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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
ONE Gay New Orleans, "We Are Pulse" In celebration of New Orleans Pride Parade on June 18, eighteen LGBT+ bars and clubs came together as ONE Gay New Orleans to stand in solidarity with the victims and families of Pulse in Orlando. Wrapping our heads around the horror of 49 innocents murdered and 53 injured following a Saturday night of celebration was a heart wrenching ordeal for us here in NOLA, and around the world to comprehend. We were contacted on Monday, June 13 by old friend Charlie Weggmann with a wonderful idea to honor the victims of this tragedy. He suggested that since the Pride Parade was on Saturday, that every LGBT club cover their bar signs with the word “PULSE” which would mean every LGBT bar in the city would be Pulse for one day as a salute to the victims of this outrageous tragedy. He asked that we contact all of the LGBT+ bars and clubs. We sent an email to all 20 of them with this great idea. By Thursday, June 16, the owners of 18 clubs and bars responded with a resounding YES, YES, YES! Wayne Chambless with Sir Speedy Printing offered to do the signs at his cost to each bar participating. Tim Wilson with Wood Enterprises offered to supply buttons for each employee to wear with the logo "We Are Pulse" while supplies lasted. We cannot tell you how proud we are of ONE Gay New Orleans: 700 Club, Big Daddy’s, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Corner Pocket, The Country Club, Cutter’s, Double Play, Four Seasons, The Friendly Bar, The Golden Lantern, Good Friends Bar, GrandPre’s, Kajun’s Pub, Mag’s 940, Oz, The Page, Phoenix, and Rawhide 2010. Most were able to cover their signs, but those unable posted banners outside of their clubs. According to Bourbon Pub & Parade's Darrin Mills, "We have made arrangements for our own tribute incorporating Pulse for the weekend." Napoleon's Itch did not respond.
Ambush Readership Votes Top 5 Finalists in 29th Gay Appreciation Awards After a week of online voting, the readership of Ambush Magazine has selected the Top 5 Finalist in the 29th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards. One of those finalist is already the winner receiving the most votes in each category. The winners will be presented at the 29th GAA Gala on Saturday, July 23 at Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon Street. This year the exciting event begins with “Walking the Red Carpet” emceed by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Felicia Phillips as Joan Rivers, Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist and Derek Penton-Robicheaux from 7-7:45pm. This is your opportunity to "dress to the nines" in one or all of the official colors of Southern Decadence: amethyst (purple), ruby (red), sapphire (blue), or pearl (white). The grand marshals will choose the "best dressed" which will be awarded the first ever Red Carpet Oscar Award during the Gala. The Gala will follow from 8-10pm announcing the winners. GAA Board's Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Foxx will emcee the festivities with entertainment including a production number from each of the Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalists, and last year's Entertainer of the Year. Benefiting Southern Decadence 2016, VIP Table’s for 4 are available for $200 (contact Rip Naquin to reserve your table 504.522.8049 or ripna@ambushmag.com), or it's a $10 door donation. Top 5 Finalists include: Circuit Party/Event of the Year: 17th Gay Easter Parade, Halloween 32, New Orleans Pride, Page Anniversary Party, Southern Decadence 44 Hair Salon of the Year: Fee & Art's Revival Studio, Head Quarters, Mickey Nolan's, Rocket Science, Two Guy Cutting Hair Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius,
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Krewe of Petronius, Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Neighborhood Bar of the Year: Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Corner Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, The Page, The Phoenix Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award: Misti Ates, Big Easy Sisters, Toby Lefort, NO/ AIDS Task Force, Adikus Sulpizi Bitch of the Year: Electra City, Willie Mackie, Persana Shoulders, Princesse
Dining Out for Life, Bastille Day issue due out July 5 DEADLINE: Tues., June 14
celebrazzi 6 moments in gay new orleans history 8 lez talk 10 snap paparazzi/new orleans 12 orlando victims 16 under the gaydar 18 gaa top 5 19 commentary/orlando 20 southern decadence 21 classifieds 24-25
real estate a community within communities mobile paparazzi one gay new orleans paparazzi trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans
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Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
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Stephaney, Aubrey Synclaire Show Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, The Golden Lantern, Oz New Orleans Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award: AUX Colorguard, La Familia Variety Show, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, The Southern Barbitchuates, Tennessee Williams Theatre Company Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Cheezy Cajun, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Clover Grill, Eat, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli Dance Club of the Year: Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Oz New Orleans, The Page Bartender of the Year: Drew Kingswell/The Golden Lantern, Ashlee Logan/The Corner Pocket, Jake Morris/ Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Jeffrey Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Chris Peterson/Bourbon Pub & Parade DJ of the Year: OJ Carter/The Page, Kyle David/Oz, Dominick "Dom" Kolb/Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Tim Pflueger/ Oz, Jonathan "JRB" Reed/Oz Leather Bar of the Year: Cafe Lafitte in Exile, The Golden Lantern, The Page, Phoenix, Rawhide Cheridon Comedy Award: Clorox Bleachman, Jeff DeRouen, Gia GiaVanni, Persana Shoulders, Tittie Toulouse Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Adrian Claveria, Connie Hung, Chi-Chi Rodriguez, Aubrey Synclaire, Monica SynclaireKennedy LGBT Business of the Year: Bourbon Pride, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Delaney & Robb Attorneys at Law, Formal Connection, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts Leather Person of the Year: Matthew Birkhoff, Tim Goodman, Troy Powell, Adikus Sulpizi, Gary Vandeventer Transgender of the Year: Regina Adams, Adrian Claveria, Stephanie Lee, Rikki Redd, Chi-Chi Rodriquez Lesbian of the Year: Misti Ates, Tracy Foxworth, Catherine Gaither, Mina Hernandez, Sandy Sachs Gay Man of the Year: Andy Bergeron, Ken GrandPre, Tony Leggio, Frank Perez, Stephen Valiente Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: Nicole Lynn Foxx, Gia GiaVanni, Connie Hung, Coca Mesa, Aubrey Synclaire For additional information, visit www.AmbushMag.com/gaa.
