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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
16th Gay Easter Parade Rolls thru French Quarter April 5 led by Johnny Passion & Deja Deja-Vue' Easter Sunday, April 5, will see the 16th Annual Gay Easter Parade roll through the streets of the historic French Quarter. Led by Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue', some 29 carriages, wagons and trolleys will be joined by two bands, seven walking groups and 10 vehicles, kicking off at 4:30pm sharp. The parade route starts at the Armstrong Park Arch, down N. Rampart to Toulouse, u-turn on Toulouse, back down N. Rampart to St. Ann, right on St. Ann, left on Bourbon, right on Esplanade, right on Royal, right on St. Louis, right on N. Rampart, ending at 834 N. Rampart, GrandPre's. 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 minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital service of NO/AIDS Task Force, and for the past 13 years, the parade has raised over $202,414 for charity. All parade entries must have been registered by March 20, and checkin is Sunday, April 5 with Gay Easter Parade's Steve Patrick inside at GrandPre's, 834. N. Rampart, between 2:30-3:45pm for the Pre-Parade Party and Checkin/ Lineup. All carriages, wagons and trolleys will be boarded between 3:45 and 4:20pm, followed by vehicles and walking groups. Parade rolls at 4:30pm sharp. The Post-Parade Party and Buffet will begin at 6pm at GrandPre's. Sponsors as of press time include Presenting ($2,500) Ambush Magazine; Platinum ($1,000) EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, James B. May & EGM XVI Deja DejaVue', Friday Night Before Mardi Gras; Gold ($500) Noel Twilbeck & Glen Kahrman, EGM XII Gary Vandeventer, Christian Rogers & Jonathan Reazin, Ken GrandPre'/GrandPre's, EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, EGMs VIII Michael Elias & XIV Tommy Elias/The Corner Pocket, Wedon Brown/Something Different NOLA Mid Century Modern Furniture & Design, Ron Iafrate/Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Pub, Krewe of Amon-Ra; Silver ($250) EGM XIII Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters, Scott Vincent & Scott McRae, Sharlene Macesa/A-MED Ambulance Inc., EGM IX Safonda Peters & EGM XV Stuart Nettles, Dwain Hertz & Eugene Theriot, EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & David Roget, EGM IV Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse/ The Four Seasons, Tanzanika Ruffin/Pelican Bay Restaurant, Rachel Bufkin & Sharon Barreca, Jeff Palmquist & Coca Mesa, Bobby Vallecillo, Wood Enterprises, Holly Bryson & Debbie Reynolds, Patrick Zabatta/In Commemoration of the NYC Wedding of Tittie & Electra Toulouse, Avita Pharmacy, The Glitter Girls, Misael Rubio/Quartermaster Deli; Bronze ($100) Paul Melancon, EGM XIV Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Nick Olivares & Roy Smith, Errol C. Rizzuto, Freddie Guess, Tulane Ave Bar, EGM V Princess Stephaney, EGM X Tony Leggio, NACE/National Association For Caterers & Events, Robert W. Cook & John Zeringue, Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2008 Solitaire, King Cake Queen XXI Barbara Ella, Jeremy Weinburg, Pastor Shelly Planellas/New Covenant Church NOLA, Peter & Frank Abbruscato, Big Easy Sisters, EGM II Larry G. Bagneris, EGM IX Orlando Aloe, LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Michael Durocher, Bourbon Pride, Helene Berot, Suzii Gaitan & Frank J. Wingerter IV/SuziiFrank Bowties, Mina Hernandez & Nan Owings; In Kind/Venue Cutter’s, GrandPre’s, Oz New Orleans, Double Play, Four Seasons, Larry Graham-www.GrahamStudioOne.com. Information and sponsorship forms available at www.GayEasterParade.com.
14th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza Raises $3,894 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends All roads led to Oz on March 14 as Gay Easter Parade's 14th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza hit the stage! This is one event which unites the LGBT+ community bringing reigning gay Carnival royalty to the stage along with King Cake Queens and star celebrities, all together for one night only. GEP Board's Tony Leggio (EGM X) and Opal Masters (EGM VII) proved once again to be an unbeatable duo as ring masters for the evening with wild entertainment, incredible auctions, and loads of fun and laughter. The show opened with the once a year performance of Easter Grand
Marshal I Marsha Delain doing Martha Wash's "Proud." Next came reigning King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire with a dazzler, followed by reigning Queen Amon-Ra L Opal Masters in all her splendor. The first auction of the night was won by Clay Christian with a $150 bid for the Down the Bayou Wine Basket, donated by Rip's sister and friends. That signaled the first live performance of the night by none other than reigning Easter Grand Marshal XVI Johnny Passion. And it was followed by another crowd pleaser from reigning Queen Narcissus I Vivian Loveride and hot Boy Narcissus doing a charming duet. The next auction went home to EGM XI Chuck Turner and Bill Miller with a $180 bid for the Fleur de Lis Egg donated by EGM VIII Rona Conners. Reigning Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue' tantalized the crowd next followed by the incomparable King Cake Queen XIII Raven Kennedy. The next auction was taken home by NO/AIDS Task Force's John-Michael Alderson with a $150 for the Oz VIP Card & Bar Tab packaged donated by Oz. King Cake Queen XIX Nicole Dubois was up next bringing down the house with her hilarious version of Miley Cyrus twerking! One of the biggest auctions of the night went to Larry Anderson for the
Giant Easter Basket bringing in $500 laden with liquor donated by Rip and Marsha, and EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue', along with a half page color Ambush ad, and certificates/bar tabs from Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, The Golden Lantern, Kajun's Pub, and Two Guys Cutting Hair. It also included Vintage Gold Foil Bunny, and Elizabeth Taylor Sparkling White Diamonds donated by EGM VIII Rona Conners, Elegant Expressions Ocean Breeze Fragrance, and silver wine goblets donated by EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue', and Easter candies donated by Rip and Marsha. Reigning Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy was up next on the hit parade. This led up to the highly anticipated "Man I Feel Like A Woman" Put Pride Grand Marshal Adikus Sulpizi in Drag Auction. This hysterical transformation was only achieved with the professional help of Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois and all the various auction winners. This auction brought in $25 for the Dress from John-Michael Alderson, $60 for Blush & Eye Shadow from Shawn, $40 for Lipstick from Solitaire, $25 for Eyelashes from Rhonda Roget, $25 for Earrings from Noel Twilbeck, $35 for Wig from Mr. Louisiana Leather Jason Ashford, $25 for Shoes from Rip Naquin [continued on 8]
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a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
EASTER THE Easter Parade! A very nice group of suburban straight young adults attended the Dodwell Extravaganza a few years ago. The Extravaganza is a fundraising tool to restore a historic property in the Treme so that it may become a community center for the LGBT community, Afro Community, and a safe place for all. In any event, this wonderful magazine, AMBUSH, sponsored a bid item. It was a carriage in the Gay Easter Parade. When it came to the bidding the group of young adults bid, as they say, often and won the prize. What they did not know is that this was NOT the Bourbon Street Chris Owens parade! My-o-my were they ever surprised. Yet these nice folks, perhaps a bit naive, took a step and joined in. The feedback that we got is that they had the best time ever. A community within communities showed these folks that we are human and do we know how to have fun?! Easter is brimming with sun, pastel colors, and new life. As it should be as the shadows grow short, the days grow long, and the weather invites people outside. The (Marigny) Bunny Hop, one of my personal favorites, is all about community wandering about from place to place. Last year a group from St. Anna’s, my church, joined it. It was fun and it was a perfect day. The participating watering holes were all familiar to us. They are, for the better part,
supporters of our food pantry, offer gifts to children in need at Christmas and sometimes Easter, and are generally receptive and not only receptive but supportive of works of charity and mercy. It is a story that needs telling time and again. It affirms the good nature of our community. So, hop hop hop away among friends and neighbors. It’s one of those smaller events in the life of our city that keeps us real in an unusual way – it is not commercialized, it is about community and fun. What bonnets will we see this year?! Another event which is gaining popularity is the annual Palm Sunday Second Line that St. Anna’s hosts. The procession goes through parts of Treme, Marigny, and then down Esplanade. It’s a nice walk and not too far. This procession is neither sorrowful nor somber; it is filled with joy being led by the Storyville Stompers Brass Band. After the very moving worship service the community gathers for the annual crawfish boil outside. Come one come all; consider you’re your personal invitation. What we would like to see is members of the LGBT community have a stronger presence. Diversity and common ground is what we seek. “To respect the dignity of every human being” requires some familiarity with the other human being. No longer strangers but fellow travelers along the way. So, the essence is this, it is a time of
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The show closed out with the one and only Big Easy Sisters' own NvSr Moana Moansalotts and NvSr Cathi Terr. But that wasn't all, they helped do the surprise, and last auction of the evening, of a 2014 Southern Decadence Religious Zealot Banner confiscated by the Gay Police. It went for $120 from William K. in Slidell. The complete financial statement for the 14th Drag Extravaganza includes: 1,600.00 Door/Cash, 784.00 Stage Performance Tips, 150.00 Down The Bayou Wine Basket Auction,. 180.00 Fleur de Lis Egg Auction, 150.00 Oz VIP Card & Bar Tab, 500.00 Giant Easter Basket Auction, 120.00 2014 SD Religious Zealot Banner,
put on by Tony Leggio, $75 for Name That Queen "Sweet Sunshine" from Rip Naquin & NYC Guest, $50 for Song "Man I Feel Like A Woman" from Todd Blauvelt, and $40 in Stage Performance Tips, for a total of $410. The excitement continued as reigning King and Queen Satyricon XIII Marshal Harris and Becky Allen took to the stage singing "Proud Mary" live with an assortment of back up dancers pulled from the audience. Queen Armeinius XLVII DragZilla took command of the stage bringing Adele to life with "Skyfall" getting a rousing ovation from the crowd!
