1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,790 DJ Sir Daniel: The views, thoughts, and 2 00:00:00,790 --> 00:00:03,810 opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, 3 00:00:03,810 --> 00:00:05,650 thoughts, and opinions of Queue Points. 4 00:00:07,881 --> 00:00:12,541 Welcome back to I Come Alive: Stories of Black Gay Atlanta Nightlife. 5 00:00:12,781 --> 00:00:15,551 I am your host, DJ Sir Daniel. 6 00:00:16,001 --> 00:00:20,091 This series strives to tell the stories of Atlanta's gay nightlife from the 7 00:00:20,091 --> 00:00:23,521 perspective of the people who lived it. 8 00:00:24,241 --> 00:00:30,151 Our featured guest for this episode, is a reluctant leader as most pioneers are. 9 00:00:30,211 --> 00:00:31,081 Mashaun D. 10 00:00:31,081 --> 00:00:37,031 Simon has the distinction of being an OG peach holder for he is 11 00:00:37,041 --> 00:00:39,381 Atlanta born and Decatur raised. 12 00:00:39,751 --> 00:00:42,221 He has a unique story of duality. 13 00:00:42,351 --> 00:00:46,401 How does one answer the call of the almighty and still enjoy 14 00:00:46,431 --> 00:00:48,601 being Black and queer in Atlanta? 15 00:00:49,121 --> 00:00:50,621 You'll soon find out. 16 00:00:51,131 --> 00:00:52,011 Enjoy the show. 17 00:00:54,113 --> 00:00:57,692 You have the distinction of being the only human being. 18 00:00:58,683 --> 00:01:02,573 born and bred subject that I've spoken to so far on this project. 19 00:01:03,523 --> 00:01:04,333 Oh, wow. 20 00:01:04,413 --> 00:01:04,973 Yeah. 21 00:01:04,973 --> 00:01:10,553 And that's a big deal because as a native son of Atlanta, like what grade would 22 00:01:10,553 --> 00:01:14,873 you give your city for its treatment of its black and queer citizens? 23 00:01:16,223 --> 00:01:17,153 Mashaun D. Simon: Oh, wow. 24 00:01:17,163 --> 00:01:18,960 What grade would I give? 25 00:01:18,960 --> 00:01:20,477 You know, it's, hmm. 26 00:01:22,258 --> 00:01:28,558 What grade would I, is this like on a normal scale of like a to like D or, yeah, 27 00:01:29,188 --> 00:01:34,168 DJ Sir Daniel: just you can give it or we can do, uh, e, s and, and u. 28 00:01:34,228 --> 00:01:34,828 Excellent. 29 00:01:34,828 --> 00:01:37,828 Satisfactory, unsatisfactory, whatever you want to do. 30 00:01:37,828 --> 00:01:39,988 Teacher s Yes, exactly. 31 00:01:41,983 --> 00:01:43,378 . Whatever you want to do, professor. 32 00:01:45,713 --> 00:01:50,863 Mashaun D. Simon: Um, I would say that where we are now as it pertains 33 00:01:50,863 --> 00:01:54,653 to the city and what's available to those who identify as black and 34 00:01:54,683 --> 00:02:00,053 queer, however you line up on that, um, um, I would give the city a seat. 35 00:02:01,453 --> 00:02:08,453 I think the city does really well around being somewhat inclusive, um, politically 36 00:02:08,963 --> 00:02:12,583 for the LGBTQIA community at large. 37 00:02:13,423 --> 00:02:16,593 But I think when it comes to, and what I mean by that is the ways in 38 00:02:16,623 --> 00:02:21,033 which it protects, um, the overall community in a lot of ways, especially 39 00:02:21,033 --> 00:02:23,953 when we think about like Midtown 14th street, et cetera, et cetera. 40 00:02:24,703 --> 00:02:28,553 Um, it's support for gay pride in the city, et cetera. 41 00:02:28,593 --> 00:02:30,603 And the ways in which businesses come together. 42 00:02:31,683 --> 00:02:35,243 But I think when it comes down to those of us who are also black and 43 00:02:35,243 --> 00:02:43,008 brown, um, I cannot say that the city has done or the city has Invested as 44 00:02:43,028 --> 00:02:50,518 much energy, commitment, care, and concern for us, what we need, what 45 00:02:50,518 --> 00:02:53,578 we want, and what's available to us compared to the community at large. 46 00:02:56,148 --> 00:03:00,028 I will say though, that what I find to be interesting is that 47 00:03:00,428 --> 00:03:04,718 this project that you were doing, um, there seems to be this trend. 48 00:03:05,428 --> 00:03:05,728 Um, 49 00:03:05,728 --> 00:03:10,438 Mashaun D. Simon: and so, um, maybe it was about a year ago, I participate in 50 00:03:10,438 --> 00:03:14,798 these conversations that the City of Atlanta were doing about Black Gay Atlanta 51 00:03:14,828 --> 00:03:18,008 and the history of Black Gay Atlanta, and I found that to be intriguing. 52 00:03:18,688 --> 00:03:23,328 Um, and so I think there is something happening where there are certain people 53 00:03:23,328 --> 00:03:29,138 in certain spaces with a certain amount of access that are bringing this conversation 54 00:03:29,138 --> 00:03:31,328 to life, and I do appreciate that. 55 00:03:31,888 --> 00:03:33,968 Um, but those pockets are few and far between. 56 00:03:35,198 --> 00:03:38,478 DJ Sir Daniel: Hmm, so let's put a pin in that because we're 57 00:03:38,478 --> 00:03:40,208 going to come back around to 58 00:03:42,338 --> 00:03:48,633 Black gay Atlanta the treatment of this the city as a whole I do 59 00:03:48,633 --> 00:03:53,253 find it is rare that we do run into someone that is a native of the city. 60 00:03:53,883 --> 00:03:58,583 So how do you feel, and we're going to get to our main topic, but how do you feel 61 00:03:58,833 --> 00:04:02,963 when you see those disparaging comments about Atlanta, knowing that most of the 62 00:04:02,963 --> 00:04:05,333 people living here are transplants now? 63 00:04:05,753 --> 00:04:09,043 You know, we love that saying Atlanta is not a real place. 64 00:04:09,763 --> 00:04:12,883 And at times it is, it is mythological. 65 00:04:12,883 --> 00:04:17,123 At times it does go, you feel like, okay, are we in Oz right now? 66 00:04:17,143 --> 00:04:17,913 But yes. 67 00:04:18,273 --> 00:04:22,183 How do you feel about more so the disparaging comments about the city 68 00:04:22,183 --> 00:04:29,033 of Atlanta, whether it's about the infrastructure, um, traffic or the 69 00:04:29,033 --> 00:04:33,833 fact that there is a, such a large and visible black gay community here. 70 00:04:33,833 --> 00:04:35,127 Mashaun D. Simon: Yeah. 71 00:04:36,448 --> 00:04:39,808 I tend to, I tend to take it personal in a lot of ways. 72 00:04:40,438 --> 00:04:46,448 Um, I have taken notice as to lately, this has actually happened a few days ago where 73 00:04:46,498 --> 00:04:54,328 a colleague of mine who lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico, every time, um, according to 74 00:04:54,328 --> 00:04:57,908 him, people from Atlanta visit San Juan. 75 00:04:57,938 --> 00:05:00,928 Like he, he claims that he just knows that they are people from Atlanta. 