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THE OFFICIAL MAG
the "official" dish
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©
by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Your Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Welcome to your 2015 Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide. Ambush Magazine is chock full of anything and everything available to tickle your Carnival fantasies! All star DJs, international and national drag divas, ultimate costume contests, hot male strippers, events, krewes, balls, sweetheart couples, food, shopping, and services are all at your fingertips. Enjoy your adventure!!! Celebrating this 66th Gay Mardi Gras (www.GayMardiGras.com), these are some of the celebrations you don't want to miss include: Friday, February 13 ~7pm, Krewe of Narcissus Bal Masque One, New Orleans Healing Center, New Orleans ~9pm-12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVI: Puttin’ on the Glitz, The Cannery, New Orleans ~9pm-2am, Lords of Leather presents Night of the Black Mask Beer Bust, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans Saturday, February 14 ~9pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLVII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Sunday, February 15 ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXII, Alario Center, Westwego MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 17 ~12noon, 51st Annual Bourbon Street Awards, sponsored by Oz & Ambush Mag, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 28th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXII of Gay Mardi Gras Aubrey Synclarie as “Queen of the Opera” celebrating “Vienna: Beautiful, Gay & Gemuthlich (Cozy),” Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
Gras 2015. Reigning as "Queen of the Opera" the edict reads, "Her royal Majesty sends greetings and announces with pleasure her invitation for all to gather from near and far and join in the many celebrations under the Rainbow Banner of Gay Mardi Gras leading up to the 28th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss February 17, 2pm, at the Ambush Palace, 828 Bourbon Street."
The King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras XXII Aubrey Synclaire has issued the Official Proclamation for Gay Mardi
The 51st Annual Bourbon Street Awards show, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras day,
KCQ XXII Aubrey Synclaire (Photo by Larry Graham) Join the festivities in the streets as the Krewe of Queenateenas, led by KCQ XXII Aubrey Synclaire, tosses thousands of beads for the revelers below.
Oz & Ambush Mag host 51st Annual Bourbon Street Awards starring King Cake Queen Issues Bianca Del Rio, $3,000 Official Proclamation in Cash Prizes
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Mardi Gras Highlights issue out Feb. 24 DEADLINE: Wed., Feb. 18
16th gay easter parade celebrazzi 13th satyricon bal masque paparazzi spotlight/16th easter grand marshals ambush paparazzi/new orleans moments in gay new orleans history matters of health official gay mardi gras proclamation 51st bourbon street awards under the gaydar trodding the boards
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wear it out a community within communities the legal corner ambush paparazzi/new orleans sweetheart couples 50th amon-ra ball paparazzi chop chop/restaurant guide out front, mobile paparazzi classifieds big easy paparazzi/new orleans 44th southern decadence
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Gulf South LGBT Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
AWARD WINNING:
Bianca Del Rio @ Oz (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys) February 17, 2015 at 12noon. Oz New Orleans (www.ozneworleans.com), as well as Ambush Mag brings us this fantastic contest. Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris. This year the Bourbon Street Awards will present a special performance by Atlantic recording artist Katy Tiz live. Award category prizes are worth a total of $3,000! Categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. First place in each category wins $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping $1,000 cash prize. Contestant registration begins at 10am at the rear of the stage near the Ambush Mansion. In 2009, for the first time in 23 years, the contest actually took place back on Bourbon Street. Since 2002, Oz New Orleans has presented the contest on St. Ann at Bourbon. 2009 saw the contest outside Oz on Bourbon Street down from Ambush headquarters at 828 Bourbon. The awards were previously held outside of Cafe Lafitte in Exile on Bourbon until 1985 when it was moved to the corner of Burgundy and St. Ann outside of Rawhide in 1986. The parade of costumes will originate down Bourbon at Dumaine passing both Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill, the original site of the awards, heading past Ambush headquarters towards Oz at 800 Bourbon. (www.gaymardigras.com/bbb.htm) The 51st Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” It is followed at 2pm by the 28th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss at the Ambush Mansion.
Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXII Features Bianca Del Rio Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio will co-host the Lords of Leather’s Bal Masque XXXII on Sunday night, February 15 at the John A. Alario Event Center in Westwego. Sharing the microphone will be Mobile, Alabama TV personality Darwin Singleton. The theme for this year’s production is “That’s Entertain-
Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.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 Texas - Houston
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkey, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans Bob Brunson, MIss Cie & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip NaquinDelain, 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. ©1982-2015 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
ment!” You won’t want to miss the show as Bianca and Darwin tell it like it is and the Lords present a spectacular lineup of costumes along with musical and dance numbers. Doors open at 7pm and the tableau will start at 8pm. Both balcony seating (general admission) for $20 and limited table seating are available for purchase by visiting http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bal[continued on 20]
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celebrazzi
The 50th consecutive Mardi Gras Ball of the Krewe of Amon-Ra culminated with the dazzling presentation of Queen and King Amon-Ra L Opal Masters and Darwin Reed as Isis and Osiris with their six sexy Egyptian attendants. The gorgeous costumes were highlighted with magnificent crowns befitting the Royal Pharoahs of Egypt. Captain John Zeringue as Anubis brought forth 19 major costumes including King Amon-Ra XLIX, Ma'at, Wadjet, Tefnut, Aker, Geb & Nut, Bastet, Set & Nephthys, Sobek, Cleopatra, Horus, Renenutet, Khnum, and Thoth. An estimated 25-30 attendants joined in the costume presentations. The charity number performed by King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras XIX Nicole Dubois raised over $1,200 for the Cancer Society of New Orleans. The outstanding scenery and baritone voice of MC Eric Glazier brought Egypt to life at the Frederick J. Sigur Cultural Center in Chalmette. The krewe's 51st Rush Party is Sunday, March 8 from 3-5pm at Queen's Head Pub upstairs at Good Friends Bar. For more information on the krewe, visit www.KreweOfAmonRa.com. (Photo: Creative Images Photography, Metairie, LA)
Queen and King Amon-Ra L Opal Masters and Darwin Reed proudly hold the Proclamation from The Council of The City of New Orleans recognizing the Krewe of Amon-Ra celebrating its 50th anniversary. Dated Feb. 5, 2015, the proclamation was presented to the krewe in council chambers at City Hall. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
"Flash Back to the 80s" proved to be a great theme for the annual Good Friends Bar Turn-A-Bout show. The staff entertained like there was no tomorrow raising a whopping $4,084 for Belle Reve in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy of Wood Enterprises).
