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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Vote Foster Campbell in Louisiana US Senate Runoff Election Dec. 10 Louisiana can still make a difference by voting for Foster Campbell in the Louisiana Senate runoff election on December 10. Electing Foster Campbell would mean a 51-49 split in the Senate. This Democratic voice could help make the difference in an appointment by the Trump presidency. Join Ambush Magazine as it continues its endorsement of Foster Cambell for Louisiana US Senate. According to Jonathan Walczak (http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/campaign/305812-democrats-have-one-final-shot-to-flip-a-senate-seat), "Democrats have one final shot to flip a Senate seat — but in order to pull off an upset, they need to quickly rally around the Louisiana candidate whose victory could be a bright spot in an otherwise dismal year. Public Service Commissioner – and jovial cattle farmer – Foster Campbell will face off against Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy, a twice-failed Senate candidate, in a Dec. 10 runoff." Democrats who feel frustrated, fearful, and angry following Donald J. Trump’s upset win, listen up: Go donate $5 to Campbell’s campaign (www.fostercampbell2016.com). If you’re in Louisiana, vote for him on Dec. 10. If you know someone in Louisiana, spread the word. Help raise money and awareness for Campbell. Electing Foster Campbell is the most immediate way to rebuke Presidentelect Trump. A Campbell victory would mean a 51-49 split in the Senate. This is the last best way to make a difference in 2016."
45th Southern Decadence Sets New Records: Over 216,000 Participants, Over $259 Million Economic Impact, Over $27,000 for Charity The numbers are in for the 45th Annual Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT+ Life, Music and Culture bringing in over 216,000 participants Labor Day weekend 2016 in New Orleans. With an economic impact of a over $259 million, this will be one for the history books. The economic impact may be much more since the spending average per person is based on a very conservative $1,500. Ambush Magazine/www.SouthernDecadence.com contacted numerous businesses following the celebration to calculate attendance and economic impact through revenues, admit tickets, and customer counts. Many of the businesses were up 20 to 27% with some closer to 50% and even one at 100%. Southern Decadence Grand Mar- end is the 5th largest in the city followshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony ing Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Leggio, Felicia Phillips and Derek Fest, and French Quarter Fest. Since Penton-Robicheaux raised over 1996, the celebration has had a 1 $27,000 for their charities to split be- billion, $964 million dollar economic tween New Orleans Advocates for impact on the New Orleans economy, GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal with estimated crowds now totaling Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). Funds over 2 million, 156 thousand. raised $44,212.85 minus expenses Southern Decadence Financial $16,867.62 benefited charity raising Report/2016: $27,345.23. 2,000.00 Beginning Balance The end of summer circuit week32,012.85 Total Fundraisers
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Holiday Shopping Guide due out Dec. 6 DEADLINE: Nov. 29
art against aids book review snap paparazzi/new orleans moments in gay new orleans history a community within communities under the gaydar 5th winter wonderland snap paparazzi/metairie, nola feature/monica synclaire-kennedy kcq xxiii: the pride queen
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Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
10,200.00 Total Sponsorships 44,212.85 Sub-Total Expenses/2016 51.30 Bank Fees 166.00 SDGM Sashes 315.00 SDGM Pins 6,000.00 SDGM Costume Allowance 15.00 Secretary of State Annual Report 500.00 Parade DJ 4,339.33 Insurance 507.77 Parade Sanitation/Cleanup 1,640.00 Police Detail 182.97 SDGM Invites 50.25 Parade Permit 100.00 Parade Expense 13,867.62 Expense Subtotal 3,000.00 Bank Account Reserve 16,867.62 -Expenses 27,345.23 Grand Total for Charities 13,672.61 NOAGE Donation 13,672.62 ARNO Donation
Thanksgiving @ the Phoenix & COK The Phoenix New Orleans has fabulous drink specials from Thanksgiving, November 24 through Sunday, November 26. Ask your bartender about $5 Ketel One vodka, $4 SKYY infusions vodka, $3 Bells beer and $5 Vanilla Crown Bourbon. Shop Black Friday at COK for that special someone! Get an extra 30% off of clearance merchandise, 75% off leather mask, 25% off boy butter lube 25% off f**k water lube and 75% off ignite by S.I. Novelty. Check the ad in Ambush Magazine for more great events including information on the annual gift drive on page 11.
Lords’ “The Diva in Me” Show Nov. 26 @ Oz You won’t want to miss the Lords of Leather’s Annual turnabout show – American Bandstand. This year’s theme is “The Diva in Me”. Come out to Oz on Bourbon Street on Saturday, November 26 at 8pm to catch this hilarious version of the “manly men” doing their best camp drag impersonations of their favorite female entertainers. Local diva Elizabeth Bouvier will host the show with special guests Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2016 Gia Giavanni and Miss LA Leatherette 2015 Vanessa Carr Kennedy also performing. They will be joined by local legend Tami Tarmac. Tickets are just $15 and will be available at the door and in advance from Krewe members.
Mwindo Sets Events Dates
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
krewe's annual Bayou Classic Liquor Basket. It contains 14 top shelf bottles of liquor with mixers and fruit just in time for your holiday parties. Drawing is Saturday, November 26, 11pm, at The Page, 542 N. Rampart Street in New Orleans. The krewe's annual Casino Bus ride to Beau Rivage is set for Saturday, December 3 with the bus leaving The Page at 11am sharp, and returning 8pm. Tickets are $20 with $15 returned in casino play.
The Krewe of Mwindo invite you to purchase $5 raffle tickets for the
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book review Gumbo Ya Ya: 70th Anniversary Edition Original and Unabridged Lyle Saxon, Edward Dreyer, and Robert Tallant. River Road Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-941879-05-4. 582 pages $19.95. by Frank Perez Originally published in 1945, Gumbo Ya Ya was the product of the Louisiana Writers Program, a part of FDR’s Works Progress Administration. This edition was published to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this classic book. Many consider it to be the definitive book on Louisiana folklore. The Louisiana Writers Program was directed by Lyle Saxon, a gay man around whom a writer’s / artistic colony formed in the French Quarter in the 1920s. Saxon was a fierce advocate for the French Quarter and led by example by preserving / restoring historic properties. The scope of the book is statewide but there is much New Orleans material included. For example: the Baby Dolls, the Irish Channel, St. Joseph’s Day, and the Axe Man serial killer. There are also ghost stories and tales of cemeteries. Cajuns and Creoles and plantations and slaves and pirates and a slew of other topics are also explored. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Louisiana history and folklore. Edward Dreyer was the Assistant State Director of the Louisiana Writers Program. Lyle Saxon (1891-1946) ranks among Louisiana’s most outstanding writers. During the 1920s and 1930s he was the central figure in the French Quarter’s literary community, and was widely known as a raconteur and bon vivant. In addition to Father Mississippi, Lafitte the Pirate, and Children of Strangers, he also wrote Fabulous New Orleans, Old Louisiana, and The Friends of Joe Gilmore. During the Depression, he directed the state WPA Writers Project, which produced the WPA Guide to Louisiana and the WPA Guide to New Orleans. Robert Tallant (1909-1957) was one of Louisiana’s best-known authors and a participant in the WPA Writers’ Project during the 1930s and 1940s. During the last years of his life, he was a lecturer in English at Newcomb College.
the "official" dish ...from 6 The first Friday of each month at 6pm at The Page hosts Mwindo’s Classic Fish Fry at $10 a plate. Plate includes fish, potato salad, string beans, mac & cheese, and cake. Mwindo's 19th Bal Masque is Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Lyon Center. Tickets are $50. Contact Bobby Mackie at 504.975.9937 for further information or inquire at The Page.
