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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
17th Gay Easter Parade raises over $33,100 for Food for Friends; Brings 40,000 to the Quarter The 17th Gay Easter Parade was a rousing success raising $33,110.08 for Food For Friends, a vital agency of the NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans. The huge parade had 52 entries with an estimated 40,000 lining the parade route through the historic French Quarter. The parade minus expenses has now raised an incredible $264,784.41 for charity the past 15 years. Led by Easter Grand Marshals XVII Ken GrandPre and Monica SynclaireKennedy participants included: King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire, GEP Board's Tittie Toulouse & Electra City, GEP Board's Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, GEP Board's Tony Leggio, LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, Stacy Bundrick, Oz New Orleans, The Golden Lantern, Dr. George Toti-Williams, Robert Cook & John Zeringue, Kajun's Pub, Brandon Wilkins, Chad Blanchard-Apollo Baton Rouge, Krewe of Narcissus, Queen Troy "L. Sisters", Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, Buddy Juneau, The Corner Pocket, The Double Play, Larry Bagneris, Bootsie DeVille, Mercedes Carswell, Krewe of Petronius, Krewe of Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Reject, Krewe of Armeinius, Food For Friends, First Unitarian Universalist Church, NOLA Softball League, Lords of Leather, Bradley Cantrell, Jr., Marching Dills, Friends Helping Friends, The Appletini Revue, AUX Color Guard, Darrin Duplissey, Krewe of Mwindo, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, Aletha Bryant, and Ostara Revelators. The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Electra City, Tittie Toulouse, Darwin Reed, Opal Masters, Rona Conners, Tony Leggio, and Steve Patrick would like to thank everyone whose generosity made this year's parade a reality benefiting the reason for the Easter Season, Food For Friends. Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of the incredible array of sponsors including: PRESENTING: Ambush Magazine; PLATINUM: James Garner & EGM XVII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy/The Golden Lantern; GOLD: In Honor of EGM XIII Darwin Reed and EGM VII Opal Masters Wedding, EGM XII Gary Vandeventer, Wedon Brown & Troy Quint/Something Different NOLA, Noel Twilbeck & Glen Kahrman, EGM VIII Michael Elias & EGM XIV Tommy Elias/The Corner Pocket, EGM XVII Ken GrandPre/GrandPre's, Joann & Lisa Guidos/Kajun's Pub, Scott Vincent & Scott McRae, John Groth; SILVER: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Dwain Hertz & Eugene Theriot/Gene's Po-Boys, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, EGM XV Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Bradley Latham, Daniel Morvant & Jon Taylor, Jeff Bater & Tim Irving, EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & David Roget, Wood Enterprises, Persana Shoulders, Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca J. Mesa, Glitter Girls; BRONZE: GrandPre's Saints Games Fundraiser, Four Seasons Turnabout Show, Paul Melancon, Michael Bingham, Bryon Anderson & Jimmy Mondoro, Butch & Cindy Peno, Robert Cook & John Zeringue, EGM II Larry Bagneris, Jr, EGM X Tony Leggio, In Memory of EGM X Marcy Marcel, EGM XIV Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, EGM XVI Misti Ates/Johnny Passion, Sam Stewart, June Pennick, Charles Click, Peter & Frank Abbruscato, Philip A. Palumbo/Felicia Phillips, Jeremy Weinberg, Lee Worrells, Anonymous, Helene Berot, NOLA Softball League, Bootsie DeVille, Orlando Aloe, New
Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day issue due out April 26 DEADLINE: Tues., April 19
inside
celebrazzi/new orleans big easy paparazzi/new orleans moments in gay new orleans history 42nd sdgms announcement party 17th gay easter parade paparazzi ambush marketplace real estate trodding the boards under the gaydar mobile paparazzi
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big easy paparazzi/new orleans 22 a community within communities 23 classifieds 24-25 matters of health, book review 26 the real cheese 26 7th bunnies in the big easy paparazzi 28 14th marigny bunny hop paparazzi 30
AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
Covenant Church NOLA, R&M/In Memory of Allen Miller, Queen Petronius LV Kitty D'Litter, A-MMED Ambulance Inc.; and VENUE/In-Kind: Corner Pocket, Double Play, EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue’, Four Seasons, GrandPre's, House of Blues/ Voodoo Garden, Oz New Orleans, Larry Graham-GrahamStudioOne.com. The complete parade financial report follows. REVENUES: 11,349.00 Sponsorships 10,175.00 6th Sponsorship Party 4,478.00 15th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza 2,194.00 14th Spring Fever Extravaganza 3,102.00 8th Eggstravaganza 3,305.00 17th Purple Party 5,834.00 7th Bunnies in the Big Easy 269.00 14th Marigny Bunny Hop 50/50 Raffle 1,700.00 17th Gay Easter Parade Car/Truck/Walking Group Entry Fees 20.00 Post Parade Donation 42,426.00
Total Revenues
Expenses 620.00 Sponsorship Party Cocktails 49.15 Wrist Bands 67.00 Easter Grand Marshal Pins 700.00 Bunnies In The Big Easy/ DJ & Staff @ House of Blues 192.62 PayPal charges 500.00 Parade Cleanup 50.25 Parade Permit/City of New Orleans 2,965.00 Parade Police Detail 1,946.90 Parade Insurance 2,225.00 Bands 9,315.92 33,110.08 Friends
Total Expenses Total raised for Food For
Past grand marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, IV the late George Simons and Electra City, V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio and the late Marcy Marcell, XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse, XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier, XIII Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget, XIV Tommy Elias and Starr Daniels, XV Todd Blauvelt and Stuart Nettles, and XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue’. The 18th annual Official Gay Easter Parade is set for Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
7th Bunnies in The Big Easy raises $6,084 The 7th Bunnies in The Big Easy definitely put the good back in Friday raising $6,084 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. Hosted in the Voodoo Garden at House of Blues on Good Friday in New Orleans, the event raised $5,834 plus a Silver $250 sponsorship. There were Bunny Boys, Bunny Girls, and a host of celebrities with live performances from Easter Grand Marshal XII
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 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. ©1982-2016 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
Gary Vandeventer, James Miller and Trey Ming, and starring Easter Grand Marshals XVII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Ken GrandPre, Nicole Lynn Foxx, and Queen Petronius LV Kitty D'Litter. The event was hosted by GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Steve Patrick. The event raised 3,740.00 from tickets/donations, 535.00 from performance tips, 154.00 from 50/50 Raffle; and auctions including: 180.00 for Crescent Care Basket from Ned Pitre, 100.00 for Tales of the Cocktail Basket from John Jackson, 110.00 for Petronius Sazarac Basket from Jeff Bater, 350.00 for Tony's Basket from
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celebrazzi
Easter Grand Marshals XVII Ken GrandPre and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy led the 17th Gay Easter Parade with some 51 units through the streets of the historic French Quarter with an estimated 40,000 along the route in New Orleans. The parade raised $33,110.08 for Food For Friends, a vital agency of the NO/ AIDS Task Force. The parade minus expenses has now raised an incredible $264,784.41 for charity the past 15 years. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
Congratulations to New Orleans own Teryl-Lynn Foxx, winner of the national Miss Continental Elite pageant Easter weekend in Chicago, Illinois. Teryl-Lynn has won numerous crowns over the years, and reigned as King Cake Queen X of Gay Mardi Gras: The Voodoo Queen in 2003.
