Ambush magazine volume 30 issue 20 by Ambush Publishing

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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Kickoff of Gay History Month 2012 with Mother of LGBT Civil Rights Movement "Barbara Gittings Way" Dedication Oct. 1

hiladelphia – A dedication ceremony for the Barbara Gittings Way will be held in Philadelphia on Monday, October 1st from 12:30 to 1pm at the intersection of Locust and 13th Streets. Known as the Mother of the LGBT Civil Rights Movement, Gittings (July 31, 1932 – February 18, 2007) resided in Philadelphia. She was the editor of the first lesbian publication. With Frank Kameny, she organized the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, which launched the LGBT civil rights movement. Gittings spearheaded the successful initiative to have the American Library Association include gay and lesbian books in the nation’s card catalogues and libraries. Kameny and Gittings challenged the American Psychiatric Association, resulting in homosexuality being removed from the list of mental illnesses. Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925 – October 11, 2011), the Father of the LGBT Civil Rights Movement, resided in Washington. There is a Frank Kameny Way in the nation’s capitol. Barbara Gittings Way will be located on Locust Street between 12th and 13th Streets in the heart of the gayborhood. Collaborating organizations include: Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, Equality PA, Independence Business Alliance, Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, and the William Way Community Center. The Barbara Gittings Way dedication will kick off Equality Forum’s LGBT History Month in October, celebrating 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Icons. Speakers at the dedication will include City Councilman Mark Squilla, and Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will perform. Each day in October, an LGBT History Month Icon is featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other educational resources. These resources will be available without charge to the media, educational institutions, organizations and the public at www.lgbtHistoryMonth.com. Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny are among the LGBT History Month Icons. Equality Forum co-produced with WHYY/PBS “Gay Pioneers” (www.gaypioneers.com), a documentary about Barbara Gittings, Frank Kameny and other seminal leaders who launched the movement and laid the groundwork for Stonewall. Equality Forum successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for a historic marker. The marker honors Barbara Gittings, Frank Kameny and Gay Pioneers for starting the LGBT civil rights movement with demonstrations from 1965 to 1969 in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Equality Forum (www.equalityforum.com), a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, coordinates LGBT History Month worldwide, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents annually the largest national and international LGBT civil rights summit.

Stonewall Riots

rom Wikipedia-The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. American gays and lesbians in the 1950s and 1960s faced a legal system more anti-homosexual than those of some Warsaw Pact countries. Early homophile groups in the U.S. sought to prove that gay people could be assimilated into society, and they favored non-confrontational education for homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. The last years of the 1960s, however, were very contentious, as many social movements were active, including the African American Civil Rights Movement, the Counterculture of the 1960s, and antiwar demonstrations. These influences, along with the liberal environment of Greenwich Village, served as catalysts for the Stonewall Riots. Very few establishments welcomed openly gay people in the 1950s and 1960s. Those that did were often bars, although bar owners and managers were rarely gay. The Stonewall Inn, at the time, was owned by the Mafia. It catered to an assortment of patrons, but it was known to be popular with the poorest and most marginalized people in the gay community: drag queens, representatives of a newly self-aware transgender community, effeminate young men, hustlers,

inside

Natl. Coming Out Day, Pre-Halloween edition out Oct. 9th/DEADLINE: Tues., Oct. 2nd

celebrazzi email/letters on the prowl mobile paparazzi faceSPOT snap paparazzi/new orleans faceSPOT pensacola paparazzi under the gaydar

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halloween (hno 29) 23 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 24 classifieds 26 reVIEW 30 real estate 30 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 31 amon-ra paparazzi/chalmette 32 spotlight feature 34 a community within communities 34

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com and homeless youth. Police raids on gay bars were routine in the 1960s, but officers quickly lost control of the situation at the Stonewall Inn, and attracted a crowd that was incited to riot. Tensions between New York City police and gay residents of Greenwich Village erupted into more protests the next evening, and again several nights later. Within weeks, Village residents quickly organized into activist groups to concentrate efforts on establishing places for gays and lesbians to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested. After the Stonewall Riots, gays and lesbians in New York City faced gender, class, and generational obstacles to becoming a cohesive community. Within six months, two gay activist organizations were formed in New York, concentrating on confrontational tactics, and three newspapers were established to promote rights for gays and lesbians. Within a few years, gay rights organizations were founded across the U.S. and the world. On June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride marches took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York commemorating the anniversary of the riots. Similar marches were organized in other cities. Today, Gay Pride events are held annually throughout the world toward the end of June to mark the Stonewall riots.

UpStairs Lounge Fire New Orleans

rom Wikipedia-The UpStairs Lounge arson attack occurred in 1973 at a gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States and resulted in the deaths of 32 people due to direct immolation or inhalation of fumes. It was started with Ronsonol lighter fluid on the steps near the entrance. The most likely suspect was a man who had been thrown out of the bar earlier that day; he was never sentenced. It was the deadliest arson attack to take place in New Orleans at that time, and was one of the most deadly attacks on LGBT people in United States history. On Sunday, June 24, 1973, a group of members of the Metropolitan Community Church, a pro-LGBT Protestant

denomination, had held services inside the club located on the second [continued on 8]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Devin, Tony Leggio, Kyler Landry, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2012, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

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celebrazzi

T Halloween NewOrleans.COM

he Krewe of Amon-Ra presented its 3rd annual Girls Gone Broadway with MC Tiffany Alexander, Queen Amon-Ra Sydney Williams, guest Petronius’ Bootsie DeVille, Electra City, Tittie Toulouse, Amon-Ra function lieutenant Michael Strickland, Ms. Jenkins Tarmac, Maybelline Maskara, Safonda Peters, Prom Queen Athena Jewele and president Deja Deja-Vue’. The dinner and show was hosted at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM for additional information on the krewe and its 2013 ball.

ormer Queen Amon-Ra Rhonda Roget, Amon-Ra’s David Richerson, Rickey Callais’ niece Amy and sister Mary, and Amon-Ra’s former Captain John Zeringue came together on stage at the Krewe of AmonRa’s Girls Gone Broadway to honor late krewe member Rickey Callais who created the event. He joined the krewe in 1990 and was Queen Amon-Ra XL for the 40th anniversary ball in 2005.

he Divas R Us show runs every Saturday Night at Tubby’s Golden Lantern featuring a rotating cast headed by Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels in New Orleans. (Photo: front-Show Director/ Bartender of the Year Andy Ehlers; back-Rikki Redd, Legacy Lopez, Selena Welch Black & Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels)

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the "official" dish ...from 4 floor of a three-story building at the corner of Chartres and Iberville Streets, after which the club had hosted free beer and dinner for 125 patrons. At the time of the evening fire, some 60 people were listening to pianist David Gary’s music and discussing an upcoming MCC fundraiser for the local Crippled Children’s Hospital. The UpStairs Lounge was a temporary home of the MCC, the nation’s first gay church that had been founded in Los Angeles in 1969. At 7:56pm a buzzer from downstairs sounded and Bartender Buddy Rasmussen asked Luther Boggs to answer the door, anticipating a taxi cab driver. Boggs opened the door to find the only staircase for regular entrance engulfed in flames initiated by the lighter fluid (and not a Molotov cocktail, as commonly believed). Rasmussen immediately led some thirty patrons out of the back exit to the roof until the group could climb down from another building’s roof to the ground floor. Some thirty others were left inside the second-floor club, and some attempted to squeeze through barred windows in order to escape. One man managed to squeeze through the 14-inch gap, only to fall to his death while burning. Reverend Bill Larson of the MCC clung to the bars of one window until he died, his charred remains being visible to onlookers for hours afterwards. MCC assistant pastor George “Mitch” Mitchell managed to escape, but then returned to the fire in order to attempt to rescue his boyfriend, Louis Broussard; both died in the fire, their remains having shown them clinging to each other. Matyi also escaped, but also returned to bring out more patrons from the fire; his charred remains were embracing those of two other victims under the piano. At least 29 people died in the 16minute fire, with three others (including Boggs) dying afterwards from their wounds. 15 were injured. The official investigation failed to turn up a conviction for the crime. The likely suspect who was arrested in relation to the attack was Rogder Dale Nunez. In 1970 he was diagnosed with “Conversion Hysteria,” and four months before the fire he had visited a psychiatric clinic. When questioned, Nunez