Johnny Passion's 5th Winter Wonderland Nov. 27 benefits St. Anna's Episcopal Church & Food For Friends @ Eiffel Society Join a night of holiday magic celebrating the true reason of the season. Misti and Catherine Gaither are proud to announce their 5th annual Winter Wonderland which will be a fundraiser for both St. Anna’s Episcopal Church and NO/AIDS Task Force, Food For Friends program at Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles. The night will also honor Princesse Stephaney as she is presented the 2nd annual ICON Tribute Award in recognition for her many good works throughout the LGBT+ community. The event will begin with doors opening at 5pm with a catered dinner
from Semolina’s served for VIPs only from 5 – 6pm. The venue will be decorated as a beautiful Winter Wonderland. During dinner the VIPs will be entertained with music from pianist, Ben Childress. As a VIP, you will walk in to the venue on the red carpet like a Hollywood star and have your picture taken by our paparazzi consisting of several well known local photographers. Tickets are already selling very fast and must be purchased BEFORE the event. VIP tickets are $40.00 each which includes dinner. There are also sponsorship levels still available. VIP tickets will be the only way to guarantee you a seat during this event. Contact show producer, Misti Gaither at 504.292.3983 or inbox on Facebook to reserve your VIP tickets now!! There is a very limited number of VIP tickets remaining for purchase. After dinner, general admission will begin for the event at 6:30pm. You will be entertained by a top notch variety drag show, that is filled with several of our area’s most loved and talented performers, during which will be the award presentation to Princesse Stephaney. Local Artist, Cheryl Grace has painted a nine (9) portrait series of Princesse Stephaney called “Another Pretty Face”. All of the paintings will all be on display during the event and for sale. Cheryl has generously donated one of her of paintings of Princesse for auction. She will also donate a portion
from the sale of her other remaining paintings of the series. The paintings are beautiful and portray Princesse in some of her most ICONic looks. There will also be a silent auction that will be filled with wonderful items so you will be able to complete your holiday shopping list.
Miss Gay New Orleans USofA Nov. 30 @ Oz Join Persana Shoulders and Oz on Wednesday, November 30 for a fabulous night of competition at the Miss Gay New Orleans USofA pageant. A city preliminary pageant for the Miss Gay Louisiana USofA pageant, contestants will compete for the crown and a chance to become the state titleholder. The pageant will feature Dominique DeLorean (current reigning Miss Gay Louisiana USofA), Karli LaCorre (Miss Gay New Orleans USofA 2015/ Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Newcomer), and a bevy of fabulous entertainers. Categories are: Interview, Evening Gown, and Talent. Registration starts at 5pm with Interview beginning at 6pm. Competition begins at 10pm. It is a $10 cover at the door. Who will be the next Miss Gay New Orleans USofA? For more information on the pageant, contact Persana Shoulders. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.
30th Anniversary Art Against AIDS Dec. 3 The 30th Anniversary Art Against AIDS is set for Saturday, Dec. 3 at Club XLIV on Champions Square at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome. The Patron Party is 7 to 8pm with the gala running from 8 to 11pm. Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna will blow into town for Art Against AIDS with the force of a Cat 5 hurricane… Hurricane Katrina kept the original Dame Edna from performing in New Orleans over 11 years ago. So this is a show you definitely won’t want to miss! Sequins blaze and punchlines fly as renowned vocalist and stage actor Michael Walters presents an uncanny impersonation of Dame Edna that critics and stars alike have lauded for nearly 18 years! www.Totaltheatre.com raves, “The closest thing to enjoying Dame Edna’s outrageous comedy on Broadway is to laugh ’til you cry over Michael Walters as Dame Edna!” On top of that, Walters lends his booming baritone voice to jawdropping Broadway classics which the wife of late Broadway legend Robert Goulet calls “Beyond Impressive!” You’ve never seen or heard Dame Edna quite like this! Join NO/AIDS Task Force as they bring together both visually stunning and spectacular performing arts all under the roof of Club XLIV on Champions Square at the Superdome. Event Chair is Tim Fields with Honorary Auction Chair Lucille McDonnell; and Auction Chairs: Kimberly Norwood Robinson, Colleen Keogh, Andrea
Sabillon Halstead and Jake Thomas. Tickets include: AAA Single Patron Ticket $250.00 AAA Double Patron Ticket $500.00 AAA Abstract Ticket $1,000.00 (4 Tickets) AAA Gala Ticket $100.00 AAA Gala Ticket (35-under) $50.00 Visit http://www.noaidstaskforce.org/ events/aaa/ to purchase tickets.
VIP Card Pre-Sale Party Dec 3 @ Oz On Saturday, December 3rd from 8-10pm, Oz will be hosting their annual VIP Card Pre-Sale Party at 800 Bourbon Street. Buy Oz’s 2017 VIP card, which gets you no cover and priority entrance all year round INCLUDING all major holidays, for a discounted price of $150! Save $50 on your purchase by attending! You don’t wanna miss out on this fabulous deal! For more information, visit www.OzNewOrleans.com.
Academic Scholarships Available for Louisiana LGBTQ Students and Straight Allies The New Orleans Chapter of PFLAG is accepting applications for scholarships for the 2017-2018 school year. The scholarships recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and non-binary students and encourage their continuing education while helping these students foster a positive image of LGBTQ people in society. Most of the scholarships are $1,000, but some are for more, and there is one four-year scholarship for $10,000. To be eligible, the applicant must: a) ) self identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer...or anywhere within the LGBTQ “family,”; b) be 17 years old or older as of April 15, 2017; c) be a resident of Louisiana; and d) be planning to attend (or attending) a post-secondary educational institution. For the fifth year the organization is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship referred to as “Straight for Equality.” Individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ but are advocates for and supportive of LGBTQ issues are eligible. Applications and detailed information about the scholarships can be found at www.pflagno.org, or by sending an e-mail to scholarship@pflagno.org.. The application must be submitted by February 1, 2017 and supporting documents must be mailed and post-marked by the same date. All applicants will be notified of results by April 15, 2017. Recipients must be present at the awards ceremony to accept the scholarship in person. The ceremony is Saturday evening, May 13, 2017, in the Homer Hitt Alumni Center at the University of New Orleans.
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Mwindo Royalty Announcement Party @ The Page
Grand Reveler II Will Antill raises $1,124 for LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana @ The Double Play
Amon-Ra Bar Crawl through the French Quarter
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The Phoenix, Lords of Leather
GrandPre's
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C'est si Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Bobby Mackie, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
paparazzi
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moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Remembering Robin Malta Monday, June 11, 2007, should have been a normal day at Salon D’Malta. Salon owner Robin Malta’s appointment book was filled with appointments from 10am to 6pm. But Robin Malta missed those appointments. When he failed to show up at the salon, his employees became concerned and began calling him. Their repeated calls went unanswered. By early afternoon, Malta’s sister, Monica Thurmond, a co-owner of the popular salon on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, was calling area hospitals in an effort to locate him. After closing the salon around 5:30pm, Monica and a fellow stylist went to Robin’s home. A grisly discovery awaited them. They found Malta face down in his bed, brutally beaten and dead. The object placed in his mouth made it clear that he had been murdered. Word spread rapidly and by noon the next day, Malta’s salon and home became shrines and sites of mourning as his many friends and clients began gathering and leaving memorial gifts. Robin Malta was a beloved figure in the gay community. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Malta was a graduate of John Curtis High School. He moved briefly to Reading, Pennsylvania, to attend beauty school and then returned to New Orleans.
