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News & ArtsFriday, September 11, 2009
Homo / News Meanwhile in Atlanta
Posted by Dan Savage on Fri, Sep 11, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Another gay bar, another police raid. This time it's the Eagle in Atlanta…
"My roommate and I were there for the police raid at the Eagle on September 10, 2009. We had arrived about 20 minutes before the raid took place," Allan Vives said. "Everyone was ordered to get on their stomachs and face down… As far as I could tell everyone was searched at least once, most of us twice. Most, but not all, of the officers were incredibly derogatory and insulting whether they found evidence of drugs or not," Vives said. "When asking why, we were met with derisive remarks and no explanation. I am furious at how we were treated and can't believe that this has happened in this day and age."
I'm happy to live in a city where small-minded, petty, vindictive authorities don't harass bars and clu—oh, right.
UPDATE: The police raided the Atlanta Eagle—and harassed and mistreated its gay patrons—apparently based on single "tip" phoned in to the mayor's office:
Atlanta Police's liaison to the gay community said the volume of complaints she's received from patrons at a Midtown gay bar… The raid was a result of a tip sent to Mayor Shirley Franklin's office a couple of weeks ago, said Danni Lynn Harris, Atlanta Police's LGBT liaison.
Eight employees of the Eagle "remain under arrest"—not for selling or possessing drugs, but for "providing adult entertainment without a city permit." Which sounds like homophobic police speak for "those homos didn't have thar shirts on."
I think we should find out if the mayor of Atlanta will order a police raid on any bar—gay or straight—based on a single (and apparently phony) tip about drug use. So, hey, here's a list of bars in Atlanta and here's the mayor's contact info...
Mayor Shirley Franklin
Tel: 404.330.6100
Fax: 404.658.6893
mayorfranklin@atlantaga.gov
If you know or even just suspect that drugs are being used or sold—or adult entertainment provided without a city permit—on the premises of any bar or club in Atlanta, send a tip off the mayor's office now. If every bar in Atlanta winds up gets raided—if 10 police cars, 15 officers, and 10 undercover officers get sent to every bar in town—then we'll know that the raid on the Atlanta Eagle wasn't motivated by anti-gay bias. Mayor Franklin is standing by waiting for your tips!
2
Eeeeew. The linked main blog has some details. It was underwear night, and go-go dancers were arrested for not having a dancing permit. Everybody in the place had to lay face down on what the owner calls "that nasty floor"...even those in only their underwear...while their IDs were checked one by one. There were ten undercover cops among the crowd. Fucking ridiculous.
3
I just e-mailed the mayor about drug deals happening in men's restroom at Joel Antunes. I expressed my horror of such un-Christian behavior in such a place as Atlanta.
5
Damn...that hits close to home. I used to hit the Eagle back in the mid-to-late '90s when I was stationed at Fort Campbell. Really nice people working there back then. Glad they never raided the place while I was there before. I probably would have been kicked out of the Army just for being in the place.
6
Savage, you are a total prick.
Atlanta is one of the most gay friendly cities in the United States.
Mayor Franklin supports gay marriage, an uncommon position for a Georgia office holder.
Fuck Off and Die.
Atlanta is one of the most gay friendly cities in the United States.
Mayor Franklin supports gay marriage, an uncommon position for a Georgia office holder.
Fuck Off and Die.
7
@6 did you read the fucking post? do you think that what the police did was reasonable? or does supporting gay marriage just make it ok?
8
@7: Sure it does! And I know Dan didn't say it, but he is totally blaming the Mayor in this post. Instead of, you know, sending people over the heads of the police to the person at the top.
9
Hm... I remember being told the same thing about Forth Worth: great, gay-friendly city. The police couldn't have been homophobic, the patrons must've groped the officers, blah blah blah. Not the case, as it turned out.
I don't doubt that the mayor is gay friendly. I even knew that about her. But the mayor didn't conduct the raid, unfortunately, two dozen cops did—and their actions seem to have been quite homophobic and hostile. And... the raid happened because, reports so far indicate, the mayor got one tip about drugs at the bar.
I don't doubt that the mayor is gay friendly. I even knew that about her. But the mayor didn't conduct the raid, unfortunately, two dozen cops did—and their actions seem to have been quite homophobic and hostile. And... the raid happened because, reports so far indicate, the mayor got one tip about drugs at the bar.
