase online in advance.

Want to go?
What: Jerusalem House Halloween: Night on Broadway
When: Saturday, October 22
Where: W Atlanta Midtown
188 14th Street NE
Information & Tickets: jerusalemhouse.org

TV legend Tom Wopat discusses hitting Out on Film, and the heart of gay love story ‘Fair Haven’

By Elijah Sarkesian

Tom Wopat has come a long way from Hazzard County. Since playing Luke Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard. Now Atlantans will get to see him in a new light in Fair Haven, playing as part of this year’s Out on Film Festival.

Wopat has spent an illustrious career performing on screen and stages across the country. He earned two Tony nominations on Broadway, and he also performs as a bluegrass musician. In Fair Haven, he plays a family farmer struggling to relate to his gay son after sending him through conversion therapy.

For Wopat, the appeal of the film came from growing up in a culture rooted in generational businesses.

“I grew up in the Midwest,” the actor tells Goliath. “My father was a dairy farmer, and his father was a dairy farmer, and half my uncles were dairy farmers, so… I think the kind of insular quality of that kind of culture also resonates with me.”

But for Wopat, the relevancy of the film on a personal level, and its heart as a tolerance and acceptance story, goes even deeper. In part, the appeal of the role was honoring his own father, and people like him, who have trouble with non-traditional others, like sons who are gay – or in his case, who happen to become actors. He does it by portraying his character honestly.

“I was really channeling my father a lot,” Wopat remembers. “He had pretty closely held beliefs and views. He was a practicing Catholic. But at the same time, he was intelligent and empathetic, so he had an open mind – eventually – to what came around.”

Wopat’s performance is an indelible part of Fair Haven, but it’s only part of what makes it a touching film. Two young men fall in love during the film and struggle against forces trying to keep them apart. Newcomers Michael Grant and Josh Green play them superbly, and Wopat’s fellow ‘80s Hunk Gregory Harrison plays a counselor.

For his part, Wopat has nothing but praise for everyone who worked on the film, both in front of and behind the camera.

“This is a small, independent film, but there was nothing small in their endeavor, and in the short time I worked with them, I really grew to really respect what they had in mind, and their vision for the film,” Wopat says. “When I finally saw the film a few months ago, I was blown away. I thought it was really beautiful. I thought it was evocative.

“I think that they exceeded their expectations, and people should see it,” he adds. “I think it’s valuable. I think Michael’s [Grant, the lead as Wopat’s son] performance is terrific. I think everyone in it did a really nice job, and I’m super proud to be part of it.”

Want to go?

Local LGBT professionals of AGLCC honor their members, allies, and leaders during annual awards gala

By Matthew Holley

Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce gathers in the spirit of business networking and camaraderie on a regular basis, but when they prepare to do it in fancy dress ready to give out prestigious awards, it only means one thing: the annual AGLCC Community Awards Dinner.

The posh gala, set this year for September 23 at the InterContinental Buckhead, awards excellence in LGBT-led business with trophies for Businessman of the Year, Business Woman of the Year, Corporate Ally, Guardian Angel, Vanguard and a Lifetime Achievement Award. The dinner is also a chance to celebrate the group’s year-round efforts to create economic opportunities through networking, professional development, educational programming and the promotion of member businesses and corporate partners, says Jack Kinley, AGLCC president.

“[The chamber is] where members give back to the community by opening doors to jobs and contract opportunities that might not otherwise be available,” Kinley says. “My mom taught me that my good fortune is meant to be shared with others. That’s what this chamber does, and that’s why I am proud to be its president.”

Affiliated companies and business owners actively work for LGBT inroads through jobs, contracting and political advocacy, and the 2016 awards dinner celebrates that. To keep things lively, it features emcee Tony Kearney, whose infectious personality – albeit in very different clothes – is also known as his drag alter ego, Wild Cherry Sucret.

“Tony gives so much to the Atlanta community at large,” Kinley says. “In a sense, he’s the embodiment of the spirit of the awards and the chamber as a whole. We’re a professional networking group, but we’re a feisty social group too. I think people overlook that quality in the AGLCC. Tony will keep us on our toes. I’ve made a few $5 bets to see what I can get him to do to keep people guessing all night long.”

Kinley delights in revealing a few other details that set this year’s event apart from its predecessors.

“Paul Plate, recently retired executive director of Positive Impact, will be honored with our Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to providing culturally informed mental health and wellness services for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS,” Kinley says. “Additionally, Selisse Berry, executive director and founder of Out & Equal will be honored with our Vanguard Award in recognition of her work shaping LGBT-inclusive cultures and policies within global corporations.”

More than the other categories and nominees – which this year include William Duffee-Braun, Goliath Atlanta’s co-publisher and David Atlanta’s development director, for Businessman of the Year – the night itself is specifically meant to honor all of the AGLCC members’ hard work. Kinley says each member embodies a spirit of service and desire to give back to AGLCC and other local organizations.

“This is our chance to thank them,” he says.

All in all, the 2016 AGLCC Community Awards Dinner, which also features a pre-reception and after-party, is shaping up to be a must-attend event of the fall season, a momentous moment Kinley is ready to share with all of gay Atlanta.

“I’m excited that a broad cross-section of our membership is up for an award or two which they all so richly deserve,” Kinley says. “I think Atlanta will get a glimpse of what I see every day. … The night is really about the spirit of our members and encouraging them to keep up the good work.”

Want to go?
What: 2016 AGLCC Awards Dinner
When: Friday, September 23, 2016
Where: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Info: atlantagaychamber.org
Tickets: https://www.501auctions.com/theaglcc/tickets

Goliath has the 411 on gay Atlanta’s favorite concerts, shows, sports, and other events each month. Check in on the Agenda before firming up your plans.

Beyonce
We’ve been Crazy In Love with this Independent Woman since she first made us Say Her Name. Now Beyonce’s loyal gays march in Formation to her latest concert in Atlanta. Soak up the experience of all things Queen B when she hits the Georgia Dome on May 1. Visit beyonce.com.

RPDR Battle of the Seasons
Queens from eight seasons of Logo’s most popular show come together for songs, skits, monologues, and a post-show meet-and-greet. Hosted by Michelle Visage, the latest RuPaul’s Drag Race tour stops at Buckhead Theatre on May 13. Get tickets and info at thebuckheadtheatre.com.

NFFLA Friends & Family
The gay teams of National Flag Football League of Atlanta go head-to-head every Saturday, but this game day is different. The league gathers its gay and gay-adjacent fans for a cookout during its May 14 matches. nffla.com.

Firefly Run Atlanta 2016
If you thrive on running, adore Piedmont Park and love a glow theme night, this 5K fun run is for you. An illuminated nighttime romp through the park includes step-off groups for casual walkers as well as speedy sprinters. Dress to impress in neon, holiday lights and all manner of other costumes on May 14. Visit thefireflyrun.com.

Big Peach 2016
A sizeable contingent not headed to Pensacola keep things gay here at home each Memorial Day Weekend. LGBT teams from across the country converge on Atlanta for Big Peach, a national tournament hosted by Hotlanta Softball League with accompanying social activities May 26-29. Get in on it at hslbigpeach.org

Shaky Knees & Shaky Beats Music Festivals
Get outside and jam two weekends in a row. First Florence + The Machine, Jane’s Addiction and My Morning Jacket headline Shaky Knees May 13-15, then gay fans continue rocking out with the best of EDM at Shaky Beats with Odessa, Major Lazer, Big Gigantic and scores more. One- and three-day passes at shakykneesfestival.com and shakybeatsfestival.com.