Ambush magazine volume 34 issue 18

2 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her hernn Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 3

the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com

Giant Official Southern Decadence Guide Brings it all to You New Orleans largest LGBT+ holiday is here, and Ambush Magazine, as your Official Southern Decadence Guide, brings it all to you. With over 200,000 participants expected this year, it appears this may just be the record breaker! The end of summer circuit weekend is the 5th largest in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. Since 1996, the celebration has had a 1 billion, 705 million dollar economic impact on the New Orleans economy, with estimated crowds now totaling over 1 million, 757 thousand.

There are over 100 events covering the gamut of every facet of LGBT+ life, music and culture for this 45th Annual Southern Decadence celebration. Here in this issue of Ambush you will find some 44 pages of the best events, venues, bars, restaurants, galleries, shops, hair salons, tours, real estate agents, costumes, services, and more. And to top that off, this is the largest edition of this publication in over two years! It's all available online including all ads at www.AmbushMag.com.

"Decadence Takes The World" Are you ready for a giant celebration? Well Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips and Derek-Penton Robicheaux have got one great weekend in store for you with their chosen theme "Decadence Takes The World". The colors this year are Amethyst (purple), Ruby (red), Sapphire (blue), and Pearl (white), while the official song is Ariana Grande’s “Break Free”, a creative mix by DJ JRB. The 2016 charities are New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All funds raised minus expenses benefits these charities.

The largest event of Southern Decadence weekend is the 42nd Annual Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 4 led by the grand marshals. For the first time in over 10 years the grand marshals have chosen a new parade route. The parade begins 2pm sharp at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., then to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to Orleans, left on Orleans to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to St. Philip, right on St. Philip to Dauphine, right on Dau-

inside

Southern Decadence Sponsors Make this Weekend Possible

Next issue due out Sept. 13, DEADLINE: Sept. 6

southern decadence proclamation 12 celebrazzi 14 45th southern decadence 16 out front 18 southern decadence bead toss 20 out front 24 moments in gay new orleans history 26 snap paparazzi/new orleans 28 sd: the whole gay weekend 32-33 spotlight feature: sdgms xlii 34 snap paparazzi/new orleans 36 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 38

phine to St. Ann, left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine. It includes stops at The Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner Pocket, The Page, 700 Club, GrandPre’s, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Oz, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile. (There is no fee or registration form to enter the parade. All walkers are welcome. This is a marching parade and no other motor vehicles are allowed nor are any THROWS, due to the type of City of New Orleans permitting. Please contact line-up chair Steven Mora for directions and information at stevensings@gmail.com.)

Following the parade is the 23rd Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss hosted by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. Hosted from their balcony at the Ambush Mansion, 828 Bourbon Street, the reigning grand marshals will lead the toss at 4pm ish.

For all of the events see Southern Decadence: The Whole Gay Weekend on pages 32 and 33; and Southern Decadence events on pages 41 and 42, or visit the Official Southern Decadence website: www.SouthernDecadence.com.

classifieds southern decadence events quistadors chop chop/restaurant guide ambush paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar, real estate lez talk, trodding the boards interview a community within communities book review mobile, mobile paparazzi big easy paparazzi/fnbmg

40-41 41-42 44 48 50 52 56 57 58 59 61 62

Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips and DerekPenton Robicheaux would like to encourage everyone to patronize all of the sponsors who make this 45th Annual Southern Decadence celebration possible.

Official Southern Decadence Sponsors include Presenting - Official Southern Guide - Ambush Magazine, Official Website of Southern Decad e n c e www.SouthernDecadence.com, Official Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY Vodka, Oz New Orleans, Broussard's Restaurant; Platinum - Official Drink of Southern - Tropical Isle's Hand Grenade, Official Beer of Southern Decadence Bud Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Gay Appreciation Awards, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Official Home of Southern Decadence - The Golden Lantern, Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer, SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca J. Mesa, Just Us Lounge/Biloxi; Gold-Bourbon Pub & Parade, GrandPre's, The Double Play, Bourbon Pride, Misti Gaither (Johnny Passion) & Catherine Gaither, Irish Channel Funding, LLC, The Cheezy Cajun, Good Friends, Phoenix, Mag's 940; Silver-Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., Rolling Elvi Inc./Jailhouse Rockers, Dr. Mac (Robert McWhirter), The Page, Harlequeen, Rawhide 2010, The Corner Pocket; Bronze-Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, A*Med Ambulance Service, Cutter's; and Pearl-Dawn Leggio, SDGM XXVII

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

Errol Rizzuto, June Pennick, Alexis Grace, Cam Zimmerman, Bonita Folse/ Solitaire, Fabulous Flowers LLC, Jay Crockett.

You to can also become a sponsor of the largest LGBT celebration in Louisiana today! All funds raised minus expenses benefits the official 2016 Southern Decadence Charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO).

Sponsorship forms are available at www.southerndecadence.com/2016/ NOSouthernDecadenceSponsors.pdf.

4 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her hernn Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 5

6 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her hernn Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 7

8 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her hernn Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 9

10 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 11

12 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 13

celebrazzi Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Felicia Phillips and Tony Leggio toast with Tropical Isle's Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, and SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist with the Official Drink of Southern Decadence, The Hand Grenade.

Tropical Isle again this year presented the grand marshals with their $2,500 Platinum sponsorship for the 45th celebration at Tropical Isle Bourbon Street. www.SouthernDecadence.com (Photo by Rip Naquin)

Lord King XXXIII Kelley Terry, and 2016 Miss Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr Kennedy congratulate Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2017 Gia GiaVanni and 1st runner-up Barbara Ella, along with Lord Consort XXXIII Kyle Robin and pageant emcee Elizabeth Bouvier at Oz New Orleans. The Lords of Leather host this pageant each year as one of the fundraisers responsible for the success of the krewe's annual Mardi Gras ball. www.LordsOfLeather.org (Photo by Rip Naquin)

Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Derek Penton-Robicheaux, Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips and Jeffrey Palmquist join Decadence Gets Dirty event director Adikus Sulzipi (center) at The Phoenix raising $1,053 for Southern Decadence 2016 and its charities ARNO and NOAGE. The hysterical fundraiser paired a leatherman and a drag queen switching roles portraying one of the seven deadly sins. www.phoenixbarnola.com

The FourPlay Reunion Show, hosted at Mag's 940, raised $1,467 for Southern Decadence 2016 and its charities. The cast included show director Elizabeth Bouvier, Barbara Ella, Richie Rich, Lauren Brown, Cathy Fox, Amanda Straddle and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. (Photo by Rip Naquin)

Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeffrey Palmquist joins Corner Pocket's Michael Elias, SDGM XLII Felicia Phillips, Corner Pocket's Tommy Elias and SDGM XLII Tony Leggio raising $755 at the Southern Decadence Charity Fundraiser Disco Party & Show hosted by The Corner Pocket. www.CornerPocket.net

Above-Divas R Us show director Monica Synclaire-Kennedy (center) brought Mr. Golden Lantern Bradley Latham, Bambi Bextor, Eureeka Starfish, Ka’Maraya Sinclair and Vanessa Carr Kennedy to the stage at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern.

Left-NOLA Bark Market's Buddy Jones joins Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Tony Leggio raising $300 at Dog Wash for Decadence benefiting Southern Decadence 2016.

14 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 15

16 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 17

out front Help Needed for Flooding Victims in Baton Rouge Area "Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge appreciates all the outpouring of prayers and support for our area during this time of devastating flooding. It’s difficult to describe the magnitude of the events (which actually are still not over), but the best way to put it is that literally 90 percent of one parish (county, for those who aren’t from here) was under water, and huge percentages of the remaining metropolitan area of Baton Rouge also faced a similar fate.

On the good side, our church building was relatively unscathed, with only roof leaks during the days of storms. Many of our members, including our pastor, and much of our community weren’t so lucky.

We already know at least 20-25 households from our congregation (and many, many more from the GLBT community, as well as 110,000 from the area at large) lost homes and belongings to the flood. The devastation still seems surreal to many of us and is much worse than limited television coverage can begin to show. But people already are hard at work starting the tasks of rebuilding their lives, because we are a resilient people and we believe God will see us through all of this.

relief” in the memo line. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about volunteering, phone our church office at 225.248.0404 or email mccbr@aol.com — or contact Mike Smith at 225.588.0050 or mikesatigerfan1@att.net.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support!"

2016 Louisiana Seafood Festival Sept. 2-4

The 2016 Louisiana Seafood Festival is a signature fundraising event for the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, who also produces the event. The three-day annual festival, scheduled for September 2-4, 2016 at City Park Festival Grounds in New Orleans, is a celebration of all the fresh and flavorful seafood that makes Louisiana great. The festival features over two dozen of the best restaurants and caterers in Louisiana, live national and local music acts, over a dozen celebrity cooking demonstrations from some of the region’s highest acclaimed chefs, an art market with handmade and original crafts, and children’s activities.

The 2016 festival will feature the following food vendors preparing a wide array of Louisiana seafood delicacies: Acme Oyster House, Ajun Cajun, Blue Crab Restaurant, Café Giovanni, Dat Dog, Dirty Dishes, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Ernst Café, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Goodfellas Seafood and PoBoys, Jacques-Imo’s, Katie’s Restaurant, LaDelyo’s Creole Catering, Lüke, Miss Linda The Ya-Ka-Mein Lady, Mr. Mudbug Catering, Quintin’s Ice Cream, Red Fish Grill, Royal House Oyster Bar, Saltwater Grill, Seither’s Seafood, Superior Seafood, TJ Gourmet, Voleo’s Seafood, Woody’s Fish Tacos The festival will present Aftermath of Area Flooding three days of live music on the Bud Light Music Stage. The Many of you already have been asking 2016 lineup includes: what you can do to help. The short answer Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo is to make donations to our flood relief fund, Bice, Village People, The Romantics, Zebecause the unfortunate reality is that most bra, The Producers, Flow Tribe, Bonerama of the affected homes were not in flood with Special Guest George Porter Jr., Big zones and many of the families therefore Sam’s Funky Nation, Benjy Davis, Johnny did not have flood insurance to cover any of Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Paul Varisco & the their losses. Your donations can help to buy Milestones featuring Luther Kent, Hot 8 cleaning supplies needed to get the cleanup Brass Band, Tank and the Bangas, Darcy and rebuilding process started, as well as Malone and the Tangle, Dave Jordan and to hopefully help to replace a portion of the the NIA, Big Easy Playboys lost possessions for some of those in need The festival will implement ticketed — or to meet other needs we haven’t even admission this year, which will help to probegun to think of yet. In addition to that, if vide a continued high quality experience for you have motor homes (since unflooded all guests and raise funds for the housing or hotels are hard to come by) and Foundation’s mission. Tickets will go on strong backs, we certainly would welcome sale Friday, July 15, 2016 via Gambit Tickyou to join the cleaning and rebuilding ets at http://louisianaseafoodfestival.com/. process, if you are so inclined. Beyond that, we certainly cherish your continued prayers.

Advance tickets will be $8 per day, We can’t tell you how much those mean! advance weekend ticket packages will be For those interested in making mon$22, and children 55 inches and under will etary donations, you can use the PayPal be admitted free when accompanied by a donation buttons on our website at paying adult. Ticket prices will increase mccbr.org, or you can mail checks to beginning Friday, September 2, 2016 to MCCBR, 7747 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, $10 per day and $25 weekend ticket packLA 70806. If donating via PayPal, use the age. The festival is rain or shine; all ticket “tell us about this donation” field to indicate sales are final. “flood relief fund,” or, if by check, put “flood

18 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 19

20 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 21

22 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 23

out front Swiss Navy presents “Love from New Orleans to Orlando” @ Southern Decadence Pompano Beach, FL: MD Science Lab, LLC, the manufacture of Swiss Navy Products is proud to announce that on the 10th year of their participation in the New Orleans Southern Decadence event that it will be teaming up with New Orleans cornerstone Oz Nightclub to present a very special “Love from New Orleans to Orlando”. Appearing as part of this special tribute will be the talents of LGBT superstars ChiChi LaRue, Sister Roma, Ryan Rose, and Trenton Ducati.

Swiss Navy and Oz will place a special “Love from New Orleans to Orlando” banner inside the nightclub during the weekend of events so that the thousands of Southern Decadence participants will have a chance to sign and send personal messages of love to Orlando. As well Swiss Navy and Oz will be passing out $4.00 off coupons towards Swiss Navy Products with $1.00 for every coupon redeemed will be donated to the OneOrlando Fund which has stipulated that 100% of every dollar raised will go directly back to the victims and families of the Orlando Pulse Tragedy.

