Ambush magazine volume 32 issue 14

Page 1


2 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 3


the "official" dish

The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain.

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Dining Out for Life New Orleans - “It’s time to let someone else do the cooking!”

Readers Vote & Decide Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalist

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide©

In New Orleans nothing is as easy as going out on the town and finding a great OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: The Top 5 Finalist in the 27th annual Gay Appreciation Awards were voted on by place to eat. What makes that experi- 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA the readership of Ambush Mag July 4-10 online. One of those 5 is the winner which ence even better is when it supports NO/ OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] will be announced at the GAA Gala. The 27th GAA Gala is set for Saturday, August AIDS Task Force. Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com On July 17, NO/AIDS Task Force 2nd, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. The 2014 winners are announced at this PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 event. VIP Tables with four seats are $200 and are very limited. All proceeds benefit and dozens of participating restaurants ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line Southern Decadence 2014. Contact Rip Naquin for table reservations at present Dining Out for Life. This one day event, now in its 18th year locally, is an ripna@ambushmag.com or 504.522.8049. Door admission is $10. CIRCULATION: The 27th GAA Gala is set for Saturday, August 2, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon annual city-wide event in which participatAlabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Street. The 2014 winners are announced at this event. VIP Tables with four seats are ing restaurants donate a portion of their Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake $200 and are very limited. All proceeds benefit the Southern Decadence 2014. receipts to benefit NO/AIDS Task Force Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Contact Rip Naquin for table reservations at ripna@ambushmag.com or 504.522.8049. and its client services. Last year, this Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston event raised over $81,000. Door admission is $10. STAFF: The great thing about Dining Out for Top 5 Finalist include: PUBLISHER/EDITOR • Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Baton Rouge Pride, Gay Easter Parade, Life is that every cent raised here stays R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR right in the community to help the men, Halloween XXX, Oz White Party, Southern Decadence 2013 M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe women and families affected by HIV and GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES AIDS,” said Co-Chair Christian LeBlanc, of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 • Hair Salon of the Year: Bobby Blue Beauty Parlor, Fee & Art's Revival Studio, Daytime Emmy award-winning actor, who NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Frank Joseph 504.444.8327 portrays lawyer Michael Baldwin on The Fifi Mahony's, Head Quarters Salon, Mickey Nolan's Salon Paul Melancon 504.522.8049 • Neighborhood Bar of the Year: Corner Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Young & The Restless. . THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC New Orleans treasure, Poppy Golden Lantern, Good Friends, GrandPre's Brian Sands • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service Tooker, host of the weekly NPR affiliated AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Frank Joseph, in the AIDS arena]: Darren Ferris, Gay Easter Parade, Gia GiaVanni, Toby Lefort, NO/ radio show, Louisiana EATS!, joins Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkey, LeBlanc for the 3rd consecutive year as AIDS Task Force Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans • Bitch of the Year: Electra City, Reba Douglas, Chi-Chi Rodriquez, Persana Dining Out for Life Co-Chair. With her Bob Brunson, MIss Cie & John, Leon Weekleymotto, “Eat It To Save It”, Poppy has Shoulders, Princesse Stephaney Mobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL • Show Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner Pocket, Four Seasons been instrumental in reviving many enNational Advertising Rep: dangered foods and food traditions. & Patio Stage Bar, Golden Lantern, Oz Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Tooker is always quick to say “heck yeah!” • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuAmbush Mag is published on alternate Tuesals]: Golden Girls, La Familia, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Running with when asked to support the Task Force. days of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip NaquinTooker has shared her love of food, and Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADScissors, Southern Bartichuates LINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Clover Grill, Eat, Little Vic's, cooking with our clients through the Task week, accepted via e-mail only: Force’s Life Skills program, and as Culi- marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holiQuartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Verti Mart • Dance Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner Pocket, Lucky Pierre's, nary Arts Chair for Art Against AIDS. Both days. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for are generously sponsored by Chevron. the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject Oz, Rawhide any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name “It’s time to let someone else do the or photograph in this publication implies nothing • Bartender of the Year: Frank Joseph/Oz, Ashlee Logan/Golden Lantern, Jeff cooking! Dining Out for Life is such an about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Chris Peterson/Oz, Wayne Penton/Oz • DJ of the Year: Jason Emrick, Dominick "Dom" Kolb, Robbie Martin, Tim easy and fun way to support NO/AIDS stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily Task Force, and our friends working in the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Pflueger, Jonathan "JRB" Reed Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. restaurants during the slowest part of the Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. • Leather Bar of the Year: Phoenix, Rawhide • Cheridon Comedy Award: Jeff DeRouen, Rikki Gee, Gia GiaVanni, Persana year,” said Tooker. ©1982-2014, AMBUSH, INC.,ALL RIGHTS RELong time participant, and always SERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPROShoulders, Princesse Stephaney DUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF • Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Dominique DeLorean, Connie Hung, Monica one of the first to sign on each year, is THE PUBLISHER INCLUDINGAD LAYOUTS, MAPS Muriel’s Jackson Square restaurant. and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Synclaire-Kennedy, Karli LaCorre, Aubrey Synclaire • LGBT Business of the Year [no bars/restaurants/delis/hair salons]: Bourbon Denise Gratia, co-owner of Muriel’s with Donation Pride, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Delaney & Robb Attorneys at Law, Panda her husband Rick, said, “Dining Out for 2014 participating restaurants include: Life is a highlight of our summer. It is one Bear, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts Austin’s Restaurant, Avery’s Po-Boys, • Leather Person of the Year: Alan Bowers, Toby Lefort, ADKus Supps, Jeff of our favorite events, and we love being Andrea’s Restaurant, Attica Bar & Grill, able to support NO/AIDS Task Force and Turberville, Gary Vandeventer • Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Adrian Claveria, Joann Guidos, Rikki the people – right here in our community Between the Bread, Booty’s Street Food, – which you serve.” Redd, Chi-Chi Rodriquez [continued on 8] • Lesbian of the Year: Misti Ates, Stacy Bundrick, Mina Hernandez, Pat McArdle, Bleather Weekend, GAA Gala out July 29 Courtney Wilson • Gay Man of the Year: Chad Boutte, Tommy Elias, Frank Joseph, Toby Lefort, >DEADLINE: Tues., July 22 Tony Leggio • Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or celebrazzi 6 classifieds 25 moments in gay new orleans history 10 out & about in mobile, paparazzi 26 entertainer]: Gia GiaVanni, Connie Hung, Monique Michaels, Aubrey Synclaire, snap paparazzi/new orleans 12 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 28 Persana Shoulders snap paparazzi/new orleans 14 halloween xxxi 30 Featured entertainment includes last year's Entertainer of the Year Monique Dining Out For Life 16 a community within communities 31 Michaels, and Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner under the gaydar 18 spotlight 31 Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Golden Lantern, and Oz has been invited GAA Top 5 Finalists 19 43rd official southern decadence 21 to present a production number. AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 wear it out 22 Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Lesbian Gay marsha@ripandmarsha.com classifieds 24 Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 LGBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today. 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 In addition, the Board of Directors presents the Lifetime Achievement Award.

