How LGBTQ Atlanta is living its best coronavirus life
Plus: Helping healthcare workers, virtual events and a hookup gone bad.
Congrats! You’ve made it through week three of the coronavirus crackdown. If you’re like me, you can’t say with certainty what day it is. Which is good, since we’re coming to you on Saturday instead of our usual Friday. Cut me a little slack. It’s a pandemic. Scroll through for the latest coronavirus news in LGBTQ Atlanta and fun ways to stay entertained while sheltering in place.
Barking Leather changes fabrics to fight coronavirus
LGBTQ Atlanta’s restaurants, bars and nightclubs aren’t the only ones hurting during this pandemic. Businesses like Barking Leather are, too. But even in tough times, LGBTQ Atlanta finds ways to help.
Barking Leather owner Ray Stewart (photo) has pivoted from crafting harnesses, underwear, floggers, paddles and other leather goods to churning out fabric face masks for local healthcare workers and first responders.
“I went to Joann’s [Fabric & Crafts] and got some fabric, and because I’m also trying to keep my contractors employed, it gives them something to do as well.”
It’s a story we’re seeing more and more of during the pandemic – from LGBTQ-owned restaurants making it work in the new normal to drag queens going virtual to entertain us and keep them tips coming in.
Our coronavirus coverage also includes:
LGBTQ Atlanta helps salute healthcare workers fighting coronavirus.
The FDA eased its restrictions on gay men giving blood.
LGBTQ lawmakers criticize Gov. Brian Kemp’s coronavirus response.
Two lesbian elected officials named to DeKalb’s coronavirus task force.
Self-quarantine and chill?
OK, most of us are stuck at home. But there are plenty of ways to stay entertained during quarantine.
Must see LGBTQ-TV on Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Queer Atlanta virtual events blossom during coronavirus.
Advice on sticking it out during a quarantined uncuffing season.
Flip through this week’s Q magazine, which is staying socially distant but always fabulous.
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What LGBTQ Atlanta is talking about
An Atlanta man met a Peachtree City men on a dating app and then IRL for sex. The problem? Police say the man, 46, had sex with a 14-year-old. They won’t say what hookup app the pair use but they did say the Atlanta man faces serious charges and has been sitting in the Fayette County Jail without bond since his arrest on March 21. Earlier in March, a Grindr hookup led to an arrest in Savannah.
Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative marked Transgender Day of Visibility by raising cash and awareness for “survival kits” for black trans sex workers. Posts with #BlackTransandSeen helped call out their GoFundMe campaign. SNaP Co’s Deshonna Johnson-Garay (photo) said it’s an effort to keep trans sex workers as safe as possible. The kits include condoms, dental dams, toothbrushes, lotion, Band-Aids, tasers and pepper spray.
State Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, married to the guy who was once the most outspoken anti-LGBTQ members of the Georgia House, herself enjoys to troll the gays. But when the object of her scorn fights back on social media, she hits the block button. So gay Midtown man Tom Biedermann filed a federal lawsuit to halt the practice.
Until next time …
Though the month of March seemed like it lasted all year long, and most of us want to return 2020 where we bought it, we’ll get through this. Stay safe and mentally healthy as you keep up the self-quarantining. Tap that little heart below to let us know you’re OK. See you next week!