The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon's 13th Bal Masque celebrated Satyricon Makes Scents: Bal Des Parfums. The arrival of Queen and King Satyricon XIII Becky Allen and Marshall Harris as Dark Obsession brought the entertaining ball to a climax. This krewe which does not have a captain, but rules by a board, brought 16 costume presentations with some boasting more than one major costume including King Satyricon and Mystic Consort XII as Bal a Versailles, Bond No. 9, King and Queen of 12th Night, Axe Body Spray, White Diamonds, Shalimar, Avon Lady, Happy, Chanel No. 5, Le Male, Polo, and Joy. Add to that the hysterical duet of Brooklyn Shaffer and Robert Facio as emcees, three live entertainment spectacles with Dorian Rush, Meredith Long, and Lisa Picone, and an estimated 40 to 50 stage participants, this ball was a whopper evening of fun. Charity number information was not available at press time. For more on the krewe, visit www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
Bourbon Street legends Poncho LaPerle, and Krewe of Rue du Royale Revelers’ Potentate (aka Grand Putata) Frank Perez welcome you to Gay Mardi Gras (www.GayMardiGras.com) at the oldest bar/club in North America, Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
celebrazzi
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Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque XIII: “Satyricon Makes Scents: Bal Des Parfums” @ Frederick J. Sigur Cultural Center ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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spotlight feature Misti Ates & Deja Deja-Vue' Chosen Easter Grand Marshals XVI; The Excitement Begins for 16th Gay Easter Parade Season The excitement begins with the announcement of Misti Ates, aka Johnny Passion, and Deja Deja-Vue' as Easter Grand Marshals XVI. Chosen unanimously by the GEP Board of Directors, the duo will lead the 16th Gay Easter Parade on Sunday, April 5 through the streets of the historic French Quarter. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital service of NO/AIDS Task Force. For the past 13 years, the parade has raised over $202,414 for charity. The new grand marshals have been avid supporters of the fundraisers leading up to the parade, and riding in the parade itself, the only two requirements for selection. Sponsored by Ambush Magazine, the parade showcases the fashion and creativity of the entire LGBT community with gentlemen in summer suits/tux with hats, and ladies in Easter suits/ dresses with Easter hats. The parade is already off to a good start with a Platinum $1,000 sponsorship from EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, Silver $250 sponsorship from EGM XIII Darwin Reed and EGM VII Opal Masters, and Bronze $100 sponsorship from Paul Melancon. Additionally, GrandPre's 1st Potato Salad Contest raised $200, GrandPre's 1st Turn-ABout raised $152, and EGM XV Todd Blauvelt's birthday bar crawl another $40 for this year's parade. Sponsorships are available at Presenting ($2,500), Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250), or Bronze ($100). Information and sponsorship forms is available www.GayEasterParade.com. Carriage/parade entry forms will be available as soon as carriage prices are confirmed. Events scheduled for this 16th Gay Easter Parade Season includes: >Sunday, March 1st, 5th Sponsorship Party, 3-5pm @ Cutter’s, 706 Franklin Ave. hosted by GEP Board's Steve Patrick & Darwin Reed; Friday, March 6th, 7th Eggstravaganza, 8-10pm, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart hosted by GEP Board's Opal Masters & Darwin Reed; Saturday, March 14th, 14th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza, 810pm, Oz, 800 Bourbon St. hosted by GEP Board's Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain; Saturday, March 21st, 13th Spring Fever Extravaganza, 8-10pm, The Four Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, Metairie, hosted by GEP Board's Electra City & Tittie Toulouse; Saturday, March 28th, 16th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception, 8-11pm, Double Play, 439 Dauphine St. hosted by GEP Board of Directors; Friday, April 3rd, 6th Bunnies in The Big Easy, 7-10pm, TBA hosted by GEP Board's Tony Leggio & Rona Conners;
Easter Sunday, April 5th, 3pm, Pre-Gay Easter Parade Party & Parade Check-in Registration (with Parade Line-Up Chair Steve Patrick), GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart; 4:30pm, 16th Gay Easter Parade rolls through the streets of the French Quarter; 6pm, Post-Gay Easter Parade Party, GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart. EGM XVI Misti Ates, aka Johnny Passion, has been involved with the New Orleans LGBT community for the past seven years. Starting her own variety show in 2009, she began to raise funds for various charities. Then in 2011, through her drag king persona, Johnny Passion, she founded the LaFamilia Variety Drag Show, a monthly show which showcases local talents on stage in different venues. In 2011, Misti was named New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal. She was honored in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as Ambush Magazine's Gay Appreciation Award’s Lesbian of the Year. Also in 2014, she was named as a Lieutenant for Southern Decadence. She is also a member of the Krewe of Amon-Ra. Misti has been involved with the Gay Easter Parade since 2011, supporting and performing in many of the fundraisers each year. Misti is married to Catherine Gaither, her wife of almost six years. Not only do they keep a very busy schedule with fundraisers and events for the community, they also have a blended family of four. Ethan 23, Racquel 22, Salvatore 13, and Mason 9, and two grandbabies, Isaac 2 and Leo 10 months. Together, Misti and Catherine began Johnny Passion’s Winter Wonderland in 2011 and through that event alone have donated over $10,000 to charities, including the NO/AIDS Task Force, Food for Friends. Leonard Williams' persona Deja Deja-Vue' was born in September 2005 when asked by his leather son Mr. OML 2002 Jason Pelky to do a fundraiser for him; a promise made to him a few years before. Whoa, let's back this up a little bit. Picture this, Tulsa Oklahoma 1995; two people arrive from Seattle, Washington to start a new chapter in their lives. After building a home and getting acquainted with the LGBT community, Leonard aka Deja joins Tulsa Uniform Leather Seekers Association
Easter Grand Marshals XVI Misti Ates, aka Johnny Passion & Deja Deja-Vue' (T.U.L.S.A). Pledging to the organiza- doing my fundraising. At the same time tion was the true beginning. a new rodeo group wanted to form in According to Leonard, "We; pledg- the city I was living in, Sooner State ers where put in charge of putting Rodeo Association. I was glad to be together a fundraiser to help produce there and was proud to be the trustee, our contest for that year Mr. OML with the approval of OGRA to release (Oklahoma Mr. Leather). So someone some of their territory so the LGBT came up with the idea of putting to- community could grow. I held two gether a show called The Great Leather memberships after that one with one of Camp Out. When I was asked what I the oldest gay rodeo associations was going to do I said that it would be OGRA and one with the newest SSRA. drag if no one would know until that Helped support and produce the 2003 night, it was agreed upon. After doing IGRA Finals in Tulsa since OGRA the show as Loretta Thunderpussy I hosted that year. The following I won guess you could say a drag queen was the title of Miss SSRA 2004, still travelborn. By the way, the show was a great ing and enjoying the fundraising. In success and the people that became 2005 I was asked to be the first rodeo known as my drag mothers were in the director for SSRA as was proud to audience Kris Kohl and Porsche Lynn; accept. It was a great success with the well known performers in the Tulsa support of the LGBT community and I area. learned so much and I wore myself out, Serving as a member in T.U.L.S.A. but it was worth it. One final tribute, and for several years, two as Vice Presi- the death of Reba Lynn Kohl, was my dent, helped me understand that to be funeral; lots of fun. a part of our LGBT family helped esIn 2008 Deja move to New Orleans tablished the base of me becoming to help reopen one of the city’s departinvolved in fundraising. In 1998 my drag ment stores and then was introduced mothers finely talked me into entering a to the world of Mardi Gras and gay pageant and after putting them off for a krewes, another avenue for fundraising. couple years I decided to do a little bar I joined the Krewe of Amon-Ra in 2010; pageant but they told me I had to was the last Amon-Ra Miss America change my name. Loretta Thunderpussy 2010, Prom Queen 2011 and Queen would not work; so here a new persona Amon-Ra 48 doing what I love, was born, Reba Lynn Kohl. Pageant fundraising. I was introduced to the Gay Easter wise I was first alternate and was sent to the state pageant, and decided that Parade in 2011 making a small donawasn’t for me, I would rather stick to tion and riding in the parade in the Kajun's Pub's carriage, and each year fundraising; so that's what I did. In 2002 a former OML approached it has gotten bigger. And this year I am me to visit Oklahoma City and attend the luckiest girl in the world to have the an OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo As- honor to be chosen as a grand marshal. sociation) meeting. After attending they To the love of my life Jim, thank you for asked me to join not knowing what lay letting me experience my life to the ahead, I did. Next thing I know I am fullest. To all those who I had the sitting on the board as secretary. The pleasure of meeting, thank you for following year I won the title of Miss what you taught me, and to my new OGRA 2003 and went on to compete home town and the dear friends I have for Miss IGRA (International Gay Ro- met here, I am so glad you came into deo Association). It was a fantastic my life and wishing you many blessings year. I did not win but I got to do what this Easter." I love, and that is fundraising. You see An interesting tidbit here: Misti Ates that is what IGRA is; it was based on the Royal Court System. At the same was the first person Deja Deja-Vue' time I was elected as OGRA trustee met when first arriving in New Orleans. and learned quite a bit about the history Misti was the bartender in the hotel bar of the Gay Rodeo System all the while where Deja was staying.