Ellen Friedman from MD Science Lab says that “this will help show how our community is still standing with and still heartbroken over the tragedy that happened in Orlando. It is only right that Swiss Navy represents the community and give people a chance to send their love, and donate to the victims and families during one of the oldest LGBT events in the USA, Southern Decadence which now in its 45th year” The Pulse Tragedy, which was the largest mass shooting in the United States, happened on Saturday, June 12 in an LGBT Nightclub and took the lives of 49 and wounded 53 more of which most were LGBT. “Thousands from around the world have been affected by this tragedy” said Terry DeCarlo, Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center in Orlando, “We are so thankful for the love and support that is coming in from around the world and from local events such as this”.

The Banner will be at Oz on Thursday night Sept.1 from 9pm to 11pm and on Saturday night Sept. 3 we will all be at the front of Jackson Square with the banner and 1,000 Pulse Ribbons #theribbonmaker and 1,000 BOTTLES of Swiss Navy to the first 1,000 people who come sign the banner. The goal is to have the banner filled with messages of Love and Hope by Sunday so we can have it in Sundays Parade, Anyone who wants to join Swiss Navy and March with us is very welcome to come #StandwithOrlando …. After Decadence the banner will be sent to ONE Fund Orlando for the memorial being built for this tragedy!!!! #Wearepulse

Decadent Ducks Return to Southern Decadence For Fun & Fundraising The Decadent Ducks, a gay travel and social network, will return to the French Quarter over Labor Day weekend for their 19th year of revelry. The Ducks, led by Troy Richardson, anticipate well over 400 of their group members will attend the 45th annual LGBT celebration this year.

In addition to various events and parties scheduled throughout the weekend, the Decadent Ducks are putting their numbers to good use by raising money for Food For Friends. The Food For Friends Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries and home-delivered meals to HIV-infected and -affected individuals in the greater New Orleans area for over 18 years.

Decadent Ducks will be raffling off incredible prizes donated by sponsors. Tickets will be sold during the their Southern Decadence Welcome Party at One Eyed Jacks on Friday, September 2nd from 6 to 8pm. Prizes include Southwest Airlines gift cards, accommodations in Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown and many other cool and exciting items.

Decadent Ducks will donate 100% of the proceeds from these raffles to Food For Friends. In 2015, the generosity of Decadent Duck raised over $22,000 for the Food For Friends program, setting a new record for the group.

Fundraising efforts this year do not stop there. In response to the devastating floods recently affecting Baton Rouge and surrounding communities, the Decadent Ducks are asking guests to pack or purchase extra items that will be collected towards disaster relief for the victims. On Tuesday, September 6th, these items will be donated to a designated drop-off location in New Orleans. To learn more about the Ducks’ efforts to assist the flood victims of Louisiana, please visit www.decadentducks.com/flood.

“This year we have witnessed a tragic upsurge in anti-gay rhetoric and violence around the world, yet New Orleans contin-

ues to welcome us back year after year like family,” Richardson explains. “The people of this great city are a shining example of unsurpassed hospitality and generosity. We’re excited to return once again to a place many of us consider a second home. Our fundraising efforts here represent just a small gesture of our appreciation and gratitude”.

The Decadent Ducks is much more than a close network of travel friends from all over the world. Returning members look forward all year for the opportunity to reunite and create new memories. The Ducks pride themselves on their efforts to welcome new members into the group, and to develop new and lasting friendships. Special attention is also paid to those travelling solo to make sure they feel included in all activities and events. That difference, members explain, is the reason they return year after year and tell their friends about the Decadent Ducks.

“Our membership continues to grow at an annual rate that surprises even us”, Richardson says. “That tells us that we’re doing something very special here. The City of New Orleans plays no small part in making Southern Decadence with the Decadent Ducks an experience you’ll never forget. We can’t wait to get back to the city we love this Labor Day weekend!”

To learn more about the Decadent Ducks or Food For Friends, visit the official website at www.decadentducks.com.

Chevron NO/AIDS Walk Joins Forces with Second Harvest Food Bank New Orleans, LA – Chevron NO/AIDS WALK, the largest annual HIV/AIDS awareness event in Louisiana, is joining forces with Second Harvest Food Bank to assist those in need from the recent Louisiana floods.

The Walk, now in its 27th year, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 at Audubon Park at the band shell near the Audubon Golf Clubhouse. Thousands of individual walkers, corporate and community teams will gather between 8:30am and 10am to launch the Walk beneath the majestic oaks of Audubon Park. The route is yet to be determined because of Uptown construction. More updates will be posted at the Walk website.

Walkers who support NO/AIDS Task Force as well as community members who wish to support the food collection with Second Harvest are asked to bring canned items to the event anytime between 8:30am and 2pm.

“As we all know in New Orleans, the devastation of the floods will have an impact on communities for months and years to come,” said Noel Twilbeck, CEO of NO/AIDS Task Force, a division of CrescentCare. “This effort is the combination of two great organizations in New Orleans that continually give back. We are grateful that Second Harvest supports our food program at NO/AIDS. Together, we are stronger when we support each others efforts.”

In addition to the Walk and food drive, NO/AIDS will host the Festival For Life immediately following the Walk. The festival includes information on healthcare from CrescentCare, including blood pressure screenings, information on sexual health, and dental services provided.

Live music by Charmaine Neville, airbrush tattoos, snowballs by Kona Ice and all food provided by Louisiana Pizza Kitchen.

Chevron once again is the title sponsor along with presenting sponsors Avita Pharmacy and Quest Diagnostics. Other event sponsors are: Capital One, TJX Companies, Macy’s, Dow, Raymond James, Event Restroom, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Goldring Family Foundation, Ochsner Health System, Ambush, Nola Media Group and Gambit.

All funds raised at the Chevron NO/AIDS WALK benefit men, women and families who are affected by HIV/AIDS: those served by NO/AIDS, as well as other programs. For more information, visit www.noaidswalk.com.

NO/AIDS Task Force has served the New Orleans community for over 30 years to provide hope and care for men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS. Now a division of CrescentCare, a federally qualified healthcare center, the task force has expanded its service to offer a range of healthcare solutions to anyone and everyone who is seeking healthcare in Greater New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana.

“Queen of the Bears” Candy Samples Returns for 8th Sunday Services New York’s Finest, the singing/songwriting drag phenomenon Candy Samples returns to New Orleans for Sunday Services on Sunday, September 4 at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street) at 11:30am. Doors open at 11.

Produced by Decadent Duck Events, Sunday Services celebrates its 8th year in the Big Easy. As one NYC reviewer calls it, ‘one-part self-worth and one-part Southern cooking’, Candy sings the stories of her life – through the ups and downs, all while keeping her audience in stitches.

Always using her “Powers for Good”, Sunday Services will benefit NO/AIDS Task Force’s Food For Friends. Decadent Ducks will be passing the collection plate throughout the show and raffling off fabulous prizes.

Over the past 8 years, Candy and Decadent Ducks have helped raise over $75,000 for Food For Friends, with last year alone raising over $22,000. ”Each year this show gets bigger and bigger” says Candy. “I can’t wait to be back in New Orleans to let my hair down AND do something good for the city that has given me so much.”

You can find out more about the ginger-haired classic at www.samplemycandy.com.

24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25

moments in gay new orleans history

by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Southern Decadence: More Than Meets the Eye In town for Decadence? Great! You’re going to have an amazing time. If you’ve attended Decadence before, you know the drill. If you’re a Decadence virgin, you’re in for a weekend you’ll never forget (depending, of course, on how much you drink)!

This year over 200,000 people are expected to be in New Orleans for the annual Labor Day weekend festival—the largest crowd Southern Decadence has ever enjoyed. You already know you’re going to have a good time. What you may not know is how much money and work it takes to put on Southern Decadence.

What do you mean? It’s just a big street party, isn’t it? Well yes and no.

But mostly no. Southern Decadence has a long and storied history dating back to 1972.

Some quick facts about Southern Decadence: > Southern Decadence did not begin as a “gay” event > The first “Southern Decadence” was a house party for about 50 people in 1972 > The first Southern Decadence Parade was in 1973 > The SD Parade is always the Sunday before Labor Day > The first Grand Marshal was named in 1974 > From 1973 to 1980, the parade began at Matassa’s Deli > Since 1981, the parade has started at the Golden Lantern > Southern Decadence is NOT New Orleans’ version of Pride > In 1997, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau began tracking Southern Decadence > This year, SD is expected to have an economic impact of over $200 million > Since 1996, SD has had an economic impact of over $1.7 billion > Of the forty-two times Grand Marshals have been named, thirty have been single individuals > Two Co-Grand Marshals have been named seven times > Three concurrent Grand Marshals have been named three times > Five Grand Marshals reigned in 2015 > This year, SD is led by four Grand Marshals > Since 1987, the Grand Marshal(s) have selected an official theme, color, and song > This year, the GMs have introduced the first official SD shot, the Skyy 42 What’s all this Grand Marshal business, you ask? Who wants to watch a parade? We just saw / marched in our city’s Pride Parade, you might say. Oh, honey. You just don’t know.

Southern Decadence is not, nor

has it ever been, New Orleans’ version of Pride. We celebrate LGBT Pride in June just like everyone else. Whereas Pride Parades are essentially a political expression, no such agenda is associated with Southern Decadence.

Southern Decadence is a party for partying’s sake—and at the heart of that party is the parade. And the parade is led by the Grand Marshals.

The title of Grand Marshal is not, I repeat, not, a ceremonial one. As SD grew, the city began requiring fees for parade permits and security, sanitation, etc. Typically, producing the SD Parade costs anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000. Who pays for that? Local individuals and a handful of businesses.

From the time the Grand Marshals are named in the spring, the fundraising begins. As of yet, no “Southern Decadence Angel” has stepped up and written a check to underwrite all the fees the city charges. There are official sponsors but the bulk of the money comes from a host of small fundraisers.

These events range from drag shows to pot luck dinners. This year, there have been no less than 25 SD fundraising events. Whatever is left over from all the fundraising is donated to charity.

The Grand Marshals are responsible for raising the money; hence, the title of Grand Marshal could easily be called “Fundraiser.” In the early years, before there was a need to raise money, the title was little more than ceremonial; the Grand Marshal, who was almost always drunk, led an informal bar crawl. In recent years being Grand Marshal has become a part-time job (and yes, the GMs are still usually drunk by the time the parade starts.)

Grand Marshals are selected by and at the sole discretion of their predecessors. There are no requirements, qualifications or any other criteria necessary for selection. There is no application process. One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Grand Marshal Announcement Party. Excitement, anticipation, and speculation builds in the weeks and days following up to the climactic announcement.

Sometimes, the choices are predictable, other times they are not.

A few weeks after the announce-

ment, the new Grand Marshals host the Press Party to reveal their theme, colors, song, and poster. Soon, this poster will adorn the walls of just about every gay bar (all of which benefit from SD whether or not they help in the fundraising) and business in New Orleans.

And then the work begins. Assisting the Grand Marshals are their lieutenants and entourages, who are also announced at the Press Party. Lieutenants’ and entourage members’ duties are whatever the Grand Marshal needs, basically everything from event planning to fastening sequins and feathers to costumes. It’s a lot of work.

And so with all that in mind, allow me to introduce you to this year’s Grand Marshals: Anthony (Tony) Leggio has an extensive career in the hospitality community pertaining to event production as well as promoting New Orleans around the globe. Tony works for Hosts New Orleans and has been in the hospitality industry for over fifteen years. He has produced over 5,000 events locally and nationally during his tenure in the industry. Tony has won a number of awards for diligently promoting not only his company but New Orleans as a premier destination for convention groups. Besides his professional career, Tony has played an active role in the community. He has served as Event Chair of Art Against AIDS for the NO/AIDS Task Force and was honored as Humanitarian of the Year in 2010 by the organization. He has worked to help produce events for other noteworthy organizations such as the Cancer Crusaders, Julia Jump, NO/AIDS Task Force, National D-Day Museum, Zoo-To Do, Gambit Weekly, the Louisiana Philharmonic, The New Orleans Ballet Association, Southern Decadence, New Orleans Museum of Art and Children’s Hospital. He sits on the Board of the Gay Easter Parade and produces the successful Bunnies in the Big Easy event annually. He is also a freelance writer who has written for USA Today, several local publications, as well as contributing writer for Ambush Magazine. Tony has a blog NOLAOnReview and is part of Gambit’s Big Easy Theatre Committee. He participates in Mardi Gras extensively and has been Captain of the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon carnival organization for three years as well as King of the organization once. He has also been a past Grand Marshal for the Gay Easter Parade in 2009 and New Orleans Pride in 2012.