Gay Easter Parade Board's Tony Leggio and Oz personality Persana Shoulders hosted the 7th Bunnies in The Big Easy raising $6,084 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends in the Voodoo Garden at House of Blues in New Orleans. The annual event is held on Good Friday Easter weekend each year. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
The Cheezy Cajun won Best of the Best presented by Ambush Magazine at the 14th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop at the final stop, Kajun's Pub in New Orleans. Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Vandeventer led the Hop as Bunny Marshal XIV. Trophies were awarded at each stop along the route.
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Kurt Goodman, 60.00 for James Drop Your Pants from Kevin Boudreaux, 80.00 for Rona Conners Faux Faberge Egg from Rhonda Roget, 525.00 for House of Blues Basket from John Jackson, for an event sub-total of 5,834.00. Expenses included 700.00 for DJ/ House of Blues Staff, and 192.62 for PayPal charges, leaving 4,941.38 as the event sub-total, plus a 250.00 Silver Sponsorship from Glitter Girls, for a 5,191.38 grand total.
Who Will be Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 42? All roads lead to Four Seasons for the 42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party on Thursday, April 28th at Four Seasons in Metairie. This is the first time the announcement party will be held in Metairie, Louisiana. The Fab 5 as they were dubbed by some, or Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce continue to set new trends. Four Seasons is home bar to two of the grand marshals, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce. What better way to kick off the 45th Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture! Starting at 7pm, the grand marshals will host a meet and greet, a show starring some of your favorite SDGMs, and then the moment everyone has been waiting for, the introduction of the 2016 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals!!! The $10 door donation, and all stage performance tips will kick off the fundraising efforts for Southern Decadence 2016. (www.SouthernDecadence.com)
CrescentCare Recognized as Leader in LGBT Healthcare by National Survey CrescentCare, a newly formed federally qualified healthcare center in New Orleans, has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. The recognition was part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees. CrescentCare earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve. Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare, states, “Since 1983, beginning as NO/ AIDS Task Force, we have expanded our reach to provide quality healthcare to anyone that walks through our door. Now, as CrescentCare, we are honored to accept this recognition. To us, it means we have not lost sight of our mission as we expand and strive to create a healthier New Orleans.”
CrescentCare became a federally qualified health center after 30 years of fighting HIV/AIDS as the NO/AIDS Task Force. The organization has experience with the LGBT community and was one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members. “Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates CrescentCare for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.” The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff-training. For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
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Sally-FLY Cookout raises $2,700 for Historian Frank Perez The Sally-FLY Frank Perez Cookout Benefit raised $2,700 at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. Chef's Jeff Palmquist of Lafitte's and Errol Rizzuto of Clover Grill worked their buns off grilling burgers and onions, to go along with the fab selections of fixins and sides. All the burgers and fixins were courtesy of the Clover Grill. The sides were a community affair with Sally-FLY's Rip and Marsha's award winning potato salad, Ambush's Paul Melancon's baked beans and bacon, Lulu Blackwell & Bill Shupe's deviled eggs, The Cheese Queen Felicia Phillips chips and queso, Golden Lantern's James Garner's mac & cheese, Frank & Pete Abbruscato's cole slaw, NOLA Po-Boys' Jambalaya, Dr. Mac's sensational brownies, Sally-FLY's Solitaire's fab bread pudding with Fireball sauce, and Andy Lehman & Megan Bronson's chocolate chip cookies. Special thanks to Jeff Palmquist, Errol Rizzuto and staff, Paul Melancon, Billy Pennington, Solitaire, James Garner, Bunny and Philip Anthony for their tremendous assistance. The fundraiser was set up to help Frank out after spending two months in the hospital following a fall down his staircase. Frank is the proprietor of Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, and a columnist for Ambush Magazine. The event raised 1,597.00 from food sales/donations, 133.00 from additional donations; from auctions: 250.00 for Bourbon Pride Adult Gift Bag from Tim Wilson,
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The Social Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
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moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
“Historic Panel on Gay Carnival Makes History” In 2000, a man living in California, reminiscing on his time in New Orleans in the 1970s and early 1980s, began to write a novel about gay Carnival. These were the years when gay Carnival in New Orleans was at its peak. There were no less than a dozen gay krewes, including one lesbian krewe, and virtually every bal masque was packed. Even straight people clamored for invitations. These were the years before the plague (AIDS) wreaked havoc on the community and decimated the gay krewes to the point of near extinction. Gay Carnival, from ball invitations and posters to costume sketches and designs, was a way to showcase the artistry and talents of the gay community. To say gay Carnival was fabulous would be cliché. But it was. It really, really was. Whether it was Elmo Avet’s 1967 Petronius Ball program design “Around the World with Auntie Mame: It’s Sheer Camp” or George Dureau’s poster design for the second Celestial Knights ball or JoJo Landry as Lady Godiva or Mickey Gill’s fireworks queen's costume, there was an awareness that gay Carnival was something truly special and distinctive, something that made gay New Orleans unique. In the course of writing his novel about gay Carnival, Howard Philips Smith began researching the topic. The more he discovered, he realized there was even more to discover. Thus began a sixteen year research project that will result next year in the publication of not a fictional account but rather an actual history of gay Carnival in New Orleans. Unveiling the Muse: Gay Carnival in New Orleans, forthcoming from the University Press of Mississippi, will feature a foreword by Henri Schindler. To date, it will be the only book-length treat-
the "official" dish ...from 8 80.00 forThe Black Penny Sazarac Kit & Glasses from Queen Armeinius John Peifer, 60.00 for June Pennick/Paul Melancon Wine Basket from Lulu Blackwell, 40.00 for Bourbon Pride Gift Bag from Kevin Hemenger, and 35.00 for Bourbon Pride Gift Bag from Frank Rickert; from Bourbon Pride Frank Perez Fund: 211.00 in cash donations plus 125.00 from Bourbon Pride, and 200.00 from Stewart Butler donation, for a 2,700.00 grand total.
Author Howard Philips Smith ment on the subject of gay Carnival. Shorter articles based on Smith’s research have appeared in numerous publications, including Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, New Orleans Magazine, Les Beaux-Arts and The Journal of Images and Culture. In the course of his research, Smith worked closely with Wayne Phillips, Curator of Carnival Collections and Curator of
Celebration of Life for all "Loved Ones" April 17 @ Double Play The Double Play is hosting a Celebration of Life honoring the Mother of Chuck Turner, Annie Mildred Widlan, and all those who have lost loved ones on Sunday, April 17th in New Orleans. The Fish Fry is from 4-6pm at 439 Dauphine Street. Come out and celebrate with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations to Food For Friends would be appreciated.
Monica Synclaire“Never Say Goodbye” Kennedy Fundraiser Going Away Party April April 13th @ the Lantern 23 for Miss Eloy The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, New Orleans, will host a fundraiser for Easter Grand Marshal XVII MonicaSynclaire Kennedy on Wednesday, April 13th at 8pm to cover expenses acquired after a horrible car accident Easter Sunday. Monica is doing much better now. Food will be provided for a donation of $10 per plate prepared by bar proprietor James Garner and friends of the Golden Lantern and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. You can look for a huge holiday feast with baked ham, pork and beef dressings, party meatballs and smokies, jambalaya, Rip & Marsha's award winning potato salad, loads of other sides, and desserts for days! A drag show will start at 9pm featuring many of the city’s favorite entertainers. Please come out and support Monica.
