Taylor Alxndr is the co-founder of the annual Southern Fried Queer Pleasure Pageant. (Picture courtesy of Taylor Alxndr)
On this sequence, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts group to share 11 issues on their thoughts. We hope you take pleasure in attending to know these folks higher.
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Taylor Alxndr (they/she) is a drag entertainer, musician and group organizer. Co-founder of Southern Fried Queer Pleasure, an Atlanta-based group that empowers Black and QTPOC communities in Atlanta and the South, Alxndr’s artwork and performances are extensions of their group activism and organizing. They’re the mom of the Home of ALXNDR, an Atlanta-based drag household and occasions hub that creates drag-centered, inclusive areas for marginalized people to construct group.
1. Your neighbors – I really like my neighbors. I’ve been shut to each neighbor that I’ve had since I moved right here in 2011 and in the entire neighborhoods I’ve lived in. I purchased a home in Sylvan Hills in 2020. Top-of-the-line issues about the place I stay is my neighbors. My next-door neighbor, Ms. Bell, is sort of a mom determine to me. We glance out for one another, have lengthy conversations throughout the fence virtually day by day, and she or he makes me one of the best diabetic-friendly banana pudding I’ve ever had. Constructing group is speaking and fascinating with folks you might not know, and the simplest place to begin is with the individuals who stay subsequent door to you.
2. Espresso outlets – Anybody who is aware of me is aware of that I really like espresso. It’s mainly what makes up my blood at this level. However what I really like simply as a lot as espresso are espresso outlets and the group watering holes they create. I really assume that they’re among the best locations to satisfy new folks, have random thought-provoking conversations and among the best locations to get an correct sense of the communities round you. Help native espresso outlets and never these company chains!
3. I-20 – I’m at all times telling folks — particularly at my bingo reveals when the mix I20 pops up — that I-20 is actually one of the best freeway in Atlanta. Hear me out! 75/85? Actually at all times clogged it doesn’t matter what time or day. 400? Not visually intriguing, and its format is questionable. 285? Actually a hoop of hell across the metropolis. I-20 is simply busy while you get to the connector, takes you thru historic and scenic Black neighborhoods and artsy hubs, and, if you happen to comply with it sufficient west, it takes you to New Orleans, which is mainly a second residence to me. For all these causes and extra, I-20 is my favourite freeway in Atlanta.
4. Parking storage rooftops – I’ve used a number of parking storage rooftops for video and picture shoots, however they’re additionally fantastic locations to get superb views of the town, particularly throughout golden hour. I counsel those in downtown Atlanta after 5 p.m. On the proper time, you’ll be able to see all the way in which to Stone Mountain, the format of so a lot of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, and, usually, you might be alone with the views and the hum of the town round you. I completely assume that the town is inundated with pointless parking garages, as they aren’t conducive to a world-class metropolis that must be contemplating efficient city planning and improvement extra critically; nonetheless, certainly one of their finest makes use of is to view the place that we name residence.
5. Parking zone meals pop-ups – The most effective meals in Atlanta is present in fuel station parking tons or on the corners of streets by pop-up meals distributors who’re seemingly grilling out of the again of their vehicles, promoting plates in Styrofoam containers. I’ve had one of the best oxtails and rice from this man who arrange on the nook of Glenwood Avenue and Flat Shoals Avenue within the East Atlanta Village one evening. Belief me! Exit for the evening, have enjoyable and, when these late-night cravings come, your soul shall be saved by any person barbecuing on the nook.
6. Atlanta’s pure habitat – Considered one of my favourite issues resides within the metropolis with a sturdy tree cover, but in addition hidden and typically secret getaways the place it’s simply you, the forest, a physique of water and the animals round you. That’s certainly one of my favourite issues about Atlanta. You may go from the hustle and bustle of the town to someplace that feels disconnected and like a refuge. I really hope the town invests in defending its wildlife and stops destroying the pure habitat that exists right here for pointless and dangerous authorities tasks — like Cop Metropolis.
7. DIY venues and the native arts scene – The Atlanta DIY scene is at all times ebbing and flowing but in addition has produced a number of the most influential music and artwork of the previous decade-and-a-half. It’s a fragile ecosystem of venues and areas that come and go relying on improvement and gentrification, however every iteration brings and cultivates a lot new expertise. Perhaps I’m biased, however I’d reasonably pay $15 to get into an area DIY venue or dive bar to see an area act than shell out over $150 to see some touring act in a venue the place you’ll be able to barely take pleasure in your self since you’re so far-off from the stage. Go assist your native artwork scene!
8. ATL drag – Atlanta has one of the best drag, hands-down! No questions. Perhaps I’m biased as a drag entertainer myself, however I’ve traveled this nation acting at all kinds of venues and areas, and I really assume that Atlanta has a number of the most consummate performers and creative entertainers within the nation. Each time I am going to totally different cities, folks at all times touch upon entertainers from Atlanta as being so absolutely fashioned and having an intense type of performing. I believe it’s as a result of the native drag scene trains you to have that type of high quality. Help Atlanta and comply with the @atldragguide to seek out each drag present that occurs within the metropolis on a weekly foundation!
9. Local people organizing – Atlanta is a metropolis constructed on resistance and social justice actions. It’s a thread and the material of the town that can not be untangled. A lot of my introduction to the town after I moved right here in 2011 was in motion work. From employee rights to immigrant justice to LGBTQ equality to racial justice to abolition work and a lot extra — Atlanta’s heartbeat is pushed by justice and equality. I clearly counsel folks discover a problem which means quite a bit to them and join with an area group that focuses on that problem. It’ll provide help to and the communities round you a lot!
10. The Plaza Theatre – For a really temporary interval, I labored on the Plaza Theatre. It didn’t work out and was completely a mutual cut up. Apart from that second in time, the Plaza has usually been a respite from the world outdoors. While you’re there, you might be immersed within the artwork, being in a historic landmark that contains a numerous roster of each mainstream, indie and arthouse movies. I really love working with the employees there. It’s the place I first tried dietary yeast on popcorn — scrumptious!
11. Downtown ATL – I do know that individuals are in all probability me itemizing downtown Atlanta right here with confusion, however hear me out. I’m itemizing this as a result of I would like a lot for our downtown space! It’s been plagued with a notoriety for crime, abandonment and a historical past of false begins and lifeless ends. However I really imagine that with the appropriate motion, funding, infrastructure and native assist, it might probably get again to thriving! I noticed it briefly within the 2010s with the South Broad Road district housing so many native artwork venues that introduced new audiences to the realm. I believe investing in housing, grocery retailer choices and homegrown areas and venues of leisure choices can be a tremendous begin to bringing downtown again to life.
