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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Get Ready Southern Decadence Revelers: It's "Swimmin' with the Gods and Goddesses" Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce presented the 2015 Southern Decadence Press Party on Saturday, May 30 at GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart in New Orleans. They met and mingled with guests from 7-9pm. At 8pm, the grand marshals began\ the evening's presentation with a welcome by SDGM Steven Mora, and in celebration of the past, present and future, the introduction of their three charities. Your Southern Decadence team chose the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to preserve the past, Louisiana Equality Foundation to preserve the present, and PFLAG New Orleans (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Scholarship Fund to preserve the future. Past grand marshals were recognized by SDGMs Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce including SDGMs 27 Errol Rizzuto, 33 Regina Adams, 34 Electra City, 35 Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, 36 Julien Artressia, 39 Venus Santiago, and 40 Aubrey Synclaire, Reba Douglas & Chad Boutte. SDGMs Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain recognized current sponsors: Presenting - Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.com, The Golden Lantern; Gold Todd Blauvelt, Oz New Orleans; Silver - Larry Graham/Graham Studio One, Law Offices of Warren A. Forstall, Jr.; Bronze - Larry Anderson & Michael Boulas; and Pearl - Wicked Orleans, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Cary P. Oswald. The evening brought in an additional $1,000 in sponsorships and $184 from the 50/50 raffle. New sponsors include Silver - Eugene Theriot & Dwain Hertz/Gene's Po-Boys; Pearl - SDGM 27 Errol C. Rizzuto, Mac McAll/Cutter's Bar, Jon & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, June Pennick, and Glenn Paul Melancon (become a sponsor today @ www.SouthernDecadence.com/2015/SDSponsorsSD.pdf). This was followed by the song and poster presentation. The stage had a huge silver frame, and as the Official Song sounded each grand marshal came out from back stage dancing to the music down the runway and then back behind the silver frame and posed. When all was done, the poster was unveiled and the grand marshals were behind the frame in the same pose. This was followed by the presentation of colors in the form of top hats and a fan by SDGM XL Chad Boutte, sashes by Brandi Ice and custom pins by Dynasty Collection. The grand marshals silver bow ties were by SuziiFrank Bow Ties, and Marsha's fleur de lis jewelry was by Stephanie Danderson of Las Vegas. The announcements began as SDGM Frankie Fierce announced the song: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, DJ JRB's Southern Decadence Pumped Remix, SDGM Steven Mora announced the colors: Lavender, Lime Green & Silver Lame, SDGMs Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain announced the poster by renowned photographer Larry Graham, and SDGM Misti Ates announced the theme: Swimmin' with the Gods and Goddesses (calling all Gods, Goddesses, Mermaids, Mermen and all creatures of the sea, swimmin' synchronized). Then they all blew their grand marshal whistles. It followed with the introduction of A Bridge Gospel Brunch with MC SDGM each grand marshals lieutenants, and XLI Misti Ates, hosted by Rachel Bufkin the announcement of the upcoming June & Sharon Barreca, with entertainment fundraising events including: by several church choirs & special perSUNDAY, June 14th... formances by Miss Golden Lantern 1-3pm, Southern Decadence Build Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Natasha
inside
Official Pride Guide, GAA Top 5 issue out June 16 DEADLINE: Tues., June 9
celebrazzi the real cheese moments in gay new orleans history spotlight features commentary, book review southern decadence press party pics ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 44th southern decadence gaa online ballot under the gaydar trodding the boards
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halloween new orleans the legal corner a community within communities classifieds wear it out, matters of health mobile paparazzi mascara paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie
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Sinclair & SDGM XL Reba Douglas, $30 VIP ticket includes limited brunch menu with choice of Bloody Mary or Mimosa, preferred VIP seating & show, or $10 show tickets at door benefits SD at Pelican Bay, 1701 Elysian Fields Ave. SUNDAY, June 21st... 3-5pm, Southern Decadence Shrimp Boil & Cookout, $20 donation at Four Seasons Bar, Metairie FRIDAY, June 26th... 7-10pm, 1st Gay Wedding Expo, details to come at Chicory, 610 S Peters St. SATURDAY, June 27th... 4-7pm, Southern Decadence Cook Out hosted by Tulane Ave Bar & Krewe of Petronius, $20 donation, Tulane Ave Bar, 3813 Tulane Ave. The grand marshals blew their whistles once again announcing, "Let Southern Decadence 44 begin!" More on the grand marshals: Steven Mora has been involved in the LGBT community by assisting as a volunteer for a group counseling program in New Orleans that helps individuals with difficulty handling the basics of life all the way through the bullying of LGBT people, not only from the mainstream community but also from the LGBT community, who would very much be at high risk for suicide. He was also Southen Decadence XL Parade Captain last year and created the largest Southern Decadence parade in its history, including the entire community rather than just the LGBT sector, and continues to manage this year's parade with the same enthusiasm and drive. Steven also was the photographer for last years poster and provided many of the photos for the events around the city during the season. Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain are the first legally married same sex couple to reign as grand marshals, and were married on their 40th anniversary in 2013 in New York. The couple were Pride Grand Marshals XVII in 1996, and Easter Grand Marshals I in 2000, while Marsha reigned as King Cake Queen XV of Gay Mardi Gras in 2008. The couple are proprietors of Ambush Magazine, and the Ambush OnLine conglomerate of websites. Over the past 41 years, the couple has helped raise thousands of dollars for various charities and causes vital to the LGBT community. The couple has participated in Southern Decadence for over three decades. Misti Ates was voted the Gay Appreciation Awards Lesbian of the Year for the past four years, and is the second lesbian to reign as grand marshal. She was also New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal in 2011 and Easter Grand Marshal XVI in 2015. Through her drag king persona, Johnny Passion, Misti founded the LaFamilia Variety Drag Show in 2011, a monthly show which showcases local talents on stage in different venues. Together, with her
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:
Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, 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, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans MIss Cie, Leon Weekley-Mobile, 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
wife Catherine, they host and participate in several fundraisers throughout the LGBT community each year. Misti was also a lieutenant for Southern Decadence 2014. Frank J. "Frankie Fierce" Wingerter IV is 31 years old, and has bartended since he was 21 at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Oz, and Four Seasons. He was the MC for Buzzy's Boys & Girls Christmas Show for three years raising $20,000 or more every year for [continued on 8]
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Past Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 34 Electra City, 36 Julien Artressia, 35 Tittie Toulouse and Paloma, 39 Venus Santiago, 40 Chad Boutte, 27 Errol Rizzuto, 33 Regina Adams, 40 Aubrey Synclaire, and 40 Reba Douglas joined current SDGMs 41 Steven Mora, Frankie Fierce and Misti Ates for the 2015 Southern Decadence Press Party at GrandPre's. (www.SouthernDecadence.com)
The 2015 Southern Decadence Press Party culminated with the unveiling of this year's official poster created by renowned photographer Larry Graham. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Frankie Fierce, Steven Mora, Marsha Delain, Rip Naquin and Misti Ates recreated the pose live in a musical presentation featuring the official song. The announcements began as SDGM Frankie Fierce announced the song: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, DJ JRB's Southern Decadence Pumped Remix, SDGM Steven Mora announced the colors: Lavender, Lime Green & Silver Lame, SDGMs Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain announced the poster by renowned photographer Larry Graham, and SDGM Misti Ates announced the theme: Swimmin' with the Gods
celebrazzi and Goddesses (calling all Gods, Goddesses, Mermaids, Mermen and all creatures of the sea, swimmin' synchronized). The standing room only crowd packed GrandPre's in New Orleans enjoying cocktail eats while mingling with the grand marshals and guests. The giant 44th Southern Decadence end of summer invasion is expected to bring in over 160,000 revelers Wednesday-Monday, September 2-7, 2015. Keep abreast of everything Southern Decadence at www.SouthernDecadence.com, or follow www.Facebook.com/ SouthernDecadenceNOLA.
Wood Enterprises' Tim Wilson and Chris Ward join MASCARa MC Coca J. Mesa, Wood Enterprises Catherine and proprietor Tom Wood at the finish line for the 16th Annual MASCARa Race raising $3,250 for the NOCCA Institute. Sponsored by Wood Enterprises and Bud Light, the race has raised more than $113,904 for this very worthy charity since 2002.
The winners of the 16th Annual MASCARa Race included Prettiest - Bud Light’s Matthew Payan raising $401, Ugliest - Clover Grill’s Maurice Austin raising $200, 1st Place and Ms. MASCARa Rawhide’s Oren Riley raising $200, Most Money Raised Good Friends' Richard Walker raising $617, and Miss Congeniality Double Play’s Will Antill raising $465. The race benefits the NOCCA Institute and is held every Memorial Day Weekend with the Hamster Derby at Good Friends Bar, Crawfish Boil at Rawhide, and the race beginning and ending at Clover Grill. Sponsored by Wood Enterprises and Bud Light the race raised $3,250 for the institute.