Jeffrey Palmquist is an Assistant Manager and long-time bartender at Café Lafitte in Exile, the oldest continually operating gay bar in the United States. Jeffrey has won the Gay Appreciation Award for Bartender of the Year four times. He is also the coauthor of In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Cul-

ture and Its Oldest Gay Bar and coeditor of My Gay New Orleans: 28 Personal Reminiscences on LGBT+ Life in New Orleans. Jeffrey is also an active member of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. He earned a B.A. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota and a M.A. in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training andAthletic Management from South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. In addition to working in the fields of hospitality and sports medicine, he has also worked in the airline industry. He and his partner currently live in the French Quarter.

Derek Penton-Robicheaux is a native of Mississippi and a longtime resident of New Orleans. He is a national LGBT and community activist, as well as a freelance writer who has contributed to multiple publications. He is a Founder and Executive Director of the Louisiana Equality Foundation. Derek and his husband, Jon PentonRobicheaux, were legally married in Iowa on Sept. 23, 2012, and led the successful challenge to Louisiana’s same sex marriage ban as lead plaintiffs in the Federal Lawsuit, Robicheaux et al. v Caldwell et al., securing Marriage Equality here in Louisiana.

Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Felicia Phillips is the drag persona created by Philip Palumbo, more than a few years ago. Felicia’s career in Texas includes being named Miss Gay Golden Triangle and Miss Gay Beaumont as well as several bar titles. This led to being a pageant promotor and to date the longest running show director and emcee in the city. He was actively involved in organizing many fundraisers during the beginning of the AIDS crisis and continuing through 2005. His male career was that of a costume and theatrical makeup shop owner of over 20 years. Later becoming a general manager of the oldest gay bar in southeast Texas. After relocating to New Orleans in 2010, he worked first as manager of Krazy Katz on Bourbon, which became Bourbon Pride, then a Hotel Manager until joining the staff of GrandPre’s bar. After a 12 year absence from the stage, Felicia returned to help as a lieutenant for Reba Douglas, one of the Grand Marshals of Southern Decadence 2014, and has continued on with fundraising, performing, as well as gaining notoriety as The Cheese Queen, writing “The Real Cheese” column in Ambush Magazine.

Without the Grand Marshals, there would be no Southern Decadence—an amazing phenomenon that makes LGBT+ life in New Orleans so unique.

Cheers, and enjoy the parade!

NEXT DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 6 504.522.8049

26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27

Gia GiaVanni Wins Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2017 @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

paparazzi

28 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Decadence Gets Dirty raises $1,053 for Southern Decadence @ The Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

snap

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 29

30 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 31

SOUTHERN DECADENCE

Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLI as Conquistador - Jeffrey Palmquist & The Quistadors Champions (Photo by Larry Graham)

Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLI as Pirate King - Tony Leggio & The Purple Pirates of Decadence Rocco Steele @ The Phoenix Darienne Lake @ Four Seasons in Metairie

Persana Shoulders @ Oz DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux @ Oz DJ Isaac Escalante @ Oz

Sam Gee @ Oz

Billy Francesca @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

DJ Ben Baker @ Oz

DJ Ivan @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

Brother's Mike & Trinity on the bar @ The Corner Pocket

DJ/Porn Mogul/Drag Star ChiChi LaRue @ Oz

CockyBoys' Boomer Banks @ Cafe Lafitte's in Exile & Rawhide

Coca J Mesa @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends & Rawhide

DJ/Producer Kidd Madonny @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

: The WHOLE Gay Weekend Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLI as Hecate - Felicia Phillips & The Little Bit's Bitches

Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLI as Cherokee Chief Derek Penton-Robicheaux & The Mini Pearls of Decadence

Lisa Beaumann & Barry Bareass @ The Corner Pocket Angie Z @ The Golden Lantern

Aubrey Synclaire @ Bourbon Pub & Parade (Photo by Larry Graham)

Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ The Golden Lantern Jared LeBlanc @ Oz

CockyBoys' Rickey Roman @ Cafe Lafitte's in Exile & Rawhide Seth Fornea @ Oz Porn Star Austin Wolf @ Oz Nicole Lynn Foxx @ The Golden Lantern

DJ Corey Craig @ FurBall

Moanalot Fontaine @ GrandPre's

Decadent Ducks' Candy Samples @ One Eyed Jacks

Clorox Bleachman @ The Double Play

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 33

spotlight feature Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Put Their Spin on the 42nd Southern Decadence Parade Sept. 4th: Decadence Takes The World JEFFREY J. PALMQUIST: Being named one of this years Southern Decadence Grand Marshals has been a honor beyond my wildest dreams for me. An honor, quite frankly, I didn’t think I would ever experience living and being a part of the gay community here is New Orleans. When my predecessors, Rip and Marsha asked if I would like to carry on the traditions of Southern Decadence, I literally had tears in my eyes...in fact, I remember when Rip brought it up the first time I told him to stop as he’s going to make me cry!!!

To be asked to be SDGM to me, means that whoever is asking you has the confidence, trust, belief and assurance that you will carry on the traditions and responsibilities that are ever so important in making this holiday the great event that it is every year. People may believe that its just a gift to a friend, lover, sponsor, etc. but in my eyes at least its a “nod of faith” and a “don’t let me down” that you will do your best to make sure the Southern Decadence Parade goes on without a hitch and you will support local charities in the name of Southern Decadence!!

Being SDGM also means that you will be an ambassador of sorts from the gay community to the City of New Orleans, it means that you will be responsible to help produce one of the city's largest events bringing in thousands of people to the city on Labor Day Weekend and all the economical benefits the city enjoys along with the celebration of gay culture here in New

Orleans!

Now to be completely honest, personally, there is NO WAY I could do all this by myself, even with the help of the other Grand Marshals, it's a staggering amount of detail and work to raise that kind of money and promote Southern Decadence in only 4 short months!

Some great advice I received once....”Surround yourself with great people” and that’s exactly what I did in naming my lieutenants and entourage: Lieutenants Coca Mesa and Frank Perez, Entourage Members Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, Cam Zimmerman, Will Antill, Kevin Petefish, Tim Kinzel, Colby Danna, Jake Stout and Lulu Blackwell have been nothing short of amazing in helping me as SDGM. With little to no recognition they have each jumped in, and made every fundraiser a huge success!!! I am humbled, as I knew going in I picked a small but great group, but at the end I just look back and shake my head at all the greatness they achieved raising money... I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of my group!!!!!!

We named our group the “Quistadors”, #1 as a play to my last name and #2 as a teaser to our interpretation of this years theme, “Decadence Takes the World”. On Sunday I think you’ll be entertained as you witness the Conquistador himself marching through the streets of the French Quarter along with representation from the many countries his Quistadors will represent!!!

Its been a summer of ups and downs, stress and excitement... couldn’t have asked for a better group of SDGMs, Tony, Felica and Derek have been A LOT of fun to work with... come September 5th I know its going to be a big let down, but I know I’ll look back at this run with tons of great memories!!!!

A BIG THANK YOU to all that helped, donated, sponsored, attended events, etc. sooooo many here in the New Orleans Gay Community have been GREAT in making SD XLV a BIG SUCCESS!!!!!!

A BIG HEART FELT THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!!!!

ANTHONY "TONY" LEGGIO: To signify the theme of "Decadence Takes the World", we are plundering the high seas as the Purple Pirates with me as the Pirate King.

My entourage includes lieutenants Beaux and Barrett Delong-Church, Elizabeth Bouvier, Gary Vandeventer and Princesse Stephaney.

Elizabeth has been my sounding

board and rock throughout this entire journey, and I would not even be who I am in the community without my drag mother and mentor Princesse Stephaney. Gary Vandeventer has been a wonderful supporter and has stepped up tremendously. And I cannot say enough about Beaux and Barrett. Barrett, your photos are truly inspiring and Beaux, thank you for being one of my best friends and the ultimate wingman. I love all of you guys.

Another big thanks goes out to Frankie Fierce who is the entire reason I am here. You are the best and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am honored to call you my friend.

Rounding out my entourage is Kent Roby who is my costumer extraordinaire. Also helping me with costumes is Countess C. Alice and Barbara Ella. Next up is the ultimate PR guru in the city my dear friend Laura Tennyson. Rich Daigle is the commander of my pirate ship. The ladies of my group include Ashley Pena, Cheryl Lemoine, Michelle Dunnick and Colleen Monaghan. My ultimate gay power couple of the group is Rhonda Roget and her husband David who have been just absolute dolls. Next up is my outof-towners David McCoy and Larry Porter and Clint Ruiz. Finalizing the entourage is Clint Grow and Tim Chandler. My Pirate booty boys are Liam Watkins and Justin Graci.

FELICIA PHILLIPS: My entourage is comprised of a group of friends and special people. My Lieutenants, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Lee "Bunny" Brasseaux, Eureeka Starfish, Adikus Sulpizi and honorary Lt. Misti Gaither have all brought amazing things to the table, not just with the hard work it took for some of them to put together fundraising events, but along with most of my entourage, Jeremy Wienberg, Trey Ming, Nicholas Andrews, Bradley Latham, Catherine Gaither, Madison Faile and Clarence Jackson, often gave the moral support that is almost a prerequisite for being a grand marshal I quickly discovered. I had many others that helped without being an official part of my entourage, and they will always have an official part of my heart. Among them Errol Rizzuto, Leonard Williams, Thomas Burns, Moanalot Fontaine and even Reba Douglas (and she knows why) and many others. I thank them all. My group's twist on this year’s theme will represent me being Hecate, Queen of the Underworld who have brought her minions, "Little Bit's Bitches", up to spread decadence and debauchery to the world. We will more likely be interpreted as a bunch of horny devils!

I can’t express how much being part of such a rich history that has become the line of Southern Decadence GMs. Having had much success as a female impersonator over the

years in Texas, I often thought the best was behind me, but after forming friendships here so quickly, it was those bonds forged, that encouraged me to relish every day we are given and bring my drag persona back out for what ended up being the biggest honor of my life. Although mixed emotions come with all the craziness that surrounds Southern Decadence, everything from excitement and pleasure to panic attacks and overwhelming stress, it is with no doubt the experience of a lifetime, and getting to meet formers and hear them share stories from their year is something I will treasure. Mostly accepting the honor, I felt was a way for me to give back to this magical city and all its amazing characters I now call family that took me in with open arms and gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to live, live, live! Auntie Mame said life is a banquet and most poor saps are starving to death, well I am having an "all you can eat buffet!"

DEREK PENTON-ROBICHEAUX: With the theme of "Decadence Takes the World" there was a lot left to interpretation for costuming and dressing this year. We planned it as such. With me personally, I felt with the history of my heritage I would like to go back and do something that was personal to me.

I will be dressing in Native American attire as a homage to the rich history that not only this native land has but also to my familial history of the Cherokee Nation.

Being a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal to me is one of a rich history of this great festival and how far it has come and evolved. It has been a lot of hard work and also a lot of fun bonding with my co-grand marshals.

You see a different side of what most people see as only a giant party. Being a part of this is something that you take in and work personally towards. You take it in stride and it all happens so fast. I’ve been taking every moment to be very grateful for all the hard work that goes into this event from the planning and every little piece of the puzzle.

Everyone’s entourage have worked hard with the events to help us be successful this year, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that they are an integral part of this planning. So much work goes in to these events and without the teams that we put into place, we couldn’t be as successful as we have been. I am looking forward to the 45th Southern Decadence, and am very grateful to be one of the Fantastic Four, as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII. See you in the streets.

My lieutenants and entourage are the Mini Pearls of Decadence, and include: Jon Penton-Robicheaux, Bill Hincks, Kathleen Conlon, Vanessa CarrKennedy, Desiree Chevalier, Persana Shoulders, Aaron Yeager, Adrian Claveria, Gia GiaVanni, Michael Bingham, Solitaire, Monique Michaels and Drew Kingswell.