Southern Decadence Raises Another $7,168 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Philips, Jeffrey Palmquist and Derek-Penton Robicheaux are thrilled to announce that Southern Decadence fundraisers and sponsorships have brought in a whopping $7,168! The Press Party raised $1,237, Dinner & A Show $574, Cocktails & Queer History Tour $2,257, a $2,500 Platinum sponsorship and $600 in Pearl sponsorships. The 2016 Press Party and Sponsorship Drive hosted at Bourbon Pub & Parade raised 1,040.00 from the door and VIP Tables, 197.00 from stage tips for a 1,237.00 total, plus two 100.00 Pearl Sponsors from June Pennick and Alexix Grace. The SD Dinner & A Show hosted at The Golden Lantern raised 315.00 in buffet donations, and 259.00 in Stage Tips for a 574.00 total, plus a 2,500.00 Platinum spon-
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 Misti Ates, 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
sorship from Mike's Hard Lemonade, and a 100.00 Pearl sponsorship from Fabulous Flowers LLC. The Cocktails & Queer History Tour hosted by Frank Perez and his Crescent City Tour Booking Agency at the home of SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist and partner Coca Mesa raised 1,740.00 from tickets and donations, 230.00 from auctions, 146.00 from Perez's tour tips, and 141.00 from bartender Wilamena's tips for a 2,257.00 total, plus three 100.00 Pearl sponsorships from Cam Zimmerman, Bonita Folse/Solitaire, and Jay Crockett. Official Southern Decadence Spon-
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(Right Top) Southern Decadence Dinner & A Show hosted by The Golden Lantern raises $574 for Southern Decadence 2016 and its charities. (Photo by Rip Naquin) (Right Middle) Southern Decadence Cocktails & Queer History Tour hosted by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency raises $2,257 for Southern Decadence 2016 and its charities. (Photo by Rip Naquin) (Bottom) Persana Shoulders hosts Thursday Midnight Strip-Off at Oz New Orleans. (Photo by Jeremy Weinberg) (Below) Jeremy Weinberg and Deja Deja-Vue' win Prom King and Queen at Amon-Ra's "A Night in The Red Light District." (Photo by Darwin Reed)
celebrazzi
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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
“BreakOUT! At Five Years Old: An Interview with Founder Wes Ware” FP: Some readers may not be familiar with BreakOUT! Tell us what the group is about. WW: BreakOUT! a membership based organization made up of LGBTQ youth and is rooted in racial justice and transgender liberation. We understand that LGBTQ youth of color are disproportionately homeless, pushed out of schools, have difficulty obtaining employment, and targeted for arrest; we also understand that LGBTQ youth of color are the experts over the conditions of their own lives and know what they need to be safe in New Orleans. All of our members are ages 13-25, LGBTQ, and impacted by the criminal justice system in some way. Most of our members are Black, gender non-conforming, transgender, or other youth of color including undocumented Latina youth. We see the ways that entire communities, in particular LGBTQ youth of color, are pushed into the system in New Orleans- we call that criminalization- and we work to end that by building the power of LGBTQ youth in New Orleans through 3 main strategies: youth organizing, healing justice, and leadership development programs. We run a youth organizing and leader-
ship development program called the Building Our Power Institute, operate a small GED school called the Posh Academy, organize youth in schools through the New Orleans GSA Network (powered by BreakOUT!), and run youth-led campaigns. FP: The group was founded in 2011. Can you tell us what prompted the group’s creation? WW: BreakOUT! was started in large response to the Department of Justice coming to town to investigate the New Orleans Police Department in 2010. At the time, I was working with organizers in New Orleans who had been working on issues related to police brutality for a long time who eventually got the DOJ to come in to investigate the police shootings in the aftermath of the storm and levee failures. At the same time, I was working as the LGBTQ Project Director at the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana and organizing with LGBTQ youth who were locked up in the juvenile justice system. When the DOJ got here, they began holding community forums to learn more about community members’ interactions with the police. We got together all these young folks together at the Women With a Vision office – we didn’t know it at the
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after Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest in New Orleans. The event always falls on Labor Day Weekend, August 31-September 5 this year. Fundraisers set include: SUNDAY, July 3rd... 6:30-9:30pm, The Ultimate Southern Decadence 4th of July Extravaganza (on the 3rd of July) Elizabeth Bouvier and Gary Vandeventer want you to experience the 4th in style this year by celebrating on the 3rd with the official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Derek Penton-Robicheaux and Jeffrey Palmquist). Come to the party everyone will want to be at. We are shuttling you too and from the party so you can enjoy our countries birth properly. The Shuttle runs from the Phoenix (in the Marigny) to the famed Maison Du Bouvier in Chalmette. Come, Drink, Eat, Swim and Watch the fireworks in style and shuttle back to head out on the town. Bus will be on a rotation starting at 5:45pm and running back and forth throughout the night leaving at the Phoenix every 45 minutes after that. The charities we are supporting are Animal Rescue of New Orleans and NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elderly) This VIP experience has very limited space so reserve your passes early (available online only). Tickets $75. MONDAY, July 4th... 3pm, 3rd Annual Potato Salad Contest, $10 to Taste & Judge includes Hot Dogs & Baked Beans, winner receives trophy & 1/2 proceeds, 1/2 proceeds benefits Southern Decadence 2016, (register to enter contest @ GrandPre’s, contestants bring 5 lbs. of their potato salad by 2pm) @ GrandPre’s
sors to date include Presenting-Ambush Magazine,www.SouthernDecadence.com, SKYY Vodka; Platinum-Bud Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Gay Appreciation Awards, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer; Gold-The Golden Lantern, Bourbon Pub & Parade; Silver-Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp.; Bronze-Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; and Pearl-Dawn Leggio, SDGM XXVII Errol Rizzuto, June Pennick, Alexis Grace, Cam Zimmerman, Bonita Folse/Solitaire, Fabulous Flowers LLC, Jay Crockett. You to can become a sponsor of the largest LGBT celebration in Louisiana today! All funds raised minus expenses will benefit the official 2016 Southern Decadence Charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). There are several levels of sponsorship available including $5,000 Presenting, $2,500 Platinum, $1,000 Gold, $500 Silver, $250 Bronze, and $100 Pearl. Sponsorship forms are available at www.southerndecadence.com/2016/ NOSouthernDecadenceSponsors.pdf.