76 00:05:00,938 --> 00:05:03,818 Like he's like, I know that these are Atlanta Negroes. 77 00:05:04,128 --> 00:05:06,268 For these reasons, dot, dot, dot. 78 00:05:06,858 --> 00:05:10,568 And I'm always like, no, stop. 79 00:05:10,808 --> 00:05:16,098 Cause one, all of us are not like that and not, and you can add whatever the 80 00:05:16,098 --> 00:05:17,628 stereotypes you want to add to that. 81 00:05:18,158 --> 00:05:22,188 Um, but two, as you said, a lot of the people who now claim 82 00:05:22,188 --> 00:05:24,398 Atlanta, we're not born here. 83 00:05:24,448 --> 00:05:28,268 Like there are not that many natives still living in the Metro area. 84 00:05:28,728 --> 00:05:30,148 Um, I used to joke and say. 85 00:05:31,298 --> 00:05:34,028 And I know this to be true because I feel like I'm related to most of them. 86 00:05:34,688 --> 00:05:38,328 Um, because I'm just still finding more and more family as I get older. 87 00:05:38,718 --> 00:05:46,468 But, uh, yeah, like I find myself taking it jokingly and subtly personal, um, 88 00:05:46,488 --> 00:05:51,748 because I think it is slightly unfair that all of these things are tacked on to my 89 00:05:51,748 --> 00:05:54,558 city, um, from the perspective of someone. 90 00:05:54,568 --> 00:05:55,698 Now, let me be very clear. 91 00:05:55,718 --> 00:05:57,118 And I always do this. 92 00:05:57,208 --> 00:05:59,608 I'm Atlanta born and Decatur bred. 93 00:06:00,063 --> 00:06:04,523 Um, because my family was adamant about raising me, um, in a 94 00:06:04,523 --> 00:06:06,103 different kind of environment. 95 00:06:06,203 --> 00:06:11,103 And so a part of that is in my DNA, like I am a Decatur boy, um, 96 00:06:11,113 --> 00:06:15,363 but I still claim Atlanta proudly because I was born in this city. 97 00:06:15,703 --> 00:06:20,323 I, um, have been greatly influenced by this city politically, 98 00:06:20,673 --> 00:06:22,943 economically, socially, culturally. 99 00:06:23,493 --> 00:06:27,603 Um, and so I like to take ownership of the fact that I am one of 100 00:06:27,603 --> 00:06:29,412 the very few who are still here. 101 00:06:30,413 --> 00:06:33,793 DJ Sir Daniel: And it's funny you bring up claiming, you know, how Atlanta 102 00:06:33,803 --> 00:06:38,233 has influenced you socially, as long as you and I have known each other. 103 00:06:38,233 --> 00:06:41,523 And that's been for a minute now, as long as you and I have known each 104 00:06:41,523 --> 00:06:47,063 other, you really haven't been much haven't been one for going out a lot. 105 00:06:47,513 --> 00:06:52,483 And so I'm wondering how has like the pursuit of the titles that I 106 00:06:52,503 --> 00:06:56,903 named that I rattled off earlier, like the pursuit of those titles. 107 00:06:56,943 --> 00:06:58,903 How have they informed? 108 00:06:59,298 --> 00:07:02,578 your connection to the gay scene here in Atlanta? 109 00:07:03,648 --> 00:07:05,818 Mashaun D. Simon: Um, well, yeah, I was here. 110 00:07:05,848 --> 00:07:08,418 I, I, I was many of them. 111 00:07:08,418 --> 00:07:09,338 I was a club kid. 112 00:07:09,338 --> 00:07:13,468 I went to the Bulldogs and tracks and, uh, and the phase ones. 113 00:07:13,468 --> 00:07:15,498 And I went to Loretta's. 114 00:07:16,028 --> 00:07:19,048 I've been to the Marquette once I survived. 115 00:07:19,668 --> 00:07:19,778 DJ Sir Daniel: I 116 00:07:19,778 --> 00:07:20,458 Mashaun D. Simon: never want to go back 117 00:07:20,458 --> 00:07:21,028 DJ Sir Daniel: again. 118 00:07:21,568 --> 00:07:28,973 Um, I think we have to go back as adults just to Just to, to, to gauge 119 00:07:29,053 --> 00:07:34,443 the amount of growth, our growth and the, the growth of the Marquette, 120 00:07:34,473 --> 00:07:35,913 because I think the Marquette, 121 00:07:38,433 --> 00:07:39,703 well, but see, here's the thing. 122 00:07:39,733 --> 00:07:45,363 I think there's still a place, there's a place for not necessarily the stabbing 123 00:07:45,363 --> 00:07:47,552 and 124 00:07:47,553 --> 00:07:49,293 DJ Sir Daniel: the being dragged out on the streets. 125 00:07:49,593 --> 00:07:52,623 But there is a place for that. 126 00:07:53,753 --> 00:07:58,683 That segment, that demographic of the community to feel seen and 127 00:07:58,683 --> 00:08:01,183 to have a space for them as well. 128 00:08:01,633 --> 00:08:05,483 And I think it, and I think it is something to, it's also a 129 00:08:05,483 --> 00:08:10,603 way that we gauge ourselves and you know how far we've come. 130 00:08:10,603 --> 00:08:15,042 Cause I haven't been there since 1995, 96. 131 00:08:15,323 --> 00:08:16,503 So yeah. 132 00:08:17,033 --> 00:08:17,383 Yeah. 133 00:08:18,333 --> 00:08:20,553 Mashaun D. Simon: I don't even remember when I went to be quite honest. 134 00:08:20,553 --> 00:08:30,238 I just know I've been in there once and I was like, Oh, this is what this is noted. 135 00:08:30,768 --> 00:08:32,068 I never have to come back here again. 136 00:08:33,028 --> 00:08:37,078 DJ Sir Daniel: I wonder how much the fact that it was co ed, like 137 00:08:37,078 --> 00:08:41,128 it was very much, it was unspoken. 138 00:08:41,128 --> 00:08:44,018 Like this is not just for you boys. 139 00:08:44,178 --> 00:08:50,778 This is also for the lesbians, the, the studs, especially when, when I was going 140 00:08:50,788 --> 00:08:56,098 in, it was on, um, Right there by the AUC across the street from that McDonald's. 141 00:08:56,518 --> 00:09:01,728 Um, Job Corps had a headquarters here in Atlanta at that time. 142 00:09:02,118 --> 00:09:07,913 And so a lot of the young ladies The studs the young and budding studs that 143 00:09:07,923 --> 00:09:12,653 used to go to job Corps would come to job I mean would come to the Marquette 144 00:09:12,803 --> 00:09:17,253 and frequent the Marquette and they kind of outnumbered the boys as it were, you 145 00:09:17,253 --> 00:09:23,403 know so There's a lot I said for that environment, but you were saying about how 146 00:09:23,953 --> 00:09:32,493 the scene and your pursuit of Your dreams your goals How how did one inform the 147 00:09:32,523 --> 00:09:37,448 other like Did you find at one point you were like, okay, can't do this as much as 148 00:09:37,498 --> 00:09:39,468 anymore because I'm concentrating on this. 149 00:09:39,468 --> 00:09:40,617 Yeah. 150 00:09:40,618 --> 00:09:40,948 Mashaun D. Simon: Yeah. 151 00:09:41,018 --> 00:09:41,288 Yeah. 152 00:09:41,308 --> 00:09:41,998 That's very true. 153 00:09:42,008 --> 00:09:44,168 That is very, and I was having a conversation with 154 00:09:44,168 --> 00:09:45,268 someone recently about this. 155 00:09:45,728 --> 00:09:52,818 Um, my, my husband and I have just recently celebrated 10 years together and 156 00:09:55,618 --> 00:09:58,788 There was a conversation being had with one of my ministry 157 00:09:58,788 --> 00:10:00,488 colleagues out of North Carolina. 