"Never Say Goodbye" is set for Saturday, April 23rd from 5-7pm at GrandPre's. 834 N. Rampart, in New Orleans. It's a going away party for Eloy Hainojsal, aka Miss Eloy, aka Chandra Lane. Eloy arrived in New Orleans in February 1969 as a female impersonator at the infamous My-O-My Club. Times presented hardships for this unique segment of the gay community. Frequent raids to shame their existence was one example of those times. Through these times Eloy rose to her success as the first female impersonator to appear then, in a prominent Italian magazine, on the front page Figaro 1979 captioned, "Is it woman or not?" In 1979 she became the first "Miss Gay
Wayne Phillips, Curator of Carnival Collections and Curator of Costumes and Textiles @ Louisiana State Museum Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum. Smith will serve as cocurator with Phillips for the 2019 Louisiana State Museum exhibit on the history and artistry of gay carnival in New Orleans, with a focus on the artists who contributed to its design, featuring never-before-exhibited original artwork, costume sketches, poster designs, unique commemorative documents and commissioned paintings. Since the 1980s, the Louisiana State Museum has incorporated gay carnival artifacts. Recently, Smith moderated a panel discussion entitled “Pioneers of Gay Carnival: A Conversation with the Legends.” The event was co-sponsored by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana (a non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & World". Please come join the community for a fabulous show celebrating Miss Eloy portraying "Chara Lane" as she takes her final curtain call, as a pioneer in the world of female impersonation.
Lords of Leather Crawfish Boil April 29 Join the Lords of Leather on Friday, April 29th for their annual crawfish boil. Starting at 6pm, the Lords will serve up your favorite springtime seafood along with all the “fixins” for just $10 at the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans. Afterwards the Lords will hold their 5th Friday Beer Bust on the patio from 9pm until midnight. Ten dollars gets you all the beer or soda you can swallow plus snacks (in case you’re still hungry). $1 vodka Jello shots will be available too. So come out and enjoy a great Louisiana springtime tradition and get yourself some "mudbugs", beer, jello shots and a helping of “Leather, Love and Laughter”.
50th Soirée d’Or benefits Historic New Orleans Collection May 4 @ the Orpheum Join The Historic New Orleans Collection as it toasts its 50th anniversary at Soirée d’Or, a black-tie gala on Wednesday, May 4. The museum, research center and publisher is hosting anniversary events throughout 2016, and the gala presents a unique opportunity to celebrate in style with live, local music and with food from an iconic New Orleans restaurateur, all at the
Transgender Community in Louisiana) and the Louisiana State Museum. Over 260 people packed the event, which was held at the Old U.S. Mint. Panelists included William Woolley, William Crotty, George Wilson, Mike Moreau, Michael Hickerson, Wendell Stipelcovich, Lou Bernard, Diane DiMiceli, Gary Martin, Don Bury, Russell Talluto, and Albert Carey. The panelists discussed a wide range of topics including the ill-fated 1962 Yuga Ball (which Woolley attended), the formation and dissolution of various krewes, the time, money and effort that went into costume designs, and a plethora of behindthe-scenes-gossip.
Frank Perez, President LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana “The information they have to share is of invaluable historical importance, and the Louisiana State Museum is proud to bring these pioneers together for this personal look into one crucial and colorful aspect of our celebration of carnival.” observed Phillips of the panel. It was a truly historic afternoon.
beautifully renovated Orpheum Theater. Guests will enjoy performances by the Preservation Hall All-Stars, JMO – The Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra and Joe Lastie Jr. and the Lastie Family Gospel as well as menu selections from Ralph Brennan Catering. Lewis Kemper Williams and Leila Hardie Moore Williams, two longtime private collectors, founded THNOC in 1966 to make their extensive collection of materials available to the public for continued research and scholarship. As the institution’s staff and holdings grew, these materials became the foundation for its changing exhibitions and original publications. Today, THNOC is a renowned repository of art and artifacts related to the history and culture of not only New Orleans, but also Louisiana and the Gulf South. The nonprofit institution has two facilities in the French Quarter: the Williams Research Center and Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art at 400–410 Chartres St., and a complex of buildings—including a former residence of the Williamses—at its flagship location, 533 Royal St. A third property, at 520 Royal St., is currently under renovation and is scheduled to open to the public in time for New Orleans’s tricentennial in 2018. Tickets for the gala are now available for purchase. Prices start at $175 for the gala and $275–$3,000 for the patron party. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.hnoc.org or call 504.523.4662. Soirée d’Or is made possible by THNOC and its anniversary gala committee, with additional support from BBC Destination Management, Preservation Hall Foundation and Ralph Brennan Catering and Events.
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17th Gay Easter Parade led by Easter Grand Marshals XVII Ken GrandPre & Monica Synclaire-Kennedy
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Mac Reynolds
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Mac Reynolds
40,000 line the streets of the Historic French Quarter for 17th Gay Easter Parade raising $33,110.08 for Food For Friends
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REAL ESTATE
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Tennessee Williams Festival Under skies both dramatically stormy and lustrously sunny, The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary this year with celebrities, writers, actors, plays, panel discussions, interviews, walking tours, dinners and much more. As always, it would be impossible to experience all of the Fest but with offerings dealing with everything from literature and music to food and sports, there was something for everyone. One of the Fest’s best interviews I’ve ever seen took place on Saturday afternoon when Foster Hirsch spoke with Academy Award-winner Estelle Parsons. Looking about two decades younger than her 88 years, throughout the hour+ chat, she was gracious, down-to-earth and fascinating. When Hirsch first asked Parsons about her lead role in Williams’ The Seven Descents of Myrtle on Broadway, she replied “That’s so long ago.” But with Hirsch gently prodding her, Parsons recalled all Ambush Columnist Brian Sands sorts of revealing memories. & Estelle Parsons Parsons claimed “When I first read a play, I never quite get it, but I thought run of Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht’s Myrtle was an interesting character.” How- Mahagonny (her agent wasn’t thrilled about ever, she “thought it was an unproduceable that) and playing Roseanne’s mother and play” because of the flood that is called for Shelley Winters’ daughter on Roseanne, at its end. though she was only seven years younger Still it was produced by David Merrick, than Winters. co-starring Brian Bedford and Harry (Parsons and Winters had talked of Guardino as half-brothers. Director José starring in Waiting for Godot and Parsons Quintero yelled at Williams during rehears- even wrote a note to Beckett about such a als for daring to offer his opinion directly to production. He replied “Women should not the actors. Quintero was also, according to do Waiting for Godot.” Sigh...) Parsons, inebriated a good deal of the time, As she shared tales involving Barbra but she explained “From my point of view, Streisand, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Jackie a drunk director is a great director ’cause I Gleason and Ethel Merman, among others, don’t like people telling me what to do.” Parsons was a delight to listen to. “I just If I wasn’t quite sure what Parsons follow my own path to be happy in my life meant when she said “Harry [Guardino] day to day and I have a good career sense.” was Italian in every sense of the word”, as Having appeared in four Broadway his character is supposed to be part-Afri- productions in the last eight years—a record can-American, I certainly appreciated it for someone in their 80s—and getting ready when she continued with “If you have a very to debut a new play off-Broadway in June, Italian man playing that part, you lose the she certainly has and does. sense of the play.” If Parsons was a Fest highlight, Rex I would’ve killed to have been with Reed’s interview of Dick Cavett was, well, Parsons and Williams in 1968 when the I’m not sure what. Yes, it was fun listening show was trying out in Philadelphia and, to these two raconteurs dish about Frank after one performance, the two of them Sinatra, Bette Davis, Truman Capote, went to a club which was decorated with