inside

marsha@ripandmarsha.com

4 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 5


celebrazzi

King Cake Queen Barbara Ella, Opal Masters, Maybelline Maskara, Tami Tarmac and Ebony Ross led the entertainment for "Under The Rainbow," the kickoff for Pride weekend at Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar in Metairie, Louisiana. Hosted by the Krewe of Amon-Ra, the event was a fun filled evening of fashion, food, film and fun at the home bar of Pride Grand Marshals Electra City and Tittie Toulouse.

The management team of Gene and Barry welcome you to the Club New Orleans gearing up with great changes for Southern Decadence.

Out of a field of 10 contestants Jason Emrick won the 1st Potato Salad Contest hosted by GrandPre's in New Orleans July 4th raising $200 for the Gay Easter Parade.

Ambush’s Paul joins Who’s Your Daddy Contest winner Michael and Lord Jason at the Phoenix in New Orleans for the annual Lords of Leather contest.

Darwin Reed and Opal Masters took top honors winning Sugar Daddy of the Year sponsoring Ben in the annual contest celebrating the 32nd anniversary of The Corner Pocket on Sugar Daddy Sunday held Father's Day by host Barry Bareass in New Orleans.

Newly crowned Miss Gay Vieux Carre America Danisha Andrews is joined by promoter Matthew Birkoff and Miss Gay Louisiana America Mercedez L'Oreal following competition at the Bourbon Pub & Parade in New Orleans.

6 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 7


the "official" dish ...from 4 Crescent Pie & Sausage, Café Minh, Café Conte, Café at the Square, Charles Seafood, Café Degas, Cape Deville, Crepes a la Cart, Café Daphne, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Café Amelie, Christopher’s On Carey, Diva Dawg, EAT New Orleans, Fausto’s Bistro, Fatoush, GG’s Dine-O-Rama, High Hat Café, The Italian Barrel, Jaime Le Café, Jung’s Golden Dragon, Jagerhaus, Kitchen Witch, Koz’s Lakeview Restaurant, Koz’s Harahan Restaurant, Liberty’s Kitchen, Legal Perks, La Crepe Nanou, La Thai Uptown, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Lost Love Lounge, Michelle’s Seafood & Steak, Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken & Waffles, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Mariza, Martin Wine Cellar, Mona Lisa Pizza, Mat & Naddie’s, Mark Twain’s Pizza Landing, Oakline Grocery, Rotolo’s Pizzeria Veterans Blvd., Restaurant des Famille’s, Reginelli’s Pizza-Garden District, Red Gravy, Schiro’s Café, Suis Generis, Short Stop Po-Boys, Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, The Country Club, 13 Frenchmen, Vacherie, Vega Tapas Café, Sun Ray Grill, The Steak Knife, Sante Fe Restaurant, Ralph’s On The Park, Old Rail Brewing Company, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Market, Katies Restaurant & Bar, Joey K’s, The Barley Oak, Jamila’s Café For more information about Dining Out for Life New Orleans, please visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

More Chances to Join SD Fundraisers The 43rd Annual Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture is

expected to break records bringing in over 150,000 participants for the giant Labor Day Weekend blowout, August 27-September 1, For more information, visit www.SouthernDecadence.com or w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / SouthernDecadenceNOLA. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas and Aubrey Synclaire have set the tone for the 43rd Southern Decadence with theme: Under The Big Top: Welcome to the Gayest Show on Earth; colors: canary yellow, turquoise blue and pearl white; charity: PFLAG-New Orleans, and song "Work Bitch: by Britney Spears. The colorful poster is a show stopper. Don't miss the many upcoming fundraising opportunities which will ensure a successful Southern Decadence. Funds raised minus expenses benefits this year's charity, PFLAG-New Orleans. Upcoming fundraisers and events as of press time include: Friday, July 18th... 10pm, Frankie Fierce Presents: Boys in the Shower Contest benefiting SD 2014 with spotlight performance by Felicia Phillips & Sable Nicole, hosted by Frankie Fierce & Felicia Phillips, auction, 50/50 raffle, $5 door donation, boys sign up for contest 910pm @ GrandPre's Saturday, July 19th... 8-10pm, Buy A Boy Auction: Dinner's on Us benefiting Southern Decadence 2014 with hors d'oeuvres by Quartermaster. hosted by Persana Shoulders @ Oz, New Orleans Saturday, July 26th... 10pm, Southern Decadence Snatch Game hosted by Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates @ Allways Lounge, New Orleans

Saturday, August 2nd... 8-10pm, Ambush Mag presents 27th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala benefiting Southern Decadence 2014 @ Oz, New Orleans Friday, August 29th... 10pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show with SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern Sunday, August 31st... 2pm, 40th Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern 4ish pm, 21st Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire, hosted by the Susan Lucci’s: Rip & Marsha, sponsored Ambush Mag & www.SouthernDecadence.COM, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

Treasures of the Vieux Carre Released Ambush’s own Frank Perez has a new book out. Treasures of the Vieux Carre is not only a collection of ten selfguided walking tours of New Orleans’ French Quarter, it is also an insider’s look at America’s most unique neighborhood. French Quarter resident and professional tour guide Frank Perez draws upon his years of experience living in the Vieux Carre to offer visitors and locals alike an in-depth exploration of the hidden treasures throughout Bienville’s ancient La Nouvelle Orleans.