Upcoming Southern Decadence Events Events continue to be added leading up to Southern Decadence, the largest LGBT+ weekend in Louisiana ranking 5th
time, but those meetings really became the first BreakOUT! meetings because young people weren’t just talking what was going on, they also started putting out demands. So in 2011, we applied for a fellowship and officially launched BreakOUT! as a project of the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana with 5 Founding Members. We became our own independent organization shortly thereafter. From there, we just grew really fast. In just 5 years, we’ve grown to 5 times the size we were originally and we’re still growing. I have a Co-Director now and we have 6 staff total. I think that really speaks to the need for the organization and the power of our young people to get things done. FP: The murder of Penny Proud was a seminal moment for the trans community in New Orleans. How did BreakOUT! respond? WW: Yeah, we were actually in a staff meeting on February 10th, talking about releasing a public statement after 5 transgender young women, all people of color, were murdered in the U.S. less than two months into the New Year- the statement was going to launch a #BlackTransLivesMatter social media campaign. We were wrapping up the meeting though and one of our Organizers got the news that Penny Proud, a 21 year old transwoman had been found dead in New Orleans on Ursulines and Claiborne and already misgendered in the media (due to an initial police report that misgendered her.) Penny wasn’t a member of our organization but she was still community and many of our members knew her and her life mattered. With the family’s blessing, we leveraged our power to make sure people
SATURDAY, July 9th... 10pm, 3rd Annual Johnny Passion’s Snatch Game with local entertainers impersonating celebrities benefiting Southern Decadence 2016 with auctions, $60 VIP Table’s for 4, $10 door donation @ Allways Lounge THURSDAY, July 14th... 7pm, Southern Charm Meets Southern Decadence: Enjoy an evening of open bar, passed hors d’oeurvres, live music, and of course, a group of very charming pool boys splashing about for your entertainment! Wear your finest linen and bring your swim suit (or not) and enjoy a fun filled evening of Southern Decadence in a private courtyard just off of Bourbon Street with the Quistadors!!! Only 25 tickets will be offered at $100.00 per person, first come, first served (contact Jeff Palmquist or Coca Mesa for tickets) @ The Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca Mesa Residence WEDNESDAY, July 20th... 4pm, Southern Decadence Grill Off, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeffrey Palmquist & The Page’s Bar Baron Willie Mackie invite you to a dual of BBQ with SDGMs Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips & Derek Penton-Robicheaux cheering on the grill masters, $10 a plate to taste/judge including fixings (voting ballot with each plate) @ The Page SATURDAY, July 23rd... 7pm, Ambush Magazine presents 29th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala with “Walking the Red Carpet” with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek Penton-Robicheaux 7-7:45pm, followed by the Gala 8-10pm announcing the
knew that, that people knew her name. We put out a statement and organized a march and got about 100 people out there on pretty short notice but there still felt like there was all this silence in New Orleans. Of all the media requests BreakOUT! received following her death, only 2 were from local reporters. I don’t think Ambush ever mentioned her name. And then after Penny, two more transgender people were murdered in the U.S., raising the number to 8 murders in just under 2 months. So it was about Penny, and it was also about all those other lives and the lack of outrage or even visibility of the issue and the fact that transwomen of color were being (and continue to be) murdered at alarming rates and unable to walk down the street without fear and yet- silence. So we said, you know what? That’s fine. We’ll make our own media. And we’ll do it so big, we can’t be ignored. So we launched #MakePennyProud and put up a billboard on Broad St. on top of Art Egg Studios, where our office is. We estimate that about 400,000 people drive by it. At first, it said “10 transgender women have been murdered so far in 2015. Invest in jobs, housing, and education to keep us safe. #BlackTransLivesMatter #MakePennyProud.” But in November of last year, we had to update it. Now it says 22. We can’t talk about trans murders without acknowledging the systemic issues and barriers transgender people faceit’s both street violence and state violence that is fueling this and it has to stop. Our
[continued on 10] Winners, benefiting Southern Decadence 2016, $200 VIP Table’s for 4, $10 door donation @ Oz New Orleans SUNDAY, July 24th... 2-7pm, Coming Home: Decadence Takes Biloxi, Join us for an afternoon in Biloxi welcoming Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Derek PentonRobicheaux back home. Lynn Koval, the owner of Just Us Lounge, has opened her doors to greet each of you with a homecooked meal of BBQ, collard greens, and Potato Salad from 1:30 until everyone gets a plate. While you enjoy some refreshing beverages and this great food, lean back and listen to the sounds of Rewind 228, which has reunited the great talents of Lady Patrice Pickett and Johnny Fung. The band will be playing all your favorites from 2-5pm. Following, at 6pm, you will be entertained by some of the best entertainers the Coast has to offer with Estelle Suarez, Toni D, Nicole DuBois, and Merce...des Alexander storming the stage. DJ Powers will be playing the hottest hits and some classics for you all afternoon during the breaks and following the Drag Show. We will be having a 50/50 raffle, as well as general raffle for prizes including liquor baskets, food comps and bar tabs from various businesses both in Biloxi and New Orleans. $40 Bus passes from New Orleans to Biloxi, and back, will be available for purchase, which includes admission to the venue, meal, etc. Only 47 passes are available so get yours today. Cover at the door without bus pass is $15 and includes the meal, admission for the band and drag show, and one ticket for the general raffles. Tickets $40 @ Just Us Lounge More information is available at www.SouthernDecadence.com.
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lez talk by Misti Ates Email: Mistimichelleates@gmail.com
Orlando… The name brings up so many emotions in me. Since learning of the senseless murders of at least 49 people at the Pulse bar this past Sunday, I have not been able to think much of anything else. Orlando.. a place I’ve never been and yet the tragedy has brought back emotions that I thought were buried long ago. I was raised in a very small North Louisiana town in a very conservative home practicing the Pentecostal religion. You know the one where ladies couldn’t cut their hair at all, wear pants or make up. It was with this upbringing that I learned being gay was considered by that religion a sin against God. To come out as gay would essentially mean to leave the security of my family and friends. The fear of loss kept me in check and in line for a long time. One day, I decided that being true to myself was greater than fear. The decision was not made without loss or consequences, some aftershocks are still felt even today. Those teachings that were engrained in my mind on an almost daily basis, I discovered were wrong, but unfortunately the threat of how I would be shunned by family and friends, if I were to be gay, proved to be a true reality in my case. So, without looking back, I moved to New Orleans. I was determined I would live my life the way I always dreamed it could be. Free to love whomever I wanted, to celebrate life and to actually be proud that I was gay. I mean, this is New Orleans, nothing bad happens to gay people here? Right? And then I found out some years ago about the Up Stairs Lounge. 32 people lost their lives in a deliberately set fire in yet another senseless act. But, from those ashes, a Phoenix rose. For many, it was no more hiding in the closet. It was the turning point, a wake up call for the New Orleans LGBT community. The treatment by city officials, public opinion and unclaimed bodies showed us that we will be the ones to take care of our own. We will be the ones who will have to bury our dead. Times changed, things got better. In some ways the community became tighter and more together. We are accepted now.. Hollywood loves us. We are the “in” thing. We have Ellen, Bianca del Rio, RuPaul who grace our television as out celebrities. We are loved. Wasn’t it just last year we were given the “right” to marry our partners legally? Surely now in these times of being accepted more and portrayed positively in mainstream media, we are shielded from hate and death by others. Right? Orlando… Orlando…There are two emotions that rule the world, Love and Hate. People do crazy things in the name of both. What one person may love can be a source of hate for another. What one person chooses to accept or at least tolerate, makes another person pick up an assault weapon and aim. How can my questions of what was running through his mind be answered? How can hate take over to make someone want to kill another human being? When he shot them, did he not see that they bled, just like him?
