Feature Stories
CNN Dialogues Tackles Tough LGBT Issues
CNN has always been at the forefront of conversation, and last night was no exception.
I had the honor of not only attending the network’s latest forum, CNN Dialogues: LGBT, at Grady High School, but also interviewing its panelists – CNN and ESPN contributor LZ Granderson and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir.
(See my previous interview with the forum’s moderator, HLN anchor Jane Velez-Mitchell).
Tough topics included gay marriage, religion, bullying in schools, being out at work, bisexuality, transgender issues and more.
One Atlanta schoolboard member wanted to know how to manage inclusiveness in schools. How do educators actually do this? And what if the student being bullied isn’t out or is too young to know if he or she is gay?
The main topic of the forum was ‘has increased openness led to more acceptance?’ I’ll be posting more from the forum along with my panelist interviews soon.
Audience members included CNN anchor Don Lemmon, Dwight Eubanks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Outwrite Bookstore owner Philip Rafshoon, Atlanta Pride 2011 Grand Marshall Lynn Barfield, gay sex columnist Michael Alvear and Johnny Weir’s new fiance, Victor Voronov who went to Emory.
What do you think?
Has increase openness in the gay community led to more acceptance, or vice-versa?
Cynthia Bailey: The Atlanta Interview
“This is who I am, take it or leave it.”
Now that Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 4 is in full swing, we thought we’d catch up with model/reality star/entrepreneur Cynthia Bailey…
Along with starring on RHOA, Cynthia’s also busy with other ventures – opening The Bailey Agency School of Fashion, helping with husband Peter Thomas‘ new lounge barONE, and volunteering with various philanthropic causes…
Why did you decide to get married at Fernbank?
Because it felt right. I’m not a traditional person, and I always do my own thing.
I love that I got married
underneath the belly of a dinosaur.”
I love that I got married underneath the belly of a dinosaur. I’m part of a small elite group that can claim that!
How do you like Atlanta compared to New York City?
I love Atlanta, and I love New York. I love the quality of life that I have in Atlanta, and I love the energy of New York City. The two cities are very different – I enjoy the balance of both
After all the drama, are you still glad to be on the show?
I feel very fortunate to be a part of The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast. It is an incredible platform, and has given me a voice. I think my cast mates are smart businesswomen, and we all bring something different to the table.
I don’t play a character on the show,
I play myself – take it or leave it”
I never take any of the negativity on the show personally. I don’t play a character on the show, I play myself.
This is who I am, take it or leave it. It will always be more important to me to be a good person and a good mother over good TV.
I will never fight or scream profanities at my cast mates. It’s not who I am, however warranted. It will never happen.
How did you become such good friends with NeNe?
I meet NeNe before I was cast for the show. We met for drinks, but didn’t really connect. I was a little intimidated by her at first because she was just so ‘real’ and bigger than life.
I kept thinking, ‘I can’t believe
I’m hanging out with NeNe Leakes!’
The whole time I kept thinking, ‘I can’t believe I’m hanging out with NeNe Leakes!’
I had watched ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ a couple of times, and NeNe was the one that stood out to me. We ended up hanging out again and had a blast!
Once I was able to get to know her as a person, and not a reality star, we just bonded.
I love NeNe. She has been a good friend, and has been very helpful as a cast mate. She is supportive, smart, and has given me great advice. I’m very grateful to her.
What can guests expect at barONE?
barONE is a small bar and lounge, with a sexy Miami feel. The menu has a variety of tapas such as jerk chicken salad, shrimp fritters and turkey sliders.
The food is incredible. We’re already famous for our lychee martinis.
Our DJ rocks, and our crowd is mostly 30s and up. It’s already become Atlanta’s new hot spot.
We’re already famous for our lychee martinis.”
Ludacris, Monica, Keri Hilson, Young Joc, Dr. Jay, Jill Scott, Marsha Abrosius, RL, Nelson Ellis and Tami Roman have all come through.
My cast mates NeNe Leakes, Sheree Whitfield and Derek J have also shown us their support. There is no cover at the door.
What are some of the events you’ve held at barONE?
It’s great for birthday parties. We host a lot of those. We had an amazing party after the Soul Train Awards. Our Halloween party was also great.