Each tour contains step by step directions, a detailed map, a brief introductory essay, a recommended reading list and engaging vignettes about multiple points of interest. Whether you’re interested in where Tennessee Williams used to drink or where Oysters Rockefeller was born or perhaps even where the Sicilian Mafia in America began, this guide will lead you familiar landmarks such as Café du Monde and Jackson Square but also to little known locations such as the balcony Elvis Presley sang from in the film King Creole and the oldest gay bar in the United States. Along the way, you’ll meet pirates and Voodoo Priestesses, explore Creole culture, learn why the French Quarter is the most haunted neighborhood in America, and take in the montage of architectural styles that characterizes the modern day French Quarter. Tour topics include: General French Quarter, African-American Heritage, Architecture and Historic Homes, Culinary Scene, LGBT+ Historical Interest, Ghosts and Spirits, Hollywood South, Jazz and Musical Heritage, Literary History, Vice and Crime. Frank Perez is a writer and licensed tour guide in New Orleans, Louisiana. A former college professor, Perez has a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a M.A. in English. He is also a graduate of the Delgado Community College Professional Tour Guiding Course as well as the Friends of the Cabildo Tour Guiding Course. He is the co-author of In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar. He also writes a history column for Ambush Magazine. Perez lives in the French Quarter where he observes, writes, and manages his small business, the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency.

8 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 9


moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

“LGBT National Landmarks in New Orleans” One does not usually associate the National Park Service with gay history but that’s about to change. On May 30, 2014, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Sally Jewell announced a new theme study to identify places and events associated with the story of LGBT Americans for inclusion in the parks and programs of the National Park Service. Secretary Jewell made the announcement outside the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City. Sites may be designated a National Historic Landmark and / or placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the only site of LGBT cluded on the National Register of Hisinterest designated as a National His- toric Places or deemed national historic Landmark is the Stonewall Inn toric landmarks or national monuments. (site of the uprising that sparked the Two properties from New Orleans are modern gay rights movement in June of in the process of being nominated for 1969), which received the designation the project—the site of the former Upin 2000. At present, there are four sites stairs Lounge and Café Lafitte in Exile. of LGBT interest listed in the National The nomination and review process is Register of Historic Places—the Dr. a lengthy one and not all sites that are Franklin E. Kameny Residence, Wash- nominated are ultimately selected. ington, D.C. (listed 2011); the Cherry Nonetheless, the two New Orleans sites Grove Community House and Theater, are strong candidates. The Up Stairs Lounge, which was Fire Island, New York (listed 2013); the James Merrill House, Stonington, Con- located at the corner of Iberville and necticut (listed 2013); and the Chartres Streets from 1970-1973, was Carrington House, Fire Island, New the site of the deadliest crime against LGBT folk in the nation’s history. On York (listed 2014). A panel of 18 scholars has been June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to formed to study and identify landmarks the building and killed thirty-two people. around the country that should be in- Although a suspect was never arrested

and the crime was never solved, it is widely believed among both historians and lay people who were around at the time the arsonist was a hustler named Rodger Nunez. Nunez had been ejected from the bar earlier that evening and had threatened to return to “burn you all out.” Nunez also drunkenly confessed to setting the fire a number of times to friends before committing suicide. Many of the fire’s victims were members of the New Orleans Metropolitan Community Church, including Pastor Bill Larson. For this reason, the Up Stairs Lounge fire is not only a seminal moment in the history of gay New Orleans, it is also an integral part of the history of the MCC. In addition, the fire at the Up Stairs Lounge remains the deadliest fire in New Orleans history. Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest gay bar in New Orleans and arguably the oldest gay bar in the United States. Café Lafitte was founded in 1933, the year Prohibition ended, and was originally located at 941 Bourbon, currently the site of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (which, by the way, is not the oldest bar in America). In those years gay bars as we understand that term today did not exist. Café Lafitte had a mixed regular crowd that included a large gay clientele. It was as gay-friendly as the times would permit. In 1953, the owner of the building housing Café Lafitte died and the new owner agreed to renew the bar’s lease but told the bar owners (one of whom was a lesbian) that gay

folk would no longer be welcome in his building. The owners then moved the bar down Bourbon Street to the next corner and added “In Exile” to its name. The great American playwright Tennessee Williams was a regular at Lafitte’s and the bar was frequented by other gay writers when they were in town, most notably Truman Capote. The National Park Service theme study has identified the following goals: engaging scholars, preservationists and community members to identify, research, and tell the stories of LGBT associated properties; encouraging national parks, national heritage areas, and other affiliated areas to interpret LGBT stories associated with them; identifying, documenting, and nominating LGBT-associated sites as national historic landmarks; increasing the number of listings of LGBTassociated properties in the National Register of Historic Places. According to a press release from the National Park Service, the theme study is part of a broader initiative under the Obama Administration to ensure that the National Park Service reflects and tells a more complete story of the people and events responsible for building this nation. The National Park Service has ongoing heritage initiatives to commemorate minorities and women who have made significant contributions to our nation’s history and culture, including studies related to Latinos, women’s history, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

10 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 11


Bekir, Fatma & David welcome you to Fatoush Restaurant

Miss Rene & Susan welcome you to Clover Grill

snap paparazzi

Barry, Tommy, Michael & Lisa welcome you to Corner Pocket’s 32nd Anniversary

Tulane Ave Bar’s Corynne, Pedro & Bertrand @ Bourbon Pub for Miss Vieux Carre America

Guy & Liz @ Rawhide

New house DJ Robbie Martin @ the Phoenix

Wood Enterprises’ GM Tim in Rawhide’s Bearded Lady Contest in More Than A 3-Ring Circus

Jake Weathers sporting Colt underwear @ the Phoenix Pride with Matt & friends @ 700 Club