Orlando... We cry and weep with you. You are now a sister city to New Orleans.. Not by choice, but we are now bound together not just by a lifestyle but by tragedy. There are lessons to be learned here. Little nuggets of wisdom I’m sure that are buried somewhere deep in the carnage and depravity of it all. Maybe the lesson is not sweating the small stuff. Who really cares what make up a Queen wears? Maybe now we can just celebrate that she gets up on stage and does what she loves to do. Maybe now we can quit worrying about how many Southern Decadence Grand Marshals we have? Can’t we just be thankful we have one of the largest events in New Orleans that celebrates our way of life. Could it possibly be that the lesson is to be thankful for our ALL in our community? Maybe we will learn that it doesn’t matter what clique’ you are in, how many titles or crowns that you have won, that when hate comes knocking at our door, all of those things will not matter to the one who is doing the knocking. We may not always agree, but we still should support each other in both good times and bad. After all we are brothers and sisters in this thing called life, right? Time will tell if any lessons will be learned, long after the tears have stopped and the rainbow flags aren’t waved as much. But for today, I’m remembering the souls who died in the Upstairs Lounge and also in a place that’s not too far from home, Orlando.
history ...from 8 community often wonders, “Am I next?” and that’s a sobering thing- that youth are wondering this- meanwhile we’re seeing such a backlash with all these transgender bathroom bills that are even further criminalizing us for our sheer existence. And yet, we think we’ve come so far as a community… FP: Tell us about the Trans Week of Action. WW: The Trans Week of Action was in response to a call put out by the National Transgender March of Resilience. In November, we hosted a big march with over 200 people from Armstrong Park to City Hall for a die-in, press conference, and a special delivery to the Mayor of a Platform for a Safer City, a platform that was signed by allied organizations locally and nationally. It coincided with the national Transgender Day of Remembrance. We coordinated to make sure our event would be in compliment to other events happening in the city like memorials and educational events. We also hosted a celebration and graduation party for our members who graduated the Building Our Power Institute that week and held a healing drum circle with the Congo Square Preservation Society. It was a really amazing week because we lifted up the resiliency of trans people and the resistance of trans people and fought for what our communities need while also mourning the loss of so many people (including two of our own youth members this year to health disparities). We had so many amazing
allies out there who understand that none of us will be free until all of us are free- from undocumented workers with the Congress of Day Laborers to the Black Youth Project 100 to VAYLA. FP: You recently partnered with other groups around the nation to produce the Get Your Rights Toolkit. Tell us about that. WW: There are a lot of LGBTQ youth groups around the country that are made up of predominately youth of color who have experienced police violence. They haven’t gotten a lot of attention, especially during all the marriage hoop-la, but they’ve always been here doing the work that the LGBTQ movement was founded on. So a few years ago, some of our members and members from the other organizations were at a conference and decided that they should all be linked up together so we launched the Get Yr Rights Network with this organization in New York called Streetwise and Safe. We got over 30 network members, all LGBTQ youth organizations doing Know Your Rights work around the country, and released a resource website of strategies for staying safe on the streets. You can see it at www.getyrrights.org It’s geared toward LGBTQ youth and organizers, but even the Department of Justice has used it because there are lots of policy papers on there. Then, we gathered information about all these different campaigns that have happened around the country and released the Get Yr Rights Campaign Toolkit so local youth organizations could launch their own campaigns for increased police accountability. And then after that, we released the Curriculum that is a Know Your Rights training for LGBTQ youth with fun games and exercises to teach young people their rights. The work actually then took us to Washington, D.C. where our Co-Director has been doing a lot of work with federal policing policies, along with a lot of national LGBTQ organizations. She’s there like every other month these days trying to push stuff through before the election. FP: You’ve recently begun an outreach into area high schools. How is that going? WW: BreakOUT! just recently started organizing all the GSA’s (Gay-Straight Alliances) in the schools in New Orleans. So far, we’ve identified about 8 different GSA’s, but there are 23 different high schools in New Orleans so we have a long way to go. Plus, our school system in New Orleans is the first almost all-charter school system in the country, so it’s very difficult to organize. Young people are changing schools all the time, there is no centralized place to go with issues about dress codes at prom or expulsions or anything like that. It’s going well so far though. We have a GSA Organizer on staff and also the Southeast Regional GSA Office is located inside of our office at BreakOUT! so we can stay up-to-date on things that the national office is doing. There will be at least two different regional gatherings happening in New Orleans this summer for LGBTQ youth in schools- people can follow us on social media (www.facebook.com/youthbreakout or @youthbreakout in Instagram and Twitter) or check our website for more info on them (www.youthbreakout.org) FP: New Orleans voters recently rejected a measure to fund more police. Why did BreakOUT! oppose this measure? WW: We talk a lot about safety and what safety means for all of our communi-
ties, including undocumented people and transgender people. When we ask people what they need to feel safe, people consistently say, “jobs, housing, and education.” So those three things are a lot of what we build our campaigns around. Hardly anyone says “more police” - especially in New Orleans where there is such a history of police violence and corruption. And why would we fund more police officers anyway when crime overall has actually gone down (according to the NOPD themselves), we already have a larger police force per capita than the national average, the NOPD already makes up 23% of the city’s budget, and we have an influx of State Troopers and private patrols in the city! It just doesn’t make any sense. Especially when so many other social services and public agencies have been gutted in New Orleans - like the public defender’s office, for example. There’s all sorts of data about how police presence actually disrupts communities and tears at the fabric of communities, which we can see throughout queer history, too, from Compton Cafeteria to Stonewall to the Upstairs Lounge. In 2014, BreakOUT! collected our own data and were able to show through numbers what our communities already knew through direct experience- that Black gender non-conforming and transgender young folks are disproportionately targeted and stopped by the police. If white lesbian and gay folks are serious about their liberation, they’re gonna have to start following the lead of transgender folks, youth of color, and undocumented communities. It’s not a separate issue- if you want more than marriage, if you’re invested in a world where you can love who you want to love and be who you want to be without fear, you need to be invested in transgender youth of color leadership. FP: What is in the future for BreakOUT!? WW: Does anyone want to buy us a house? Oh, and check us out in the Pride Parade—we’re New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal this year! Wes Ware is the Founder and current Co-Director of BreakOUT! and a 2011 Soros U.S. Justice Fellowship recipient. He previously served as the LGBTQ Youth Project Director at the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana (JJPL) where he authored the report, “Locked Up & Out: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth in Louisiana’s Juvenile Justice System.” Wes also serves on the Advisory Board for the Equity Project, a national initiative to bring fairness and equity to LGBTQ youth in juvenile delinquency courts. At JJPL, he coordinated the investigation for a classaction lawsuit on behalf of youth detained in New Orleans and monitored the conditions of three state-run youth prisons in Louisiana. His essay, “’Rounding Up The Homosexuals’: The Impact of Juvenile Court on Queer and Trans/Gender Non-conforming Youth” is published in the anthology, Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex. A native Southerner, Wes graduated with a degree in Gender Studies and African American Studies from Georgia State University and has organized across a span of social justice issues in Georgia, including organizing family members of incarcerated adults. His heart is in organizing around the intersections of race, class, and gender justice in the South. In 2014, Wes was honored to be named one of the Trans 100!
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Southern Decadence Cocktails & Queer History Tour by Frank Perez/Crescent City Tour Booking Agency raises $2,257 ~ New Orleans
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Southern Decadence Dinner & A Show raises $574 @ The Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month My bartender for the month of June is Nick Lazar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. We are very lucky in New Orleans because we have some of the best bartenders in the country. Even if you are not born here you pick up Southern Hospitality very quickly. Nick may hail from Boston but he has mastered the fine art of Southern charm.
Bartender of the Month Nick Lazar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile Nick has been in New Orleans for two years and loves the culture of the city which he describes as jovial and colorful. As a bartender his favorite cocktail to create is a margarita, but his drink of choice for himself is a Scottish Kilt, Jameson and Ginger Beer. Nick is a complete professional behind the bar, quickly getting customers their drinks. He keeps the mood upbeat and friendly as he has a steady stream of regulars that come in just to visit him. And as a final touch, he has the most gorgeous eyes and endearing smile that will make you melt. So make it a point to get a cocktail from nick at Lafitte’s located at 901 Bourbon Street.