Tallulah Bankhead, Little Richard, Katherine coffins. “I was in one, Tennessee was in Hepburn, etc., etc. But these anecdotes, as another,” she said, adding with a wink, well as others about glitterati only the gray“People were very convivial in the ’60’s.” haired set might recall (Miriam Hopkins or Speaking more broadly about Will- George Jessel, anyone? Or even Mort iams, he was “always writing about desper- Sahl), seemed chewed over, their expiraate people having to live by their wits,” tion date about 30 years ago. Parsons observed keenly. “All his characThere were a few barbs aimed at ters have spunk.” Donald Trump, but it was as though they The audience also heard of her expe- didn’t want to dirty their tongues with his riences in Los Angeles when she went out name. Besides some put-downs, admitthere for the Oscars, winning Best Support- tedly well-deserved, of current talk show ing Actress for Bonnie and Clyde; how hosts, that was about it for comments about Warren Beatty paid for her airplane ticket, anyone of note in the last 25 years. how Merrick tricked her into giving Myrtle No, I didn’t mind Cavett plugging his a plug on national TV, and what Sammy DVDs. And I’m happy neither sustained any Davis, Jr. said to her in the airport the next injuries from patting themselves and each day. other on the back. But when Reed’s selfA self-described “tragic comedienne,” infatuation prevented him from realizing Parsons has never been interested in do- that he’s repeating the story about Doris ing movies “at all. I always preferred to be Day and Johnny Carson he told a few in theater...I like a few hours at night enter- moments earlier, something’s not right. taining real life people.” Her singular career And when the Festival program states has included a seven-month off-Broadway “And they both knew Tennessee Williams,
so expect to hear about our Festival namesake as well!” and they don’t mention him at all—not even once—something’s wrong. Cavett and Reed are certainly two very bright guys, and I hope the Festival invites them back. But next time, please make sure there’s a moderator who can draw out truly insightful comments from these accomplished men. Much, much better was the Tribute Reading to Tennessee Williams, The Poet at The Jaxson, a chic new event space in Jax Brewery, for which a full house was treated to Fest panelists reading from various works by Williams. Playwright Beth (Crimes of the Heart) Henley read from Williams’ memoirs about a bicycle trip to a Mexican border town in which he called Los Angeles “a lot of little villages looking for a city.” David Hoover of UNO, filling in for an indisposed Austin Pendleton, gave us a fascinating 1947 letter to director Elia Kazan about how Streetcar both is and isn’t realistic. Author Jewelle Gomez’s selection from a 1943 autobiographical short story, gloriously written with detailed perceptiveness, memorably described a landlady as a “hopelessly unregenerate prostitute of the capitalist class.” Novelist Dorothy Allison brought to zippy life the loony opening passage of The Gnädiges Fräulein. Cavett beautifully delivered three of Williams’ comic poems; actress Mary (To Kill a Mockingbird’s Scout) Badham acted out the last section of Streetcar; and Parsons offered a droll rendering of Williams interviewing himself: “Question: You think that the world’s going mad? Answer: Going? It’s nearly gone.” What would he say today? Unlike some years, there was a full slate of theater offerings as you would expect at a Tennessee Williams Festival. My write-up of Le Petit’s Glass Menagerie appeared in our last issue. Southern Rep offered Orpheus Descending at UNO; despite certain shortcomings, I admired the chances Jef Hall-Flavin took with his imaginative direction. Something Unspoken at Gallier House explored lesbian desire in the Garden District with sharp dialog if somewhat creaky dramaturgy. Before the performance, Brenda Currin distinguished between “reading” a role and “playing” it, but even if she did read the part of a Southern grande dame with those “unspoken tendencies”, she played it fully. I can understand Director Paul J. Willis’ reuniting Currin with her Suddenly, Last Summer co-star Beth Bartley, but Bartley, while good, was simply 15-20 years too young for the secretary’s role. He Knew He Would Say It–But Could He Believe it Again? was created (and performed) by Zachary Clause and Festregular Jeremy Lawrence from Williams’ writings and examined the search for love between men. Rob Kendt’s tangy music, scored for piano and cello, was jazzy with hints of classical & pop, and a touch of Sondheim. Though interesting and welldone, this 40-minute chamber musical needs a little more shaping; its current form lacks drama and its dramatis personæ are more archetypes than fully flesh’n’blood characters. Due to an overabundance of Fest activities, I was unable to catch Tennessee Williams: Weird Tales, with its world premieres of The Strange Play and Ivan’s Widow, by my deadline but will have attended the production at the Metropolitan
Community Church by the time you’re reading this. And so, with the annual STELLAAAAA!!!! Shouting Contest, another Tennessee Williams Festival came to an end. I hope future iterations will take a more worldly view of this great playwright. Directors in Europe, among other places, are interpreting Williams in new and breathtakingly inventive ways. We need to be exposed to more of that here. Surely budgetary constraints may be a challenge for bringing in trans-Atlantic guests, but as the generation of those who knew and worked with Williams begins to fade away, the Festival must embrace the next generation of artists who are bringing Williams into the 21st century. Here’s to the next 30 years!
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra at the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen through May 1 [My Way has returned to the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen; the following is an edited version of my review which ran in our April 16, 2013 issue.] The World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen has another hit on its hands with My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Though I have nothing against Ol’ Blue Eyes, I never considered myself a huge fan of his. My Way just might make me change my mind. More purely musical and less biographical than previous Canteen shows about Glenn Miller and Louis Prima, My Way is grouped into seven sections of 5-6 songs, each having a general theme— Cities (I Love Paris, My Kind of Town (Chicago Is), and, of course, New York, New York), Moons (Moonlight Serenade, Fly Me to the Moon), Survivor Songs (The Best is Yet To Come, That’s Life), etc. Co-creators David Grapes II and Todd Olson have sprinkled in just enough factoids (Frank recorded over 1,300 songs) and memorable quotes to give the show a varied feel and display a broader dimension to Sinatra’s personality. The Chairman of the Board summed up the secret to being a success in three words: “Sing good songs.” And that he did. Somehow, forty songs are stuffed into 65 minutes yet while Director Victoria Reed has paced the show with nimble speed, each song is given its due; the result is that there’s a pleasing fullness to My Way even though it seems to fly by. Grapes & Olson give us a wide range of numbers—not just the usual suspects— and all are phenomenally arranged. And a trio led by Musical Director Tom Hook played them flawlessly with a swinging panache. Reed makes the most of the Canteen’s stage and audience area, and varies the “stand at the mic and sing” approach with nice touches like tap-dancing hands and other comic bits. Meliah Henry’s periodappropriate choreography is classy and stylish. Alex Quinby’s mood-enhancing lighting and Jordan Ross’ fantastic silver/platinum gowns add to My Way’s success. If you’re looking for sheer, wonderful entertainment, make sure to go All the Way to the Stage Door Canteen. [Original cast members Clint Johnson and Courtney Boe, both of whom I greatly admired, are now joined by Emily Gyan and Adair Watkins.]
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month My book of the month for April has a title that is near and dear to my heart and I also love the author. I am talking about the book by Chelsea Handler “Are You There Vodka, It’s me Chelsea”. Chelsea is an accomplished stand-up comic, talk show host, best-selling author and television star. She pokes fun at everyone but mostly herself in this novel. Nothing is off limits in this hysterical read that will have you laughing out loud at the outrageous situation Chelsea ends up involved in. Whether she is babysitting a friend’s goldfish or dating two men at the same time, Chelsea tackles each situation with grace, poise and lots of alcohol. She tells stories from her formidable years when she tried to convince classmates she was playing Goldie Hawn’s daughter in an upcoming movie or the time she was arrested for a DUI. Each little tale endears you to the comic. She adds sincerity to her writing like she is talking to a friend. And by the time you finish this book that is what you feel like. I highly recommend this to not just her fans but anyone who needs a little escapist laughter in their life.