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Beyond Election Day During the several days after the election our usual noon mass brought several people who were/are in distress: Fear, anxiety, rejection and a jumble of emotions. This election cycle was filled with emotions from the start and no small amount of rancor. For Trump supporters it is a great new day. For Clinton supporters it is a dark day. So, for those who might be the later I offer a prayer that a friend of mine sent it. It is reflective of Celtic prayer forms. Use it as you wish: Be strong, O my soul, Be strong this day To face this moment and feel its pain To cry with our mothers and weep for our daughters To stand by our fathers and sons of colour And defend our true brothers and sisters of the Qu’ran To serve compassion rather than fear To invoke wisdom instead of ignorance To elect humility over false pride Be strong, O my soul, Be strong this day Be strong this day for love. --by J. Phillip Newell It seems to me that no matter who won this election some portion of the population would be distressed. Some
portion of the population would feel disposable. I’ve listened to everything that NPR has to say and the media will be talking about this for ages. So here we are and it’s Thanksgiving. Is there much to give thanks for? At St. Anna’s we give thanks for our wonderful community partners past and present. In no short measure that includes this publication and its owners Rip and Marsha. The bartenders at The Friendly Bar, managers and barkeeps at The Phoenix, Mag's, The Pub, Cutters, Golden Lantern and several organizations like the Lords of Leather and Bears Club. And let us not forget Stephaney and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The risk and joy of saying this is that we at St. Anna’s are so completely blessed by so many helpers, partners and well wishers I know that I will forget someone or some group. PLEASE DON’T BE OFFENDED because in the LGBTQ is overwhelmingly loving and giving. At St. Anna’s we give thanks for this support because it feeds the hungry. This generosity of spirit provides for children who have virtually nothing and nothing much to look forward to. This generosity of spirit feeds the faithful that come to pray at St. Anna’s because they know that our peace and love are returned to us and to those that we care for seven fold. So we give thanks. We give thanks to the voice of
He and his sister opened Salon D’Malta on September 14, 2004. The salon quickly became popular with Quarterites and others and was honored two years in a row as the outstanding hair salon in New Orleans. Malta also served as the Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence in 1998 and was involved in many local charitable fundraising events. Following Hurricane Katrina he volunteered his time for five weeks, seven days a week, cutting hair for the National Guardsmen in the New Orleans area and was awarded the Pennsylvania Guard’s highest commendation issued to civilians for his service. When managing Café Lafitte in Robin Malta Exile, Malta was inspired to create Photo by Larry Graham the annual Red Party. One afternoon in 1992, Malta was holding court in the bar and came up with the idea. The group of friends at the bar (which included Errol Rizzuto, Big Rick, Miss Fly and others) liked the idea and began brainstorming. Charities that have benefitted from the Red Party include Belle Reve, Food for Friends, In This Together, W.E. Have a Heart Fund, and others. Not all of the designated charities have appreciated the Red Party’s donation. Rizzuto recalls, “One year Robin had dedicated the proceeds to be donated to babies with HIV and when he tried to give the money to the charity, they refused it because it was from gays.” The police originally questioned Shawn Curry, a former roommate of Malta’s, but ultimately arrested Mark Anthony Ott in July, 2008. Ott was convicted of the murder on December 11, 2009 and is currently in prison serving a life sentence. Robin Malta was 43. PFLAG where I just did a radio interview. We managed to talk about rejection by churches and Christianity and fundamentally about the love of this Jesus guy. We give thanks for a chance to bring clarity to a religion that has been so abusive and yet, at its core, can and is so loving, inclusive, and demanding that power be just and moral and not used to abuse but to include. Thanksgiving is not only about turkey and stuffing. O Lord let’s not get into the great stuffing controversy we’ve had too much controversy as it is. Instead consider how valuable human life is and how sacred our shared journey’s have become. Give thanks for the sacredness of our hearts, our minds, and our very being – give thanks. Give thanks that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence and that our science has developed new ways to prevent and/or treat this once deadly killer. Give thanks for our elders who bear witness to and can tell us the stories of the atrocities that once were the law of the land and, at least for now, are no longer. As a Community within Communities we can hold what we have and insure that together we are safe. If you are not a believer where do you direct this thanksgiving? Simple, change the words to being thankful for… Thankfulness is virtuous and achievable no matter whom you are. In the middle of crap you can find something, surely something that speaks to beauty, truth, or hope. If nothing else you can be thankful for the skies at
night and the gift of a subtle fog that shrouds our oaks and gives us a sense of mystery. Thankfulness. Thankful for the magnificent costuming for our Gay balls and the magnificent boys and girls that populate these pages. Thankful for music, dance, and gumbo…thankful. So, really, no matter what develops on the political landscape we have each other and maybe for most that may be enough. For months I have been saying that as a Community within the larger Community we still have work to do. Maybe more work than we thought. Maybe more togetherness than we bargained for but here we are in our glory. We will not be pushed back and we will not be separated. We are a unique, beautiful and gifted community of human beings and yes, all of us, yes everyone created in the image of God. So pray if you can, hope if you dare, be comforted that we are not and have never been alone. We are St. Anna’s and I as a priest give Thanks to our Lord for YOU.
Holiday Sh o p p i n g Gu i d e DEA DL I N E Tues., Nov. 29 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Hot Happenings Happy Turkey Day. There is so much to be thankful for in this wonderful city of ours like the abundance of hot happenings all over the city. So get out of the house and enjoy this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving. Tuesday, November 22 – Sunday, November 27 The New Orleans Theatre Association proudly presents the New Orleans premiere of DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL at The Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). Tickets for THE GRINCH start at $26.25 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 800.982.2787. Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life live on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” THE GRINCH discovers there is more to Christmas than he bargained for. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. The 2016 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award® winning director Jack O’Brien. Friday, November 25 You are cordially invited to NOAGE’s Second Annual Gala themed “NOAGE Goes to Vegas!” The event takes place at Rosy’s Jazz Hall from 7 – 10pm. There will be live entertainment, music, food, and drinks. There will also be lots of Vegas-style games, including card games and Roulette! Dress up as your favorite Vegas stars! - Elvis, Charo, Liberace, Britney, Celine, Frank, Dean, Sammy, Bette, Phyllis, Donny and Marie, Steve & Eydie, ....the possibilities are endless! (Costuming is encouraged, but not required.) All funds raised will benefit NOAGE, ensuring that the organization can continue providing great programming and services for LGBT+ older adults. Tickets are $40 each. To order tickets go to www.noagenola.org.
Saturday, November 26 Join the Lords of Leather at Oz (800 Bourbon Street) at 8pm for their annual American Bandstand! This year’s theme is “THE DIVA IN ME.” For a mere $15 donation you can watch the Lords set free their inner diva (it may or may not involve a Priest, holy water, pea soup, etc.)! Featured performers include reigning Miss Louisiana Leatherette Gia GiaVanni, Tami Tarmac, and recent former Miss Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr Kennedy! Elizabeth Bouvier will again be entrusted with the microphone and podium and host this show! Gary Vandeventer is again in the Director’s chair! Sunday, November 27 Come be a part of Johnny Passion’s 5th Annual Winter Wonderland at the Eiffel Society (2040 St. Charles Ave). All proceeds after expenses will be split between Food For Friends and St. Anna’s Food Pantry. VIP guests will enjoy a delicious catered sit down dinner while being entertained by local musicians. The venue will be decorated with beautiful winter holiday decorations. There will also be a red carpet entrance complete with paparazzi and a step and repeat background. After dinner, there will be a variety show filled with local celebrities and entertainers. To reserve your table or tables NOW, contact Misti Gaither via Facebook. Wednesday, November 30 Persana Shoulders and Oz New Orleans (800 Bourbon Street) present another night of amazing pageantry! Come out to watch as entertainers from across Louisiana and the USofA compete for the title of Miss Gay New Orleans LA USofA. Three lucky entertainers will get their Golden Tickets to Miss Gay Louisiana USofA in March 2017! Cover is $10. Interview is at 6pm and the pageant starts at 10pm. Winner receives $300, state entry fee, tiara, sash, and sponsor gifts, 1st Alternate receives $150, state entry fee, and sponsor gifts, and the 2nd Alternate receives state entry fee. Saturday, December 3 Come celebrate 30 years of Art Against AIDS at Club XLIV at the Superdome. Enjoy entertainment, cocktails, and a delectable taste of New Orleans restaurants and more. Best of all you support the 3,000 men, women and children of NO/AIDS Task Force in their fight against HIV/AIDS. The special guest this evening is Michael L.