went into convulsions and was taken to Charity Hospital, where he eventually slipped out from doctor’s watch and was never picked up again by police, despite frequently appearing in the French Quarter afterwards. A friend later told investigators that Nunez confessed to the deed while drunk on at least four occasions. He had told a friend, Miss Fury, that he squirted the bottom steps with Ronsonol bought at a local Walgreens and tossed in a match. He didn’t realize, he claimed, that the whole place would go up in flames. Nunez killed himself a year later. His autopsy revealed a brain tumor. Coverage of the fire by news outlets minimized the fact that LGBT patrons had constituted the majority of the victims, while editorials and talk radio jockeys had made light of the event. No municipal figures made mention of the fire, and only one clergyperson, Reverend William P. Richardson of the St. George’s Episcopal Church, agreed to hold a small prayer service for the victims on June 25. Some 80 people attended the event, and Richardson was rebuked by Iveson Noland, the Episcopalian Bishop of New Orleans, for the service the next day; Noland received over 100 complaints from parishioners concerning the service, and Richardson’s mailbox filled with hate mail. Eventually, two memorial services were held on July 1 at a Unitarian church and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, headed by Louisiana’s Methodist Bishop Finis Crutchfield and led by MCC founder Rev. Troy Perry, who had flown in from Los Angeles. Several families did not step forward to claim the bodies of the deceased. A few anonymous individu-

als stepped forward and paid for the three unknown men’s burials and they were buried with an identified victim named Ferris LeBlanc in a mass grave at Holt Cemetery. In June 1998, as part of New Orleans Pride festivities, a memorial service was organized by Rev. Dexter Brecht of Vieux Carre MCC and Toni J. P. Pizanie. It was held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Grand Ball Room, attended by New Orleans Councilman Troy Carter, Rev. Carole Cotton Winn, Senior Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai, Rev. Kay Thomas from Grace Fellowship in Christ Jesus, Rev. Perry and thirty-two members of the New Orleans’ community representing the victims. Carter then led a jazz funeral procession to the building on the corner of Chartres and Iberville Streets which had contained the club, and members of the local MCC laid a memorial plaque and wreaths. Among the attendees was the niece of victim Clarence McCloskey.

Amy & Freddy Set for JohnPaul's Sept. 28-30

e Get Along is the latest new album from Chi cago-based music and comedy sensation Amy & Freddy who will perform highlights from the album during their first New Orleans engagement in nearly 10 years when they settle in for a 3-night run at JohnPaul's Bar, 940 Elysian Fields Ave. Performances are Friday-Sunday, September 28-30 with show times set for 9pm. Tickets are $25 VIP or $20 general admission. Tickets are available by visiting www.reactionshows.com or by calling Reaction Productions at

760.322.3554. The new release, their 5th in the duo’s 16 year collaboration, has special meaning for the popular LGBT champions. It’s a labor of love and a product of support from their enormously devoted fan base. In fact, through internet website support and financial donations, this blues/jazz inspired 10-song compilation was made possible thanks to their steadfast followers. Quite possibly, they can lay claim to one of the longest running gigs in show biz as headliners for 13 consecutive years on the world’s highest profile LGBT cruise line companies, RSVP Vacations. Amy Armstrong is the unforgettable sassy, brassy, saucy, plus sized chanteuse who belts, bowdlerizes, boogies, and bares her soul at the

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email/letters Southern Decadence: The Kindness of Others

fter Isaac passed and left it's mess, and we assessed what is left of some Labor Day planned Decadence events, as usual we all started to clean up and evaluate the losses. We check on friends and family and check the refrigerator. We then start moving on, pissed this has happened again. Some of us in the Marigny were left without power for approximately 6 days. This just destroyed all the plans and preparations of all events and activities planned. So being totally hopeful day after day power will be restored, we still sit in the dark with melting ice and boxes of UNsold beer. I wanted to point out some of the things that were heart warming, helpful and funny. The beginning of the week started with the 2 straight couples in late one night who wanted to get naked and drink in the dark, it was just to hot for me to deal with one more nut that day. To the lady who said "BOY, put that bag of ice in my trunk," do you think that really happened? To Rip who was on the phone at the end of the storm caring and asking if we are OK and open. To the police who came by to inform us of the curfew at 11pm and asking why we did not know? My answer was simple, we did not see the news (i.e. no power). Bobby, the lecturer that whatever you do, do not shut the register drawer. Well on his 9TH time in a row we were laughing, he was not. The machine has a difficult forced opening process on the bottom. Bobby had the machine on its end in the dark attempting to trigger it again, with a limited vocabulary. To Tony's new air conditioning system, a zip lock with ice. This was for the brow but these zip locks traveled to many other places, with no shame. Some of the tourists, came out just to

the "official" dish ...from 8 microphone. Freddy Allen, Pianist and Music Director, sometimes joins her in song as the patience-of-a-saint, ivorytickling sidekick. Theirs is a rare talent to captivate, amuse and enchant, and We Get Along captures it all. This dynamic duo creates sizzling talent, and this new recording - half of which are new songs composed by Freddy Allen - delivers them as one of the hottest tickets on the international cabaret scene. Their signature renditions alternate between the bluesy and the bawdy, the inspiring and the insightful, the tasteless and yet tantalizing, and always with the powerhouse pipes of Ms. Armstrong in perfect synchronicity with

say hi, thanked us for being there, and buying a drink, it meant lot to all of us. Our locals met every day to check on the hood in good spirits and always in hand with something or offering to help. It is really amazing what people buy and put in their freezers. Gene's Po-Boy's once again gave us the excess food that we cooked on the grills and gave to anyone who wanted or needed a meal. To Ken at Wood's waiting tables at the Clover, and was good at it. The ice company, our best friend, who were a feeding frenzy when they opened the doors and we all just rushed to stand there and suck up the brief coolness. To the lady who asked 3 times to plug in her phone. The piano players, who gave us quality entertainment to candle light nightly. To the girls of Dycadence who took us by storm, drank, laughed and did a tribute to Charlene in the heat with costumes and wigs and made us feel great. Thank you ladies, we needed that. Some of the other bar owners and managers, some with and without power stopped in and offered help, DAILY. To the guys who loaned us a generator, these were out of towner's who came in to party and help with gas, they were very popular in our neck of the woods. The big decision was what small things we could run, i.e. fans, lamps, etc. You can bet we were sweating but the disco balls were turning. Many dreams came through when the Gyro truck pulled up to the Phoenix, Clint has no idea what that meant to the neighborhood. The truck was swarmed like Sally Struthers feeding the children. I could go on but the bottom line is when there is a storm, many things happen, but in all the mess people are wonderful and most are willing to step up and help. We thank you all for your humor, help, concern and for just being there. --Paul of JohnPaul's Mr. Allen’s piano-playing pastiche. The team wears multiple hats, often at the same time; vocalists, interpreters, musicians, comedians, the results of which are always genuinely entertaining and uproariously funny!. Having shared stages around the world in 20-plus countries with the likes of such show business icons as Bea Arthur, Kathy Griffin, Mary Wilson, Phyllis Diller and Jennifer Holiday, to name a few, Amy & Freddy are probably best known as finalists on the national hit reality competition America's Got Talent (2009). Recipients of numerous awards and recognition for their many charity concerts, Amy & Freddy continue their unwavering dedication to community involvement and activism. Specifically

in the LGBT communities worldwide, their efforts represent participation that reflect in excess of $1.5 million.