Hot Happenings Now more than ever, I cannot think of any other reason than to go out and be Festively Gay! Here are just a few things to do to show your love and support to our community! Saturday, June 25, 2016 Come out and enjoy your favorite queens at RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons: 2016 Extravaganza Tour at the Joy Theatre (1200 Canal Street) starting at 9pm. For tickets, go to http:// www.aeglive.com/events/view/303526. Saturday, June 25, 2016 Check out the musical stylings of Jayce Guerin from 8 -11pm. at A Twist of Lime (2820 Lime Street in Metairie). She will be playing all your favorite tunes at her first show in Metairie. Saturday, June 25, 2016 The NOLA Caribbean Festival is a yearly multi-cultural Caribbean festival held every June in New Orleans. This year it will be held at Roux Carré (2000 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd). A portion of proceeds goes to
The Good Work Network. The event is from 11am to 10pm. Tickets are $15. Sunday, July 3, 2016 Elizabeth Bouvier and Gary Vandeventer want you to experience the 4th in style this year by celebrating on the 3rd with the official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Derek Penton Robicheaux and Jeffrey Palmquist). Come to the party everyone will want to be at. We are shuttling you too and from the party so you can enjoy our countries birth properly. The Shuttle runs from the Phoenix (in the Marigny) to the famed Maison Du Bouvier (3414 Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette). Come, Drink, Eat, Swim and Watch the fireworks in style and shuttle back to head out on the town. Bus will be on a rotation starting at 5:45pm and running back and forth throughout the night leaving at the Phoenix every 45 minutes after that. The charities supported are Animal Rescue of New Orleans and NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elderly). This VIP experience has very limited space so reserve your passes early (available online only). For tickets, go to https:/ /decadence.ticketleap.com/4th-extravaganza/dates/Jul-03-2016_at_0600PM. Saturday, July 9, 2016 One of the most anticipated fund raisers of the year!! Johnny Passion’s 3rd Annual Snatch Game for Southern Decadence will take place at the Allways Lounge (2240 St. Claude Avenue) starting at 10 p.m. It’s a blend of RuPaul’s Snatch Game, Match Game and Family Feud all rolled into one! The star studded event will be filled with lots of laughter and celebrity impersonations ... Starring your host and emcee, Misti Ates (Johnny Passion SDGM XLI)... cohost Persana Shoulders, the star studded cast and performers are... Anthony Leggio (SDGMXLII)... Elizabeth Bouvier.. Felecia Phillips (SDGM XLII) Philip Anthony .. Tittie Toulouse (SDGM XXXV) .. Electra City SDGM XXXIV .. Catherine Gaither .. Frankie Fierce (SDGM XLI) .. Lana O’Day .. Jeffrey Palmquist (SDGM XLII) .. Princess Stephaney.. Derek Penton Robicheaux (SDGM XLII) .. Marshall Harris.. Becky Allen.. Errol Rizzuto (SDGM XXVII).. Miss Ebony (Queen Armenius Elect).. Jupiter Phoenix .. Coca Mesa and Nicole Lynn Foxx.. That’s alot of our local celebrities that will be together on one stage! You do NOT want to miss this event! VIP tables for 4 are only $60. Make your reservations today as they will go Super-fast!! VIP includes admission for 4 to event.. inclusion in a special drawing .. and preferred seating! Donation at door is $10 and all monies from door, auction items and tips will be donated to Southern Decadence 2016. Sunday, July 10, 2016 Cool down from the summer heat in the way of old New Orleans, by taking a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez on the mighty Mississippi with the Krewe of Armeinius.
Rollin on the River: A Steamboat Natchez Adventure is from 6 – 9pm at the Natchez dock. At this event entitled Enjoy Live Jazz, hors d’oeuvres, and the exclusive comfort of the private newly renovated Captains Salon aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. This one time only event is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy our very own private cash bar in the Captain’s Salon, while indulging a wonderful spread of delicious bites. Proceeds go to support the Krewe of Armeinius but this event is more about socializing and enjoying the city. Space is very limited so please reserve your tickets today and must be reserved ONLINE before cruising. To buy tickets, go to https:// armeinius.ticketleap.com/boozin-andcruisin/dates/Jul-10-2016_at_0600PM. Ticket gives you access to the VIP newly renovated Captain’s Salon aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. You’ll be able to explore the entire boat at your leisure. Please note this is a party and we will have hors d’oeuvres but the ticket is not for dinner in the upstairs dining room. Tickets are $55.
Party Down My two weeks was filled with lots of craziness starting on Wednesday when I went to a hospitality reception at Clue Carre. This business is an escape room game where you and eight to ten of your friends have one hour to unravel clues to get you out of the room. You work as a team and I have to say this was my third time doing it and it is a blast (I have escaped only once). If you are looking for a unique and fun thing to do, I suggest you gather a few of your friends and rent a room, so to speak for the night. I did the vampire one this time and it was eerie fun. Afterwards some friends and I went to see the Honor Thy Mother series show featuring Fauxnique at the Ace Hotel. The show aptly entitled the F Word is for feminism as told by a lady drag queen. I have heard many people say that a woman cannot be a drag queen, well Fauxnique shows that f done correctly yes they can. Part cabaret (she is a wonderful singer), part stand-up and all camp, this was an enthralling show done by a fascinating performer. You can definitely see how she broke through the glass ceiling of the male-dominated world of drag to become a queen among queens. Fauxnique made herstory as the first cis-woman to win a major drag pageant. Fauxnique is the drag queen alter-ego of artist/choreographer/ dancer Monique Jenkinson. Sister, allies as she said throughout the night, we are in for quite an evening and she did not disappoint; and her Wonder Woman outfit was priceless. That Saturday was the Southern Decadence Press Party at the Pub. To say it has been an incredible journey so far to be named Southern Decadence Grand Marshal is an understatement. That night we had an incredible crowd of well-wishers as we combined a show with the announcement of the charities, colors, theme, song and even our special Southern Decadence shot. But in case you missed all the fun and excitement, our charities are NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders, Animal Rescue of New Orleans (ARNO); our colors are blue (sapphire), red (ruby), purple (amethyst) and pearl (white); our song is a special remix of Ariana Grande’s Break Free by DJ JRB; our shot is the Skyy 42; our theme is Decadence Takes the World. After a fabulous party, several of us went off into the Quarter for an impromptu bar crawl of
Oz, Lafitte’s Good Friends, 700 Club and the Corner Pocket. It was a memorable night. The next week, I went to see one of my favorite movies as a play. Heathers was being performed by NOCCA Stage and it was fantastic. Just like the movie it was darkly comedic with lots of sexual overtones. The play shows simulated sex, murder, suicide, school violence, bullying and everything in between. But when it is done with a fun soundtrack, somehow it does not seem so bad. Just ask the creators of Book of Mormon. Friday was a double dose of fundraisers starting with the Krewe of Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens at the New Orleans School of Cooking. The evening included a three course meal prepared demo style by Kevin Belton who can be seen on WYES and Channel Four. He was funny and informative while he showed you how to make Gumbo, Crawfish Etoufee, Pralines and Bananas Foster. Think of it as a delicious history lesson and the assistants for the night were two fabulous drag queens, Blazen and Laveau Contraire. Afterwards, we all trekked to the Golden Lantern to a fundraiser for Southern Decadence which included a great dinner and show coordinated by Ms. Monica Synclaire Kennedy. The performers were great and the food delicious and all the bartenders there have our Skyy 42 shot down to a science. The weekend was crazy and Saturday was especially filled with events starting with an art opening by Robert Stainback (Mr. Barbra Ella) at Bao and Noodle restaurant in the Marigny. Robert’s sketch work is quite impressive and definitely worth checking out. Next, we went to the Red