Walters who portrays Dame Edna! Sequins blaze and punchlines fly as renowned vocalist and stage actor Michael Walters presents an uncanny impersonation of Dame Edna that critics and stars alike have lauded for nearly 18 years! This is the 30th Anniversary of Art Against AIDS. "Join us as we bring together both visually stunning and spectacular performing arts all under the roof of Club XLIV on Champions Square at the Superdome." The times are 7 to 8pm – Patron Party and 8 to 11pm – Gala Event. For tickets, go to www.noaidstaskforce.org. Saturday, December 3, 2016 Want all-access 24/7 to Oz (800 Bourbon Street), New Orleans’ premier gay dance club and show bar? Join them for their VIP Card Pre-Sale Party from 8-10pm in their upstairs bar! Buy their 2017 VIP card, which gets you no cover and priority entrance all year round INCLUDING all major holidays, for a discounted price! Save $50 on your purchase by attending! Wednesday, December 7 Come out and make a families Christmas brighter at Toby’s Christmas Party and Auction benefitting Families with Kids with HIV and AIDS from 8pm to midnight at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 North Causeway Blvd). All money will be used to buy kids toys, parents an outfit of clothes, Christmas dinner, and $100 check made to Entergy. Party from 8-10pm and the auction at 10pm. There will be a $5 minimum donation at the door. Thursday, December 8 It’s time once again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the most spirited holiday party of the season. Tales of the Toddy® returns for its 11th year this December as the best bartenders in New Orleans shake up the idea of yuletide cocktails with nogs, toddies and other drinks that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The city’s newest and most legendary restaurants will also be there with the freshest flavors of the season as a live band plays holiday hits that will keep the party rockin’ around the holiday tree all night long. The event will be held at the New Orleans Hyatt (601 Loyola Avenue) from 6:30 – 9:30pm. This year they’re bringing back the spirited “Holiday Duos” competition where bartenders are paired up to compete to be crowned Tales of the Toddy champions. Restaurants will also get into the competitive spirit with attendees voting on their favorite dishes. It’s all part of Tales of the Toddy 2016. See which bartenders, restaurants and sponsors are involved at this year’s Tales of the Toddy: https:// talesofthecocktail.com/events/talestoddy. A portion of the evening’s proceeds underwrites educational programming for the United States Bar-
tenders Guild. Ticket prices are General Admission: $49.00, Hot Toddy Package:* $79.00. *The Hot Toddy Package includes complimentary parking, early event access at 5:30pm, and a limited-edition gift! For tickets and more information, go to https:// talesofthecocktail.com/events/talestoddy. Saturday, December 10 Grab your passport and head to Paris for the 2017 New Orleans Pride Pageant! Honoring Miss New Orleans Pride 2016 Vanessa Carr and Mr. New Orleans Pride 2016 Eros Sea. The 2017 New Orleans Pride Pageant will be held at the Valiant Theatre (6621 St. Claude Ave) beginning at 6pm. Over $1,200 in prizes will be awarded to the winners! Contestants eligible to compete must live within 73 miles of New Orleans. Please see the rules and regulations for more information. There will be TWO divisions: 1. Miss New Orleans Pride and 2. Mr. New Orleans Pride. All contestants must be 18 years and older. Visit neworleanspride.wix.com/ pridepageant for complete details or to register.
Bartender of the Month: November I absolutely love my bartender for the month of November. Not only is she a dear friend of mine, but she is in my opinion one of the best mixologists at a gay bar in the city. She is a larger than life personality that is well known in the city and far beyond. I am talking about none other than the incomparable Princesse Stephaney at Mag's 940.
Bartender the Month Princesse Stephaney @ Mag's 940 Princesse has worked at several bars in the city, but she has found a home at Mag's and honed her skill as a bartender. I would put her up against any of the Tales of the Cocktails stars any day of the week. She makes her own ingredients for cocktails as well as creates new concoctions for her patrons. She is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Her witty repartee keeps people coming back for more. Her selection of Bloody Mary’s are by far the most superior in the city. I always stop in and start my weekends
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Le Grand Facile ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Four Seasons, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin Jeremy Weinberg
Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar
The Corner Pocket
The Golden Lantern
Four Seasons Talent Search
snap paparazzi
The Glitter Girls 2 Year Anniversary
The Appletini Revue
Dem Damn Dames
Nightmare On Causeway
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spotlight features Monica Synclaire-Kennedy Will Lead 68th Gay Mardi Gras as King Cake Queen XXIII celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos" The Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas are proud to announce the selection of the 23rd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras, Monica SynclaireKennedy. "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos" will set the tone for Carnival season, and Monica will reign as "The Pride Queen" of 2017. The new queen will lead the 2017 Krewe of Queenateenas’ festivities with her formal coronation on Saturday, January 21 which is by invitation only. The 68th Gay Carnival Season culminates with the 30th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Fat Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 2:30pm from World famous Ambush Mansion balcony, 828 Bourbon Street. The King Cake Queen is chosen from those revelers participating in the previous year’s Carnival bead toss by KOQ Co-Captains. The individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques is chosen to reign as KCQ. Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, age 42, born under the astrological sign of Libra, is a native of New Orleans, LA. Her alter ego works as a Relief Manager at Pigeonhole Mini Storage, and is SelfEmployed as CEO/Designer of Unlimited Unique Creations by TDK. Monica has been in the art form of female impersonation for 12 years, now performing weekly as Show Directress of Divas “R” Us at The Golden Lantern (Official Home of Southern Decadence). She uses the illusion not only for entertainment, but also as a platform to advocate and raise awareness within the LBGT+ community. Through the years, Monica has held the titles of Miss NOLA Pride 2011, recipient of Fly Fashion Glamour Award 2011 in honor of the fabulous “MISS FLY”, Miss Gay New Orleans America 2013, Miss Golden Lantern 2013, and most recently selected as Easter Grand Marshal XVII. Miss Synclaire-Kennedy would like to thank the Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, "for this great honor and opportunity to reign as queen over Gay Mardi Gras. I have been bestowed this honor and privilege of joining the Sisterhood of the Krewe of Queenateenas. I am excited, grateful, and humbled for this incredible journey." (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq) under the gaydar ...from 14 off with her Southwest one. But she also has ones she makes with A1, ginger and even garlic. She has created a series of champagne libations making Mag's a popular brunch stop. Her playfulness is a well-balanced mixture of naughtiness and professionalism. She knows locals, addresses them by name and remembers their cocktails. Beyond just her talent at making drinks, Princesse is efficient and can service a bar quickly and manage to throw in a few laughs to boot. She is the best way to start your day drinking off right. You can find her at Mag's 940 (940 Elysian Fields) working the day shift Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Definitely stop by and add a little royal drinking into your life.