Hot Happenings Easter done; now we move onto our fabulous Festival season where there is a little something for everyone. Here are just some of my top picks of things to do. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Live Nation presents the Divas of Drag at the House of Blues (225 Decatur Street) starting at 8pm. For tickets go to http:// www.houseofblues.com/neworleans. Friday, April 15, 2016 Johnny Passion is proud to present his very special guest stars this month for The LaFamilia Variety Drag show taking place at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 11pm. Bringing sexiness and their “huge” talents to the stage are Poseidon S Davenport, Eros S Guillen, Tittie Toulouse and Alexis Daniels. Friday, April 15, 2016 Summer is approaching, and that means it’s time for “Sippin’ in Seersucker,” an evening of Southern art, cocktails, live music, delicious cuisine, fashion and shopping. A benefit for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Sippin’ is in its twelfth year of collaboration between the Museum and the Shops at Canal Place. Attendees are encouraged to don seersucker and celebrate the start of the summer social season in style. Enjoy an evening of light bites, Southern cocktails, shopping specials, entertainment from some of the city’s best performers, and deluxe raffles. The evening will culminate in a seersucker sartorial contest judged by L. Kasimu Harris and Tracee Dundas! The event is from 6 - 9pm at The Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal St.). Dress: Southern cocktail; Seersucker, preferred! Entertainment: Live music from Luke Winslow King & Smoking Time Jazz
Band. Contest: Best seersucker ensembles—the winners get a special prize! Raffle: Gift packages ranging from handmade craft items from the Center for Southern Craft & Design, to beer and wine packages that will satiate your cravings for months. Food: Refreshments will be provided by some of the city’s best restaurants! Libations: Open bar included with ticket. Shop: The Shops at Canal Place will have special sales promotions; Parking: Complimentary provided by the Berger and Ogden Families. Tickets: Advance tickets: $30 members and $50 non-members. Tickets at the door: $40 members and $60 non-members. Information and to order tickets: www.ogdenmuseum.org/events/sippin or call 504.539.9650. Saturday, April 16, 2016 The Krewe of Armeinius cordially invites you to the 2016 Glitter and Be Gay at 433 N. Broad Street welcoming all krewes and gay organizations, specifically encouraging all royalty and officers to wear their crowns, pins, sashes and mantles of authority. All guests are requested to wear dress attire. Music and beautiful decorations and fabulous pieces of art will make this a night to remember and an event not to miss. They are asking for a $25 donation to attend. An amazing array of gifts will be auctioned by silent auction that will start closing at 9:30pm. The event time is 7 – 10pm. Saturday, April 16, 2016 Shining A Light on Anna’s Place NOLA: The 6th Annual Dodwell House Extravaganza will be from 7 – 10pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal School (6249 Canal Boulevard). The evening will feature local cuisine and beverages, The Tom Cats, The Treme Choir, Live and Silent Auctions, Original Artwork by Nurhan Gokturk and the event is hosted by Tony Leggio and Elizabeth Bouvier. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at www.dodwellhouse.org. Saturday, April 16, 2016 Johnny Passion presents a tribute fundraiser to honor the memory of Allen Miller at the Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd,) starting at 8pm. Both Allen Miller and his wife, Ellen has shown support to the gay community throughout the years with their generous donations to many of our own countless fundraisers. There will be an entertaining drag show starring some of Allen’s favorites performing songs he loved from Broadway. Performances include Princesse Stephaney, Big Momma, Clorox Bleachman, Countess C. Alice, Taze-ya Ballz and Coca Mesa. There will be a $5 donation at the door, also, bring canned goods and you will receive a ticket for a special drawing. All tips, monies from door, auction and canned foods will be donated in Allen’s name to his favorite charity, Food For Friends. Your $5 donation at door will also include food to enjoy at the event and a toast from all of us to Allen!
Sunday, April 17, 2016 Join the Krewe of Amon-Ra for their Drunk as a Skunk Scavenger Hunt. Participants get to explore the French Quarter, get special drink prices, challenges and prizes! It all starts and ends at Voodoo Lounge (718 N Rampart St). The event is from 2-5pm with the Hunt leaving promptly at 2:30pm. Food will be provided. There is a $10 donation to the krewe at the door. Sunday, April 24, 2016 Come out to the NOLA Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of springtime in New Orleans blended with our love for cute Japanese culture! The event will take place at Kawaii NOLA (3512 Magazine Street) from noon to 2pm. Hosted by Midori and Eureeka Starfish, this mini-festival will include performances by LibeRaunchy the BeauxQueen, Eureeka Starfish, Chelsea Chavis and Sora with tunes mixed by DJ BELLA. Visit the 3 pop-up shops with handmade accessories by local shops Dozidotes, MintyMix, and T-Baby’s Cute n’ Fuzzies. Come dressed to impress & enter the J-Fashion Show Contest for a chance to win prizes from local merchants. There will also be a NOLA Lolitas Meet & Greet & special Fashion Show. A Sakura Petal Drop will conclude the event at 2pm, but Kawaii NOLA will stay open until 4 pm for more kawaii fun & shopping!
Party Down Easter may be over but the memories still linger. Let’s review my crazy Easter week and beyond starting on Monday when I attended the Let’s Have a Kiki drag show at the House of Blues hosted by Nicole Lynn Foxx. The show is held in Big Mama’s Lounge right off Decatur Street. This night Nicole was joined by some Burlesque performers. The audience was made up almost of tourists, but it was packed. It is so good to see the support from tourists for the drag shows in our city. Nicole put on a great show and I can’t think of a better way to spend a Monday night. Her shows take place every other Monday starting at 7:30pm. The Krewe of Petronius, the oldest gay Carnival krewe in the city, hosted a fundraising dinner entitled Gout De Petronius at Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop in Metairie. Chef Ron’s is one of the most popular eateries in Jefferson Parish. Humbly located in a quiet little strip complex off Causeway Boulevard, Chef Ron’s opened in 2012. Chef Ron Iafrate was also named 2010 Chef of the Year by his peers at the American Culinary Federation. The evening was fabulous and the food was superb. I cannot tell people enough to try this restaurant out, their gumbos are divine. Wednesday was a networking event at the newly renovated Maison Dupuy Hotel for Biz Magazine. The magazine hosted a party at one of the prettiest courtyards in the French Quarter. There was music and passed appetizers made by their exceptional chef. If you have not had a chance to check out the hotel, it definitely should be on your list for brunch and cocktails in the courtyard. It is a great way to pass the time. On Thursday, I attended a good old fashioned house party in my neighborhood. It was actually right next door to me to be exact, which made it easy to stumble home. My neighbor Mery held a little soiree for the neighborhood and friends at her newly renovated home. Her house is an architects dream and beautifully decorated.