B-Bob's Mobile Celebrates 20th Anniversary Oct. 11-13

he popular nightclub B-Bob's will celebrate it's 20th Anniversary Party Weekend on National Coming Out Day, October 11th through Saturday, October 13th in downtown Mobile. Thursday night kicks off with Karaoke beginning at 9pm followed by the 11:30pm show. Party-goers will be treated to drink specials the entire evening. Friday brings Sharon McNight to the stage at 10pm with Songs to Offend, while Saturday night features Derrick Barry with A Night of Characters. B-Bob's is located at 213 Conti. Visit B-Bobs.COM or Facebook.COM/ BBobsMob for more information.

2012 New Orleans Film Society presents LGBT Film Showcase, OUTakes

he New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) is proud to present OUTakes, a sidebar that features LGBT-related films from around the world, from narrative shorts to documentary features, as part of the 2012 New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF). Guest lecturer Jonathan Pope Evans, film professor from Chapman University, will discuss the queer film industry and introduce a new shorts program on queer experimental film, which includes In Search of Avery Willard, a NOFF OUTakes film. Set for October 11th-18th, showing will be at various venues This year, the following films will be screened as part of this series: Love Free or Die is about a man whose two defining passions are in direct conflict: his love for God and for his partner Mark. Gene Robinson is the first openly gay person to become a bishop in the historic traditions of Christendom. His consecration in 2003, to which he wore a bulletproof vest, caused an international stir, and he has lived with death threats every day since. Screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Keep the Lights On chronicles an emotionally and sexually charged journey of two men in New York City through love, friendship, and addiction. Documentary filmmaker Erik (Thure Lindhardt) and closeted lawyer Paul (Zachary Booth, Damages) meet through a casual encounter, but soon find a deeper connection and become a couple. Winner of the Teddy Award at the Berlin Film Festival. In Search of Avery Willard is a portrait of one of queer art’s most fascinating and elusive innovators. Broadway photographer, physique artist, gay

activist, experimental filmmaker, drag historian, leatherman, pornographer, creator of NY’s first gay newspaper: New York City artist Avery Willard produced a lifetime of historically significant work that has remained widely unseen for decades. Call Me Kuchu describes the life of David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay activist, who was murdered in 2011. His was a life constantly pervaded by fear of attack, but also characterized by moments of happiness and celebration. Winner of dozens of major awards at film festivals worldwide. Quiet is a narrative short film inspired by the true story of Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond, in which Janice had to lie and say she is her wife’s sister, so she can be with her in the hospital as she spent her final days. The Buried is a fractured and experimental investigation into a gay hate crime that occurred in Alabama in 2004. Scotty Joe Weaver, a young 18-year-old Waffle House employee was brutally murdered by his roommate and friend. A taxing meditation on masculinity and violence in America. Screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Gayby is an irreverent comedy about friendship, growing older, sex, loneliness, and the family you chose. Jenn and Matt are best friends from college who are now in their 30s who decide to fulfill a youthful promise to have a child together… the old-fashioned way. Premiered at the South By Southwest Film Festival. Entry Denied is a documentary about the struggles with US Immigration faced by gay and lesbian Americans in relationships with foreign citizens. While the immigration law allows American citizens to sponsor their spouses, or other qualifying family members for immigration to the US, the law has no provisions for same-sex couples. Charlie is a documentary-style narrative short about a 40-year-old transsexual who lives alone in New York City. He has given up everything to become his true self. As Charlie’s male-to-female operation is near, a filmmaker starts a documentary about Charlie, who reveals his city-fueled doubts and tribulations, and his much regretted life choices. World Premiere at New Orleans Film Festival. For further details on the films above and more, visit www.neworleansfilmsociety.org/festival. Tickets may be purchased now on the website by New Orleans Film Society members and non-members: www.neworleansfilmsociety.org. Since 1989, the New Orleans Film Society has engaged, educated and inspired through the art of film. This year, 2012, marks the 23rd anniversary of the New Orleans Film Festival. NOFS hosts special events throughout the year: the French Film Festival, the New Orleans International Children’s Film Festival, and other events designed to benefit local film audiences, artists, and professionals. NOFS partners with local organizations to present monthly film series. NOFS reaches 15,000 people through its programming.

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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com

A Gay American Hero

ince this is the Gay History issue of Ambush Magazine, it is appropriate that I have interviewed a gay American hero who deserves her own chapter when someone writes the definitive Gay History book for America. Janice Langbehn never wanted to be a Hero, she never wanted to get attention, nor be invited to the White House with her children to meet the President, nor to be chosen by Lambda Legal to file a lawsuit against a Southern hospital for their treatment of her and her partner. But she lived to see all of this become true and more, including a film about her life. Let’s go back to the beginning of her heroic story and move forward then to how all of this came about. Janice grew up in Spokane Washington, a very religious and conservative part of Washington State across the mountains from Seattle and the more liberal coastal area. She left for College In Tacoma at 17.5 years old. In her Sophomore year she met Lisa Pond, who was majoring in Psychol-

Janice Langbehn & Lisa Pond ogy, and Janice planned to become an occupational therapist. They fell in love in college and moved in together in 1989. Janice switched her major so that they would both complete college closer to the same time and she also got a BA in Psychology. She says about that time, “Lisa told her family she was not coming home. We just knew that we were a couple, and after becoming engaged, they had a pastor at the Met[continued on 20]

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Bacchus/Mobile owners Stevie & Rick with the Boys

Stage, Screen, TV ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

From RuPaul’s Drag Race, Latrice Royale @ B-Bob’s

Colton, Timothy & Cameron enjoy a night out

mobile

papar azzi

From Mobile’s “Music Box”, Brandon

Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s Order of Osiris King Party, with King Steven Phillips, 2012-13

FaceSPOT! what's trending online...

Weston & Cory enjoying the show @ B-Bob’s

Northwest Florida Idol Winner Raven St. James @ B-Bob’s

Tommy & the Girls @ Beerfest

Queen Michelle of Osiris with her court

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snap paparazzi

Billy & Poncho in for Divas R Us @ the Lantern Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels in Divas R Us @ Golden Lantern

King Satyricon Brick, June & Brent @ Satyricon opening of “Legally Blonde”

Christine, Lauren, Nick & Laura join Night Out For Fashion @ Canal Place

Dawn, Tim & Bessie Ann @ Satyricon opening of “Legally Blonde”

The African American Museum Reception

Legacy Lopez is a show-stopper in Divas R Us

Opal Vanderhurst in The Gumbo Revue @ Michael’s On The Park

Wedon & Queen Satyricon Stephen @ Satyricon opening of “Legally Blonde” The Falstaff Building Opening Party

Divas R Us brings Selena Welch Black to the Golden Lantern stage

Bitch of the Year Princesse Stephaney in The Gumbo Revue

Vince, Laura, Tony & Nick join the Scales & Ales party @ the Aquarium

Rikki Redd rejoins Divas R Us cast @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Lantern manager Lance slings cocktails for Divas R Us

Bootsie DeVille @ Michael’s On The Park in The Gumbo Revue

Night Out For Fashion @ Canal Place

Raven Kennedy & Persana Shoulders @ Dance Club of the Year Oz

The Men of Oz: Derek, Adrian & DJ Bull

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Entertainment, Excitement, Nightlife ~ New Orleans

DJ Jason does the honors for Divas R Us

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pensacola papar azzi

Shot Night @ Emerald City

Boys Night out on Fridays @ Emerald City

Drink & Drown Saturday Night @ Emerald City

FaceSPOT!