Party Down My two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving was quite busy with theatre, parties, art and an epic night out in the
city’s capital. I love this time of the year from Southern Decadence on, I am in holiday season mode. This week it was all about theatre in the city with me catching three amazing productions. On Friday, I saw the Tennessee Williams Company’s production of Dangerous Birds If Agitated at Phillips Bar Uptown. The play was in their courtyard and we could not have asked for more ideal weather. The show was three short plays of some of Tennessee’s works I had never seen before. I did like the second and third plays more than the first, but it was a great production with some hot guys who were in very little clothes. Sexy! On Saturday, I went to the Krewe of Armienius’ showing of Varla Jean Merman’s A Little White Music at Café Istanbul. The show was irreverently funny and Varla brought the house down with her stage antics. She is a talented writer and performer who always delivers. It was also great to see our own
Bianca del Rio who was in the audience directly after her performance at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre the previous night. After the show, a few of us went out for drinks at Kajun’s Pub which has turned into the college hipster hot spot. If you are a karaoke fan, this is the place to be. There was a great vibe and the people watching was incredible. I ended the week with another play on Sunday. Southern Rep produced an absolutely stunning production of Airline Highway. I was mesmerized by this show from beginning to end. From the acting to the knock-out set, this show was a winner. We are so lucky to live in a city with thriving and talented community theatres. My second week of events started late with the Lords of Leather’s annual Evening of Art & Spirits at the Maison Macarty located in the Bywater at 3820 Burgundy Street. The night was perfect for a courtyard party poolside with great food, cocktails, silent auction and art for sale. I love this event because they always have an exceptional silent auction there. With the way I am buying holiday gifts, I will be done shopping way in advance of Christmas. I started the weekend off by going to the open house of the Valiant Theater in Arabi, located at 6621 St. Claude Avenue. This entire area is becoming a new arts district with galleries and now this theatre. The Valiant is a great venue space for events, shows and theatrical productions. They have a theatre capacity of 120 and a spacious lounge attached to it with a piano for pre and post cocktails. We took a tour of the place and toasted with a few glasses of champagne before heading out to dinner at one of my favorite local places Jack Dempsey’s. Saturday was my epic night in Baton Rouge. I had won a one night stay along with a dinner at a silent auction and I had to use it before December 1, so I grabbed my friend Beaux and we went on a road trip. By the way, Red Stick has so much to do. On the drive up, we stopped at Z Gallerie (one of my favorite stores) and did a little shopping. I wish we would get one in New Orleans, but it gives me a good excuse to get out of town. The store is located on Perkins Rowe in a cute little shopping area. I got some great deals and even some early holiday gifts. Next we checked into the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center Downtown Hotel. We had a spectacular view of the river from our room. We watched the sunset then went downstairs for a cocktail in their lobby Kingfish Lounge. There was a Marine Ball in the hotel for Veterans Day so there was so much eye candy, it was hard not to get whiplash. We then walked across the street to this trendy Asian sushi bar/lounge called Tsunami located on the sixth floor rooftop of the Shaw Center for the Arts. We had a few glasses of champagne marveling at the wonderful view of the river and city from the venue. The place
was packed with a very young and hip crowd. Great for people watching. We then went to dinner at Flemings Steakhouse. Founded in 1998 by restaurateurs Paul Fleming and Bill Allen, the first Fleming’s opened in Newport Beach, California. The vision was to create a unique steakhouse experience with an emphasis on generous hospitality, an inviting atmosphere and the very finest aged USDA Prime beef. In addition to inspired service and expertly prepared Prime Steak, the founders focused on an exceptional selection of wines for Guests to explore. The Fleming’s 100® — our award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass — was born. Fleming’s is part of Bloomin’ Brands, one of the world’s largest casual dining companies, which also owns and operates Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Roy’s Restaurant. The dining experience was wonderful and the steaks were delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are a meat eater, also their maple glazed slab-cut bacon is to die for. After dinner, we went to play with the boys at George’s Place (one of three gay bars in Baton Rouge, Hound Dogs and Splash are the other ones). George’s is a neighborhood bar that gets a great crowd of all age ranges. The bartenders are friendly and fast and this night the Krewe of Divas did their show which was fun and lively. We even ran into some friends of ours there. After the show and the bar closing (2am), we strolled to the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino where I donated more to the city’s economy. We ended the night walking back to the hotel along the levee. It was a cool, beautiful night filled with stars and a great way to wind down after the busy evening’s events. We came back from Baton Rouge on Sunday. After having a hearty breakfast at their restaurant The Kingfish Grill (which had made to order waffles and omelets), we stopped briefly at the Tanger Outlets in Gonzales for some more retail therapy on the way back to NOLA. Once I got home, I was inspired to yes put up all my Christmas decorations, yes I am that guy. So Christmas I am ready, bring it on! I did want to end with a quick note of thanks. I feel that with all the craziness in the world and the drama with the election, we all need something to be thankful for in our lives. This year has been quite the whirlwind for me and I thought I would slow down and say what I am thankful for. First and foremost my family, friends and coworkers, who have stood by my side and helped me get through a very hectic year adding laughter, joy and stability to my life. For those who know me, I can be quite a handful at times, but these wonderfully loving people keep me focused and grounded, putting my ego in check along the way. I also want to thank the gay community for helping me and my co-grand marshals have one of the best times during Southern Decadence. It was an immense honor that I am eternally grateful for. But most of all I want to thank all those people who read Ambush and my column. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Have a peaceful and loving Thanksgiving.
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Metairie Restaurant Guide Special Combo Pizza @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos (ranked Top 5 Gumbos in the city), 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.
BBQ Shrimp & Waffles @ Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres
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., 4-11pm 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 World Famous Swiss Burger @ located in the heart of the French Quarter, featuring classic French and Creole food, old Restaurant of The Year, Clover architecture, and tradition. Dining hours 5:30-9pm Tues.-Thurs. & Sun., 5:30-10pm Fri.Grill, 900 Bourbon St. Sat., 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday Brunch. Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com. Jazz Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 2:30pm served with “bottomless” champagne and mimosas. Enjoy dining under the giant famous “George Dureau” above the bar in the first floor dining room. All your favorites are available ...Crabcakes and Eggs, Eggs Sbisa, Eggs Benedict, Crawfish and Andouille Omelette, Grillades and Grits, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Pain Perdu, and more. The restaurant also serves dinner nightly 5:30pm until 10pm. 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. Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab Grits @ The Country Club, burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, 634 Louisa St. desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 504.945.0742, www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com - Chef Chris Barbato’s food is attentive to detail and ingredient, with a focus on flavors that taste of the Creole South. Serving 7 days 10am10pm; Saturday & Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm (Reservations strongly suggested). Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com, is famous for its New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop at Elysian Fields! 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; Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ lunch and dinner 11am-close. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields at Elysian Fields! Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com,"brings customers back to the Huey P. Long era with vintage-inspired 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 New Orleans Muffuletta @ house made desserts that will delight any Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner 1100 Bourbon St. 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 Chargrilled Oysters @ Royal BBQ Shrimp @ Cafe Sbisa, 1101 follows the best traditions of dining in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St. Decatur St.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Special @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.
Boudin Scotch Eggs @ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St.
Mumbo Gumbo @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
Cracklin's, Boudin Balls & Pickles @ Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude
Filet Mignon Broussard @ Broussard's, 819 Rue Conti
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commentary by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
What Does Donald Trump’s Victory Mean? “The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum.” —Noam Chomsky It’s been two weeks since we all woke up in the Twilight Zone. For many, the shock and horror of Trump’s victory has turned into anger and resolve. Yet questions persist. As with any tragedy, the first question is why. How could over 60,000,000 people vote for a man who is the antithesis of all that is decent and good in humanity? Did it matter to his voters that he is a greedy, racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic bigot? That he has an utter disregard for the Constitution and democratic principles? Apparently not. And what of the liberal reaction to his victory? Should the fact that bigotry was not a deal-breaker for half the country be so surprising? It certainly didn’t come as a shock to the AfricanAmerican community. If Trump voters wanted to “drain the swamp,” why were so many republican incumbents re-elected? Is Trump really as bad as he portrayed himself in the campaign? He has already significantly backpedaled on his chief campaign promises (the wall, the Muslim ban, repealing Obamacare, prosecuting Hillary Clinton), but he has already appointed an avowed white supremacist as his top advisor and the rest of his appointments consist mostly of career politicians and lobbyists. So much for “draining the swamp.” Does Trump believe his own rhetoric? Does he have any core beliefs? Everything in Trump’s life and career indicates the only core belief he has is that greed is good. He is a caricature of the clichéd capitalist pig who will screw over anyone in his insatiable quest for greater wealth.