I got to reconnect with people in my hood and meet some fabulous new people while sipping wine. I love these laid back parties where you go in only knowing a few people and come out with new acquaintances; those are always the best. Friday just shined and I cannot thank everyone enough who supported Bunnies in the Big Easy at the House of Blues. This year was one of the best so far. The event was held in the Voodoo Garden at the House of Blues which donated the location. There was an open wine, beer, vodka and champagne bar, food, music, sexy bunny boys and “girls” and live auctions. The entertainment for the night consisted of live (and very sexy) singers Gary Vandeventer, James Miller (an American Idol contestant) and Trey Ming. But no event would be anything without our drag queens. Performing that night was Grand Marshals Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Ken GrandPre (in his boy drag), and Nicole Lynn Foxx and Kitty D’Litter. The auctions went for high prices and the weather was just spectacular. The staff at the House of Blues all dressed in bunny ears and glitter. We sold out all he tickets and it was just a magical way to kick off the Easter Weekend. We definitely put the good back into Good Friday at this event. Saturday we hopped to it at the Marigny Bunny Hop. Gary Vandeventer from Lords of Leather fame was the Bunny Marshal helping lead the large mass of people through the Marigny to several bars and venues. It was a great crowd this year and they went all out on their bonnets. I helped Jeff Mallon and Marty Curtain (the organizers) with the 50/50 raffle which we raised funds for Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food for Friends. I even played another part this year giving out the Tony Leggio Life of the Hop Award for the person or group that exhibited a great attitude and had fun from start to finish. This year it went to three guys (all friends) visiting from out of town, two from Mobile and one form Ft. Lauderdale. They had a blast and I had fun presenting it to them. After a few final cocktails at the Phoenix, I decided to call it an early night to get ready for the big day tomorrow. Easter Sunday was a just a memorable day from beginning to end. I was up at 4am getting my house ready for my Grand Brunch that I host every year. My house was transformed into a Easter wonderland for guests who enjoyed the candy bar and champagne and vodka craft cocktails served by the hottest bunny this side of the Mason Dixon Line Drew from the Country Club. There was food, drag queens, sexy men and a gaggle of Sisters, who could ask for more in a party. Then I had a bus shuttle guests to the parade site where we all boarded our appropriate carriages for the parade. I had a 16 passenger trolley that I shared with some of my best friends and clients. This is one of the most worthwhile events that I look forward to participating in all year. The parade was packed with people and no rain! The crowds were gracious and very excited about being there. Their enthusiasm always feeds the people on the carriages, so we had a pumped up and festive ride. After the parade, we enjoyed a few minutes at the post party at GrandPre’s before a group of us went to House of Blues. Now that is pretty much where the night gets fuzzy. All that I know is that a very dapper Peter Cottontail named
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Hello Tom, Kim & Friends Brunch with friends: Lulu, Billy, Coca, server Bill, Jeff , Frank & Marsha @ Stanley
Hello Weston & Cory @ Gabriel’s Downtown
Hello Carlos & Peter @ B-Bob’s
Stars on the Move ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Miss Cie & Friends @ Flip Side Patio Bar
Sally-FLY Cookout benefiting Frank Perez @ Lafitte's
m obile paparazzi Miss Pride Judge Samantha Foxx @ B-Bob’s
De’Carlos, Macy Marcs & Asia Nicole @ B-Bob’s
Jeff, Marsha & Rip host Frank Perez Cookout raising $2,700
Hello Matt & Wright
big easy
paparazzi The beautiful Camille @ B-Bob’s
Golden Lantern’s James & Wood Enterprises' Chris join Frank Perez Cookout @ Lafitte's
Hello Toni Dee Miss Mobile Gay Pride 2016 Zamareyah Dawn Bartender Corey @ Flip Side Bar Billy & Paul with top bidder Wood Enterprises' Tim during Frank Perez Cookout @ Lafitte's
Miss Order of Zeus, Miss Davenport @ B-Bob’s
Hello Bunnie & Gina @ B-Bob’s
Hello Delta & Dewight
Clover Grill's Errol & Wood Enterprises' Chris celebrate the Frank Perez Cookout @ Lafitte's
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In the Spotlight ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Solitaire
Wendy & Brenda with Delta @ B-Bob’s
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Coming out of the Tomb PRIDE is on the horizon and with it a parade and day of celebration. PRIDE - coming out of the tomb. Not too long ago I married two women. Both had been previously married. They tried to fit into a preconceived idea of marriage. A month or so ago they came out of the tomb. Tombs take different forms and manifestations. They can be our own making and usually are. But sometimes tombs are created by societies and social structures. Tombs are dark places where we lay and ultimately rot away. Gruesome by any standard. HB1523 in the State of Mississippi is the rock that encloses a tomb. In this case the tomb is a supremely sonorous law formally called Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act. It is quite simply an abomination. I have no problem with a free exercise of conscience. That is well and good. But the reality is that such a law will be used to bar people from free access within the “free markets” and worse. I further deplore this legislation because it reinforces the idea within The Community that such laws
under the gaydar ...from 20 Donovan made sure I got home in one piece. He was even not mad at me for biting his carrot. But I have to say the most interesting thing was waking up the next morning and seeing the bar still set up in the bedroom. So what is a good gay to do, I fixed myself a Bloody Mary and started cleaning the house. During the week, I was focused on work and recovering from the crazy Easter weekend, the only evening I ventured out was Wednesday when I attended the Hobknobber’s event at LMNO at the Le Meridien Hotel. Hobknobber’s is a monthly networking gathering that is at a different location. Le Meridien was an excellent choice for this event, serving delicious light bites and specialty cocktails. Their champagne bar is to die for. Friday was all about one of New Orleans favorite sons, Tennessee Williams. Even though I was unable to attend the festival over the weekend, I did get a chance to see one of the plays offered entitled Tennessee Williams: Weird Tales put on by the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company. And did this play live up to its moniker. These were some screwed up stories. I am not sure when Mr. Williams wrote these three one act plays, but he definitely was heavily medicated or cocktailed, which made for an extremely wild ride for the audience. I especially love the Darth Vader-esque character in one of the acts. Leave it to Tennessee to bring in contemporary themes to his work. Saturday was a pretty laid back evening. My friends Laura, Donna and I went to the Julia Street Gallery Walk. It was a gorgeous night and the weather was simply divine so there was a large crowd of people appreciating the art. In case you do
not know, the Julia Street Art District opens their doors and serves free wine (great date night). Great opportunity to peruse the galleries, see new artists and meet some fabulous people. After the gallery, we went for quick drinks at two of the hottest new places in the Warehouse District, Rebellion Bar and Urban Kitchen and the Ace Hotel. Rebellion is a funky new craft cocktail venue and restaurant located on Camp Street in the Warehouse District. The exposed brick and lofty feel mixed with great bites make this an excellent choice for dinner and drinks. And the Ace Hotel is just a sexy place, from the people to the décor. It is trendy without being pretentious. And their new music club, Three notes is a quaint, intimate space to see some of the top acts in the city. I ended my two weeks on Sunday by attending one of the most fascinating seminars about Gay Mardi Gras hosted by the Louisiana State Museum. Pioneers of Gay Carnival: A Conversation with the Legends took place at the U.S. Mint on Esplanade Avenue in their fabulous remodeled event space on the third floor. The panel discussion featured a dozen people who were the catalyst of the gay Mardi Gras krewe’s as we see them today. Albert Carey, Mike Moreau, Michael Hickerson, Don Bury and Bill Woolley were just a few of the amazing people who shared their insights, wit and struggles with starting the gay carnival krewes. The event was informative, entertaining and heart-warming. And to top it off the museum announced that they will be doing an exhibit on Gay Carnival at the Presbytere in 2019, which the way time is flying is just around the corner. After the event, I went home and reflected on how lucky I am to be a part of a city that embraces our community. Go Gay Mardi Gras!