inside the "official" dish moments in gay new orleans history celebrazzi gep's 14th drag extravaganza pics 16th purple party egms reception 6th bunnies in the big easy 16th gay easter parade snap paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar trodding the boards
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joy; a time for celebration a time to embrace frivolity and community. Now wait for it….wait for it…..all because it is the season of Resurrection. It is about new life. It is about an offer of Grace, and eternal enduring Love, about forgiveness and worthiness. That is what this Season is about and why it started low these two millennium ago. I want you to know that if you need forgiveness you are forgiven in the cosmos. I want you to know that if doubt creeps into your life you live in a cosmic truth that says you are significant and not just significant but of the most enduring endearing importance. If somehow deep down in your darkest parts you feel broken or somehow freakish; stow it stash it stuff it in a box you are not broken because you were made to soar on Angel’s wings! As fanciful as all of these quips may seem they are the stark and utter reality that we call The Gospels. If you have done wrong, and who hasn’t, ask forgiveness and you will be forgiven. What creator wants to destroy that which is created? Certainly not one that can cast a planet on its axis, create the physics of a rainbow, provide an infinite number of possibilities in a cosmos more diverse than our imaginations can comprehend. That sort of being does not want to destroy its good work and passion…it wants it to prosper, be healthy, grow, mature, and to feel absolutely comfortable with being worthy and loved. EASTER! Resurrection! Enjoy the bonnet, eat well, bask in the warm Spring days and cool evenings. Know that beyond your or my understanding or comprehension that we are loved beyond knowing and beyond our comprehension. Just sip a little of that affirming drink and become drunk on the love of our creator and ENJOY the Easter Season for what it really means….WE MATTER.
410.00 Put Adikus Sulpizi in Drag Auction, for a total of 3,894.00. There were no expenses for this event. An additional $450 in sponsorships came in including one Silver ($250) from Holly Bryson and Debbie Reynolds, and two Bronze ($100) from Bourbon Pride and Helene Berot.
Join Final 2 Major Fundraisers for Gay Easter Parade & Food For Friends You have the opportunity to join the final two major fundraisers for the 16th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. The first is the 16th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception on Saturday, March 28 at the Double Play, 439 Dauphine Street, 811pm with a $10 door donation. Also celebrating Chuck & Bill’s 44th Anniversary the evening features a buffet, show, raffles, prizes and auctions. MCs will be GEP Board’s Tony Leggio and Opal Masters, with great entertainment by Tony D. from the Gulf Coast, Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue’, Princess Stephaney, Coca Mesa, and Klorocks Bleachman. The numerous auctions include the
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:
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
Big Purple Easter Basket worth over $500, and “Ruling the Nest Springtime” Faux Faberge Egg (donated by EGM VII Rona Conners). The last event is the 6th Annual Bunnies in The Big Easy on Good Friday, April 3, 7-9:30pm, in a beautiful Marigny home. $35 advance tickets ONLY limited to 100 tickets. Hosted by GEP Board’s Tony Leggio and Rona Conners, get your tickets at https:// [continued on 10]
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the "official" dish ...from 8 www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-bunniesin-the-big-easy-tickets-15851972677, or call Tony at 504.252.5476. The evening includes: > Buffet, Vodka Cocktails, Wine & Beer Bar, Non-Alcoholic Beverages > Dance to the jams by DJ Mark Louque > Pet the boys and feed them Peeps in our “adults only” Petting Zoo > Buy your Rubber Duckies for a chance to win a fabulous grand prize > Experience the biggest and boldest in Bonnet Couture from costume designer Allán Herrera and bonnetista Megan CW modeled by our hottest bunny bodies in town > Bring your very best bonnet for a special “guests only” Bonnet Contest! > Incredible Live Auctions plus many more surprises! For more information visit www.GayEasterParade.com.
13th Marigny Bunny Hop April 4 The 13th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, will be held on Saturday, April 4. Everyone is invited to don their most creative or outrageous Easter “bonnet” and join the bar crawl as it makes its way to 8 gay owned businesses in the Marigny. At each stop, bonnets will be judged in various categories by the bartenders
and staff, and trophies will be presented. This year, the Bunny Marshal (BM) leading the festivities will be JohnMichael Alderson. He will be responsible for guiding the Easter revelers along the route. Previous Bunny Marshals (BMs) include: Lewis Routh I-III, Guadelupe IV, Poncho V, Fish VI, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain VII, Joanne & Lisa Guidos VIII, Tony Leggio IX, Jeff Mallon & Marty Curtin X, Princesse Stephaney XI, and The Betties XII. The event will begin at 2pm at The Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres, and will make stops at the following locations where the various trophies will be presented: The Friendly Bar- Best Couple Big Daddy’s - Widest Bonnet Cutter’s - Most Glamorous Bonnet Mimi’s in the Marginy- Tallest Bonnet Who Dat Coffee Cafe - Best Newbie (for first time participants) Kajun’s Pub - Sissiest Bonnet Mag’s 940 - Best Group (minimum of three members) The Phoenix -Butchest Bonnet Ambush Magazine-Best of Best (presented at the Phoenix) Event Organizers - Meyer-RouthMurrell Spirit Award (presented at the Phoenix) This year the event will also include a 50/50 raffle benefiting the Gay Easter Parade and Food for Friends.