What a Trump / Pence Administration Means for LGBT+ People Many in the LGBT+ community felt as though a vote for Trump / Pence was a vote against them. They took it personally, and with good reason. The President of the Log Cabin Republicans admitted the 2016 GOP platform is “the most anti-LGBTQ platform in history.” If Trump has no core beliefs regarding LGBT+ issues, Mike Pence and his fellow republicans do, and they are terrifying. As scary as the republican platform is, it doesn’t go far enough for Vice President-elect Pence. As Governor
of Indiana, Pence signed a bill in 2013 that would put gay couples in jail for applying for a marriage license. He is also a big believer in conversion therapy (pray the gay away). And he is also an enthusiastic supporter of “Religious Freedom” laws that legalize discrimination. Pence is an Evangelical Christian and believes that anything LGBT+ is evil. HIV funding? Evil. Hate crimes legislation? Evil. Being transgender? Evil. Non-discrimination protections? Evil. Marriage equality? Very evil. So when half the country votes for a ticket and a party that hates LGBT+ folk, does that also mean these voters hate us? Was the GOP sweep an indication of widespread homophobia? A backlash against marriage equality, transgender visibility, and shifting attitudes on the subject of queerness certainly played a role. But it was more than that. Racism and misogyny were also factors. We’ve always known these two social ills have persisted but many were surprised that 43% of women voters went with Trump. This reveals to us, as does the GOP’s solid base in the South (the poorest, unhealthiest, and most uneducated region in the country), that voters are perfectly willing to vote against their own self-interests if they are frustrated enough. So what are they frustrated about? Two things. First, the loss of an idealized, perfectly white, very straight, patriarchal Pleasantville-esque past that never actually existed. Second, the establishment; namely, gridlock in Congress and the two party monopoly on the electoral system. Although they are galaxies apart ideologically, both Trump and Sanders tapped into this vast frustration.
Putting it in Perspective This frustration is nothing new. Senator Huey Long, who was right about everything, once described Congress as a restaurant, “They’ve got a set of Republican waiters on one side and a set of Democratic waiters on the other side, but no matter which set of waiters brings you the dish, the legislative grub is all prepared in the same Wall Street kitchen.” These corporate fat-cats are greedier than you could possibly imagine. Wealth disparities between the rich and poor are wider in the U.S. than
any other industrialized nation. For example, the 400 richest individuals in the U.S. own as much wealth as every African-American household in the country combined with one-third of the Latina/ o population. In its analysis of historical trends regarding income inequality, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has concluded, “The concentration of income at the very top of the distribution rose to levels last seen more than 80 years ago (during the “Roaring Twenties”). The Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929. The republicans controlled both houses of Congress and the White House at that time. The concentration of wealth is like a collapsing star that has become a super-massive black hole. The concentration of wealth is so dense that everything within its orbit, especially the middle-class, is being sucked into oblivion. Astronomers talk of black holes eating planets, stars, and even other black holes. And with each feasting binge the black hole gets larger, stronger, and hungrier. And so it is with our corporate overlords. These greedy assholes have more money than they could possibly spend in a dozen lifetimes, but it’s not enough. They want more. Which leads us to:
The Horrific Consequences Many are saying the Trump victory was an anti-establishment vote. Okay, fine. But now we all have to face the dire consequences. If history is any indication, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The last time the Republicans controlled the Senate, the House, and the White House was 2005—2007. Their policies resulted in housing crisis / financial meltdown of 2008, the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression in 1929. It bears repeating, the republicans controlled the Senate, the House, and the White House then too. And now they will have a chance to screw things up again. Under a GOP controlled Congress and a Trump White House, you can bet on the following: Wall Street will have carte blanche to continue its systematic rape of the middle class. A deregulation bonanza will effectively end consumer protections on everything from safe food and clean drinking water to prescription drug prices. You can say goodbye to FrankDodd banking reforms. The greedy pig bankers will no longer be held in check. Minimum Wage increase? Forget about it. People who work a 40 hour week at the minimum wage will continue to live below the national poverty level. And don’t forget, the GOP would like to eliminate the minimum wage
altogether. College tuition will skyrocket. Millions will lose their health insurance. Women’s health will be brushed off the table. Plans are already underway to stop funding Planned Parenthood. That means more breast and cervical cancer, and more abortions. Social Security? Medicare? Medicaid? EBT cards? Housing assistance? Say goodbye to all that too. Or at the very least, say hello to a severe reduction in benefits. Privatization of these services is the stated agenda of the GOP. The Affordable Healthcare Act? Gone. Welcome back exclusionary pre-existing conditions. Birth control? Nope. Higher insurance premiums are guaranteed. LGBT+ rights? Oh, hell no. The “Christian” majority has spoken and if they have their way, we’ll all be back in the closet or conversion camps or jail. Every advance the LGBT+ community has made in recent years is in danger of being rolled back. Hate crimes will spike. The Southern Poverty Law Center has already received more reports of hate crimes since the election than they normally receive in a year. The Supreme Court will likely be packed with Neanderthals that make Antonin Scalia look reasonable. Citizens United will stand but Roe V. Wade, the Voting Rights Act, DOMA, Windsor V. U.S. along with a host of other landmark decisions could very well be reversed. The environment is f**ked. Climate change is a hoax according to the republicans. Deepwater Horizon and the BP oil spill? You can count on more of those. And the oil pipeline the Native Americans are so pissed off about up in North Dakota? Hell, that’s just the beginning. Republican leaders chant “Drill, baby, drill!” when they masturbate. Clean, renewable energy? Not with these assholes. Labor rights? Nope. Unions are evil and hinder profits. Safe working conditions and child labor laws were all opposed by the Republican Party. Our reputation around the globe is already worse now than when Bu$h & Co. broke the world. But I suppose none of that will matter when that petty, childish idiot has a temper-tantrum and starts a nuclear war. If all that doesn’t scare the crap out of you, consider the potential make-up of President Trump’s cabinet: Bobby Jindal as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Newt Gingrich as Secretary of State, Ben Carson as Secretary of Education, Rudy Giuliani as Attorney General, Joe Arpaio as Secretary of Homeland Security, and Sarah Palin Secretary of the Interior. The horror. The horror. [continued on 28]
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commentary ...from 27 And if you are not a white, Straight, Christian male, well f**k you. You will just have to get used to being a second class citizen again. But you had your protest vote. Good for you. Congratulations. The 1% thanks you.
The Supreme Irony of it All The vast majority of Trump voters will claim they voted with their wallets, that economic issues, not bigotry, motivated them. This claim may be partially true but it ignores that fact that a vote can be cast for more than one reason. The vast majority of bigots sincerely believe they are not prejudiced. I believe racism, misogyny, homophobia, and Islamophobia played a larger role than Trump voters want to admit, but even if we grant them the benefit of the doubt (and it admittedly is a big if) and assume they voted out of economic frustration, their vote still doesn’t make any sense. On the campaign trail, Trump said he was going to “drain the swamp” of Washington. He even bragged about his experience buying political influence and claimed that sin better qualified him to clean up Washington. Marketing himself as an outsider, he simultaneously claimed an esoteric knowledge of the system as an insider. This inconsistency was lost on his voters, who gladly suspended reality because they were so excited that someone was finally saying the awful things about brown people they had been thinking all along but too embarrassed to say. But there is more. Consider these other ironies: Rural, small-town America, suffering economically under the policies of the oligarchy run by Wall Street voted for a big city New York billionaire. Trump is the embodiment of the very greed his supporters thought they were voting against. The billionaires are hurting us, so let’s vote for a billionaire. Four in five Evangelical Christians (who, by the way, constituted 25% of voters in the election) voted for Trump, the ultimate personification of the seven deadly sins, a man who knows so little of the Bible he pronounces II\ Corinthians “two Corinthians.” Then again, the Bible does condone racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and homophobia—all traits that come naturally to Trump, despite his ignorance of their basis in the Bible. Incomprehensibly, 42% of women voters voted for Trump, a man who brags and jokes about sexual assault and thinks women who have abortions should be punished, a man who calls women he finds unattractive nasty and fat and dogs, a man who makes creepy jokes about being turned on by his own daughter. Apparently their hatred of
Hillary was so great a lot of women felt justified in voting for an alleged child rapist. Working people believed Trump’s promise to protect their jobs. Yet, over the last 30 years, Trump has been involved in no less than 3,500 lawsuits regarding his refusal to pay contractors and employees. And according to USA Today, Trump’s companies have been cited 24 times since 2005 for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act. At present, there are over 200 liens against Trump filed by contractors and workers who have the audacity to expect payment for their work. Pioneering horror novelist H.P. Lovecraft was right when he observed, “From even the greatest of horrors irony is seldom absent.”