On Sunday nights, Peter and I
watch the show with our fans.”
On Sunday nights, Peter and I watch the show with our fans. It’s a lot of fun. I’m hosting a cancer benefit for my friend April love there as well.
barONE recently held a Halloween party. What did you dress as?
I dressed as a Geisha. I’m not that into Halloween, so I never really go all out. My daughter doesn’t really eat a lot of candy either, but we always give it out.
I just happened to have a kimono lying around the house, so it worked out. I looked pretty convincing!
What was your proudest accomplishment as a model?
Shooting with Annie Leibovitz for a Vanity Fair shoot for Iman’s beauty book alongside veteran greats such as Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks.
I felt so validated and proud to be among them. I kept pinching myself, because I thought I was dreaming. It’s one of my favorite photos.
Why did you decide to open a modeling agency in Atlanta?
Because this is where I live. Also, I believe there is a need for The Bailey Agency School of Fashion.
There’s a lot of talent in Atlanta, but most are uninformed or misinformed about how to get into the fashion industry.
I would have benefited from a
school like this when I was starting out.”
As a dream builder, it’s important for me to give proper information and guidance to my students. I would have benefited from a school like this when I was first starting out.
Are you going to represent models as their agent, or just teach them how to model?
The Bailey Agency School of Fashion is a school, not a modeling agency. However, in some cases, I will offer model placement with agencies and model management.
This will be based on the students’ potential, dedication, ambition and my discretion. I fully support the agencies that are already here, and look forward to bringing them talent.
How can models apply to your school?
They can go to our Web site, TheBaileyAgencySchoolOfFashion.com and fill out an application. Or they can stop by the school:
The Bailey Agency School of Fashion
924 Garrett Street
Atlanta, GA 30316
404-622-1791
How did you and Peter enjoy doing the AIDS Walk with the LemonAIDS?
Peter and I really enjoyed it. We’re both fairly new to Atlanta, and it was our first time doing the walk. I always did the AIDS Walk in New York.
I’m passionate about lending my support to AIDS, cancer and anti-bullying causes. These are issues that affect my life and the lives of my friends and family.
What can we expect for the rest of the season?
You’ll continue to see Peter and I start our new businesses, barONE and The Bailey Agency School of Fashion.
Even though I am still closest with NeNe, I spend more time with my other cast mates than I did last season. My 12 year old daughter is a singer and actress, so you’ll get to see her career unfold as well.
I want to be an example to others
to be fearless and follow your dreams”
Did you ever think the show would get this big?
Real Housewives of Atlanta is the number one show on Bravo, and is very entertaining. We are household names!
I never thought as a little girl growing up in a small town in Alabama that I would ever reach this kind of success.
I feel very blessed, and want to be an example to others to be fearless and follow your dreams. If I can do it, you can, too!
- To learn more about Cynthia Bailey, visit CynthiaBailey.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter. Follow The Bailey Agency School of Fashion on Facebook and Twitter and barONE on Facebook and Twitter.
Kandi Burruss to Perform with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in ‘Gospel Christmas’
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter (and ATL Housewives star) Kandi Burruss will appear as the featured performer with the Atlanta Symphony Orchetra’s 16th annual ‘Gospel Christmas’…
The Gospel Christmas Choir was founded in 1995 by Atlanta’s First Lady of Gospel, Rev. Sallie B. Parrish.
For Atlanta-born Burruss, this performance is a personal milestone as a well as a professional one.
I remember the very first Gospel Christmas, which was just a few years after I started performing professionally. And at that time, I could have never imagined that I would be here 16 years later at 35. It is such an honor to be given the opportunity to add my own chapter to the legacy created by Rev. Sallie B. Parrish, who is an Atlanta legend.”
Kandi will perform alongside the ASO and the all-city Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir at 8 p.m. on December 2nd and at 2 p.m. on December 3rd at Atlanta Symphony Hall. The choir will be directed by Jarvis Wilson, while the ASO will be led by guest conductor Chelsea Tipton II.