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Cutter’s, Bourbon Pub, COK, NOAGE Fundraiser, Kajun’s Pub ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
paparazzi
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Rue du Royale Revelers’ Potentate (aka Grand Putata) Frank Perez’s Krewe du Vieux Party ~ Royal Street, New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
“Amon-Ra: 50 Years of Balls” In 1965, a handful of former Petronius members formed the Krewe of AmonRa. 50 years later Amon-Ra is still going strong. The continued success and longevity of the krewe is a testament to not only the commitment and dedication of its members but also to the enduring spirit of Gay New Orleans Carnival—a truly unique phenomenon that showcases the incredible creativity and showmanship of gay New Orleans and which has its roots in a very dark and homophobic time. Yuga was the first gay krewe, formed in 1958, and followed by Petronius in 1962. At that time, public expressions of homosexuality were unthinkable. Cross-dressing and samesex dancing were enough to get someone arrested. In those years, long before Southern Decadence, Mardi Gras was the premiere Gay event of the year because on that one day out of the year, it was legal to costume in drag. It was perhaps inevitable that gay men, many of whom were part of the older, main-line krewes, would form their own krewes. Such an endeavor afforded these men a chance at camaraderie and fellowship that daily life in the closet denied them. Yuga was originally formed to mock the seriousness of the traditional krewe’s balls and was originally held in members’ homes. When more and more people started attending, the balls evolved into something more formal and eventually reached an artistic apex of creative expression and in the process significantly contributed to the already incredibly rich Carnival tradition in New Orleans. Amon-Ra, named after the ancient Egyptian sun god, played a great role in that contribution. In the early years of Petronius, the Petronius Ball only featured eight costumes worn by members selected by the captain—and the captain only selected Board Members. This practice did not sit well with some of the krewe members who wanted to participate in the ball but were not on the board. Consequently, five members of Petronius (Roeling Mace, Scott Hoye, Vic Scalise, Vincent Indovina, and Sidney Barrios) resigned from Petronius in protest and formed Amon-Ra in 1965. For a number of years, the Amon-Ra Bylaws specifically stated that no Board member could be a member of the Royal Court. Over its five decades, Amon-Ra is the only krewe to have staged 50 consecutive balls and some have been truly legendary. 1971’s Louisiana on Parade Ball featured costumes representing the plethora of festivals held throughout Louisiana. This ball was significant in that the Queen’s costume was the first, of any gay krewe, to be
lighted (Mike Moreau was Captain, Corky Irwin was Queen, and Pat O'Rourke served as King). In 1975, for the krewe’s tenth anniversary, the ball theme was Enchantment (Carter Church was Captain, Mike Moreau was Queen, and Carl Rickets served as King). The Enchantment poster, described by gay carnival historian Howard Philips Smith as a “masterpiece of art nouveau brilliance,” was designed by Jim Schexnayder. Another memorable ball was 1982’s Cocktails for Two—a stunning tableau produced by Mike Moreau that featured costumes in the form of famous cocktails. (Mike Moreau was Captain, Bob Breaux was Queen and Glen Guidroz was King.) Mike Moreau notes the Cocktails for Two ball was especially memorable because of the Queen’s costume and entrance. As the curtain opened, Queen Bob Breaux was lowered by a lift and descended upon the stage in ten feet wide dress as the Black Russian. According to Moreau, “the crowd went wild.” For the krewe’s 20th anniversary in 1985, Captain Jerry Gilley produced one of the most unique balls in the history of not only Amon-Ra, but also gay carnival. The theme was A Picnic Fantasy (El Day was King; Buddy Rasmussen was Queen) and the tableau consisted of a girl and a boy taking a nap and dreaming they were at a picnic. All of the costumes were picnic themed and featured not only food items (such as Strawberry Shortcake) but also insects, one of which was an elaborate caterpillar costume consisting of ten men, each of whom broke off into separate butterflies. Not only was the theme of A Picnic Fantasy unique, the costumes used represented a departure from traditional designs. Instead of using wires and stretched fabric adorned with rhinestones and sequins, Gilley used foam rubber with paint applied directly to the rubber. According to Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles and Curator of Carnival Collections at the Louisiana State Museum, “The costumes were not as glamorous, but definitely creative.” For its 50th Ball, Amon-Ra chose as its theme Weighing of the Heart: Final
Judgment. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Weighing of the Heart was a ceremony that determined whether a person would be admitted to the afterlife. The person’s heart, which the Egyptians viewed as the seat of intellect and emotion, was placed on a scale opposite a feather, which represented Ma’at, the goddess of truth. This ritual was presided over by Anubis, protector and guardian of the dead and a god of the underworld. If the heart was heavy with misdeeds and tipped the scales, the person was not admitted to the afterworld. (John Zeringue was Captain) Weighing of the Heart was an appropriate theme for the ball considering that longtime partners Mike Moreau and Darwin Reed were crowned Queen and King of the ball. Moreau is the only charter member left of the krewe and Reed has been in the krewe for forty years. Together, Moreau and Reed have been the heart of Amon-Ra. History has weighed that heart and it has passed with flying colors. And a lot of feathers.
66 Years: A Timeline of Gay Carnival 1949, Steamboat Club’s Lundi Gras Luncheon debuts at Brennan’s Restaurant 1958, Krewe of Yuga, New Orleans’ first gay Carnival Krewe is founded 1962, Krewe of Petronius is founded 1962, Yuga ball is raided 1963, Arthur Jacobs presents the first Bourbon Street Awards at the corner of Bourbon and Dumaine Streets 1965, Krewe of Amon-Ra is founded 1968, Krewe of Armeinius is founded 1969, Amon-Ra presents 1st Miss America Pageant 1970, Mystick Krewe of Apollo debuts at Monteleone; 1st gay ball presented in a hotel 1971, Krewe of Olympus debuts; 1st gay ball presented at the St. Bernard Civic Auditorium 1972, Mystick Krewe of Apollo is the 1st gay ball to be held at the Municipal Auditorium 1976, Mystick Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette is founded 1977, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/Birmingham debuts 1977, Mystick Krewe of Celestial Knights (KOCK) is founded 1977, Academy of the Golden Goddess, Inc. (AGGI)/New Orleans debuts presenting annual awards show celebrating gay Carnival clubs 1978, Mystick Krewe of Apollo (Shreveport) is founded 1979, Police strike cancels parades
in New Orleans; patrons of Charlene’s & the Golden Lantern take to the streets as the Krewe of Cancellation 1980, Police cancel Krewe of Cancellation parade because they have no parade permit 1981, Mystick Krewe of Apollo (Baton Rouge) is founded 1981, Krewe of Ishtar, the 1st lesbian krewe, is founded 1982-3, Edd Smith hosts Bourbon & St. Ann St. Awards; no Bourbon Street Awards held 1983, Krewe of Polyphemus is founded 1984, Mystick Krewe of Lords of Leather, the 1st leather krewe, is founded 1984, 11 gay Carnival krewes present balls, a record in New Orleans 1984, No Edd Smith or Bourbon Street Awards 1986, Bourbon Street Awards resumes & moves to St. Ann & Burgundy 1987, Krewe of Queenateenas debuts, presenting 1st Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss 1991, AGGIs ends 1992, Petronius, Amon-Ra, Armeinius & Lords of Leather present only gay balls in New Orleans 1993, Krewe of Barkus is founded 1994, Krewe of Queenateenas crowns 1st King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras 1999, 1st new gay Carnival Club since 1984, Krewe of Mwindo, is founded 1999, Lundi Gras Luncheon celebrates 50th anniversary 2000, Le Vendredi de Nuit Mardi Gras Avant (Friday Night Before Mardi Gras) debuts benefiting AIDS service organizations 2001, People of Substance’s Krewe of Anubis is founded 2002, Bourbon Street Awards moves to St. Ann at Bourbon St. 2002, Petronius celebrates 40th anniversary 2003, Krewe of Satyricon is founded 2003, Krewe of Queenateenas celebrates 10th King Cake Queen Coronation 2004, 40th Bourbon Street Awards presented 2005, Amon-Ra celebrates 40th anniversary 2006, Petronius celebrates 45th anniversary 2007, Queenateenas celebrate 20th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss 2008, Armeinius celebrates 40th anniversary 2008, Lords of Leather celebrates 25th anniversary 2008, Queenateenas celebrates 15th King Cake Queen Coronation 2009, Bourbon Street Awards returns to Bourbon Street in 800 block 2010, Amon-Ra celebrates 45th anniversary 2012, Petronius celebrates 50th anniversary 2013, Queenateenas celebrates 20th King Cake Queen Coronation 2014, 50th Bourbon Street Awards 2015, Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers is founded; names first 12th Night Grand Reveler 2015, Krewe of Narcissus debuts
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great online resource guide.
matters of health by Jack Carrel, MPH, Email: Mattersofhealth15@gmail.com Welcome to the second installment of Matters of Health. In this installment, I want to share with you some online resources for LGBTQ health issues. I’ll break them down by groups and there are a few that are general LGBTQ health sites. This is not a comprehensive list and if you know of any other resources, please email and let me know about them and I will share them in future columns.
General LGBTQ sites http://www.glma.org/ The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association is a good general site with lots of links to specific issues. Much of the information is geared towards providers, but there are some good publications and links to other resources. http://sageusa.org/resources/ publications.cfm SAGE or Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders’ site has lots of great reading and resources about health and wellness issues for LGBTQ seniors. http://thefenwayinstitute.org/ The Fenway Institute, an arm of Fenway Health in Massachusetts, is an extensive resource on LGBTQ health both for providers and the community. There is even an online Ask the Docs service to provide an opportunity to ask about specific health concerns. The Institute conducts research on LGBTQ health issues and information about enrolling in their studies is available on the site.
http://guides.lib.umich.edu/ content.php?pid=183557&sid=1543132 The University of Michigan has a searchable online library with LGBTQ resources with sections on lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, youth, and health professionals. http://guides.ucsf.edu/lgbt_health The University of California San Francisco has a site dedicated to LGBTQ health issues/resources that includes books, reports, organizations, videos and pages on specific health issues such as alcohol & drugs, cancer, sexual health, violence, and mental health.