Follow the Money One of the many unanswered questions of the campaign is why Donald Trump refused to disclose his tax returns. He was, and still is, obviously hiding something. During the campaign, Trump said that if he won, his business interests would be placed in a blind trust. That sounded reasonable until he announced his three oldest children would administer the blind trust, thereby making it not so blind. And red flags began waving furiously when Trump announced his children would play a key role on the transition team. Cue the raised eyebrows. During the last 18 months, Trump spent more than $8 million in campaign money on his own companies. Nothing in Trump’s life—a life dedicated to the shallow, materialistic accumulation of wealth—indicates his lifestyle of greedy selfishness will magically go away now that he has won the Presidency. Rather, he is now in a position to use and manipulate his office to amass even greater, more obscene profits. And don’t hold your breath thinking Trump, “the anti-establishment reformer,” will block the republican controlled Congress from allowing its corporate hog owners / capitalist pigs from stampeding toward the government trough. Trump has already started sucking at the governmental sugar-tit.
The War on Science and Objective Reality If Donald Trump is an offense to taste and decency, Mike Pence is an offense to science and intelligence. Vice President elect Pence is the exemplification of the Republican Party’s rejection of science. According to Pence and the GOP, modern science is a complex web of lies, a hellish conspiracy espoused by Satan and his followers. Evolution, the entire basis of modern biology and medicine, is a liberal lie. The earth is only 6,000 years old. Climate change is a hoax.
Stem cell research is tantamount to murder. Cigarettes do not cause cancer. LGBT+ people can turn straight if they just pray hard enough. Critical thinking is evil. Open-mindedness amounts to a lack of faith.
vote for the candidate who wins the nation-wide popular vote. So far, ten states and the District of Columbia have signed on for a total of 165 electoral votes.
The Electoral College
The extent of the fallout of the Trump / Pence administration remains to be seen. In the meantime, those of us who opposed Trump / Pence are still processing our emotions. We are dumbfounded and stupefied that so many people voted for such a despicable human being—a man who brags about sexual assault, who makes fun of the physically disabled, who enjoys the support of the KKK and the American Nazi Party. We are truly perplexed that so many people could vote for such an arrogant, selfish man. Even many republicans concede he is a thoroughly disgusting human being. We want our President to be a good person and we are utterly bamboozled that anyone could vote for such a contemptible piece of sh*t. Does it mean Trump / Pence voters condone racism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, ignorance, and general bigotry? Unfortunately, the answer in more cases than we thought possible is yes. That makes thinking people sad. Even if some Trump / Pence voters are not racist or homophobic or sexist, their vote clearly demonstrates the disturbing truth that racism, homophobia, and sexism are not deal breakers for them. Many Trump / Pence voters I have spoken with have said these well-known character flaws were not as important to them as sending a message. One person told me, “We wanted to lob a bomb at the establishment.” I replied by observing that the problem with bombs is that they kill people. Trump voters have tossed their “bomb.” It’s too bad so much of the shrapnel from that bomb is going to wound the very ones that tossed it. So what does Trump’s victory mean? It means a lot of people are stupid.
If there is a glimmer of hope in the Trump / Pence victory, it may be that it galvanizes the nation to finally scrap the arcane Electoral College system. Over 200 years ago, the founding fathers crafted the Electoral College for two reasons. First, they wanted to balance the power disparity between smaller and larger states. Secondly, simply put, they didn’t trust the general population to vote. And remember, the voting population consisted only of some white males. Women and AfricanAmericans would have to wait a long, long time for the right to vote. The founders feared that a misanthropic charlatan (someone like Trump) might manipulate the ignorant masses and win election only to become a tyrant. Alexander Hamilton attempted to justify the Electoral College in The Federalist Papers: “A small number of persons, selected by their fellow-citizens from the general mass, will be most likely to possess the information and discernment requisite to such complicated investigations. It was also peculiarly desirable to afford as little opportunity as possible to tumult and disorder.” Most historians, on both sides of the aisle, agree that the founders would be shocked to see how the Electoral College functions today. It affords disproportionate power to “swing states.” It encourages a two-party system, a system George Washington warned against. And it violates the essential spirit of democracy by allowing the loser of the popular vote to win the election. This scenario has happed five times—in 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016. In each of these years, the winner of the popular vote was denied the Presidency. Eliminating the Electoral College would require a Constitutional Amendment—a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate and then threefourths (38) of the states. It’s been tried before. In 1934, such a vote failed by two votes in the Senate. Another vote in 1979 also fell short in the Senate. Since Bu$h & Co. were appointed in 2000, a nationwide, state-based effort was begun called “The National Popular Vote.” This initiative seeks to eradicate the effects of the Electoral College without having to jump over the huge obstacle of passing a Constitutional Amendment. In effect, the aim is to convince state legislatures to pass legislation that requires its electors to
The Problem with Bombs
I Told You So Bernie Sanders supporters are quick to point out, “I told you so.” Indeed they did. They were right all along when they said Hillary could not beat Trump in the general election. But could Bernie have done better? The polls seem to suggest so. But the polls were wrong about Hillary so who knows? The Bernie supporters have a valid point when they argue the system is broken and that the two-party system’s stranglehold on the election process is anti-democratic. And they are correct to distrust the media. Currently, five
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TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743 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
circuit/events
classifieds
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florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671
guides 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] 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 MAG'S 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 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
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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 GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM
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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 Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.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 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 VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743
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., Nov. 29th 504.522.8049
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
New Orleans Ballet Association through May 13, 2017 I hadn’t planned on attending the New Orleans Ballet Association’s presentation of Grupo Corpo until I discovered that this was the same dance troupe that appeared in the Olympics Closing Ceremony in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year. They wowed me then with their singular presentation, and they wowed me again during their recent performance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, NOBA’s inaugural presentation of the season. Founded in 1975, Grupo Corpo is lead by brothers Paulo (Artistic Director) and Rodrigo (Choreographer) Pederneiras. The dance vocabulary they impart to their works fuses not only various Brazilian styles but ballroom, modern, a pinch of ballet, and capoeira, Brazil’s native acrobatic martial art. A large company of 21 dancers brought two impressive works to life here with superb technique and a sophisticated sexiness. In the first, Suíte Branca from 2015, Samuel Rosa’s pulsing, vibrant score engendered a wonderful combination of the cerebral and the sensual in Cassi Abranches’ choreography. Horizontal lines of dancers made their way back-andforth across the stage, reminding me of Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces. One was always aware of the individual, both within the company as dancers momentarily broke out of group movements, and in one’s own self as Abranches isolated certain body parts with distinct motions. Gravity pulled the agile dancers to the floor (or was it some other force?) but they quickly
Suíte Branca (“White Suite”— Freusa Zechmeister’s individualized costumes well-reflected the title) offered spiky same sex pas de deux and a dynamic quartet for three men and a woman. As the dancers formed and reformed patterns filigreed with phenomenal lifts and flips, Suíte Branca provided 35 minutes of hypnotic delight. Dança Sinfônica conveyed a different visual atmosphere, one of seductive elegance with blood red curtains on either side of the stage, the women attired in similarly colored leotards, and the men in black. Created last year to celebrate Grupo Corpo’s 40 th anniversary, Rodrigo Pederneiras’ choreography references works from the company’s decades-long repertoire. Inspired by composer Marco Antônio Guimarães’ compelling symphony, the dancers at times expressed joyful abandon, at others solemn grace. A huge panel made up of hundreds of snapshots of the multitude of people
commentary ...from 28 corporations own 90% of the media outlets in the U.S. (Murdoch’s News Corporation, Disney, Viacom, TimeWarner, and Bertelsmann). Noam Chomsky sounded the alarm of the dangers of the corporate owned media in his 1988 landmark book, Manufacturing Consent—still essential reading for anyone who cherishes free thinking. The Founding Fathers realized that a free press was essential preserving democracy. That is why they enshrined the freedom of the press in the First Amendment. The media are supposed to be government watchdogs. But corporations have taken over the media and effectively tamed the watchdog. The Bernie people preached all along that we need a revolution. And they are right about that. But they err when they assign blame for Trump’s victory to a particular candidate or party. The problem is much more complicated than that. Notwithstanding the 204 million Americans who didn’t bother to vote, the real blame falls on the failure of our nation’s leaders to adequately adapt to the new global economy. Surges in nationalism around the world such as the Brexit vote in England and Trump’s victory here are symptoms of a larger problem, namely the need to minimize the economic inequality caused by the concentration of wealth. The real issue is globalism, an inevitable phenomenon that poses
Grupo Corpo in Suite Branca rose; against Paulo Pederneiras’ textured backdrop and his & Gabriel Pederneiras’ evocative lighting, there was a suggestion of forms growing and dying in a desert. incredible opportunities and dangerous risks.