Adam Glassman, O Magazine’s Creative Director On Holiday Party Style
We caught up with O Magazine Creative Director Adam Glassman at the O You! conference in Atlanta and asked him how to dress appropriately for a holiday party…
What’s the quickest legal route to joy?
Spending time with my family. My nieces and nephew always know how to make me smile!
From O You:
What’s one thing that’s always overrated?
One thing? No way. How about (a) movie premieres, (b) Fashion Week, (c) benefit galas and (d) the Real Housewives franchise? How jaded do I sound? But, really, it’s all work… so the grass is always greener.
What makes you still?
Meditation – I can’t live without it.
What words do you live by?
‘The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.’ – Maya Angelou
What’s the hardest truth to tell?
I am known for saying what your best friends won’t – but sometimes that’s hard for me too.
What makes a person fearless?
Confidence with a healthy dose of ego.
What do you ask yourself most often?
When in communication with others, I often ask mysel, ‘What is my intention while having this conversation?’
When/how did you last surprise yourself?
By losing so much weight when I was just trying to lower my blood pressure by changing what and how I ate.
What do you know for sure?
Everyone should have a tailor on their speed dial, and your tailor should be your best friend.
Adam Glassman has been the creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine since 2000. In this role, he oversees the visuals for O’s fashion, beauty and home editorial pages. Adam also pioneered the idea of using real women in O’s fashion pages, and is involved in all aspects of O’s monthly cover shoots. In April 2007, Adam debuted his own column entitled ‘Adam Says,’ where Adam fields questions from O readers on topics ranging from age-appropriate clothing to how to be comfortable and still look great during a long airplane flight. Prior to joining the O family, Adam was a contributing editor, freelance stylist and art director.
- To learn more about Adam Glassman, visit Oprah.com/OMagazine or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Nancy Grace & Chaz Bono – Best Buds!
Chaz Bono visited his friend and Atlanta native Nancy Grace at HLN’s office yesterday. Nancy shamelessly plugged her own show while also plugging Chaz’s upcoming special on OWN (November 27th). It’s good to have friends with benefits! The new one-hour special is ‘Being Chaz,’ a followup to his OWN documentary, ‘Becoming Chaz’ that premiered this year. The photo above is of Nancy accompanying Chaz to the GLSEN Respect Awards in Beverly Hills on October 21st. Check out the video below…
Madonna Chooses Memphis Dancer for Tour
Madonna has chosen Memphis, TN native Charles Riley, AKA ‘Lil Buck‘, 23, as a dancer on her upcoming tour. Lil Buck auditioned for Madonna as part of the singer’s Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project. Madonna liked his signature dance style (that’s actually been around for over 25 years) called Memphis Jookin. Take a look at what got Madge’s attention…
Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]
Check out who was inside the Fox Theatre last night for the Soul Train Awards 2011…
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/natalie-cole-robin-thicke.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Natalie Cole & Robin Thicke at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/jill-scott-gladys-knight.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Jill Scott & Gladys Knight at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/big-daddy-kane1.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Big Daddy Kane at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/bootsy-and-patti-collins.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Bootsy & Patti Collins at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/floyd-mayweather-common.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Floyd Mayweather Jr. & Common at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/lalah-hathaway1.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Lalah Hathaway at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/lance-gross-keri-hilson.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Lance Gross & Keri Hilson at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/montell-jordan.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Montell Jordan at the Soul Train Awards 2011
![Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]](http://atlantaboy.com/wp-content/uploads/natalie-cole-eric-benet.jpg "Inside the Soul Train Awards 2011 [PHOTOS]")
Natalie Cole & Eric Benet at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Soul Train Awards 2011 Red Carpet
The stars were out last night on the Soul Train Awards 2011 red carpet…
Common at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Keri Hilson at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Amber Rose at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Big Daddy Kane at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Jasmine Guy at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Malcolm Jamal-Warner at the Soul Train Awards 2011
Tamar Braxton at the Soul Train Awards 2011
INVITE: Nathan Alan Yoakum Opening Reception @ Chic – Evolution in Art
This Saturday, November 19th, you are cordially invited to Chic – Evolution in Art at Phipps Plaza for an opening of selected works by three-dimensional artist Nathan Alan Yoakum…
Yoakum, a Memphis native, transforms resin into 3D art, a technique he developed while maintaining his resin-based surfboards on the Florida coast…
* Three-dimensional art by Nathan Alan Yoakum. Opening reception this
Saturday, November 19th from 6 – 9 p.m. at Chic – Evolution in Art.