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the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
For my second edition I debated ideas in my head for days, tossed and turned at night and still kept coming up blank, rarely at a loss for words I was beginning to think this was going to be a quick death for my new found career. That was until circumstances at my day job caused me to have to work a triple shift! Yes, 24 hours straight, in the middle of busy season here in what has become a near Disney Land for adults from all over the world. Surely this could lead to some interesting tidbits worthy of passing on. I manage a small guest house just outside the Quarter and that in itself is rarely boring. Adding to my own rather colorful nature, without naming the particular guest house, it is a very bright pink, same color pink as a common medicine for upset stomachs. Anyone who works in the hospitality industry here in New Orleans can affirm that there are two basic kinds of visitors who come to our more than fair city, one the type that comes to experience the music, the art, the food, the whole culture; type two are the ones that come to get trashed and I mean sloppy drunk, sharing their bodily fluids with Bourbon Street as their own booze induced right of passage, even if they are old enough to buy said booze with a senior citizen discount. Now the really fascinating thing is the only difference between the two very different types is a Hurricane from Pat O’s or more likely a Hand Grenade that of course most visitors seem to think is a requirement that they must have as soon as arriving. Even the most cultured seem to lose all sense of dignity and moral turpitude after some of our alcoholic concoctions cross their lips. Now that I’ve given you a glimpse into what are our typical guests all seem to have in common, I can tell you about my 24 hour shift, which will be condensed, as I have a chicken roasting in the oven and you know I like my meals! Coming on at 3pm things were calm. But with in a few hours I get a feel for what could come, as two of the guests, a younger couple, male looking perfectly normal the whole time, but female going into room much the same, only to come out in a tutu, g-string, sequin bra, and a wig that a few queens would have fought for. Actually this isn’t uncommon at all, but what was uncommon was that the couple would return nearly hourly only long enough for her to do a complete costume change, wig, shoes and all. After the fourth time I started daydreaming about Cher heading back out on tour ! It was still pretty calm, and I only had one check in left due to arrive at 1am, I start to think about napping. This is about the time that another middle aged couple decide to head out
to the Quarter, after wishing them a good evening, the lady stops and asks if I would be here all night, looking directly at my desk. I told her, well yes I will be on premises but might not be right at the desk, she then asked well where will you be? I pointed to the room right across and said taking a nap in there. A few hours pass, I decide to take my nap and quickly dose off. Only being asleep for a short time, I hear a voice at my door, whispering are you awake? It’s the middle aged lady, I get dressed answer the door only to see her weaving to and fro with a cigarette in one hand and a lighter that she kept flicking in the other, she mumbled incoherently something over and over, the only chance I had of understanding her would be if I could locate Paloma to translate. It was then that I see that the lighter was not working, meaning she wanted a light, in a non smoking hotel lobby of course, I told her where the closest store was and excused myself back to the room, as soon as my head hit the pillow she was at the door again, this time I got that she was trying to tell me she had a lighter in her car, GREAT! Except her car was behind our locked gate that I had to let her into. By this time I gave up on the nap as the late check in was due to arrive, he did right on time smooth check in, I'm done for the night. I decide I’ll leave my contact number, cab home, walk my dog, sleep for 4 hours and head back for morning shift. Cab driver who I will just call Muhammad as not to profile was fast and pleasant, home in 5 minutes. As soon as I lay down, phone rings, it’s the first couple informing me that they locked their keys inside their room, on my way I respond. Call cab and this driver I will call Muhammad #2, seemed as nice at first until he drove complete opposite direction of the address I just gave him. When I questioned him, his response was everybody has a different route to get places, by this time I was fresh out of Hail Mary passes and went off, he had no clue what he had just done. Needless to say once I finished with him I’m pretty sure he grabbed his passport and headed to back to the Holy Lands. I get to the hotel to meet the guests locked out only to see the male was no longer the normal guy as before but the hand grenades had kicked in, as he was wearing bits and
pieces of all her previous costume changes, if it wasn’t 3 in the morning I would have been amused, they were apologetic enough and I shook it off and decided just stay and get those couple of needed hours of a sleep so I could function the next shift. Hit the bed with the debate in my head of whether or not to use my experiences of the evening for this article, was going to just sleep on it, when I get one of those annoying emails notifications of a Facebook post. I had posted much early about being on hour 15 of the 24 hour shift, and at 3:49am to be exact Ambush Editor and Chief, Southern Decadence GM XLI Rip Naquin himself posts that’s the Real Cheese! God himself couldn’t have given me a greater sign of validation! So till next time dahlings, I’m Felicia Phillips, the Cheese Queen Of New Orleans.
the "official" dish ...from 4 Buzzy's. His past six or so birthday parties have turned into charity fundraisers, the last raising $4,500 in three hours. Frankie is always involved with charity fundraisers such as a sponsor of Gay Easter Parade, performed or hosted at Southern Decadence events, was a host of Halloween New Orleans twice, and a lieutenant for Southern Decadence 2014. Keep abreast of everything Southern Decadence at www.SouthernDecadence.com, or follow www.Facebook.com/ SouthernDecadenceNOLA.
2015 Gay Appreciation Awards Voting Online ONLY June 2-8 The 28th annual Gay Appreciation Awards voting is set for Tuesday, June 2 through Monday, June 8 online only at www.AmbushMag.com/GAA. Only one ballot per person is allowed. Installed spam filters will delete any cheating ballots thus disqualifying those participants from receiving an award.
Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the LGBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today. The 28th GAA Gala is set for Saturday, July 18, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. The 2015 winners are
announced at this event. VIP Tables with four seats are $200 and are very limited. All proceeds benefit Southern Decadence 2015. Contact Rip Naquin for table reservations at ripna@ambushmag.com or 504.522.8049. Door admission is $10. Award categories up for public voting include: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year • Hair Salon of the Year • Neighborhood Bar of the Year • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service in the AIDS arena] • Bitch of the Year • Show Club of the Year • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals] • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year • Dance Club of the Year • Bartender of the Year • DJ of the Year • Leather Bar of the Year • Cheridon Comedy Award • Fly Fashion Glamour Award • LGBT Business of the Year [no bars/restaurants/delis/hair salons] • Leather Person of the Year • Transgender of the Year • Lesbian of the Year • Gay Man of the Year • Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer] In addition, the Board of Directors presents the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. The Top 5 Finalist in each category will be announced in the next edition of Ambush. One of those 5 is the winner which is announced at the GAA Gala on July 18.