are crafted by “Christian” men and women. My first challenge to this law, apart from the obvious, is the biological criteria that at birth sexual identity is fixed because of specific genitalia. That simply does not square with science, nor with the experience of the dozens or more of gay folk I have shared life-stories with. Gender identity is genetic in a broad sense but it is not necessarily biological! Further, the entire text of the excuses used to justify this outrage is a farce. This farce, I am certain, will and must be challenged in the courts as soon as possible. I sometimes wonder of late if such a law could have been passed in the absence of the poison and vitriol that we are all witnessing on the political stage. I suspect it would not have. North Carolina and Georgia also seemed to move in a direction of gross discrimination this year. Only by virtue, I believe, of economic forces and the Super Bowl did the Governor of Georgia decide not to sign their law. I mean what is going on here? Yea I know it’s the same old stuff. And Mississippi, North Carolina, and at least the Georgia Legislature reside in a tomb. It is a dark rotting festering place where only the dead belong. I cannot say this enough: much of Christianity has come out of the tomb and is now in the light of truth, honesty, and charity. Not all but many support the LGBT community as we should. I am devoted to my faith, my parish, and my commission as a priest. I cannot say enough that these laws stand against the Gospel and person of Jesus Christ. These spurious efforts, characterized by a friend as, “the Gay Jim Crow” laws have the same ranking as those laws before the Gospels. They are an abomination. Now settle down and have a cocktail. Not only will PRIDE be a coming into the light and a profession of identity will also be a profession of faith in the higher power of truth, love, and dignity. I cannot think of any three virtues that my Lord espoused more than truth, love, and dignity with the one other focal point to love the Lord our God. At no point did Jesus say, “hate the sin love the sinner.” Rather when faced with a sinner he said, “…then I do not judge you. Go and sin no more.” What is more, being gay is simply not a sin. It is no more a sin than a person’s skin pigment, hair color, or IQ. The point is that Jesus judged some and others he did not. Those that he did judge were the care takers of The Law that focused on the The Law and not the heart of the Law which is God and God’s creative love for all of God’s creation.
Yet there are some who still feel deep down inside that being gay is somehow wrong though they are quick to say otherwise. Regrettably, some of these folks are gay. That tomb I was talking about can be a dark place way back in the spirit. Cover it up with laughter and denial and all is well right? No it is not. These asinine laws keep trying to shove this errant thinking back at us; time to come out of the tomb and stand in the light. I suppose one might wonder about this “tomb” theme. It has been on my mind since Easter morning. Jesus was in the tomb, dead and buried. Yet, he rose, and found his fulfillment in the promise of LIFE. Lazarus was dead and was raised again, as was a Centurions servant, and a wealthy man’s son raised from the dead to the living. But this Jesus guy is chief among all resurrection stories because his resurrection is shared by the faithful who seek to instill love as his holy doctrine not hate nor bigotry and in following that doctrine are raised from the tomb. Some great day, not too far off, in this country we will look back upon these episodes of bigotry toward LGBT HUMAN BEINGS and wonder how could we ever have thought and taught such revolting garbage? When we do and when this country is finally there … we will walk a little closer to another who also knew hatred, betrayal, and violence and we shall then know that Rabbi from Galilea. Until that time take PRIDE in who and what we are and who our friends are. Finally, if you have a chance come on down to our shindig the Dodwell Extravaganza. We will celebrate The Queens Birthday, offer drinks on the house, and take one more step toward eradicating violence, ignorance, hunger, and sadness for the children of The Treme. It is April 16th at 7pm. sharp…the Queens party enters at 7:30pm, go to www.dodwellhouse.org for tickets and information. BE PROUD.
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RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953
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New Orleans, LA [504] Troy A. Tureau, J.D., L.LM., Attorney at Law, Tureau Legal, 4631 S. Carrolton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119, 504.308.1608 thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] 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 [is1915]
circuit/events Feb. 5-9, 2016, 67th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, 17th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2016, 45th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.com Oct. 27-Oct. 30, 2016 Halloween 33, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2017 Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.com
costumes
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
attorneys
bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
ST. PHILIP
M
Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
800 DUMAINE
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Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271
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 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com
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
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
St., 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
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, www.ingramhaus.com/xqey, e-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queen-size 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] BLUES60 GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, www.blues60guesthouse.com, info@blues60guesthouse.com. The Blue60 Guest House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. [1115] 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, www.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] 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-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
New Orleans, LA [504] Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon
24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • April 12-25, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
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 BreakOUT! builds the power of youth ages 13-25 in New Orleans to end the criminalization of
LGBTQ youth of color, 504.252.9025, 1001 S. Broad St. #119, NOLA 70125, @youthbreakout, www.youthbreakout.org, 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 Louisiana Equality Foundation, serving the Louisiana LGBT Community through education, activism, and awareness. www. l o u i s i a n a e q u a l i t y f o u n d a t i o n . o r g , info@louisianaequalityfoundation.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, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com New Orleans, LA [504] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
restaurants
522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com Stanley, 547 St. Ann St., 587.0093, www.StanleyRestaurant.com
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughn Realtor, Cell 504.810.4646, Office 504.948.3011, St e v e n Va u g h a n P r o p e r t i e s . c o m , Svaughan@latterblum.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 LEATHER VOODOO, 708 Toulouse St., 249.5603 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
services New Orleans, LA [504] ABC Title Services, www.abctitle.com Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195 Milavo, www.milavospray.com
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM
tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; www.Deanies.com Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861,
www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Little Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, www.littlevics.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.,
Advertising Info 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
GayMardiGras.c om • GayEast erParade.c om • April 12-25, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25
matters of health The latest buzz in the LGBT community and with HIV/AIDS healthcare providers is PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis. The term simply means prevention of disease before exposure. Truvada, a single pill containing two anti-HIV medications is the only medication currently approved by the FDA for prevention of HIV infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Truvada taken daily is over 90% effective in preventing HIV infection.