158 00:10:00,498 --> 00:10:05,018 Uh, About how rare that is seen in our community. 159 00:10:05,438 --> 00:10:10,908 And it caused me to go down this rabbit hole of a lot of the choices 160 00:10:10,928 --> 00:10:16,468 I made for a lot of different reasons as it pertained to, as you said, 161 00:10:16,518 --> 00:10:19,088 the levels of status I was chasing. 162 00:10:19,088 --> 00:10:26,608 And I was that young man who had been conditioned to believe that um, you had 163 00:10:26,608 --> 00:10:28,438 to be presented in a certain kind of way. 164 00:10:28,478 --> 00:10:30,258 Respectability politics, you had to. 165 00:10:30,633 --> 00:10:31,713 Operate a certain kind of way. 166 00:10:31,713 --> 00:10:33,023 You have to lose certain way. 167 00:10:33,493 --> 00:10:43,443 Um, and so when I started seminary, um, back in 2010, um, I like to say that my 168 00:10:43,443 --> 00:10:46,223 life, my nightlife ended in that moment. 169 00:10:46,463 --> 00:10:50,063 Um, I had been, you know, hanging out with my people, going to the 170 00:10:50,073 --> 00:10:53,533 Bulldogs, going to, um, the spots. 171 00:10:53,773 --> 00:10:55,963 Um, I remember the days of going to the palace. 172 00:10:55,963 --> 00:10:58,033 I remember the days of phase one. 173 00:10:58,033 --> 00:10:59,843 I remember the days of all of those moments. 174 00:11:00,563 --> 00:11:07,733 Um, but when I decided to surrender to what I perceived to be a call on my 175 00:11:07,733 --> 00:11:15,133 life to ministry, um, I chose to submit to this idea that people in ministry 176 00:11:15,133 --> 00:11:16,673 didn't need to be in certain spaces. 177 00:11:16,673 --> 00:11:19,773 And the club is one of the places that we did not need to be in. 178 00:11:20,353 --> 00:11:25,143 Um, and when I started preaching regularly, um, when I started 179 00:11:25,213 --> 00:11:29,268 pastoring, um, um, um, um, All of that came to an abrupt end. 180 00:11:29,278 --> 00:11:34,688 I would still, every now and again, do like a First Fridays at the 181 00:11:34,698 --> 00:11:37,078 Eagle, um, with certain people. 182 00:11:37,278 --> 00:11:41,168 Um, when my now husband and I got together, there were a couple times 183 00:11:41,168 --> 00:11:46,148 where he and I went as a couple or when family of his was in town for like a 184 00:11:46,158 --> 00:11:50,598 pride, uh, a Black Gay Pride weekend or, or, or Labor Day weekend, we would go. 185 00:11:50,838 --> 00:11:52,348 So a First Friday experience. 186 00:11:52,758 --> 00:11:54,708 But yeah, I completely stopped. 187 00:11:55,288 --> 00:12:01,848 Doing all of that because it was perceived that that was not something for someone 188 00:12:01,918 --> 00:12:08,468 of my stature to be doing unless I Was gonna be what a lot of people call it. 189 00:12:08,468 --> 00:12:09,528 Not my city sissies. 190 00:12:10,228 --> 00:12:11,688 So if I went out of town 191 00:12:11,688 --> 00:12:16,358 DJ Sir Daniel: I Was I was just about to bring that I was like do you so do you 192 00:12:16,618 --> 00:12:17,958 were you one of the ones that you felt? 193 00:12:17,968 --> 00:12:21,878 You can't you can let down your hair in another city because yeah, that's what we 194 00:12:21,878 --> 00:12:26,273 would see here in Atlanta Yeah Yeah, and 195 00:12:26,383 --> 00:12:28,353 Mashaun D. Simon: yeah, I became a not my city system. 196 00:12:30,098 --> 00:12:31,708 DJ Sir Daniel: I'm not my city, sissy. 197 00:12:32,098 --> 00:12:39,028 And I will say that you, you and Elvis, your husband have always, um, would come 198 00:12:39,028 --> 00:12:41,538 out for events that I was a part of. 199 00:12:41,958 --> 00:12:46,498 Like if I would be spinning at a, at a bulldogs for, like you said, 200 00:12:46,498 --> 00:12:50,428 for pride weekend, yes, you guys would come out and support me. 201 00:12:50,428 --> 00:12:54,998 And I always appreciated that because I was well aware of your journey. 202 00:12:55,518 --> 00:12:56,198 And. 203 00:12:57,173 --> 00:13:00,753 It's funny that you have that kind of conflict within yourself about, you 204 00:13:00,753 --> 00:13:05,433 see a friend on the journey and you're like, well, it's not that serious. 205 00:13:05,433 --> 00:13:08,893 You know, he could, he could do such and such, he could come out. 206 00:13:09,383 --> 00:13:14,733 And, but then you don't realize you have to take into consideration 207 00:13:15,323 --> 00:13:17,043 that people are really on. 208 00:13:17,618 --> 00:13:22,618 Their life's paths and you need to and we have to respect that and I and that only 209 00:13:22,618 --> 00:13:28,708 comes with growth And you know getting older and just living life because as I 210 00:13:28,708 --> 00:13:34,588 step away from Nightlife, you know and not being a part of it as much as I did 211 00:13:34,588 --> 00:13:40,868 mostly because you know growing older and things starting to Change or be the 212 00:13:40,868 --> 00:13:44,538 same and you know, you're trying to, you don't really feel like you fit in anymore. 213 00:13:45,128 --> 00:13:51,368 Um, do you deal with that of the aging out thoughts of, you know, nightlife? 214 00:13:51,368 --> 00:13:52,258 Is that a thing for you? 215 00:13:52,258 --> 00:13:54,658 Do you feel like you feel like you've aged out? 216 00:13:55,078 --> 00:13:58,788 Because I still, like we say, there's a first Friday and that's 217 00:13:58,788 --> 00:14:03,518 where we'll see people our age or older, you know, that will come out. 218 00:14:04,398 --> 00:14:04,708 Yeah. 219 00:14:04,758 --> 00:14:06,158 Mashaun D. Simon: Um, yes. 220 00:14:06,158 --> 00:14:06,938 Yeah. 221 00:14:07,553 --> 00:14:08,423 It's interesting. 222 00:14:08,463 --> 00:14:14,913 So I think it's interesting space now where I, I feel like I am, I am having, 223 00:14:16,103 --> 00:14:19,423 is it a one 80, not quite a three 60. 224 00:14:19,523 --> 00:14:20,013 I don't know. 225 00:14:20,023 --> 00:14:22,893 Like I am, right. 