Lesbians http://www.glma.org/ The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association features a special section dedicated to the Lesbian Health Fund, which supports research among lesbians and is a good general site with lots of links to specific issues. http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/ lesbianhealth/ This site has over 30 articles related to lesbian health, ranging from Lesbian New Year’s Resolutions to Lesbian Health Question: Do I Need a Pap Test? h t t p : / / w w w. l e s b i a n . c o m / r e sources/#Health Lesbian.com has a whole host of resources for lesbians from legal issues, health, to family and business.
http://thehealthinitiative.org/ Although most resources on the Health Initiative website are geared towards people living in Georgia, there are some general resources including an online program for those wanting to quit smoking.
http://www.whitman-walker.org/ mautnerproject The Mautner Project of the Whitman-Walker Clinic has online resources including a weight loss/risk reduction program. There are online support groups for Lesbians such as Lesbian, Bi & Trans Survivors, a member-driven email support group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women surviving serious illnesses; Lesbian, Bi & Trans Caregivers , a member-driven email support group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women caring for loved ones with serious diseases or disabilities; Lesbian, Bi & Trans Bereavement , a member-driven email support group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women grieving the loss of a loved one; and a phone support program for lesbians dealing with cancer.
http://www.glhv.org.au/library Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria has a very good searchable online library that includes articles, reports and videos.
http://womenshealth.ucla.edu/ workfiles/2014%20Files/ LBWHC_ResourceGuide_WebResources.pdf The Los Angeles County Lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Collaborative has a
http://www.ama-assn.org/ The American Medical Association has a LGBT resource page with some interesting articles and links. Most are geared toward providers but worth a look. http://www.healthhiv.org/modules/ info/lgbt_health_resources.html The National Coalition for LGBT Health site has some great information about policy issues facing our community.
http://guides.ucsf.edu/ c.php?g=100981&p=655233 The University of California San Francisco has a page dedicated to lesbian health issues/resources including books, reports, organizations, and a great video on lesbian health matters.
Gay Men http://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/ The Centers for Disease control has a page dedicated to gay and bisexual men’s health. The focus is mainly on HIV and STD’s with some coverage of other health issues. There is also a links page that has information about LGBTQ clinics around the country and a referral site for “friendly” psychiatrists but Louisiana only had one. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ lgbthealth/msm.htm The Wisconsin Department of Health has some issue specific resources for gay men. http://checkhimout.ca/ HIM or the Health Initiative for Men has a variety of articles and videos about all aspects of gay men’s health including physical, sexual, social and mental.
Bisexual h t t p : / / w w w. b i r e s o u r c e . n e t / bihealthmonthlinks.shtml The Bisexual Resource Center has some great resources and even a lineup of activities and information for Bisexual Awareness Month http://guides.ucsf.edu/ c.php?g=100981&p=655235 The University of California San Francisco has a page dedicated to bisexual health issues/resources including books, reports, organizations and a video on what bisexuality IS NOT.
Transgender http://www.glma.org/ The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association site has referrals for behavioral health providers who treat transgender persons, surgeons who perform reassignment surgery and surgeons who perform facial and other cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, no providers in Louisiana are listed. http://www.aafp.org/about/constituencies/resources/glbt/ transgender.html The American Academy of Family Physicians has a great list of resources, again mainly for providers, but definitely of interest to the transgender community about transgender health. http://guides.ucsf.edu/ c.php?g=100981&p=655236
The University of California San Francisco has a page dedicated to transgender health issues/resources including books, reports, organizations and a video on transgender health access. There is also a resource page on intersex issues. http://transequality.org/Issues/ health.html The National Center for Transgender Equality has links to reports and resources including a link to a book “Medical Therapy and Health Maintenance for Transgender Men: A Guide For Health Care Providers” by two former New Orleans folks, Dr. Nick Gorton and Dr. Jamie Buth. http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/finding-insurance-for-transgenderrelated-healthcare The Human Rights Campaign has a resource about finding insurance for transgender related healthcare with reviews by health insurance company.
the "official" dish ...from 4 masque-xxxii-tickets-15143668119.
Night of the Black Mask Join the Lords of Leather as they celebrate another masked and mysterious Mardi Gras season on Friday night, February 13 at the Phoenix Bar on Elysian Fields Ave. The night starts at 9pm with a $5 beer bust with snacks and jello shots on the patio until midnight. And, from 4pm until 2am that night only, one-half of mask sales in COK, the clothing and fetish wear store in the Phoenix, will be donated to the Lords of Leather. So see how “lucky” you can be on “Friday the 13th “ and join the party. Masks, fetish wear and costumes are encouraged.
Carnival, Fetish Masks Available @ COK COK, inside the Phoenix at 941 Elysian Fields, has a large selection of carnival and fetish mask on sale through Mardi Gras weekend. The store also features large selection of fetish ware and novelties, Andrew Christian, trophy boy, tweak dance ware, dvds and
other indulgent items. Don’t forget to have a cocktail in the Phoenix with the colorful cast of local characters on your shopping endeavor.
Next DEADLINE Wed., Feb. 18
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month Mardi Gras is a special time of the year where chaos and revelry reign supreme in the streets of New Orleans. Bartenders are at their busiest and it takes a professional to maneuver their way through this hectic period. My bartender for the month of February is a perfect choice. Peter at the Phoenix is what I would describe as the bad boy next door. He’s good looking and sweet, but with just the right hint of dangerous sex appeal to make him attractive to his patron. I went into the Phoenix one Sunday afternoon and found him making martinis which I found shocking in this location. But he created me one helluva of a dirty martini with extra olives and onions, which he explained was his specialty. He just rarely gets the opportunity to make them. Peter moved to the city from Chicago in 2011 and works at Tulane University in addition to bartending.
Bartender of the Month Peter @ The Phoenix He has been at the Phoenix for about one year, normally during the day on Sundays and special events. But his talents are not just behind the bar, he is also an accomplished musician playing jazz, classical and New Orleans traditional standards. Adding to this a theatrical background (which helps as a bartender), Peter can work a crowded bar. He connects with everyone who enters warmly greeting them and quickly getting the libation of their choice in front of them. The Phoenix has always been a little on the naughty side and Peter brings that allure as he tends bar. He has piercing bedroom eyes and a wicked smile matched with his easy going de-
meanor make him a customer favorite. He also works mostly with his shirt off and he has some awesome tattoos. So next time you would like to take a walk on the wild side, stop by the Phoenix on Sunday and try one of his fabulous Bloody Marys. The Phoenix is located at 941 Elysian Fields.
Hot Happenings Throw Me Something Mister! Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable Carnival. Enjoy the greatest free show on Earth, see you on the parade route. Friday, February 13 Reminder one of the most sparkling events of the Carnival season is right around the corner. The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras presents their New Orleans Ball - “PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ.” This prestigious event celebrates the best New Orleans traditions with costumes, cocktails and revelry. The Ball supports NO/AIDS Task Force and other LGBTQ organizations that do important work in our community. Either costumes or formal is the dress. PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ will feature music by DJ Mark Louque, costume contest, plenty of cocktails and hors d-oeuvres, lots of dancing with the Glitz Guys and Gals (scantily clad people yeah!) and an auction of incredible items you can bid on. The event is form 9pm to midnight at the Cannery located at 3803 Toulouse Street. For more information or tickets, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. Friday, February 13 Keep your pants on, well maybe. This is definitely a must see during Mardi Gras. Join Mr. Rawhide and the NOLA PaH at Mag’s 940 as they host an event to benefit New Orleans Pride with a Pantless Pride Party. There is a $5 entry fee and a pants check at the door (underwear required please! – they actually have this declaimer on the invite). Personally I think it is worth $5 for the show. There will also be a live underwear auction, so you can show off your best ASSets (also on the invite). In addition to a two round Underwear Auction, there will also be a Jockstrap Auction where the winners get to personally come on stage and take their prizes off the models. The party starts at 8pm. Friday, February 13 Friday is a very busy night. The Four Seasons is proud to announce for
one night only ONGINA, from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Season One. What an amazing way to kick off Mardi Gras weekend. The event will be hosted by New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal, Persana Shoulders from Oz. Music will be by DJ Dominick Kolb. Admission is $10 per person or Ongina will also be doing a meet and greet from 9 – 10pm for only $15. Do not miss this incredible talent. The Four Seasons is located at 3229 North Causeway in Metairie. Saturday, February 14 Grab your best squeeze and join the Krewe of Armeinius as they present “If You Build It They Will Come,” their 47th Annual Bal Masque at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center (8245 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette). Doors open at 7pm and the tableau starts promptly at 8pm. Formal attire is strictly enforced. For more information, go to www.armeinius.org. Sunday, February 15 Let Them Entertain You! Join the Lords of Leather as they celebrate 32 years of “Leather, Love and Laughter” at Bal Masque XXXII entitled “THAT’S Entertainment!” New Orleans home “girl” and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio will once again co-host the evening along with Mobile, Alabama TV personality Darwin Singleton. Doors open at 7pm and the ball starts at 8pm. The krewe also made a move this year by having their event at the Alario Center located at 2000 Segnette Boulevard in Westwego. For tickets or more information, go to www.lordsofleather.org. Saturday, February 21 It is never too early to start thinking about another huge gay holiday in New Orleans, Southern Decadence. Come out for the Purge Sale, touted as not your average yard sale. A group of fabulous individuals who shop, decorate, dumpster dive, roam flea markets and garage sales aimlessly are de – cluttering. I love these kinds of sales. The bargains will be found from 8am to 5pm at 1239 Royal Street in front of the official home of Southern Decadence, the Golden Lantern. The proceeds from this sale will benefit Southern Decadence 2015 giving them a little jump start. There will be vintage finds (rustic farmhouse to modern chic), household, arts, rugs, lamps, costumes, furniture, ex-lovers belongings, home accessories, bric a brac, some toys (wink), books, games, and much more. Donations are welcome. Your tax deductible yard sale donations of all kinds will kindly be accepted Saturday, February 21st from 8am-noon at 1239 Royal Street. Just drive by, and they’ll unload you. You don’t even have to get out of your car!! For additional information or to volunteer, contact Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Chad Boutte at 504.239.9746.