34 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 35

FourPlay Reunion Show raises $1,467 for Southern Decadence @ Mag's 940 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

paparazzi

36 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Southern Decadence Charity Fundraiser Disco Party & Show raises $755 for Southern Decadence @ The Corner Pocket ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

snap

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 37

Divas R Us under the Direction of Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ The Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans

paparazzi

38 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

La Scène Sociale ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Bradley Latham, Paul Melancon

The Page Bourbon Pub & Parade

ambush

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 39

nade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1916

circuit/events

classifieds

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 Feb. 24-28, 2017, 68th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, 18th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com

costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671

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 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 BIG EASY DAIQUIRIS, 216 Bourbon, 501

Bourbon, 409 Decatur, 617 Decatur 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 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 Gre-

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

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!

THE NATCHEZ, 530 Natchez St., Phone: 504.881.1243, www.thenatchez.com, reservations@thenatchez.com. Steps from the French Quarter located centrally in Downtown New Orleans with luxury 2, 3, and 4 bedroom suites are available for rent.

[10/16] THE ST. PHILIP HOTEL, 612 St. Philip St., Phone: 504.523.2197, www.thestphilip.com, reservations@thestphiliphotel.com. The St. Philip Hotel (circa 1839) is a Mediterranean-style building in the French Quarter that is centrally located to everything in the French Quarter. The hotel is only a 2-3 minute walk to the French Market, Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Bourbon Street.

[10/16]

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.co

organizations FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext.

254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com 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

40 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

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 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; 504.821.2601; 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

pharmacy Avita Pharmacy, offers personalized 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 pharmacy 24/7. www.avitapharmacy.com.

Locations: Baton Rouge, LA, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Suite 102, Tel: 225.924.9130 or 888.792.8482, 70808; New Orleans, LA , Tulane Tower, 2601 Tulans Ave., Suite 445, Tel: 504.822.0131 or 877.424.2930, 70119; New Orleans, LA, Marine Building, 3308 Tulane Ave., Suite 102, 70119, Tel: 504.309.2557 or 844.309.2557.

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 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 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 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 Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughn Realtor, Cell 504.810.4646, Office 504.948.3011, w w w. 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

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063

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

NEXT DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 6 504.522.8049

Southern Decadence Events TUESDAY, August 30th...

8am, The Official Southern Decadence Guide: Ambush Magazine hits the streets!

WEDNESDAY, August 31st...

10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 9pm-12midnight - Decadence Takes The World with Kafe Karaoke, upstairs Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 10pm til, Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contest with $150 in cash & prizes hosted by Barry Bareass, followed by Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 10:30pm, Special Southern Decadence Show Night, hosted by Persana Shoulders starring the GAA award-winning Ladies Of Oz: Lisa Beaumann, Nicole Lynn Foxx, Chi-Chi Rodriquez, Connie Hung & special guest former Miss Gay United States Icon - Jennifer Warner with DJ Tim Pflueger spinning all night long @ Show Club of the Year Oz New Orleans THURSDAY, September 1st...

10am-1am, Sip, Dip & Socialize with $15 pool admission @ The Country Club 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 5-9pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence 2016 right with Phoenix's official sponsor Nasty Pig with all draft beer $1 @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 7pm, SAINTS vs. Baltimore Ravens Game, FREE Jello Shots with each Saints Score & FREE Eats @ half time @ The Double Play 8:30pm, Infamous Southern Decadence Blackout Party with crowning of 10th King of Decadence with host Coca J. Mesa @ Rawhide 2010 9-11pm, Oz is happy to partner with Swiss Navy in their 10th year at Southern Decadence as together they present a very special "Love from New Orleans to Orlando" banner that will be sent to the One Orlando Fund with $4.00 off coupons passed out towards Swiss Navy Products with $1.00 for every coupon redeemed donated to the OneOrlando Fund which has stipulated that 100% of every dollar raised will go directly back to the victims and families of the Orlando Pulse Tragedy @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 9pm-1am, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Southern Decadence Welcome Party Beer Bust @ Leather Bar of the

Year The Phoenix 10pm, Official Nasty Pig Underwear Party: meet owners David Lauterstein & Frederick Kearney with Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 10pm, Southern Decadence Kickoff with RuPaul's Drag Race Star Darienne Lake live $10 admission (with special meet & greet 9-10pm for $20 includes show admission) hosted by Lana O'Day featuring a star studded cast @ Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Metairie 11pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence with USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest with Host Coca J. Mesa with $100 cash prize @ Good Friends Bar 11:30pm - Decadence Takes The World with D*#k of Decadence Contest with Host Coca J. Mesa, with $100 cash 1st place, $50 bar tab 2nd place & $25 bar tab 3rd place, upstairs Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 12midnight, Southern Decadence Strip Off: D*CK IN A CUP sponsored by Swiss Navy, hosted by Persana Shoulders & porn mogul/DJ/drag queen extraordinaire, ChiChi LaRue, plus adult superstars Trenton Ducati & Johnny V acting as celebrity guest judges for the evening, with $100 cash & special prize package furnished by Swiss Navy for the winner @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 12midnight, Welcome Party & Big D*#k Contest hosted by Billy Francesca & Ivy Drip with DJ Sean Michael @ Bourbon Pub & Parade FRIDAY, September 2nd...

10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 10am-1am, Break Free & Sin With Me with $15 pool admission @ The Country Club 2-6pm, NOLA Bears Pool Party, Renegade Bears of Louisiana bartend the event with open bar, beer, food, tickets: $50 @ 708 France Street 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 3-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 5:30-8pm, NOLA Pups & Handlers Beer Bust @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 6pm, HNO Decadence Kickoff Party, Halloween New Orleans invites you to kick off your Decadence weekend at its annual Host Party @ Apres on Fulton Street 7:30pm, Knights of Decadence Parade with some 10 floats, parade line-up on Elysian Fields next to Washington Square Park, heading to Decatur St., right

[continued on 42]

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 41

southern decadence events ...from 41 on Decatur to Canal, right on Canal to Bourbon, right on Bourbon ending at Ursuline 7:30-9:30pm, Senator Ken Southern Decadence Pre-Show Live @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 8pm, watch the Knights of Decadence Parade on the Oz balcony as it rolls down Bourbon Street with DJ Joe Gauthreaux headlining the evening with resident DJs Kyle D, Tim Pflueger & DJ JRB also spinning throughout the weekend, plus the sexiest gogos from all across the country on top of the bar all weekend long including Seth Fornea, Jared Bradford, David Emmanuel, Stephen Land, Sam Gee, Rikk York & Atlas Gant @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs @ Good Friends Bar 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Lords of Leather Beer Bust 9pm-2am (Meet the 2017 Mr. Louisiana Leather Contestants), featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm til, Southern Decadence Guest DJ & Male Dancers @ The Page 9pm, The Radical Faeries present Prince of Perversion Ball: Heavy Petting Zoo, tickets can be purchased at the door @ Mag's 940 10pm, Annual Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals' Drag Show hosted by Norma Llyaman direct from Las Vegas featuring SDGMs XLII Felicia Phillips, Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek Penton-Robicheaux with former SDGMs & many others @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 10pm, CockyBoys Exclusive Models: Boomer Banks & Tegan Zayne Live @ Rawhide 2010 10:30pm, Dominique DeLorean Cabaret Show @ Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Metairie 11pm, Boys on Parade Amateur Strip Contest hosted by Billy Francesca with DJ Mike Bryant @ Bourbon Pub & Parade SATURDAY, September 3rd...

10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 10am-1am, Ballzapalooza 2016 with $20 pool admission @ The Country Club 11am-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket

5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 5-8pm, Lords of Leather Decadent Behavior Party with $25 tickets @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 6-9pm, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Steak Dinner with $12 cost @ Kajun's Pub 7-10pm, Bourbon Street Extravaganza, free concert at Bourbon & St. Ann Streets featuring Well Strung, Zoe Badwi, Jeanie Tracy & Rowetta, with 13x DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger (of Oz) & VJ Brendan (of Bourbon Pub), with best views from Oz New Orleans & Bourbon Pub & Parade 7pm, NOLA Pups & Handlers present Social Hour, then 8pm Lube Wrestling with free drink samples during event, tickets sold at the door @ Mag's 940 7:30, Southern Decadence with Angie Z Live @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs @ Good Friends Bar 8-10pm, Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest @ Hi Ho Lounge 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Lords of Leather Beer Bust 9pm-2am featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm til, Southern Decadence Guest DJ & Male Dancers @ The Page 9pm, Southern Decadence with New York circuit DJ Ben Baker headlining the evening with Resident DJs Kyle D, Tim Pflueger & DJ JRB spinning throughout the evening, plus the sexiest gogos from all across the country on top of the bar @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 10pm, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Model Boomer Banks live upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 10pm, Decadence Divas "R" Us Show starring Show Directress Monica Synclaire-Kennedy & Guests with DJ Mr. Golden Lantern Bradley Latham @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 10pm, FurBall New Orleans featuring DJ Corey Craig of NYC, one of the hottest Bear Circuit parties to hit New Orleans sponsored by Decadent Ducks, @ One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse 10pm, The Most Decadent Show of the Season: Showtime on Rampart starring Moanalot Fontaine, Sable Nicole Starr & Guests @ GrandPre's 10:30pm, Appletini Southern Decadence Show @ Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Metairie 10:30pm, Queens of Dauphine Southern Decadence Comedy Drag Show starring the Queen of the Northshore Big Momma Lavouge, Queen of Comedy Clorox Bleachman, Has Been Bitch of the Year Princesse Stephaney & First Lady of 900 Bourbon Street Coca J. Mesa @ The Double Play 12midnight, Hot Ass Contest with DJ

Kidd Madonny @ Bourbon Pub & Parade SUNDAY, September 4th...

10am-2pm, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Bear Breakfast with contests & prizes @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 10am-1am, Show Me Somethin' Sister! with $20 pool admission @ The Country Club 11am-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 11am-1:30pm, Decadent Ducks presents Candy Samples Sunday Services, a benefit for NO/AIDS Task Force Food For Friends Program, One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse 12noon-2pm, FREE 4th Annual Southern Decadence Parade Pre-Show hosted by Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy & Guests followed

by Senator Ken @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 12noon, NOLA Pups & Handlers present Pre Parade Social Hour & Specials @ Mag's 940 2pm sharp, 42nd Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, celebrating Southern Decadence 45, NEW PARADE ROUTE: begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to Orleans, left on Orleans to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to St. Philip, right on St. Philip to Dauphine, right on Dauphine to St. Ann, left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine.

It includes stops at Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner Pocket, The Page, 700 Club, GrandPre's, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Oz, & Cafe Lafitte in Exile) (There is no fee or registration form to enter the parade. All walkers are welcome. Just join the parade following the grand marshals.)

3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 4-10pm, Decadence Takes The World with Trash Disco @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 4ish pm, 23rd Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips & Derek PentonRobicheaux, sponsored by Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM @ AMBUSH Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. 4-7pm, Twisted T-Dance with DJ Billy Francesca @ Bourbon Pub & Parade 5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 5pm, Decadence Takes The World with Annual Miss High Hair Contest, winner takes home the coveted Bronze Barbie @ Good Friends Bar 5pm, Southern Decadence Dragging for Jesus Jubilee Show hosted by

Reba Douglas @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 5-8pm, XXL: The Party with Rocco Steele, the most exclusive party of Southern Decadence with only 100 tickets available, share space in the Eagle with Rocco and enjoy an open bar for well cocktails & domestic beers with coat check available, tickets $60 (after Aug. 28, tickets $75 while supplies last) @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 6-10pm, ChiChi LaRue & her crew of pornstars take over as she spins following the Official Southern Decadence Parade @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with CockyBoys Exclusive Models dancing upstairs @ Good Friends Bar 8pm-12midnight, Mwindo Rainbow Party with free food & drink specials @ The Page 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Renegade Bears of New Orleans Beer Bust 9pm-2am & featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm, Southern Decadence with renowned Mexican circuit DJ and Producer Isaac Escalante & Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & JRB, and VJ Kyle D. with lights by Johnny Eubanks, plus the sexiest gogos on top of the bar @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 10pm, Boots and Boxers Dance with drink specials & free liquor tasting @ Mag's 940 10pm, DJ Ivan @ Bourbon Pub & Parade MONDAY, September 5th...