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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
“Local Queer History Goes to the Lammys / An Interview with Deacon Maccubbin” I recently had the opportunity to meet and interview Deacon Maccubbin, the founder of the Lambda Literary Awards. In 1974, Maccubbin also founded Lambda Rising, a pioneering gay themed bookstore in Washington, D.C. Maccubbin was in New Orleans with his husband Jim Bennett visiting their friend, architect David Dietrich. After a leisurely lunch at Sbisa’s, Dietrich, Maccubbin and I strolled back to Dietrich’s very well appointed home on Orleans Street where I interviewed Maccubbin about the founding of Lambda Rising, the Lammys and his love of New Orleans. FP: How did Lambda Rising come about? DM: I was in D.C. and I had a business I had started in 1971. Basically I bought a craft store from a girlfriend I had at the time for $100. The only thing that was really selling at the time were these little pipes and so I started selling them and it became known as Washington’s premiere paraphernalia stores. In ’72 I had been in New York and had gone to the Oscar Wilde Bookshop, which at the time had been at 15 Mercer Street. That was the world’s first gay and lesbian bookstore. They only had maybe twenty five titles on the shelf. It was a real comforting and warm place to be and I was impressed with the literature they had and I thought, someday Washington should have a store like this. I didn’t think I would be doing it. I just thought someone should do it. In ’74, a space became available in the Community Building where I was located. Up until that point we had been selling two shelves of gay books and there had been some interest in them. So when the space became available I borrowed $3,000 and spent $1,000 of my own money, which is all I had, and with $4,000 we opened a gay and lesbian bookstore, not knowing for sure if it was going to work. We figured if we could do $25 a day we would be able to stay open. I’m glad to say we did better than that. The store was successful from the beginning and we grew relatively rapidly. Three years later we had outgrown the space and we moved around the corner to a storefront location. In the first stair you could walk up the steps and nobody knew where you were going to go. You could go right to the paraphernalia store, you could go left into the gay bookstore or you could go to any of the many political organizations that were in the building. Every tenant in that building was left-wing (Black Panther offices, antiwar groups, the paraphernalia shop, the gay bookstore; we used to joke that the only thing holding the building together were all the FBI wiretaps). So people who were closeted felt comfortable about going into the store. When we told them we were going around the corner to a storefront location with wide open windows, several people asked if we were going to put up curtains or somehow cover the windows. We did not put up curtains and eventually, everyone who had raised the issue mustered the courage to come into the store. By 1984 we had outgrown that space and had to rent a larger space about a block and a half away on Connecticut Avenue, a major shopping thoroughfare with heavy pedestrian traffic and again some people were unsure if they would be able to come to the
store. As before, they did. It helped a lot of people come out. When we opened that store, the Mayor declared it Lambda Rising Day and we had 200 people in line to get in when we opened. The very next day we opened a satellite store in Baltimore. I would never do that again—opening two stores in two days. Eventually we opened a few other stores and bought Oscar Wilde in New York. FP: Would you call the late 1970s, early 1980s the golden age of gay themed bookstores? DM: The early ‘80s particularly. There was an explosion of literature. Remember, when we opened the store in ‘74 we did it because you couldn’t find gay literature easily. I remember going to a bookstore, a good quality general bookstore. I looked around and could not find any gay literature. And I went to the counter where the manager was and I said I’m trying to find some good gay literature. Where would you have that? And he looked at me over the rim of his glasses and said “We don’t carry that kind of literature.” Everybody assumed if you asked for gay literature you were looking for porn. So I went to the library to try to find some things and they had a lot of gay books in the card catalog and then I’d go to the shelf and couldn’t find them. They weren’t there. So I asked the librarian where the gay books were and she said we can’t keep them on the shelf. There are two types of people that prevent us from keeping gay books on the shelf. There are people who don’t like gay people and they steal the books and throw them away or deface them and there people who are gay and are too embarrassed to check them out.” So I knew there was a demand for lgbt literature and nobody was fulfilling that demand. So that’s why I opened the bookstore. I said we’re going to open a bookstore that specializes in this literature and we’re going to teach the authors that there is a demand for it and we’ll convince the publishers they can make money publishing it and we’re going to convince other bookstores they can make money selling it. And after thirty-five years we’ve reached that goal. Mission accomplished. FP: Tell me about the formation of the Lammys. DM: I believe it was ’89 if I remember correctly. We had been watching the Oscars and we had been watching the National Book Awards and we thought there ought to be an award to recognize excellence in gay and lesbian literature. We mulled that over and in a few weeks gathered the staff and said can we pull something like this together? May be could do it
in conjunction with the American Booksellers Association convention and that way everybody from around the country would be in the same place at one time. It so happened that the ABA was in D.C. the next year and so that made it easy. So we got Armistead Maupin to come be the Emcee and put together a big dinner party and created this event. It happened. It was beautiful. It was hugely successful. People came from all around the country. We had about 350 people at the first one. It was amazing. FP: How long did you sponsor the awards? DM: I think it was the first five years. We did it at a different place each year. It grew to the point where it was self-sustaining. Once it got to that point we had a nonprofit foundation, the Lambda Literary Foundation, and turned everything over to them. And they’ve been running it ever since. FP: Who set up the foundation? DM: It was set up by Jim Marks and several other people. FP: Here in New Orleans we have the FAB bookstore, which was founded by Tom Horner in 1977. Did you know Tom? DM: I did. I knew Tom from the beginning of the founding of his store because he was also an author. He wrote Jonathan Loved David, which we carried for some time. Every time we came to New Orleans we would visit with him. And we shared information with him. We were always willing to share information with other bookstores because it was not just to run a business but also to spread the message of gay literature so everybody had access to it. We started a mail order service in 1979 because we wanted to be able to reach everybody in the country with the literature we had to offer. We would get incredible letters from people from really small communities where there were no gay bookstores, no gay people as far as they knew and they would tell us how we were keeping them sane, alive until they could travel to other places and meet other gay people for the first time in their lives. FP: When did you start coming to New Orleans? DM: I believe it was in the ‘70s. The first time was in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s. I came with my husband for a week to Mardi Gras and we had a wonderful time, of course. And then I came when I was the CoChair of the Gay Rights National Lobby and they invited me to come to a New Orleans Gay Pride event and so I came and spoke. FP: You closed Lambda Rising five years ago. Reflecting back and surveying the landscape of gay letters today, what do you see? DM: Well, good literature is still being written and people are still searching for it. It’s not quite as easy to find as it used to be because you can’t just go to a bookstore that specializes in it but you can find it on the internet. I wish there were still gay bookstores—at one point there were between 100 and 200 gay and lesbian bookstores in the U.S. and Canada. Now there are only two or three left. It so difficult to sustain a bookstore of any type much less a bookstore with a niche market. FP: Is there anything else you would like to add? DM: Only that New Orleans is so welcoming and so wonderful and has such a rich heritage of gay history and I just think it’s just wonderful that this place exists. Thank you for sharing it.
Book Review The Vines. Christopher Rice. 47North. 2014. ISBN: 9781477826638. 218 pages.
The Vines is Christopher Rice’s first literary venture into the supernatural horror genre. This book has all the hallmarks of a classic Southern Gothic novel: a plantation home, adultery, betrayal, revenge, eccentric characters, and plot twists. In Rice’s previous novel, The Heavens Rise, the three main characters confront an ancient evil emerging from the swamp. In The Vines, Rice revisits the metaphorical question of what lurks beneath the surface, and in so doing weaves a thrilling tale of injustice and revenge, replete with evil vegetation, flesh-eating insects, disturbing plot twists, compelling character back-stories, gruesome violence, and creepy descriptions. And unlike The Heavens Rise, which takes place over a ten year period, The Vines cover a twentyfour hour period. The story opens with plantation belle Caitlin Chaisson’s suicide attempt. Although unsuccessful, the blood she spills awakens dark forces in the ground below. Within hours, her husband has vanished and his mistress has gone bonkers. As Caitlin’s estranged best friend, Blake, and Nova, the daughter of the groundskeeper, try to get to the bottom of the mystery, they discover the plantation’s dark history and the malevolent forces that haunt the estate. This is not exactly a traditional murder mystery but it is a compelling one. There is a lot going on in The Vines, both above and below the surface. This novel is provocative as well as entertaining. Christopher Rice published his bestselling debut novel, A Density of Souls, when he was twenty-two. By thirty, Rice had published four New York Times bestsellers, received a Lambda Literary Award, and been declared one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive.” His noir thriller Light Before Day was hailed as a “book of the year” by mega-bestselling author Lee Child. His most recent book, The Heavens Rise, was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. The son of legendary author Anne Rice, he has published short fiction in the anthologies Thriller and Los Angeles Noir. His writing has been featured in the Advocate, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Review of Books and on Salon.com. With his friend and cohost, Eric Shaw Quinn, Rice recently launched his own Internet radio broadcast, The Dinner Party Show (www.thedinnerpartyshow.com).