Saturday, February 28 New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders is hosting a Coffee Talk from 10 – 11:30am at Fatoush in the new Orleans Healing Center. The discussion will focus on The Elder Act. Find out more about how this affects you by joining NOAGE. For more information, go to www.noagenola.org. The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue.
Party Down Mardi Gras has gotten off to a great start and already I have been to three gay balls (Queenateenas, AmonRa and Satyricon) and a plethora of parties and events. There is a lot to cover so let’s get started. Just because it is Mardi Gras, we have many other cultural things happening that do not even pertain to this holiday. One is our ever growing theatre scene. Over the two weeks, I was able to catch two shows one on Thursday called Your Lithopedion at the Shadowbox Theatre now renamed The Old Marquer Theatre and the following week on Thursday also, Jesus Christ Superstar at Le Petit Theatre. Both were completely opposite shows, the former being a comedy about a woman married to a serial killer and the latter being Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s incredible rock opera. I have to say that Le Petit blew me out of the water with this show. The actors playing Jesus, Judas and Mary were some of the most mesmerizing and talented singers on stage in this city. They nailed their roles giving a powerful and stunning show. On Friday, I attended the NOAGE fundraiser at the Healing Center (read more about this wonderful organization below). They had a great crowd of supporters for this worthwhile new group. Guests enjoyed food by Fatoush while sipping wine and listening to some great jazz music. Afterwards, I went with my friend Laura Tennyson to see Anais St. John perform at Richard Fiskes, the newest martini restaurant/ bar in the city. Located at 301 Dauphine St. inside the Chateau LeMoyne Hotel, this great new restaurant boasts delicious cuisine, the best in live music and astounding martinis. For nearly two decades Richard Fiske was worldrenowned as the quintessential New Orleans restauranteur as owner of the Bombay Club. In 2014, Richard Fiske’s was opened in his honor. And Anais was just simply divine; she is such an excellent performer. Next up after we got our music fill, we stopped into the Corner Pocket for New Meat night. Friday nights at this club is always a party. You never know what or who to expect and that is what adds to its charm. It was quite the long night for me, but definitely adventurous. On Saturday, it was all about celebrating Amon-Ra’s 50 years. Before [continued on 28]
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Kathy Griffin at IP Casino Resort Spa’s Studio A in Biloxi ”It’s gonna be a rough two hours for straight guys who were dragged here by your wives,” Kathy Griffin said to the sold-out audience at IP Casino Resort Spa not long after she bounded on stage. ”So it’s only fair,” she continued addressing the ladies, “that you blow him after the show.” After the cheers and applause settled down, she topped herself with “Now the straight guys like me.” If anyone got their dates mixed up and thought they were coming to see Paul Anka, who’ll be at Studio A later this month, they were in for a rude awakening. I last saw Griffin in 2007 at Gay Days in Orlando. She was funny then, very, but her shtick was mostly putdowns of and riffs on celebrities she encountered, largely B-listers and typical tabloid fodder. All that’s still there, outrageously so, but her humor has broadened to include her 94-year-old mother who may be in a nursing home but, with her
under the gaydar ...from 26 heading to the Sigur Center, I stopped by Elizabeth Bouvier’s Chalmansion which is conveniently located across the street for a few pre-ball cocktails. The venue was packed as friends and supporters of the krewe gathered to toast this milestone year. I have been to many Amon-Ra Balls and this one exceeded everything I had ever seen before. Kudos should go to the entire krewe for showing what a beautiful art form Gay Mardi Gras truly is. And to Queen Opal Masters and King Darwin Reed, your green feathered masterpieces made the entire audience green with envy. The next day I was up and early at the King Cake Festival. My company helped with the logistics, so I was working hard making this event spectacular. In its sophomore year, this festival managed to attract over 12 thousand attendees who sampled king cakes from all over the city as well as a large variety of other king caked themed items such as cocktails, doughnuts, cupcakes and my favorite the King Cake Hamburger from the Food Drunk truck. There was great live music like The Bucktown Allstars and Cowboy Mouth as well as retail vendors, a kid’s area and mouth-watering sweets. If you have not been before, put it on your must attend list for next year. The following week started with some industry hospitality events on
new friends, acts like an older version of a high school bad girl (think Heathers). Like other great comedians, words amuse Griffin whether it’s her mother who still uses words from the turn of the century (“icebox”) or how in Hollywood people don’t go to plastic surgeons, they go to “dentists” for “fillers”. Or having played a gig in Baraboo, WisWednesday which weirdly both happened to be at the same location Barcadia in the Warehouse District. The International Society of Event Specialist (ISES) had their monthly networking meeting their and right afterward in another one of their private event spaces Tales of the Cocktail threw a little get together for some of their staff both past and present. In case you are not familiar with Barcadia, it is a sports bar-esque watering hole with great video games and an incredible amount of beers on tap. It is a great place for food, to hang out with friends or host a private event in one of their three main rooms. The weekend began with the Satyricon Ball on Friday, also at the Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Their theme was Satyricon Makes Scents, a ball focused on fragrances. Todd Shaeffer’s Axe number and Ted Jeansonne’s Polo were among my favorites. And Queen Becky Allen never looked so radiant alongside King Marshall Harris. We followed the ball with another post-party gathering at the Chalmansion. I think Bouvier hit on something when she purchased this Suburbia Tara. The first parade Krewe du Vieux (followed by Krewe DeLusion) rolled on Saturday which meant the first parade parties and there were plenty along the route. I attended Laura Tennyson’s soiree on Mandeville Street in the Marigny beforehand. She and her husband Gary had some of the best tacos I had ever tasted as well as an array of craft cocktails for guests to try. Then we were off to the parade which was wonderfully done this year. My favorite group/float was 50 States of Gay, gotta love it. Then we were back to Laura’s for the after dance party. We were even dressed in Prince themed attire to commemorate the occasion. Catching this parade with some of my
consin, “What were they thinking when they named the casino the Ho-Chunk? It describes everyone there!” And she gave us the inside scoop, having performed the previous night at a corporate event in New Orleans, of what it was like to face a crowd that was 90% male and 50% Asian, most of whom had no idea who she was talking about. The only enthusiastic response she got was when she cried out “So who you think is gonna win the Super Bowl?” After that, it was a relief for her to be in Biloxi. In her 90+ minutes on stage, using no cue cards, Griffin may appear to ramble but I suspect her routine is tightly structured. As one tangent led to another, she remarked, “We’ll circle back to the story. Underneath this big hair, there’s something working.” Indeed there was. So not only did we hear of her affection for and working relationship with Anderson Cooper (“He doesn’t
know the difference between a football and a testicle. One he likes, one he doesn’t care about.”), but about the “amount of thought I put into how to f*ck with him once a year” when they do their New Year’s Eve CNN broadcast. This year, after a fortuitous discovery, she managed to dye his hair red and blue to go with his snow white locks so that he appeared to be a drunken American at some Olympic event. Proud of his impeccable looks, he couldn’t get rid of the stuff till the broadcast was over unless he wanted to be called “unpatriotic.” (You can see all this on YouTube.) Griffin beamed at the recollection. She also exulted in all the material being in a Red state gave her. “I love America,” she cried out, wickedly adding, “It’s Mississippi—I have to say that every 15 minutes.” In fact, the only time she bothered
best friends made the night even more memorable. This is a local’s parade filled with joy and exuberance that is fun, satiric and completely politically incorrect. After, I went home and called it a night shortly. Was everyone ready for some football? On Sunday before the big game, I went to a small Parisian style flea market at Fraques, a very chic urban outfitter located at 821 Baronne Street in the Warehouse District. There was king cakes and wine for guests as they sipped and shopped. I found some great deals; you need to check out this store. Then I met a friend for a quick cocktail at the Phoenix near my house before having people over for the game. If you have never been to the Phoenix in the afternoon, it is a whole different vibe transforming into an edgy neighborhood bar. They even had martinis, nice. Then I ran home, whipped up a great dinner and had friends over for a gourmet three course meal on TV tables so we did not miss any of the game (actually commercials). Now that is how to see a game. And didn’t Katy Perry nail her half-time performance. God, I want to make an entrance on a gold tiger and fly above the audience on a rainbow. As my two weeks end and Mardi Gras creeps up on us, I wish everyone a safe and festive Carnival whether you spend it on Bourbon Street, St. Charles Avenue, the Fairgrounds or on your couch. Make it a wonderful day.
for GLBT Elders and has formed an impressive board of directors and committee to tackle issues facing the elderly. The organization was created from a steering committee of concerned residents and older adult service providers to address the challenges facing LGBT older adults in the New Orleans area. LGBT older adults often face discrimination when seeking medical treatment, have a higher rate of poverty, are sometimes isolated after the loss of a significant other, and often feel the need to go back into the closet when living in a long term care facility. Modeled after SAGE New York, NOAGE partners with existing organizations that currently provide support and services and helps tailor existing programs to meet the needs of LGBT older adults. NOAGE also works to increase the cultural competency of providers through trainings and workshops facilitated by NOAGE volunteers. As advocates on behalf of the LGBT older adult community, NOAGE is committed to ensuring that all LGBT older adults can live their best lives with the dignity and respect that they deserve. In a youth driven society, the elderly in general tends to be forgotten by many. Those in the LGBT community face a unique set of challenges, such as a lack of retirement facilities that are gay friendly or having no biological family to help out with informal caregiving, either through estrangement or being childless.