10am-1am, Detox/Retox with $20 pool admission @ The Country Club 1-4pm, NOLA Pups & Handlers Beer Bust during Pup-P-Q @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 2pm, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Survivor's Bear Pool Party with kiddie pool & food on the Patio @ GrandPre's 2pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin' on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 3pm, Southern Decadence Labor Day BBQ @ The Page 4pm, Close out the weekend with Annual Southern Decadence BBQ @ GrandPre's 5pm, Come Get Decadent on Stage with Karaoke every night @ Kajun's Pub 8pm, Hung Over & Broke with The Ladies of Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade 8pm, Mag’s 940 & NOLA Till You Die Clothing and Novelty present Underwear Karaoke for the New Orleans 911 Memorial Stair Climb in memory of the first responders, with a suggested donation at the door, not required @ Mag's 940

Official Southern Decadence www.SouthernDecadence.com 504.522.8049

42 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 43

44 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 45

46 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 47

chop chop

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Chargrilled Oysters @ Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St.

New Orleans Muffuletta @ Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

World Famous Hamburger @ Restaurant of The Year, Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.

Special Combo Pizza @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

Dining in The Big Easy for Southern Decadence There are so many wonderful festivities to join this 45th Southern Decadence in New Orleans. But don't forget the incredible culinary array available to you not only in the French Quarter, but the Marigny and Bywater, and out in Metairie, as well. Ambush recommends these great eateries to curb any hunger desires you may have, and of course, many serve up cocktails, a must have in The Big Easy.

Metairie Restaurant Guide Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos, New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm, closed Sunday.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, www.bombayclubneworleans.com, 577.2237.

The Bombay Club is host to an eclectic menu of British-Cajun fare, quality craft cocktails & unique martinis. Enjoy live music showcasing the most talented jazz musicians in New Orleans. Dining hours 4-10pm Sun.-Thur., 411pm Fri.-Sat. Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http:// broussards.com. A favorite fixture in New Orleans for nearly 100 years, Broussard’s is located in the heart of the French Quarter, featuring classic French and Creole food, old architecture, and tradition. Dining hours 5:309pm Tues.-Thurs. & Sun., 5:30-10pm Fri.-Sat., 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday Brunch.

Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., www.TheCheezyCajun.com, 265.0045, is NOLA's newest full restaurant and deli serving a variety of Cajun foods including Boudin and Cracklins’ mixed with a variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, plus fab party trays. Open Lunch & Dinner 11am - 8pm Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri., closed on Wed., Brunch & Lunch 10am 4pm Sat. & Sun. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days, 24 hours. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes.

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value!

Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm.

Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 Elysian FieldsAve., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com,

is famous for its New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours.

Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro, offers home cooking and friendly service, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring plates, poboys, and daily specials. Breakfast Mon.Sat. 6am-11am & Sun. 11am-1pm; lunch and dinner 11am-close.

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com,"brings customers back to the Huey P. Long era with vintageinspired cocktails & unique Creole and Southern dishes. Join us for dinner, or meet up with friends to relax at our cocktail bar.”

Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am-10pm.

Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm.

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net, voted Restaurant/ Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days.

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.

Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com, is a casual classic, offering fresh-shucked oysters and fresh local seafood in a setting that follows the best traditions of dining in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Stanley, 547 St. Ann St., 587.0093, www.StanleyRestaurant.com, conveniently located on historic Jackson Square, the view from Stanley’s provincial yet elegant dining room provides a beautiful backdrop of St. Louis Cathedral and downtown New Orleans. With all day breakfast and brunch, delicious sandwiches, a soda fountain, house-made ice cream desserts, and The Stanley Burger there’s something guaranteed to please anyone’s tastes in this charming French Quarter locale. Open 7am-7pm daily.

Filet Mignon Broussard @ Broussard's, 819 Rue Conti

Cracklin's, Boudin Balls & Pickles Party Tray @ Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude

BBQ Shrimp & Waffles @ Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres

Oysters Earl @ Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans

Stuffed Bell Pepper Special @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.

Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields

Boudin Scotch Eggs @ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St.

Breaux Bridge Benedict @ Stanley, 547 St. Ann St.

Bayou Scampi @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie

48 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 49

Bourbon Pride

Rawhide 2010

The Double Play

Good Friends Bar

Kajun's Pub

GrandPre's

Red Dress Run

ambush

paparazzi

Oz New Orleans

Ilys Bistro

Dog Wash for Decadence @ NOLA Bark Market

50 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Welcome to Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Ashly Rose

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 51

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.

Steven Vaughan Realtor® @ 504.810.4646, Latter & Blum, www.Latter-Blum.com.

under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham

Get Prepped For Decadence As Southern Decadence rolls into the city, remember that throughout the revelry staying safe and healthy is just as important. The We PrEP Together Campaign Sets Out to Make New Orleans HIV Free.

The St. Thomas Community Health Center initiative aims to increase awareness and access to HIV prevention medication among those most vulnerable to contracting the virus. I recently got the opportunity to speak with Stacy Greene, M.D., Associate Medical Director and Infectious Diseases specialist at St. Thomas Community Health Center and he filled me in on what they are doing as well as some startling statistics.

The HIV and AIDS public health crisis in Louisiana and in New Orleans is no secret. Baton Rouge and New Orleans are in the top three cities in the United States that report new HIV and AIDS cases every year. We need to end this trend and we can only do this by education and prevention.

We PrEP Together is on a mission to reduce the stigma of HIV-related health services by providing confidential, convenient and affordable medical care to those at risk in the region.

Despite innovations in HIV and AIDS treatment, Louisiana remains the state with the highest infection rates and New Orleans one of the highest-ranking cities for HIV and AIDS in the nation each year. The South has been called the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We PrEP Together

plans to change that by working as a community to raise awareness among at risk groups that HIV is preventable by simply taking one pill every day.

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and is a relatively new prevention method for people who are HIV-negative, but at high risk of contracting the virus.

When taken daily, the medication can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92 percent and is generally well tolerated with few side effects.

“We want to eliminate barriers for this care for everyone who can benefit from it,” said Stacy Greene, M.D., Associate Medical Director and Infectious Diseases specialist at St. Thomas Community Health Center. “What sets St. Thomas apart is that we offer many other services besides PrEP so visits to our clinics are completely confidential. We hope this will help ease some of the stigma concerning HIV testing and services.”

St. Thomas Community Health Center offers a range of high-quality affordable health care from pediatrics, to women’s health to behavioral and mental health services regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. With five locations across New Orleans offering PrEP, they are committed to helping people stay HIV-negative regardless of their socio-economic status.

What people need to understand that in order for PrEP to work effectively, it needs to be in your system for seven days. That means if you are beginning to use PrEP and engage in at-risk behavior for HIV, then still

use condoms for at least the first week. I commend St. Thomas for what they are doing to help our LGBT community.

St. Thomas offers financial assistance programs for those who aren’t equipped to cover the cost including co-pay assistance and plans that even pay 100 percent. PrEP allows those who are at high risk of contracting HIV to take control of their sexual health. The medication must be taken daily, and after the initial visit those using PrEP should see their healthcare provider every 3 months for follow-up tests.

Learn more about We PrEP Together at www.wepreptogether.com, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. St. Thomas Community Health Center offers high-quality affordable care at its six New Orleans area clinics. The team of dedicated Internal Medicine Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Pediatricians, Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, OB/GYNS, Dermatologists, and others offer a range of comprehensive health services, including specialty consultations, for children, adults and seniors. The goal of St. Thomas is to keep families healthy, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. St. Thomas Community Health Center became designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2009. For more information on St. Thomas Community Health Center visit stthomaschc.org.

Hot Happenings Southern Decadence is here, are you ready? There is so much to do; here is just a sampling of some of the hot happenings, for more go to www.southerndecadence.com.

Thursday – Monday, September 1 – 3, 2016 Get ready for The Phoenix’s (941 Elysian Fields Ave.) biggest and best Decadence yet. Party with Nasty Pig and Rocco Steele all weekend long. Start your weekend with the Official Nasty Pig Underwear Party! The Block Party returns for three action-packed nights. "We have the cheapest drinks in town with NO COVER. No need for VIP passes. No need to stand in line. This is where the action is. The hottest men. The coldest drinks. Play more for less.

See our full Decadence lineup at

3215 Chartres Street - $149,000 YES, fixer uppers still exist! Private drive and yard. Located in the heart of Bywater just one-half block to the Crescent Park rainbow bridge and around the corner from The Country Club! Call Mark Boline @ 504.655.2233, New Orleans Relicatiun LLC, Realtors.

532 Governor Nicholls, New Orleans Three Level Town Home with Courtyard located on Celebrity Row in the Historic Lower French Quarter. Three Bedrooms, Three Full Baths & One Half Bath, 2,572 Living Square Feet. $1,525,000.00.

Contact Steve Richards @ 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com. www.phoenixbarnola.com/decadence and stay tuned as we continue to add events!"

Thursday, September 1, 2016 The Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) is delighted to announce their Southern Decadence 2016 Kick Off show will star RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Darienne Lake. Lana O’Day will be hosting this event with an all-star lineup for all of your entertainment needs. Tickets are Meet & Greet (With Happy Hour Prices) $20 and General Admission - $10. Doors Open: 8pm and Meet & Greet is 9 – 10pm with the show starting at 10 p.m.

Thursday, September 1, 2016 Join Priority Health Care’s PrEP Team for a Southern Decadence Kickoff Party at The Page (542 N. Rampart St.) starting at 7:30pm. There will be free food, fun, and info on PrEP with lots of Prizes, great drinks (try their Blue LifeSaver Drink), hot DJ w/ DC Paul on the mic hosting and a raffle for a 32" TV. Friday, September 2, 2016 Back by popular demand, Halloween New Orleans is returning to Apres (608 Fulton Street) from 6 – 9pm for their “CHAMPAGNE or LEATHER” Decadence Host Party. Another Decadence, another awesome party for Halloween New Orleans!

Kick off your Southern Decadence weekend with a bang by joining the HNO crew and get the details on our Halloween weekend events, October 27th - 30th. There will be opportunities to pay your host dues and get more information on our cause. As

[continued on 54]

52 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 53

under the gaydar ...from 52 always, all HNO profits benefit our incredible partner, Project Lazarus. SKYY vodka is the Presenting Sponsor of #hnopirates!

Open bar on SKYY vodka & Bud Light.

There will be a $15 donation at the door for this event (no cost for Hosts and Patrons).

Beats by DJ Will Lowe. For more information, go to http:// www.halloweenneworleans.com.

Saturday, September 3, 2016 The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, (Parish of the Muddy Waters) present The 2016 Magnolia Stroll: A genteel bar crawl through the gay bars of the Marigny. Please join The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and 2016’s Magnolia King Luigi Mandile as they stroll through the gay bars of The Marigny to raise funds for the Committee for LGBT Homeless Youth in New Orleans and Diversity House of Baton Rouge which supports homeless LGBT youth. It is free to stroll but $5 donation is requested as His majesty has decreed all funds raised will be divided equally between the two charities. Please dress “appropriately” but get your hoop skirt ready as they will award Best and Worst looking hoop skirt and as well as Friendliest hoop skirt/attire. The time is from 3 - 7pm. The Stroll Route is Mag's 940, The Phoenix, Cutter's and the Friendly Bar. The event is open to ANYONE and EVERYONE 21 years of age or older. 2016’s Magnolia King is Luigi Mandile of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church and head of Convener of Integrity NOLA (An Episcopal LGBT group New Orleans chapter). The Committee for LGBT Homeless seeks to support LGBT youth in New Orleans and ultimately build a shelter for homeless LGBT youth shelter. e m a i l : lgbthomelessneworleans@gmail.com. Diversity House is the first transitional living facility in Louisiana and the entire Gulf region with a focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) homeless youth. The facility officially opened in February of 2016.

Saturday, September 3, 2016 Come out to Mag's 940 (940 Elysian Fields Ave) for hot guys, jockstraps and Lube Wrestling presented by NOLA PAH from 8 – 10pm. Join these guys as we watch the hot volunteers strip down, lube up, and go at each other Greco Roman style! Jockstraps of all contestants will be auctioned off after the competition.

Visit www.nolapah.org for more information.

Sunday, September 4, 2016 The 42nd Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, celebrating Southern Decadence 45 starts at 2pm at the Golden Lantern Bar. For more information, go to www.SouthernDecadence.com. The NEW PARADE ROUTE: begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to Orleans, left on Orleans to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to St. Philip, right on St. Philip to Dauphine, right on Dauphine to St. Ann, left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine. It includes stops at Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner

Pocket, The Page, 700 Club, GrandPre’s, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Oz, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile. (There is no fee or registration form to enter the parade. All walkers are welcome. Just join the parade following the grand marshals.)