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celebrazzi
Gay Easter Parade's 14th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza raised a whopping $3,894, benefiting Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends, at Oz New Orleans. It also brought in an additional $450 in sponsorships. The evening brought together reigning Gay Carnival Queens, King Cake Queens, and celebrity stars all under one roof for one night only. Six great auctions brought in even more dollars for this reason for the Easter Season. MCs Tony Leggio and Opal Masters led the festivities bringing to the stage Easter Grand Marshal I Marsha Delain, King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire, Easter Grand Marshal XVI Johnny Passion, Queen Narcissus I Vivian Loveride, Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue', King Cake Queen XIII Raven Kennedy, King Cake Queen XIX Nicole Dubois, Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, King and Queen Satyricon XIII Marshall Harris and Becky Allen, Queen Armeinius XLVII DragZilla and the Big Easy Sisters. www.GayEasterParade.com (Photo by Rip Naquin: GEPs Darwin Reed and Tony Leggio join Larry Anderson, top bidder for the Giant Easter Basket Auction @ $500, with GEPs Opal Masters, and assisted by June Pennick)
The transformation was complete in the "Man I Feel Like A Woman" Put Pride Grand Marshal Adikus Sulpizi in Drag Auction raising $410 for Gay Easter Parade's 14th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza. Benefiting Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends at Oz New Orleans, meet "Sweet Sunshine" as he performs his debut number, "Man I Feel Like A Woman." (Photo by Darwin Reed)
Taze-ya Ballz won the Krewe of Amon-Ra's annual Playboy Bunny Rejects contest in competition at Oz New Orleans. The contestant raising the most money in performance tips and the auction of their own homemade Easter Basket won a carriage for 2 in the upcoming 16th Gay Easter Parade on Easter Sunday, April 5. Funds raised benefit the krewe's 52nd Mardi Gras Ball in 2016. For more on the krewe, visit www.KreweOfAmonRa.com. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
President Chris Arthur, special lieutenant Electra City, Queen and King AmonRa L Opal Masters and Darwin Reed, join function lieutenant Tittie Toulouse as they present a Gold $500 sponsorship for the 16th Gay Easter Parade during the krewe's annual Playboy Bunny Rejects contest hosted at Oz New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
Jimmy Kilgour, Mac McAll and Dudley LeBlanc welcome patrons to Cutter's for their 10th anniversary blowout on St. Patrick's Day during the Downtown Irish Parade. Serving up their famous corned beef, cabbage and homemade Irish bread, the evening culminated with Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes live on stage at the popular Marigny bar in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
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Easter Grand Marshal I Marsha Delain
Mr. Louisiana Leather Jason Ashford does the wig for Adikus
King Cake Queen XIX Nicole Dubois twerking
MCs Tony & Opal flank “Fleur de Lis Egg” top bidders Chuck & Bill
snap paparazzi
Pride GM Adikus transformed into “Sweet Sunshine”
King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue’
King & Queen Satyricon XIII Marshall Harris & Becky Allen Queen Amon-Ra L Opal Masters
And it’s Shawn with blush & eye shadow for Pride Grand Marshal Adikus Sulpizi
King Cake Queen XIII Raven Kennedy MC Tony Leggio, Madison Faile & “Down The Bayou Wine Basket” top bidder Clay Christian
Queen Armeinius XLVII DragZilla channeling Adele Solitaire gets lipstick for Adikus
Easter Grand Marshal XVI Johnny Passion
Top “Oz Package” bidder JohnMichael Alderson with MCs Tony & Opal
Noel Twilbeck does earrings for Adikus with Nicole Dubois
Big Easy Sisters’ Cathi & Moana, & Tony auction off Southern Decadence Religious Zealot Banner to William K. from Slidell
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14th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza raises $3,894 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
Boy Narcissus & Queen Narcissus I Vivian Loveride
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Cutter’s 10th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Bartender Marc of Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes fame
Artist Lea Telthorst & Princess Stephaney Jeff & Kajun’s Pub’s Joann
Always sexy... bartender Tom O’Brien @ The Phoenix
snap
Michael, Brian, Greg & Greg @ The Phoenix
paparazzi
Tim, Shannon, Jason & bartender Byron
Wood Enterprises GM Tim slingin’ cocktails @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
David Chase & partner “Sweet Sunshine” @ Oz for GEP’s Drag Extravaganza
Bartender Chris Morton @ Bourbon Pub full time on Bourbon Street Jimmy & Aaron Iggy’s bartender Paul & Corner Pocket bartender Bruce pop into the Phoenix
Double Play’s Will with Gabby cocktailin’ @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Ambush's Rip & Marsha Ronald & Orlando
Jimmy, Todd & Brett
Bar Baron Mac, Cutter’s own leprechaun!
Kajun’s Pub’s Joann & Lisa with Jeff @ Kajun’s Pub
Cocktailing with Stephen & Barry @ Kajun’s Pub
Bar Baron Ken serving up grilled cheese on Fridays in Lent @ GrandPre’s
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In the Clubs ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Jimmy, bartender Kevin & Dudley welcome you
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month Intrigue and espionage in exotic locations blend well to create the perfect combination in a spy thriller. Add to this one sexy James Bondesque anti-hero named Shaw and you have a fast paced book series that leaves the reader waiting for more. This was my first foray into reading David Baldacci, a gifted author with numerous best sellers and several different character series mostly focusing on government espionage. I read both novels in the Shaw series very quickly, “The Whole Truth” and then “Deliver Us From Evil.” The first novel introduces Shaw who now works for a secret United States agency whose mission is to bring down the extremely bad guys. But his background has been less than stellar working on the opposite side of the law before being captured and given a convincing choice, jail for the remainder of his life or helping the “good guys.” The storyline begins quickly setting up the action and delivering lots of twists at every turn. There is an especially surprising plot development in the first third of the book, that I never saw coming. What I enjoyed most was the intricate dealings of the government agencies and the powerful manipulations of public relations firms that offer “Perception Management.” Unlike Spin Doctors who manipulate facts, these people create them, which was a captivating concept. The second novel, “Deliver Us From Evil” brings Shaw back to battle another delicious evildoer. Shaw’s organization runs afoul of another group also going after the same target that is both dangerous and deadly. Considered a philanthropist by the world, this guy harbors a dark secret that he is willing to torture and destroy anyone in his path. In each book, Baldacci paints a vivid portrait of a world that can be brought to the brink of chaos by simple acts of violence and the people that thrive on creating this effect. If you are a fan of spy thrillers like Bond and Jason Bourne, then check out the Shaw series. For more information, go to www.davidbaldacci.com.
Hot Happenings Easter is upon us which means things are hopping in the city. Here are just a few of the fun things the city has going on around the holiday.
Thursday March 26, 2015 John Waters is coming to NOLA with his one-man show celebrating his film career and obsessional tastes entitled This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier. He brings his act to the Joy Theatre starting at 8:30pm. The Joy Theatre is located at 1200 Canal Street. To buy tickets go to www.dworld.us or www.thejoytheater.com.
Friday March 27 – Sunday, March 29, 2015 Another production chronicling the
One Night Only at NOCCA! BROADWAY@NOCCA and Mark Cortale proudly presents Ana Gasteyer featuring Sirius XM Radio Star Seth Rudetsky as pianist and host for one night only at Lupin Hall at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts starting at 7:30pm. Ana Gasteyer is best known for her incomparable work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. NOCCA is located at 2800 Chartres Street. To buy tickets, go to www.broadwaynola.com.
Saturday March 28, 2015
Upstairs Lounge is coming to New Orleans. Originally performed as part of NOLA Fringe Festival 2014, Melange Dance Company is presenting an encore performance featuring extended choreography. For the gay community in New Orleans, The UpStairs Lounge was a safe haven where the patrons could love, laugh, and even worship freely. On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the lounge, claiming 32 lives, marking this monumental tragedy as the most deadly attack on the LGBT community in US History. Sadly, even in New Orleans, this event is still largely unknown. Step ‘UpStairs’ and experience a celebration of the lounge through the tale of contemporary dance and film intertwined. Mélange presents a variety of choreographed works inspired by the true stories of the patrons, from cabaret drag to a beautiful tribute to those who were lost. Come ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ with Us! The show will feature collaborations with documentarian, Royd Anderson, costume designer, Kaci Thomassie, and set designer, Shena Troia of The Vintage Commune. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by going to www.melangedanceofnola.com.
Friday March 27 – Sunday, March 29, 2015 N The NOLA Pah (stands for Puppies and Handlers) are celebrating their Kick Off weekend of the first ever puppy contest held in Louisiana with events every day leading up to the crowning of the Southern Most Puppy. Events include Beer Bust, Contestant Meet and Greet, Pup Play Demo by Current IPTC winners Justin and Tork, Drunken Puppy Beer Crawl, Contestant Interview, MOSH, Puppy and Handler Lube Wrestling, Southern Most Puppy Contest and Survivors Mosh. All events take place at the Phoenix located at 941 Elysian Fields. For Contestant Application and more information, email Southernmostpuppy@gmail.com.