Now that’s one big pink pecker

what's trending online...

Jason & Daniel hanging out @ The Other Side

Fun times @ Drag Bingo

The first lady Ms. Ebony Sinclaire has finally lost it Saturday Night Drink & Drown @ Emerald City

Regine Phillips undressing the boys @ Emerald City

Always something interesting on the roof top @ Emerald City

Mahalia celebrating her annual 21st birthday @ Drag Bingo Regine Phillips & Penny Holiday @ Emerald City

Drag Bingo @ The Other Side

Ms. Ebony in the middle of the boys as always

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Hanging Out, Undressing, Celebrating ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Andy, TC, Jason & Tim hanging out @ The Other Side

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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Book of the Month

y book of the month for September is not a novel but a collection of noteworthy comments from a litany of famous (and notorious) people in the gay community. To Quote A Queer is billed as a compendium of wit, wisdom and devastating remarks. Edited by John Lessard, this literary assemblage of observations makes for the perfect gift for anyone in the LGBT population no matter what your age is. It is a coffee table book where the statements made by these gay celebrities, artists and political leaders paint the picture. Going back as far as Michelangelo Buonarroti, we hear tidbits of wisdom from a cast of characters who have shaped gay culture. Everything is covered in this book from ambition and masturbation to youth and fashion. Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde, Rosie O’Donnell, Barney Frank, RuPaul, Tom Ford are just a sample of the contemporaries quoted. I found this book quite entertaining as I read the quotes which in some cases straddled the line between profound and catty. They range from laugh out loud funny statements to totally pretentious musings. The ones

on the prowl ...from 12 ropolitan Community Church perform a Holy Union Commitment Ceremony and they exchanged rings." Janice was born the youngest of five children and raised Presbyterian in the Northwest. Lisa was raised a Catholic, and Janice converted to Catholicism as part of her commitment to the marriage. They attended a progressive Catholic Church in Olympia and Lisa taught parents at the church how to raise kids. In 1992, they decided to become foster parents, and they became the first openly gay couple in Washington State to get a foster parents license and starting caring for at risk youths. They got their first foster child a week later. The girl had never been more than two years with any family and she stayed with them until she graduated high school. A total of 25 foster children came to live with them and they did everything they could to make a difference in these children’s lives. They wanted children and both were working full time so they attempted in vitro fertilization twice and both times Lisa did not become pregnant. They were both working with difficult and at risk youth in their careers, and were part of the Foster Parent program so

from reality television stars are especially comical. Touching on all the subjects that shape our lives, this book gives a queer perspective on everything. Lessard, who is an assistant professor of English and film studies at the University of the Pacific in California, did an outstanding job gathering these quotes from such a diverse group of people. You can pick up a copy of To Quote A Queer online, or visit our local LGBT bookstore FAB in the Marigny.

Hugs and Kisses

our sweet tooth will go into overdrive at the Hugs and Kisses Chocolate Ball presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities on Saturday, October 13 at the New Orleans Marriott. This gala which is in its 4th year is the signature fundraising event for Ronald McDonald Charities. Guests will enjoy a fantastic evening that includes a seated dinner, music by the Yat Pack, dancing, a silent and live auction by celebrity auctioneer Ronald McDonald as well as an endless assortment of chocolate delicacies. Ticket prices begin at $150 for this [continued on 22]

after two failed pregnancy attempts they decided to adopt. They set out to find a child that would speak to them and found their first son Michael who was a drug and alcohol baby. They adopted him in 1996 and Janice says that apparently two women married to each other had not adopted in Washington State, and there were no laws prohibiting it, but they had to get signatures all the way to the top before they could adopt. The other three children they adopted were also special needs kids and they ended up adopting a total of four children. The house was full of activity and they worked full time, loved the kids and worked with them, and loved each other very much. Janice’s family loved Lisa very much and were very supportive of their union. (It helps that two of Janice’s other sibling are also gay.) Janice continued her education and received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1995 and a Masters in Social Work in 2000 from the University of Washington. The two of them went to an attorney and prepared a volume of legal documents that would protect them in many legal situations as there was no federal or state recognition of their union. In 2007, a year after Rosie

O’Donnell and Partners Gay Family Cruise appeared on HBO, Janice and Lisa and three of their four children booked a flight to Miami for a relaxing week in the Bahamas with other gay and lesbian families and their children. (Michael stayed behind as he was in an evaluation stage they had to let him complete). They arrived in Miami, excited about the pending cruise. Twenty minutes after the family had eaten lunch; Lisa collapsed - suddenly falling to the ground and was unresponsive. Janice called 911 and an ambulance arrived and Lisa was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. When Janice and their children arrived, a JMH social worker told her she was in an “anti-gay city and state” and required a health care proxy to see Pond. Janice had a power of attorney (POA) which was faxed to the hospital within an hour of Pond’s arrival. However, Janice and their 3 young children were kept from Pond’s side. Lisa had suffered a severe brain aneurism and never recovered from the coma she was in. She died the next morning and Janice was not allowed to be at her partner’s side during the last 8 hours as she was fighting for her life. Lisa Pond was 39 years old. In shock at the death of her life partner and the horrible way the hospital had treated her and her family, she cancelled the cruise and returned home to bury Lisa and face raising the children without her. It was a very dark and difficult time. She had always assumed they had a life time together and that she would pass first when they were both old women sitting on a porch together. As her story gained attention and people began writing about it, she sought a formal apology from the hospital which was not granted. A year later, Rosie O’Donnell exchanged their original cruise for one in 2008 and she and the children went on the cruise. She met many people who had heard of her story and connected up with people advised her to contact the ACLU and the Lambda Legal Defense Fund. Lambda reviewed the facts and took on her case and a lawsuit was filed against the Florida hospital in 2008. While the judge agreed the treatment was terrible, he dismissed the case based on the complaint filed. As the family’s story caught national attention they were featured in the New York Times by writer Tara Parker-Pope. As a result of the article, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel brought the article to the attention of President Barack Obama. On April 15, 2010, President Obama called Janice from Air Force One to apologize for the treatment her family received at Jackson Memorial Hospital and to inform her about the Presidential Memorandum he signed earlier that day. President Obama’s Memorandum directed the Secretary

of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sibelius to create a rule allowing hospital visitations for samesex couples comparable to those of married and opposite sex couples. Following her phone call with President Obama, she spoke live to CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper on the show Anderson Cooper 360°. On June 22, 2010, Janice and her three children met with Secretary Sebelius and then attended a gay pride reception at the White House. Prior to the reception, President Obama met with Janice and the children privately to again offer his apology. While speaking at the reception, President Obama described the struggles the LangbehnPond family faced and the impact of his memorandum. The President said, “Just a few moments ago, I met with Janice Langbehn and her children... And when Janice’s partner of 18 years, Lisa, suddenly collapsed because of an aneurysm, Janice and the couple’s three kids were denied the chance to comfort their partner and their mom — barred from Lisa’s bedside. It was wrong. It was cruel. And in part because of their story, I instructed my Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to make sure that any hospital that’s participating in Medicare or Medicaid — that means most hospitals — (laughter) — allow gay and lesbian partners the same privileges and visitation rights as straight partners” On October 20, 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Janice with the second highest civilian honor: the Presidential Citizens Medal. Langbehn was one of only 13 recipients for 2011. Her citation read, “Janice Langbehn transformed her own profound loss into a resounding call for compassion and equality. When the woman she loved, Lisa Pond, suddenly suffered a brain aneurism, Janice and her children were denied the right to stand beside her in her final moments. Determined to spare others from similar injustice, Janice spoke out to help ensure that same-sex couples can support and comfort each other through some of life’s toughest trials. The United States honors Janice Langbehn for advancing America’s promise for equality for all.” A documentary film titled Quiet, based on part of her life story has been completed and the film will be shown in October at the New Orleans Film Festival. Readers can access the film information online at Quietthemovie.com, the same writer’s of Quiet are working on a full length feature film that will tell the whole story of the Langbehn-Pond marriage and children. Janice never planned to be a hero, but she is, and has inspired many people, and caused real changes to be made in hospital visitation rights for LGBT families nationwide.