Light District at Napoleon’s Itch to attend Amon-Ra’s Prom Night. This throwback theme event had food, great entertainment, a live auction and fun cocktails. Several people competed in the categories for King and Queen of the Prom. This is always a successful event for the krewe and this year was no exception. My last stop of the night was the Trixie Minx Prince Burlesque Review and it was probably one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. Before we got into One Eyed Jacks, there was a Price Flash Mob headed done in the center of the street by the very talented Kynt Bryan. It was sexy, fun and an exciting way to start the show. Once inside, there was a live band playing all the Prince hits, while different male and female burlesque performers strutted their stuff in some of the steamiest skits I have ever seen on stage. There was a girl who did her entire routine on a normal metal ladder, one who did hers hanging from ribbons from the ceiling and yet another who twirled fire form her pasties. Now that is impressive. It was an unbelievable way to pay homage to a great and deeply missed artist who changed the face of music. After all the fun of the last two weeks, the following day all our lives changed, not only for the gay community but for a nation. The tragedy in Orlando at Pulse nightclub seemed unreal, senseless and disturbing. My heart breaks for the family of all those lost in this stupidly useless act of violence. I waffled between being numb to incredibly angry. I got caught up in people’s views on Facebook, their rants, their prayers, their fears. What do I do, where can I go, what can I do to help all were questions that ran through my head. So I did what comes naturally to me, I went out, I was social. I
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commentary Orlando and New Orleans: Forever Linked in Tragedy by Frank Perez, f.perez@sbcglobal.net Until June 12, 2016, the deadliest crime against LGBT+ folk in our nation’s history had occurred in New Orleans. Now Orlando holds that distinction. It was not only a record that should have never been broken; it was a record that should have never been set in the first place. Now Orlando and New Orleans are forever linked in heartache and tragedy. The common denominator? Internalized homophobia. On June 24, 1973, a young man named Roger Dale Nunez set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge in the French Quarter and consequently murdered 32 people. It was not a hate crime in the traditional sense. Nunez was angry because he had been thrown out of the bar not long before he set the fire. Clayton Delery-Edwards (who has written a book about the fire) theorizes that being ejected from the bar triggered in Nunez all the pain and anger that comes with a life in the closet. Stewart Butler, who was at the Up Stairs Lounge the night of the arson, speculates that Nunez did not intend to kill anyone but was rather acting out from the pain of being rejected. Most who have researched the fire agree Nunez was
gaydar ...from 18 started with attending the Halloween Host event at the home of the Uptown Swallows. It was good to get out and talk to others, have a few drinks and talk to others about the pain and suffering. Then afterwards a few of us went back to my house and cooked dinner and just was with each other enjoying each other’s company. I told my friends I love them that night. Weirdly enough I do this regularly to friends and family since 9/11. Tragedy has a way of finding you, no one escapes bad things no matter how blessed your life is. Life is life and love is love. You are truly blessed when you are allowed to have both. Usually I end my column after two weeks, but I am adding Monday night to the article. I attended the candlelight vigil at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church put together by the Forum for Equality and the Human Rights Campaign. The church holds two hundred and there had to be at least 400 people there. People stood outside in the courtyard, on the street in the aisles. The mayor was there and the leaders from all faiths were in attendance. It was truly moving. One Love! One World! One Pulse! Stand strong, no one is alone!
troubled and plagued by internalized homophobia. Nunez killed himself about a year and half after the arson. Omar Mateen, who shot over 100 people at Pulse in Orlando and killed 49, was apparently also tormented by internalized homophobia. Workers at Pulse say Mateen was regular at the nightclub and the Isis adherent had profiles on Grindr and Jack’d. And some of Mateen’s former classmates have stated their belief that the shooter was deeply closeted. One has even claimed Mateen asked him out romantically. Mateen’s father claims his son was traumatized by seeing two men share a kiss but Mateen’s longtime drag queen friend Samuel King doesn’t believe it. So profound and deep-seated was their self-loathing that both Nunez and Mateen felt compelled to marry women. How sad. The fact that closeted gay men, in this day and age, still feel the need to marry women just to pass as straight illustrates how harmful living in the closet is. In addition to being haunted by selfloathing internalized homophobia, both Nunez and Mateen defiled sacred spaces. Some may think calling a bar sacred is strange but that is exactly what gay bars are: refuges of safety in the midst of a dangerous, homophobic society. This was especially true in 1973—a time when homosexuality was still considered a mental disorder by the medical establishment and a crime punishable by imprisonment by law enforcement. Tremendous strides have been made in the last 43 years, but there is still a long way to go. We may not want to admit it, but in straight spaces, more often than we think, we’re not “faggots” and “dykes” until we leave the room. And while we may be able to get married, we can still be fired from our jobs and evicted from our homes legally just for being different. As with racism nowadays, people are more polite and may not voice their true feelings, but make no mistake, homophobia is very much alive and well. Where does
this hatred come from? The answer is simple—religion. Nunez was raised Christian, Mateen a Muslim. All three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—have oppressive, archaic views not only of homosexuality but of sexuality in general. I understand that each religion has extreme conservative as well as liberal sects, but no matter which brand a person subscribes to, they each claim to adhere to a holy book (the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran) that condemns homosexuality. The more progressive faithful may not be able to quote the specific verse that says gay people should be executed, and they may not even believe that themselves, but it’s there—plain as day, printed in black and white. Am I calling for people to abandon their faith? No, although that probably wouldn’t
be a bad idea. What I am calling for is an end to homophobia. And like it or not, that involves rejecting religious teaching. But more than that, I am calling for action. If you are a member of a faith community that is homophobic, speak out against it. If you hear homophobic jokes, call bullshit. If you are in the closet, come out. And regardless of what your faith or sexuality is, DO SOMETHING! Volunteer with a LGBT charity. Become an anti-gun violence advocate. Register to vote. Email politicians. Do anything but do something. Turn your sadness, fear, and anger into action. A life in the closet is a life of quiet violence. And sometimes that violence erupts. The death count in Orlando is 49. That’s not a record that needs breaking.
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Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
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 THE PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 875.4976 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM
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!
guides 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] 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
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.co
organizations FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 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
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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 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 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG 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
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,
pharmacy
retail/shopping
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.