Grand Reveler I, Jeff Palmquist, to Host Burger Bash for LGBT+ Archives Project Grand Reveler I, Jeff Palmquist, of the Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers, will host a “Burger Bash” fundraiser for the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana on Wednesday, June 10, at Café Lafitte in Exile. Veteran Lafitte’s bartender Jeff Palmquist, a three time GAA winner for Bartender of the Year and current Lieutenant to SDGMs XLI, Rip and Marsh Naquin-Delain, will donate and grill the burgers, which will sell for $5. All proceeds will go to benefit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. The mission of the Archives Project is to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community in Louisiana. More infor[continued on 12]
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spotlight features Bar Review: The Black Penny
moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
“The Saga of Ferris LeBlanc’s Mortal Remains” On June 24, 1973, Marilyn Downey went to bed in her San Jose, California, home and had a dream. In it, her doorbell rang and when she answered the door she saw standing there her brother, Ferris LeBlanc, whom she had not seen or heard from in years. Forty-two years after the dream, she has still not seen or heard from Ferris and until a few months ago she had no idea whatever became of her brother. Originally from Michigan, Marilyn and Ferris grew up in a tight-knit family of thirteen siblings in California. Ferris fought for his country in World War II in the D-Day invasion and at the Battle of the Bulge. The family loved Ferris very much and never minded that he was gay. In fact, Ferris would often bring his lover Robert, and later Rod, to family gatherings. Such acceptance was highly unusual in the 1950s and 1960s. But then, in 1970, Ferris suddenly disappeared and seemed to drop off the face of the earth. His partner at the time, a man named Rod, was controlling and abusive and the couple had incurred no small amount of financial debt. In 1973, Rod’s murdered body was found in a ditch in Oakland, California. When Ferris’s family learned of the murder, they theorized that perhaps Ferris had gone into hiding for fear of his own life. His nephew Skip Bailey also suspected he may have been embarrassed about his relationship with Rod and how he was manipulated into borrowing money from the family. But these were merely guesses and suppositions. Marilyn and Skip and the rest of the family just didn’t know what happened to Ferris. They would wonder often about his fate for decades. Then, in January, 2015, just before Marilyn went to Tucson, Arizona, to visit her son Skip, she received a call from her brother who told her he had learned on the internet that Ferris died in a fire in New Orleans in 1973. Upon arriving in Tucson, Marilyn informed her son Skip of what she had just learned and Skip began scouring the internet and discovered the horrible tragedy of the Up Stairs Lounge arson. On June 24, 1973, an arsonist had set a fire at the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar in the French Quarter. As a result of the fire, 32 people died, including Ferris LeBlanc. An arrest was never made and the case remains officially unsolved. It was the deadliest fire in New Orleans history and the deadliest crime against gays and lesbians in U.S. history. The bodies of three of the victims were never identified and several of the bodies were never claimed, most notably the Reverend Bill Larson of the local Metropolitan Community Church, whose family was ashamed of his sexuality and released his body to the MCC. Ferris LeBlanc was identified by a ring he was wearing but his body was never claimed. His and the other three unclaimed bodies were buried by the city of New Orleans in a Potter’s Field. Skip continued gathering information. He ordered the only two books ever written about the fire—Johnny Townsend’s Let the Faggots Burn (2011) and Clayton DeleryEdwards’ The Up Stairs Lounge Arson:
by Frank Perez, f.perez@sbcglobal.net Just before Mardi Gras earlier this year, Bert West and Ed Diaz opened The Black Penny in the building that formerly housed the Ninth Circle, 700 N. Rampart. West and his crew spent months renovating the property and the result is a beautifully appointed space with a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a staggering array of craft beers from around the world. Cocktails are also available, as is a limited but excellent wine selection. And all of this at more than reasonable prices. You will not find better customer service anywhere in the city. Old barge boards adorn the walls above for a hundred years. the bar and the plaster has been removed But is it a gay bar? Nes and yo. In this along the St. Peter Street wall to expose day and age, the question is almost irreloriginal brick. Comfortably chic booths evant—like asking how many corners a have been added and the restrooms are circle has. The bar has both gay and completely new—and, I might add, the straight regulars and one of the bartenders cleanest I’ve found in the French Quarter. is gay. Owner Bert West answers the There is no juke box and the music is played question this way, “It’s just a bar and everyat a conversation-friendly level. one is welcome.” There is a certain authenticity about the Black Penny, a feeling that hearkens That sentiment is certainly evident at back to the years when genuine neighbor- the Black Penny. This is an outstanding hood bars, frequented by locals and resi- venue with great people, good music, and dents, permeated the Quarter. And even affordable booze. It’s definitely worth checkthough it’s only been open a few months, it ing out. The Black Penny is located at 700 is easy to assume the place has been open N. Rampart Street. sexuality, but this is not the case; they simply did not know what happened to him. Their first order of business was determining exactly where Ferris was buried. This was difficult because the graves are unmarked. It has long been assumed that he and the other unclaimed bodies were buried at Holt Cemetery, but this assumption was wrong. Anderson’s documentary includes footage of the burial and after visiting Holt Cemetery, Skip, his wife Lori, and Marilyn began to suspect the burial took place in a different cemetery. Skip began contacting City Hall to find out more information and immediately hit a brick wall. The bureaucrats were initially nonresponsive and unhelpful. The City Cemetery Office told him they have no record of indigents, but the coroner’s office did keep such a record—but those records were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Skip persisted in his search and eventually learned that Ferris and the others were buried at Resthaven Cemetery. Skip recalls, “Finding out where he was buried was the biggest challenge.” Upon visiting Resthaven, the family discovered that the six acre area where indigents were buried was closed in with a
fence, which was locked with a padlock. Lori said, “It looked like a cow pasture.” Skip contacted the city again to request the gate be unlocked so they could enter the area but again he met resistance. And again his persistence paid off. Mayor Landrieu’s Chief of Staff, Ms. Brooke Smith, agreed to have the gate unlocked and the grass mowed so the family could visit the burial site. Although they will not be bringing Ferris home to California, his family was at least able to visit the cemetery and thereby gain some closure. Marilyn, Skip, and Lori want people to know that Ferris was loved deeply and had they known of the tragic events that took his life, they would have claimed his body when he died. They are also looking for any information about Ferris’ life. If you knew Ferris, or have any information about him, please contact me and I will put you in touch with his family. As I concluded my interview with Marilyn Downey I asked her if there was anything else she wanted to add. She replied, “I’ve been waiting 42 years for my doorbell to ring and I’m glad I finally now know Ferris won’t be ringing my doorbell.”
Madison Faile Exhibit to Debut at Steve Martin Fine Art Gallery June 6 Ferris LeBlanc WWII photo Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973 (2014), and he ordered a copy of Royd Anderson’s short documentary film The UpStairs Lounge Fire (2013). He also reached out to other filmmakers who are working on documentaries about the fire, Robert Camina and Sheri Wright. As soon as Marilyn and her son Skip and his wife Lori learned of this they immediately planned to claim Ferris’ body and bring him home. They had already planned a trip to New Orleans to celebrate Marilyn’s 85th birthday. For decades, it has been assumed that Ferris’ family didn’t claim his body because they were ashamed of his
by Frank Perez, f.perez@sbcglobal.net “Castaway,” an exhibit featuring the work of artist Madison Faile, will premiere at the Steve Martin Fine Art gallery on June 6. Faile is a mixed media artist and hails from Montgomery, Alabama. He moved to New Orleans earlier this year. He studied at Troy University where he earned a B.F.A. in art history and has worked in a number of art galleries including the Stonehenge Gallery in Montgomery and the A.K.A. Stella Gray gallery in New Orleans. Faile has loved to create art since he was a child and describes the creative process as “better than sex.” The event, which will feature a dozen or so of Faile’s new works, will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 6 to 9pm. The gallery is located at 624 Julia Street. “Castaway” is part of Julia Street’s June art walk. (Painting Summer's Day by Madison Faile)
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the "official" dish ...from 8
commentary Bobby Jindal: Racism Wouldn’t Exist if Minorities Acted More Like White People by Frank Perez, f.perez@sbcglobal.net In August, 2013, just after the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal wrote an editorial in Politico titled “The End of Race,” in which he asserted that racism would not exist if minorities acted more like white people. Far from Dr. King’s dream, Jindal’s vision is a nightmare— especially for anyone who is not a white, straight Christian. In one of the stupidest, most asinine opinion pieces ever composed, Jindal argued that minorities place too much emphasis on “heritage” and “separateness.” This emphasis, he pontificated, prevents minorities from fully assimilating into what he calls “American” culture; i.e.—white Christian culture. Jindal laments the existence of hyphenated Americans, yet he hypocritically and happily reminds viewers he is the nation’s first Indian-American governor when he appears on the national new shows. Apart from the supremely arrogant assumption that American culture is monolithic, the problem with Jindal’s opinion is that it fails to consider the social inequities and attitudes that have prevented many minorities from fully realizing the “Dream” about which Dr. King so eloquently spoke. For example, the black unemployment rate has been consistently double the white unemployment rate since Dr. King’s speech—an indication that racial inequality is systemic throughout American society. Jindal writes, “When I became chairman of the Republican Governors’ Association last year, I gave this advice to the Republican Party: If you want people to like you, a good place to start is to demonstrate that you like them.” That’s actually pretty good advice. The implication is that the Republican Party doesn’t not like a lot of people. And they don’t, if their policies are any indication. Take for instance, women (“legitimate rape” and equal pay? Forget it.), black people (voter suppression), brown people (the GOP never talks about building a wall along the Canadian border), Muslims (burkas and mosques and Sharia Law, Oh my!), and, of course, LGBT folk (“you evil Sodomites are going to hell!”). Jindal is correct in pointing out that if the GOP wants votes from minorities, it should stop advancing policies that harm those minorities. But Jindal is wasting his breath and he knows it. The GOP is not interested in being nice to people. If he really wanted to challenge the GOP to change, Jindal would call out the racism in his own party. But, alas, that would require courage. Instead of offering true leadership, Jindal has chosen to pander to the most ignorant and hateful segments of his party’s base—the religious right. It’s a pretty big base, comprised essentially of the South, which went Republican after Democrats passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965. And it’s no surprise that the Bible Belt just happens to overlap the Old Confederate States of America. Religious fundamentalists have been conditioned to disguise their racism but they feel no such restraint when it comes to their homophobia. These religious fanatics happily condemn LGBT people and some have even called for the mass extermination of gay folk. They consistently oppose
marriage equality discrimination protections. And now Jindal is more than happy to join their self-righteous chorus of denunciations. By Jindal’s twisted logic, the LGBT community should act more straight. In other words, the son-of-a-bitch wants us to go back into the closet. Why? Because he knows that right-wing Christians will vote for him as long as he gives voice to their bigotry. In his Politico article, Jindal writes, “When I look at America, I see a country that increasingly has lost its way in terms of morality. As a Christian, as I look at American culture over the past half century, I don’t like a lot of what I see.” Just what exactly does Jindal see? What changes in American society since 1965 does he not like? Is it that women have more autonomy over their lives and bodies? That African-Americans no longer have to drink from separate water fountains? That gays and lesbians no longer have to lead double lives? Jindal favors a return to an idealized, mythical world that never actually existed— an Ozzie and Harriett, Leave it to Beaver world where white Christian men run things and where everyone else knows their place, except for LGBT people who have no place in such a society. In short, Jindal’s vision for the future is a nightmarish Christian theocracy, and anyone who is not a white, Christian male should be afraid, very afraid.
mation on the Archives Project may be found at http://www.lgbtarchivesla.org/ The event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, from 6 to 8pm at Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon Street.