Double Play bartenders Urban & Phillip celebrate Pride

Marsha celebrates her 61st b-day @ GrandPre’s

Sonny Cleveland Pride Oz Reunion Party @ Oz

Chris & Brian in More Than A 3Ring Circus @ Lafitte’s

Bartender Chris @ Kajun’s Pub

Diesel takes control of the pole @ Rainbow Room

Bartender Jason celebrating his 40th b-day behind the bar @ Le Roundup

Tanya, Aletha, Nathan, Lulu & Miss Hazel cocktailing @ Lafitte’s

Lords of Leather’s Who’s Your Daddy Judges Brock, ADKus & Wayne with MC Gary

12 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

The Social Scene ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

Krewe of Satyricon host spaghetti dinner @ Golden Lantern

John, Barbara, Jeremy & Sidney join Amon-Ra’s Under the Rainbow Party @ Four Seasons in Metairie


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 13


12th Spring Fever Extrava

Satyricon Garage Sale

SDGM Reba Douglas raising $$$ during Southern Decadence Garden Party @ GrandPre’s

The Big Easy Sisters on Bourbon Street

Kyle in the Wet Jockey Shorts Contest @ Corner Pocket

On stage @ Billy’s in Slidell

Zingo’s Opal gets Frankie on the bar @ The Corner Pocket

Billy’s brings it on in Slidell

Sunday Funday!

Bunny in his Sunday best @ GrandPre’s

20th Trailer Park Beauty Pageant @ Good Friends Bar

SD Lieutenants Frankie, Philip & Misti host Southern Decadence Garden Party @ GrandPre’s

Black Fox on Bourbon St. balcony @ Rainbow Room

Frankie & Michael On stage Sunday @ Oz

Rainbow Room GM Eric

snap paparazzi

Gia GiaVanni, Persana Shoulders, Connie Hung & Mercedez L’Oreal on stage @ Oz

Lipstixx @ the Bourbon Pub & Parade

Wow @ Oz

Rhett & Auron @ Rawhide

14 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

The Club Scene ~ New Orleans, Slidell ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins Frank Joseph, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys

Tulane Ave Bar now open 7 days a week with bartenders Shaun, Matt & Alex


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 15


16 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 17


To find out more about the conference, go to www.noaidstaskforce.org/empowerment or call Lisa Breland at 504.821.2601, ext. 209 or Major Smith at ext. 232.

The panel of impersonators who will be playing these famous, semi famous and sort of famous people will be Aubrey Synclaire, Persana Shoulders, Ava Gina, Tony Leggio, Frankie Fierce, Barbara Ella, Tittie Toulouse, Electra City, Mona del Rose and Elizabeth Bouvier. Can you guess who will be portraying who? There will be performances throughout the night with a special number by fire performance artist Kitty Flambeaux. Cover charge is $10 with all proceeds going to Southern Decadence. The Allways Lounge is located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue.

Eat Our For A Cause

The Pub Gets Twisted

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

Save The Date: Empowerment 2014 On July 18, 2014 online registration opens for a very important conference that affects our community. The 21st annual Empowerment Conference has been scheduled for Friday, September 19th at the New Orleans Marriott Convention Center, located at 859 Convention Center Blvd. This year’s theme is A Recipe For Success. The hours are 8am to 3:30pm. This free educational conference, designed for consumers and providers, helps to bring the latest information on HIV/AIDS to our community. Every year, Empowerment covers a wide variety of topics related to HIV and AIDS ranging from legal considerations, to medical, social and psychosocial aspects of the disease. One new aspect this year is that select sessions will be approved for Social Work CEUs.

Just a quick reminder that Dining Out For Life is on Thursday, July 17th. Grab some friends, coworkers or family and enjoy your favorite restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner to help the NO/AIDS Task Force. Having a meal at one of the participating establishments helps benefit people affected by HIV/AIDS as a portion of the proceeds will go to the Task Force. Young and the Restless hottie Christian LeBlanc and local celebrity foodie Poppy Tooker serve as chairs for this year’s event. I especially love going to places that do fun themes like Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown who I understand is doing a Wizard of Oz theme. I can’t wait to don my ruby slippers. For more information and participating restaurants, call 504.821.2601 ext. 256 or go to www.diningoutforlife.com.

There is a new weekly show every Tuesday night at the Parade which is upstairs in the Bourbon Pub starting at 11pm. Show host Napoleon Bonaparte hosts this lively night of drag kings, queens and everything in between. There is a $4 cover for this popular show that features the entertainment of Jack Inman, Imani Nye Black, Blaine Bextor and Karli LaCorre in addition to host Napoleon. The bar features $2 draft beer and well drinks specials. This is definitely one way to make Tuesdays now your late night twisted destination. The Bourbon Pub is located [continued on 20]

Let’s Play Snatch Game: New Orleans Style If you are missing RuPaul’s Drag Race this summer, then come out to this Official Southern Decadence fundraiser and join in all the fun of one of his most popular challenges/games on the show: The Snatch Game. Johnny Passion, a part of the Southern Decadence entourage, is hosting this zany of the Snatch Game on Saturday, July 26th at the Allways Lounge starting at 10pm. If you are not familiar with the Snatch Game, basically it is taken from the old celebrity game show entitled Match Game where contestants try to match the answers of 10 celebrities for points and prizes. This unforgettable event touts the following celebrities: Ab Fab’s own Patsy and Edina promoting their new movie, Anna Nicole Smith, (back from the dead), Joan Crawford (again back from the dead), Dolly Parton, Reba Douglas, Bianca del Rio, Carol Channing, Persana Shoulders and more to be announced.

18 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 19


under the gaydar ...from 18 at 801 Bourbon Street.

Celebrate Christmas in July I never understood why people get upset when they see holiday decorations up before Thanksgiving. People have been celebrating Christmas in July for years, so just relax and smell the fruitcake because Toby Lefort is once again hosting his Christmas in July Show and Auction on Friday, July 25th at the Four Season Lounge. There will be a $5 donation at the door. Show starts at 8 and auction starts at 10. There will be some great auction items to bid on as well as some fabulous performances.