* Chic – Evolution in Art Owner and Curator, Ivan Pitoni
Before opening Chic – Evolution in Art at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, Ivan Pitoni enjoyed a pop-star like career in professional volleyball in his native Brazil.
Born in Sao Paulo, that career came to a halt after Pitoni endured a sports-related injury. Soon after, a Brazilian artist asked if he could help get one of her paintings sold, and the rest is history.
Before opening Chic – An Evolution in Art to the public last October, Pitoni worked from home selling art to a variety of A-list clients including interior designers and decorators.
Today his space at Phipps Plaza, which is more high end luxury gallery than retail store, sells to Atlanta’s elite. Recently Kandi Burruss, the Grammy award-winning music producer and star of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta‘ stopped by to pick up a piece by Mexican artists Carlos & Albert for daughter Riley.
‘The main difference with me and perhaps other galleries is that a customer can come in and tell me what they want – style, scheme, theme, colors, sizing – and I can make it happen. I enjoy giving personal service and going to people’s homes ensuring the piece and size is right for the location.’
Because he art represents an international appeal, Pitoni travels extensively – mostly to Miami, Europe and his native Brazil to hand-select new artists that he feels his Atlanta clientele will appreciate.
‘No one is more excited when I get a new shipment in that me. It’s like opening presents.’
- Nathan Alan Yoakum opening reception Saturday, November 19th at Chic – An Evolution in Art (Phipps Plaza, Second Level) from 6 to 9 p.m. RSVP to ip@chic-art.net.
Outwrite Bookstore Closes Its Cover
We were saddened to hear the news today that Outwrite Bookstore, one of the country’s longest-lasting LGBT bookstores, is closing it’s 10th and Piedmont location…
Over the years, Outwrite hosted many celebrities and reality stars for book signings including Roseanne Barr, Carson Kressley, Pam Grier, Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, Lance Bass, Tabatha Coffey of Bravo’s ‘Tabatha’s Salon Takeover‘ and the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Most recently, Kendra Wilkinson, Meredith Baxter, CNN’s Don Lemmon, Judge Glenda Hatchett, and ‘Wicked‘ author Gregory Maguire appeared at the store. We also remember seeing the late Tammy Faye Messner and a grumpy Chaz Bono.
Outwrite also hosted many events for local and first-time LGBT authors, including two book release parties for our ‘ATLANTAboy: An Insider’s Guide to Gay Atlanta‘ and ‘The Out Traveler: Atlanta‘ guidebooks.
Beginning today, everything in the store is 25% off as Outwrite begins liquidating its inventory.
We will miss Outwrite at 10th and Piedmont, but look forward to its next chapter. There will also be a signed celebrity book poster auction (date coming soon) and on December 3rd, an in-store party to thank Outwrite’s customers and celebrate its 18th anniversary.
Here’s the notice Outwrite owner Philip Rafshoon sent out today:
As you may know, we have been challenged by changes in the book industry and the downturn in the economy. At this time, we regret to share with you that the lease at our current location will soon be coming to an end.
Our landlord has been extremely cooperative and has worked with us longer than expected. Our departure is amicable. The bottom line is simply we can no longer afford to rent this desirable space regardless of what business model we try to engage. In the near future, when you visit Outwrite, you will see that “for lease” signs have been installed.
The good news is that we’re looking for a new location that will allow Outwrite to continue serving you as Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore and coffeehouse. In the mean time, we must reduce our inventory and beginning today almost everything in the store will be on sale for 25% off. Please join us for this special sale as well as two special events:
* Poster Auction: We will be holding a special auction of our collection of posters signed by authors and celebrities to raise funds to help us relocate. Stay tuned to our communications and we will announce the date for this event very soon.
* Anniversary Party: On Saturday December 3, we will be holding a party to celebrate Outwrite’s 18th Anniversary and show our appreciation for our customers.
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events, and appreciate your ongoing support.”
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