In Other Gay News
There are some private retirement facilities targeted at the gay community but such residences are very expensive. So I am excited about this NOAGE, I for one will not only volunteer my time but be an avid supporter. It is our community; we need to take care of everyone in it. For more information, go to www.noagenola.org.
There is an incredible new organization formed in the Crescent City for our gay seniors. NOAGE (noted in my article above) had its launch party in January and is poised to make much needed strides dealing with issues facing us as we grown older. NOAGE stands for the New Orleans Advocates
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trodding the boards ...from 28 with notes was to recall all the “crazy” things she saw as she drove east from New Orleans and what came up when she googled “Biloxi”. Like “Mayor A.J. Holloway Checks Himself into Rehab.” Which prompted her to comment, “Rehab at 75? Just give him a drink.” I love a gal who does her homework. Griffin only got serious when she offered a touching tribute to her friend and mentor Joan Rivers whom I had seen on the same stage eight months earlier. Claiming that she’s “a nun compared to Joan,” Griffin feels that “when doing comedy, you should get the Joan Rivers pass” to say whatever you want. I suspect one day Griffin will do as Joan did (walk down the red carpet wearing fur and screaming “I’m old, it’s real, f*ck
you!”), but she doesn’t appear ready to go that far...yet. There may have been some predictable stuff about Cher and Renée Zellweger and Taylor Swift, but it was
always funny. I especially liked her comment about Ms. Spears, “Britney’s eyes are like Michele Bachmann pinwheels.” Still, to fully enjoy Griffin you need to be up to date on pop culture. Was I the only one who didn’t know who the Duggars are? But occasionally Griffin lades her observations with true insight as when she remarked “Keeping Up with the Kardashians started out as a show about a bunch of chicks shopping. Now that it’s about Bruce becoming a chick, it’s actually news.” Griffin is no Joan Rivers (who could be?). Rivers’ 60 minute routine actually felt comedically denser than Griffin’s 90. And unlike the very physical Rivers who at age 80 still climbed atop a piano, marched across the stage, and then lay down on it, this new Fashion Police host planted herself in front of the microphone and stayed there the entire time. But Griffin is more of a storyteller who draws you in and takes you on mini-adventures that have wondrous
paths that loop around scenic vistas before returning to the main road. In an extended tale involving Tom Hanks, an Eagles concert, and a blissed out Harry Styles (from One Direction), she proved to be not only a fine mimic but a wise comic guide for whom the humorous journey was just as important as the wise pay-off one-liner at the final destination. Here’s to the Everywoman from Illinois who’s on the A-list now. Other shows coming up at the IP Casino Resort Spa include KC and The Sunshine Band (Feb. 21), Paul Anka (Feb. 28), Willie Nelson and Family (Mar. 6-7), The Temptations and The Four Tops (Mar. 13), and the great Loretta Lynn (Mar. 20). Having sat in the orchestra and the balcony, in the front and the back, in the center and on the side, I can guarantee you there’s not a bad seat in the house!
Coming Soon If you’re more the opera-type than the four-letter-word-comedienne-type, plan to head to the AMC Elmwood Palace 20 or one of the other local cinemas showing The Met: Live In HD this season for any or all of the three remaining broadcasts. First up is the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere of Tchaikovsky’s oneact Iolanta with Anna Netrebko as a beautiful blind girl who experiences love for the first time. Iolanta is paired with Bartók’s erotic psychological thriller Bluebeard’s Castle. The live broadcast is on Saturday,
Feb. 14, and while this may be an interesting way to spend Valentine’s Day, if you want to avoid parade traffic, you can catch the rebroadcast on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18. Sounds like it could be just the thing for a Mardi Gras hangover. Next up is Rossini’s La Donna del Lago with bel canto superstars Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Flórez. Set in the medieval Scottish highlands and based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, DiDonato, one of the nicest divas around, is the “lady of the lake” of the title, and Flórez, one of the cutest, is the king who relentlessly pursues her. You can attend La Donna’s live broadcast Saturday afternoon, Mar. 14, or the encore on Wednesday, Mar. 18. Last will be opera’s most enduring tragic double bill Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci on Saturday, Apr. 25, and Wednesday, Apr. 29. Tenor Marcelo Álvarez will lead the cast in both productions while Eva-Maria Westbroek and Patricia Racette will sing the respective doomed heroines in the same Sicilian village but set in two different time periods. Closer to the Quarter, literally and figuratively, will be Shel Silverstein’s The Devil and Billy Markham at The Old Marquer Theatre (formerly The Shadowbox) for two performances only on Friday and Saturday, February 20-21. First appearing as a six-part epic poem in Playboy and subsequently as a one-act play at Lincoln Center, The Devil and Billy Markham tells the story of Markham, who never met a bet he didn’t take, including that of his very own soul. Billy journeys from Nashville’s Music Row down into the fiery pits of hell and back again as he matches wits with God, the Devil and everyone in between. Jonah Weston stars in this sixty minute show If The Devil and Billy Markham is as deliciously off-kilter as some of Silverstein’s best known songs like A Boy Named Sue, Loretta Lynn’s One’s on the Way or the Oscar-nominated I’m Checkin’ Out from Postcards from the Edge, we should be in for a treat.