Party Down I started my week of events on Thursday with a marathon night of hospitality and networking events. My first stop was a networking party for one of the premier catering companies in the city Fleur di Lis Catering, which invited the hospitality community out to see all the new dishes and look of the company. Their unique interpretation of New Orleans dishes was outstanding. The next stop was the Hobknobbers networking party at Hotel Modern on Lee Circle hosted by New Orleans Magazine. This monthly event is a

gathering of local business people to have cocktails and make contacts. Each month it is in a different location. Keeping my momentum going, the next stop on the list was the opening of Deveney Communications new offices on Magazine Street which were just absolutely astounding. Their new digs are an architectural dream with great usage of both indoor and outdoor spaces to create an inviting and relaxing environment. The Eiffel Society’s Red Bull party was my next destination. Red Bull had artists from around the city paint their small refrigerator units with the winner given the opportunity to show at their national event in Miami. There were many artists on hand for the VIP party in this interesting space which is a replica of the Eiffel Tower restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. That is why I love this city, so many unusual hotspots. The Pere Marquette hotel rounded out the night of private parties. They hosted a day of Discovery party at their Bar UnCommon with performing artists Kristin Diable playing. There was specialty cocktails and complimentary appetizers in their lounge which is a great watering hole for locals looking for a modern atmosphere with craft cocktails. I ended the night at the Oz for a little twirl with the gays before heading home. Six places, one night = epic fun. On Saturday I began my day early by attending the Satyricon Garage Sale

at the Olde Town Dance Hall in the Faubourg Marigny. There was an array of items for sale from televisions and furniture to books and housewares. I found a gorgeous set of bar equipment that looks fabulous on my home bar. The entire krewe was on hand selling their hearts out. I’ve never seen such great service before at a garage sale. These guys are retail pros. Continuing on my day of shopping outings, I went throughout the day with various friends and family to different places racking in lots of retail therapy points. Afterwards, I ended the day with another impromptu poolside party at the Mallon Chalmansion with a group of friends. This place is becoming the new unofficial gay bar in Chalmette. For me Sunday Fundays can include just about anything and this day was no exception to the rule. I started the day off with brunch with Beaux and Barrett at this great new restaurant recently open in the Bywater called Sneaky Pickle (love the name). It is a mostly vegetarian and vegan fare but has some great options for meat lovers. It is great tasting food for a good price. Next up was the Southern Decadence fundraiser at GrandPre’s hosted by the loveable and outrageous Frankie Fierce. There were plenty of people there to cheer on our new grand marshals and the decorations were fabulous. We ended the day quite low-key, having cocktails poolside at the Bouvier

Chalmansion. The Fourth of July was the following weekend and I began the holiday in very unique fashion for me. The first part of Friday, I spent lounging around poolside reading a good book and soaking up the sun alone. It was a gratifyingly relaxing way to recharge my batteries, something I rarely get a chance to do. The second half of the day, I was in the company of royalty, well a Prince, when I attended the Essence Music Festival. If you have not been before, this event is more than a concert, it is an experience. Including three days of concerts, empowerment seminars and parties, the festival attracts thousands of people from around the country. I went on Friday night to see the kickoff show at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. First I started with a private reception at the Hyatt with cocktails and appetizers to pregame, then off to the music. The main stage had some amazing talent this evening with Janelle Monae kicking things off. Monae is an energetic soul and rhythm and blues artist who did a guest appearance on the song “We Are Young” by the band fun in 2012 which made it to number 1 on Billboard’s Top 100 Hit List. Her performance was alive with many of her original music and a few cover songs like Prince’s Let’s Go Crazy [continued on 22]

20 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 21


wear it out by : Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Postulant Tazia Balls (Big Easy Sisters) E-mail: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com

Meet The Designer: Scott Nash, “Snash” for Campsnash Tee Shirts Hey everybody. I wanted to introduce you all to another designer this go around. Scott Nash otherwise known as “Snash” or Sister Diarrhée En Frank, member of the Abbey of the Windy City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, but now working with The Big Easy Sisters here in New Orleans. Upon talking to Scott and finding out a little bit about what he has done in the past and his schooling in art at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he also let me in on something he had started while working in a porn shop in Chicago. Snash had started designing a wonderfully clever and catchy line of tee shirts that the porn shop took on and started selling. Campsnash was officially a tee shirt line. The line was started in 2006. He missed making them so much I could no presented the idea to the owners of the longer resist the siren song of producporn shop he was working at in Chi- ing them and I am back. Sometime very cago and upon seeing his designs for soon I hope to have the designs in these catchy tee shirts and their in your stores and online as I am in the process face readings having to do with sexual of looking for investors, printers, and ideas and the homosexual lifestyle it was a sure hit and a true fit. As time would have it the sales of tee shirts would be just as great as the sales of any of the sex products in the store. Campsnash was a catchy, touristy, in your face tee shirt brand hosting a grip of creative verbiage and imagery. The type of stuff that made one say, “I hate that word” or “I love that saying.” You either loved it or hated it but the one thing Snash knew is that he was on to something and he had to go with it. Upon questioning Snash I asked him how the line got started. How did the idea come? Making shirts is something I always wanted to do. I would always say, “That’s a T-shirt.” retailers for my designs. Then I asked Snash where he got My favorite happens to be the newhis ideas. est design in which two cowboys are in the mists of having some sexual fun while still wearing their cowboy hats and boots. It is only done in silhouette but you get the full just of what is going on. I love it!!!!!!! Broke back nothing. Just seeing this tee print makes me want to dirty my knees and get to business. Thanks Snash. If I may suggest RAB DAB is one place I could see these tee shirts doing well. There are a couple of gay themed Beats me. I’ll hear something a shops on Bourbon Street also. Another friend or stranger has said, be watch- great idea for you Snash is to design a ing a movie, see a sign in a bathroom, couple of Southern Decadence themed notice an object, and then the idea tees and bust them out. People do it whispers “hey make me…now.” His every year. Whatever you do get youruse of these catchy phrases, thoughts, self out there baby. This is the city and images became his brand of tee shirts. I also discovered that Snash has, since moving to New Orleans, has not been producing the tee shirt collection. I asked him what his intentions are with the tee shirt collection now. His answer to me was simple. Right now I am gearing up to get my designs back out on the market. After a long hiatus of working in a cube, I