LGBT Generations Forum June 16 NOAGE New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders) and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will host the “LGBT Generations” forum on Tuesday, June 16, at Café Istanbul, from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. The forum will feature a presentation on New Orleans LGBT history followed by a panel of speakers representing multiple generations of the LGBT+ community who will share their perspectives. The LGBT Generations Forum is an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and appreciation of the similarities and differences of being LGBT now and in years past. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 504.418.6614.
Broken Habit Productions takes over Marigny Theatre It’s a new day at The Marigny Theatre. Brothers Jim and Ryan Fitzmorris, the managing partners of Broken Habit Productions, are the new proprietors of The Marigny Theatre inside The Allways Lounge at 2240 St. Claude Avenue. They begin this month with the promise of programming that will challenge and thrill both theatrical and musical audiences in New Orleans. Over the course of the summer, they will honor a number of the previous management’s commitments, facilitate
book review Bourbon Street: A History. Richard Campanella. 2014. Louisiana State University Press. 978-0-8071-5505-9. 368 pages. by Frank Perez Bourbon Street elicits strong opinions from locals and visitors alike. People either love or hate the infamous thoroughfare; lukewarm opinions are rare. Regardless of what camp you fall into, Richard Campanella’s Bourbon Street is a must read—and if you’re a Bourbon Street hater, you might just change your mind after finishing it. Carefully researched and expertly narrated, the book traces Bourbon Street’s evolution from its origins in the early 18th Century to the modern day. Along the way, Campanella serves up a wealth of little known yet fascinating history. For example, did you know that Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, once rented a room on Bourbon Street from a black woman? In addition to providing the street’s compelling narrative history, Campanella also explores Bourbon Street as a social
artifact. One chapter, “Hating Bourbon Street: On Iniquity and Inauthenticity,” is an insightful analysis of why people hate the street. In it, Campanella asserts that Bourbon Street is far more “authentic” than its detractors think. This is an amazing book and anyone who loves New Orleans should read it. History buffs will be in heaven. Richard Campanella, a geographer with the Tulane School of Architecture, is the author of nine critically acclaimed books and numerous articles on the geography of New Orleans. Campanella is also a monthly columnist for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Preservation in Print Magazine, and the quarterly Louisiana Cultural Vistas. The only two-time winner of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities “Book of the Year” Award, Campanella has also received the Louisiana Literary Award, Williams Prize for Louisiana History, the Mortar Board Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Newcomb College Institute of Tulane University, the Hannah Arendt Prize for Scholarship in the Public Interest from Bard Early College, and the Monroe Fellowship from the Tulane’s New Orleans Center for the Gulf South. Campanella’s research has been
structural improvements on the space and begin planning and booking their new 201516 season. First up, playwright Kate Bailey’s new work “Strays” will take the stage on June 4th. Under the direction of Jen Davis, it will run Thursdays through Sunday until the 14th. In late July, David and Amy Sedaris play “The Book of Liz” starring Kathryn Talbot and Margeaux Fanning will make its New Orleans premiere. Directed by Jim Fitzmorris, it runs Thursday through Saturday, July 31st to August 8th. In August, a new name for the theatre will be unveiled along with a full year of productions and programming. Those shows will include theatrical productions, intimate musical events, and a few touches of late night madness. The programming will be combination of self-produced works and carefully chosen bookings. The Marigny Theatre has been host to some of New Orleans’ most exciting productions including work by The NOLA Project, Cripple Creek, The New Orleans Fringe Festival and Goat in the Road. It also has served as a cabaret space for acts like Dorian Rush and a comedy venue for The Hell Yes Fest. Broken Habit intends to build on that tradition and expand upon it. Stay tuned.
Researching Your New Orleans Property Friends of the Cabildo will host “Researching Your New Orleans Property” Seminary, Saturday, June 20th. Robert J. Cangelosi, Jr., an Adjunct Lecturer at the Tulane University School of Architecture, will present an in-depth program on historic home research at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue at 9:30 am. If walls could talk, you would know everything you wanted to know about your property, like who previously owned it, those who slept in it, how old it is, and what secrets it holds. Cangelosi, president of Koch and Wilson Architects, will outline how to develop the history of your property, using primary sources rather than oral traditions and secondary sources, which often are incorrect. Preparation of a “chain of title,” the essential first step in developing a history, will be discussed. The chain document the ownership of a property, which in theory, can be taken back to the early 1700s, during the French Colonial period. The “chain of title” relates to the property, not the improvements, and rarely will the chain alone indicate when improvements were made. Like history detectives, determining when improvements were done involves research into various records, including census, tax, water, building permits, contracts, city directories, newspapers, and more. This program will explain how these records can be used and where to find them. Space is limited. Contact the FOC Office at 504.523.3939 for reservations.
praised in the Journal of Southern History, Urban History, Places, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association, Louisiana History, and Bloomsbury Review; cited regularly in the New Orleans Times-Picayune and New York Times; and featured on NPR All Things Considered, CBS Evening News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, and BBC. Gambit Weekly readers voted @nolacampanella the winner of the Y@Speak “Most Informative Twitter Account” Award for 2014.
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
2015 Southern Decadence Press Party hosted by SDGMs XLI Steven Mora, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, Misti Ates & Frankie Fierce @ GrandPre’s
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ambush
C’est Bon! ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg
paparazzi
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under the gaydar
www.skinhorsetheater.org or email twentyfournola@gmail.com.
Sunday, June 7, 2015 by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month My choice for bartender of the month is a cutie. Recently he has moved from Rawhide to Café Lafitte in Exile. I am talking about none other than Roman Harrington. Roman is a fun-loving person with a pleasant demeanor and beautiful eyes; oh and he knows how to serve a great cocktail. I have had the wonderful experience of witnessing Roman’s mad bartending skills both at his job and several LGBT community fundraisers he has volunteered to help at. This personable young man is conscientious about his job and works to make sure his customers enjoy their visit. Making a good drink is only half the battle if you want to be a popular bartender in this city of literally hundreds of people in your career. You have to make guests want to come back and visit you regularly. Tourists come and go, but it is the locals who help bartenders earn their keep on a daily basis.
from Robin Barnes’ label, Fit By You, while sipping on cocktails and enjoying throwback tunes from the 80s and 90s. The movie will start at sundown. Movie-style small bites and cocktails will be available for purchase as well as complimentary popcorn during the movie. Guests will have the opportunity to win summer-themed giveaways before and after the movie including a 2-night stay to W New Orleans French Quarter. The movie is complimentary. Space is limited so guests are encouraged to RSVP to wnolarsvp@whotels.com. Parking is available at W French Quarter for $5 for three hours as space permits. The W French Quarter is located at 316 Charters Street.
Saturday, June 6, 2015 Join the Louisiana Equality Foundation as they host Adikus Sulpizi (Gay Pride Grand Marshal 2015) to speak about “New Concepts in HIV.” Adikus will present a question and answer session on new concepts in HIV; as well as discuss the organization he works with here locally, Team Friendly NOLA and how you can get involved. This is a free educational seminar. Since space is limited please click going and RSVP through the ticket link if you can attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ community-speak-out-new-concepts-inhiv-tickets-16925722291. The event takes place at the Interfaith Center on the 4th floor of the New Orleans Healing Center located at 2372 St Claude Avenue.
Saturday, June 6, 2015 Bartender of the Month Roman Harrington, Café Lafitte in Exile Roman has a twisted sense of humor that plays perfectly with his profession. But beyond the jokes, he is a wonderful asset to the bar. His hospitality, cocktail prowess and piercing eyes make him a favorite. Roman can be found working downstairs at Lafitte’s Friday through Tuesdays normally. Café Lafitte’s in Exile is located at 901 Bourbon Street.
Hot Happenings Get ready for a June filed with exciting things to do. Here are just a few of the hot events coming up.
Thursday, June 4, 2015 The W New Orleans – French Quarter in partnership with Tidbits New Orleans and The Elizabeth Chronicles present a free “Dive-In” movie from 6 – 10pm. The free (yes free) “Dive-In” movie night is a summer spin-off of old drive-in movies, but in a very sexy New Orleans courtyard space. Guests and locals are invited to swim in the pool while watching a throwback movie in the courtyard as a nod to Throwback Thursday, #tbt. Starting at 6:30pm, guests can browse and shop poolside fashions from The Elizabeth Chronicles and fitness gear
The June Julie Street Artwalk on the first Saturday of the month is definitely not to be missed. "Castaway" is the New Orleans premiere of the work of Madison Faile at Steve Martin Fine Art located at 624 Julia Street. This talented young artist will be showing off his amazing talent in a fun atmosphere filled with champagne and art.