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wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
The Four Seasons: Stepping the Drag Show Game up... With Show Queens moving to the forefront because of television shows like RuPaul's Drag Race one LGBT neighborhood bar in Metairie is stepping the game up and bringing in show queens like Pussy Hertz last Saturday and on February 13th the one and only Ongina from RuPaul's Drag Race. Both of which come from Los Angeles. What bar might you ask? The Four Seasons bar located at 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. I have been going to The Four Seasons Bar for the past few months being that I have moved to Metairie. I have been sitting back and watching things progress. A little tweek here and a little tweek there. From one week to another you can always spot one little change that makes the bar look even better every time you visit. The main change that I am noticing that is WINNING is the quality of the shows. I am not saying that what is happening in New Orleans as far as shows is not great. I am seeing that by introducing guest performers the Four Seasons is stepping the game up. Seeing the same faces on a constant basis is fun but let’s be honest. It does get a little old after a few shows and to bring in one fresh face really brings the crowds out. For instance the shows at The Four Seasons are normally inside now due to weather. Well you mention guest performer PUSSY HERTZ from Los Angeles and the show had to be moved outside to accommodate the crowd size which was at least doubled if not
tripled. One night only. One night only. As the song states. The children came running out to see what this Los Angeles/Las Vegas show queen had to offer. I, being the one who got her booked, wanted to see also being that I hadn’t seen her perform in years. Well well well. Can we say spot on lip sink, wonderful song selections, and very put together costumes which I got to watch him make a couple at my home. Pussy Hertz did not disappoint at all. Along with Pussy Hertz we got to see the fabulously gorgeous Dominique DeLorean, who actually stepped her game up for the evening performing numbers I have never seen her do getting the crowd to clap and sing along to her Madonna choices, and the one and only and always colorful Countess C. Alice who Co-Hosted with Tip (Electra). Might I add Countess C. looked fabulous and was truly funny on the mic adding to the show. The show quality was amazing. Two hometown divas and One out of town guest star. The makings of one
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Why Anna’s Arts? Why Anna’s Place? First, let’s be clear. Anna’s Arts was started about five years ago and the Medical Mission was started about 9 years ago. The two combined creates Anna’s Place. But why Anna’s Place? What is the urgency? Anna’s Place is a mission of St. Anna’s Church and it is located in the Tremé. The Tremé and Lafitte neighborhoods are largely in zip code 70116. Why is this location important to know? Because an in depth study of Health factors in New Orleans called Place Matters has determined that people who live in zip code 70116 live 20 years less than those in neighboring Gentilly or in the rest of the city for that matter. Let me be clear that is a 20 year shorter life expectancy. That expectancy extends to children and adults alike. It is not the result of violence per se, but several combined factors. For those that are fiscally conservative this costs tax payers dearly. The medical practice norm for this population is critical care and emergency care. There is a lack of understanding of healthy lifestyles, care, or medical navigation. Prenatal care is almost nonexistent. Anna’s Place seeks to educate and shift the neighborhood per-
ceptions to healthy living, medical education, and preventative care. It can be done. To remind the reader Harvard University has already done a study on the downstream health care SAVINGS afforded by the Medical Mission aka Anna’s Place. In 2008 alone it saved taxpayers and providers over $12,000,000! The return on investment
Dominique DeLorean
Tip, aka Electra City, & Guest Star Pussy Hertz hell of a show bar. WOW! What a show. Now fasten your seat belts because this coming weekend the one and only “Fabulously Diva ONGINA” from RuPaul's Drag Race will be the guest STARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR and hunties she is going to WERK OUR SHOW NERVES to the last Diva nanosecond. I am so excited about this show and yes Taze-Ya-Ballz will be in attendance serving her own brand of fierceness. ONGINA’s show is Saturday the 13th at the Four Seasons in Metairie located at 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. at 11pm. There is a fabulous meet and 50:1 for operations costs of $250,000. That is good business and it is good Christianity. This work creates a sense of empowerment and independence rather than medical dependency. This work is Biblical and drawn directly out of Matthew 25. As for the Anna’s Arts piece: it tends to the needs of children ages 415 as its target population. It seems to me that in order to break cycles of poverty and violence a few things must be done. First children need to be equipped with reasoning skills, education fundamentals, and imaginations. Next, that same population must obtain a sense of achievement, empowerment, and independence (not dependence), and dignity. That is what Anna’s Arts does. I won’t give you the empirical data on this part of the story. For this I will tell you a story. A young woman approached Anna’s Arts to sing. She was just entering High School. Her step mother had heard about the program and enrolled her. As a baby her birth mother abandoned her because she was a frail child
Countess C. Alice greet from 9-10pm with happy hour prices and admission is $15 which includes the show also. Let me school you all. BE THERE! It is going to be worth the education in performance levels and styling and a fabulous show in general. The list of performers has been held captive until this issue I believe so I can’t help you there but it is ONGINA for God’s sake. See you all there. Remember to bring the fierceness out. Also remember we are all one family so leave the shade at the door. Remember that peace, love and happiness will always win. Love you all. – they thought that she was not going to make it. A loving couple, husband and wife, wanted to adopt her but the father died. Not deterred the mother still adopted this sickly child and fought hard to keep her. In time the child stabilized and became healthy. Her birth mother wanted her back “for the check.” By the grace of God she stayed with her adoptive mother. This young child had a gift. That gift was recognized when she met Darryl Durham and The Treme Community Choir. Her vocals are operatic. She spent many hours of study with both [continued on 33]
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the legal corner by Attorney Troy A. Tureau Email: thelawprofessor@comcast.net
LGBT Adoptions: The New Reality! My mother once told me “You never know love until you’ve loved your own child.” Like many of you, I hate to admit it when my mother is right…. but as an adoptive parent of over 10 years, I can tell you, she was right on the mark. The love that I have for my adopted son Cole is unlike any I could ever imagine! Just as gay marriage a few years ago seemed like only a dream in our lifetime, LGBT adoptions is a new reality. I’ll never forget that day in 2006 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, my husband and I roaming the country, trying to decide the best place to raise our child until it was safe for our family to return home to New Orleans. For many
reasons, including the fact that my parents were in Baton Rouge, we decided on Austin, Texas – a place known for its openness toward the LGBT com[continued on 33]
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GrandPre’s, Corner Pocket, Double Play, Tulane Avenue Bar, Oz, Rawhide ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
Celebration of Life: Justin Paul Shaver @ The Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
ambush
paparazzi
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the legal corner ...from 31 munity. Just as we entered the city and were being shown different rental options by a real-estate agent, we heard on the radio that Texas had just passed a new law forbidding gay parents from adopting children. Our hearts sunk. We got out of Texas as quickly as we could! But that was then and this is now. Just as state laws banning LGBT marriages are falling like dominoes, so, too, are laws prohibiting LGBT adoptions. The news is full of reports of courts approving LGBT couples as adoptive parents, some even listing both parents on the birth certificate. In Louisiana, while we are not yet at the point where courts are allowing both parties to be listed on the birth certificate (although with the United States Supreme Court likely to make marriage equality a reality in all 50 states, this could quickly change), LGBT adoptions are being approved every day. There are many different directions to consider when looking into adoption opportunities. While choosing which one is best for you, it is best to keep your sexuality out of the picture. (Yes, we are out and proud, but now is not the time for a march. Keep the goal in mind!) While there are exceptions, for the most part, most organizations will not inquire. The majority of adoption opportunities are available to people regardless of race, sex, socio-economic status, age, religion or marital status. Single people or couples who have been in a “committed relationship” for two years are allowed to adopt. (There are minimum and maximum age restrictions, however. And while health is a consideration in the adoption approval process, a person cannot be turned down simply because of his or her HIV status). The more expensive options include surrogacy, international and private adoptions. Note that in these cases, these adoptions involve contracts between the parties, and so the information above may not be applicable. In these cases it is the specifics of the contracts between the parties that control. I adopted my child by international adoption and am quite knowledgeable about the process. Some foreign countries will allow a single person to adopt while others will not. An excellent choice these days that did not exist when I was adopting my son is going through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services foster system. There are two tracks in the foster system: one is strictly to foster while the second is to foster with the intent to adopt. Unlike the adoptions discussed in the last paragraph, these adoptions actually are free. In fact, the state pays you, provides free medical insurance and often assists with childcare and other extraordinary expenses while the child is a minor. However, if you think you are going to get rich by this, think again! You are paid $12 a day, which I can tell you is nothing when raising a child. A friend of mine (who has asked to remain anonymous for the sake of his children and we will call “John” for this article) has successfully adopted 3 children through the foster system. He stated that the depart-
ment is extremely helpful through the entire adoption process and that there are children of all ages and races available for adoption, including infants. You actually can list all of your preferences. While not always the case, many of these children are born addicted to drugs or suffer from some physical or mental disability. John stresses that the process begins with a background check and successful completion of both a foster class and a home study. The entire process takes about two years, so John stressed signing up for the foster class as soon as possible as they are only offered a few times a year. He added that the state was already offering him children before he had even completed his foster class. Finally, he warned that the process is not for the faint of heart: he actually began the process with one infant and cared for it for two years before the natural parent ended up getting it back. (He says that now he
knows the right questions to ask to avoid situations like that in the future.) Raised in a strict Catholic family, I had an extremely difficult time coming out. Part of the reason was that I thought I could never have a family and I had wanted children for as long as I can remember. The happiest moment in my life was when I carried that beautiful baby boy home from Guatemala as my son eleven years ago. As a member of the LGBT community, you, too, can know that joy. There are many [continued on 40]
communities ...from 30 Mr., Durham and most recently with vocal coach William Parsons. She has grown in knowledge and ability and the end of this chapter of her life is that through the teaching and mentoring of Anna’s Place mentors she has received a scholarship to Loyola University as a choral scholar. One less child “at risk.” So, while we say “throw me something” or mask or parade or simply party let’s keep in mind the ongoing work of Anna’s Place. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT your prayers and your good thoughts so that a child that was a throw away child can sing with heart and soul. (http://www.annasarts.org/)
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Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed & Others 34 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Feb. 10-23, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide© sinc e 1982 • GayMar diGras.c om
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36 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Feb. 10-23, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide© sinc e 1982 • GayMar diGras.c om
Photos by Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin & Creative Images Photography, Metairie, LA
Krewe of Amon-Ra 50th Mardi Gras Ball: “Weighing of the Heart Final Judgement” @ Frederick J. Sigur Cultural Center ~ New Orleans
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130
Metairie Restaurant Guide Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos, New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am9pm, closed Sunday.