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Join the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans at Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop (2309 N. Causeway Blvd) for the MCCNO Dining Event and New Orleans Saints Raffle. The event is from 69pm with live entertainment, great food, door prizes and a raffle of two tickets to the season opener of the New Orleans Saints vs Raiders. Raffle: Door prizes with Saints Ticket raffle at 8:30pm.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Join CommUNITY Speak Out as they welcome Jim Meadows with NOAGE to talk about the issues that face the elderly LGBTQ+ community. He will also talk about the organization he works with here locally, New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders, and how you can get involved. Please come and join in for this FREE education. The event is from 7 – 8pm at Napoleon’s Itch (734 Bourbon Street).

Saturday, September 10, 2016 Please join Creason’s Fine Art Gallery (831 Chartres St.) for Figures: People who Amuse, Provoke and Inspire - A Special Exhibit of artwork by New Orleans artist and musician Harry Mayronne. This exhibit features his handcrafted, one-of-a-kind marionettes. Harry will perform with his marionettes at the exhibit. Come out for a night of fun and to view this old-world art form by the talented Mr. Mayronne.

Saturday, September 10, 2016 The New Orleans Steamcog Orchestra returns to the beautiful and illustrious Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St) from 8 – 10pm. They shall be playing old and new favorites, so please bring shoes appropriate for waltzing AND jitterbugging.

This show is ALL-AGES and has a $20 suggested donation.

Friday, September 16, 2016 Join the Friends of City Park at the Arbor Room and Popp Fountain to taste over 25 specialty martinis from Republic National Distributing Company and enjoy delectable cuisine from over 20 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Tickets include food and drinks for the duration of the fundraiser. Proceeds raised will benefit the renovation of the City Park Police Building.

Ticket Levels: Before the Madness 7pm gates open; Reserved Table: $400 for 4 admission tickets; Reserved Seating: $200 for 2 admission tickets; General Admission - 8pm gates open; $55 per general admission ticket; $45 per Friends of City Park Member ticket. No refunds or exchanges allowed. All ticket sales are final. If event is cancelled due to rain, your ticket purchase will be a donation to the renovation of the City Park Police Building. For tickets go to www.friendsofcitypark.com.

Saturday, September 17, 2016 Bon Appétit is an annual event held every September that raises funds to help further the critical mission of Project Lazarus, housing and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. To participate as a host, all you have to do is host a party of any size, invite your friends and ask them to make a mon-

etary donation to Project Lazarus when they arrive. It’s that simple! You can host any kind of party - from a backyard barbecue to a five-course formal dinner. "We will provide guidance and support throughout the planning process, and even provide trained volunteers to help you with your event!" The Bon Appétit Dessert and Champagne After Party invite hosts and their guests to enjoy desserts, champagne and cocktails in an elegant and festive environment, as well as toast the evening’s success in support of the work of Project Lazarus. "We also invite those who are unable to host or attend a dinner party to join us at the after-party for a nominal fee of $35." This event takes place at the Old Ursuline Convent (1114 Chartres Street) from 9 – 11:30pm. Please consider hosting your own Bon Appétit party this September, or simply find one that you would enjoy attending. There is a place for everyone.

For more information contact Lily Hannigan (lhannigan@projectlazarus.net or (504.949.3609 x503).

Southern Decadence: Inside the Madness What is it like to be a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal? It seems all very surreal to me to be part of this eclectic group of people chosen each year to help lead the parade now in its 42nd year over Labor Day Weekend.

I first and foremost want to thank Frankie Fierce for giving me this honor.

Besides all the pomp and circumstance, the parade, the parties, the fundraisers; a dear person valued our friendship enough to name me as his successor. I have to admit, if you asked me two years ago, did I ever think I would be Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, I would have just laughed. I always thought I was not Bohemian enough, too mainstream and corporate. This was all a preconceived notion in my mind of what I thought a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal was. God, how I was wrong, anyone can be a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, there is no type, no secret code.

Like our very vibrant gay community, it takes all kinds that make us unique. So we have had drag queens, bartenders, magazine publishers, train conductors, hair dressers and a varied other assortment of colorful characters lead the parade. That is what is so wonderful about this event, each year you get new themes, new faces, new colors, songs, charities and fundraisers. And you can participate in all or some of the things. There are no rules.

I have been lucky enough to take this journey with three other incredible individuals who I have gotten to know well, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips and Derek Penton-Robicheaux. Even though I knew them before, I have learned so much more by and formed a bond that cannot be changed. And I also want to acknowledge Steven Mora who has taken on the daunting task of parade captain.

I would be remiss if I did not thank my friends, family and co-workers who have supported me the entire way. To my mom, thank you Dawn for teaching me to keep reaching for new discoveries and heights; I guess that is what you get when you have a parent that works in the space program.

Nothing is ever impossible. To my company, thank you for understanding when I rolled in some mornings, looking like I have not slept (because I didn’t) and letting me off a little early for unusual things like photo

shoots and fundraisers. Jeff Mallon and Princesse Stephaney, I could not ask for better cheerleaders in my corner. Gary Vandeventer, who knew I had a leather daddy who had my back. Beaux and Barrett Delong-Church, you are the best wingmen any guy could ask for. Laura Tennyson, you are a PR Goddess! And who can forget my ultimate gay power couple Rhonda Roget and David. Rounding out my wonderful cast is Richie Rich, Tim Chandler, Clint Grow, Michelle Dunnick, Cheryl Lemoine, Ashley Pena, Albert Carey, Larry and David (my New York connection), Clint Ruiz (my Atlanta connection) and Liam and Justin (my sex bombs). Let’s not forget my costumers (who are also in my entourage) Kent Roby who is just awesome, Daryl Dunaway and Barbara Ella. This adventure would not be the same without you.

So what is it like to be a grand marshal?

It is amazing and tiring all rolled up in one fun flurry of organized chaos. The inspiring part is all the people who come together to help you put this parade on, the sponsors, the bars, the entourages of the grand marshals and the community in general. From dog washes to boy auctions, to dinners with bingo to a Fourth of July bash, you guys came out to everything and we appreciate that.

I have loved every crazy minute. From emceeing shows alongside Felicia, to giving morning interviews with Jeff; it seems like we have done it all. We have raised funds for NOAGE and ARNO as well as awareness of one of the largest events in New Orleans. It seems like only yesterday when I was announced at the event at Four Seasons and now the parade is almost here. It is so exhilarating to be a part of something so big like Southern Decadence.

People have no idea of the things that go into the parade, insurance, trash pick-up, police, homeland security, volunteers and a host of so many other things. This is no longer the little bar stroll a few friends did all those years ago. It has morphed into something larger and with that comes new responsibilities. We can never go back to what it was only move forward and hopefully still keep some of the distinctive flavor that made it what it was.

I have also learned how to grow a tougher skin, because with the good, you have to take your knocks. As Taylor Swift so eloquently put it, the haters are going to hate, hate , hate. People have given me their thoughts, unsolicited advice and critiques. One nitwit (he’s a lawyer) told me that he could never be SDGM even if he was asked because of his job and what people would think. Well I am sure he does not have anything to worry about because I doubt anyone would ask him to do it, and what the hell kind of backhanded comment is that. Like being a grand marshal is some kind of stigma. This is an honor and anyone who tells you different is a douchebag.

Ignorance comes in many forms.

But to those individuals (and luckily I only know of a handful), who think I should not have gotten this. I say you know what is so much better than being Southern Decadence Grand Marshal; is knowing how much it absolutely pisses the hell out of you. Drop Mic and thank you.

Now to everyone both local and visitors who come out to enjoy the holiday, I hope you have a grand time as "Decadence Takes the World" this year. I appreciate you!

[continued on 56]

54 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Party Down What can I say this last two weeks has been nothing but Southern Decadent fundraisers, theatre outings, art offerings, parties and of course red dresses. One of two live theatres I saw was on Thursday with The Flick at Rivertown Repertory Theatre in Kenner. It was an interesting three character drama that takes place in a movie theatre. Even though it was very long for my taste, it was a riveting portrayal on three people in small town America with good acting and a great set.

The following day was the Decadence Gets Dirty fundraiser at the Phoenix. This unique event brought together the leather and drag communities for a hilarious role reversal show. Leather men donned drag

and the drag queens wore masculine leather attire blurring the lines and creating an evening of hilarious entertainment. There were so many priceless moments it is hard to pinpoint just one, all the performers were outstanding each couple representing one of the seven deadly sins. Congrats to Adikus Sulpizi for pulling this together.

On Saturday, it was all about Red Dresses and Dirty Linen. With my friends Beaux and Barret in tow, we went to Michael Shlenker and Don Schwenn’s Red Dress pre-party at the Royal Sonesta. There were cocktails and noshes to enjoy before we made it onto the street to join the sea of red. It is so wild to see how large this event has become. It is also just fantastic to see the outfits, costumes and interpretations of a red dress. After the party we hit the gay

bars, 700 Club, Oz, Pub, Lafitte’s in Exile and the Golden Lantern. At some time the Red Dress Run morphed into Dirty Linen Night and still in my red outfit I perused the art galleries and shops on Royal Street. I knew I had reached my limit when I ended up buying a bunch of wigs at Fifi Mahoney’s.

I must have looked quite a sight making my way back to the Marigny in a purple bouffant wig and red dress. Just another Saturday in New Orleans, got to love it.

On Sunday, I went to NOLA Bark in the Bywater to get my babies Dahlia and Magnolia cleaned at the Dog Wash for Decadence hosted by premier groomer Buddy Jones. I have to say, we have had the most fun and different fundraisers this year. After the dog wash, I joined some friends for lunch at the Clover Grill before heading to

the Foundation Room at the House of Blues for their Halloween Host party. That is the next big holiday in the wings and people are already ready for it.

The next week on Tuesday, I got into the Asian state of mind when I was a celebrity bartender at the Sake Hop hosted

by New Orleans Magazine. It was a sake bar crawl as guests went to five different hotels having tastes of different sake. I was pouring coconut sake at the Bourbon O in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Afterwards there was an after party at Patrick’s bar Vin in the Hotel Mazarin. It was a fun night. Not wanting to head home, Princesse Stephaney and I went to a new drag show at Buffas on Esplanade Avenue entitled

[continued on 56]

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 55

lez talk

by Misti Gaither Email: Mistimichelleates@gmail.com

You Are Not Alone It seems the older I get, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I learned and memories I have concerning my childhood. It was simpler then in some ways. Don’t get me wrong, I'm not old enough to have walked six miles in the snow to school or anything like that. But, I must admit I do remember when Sonny and Cher were on television.

I grew up in a little town that only had a four way stop, a post office and one gas station. My father was a Pentecostal preacher who believed the stricter the rules were, the closer to God we would get.

Needless to say, I was never close to my dad. My memories of him are filled with nothing but strict discipline and going to church. I remember being very young, I would stand by the pulpit and sing my little heart out, thinking in my mind that I sounded like Dottie and Reba Rambo or even Candy Hemphill. It was the only time I felt that I got his attention or mattered. Thus began my love of being on the stage and hearing the sound of applause. My mother on the other hand was outgoing and my hero. I remember watching her and just absorbing the

under the gaydar ...from 55 Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras hosted by Vanessa Carr Kennedy. This evening was a fifties theme and a very crowded house.

Everyone was having a good time as we enjoyed $3 tacos and margaritas. This is definitely something you need to check out.

On Thursday, I went to the Business After Hours hosted by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Hard Rock Café on Bourbon Street. It was a great hospitality networking event.

My second weekend began with a Southern Decadence fundraiser at Mag's 940. Elizabeth Bouvier brought back her hugely popular drag show FourPlay. The entire cast of characters returned for this one night only event that brought back Lauren Brown, Cathy Fox, Barbara Ella, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Amanda Straddle. It was nostalgic to see the old gang back together and the audience loved everything. The place was packed and we raised a lot of money, who knows we may see the return of FourPlay again.

On Saturday, I was a guest judge at the Miss Louisiana Leatherette Pageant at Oz. I had a blast as the contestants competed in categories like Parish, Fetish and Formal wear. This parody on pageants was a refreshing send-up and so much fun to judge. All the participants were wonderful and congrats to Gia GiaVanni and Barbara Ella as winner and first runner-up respectively. Afterwards, I attended the after party at the Phoenix.