under the gaydar ...from 20 in which the man himself joined her onstage for a surprise jam. The Doug E. Fresh took to the stage. This unique artist is a blend of a rapper and beat boxer, also known as the Human Beat Box. What that means is Fresh is able to accurately imitate drum machines and various special effects using only his mouth, lips, gums, throat, tongue and a microphone. Since the Eighties, I have loved his style and tonight he performed twice in between the larger acts. He sampling of popular dance songs kept the audiences upbeat and on their feet. Niles Rodgers came out next. He is the lead guitarist and co-founding member of the band Chic, which has been active since 1976. A popular performer in his own right, Rodgers has found major success in collaboration as producer and performer with many artists including Diana Ross, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Madonna, and more recently, French house duo Daft Punk. He performed all his hits with his band Chic as well as the other popular singers. Highlight of the night was his rendition of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” in which Prince returned to the stage to join him on guitar. A very cool moment. I was lucky enough to be invited to a suite for the show, but the more interesting entertainment is walking around visiting the superlounges which house smaller bands throughout the night. I got a chance to catch Naughty By Nature perform. One of the original hip hop bands, this group had the hit “O.P.P.” I have to admit, they were fun and very hardcore rappers. Finally the moment everyone packed the dome for came on stage in his regal glory. Prince took hold of the audience and never let go. He gave an electrified show that included all his hits and then some. From his backup dancers to his gorgeous female band, he kept everyone on their feet and dancing. It is amazing how a song can transport you back in time so easily. When he did When Doves Cry and Little Red Corvette, I was back in college dancing to these tunes at The Goldmine which is still around today (not sure if that is a good thing). Prince did all his songs plus the ones he collaborated with others like Sinead O’Connor and Cyndi Lauper. His appearance was the highlight of a great night of music. After I left the dome, then the real fun hapwhere you can make it happen. So get to it! You have this Snash. Snash gets two thumbs up for creating some awesome tees that make people think and stirring the pot in all the right ways. Campsnash is amazeballs. BAM BAM! To reach Snash you can catch him at email: campsnash@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ campsnash.

pened, shopping in the tent cities set up around the venue. They have vendors selling everything from turkey legs and fried oreos to artwork, jewelry and bags. This is one of the best places to get knockoff fashion accessories. I even partied with the girls at the Twenty Grand booth which is Cognac mixed with vodka, now who thought up that paring. So what did I do the remainder of the weekend? After that epic night, I stayed poolside and relaxed. I guess reliving the eighties is harder on the body than I remembered.

To Quote a Queen Keeping with the theme of heartthrobs of yesteryear, I thought a few quote by the one of the most famous ones in cinema Rock Hudson would be appropriate. Rock Hudson Roy Harold Scherer Jr, was discovered by the same talent scout who discovered Tab Hunter, Henry Wilson (who has a very sordid story of his own, reading his biography next). He starred in such memorable films as Giant, and Magnificent Obsession and on television was in the hit shows McMillian and Wife and Dynasty. His amazing career and life was cut short by the AIDS virus in 1985. Hudson was the first major celebrity to die from AIDS bringing the disease to the forefront of the mainstream public. Rock Hudson lived an interesting and turbulent life both on and off the screen. But through it all, he never failed being a genuinely nice guy. His looks, his charm, his entire demeanor, made him one of the most mesmerizing celebrities of the century. Enjoy some of his words of wisdom. “Nobody is discovered. Ever. Publicity departments loved to say that Lana Turner was discovered sitting at a soda fountain counter, drinking a chocolate soda ... It isn`t true. I mean, there are too many interesting-looking people on Earth for that to ever happen.” “I love to smoke. I keep hoping someone will discover it`s a healthy habit because the smoke kills all the germs in your system. I love to drink, and I hate exercise. I don`t mind going out on the side of a hill and chopping down a tree, but I hate organized exercise. I built a gym in my house but I never use it. I don`t even like to walk through it.” “I did a movie with Duke Wayne and was very surprised to find out he had small feet, wore lifts, and a corset. Hollywood is seldom what it seems.” This is a statement Hudson made right before he succumbed to the AIDS virus in 1985. “I am not happy that I am sick. I am not happy that I have AIDS. But if that is helping others, I can at least know that my own misfortune has had some positive worth.” And my favorite quote from him: “I can`t play a loser - I don`t look like one.”

22 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


NEXT Ambush DEADLINE Wednesday, Feb. 13 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 23


CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

400 ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800

FR

M

A

R

IG

N

Y

23 00 ES TR R A CH

24 00

FR 2 AN 500 KL L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN UI PH SA U DA

19 00

EN 200 0 C EL H YS 210 ME 0 N IA N FI 22 EL 00 D S RT PA M RA

Mandeville LA [985] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, #4 Sanctuary Blvd., Suite 304, 985.727.7797, www.tmccordcpa.com Metairie, LA [504] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, 3925 N. I-10 Service Rd., Suite 215, 504.888.8333, www.tmccordcpa.com

attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328 Tureau Legal, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 8303 Pritchard Place, 70118, 504.602.9511, thelawprofessor@comcast.net

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850]

bathhouse New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] Full Body Rubdown, using soothing oils and lotions on professional table by male. In calls only, uptown. Text for rates and appointment. All welcome. 601.557.0459. [is1414] PSST... you want an exotic rub? Good looking white guy available for out calls only. Call Allen @ 504.250.8356. [is1414]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

accounting

566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.com NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036, Facebook.COM/ rainbowroomonbourbon TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM TULANE AVENUE BAR, 3813 Tulane Ave., 488.1400 VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com

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 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 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, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St,

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1314]

circuit/events Aug. 27-Sept. 1, 2014, 43rd Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 150,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 23-26, 2014, Halloween 31, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 26, 2014-Jan. 1, 2015, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 13-17, 2015, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, 16th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM

costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225]

FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

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

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

hair salons 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

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

health New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com

help wanted New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans is hiring cashiers & housekeepers. Apply @ 515 Toulouse St. (Drug testing required.) [is1414]

lodging/accommodations 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. [0714 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 "halfkitchen", 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. [0814] Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gay-hotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When

24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” 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. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. 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, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.

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 (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. License #LA4553 [is2614]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride 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 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257 CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, 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 GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722 GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820

St. Louis, 525.5661 HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077 HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662 LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631 OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square WORLD WAR 2 MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012, http://nationalww2museum.org

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

organizations 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 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 EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES NATIONAL HOTLINE, 206.350.HATE (4283), National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 800.552.6843 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, petronius1961@cox.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ

KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.LordsOfLeather.com

Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, services at 10am, 6200 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118; 504.270.1MCC www.mccneworleans.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 BEAR AND BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.298.0061, theneworleansbears.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 PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE CELEBRATION in New Orleans NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com

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

pharmacy 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.AvitaPharmacy.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.