11
We fags have been gettin' way to uppity lately. Da poe-leece is just remindin' us to stay in our place and everythin'll be just fine.
14
>>Which sounds like homophobic police speak for "those homos didn't thar shirts on."<<
My Southern Homophobe Slang is a little rusty-
"those homos didn't thar shirts on."?
translation, please?
My Southern Homophobe Slang is a little rusty-
"those homos didn't thar shirts on."?
translation, please?
15
IMPLORE THE MAYOR of ATLANTA TO INVESTIGATE... you don't have to go directly to hating on Mayor Franklin but.... She is the boss. She must investigate this motivation of this raid and the behavior of the officers and the charges filed against the bar staff. This smacks of old timey harrassment.
16
Everytime I've been told *insert large Southern city here* (Dallas, Houston, Atlanta) is "very gay friendly" what that usually translates to is: it has many gay bars and hot gay guys. Sure, that's great. And it's better than being in some small Deliverance-type town.
But, usually I've found the city's corporate culture, ability to hold hands on the street, dirty looks from a receptionist at a doctor's office when you say "husband" as next of kin with a male's name, etc not do not compare with cities on the coasts that are even half the size.
In this particular case, I wonder if straight bars with scantily clad go-go dancers are held to the same standards. Do they also need an "adult entertainment" license? What if it was Aussiebum speedos instead of underwear? Surely a hotel pool bar wouldn't need an "adult entertainment license" to have a pool party featuring men wearing those? What's the difference?
But, usually I've found the city's corporate culture, ability to hold hands on the street, dirty looks from a receptionist at a doctor's office when you say "husband" as next of kin with a male's name, etc not do not compare with cities on the coasts that are even half the size.
In this particular case, I wonder if straight bars with scantily clad go-go dancers are held to the same standards. Do they also need an "adult entertainment" license? What if it was Aussiebum speedos instead of underwear? Surely a hotel pool bar wouldn't need an "adult entertainment license" to have a pool party featuring men wearing those? What's the difference?
17
i'm not a lawyer but isn't raiding an establishment based on a 'tip' illegal? doesn't that sort of action require an investigation or evidence...
18
@9
Two City Council members interceded to get the arrested staff released from jail.
You know the Mayor to be Gay friendly.
You know the Mayor did not conduct the raid.
Yet you accuse the Mayor of anti-gay bias and encourage smartasses to send her harassing "tips".
Rather than, say, waiting to hear the Mayor's response or seeing what actions the Mayor will take.
I repeat:
Mayor Franklin runs one of the most gay friendly governments in the United States. Despite constant interference and opposition from the Georgia Legislature.
But that is not good enough for some people.
Savage IS a total prick.
Two City Council members interceded to get the arrested staff released from jail.
You know the Mayor to be Gay friendly.
You know the Mayor did not conduct the raid.
Yet you accuse the Mayor of anti-gay bias and encourage smartasses to send her harassing "tips".
Rather than, say, waiting to hear the Mayor's response or seeing what actions the Mayor will take.
I repeat:
Mayor Franklin runs one of the most gay friendly governments in the United States. Despite constant interference and opposition from the Georgia Legislature.
But that is not good enough for some people.
Savage IS a total prick.
19
@18
I wouldn't care if the mayor was a gay man who cried rainbows with a French husband and three adopted transgendered children. This shit's got to stop, and the mayor's the boss and ultimately responsible.
I wouldn't care if the mayor was a gay man who cried rainbows with a French husband and three adopted transgendered children. This shit's got to stop, and the mayor's the boss and ultimately responsible.
20
#16.
Right. Add to that a "gay-friendly street," and you've got the correct picture. They're virtual prisoners in that part of town. Venture out, and it's back to hushed tones in restaurants, acting like "friends" on the street or in the cabs, movies, restaurants.
And even if your city has protection laws or domestic partnerships, don't think about moving. Once you step foot outside your "gay-friendly" city, you're in hostile red-state hell, with no protections whatsoever.
I know that people choose to live in these places for all sorts of complicated reasons (family is there; earning lots of money; southern gothic charm), but I've never really heard a convincing argument for giving up dignity.
Everytime I've been told *insert large Southern city here* (Dallas, Houston, Atlanta) is "very gay friendly" what that usually translates to is: it has many gay bars and hot gay guys. Sure, that's great. And it's better than being in some small Deliverance-type town.
