Queer ATLiens are many splendored, multi-colored and gloriously diverse, but with certain common qualities that connect us: Our Southern-fried pride is a tenacity of steel, smelted in adversity and formed in determination.
It's a quality, and a word, worth embracing on a conscious level.
Tenacious (təˈnāSHəs/) adjective – 1 tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. 2 not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined.3 persisting in existence; not easily dispelled.
As much as Q magazine celebrates Atlanta’s LGBTQ variance, we respect our community’s homogeneity in this undeniable grit. But a fierce resolve isn't effective if we just pay the concept lip service, and it’s not worth mentioning if we back down when the going gets tough. That's not a concern in this week's profiles.
Meet Lucy Stoole. The genderqueer queen and this week's Q cover model persists her way right to the top of the latest LEWK party billing in our Events interview. Speaking of events, our Comedy photo essay introduces you to the determination of the fab five queer comics on Laughing Skull Comedy Festival’s three-day roster.
This issue of Q also takes some serious turns. Voices tackles the struggle to define our own norms and set new standards. The Thoughts piece tests our tenacity further in a conversation about HIV that changes but that we must continue. This time, PrEP as an imperfect solution.
Don’t worry. It’s not all sadface, angryface and wowface emojis in this edition of Q. Give us a kiss in this week’s 10 Queer Things, entertain our fantasies in The Q, and smile for our cameras in Q Shots.
Enjoy the full digital edition below, and pick up your print copy around town.