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

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum INC/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Website: www.SteveRichardsProperties.com, 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 Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022 New Orleans, LA [504] 801 Royal, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.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 Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167 XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 N. Rampart St., 232.3063, www.XXXShopp.com

spas New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., 208.1180, TheJoyTheater.com MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG Slidell, LA [985 CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert Blvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM

tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM

wanted New Orleans, LA [504] Small space wanted in an established gift shop or upper retail shop in good location. Call Bob 940.3099. If no answer, leave message. [is1214]

Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 25


out & about in mobile Colt Studio’s Seth Fornea Featured Guest: Mobile Bleather Weekend VI Presents “RODEO!” August 1, 2 & 3

Mobile Bleather Weekend VI August 1,2 & 3... Hang on! It’s going to be a bumpy night!

Drag Race Winner Bianca Del Rio with Miss Cie

Hello Boys... Kookie Baker @ B-Bob’s

Aubrey & Reba @ B-Bob’s

Amber & Greg

Hello Trey & Anthony

Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s

Happy Anniversary!

Amber with her Babes!

Fun Times @ B-Bob’s...

Pure Magic!

26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Excitement Reigns~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

Get ready for a weekend of cowboys, honky-tonk angels and burly bears on stage, as Mobile Bleather Weekend VI goes “RODEO!” For more than five years, Mobile Bleather Weekend (bears + leather) has billed itself as the South’s premier bear/leather/levi event. And each year, the event takes on a different theme. This year. It’s “RODEO!” August 1-3. And while “RODEO!” will not feature an actual rodeo, there’ll be more action than you can shake a cattle prod at. As is our custom, B-Bob’s, Gabriel’s Downtown, The Midtown Pub and Flip Side Bar and Patio will unite to become one big weekend progressive party. No run fees are charged. You’re simply invited to enjoy the Southern hospitality offered by the Mobile gay community. Friday night kicks off with the traditional welcome cocktail party at Gabriel’s. The party then moves next-door to B-Bob’s for B-Bob’s All Star Rodeo Show, featuring the B-Bob’s Honky-tonk Angel Revue (use your imagination) as well as some friendly competition drawn from the crowd. Advice? Grab your boots and hat and cowboy up! The party goes late as The Midtown Pub lowers the lights and keeps the party going with its “Notorious Outlaw Party” after midnight. Bear Saturday kicks off with the annual “Sausagefest” brunch at The Midtown Pub, with lots of elongated edibles. Saturday afternoon, Bleather VI, B-Bob’s and Flip Side Bar and Patio welcome this year’s special guest - Colt Studio’s Seth Fornea. The sometimes furry red head has raised the temperature at Colt Studios, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t do it again in Mobile. You can meet him at a 3pm Meet and Greet at Flip Side! Saturday evening begins with a Precontest Cocktail Party at Gabriel’s, where you’ll get to meet contestants for the weekend’s premier attraction The 2014 Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest and Gay-oh-ro-DAYo! Featuring your host, A.J. “Side Saddle” McKay! The winner will receive a cash prize, a trophy and feed for his horse! Whatever. Contestants can register as late as the preview cocktail party. Contestants can also contact the committee at mobilebleather@att.net for more info. Late night, the party shifts next door to Gabriel’s for a little” Bear-a-o-kee”... or a lot of Bear-a-o-kee- Gabriel’s goes until you can’t. Sunday, say so long at Gabriel’s with some refreshing Goodbye Bloodies and Screws. It’s a lot to remember, but you don’t have to! It’s all right there at www.mobilebleatherweekend.com and on the Mobile Bleather Facebook page. There are two choices for host hotels. Choose from The Hampton Inn Downtown Historic District or the newly renovated Quality Inn Downtown. Both are within two blocks of the downtown host bars. Details, prices and links are available right now on the Bleather website. Supporters for Mobile Bleather Weekend VI include Bud Light, Barenjager, Hampton Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Colt Studio Group, B-Bob’s, Gabriel’s Downtown, The Midtown Pub, Flip Side, Gulf Coast Bears and New Orleans Lords of Leather. Special promotional thanks to The Roundup in Pensacola and Ambush Magazine.


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 27


28 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Celebrating Pride ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys

ambush

paparazzi


Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 29


30 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

Settling in time. The rains come the heat is settling in and we who are natives adopted or otherwise know that it is summer. One must admit that July thus far has been tolerable which is saying a lot for our beloved town. It is the time when many vacation or travel and certainly seeks the comfort of a cool pub or shady porch with fans. It is the time when

poets and authors tell us what we are like in Old New Orleans. Movies, of course, would have us all dressed in either ‘wife beater t-shirts’ or rumpled and slightly soaked linen suits. You belles would of course be in either aline skirts or naturally flowing dresses with trusses (whatever a truss is). We also know it’s a time to watch closely the equatorial waters of the Atlantic

spotlight Federal Judge Expands Scope of Marriage Lawsuit by Frank Perez On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman of Louisiana’s Eastern District (which includes New Orleans) heard oral arguments in a case that originally centered on whether or not the state of Louisiana is legally required to acknowledge same-sex marriages performed in states where such marriages are legally permitted and recognized. Currently, Louisiana refuses to acknowledge same-sex marriages performed in other states and has a constitutional prohibition against same-sex marriage. The suit against Louisiana was brought by six gay couples who have legally wed in states where same-sex marriage is allowed: Harvard Scott / Sergio March Prieto, Henry Lambert / Carey Bond, Nick Van Sickels / Andrew Bond, John Robichaux / Derek Penton, Jacqueline and Lauren Brettner, and Courtney and Nadine Blanchard. After oral arguments, which lasted more than an hour, Judge Feldman, who was appointed by President Reagan in 1983, announced that he did not want to rule strictly on the narrow issue before him (Louisiana’s refusal to acknowledge the plaintiff’s marriages) but also on Louisiana’s constitutional ban of samesex marriage. The ruling came as a surprise to both sides. Originally, Feldman had requested briefs only on the issue of the state’s refusal to recognize the plaintiff’s marriages but after hearing oral arguments, the Judge reportedly told the attorneys, “I feel uncomfortable resolving some issues one way or the other and not all issues one way or another.” Feldman’s expansion of the case’s scope is significant for it now in effect includes all samesex couples in Louisiana. Attorneys in the case have three weeks to file written briefs on the expanded issue. The court has yet to set a date for oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage. When reached for comment, Scott Spivey, an attorney who represents two of the plaintiffs, said, “The judge has ordered us to brief the pending unbriefed issues of the right to marry in Louisiana, freedom of speech (vis a vis tax forms) and full faith an credit. Judge Feldman clearly had a grasp of the issues and is deliberately considering all issues.” In related news, a Federal Judge in Indiana ruled that state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional and an Appeals Court affirmed the same in Utah;