226 00:14:23,703 --> 00:14:28,633 And you know, I did that great when I was in high school, what's what's one 227 00:14:28,633 --> 00:14:38,003 plus one again, uh, I, I am having a moment in my life now where, um, I've 228 00:14:38,003 --> 00:14:39,393 been on this interesting journey. 229 00:14:39,393 --> 00:14:43,433 The past couple of years of stripping myself of a lot of that baggage. 230 00:14:43,763 --> 00:14:47,103 Um, certain people in certain religious spaces call it deconstructing. 231 00:14:47,513 --> 00:14:49,983 There's this argument that maybe it's not quite deconstructing. 232 00:14:50,003 --> 00:14:50,953 Maybe it's something else. 233 00:14:51,153 --> 00:14:51,643 Whatever. 234 00:14:51,663 --> 00:14:57,663 The reality is, um, I am finding myself divorcing myself of a lot of that baggage. 235 00:14:58,143 --> 00:15:04,103 Um, and so because I am what a lot of people like to press to be this public 236 00:15:04,103 --> 00:15:12,348 figure, Uh, I do not as much allow some of those things to hinder me as much as 237 00:15:12,348 --> 00:15:18,868 they used to because my own work and my own research has caused me to consider 238 00:15:18,868 --> 00:15:25,018 that that level of conditioning may not have anything to do with anything 239 00:15:25,488 --> 00:15:30,688 beyond people just trying to control or people just trying to, um, create. 240 00:15:31,038 --> 00:15:35,528 It's a world or society or individual or being that makes them most comfortable. 241 00:15:36,128 --> 00:15:41,688 Um, so the reasons why I don't go out much now is because I'm busy. 242 00:15:41,718 --> 00:15:44,158 Like sleep is very important to me. 243 00:15:44,278 --> 00:15:45,355 Like you 244 00:15:45,355 --> 00:15:46,283 DJ Sir Daniel: said, 245 00:15:46,283 --> 00:15:49,068 Mashaun D. Simon: sleep is a commodity. 246 00:15:49,388 --> 00:15:53,688 Um, and so it's, it's, and sometimes, yes, there are certain spaces. 247 00:15:53,688 --> 00:15:54,738 I'm just like, this ain't for me. 248 00:15:54,738 --> 00:15:55,028 Like. 249 00:15:55,673 --> 00:15:59,423 I don't know who this artist, I don't know who a little sexy red is or what 250 00:15:59,433 --> 00:16:01,043 have you and so that doesn't move me. 251 00:16:01,573 --> 00:16:06,273 Um, you give me, we went to a gathering not too long ago, um, 252 00:16:06,273 --> 00:16:07,653 that my brother had this party. 253 00:16:08,743 --> 00:16:11,883 And my brother is in his late 50s, early 60s. 254 00:16:12,313 --> 00:16:15,733 And I was like, oh my gosh, I just realized that I am 255 00:16:15,733 --> 00:16:17,313 of the bridge generation. 256 00:16:17,833 --> 00:16:21,993 Like, I, I am that in between from my brother's generation. 257 00:16:21,993 --> 00:16:22,072 Yeah. 258 00:16:23,033 --> 00:16:26,703 Cause I'm a cusp, I'm a Gen X er, so I'm a cusp millennial. 259 00:16:27,143 --> 00:16:32,343 Um, and so there are some millennial music and some Gen Z music that I am familiar 260 00:16:32,343 --> 00:16:35,953 with the Canadian because I'm, because I have young nephews and nieces, et cetera. 261 00:16:36,443 --> 00:16:39,993 Um, and then I'm in this interesting Gen X pocket, where there are certain 262 00:16:39,993 --> 00:16:43,853 kinds of music that move me, but then it generates the music of my brothers and 263 00:16:43,943 --> 00:16:45,643 sisters and even my parents generation. 264 00:16:45,663 --> 00:16:48,693 Some of the, what we call oldies move me as well. 265 00:16:49,003 --> 00:16:50,453 And so if I find a space. 266 00:16:50,838 --> 00:16:53,918 What's all of that operates, then I'm very happy. 267 00:16:53,918 --> 00:16:54,678 I'm very comfortable. 268 00:16:54,678 --> 00:16:56,888 I'm living my life and, and that's no issue. 269 00:16:57,318 --> 00:17:01,388 But when you get to some of this other stuff, like I enjoy make the stallion, um, 270 00:17:01,428 --> 00:17:03,478 I ain't got her knees, but I love my boss. 271 00:17:04,188 --> 00:17:08,128 Um, but like the 60 reds of the world, I don't know who the people 272 00:17:08,138 --> 00:17:09,668 are in that musical movement. 273 00:17:10,078 --> 00:17:15,018 So those are the reasons, like the music, um, that I enjoy sleep. 274 00:17:15,038 --> 00:17:19,278 Those are the reasons that sort of keep me from going as much compared to. 275 00:17:19,768 --> 00:17:26,218 These concerns around me being a preacher or me being a pastor or me being, um, the, 276 00:17:27,018 --> 00:17:33,198 this individual that, that, that people have tapped, um, a, a title and some level 277 00:17:33,198 --> 00:17:39,998 of authority to, um, I, I, I am of that person that nowhere is scandalous because 278 00:17:39,998 --> 00:17:43,738 if I'm supposed to be doing the work of being amongst God's people, then I should 279 00:17:43,738 --> 00:17:47,268 be able to be anywhere amongst God's people and, and that not be a problem. 280 00:17:48,383 --> 00:17:52,033 So yeah, I thought that really answered your question, but yeah. 281 00:17:52,913 --> 00:18:00,143 DJ Sir Daniel: Um You mentioned, you mentioned your brother and I know 282 00:18:00,143 --> 00:18:04,893 that you, you've acquired quite a few spiritual brothers on your journey. 283 00:18:05,753 --> 00:18:09,963 Um, but tell us about Hollis O. 284 00:18:10,563 --> 00:18:12,043 Simon the second. 285 00:18:12,043 --> 00:18:13,083 Why 286 00:18:13,083 --> 00:18:16,463 Mashaun D. Simon: are you doing this? 287 00:18:17,273 --> 00:18:21,873 DJ Sir Daniel: Um, I, this is, I think this is, um, You'll see 288 00:18:21,873 --> 00:18:22,983 where I'm going in a second. 289 00:18:23,033 --> 00:18:26,013 Tell us, tell us about Hollis O'Simon the second. 290 00:18:26,773 --> 00:18:30,193 Mashaun D. Simon: Um, Hollis O'Neill Simon, the second born for my 291 00:18:30,193 --> 00:18:36,693 father, Hollis O'Neill Simon, um, was, is, uh, for all intents and 292 00:18:36,693 --> 00:18:38,853 purposes, my only biological brother. 293 00:18:39,423 --> 00:18:42,703 Um, I have learned in the past few years since my father died, father 294 00:18:42,703 --> 00:18:44,103 and I had a lot of parallels. 295 00:18:44,463 --> 00:18:46,413 My father had only one biological brother. 296 00:18:46,523 --> 00:18:48,703 I only had one biological brother. 297 00:18:48,703 --> 00:18:48,722 Okay. 298 00:18:49,023 --> 00:18:51,733 Even though I have these other siblings from the other situations, 299 00:18:51,733 --> 00:18:55,243 et cetera, et cetera, yada, yada, but for all intents and purposes, 300 00:18:55,473 --> 00:18:56,693 he's my only biological brother. 