Saturday, June 6, 2015 Come to the premier of 7 brand spanking new plays at the Fourth Annual 24 Hour Theatre Fest starting at 8pm inside Café Istanbul (2240 St. Claude Avenue). The price for admission is $7. Witness the result of 24 whirlwind hours of theater-making as our intrepid participants present 7 brand new short plays, all created in one day. The concept of 24 is the opportunity, (or the challenge?!), for playwrights, directors, and actors to come together and create theater in just 24 hours. On Friday, June 5th, participants gather at 8pm to choose a theme and then the playwrights are sent off to write scripts through the night. Directors are randomly assigned to plays in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, June 6th, and actors are randomly selected by directors soon after (all casting is gender-blind and color-blind). The improbable cast will then have a few measly hours to turn their script into performance, to be performed that very night. To sign up to participate or for more information, go to
Experience a little bit of Hawaii in Metairie at the Four Seasons Lounge when the Krewe of Petronius brings guests some Aloha Spirit at our “Come-on-I-Wanna-Leiya! Hawaiian Hukilau & Show” from 5 – 8pm. They will have contests for the “The LOUDEST, Most GAWD-awful Aloha shirt or Mu’umu’u” and then shake your booty for the Queen Lili`uokalani Keiki Hula Dance. Free leis will be given to the first 30 Guests. Come out and support the oldest gay carnival krewe in New Orleans and enjoy a show, cocktail and snacks. Tickets are $15. The Four Seasons is located at 3229 North Causeway Boulevard.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Join the historic French Market for an evening of festive summer fun as they celebrate the opening of tomato season with the Summer Harvest Gala: A Creole Tomato Festival kick-off party at the historic French Market from 6:30-10pm at the historic French Market pavilion at Barracks Street, across from the Old U.S. Mint. A quintessential southern foodie experience served family-style will be prepared by Justin Devillier, Executive Chef of La Petite Grocery and Balise, and a team of awardwinning chefs including: Slade Rushing, Executive Chef Brennan’s; Vishwesh Bhatt, Executive Chef of Snackbar and Corporate Chef of City Grocery Restaurant Group (Oxford, MS); Rebecca Wilcomb, Chef de Cuisine of Herbsaint; Kristen Essig, Executive Chef of Meauxbar. A cocktail reception featuring handcrafted cocktails and handpassed hors-d’oeuvres by Cane and Table will begin the evening from 6:30-7:30pm. The seated dinner will begin right after under the French Market pavilion featuring live music by Creole String Beans. Tickets are $150 per person with all the proceeds going to fund the growth of The French Market’s new twice weekly farmers markets. Please contact Jeremy Smith via email with questions at jsmith@frenchmarket.org.
Saturday, June 13, 2015 Just right down the road from New Orleans is our wonderful state capital (Baton Rouge). They are celebrating their pride at the 2015 Baton Rouge Pride festival. There is free admission to all events from 1pm until 7pm at the Baton Rouge River Center Exhibition Hall located at 275 South River Road. They have a great entertainment lineup again this year including The Austin Baptist Women, Pocket Aces, The Krewe of Divas and many more. There will also be the community resource fair, blessing of relationships, kids’ area, food and drink. Visit their new website: www.BRPride.org for the latest details, schedules and more information as the year progresses. Also, please bring a nonperishable food items to donate to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. The stick around after the free afternoon of Baton Rouge Pride events for “Pride After Hours” with a live band, DJ and special guests. They’ll be music by Mia Borders and her band, as well as DJ Cameron Kelly, and some more hilarious entertainment by the Austin Baptist Women. There will be concessions and cash bar, plus lots of dancing and fun. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 the day of event, avail-
able through the Baton Rouge River Center Box Office (no extra fees), Ticketmaster (regular fees apply), and their website (above) or from Baton Rouge Pride team members (no extra fees).
Saturday, June 13, 2015 Fashionistas prepare for a fabulous night of glamour at Couture for a Cause - A Fashion Affair for the Heart. Back for a second year, this much touted event is set to take place at stylish NOLA nightclub, The Metropolitan from 7 – 10pm. The evening promises to deliver a premiere social experience for guests. The event, an innovative fashion show, is being produced and hosted by two powerhouse female entrepreneurs and benefits the American Heart Association (AHA). One half of last year’s hosting team, Shirah Ray, has returned to lead this year’s event. The local boutique owner, known to many as “Queen of Scene” is bringing a new partner into the fold this year. Reality-show celebrity, Anicka Jones Marshall, who recently appeared on HGTV’s hit home-improvement competition show, Flipping the Block” is coming on board, joining Ray in this important cause. She too is a local business owner having founded interior design firm, AJM Design+Build.The Metropolitan is located at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. Tickets start at $25. To purchase tickets, go to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/couture-for-acause-fashion-affair-for-the-heart-tickets16276975873?aff=eac2
Party Down Between work and festival exhaustion, I am afraid this week’s column is rather short, but somehow I still managed to experience some very fun times. Let’s start with my first ever Murder Mystery Dinner I participated in at the Foundation Room inside the House of Blues. This private member’s only club put on a costume dinner filled with red herrings, over the top characters and murder for the main course. People dressed in period masquerade outfits and were given roles to play in this unique evening that included a delicious four course meal. The host of the party died while greeting us, and we all had our parts to play not knowing if you were the killer until the end. Diners mingled with the actors to create a memorable evening. I attended with my friend Laura and even though we did not get the killer right we both came away with prizes (me for Best Actor and Laura for best Costume Female). I am a winner baby! (Okay that is my best Mahogany impression, if you do not know it, google it, best line in the movie.) On Sunday I went to a little evening cocktail soiree at Albert Carey’s home in the Warehouse District; then jetted to the Marigny to attend the Big 4-0H Gala sponsored by the NOCCA Institute in their brand new event space. This new party space is a spectacular new addition to the school. Along with the Press Street Gallery and their new restaurant, this is quite the complex. There was an outstanding silent and live auction, as well as cuisine form great local restaurants and flowing libations. But the highlight of the night was a special performance by Grammy Award winners Terrence Blanchard and Pedro Martinez that had everyone out of the seat and dancing into the night. I kicked off the next week with a cock-
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Say My Name, Say my Name: Stories of LGBTQ Youth from New Orleans at Ashe Powerhouse Theater BreakOUT! is a youth-led, membership-based local organization that seeks to end the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to create a safer and more just New Orleans. The group builds on the rich cultural tradition of resistance in the South to establish the power of LGBTQers, ages 13-25, through youth organizing and leadership development programs. If you haven’t yet heard of BreakOUT!, you should check out its website (www.youthbreakout.org) or, better yet, get involved with them by attending one of their events, or donating time or money. They are doing vital work for the community. Recently, BreakOUT!, in collaboration with New York-based Ping Chong + Company, presented Say My Name, Say my Name which offered the life stories of five young, Black transgender women. Written by Sara Zatz and Mieke D, Say My Name is based on interviews, writings, and conversations with the cast and members of BreakOUT! and is part of PC+Co.’s Undesirable Elements project, an ongoing series of oral-history theater works exploring issues of race, culture, and identity in the lives of individuals in specific communities. Though less than an hour long and simply staged, it is a powerful piece of theater. The show began with a stylized introduction as the five attractive performers—Adore, Ciara, Lhundyn, Milan and Nate, filling in for an indisposed Se’Miyah—entered, marching and clapping in unison. They took their seats and proceeded to read from scripts on stands in front of them. Their tales do not need any directorial flourishes; as distilled by Zatz and Mieke D, their words are potent enough. We learn how they chose their new names, of mothers who struggled with addiction, and of grandmothers and other maternal figures who raised them. Until, for various reasons, they decided not to. Homelessness happens. Whether growing up in the Projects or Uptown, they had to confront bullying at school, sometimes from other students, sometimes from unsympathetic faculty or administration
under the gaydar ...from 20 tail fundraising reception to introduce the new Tennessee Williams Theatre Company to the city. TWTC for short, the newly formed professional theatre company will be presenting three fully staged renditions of Tennessee Williams’ plays and one reading in its first season. The little gathering was held at Bellocq, the well-appointed craft cocktail bar located in the Hotel Modern on Lee Circle. There were readings from actors of some of Tennessee’s more popular works and great company to talk to as guests got to know the founders of the troupe. It is thrilling to see so much live theatre thriving in our city. Memorial Day weekend was fun, but not out of the control like my Pensacola bound friends. On Saturday, I went to the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Grand Tasting at the Convention Center. With literally hundreds of wines available to taste, food from fifty plus local restaurants and various specialty cocktails, this quickly turned into a drinking marathon for me and my friend Brice. If you have not been this is an excellent place to discover new wines, understand how to appreciate and taste wines and what to look for when purchasing. You also get to sample the best dishes from the top restaurants in the city. I also discovered one of the best contraptions that pours the ultimate cocktail, quite a machine. After sampling the wine, we then stopped at the Foundation Room in the House of Blues, Latitude 29 (the new Tiki Lounge in the Bienville House Hotel), Oz and ended the night at the Golden Lantern for the Divas R Us Show. You need to check out this show, led by the wonderful Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and her talented cast. On Sunday, I had a distinctively memo-
rable day. My friend Laura and I attended a crawfish boil hosted by Terrence Blanchard at his house in English Turn. It was to show a visiting group of journalists a true Southern seafood boil. The show filming was from London and called "Sorted Food." Oh my goodness, you have to check out this group. They are four exceptionally hot men who know tasty food and appreciate recipes. They were here filming a segment on New Orleans. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with crawfish, cute foreign men and free flowing French 75’s, my type of day. These guys are worth checking out, their website has lots of recipes from around the world, and they have some funny videos they do. Check out the dunk the nuts and milkshake songs. Surprise unplanned events are the best kind, when a positively average day turns into a memory. I ended the long weekend subdued with a barbecue at my house for some friends. Nothing was over the top but it was still sweet. So until next week, enjoy the June showers and keep having fun.