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
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com
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., 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 Gay Real Estate, www.GayRealEstate.com, 888.420.6683
REAL ESTATE
526 Burgundy St., New Orleans Beautiful historic charm,totally renovated French Quarter Single with separate guest quarters. Main house features 2 bedrooms with walkin closets, 2.5 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry room. Guest house with separate entrance features 1 bedroom, 1 bath plus living room. Total living area 1927sq. ft., includes the 390 sq. ft. guest house. Nice brick courtyard for outdoor entertaining. $899,500. Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughan Realtor®,504.810.4646, svaughan@latterblum.com,www.LatterBlum.com.
1016 Pauline St., New Orleans Spectacular high-end renovation of a historic Creole double turned large single family. From the custom iron works & gingerbread on front porch, to the 38’x35’ fenced backyard, this home has all. Interior features include a huge living room & open floorplan, 12’ ceilings, gorgeous wood floors, weighted windows, lavish lighting fixtures, truly luxurious master suite, guest suite w/private entrance, quartz marble kitchen
counters, marble baths, extravagant finishes, security/video surveillance & so much more! Mark Boline, Broker/Realtor,New Orleans Relocation, LLC, 505.655.2233, www.NOLArelo.com
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
Offic ial Pride Guide • NOLAPride.org • J une 21-J uly 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
It was Sunday and we were all just trying to take it in. Orlando. That morning instead of playing an opening hymn for our procession, at St. Anna’s Church, we entered in silence then I was heard praying “The Hail Mary” and the congregation joined in. The mass was devoted to the victims of the Orlando shootings. By Sunday evening the Lords of Leather and Bears and so many others had joined near the River with Candles and good hearts to remember and to show solidarity. Sunday afternoon a moment of silence was held before the scheduled birthday party for two of the bars loyal patrons was had. The party was a pleasure and I think it allowed us all to forget for just a moment or two. Just as things were really getting going I got a call. Max, a very dedicated and active advocate for LGBTQ community, had been contacted and asked if St. Anna’s would be available for a vigil Monday evening. The Forum for Equality and Human Rights Campaign wanted to partner with a church to do this. The answer was an unqualified yes. Such is the way of supporting the community churches need to say more “yes” and less “no.” Yet, I had no idea what role if any that I, the Rector, would play. As the day unfolded Luigi my Parish Administrator did an unbelievable job of coordinating media, six or seven clergy, and fielding dozens of phone calls. Amazing because we had no idea that this solemn vigil would be so needed and social media spread the word in an unbelievable way. So, Monday unfolded and what ensued was amazing to say the least. Speaking justice, speaking compassion, speaking inclusion, speaking dignity were: with A Sikh and his wife; MCC Pastor; RC Deacon; RC Priest; Lutheran Pastor; Methodist Pastor speaking Spanish; two lovely Sufi women; an Imam; the Mayor of New Orleans and me. Each took a bit of time to share a reading or quote and to say words of hope and sorrow. Perhaps the most moving moment for me in this litany of solidarity was Afshin Oktay and Aybolat Koishbay the Sufi women. They prayed with hands just so as Muslims pray with tears in their eyes and trembling voices that Allah heal and bring peace to the suffering and injured in Orlando. They prayed from the heart. One must ask of these vigils, “to what end?” What will such things do? Do they help? To this I would answer the end is not so much a radical change but a healing in shared sorrow, anger, and hope. The real healing power was in the gathering. The gathering at the River was, I believe, a good one and showed solidarity and responsiveness. This gathering served a different purpose in time and place. The milieu was that of the holy. It was spiritual and imparted a sense of divine presence not in the words or quotes, perhaps in the prayers, but mostly in the gathering in a holy place. It set a tone of reverence and longing for spiritual connections. It was a safe place to weep and to smile and to be who we are in
abundance. Both gatherings served a good purpose and both are necessary and each serves The Community but they are different with different and I would say complimentary objectives. One gathering was for solidarity with some reverence and the other with abundant reverence and some solidarity. We are a community within communities and the borders that we set are broken making us one community. For Sufi and Lutheran, Sikh and Roman, Methodist and Episcopal and MCC to share time and space and for people from all over the city and civic leaders to join in one time and place – it rare and it is holy whatever the self motivation. It is rare and it is holy. This weekend is our own PRIDE Parade and events. This is perhaps one of the more meaningful parades that we have had in years. It comes with the cost of 50 deaths and so it has holy meaning because those lives have meaning and PRIDE will make manifest the dignity and integrity of The Community. This PRIDE will have profound meaning. Notice that I said 50 lives. On our altar area we lit and burned 50 votive candles flickering with light in memoriam. Notice that there were 50 candles. 49 of the 50 people were victims of hate, perhaps confusion, and of a gunman shooting an assault weapon. The 50th person was the victim of a life that was taught hate, prejudice, and violence. Violent words, violent images, and a perverse view of a deity that I am certain does not exist; at least not the deity that this type claims. I pray for him this man named Mateen for he was not born a hater but was turned into a hater. Those that he murdered, they were not haters, they were innocently trying to enjoy life. But he was a hater and made so. I pray for all who hate. I pray and try to act so that potential haters learn early on that such is not a path to be taken and its end result is darkness. I will remove the religious parts of the following. It is drawn from the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church and I ask that everyone who is willing to make the following commitment so that we begin to teach real love and to move potential haters into lovers: Will you persevere in resisting evil and whenever you are tempted to commit evil acts repent and do good? Will you proclaim love and integrity by word and example? Will you seek and serve humanity and find the face of dignity and humanity in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being? If so be blessed and know that you are living a holy life whatever you may believe. Know that you will change at least some of the haters into lovers by your works, by your personhood, and by your love.