301 00:18:56,693 --> 00:19:08,813 Um, he asked in 1992, the early 1990s, um, from complications to HIV, um, he 302 00:19:08,823 --> 00:19:10,743 had full blown AIDS by the time he died. 303 00:19:11,313 --> 00:19:15,693 He was a educator, he was a special education teacher. 304 00:19:16,213 --> 00:19:17,703 Um, but he was also a designer. 305 00:19:17,703 --> 00:19:18,473 He was a seamstress. 306 00:19:18,793 --> 00:19:23,633 He made clothes for some of my siblings, for his mother, for cousins. 307 00:19:23,793 --> 00:19:30,073 Um, he was working, um, to develop a name for himself in the fashion world. 308 00:19:30,553 --> 00:19:34,723 Um, he was my guide in a lot of ways. 309 00:19:34,763 --> 00:19:36,613 Uh, uh, he, I mean, he was just amazing. 310 00:19:36,613 --> 00:19:40,383 He was an amazing individual, um, full of life, full of love. 311 00:19:40,843 --> 00:19:48,078 Um, and when he became diagnosed with HIV, um, He is probably one, one of the 312 00:19:48,078 --> 00:19:56,328 reasons why I am at this age of 40 plus 45 plus live to the extent that I live 313 00:19:56,358 --> 00:19:59,038 because my brother wanted to live so bad. 314 00:19:59,038 --> 00:20:00,248 He was so creative. 315 00:20:00,758 --> 00:20:06,658 Um, when I had projects at school that displayed boards, I would have him draw my 316 00:20:06,658 --> 00:20:09,418 display boards for my school assignments. 317 00:20:09,498 --> 00:20:12,568 Um, I mean, he probably was for all intents and purposes. 318 00:20:13,358 --> 00:20:16,148 The first best friend I had before I knew what a best friend was. 319 00:20:17,008 --> 00:20:17,928 Yeah, he was my big brother. 320 00:20:18,618 --> 00:20:23,118 DJ Sir Daniel: He was your big brother, and did he identify as a gay man? 321 00:20:23,898 --> 00:20:24,578 He was. 322 00:20:24,578 --> 00:20:25,218 He was a black 323 00:20:25,228 --> 00:20:25,868 Mashaun D. Simon: gay man, 324 00:20:26,428 --> 00:20:26,878 DJ Sir Daniel: um, 325 00:20:26,918 --> 00:20:27,658 Mashaun D. Simon: as well. 326 00:20:28,448 --> 00:20:32,568 DJ Sir Daniel: So, um, I brought him up and I asked about Hollis because 327 00:20:32,568 --> 00:20:34,748 one, I know how important he is to you. 328 00:20:35,358 --> 00:20:41,078 And I just wondered, did you ever imagine what your life would have been like if 329 00:20:41,088 --> 00:20:47,058 he were to, if he were alive to help you navigate through those black queer spaces, 330 00:20:47,058 --> 00:20:50,958 you know, through those, through the club scene, through the, you know, your 331 00:20:50,958 --> 00:20:54,718 first date, your first hookup, whatever. 332 00:20:54,718 --> 00:20:55,637 Yeah. 333 00:20:55,638 --> 00:20:56,088 Tell me about that. 334 00:20:57,288 --> 00:20:58,348 Mashaun D. Simon: I think about that a lot. 335 00:20:58,408 --> 00:21:04,488 Um, it is part of the reason why the D is in my, in my name, in my signature. 336 00:21:04,548 --> 00:21:06,728 Uh, I learned after my brother died, 337 00:21:06,788 --> 00:21:07,238 he 338 00:21:07,998 --> 00:21:11,538 Mashaun D. Simon: either named me or had something to do with my naming. 339 00:21:12,078 --> 00:21:17,108 Um, and so to honor him and to honor his memory, um, I made my 340 00:21:17,108 --> 00:21:22,178 middle initial a part of my, my, my brand, my identity, my signature. 341 00:21:22,638 --> 00:21:26,158 Um, but there have been numerous times. 342 00:21:26,668 --> 00:21:29,168 Especially when I was having like relationship problems. 343 00:21:29,268 --> 00:21:30,528 Oh my god. 344 00:21:30,888 --> 00:21:35,058 I'd be like, if my brother was here, um, the conversations we could have 345 00:21:35,058 --> 00:21:39,088 had, um, the moments we could have had when I could have just driven over to 346 00:21:39,088 --> 00:21:43,078 the house and then just been like, let me tell you about what this negro did. 347 00:21:43,668 --> 00:21:49,408 Um, I just really feel like there were these missed moments. 348 00:21:49,558 --> 00:21:53,803 Um, especially Because I wasn't, I was young when my brother died. 349 00:21:53,803 --> 00:21:55,693 I was 13 years old when my brother died. 350 00:21:55,793 --> 00:21:56,563 I was 13. 351 00:21:56,573 --> 00:21:57,813 He was 33. 352 00:21:58,313 --> 00:22:00,423 Um, and so I had not quite come. 353 00:22:00,483 --> 00:22:02,153 I knew who I was. 354 00:22:02,573 --> 00:22:07,583 Um, and I knew what my identity was, but I had not been brave enough to let 355 00:22:07,683 --> 00:22:09,883 others in on that or let others back. 356 00:22:10,283 --> 00:22:15,183 Um, so he was a huge part of why I came out when I came out. 357 00:22:15,783 --> 00:22:22,103 Um, and I, for many years, I found myself in a space of just 358 00:22:22,893 --> 00:22:24,463 contemplating the what ifs. 359 00:22:25,493 --> 00:22:27,393 How would, how would have things gone? 360 00:22:27,413 --> 00:22:28,303 There was a good time. 361 00:22:28,303 --> 00:22:29,533 A lot of people don't know this. 362 00:22:30,003 --> 00:22:33,723 Um, I think I've only told this to one, maybe two other people in my life. 363 00:22:34,073 --> 00:22:38,723 There was a period of time in my into late teens where I 364 00:22:38,723 --> 00:22:40,963 had a health scare of my own. 365 00:22:40,963 --> 00:22:44,853 I, I, I had been exposed to HIV. 366 00:22:45,728 --> 00:22:47,378 One that I was dating at the time. 367 00:22:47,418 --> 00:22:52,018 And so I was really, really concerned, um, and had just really spiraled. 368 00:22:52,038 --> 00:22:54,378 I was just like, Oh my God, I did the same thing. 369 00:22:54,378 --> 00:22:55,258 My brother did. 370 00:22:55,338 --> 00:22:57,397 Oh my God, my family is going to be so disappointed in me. 371 00:22:57,397 --> 00:22:57,818 Yada, yada. 372 00:22:57,818 --> 00:23:02,618 I went through all of that stuff and I had these moments of if Hollis was still 373 00:23:02,718 --> 00:23:07,228 here, what I have made some of these mistakes, what I have dated this person, 374 00:23:07,228 --> 00:23:10,688 what I have, what I have done these things and how was I going to navigate? 375 00:23:11,223 --> 00:23:14,573 My way through after that, thank God I was spared. 376 00:23:14,703 --> 00:23:16,453 Um, I was not positive. 377 00:23:16,543 --> 00:23:17,783 I am not positive. 