Saturday March 28, 2015 New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) is hosting their monthly Coffee Talk Discussion dealing with Preventing Financial Exploitation from 10 – 11:30am at the New Orleans Healing Center. For more information, go to www.noagenola.org. The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue.
Saturday March 28, 2015
Purple is in fashion this season especially at the 16th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception happening from 811pm at the Double Play located at 439 Dauphine St. hosted by Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors. This is one of the better events with show, food, auctions and more, that get people excited about the upcoming weekend filled with festivities. For more information, go to www.gayeasterparade.com.
Friday April 3, 2015 Get ready to the sexiest event over the Easter weekend, Easter Grand Marshals Rona Conners and Tony Leggio in partnership with the Gay Easter Parade present the 2015 BUNNIES IN THE BIG EASY: Boys, Bonnets and Booze! featuring BONNET COUTURE Modelled by some of the hottest Bunny Bodies in town. The event takes place from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Private Home of Kim Smith, 2516 Chartres Street in the Marigny. Join the 6th Bunnies in the Big Easy for a Bonnet Blitz like you’ve never seen before! Our hostess Kim Smith opens her beautiful “California modern” home and cabana—complete with heated pool—to our lucky guests. • Enjoy our limited Open Bar throughout the event • Dance to the jams by DJ Mark Louque • Pet the boys and feed them Peeps in our “adults only” Petting Zoo • Buy your Rubber Duckies for a chance to win a fabulous grand prize • Experience the biggest and boldest in Bonnet Couture from costume designer Allán Herrera and bonnetista Megan CW • Bring your very best bonnet for a special “guests only” Bonnet Contest! The party benefits the NO/AIDS Task Force “Food For Friends” program, now part of CrescentCare, and their ongoing efforts to provide regular, nutritious meals to those affected by HIV/AIDS in our community. Tickets are $35 for the event (advanced purchase only), including a limited open bar for beer, wine and vodka. After party to follow at The Friendly Bar (2301 Chartres) featuring special drink prices and a dance party! Call Tony Leggio at 504.252.5476 with questions or to reserve your ticket in advance. You may also purchase your ticket online at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-bunnies-inthe-big-easy-tickets-15851972677. For more information, go to www.gayeasterparade.com.
Saturday April 4, 2015 Grab Peter by his cottontail and come on out for the 13th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop starting at 2pm at The Friendly located at 2301 Charters Street. The event will be led by Bunny Marshal XIII John Michael Alderson. Wear your favorite Easter bon-
net as you go to the following bars Friendly Bar, Big Daddy's, Cutter's, Mimi’s, Who Dat Coffee Café, Kajun's Pub, Mags 940, and the Phoenix. Easter bonnets will be judged in the following categories Best Couple, Tallest Bonnet, Best Newbie, Sissiest Bonnet, Best Group, Butchest Bonnet, and Best of the Best sponsored by Ambush Magazine.
Sunday April 5, 2015 In Your Easter Bonnet, it is time for the 16th Gay Easter Parade in New Orleans with Presenting sponsor Ambush Mag. Come out and see all the “ladies” and gentlemen in their Easter finery as the parade rolls through the streets of the French Quarter Easter Sunday at 4:30pm. For more information, go to www.gayeasterparade.com.
Friday April 10, 2015 Come Out For Life! Join the Louisiana Equality Foundation at their 2015 Coming Out Party from 7 – 9pm at the New Orleans Healing Center and learn more about their “Together, We’re Holding On To Hope” Suicide Prevention campaign. There will be a presentation about local suicide prevention resources and how you can help save lives in the LGBT community. Council Member Jason Williams will be there to give a welcoming greeting. The Coming Out Party is a FREE event, open to the public. The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue. Please R.S.V.P. at this link - https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/come-out-for-lifetickets-15770317444. Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of this event.
Saturday April 11, 2015 We now have our Pride Grand Marshals for Gay Pride this year, now it is time for the 2015 New Orleans Pride Pageant to be held at Oz from 5 – 8pm. Contestants eligible to compete should live in the New Orleans or Southeast Louisiana/ Southwest Mississippi area. There will be four divisions: 1. Miss New Orleans Pride: Male or transgender (MTF) competitors presenting as female 2. Sir New Orleans Pride: Female or transgender (FTM) competitors presenting as male 3. Ms. New Orleans Pride: Female or transgender (MTF) competitors presenting as female 4. Mr. New Orleans Pride: Male or transgender (FTM) competitors presenting as male All contestants must be 18 years and older. The theme this year is “An Enchanted Evening” and Pride Grand Marshals Persana Shoulders and Adikus Sulpizi will be emcees. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street. Visit www.NewOrleansPrideFestival.com for complete details or to register.
Party Down My events started on Wednesday when I went to two hospitality functions starting with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Business After Hours at The New Orleans Jazz Market located on Oretha Castle Haley. This networking event introduced people to this new event venue facility. After that I went to the unveiling of the Woldenberg Riverfront Park’s new
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Daniel Nardicio Presents through April 18 New York’s nightlife impresario Daniel Nardicio is planting a pole in New Orleans to expand his event tent and NOLA is the better for it. After all, is anyone else bringing both John Waters and Alan Cumming down here for one-man shows, with plans in the works for many more such luminaries to come? Nardicio started his season off at One Eyed Jacks with someone new to the Big Easy, Dina Martina who hails from Seattle. Or “Seedle” as she tends to pronounce it. She also has trouble with her g’s, so hard g’s become soft g’s and vice versa. Poor jirl (but funny for the audience). I hadn’t been familiar with Dina before and wasn’t sure what to expect. From her posters she looked like a berserk clown crossed with a demented housewife; not a bad combination but one which can take you only so far. She came on stage wearing a red leather jacket over a torn white Liz Claiborne t-shirt over a black leotard—quite a look—describing herself as someone who’s been “a hostess for a little bit too long” and launched into a rock song whose lyrics I couldn’t understand. I wondered where this would lead. But then she told how she had “found her daughter” who had a goiter on her neck which she painted a cameo on but then she used some rope and a door to separate it from said baby daughter and turned it into a goiter pinata. And, boy, did she have me grinning like a fool. Advice followed on how we could reverse the Dina Martina challenge of having “4/3 of Earth” covered with water which involved selling pieces of coral like they did with the Berlin Wall. We were also treated to a video with Dina’s head superimposed on characters extending from Gone With the Wind to The Brady Bunch to Toto in The Wizard of Oz.
under the gaydar ...from 22 “dancing” fountains in front of the Aquarium of the Americas. The 90-foot linear water feature will open officially on April 17. All guests enjoyed this special test run and I look forward to all the exciting new refurbishments in store for this facility, a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Thursday was the opening of the Le Meridien Hotel with a memorable soiree that had everything for a perfect party, delectable cuisine, flowing cocktails, and incredible music. Entitled “First Night,” the Le Meridian which was the old W Hotel on Poydras Street wowed guests from the moment they entered the lobby. The entertainment included the Mardi Gras Indians, local jazz performers and Nouvelle Vague direct from Paris. The band is the hotel’s global music partner. Led by music producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, Nouvelle Vague is a collective of talented artists, featuring a rolling cast of popular Parisian musicians. The group’s music pays homage to the swooping elegance of Bossa Nova, melancholic melodies of the “New Wave” era and 1960’s French cinema, providing a modern twist on the classics. They had guests dancing well into the night. Sexy French flight attendants handed out champagne as gorgeous men passed appetizers. They even gave away several trips both domestic and international. From the cool décor and chic ambiance of the hotel to the classic touches, Le Meridien is an excellent new addition to our hotel offerings in the city. The Gay Easter Parade fundraisers continued on Friday with the 7th Eggstravaganza at GrandPre’s. The event was hosted by GEP Board’s Opal Masters and Darwin Reed with the fun talents of
Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue’, Bootsie DeVille, Barbara Ella, Nikki Max, Scott Turberville as Boy George, and a kick ass performance by Ken Grandpre as Lana Luscious and Philip Anthony doing a soul inspiring “Looking For A City.” The next day was a flurry of activity starting with me and my friends going to the monthly first Saturday Art Walk on Julia Street. There were some great exhibits in almost all the galleries. This is one of the city’s hidden fun (and free) things to do. All the galleries and shops on Julia Street in the Warehouse District have art shows with complimentary wine. It is an excellent way to see new and rising talent in the city as well as some more established ones. Lin Emery’s show at Arthur Roger’s Gallery is not to be missed. Then we went to the New Orleans Jazz Market which has now opened their bar on weekend nights with live music. With Jazz great Irvin Mayfield behind the facility, you know you will get an impressive list of talented performers there. Then we traveled to the Pub in the French Quarter for the Love is Love Prom, a celebration of the LGBT community. The common theme throughout the night was Love at this throwback event that mimicked those nostalgic days from high school. There was even a king and queen of the prom. We ended our travels that evening at the Tulane Avenue Bar for Kitty D’ Litter’s Litter Box Review. Once again this young and up-coming entertainer in the city had a large crowd with some wonderful drag queens performing. These girls in Mid-City know how to bring the house down. On Thursday of the following week I attended the amazing performance of “Suddenly Last Summer” staged by Southern Rep Theatre at the Ashe Power House.