I saw my second of two theatrical shows on Sunday. Lizzie was an rousing rock opera performed at the New Orleans Art Center in the Bywater. I cannot recommend this fabulous show enough that had it all, a great score, powerful performances, well-designed set and deliciously evil storyline. Lizzie is a must see.

That rounds out my two weeks, now onto Southern Decadence. Be sure to watch out for me in the parade with my Purple Pirate Gang. Until then, have fun and stay decadent.

very essence of her personality. She could make people laugh as she spun her ordinary stories into grand tales peppered with just the right amount of humor and exaggeration. She could hold people’s attention and could definitely work a room. I remember thinking then that I wanted to be able to do that when I grew up.

I molded myself in to a dutiful daughter.

You know the boring kind that always worries about what their parents will think. I went to church, wore dresses everyday and learned the Bible backwards and forwards. It was my destiny, I was told, to marry a preacher and help him minister to the lost and save souls. Daily, I struggled in my teenage years from feelings for other girls I couldn’t explain, but was smart enough not to divulge them to anyone else. Mama didn’t raise no fool. If I prayed hard enough and be as perfect as I could, then wouldn’t God remove those feelings about other girls from me? My family and church was all that I knew. They gave me love and security unconditionally, right? I would never dream

of letting them down or cause myself to burn in Hell for all eternity. Let me tell you, the struggle was real. So, I did what was expected of me and got married and had my son, Ethan. I tried with all my heart to be a good wife, but well, you know the rest of the story. I soon found myself a single mom having to start over once again living under my parent’s roof. Then one day, I did the unthinkable. I told my family that I was a lesbian. Well, all I can say is if I had my own reality TV show back then, my ratings would’ve been through the roof. The moment was laced with drama that would’ve made even Joan Crawford proud. I lost my family. My mother who had been my hero, was gone. The teachings from the Bible that says to love thy neighbor and to do unto others, seemed to have flown out the window when all the church folk found out. So, I did what any self respecting, small town, newly out lesbian with a young son would do in a situation like this. I moved to New Orleans. Yes, the Big Easy, the city that never sleeps. And for the first time in my life, I was completely on my own. The security and love that I always had from my family and church was now withheld from me and out of reach.

So, slowly I began to rebuild my life.

The foundation that had been instilled and drilled in me was gone. Maybe not gone, but buried underneath the layers of hurt and feelings of betrayal and uncertainty.

After all, I felt like I was the same person that I had always been. But to those in my past, I had brought shame upon my family by being gay. To them I was destined to burn in Hell. I couldn’t understand it. I still loved God and tried to be a good person. The only difference is that I was public about being

trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Liz Callaway Live! at Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss something until it comes back, briefly, and you recall how much you had always enjoyed it.

Such was the case recently at Le Petit when Liz Callaway performed her outstanding act there.

Until Le Chat Noir closed, over five years ago, we were regularly treated to cabaret by performers, local (Leslie Castay, Anais St. John, Lisa Picone, Dorian Rush) and nationally known (Karen Akers, Donna McKechnie, Andrea Marcovicci). More recently, Broadway@NOCCA provided similar fun entertainment until it went on hiatus when its host, Seth Rudetsky, appeared on Broadway earlier this year.

So hats off to Bryan Batt, Barbara Motley & Tom Cianfichi for bringing Tony nominee Callaway to Le Petit for her NOLA solo cabaret debut. She’d been here once before for a Katrina benefit at Le Chat with Tommy Tune and Jason Graae but this time we got over 90 minutes of just her.

And what a grand 90 minutes it was!

Grizabella in Cats on Broadway for 5 years Stating that she has “eclectic tastes in and still enriches Memory with haunting music,” Callaway promised Broadway beauty. songs, movie tunes, and a trip down memory A Gershwin medley (I Got Rhythm, lane to the 1960s. And she fulfilled her Slap that Bass, Fascinating Rhythm) filled promise generously. the air with joy while with Meadowlark, Beginning with West Side Story’s clas- from Stephen (Wicked) Schwartz’ The sic Something’s Coming, which Callaway Baker’s Wife, delivered thoughtfully, making it almost a Callaway offered a graceful, compelmini-monolog, theater songs did predomi- ling account of a woman’s life-changing nate. decision.

A pairing of Make Someone Happy That other Stephen, Sondheim, was from Do Re Mi and The King and I’s represented by songs both well-known, Something Wonderful showcased this the gorgeously sung Not a Day Goes By Chicago native’s soaring soprano. (from Merrily We Roll Along in which Callaway, who looks a bit like our own Callaway made her Broadway debut) and Liz Argus, played the featured role of not so, What More Do I Need?, a witty

attracted to women. I wasn’t sure at that time if God still loved me. Maybe one day He would again.

Time has a way of making things right.

It causes walls to crumble and even stony hearts to change. My mom is my hero again. She loves me for who I am now and the woman I have become. She is proud of my accomplishments here in New Orleans.

She now shows my picture and brags on me to her friends. My mom can now see herself in me. I have become just as she was in my memories from when I was a little girl. I've been blessed to have found love when I met my wife, Catherine. Our road hasn’t certainly been easy, but somehow we always work through the rough patches and hang on tight. Isn’t that what love is about?

Forgiveness and acceptance? It was with great triumph that we got married legally this past June, not only in the eyes of the government, but also in the eyes of God. I like to think on our wedding day I could really feel His approval. It was like a chapter of my past that had been open for so long finally closed and I was able to start another page in my life knowing that not only did I have love from my wife, and my mom but also God’s love and acceptance.

So, even as I am writing this column, I am questioning myself as to why am I sharing pieces of my life with you. I don’t have an answer, only that maybe someone somewhere can relate. But I do know this, if you are struggling, you are not alone. Just know that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it's where you’re at. Just know that no matter how hard things seem or dark things may become, that life isn’t always bad. Just hold on and your time to shine is just around the corner. tribute to NYC from his early musical, Saturday Night.

Callaway also included numbers from less famous shows that she’s been associated with (Brownstone and Baby, her first starring role on Broadway) as well as a sweet tale of urban romance that evolves into a touching 9/11 song from the up’n’coming composer/lyricist Adam Gwon.

Turning to the ’60s, Callaway got the audience enthusiastically singing along for Downtown, her “absolute favorite” song of that decade, and knowingly over-emoted some lyrics to You Don’t Own Me to humorous effect. But she didn’t coat the entire era in camp; with a voice as crystal clear as a woodland lake, her Leaving on a Jet Plane was a heartfelt plea to one particular individual to “never let me go.”

Wearing a white chiffon top & black slacks, and sporting a pixie-ish haircut, Callaway brought in the movies with Journey to the Past, an Oscar nominee from Anastasia for which she sang for Meg Ryan’s character, causing Anastasia to be a “Russian Princess with a mid-Western voice.”

Callaway’s engaging presence radiated the obvious pleasure she takes in sharing her bounteous talents. In addition to her marvelous way with a wide range of songs, what made Liz Callaway Live! such a delightful evening was how well-written it was, an important and often overlooked part of a successful cabaret show. If her down-to-earth manner made her comments seem off-the-cuff (which clearly her Red Dress Run acknowledgment was), this was a winning, well-crafted narrative that took her from her first job in New York as a

[continued on 57]

56 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

Interview with Dr. Erotic Today we are interviewing Dr. Erotic, staff consultant at the XXXSHOP. Q. Dr. Erotic, what can our readers expect from their experience at the XXXSHOP? A. Education and explanation of our unique sexual products and other enjoyment items in a friendly, comfortable environment. We are open for walk-in consultation Tuesday thru Saturday, 3pm to midnight. We are also open for private consul-

tation by appointment at other hours.

Q. Dr. Erotic, what is a durable sex product?

A. One that is designed for longevity, for long existence or service.

Q. Dr. Erotic, tell us, do Penis Pumps really work?

A. Yes they do. They can add up to two inches plus extra girth in less than 1 minute.

We offer a battery operated model, a USB rechargeable model and an extremely du-

trodding the boards ...from 56

up on the words from Company’s Another Hundred People. At first I thought it was part of the act, then I wasn’t so sure. But she actually fooled me and the rest of the audience as this led into a gleeful parody (with lyrics by Lauren Mayer) of Sondheim’s notoriously difficult lyrics that Callaway pulled off with zesty panache.

Musical Director Alex Rybeck provided

singing waitress through being a stand-in for Streisand during rehearsals for her tour— a wild story she described as the “ultimate out of body experience.”

(And, yes, Callaway sang People, wisely not trying to “do” Barbra but making it her own.)

My favorite part? When Callaway went

[continued on 58]

rable hand operated brass pump. with a Lucite cylinder in incremental sizes.

Q. Can results be permanent?

A. They can be. If you are looking for long lasting results, we recommend a model that is used while soaking in the tub. Results last up to 24 hours and over time they can be permanent.

Q. Do you have any new products related to male enhancement?

A. Absolutely. We offer the worlds first Jelging Enhancement Serum, a topical lotion used with a pump.

Q. Dr. Erotic, how many types of cock rings do you sell?

A. Currently, 105 styles...something for everyone and every size.

Q. Do you have products for couples and girls?

A. We offer an extensive variety of products for all orientations.

Q. I have heard that you have reasonable prices. Is this true?

A. Yes, especially lube. We will beat any local retailers price.

Q. Where is the XXXSHOP located?

A. 1835 N Rampart St., 3 blocks from Esplanade. The cross streets are St. Anthony St. and Pauger St. Q. If our readers have questions, what should they do?

A. Visit the shop, call 504.232.3063 or write doctorerotic@xxxshopp.com.

Bon Appétit in the Bedroom, Dr. Erotic (Copyright - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 -All Rights Reserved in intellectual property, printed & electronic media by the XXXShop, LLC)

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 57

a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

Floods and Fun Southern Decadence, a great party by any other name, is a great party. If you are reading this and you are in a club you’re not focused on the party around you. Take the paper home and read it later. This party has been going on for a while. It started as a fun time for local folk and Bourbon Street bars and now look it encompasses so many from all over and has spread to clubs, bars, and venues beyond Bourbon Street. Yep, it is Decadence time again.

While all the fun is going on there is still a flood to think about. Yes, we can do both at the same time. Recently Tim Goodman and others collected donations for the flood folk.

That was just great. There on the pool table at the Phoenix was a pile of stuff. I have to say some of the items likely came from boutique hotels and we decided locations probably in Key West. Can you see the poor chap that opens his bag in a shelter and has a Oil Based Coconut blend facial scrub?! Sublime and it works. The community delivered over 40 relief bags. I also have to say some of the donations were a bit odd like a urine sample bottle?

Whew. But the support was there and love was sent and well received.

We can party and we can still be mindful of those in need. Our community usually is mindful of those in need. Like anywhere else it starts with our immediate community.

Some are in a jam and The Community rallies around in support. Then, that same Community reaches out to various organizations to help. Food For Friends, NO /AIDS Task Force, various feeding organizations, and yes St. Anna’s and its ministries. A giving community can both - party, enjoy life and remember those that are struggling. We can rejoice or at least enjoy giving and sharing.

Here are some tips for giving and sharing while enjoying the festivities. Consider making a pledge to yourself that for every dollar you invest in your festivities set aside 50 cents for flood relief. For every meal you buy during the weekend consider buying a pack of socks and t-shirts for flood victims. For every hour you spend partying consider giving thirty minutes in volunteer work for those who were flooded. If you don’t know where to donate or how to volunteer contact St. Anna’s Church and we will be happy to hook you up.

The thing about making a pledge to yourself and then doing what you pledged is you will feel even better and have even more fun. You’ve heard me say it before, “Party with a purpose.” We, who are dong relief work, really need your help in for volunteering to do work. This community is so gifted it would be a shame to keep all of its talents hidden in our community. We will need rebuilding work done, gutting work done, a kind and caring heart is always welcomed. Give it some thought. Reach out and lets show the community that we are a community within communities.

But if volunteering just isn’t your thing send us some cards of hope to be sent out.

Send us a gift card to give to someone, just let us know that you care. Then have a cocktail and enjoy the festivities.

trodding the boards ...from 57 expert accompaniment for this extremely polished, classy entertainment, a textbook example on how to present an effervescent cabaret show.

Kudos to Batt, Motley and Cianfichi for making this happen. Let’s hope high quality cabaret will again become a regular part of NOLA’s artistic scene. Next up, Sibling Revelry, Liz’ show with her equally gifted sister Ann Hampton Callaway, perhaps?