both rulings came on the same day as Feldman’s. The following day, June 26, marked the one year anniversary of U.S. Versus Windsor, the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Elects Officers and Board Members On Thursday, June 26, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana held its inaugural meeting at Café Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Center to elect officers and a Board of Directors. The results were as follows: Officers: President—Frank Perez, Vice-President—Samantha Bruner, Secretary—Eric Wallace, Treasurer—Daniel Morvant; Board of Directors: Misti Ates, Stewart Butler, Mark Gonzales, Lee Miller, Mike Moreau, Rip Naquin, Wayne Phillips, Emily Rey, Jessica Troske. In addition to the elections, the meeting also featured a short presentation of the Dyke Bar Project—an effort to collect oral histories from lesbians who frequented lesbian bars in New Orleans in the 1970s and 1980s. This presentation was followed by a preview of Up Stairs Inferno—a documentary film currently in production about the Up Stairs Lounge fire. The roughly 70 people in attendance also voted to adopt a set of Bylaws for the new organization. The mission of the Archive Project is

and Gulf waters for tropical disturbances. We have lived it and been through it before. It is settling in time. PRIDE is over, it was a good one, I was proud of the faith based response this year. I was even more delighted with the crowd support for the parade. There was lots of love on Bourbon Street that is for sure. The major music events are past with the cooler spring weather. Essence Fest is over and now we settle in. Settling in time is a bit more laid back, less organized, and delightfully bereft of scheduling. Settling in time is much more about natural paces and rhythms. It is too early to get too excited about the fall and its excess of “happenings” and it is too hot to recall what was just past. Actually it is a time simply to savor the moment. I have often mentioned a phrase which settling in time is the Sacrament of the Present Moment. For us that is the summer settling in time. We go about our business, we gather in cool places, we tell stories and laugh. We walk at night and it is balmy, which is New Orleans speak for hot and humid, and we make our ways to comfortable places. Cool melons ripe from the vine in a brunch or lunch or just for fun on a porch. Long Island iced teas with sweat laden tall glasses and the night air very still with just a hint of breeze. Have you driven through City Park on days like this? Children oh the children are at play almost all day in the playground there. Maybe a nice batch of beignets and some iced coffee at Morning Call or Café Du Monde. Perhaps a stroll through Palmer Park Art Market or The Bywater Art Market or all manner of outdoor markets is a possibility. We move a bit slower in the summer and perhaps with just that much more grace. I suppose what I am getting to is that summer in the city is not really all that bad. In fact it is the time when we really are just us. It is a time when the pretense of seasonal holidays are over, the cause of the day benefit is not in high gear, the carnival is not knocking and out- of- towners and distant relatives are loath to visit. It is New Orleans generally for New Orleanians. It is settling in time for the locals. We can get good seats and fine restaurants; we can avoid the lines at Mother’s or Little Dizzy’s. Not all bad this summer thing. Truly it is a time for us to draw a little closer and little more intimately without

distractions. Sacraments of present moments not distracted by “must do” or “must be” demands. If we are a community within communities perhaps it is a good time to visit another restaurant instead of the old standby or perhaps a time to get adventurous and stop in at a different Pub or two to spread the love and spread your own wings a bit. Give it some thought. It is the best time to travel our city – a hot summer’s night. Think about it, we are a community that seeks companionship and unity – if truth be told. Or at least we say we do. If we say we want unity it means getting out of familiar routines and venturing into new territory. Now I am not suggesting that we get dramatic here just a little shuffle to a new spot that seems safe, curious perhaps, and might offer a new sight or sound. Maybe someone from Uptown can spend an evening Downtown or the opposite number. Maybe, just maybe some of the traditionally segregated communities especially in the LGBT community can do just a little inviting and a little socializing – just to break a mini barrier or two. No I am not talking about radical marches or massed integrations or disturbing the aura of Gay segregated bars etc. FOOTNOTE: from what I see its segregation by election. Not much just a cocktail at a neutral spot or perhaps an invitation to “come by the house” for a drink in the early evening. Just a little nudge to make us what we say we want to be. A community that espouses love, live and let live, and respect for all. Now that would be Sacramental living wouldn’t it?! So, maybe this summer of settling in can be the summer of reaching out. Maybe this summer of settling in can be the summer of extending what we say we want to be. So, YOU, yea YOU! Get off that porch or bar stool, heck it’s too dark in here to read anyway, and sashay down the street to that little bar where you may know someone that is their hang out. Drop on in. Yea YOU, invite that cute guy with the fabulous guns over for a cocktail you know the guy or gal that is a different color than you. We can do it and summer is the perfect time to do so. What else do you have to do besides get crazy about that building system in the Atlantic? Settle in, let the rhythm of summer enfold you and sashay about making us truly a community within communities.

to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community in Louisiana. Its purposes include: educating the community on the importance of ensuring that LGBT+ historical materials are archived and made available for future generations to access, research, & study; promoting the proper maintenance and preservation of historical LGBT+ materials; providing an information directory of archival re-

sources where LGBT+ historical materials may be deposited or accessed for research and study; indexing, publishing, and maintaining a current list of locations of archived historical LGBT+ materials; and developing financial resources to assist in the preservation and availability of certain LGBT+ collections. For more information on the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, please visit the group’s website at http:// www.lgbtarchivesla.org.

Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • J uly 15-28 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 31


32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • J uly 15-28, 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.