If all of this sounds silly, it was. But it was also rather sophisticated with a wellcrafted structure underlying the madness, and one-liners that ranged from Wildean epigrams (“No marriage is complete without divorce.”) to anarchic Marx-isms (“When I was in Europes [sic] I went to Australia.”). That’s Groucho, not Karl. Self-described as a “tragic singer, horrible dancer and surreal raconteur” with her gash of a mouth outlined in stop-sign red lipstick and a bushy jet-black mop of hair, Dina could pass as a frowsy, pixilated distant cousin of Elizabeth Taylor. Combining a free-spirited faux naif persona, out-there humor, and subversive wit, Dina’s act is difficult to capture in words;
that might sound like letting myself off the proverbial hook but Gambit’s Kevin Allman felt the same way. All I know is that I had a big ol’ ear-to-ear smile on my face for most of her wonderfully weird, transgressive show. Whether juggling, giggling like a “tipsy Japanese prostitute”, or doing a rendition of Whitney’s Greatest Love of All like you’ve never heard it before, Dina had the packed house, a combination of hipster and arty types, gay and straight, loving every minute of her hour-long performance. I don’t think New Orleans has seen the last of her. I certainly hope not.
This newly renovated state of the art 200seat theater boasts an enormous lobby art gallery in the blossoming Central City neighborhood at 1731 Baronne Street. It was called the Ashe Power House since the 90year-old structure was originally an electrical power switching station for streetcars. The play proves to be a powerful and moving evening of theatre. Tennessee Williams has a knack for combining the right mixture of comedy and tragedy to create a theatrical classic. Southern Rep shines in this production especially Brenda Currin as Violet Venerable who is just absolutely magnificent. Whether you are a fan of Williams or not this play is worth the price of admission. The final weekend started on a sad note, on Friday I went to the viewing of Chet Ernest Pourciau at Schoen Funeral Home on Canal Street. I know this may seem inappropriate to feature this in the “Party Down” column, but I believe the event was truly one of the most heartwarming celebrations of life gatherings I have ever seen. Chet passed away on March 6, 2015 from Lymphoma at his New Orleans home. He was the proprietor of Chet Pourciau Design on Magazine Street and was known to have the best party on the block for special occasions like Art For Art’s Sake and the Magazine Street Holiday Stroll. Many people knew him as the host of Chet Chat on WLAE-TV and from his Thursday Fashion and Friday Design segments on Fox News 8. Recently he was featured on the Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, a competition series that focuses on finding talented chefs among cooking neophytes. What was a marked sad occasion was brightened by the atmosphere no doubt completely designed by Chet who I knew was looking down from above enjoying the evening. The entire building was devoted to Chet as guests were given a glass of champagne as they entered. A harpist played inside and a jazz combo was serenading guests on the wrap around veranda. The rain had cleared from earlier in the day letting in the most brilliant sunsets as if ordered especially for Chet. The entire place was illuminated by his many friends and family sharing this wonderful man’s light and love of life. Chet, my dear friend, you left us way too early in my opinion, but I am honored to have known you. You touched my life as you did many others with your sense of style, beauty and elegance. I will always remember that larger than life smile that you had which just filled the room when you entered. Rest in Peace. Saturday my spirits were lifted with another fantastic Gay Easter Parade fundraiser at Oz. The 14th Annual Star Studded Drag Extravaganza was a huge success with performers from the royalty of
the Gay Carnival krewes, past and currently reigning King Cake Queens. I was very lucky to emcee with the ever so grand Opal Masters this fabulous event that garnered a great crowd. Every person did show stopping numbers starting with Marsha who kicked the night off with a rousing number dedicated to Rip. King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire and Opal Masters followed suit with equally spectacular tunes. Bringing the house down at the end of the show was a powerful performance by Dragzilla who nailed Adele as well as the lively duo of Ms. Becky Allen and Marshal Harris with their rendition of “Proud Mary.” And no fundraiser would be complete without the Big Easy Sisters lending their special touch to the evening. Thanks to all who came out and supported this great event. That concludes my two weeks of events; I look forward to seeing everyone at the final Gay Easter Parade fundraisers. Until then keep chancing that cotton”tail.”
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In Other Gay News If you are a connoisseur of the art of drag than have I got the ultimate weekend getaway for you. For One Weekend May 13, 2015, Austin, Texas will become the Drag Capital Of The World! The Austin International Drag Festival will be a three night event (including one day stage) of shows, parties, vendor fairs, meet & greets, Film Showcases, and more. The festival will showcase the best drag performers from all over the world, from up-and-coming drag artists alongside established and legendary drag superstars. Congratulations to the city of Austin for being at the forefront and recognizing this unique art performance. New Orleans own Vinsantos will be headlining. Drag all day and all night, it is heaven. There will be something for everyone as all genres and genders of drag will be covered from Pageant Queens to the fringe and freaky. Headliners include: Adore Delano, Courtney Act, Jackie Beat, Coco Peru, Kevin Aviance, Derrick Barry, Sherry Vine, Kelly Mantle, Pandora Boxx, Jiggly Caliente, Tammie Brown, Delta Work, Heklina, Landon Cider, Horrorchata, Charles Busch, and Holly Woodlawn and so many more. This festival aims to boost the camaraderie of the drag performer community in a non-competitive environment and to further educate the public at large about the world of Drag! So come out and see your favorite performer or discover a new one. Austin is only a stone’s throw away from NOLA. For more information or tickets, go to www.austindragfest.org or http:// www.facebook.com/austindragfest.
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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
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attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Troy A. Tureau, Attorney at Law, Compass & Tureau, LLC, 3801 Canal St., Suite 301,l 504.308.1608, thelawprofessor@comcast.net, 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
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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
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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
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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 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 Feb. 5-9, 2016, 67th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.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
26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Mar Marcc h 24-April 6, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide© sinc e 1999 • GayEast erParade.c om
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.
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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
GayMardiGras.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Marc h 24-April 6, 2015 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27
wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
Southern Design Week Does Not Fail to Deliver Tonight I had the pleasure of attending Southern Design Week. The evenings fashion shows were held at The Transportation Revolution in the CBD. Not a likely place for two of the United States best up and coming designers one would think, but to my surprise the outcome was the exact opposite. See The Transportation Revolution is a motorcycle and scooter store in the CBD. So you could only imagine my shock to find out that was the showing space for these two designers. Well, well, well. With a poc-a-dots on many of her little moving around and pieces making it look as if storing of the motorcycles the clothing was keeping and scooters, the space an eye on you. In asking was amazing. Just enough Destani what inspired her space. Clean and perfect collection I found out that for the artful collections to she at the young age of be shown by designers 24 has been doing some Destani Hoffman and soul searching. Looking Stevie BOI. Great job on deep in herself to see what space selection Andi makes her tick. What she Nickens. feels about what is going First down the runway on around her and in her came the collection of own private love life. She Destani Hoffman. Walking let her story out on the art is what it was. Some runway. Her pieces were Eyeball outfit pieces were purely for the modern, fresh, hard by Destani Hoffman value of a good showing edged, yet had a softand other pieces were completely wear- ness to them much like Destani herself. I able with a modern edge. I was calling it the also found out that Destani is a amazing Eyes Are On You Collection because she artist who has pieces displayed in the NIKI used those doll eyes with movable pupils as WALKER salon down town on Baronne.
trodding the boards ...from 24 Nardicio will be presenting John Waters (March 26) and Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming (April 18) at the Joy Theater. Waters is already sold out. I wouldn’t wait any longer to get my tickets for Cumming.