New Orleans Restaurant Guide
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
New Orleans Muffuletta @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
801 Royal: NOLA Food & Spirits, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com, located between Jackson Square and Bourbon Street on the corner of famous Royal Street and St. Ann, 801 Royal serves authentic New Orleans cuisine and cocktails 7 days a week in the heart of the French Quarter! With 2 big screen TVs, a full bar and kitchen, the eatery has whatever you are looking for, whether it’s “drinks to go” or you prefer to dine in! Restaurant hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-12midnight, Sat. & Sun. 9am-12midnight; bar hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am til, Sat. & Sun. 9am til. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am3pm. Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes
that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861, is famous for its New Orleans style sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Horn’s, 1940 Dauphine St., 459.4676, is keeping with the tradition of a neighborhood restaurant with a mixture of classic New Orleans dishes and comfort food to pass the time away in this 160 year old corner cottage with an awning to watch the day and night parades of people passing by with a cocktail or a delicious cup of coffee. Serving dinner Thurs.Mon., breakfast & lunch Thurs.-Tues., closed Wed. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am10pm. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Retrouvailles Bistro & Balcony Dining, 700 Bourbon St., 523.1485, is a 2 story historic building on the corner of Bourbon and St. Peter, offering the largest balcony dining on Bourbon with all kinds of entrees from steaks, seafood, pasta, duck and much more. Bar hours Mon.-Sun. 11am-11pm, dinner Mon.-Sun. 5-11pm, lunch Fri.-Sun. 11am-3pm. The Ruby Slipper Cafe, 2001 Burgundy, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net, 525.9355, is a delightful eatery serving breakfast, lunch and brunch. It has an unusual array of breakfast specialties including Eggs Blackstone, Croque Madame, Bananas Foster Pain Perdu; signature sandwiches, and entree salads. The restaurant is rated “Very Good to Excellent” in the Zagat guide as well as Favorite Place to Eat Breakfast or Lunch in New Orleans Magazine Tops of the Town 2012 Awards. Open weekdays 7am–2pm, Saturdays 8am–2pm and Sundays 8am–3pm, closed Wednesday.
Mumbo Gumbo (award winning file gumbo with chicken, shrimp, crawfish, crab, sausage, okra & tomato) @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
Fried Oyster Basket with fries, cole slaw, cocktail & tartar sauce @ 801 Royal: NOLA Food & Spirits, 801 Royal
Croque Madame (grilled ham & swiss sandwich on housemade challah bread, topped with a fried egg, finished with a mornay sauce) @ The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy St.
Vieux Carre' Ribeye (20oz. bone-in grilled, with balsamic glazed bacon wrapped asparagus & cajun butter) @ Retrouvailles Bistro & Balcony Dining, 700 Bourbon St.
Oysters Earl (fresh Gulf oysters baked with aged asiago cheese & applewood smoked bacon) @ Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans
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Marriage Equality Fundraiser Feb. 10 As part of a larger, national partnership between W Hotels Worldwide and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), W French Quarter and the New Orleans HRC Chapter are presenting a monthly fundraiser, “Turn it Up for Change,” to raise money and awareness for marriage equality. The first fundraiser for 2015 will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 – 8:30pm in the courtyard of the hotel. It will include a DJ, cocktail specials, complimentary passed small bites and a Mardi Gras costume contest. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to SoBou. Proceeds from drink sales will benefit the HRC’s marriage equality initiative. Subsequent fundraisers will take place the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30pm. The event is free to get in and open to the public. Parking is available at W French Quarter for $5 for two hours as space permits.
Can You Make It into My Gay New Orleans My Gay New Orleans is an exciting new book Jeff Palmquist and Frank Perez are editing and will consist of a collection of personal essays from various members of the New Orleans LGBT+ community. Each contributor will answer the same question: What does “gay New Orleans” mean to me? In other words, each contributor will describe his or her gay New Orleans. By sharing your own experience and unique perspective, your story will help illustrate the incredible diversity within New Orleans LGBT+ community. There are no wrong ways to write this essay. All you have to do is describe what gay New Orleans means to you. Do include a working title for your narrative and short bio (one paragraph) for the “About the Contributors” section that will appear at the end of the book. That being stated, here are some writing prompts. You need not answer or respond to all these questions and prompts; these are simply guidelines. · What brought you to New Orleans? Or if you are a frequent visitor, what keeps bringing you back to New Orleans? · What do you do for a living? · What aspects of the gay community are you involved in? Organizations, Carnival Krewes, clubs, sports leagues, etc. · How do you identify yourself with in the LGBT+ community? Lesbian, Bear, Transgendered? Bisexual? Drag King / Queen? Leather person? Etc. · Did New Orleans play a role in your coming out? If so, how? · What role has New Orleans played in your growth as a LGBT+ person? · How does your gay experience in New Orleans differ from other cities? · Any special memories or scan-
Tone: Your choice. Humorous, serious, poignant, angry, a combination thereof—you decide Font: Times New Roman, size 12 Length: 1,000 to 6,000 words or 2 to 12- pages Deadline: June 1, 2015 Submissions should be formatted in Microsoft Word and sent as an attachment in an email to f.perez@sbcglobal.net by January 15, 2015. Please include “MGNO Submission” in the subject line. The main text of the email should include your name as you want it to appear in the book and your contact information.
Hello David, Criss, James & Pop “Kickin Cancer’s Butt” with Jack Pierre
the legal corner ...from 33 options out there and they seem to be increasing. Research has shown that members of the LGBT community make excellent parents. Time and time again courts are hearing evidence of studies that prove that the great majority of our children show few differences in most areas, but that they may have the advantage of open-mindedness and tolerance. Additionally, unlike our heterosexual counterparts, most of us have to take affirmative steps to become parents since we can’t become parents by accident. We are also more willing to accept children who are difficult to place in the foster system such as those with mental or physical handicaps, older or troubled youth. Often I hear members of the LGBT community saying that they want to adopt children. Sadly, for many it is just talk. Few are willing to do the work or to give up their disposable income or party, care-free lifestyle. Believe me, it is so worth it! For me, as an attorney, assisting clients with adoptions is pure joy – especially in a profession where the majority of work is centered around clients’ dealings with problems. When you see that even the judge in the case has a smile on his or her face, you realize that adoptions are happy events for all parties involved. So, if you have always wanted to be a parent or have just recently warmed to the idea, I urge you to move forward. There are so many children who need a home! And as you consider your options, remember me. Assisting others in the adoption process is my absolute favorite thing to do. I will be more than happy to share with you my own experience and help you in any way possible. As always, I invite your comments and questions. (These are the personal views of Troy A. Tureau, and nothing here is intended to be legal advice of any kind.) Troy A. Tureau, J.D., L.LM., Attorney at Law, Compass & Tureau, LLC, 3801 Canal St., Suite 301, New Orleans, LA 70119, thelawprofessor@comcast.net 504.308.1608.
Krewe Of Phoenix Ball, Mobile
mobile
paparazzi Hello Skylar
Happy Birthday Matt
B-Bob’s Mardi Gras Party
Happy Mardi Gras Smitty!
Bob & Jerry serving it up @ B-Bob’s
Happy Birthday Jawakatema Davenport
Flip Side bartender Corey with Miss Cie
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Mardi Gras, Birthdays, Hello ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
out front
dalous stories? · Think of (and write about) one specific event that captures your feelings about being gay in New Orleans
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945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM TULANE AVENUE BAR, 3813 Tulane Ave., 488.1400 VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953
CANAL STREET
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New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
1000 1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Compass & Tureau, LLC, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 3801 Canal St., Suite 301 504.308.1608, troy@compasstureau.com, www.CompassTureau.com
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] 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, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457
hardware
800
ST. ANN
URSULINES
A
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, 717 Toulouse St., 587.7782 TWO GUYS CUTTING HAIR, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
ST. PHILIP
M
Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713]
hair salons
NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
ORLEANS
DUMAINE
FR
Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
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, 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 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.com OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields,
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2514]
circuit/events Feb. 13-17, 2015, 57th 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 Sept. 2-7, 2015, 44th 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. 29-Nov. 1, 2015, Halloween 32, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.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 Marrero, LA [504] I BLOOM FLOWERS & GIFTS, 1604 Barataria Blvd., 504.341.0248
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671
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
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE
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/gayhotelsnew-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 you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” ELYSIAN GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, info@elysianguesthouse.com. The Elysian Guest House is within walking distance to all the fun spots. Five to steps to a few blocks to all the action. We have a Jacuzzi too. Call and lets talk. THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: Info@frenchquarterguesthouses.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 unforgettable 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
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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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.com, email: kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty,. Book it now! 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 [is2515]
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 BIG EASY STOMPERS, Country & Western line dancing. Weekly lessons and monthly Country & Western dance party, www.bigeasystompersneworleans.com, info@bigeasystompersneworleans.com 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 HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area. HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush 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 NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, www.kreweofpetroius.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
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.lordsofleather.org 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 PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com New Orleans, LA [504] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com 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
Loewenthal, your local Realtor. Buy/Sell/Lease. List your home from NO to BR. LGBT FQ Resident. Free Appraisal. 504.388.6150 / 225.205.8552 Cell, 504.891.6400 Off, Micahsells@gmail.com, 1820 St Charles Ave. 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, GumboStop.com 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, 371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Horn's, 1940 Dauphine St., 459.4676 Lil Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Retrouvailles Bistro & Balcony Dining, 700 Bourbon St., 523.1485 The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy St., 525.9355
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 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095, MrBinkys.com 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
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG
tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GARDNER REALTORS,
Micah
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Super Bowl Party @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Good Friends Annual Turn-A-Bout Show raises Whopping $4,085 for Belle Reve ~ New Orleans ~ Photos Courtesy of Wood Enterprises
big easy
paparazzi
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