378 00:23:18,253 --> 00:23:24,773 Um, but it, it triggered this way of just sort of being Set apart. 379 00:23:25,153 --> 00:23:29,623 Um, and so even when you talk about These decisions that I did not make because 380 00:23:29,643 --> 00:23:33,963 of the life that I was chasing like not going out as much etc, etc Losing my 381 00:23:33,963 --> 00:23:38,463 brother also had a large part in that because I wanted And that health care 382 00:23:38,463 --> 00:23:44,183 because I wanted to I wanted to provide a different narrative than the one 383 00:23:44,233 --> 00:23:46,723 people around me had been so used to. 384 00:23:47,183 --> 00:23:55,153 Um, and so I became the well organized, driven, highly successful, well 385 00:23:55,153 --> 00:24:00,363 attached, well connected person that I did, especially for my family, 386 00:24:00,363 --> 00:24:03,913 especially for my mother and my father, because of the loss of Hollis. 387 00:24:04,903 --> 00:24:08,253 Um, I needed them to look me in a different kind of way so they 388 00:24:08,503 --> 00:24:11,173 could say that I had done the same things that him and many others 389 00:24:11,653 --> 00:24:14,113 had been, um, judged for doing. 390 00:24:16,243 --> 00:24:16,383 DJ Sir Daniel: Hmm. 391 00:24:17,393 --> 00:24:22,743 I think, uh, I actually relate to that in the sense of, you know, 392 00:24:23,883 --> 00:24:28,733 the way I would move the way I would like even just going out. 393 00:24:29,353 --> 00:24:32,743 It was more so of, okay, I'm going here. 394 00:24:33,493 --> 00:24:40,333 I'm going to be on my best behavior because I don't want the narrative to 395 00:24:40,343 --> 00:24:43,673 be what he was down at such and such. 396 00:24:44,303 --> 00:24:50,233 And he was there, you know, and you always think, Oh God, what if something happened? 397 00:24:50,233 --> 00:24:52,003 What, what is my mother going to say? 398 00:24:52,763 --> 00:24:58,073 And that's, you know, and it says something, um, dire happens. 399 00:24:58,763 --> 00:25:00,183 Oh God, is this going to be. 400 00:25:00,488 --> 00:25:03,548 The story that they tell my mother. 401 00:25:03,548 --> 00:25:07,278 Is this going to be the story, the legacy that I'm going to leave behind 402 00:25:07,608 --> 00:25:12,808 with such and such got caught up in, at this party or at this club. 403 00:25:13,578 --> 00:25:16,968 And, but I, you know, I, 404 00:25:19,398 --> 00:25:23,648 I love that about you and Hollis. 405 00:25:24,418 --> 00:25:29,648 And again, I mentioned that you pick up spiritual brothers along the way. 406 00:25:29,658 --> 00:25:37,433 Um, Myself included, you know, and I think part of that, those moments that 407 00:25:37,433 --> 00:25:45,563 we get to share in those spaces become part of that bonding process because I'm 408 00:25:45,563 --> 00:25:50,468 thinking of a moment Where I witnessed you get free once I'm on a dance floor, 409 00:25:50,468 --> 00:25:52,848 I'm not gonna go any further than that 410 00:25:56,098 --> 00:26:01,988 But I do I do want to know for you because it didn't necessarily happen 411 00:26:01,988 --> 00:26:06,568 with me, but What and I've been asking every all my subjects this question 412 00:26:06,568 --> 00:26:12,078 about the music aspect because I'm a DJ So I'm gonna ask this like what song do 413 00:26:12,078 --> 00:26:15,048 you remember that really set you free? 414 00:26:16,178 --> 00:26:21,488 In, in the space with your, in the queer space with other black men. 415 00:26:24,018 --> 00:26:26,278 Mashaun D. Simon: Uh, Oh my gosh. 416 00:26:26,358 --> 00:26:30,878 What song has really set me free? 417 00:26:30,878 --> 00:26:40,640 Um, um, there, there are three that come to mind for me because they present 418 00:26:40,640 --> 00:26:42,561 themselves at very different points 419 00:26:42,561 --> 00:26:43,329 in my 420 00:26:43,329 --> 00:26:43,713 Mashaun D. Simon: life. 421 00:26:43,713 --> 00:26:50,108 Um, So back in the day Back in the day it was splat pack square of the ground 422 00:26:52,788 --> 00:26:56,238 Yeah, it was back in the day it was that and part of that was because 423 00:26:56,238 --> 00:26:59,188 of the influences of being around my sister So I have an older sister 424 00:26:59,608 --> 00:27:01,958 Um, who was an exotic dancer? 425 00:27:02,408 --> 00:27:08,157 Um, and so she introduced me to a lot of that music back in the day So it 426 00:27:08,158 --> 00:27:10,908 was just something about that song that whenever it came on I was just like 427 00:27:10,908 --> 00:27:15,108 You I was just black and gay and free. 428 00:27:15,728 --> 00:27:18,688 Um, um, back that ass up. 429 00:27:19,158 --> 00:27:22,278 Um, it's another one that I think was the one that came on the night that 430 00:27:22,278 --> 00:27:23,658 you were talking about in question. 431 00:27:24,148 --> 00:27:24,748 Um, 432 00:27:25,148 --> 00:27:28,018 DJ Sir Daniel: Actually it was the, the aforementioned song, 433 00:27:28,328 --> 00:27:31,628 but I was, it was, but I wasn't going to bring it up, but yeah. 434 00:27:32,718 --> 00:27:36,048 And now you see why you acted a fool. 435 00:27:37,398 --> 00:27:38,258 Mashaun D. Simon: You brought all that back. 436 00:27:38,618 --> 00:27:41,058 Here's the thing though, for the listeners that are out there. 437 00:27:41,393 --> 00:27:44,863 This night that he is talking about in particular was at the 438 00:27:44,953 --> 00:27:47,323 end of an academic semester, 439 00:27:48,293 --> 00:27:48,373 and 440 00:27:48,393 --> 00:27:53,133 Mashaun D. Simon: I was really str I was in the second year of seminary, I was in 441 00:27:53,133 --> 00:27:56,153 the first I was at the end of the first semester of my second year of seminary, 442 00:27:56,173 --> 00:28:02,888 and I was afraid that I was going to fuck out that semester, like, that That 443 00:28:03,028 --> 00:28:08,768 level of study was so rigorous, it was the hardest something I had ever done 444 00:28:08,768 --> 00:28:11,578 in my life, in my life at that time. 445 00:28:12,138 --> 00:28:15,478 And so, I was stressed. 446 00:28:15,928 --> 00:28:19,438 And on this night in particular, I let these people talk me into going out. 447 00:28:19,438 --> 00:28:23,278 I had just gotten my grades, I had just found out that I passed this 448 00:28:23,288 --> 00:28:25,328 class, this one class in particular. 449 00:28:25,688 --> 00:28:29,058 I had all these goals for my last year of seminary, I was scared. 