the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
Rumors, Scandals, Mishaps & Mayhem Easter has come and gone, but not without much fanfare. Anyone who has been here any length of time knows that regardless of the weather, or anything short of the apocalypse, the Gay Easter Parade will roll on that Holy Day. I could write a whole story on all that is involved with making it happen. But before I veer off into the rumors, scandals, mishaps and mayhem that ensued, I will attest to the fact that not only is it a long standing tradition, but it has helped many through the donations that go to Food For Friends and all involved are to be commended. Now that being said, it’s time to dish! was once my Shero in a similar incident can Since the parade both started and ended at be assured that her street credit went way my day job, my speed at drink slinging as up with her handling of the situation as her well as both the patrons and my patience designer Easter dress remained unscathed. were to be put to the test. Imagine 200 or Sadly, the same cannot be said for more gays and near gays dressed in their Easter Grand Marshal, Monica SynclaireEaster best, many in rare drag all sharing Kennedy. On her way home after her long two things, one to be fabulous while waving full day, still looking fabulous also in yellow, and throwing beads to the masses and two, and after completing her reign in the classito celebrate the end of Lent by getting est of ways, she was broadsided by a lady hammered! Almost all were successful on that ran a stop sign. To quote Monica; she both goals. It wasn’t the easiest thing to get hit me so hard, I was knocked right out of my acknowledged when approaching the bar heels, and my wig and jewelry both went for service, but I’ll get back to that. flying! I’m glad to report that she was not Of course in the days leading up to the seriously injured, but did suffer a nasty cut parade, the rumors were rampant, however to the forehead, her mug however will they ended up holding about as much return to its makeup dusted beauty soon. weight as Nicole Lynn Foxx’s bathroom I’m saddened to report that her Easter scale. (She is some kinda little!) The pa- Ensemble did not survive as yellow and rade itself was as smooth as a twink’s blood don’t go together well at all. A mystery freshly waxed eyebrows. The events after- did come out of this mishap, as once her ward not so much, after enjoying the lus- beloved car Sage was towed away, it seems cious buffet laid out and continuing to vie for her wig went missing, I’m betting on spotdrinks, everyone started to go their own ting Corynne Deville sporting it in boy drag ways. One of the debutantes had her regu- somewhere in the future. lar Sunday gig to do, due to the incident that Now that I have addressed some of the she was allegedly involved in during that rumors, mayhem, and mishaps that ocgig, her name will not be mentioned, but I curred, I can go back to the beginning when can tell you she was in a lovely canary I mentioned that it was a task to get acyellow Calvin Klein, has had a couple of knowledged, and more so to get a drink at titles, is often ‘opinionated’ likes to eat, and the bar on that blessed day. This is where has been said to make an egg with legs look the scandal occurred. Anyone who is readdivine. ing this knows who Reba Douglas is, former Not having been there in person I can Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, only give hearsay of the incident. Tea is that former King Cake Queen, creator of the during the show a man in the audience famed Jubliee Show, salon owner as well became unruly, started insulting the ‘un- as a now published photographer, and also named’ hostess to the point that her hus- one of my best friends who is often, much band #1 came to her defense, and things like the unnamed hostess involved in the proceeded to go off track, the man laid mayhem, ‘opinionated’. She is loved and hands on the ladyboy in yellow, to which her adored by many, you would think I would response was to use the microphone as a have been able to see to it that she got a diet means of defense, and let’s just say it’s a coke, or at least take a second to acknowlgood thing they had a replacement one on edge her. But truth is Jesus himself would hand. The rest of the story involved things have had to bring in Moses to part the turning into a full on rachet ass Easter fight people like the Red Sea to get to the bar for club, that at some point found Bradley service. I did hear her voice, as it is known Latham on the floor with a body or two on to carry, but when I looked up I did not see top of him, but he has experience in break- any sign of her, seems that she was in ing other people’s falls, so he is all good. disguise as Lisa Beaumann doing Carol Husband #1 is now looked upon as her very Channing, doing Estelle Getty, doing Sophia own superman, however until I see for Patrillo! myself if he has a piece of steel I’ll have to Knowing that my lack of attention and wait to give him the official title and his own her need for a simple diet coke caused her story in the Real Cheese. The hostess who distress, I not only publicly apologize, but I
According to a 2016 CDC report, 1 in 6 men who have sex with men (MSM) will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. The rates are even higher for minority groups. 1 in every 2 African American MSM and 1 in 4 Hispanic MSM will become HIV positive. Transwomen are also at markedly increased risk of becoming infected with HIV. “PrEP is another tool in the arsenal to assist us in preventing HIV and AIDS,” said Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare. “While this wonderful advancement in medicine is available to us to administer to keep negative people safe and healthy.” In consultation with a medical provider,
book review The Dolphin by Frank Perez Craig Bennett Hallenstein. Storyville Press, 2016. ISBN: 13-978-0-692-578834. 323 pages. This debut novel is a suspense-thriller set in New Orleans. Former child prodigy and aspiring psychologist, Sean Jordan, moves to New Orleans, putting his past behind him, until a conservative radio station in a bid for higher ratings outs him as a dangerous sex offender. When the thirteen-year old daughter of the station’s nationally celebrated talk show host disappears, police scramble to take down Jordan, unaware that he too is a victim of the kidnapper, terrorizing the city on Lundi Gras. Jordan has a chance to save the girl but only if he meets the kidnapper’s demands. Refusing could cost him is life. Agreeing could cost him his soul. A compelling plot replete with twists and realistic characters make this book a pleasure to read. Thriller fans will not be disappointed. Permeating the action are probing questions about current sex offender laws. The title is succinctly explained in this passage: “When the law goes fishing for sharks, it casts a wide net. Sometimes it catches a dolphin. Not supposed to. Just happens. Unfortunately after they’re caught, most dolphins die in the net.” Craig Bennett Hallenstein is a psychologist, writer, and father of five. He was born in Chicago into a family of journalists. He attended Beloit College and the California School of Professional Psychology, earning a PhD in clinical psychology and prompting a study of contemporary sexuality. Writing classes followed at Chicago Dramatists, Theatre Building Chicago, and the University of Iowa. His writing has appeared in such diverse publications as The Journal of Professional Psychology and The National Enquirer. His blog, Let’s Talk Sex, is a guide to conscious living and sustainable relationships. The Dolphin is his first novel. issue the first ever Reba Douglas diet coke challenge. I challenge all that are reading this to stop by her Salon and Studio on Chartres and give her a big hug and a diet coke. It can be a can, a bottle, a two liter, or case, whatever you wish to bring, as I hope to see the place filled with diet coke by my next column. Let’s all see to it that Reba never has to wait for a diet coke ever again! And that’s the Real Cheese! Till next time dahlins, I’m Felicia Phillips, The Cheese Queen of New Orleans!
PrEP is prescribed to patients who are at high risk for HIV infection. Factors that may place a person at high risk include having an HIV-positive sex partner, having a high number of sex partners, a sexually-transmitted infection, or anal sex without a condom. A strict regimen of one pill a day must be followed to maintain its highest effectiveness rate. The medicines that make up PrEP actually work within the tissues and bloodstream to prevent the HIV virus from establishing itself in the body. According to Bruce Hinton, a physician assistant with CrescentCare , PrEP is the new standard for HIV prevention for those who are identified as high risk. “Our prevention objective is to have 100% of high risk MSM in New Orleans on PrEP,” he said. “Many MSM underestimate their risk of HIV infection, don’t know about PrEP, or don’t know where or how to get it.” CrescentCare Health and Wellness Center, 3308 Tulane Avenue, has established a PrEP program. “Doctors are available and we have dedicated time slots to see patients who just want to be seen for PrEP,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Wilcox. Dr. Wilcox noted that clients who come to CrescentCare for PrEP services are not required to establish primary care through the agency but LGBT-friendly primary care is available. “Many people in the LGBT community are not comfortable talking to their current providers about issues pertaining to them or about sex in general,” Dr. Wilcox said. “And on the flip side, many doctors are not well versed on issues facing the LGBT community and do not have a comfort level with the subject. At CrescentCare, we understand the needs of our clients and there are no barriers to these conversations.” Dr. Wilcox recommends “coming out” to your doctor “so he or she can better understand your needs. You need to find a doctor you can be comfortable having these conversations with,” he said. At CrescentCare, PrEP and primary care services are available for anyone, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. For patients who have insurance, the cost of Truvada is covered by most insurers, and patient assistance programs provide help with co-pays and deductibles. For uninsured patients or those without prescription benefits, most can obtain the mediation at no cost through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program. Intake to the PrEP program begins with a series of tests for various STDs, kidney function, hepatitis B screening, and a consultation on your current sexual practices in a nonjudgmental environment. Once it is determined PrEP is right for you and your tests show it is safe for you, it will be prescribed. “The most effective use of PrEP is in conjunction with safer sex with a condom,” Dr. Wilcox said. “That’s the only way to have peace of mind that you are doing all that you can to stay healthy and safe. Otherwise you run the risk of exposure to many other STDs that can cause a whole host of other issues.” The CrescentCare staff are here to assist you with obtaining PrEP when appropriate to be a part of your efforts to prevent HIV infection. If you are interested in making an appointment for the PrEP Clinic, please call 504.293.6842. You can also text your questions to 504.777.5181. Article written by CrescentCare Development Director Rodney Thoulion and CrescentCare provider Bruce Hinton, PA
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
7th Bunnies in The Big Easy raises $6,084 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Voodoo Garden/House of Blues
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14th Marigny Bunny Hop led by Bunny Marshal XIV Gary Vandeventer ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
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