On the Road: San Francisco—Dore Alley and More Welcome to all those here for Southern Decadence and an especial welcome to those guys here from San Francisco. I was just out there for Dore Alley and if it’s not as huge as Decadence, still offers a blast of a time over its four block area. Of course, size isn’t everything.

Having been there last summer when I was a Dore Alley virgin, I had a little better idea what to expect this time around. People getting whipped and paddled now left me nonplused. The K-9 Unit where guys dress up as puppies and follow their master’s instructions? Didn’t make it over there as I

kept bumping into pals and immeasurable eye candy repeatedly distracted me.

But whereas last year I was just an observer for the Naked Twister game sponsored by Steamworks, a Berkeley bathhouse, this time I figured “Hey, you only live once” and offered myself as a contestant. Quite an experience to be surrounded by four models/porn stars after they’ve been commanded to remove their jockstraps as you try to put left hand on red.

Fortunately, the Master of Ceremonies didn’t force me and the other volunteers to bare

all.

Some people don’t need to be told to bare all, however. At the infamous Mr. S Leather beer party on Saturday afternoon, some patrons of this leather and fetish emporium are inclined to strip down and try out the products in the aisles. I wonder if they charge extra for items with manscent on them.

Manscent and other pheromones were in the air on Friday night at the Folsom Street Foundry for Bearracuda. This underwear bear dance party (which will pop up at One Eyed Jacks here on Friday, Sept. 2) actually had a fairly diverse crowd including cubs, otters, and other wildlife.

The music was excellent and the three hours (I think—I lost count) I and my pals were there went by very quickly.

Time also flew by at Bay of Pigs, Saturday night’s Official Dance Event at Factory, which was more like two extravaganzas in one. In the main room was a grand circuit party, geared toward the leather crowd but all-inclusive, with great DJs and hunky go-go dancers. In another “No alcohol allowed” room, let’s just say it could’ve been entitled “Western Decadence”. If you’re interested in finding out details, plan to go in 2017.

Of course, there are things to do in San Francisco that aren’t completely decadent.

So many of them, in fact, that it’s best to attempt only a few of them each visit.

I had last been to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) in 1999 when its Mario Botta designed building near Yerba Buena Gardens was still relatively new. I returned to explore its new expansion created by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta.

Ranging over seven floors and running the length of a city block, there is a wonderful airiness to this addition. Sleek staircases take you from floor to floor and none of the gallery spaces feel cramped.

As for the art, the collection covers a wide scope. You may want to start with the Painting and Sculpture since 1900 galleries on the second floor which include superb works by Diego Rivera, René Magritte, Edward Hopper, and a very young Pablo Picasso as well as a magnificent Rembrandtesque portrait by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye which offers some counterweight to the Museum’s preponderance of white male artists and few representations of people of color.

From there head up to the seventh floor and work your way down. Everyone will have their own likes and dislikes (I could’ve done without the roomfuls of abstract art though others will love them) but some of my favorites include– —the Figurative Art room on the fifth floor with wise paintings by Wayne Thiebaud and David Hockney, and a captivating sculpture by George Segal.

—John Baldessari’s ongoing A Painting That Is Its Own Documentation on which a new citation is added each time it’s displayed.

—the Diane Arbus Gallery on the fourth floor which showcases her extraordinary series of photos taken during visits to homes for people with developmental disabilities.

They have a lyrical, ennobling quality to them causing you to see these people in a new light.

—Shirin Neshat’s stunning desertbased video with music by Philip Glass, and William Kentridge’s wondrous animated film inspired by The Magic Flute, both on the sixth floor.

—and ingenious kinetic works by Takeshi Murata and Jürg Lehni that defy easy descriptions If the Sculpture Terraces and Garden pale in comparison to ours at NOMA, David Brenner’s Living Wall, a habitat horticulture with 37 plant species that borders one of the terraces, is sublime as is Richard Serra’s Sequence, a monumental sculpture that you encounter upon entering from Howard Street. Be sure to give yourself three hours to take in all of SFMoMA. I had never been to the Asian Art Museum before and appreciated its spacious home (since 2003) in the former San Francisco City Library. Aficionados of Asian art could spend many hours there enjoying objects from Japan, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, etc.

But try to get there before Sept. 18 to see Emperors’ Treasures, a special exhibit featuring 150 objects of Chinese art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, two-thirds of which have never traveled to the U.S. before.

Exploring the identities of nine rulers who reigned from the 12th through 20th centuries, the exhibition gets more spectacular as it goes along. Stand-outs include ornamented jade belts that only royalty could wear; a luminous hibiscus-shaped agate bowl; a porcelain perfumer; elaborate six-inch-long gold and silver fingernail guards; a glass vase from the late-1600s presented to the Pope’s envoy as proof of the “great Qing Dynasty’s superiority over the West”; and the pièce de résistance, a rare jasper stone transformed, through “smart carving” and understanding of its properties and natural hues, to look like a piece of pork belly—incredible!

Of course, it helps to have local friends to turn you on to well-kept secrets or, rather, those places that don’t need publicity. For example, Pier 24 Photography is a sixyear-old venue that presents annual photography shows. Located on the Embarcadero, it allows only 30 people in three times a day for 2-hour cost-free viewings, and has been suspected of being less a museum than a tax write-off.

Never mind that. Running through January 31, Collected brings together highlights from ten Bay Area collections. The first five groupings were good; the second five, including powerful images from Dorothea Lange and Americana from William Eggleston, were stellar.

And I shall always be indebted to my pal Dan who insisted that I and another friend go to the Red Door Café (1608 Bush St.). Open only for brunch Friday through Monday, this five-table hole-in-the-wall exudes a NOLA vibe with shelves holding baby doll heads and postcards of thanks from all over the world lining its walls. Chef/ manager/server/dishwasher Ahmed (a.k.a.

“D”) is a tattooed Egyptian-born, MBA-grad who sets his own rules (“No dark sunglasses”) and whose philosophy is “If you don’t like them, don’t let them in.” It must work ’cause 50 people lined up to get in on Sunday.

With a mouth that might make Bianca Del Rio blush (Asking a pair of lesbians”How can you eat pussy if you’re gluten free?” was one of his tamer utterances.), D’s earthy charm and forthrightness is a refreshing change from the usual “Is everything OK?” server-speak.

And the food? Mouthwateringly divine with museum-quality presentations. Trust me, go, just go for a decadently unforgettable time!

58 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

book review Ask A Queer Chick: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life for Girls Who Dig Girls. Lindsay King-Miller.

Plume, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-14751678-7. 237 pages. $16.00.

by Frank Perez Ask A Queer Chick: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life for Girls Who Dig Girls is based on the popular online column on The Hairpin, but features all new content. Here is an indispensable guide for young lesbians, bisexuals and queer women. The book covers virtually everything from dating your friend’s ex to dealing with discrimination in the workplace. Major milestones such as coming out are covered as are more trivial decisions like getting a “gay haircut.”

King-Miller’s style is accessible and at times funny—always authentic and sin-

cere. Think Auntie Mame but with less attitude, and young Patrick is Patricia (or wants to be). If anything, like Mame, KingMiller imparts a wisdom and maturity sorely lacking in the mainstream media, even in those works that depict LGBT+ issues.

The L Word this is not. King-Miller manages to successfully challenge heteronormativity without being offensive.

Friends and allies of “queer chicks” will also find this book enjoyable and useful.

Lindsay King-Miller received her B.A. from the University of Arizona and her M.F.A. from Naropa University. She has been writing the advice column “Ask A Queer Chick” for The Hairpin since 2011, and has contributed to Cosmopolitan.com, Bitch Magazine, Buzzfeed, TheToast, and other publications. She lives in Denver with her partner.

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 59

60 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

m obile paparazzi

Mobile

Celebrity Shots ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie

Mobilian Wins 21st Mr. Gulf Coast Bear at Mobile Bleather Weekend 2016 A Mobilian became the 21st man to capture the title of Mr. Gulf Coast Bear during the 8th Annual Mobile Bleather Weekend August 5 and 6th.

Rickey Slayton emerged from a field of six candidates from three states to capture the title, this year taking on the excitement in Rio with the theme “Bear Games”. Slayton, who recently became part of B-Bob’s bar staff, joined with his co-contestants and last year’s winner to raise more than $1,000 in less than two hours to benefit AIDS Alabama South.

A standing room only crowd stood slack-jawed as emcee A.J. McKay drilled the contestants in a series of physical challenges - from an opening “drag-in-a-bag” ceremony, to the side splitting “floor routine”, capped by a beach-combing effort that would have left the sands of Rio sparkling clean (and contestants feeling a little dirty.)

Mr. Gulf Coast Bear 2015, Kyle Robins of New Orleans, assisted A.J. on stage, when he wasn’t cringing from the antics.

Slayton will now turn his efforts to competing in a more serious vein in the 2017 Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest, set for New Orleans Labor Day Weekend. Slayton says the fundraising ef- done to relieve the additional stress of forts of these competitions are a major HIV/AIDS should be done. That’s why reason he get’s involved. it is important for our community to have benefits like Mobile Bleather Weekend.” Slayton goes on to say AIDS Alabama South takes money and food donations all year long. “So if you were not able to contribute this time, “ he says, “then there are other opportunities.”

Joel Wimbley of Pensacola earned first runner-up and New Orleans’ John Breaux placed as second runner-up.

Completing the field of six were: Richard McCoy, Mr. Roundup Pensacola 2016, Michael Adcock of Pensacola and Robert Mayfield of Tallahassee, Mr. GCB 2016 Rickey Slayton with FL. AIDS Alabama South Executive Mobile Bleather Weekend, in its Director Lanita Kharel 8th year, is an annual summer event for ”Anytime you help someone out the bear/leather/levi community along it’s a good feeling,” says Slayton. “But the Gulf Coast. It’s made possible bewhen you are able to help someone cause of a unified effort among bars within your own community... well that and organizations in Mobile. Find out at is a blessing. Being a LGBT person has more its own stress, so anything that can be www.mobilebleatherweekend.com.

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 61

big easy

paparazzi

Gay Easter Parade & Food for Friends receives $1,000 Sponsorship Grant.

(FNBMG's Sam Stewart, Gay Easter Parade's Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain, FNBMG's Larry Anderson & Suzanne May)

Crescent Care & NO/AIDS Task Force receives $6,000 Program Grant. (FNBMG's Ron Issler, Crescent Care's Director of Development Rodney Thoulion, FNBMG's Stuart Nettles & Alfred Byrd)

NOAGE receives $1,000 Program Grant. (FNBMG's George Bryan & Julie Barreda, NOAGE's Paul Metoyer &, LaQuan Fields, FNBMG's Jamie DeMilt)

Breakout Youth receives $1,000 Program Grant. (FNBMG's Clarence Cavignac, Breakout Youth Executive Director Wes Wear, FNBMG's Zain Tewalthomas)

FNBMG Board: Sam Stewart, Larry Anderson, Julie Barreda, Ron Issler, Craig Henry, Jamie DeMilt, Stuart Nettles, George Bryan, Alfred Byrd, Suzanne May, Clarence Cavignac

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Makes $9,000 in Grant Donations At its resent board meeting, the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras organization made its yearly grant donations to four area non-profits, supporting their direct service programs which reach a wide variety of members of the LGBTQ community. This year FNBMG was able to direct a total of $9,000 back into the community through Breakout Youth, NO AGE, Gay Easter Parade and Food for Friends, and Crescent Care and the NO/AIDS Task Force. In addition, FNBMG raised $7,350 for the medical expenses of Leonel Melendez, a New Orleans area native and a victim of the horrific tragedy at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando.

FNBMG is a fundraising organization founded in 1999, with roots that go back to the mid-1980s. The organization is dedicated to the health and well-being of the LGBTQ community in Greater New Orleans through engagement, education, healthcare and support.

FNBMG exists purely to raise funds on behalf of other non-profit organizations, representing a variety of LGBTQ-focused causes right here in New Orleans. Recent beneficiaries have included organizations focused on HIV/AIDS services, suicide prevention, LGBTQ elder advocacy, youth empowerment and meal delivery for those living with HIV/AIDS and cancer.

FNBMG hosts an annual Masquerade Ball each year on the Friday Night before Mardi Gras -”The Party with a Purpose.” This party caps our annual fundraising efforts. The 2017 Ball will be held at The Cannery in Mid-City on Friday, February 24, 2017 with a theme of “Hollywood Gone Bad”.

62 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 30-Sept em ber 12, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 63