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

under the gaydar ...from 20 worthy cause. To buy tickets, a table of ten or become a sponsor, go to www.rmhneworleans.com or call 504.486.6668.

Are You Ready for Prime Time

he Bywater has an exciting new restaurant and it is guaranteed to quickly become a hot spot. Prime Grille has opened up in the old Bywater Bar-B-Q location at 3162 Dauphine Street. The incredible transformation of this neighborhood eatery will leave you speechless. The décor is a more contemporary, lounge feel and the food is outstanding. Prime is owned and operated by Kevin Fruits and his partner Matt Cummings and is their second venture. They have the Decadence Shoppe at 806 North Rampart and will soon be opening a third restaurant in the French Quarter called Comforts also on North Rampart where the jazz and brass band club Donna’s Bar & Grill was previously located. Prime though is sure to delight foodies, especially their Scotch Eggs which is a hard -boiled egg wrapped in sausage and deep fried. Simply delicious. Their bar is also one of the draws boasting an impressive list of specialty cocktails. Congratulations to Kevin and Matt, and I look forward to many excellent dining experiences in the future.

Bingo: Be Afraid, be Very Afraid!

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting another raucous night of Let’s Make A Haunted Wheel if Bingo on Friday, October 19 at JohnPaul’s. Get ready for the naughtiest, wildest, funniest and Halloweeniest game show in the city with uber sexy host Todd Thunder. There will be a costume contest, 50/50 raffle and fabulous prizes which include a lap dance from Todd himself. Be still my heart. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

Travel Spotlight

ometimes the best places to visit are literally almost in your backyard. If you are searching for something fun to do in October, make it a point to go to the Lake Charles Gay Pride celebration. I have been to Lake Charles before and it is filled with history, nightlife, dining, attractions, and most of all hot men. The Fourth Annual Lake Charles Pride Festival will be held at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles on October 6. If you have not been to L’Auberge Lake Charles, you are in for a treat and the event itself will be taking place at

Touloulou’s, the deck and beach area “out back” on the property. Can you imagine this casino has its own beach, I know right. Lake Charles Pride Festival is a celebration for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) community and their friends, family, and supporters in Southwest Louisiana. It centers on an all-inclusive, outdoor family fun day, full of activities, entertainment, food and much more. While the Festival is hosted by Lake Charles Pride, it is an event that only succeeds with the help of the entire Southwest Louisiana community. Lake Charles Pride is inviting all local businesses and individuals to take part. There are plenty of ways to get involved with the festival. There are opportunities for every budget. The most important thing is to attend and a limited number of L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles rooms are available. Pride Fest 2012 will include: a Resource and Vendor Fair where businesses and nonprofits can promote their goods and services and local artists and vendors can display and sell goods; Festival Entertainment which include daytime entertainment on the Festival Stage and nighttime entertainment at participating local businesses, such as Crystal’s; a Food Pavilion; and many other outdoor activities. Lake Charles Pride is a certified 501c3 tax exempt organization. All donations are tax exempt to the extent of the law. For more information on donations, call Megan Norris 337.304.8668, or e-mail LCPride@gmail.com. For information on the festival itself, go to www.lakecharlespride.com.

Celebrate Football Season With LIPS

IPS (Living In Progress) is having a Saints Party on Saturday, October 6 at JohnPaul’s starting at 9pm. There will be food, entertainment, a cash bar and door prizes. Admission is $10. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields. For more information, go to www.lipsnola.com.

Get Your German On!

he Krewe of Armeinius is presenting a German celebration like no other when they host Cock-tober Fest on Saturday, October 13. There will be bratwurst, beer, bar and fun. So put on your lederhosen and get ready to do the “Chicken Dance.” The event will be from 7pm – 10pm at 535 Marigny Street in the Marigny. Tickets are $20. For more information, go to www.kreweofarmeinius.org.

Forum Presents the Acclaim Awards

he Forum For Equality presents the 14th Annual Acclaim Awards On Saturday, October 13 at the JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans. These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the work being done across Louisiana to make the state a more fair and equitable community. Being honored this year are Ginger Bouvier of New Orleans for Health and Wellness; Dr. Reverend Welton Gaddy of Monroe for Faith and Equality; Adrienne Critcher of Shreveport for Political Activism; Representative Austin Badon of New Orleans for Political Leadership; and Patrick Lee of New Orleans will be receiving the Forum For Equality Chairs Award. Come out and support this commendable cause all while giving accolades to these hard working individuals. In addition to the awards, there will be dinner, drinks, entertainment and an auction. For tickets or more information, go to www.forumforequality.org. The JW Marriott is located at 614 Canal Street in New Orleans.

Party Down

do not know about you but I have fall fever; the weather is getting slightly cooler and the party season is gearing up to be in full swing. On Thursday, I attended two very chic events with my friend Laura Tennyson; the first was a party on the rooftop of the Falstaff Building. Located off of Tulane Avenue, this historic building has converted their rooftop area into a private party location with a breathtaking view of the city. With both an indoor and outdoor space, this two story loft venue is a prime example of urban renewal. With funky artwork and the towering neon Falstaff sign hovering above, this is a great place to host all sorts of celebrations. The second stop of the night was Night Out For Fashion at Canal Place as the Crescent City along with other big cities around the country celebrated the fashion industry. And I have to say, New Orleans did an excellent job. There were flowing cocktails, a very trendy (and exceptionally pretty) crowd and a fashion show by some of the major stores in the mall. For an inaugural event, I believe our city proved that New York and L.A. are not the only fashion areas. The following night, I journeyed uptown to Philips for their gay happy hour. It was also my friend Josh’s birthday, so there were many well-wishers on hand. The specialty martinis flowed like water. If you want to see a new crowd, come check out this place and the libations are potent. But a word of advice, never drink anything neon blue, let alone four of them unless you absolutely do not want to remember

that evening. After tearing it up at Philips the previous night, I decided to take it slow. I was invited to a small art exhibition at the African American Museum in Treme. This was my first time at the museum and it is a stunning place to hold an event. The hot weather had dissipated that night making it perfect for this show. The museum is made up of several gallery houses anchored by the main museum building. They all connect to a vast courtyard which is ideal for parties. The special reception this night was The Power of Art as Healing, an exhibit by critically acclaimed visual artist and educator Richard C. Thomas. The reception also honored some of the subjects in the exhibit, including Chief Monk Boudreaux of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian Tribe who performed, WWLTV Morning Anchor, Sally Ann Roberts, and Mayor Mitch Landrieu. There was also a reading by Keith Weldon Medley, the author of We As Freemen, Plessy vs. Ferguson. The following week, I went to the premier of Legally Blonde on Thursday at Rivertown Theatre. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon hosted this dress rehearsal in the newly renovated theatre. The show was a rollicking good time, with peppy tunes, superior choreography and most of all a hunky UPS guy. Check out Rivertown whose new season is off to a remarkable start. On Friday, I went to Scales and Ales at the Aquarium of the Americas. This was the third year for this event and my first time in attendance. The weather was nice for a soiree by the river, with drinks, music and lots of restaurants serving their best dishes. I joined my friends Laura and Nick for the party that had a more casual flavor and crowd than the Audubon Institute’s black tie Zoo To Do. What also makes this a winning fete is the fact that you are able to view all the exhibits without screaming children about. I love venues like this for festivities; it brings out the kid in all of us. When everything winded down, we walked to Oz and danced the night away. It was a fabulous way to kick off the weekend. Saturday, I traveled to Chalmette for Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway. The krewe presented an enjoyable evening with dinner and show. The numbers were fun and there was a touching memorial to the event’s founder Ricky Callais who died earlier this year. I love a good road trip; so on Sunday, my friends Laura and Gary brought me with them to Biloxi, Mississippi for the Art Fair ExtraOHRdinaire at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art on the coast. This is one of the new crowning attractions on the Gulf Coast. This visually stunning museum was designed by Frank Gehry, the Canadian [continued on 25]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