Right. Add to that a "gay-friendly street," and you've got the correct picture. They're virtual prisoners in that part of town. Venture out, and it's back to hushed tones in restaurants, acting like "friends" on the street or in the cabs, movies, restaurants.
And even if your city has protection laws or domestic partnerships, don't think about moving. Once you step foot outside your "gay-friendly" city, you're in hostile red-state hell, with no protections whatsoever.
I know that people choose to live in these places for all sorts of complicated reasons (family is there; earning lots of money; southern gothic charm), but I've never really heard a convincing argument for giving up dignity.
21
Time for Stonewall II. People need to realize and accept that we fags are NOT going to "de-sexualize" ourselves and become the good little homos like the guys on Will & Grace.
22
@21 I've been saying that shit for years. You guys should start carrying guns too. I guarantee the innappropriate "fag" comments would cease quite quickly if you pulled a piece each time some hetreo tried to flex on you.
23
Just a thought, do the Atlanta police raid the Clermont Lounge, handcuff and ID all the patrons? Because I've been there and it sure as hell seems a lot more seedy than men in their underwear....
24
@20 Are you kidding? It's like that in SEATTLE. Venture out from Capitol Hill to Bell town or Lake City and see what happens when you hold hands walking down the street. Hell, even some bars on the hill are homophobic- Maybe it was the Seahawk fans populating the bar that particular night, but the last time I went to Captain Blacks with a group of gay friends we were met with nothing but hostility and disdain... Needless to say, I won't be back.
25
@ 24,
No, you should go back....with as many queer folks as you can find. Kiss-Ins work. The Mor(m)ons in SLC are ruing the day they busted that gay couple for holding hands and so earned a now weekly Queer Kiss-In in front of their temples. Go back to Captain Blacks and take it over. Kiss (with tongue), hold hands, and grope freely in front of their hostile straight patrons and staff....and make it very clear you're there to stay so they may as just smile and get used to it.
No, you should go back....with as many queer folks as you can find. Kiss-Ins work. The Mor(m)ons in SLC are ruing the day they busted that gay couple for holding hands and so earned a now weekly Queer Kiss-In in front of their temples. Go back to Captain Blacks and take it over. Kiss (with tongue), hold hands, and grope freely in front of their hostile straight patrons and staff....and make it very clear you're there to stay so they may as just smile and get used to it.
26
Called Shirley and let her know about all the heavy drug activity at:
all the taco macs
flip flops
jr crickets
tavern 99
moondogs
vinocity
sleep well Atlanta.
all the taco macs
flip flops
jr crickets
tavern 99
moondogs
vinocity
sleep well Atlanta.
27
@22 LOL
That is rich. Yeah.. great idea... go down to a southern city like that, and see what pulling a gun gets you. Who do you think is more familiar with weapons? Teh Gay or Joe Southern Hillbilly?
Too funny. Don't try using weapons against a conservative Southerner unless you have a deathwish.
Then again.. maybe you do...
That is rich. Yeah.. great idea... go down to a southern city like that, and see what pulling a gun gets you. Who do you think is more familiar with weapons? Teh Gay or Joe Southern Hillbilly?
Too funny. Don't try using weapons against a conservative Southerner unless you have a deathwish.
Then again.. maybe you do...
28
Sad...
I'm ashamed that despite all the standards and training for police officers, that we still have high school bullies getting their ya-ya's by harassing gay folk.
We have 10,000 people headed for Atlanta at the end of May for our professional meeting. I'm asking them to question the Mayor and the Visitor/Convention Bureau about this incident. We need reassurance that our rights will be respected and the perpetrators of this abuse will be hung (after a fair trial).
In the end, the only thing that makes a difference is the gay dollar.
I'm ashamed that despite all the standards and training for police officers, that we still have high school bullies getting their ya-ya's by harassing gay folk.
We have 10,000 people headed for Atlanta at the end of May for our professional meeting. I'm asking them to question the Mayor and the Visitor/Convention Bureau about this incident. We need reassurance that our rights will be respected and the perpetrators of this abuse will be hung (after a fair trial).
In the end, the only thing that makes a difference is the gay dollar.
29
Mayor Shirley Franklin has a lot to answer for given the shaky reasons for this raid. It should be mentioned that because of term limits, Mayor Franklin is prohibited from seeking another term.