In Other Gay News Raise your mug of Guinness or shot of Jameson to toast the wonderful people of Ireland. They are the first country in the world to enshrine marriage equality in their constitution and by popular mandate. They are truly a beacon to the rest of the world of liberty and equality. With pride fests around the world happening, it is a very proud day to be Irish. On Saturday, May 23, 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by national referendum, a result that highlights the dramatic pace at which this traditionally conservative Catholic nation has changed in recent times. Just 22 years after decriminalizing
members; because of this, not all of them finished high school. Often, the only jobs they have been able to get is work in fast food restaurants. Some managers have been supportive, others have not. Policemen are always stopping them, tagging them with spurious crimes and misdemeanors. “Walking while transgender is not a crime,” one of them avers. Jail time can follow. Not surprisingly, not all of them make the right choices when it comes to relationships. And even when victims of domestic abuse, the legal system is not necessarily protective. Despite all this, these young women display an amazing resiliency. Perhaps because they have been toughened up by life’s challenges, they seem to have an incredible ability to bounce back and, as demonstrated by their participation in Say My Name, channel their hardscrabble lives into a positive force. Even before this production, Lhundyn and Milan were founding members of BreakOUT! Not surprisingly, they, like everyone else, are just looking for happy relationships and successful careers. Law, healthcare, and business pathways are mentioned and one hopes that, despite the greater challenges they continue to face, their dreams will be achieved as up’n’coming generations are more accepting. Zatz and Mieke D’s script breaks the narration up with the performers’ rhythmic clapping to give certain sections emphasis. The stories are told in a mostly linear, chronological succession which allows for things to remain clear cut. As one person would narrate her story, if there was dialog in it, others would speak these lines, adding a pleasing multi-dimensionality to the work. As directors, Zatz and Mieke D did a fine job of focusing these naturally expressive, but relatively inexperienced performers. Adore, Ciara, and especially Milan demonstrated vital theatrical instincts and flair, as did Nate who thoroughly inhabited Se’Miyah’s narrative. I’d be curious to see them in more standard works. More broadly, Zatz and Mieke D, who went through many versions of the script in the course of working on this production for over a year, along with Lighting Designer Alex R. Smith, brought a professional polish to Say My Name that raised it from mere agitprop. homosexuality, 62.1% of voters approved the measure changing the nation’s constitution to allow gay marriage, according to official results by Ireland’s referendum commission. National turnout in Friday’s poll was 60.5% of 3.2 million eligible voters. That is amazing and a very proud moment for the worldwide LGBT community. It is a glimmer of hope especially for us as we watch, our wonderful state being dragged down by an arrogant, posturing politico who does not listen to his constituents but sets himself up to be the voice of the religious right to further his own political agenda. Problem with being on the religious right, are you absolutely sure your side (or your religion) is truly right? Stop rebranding discrimination, because sooner or later you may find yourself being on the wrong end of your hate. So let’s celebrate our gains in the ever growing world, and try to erase the hate. Because even talking about Bobby Jindal leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
I would just question their choice of ending the show with the performers striking a series of diva poses. While there’s nothing wrong with aspiring to be a model or singing superstar, why shouldn’t these young women aim to be scientists or judges...or even cops?
New in New York Broadway has had a particularly good season this year so if you’re visiting New York for a limited time, some hard choices will have to be made. If all you’re looking for is pure entertainment do not miss Something Rotten! (St. James Theatre), two-and-a-half hours of blissfully sophisticated silliness. Though it shares some of the same winking DNA of The Producers, Spamalot and The Book of Mormon, I enjoyed it more than all three of those put together. Written by Baton Rouge natives and brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (along with John O’Farrell), Rotten is ostensibly about how such musicals came to be. The backstory takes place in Elizabethan times as two brothers (Brian d’Arcy James and John Cariani) try to find theatrical success equal to their main rival, Shakespeare (Christian Borle in full peacock mode). The book is a sturdy, and hysterical, structure from which to hang all sorts of jokes, a little romance, and boisterous songs. In fact, starting with the opener Welcome to the Renaissance, I can’t remember the last musical that had one great production number after another after another. The highlight, A Musical, which gives shout-outs to dozens of classic shows (“Chorus Line-y/ Shake your heinie” was one lyrical snippet I wrote down amidst my laughter) received one of the longest ovations I’ve ever experienced for a non-finale. Under the directorial/choreographic genius of Casey Nicholaw, the entire cast is at the top of its game. Scott Pask’s richly Tudor-style set and Gregg Barnes’ gorgeous costumes make the entire show looks sumptuous. Sure, some of Rotten’s targets are easy ones, but I didn’t want this magnificent merriment to end. Equally luminous but with a very different subject matter is Fun Home that has transferred from off-Broadway, where I saw it in 2013, to Broadway’s Circle in the Square. Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, it’s not giving anything away to say the gist of it is captured in her statement
Michael Cerveris, part-time NOLA resident, in Fun Home “Dad and I both grew up in the same small Pennsylvania town. And he was gay, and I
[continued on 25]
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24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • J une 2-15, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om hernDec
the legal corner by Attorney Troy A. Tureau Email: thelawprofessor@comcast.net
LGBT Workplace Protection: The Next Frontier in Equality! Who would think that in 2015 it would be legal for an employer to fire you for being LGBT? At this moment in 36 states and in the District of Columbia it is now legal for same sex couples to get married, and within weeks it is very likely that the United States Supreme Court will make marriage equality the law of the land. Yet, most of us can be fired just for being LGBT. I’m not sure about you but it is hard for me to wrap my head around that reality. So, we can marry, we just can’t work? Right…. Approximately 60% of our community face the possibility of being refused a job, being harassed or being fired as a result of who we are. The time is now to demand legal protection at our place of employment against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity! Although President Obama recently signed an executive order prohibiting private companies which have contracts with the federal government from firing or discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity, no federal law prohibits these actions. 29 states have no laws which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. 32 states have no laws which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. (Unbelievably, 28 states also have no laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. So, we can marry but can we can’t have a place to live….) 21 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico do have laws that prohibit
discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and 18 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on gender identity. A number of cities, including New Orleans, and counties have laws that protect LGBT in the workplace. Many businesses, especially Fortune 500 companies, have policies that prohibit discrimination against LGBT in the workplace. Since we just celebrated Memorial Day last week, we need to be sure to remember all of the members of the LGBT community who have served our country in the military. While we will never know the total number of them who have served in the military, died in defending our country or
trodding the boards ...from 22
the journey from Uptown to Broadway with Airline Highway (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre) her grand portrait of a collection of some down-and-out souls inhabiting a motel on the titular strip. A Big Easy version of The Lower Depths, D’Amour beautifully captures the personalities and conversational rhythms of the hookers, hustlers and workers who populate The Hummingbird. If gentrification threatens to end the “laissez les bon temps rouler” approach to life that has sustained these characters for so long, they’re not going to go out without a fight...or a party. And on Scott Pask’s splendid hyperrealistic set, they give a good party, a funeral for a not yet dead former burlesque queen. One could have asked for a little more drama (and not just the “stripper with a heart of gold facing bad times” variety) and a little less song-singing, but Joe Mantello’s swirling direction gets the details just right from plastic Rouse’s bags to David Zinn’s ebullient costumes. While D’Amour’s authentically textured script can certainly be appreciated by all, unfortunately, I sensed that many of the local references (Antoinette and Ernie KDoe, wearing beads “out of season”) went over the heads of a New York audience preventing them from fully enjoying all the work’s nuance. Yet everyone can treasure Julie White’s haunting performance as an aging drugaddicted hooker that has been justly nominated for a Tony. If you happen to be in NYC before June 7, try to catch this work that celebrates a part of NOLA that is slowly, and sadly, vanishing. Young Jason in Robert Askins’ Hand to God (Booth Theatre) wishes Tyrone, his sock puppet that’s virtually attached to his hand, would vanish but that would kill all
was gay, and he killed himself, and I became a lesbian cartoonist.” Lisa Kron’s knowing book and witty, probing lyrics are about so many things— family, self-identity, love, etc.—all conveyed with tremendous warmth and understanding. Jeanine Tesori’s score superbly expresses the underlining emotions of Kron’s words and, upon second hearing, her inspired melodies have happily lodged in my head; I smile as Changing My Major [to Joan] bubbles between my ears. If anything, the performances, already brilliant, have deepened with Judy Kuhn bringing out the weary frustration of Alison’s mother; Emily Skeggs perfectly balancing fear and excitement as a college-age Alison about to come out; and 11-year-old Sydney Lucas, wise beyond her years as young Alison, giving joyous life to her crush on a deliverywoman in Ring of Keys, an instant classic. Beth Malone continues to provide discerning ballast as the adult Alison looking back on her younger selves. And as a high school English teacher, proprietor of the family funeral home and closeted gay man, Michael Cerveris is no longer acting, but bringing back to life Bruce Bechdel’s pride, intelligence, pompousness, and inner ache. Sam Gold still directs with cinematic flair, but I slightly missed downtown’s proscenium staging which thoroughly allowed you to lose yourself in this complicated, tender story. That said, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll be so enraptured I doubt you’ll notice anyone adjusting their coat on the other side of the playing area as this remarkable journey plays out. New Orleanian Lisa D’Amour has made
were discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity, we do know that over 14,000 were discharged in the aftermath of President Clinton’s 1993 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy alone. Ironically, while this policy was intended to help LGBT service members, it actually resulted in more being discharged. In 2011 President Obama officially ended the 18 year old policy, allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military for the first time in our country’s history. An estimated 65,000 gay and lesbians currently serve. The ban on transgender service remains in force.