An Age-Old Conflict Trump’s presidency may be as dark and horrible as many people fear and thus usher in the revolution so many have called for. Time will tell. In the meantime, we will all have to deal with the catastrophic policies of the Trump and the Republican Party, a prospect so grim that even Bernie himself endorsed Hillary Clinton. This election was a manifestation of the age-old battle between the ideal and reality. Some voters idealistically voted for the way things ought to be. Other voters, who pragmatically realized that the reality and ideal very seldom match, voted for whom they viewed as the lessor of two evils. In the end, everyone but Big Business loses.
who have contributed to Grupo Corpo over the years, served as Dança Sinfônica’s backdrop. Without being familiar with all the works it pays homage to, it came off as a slightly less rich piece than the more self-contained Suíte Branca, yet was still highly enjoyable. NOBA’s season continues on January 27 & 28 at NOCCA’s Lupin Hall with Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence, A Dance Company which seeks to promote an understanding of the African Diaspora through the integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Stars of American Ballet comes next on March 18 to the Mahalia Jackson Theater with a program of classical masterpieces by such renowned choreographers as George Balanchine, Benjamin Millepied, Robbins, and others. Complexions Contemporary Ballet, lead by Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden & Desmond Richardson, follows on April 22 with its synthesis of ballet and modern dance combining
technical precision, power and passion. The year will conclude on May 13 with the return of Jessica Lang Dance; the evening will feature Lang’s poignant Thousand Yard Stare, honoring veterans and those touched by the aftermath of war, and Tesseracts of Time, her collaboration with architect Steven Holl which uses striking architectural elements and projections.
Curtains Up With a few exceptions (see below, plus the final weekend of Southern Rep’s Grounded at Loyola’s Lower Depths Theatre), the best drama during the coming Thanksgiving Day weekend will probably be around the family dinner table. If you survive that, then theatrical presents, both holiday-related and non, await you during the final weeks of the year. In the booming Avant-Garden District, Rainbolt Cypher, The World Tour touches down at The Art Klub (1941 Arts Street) December 1-11. Nari Tomassetti’s musical theater event/ concert party promises an intimate look into multi-platinum, multi-talented icon Rainbolts’ turbulent life of drugs and dirty secrets. In 2012, I found Tomassetti’s Shanghai! to be “one of the wildest musicals this city has seen in years, an evening filled with delights.” Chris Wecklein, Allee Peck, Owen Ever, and Matt Bell & His Orchestra, who were all part of that extravaganza, are back in Rainbolt Cypher. Here’s hoping lightning bolts will strike twice. It’s Christmas and a patriarch has three sons. He wants what he rules over to stay united after his death, but all three boys have aspirations to be top dog. Sound familiar? A hit TV show, you say? Nope, it’s James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter, which Lee Daniels and Danny Strong did indeed base Empire partly upon. See ‘Em On Stage: A Production Company will be presenting this awardwinning drama, that’s often bitingly funny, December 1-18 at the Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center (2525 Burgundy Street). Leslie Castay and Kevin Murphy, as Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England, head up a cast which also includes Alec Barnes, Alex Martinez Wallace, Eli Timm, Jake Wynne-Wilson, and Kali Russell all under the direction of Christopher Bentivegna. Always providing terrific fun, Broadway@NOCCA continues on December 15 with Tony-nominee Gavin Creel (Hair, Thoroughly Modern Millie). Expect host Seth Rudetsky to question this Olivier Award-winner (for The Book of Mormon in London’s West End) about his upcoming costarring turn with Bette Midler in the Broadway revival of Hello Dolly!...and
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Good Friends Bar
Food For Friends
QT Pie
Oz New Orleans
The Page
Rawhide 2010
The Double Play
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Tres Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
Kajun's Pub
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trodding the boards ...from 32 possibly, if he has a boyfriend or is available these days. And not sure of all the details, but keep an eye out for the David Sedaris double-bill Santaland Diaries and Seasons Greetings at The Valiant Theatre and Lounge (6621 St. Claude Avenue) December 15-17 in Arabi. More conventional holiday fare will be provided at the Saenger Theatre by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical playing ten shows November 22-27. Following the
Grinch and his dog Max, Jersey Boys makes its Saenger debut December 13-18. Can’t say if they’ll be singing any Christmas carols, but you’ll certainly hear Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Rag Doll, Oh What a Night and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You in this true origin story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has an outstanding line-up of holiday treats in store for us. On December 3, at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, the LPO presents Home Alone: Movie with Orchestra, a screening of Chris Columbus’ 1990 comedy about a boy left behind by his
family during Christmas time. John Williams’ Academy Award-nominated score will be performed live by the LPO while the film is projected on a massive HD screen.
Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio and selections from Handel’s Messiah. The program will be repeated December 16 at the First Baptist Church in Covington.
Next up, at The Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way), is the Orpheum Holiday Spectacular with the 610 Stompers (Dec. 9-11). This journey around the world celebrates the season through the eyes of different cultures. Will we see New Orleans’ own “Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Moves” tango? Waltz? Cha cha? You’ll have three chances to find out.
And for those of us who sometimes wish the holiday season could be a bit abridged, check out The Ultimate Chirstmas Show (Abridged) at JPAS’ Teatro Wego! in Westwego December 2-11, in which three members of St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church are pressed into service, when none of the scheduled acts show up, to perform the entire Variety Show and Christmas Pageant by themselves.
I suspect things will be a bit more traditional on December 15 for Baroque Christmas, also at the Orpheum, which will feature classics from the Romantic and Baroque eras, including
Hmmm...wonder if this’ll be followed by The Ultimate Carnival Show (Abridged)???
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Bourbon Pub & Parade ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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Left: The annual Krewe of Mwindo Royalty Announcement Party brought Queen and King Mwindo XIX Willie Glaze and Darren Gilmore to the stage at The Page in New Orleans. They will reign over the krewe's 19th bal masque on January 28, 2017. Right: Bar Baron Willie Mackie welcomes you to The Page, your 43rd Bayou Classic Headquarters at 542 N. Rampart Street in the historic French Quarter.
celebrazzi Above: Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers own Grand Reveler II Will Antill and Lord of Misrule Frank Perez welcome guests to Grand Reveler Will's Festive Fall Buffet raising $1,124 for the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana at The Double Play in New Orleans. Left: Atomyc Adonis, aka Daniel Dean back hanging from the ceiling every Tuesday at Oz for Bourbon Boylesque at 800 Bourbon Street. (Photo by Adrian Claveria) Right: Marsha Delain and Rip Naquin welcome old friends Andy Denmark and Phyllis "The Big Diva" Denmark for a visit home at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. It was the first time the two couples were together since Hurricane Katrina. Phyllis was Ambush Magazine's outrageous "sales lady" for many years, and reigned as King Cake Queen VIII of Gay Mardi Gras as "The Peacock Queen" in 2001.
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