If you're looking for answers, this bit of information left in the comment section following the article in the Southern Voice on the raid and the protest planned for Sunday:
"AndyATL: For those in the LGBT community who are even remotely considering voting for Liz Coyle for District 6 council, please do your homework. Coyle is working closely with Midtown busybody and NIMBY Peggy Denby, who wants to close down gay bars in the area. Google "Peggy Denby, Bulldogs, and Prostitution" to see an example of her racist and homophobic efforts to turn Midtown into a sterile Buckhead. "
If you're looking for answers, this bit of information left in the comment section following the article in the Southern Voice on the raid and the protest planned for Sunday:
"AndyATL: For those in the LGBT community who are even remotely considering voting for Liz Coyle for District 6 council, please do your homework. Coyle is working closely with Midtown busybody and NIMBY Peggy Denby, who wants to close down gay bars in the area. Google "Peggy Denby, Bulldogs, and Prostitution" to see an example of her racist and homophobic efforts to turn Midtown into a sterile Buckhead. "
30
FYI...I called the Mayor's Office in Atlanta and offered to rent her some office space that was not near any gay bars. I noted that it would be easier to relocate her re-election office than to abuse civil rights. I was disconnected.
31
Atlanta Police LGBT Liaison Officer Dani Lynn Harris said there was a complaint of illegal activities at the Eagle. After the complaint was made undercover officers were sent to the Eagle where they discovered enough information to secure a warrant for the raid.
In an interview with Southern Voice on Friday morning, Harris said the APD officers followed the same procedures they would have used for raiding any other nightclub.
In a third interview late Friday, Harris said that the raid originated from two anonymous complaints: one to the mayor's tip line and the other to Crimestoppers. The complaints alleged that Thursday is "sex night" at the club and that gay men were having sex not only in the club but outside as well, she said.
“The original complaint received is that on Thursday night at the club is sex night. … It's saying the club is a sleezy place on Thursday all that goes on is solicting of sex," Harris said.
According to Harris, the complaints claimed that the club owners retaliated against neighbors by pointing speakers at residential apartment complexes nearby and playings sounds of gay men having sex.
In an interview with Southern Voice on Friday morning, Harris said the APD officers followed the same procedures they would have used for raiding any other nightclub.
In a third interview late Friday, Harris said that the raid originated from two anonymous complaints: one to the mayor's tip line and the other to Crimestoppers. The complaints alleged that Thursday is "sex night" at the club and that gay men were having sex not only in the club but outside as well, she said.
“The original complaint received is that on Thursday night at the club is sex night. … It's saying the club is a sleezy place on Thursday all that goes on is solicting of sex," Harris said.
According to Harris, the complaints claimed that the club owners retaliated against neighbors by pointing speakers at residential apartment complexes nearby and playings sounds of gay men having sex.
32
2006 review in Yelp-
I was always scared to go to The Eagle because I was afraid there would be some mustachioed guys in chaps doing the tango next to the jukebox or I'd get gangbanged in the backroom on the way to the pottie. ...
Thursday is okay-- it's supposed to be underwear night if you're into that kind of thing.
I was always scared to go to The Eagle because I was afraid there would be some mustachioed guys in chaps doing the tango next to the jukebox or I'd get gangbanged in the backroom on the way to the pottie. ...
Thursday is okay-- it's supposed to be underwear night if you're into that kind of thing.
33
A prescient review in GayCities.com from January 2009-
"Bears don't meet here any more..... And they have Go Go Dancers there on Thursday Night's so watch out knowing how the city of Atlanta is."
"Bears don't meet here any more..... And they have Go Go Dancers there on Thursday Night's so watch out knowing how the city of Atlanta is."
34
A review in GayCities.com from March 2009-
"Atlanta Eagle, Atlanta's best-known leather bar, is famous for its cavernous dark rooms and shadowy corners. (and NASTY floors!) The crowd at the Eagle tends to be hard-core, so pretty boys and dolled-up drag queens don't really play here."
"Atlanta Eagle, Atlanta's best-known leather bar, is famous for its cavernous dark rooms and shadowy corners. (and NASTY floors!) The crowd at the Eagle tends to be hard-core, so pretty boys and dolled-up drag queens don't really play here."
35
The Atlanta Eagle has creating a website to bring awareness of the Atlanta Police raid at the nightclub and detail the events of that night.
Please visit: http://AtlantaEagleRaid.com for more information.
Please visit: http://AtlantaEagleRaid.com for more information.
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