I urge you to write your Congress members and state legislators to demand workplace protection for members of the LGBT community. 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, Tureau Legal, 4631 S. Carrolton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119, thelawprofessor@comcast.net 504.308.1608.
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Standing together or apart? “Love Free or Die” is the name of a documentary about Bishop Gene Robinson and yet could this not be the call for us who truly live the Gospels? In a recent Sunday sermon I said, “We have work to do.” What might that work be? It is hard exhausting work. It is work that is absolutely necessary. What might that work be? Recently, Governor Jindal used his Executive privilege to institute what many fear is a discriminatory practice based on a “Christian beliefs.” Perhaps those supporting such measures might quickly advise that not only is this errant theology Christian but is “universally held by Judaism and Islam.” And with that the cry is shouted loud and with no small measure of anger: those damn Christians are doing it again; hating in the name of God! Hypocrites! Bigots! Haters they are one and all.” We have work to do. Governor Jindal does not speak for or on behalf of Christianity. He is a converted Roman Catholic with no degree in theology, was and is not ordained, and as far as I know has never gotten even a single academic certificate from a recognized Institution of Higher Education in theology or Pastoral Studies. In some vein and veiled way he claims to speak for a certain “majority” or Christians. But here are some facts: The Evangelical Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church of the United States, The the fun in this very serious new comedy. Tyrone, you see, may be the Devil, Presbyterian Church, The United Church literally. Or he may just be a violent, foul- of Christ, The Metropolitan Community mouthed part of Jason’s personality that he Church, Friends General Conference has heretofore kept under control. This (Quakers), Old Catholics, Unity Church, contradiction, never fully clarified, both- and about twenty other denomination exered me, but that was the only thing that did pressions accept and affirm LGBT persons in this comic tragedy about miscommunica[continued on 28] tion and conflicting urges. Askins may be preaching to the converted in NYC as he sends up small town moments are the most moving, utilizing religious hypocrisy, but who cares when his Christopher Bowser and Evan Gannon’s unique voice melds a hilarious hazily autumnal lighting (and darkness for cartoonishness with an almost operatic one section), overall she creates a deliintensity of emotion. Part Grand Guignol, cious mood reminiscent of childhood camppart wacky farce, Hand to God may make fires in which everyone participates. Ghost Quartet recently finished its Avenue Q look tame but ultimately it becomes about one family’s touching, if wild, run at The McKittrick Hotel but it will soon be going on tour. The Saturn Bar would be attempt to move on from its past. Moritz von Stuelpnagel’s excellent di- the perfect place here for this sui generis rection balances the ridiculous with the entertainment. After all, how many other serious which the entire cast takes to with musicals include a shot of bourbon as part aplomb. As Jason/Tyrone, Steven Boyer is of show? Leonard Bernstein’s eternally youthful simply amazing and, like all great puppeteers, convinces an audience that there’s music for On the Town (Lyric Theatre) is actually another creature up there beside like a shot of adrenaline from its first few chords. Betty Comden’s and Adolph Green’s him. There might not be any creatures be- book, however, has not aged as well and side you at Ghost Quartet...but then again many of its comic portions feel dated. But there might. This series of eerie tales set to when it forsakes shtik for real emotions, its music by Dave Malloy evokes Edgar Allan sweet portrait of young love and the timePoe, Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Gorey with less yearning to connect is charming. John Rando’s production, part tradia pinch of Oscar Wilde thrown in. Malloy’s wide-ranging imagination and varied score tional approach, part re-invention, is hard builds up a mysterious steampunk atmo- not to enjoy, especially when the one-of-akind Jackie Hoffman is on the stage. And if sphere layer by tingling layer. A slight twee factor permeates Ghost Joshua Bergasse’s phenomenal choreogQuartet but the company’s prodigious tal- raphy, particularly the transporting Pas de ent, all (Brent Arnold, Brittain Ashford, Deux for Tony Yazbek and New York City Gelsey Bell and Malloy) keenly attuned to Ballet Principal Megan Fairchild, doesn’t the style the material demands and playing leave you with a “helluva town” feeling, a variety of instruments, mitigates this. If then, buddy, New York, New York’s simply some of Director Annie Tippe’s simplest not the place for you!
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PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 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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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
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is315]
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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 THE BLACK PENNY, 700 N. Rampart 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
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 DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] 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
hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
health New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
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. [0715] 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. [0815] 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.” [0915] 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. [1115] 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 beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bed-
26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • J une 2-15, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
room suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. License #LA4553 [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.
McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495
repairs Metairie, New Orleans, LA Mr. Fixer L.L.C., appliance & home repairs, "Reliable, Quality Work & Pricing!" 504.202.1024, www.NewOrleansApplianceRepairs.com
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
photography
tours
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
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
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GARDNER REALTORS, Micah 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
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wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
The Four Seasons “Sunday Soiree” is in Style One of this year’s Southern Decadence Grand Marshal’s, Misti Ates, is hosting a new Sunday party once monthly at the Four Seasons Bar in Metairie. At first it seemed that the party was going to take a while to take off but once again Misti has put her name on an event and found a way to make it happen. Not only did she get the crowd there on her second Sunday of throwing this social event, she also threw a grand event. Yes it is warm outside but the crowd came dressed comfortably for the weather and the cast was fun. The cast included such names as Nikki Max, Ms. New Orleans Pride Solitaire who sang live and was a hoop, Derek Penton-Robicheaux, and Pussi Hertz who’s name was said to pull the Lesbians in according to Misti. LOL! This last event was a tribute to all of the EMS workers throughout the city and surrounding areas, and also collected donations to help Robert L. Camina with his documentary The Upstairs Fire. The Sunday social event raised another $200 for Robert and his film. While talking with Misti before the show started I had made the comment that she was really doing a good job of getting the crowd out to Metairie on a Sunday afternoon. Misti simply said I will always find a way to make my events happen. BLAM! You Go Girl! The one thing I noticed was that, yes a Ms. New Orleans Pride lot of the regulars were there, but on the Solitaire
communities ...from 25 into the full life of their communities. Wikipedia cites the following, “The Reform Judaism movement, the largest branch of Judaism in North America, has rejected the traditional view of Jewish Law on homosexuality and bisexuality. As such, they do not prohibit ordination of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people as rabbis and cantors.” So, apparently Governor Jindal does not and should not speak for all Christians let alone Christian and Jew. As many of you know I strongly believe in the separation of Church and State. I have never been a big fan of clergy becoming agents of the state regarding so called “marriage.” I hold the sacraments of the church with awe and inspiration and marriage, in my tradition is a sacrament, is “not lightly entered into” and so I wish the State would get its claws out of our sacramental life. That said, the State should perhaps, to a limited degree, regulate some forms of Civil Union such as a reasonable age of consent to transfer property which is already the case because we legally recognize a status that we call “minors.” But regulation is a slippery slope on this subject and becomes very much subjective and culturally bound. So, I will pull back from this never ending piece of consideration and get back, “There is work to be done.” While the name “Religious Freedom” Act or mandate may seem consistent with Constitutional protections it quite simply isn’t. Our legislative branch already visited the idea and rejected it. This travesty sets up a situation that reminds me of the literacy tests for voter registration! If we say that as a society, in general, an “open to the public” business must allow free and equal access
to that business, and mindful of the ideal of “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” how can Jindal’s claim bear any real or significant Constitutional weight?! “There is work to be done.” As one of the supporting, embracing, and Gospel driven churches St. Anna’s has work to do. I also invite the other denominations that you have read about to join in or continue in participating in this work. The work looks like this: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” Found in both Matthew and Mark. Governor Jindal has set himself up as a Pharisee of the 21st Century kind. Yet, even they, the biblical Pharisees, had much dissent among themselves, were generally scriptural literalists, still engaged in Midrash (discussions of the law and faith), and in some ways shared many of Jesus’ teaching and ideas. The Governor cannot make claim to even this. But his vanity drives him, his pandering to fear, his need to control the social and moral fabric of our society is beyond the pale of reason. We have work to do. Our work in our churches and in St. Anna’s in particular is this: to assure you the reader that there is a safe place for you, that you are fully welcomed and indeed encour-
Ilaynnah Eve DeLorean as a boy! other hand plenty of new faces were there also. From young to old Misti has really found a way to bring them in. Also with the Sunday DJ Deanne Cooley and the bartenders Jeff, Ethan Isaac Ates, and Chuck Hinkley everybody was taken care of with music and drinks. Oh can I also mention the chicken pasta, garlic bread, and yummy desserts. Yes hunteeees! Misti puts out a food table on Sundays. Blam!!!!!! With all of this being said I can truly say Misti Ates has created a fashionable Sunday social event in Metairie and has made it work. I can say that it
Honorary Pride Grand Marhsal Derek Penton-Robicheaux is worth attending at least once just to get a change of scene and pace. It is a very relaxed event. Fun. Entertaining. Just a few words I can use to explain what she has done. Oh and can I say this………..DRAMA FREE. Yes. Drama free. Thank you Misti for keeping your parties fun and light hearted. Always a joy to attend and participate in. You are one class act. Misti gets one huge BLAMMMMMMM! Remember everybody. Love Peace and Happiness.