450 00:28:29,613 --> 00:28:35,363 And so I got really drunk that night, me and B. 451 00:28:35,363 --> 00:28:40,953 Ford got really drunk that night and we let loose and 452 00:28:41,053 --> 00:28:42,683 it was, it was what I needed. 453 00:28:42,713 --> 00:28:43,753 It was a great evening. 454 00:28:43,753 --> 00:28:44,403 It was a great night. 455 00:28:44,443 --> 00:28:45,113 It was what I needed. 456 00:28:45,763 --> 00:28:48,572 Um, so I am grateful to have that. 457 00:28:48,973 --> 00:28:51,954 Um, but now these people will never let me live that down. 458 00:28:51,954 --> 00:28:57,334 DJ Sir Daniel: Um, Mashaun, what is your take on the disappearance of black 459 00:28:57,384 --> 00:29:00,724 owned queer clubs, bars in Atlanta? 460 00:29:01,054 --> 00:29:02,184 What is your take on that? 461 00:29:03,134 --> 00:29:04,514 Mashaun D. Simon: I think it is heartbreaking. 462 00:29:04,784 --> 00:29:07,944 Um, I think it is unfortunate. 463 00:29:08,054 --> 00:29:09,184 I think it is frustrating. 464 00:29:09,214 --> 00:29:13,204 I think it all speaks to the reality of access. 465 00:29:13,634 --> 00:29:20,684 I think it speaks to this divide, um, that we have in, in, in society overall. 466 00:29:21,014 --> 00:29:24,074 You know, now, now you, now you down my, you down my, you down my road. 467 00:29:24,074 --> 00:29:24,884 You're down my avenue. 468 00:29:25,364 --> 00:29:27,644 Um, 'cause I do a lot of work around equity. 469 00:29:28,334 --> 00:29:28,574 Mm-Hmm. 470 00:29:28,814 --> 00:29:34,034 and, and supremacy, white supremacy and the, and, and how it, how it, 471 00:29:34,039 --> 00:29:37,754 it is alive and well in our society from what we believe in religion 472 00:29:37,754 --> 00:29:39,824 to our economics, et cetera. 473 00:29:40,154 --> 00:29:42,134 And I think this is one example of that like. 474 00:29:42,819 --> 00:29:47,969 Part of the reason why we don't have these spaces is because we 475 00:29:47,969 --> 00:29:49,459 don't have access to have it. 476 00:29:49,499 --> 00:29:55,239 Like, the city is having a boom in its real estate and so it's hard to 477 00:29:55,239 --> 00:30:01,859 afford a space to do something like that and to create an environment. 478 00:30:02,239 --> 00:30:06,419 And we don't have that many people in our city who can afford to do it. 479 00:30:06,919 --> 00:30:09,979 Um, we don't have a lot of space to do it. 480 00:30:10,029 --> 00:30:15,814 Like, Because we're getting all these high rises and buildings and spaces 481 00:30:15,814 --> 00:30:21,694 being built, um, all of the property that could potentially be a space for 482 00:30:22,004 --> 00:30:25,274 us, um, is being smashed up very quickly. 483 00:30:25,334 --> 00:30:30,284 And so I think it is, it is heartbreaking and speaks to the problems in our society 484 00:30:30,734 --> 00:30:35,774 at times, to creating opportunity for such a thing and, and, and having the 485 00:30:35,784 --> 00:30:37,664 support, not just from the community. 486 00:30:39,329 --> 00:30:46,709 Um, but our, our political figures, our, our leaders in the city, um, and across 487 00:30:46,709 --> 00:30:55,899 the city to create opportunities for us to have these kind of, um, um, access points. 488 00:30:56,789 --> 00:31:01,959 I think, what I am experiencing is that a lot of us are creating it 489 00:31:01,959 --> 00:31:07,329 on our own, so we're having house parties and gang nights, you see. 490 00:31:08,559 --> 00:31:13,799 Organizing events for us to get together because we crave it so much and we 491 00:31:13,799 --> 00:31:18,429 don't really have somewhere that is our home to really do it at the caliber 492 00:31:18,429 --> 00:31:21,049 of what it once was some years ago. 493 00:31:21,109 --> 00:31:23,389 Trax is gone because of the Olympics. 494 00:31:23,809 --> 00:31:27,539 They bought up all that property to attract the Olympics and got rid 495 00:31:27,539 --> 00:31:31,489 of, uh, a pop, a popular thriving. 496 00:31:32,009 --> 00:31:33,339 Black club experience, 497 00:31:33,969 --> 00:31:35,709 DJ Sir Daniel: a historical landmark actually 498 00:31:36,149 --> 00:31:37,379 Mashaun D. Simon: in a historical landmark. 499 00:31:37,689 --> 00:31:41,969 And so now you have what available, you have bulldogs and what else? 500 00:31:42,809 --> 00:31:43,329 Um, 501 00:31:43,379 --> 00:31:44,099 DJ Sir Daniel: the new Eagle, 502 00:31:45,539 --> 00:31:49,279 Mashaun D. Simon: the new Eagle, which came out of that night of one 503 00:31:49,279 --> 00:31:54,209 night and it, and it died in the pandemic and it's not coming back. 504 00:31:54,239 --> 00:31:57,629 You have, um, mix 505 00:31:57,629 --> 00:32:00,224 mix. 506 00:32:00,224 --> 00:32:02,484 Mashaun D. Simon: You 507 00:32:02,484 --> 00:32:04,004 DJ Sir Daniel: just dated yourself colors. 508 00:32:05,344 --> 00:32:08,964 Mashaun D. Simon: Um, but I don't know too many people who go to mix anymore. 509 00:32:08,964 --> 00:32:10,434 And I know that product is older. 510 00:32:11,104 --> 00:32:17,494 Um, so you don't have many of these spaces like you used to. 511 00:32:17,924 --> 00:32:22,224 And I think a part of it was because we don't have the support from our 512 00:32:22,224 --> 00:32:24,904 leadership or the financial ability. 513 00:32:25,639 --> 00:32:28,439 To create these spaces because they're concerned about 514 00:32:28,439 --> 00:32:29,379 making Atlanta something else 515 00:32:30,379 --> 00:32:32,869 DJ Sir Daniel: But there is that conversation happens though Like, 516 00:32:33,159 --> 00:32:36,789 you know, all of you rich gays need to get together and buy a 517 00:32:36,789 --> 00:32:39,949 building Is is it that simple? 518 00:32:40,049 --> 00:32:42,549 I don't think it's that simple When you don't think it's 519 00:32:42,549 --> 00:32:49,569 Mashaun D. Simon: that simple, but I but I do think it is a start um But it there's 520 00:32:49,569 --> 00:32:53,984 something to be said for the fact that nobody is trying to do it And it makes 521 00:32:53,984 --> 00:32:55,494 me wonder why nobody wanted to do it. 522 00:32:55,534 --> 00:33:01,704 Do they, do we in the community ourselves even see any value in doing such a 523 00:33:01,704 --> 00:33:03,524 thing because it hasn't happened? 524 00:33:04,214 --> 00:33:10,024 Um, and so I don't know, but I, I, I do think it is unfortunate and disheartening 525 00:33:10,024 --> 00:33:15,444 because I am fully aware, especially in the work that I'm doing now, that 526 00:33:15,804 --> 00:33:20,374 there is a craving for someplace. 