m obile paparazzi
Next Deadline Tues., June 25 - 504.522.8049
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Orlando Prayer Vigil, Celebrations, Staff Pool Party @ B-Bob’s ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Orlando
Offic ial Pride Guide • NOLAPride.org • J une 21-J uly 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27
The Golden Lantern
Oz
The Country Club
Inside Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Good Friends Bar The Page
Cutter’s 700 Club
snap paparazzi
GrandPre’s
Phoenix
Double Play
Big Daddy’s Kajun’s Pub
Rawhide 2010 Four Seasons, Metairie
Cafe Lafitte in Exile
The Friendly Bar
Mag’s 940
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ONE Gay New Orleans: "We Are PULSE!" June 18, 2016 ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Darwin Reed, Ashly Rose
Corner Pocket
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes at the WWII Museum=s BB=s Stage Door Canteen thru June 26 If you’re a Hank Williams fan, head over to the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen for Jason Petty’s Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes. And if you’re not, head over there anyway—by the end of it, you will be. I fell into the latter category. Sure, I had heard of Williams, but really wasn’t aware of his importance. I certainly didn’t know that he had penned the Cajun anthem Jambalaya (On the Bayou). Both of those circumstances changed after seeing this hugely entertaining and informative show. Petty has been portraying Williams for twenty years around the world, including Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Off-Broadway in the bio-musical Lost Highway. Looking dapper in a beige suit and ten-gallon wide-brimmed hat, Petty narrates Williams’ too-brief life in his soft, natural twang but embodies the “singular most influential figure in country music history” as he performs fourteen of his classic songs, accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar. Born in 1923 in Mt. Olive, AL, Williams grew up listening to his heroes, Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubbs, on the radio. As a child, he took 25-cent guitar lessons from Rufus “Tee Tot” Payne, an early 20th-century African-American blues musician, who taught him how to sing to, not at, an audience. According to Petty, as a 14-year-old Williams played at some “down-right nasty honky-tonks where they put up chicken wire between the band and the audience to keep flying bottles from hitting the musicians.” He would go on to wed Audrey Mae Sheppard— ”of course, in the South,” Petty comments, “you have to have three names”—not long after they met. She would help to manage Williams and his career, but theirs was a stormy relationship, spiked by booze, that wouldn’t last. Williams’ singing and prolific song-writing talents enabled him to rise quickly with successful appearances on The Louisiana Hayride and at the Grand Ole Opry leading to solo concerts and movie deals. If at first he was afraid other people would mess up his songs, he changed his mind when he started getting royalty checks and no longer cared who recorded them. He did pretty well, though, in the early 1950s with the likes of such young’uns as Tony Bennett and Jerry Lee Lewis singing his tunes. Petty relates all this plus other insightful tales and anecdotes in an engaging and down-to-earth manner. But one senses that, at times, he can’t wait to get to the music itself. Which is completely understandable. Opening with the jaunty Hey Good Lookin’, Petty delivers the honky-tonk and blues numbers that made Williams famous, with just the right touch of plangency coating his warm baritone voice. In Your Cheatin’ Heart, Petty even captures Williams’ yodeling style. There’s also Move It on Over, Williams’ first big hit; Lovesick Blues, Williams’ 8encore Opry debut and the biggest hit he had during his lifetime; and I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, one of the saddest songs ever written. In his lyrics, Petty notes, Williams was an expert storyteller, “the country Shakespeare”, who could even tell a “love story between two pieces of wood” (Kaw-Liga); as a composer he combined various types of music—Appalachian, folk, gospel—into the forerunner of today’s country style. Standing on the simply decorated stage and singing these songs that remain great 60+ years after they came to life, the tall and lanky Petty takes us back to a time when singers didn’t need all sorts of pyrotechnics and acrobatic back-up dancers to be successful. It’s a pleasure to listen to him and I mean it as a compliment when I say he makes you wish you could’ve seen the actual Williams perform. Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes can occasionally turn a little Wikipedia-esque, which is fine for those of us who hadn’t been that familiar with him, but I might’ve preferred a few more detailed stories about this colorful figure’s life, even those which have become embellished over time, and a little less of the cheesy humor often at Petty’s own expense
(“I’m from Tennessee where you’re not allowed to drive a car or marry your sister till you’re twelve.”). Fortunately, that’s a minor part of the show. Six years ago, the Pulitzer Prize Board awarded Williams a posthumous special citation that paid tribute to his “craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life”. At Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes audience members already familiar with this cultural force sang along with Petty. For the rest of us, it was an outstanding introduction to Hank Williams and his wonderful catalog of songs. As always at Stage Door Canteen matinees, harpist Ashley Toman provides enchanting music to accompany the tasty brunch. For Honky Tonk Heroes, the first course is a flavorsome Grilled Peach Salad in which toasted pecans add a smoky subtlety to the dish and, though the bits of slightly sweet goat cheese go nicely with the salad, I enjoyed them spread on the accompanying warm rolls as well. Second course offers a tough choice between the traditional Fried Chicken and Biscuits with smooth country gravy and a sprinkling of scallions that provide extra flavor, and Apple Pie Pancakes; featuring candied bacon, bourbon caramel sauce and whipped cream, it’s scrumptious and almost like dessert! The actual dessert, Blackberry Brown Sugar Tart, doesn’t disappoint and is enhanced by lemon sorbet, shaved white chocolate and blackberry whipped cream, a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Server Sabrina was as accommodating as I’ve come to expect at the Canteen. Unlike the Williams song, there won’t be a tear in your beer, coffee or Mimosa, when you’re done with this meal!
An Evening with Nicole Lynn Foxx at Big Mama’s Lounge, ongoing on Mondays Most local stages are dark on Monday nights. So if you’re looking for some entertainment at the start of the week, you might want to head over to the House of Blues’ Big Mama’s Lounge for the drag/comedy show, An Evening with Nicole Lynn Foxx. On a recent evening, the petite Foxx first appeared in a black fringed dress adorned with a black feather boa and looking absolutely gorgeous. Bejeweled with diamond earrings and necklace, she launched into a Nina Simone medley of Feeling Good/I Put a Spell On You/Do I Make You? in which she exhibited vixen playfulness and a fiercely independent personality. Continuing with Sade’s Is It a Crime, Foxx wholly created the illusion of singing with her spot-on lip-synching and expressive eyes. Filling instrumental passages with sultry, vampish voguing, Foxx both recreates and slightly sends up divas with their over-emotive style. This drag granddaughter of the inimitable Teryl-Lynn Foxx returned for her second set looking completely different in a sparkly, floor-length beaded gown, her curlish coif replaced with a short sleek ’do. The soigné Foxx can make wiping off the top of a stool with a towel seem dramatically elegant. As Foxx brought out the bluesy soul of Black Coffee and ‘Round Midnight, what a pleasure it was to hear these worldly-wise songs from another era. Concluding with Miki Howard’s Love Under New Management, Foxx twirled, squatted, and contorted her body into angular poses that had the whole crowd applauding. And she did all this in high heels! In between Foxx’s sets, local comedian DC PauL brought a smile to everyone’s face with self-deprecating humor, and riffs on road rage in a small town like NOLA, bathroom attendants, and transvaginal meshes. PauL got cute mileage out of living with his 83-year-old grandmother and how he describes his roommate to his friends. And by the sound of her titty joke that PauL told with faux-reluctance, it’s clear where he gets his spirit from, though his actual humor is a tad more sophisticated. When PauL said he’d be voting for Trump, a collective scowl ran through the house. But that’s only because he wants to see the first time a billionaire moves into public housing after a black family has moved out. Smart stuff. Tucked behind the House of Blues box office, Big Mama’s Lounge is a small but nicely apportioned cabaret space with a full service bar. Foxx and PauL’s hour-long show fits into this layout perfectly and I’ll be looking forward to seeing them again and other performers there in the future.
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paparazzi
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Sneak Peak @ NOLA Pride Weekend, more in the next Ambush ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
ambush
Amon-Ra Prom: A Night in The Red Light District
The Social Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
ambush
paparazzi
Offic ial Pride Guide • NOLAPride.org • J une 21-J uly 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 31
Orlando Candlelight Vigil @ St. Anna's Episcopal Church with Rev. Bill Terry & Mayor Mitch Landrieu, on Bourbon St. & the River ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Animal Second Line @ The Golden Lantern benefiting ARNO
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