Always . . . Patsy Cline at The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen through April 5 In the past five years, the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen has put on an impressive number of entertaining shows, all relating in some way to the WWII experience. We’ve had productions saluting Glenn Miller, Bob Hope, and The Andrews Sisters as well as comic musicals set in that era. When the Canteen announced that they’d be expanding their focus to include post-WWII performers by presenting Always . . . Patsy Cline, I thought “Great!” And musically, with over 20 classic songs, it was a treat. As for the rest of this jukebox bio, it had me madder than a hog in heat. Always chronicles Cline’s encounter in 1961 with Louise Seger, a fan who arrived early for a concert of hers in Houston. Meeting before the show, the two hit it off and Cline wound up spending the night at Seger’s house. They stayed up all night talking, and did a spot on a local radio show in the morning before Cline headed back to the road. In one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” occurrences, Cline and Seger stayed in touch through an ongoing pen pal relationship until Cline’s tragic death in
1963. Playwright Ted Swindley’s cliche-filled script forces Seger into the hoary device of narrator of Cline’s life with the story alternating mechanically with the songs. At least each time Cline returns to the stage we see another one of Janice Stephenson’s stylish, period-appropriate costumes. This might have been okay if we had gotten a true portrait of Cline who was said to cultivate a brash and gruff exterior as “one of the boys.”(Singer George Riddle said of her, “It wasn’t unusual for her to sit down and have a beer and tell a joke, and she’d never be offended at the guys’ jokes either, because most of the time she’d tell a joke dirtier than you! Patsy was full of life.”) Rather, the one-dimensional image we get of Cline in Always, never much deeper than actual photos of her that adorn the stage, would not be out of place at a tea party with Mamie Eisenhower. (Apparently, Always ... Patsy Cline along with A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline are the only plays approved by the Patsy Cline Estate.) Seger is given a little bit more material to play with (redneck-y husband included) but Director Victoria Reed has Caroline Fourmy play her sooo broadly that she comes off as less a real person than a windup mechanical doll you’d find in the gift shop at Opryland. As Cline, Margaret Belton, who has played the role before, certainly looks the part and captures the essence of Cline’s voice while understandably not attempting an exact imitation of her. Crazy, Cline’s biggest hit, stood out for being nicely underplayed. On their own terms, Belton and Fourmy work well together creating a believable bond between these two women. If both
Amazeballz!!!!! She has so it once and I will say it much talent I am in again. YES WE ARE awwwww...... seriously. BITCHES!!!!!!!! Watch She has created a collecand see. tion of charcoal sketches Stevie had a modern that all center around the feel with knits and what sex trafficking world and a looked like wet suit fabportion of all of the proric. Even though he used ceeds of these pieces goes some unique fabrics it was to help fight human sex all wearable. I asked him trafficking around the what inspired his line and World. Amazing. Pictured he said he wanted to creis one of her charcoal ate pieces people could sketches, but honestly a wear. Usually he goes so visit to the Niki Walker Safar over the top that lon is worth it to view her art people do not get it. He By Designer Stevie BOI work. So Destani Hoffman wanted to test himself and gets the Taze-ya Ballz two create pieces that were triple swirl bam bams! wearable. Well Stevie BOI..... You did just Next we saw STEVIE BOI’s clothing that. Oh and can I say the eye wear was designs parade down the runway. WHAT gorgeous. So Stevie will get the triple flip, 1 the fudge!!!!! Another young fashion star in 1/2 twist landing in the splits triple BAM the making. Stevie has created eye wear for BAM BAM! celebrities such as Elton John, MADONNA, Well everyone. I hope that more of you and Lady GaGa. From my interview with start to attend these shows. It means the Stevie Boi for Big Easy Glam I found out world to the designers and they are nice, that the list of celebrities he has worked with casual, and fun to attend. Support the art of goes on and on and on. WHAT WHAT! 25 fashion as you all wear it. years old and do it up big. At this point I Peace, love and happiness to all. couldn’t really get much out of Stevie about his clothing line for HM being done in collaboration with Lady GaGa but I do know A Purrfect Evening: The after seeing Stevie’s clothing collection it will be amazeballz! Seriously again. This Songs of Eartha Kitt at guy sent nothing but fabulousness down the Marigny Theater, the runway. It makes me wonder why a young designer from New York comes to Fridays in April New Orleans to show. Might we be the up [The following appeared in Ambush’s and coming place to be for fashion? I said March 3, 2009 edition. The show went on to win the Ambie Award for Uniquest Theatrical Experience that year.] A mere six weeks after the great Eartha flubbed a few lines (could it have been due to the change to daylight savings time Kitt’s passing, Anaïs St. John unveiled her earlier the day I saw it?), Fourmy had a good tribute show A Purrfect Evening: The ad lib when she accidentally spilled some Songs of Eartha Kitt at Le Chat Noir. Yet coffee as did Belton after Fourmy did a this was no rush job, but a wonderful cellively two-step with an audience member ebration of the life and art of a singular during San Antonio Rose commenting performer. Incorporating fifteen songs identified “Louise, you got dipped.” David Raphael’s elaborate set, en- with Kitt into an hour long program, St. John compasses Seger’s kitchen (her stove did not rely solely on her sultry voice to amusingly turns into a jukebox), a bar area, make her Evening a success. Rather, she and the Grand Ole Opry stage where the clearly had done her homework and gave Bodacious Bobcats Band, lead by Josh a running commentary on Kitt’s life and the challenges she faced and overcame to Wexler, plays with gusto. Reed keeps Always going at a briskly- make for as perfect a cabaret as I’ve ever paced 90 minutes though I wouldn’t have enjoyed. Dressed in a mink coat and a leopard minded a longer playing time if it had meant we’d have gotten to know Patsy and Louise print dress, St. John effortlessly captured a bit better. Still, it was clear that the sold- the purr of Kitt’s voice. Informing us that Kitt out audience enjoyed it mightily; as we was dedicated to “money, men and miswere exiting, one person was heard to chief” St. John hit just the right note of straightforward, almost innocent goldiggery exclaim “That was a great show!” What I would say was great, with one in An Old-Fashioned Girl, and didn’t overexception, was the brunch that preceded play Apres Moi nor Monotonous allowing the production. The Roasted Tomato Soup the songs’ humor to come through even with Basil Oil was fresh and tasty. The more effectively. But St. John also gave us the less Shrimp and Grits were delicious with just the right amount of spicy kick. Country mischievous side of Kitt with a beautiful, Style Banana Cream Pie with Banana heartfelt In the Still of the Night and showed Chips was different from what I was expect- what sophisticated elegance is with a playing, a kinda deconstructed version of the ful C’est Ci Bon. And with exquisite musiclassic, but quite yummy, and the Straw- cianship she evoked the fearless determination of Here’s to Life. berry Shortcake was wonderful. Harry Mayronne led a trio that expertly Only the Open-Faced Country Omelette with spinach and sun-dried to- brought out all the different shadings in the mato, bland though not bad, had a syn- music. An innately warm and likable performer, thetic quality to it. As always, service from the friendly St. John wisely didn’t try to duplicate Kitt’s staff was excellent. And harpist Ashley quasi-evilness until the very end as the Toman, who played during the brunch pe- temptress in Whatever Lola Wants by which point she could do no wrong. Whenever it riod, was a lovely touch. returns, do not miss this absolutely delightful evening.
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Tami Tarmac celebrates b-day during Divas R Us @ The Golden Lantern
Albert & Madison join Kitty D Litter Revue @ Tulane Ave Bar
Persona & Bradley catch RuPaul’s Drag Race @ Oz Jeremy & Ryan @ their St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Irish Channel
Steve & Paul welcome guests to 14th Drag Extravaganza @ Oz
Divas R Us celebrates Tami’s birthday @ The Golden Lantern
Paul Davis & Golden Lantern bar baron James Garner have a moment @ Tami’s b-day
Michael, Tami & Trent @ The Golden Lantern's Divas R Us
Kitty D Litter Revue @ Tulane Ave Bar
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Meet & Greet @ the Columns on St. Charles Ave.