527 00:33:21,439 --> 00:33:26,489 to build community, interact, fellowship, hang out, meet up, 528 00:33:27,089 --> 00:33:29,429 date, drink, party, be free. 529 00:33:30,089 --> 00:33:32,049 Um, there's not that many options. 530 00:33:32,629 --> 00:33:37,069 I remember a point in time when a group of us were you a part of this conversation? 531 00:33:37,519 --> 00:33:41,409 When there were a group of us, um, we were talking about how we were going 532 00:33:41,409 --> 00:33:43,749 to get people together and we were going to take over the straight club 533 00:33:44,209 --> 00:33:46,479 and we were just going to make the straight clubs have like gay night. 534 00:33:46,479 --> 00:33:48,279 And we just don't get all of our friends together. 535 00:33:48,279 --> 00:33:48,329 Right. 536 00:33:48,609 --> 00:33:51,359 And go to the popular straight club and just party. 537 00:33:52,129 --> 00:33:53,559 I don't know if you were part of that conversation. 538 00:33:53,709 --> 00:33:54,279 DJ Sir Daniel: I don't remember. 539 00:33:54,279 --> 00:33:54,629 I don't recall that. 540 00:33:55,179 --> 00:34:03,959 But so like a rave takeover where people would just, yeah, you know, they, I'll 541 00:34:03,959 --> 00:34:11,519 never, one night I was at, um, tracks and all of a sudden I just noticed like, This 542 00:34:11,529 --> 00:34:17,219 trickling in a trickling in in of white kids just young white kids coming over 543 00:34:17,529 --> 00:34:22,969 and next thing you know, it was a full on rave and the look of yeah the look of 544 00:34:22,999 --> 00:34:29,079 Confusement and yes, I did say confusement on everybody's faces was like what is 545 00:34:29,079 --> 00:34:36,349 going on, but it was an organized rave takeover and Huh, could that happen today? 546 00:34:36,529 --> 00:34:43,754 Well, see that's the thing You Because of progress and I raise air quotes when I 547 00:34:43,754 --> 00:34:49,974 say progress because of progress It feels like it looks like a lot of the young 548 00:34:49,974 --> 00:34:56,394 people Don't need anyone's permission to take up space Where they don't take 549 00:34:56,394 --> 00:35:03,114 up space and so A lot of places are integrated for lack of a better word with 550 00:35:03,184 --> 00:35:10,304 of both gay and straight patrons and it doesn't seem to be That big of a deal. 551 00:35:10,304 --> 00:35:15,024 So then it, maybe that is the question of, is it a big deal anymore? 552 00:35:15,324 --> 00:35:19,244 Because the younger, younger people who are really the ones that are going out 553 00:35:20,144 --> 00:35:26,054 aren't necessarily feeling the need to be sick, to have a safe space because they 554 00:35:26,054 --> 00:35:28,034 feel like they can go anywhere anyway. 555 00:35:29,184 --> 00:35:29,434 Mashaun D. Simon: Yeah. 556 00:35:29,454 --> 00:35:30,034 That's a good point. 557 00:35:30,649 --> 00:35:31,559 I hadn't thought about that. 558 00:35:31,659 --> 00:35:33,779 I don't really know where they go to be quite honest. 559 00:35:34,599 --> 00:35:37,669 Some of the young, some of the young ones who are younger than me, I 560 00:35:37,669 --> 00:35:45,569 associate with are the ones who will do the Bulldogs, the Eagle experiences. 561 00:35:46,149 --> 00:35:50,349 Um, there's another one that it was in my mind a few minutes 562 00:35:50,349 --> 00:35:52,359 ago and I completely forgot it. 563 00:35:52,979 --> 00:35:54,289 Um, it may come back to me. 564 00:35:54,929 --> 00:35:57,909 Um, but yeah, I don't know. 565 00:35:57,959 --> 00:35:59,429 I don't, I don't know. 566 00:35:59,639 --> 00:36:03,409 Oh, I don't know where the young people are these days. 567 00:36:04,369 --> 00:36:07,039 Um, so you, you make a great point. 568 00:36:07,049 --> 00:36:11,689 Some of them are probably hitting up the spots that they just consider to 569 00:36:11,689 --> 00:36:16,249 be the popular spots, regardless of if they are gay, straight or otherwise, 570 00:36:16,359 --> 00:36:17,799 and I'm perfectly okay with that. 571 00:36:18,279 --> 00:36:18,369 DJ Sir Daniel: Yeah. 572 00:36:20,119 --> 00:36:20,459 Hmm. 573 00:36:21,429 --> 00:36:22,019 Interesting. 574 00:36:22,029 --> 00:36:28,009 It's a interesting and ongoing conversation, and I'm very honored 575 00:36:28,019 --> 00:36:32,799 that you took the time to share your point of view with me, to share 576 00:36:32,799 --> 00:36:38,769 your history with our listeners, and to give them a perspective of you. 577 00:36:39,849 --> 00:36:43,859 The quote unquote church boy, you know, because there is that church, 578 00:36:44,339 --> 00:36:51,129 that church person, um, arc of people here in Atlanta that have that same 579 00:36:51,129 --> 00:36:57,989 experience of wanting to be free, but having their, you know, their mores, 580 00:36:57,989 --> 00:37:02,229 their social mores and, and the, the people that they associate with them. 581 00:37:02,774 --> 00:37:07,804 Always staying, taking up residence in their brain and influencing those 582 00:37:08,434 --> 00:37:14,684 decisions of whether or not I'm going to socialize and be around other people that 583 00:37:15,374 --> 00:37:18,154 I identify with and can be free around. 584 00:37:18,434 --> 00:37:22,584 So I appreciate you sharing that because somebody is going to see themselves in 585 00:37:22,584 --> 00:37:25,524 you when they hear that conversation. 586 00:37:25,584 --> 00:37:27,434 So, yes, thank you. 587 00:37:28,784 --> 00:37:29,574 I appreciate it. 588 00:37:29,604 --> 00:37:29,944 You know, I 589 00:37:29,954 --> 00:37:30,404 Mashaun D. Simon: love you. 590 00:37:30,884 --> 00:37:31,945 DJ Sir Daniel: I love you too. 591 00:37:31,945 --> 00:37:32,246 You 592 00:37:32,246 --> 00:37:35,084 Mashaun D. Simon: know how I feel you and I would never part 593 00:37:36,094 --> 00:37:38,514 DJ Sir Daniel: And uh, hey now we will not 594 00:37:40,484 --> 00:37:43,954 Thank you for listening to I Come Alive: Stories of Black 595 00:37:43,964 --> 00:37:48,584 Gay Atlanta Nightlife brought to you by Queue Points Productions. 596 00:37:48,834 --> 00:37:52,654 Special thanks to the Counter Narrative Project 2024 Media 597 00:37:52,654 --> 00:37:55,024 Roundtable for their support as well. 598 00:37:55,584 --> 00:37:59,144 Make sure you become a Queue Points subscriber so that you don't miss 599 00:37:59,164 --> 00:38:01,874 the next episode of I Come Alive.