ambush

papar azzi

Bartenders Jon & Paul @ 700 Club

Hot, Hot, Hot on the bar @ Oz

Dusty & bar baron Michael Elias @ The Corner Pocket

Contestant Nick shows his technique in Barry’s Striptease Contest @ Corner Pocket

Bartender Matt & manager Chuck @ Bourbon Pub Parade GM Tommy Elias welcomes you to Show Bar of the Year Oz

Corner Pocket dancer Glenn on the bar @ the Pocket

Jeff & Aletha slingin’ cocktails @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile Hot Dance Club of the Year Oz by Ryan Theriot Photographer on GRINDR XTRA Bruce crying in his drink again @ The Pocket

Dancer Tommy on the bar @ Corner Pocket

AINTS time with Jeff @ Lafitte's after Saints second loss Otis & Brad slinging cocktails @ The Double Play Sexy bartender Joe @ Oz

Bartender Kelton welcomes you to Le Roundup

Dennis does Trash Disco Sundays @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Coca Mesa & Casey @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Cute young Jesse competing in Barry’s Striptease Contest @ Corner Pocket

Prime Time Trivia @ JohnPaul’s

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

In The Clubs ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

Bar Baron Michael & bartender Billy @ Michael’s On The Park

fun times over the last two weeks, but I also attended four funerals/memorial services in two days. Life is so fragile and can change on a dime, so we need to make the most of every precious moment we have. Rest in peace, Mike Theis, Mike Waters, Jane Silva and Thomas Fletcher; four souls that not only touched my life but so many others.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom: a Tale of Two Moms

under the gaydar ...from 22 American Pulitzer Prize-winning architect based in Los Angeles. His buildings, including his private residence, have become tourist attractions. His works are cited as being among the most important works of contemporary architecture in the 2010 World Architecture Survey, which led Vanity Fair to label him as “the most important architect of our age.” Gehry’s bestknown works include the titanium-covered Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; MIT Stata Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles; Experience Music Project in Seattle; Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis; Dancing

House in Prague; the Vitra Design Museum and MARTa Museum in Germany; the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto; the Cinémathèque française in Paris; and 8 Spruce Street in New York City. There was great music, food, but it was the art vendors that made the trip worthwhile. I got to buy some great pieces for my home and some early Christmas gifts. People were able to view all the exhibits which included the museum’s namesake George Ohr dubbed the Mad Potter, Geoff Mitchell and Eugene Martin. After the festival ended we headed back to New Orleans on a leisurely drive along the coast road stopping to eat at this exceptional restaurant along the water in Long Beach called Steve’s Marina. The cuisine was excellent and we were lucky to be seated at a table outside overlooking the beautiful Gulf with the gentle breezes. Not to mention this extremely hot bartender named Adrian, who has now given me a new reason to go to visit the coast. It was a relaxing way to end a fabulous weekend. But before I end, I wanted to remember four people who passed on way to young at the start of this month. There were

other’s Day may be in May for the rest of the world, but for me it falls in September. I am a firm believer that the idea of family is what we make of it. Whether by blood or friendship, the gay community classifies a family environment in a different light sometimes. Many gay people are ostracized from their blood relatives and form strong bonds with their friends that fill that void. And I also think that people were meant to meet. Call it fate or destiny, but sometimes our paths are supposed to cross with people who will be lasting friends in our lives. I am very lucky because I have the best of both worlds; two very different and quite extraordinary people are part of my life in a maternal role. It was definitely kismet; so much so that they even have the same birthday, September 17. My mom, Dawn, has been an amazing foundation in my life through the highs and lows. She applauded me in my successes and kicked me in the ass when I did stupid things. FYI, there was a lot of butt kicking in my house growing up. She turned 70 this year, and she is a prime example of living life to the fullest. Her entire life was spent working hard at a stressful job at NASA while running a hectic household. She taught me courage in the face of adversity and strength in overcoming obstacles. And if anyone knows how to bounce back, it is her, my father passed a few months before Katrina and she lost her home as well as everything she owned in the storm. Now that she is retired, she is doing things she always wanted to do, garden, travel, paint, go gamble whenever she feels like and most of all wake up late. She has also developed a sassy take no prisoners’ attitude. It just makes me so happy to see her enjoying life, and the best part is I get to appreciate it with her. The second “lady” who I consider to be my gay mom, is the one and only Princesse Stephaney. Even though my mom and family were very supportive when I came out, there are just some things you cannot chat with them about. Discussing gay sex with Dawn would be way too awkward and downright weird. That is why becoming friends with the Princesse opened many doors (and a few legs) for me. Gay men love drag queens; they are drawn to them like moths to a flame. She would attract them and I would end up dating them. I first met the Princesse at Big Daddy’s when she did Rusty LaRoux’s show. I had just moved into the Marigny and did not know a soul. I would go see the show every other week and we started to talk. We began to hang out and I took her to some of my parties. Let me tell you there is nothing more priceless than seeing people’s faces at an Uptown social when you enter with a drag queen especially one as demure as Stephaney. She turned ???? this year. No one is really sure of her age, but I place her somewhere between forty five and death. Princesse was the person I asked advice on how to maneuver the treacherous waters of the gay world in New Orleans. Like my real mom, she has the same spirited candor and doesn’t take guff off of anyone. So I want to wish a very happy birthday to these two great ladies, looking to celebrate many more with you. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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CANAL STREET

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BURGUNDY

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DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

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ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

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classifieds

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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 Lafayette, LA [337] TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 1135, 1135 Decatur St. 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095,

561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl

SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Bay St. Louis, MS [228] CLUB RED, 317 Reese St.,, 467.5920, ClubRedBSL.COM Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com

book stores

hair salons

New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S NEW ORLEANS, 2441 Paris Rd., 270.9900

New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SPA ATLANTIS, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318, SpaAtlantis.NET

chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1612]

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465

circuit/events

lodging/accommodations

Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 41st Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 25-28, Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 8-12, 2013, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, 14th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 24-27, 2013 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0712] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0812] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand

costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 SOUTHERN COSTUME COMPANY - 951 Lafayette St., 523.4333, SCCNOLA.COM

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049,

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold

Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0113] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2612]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504]

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, www.bigeasymcc.com, pastor@bigeasymcc.com BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 1001 South

Broad St., Suite 115, New Orleans, LA 70125, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCA AIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon St., 522.2634 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, opening soon Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662

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spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgunday St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM SPA ATLANTIS, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318; 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

tours New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717

websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

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reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