Dancers Austin, Matt, Blake & Josh welcome you to The Corner Pocket
Dancers Blake & Zach @ The Corner Pocket
Hula invites you to Voodoo Lounge
Celebrating @ Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern
Brandon on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Brian’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Irish Channel
On the parade route with Valerie, Tony & Contessa Breaux
Opal, President Frank & Darwin @ LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Meet & Greet
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Meet & Greet @ the Columns Hotel
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Meet & Greet @ the Columns on St. Charles Ave.
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Excitement ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg
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the legal corner by Attorney Troy A. Tureau Email: thelawprofessor@comcast.net
Nursing Homes: They Will Rob You of Your Assets or Your Children of Their Inheritance! Unless… I recently lost my father, so this topic has been on my mind a great deal lately. Thankfully, my dad did not go through a long, drawn-out final illness which required the care of a nursing home. But not all of us are that fortunate. I am at the age where many of my friends are losing their parents. It is hard enough to watch your parents grow old and even harder to watch them die. Unfortunately, we all know that death is a part of life – something that can’t be avoided. To see them lose all of the assets that they worked their entire life to obtain is something that can be avoided. According to “U.S. News & World Report,” approximately “70 percent of people age 65 and older will need some period of extended care during the remainder of their life.” These days nursing home care is astronomical! The average cost of a semi-private room is $72,270 a year (or $198 a day) and a private room is $79,935 a year (or $219 a day). At these rates it is easy to see how a family’s assets can be gobbled up in no time at all. Advance planning can prevent this from happening. Many people just assume that Medicaid or Medicare pays for nursing home care. This assumption is absolutely wrong. Medicaid will only pay once a person has depleted almost all of their assets (with a few exceptions). There are even instances where Medicaid can go after some assets after the nursing home resident’s death. Older generations will tell you that this is easy to overcome: “Simply put the assets in the children’s names.” Well, this may have worked in the past, but not any longer. Due to the passage of new laws in recent years, Medicaid has strict requirements outlining when it will and will not pay for nursing home care. It even has what is termed a “look-back” period of between 30 to 60 months, whereby a person who has transferred assets during that time can be penalized by becoming ineligible for Medicaid for a period of time. What is a person to do? Proceed with extreme caution. Medicaid has very specific rules and making a wrong move can have disastrous financial consequences. Are you destined to lose all of the assets that you have accumulated over your lifetime if you have to obtain long-term nursing home care? Will your children be deprived of the inheritance that you have worked so hard to pass on to them? Not necessarily. With advance planning, by utilizing what is commonly referred to as a “Medicaid Trust” and by converting countable assets into exempt assets under Medicaid’s own rules, this can be avoided. Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, the key is to plan ahead. I urge you to contact me or another attorney who practices in elder law to discuss this topic further. 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.
matters of healkth by Jack Carrel, MPH Email: JCarrel@HAARTinc.org
Time to Come Together: Trust, Transparency The week of March 23-27 marks the 13th Annual LGBT Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Time to Come Together: Trust, Transparency.” The event created by the National Coalition for LGBT Health chose this year’s theme after conducting a membership survey. Members expressed the need for trust and transparency in healthcare in order that LGBTQ individuals are able to tell their personal truth. With more and more Americans having access to health insurance and health care, it is critical that the healthcare system and providers respond to our lives. As the Coalition states in its press release announcing the week, ”It’s time … to come together to share cess and ease in plan selection. ideas and strategies to increase trust, trans> It’s also time to tell the TRUTH. We parency, and truth in LGBT Health now and must be honest about our sexual orientaover the next year. It’s time for us to em- tion, gender identity, and the personal health brace stronger and more honest relation- behaviors with our providers, and the ships with each other, our healthcare pro- healthcare system. And we must advocate viders, and healthcare systems. for authentic and complete data collection > It’s time to TRUST that our providers of sexual orientation and gender identity to and the healthcare system are sensitive to reflect reality.” and accepting of our personal identities The Coalition is planning a nationwide and health behaviors. webinar for providers and other interested > It’s time for TRANSPARENT parties that will address the healthcare healthcare systems to be more open and needs of our diverse community, present honest about their services, costs, and [continued on 33] business practices to ensure greater ac-
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matters of health ...from 31
Pearl & Company @ Flip Side Bar
Jawakatema Davenport @ B-Bob’s
In the Mix ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Hello Boys & Miss Cie
Venus Shante DaVis @ B-Bob’s
Hello Cliff
recommendations on how to build trust with their LGBTQ patients, and highlight successful practices. Featured LGBTQ health programs will include: Mazzoni Center (Philadelphia, PA), Community Healthcare Network (New York City, NY), and Howard Brown Health Center (Chicago, IL). To register for the webinar go to: https:// healthhiv.webex.com/mw0401lsp12/ mywebex/default.do?siteurl= healthhiv&rnd=0.3679028558864387 A number of recent journal articles attest to these needs. In the March 3 issue of Health and Social Work, researchers Deirdre Shires and Kim Jaffee reported on data from a 2008-09 survey of 1,711 female to male transgender people in the US. According to the results, about 42% of the respondents reported verbal harassment, physical assault or denial of equal treatment in a doctor’s office or hospital. Twentyeight percent of the men reported being denied equal treatment, 32% reported verbal harassment and 1% reported actual physical assaults. On a more positive note, in a study that was reported at the recent Endocrine Society annual meeting, Maja Marinkovic, M.D., found among a group of transgender youth at the Gender Management Clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, that while 62% of the youth reported they had depression, anxiety or both and/or cut themselves, these issues greatly improved when their gender dysphoria was recognized and treated. And if providers don’t chose to do the right thing on their own, we can seek help elsewhere as is evidence by the lawyers who this month petitioned the U. S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal on behalf of Michelle Kosilek, a transgender woman who was denied essential health services while she was incarcerated.
Men and Beards Although not exactly health related, an interesting story appeared on why men seem to be growing beards more these days. According to a study published in 2012 in the journal Behavioral Ecology, entitled “Beards Augment Perceptions of Men’s Age, Social Status, and Aggressive-
Zachary & Adrian with Miss Cie
Hello Richard
Hello Jarrod & Company
m obile paparazzi B-Bob’s very own Patrick
Hello Weston & DiJah
Pearl from RuPaul’s Drag Race @ B-Bob’s
ness, but not Attractiveness,” men grow beards in times of economic crises to signal their social status or as simply a form of male adornment. Some might speculate that men are just finding new ways to express their masculinity.
Toolkit for Nurses to Prevention LGBTQ Teen Suicides Public Health England and the Royal College of Nursing have joined forces to address the high rates of suicide among LGBTQ youth. Dr. Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England and the former Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, “Recent evidence shows there has been a rise in self-harm and suicide rates among lesbian, gay and bisexual youths.” The partners felt that nurses can play a particular role in addressing this issue. The toolkits are available for free online. Check them out and see one more step in making health care honor our stories and lives. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-suicide-lesbian-gay-andbisexual-young-people
Face of Clean and Clear Products to be a Transgender Youth Another great step in making our stories and lives known and providing positive role models for transgender youth is the recent announcement that Jazz Jennings, who will have a reality show about her life, was chosen as the face of the Clean & Clear acne treatment products.
LGBT Women Are Among Most at Risk of Poverty in America Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women are among the most at risk of poverty in the United States, according to the recently released “Paying an Unfair Price: The Financial Penalty for LGBT Women in America,” a companion to the report “Paying an Unfair Price: The Financial Penalty for Being LGBT in America,” which was coauthored by the Movement Advancement Project, or MAP, and the Center for American Progress. According to the report, almost 30 percent of bisexual women and 23 percent of lesbian women live in poverty compared to 21 percent of heterosexual women. Only 29 percent of LBT women say that they are thriving financially compared with 39 percent of non-LBT women. Transgender women are nearly four times more likely to have annual incomes of $10,000 or less compared to the general population. This translates into less access to health care and insurance because of cost and access to health insurance. Also, because of discriminatory laws, LBT women many times must make difficult decisions to preserve their family’s economic stability. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid parental leave. Jack Carrel, MPH, is the Director of Prevention for the HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two and the Caring Clinic and works with the Baton Rouge Wellness Center serving gay men and transgender persons. He is also a doctoral student in public health epidemiology at Walden University. He can be reached at jcarrel@haartinc.org.
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Love Is Love Prom@ Bourbon Pub & Parade ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys
Amon-Ra’s Playboy Bunny Rejects Contest @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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