The Eli / Rose Fund of LGBT-founded Congregation Bet Haverim presents “Embodied Torah: Movement and Mysticism” with Rabbi Myriam Klotz. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at CUCC, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.congregationbethaverim.org.
Queer-inclusive band Girlyman performs with Coyote Grace at 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515 N McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com.
The Fuego Friday Party becomes the first annual Feliz Navidad Party, hosted by Romeo Lee. My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com.
Angelica D’Paige hosts the Fab Five with special guest Charlie Brown. 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s Pub, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com.
Kitty Le Claw’s Meow Mix gets catty at 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.
Get down in the Boys Room every Friday night at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com.
Friday, Dec. 9 – Saturday, Dec. 10
The Chicago music and comedy duo Amy & Freddy performs from 7-9 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com.
Drag darling Varla Jean Merman performs ‘The Book of Merman’ at 8 p.m. at Actor’s Express, 887 W. Marietta St. Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318 www.actorsexpress.com.
Friday, Dec. 9 – Monday Dec. 12
Congratulations to the Heretic, which celebrates its 20th anniversary with a weekend of events. On Friday, DJ Lydia Prim spins at 10 p.m. Saturday night at 10 p.m., DJ Joe Gauthreaux spins. On Monday, the Heretic hosts a private Customer Appreciation Party from 8-10 p.m., so get your invitation from a staffer before then. 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com.
Saturday, Dec. 10
The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run benefits Bert’s Big Adventure, with dozens of guys (and some girls) running in Speedo swimsuits to raise funds — and eyebrows. Registration is full, but you can watch the run which starts at 2 p.m. from Hudson Grille – Midtown, 942 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.atlantasantaspeedorun.org.
“Visualize Rights Atlanta” is a community art show celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to commemorate International Human Rights Day. Tonight’s opening reception from 5-7 p.m. features live music, poetry readings and more. Exhibit runs through January at Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.humanrightsatlanta.org.
Decatur Gallery hosts a holiday open house featuring 23 local artists and artisans, plus music, appetizers and drinks. 5-10 p.m. at Decatur Gallery, 153 Ponce de Leon Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.decaturgallery.com.
“The Love is Art” project features 20 local couples, 20 canvases and “one love.” Includes music by DJ Vicki Powell, performance by gloATL, and open bar to benefit the Human Rights Campaign. 7-11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, GA.
AQUAS, the Atlanta Queer Underground Artists’ Society, presents a show and sale from 8-11 p.m. at Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/bellissima.atlanta.
Eden and MSR host their third annual Toy Drive Party featuring Charlie Brown. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and come early for a “huge announcement for what’s coming up at My Sister’s Room.” 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com.
Catch Guest Appreciation Night and Phoenix’s Birthday Bash at 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
The Southern Bears host a Full Moon Party with DJ Pat Scott at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com.
Nicole Paige Brooks from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” headlines Circuit Saturdays at Chapparal, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30024, www.chaparralatlanta.net.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Joining Hearts, which helps provide housing for people impacted by HIV, presents Wish List 2011, a holiday benefit for families of Jerusalem House and AID Atlanta’s teen program. Includes appetizers and cocktails; admission is an item worth $25 or more purchased from their Target Wish List, or a Target gift card of $25 or more. 6-9 p.m. at 1688 Nottingham Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.joininghearts.org.
‘The Santaland Diaries’ runs through Jan. 1 at Horizon Theatre 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com.
Help support Toys for Tots and the Atlanta Community Food Bank at the Winter Benefit Show, featuring Devin Liquor, Regina Simms, and Aqualencia Litre. 9 p.m. at Friends On Ponce, 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.friendsonponce-atl.com.
Monday, Dec. 12
Writing with Intent is a facilitated discussion group for authors of fiction and creative nonfiction. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com.
Enjoy a holiday sing along with pianist David Reeb from 7 p.m. to midnight at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com.
Niesha Dupree’s Stars of the Century takes the stage at 11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Enjoy a Business Builder Luncheon with the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Brio Tuscan Grille, 2964 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
The Decatur Women’s League continues with basketball every Tuesday with games at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. at Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 East Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.decaturwomenssportsleague.info.
Augusta LGBT social group OUTlandish hosts its third annual holiday party. 7-10:30 p.m. at The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, www.showclix.com/event/OUTholiday3.
Watch “Glee” on the big screens at 8 p.m. at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com.
Catch the movie “Elf” at 9 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
“Babes in Toyland” is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious. The popular event raises money for PALS, which helps people with HIV and other health conditions keep their pets. Doors open 6 p.m.; first ball called at 7:45 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org.
East Side Pride relaxes with Yoga and Wine, featuring a beginners’ class and casual wine and cheese meet-and-greet. 6-8 p.m. at Yoga with Molly Studio, 267 North Clarendon Ave., Scottdale, GA 30079, www.eastsidepridenews.blogspot.com.
CNN Dialogues presents “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender: Has More Openness Led to More Acceptance?” Hosted by Soledad O’Brien, panel discussion features Robin Brand, LZ Granderson, Donna Rose and champion figure skater Johnny Weir (See story, Page 13). Admission $25. 7-8:30 p.m. at Grady High School Theater, 929 Charles Allen Drive, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Charis holds a discussion to share ideas and learn more about the planned Charis Feminist Center. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com.
Missy and Jack Daddi host Karaoke every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/bellissima.atlanta.
Thursday, Dec. 15
Barry Brandon presents “In My Own Words,” his story of surviving multiple open-heart surgeries, through spoken word, improvisation and song. Proceeds benefit his Hold Me in Your Heart Foundation, which helps families impacted by heart problems. 7:30-10:30 p.m. at The Highland Ballroom, 644 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306. www.facebook.com/BarryBrandon.
GaySavannah.com hosts a Holiday Night OUT. 6:30 – 10 p.m. at The Dresser Palmer House, 211 East Gaston Street, Savannah, GA 31041, www.gaysavannah.com.
MEGA Family Project hosts a Waiting for the Stork support group for LGBT prospective partents, as well as its Coming Out Group for adults. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.megafamilyproject.org.
Enjoy an open “no mic” night as Cliterati wows you with spoken word poets, this month featuring Megan Volpert. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com.
Each Thursday in December, catch “The Unexpected Cabaret” featuring Celeste Holmes, Envy Van Michaels, Jaye Lish, Dylan Michael and Jasmine Antoinette. 11 p.m. at Mixx, 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com.
Friday, Dec. 16
“Fire,” a film about love between women in modern India, screens at the Third Friday Film Series. Suggested donation $1-$10 sliding scale. Films start at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Cyberaver presents “White Out Christmas,” with cover only $2 in Christmas-themed, all white, red and white, green and white, or silver and white clothes. 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
Drag Race competition continues on the first and third Friday through Jan. 13 at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com.
Stripped is a new burlesque-style review starring Destiny Brooks, Heather Daniels, Jasmine Antoinette, Monica VanPelt and Iysis Dupree. Every Friday at 11 p.m. at the New LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Rd., Marietta, GA 30067, www.thenewlebuzz.com.
Saturday, Dec. 17
gloATL wows with “Everything: An Equinox and a Blast,” featuring music, movement and even a sparkler parade. 7-10 p.m. at the Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster Road, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.gloatl.com.
The Atlanta Freedom Bands performs “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” featuring songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice and more. 8-10 p.m. at Inman Middle School Auditorium, 774 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantafreedombands.com.
DJ Ed Bailey spins for Madonna-Rama, the Santa Baby edition. 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
Bedlam presents “How the Betch Stole Christmas,” inviting attendees to dress in “your take on the holidays.” Backyard party with performances by Jean Kelley, Eryn Woods and DJ Shane V. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at IHOG, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.facebook.com/bedlampresents.
Saturdays are Jealouse’s Daring Divas at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.
Saturdays mean Man 2 Man at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xsultralounge.com.
Saturday nights heat up with the Hot Mess party at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com.
DJ M and Twee host the Secret Party at Club Rain, 448 Ralph David Abernathy, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.traxxgirls.com.
Sunday, Dec. 18
“Coming Out Over the Holidays” is the topic as PFLAG Atlanta holds its monthly Third Sunday meeting. 2:45 – 5 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2308, www.pflagatl.org.
The Armorettes perform on Sundays at 7 p.m. at Burkhart’s Pub, 893 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com.
Monday, Dec. 19
Mondays are Texas Hold ‘Em at 7:30 p.m. at Woofs, Atlanta’s only gay sports bar. 2425 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.woofsatlanta.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 20
The Atlanta Lesbian & Gay Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Lunch. 11:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hudson Grille, Brookhaven Station, 4046 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Marlow’s Tavern at the Northlake Doubletree Hotel, 4156 La Vista Road, Atlanta, GA30084, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
Bubba Dee, Heather Daniels and Charlie Brown are the “Beauty and the Bitches” show at 9 p.m. each Wednesday at Cowtippers, 1600 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.metrocafes.com/Cowtippers.
Thursday, Dec. 22
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” screens at 8 p.m. for Thursday movie night at Cowtippers, 1600 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.metrocafes.com/Cowtippers.
Ruby Redd hosts Dirty Boy Bingo on Thursdays at 9 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com.
Friday, Dec. 23
Join Atlanta’s LGBT-founded Reconstructionist synagogue for a Hanukkah Shabbat service. 6 p.m. at Congregation Bet Haverim 862 Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030, www.congregationbethaverim.org.
Top photo: Varla Jean Merman (by Dyana Bagby)