matters of healkth by Jack Carrel, MPH Email: JCarrel@HAARTinc.org
Round up of LGBTQ Health News Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Linked To Eating Disorder Risk A study published in the April issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health reported that transgender and gay, lesbian and bisexual college students are at the highest risk for eating disorders. The study was conducted with almost 300,000 students at 233 universities and colleges across the US. Alex Duncan, from the Washington University Medical School and one of the authors, said that transgender individuals had the highest rates of eating disorders and extreme aged “sit at a table” and to discover the true Gospel of Jesus. Our work is to insure that those of us that are straight stand with our LGBT brothers and sisters in a quest for full inclusion. That no one may get away with a veiled code of conduct that creates and fuels hatred, bias, and segregation. This is both a religious and constitutional issue. Please be assured that the tide is turning and that, at long last, you do not stand alone but are loved, invited, cared for. “Love Free or Die” must be the anthem of all true Christians. Some small part of our Biblical proof text has been stated. But the Gospels make it clear, Jesus, God, Adonai, Elohim, are the names of the God of Justice AND Compassion. Join us as a Community within communities that stand together. Do not let this Pharisee separate us from the love of God or one another. “I leave you with this new commandment: Love one another.”WE ALL HAVE WORK TO DO.
dieting followed by sexual minority students. The study found that transgender students were more than four times as likely to report an eating disorder as cisgender heterosexual women.
Health Insurance Companies Must Stop Denying Services to Trans Members The US Department of Health and Human Services issued new guidelines this month that put insurance companies on notice that they should cover preventive services for transgender people when a doctor finds that the services are medically appropriate. The guidance also made clear that insurers [continued on 30]
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cannot deny coverage or charge for sex-specific recommended preventive services”because of a person’s gender identity or the sex assigned at birth.
International Study Looks at Homophobia in Sports Although not directly related to health but certainly in our ability to be healthy, results from an international survey found that 1 in 4 gay men have received verbal threats of harm or have been bullied while participating in sports. The study also showed 1 in 4 gay men did not play youth team sports because of negative experiences in school physical education classes, or because they feared they would be rejected because of their sexuality. The online survey conducted by organizers of the Bingham Cup, a gay rugby tournament held in Sydney, included 9,500 individuals in Australia, the US, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Gay Youth Bullied More Than Straight Youth Ok I know you are saying sooo that’s news? We all knew this to be true but what you probably didn’t know is what was found looking at a survey of student over time (5th grade, 7th grade, and 10th grade). The study published in the May 7th issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, found that gay youth are 91% more likely to be bullied than straight students and 43% more likely to be victims of violence. The data was analyzed from a longitudinal study of students in Birmingham, Houston and Los Angeles County. So what does this mean? In another survey conducted in 2013 by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), long-term bullying of LGBT students were found to have lower GPAs than other students; were less likely to plan to pursue any postsecondary education; were more than
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three times as likely to have missed school in the past month because of safety concerns; were less likely to feel a sense of belonging to their school community; and had lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of depression.
m obile paparazzi
Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Conversion Therapy This month the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a New Jersey law banning conversion therapy with gay children. As a result, the ban is left intact.
World famous bartender Leon with the beautiful Samantha Foxx
Perfect Gift for Your Doctor Been wondering what to get your favorite doctor or nurse for Memorial Day? Well look no more. The new editio of the Fenway Guide to LGBT Health has been released by the American College of Physicians. Written for clinicians, students, public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers about the unique health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, its goal is to help the health care community in making their practices welcoming, inclusive of, and educated about LGBT patients. The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health is distributed by all major distributors and medical book sellers and is available to purchase at www.acponline.org/fenway and www.amazon.com, or by calling ACP Customer Service at 800-523-1546, ext. 2600, or 215-351-2600.
Genital-only Screening Misses STD Cases in Women
Aubrey with Jerry, Amber & Corey @ Flip Side Mobile’s greatest bartender Jayme with Miss Cie & Matt
Hello Robert, Randy, Corey & Maury
According to a study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, following current public health guidelines that recommend only gay men and people with HIV should be routinely screened for extragenital gonorrhea and chlamydia, would miss nearly 14% of chlamydia infections and more than 30% of gonorrhea infections in women. The study which looked at records of over 10,000 people attending a Baltimore STD clinic sound that throat or anal gonorrhea and chlamydia was also significant among women, especially young women.
Iranian Cleric Shares Views on Becoming Gay
Patrick bartending @ B-Bob’s
Scott & Peter with Miss Cie @ Flip Side Patio Bar
Peddy & John with Judson
B-Bob’s resident DJ Leroy with Todd
Just to share the other side of the story, a celebrity Iranian cleric has told his followers that if a man thinks about another woman while having sex with his wife, their children will come out gay. He also warned that if women did not wear the hijab (the veil covering their hair and chest) properly, they could cause some men to turn gay. Jack Carrel, MPH is Director of Prevention for the HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc. and the Caring Clinic of Louisiana.
Aubrey with Gary & John @ B-Bob’s...
The beautiful Amber Douglas and Miss Aubrey Synclaire at B-Bob’s
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Famous, Greatest, Celebrities ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
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Team Bourbon Pub’s Nick Schlembrec & Pit Crew
Team Good Friends’ Richard Walker & Pit Crew Team Southern Eagle’s Jourdan
Team Southern Eagle’s Jourdon Dauterive & Pit Crew Team Good Friends’ Richard Walker wins Most Money Raised @ $617 with MC Coca
Team Clover Grill’s Maurice Austin & Pit Crew with MC Coca
Team Cafe Lafitte’s Khryschian
Bud Light’s Matthew Payan wins Prettiest raising $401 & MC Coca
Team Bud Light’s Matthew Payan & Pit Crew
Team Rawhide’s Oren Riley & Pit Crew
Clover Grill manager Errol with his Memorial Day Tribute Table
snap paparazzi
MC Coca & Double Play’s Will Antill wins Miss Congeniality raising $465
MC Coca & Clover Grill’s Maurice Austin wins Ugliest raising $200
Team Cafe Lafitte’s Khryschian Bullock & Pit Crew
Team Double Play’s Will Antill & Pit Crew
Team Bourbon Pub’s Nick Rawhide’s MASCARa Crawfish Boil with manager Derek & Wood Enterprises’ Chris
Team Clover Grill’s Maurice
NOCCA accepts $3,250 from MC Coca Mesa
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16th MASCARa raises $3,250 for NOCCA Memorial Day Weekend with MC Coca Mesa ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed, Robert Mac Reynolds
MC Coca & Team Rawhide’s Oren Riley wins 1st & Miss MASCARa raising $200
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ambush
Catch it! ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg
paparazzi
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Southern Decadence: The Whole Gay Weekend Only available at: www.SouthernDecadence.com
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