AWLESS is the true story of the infamous Bonderant Brothers, successful bootleggers in Franklin County, Virginia during Prohibition. It is based on the 2008 book THE WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD written by grandson Matt Bonderant. The movie is directed by Aussie writer and director John Hillcoat, screenplay by Nick Cave. It seems everyone in this part of the world makes moonshine, the mountains are dotted with fires after dark... people cooking. Into this live-and-letlive world comes Special Agent Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) working for the Commonwealth’s Attorney Mason Wardell and of course he wants money, bribe money. At first the moonshiners stand together with the Bounderants, Forrest (Tom Hardy), the oldest; Howard (Jason Clarke), the quick-tempered one; and Jack ( Shia LaBeouf), the youngest brother. Soon the Bonderants are standing alone, running the business out of their bar with the help of Cricket (Dane Dehaan), a slow boy with a limp due to rickets, and Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain), a “dancer” from Chicago. The story is told through Jack’s eyes. Despite the violence and bloodshed, LAWLESS is also his coming of age story. He falls for Bertha Minnix (Mia Wasikowska), daughter of the local German Baptist preacher. Of course her father doesn’t approve and there is a hilarious scene where Jack goes to church. Time marches on and thanks to Jack, the brothers start working for Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman), a Chicago gangster. Things are good for awhile...Jack has Bertha...Forrest has Maggie. But Special Agent Charlie Rakes is still around and there is a showdown at the bridge in everyone's future. This scene is the end for some and only the beginning for others. In some ways LAWLESS will remind you of BONNIE AND CLYDE...in others DELIVERANCE comes to mind. It was filmed near Atlanta— Newman, Grantville, Haralson, LaGrange, Carroll County’s McIntosh Park, and the Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge near Gay. DELIVERANCE was filmed a little to the north. Benoit Delhomme did an excellent job with the cinematography. From the opening credits it was really a feast for the eyes...dark, rich colors. Nick Cave, who wrote the screenplay, also scored the film with Warren Ellis. Knowing nothing about bluegrass, they took the songs and made them their's...raw, brutal, and punky. A group called The Bootleggers was formed for

the soundtrack. Music legends Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris perform as does Grammy Award winner Ralph Stanley (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU). Cave takes the Lou Reed song WHITE LIGHT/ WHITE HEAT and turns it bluegrass, not once, but twice. One version features Mark Lanegan from Queens of the Stone Age. The music is sorta edgy, as is the film. Guy Pearce (Special Agent Charlie Ricks) delivers a great villain. His makeup, that part in his dyed hair, his aversion to germs, those gloves, the hooker sitting on newspapers...parts of his character that ask as many questions as they answer. Tom Hardy (Forrest Bonderant) gives an amazing performance as the strongest man in the film with little dialogue and a few grunts. Shia LeBeouf (Jack) ages from innocence to manhood in under two hours. Will it win an Oscar? Probably not. Is it an afternoon's entertainment? Yes.

Fall Movies that Just Might be on Oscar's List THE MASTER directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, wide release September 21 Rumored to be Anderson’s Scientology movie, THE MASTER features a mid-20th century writer and spiritual leader reminiscent of L. Ron Hubbard, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The focus of the drama is the relationship between Hoffman’s character and that of an alcoholic WWII veteran played by Joanquin Phoenix. Phoenix is getting Oscar buzz at film festivals. TROUBLE with the CURVE directed by Robert Lorenz, release September 21 Clint Eastwood is an aging baseball scout with failing eyesight who has to bring his daughter (Amy Adams) on his last assignment for the Atlanta Braves. Justin Timberlake and John Goodman also star. Hopefully there will be no scenes with a chair. THE LOOPER directed by Rian Johnson, release September 28 Some think this could be the top sci-fi film of the year. It is the time-travel tale of a present day mob hitman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who kills people sent back in time from the future...only to hesitate when one of those targets turns out to be his older self (Bruce Willis). The previews of this movie are great.

real estate How do I Ensure my Partner Inherits our Home

ohabitation of same-sex couples have yet to be recognized by America’s court system except in a few states that have legalized gay marriage. As this is so, guidelines for the dissolution of property between same sex couples is critical, and must be determined before the sickness or death of either person. There are a few options to ensure your partner is allowed to inherit the home you have shared. One way to ensure that your home stays with your partner would be to take title to the property as “joint tenants” this would ensure upon either person’s death, the property would belong legally, 100% to the remaining partner. A second option would be to take title together as “tenants in common” which would allow the legal will of the deceased to determine how his/her SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS directed by Martin McDonagh, release October 12 This is a black comedy crime caper starring Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken as a pair of dog thieves who pick the wrong pet owner to steal from...a psychotic Los Angeles gangster played by Woody Harrelson. Colin Farrell, Tom Waitts, and Gabourey Sidibe also star. KILLING THEM SOFTLY directed by Andrew Dominik, release October 19 Set in New Orleans, Brad Pitt stars as a mob enforcer who tracks down a pair of thieves who rob a poker game. Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta also star. LINCOLN directed by Steven Speilberg, wide release November 9 Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, this historical drama focuses on the final four months of President Lincoln’s life. Also starring Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Hawks, and Tommy Lee Jones. SKYFALL directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty), release November 9 Daniel Craigs third go as James Bond takes him to Istanbul, China, and exotic London, England. Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Dame Judi Dench also star. dates subject to change...

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share of the assets including the house are distributed. Either of these options is relatively simple and can be accomplished quite reasonably with your attorney, or gay real estate professional. Another excellent way to ensure your home goes to your partner is to have a will. A will is a simple legal document that is drawn up by a lawyer or yourself, at places like LegalZoom.com, naming someone, in this case, your partner, as the person to manage your estate upon your death ~ outlining your specific desires in reference to all aspects of your estate. Couples may have children and even family members whom, believe it is their right to inherit your home. If you find it necessary, and helpful, you may sit down with your family and next of kin. Discuss the issues that have been faced because you are not allowed to get married. Advanced lines of communication throughout your relationship will deter the fighting and bickering that can occur when no one is sure how you wanted your things to be handled. It is natural for your parents and siblings to believe you would want all of your property to be inherited by them, if they don’t understand your relationship and commitment. Discussing your wishes beforehand can eliminate issues later on ~ but always ensure any of these conversations are preceded with the proper legal documentation. Unless you have specific legal documents in place upon your or your partner’s death, state laws generally hand over financial decisionmaking and inheritance to blood relatives rather than domestic partners. In a “traditional marriage” the surviving “wife or husband” inherits all of the couple’s assets without incurring any tax penalty. But with the LGBT community, your partner will pay taxes on any inheritance over the federal exemption ~ check with your CPA for specific details. Always check with a gay/gay friendly lawyer to ensure the laws in your city, state and county follow the general guidelines given above before proceeding on any course of action ~ a great source for a gay, lesbian or gay friendly lawyer is GayLawyer.com. Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of www.GayRealEstate.com ~ Free Instant Access to the Nation’s Top Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Realtors in every city coast-to-coast, offering FREE Buyers Representation.

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM

ambush

Cameron & bartender Bobby @ JohnPaul’s

Andre behind the bar @ the Phoenix Country Club bar manager Drew

Dusty DeBris emcees Toby’s NO/ AIDS Walk benefit @ Club LAX

Bartender Tony & bar baron Paul @ JohnPaul’s In for Prime Time Trivia @ JohnPaul’s

Bartender Debbie @ The Friendly Bar Phoenix bartender Wayne

Kajun’s Pub bartender Dante’

Kevin behind the bar @ Cutter’s

Arthur, Koo & Marty @ Friendly Bar’s Meat Night

DJ E in The Man Show @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Country Club GM Bert The Man Show @ 4 Seasons

Chef Mary Jane with fried horseradish bread n butter pickles @ The Country Club

Sue missing Pee Wee @ Big Daddy’s

Britnee Alexander & Stephanie Lee @ Club LAX in Metairie

Big Daddy’s bartender Juanita

Danielle, Oz’s Frankie Wingerter & Toby Lefort join Toby’s NO/AIDS Walk benefit @ Club LAX

Manager John grilling burgers Sunday @ 4 Seasons

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Marigny, Bywater, Metairie RE-Do Decadence Week ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin, Rip Naquin

papar azzi

David, former King Amon-Ra Ms. Jenkins Tarmac & John does “Hello Dolly” from Hello Dolly

President Deja Deja-Vue’ & Queen Amon-Ra Sydney Williams does “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from Gypsy King Amon-Ra David Forth & Easter Grand Marshal Mr. Rhonda Roget

Regina Adams does “Broadway Baby” from Follies Maybelline Maskara does “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Blvd. President Deja Deja-Vue’ presents Pete Eschete with the Rickey Callais Award of Excellence for his outstanding work on the event

Pete, Amon-Ra Prom King Robert & friend

Former Queen Amon-Ra Electra City does “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful” for Hair Spray Former Queen Amon-Ra Safonda Peters does “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde Second lining in memory of the late Rickey Callais

Former Queen Amon-Ra Tittie Toulouse does “Some People” from Gypsy

Function Lt. Michael Strickland & Prom Queen Athena Jewele

Prom Queen Athena Jewele does “Be Good to Mama” from Chicago Mr. Josie Mae Cotton President Mr. Deja Deja-Vue’ & Captain Mr. Opal Masters

snap paparazzi

Guest, Petronius’ Bootsie DeVille does “Tomorrow” from Annie

Former Queen Amon-Ra Kenny Walker does “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” from Born to Dance

Marty Curtin does the 2nd Line

Maybelline Maskara & Ms. Jenkins Tarmac

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Krewe of Amon-Ra Girls Gone Broadway @ Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center ~ Chalmette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin

MC Tiffany Alexander does “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl

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spotlight feature Support the Arts by Dining & Purchasing Tadgh Weekly Artwork at The Country Club Oct. 1

n the evening of Monday, October 1, The Country Club will donate 10% of its proceeds to the Arts Council of New Orleans for the Dine Around For The Arts. In addition, the club's current featured artist, Tadgh Weekly, will donate 10% of his artwork sales procured that evening of October 1st as well. You can enjoy a scrumptious meal, fabulous new artwork and support the arts all in one stop!

that sings through the water, wind, earth and fire of the soul.

buy. At 6pm on October 1, you can also meet Tadgh for the wine and cheese meet and greet.

As most of you know, The Country Club loves to support local artists. Every month or two the club showcases new work on their walls to enjoy and to

The Work Compelling, Evocative, Powerful, Magically interpretive -all words that have been used to describe the work of Tadgh Weekly. Born in rural Illinois, Tadgh creates his art using modern, progressive, multi-layered techniques applied to an early 17th century Italian process known as Monotyping. Each work is an original and cannot be duplicated. Whether his subject depicts the density of urban jungles or

the tranquility of a primeval forest, Tadgh captures the often subconscious and multi-dimensional connection between man and habitat with his compilations of color, shape, and luminosity. Tagdh creatively interprets the element of natural environments that affect the sensitivities of mankind through works of art that compel his viewers to examine their own undiscovered language

The Artist Now calling New Orleans home, Tadgh’s work has been exhibited across the United States and Europe. He has taught at the University level and has inspired students around the globe to constantly examine and strive for individual artistic expressions. He has owned and operated cooperative galleries in Baltimore and New Orleans and is currently in the process of assembling a group of internationally acclaimed artists to exhibit together in his newly adopted home city of New Orleans.

a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

1,000,000 Bones

ones, the last remains of life once lived. Bones, the vestiges of existence that carried the frames of men, women, and children and within those frameworks were housed tears, joy, hope, despair, the full range of humanness. Gay History Month is part of these 1 Million Bones. There was a time, not so long ago, when medical treatment was withheld from Gay persons because of even the perceived threat of AIDS. There was a time when AIDS was a death warrant and the religious right said it was the condemnation of homosexuality. I recall a sign on I-12 that proclaimed AIDS as the hand of God. It remained the hand of God until straight men and women became infected, it remained the hand of God until the story of thousands of Africans dying because of AIDS. Then it was no longer the hand of God it became a pandemic and treatments were developed to combat its effects. 1 Million Bones. The 1 Million Bones project was originally designed as a graphic art installation project that will be installed on the Washington Mall in 2013. The original intent and I suppose the current intent is to bring attention to genocide; specifically the genocide in Ethiopia and Sudan. But, as always, the project found its way to New Orleans

as one of many project sites worldwide. In New Orleans it morphed. For us it is now about death by neglect (a form of violence), death by urban violence in our own city, AND genocide where ever it happens or happened. Visiting Dachau Prison Camp the story of the extermination of Gay men and women if graphically told; programmatic extermination of Jews, Homosexuals, Gypsies, and anyone who did not fit in. So, it is that 1 Million Bones in New Orleans has come to be changed at least locally. It will tell a story. This project invites people to make clay bones of all sorts. Any group can gather for a day of bone making. St. Anna’s Church in collaboration with several other groups including 1 Million Bones will send an artist to get the group started and supply the clay. The bones will then be collected and installed at St. Anna’s Church from November 1-3 which includes All Saints and All Souls days. You, at your pub, at your krewe, at your circle of friends are invited to make bones and name them if you wish as memorials to those who have died of abuse, AIDS, social neglect, urban violence, write the names on the bones. If you cannot find a group: Anna’s Arts and the children will be making bones every Saturday starting at about 3pm until the installation date. St. Anna’s congregation will make

bones after Mass on Sunday, October 7 you are invited and need not attend mass - we will start at about 11:45. You will be invited to “lay the bones to rest in homage” on Thursday, November 1 in the late afternoon. Our goal is to collect 10,000 bones and do a massive art installation using most of the outdoor property of St. Anna’s Church campus. The bones will and installation will remain on site for the three days. Security will be provided for those that wish to come and contemplate, maybe pray, or simply to meditate upon the reminders of humanity 24 hours a day until 6pm on Saturday. Make a statement about the state of our human condition. Become connected to all of the loss, all of the sorrow, all of the hatred, and make a stand against it. It is a social issue that is greater than a community within a community. We are the community of the human race for better or worse. We want and MUST bring attention to our city of the violence and death that permeates every neighborhood. This is an ecumenical enterprise that invites Jew, Christian, Muslim, and secular humanists to make a statement. Yes, St. Anna’s will host a traditional All Saints service at 6pm on Thursday, November 1st and along with

the Litany of Saints we will name all of the murder victims in 2012. Yes, St. Anna’s will host a traditional All Souls service at 6pm on Friday, November 2nd naming the dead family members of St. Anna’s congregation and friends. A list is posted in the Parish Hall for those names. Saying the names, the Hebrew Bible teaches us that those persons still live in memory. On Saturday the church will host an all day event that will include a preview of “Shell Shocked” about youth violence in New Orleans; talks by “The Lost Boys” of the Sudan and the genocide in the Kush Mountains; loss by Gay and Lesbian persons to AIDS; music by choirs and individuals featuring the Treme Community Choir it will be a day to take notice. So please, come out and take notice, just this one time help support your community church and your greater human community – make a bone, place a bone, honor 1 Million Bones as an homage to life itself. If you or your group wish to participate and have an artist and clay delivered please contact Fr. Terry or Darryl Durham at 504.947.2121 or by e-mail at fr.bill@stannanola.org or darryl@stannanola.org. Join us and remember.

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36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Sept . 25-Oc t . 8, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM