Ambush Magazine Volume 36 Issue 22 by Ambush Publishing

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTHâ&#x201E;¢

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 36 ISSUE 22

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

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Dear Ambush Nation, Halloween weekend has finally arrived and we couldn’t be more excited! There are always so many fun things to do, parties to go to, costume contests to enter and scary movies to watch! We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween no matter where along the Gulf Coast you choose to celebrate. Check out the Official Gay Halloween Guide for a list of all the scary things to do in and around town. GEAUX VOTE! The midterm elections are on Tuesday November 6th. Early voting takes place in Louisiana from October 23rd thru October 30th (except for Sunday October 28th) and from October 27th thru November 3rd in Florida. Mississippi and Alabama do not have early voting so if you live in one of these states, plan on showing up to vote on election day, Tuesday November 6th. Not only are members of Congress on the ballot, but so are some local and

state officials. In Louisiana there is a statewide election for Secretary of State along with several constitutional amendments. Locally in New Orleans there are elections for Civil District Court Judge, Civil District Court Clerk and Clerk of First City Court. LOUISIANA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 2 - VOTE YES!!! Louisiana is one of only 2 states, the other being Oregon, that does not require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials. In simple terms, it means in Louisiana you can be found guilty of murder with only 10 of 12 jury members voting to convict. Amendment 2 would require unanimous jury verdicts in all felony cases. As a public defender for several years, I’ve represented several individuals who were accused of murder. The standard of evidence in a criminal trial is “beyond a reasonable doubt” so I never understood how a defendant could be found guilty when 2 of 12 people had reasonable doubt as

Inside this Issue of Ambush Reflections from Year One

Ambush Endorsements

New Orleans Launches New LGBT Welcome Program

THE ROCKFORD FILES: #17 “Daddy” Issues

NEW ORLEANS HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Dining in the Big Easy for Halloween

Upcoming & Announcements

Snap Paparazzi Out & About with the Forum for Equality

Lafayette Christians Go Berserk Over Drag Queen Story Time

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: From the Archives: September 1985

New Orleans Hot Happenings

18-23

OBITUARY: PATRICK SHANNON

Rach & Bach to Play with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance, and Revolution in Trump’s America

Snap Paparazzi The Corner Pocket

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH: Daryl Dunaway

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Germaine Cazenave Wells

Snap Paparazzi Out & About at the Double Play / the Crossing

Party Down

Snap Paparazzi Out & About with Tony Leggio

Trodding the Boards

30-31

Responding to Injustice

A Community within Communities: A Brother and a Symbol

Snap Paparazzi Oz New Orleans

I Ain’t Got 70 Days: Substance Abuse Self-Help

LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

36-37

Snap Paparazzi Out & About with Ambush

38-39

Six Ways to Reprioritize Your Finances This Fall

40 41-42

Sports

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com

to the defendant’s guilt. I’ve seen first hand as criminal defendants were sentenced to life in prison on a split 10-2 guilty verdict. It didn’t sit well with me then and it still bothers me today. This history of these split verdicts in criminal trials started after the Civil War as a way for whites to dilute the potential impact of black jurors. It was wrong then and it’s wrong today! And in 2018 we have the opportunity to change it. This is one of the few issues on the ballot that has support from both Democrats and Republicans. While there are other amendments on the ballot, this is one that I’ve had personal experience with and that’s why I feel so strongly about it. With that being said, I’m asking you to vote Yes on Amendment 2. MARK YOUR CALENDARS New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) will hold its 4th Annual Gala on Friday, November 16th, from 7 to 10 pm. The theme for this year’s Gala is “Under the Sea” and will be held at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. NOAGE is committed to ensuring that all LGBT older adults can live their best lives with dignity, respect, and good health. For more information, contact NOAGE at info@noagenola.org Tulane University’s 2nd annual LGBTQ Pride Game has been scheduled for Sunday, November 18, at 4:00 pm. It’ll be the women’s basketball game against the University of Washington. This is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace equality, diversity, and the Tulane & LGBTQ community. Tulane women’s basketball games are played at Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse located at 6811 Freret Street in New Orleans. Vanessa “Miss Vanjie” Mateo from RuPaul’s Drag Race, will hit the stage at B-Bob’s on Saturday, December 29, at midnight. A limited number of early bird tickets are available on Eventbrite. This will definitely be a show you don’t want to miss. B-Bob’s in located at 213 Conti Street in Mobile, AL.

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Alabama - Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell, Monroe, Alexandria; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Brian Sands, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Pastor Allie Rowland, Persana Shoulders, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Scot Billeaudeau, Shane Womack & Tony Leggio LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf Shane Womack Jim Tomeny NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Ambush Magazine is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 5pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com. 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 Magazine. ©1982-2018 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.

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4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Reflections from Year One TJ Acosta Publisher, Ambush Magazine tj@ambushpublishing.com Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain started Ambush Magazine in October of 1982. For the next 35 years, they would publish Ambush until Rip’s passing in August of 2017. With Rip gone many in the New Orleans community, including myself, wondered what would happen to Ambush. One day while speaking to a friend I simply asked “What’s going to happen to Ambush now that Rip is gone? I wonder if Marsha would ever be interested in selling it?” Never in a million years did I actually think she would sell Ambush or that I would be the buyer. Fast forward to October 12, 2017, when Marsha and I both put pen to paper and I became the owner of Ambush Magazine. How it all came about is a great story but I’m saving that for later. The question I am most often asked is “Why did you decide to purchase Ambush?” And my answer is always the same. I purchased Ambush for three reasons: (1) I thought it could be a successful business and there was room for growth; (2) I thought Ambush was too important to the LGBTQ community to die; and (3) My heart went out to Marsha after the

loss of Rip and I wanted to help. The last year has been interesting to say the least. I can honestly say I’ve learned more in the last 12 months than I’ve learned in the last several years of my life. I will admit that I knew almost nothing about publishing a magazine, but I also knew with hard work and the right people on board, Ambush would not only survive but thrive. We have been working hard over the last year to improve the magazine by adding more content and increasing distribution locations. We will continue to work to bring you a better magazine and we have more updates coming as we move into 2019. So, what have I learned in the last 12 months? First and foremost, I’ve learned that the LGBTQ community has some amazing people who are very selfless and willing to go above and beyond to help others in need. I see it all the time when I go to different events and fundraisers. Whether its Art Against Aids or a drag show raising money for NOAGE or a brunch to benefit Belle Reve or a fundraiser for one of the gay Mardi Gras krewes, people are always coming together to help one another and

Members of the Ambush Team riding in the New Orleans Pride Parade others in need. It really is amazing to me the number of events and fundraisers the gay community supports in any given week. I saw this first hand when we had a series of fundraisers for five weeks in a row leading up to the Gay Easter Parade, all of which benefitted Food for Friends. I always knew there were people willing to go above and beyond to help others, but I never realized just how many members of the LGBTQ community gave of themselves on a regular basis. It really is amazing! I’ve learned some people are scared of change and understandably so. When I took over as the owner of Ambush there were some people who did not know what to expect. Especially those who had been part of Rip and Marsha’s circle for so many years. For all practical purposes, Rip, Marsha and Ambush were one and the same. Early on, several people asked me what my “agenda” was which somewhat surprised me. I never had an agenda other than to make Ambush invaluable to the LGBTQ community. From day one, I promised Marsha we would publish a paper Rip would be proud of. I always thought that it was the mission of Ambush to be inclusive of everyone. Some people gave me some pushback on trying to, as they called it, “mainstream” Ambush, but I’ve come to realize that in 2018 Ambush needs to reach out to everyone including the younger generation if it’s going to continue to grow and be both successful and relevant. So many members of the LGBTQ community have told me that they value Ambush and the role it plays in both keeping people informed and in documenting gay life along the Gulf South. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to cover and promote all things relevant to gay life, music and culture. I’ve learned that owning a parade is pretty cool! There have been several highlights of owning Ambush, but one of my fondest memories in my first

year was the Gay Easter Parade. The parade is always Easter Sunday at 4:30 pm and this past year was the 19th annual one. Through a series of fundraisers coordinated by members of the Gay Easter Parade Board, we were able to raise over $13,000 for Food for Friends. But the best part was the parade itself. After several people asked me if the parade was a family event, my twin brother Toby and I decided to get Easter Bunny costumes to march in the parade. I was amazed at how many kids were standing along the route all eager to take a selfie with the Easter Bunny. It was such a wonderful feeling to be part of something that so many people in New Orleans were able to enjoy together. Part of what is great about living in New Orleans is that on so many occasions we all come together to celebrate a holiday. I’m honored to be a part of that by putting on the Gay Easter Parade for everyone to enjoy. I’ve learned that my friends and Ambush family are amazing! Every two weeks another issue of Ambush hits the streets and pops up in our subscribers’ inbox. It’s truly a team effort and I am thankful for everyone who is part of my Ambush family. I’m also thankful for my friends who are my sounding board and who are probably all too tired of talking about Ambush over dinner or drinks, but who always have an ear to listen and a suggestion or two. And, of course, I’m most thankful for our readers who not only take the time to read our magazine, but who also support our advertisers, which are the ones who make this endeavor possible. We do this for you and it truly is a labor of love. So please, keep reading and tell a friend. We like when people let us know when we do well, but we also like to know where you think we can do better. Ambush is always a work-in-progress striving to be the best magazine we can. Have a happy and safe Halloween and always remember to be kind to each other.

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

POLITICS

Ambush Endorsements Louisiana 6th Congressional District—Justin Dewitt

Justin Dewitt is the first openly gay candidate to be endorsed by the Louisiana Democratic Party. Dewitt is a newcomer to politics and has for several years worked as a crew foreman for a surveying company. When asked what motivated him to run for Congress, Dewitt answered, “What truly sparked my interest in Congress was the aftermath of the Baton Rouge Flood of 2016. My home was one of

the thousands destroyed by the flooding; I had to repair it single-handedly while trying to keep my dignity and my sense of self. No one should have to go through that experience alone and unassisted.” Dewitt’s platform includes favoring LGBTQ rights, rebuilding local infrastructure, establishing a sustainable living wage, ensuring paid and family leave, and ensuring equal pay for equal work. Dewitt’s opponent, incumbent Republican Garret Graves has consistently voted against LGBTQ

rights.

Louisiana 1st Congressional District—Jim Francis

For the last twenty years, Jim Francis has worked as a computer engineer. The mass shooting at Parkland High School in Parkland, Florida was the deciding factor for Jim entering the race. Inspired by the students at Parkland and his father’s love of education, Jim is dedicated to fighting for

the protection of our children from the dangers that come from easy access to military style weapons. Francis’ platform includes favoring LGBTQ rights, expanding Medicaid, Medicare for all, increasing teacher pay, opposing education vouchers, favoring Union rights, increasing the minimum wage, legalizing marijuana, and protecting Louisiana’s coastline. Francis’ opponent, incumbent Republican Steve Scalise has consistently voted against LGBTQ rights.

ANNOUNCEMENT

New Orleans Launches New LGBT Welcome Program Tourism leaders and partners unveiled their newest program aimed at LGBT travelers. The New Orleans LGBT Hospitality Alliance (NOLHA) Welcoming Sticker Program is geared towards local businesses to highlight that New Orleans is viewed as a welcoming and inclusive place for all visitors. The program was created to build on the city’s designation as the country’s second “Most Welcoming City” (GayCities 2017) and to show the world that New Orleans is for everyone. “The City of New Orleans is an inclusive and welcoming place for all people 365 days a year. No special occasion needed, although we love Southern Decadence, Pride, Halloween and Mardi Gras—our City is a major destination and open to our LGBTQ+ visitors and family every day and we are proud of that,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “New Orleans strives to be a welcoming place for all travelers, and this program allows us to further cement our place as an inclusive tourist destination,” said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC). “We want everyone who visits our city to have a positive guest experience and to share that experience with everyone.” A recent study showed that nearly

two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) believe LGBT inclusive brands and businesses are good for the economy. Additionally, 95 percent of people are looking for openly LGBT-friendly companies, and more than 78 percent of the LGBT community support companies that market and support the LGBT community. “While some locals may question the need for this type of program, we want everyone to put themselves in the shoes of an LGBT traveler who may not know how truly welcoming New Orleans is,” said Dustin Woehrmann CEO

and Creative Director of Communify. “We want them to know they are all welcome in our great city.” Participating businesses are provided with an informational packet which contains a “welcome” sticker decal to be displayed inside the business, the pledge card to be displayed for employees, an overall checklist to ensure their business is more inclusive, and some general information about the LGBT community. NOLHA is convened under the leadership of the NOTMC and New Orleans & Company. The group was

assembled to help unite local LGBT community leaders and allies, grow attendance for local events, and increase LGBT visitation to New Orleans. NOLHA was started in 2014 and has been creating content and promoting New Orleans to grow events such as New Orleans Pride and Southern Decadence. The organization has hosted educational programs, like Tourism University, to inform hospitality-focused businesses on best practices. For more information on NOLHA or the sticker program, please email nolha@notmc.com.

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

THE ROCKFORD FILES

# 17 “Daddy” Issues Ryan Rockford RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com “Hello. My name is Ryan and I’m a “Daddy””. Being gay and middle-aged is much like a high school prank -- it’s only funny when it’s happening to someone else. Now, being gay, single and over 45, the prank is on me and I’m not laughing. Unlike others whose personal lives suffer from the lasting, damaging effects of paternal abuse, my “Daddy” issues center on the significance and consequence of being one. For decades, the gay “Daddy,” was generally considered to be an older, aggressive, hyper-masculine figure, sexually motivated by the pursuit and conquest of young boys. However, these days it seems that any man over the age of 45 who doesn’t carry a purse or live with his mother is called “Daddy.” Personally, I don’t get the whole “Daddy” movement. In fact, I find the term itself to be objectionable, especially in a sexual context. Hearing the word “Daddy” conjures up my own father and childhood memories. Memories I don’t want to be associated in any way with something sexual. I may be from the South but I still find the Dad/ Son incest thing a turn-off. And why a grown man who can provide for himself would desire to seek out an older individual to call “Daddy” is beyond me. I have never been attracted to older men . Perhaps it’s because my adolescent images of older gay men were those who personified the homoerotic figures created by Tom of Finland. Those figures clad in skin-tight jeans or erotic leather gear became a “what to wear” catalog for the gay community and helped create a “uniform” of sorts for the leather and fetish crowd. Growing up, as I did, in the shadow of the AIDS crisis, it was those images, the ones of men in “uniform,” that the media used when referencing the new gay-related immune deficiency plague that would become AIDS. In the mind of a developing teenager, the message was clear: Older + Gay = AIDS. But that was then. Now, gay life is different than ever before and over the past several years, the “Daddy” has been experiencing a renaissance. A revolution of sorts has been happening within the ranks of today’s younger social tribes, a wave of acceptance and celebration of the “Daddy.” Pop culture has granted worldwide visibility to celebrity “Daddy’s” such as Anderson Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Ricky Martin, Rupert Everett, etc. Their popularity establishes a communal validation and now, a generation

of men who were previously dismissed and cast aside, have now become fashionable. What a difference a Gay makes. Evidence that the “Daddy” movement is in full swing can be found in the profile response statistics of almost any gay dating app. Those stats depict that a still small but growing number of gay men , under the age of 30, are bucking convention and openly showing their affection, desire and appreciation for other men, sometimes fifteen or twenty years their senior. Has “Daddy” become the modern-day Trophy Wife? Not so much . As a member of this older demographic, I can vouch for receiving unexpected attention from guys half my age. So, what’s my problem? Why does being a “Daddy” bother me so much? It bothers me because all this “Daddy” love is about as authentic as your Instagram posts. Intellectually, we know that age is just a number. Our age shouldn’t matter as much as our zest for life or our vitality and youthful spirit. Age shouldn’t matter but it does. And the word “Daddy” shouldn’t mean anything, but it does. Queer labels tend to assign generic stereotypes to a group of people as a whole, regardless of whom they are as individuals. To the general gay population being a “Daddy” means I am past my prime; it means I should exchange my club gear for track pants and begin vacationing in Palm Springs instead of hitting the next circuit party. It means my sexual prowess is gone . There was a time when I worked in the world’s oldest profession. As an escort, my entire business was based upon how I looked. Now that I’ve reached “Daddy” status, the body and face men used to pay for, no one wants; which only reinforces my fears of no longer being as sexually desirable or as capable as I used to be. Frankly, being old and gay and single is scary . Doesn’t everyone want another’s hand to hold in times of suffering? Or lips to kiss when life surprises or delights us? Unlike our straight counterparts, most older gays don’t have the family network or support system that having a spouse, grown children or grandchildren would provide. Today’s middle-aged gay men grew up in a less understanding environment, much more intolerable than now. Many suffered parental neglect or abuse for being gay and therefore don’t have a close relationship with their biological families. Like attracts like so our chosen families tend to be

others who are also sleeping single in a double bed . It gets worse. Statistics suggest that men my age who are single will most likely remain that way. Isn’t that fun? Being gay is a young man’s game. Ageism is real, and you don’t have to be a senior citizen to feel the effects of its sting. Ironically, for all of the bullying and suffering the gay community professes to battle so hard against, gays can be cruel, especially to those of us who’ve been around awhile . Aside from that one day in June when the LGBTQ community comes together in a multi-colored spectacle of unity and pride, if you peek behind the rainbow curtain, you’ll find a community as divisive and fragmented as any other; a community where ageism is served up as often as mimosas at Sunday brunch and terms such as “troll”, “relic”, “fossil”, “antique”, etc. are tossed around describing men of my generation. For me, that realization brought with it severe depression and extreme social anxiety that became debilitating. My self-confidence plummeted, and I started to lose sight of who I was. I felt unwanted and began to question my value and worth as a man and my place in society. I knew this wasn’t a phase I could talk myself out of so I started seeing a therapist. He pointed out that Gen-X’ers don’t have many middle-aged role models to aspire to; probably because no man wants to admit it. What gay man wants to be the poster boy for getting old? We’re too busy trying to deny it. A sizable portion of Gay men are not content to age gracefully and ride off into the sunset. Quite the opposite is true. Many gay men, being dragged into their Golden Years, forever attempt to claw their way back in time through gallons of lotions, potions, and Botox. Over time, as therapy progressed, I came to realize that life is about choices. Life very rarely makes us an offer. Life won’t ask you; “Do you like vanilla ice cream? Or would you prefer chocolate ice cream?” No, life says; “Here’s strawberry!” It became clear that if I was going to be happy in my own skin and live the best life I could live, I needed a paradigm shift. I needed to change the way I interpreted my reality. In short, I needed to choose ‘strawberry’. So, on my 49th birthday, after several months of therapy and introspection, I made my choice. I chose to be exactly who I am: A forty-nine-year-old gay, single man. I’m reclaiming my time. Tomorrow is promised to no one so, I’m choosing to be thankful and grateful that I’ve had 49 years to experience the life I’ve been given. Had I been born a few years earlier, I might not be here at all. I released myself from the chains of expectation, of myself and of others. I’ve come to understand that what other people think of me is none of my business. Even if I were to be the freshest,

juiciest and most succulent peach that was ever produced, there will always be those that just don’t like peaches. It’s empowering to realize that people will love me, and people will hate me, and none of it has anything at all to do with me. I turned 49 six months ago. Since then, being present to my reality has been transforming. It’s taken some time and I’m still a work-in-progress, but now, in conversation, if someone asks, I tell them my real age. When filling out paperwork of any type, I tick the box associated with my appropriate age group. I’ve also committed to using my real age on dating apps. I won’t lie, that one hurt. I had to delete all existing profiles and re-join under a new name, using new photos etc. It was easier than having to explain to those on my buddy lists how the same picture became 10 years older overnight. I even bought myself a T-shirt at the Salvation Army that had “Rugby Daddy” emblazoned across the back in a huge font. I don’t know jack-shit about rugby, but I know that if I cut the sleeves off, I can still rock a muscle-T at the gym. These are small steps. But they are steps forward. I’ve also started going out and being social more often. At first, this was a chore but a hurdle that I needed to jump. As I got more comfortable in my skin, a funny thing happened. I noticed that the more relaxed and at ease I became, the easier it was to let go and just be myself. In turn, the types of guys I was certain would find me too old and undesirable were the ones buying me drinks and offering me their cell numbers . Through this experience, I’ve learned that “Hot”, “Sexy”, “Stud”, “Wild”, etc. are relative terms and are terms that can apply to men of ANY age. But only an older person can understand why they say “youth is wasted on the young”. Being older isn’t the end of anything; it’s a beginning. What I make of it is entirely up to me. So I choose to embrace being gay, being single and being middle-aged. And if love should find its way back to me, I’ll embrace that as well. If there is a silver lining to being gay and growing older, it can best be described by something I read in the “House Rules” of a Fort Lauderdale bathhouse: “Let a troll suck your dick, because one day, you will be one too.” And that’s the way I see it. Everyone’s experience is unique. What’s yours? Reach out and let me hear from you. Email: RyanRockfordNYC@ gmail.com *Ryan is a contributing writer originally from New Orleans, currently living in New York.

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

941 ELYSIAN FIELDS FOLLOW US TO THE FUN @PHOENIXBARNOLA

boneyard don’t be scared to enter the

FEATURING OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Brad Kalvo OCTOBER 26 THROUGH OCTOBER 28

DEEP EDDY ORANGE AND JÄGERMEISTER

ALL OKTOBERFEST BEERS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 FROM 4-7 P.M.

tea dance! DANCE, DANCE, DANCE AND STAY FOR THE SAINTS GAME AFTER!

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

NEW ORLEANS HALLOWEEN EVENTS FRIDAY 10/26

Music of Senator Ken, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 7:30-9:30pm, Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites. Play Girlz, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 10--11:30pm, Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest, Corner Pocket, 640 St. Louis St., 6:30pm, Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Long Island Fridays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night. Fireball Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., open to close, $4 Fireball Shots. Take It Off Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 5pm--12:30am, Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5--9pm; $15 drink and drown from 9-11pm all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30am. Big Easy Sisters Monthly Beer Bust, The Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields, 9pm--midnight, Big Easy Sisters bi-monthly beer bust raises funds for local charities and includes $10 allyou-can-drink beer from 9pm til midnight and $1 Jell-o shots by Buddha Bear! Divas Doing It For Themselves, Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields, 8–11pm, Join the men of New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus for a night of music, mascara, and mayhem. NOGMC gets in touch with their feminine sides (and fronts) for a night of incomparable entertainment. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door only. The Lazarus Ball, Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola St., 7:30--10:30pm, Kick off HNO35 weekend with The Lazarus Ball. The black tie-preferred gala features open bar, food, entertainment and an amazing silent auction. The auction will be filled with art, housewares, packages, and gift certificates of all types. Music by Troy Marks and No Idea. Come see everyone dressed up before getting into crazy Halloween mode. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http:// halloweenneworleans.com. Open Bar • Ages 21+. Bayou Boylesque, GrandPre’s, 831 N. Rampart St., starts at 10pm, No better way to start your Halloween party than with a very Halloween edition of Bayou Boylesque. This month’s cast includes the talented Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Expecta Patrone Dane Baxter, and special appearances by Teddy Bareback, Andrew Roy, Skyxx, Kyle Kei Mills $5 cover. If

you wear a costume you get in FREE!

SATURDAY 10/27

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 7:30-9:30pm, Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today. Divas R Us, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 10--11:30pm, This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes special guests stars. Piano Bar with Trey Ming, Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St., 4–7pm, Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming. CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8--10pm Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol. Drag Dingo, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 6--8pm, Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! Main Event “Sideshow”, Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 10pm--3am, It’s HNO’s 35th Anniversary and they are so happy to be back at the Contemporary Arts Center. Let your imaginations run wild for this year’s costume. Look beyond the redstriped tent, the clowns, and the jugglers to the freaks and abnormalities lurking next door. We expect appearances from the bearded lady, crawfish boy, pumpkin man, and many others. The main event will feature the music of Drew G and Australia’s Kitty Glitter (she was at last year’s Pier Dance). Costumes are required. Guests parade their costumes on stage as they arrive for the crowd and judges hosted by your carnival mistress Persana. Costume awards will be given out on Sunday at the Pier. There will be a midnight show and dancing until 3am. VIP Lounge for Hosts and Patrons only. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http://halloweenneworleans.com. Secrets of the Sea, Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields, 10pm–2am, Get ready for a Halloween show that you will never forget! This month’s cast of Secrets of the Sea consist of Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Danny Starnes, and special guest Xena ZeitGeist. Showtime is 10pm. No cover. Lady Magic’s Halloween Bash, Where Y’at Music Lounge, 3431 Houma Blvd., starts at 9pm, Lady Magic’s annual Halloween Bash is coming for

you live and in living color. $6 cover. Starring Lady Magic (Necha Benoit) and special guests Johnny Passion, Sister Laroux, Scott Bradley and Passion Carradine. High Profile Eye Candy, Santos Bar, 1135 Decatur St., 10pm–3am, High Profile Presents: Eye Candy. DJ SET & PERFORMANCE by B. Ames w/ special guests DIVOLI S’VERE & BE3K and performances by Garlic Junior, Visqueen, Jassy, Franky, Slenderella, Annie Bacterial, and Gayle King Kong. There will be a costume contest. $10 cover. Wicked, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 10:30pm, Drag show starring Analia XO, Shocktavia and Izzy Female.

SUNDAY 10/28

Bottomless Sundays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11am to 3pm. Bottomless Mimosas, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 1-4pm, Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1--4pm for $12. The Original Trash Disco, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 4-10pm, Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with. You Betta Sing Karaoke, GrandPre’s, 834 North Rampart St., 7pm, Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke with bartender Aaron behind the bar. Jubilee, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 5pm, This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests. Zingo, Corner Pocket, 640 St. Louis St., 6:30pm, Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 9:30pm, This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean. Drink Drown and Drag, The Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon St., 6-9pm, Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6–9pm with a star-studded drag show starting at 8pm. Bottomless Sundays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11am to 3pm. Sunday Worship, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave., 10am, New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where we celebrate God’s love for everyone. Drag Dingo, Oz New Orleans,

800 Bourbon St., 6--8pm, Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6pm till 8pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks all night long. Funhouse Pier Dance, Crescent Park, 2300 N. Peters St., 1--6pm, Halloween New Orleans’ Sunday Tea Dance begins at 1pm in Crescent Park on the side of the park that backs up to the French Quarter. The theme is “Funhouse” and will feature games, food trucks, vendors, picnic tables, and music by DJ Dan Slater who who will be making his HNO performance debut. The event is in a covered area and will take place rain or shine! As the party ends around 6pm, guests will line up and “parade” from the Tea Dance through the French Quarter ending at St. Ann and Bourbon Streets. The second line features marching bands, dance troops, and more! Touted every year as a favorite event of the weekend, the second line through the Quarter is something you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stay to the end of the pier dance. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http://halloweenneworleans.com. Open Bar • Ages 21+ Poppy’s Pop-Up Drag Brunch to Benefit CrescentCare, Tujague’s Restaurant, 823 Decatur St., 11am-2pm, In support of CrescentCare, Tujague’s is hosting another Drag Queen Brunch with Ms. Poppy Tooker! 25% of the proceeds will go to benefit CrescentCare’s Food for Friends program. This initiative provides nutrition through pantry services and home delivered meals to clients living with HIV/ AIDS and cancer in the Greater New Orleans area. Join Poppy and her fabulous entertainers in our Krewe d’Etat Room to put on a Halloween-themed show filled with singing and dancing while you enjoy a three course brunch and bottomless mimosas. Spaces are limited. Call 504-358-4905 to reserve your spot today. Credit card authorization will be required for all reservations due to demand. $75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch, Artisan Bar and Cafe, 2514 St. Claude Ave. 10am--2pm, A scrumptious brunch in a comfortable, friendly environment along with fabulous top-notch entertainment!

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

BALCONY DINING B r i n g i n g a s e n s e of o cc a s i o n to t h e Fre n c h Q u a r te r a n d exc i te m e nt to Roya l St re et , C u r i o i s a n ex p e r i e n ce b eyo n d co m p a re - A p l ace w h e re ﬂ avo r i s t h e m a i n at t rac t i o n .

3 0 1 ROYA L AT B I E N V I L L E W W W.C U R I O N O L A .CO M

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CHOP CHOP

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

NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT GUIDE

THE BOMBAY CLUB, 830 Conti Street, 504-577-2237, Bombayclubneworleans.com. The Bombay Club serves up British fare with a Cajun twist along with handcrafted cocktails and specialty martinis. Enjoy live music showcasing the most talented jazz musicians in New Orleans. Dinner Mon - Thur 4:00 - 9:30 pm. Fri 4 pm - 11 pm Sat 3 pm - 11 pm Sun 3 pm - 9:30 pm Brunch Sat & Sun 10 am - 9:30 pm BROUSSARD’S RESTAURANT & COURTYARD, 819 Rue Conti, 504581-3866, Broussards.com. A favorite fixture in New Orleans for nearly 100 years, Broussard’s is located in the

heart of the French Quarter, featuring classic French & Creole food, old architecture, and tradition. Dinner Sun Thur 5:30 - 9:30 pm. Fri & Sat until 10 pm.; Brunch Fri - Mon 10 am - 2:30 pm. CAFE AMELIE, 912 Royal Street, 504-412-8965, Cafeamelie.com. Cafe Amelie is known for having one of the most beautiful courtyards in the entire French Quarter. The menu consists of Louisiana fare, and their shrimp & grits is simply delicious! Dinner Wed, Thur & Sun 5 - 9 pm. Fri & Sat 5 - 10 pm; Lunch Wed - Fri 11 am - 3 pm; Brunch Sat & Sun 11 am - 3 pm CAFE MASPERO, 601 Decatur Street, 504-523-6250, Cafemaspero. com. Located near Jackson Square, Cafe Maspero has sandwiches, seafood, Cajun & Creole classics in a casual dining atmosphere. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily 8 am - 10 pm, 11 pm on Fri & Sat THE CLOVER GRILL, 900 Bourbon St., 504.598.1010, www.CloverGrill. com. Since 1939, our quirky, cozy, unique diner has been home to the best breakfasts & burgers on Bourbon Street–maybe even the whole French

Quarter! THE COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa Street, 504-945-0742, Thecountryclubneworleans.com. Located in the heart of the historic Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club offers an elegant space and specializes in modern creole cuisine. Open 7 days a week from 10 am - 9 pm. 10 pm on Fri & Sat; Brunch Sat & Sun 10 am - 3 pm CREOLE HOUSE RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR, 509 Canal Street, 504-323-2109, Creolehouserestaurant.com. Creole House serves New Orleans classic Cajun and Creole dishes in a casual atmosphere. You can find everything from gumbo to shrimp & grits, chargrilled oysters to po-boys and more. Open 7 am daily serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. EAT NEW ORLEANS, 900 Dumain Street, (504) 522-7222. At EAT, you’ll find a wide array of Cajun, Creole, and other New Orleans favorites on the menu. FELIX’S RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR, 208 Bourbon Street, 739 Iberville Street, felixs.com. The Felix’s story is the story of the New Orleans Oyster Bar. Ask any New Orleanian where their Paw-Paw (or Grandpa or Poppy or Auntie) went for oysters and the answer you’ll get is Felix’s. GENE’S PO-BOYS, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave, 504-943-3861. Gene’s is famous for its New Orleans style poboy sandwiches chock full of ingredients. Open 24 hours. ILY’S BISTRO, 2128 St. Claude Ave, 504-947-8341. Ily’s offers home cooking and friendly service, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring plates, poboys, and daily specials.

LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN UPTOWN, 615 S. Carrollton Ave, 504-866-5900, Louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com. LPK Uptown is a comfortable Italian eatery serving woodfired pizzas, salads, pastas and wine in a family atmosphere. Open 7 days a week from 11 am to 9:30 pm. Open until 10 pm on Fri & Sat. MONA LISA RESTAURANT, 1212 Royal Street, 504-522-6746, monalisaneworleans.com. Features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and dinner entrees. Open Mon-Sun 5 pm to 10ish. Closed Tuesdays. PORT ST. PETER, 727 St Peter Street, 504-510-5556, www.portstpeter.com. Port St. Peter is a full service bar featuring some of New Orleans finest craft cocktails local beer and mouth watering hamburgers. SANTA FE RESTAURANT & BAR, 3201 Esplanade Ave, 504-948-0077, Santafenola.com. Santa Fe is a family friendly southwestern eatery known for strong margaritas and a large covered patio on Esplanade. Open 11 am - 10 pm daily except Mondays; Sunday Brunch 11 am - 3 pm $1 mimosas $3 Sangrias & Bloody Marys

METAIRIE RESTAURANT GUIDE

CHEF RON’S GUMBO STOP & PUB, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, 504835-2022, Gumbostop.com. The Gumbo Stop is a quaint eatery serving five different types of gumbo plus New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award-winning chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon - Sat 11 am to 9 pm. Closed Sundays

GENE’S PO BOYS & ILY’S BISTRO 1040 ELYSIAN FIELDS AVE. NEW ORLEANS, LA 70117

GENE’S: 504-943-3861 ILY’S: 504-947-8341

CORNER OF ST. CLAUDE AVE & ELYSIAN FIELDS

NOW ON

12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November Untitled-65,1 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com 6/1/18 12:49 PM

to our

lgbtq community:

we see

you & you

matter. no matter what the administration says.

www.crescentcare.org | 504.207.CARE(2273)

Visit us before, during & after

HALLOWEEN! Make your reservation today!

Shrimp & Grits

are a Café Amelie staple!

912 Royal Street • BETWEEN DUMAINE & ST. PHILIP • French Quarter • 504-412-8965 • cafeamelie.com www.GayMardiGras.com CAFE_AMELIE_AMBUSH_AD.indd 1

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UPCOMING

Art Against AIDS Tickets are on now sale

World AIDS Day is quickly approaching and that means one of the biggest holiday galas is right around the corner. Join Honorary Chair David Lumpkin and Guest of Honor Karl Schmid at this year’s Art Against AIDS Gala. The 32nd annual event will be held at Club XLIV at the Superdome on Saturday, December 1, from 8pm -11pm with a special party for Pa-

trons beginning at 7pm. This year’s event will feature great food from local restaurants, an open bar, a retail boutique, over 100 silent and live auction items, and live entertainment by Close Enough, a 90’s cover band. Being World AIDS Day, there will also be an interactive memory wall and panels of the AIDS Quilt. The 2018 Art Against AIDS Com-

mittee is comprised of Tomy Acosta, Warren Backer, Jim Tomeny, Andrea Sabillon Halstead, Kimberly Norwood Robinson, Colleen Keogh, and David Lumpkin. The event is sponsored in part by Chevron and Avita Pharmacy. Tickets and information are available at crescentcare.org/aaa. Purchase your tickets prior to November 10 and save with promo code: save18.

New this year is “35 under 35;” Anyone between the ages of 18-35 may purchase a ticket for only $35 (general admission only). There are also several opportunities to volunteer at the event. If you are interested in volunteering visit www. volunteersignup.org/4TC4W or email chris.leonard@crescentcare.org

UPCOMING

Tinderbox Author Robert Fieseler to Address New Orleans MCC Congregation The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of New Orleans has invited Up Stairs Lounge author Robert W. Fieseler to give a sermon on historic themes on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. In the MCC sanctuary (5401 S.

Claiborne Ave.), Fieseler will speak on the life of fallen MCC pastor Bill Larson, who burned to death in the window bars of the Up Stairs Lounge, and the meaning of noble loss. Fieseler’s recently released book, Tinderbox:

The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, chronicles the tragic blaze that claimed the lives of 31 men and one woman on the night of June 24, 1973. He will address the very congregation

that lost one third of its membership in the historic arson and explore new developments in the Up Stairs Lounge legacy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NO/AIDS receives one of the largest individual gifts in its history to fund its Capital Campaign NO/AIDS Task Force has received one of the largest individual donations from the Estate of Jeanne and Alexander Kaiser in honor of their son, Dr. Michael Kaiser. The Kaisers left over $130,000 to NO/AIDS Task Force. With the blessing of Dr. Mike and his sisters, the funds will be used for the Capital Campaign for the new CrescentCare health center currently under construction at 1631 Elysian Fields. According to Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare, the donation is one of the largest personal donations in the agency’s 35-year history and the largest donation to the Capital Campaign to date. “The generosity of Jeanne and Al

and the legacy of Dr. Mike’s work will continue on in our new home,” Twilbeck said. “We are ever grateful for the legacy he built in New Orleans. This kind of giving will have an impact on generations of people who seek care at CrescentCare. These genuine giftsof-the-heart enable us to better serve the community.” Dr. Mike spent nearly 15 years working in the HIV/AIDS arena in New Orleans. He was one of the founders of NO/AIDS in 1983 and served as Medical Director until 1998 when he left New Orleans for Washington, DC where he accepted a position in the Ryan White Bureau. Kaiser, a pediatrician and the

medical director of Children’s Hospital Emergency Room, also cared about children and infected teens. Along with a colleague at Children’s Hospital, in 1988 Kaiser authored a proposal to HRSA to develop the Pediatric AIDS Program, now known as FACES. Children’s Hospital had begun to see children infected from birth and through blood transfusions. At that time only 12 children under 14 in Louisiana were diagnosed. He also oversaw the funding and development of the Resources for Adolescents Program (RAP), recognizing the need to prevent the transmission of HIV to youth in the New Orleans area. His parents wanted to honor the legacy of the work their son had accomplished in New Orleans and they were fond of the agency their son helped create. As a result, they set up the Alexander and Jeanne C. Kaiser Irrevocable Charitable Remainder Unitrust, the first ever bequeathed to the agency. “My parents were volunteers and believed in social justice and were always philanthropic with their time and money. As children of the depression, they were cautious and knew how to save and plan. As part of their estate planning, they wanted to support NO/ AIDS, something that makes me very proud,” commented Kaiser. According to EstatePlanning.com by placing an asset into a trust, the as-

set is removed from the estate, so no estate taxes will be due upon death. An immediate charitable tax deduction is given.for the value of the gift and no capital gains taxes are due. The trustee then sells the asset at full market value and re-invests the proceeds in income-producing assets. For the rest of your life, the trust pays you income. When you die, the remaining trust assets go the charity(ies) you have chosen. “While the tax laws have changed since this trust was established in the 1990’s, this approach could still be an important strategy for some NO/AIDS supporters,” Dr. Kaiser added. “My Mom, who passed last year at age 95, wrote an annual letter to Noel, apologizing for living so long. She knew, that the longer she lived, the value of the donation was shrinking as she was living off the income being generated. My Dad, who passed in 1999, would have reminded her that the donation was working exactly as he had planned, supporting her living expenses, saving taxes, and supporting NO/AIDS.” If you would like to find out how to support CrescentCare’s Capital Campaign or leave a lasting legacy to CrescentCare, please visit www.crescentcare.org or call Director of Development, Rodney Thoulion at 504-8212601, Ext.203.

14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with the Forum for Equality AT THE ACCLAIM AWARDS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Lafayette Christians Go Berserk Over Drag Queen Story Time

Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com When the Lafayette Public Library announced it would host The Drag Queen Story Time as part of its regular programming, the Christian right went nuts. Reading anything other than the Bible is suspect to these people, but Drag Queens reading to kids? Oh, hell no! Drag Queen Story Time features a group of male University of Louisiana-Lafayette students reading to children ages three to six while dressed as women. Library staff select reading material deemed age-appropriate. The reading is to be performed by members of a provisional chapter of Delta Lambda Phi, which calls itself a national fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men. Drag Queen Story Hour was founded in San Francisco in 2015 by Michelle Tea and Radar Productions. Since then, over two dozen cities across the nation have adopted the program. Supporters and opponents of the program packed a Lafayette City-Par-

ish Council meeting on August 21. The vast majority of speakers at the meeting opposed the program on religious grounds. According to a Lafayette newspaper, “Some of those opposing the event said they were afraid the Library is opening the door to events put on pedophiles, terrorists and drug addicts.” For its part, the Council issued the standard waffle stating they have nothing to do with day-to-day operations of the library or its programming. The Council took no action and then issued the following statement: “By no means is this intended to signal that the Council is taking a stand ‘for’ or ‘against’ the program. As this matter continues to be debated, it should be clear that the Council does not make the final decision on whether the Drag Queen Story Time is held.” A month later, a resolution was introduced condemning the program. Three members voted in favor of the resolution, but the remaining six members abstained from voting. In a statement on its website, li-

brary officials note that they host dozens of story times every year and only one will feature drag queens. “The Drag Queen Story Time will share stories of individuality, openness and acceptance with families seeking an opportunity to show their children that every person is unique and should be treated with equal respect,” the statement reads. The national Delta Lambda Phi office also issued a statement: “This program teaches love, diversity and acceptance—powerful and positive messages from which all can benefit, and we are grateful to have a community partner like the Library who shares these values.” That message was lost on Christian extremists who circulated a petition opposing the program, part of which reads, “the use of taxpayer funds to promote sexual deviancy to threeyear-olds was and still is shocking.” Two religious-based groups—Warriors for Christ and Special Forces of Liberty—filed a federal lawsuit to stop the event. As the public debate raged, the President of the Library Board of Directors resigned. A week before the scheduled event, the Library announced that public interest had caused them to relocate the event to a larger venue at South Louisiana Community College. Two days before the event, SLCC announced it will not host the event because of safety concerns. Reasonable people have pointed out that attendance at the Story Hour is not compulsory. But if the religious right has taught us anything, it’s that reason and logic are not a “family value.” These are the same people who believe the earth is 6,000 years old, climate change is a hoax, evolution is a lie, and Donald Trump is a Christian. Arguing the very valid point that the Drag Queen Story Time program is an opportunity to teach children the virtues of tolerance and diversity is a waste of time because these so-called Christians reject tolerance and see diversity as dangerous. For Evangelical Christians, tolerance and diversity are code words for perversion and moral compromise. Arguments centered on censorship also fall on deaf ears because censoring is exactly what these fundamentalists want to do. These zealots lack the critical thinking abilities to realize that the First Amendment right to free speech protects everyone’s

speech, including their own. They are not intellectually sophisticated enough to understand that it is in their own best interest to protect speech with which they disagree. Thomas Paine once observed, “To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” That’s an important point to remember when dealing with people who choose to base their lives and worldviews on ridiculous myths dreamt up by ignorant goat-herders in the Bronze Age. Drag Queen Vanessa Carr Kennedy, who conducted the Drag Queen Story Time at the Alvar Library in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, perhaps put it best: “Why have Drag Queens read to kids? I don’t know why other Queens read to children, but I can tell you I did it for the same reason that many do; to promote the joy of reading. I read at the library to promote the local library. Local libraries are a true treasure that should be supported by attendance, and participation in its activities and events. So yes, I put on my biggest wig, prettiest gown, and shiniest jewelry to keep their attention. Then I read, and even acted out some of the story to make reading fun. I left the explanation of me, and the questions about me to be answered by their parents. Did I get paid? Yes. My heart was overpaid with the love and support I received by the children’s smiles and joy. My soul was fed by the parents that brought their children and thanked me profusely for being there to read to their children and give a glimpse of hope that our world will someday be free of hate and puritanical judgment. My first DQST at the Alvar Library in the Bywater was filled with children and parents. We got many supportive comments from parents. We will begin having story time once a month at the Alvar Library starting next month. My hope for Drag Queen Story Time, is that it asks the question, ‘Why are some people upset about Drag Queen Story Time?’ I’ve had many conversations with conservative friends that started because of the Story Time. It has given me a great opportunity to discuss their fears with them.” Want to share your opinion? Submit your own Letter to the Editor to info@ ambushpublishing.com for consideration.

16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY From the Archives: September 1985 Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com Ambush Magazine was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1982 by Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. The couple had met not quite ten years earlier in New Orleans, just outside the Bourbon Pub, incidentally just steps away from what would eventually become their longtime home. At the time, both were just visiting New Orleans. Delain was still living in Baton Rouge where she had grown up and Naquin, who hailed from Berwick, was attending Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux. By 1982, Rip and Marsha were living in Baton Rouge, where Rip cut his journalism teeth by editing a shortlived gay and lesbian newspaper called The Zipper, before founding Ambush. Publications like The Zipper, Ambush, Impact, The Whiz, The Rooster, and others are essentially time capsules that provide glimpses into an otherwise invisible community. Consider the following insights contained in the September 1985 issue of Ambush: • The cover announces “NOW BASED IN THE HEART OF THE FRENCH QUARTER” • The Ambush offices were located at 828 Royal Street

• A fundraiser was hosted by “Community Relief for AIDS Victims,” and spearheaded by Bob Bernissant (owner of Quarter Scene) and Al McNarin (owner of La Peniche) • Spiritually minded gay men were preparing for the second “Louisiana Affair(ey) at the Briarpatch in Central Louisiana • The Gertrude Stein Society, which disbanded in 1981, held a reunion • Well drinks at the Roundup cost 90 cents • The Soiled Dove Saloon had been converted to Changes by Pat Thompson • The Lords of Leather celebrated their third anniversary at the Applause Show Bar • The Back Door, in Gretna, was remodeled • The Knights d’Orleans drank a lot at the Filling Station and Paw Paw’s Saloon • A lesbian organization called LIPS held a fundraiser at the Country Club • Matassa’s started renting videos • Verti Marte started 24-hour delivery service • The building that housed Menefee’s on N. Rampart in 1983--1984 went

up for sale • Michael Hickerson, who had been crowned SDGM at Lucille’s & Friend, led the Southern Decadence parade • The Gay Men’s Chorus held a rush party at Wolfendale’s • A “Louisiana Female Impersonation Conference” was held in Lake Charles • Monroe, Louisiana, boasted at least two gay bars • Bottled beer at the Louisiana Purchase was 80 cents • The Miss Gay Louisiana pageant was held at Silly Sally’s in Alexandria • Nieman’s Bar & Disco in Baton Rouge hosted the Miss National Dreamstate Pageant

Old issues of LGBT+ themed newspapers and magazines are incredibly important historical artifacts. Preserving these papers is more important now than ever as researchers are working diligently to get our history out of the closet. No less than eight books on New Orleans LGBT+ history have been published in the last seven years. Because so much of our history remains in the closet, researchers have very limited sources from which to mine the past. Interviewing people who lived through that past is one source, but interviewing people has its limitations. Many people have already taken their memories to the grave, and memory is not

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UNDER THE GAYDAR

New Orleans Hot Happenings

Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com

Happy Halloween witches! New Orleans becomes a crazy place during this festive holiday. All the sexy ghoulies out there going bump in the night are so exciting. Here are just a few suggestions to scare away boredom. (If you have a fundraiser, party, show or event coming up and would like to be listed in the calendar, please email me at ledgemgp@gmail.com).

TUESDAY 10/23

Kocktail Karaoke, Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St., 9pm-1am, Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke. The winner gets a $25 bar tab. $5 Fireball. Country Dance Lessons, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 8pm, Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8-11pm Bourbon Boylesque, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 8pm, See the Men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras, Buf-

fa’s Bar and Restaurant, 1001 Esplanade Ave., 8pm, Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is two-for-one drinks until 10pm Tunes Tuesday, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase. Trivia Night, MRB, 515 St. Philip St., Starts at 8pm. Join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia. Extra! The Political Drag Cabaret, But It’s Spooky, AllWays Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., 9–11pm. Politics these days can be SCARY, that’s right Extra!, the monthly political drag cabaret is back and this time it’s SPOOKY!? This month our star-studded cast is taking on the parts

of politics that make us uncomfortable & afraid. These queens are full of tricks baby, just like they are Halloween. More than just a drag show, Extra is a space where drag artists and fans can come together to get empowered, get connected, laugh, and even occasionally bawl their eyes out. The show has challenged the performers to go deep and brought out some truly amazing work. Performers include: Hexxorsis, Daisy Konfused, Versula Bottom, Ariel Androgyny and your host & producer Quinn Laroux. Cover: $10

WEDNESDAY 10/24

WednesGays at LPK Uptown, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 615 South Carrollton Ave., 5pm-- Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends. Kafe Karaoke, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 9pm–midnight, $25 Bar tab and Free Shots & Give-aways with Happy Hour All Day. Oz Show Night, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 10:30pm, This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport, Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Game Night, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 7pm, Wednesdays are Game Night with Honey Bee. Free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays), Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10pm. Hump Day, Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 4--9pm, 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers. Wine Night, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 5pm-close, $15 bottles of wine. Video Game Night, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 8:30pm--midnight, The bar is doing Video Game Night starting at 9pm. Come and compete for prizes and grab some drinks. Sex Ed Trivia Night, Seven Three Distillery, 301 Claiborne Ave., starts at 6:30pm, SNAPP (Social Networking and Advocacy for Planned Parenthood) and Lift Louisiana present this event. $20 suggested donation ($15 for students). Includes one signature cocktail. Food/Drink available for purchase. Come out and see your friends and make some new ones! Form trivia teams at the event or beforehand!

THURSDAY 10/25

Honey Bee Trivia, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 7pm, Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7pm. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/ team of the night. Girl | Crush, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 9pm, Girl | Crush brings you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 10pm, The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia GiaVanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., midnight, Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11pm and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night. Prime Time Trivia, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., starts at 9pm, Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. Dragula Season 2 Viewing Party with Laveau Contraire, Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 7--9pm, Do you like Glamour, Horror, Filth and all things ooky spooky? Dragula is a web show, created by The Boulet Brothers, to find the world’s next drag supermonster! Each week, Laveau will be bringing in two co-hosts to watch the show and give our thoughts & opinions, and even a few LIVE drag performances throughout the night. As always, you get FREE swag with every purchase of one of our drink specials AND we will have a drawing at the end for a BUCKET full of swag. You get a ticket for the drawing for every special you buy, so buy a lot and increase your chances of winning!

FRIDAY 10/26

Music of Senator Ken, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 7:30-9:30pm, Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

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Play Girlz, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 10--11:30pm, Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest, Corner Pocket, 640 St. Louis St., 6:30pm, Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Long Island Fridays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night. Fireball Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., open to close, $4 Fireball Shots. Take It Off Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 5pm--12:30am, Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5--9pm; $15 drink and drown from 9-11pm all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30am. Big Easy Sisters Monthly Beer Bust, The Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields, 9pm--midnight, Big Easy Sisters bi-monthly beer bust raises funds for local charities and includes $10 allyou-can-drink beer from 9pm til midnight and $1 Jell-o shots by Buddha Bear! Divas Doing It For Themselves, Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields, 8–11pm, Join the men of New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus for a night of music, mascara, and mayhem. NOGMC gets

in touch with their feminine sides (and fronts) for a night of incomparable entertainment. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door only. The Lazarus Ball, Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola St., 7:30--10:30pm, Kick off HNO35 weekend with The Lazarus Ball. The black tie-preferred gala features open bar, food, entertainment and an amazing silent auction. The auction will be filled with art, housewares, packages, and gift certificates of all types. Music by Troy Marks and No Idea. Come see everyone dressed up before getting into crazy Halloween mode. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http:// halloweenneworleans.com. Open Bar • Ages 21+. Bayou Boylesque, GrandPre’s, 831 N. Rampart St., starts at 10pm, No better way to start your Halloween party than with a very Halloween edition of Bayou Boylesque. This month’s cast includes the talented Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Expecta Patrone Dane Baxter, and special appearances by Teddy Bareback, Andrew Roy, Skyxx, Kyle Kei Mills $5 cover. If you wear a costume you get in FREE!

SATURDAY 10/27

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 7:30-9:30pm, Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 10--11:30pm, This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes special guests stars. Piano Bar with Trey Ming, Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St., 4–7pm, Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming. CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8--10pm Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol. Drag Dingo, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 6--8pm, Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! Main Event “Sideshow”, Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 10pm--3am, It’s HNO’s 35th Anniversary and they are so happy to be back at the Contemporary Arts Center. Let your imaginations run wild for this year’s costume. Look beyond the redstriped tent, the clowns, and the jugglers to the freaks and abnormalities lurking next door. We expect appearances from the bearded lady, crawfish boy, pumpkin man, and many others.

The main event will feature the music of Drew G and Australia’s Kitty Glitter (she was at last year’s Pier Dance). Costumes are required. Guests parade their costumes on stage as they arrive for the crowd and judges hosted by your carnival mistress Persana. Costume awards will be given out on Sunday at the Pier. There will be a midnight show and dancing until 3am. VIP Lounge for Hosts and Patrons only. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http://halloweenneworleans.com. Secrets of the Sea, Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields, 10pm–2am, Get ready for a Halloween show that you will never forget! This month’s cast of Secrets of the Sea consist of Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Danny Starnes, and special guest Xena ZeitGeist. Showtime is 10pm. No cover. Lady Magic’s Halloween Bash, Where Y’at Music Lounge, 3431 Houma Blvd., starts at 9pm, Lady Magic’s annual Halloween Bash is coming for you live and in living color. $6 cover. Starring Lady Magic (Necha Benoit) and special guests Johnny Passion, Sister Laroux, Scott Bradley and Passion Carradine. High Profile Eye Candy, Santos Bar, 1135 Decatur St., 10pm–3am, High Profile Presents: Eye Candy. DJ SET & PERFORMANCE by B. Ames w/ special guests DIVOLI S’VERE & BE3K and performances by Garlic Ju-

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nior, Visqueen, Jassy, Franky, Slenderella, Annie Bacterial, and Gayle King Kong. There will be a costume contest. $10 cover. Wicked, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 10:30pm, Drag show starring Analia XO, Shocktavia and Izzy Female.

SUNDAY 10/28

drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean. Drink Drown and Drag, The Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon St., 6-9pm, Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6–9pm with a star-studded drag show starting at 8pm. Sunday Worship, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave., 10am, New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where we celebrate God’s love for everyone. Drag Dingo, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 6--8pm, Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6pm till 8pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks all night long. Funhouse Pier Dance, Crescent Park, 2300 N. Peters St., 1--6pm, Halloween New Orleans’ Sunday Tea Dance begins at 1pm in Crescent Park on the side of the park that backs up to the French Quarter. The theme is “Funhouse” and will feature games, food trucks, vendors, picnic tables, and music by DJ Dan Slater who who will be making his HNO performance de-

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but. The event is in a covered area and will take place rain or shine! As the party ends around 6pm, guests will line up and “parade” from the Tea Dance through the French Quarter ending at St. Ann and Bourbon Streets. The second line features marching bands, dance troops, and more! Touted every year as a favorite event of the weekend, the second line through the Quarter is something you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stay to the end of the pier dance. More information on all our events, tickets and more: http://halloweenneworleans.com. Open Bar • Ages 21+ Poppy’s Pop-Up Drag Brunch to Benefit CrescentCare, Tujague’s Restaurant, 823 Decatur St., 11am-2pm, In support of CrescentCare, Tujague’s is hosting another Drag Queen Brunch with Ms. Poppy Tooker! 25% of the proceeds will go to benefit CrescentCare’s Food for Friends program. This initiative provides nutrition through pantry services and home delivered meals to clients living with HIV/ AIDS and cancer in the Greater New Orleans area. Join Poppy and her fabulous entertainers in our Krewe d’Etat Room to put on a Halloween-themed show filled with singing and dancing while you enjoy a three course brunch and bottomless mimosas. Spaces are limited. Call 504-358-4905 to reserve your spot today. Credit card authorization will be required for all reservations due to demand. $75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch, Artisan Bar and Cafe, 2514 St. Claude Ave. 10am--2pm, A scrumptious brunch in a comfortable, friendly environment along with fabulous top-notch entertainment! Out of the Closet – A Rummage Sale, The Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St., noon–5pm, Join Sister Dee Zire of the Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for the most fabulous rummage sale of the year! Treasures you might find include costumes, clothes for adults & children, craft supplies, toys, books, DVDs, CDs, household items, art, furnishings and SO MUCH MORE! One sister’s trash is another’s treasure! Baked goods and snacks will be available for purchase. Proceeds and donations will benefit The Butterfly Society. The Butterfly Society is a non-profit organization based in Baton Rouge whose mission is to educate, advocate for legislation, provide direct services, and partner with other agencies to end domestic violence. They offer a variety of services to individuals in the community who have been impacted by domestic violence e.g., advocacy, information and referrals, outreach, safety planning, & support groups. More information can be found at www.thebutterflysociety.org

MONDAY 10/29

Karaoke Monday, The Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon St., 7--9pm, Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill. S.I.N. Night, The Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis St., Starting at 9pm, Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft. Margarita Mondays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night. Pool Tournament, Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 9:45pm, $2 PBR and $50 Gift Certificate for Rawhide Lazy Susan Karaoke, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 9pm–1am, Join bartender Mark and a revolving cast of drag queen hostesses for Lazy Susan Karaoke with music by DJ Lucius Riley. Mondays are a drag, so make them fabulous and sing the night away. NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/Run Club, Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St., 6:30pm, Join an exciting new partnership between Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE! Starting at 6:30pm, meet for the walk/ run around the Audubon Park jogging path. This will be a weekly event for walkers and the Stonewall Run Club will join every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running, jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry, someone will walk with you. Please note: We will meet at the parking lot on the Magazine Street entrance to the park jogging path (6500 Magazine St.). If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504) 228-6778. Service Industry Night, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., Open to close. $2.50 domestic beers; $3 well cocktails; $3.50 imported beer; $5.50 Tito’s; $6 Jameson. Showstoppers Cabaret, AllWays Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., 8–10:30pm, We’re getting spooky, at Showstoppers Cabaret this month. Think about ghost stories. Think about things that are mysterious, occult, hidden, forgotten. Because we’re going to take all that to the stage. It’s going to be scary and intense and weird and emotional, but that’s the spirit of the season. 9pm show, 8pm doors. Cover is $10. Featuring: Amber Alert, Ariana Amour, Trey Bien, Velma Blair, Versula Bottom, Lefty Lucy, Siren, TITIBABY and hosted by Dede Onassis.

TUESDAY 10/30 – SUNDAY 11/4

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical, the Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., Based on the 2003 film of the same name, School of Rock features an original score

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by Andrew Lloyd Webber and follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within. Tickets for School of Rock – The Musical start at $30 and will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (800) 982-2887.

TUESDAY 10/30

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras, Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant, 1001 Esplanade Ave., 8pm, Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is two-for-one drinks until 10pm Tunes Tuesday, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase. Trivia Night, MRB, 515 St. Philip St., Starts at 8pm. Join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia. Terror (Tarah) in the Aisles, AllWays Lounge, 2240 St. Claude, 9pm– midnight. Tarah Cards Cate Swan hosts this evening of short horror films, animated Halloween Specials and the classic feature Sleepaway Camp. Grab your sleeping bags and snuggle up in the back of the AllWays in the newly christened Twilight Theater. Doors for the event are at 8pm and the main feature and stuff start at 9pm. Peer into your future with readings by Teflon Kook. Free popcorn till you drop. $5 cover

The Double Play

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439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517

WEDNESDAY 10/31

WednesGays at LPK Uptown, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 615 South Carrollton Ave., 5pm-- Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends. Kafe Karaoke, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 9pm–midnight, $25 Bar tab and Free Shots & Give-aways with Happy Hour All Day. Halloween Night at Oz, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 10:30pm, Dance all night then, at midnight, join 7x GAA Cheridon Comedy Award winner and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLIII Persana Shoulders for our annual costume contest! Cash and prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place with celebrity guest judges ready to see some looks! Game Night, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 7pm, Wednesdays are Game Night with Honey Bee. Free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays), Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10pm. Hump Day, Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 4-9pm, 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers. Wine Night, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 5pm-close,

$15 bottles of wine. Video Game Night, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 8:30--10pm, It’s Video Game Night! Every Wednesday at Grand Pre’s! Hosted By Eureeka Starfish and a very Special Co-Host ! Come early to sign up for limited spots for three mini tournaments of the video game we provide! Santoria – Santos All Night Halloween Bash, Santos Bar, 1135 Decatur St., 8pm–6am, The veil between the past and present, the living and the dead will be at its thinnest this Hallow’s eve. 1135 Decatur has been the host to some of the most amazing dance music spaces of all the eras. If you grew up here in New Orleans, you know what I’m talking about. Two floors to conjure all the past & present lords of dark music. Ceremonial exorcisms in your blackest attire + an awesome balcony to release them. Death Bells, Missing, Gools, Catﬂaps with DJ Mouthfeel, Poor Boys Bar, 1328 St. Bernard Ave., 8pm–midnight, Death Bells spends Halloween in New Orleans with local favorites Missing and Gools.. Soundtrack provided by DJ Mouthfeel (Corey Cruse).

THURSDAY 11/1

Honey Bee Trivia, GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart St., 7pm, Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7pm. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/

7AM-9PM HAPPY HOUR $3 Domestic Beers $3 Wells $1 Off Everything Else

ALL WEEK LONG

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team of the night. Girl | Crush, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 9pm, Girl | Crush brings you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 10pm, The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia GiaVanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., midnight, Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11pm and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night. Prime Time Trivia, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., starts at 9pm, Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. All Souls on All Saints Day Mobile Altar Procession, Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., Starts promptly at 6pm, The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will lead a procession of remembrance on All Saints Day

through the Marigny/French Quarter in celebration of the souls of those we love who have passed. Procession starts promptly @ 6pm at Mags 940 on Elysian Fields, with a stop at The New Orleans AIDS Memorial in Washington Square Park, meandering through the Quarter, and ends where it ends. This event is FREE and open to ANYONE. Bring an offering (object, picture, anything) to place upon our mobile altar (All offerings are kept safe in reverence for use in future remembrances) Dress/Costume: Appropriate to the celebration (or with your “own twist” is encouraged). Mask or makeup. Candles for the altar are available (in addition to any personal offering) but donations are appreciated. (All funds collected go to local New Orleans Charities)

FRIDAY 11/2

day and night. Fireball Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., open to close, $4 Fireball Shots. Take It Off Fridays, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 5pm--12:30am, Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5--9pm; $15 drink and drown from 9-11pm all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30am. Loosen The Bible Belt: A Tour for Humanity with Kristen Becker and Jay Bakker, AllWays Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., Doors 9 PM | Show 10 PM | $10 ADV | $15 DOS. This show spreads our “love everyone” message across the south. It features stand up comedy, live music and a little bit of open-minded preaching from Jay Bakker . The event intends to get people of all walks of life together to have a great time. Kristen Becker, the founder of the LTBB tour and the Dykes of Hazard Comedy tour, has been a touring outspoken lesbian comic for over 15 years. Jay Bakker, the prodigal real-life son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, is a minister in his own right. Not just any minister, one that came out in support of LGBT people in 2006. Jay is a pastor, speaker, author of 3 books and an LGBTQ rights advocate who fights for equality within the church. Plus featuring stand-up from Denver comedian Meghan DePonceau & music from NOLA musician SarahRose Marie. Tickets are $10/Pre Sale; $15/Door at www.loosenthebiblebelt.com.

SATURDAY 11/3

One, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., 8:30–11pm, Brandon & Craig’s Wedding Party and Drag show. Party 8:30pm | Show 10:00pm. Brandon & Craig are tying the knot on 11.11.18. The wedding is going to be super intimate, but with so many people they love in their lives, they wanted a chance to celebrate with everyone. So what better way to do that than with a great party and drag show?!? You’re invited to The Four Seasons Bar in Metairie to attend a celebration of love, life, and laughter! There will be food, drinks (via standard bar prices), a fabulous drag show, and maybe a few games. Brandon and Craig have asked some of their favorite entertainers to be a part of this special event. It’s going to be hella fun y’all. Starring in the show are Princess Stephaney, Britnee Alexander, Gia GiaVanni, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Monique Michaels-Alexander, and Moanalot Fontaine. Everyone is invited!

SUNDAY 11/4

Bottomless Sundays, Double Play Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11am to 3pm. Bottomless Mimosas, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 1-4pm, Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1--4pm for $12. The Original Trash Disco, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St., 4-10pm, Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with. You Betta Sing Karaoke, GrandPre’s, 834 North Rampart St., 7pm, Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke with bartender Aaron behind the bar. Jubilee, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St., 5pm, This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests. Zingo, Corner Pocket, 640 St. Louis St., 6:30pm, Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 9:30pm, This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean. Drink Drown and Drag, The Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon St., 6-9pm, Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6–9pm with a star-studded drag show starting at 8pm. Sunday Worship, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave., 10am, New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where we celebrate God’s love for everyone. Drag Dingo, Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St., 6--8pm, Catch Chi-

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Chi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6pm till 8pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks all night long.

MONDAY 11/5

wall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE! Starting at 6:30pm, meet for the walk/ run around the Audubon Park jogging path. This will be a weekly event for walkers and the Stonewall Run Club will join every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running, jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry, someone will walk with you. Please note: We will meet at the parking lot on the Magazine Street entrance to the park jogging path (6500 Magazine St.). If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504) 228-6778. Service Industry Night, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., Open to close. $2.50 domestic beers; $3 well cocktails; $3.50 imported beer; $5.50 Tito’s; $6 Jameson.

TUESDAY11/6

them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras, Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant, 1001 Esplanade Ave., 8pm, Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays, Double Play

Bar, 439 Dauphine St., The drink special is two-for-one drinks until 10pm Tunes Tuesday, Four Seasons Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd., Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase. Trivia Night, MRB, 515 St. Philip St., Starts at 8pm. Join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia.

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Mobile Hot Happenings WEEKLY AT FLIP SIDE

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SUNDAY Funday with Karaoke MONDAY Service Industry Night TUESDAY Karaoke WEDNESDAY Rock n Roll Bingo 8PM THURSDAY Karaoke SATURDAY SEC Football

TUESDAY Gay Bar BINGO 9:30 & 11PM THURSDAY Amateur Drag Night 11PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY Midnight Drag Show

54 S. Conception St., Mobile, AL (251) 431-8819

213 Conti St., Mobile, AL (251) 433-2262

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OBITUARY

PATRICK SHANNON (March 9, 1939 – October 10, 2018)

Patrick and David - Feb. 1982

Patrick and Ena Feb. 1983 Mardi Gras Patrick Shannon, New Orleans playwright, poet, theater critic and newspaper columnist, passed away on October 10, 2018 following a long illness precipitated by heart surgery. Patrick was residing at Riviere de Soleil Community Care Center in Mansura (Avoyelles Parish) Louisiana. He was 79. A native of Gretna and a graduate of West Jefferson High School, his full name was Roy Cleveland Patrick Shannon III, a name which more than hinted at his flair for the dramatic (he was called Roy in his earlier years, and earned the nickname “Obnoxious Little Roy.”) After a brief time attending Tulane University, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon his discharge, Patrick became a travel agent for Delta Airlines in New Orleans and was later transferred to Delta’s New York office in 1965. Patrick returned to Louisiana in late 1969. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Patrick wrote for the New Orleans pub-

Marie Martorelli and Patrick Shannon - 1960s

Vito Russo and Patrick - Feb. 1989 lication Impact as columnist “Melba Carondelet”. After Patrick left Impact, he wrote for Around the Clock, The Rooster, and Ambush, mostly under his own byline, but occasionally as his creation Ms. Carondelet, “a raconteur, gossip columnist, self-named historian and absolute Pernod-in-a-mayo-jar addict.” His CrescentCityChronicles. net was a periodic web-based journal about New Orleans, its people, its local characters, its politics, its creative and performing arts, its society, its oddities, and its enduring place as America’s most unique and entertaining city. Patrick’s biggest success as a playwright was in 1963. His play The Apples, the Singing and the Gold opened at Lorraine Murphy’s Playwrights Showcase in the French Quarter and was directed by Ernest N. Posey. Other plays written by Patrick were Gymnopedie and Sympathetic Vibrations: A French Quarter Homily. Patrick directed Tennessee Williams’ Vieux Carre at Theater Marigny

in 1981, where the sets were designed by his business partner Jordan Augustine (together they formed a ceramic business called “Feats of Clay” located on Magazine St. which was later relocated to Burgundy St. and renamed “Au Courant Creations” with Patrick as business manager and Jordan as the artistic creator.). The Times-Picayune reviewed the production of Vieux Carre as “. . . a modest production, full of flaws, but it serves a modest, flawed script with ardent intentions. Patrick Shannon is credited with the direction of this noble effort, and his work shows perception on a number of telling counts.” Patrick retired from the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board and relocated to Mansura to be close to his friends, Marie Martorelli Scallan and her husband, Bill Scallan. Marie, a New Jersey native, first met Patrick in New York, and they later reconnected when Marie moved to New Orleans in the 1970s. Patrick’s closest friends during his

later years were Merrill Wall (Houston); Hector Trau (New Orleans); Oscar Gomez-Montez (Miami Beach); and his former partner, David W. McCain (Newark, NJ). Patrick was cremated, and always fascinated by the mysteries of nature, he expressed to Marie Scallan (currently living in Bradenton, FL) that he wanted his ashes sent to her so she could scatter them in a nearby river where he could “swim with the manatees.” Marie and David plan to carry out his wishes in January. Marie offers the following poem written by her beloved friend: Red as a rose, the emblem of love, blood scarlet, the colour of pain. It would be difficult to say where the colour of love ends and the colour of pain begins. (from The Apples, The Singing and the Gold)

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Rach & Bach to Play with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

New Orleans’ favorite philanthropic duo, Dr. Quinn Peeper, aka “Rach”, and Attorney Michael Harold, aka “Bach”, will each play a concerto by their musical namesakes, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor and Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in F minor to benefit the New Orleans branch of the English-Speaking Union in celebration of 100 years of the global institution. The concert will also feature Opus Opera founders Christina Vial and Irini Kyriakidou performing arias by Mozart and Dvorák, and high school student Rohan Padmakumar who will deliver the monolog and sonnet with which he won the English-Speaking Union’s New Orleans Shakespeare competition. Ryan McAdams leads the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) in an evening for the whole family on Saturday, November 17, at 7:30pm at the Orpheum Theater.

The English-Speaking Union is a unique educational charity organization dedicated to helping people realize their potential through giving them the skills and confidence in communication to articulate their ideas and share them with others. Native New Orleanian and legal placement expert Michael Harold graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal High School and earned a degree in Spanish from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He serves on the board of a number of organizations including the Alliance Française, La Sociedad Espanola, and Friends of Music, a local chamber music society. He plays classical piano in his free time and has performed for numerous charities around the city, including the Preservation Resource Center’s holiday tour, the Faulkner Society, and Poydras Home. Quinn Peeper is an established

New Orleans obstetrician/gynecologist. Current research interests include postpartum depression, perinatal benefits of RSV vaccination as well as new treatments for endometriosis and fibroids. Dr. Peeper is also an accomplished classical musician, and has performed at Carnegie Hall several times. His solo debut in 2000 was a benefit for SHARE, an organization that assists women with breast & ovarian cancer and their families in the New York area. Dr. Peeper performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the LPO in 2004 in their Summer Pops series. Soprano Christina Vial, a native of Luling, earned her Masters of Music and Postgraduate Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has appeared in many operas including Le nozze di Figaro (Susanna), La bohème (Musetta), Die Zauberﬂöte (Pamina), and Falstaff (Nanetta).

Soprano Irini Kyriakidou Hymel started her musical studies at the Maria Callas Conservatory in Athens, Greece, and graduated from the International Opera Studio of the Zurich Opera. She has appeared at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Paris Opera, Teatro La Fenice, the Greek National Opera, New Orleans Opera as well as the Ravenna Festival under the baton of Riccardo Muti. Along with her husband Bryan Hymel, she has sung at Smetana Hall in Prague and at the Theatre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Rohan Padmakumar attends Lusher Charter School in New Orleans. With his recitation of both a monolog and a sonnet, Padmakumar placed as a finalist in the English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center in New York City this year on April 23, Shakespeare’s birthday.

BOOK REVIEW

Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance, and Revolution in Trump’s America

Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance, and Revolution in Trump’s America. Samhita Mukhopadhyay and Kate Harding, Eds. Picador, 2017. 256 pages. Although published last year, Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance, and Revolution in Trump’s America is now more relevant than ever in the aftermath of the Kavanaugh fiasco and the impending mid-term Congressional elections. In light of the fact that 53 percent of white women voted for Donald Trump and 94 percent of black women voted for Hillary Clinton, Nasty Women answers the question how can women unite in Trump’s America? Nasty Women includes inspiring essays from a diverse group of talented women writers who seek to provide a broad look at how we got here and what we need to do to move forward. This collection of essays is breathtaking in scope and provides a panoramic view of how Trump’s policies have adversely affected women with disabilities, women’s access to healthcare, the transgender community, and

even the daily lives of women in West Africa. This anthology features twenty-three leading feminist writers on protest and solidarity, including essays by Rebecca Solnit on Trump and his “misogyny army;” Cheryl Strayed on grappling with the aftermath of Hillary Clinton’s loss; Sarah Hepola on resisting the urge to drink after the election; Nicole Chung on family and friends who support Trump; Katha Pollitt on the state of reproductive rights and what we do next; Jill Filipovic on Trump’s policies and the life of a young woman in West Africa; Samantha Irby on racism and living as a queer black woman in rural America; Randa Jarrar on traveling across the country as a queer Muslim American; Sarah Hollenbeck on Trump’s cruelty toward the disabled; Meredith Talusan on feminism and the transgender community; and Sarah Jaffe on the labor movement and active and effective resistance, among others. In I’m a Woman, Vote for Me, Samhita Mukhopadhyay, former Senior Editorial Director of Culture and Identities at Mic and former Executive Editor

of Feministing.com, offers a rebuttal against the charge that Hillary Clinton focused too much on identity politics: “Born of the civil and women’s-rights activism of the 1970s, identity politics seeks to recognize and organize around the complex and interwoven ways race, class, gender, immigration status, and sexuality, among other factors, impact how life is lived in America—and who has access to the American dream. Both a political and intellectual movement, identity politics offers a critique of privilege and the ways it is meted out. It has been pilloried by critics on the right and left who say its focus on difference is divisive. At the heart of the debate is the fun-

damental question of how we conceive of ourselves as a country: Do we recognize that different groups of people experience unique challenges based on their identity and organize around and embrace those differences, or do we ignore them in service of a more universal, uniform understanding of Americanness?” Nasty Women offers hope and sheds light on how not just women, but all of us can emerge from the ominous shadow Trump’s ascendancy has cast over the nation. As the midterm elections draw near, decent people should feel a sense of urgency, and Nasty Women gives us just that.

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket PHOTOS BY JEREMY

THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar starting at 9PM!

OPENING HOURS Everyday Noon - TILL ADDRESS 940 St Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 568-9829 www.cornerpocket.net

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH Daryl Dunaway Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com New Orleans’ Gay Bar scene may be centered around the French Quarter, but it expands into neighborhoods well beyond even, GASP!, suburbia. And one such bar has a bartender whom I absolutely adore. His name is Daryl Dunaway or Countess C. Alice for those of you who have been to any one of his drag shows. You can find him at the Four Seasons Bar in Metairie. Daryl is sort of a renaissance man. Not only is he a bartender and performer, but he’s also an excellent costumer, seamstress and make-up artist. I believe being a performer makes a person a better bartender because in these days of craft cocktails and rock

star mixologists, the bar is the new stage. Not only does Daryl work behind the bar at the Four as it’s affectionately called, but he has also been known (or at least his sister Countess) to bartend at some fancy soirees. Who doesn’t want a witty and sassy drag queen tending bar at your event?! Not only can he pour a tasty adult beverage with style and finesse, Daryl manages to be professional to all patrons. So next time you make it out to Metry, stop by the Four Seasons and see Daryl for a cocktail and possibly a reading. The Four Seasons is located at 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.

TRICENTENNIAL PROFILES IN HISTORY Germaine Cazenave Wells Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com On Easter Sunday morning, 1956, a group of well-dressed ladies with elaborate bonnets gathered on the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Chartres Street at the home of their dear friend, the indomitable Germaine Wells. The occasion was a parade. The group of ladies would ride in mule-drawn carriages to St. Louis Cathedral where they would attend Mass before proceeding to Arnaud’s for lunch.

Germaine Wells, the daughter of famed restaurateur “Count” Arnaud Cazenave, had been inspired to have the parade after seeing a similar parade in New York City. In addition to celebrating the resurrection, Wells thought Easter would be an excellent opportunity to show off her and her friends’ expensive taste in clothes. No better way to do that than to parade haute couture all over the French Quarter. Thus, be-

gan the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade more commonly known today as the hat parade. Germaine Wells was born on February 8, 1902, three days before Mardi Gras. Wells would go on to reign over twenty-two Carnival Balls—a record unlikely to be beaten. Wells embodied the very spirit of Carnival. Her volcanic appetite for strong drink, hunky men, and fine dining remains legendary.

After her father died, she assumed the helm at Arnaud’s and spread its fame around the world. The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum opened in the French Quarter restaurant on September 15, 1983. The museum is free to the public during restaurant hours seven days a week. Germaine Wells died in 1983. She is buried in Metairie Cemetery

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at the Double Play / the Crossing

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

Party Down Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com My goodness it has been a crazy month with parties, fundraisers, theatre and birthday celebrations. Not only is October my favorite month because I get to play dress-up several times and it’s the anniversary of my birth (not that momentous an occasion) but the Fall and holiday season is in the air. No matter if it is 90 degrees outside, you can’t help but feel more excited. We have a lot to cover, so let’s jump right in. Starting on Monday (in fact both Mondays), I did the New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) weekly walk at Audubon Park. I love both the organization and its commitment to the community. This weekly walk is not only a way to keep people healthy but allows them the opportunity to meet and network with others in the community. I have attended every one of the walks and met some interesting people. Hope to see you out there. On Wednesday, I attended Wine Dine and Design at the Audubon Tea Room hosted by St. Charles Avenue Magazine. This annual event promotes designers in the city who come together and design seating tables which are purchased by others for a fundraising luncheon the following day. My company designed a table which was themed Fancy Hosts, a fall theme celebration. Other tables were themed Garden in the Garden of Good and Evil and Under the Big Top. For designers and event planners this

event is a source of inspiration, but it also helps raise funds for the charity Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront provides valued programs and aid to veterans to help them build strong, stable, and secure military families as we seek to honor their patriotism and service to our country. This year the event raised over $130,000 for the charity. The weekend was all about art in many forms. On Friday, I attended the opening night of Trey Ming’s I Wrote A Song, A New Musical at Café Istanbul. Presented by Slotted Spoon Productions, I Wrote a Song is based on a true story that follows a Southern Baptist minister’s coming-out journey from his conservative upbringing to the scandal that upends his world. Now, his secrets bared, he finds himself on a path to discover the truth about who he is. Trey has been a welcome addition to the New Orleans LGBT scene and his new musical is fantastic with poppy numbers and a talented (and sexy) cast. The entire cast worked well together with Dede Onassis being a special standout. The following day I went to the Treme Festival. Treme Fall Fest is a donation-based event developed by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association to benefit the many cultural destinations found within the historical community of Tremé. The festival supports the architecture, culture, and history of Tremé. It takes place adjacent to the

lots and blocks surrounding St. Augustine Church. The history of the church is very storied. When free people of color organized in the 1830s and received permission from Bishop Antoine Blanc to build a church, the Ursuline Sisters donated the property, on the condition that the church be named St. Augustine, after one of their patron saints, Augustine of Hippo. The church was dedicated on October 9, 1842. A few months before the dedication, at a time when there were pew fees, the free people of color began to purchase pews for their families. Upon hearing this, white people in the area started a campaign to buy more pews than the colored folks. Thus, “The War of the Pews” began and was ultimately won by the free people of color who bought three pews to every one purchased by the whites. In an unprecedented social, political and religious move, the colored members also bought all the pews of both side aisles. They gave those pews to the slaves as their exclusive place of worship, a first in the history of slavery in the United States. This mix of pews resulted in the most integrated congregation in the entire country: one large row of free people of color, one large row of whites with a smattering of ethnics, and two outer aisles of slaves. Later that evening I attended Art for Art’s Sake which is an art walk with cocktails both on Julia and Magazine Streets. New Orleans has some brilliant artists and this event affords locals the opportunity to discover them. On Tuesday, I went to a Bubbles and Business networking event at Pythian Market Two Three Four and the

new event space above it, Laurenia. Both are cool venues to hold a party. For the event, the space was turned into a murder mystery with the guests becoming suspects and dressing in roaring ‘20s attire. I love a good mystery party and the paces worked perfectly for the theme. As you get older, people tend to want to forget their birthdays. Not me, I always marvel I have made it to another wonderful year on this Earth and I want to make the most of it. So basically, I have month long celebrations which started early on Wednesday with dinner with my friend Tico at the new Copper Vine on Poydras Street (the old Happy’s Lounge). What an incredible transformation! The place is a sparkly new restaurant with a gorgeous courtyard, modern design and delicious food. They also have some incredible wine flights as well as over 30 wines on tap. Here’s a little history about the spot where the restaurant is located. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Long before Copper Vine, 1001 Poydras was the home of Maylie’s, a restaurant that was opened in 1876. Owned by two French immigrants, Maylie’s originated as a bar and refuge for the men who worked at the Poydras Street Market. It grew to become a neighborhood institution and by the time it closed in 1986, it was one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans. The legacy of Maylie’s lives on at Copper Vine, which has restored Maylie’s original bar inside. On my actual birthday on Thursday, I started with Happy Hour at the Polo Lounge in the Windsor Court with friends. I cannot gush enough

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

about this upscale lounge. The atmosphere is one of refined elegance, the drinks are superior and they even give you fancy nuts to nibble on!. From actors to politicians, everyone loves to be seen there. I then went to a hospitality wine party hosted by Meeting Professionals International at the new Eliza Jane Hotel. There were sumptuous wines to try in this new hotel named after the first female publisher in the city. Their new restaurant Couvant provided nibbles,

also exceptional. It was a beautiful night to mingle in their courtyard. After, I met up with some friends at DBA on Frenchman Street to see Alexis and the Samurai. This duo is amazing, their vocals are catchy and they have a unique and quirky stage presence. I have now seen them perform twice and I am enthralled with everything about them. I ended my two weeks with another birthday celebration that included dinner and a show. I dined that evening

at Austin’s in Metairie. If you have not tried this noted restaurant, you need to put it on your list. Their steak and Italian specialties are delectable, and the grilled artichoke appetizer is to die for. Austin’s is part of the Mr. Ed’s Restaurant Group, founded by Ed McIntyre in 1989. Afterwards, we decided to go to The Four, which is the hip name for the Four Seasons Bar (or the A Frame Bar as I always called it). That evening Analia XO was hosting her lively show.

She had some amazing talent which included Versula Bottom, Ms. Holly N Dazed, Hale Santana and Debbie with a D. All these new performers were fun and did spooky Halloween numbers. I especially loved Debbie with a D’s ode to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That wraps up my exciting two weeks as we close in on Halloween. Until next time, stay calm and party!

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE I WROTE A SONG OPENING AT CAFE ISTANBUL

AT THE FOUR SEASONS EXPERIENCE SHOW

AT TREME FESTIVAL

AT THE NOAGE WALK AT AUDUBON PARK

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 29

Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

Stories Without Words at The Fortress of Lushington through Nov. 3 The Radical Buffoons (or “Buffoon(s)” as it’s sometimes rendered; quelle buffoonishness) is one of this town’s newer theatrical troupes. One branch of it is a LAB tasked with creating “non-traditional works of theater and performance.” The LAB’s first offering, Stories Without Words, “takes its cue from the torrent of music videos flooding current media” to present 14 short dance/ movement pieces using a wide range of songs and other brief musical works. The resulting creations, while certainly full of imagination, are not all that “non-traditional.” Given that Jon Greene conceived, choreographed and directed about half of them and Jarrell Hamilton the other half (with the same ensemble of five but in isolation from Greene), what impresses about this “experiment,” however, is how seamless the resulting work is. One would be hard-pressed to determine who exactly did which portions of this terpsichorean smorgasbord. Ranging from Mummenschanz-like episodes to ones inspired by Judson Dance Theater’s style of postmodern dance to even, briefly, a touch of ballet, as well as influences from any number of modern dance companies, some segments were more noteworthy than others. The brief but powerful Adrift at Sea (by Greene) showed a yong girl being tossed about by some sort of storm, bringing to mind Hurricanes Katrina & Michael and any number of tsunamis. In Feel No Pain (by Hamilton), people keep falling down as a society succumbs to some sort of plague. NOMA After Midnight (Greene) was cute and Twilight Zone-y involving a cleaning man and a painting. We, The People (Hamilton) offered a sweet and sensual ménage à cinq. In One for Halloween (Greene), a lab technician became trapped in a terrifying dreamscape of the imagination; this piece showcased Owen Ever, one of our most talented polymorphs. Android (Hamilton) started out rather abstractly, but evolved into a playful tale of a man and a woman’s courtship. Or was it a man and an android? Or two androids? I don’t want to spoil the surprise of Clowntango (Greene) but it was wittily done, while Oshun Suite (Hamilton) set to Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and danced with delicacy by Ebony Johnson, was simply beautiful. And I especially liked the precise choreography of Mon-Thru-Fri

Michael Aaron Santos confronts James Bartelle in The Pillowman (Photo by John Barrois) (Greene) in which a group of people holding coffee cups and cell phones dealt with modern morning angst. The three high-powered auto-racing gals of Hyper Drive (Greene) ended the program on a fun, exultant note, though something a bit more substantial might have been preferable for the evening’s finish line. Alas, Hamilton’s BoDy TeTris, involving three folks moving around with TVs on their heads, left me rather cold, while her Phrenology, a hodgepodgy musical chairs-inspired work, looked like it was more fun to do than to watch. Though Alyson Hetzel is a lissome dancer, as a woman staring down two men (exes?) in Greene’s Re/ Opression [sic], her facial expressions in this mostly motionless narrative gave only a limited sense of her interior thoughts; the role probably requires a Meryl Streep or Helen Mirren or Cate Blanchett. And Old As You Feel, also by Greene, was not only rather twee, but mildly ageist. If some of Stories Without Words were more like mere snippets of larger tales, it’s still always satisfying to see artists trying something new, especially when this buffet had such a high rate of success. The entire ensemble, which also includes Milli Marie Brown and Nathan Stevens, are all accomplished performers while Diane Baas’ atmospheric lighting almost qualifies as a performer

unto itself. At 90 mostly treat-filled minutes, Stories Without Words offers a nice alternative to the witches and monsters of the season. Just get to The Fortress of Lushington early to snag a front row seat. Otherwise, you risk sitting on a bench in the last row where not only might you miss a little of the action, especially if sitting behind a big-headed person, but you’re “tricked” into one of the most uncomfortable seats I’ve ever experienced in years of theatergoing. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

The Pillowman at Lusher Charter School’s Lion’s Gate Theater through Nov. 3

Martin McDonagh set his 2003 play The Pillowman in a “totalitarian f*cking dictatorship”, but nowadays with police brutality a headline staple, with just a little tweaking, the script could take place almost anywhere. Two gruesome murders have been committed. Katurian, a writer, has been hauled into a police station for questioning as these crimes have seemingly been inspired by two grisly short stories he’s written but that have, along with hundreds of others of his tales, except for one, been unpublished. Is Katurian somehow responsible? Or his “slow” brother Michal? And

if so, why did they do it? And what is their dark family history that caused them to turn out this way? Using the form of this police interrogation, what The Pillowman really explores, however, as its layers get pulled back, is man’s need to tell stories and how we deceive others and ourselves. In a world permeated by “fake news,” The Pillowman may be even more relevant now than when it debuted as none of the characters in it can be fully trusted. Having first seen Pillowman in 2007 at Le Petit, I prefer his later works The Lieutenant of Inishmore and A Behanding in Spokane, both of which received slam-bang productions from The NOLA Project, and his devastating film from last year, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Though effective in many ways, Pillowman strikes me as a bit of a mishigas, a work of a writer sometimes showing off (even if he does embed some self-criticism in the dialog). Mark Routhier’s production for The NOLA Project, however, delivers thought-provoking entertainment that should encourage discussion and debate on the way home. Coming in at about 2 ½ hours (some of which could probably be trimmed), Routhier keeps the pedal to the metal as other productions have stretched to nearly 3 hours, building tautly and incrementally, with McDonagh’s signature spikes of vio-

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Patrick Shannon (1939-2018) at the Ambie Awards in 2007 lence, to the denouement. Working with the initially stark set of Steve Schepker and lighting of Joshua Courtney, Routhier & Co. have some truly surprising tricks up their sleeves that make excellent use of the Lion’s Gate Theater’s space. And, with his primary cast of four, Routhier finds all of McDonagh’s rhythms for a most intelligently done presentation. Routhier’s most significant directorial choice is casting Ariel, the “bad cop” of a pair, as a woman. Nothing wrong with that; in some ways it even makes sense (and also allows for some budgetary efficiencies through double-casting). I’m not sure, however, if Meredith Owens is the perfect choice for that role as it seems to demand someone a little older and innately tougher. Owens is such a talented and smart actress, though, that she mostly overcame my reservations. I had no reservations about the “good cop”, Tupolski, of Michael Aaron Santos. Playing with Katurian as a mouse does with a cat, Santos emanated a sense of calculated, total command, his every utterance finely calibrated for maximum effect. With menace skimming his surface, Santos still allowed us to believe in his authorial aspirations, his ego hurt when Katurian belittles them. I have long admired Santos (he won a 2005 Ambie Award for Our Country’s Good); this is one of his most brilliant performances. As Katurian, James Bartelle builds beautifully to his explosive moments, his initial bonhomie (“I have no ax to grind”) giving way to a fear that drains him. Shapeshifting into different characters as he tells his stories, Bartelle gave forth a subtle but firm pride; a tad more pomposity was all that was

missing. (One does have to wonder why none of his stories have been published as they’re terribly good; pity he didn’t send them to Edward Gorey’s publisher.) Michael Joel Bartelle, James’ real-life brother, played the damaged Michal well, but could’ve brought greater shadings to the role for which Michael Stuhlbarg was nominated for a Tony. With the news dominated by the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Pillowman turns out to be more like a memorable episode of NCIS or CSI or any other TV crime show, than the socially conscious drama it initially sets itself up to be. It’s a bit of a cheat, but a seductive one. And maybe that’s what storytelling is all about.

In memoriam Shannon

Patrick

I was saddened to learn of Patrick Shannon’s passing on October 10. For eight years, beginning in November 2002 and continuing until he retired at the end of 2010, I had the pleasure of sharing this Trodding the Boards column with him. In 2003, we created the Ambie Awards to salute excellence in theater in the Greater New Orleans area. Patrick was a complete pleasure to work with. In all the time we shared critics’ duties, we never had a fight, an argument or anything more than a mild disagreement, always settled amicably. From the start of the Ambies, unlike other local awards, we determined that university, high school, and established theater organizations’ youth productions would be eligible for all award categories as well as theaters on the

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

North Shore in Covington and Slidell, so as to be as inclusive as possible. Patrick never wavered from this ideal. In the first years of the Ambies, before we relied solely on presentations by nominees, Patrick was instrumental in arranging for entertainment for the show, as he drew on his longstanding friendly relationships with many of this town’s top talents. Despite Hurricane Katrina, Patrick and I decided that “the show must go on,” and we presented the 2005 Ambies at Le Chat Noir on February 6, 2006, the first time the theater community was able to come together as a whole after the storm. Patrick was a gentleman with a sly sense of humor and a keen critical eye. He will be missed.

Curtain Up

Following its sharp production of Lucas Hnath’s intelligent, if wordy, A Doll’s House, Part 2 in its magnificent new home, Southern Rep will be presenting the regional premiere of Everybody, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ saucy adaptation of the 15th-century morality play Everyman; Jacobs-Jenkins’ local debut will occur simultaneously with UNO’s production of his Gloria. When it rains Pulitzer Prize finalists for drama, it pours, eh? Everybody will be directed by Helen Jaksch and will feature The Acting Company, Southern Rep’s select group of local performers who collab-

orate with the organization annually. Don’t go expecting to see anyone in a particular role, however; actors for five of the parts--which, in addition to Everybody, include such allegorical figures as Friendship, Kinship and Stuff (or material goods)--are determined at each performance by lottery. That’s a lot of potential combinations for the seven performances, November 7–17, in the theater at 2541 Bayou Road. Not sure about the casting for Mamma Mia!, though it probably won’t include Meryl Streep or Cher. The Company: A St. Bernard Community Theatre will be giving this wonderfully silly jukebox musical--“Featuring 22 of ABBA’s Greatest Hits”--its first local production at Nunez Community College (3710 Paris Road, Chalmette) November 2-11. Going from the ridiculous to the sublime, in celebration of New Orleans’ Tricentennial, New Orleans Opera Association presents Pygmalion, a French Baroque opera by Jean-Philippe Rameau inspired by the Greek mythological subject of the renowned sculptor who creates a beautiful statue with which he, literally, falls in love; the goddess Venus magically brings the statue to life and apparently all live happily ever after. Running November 8-11 at Le Petit Theatre, Pygmalion will feature performances by Paul Groves, Sarah Jane McMahon, Rachel Looney, Haley Whitney, The New Orleans Opera Chorus, and Marigny Opera Ballet Com-

pany as well as compositions complemented by paintings from the New Orleans Museum of Art’s new exhibition of the Duke of Orleans’ celebrated art collection. Art will also surround Little Tickles, a new full-length play by New Orleans native Natalie Kratochvil presented by See ‘Em On Stage November 8-25 at The Art Garage (2231 St. Claude Avenue), a venue mostly known for providing a space for local visual artists. Little Tickles explores how one night and one decision can profoundly affect lives forever while addressing issues of dating, recreational drug use, consent, and sexual assault, important topics that have taken over national headlines in the past year. Christopher Bentivegna helms the production which stars Kali Russell, Kamille McCuin and Matthew Martinez in a provocative, timely, and occasionally darkly humorous yet poignant tale. More dark humor can be found at Playmakers Theater on the North Shore which is presenting Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer through November 4 (19106 Playmakers Road, Covington). Though set during the holidays, it has a Halloweeny feel to it as Richard, an alcoholic who has recently gone blind, and his brother Sharky prepare to celebrate Christmas eve with friends. As they play poker, one guest, the mysterious Mr. Lockhart, seems to have come for more than gambling

Responding to Injustice

winnings. Barbara Faherty directs John Carambat, Kenneth Faherty, Cary Martin, Ladson Poole, and Ken Richard in Seafarer which, with its drinking, gambling and supernatural goings-on, would seem the perfect fit for NOLA, North OR South Shores. And any show entitled Mad Scene would seem to be ideal for the Day of the Dead. Broadway @ NOCCA kicks off its seventh season with Marisol Montalvo’s Mad Scene, “a theatrical journey of operatic proportion.” This autobiographical tale details the insane challenges faced by an American opera singer as she performs on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including the Paris Opera and Carnegie Hall. Written and directed by Jeffery Roberson (aka Varla Jean Merman), Mad Scene features William Hobbs at the piano. Montalvo made her Carnegie Hall debut with Christoph Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and has recently performed the role of Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier opposite Renee Fleming at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. And just so no witches, goblins or ghosts will want to haunt me, to be clear, Day of the Dead is November 1. At least, that’s when you’ll be treated to Mad Scene at NOCCA. Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail.com.

Pastor Allie Rowland Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans alisan.rowloand@gmail.com Have you ever felt compelled to speak out about something that was wrong? There are times in our lives when we either experience or witness an injustice. And then we have to decide--how do we respond? And honestly, we often have to weigh the cost of speaking out. Is our job at stake? Our reputation? Our security? If you’ve never been in that position, you might think that you know exactly what you would do. But, decisions that cost us, that are risky, are never easy to make, even when we have a high sense of integrity or compassion, and even when we have a faith and belief that guides us to do no harm to others. My father was an example of this. After Vietnam, he got a job at a company that made airplane parts. But when my father challenged the management there because the parts weren’t being made correctly, he lost his job. He was afraid that if he said nothing, that an airplane part could fail in a way that would endanger people on the plane and possibly end in a plane crash. I believe that my father made the

best choice he could make. But he was unemployed for 10 years after that. The cost was not just his, but a price paid by his family as my mother worked multiple jobs and we scrimped and saved every penny. Often we want to believe that if we do the right thing that we will be protected, but we’re not always protected from sacrifice. Sometimes we are called to sacrifice for what is right. We may struggle with that truth, but I believe that love for others can help us to do what sometimes feels overwhelming or impossible. The movie Erin Brokovich starring Julia Roberts had quite an impact on me when I first saw it in the theatre back in 2000. I knew that it was based on a true story and, not only was it based on a true story, but it happened not far from where I grew up in San Bernardino County in California in a desert town named Hinkley. Our utility company out there, Pacific Gas and Electric, was dumping a chemical called hexavalent chromium, and it seeped into the groundwater. It was only when the children in Hinkley start-

ed getting cancer, that people started to suspect that something was wrong. It was Erin Brockovich who convinced one of the employees at PG&E to come forward with the evidence that proved that PG&E knew the chemical they were dumping was harmful. The class action lawsuit of the families was settled for $333 million dollars, one of the largest payouts ever for a lawsuit of that type. If that employee hadn’t been willing to come forward and risk his own job and livelihood, more children might have died from cancer. Azerbaijani-Scottish human rights activist, Fuad Alakbarov, said that “Every country needs its whistleblowers. They are crucial to a healthy society. The employee who, in the public interest, has the independence of judgment and the personal courage to challenge malpractice or illegality is a kind of public hero.” You might not think of yourself as a whistleblower, and you may never find that you have the information that could save other people’s lives. But you also don’t always know what the consequences of an injustice will be.

What might seem like only a small poor decision might be larger than you think. You could see someone dispose of a chemical somewhere, and never know that it might cause children to develop cancer. And it’s precisely because we don’t know all the consequences that it matters when we reveal the truth, when we choose the side of justice, even when it means we might have to make our own sacrifice. The alternative is knowing that we could have been used as a force of love and justice, but instead, let our fears win. Were your heroes the drag queens at Stonewall whose frustration finally lead to action? Are your heroes the first men and women to transition their gender or those who first decided to gender bend? Are the political activists in the tradition of Harvey Milk those who you admire? Or, are your heroes the feminists who are lifting their voices and demanding equality? Let the people around you inspire you to acts of courage and justice. You never know who you might inspire!

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES

A Brother and a Symbol

The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ fr.bill@stannanola.org One of the earliest writings that explicitly talked about Gay brotherhood and Gay interaction in communities was written in 1163 by Saint Aelred of Rievaulx (some hold him as Patron Saint of LGBTQ+): “As a result of a kiss, there arises in the mind a wonderful feeling of delight that awakens and binds together the love of them that kiss...” Enter Brother Don Dubay. Don has been a longtime friend and member of St. Anna’s. He is married to Rusty Downing. They live a charmed life in the Marigny. Don still works at his “day job” in the Medical Insurance field and he is quite good at it. Rusty is a retired schoolteacher who also sings with the Gay Men’s Chorus. They are fun and delightful people to know. In fact, they are both quite well-known at the Friendly Bar. It’s very close by to where they live. They enjoy wonderful friends, take vacations to P’town and love to enjoy a brunch or lunch. You get the picture - nice people simply living a largely enjoyable life together. Since I have known Don, however, he has been seeking. He came to us simply trying to find an accepting community of faith. It helped that we “looked” Roman Catholic because we are Anglo-Catholic. Over time, though, he had a longing for something more; I suspect he did not even know what that would look like. Seeking his “call.” Don’s past life is rich and mixed like all of ours. He was raised in the Catholic Church which he loved as a child. He served in the military and was an Alexian Brother in Michigan (a Roman order specializing in Medicine). At some point, he left his Order and left the church. After all he was Gay and there was no room at the Inn for him. One would expect that he was deeply hurt. Rejection, howsoever it happens, is always a hurtful experience. After his military service, like so many of his generation, he felt guilt about his sexuality. So, he sought out a Protestant Church that tried to ‘pray the gay away.’ Needless to say he wandered away from the Church deeply hurt again. That was an age ago. We can only imagine the psychic damage that such things cause. Yet, years later, still seeking, he found St. Anna’s and once again his passion to serve surfaced. Don continued seeking as his faith was rekindled and he began to understand clearly that being Gay wasn’t a sin and there was nothing wrong with him. He was part of a larger beloved community. Yet, he was seeking. In time, Don would wander onto a

website www.orderofsaintfrancis.org, and his eyes and his heart would be opened. “To what” you may ask. To the possibility of embracing a “Rule of Life” that would articulate what his heart was yearning to do. Service to others. This particular Order says of their vows: As Brothers of the Order of Saint Francis (OSF), in humble recognition of the traditional vows of Obedience, Chastity, and Poverty, we give contemporary expression of these vows in our journey through life as Humility, Charity, and Simplicity. WOW, “humility, charity, and simplicity.” That is a powerful package of vows and aspirations. Were it that all of us could or would live this life. Anyway, Don found his calling and a framework for it. This story is not so much about Don, as he will readily agree (it’s a humility thing), but about finding a calling that changes the world we live in. So what does a Franciscan do in the 21st century in this new and revitalized tradition? They serve. They have visited and provide ongoing work in Puerto Rico helping people recover from Hurricane Maria. Some serve homeless populations as our own Brother Don does. Some are social advocates and march in demonstrations seeking social justice for the disenfranchised or marginalized. Their very ordinary lives are surrounded by the constant image of Francis who found deep solidarity with the poor. In Francis’ poverty, he found his savior and found his real self. Are we not all seeking to find our real selves? Don was seeking and has discovered his real self and it is selfless. His aim is to serve, especially those who are in need. Hungry or thirsty, either physically or spiritually, Brother Don provides. Don is a symbol. When you see Brother Don in his habit, it is brown, with cords tied at the waist. It is, like Brother Don himself, symbolic. Here are some of the messages hidden in his habit: the color brown evokes the color of the cross, in particular the “Tau” cross, made like the capital letter “T.” The rope around his waist is a belt, true, but it has three knots symbolizing the three vows and each knot has five coils to remind one of the five wounds of Christ. There are other symbols that are present but they are, like Brother Don, symbols. Don is a symbol of what is possible for all of us who seek to live fulfilling lives and make this a better place. One need not become a Brother OSF but it is an option. One can simply give some

time to help Brother Don in his feeding ministry. Don, with a band of helpers will be feeding about 20 families. In the past, they have fed as many as 36 families. They bring coffee and compassion to the homeless on Claiborne Avenue. They help arrange for food for Anna’s Place Kids from time to time. We all have the capacity to become symbols. When I was in Jackson Square the day DOMA was struck down we, about 500, were symbols that “Love Won.” When we see a rainbow flag we see vast diversity. When we march in either Decadence or Pride parades it becomes a symbol of freedom to be who we are.

Just so, Don is an invitation to anyone in our Community who wants to serve others.If you seek a chance to be a part of this giving family who volunteer to lend a hand for grocery shopping or to help stock the shelves, please send us an e-mail and we will give you the honor of service to those in need. Maybe one or two of the Gay Clubs can do a volunteer community service day and help Don and his Krewe of Francis friends. Thank creation for giving us Brother Don and his Franciscans, and thank this community for centering itself on love.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ, MARK DAVID, AND JOJO WOWW & SUBMITTED BY PERSANA SHOULDERS

OZ New Orleans 2-story, 24/7 gay dance club with DJs, drag shows, go-go dancers & a balcony for people-watching.

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ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

I Ain’t Got 70 Days: Substance Abuse Self-Help

Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org You may have noticed that we like to party here in New Orleans. There’s practically a bar on every corner. Let’s face it, you’re probably squinting at this article in a dimly-lit bar right now. For most LGBT folks, bars are a safe space where we can meet up, have a couple drinks, and have a good time. But there is a dark side to all the fun for some of us. A sizeable minority of people are genetically or behaviorally predisposed to becoming addicted to alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behavior, and research has shown that this problem is higher in the LGBT community than in the general population. According to a 2015 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), sexual minorities are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a substance use disorder (defined as “clinically significant impairment caused by the recurrent use of alcohol or other drugs”). If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse, you should know that help is available. For people with severe addiction, professional treatment in the form of hospitalization, psychotherapy, and medication may be necessary, but peer support has been proven to help people with addictions build the motivation, skills, and community they may need to get and stay sober. Here are a few of the self-help programs available locally--yes, sobriety really is possible in New Orleans! 12-Step Programs 12-Step recovery programs are by far the most common self-help group for people who struggle with alcoholism and other addictions. The oldest of these, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was founded in 1935, and there are over 100,000 AA meetings world-wide. On any given day (or night) in New Orleans, there are AA meetings going on all over town. In addition to AA, there are Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), and Heroin Anonymous (HA) meetings. The 12-Step Model is also used by Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) and Overeaters Anonymous (OA). All of these organizations have regular meetings in New Orleans. So what exactly is the 12-Step Model? Basically, it consists of a range of actions and principles designed to help people overcome addictions and compulsive behaviors. The participant is encouraged to admit that they are unable to control their problem, recognize that a higher power (usually, but

not always, God) can help them recover, take a personal inventory of mistakes and “character flaws,” making amends to people they have harmed, building a new life with a new set of behaviors and beliefs, and helping other people overcome the same problem(s). Alcoholics Anonymous (aka “The Big Book”), originally published in 1939, describes the process in detail. People in these programs are usually encouraged to find a “sponsor,” which is essentially a mentor who has worked through the 12 Steps. The New Orleans LAMBDA Center is an LGBT-friendly “clubhouse” in the Faubourg Marigny that hosts a variety of 12-Step meetings, including AA, NA, CMA, and others. To see a calendar of their meetings, visit www. nolambda.org. For a list of all AA meetings in the New Orleans metro area, visit www.aaneworleans.org. While many people find the 12Step Model helpful for achieving and maintaining sobriety, it does not work for everyone. Some people find certain aspects of these programs to be overly dogmatic and religious in nature. Four out of the twelve steps refer specifically to “God” or “God as we understand Him.” For those who find the Abrahamic language of 12-Step programs to be unhelpful, SMART Recovery may be a better option. SMART Recovery Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery is a secular and science-based program used by people in recovery from a variety of addictive and compulsive behaviors. SMART uses a “four-point program” that consists of 1) Building and maintaining motivation, 2) Coping with urges, 3) Managing thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and 4) Living a balanced life. The evidence-based interventions used in this program are primarily based on rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that has been shown to be effective in the treatment and management of alcohol abuse, drug addiction, eating disorders, and other compulsive behaviors. For a listing of SMART Recovery meetings in the New Orleans area, visit www.smartrecovery.org. Refuge Recovery Refuse Recovery takes a Buddhist approach to recovery from addiction. The “Four Truths of Refuge Recovery” are: 1) Addiction creates suffering, 2) The cause of addiction is repetitive craving, 3) Recovery is

possible, and 4) The path to recovery is available. The core principles of Refuge Recovery are “mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity.” For a listing of Refuge Recovery meetings in the New Orleans area, visit www.refugerecovery.org. The aforementioned programs all recommend complete abstinence from addictive substances and compulsive behaviors, but that may not be achievable or realistic for everyone. Harm-reduction programs aim to help ameliorate the negative social and health consequences of substance abuse. Trystereo is a “volunteer-run collective” in New Orleans that provides sterile IV syringes, overdose prevention training, and other support services. For more information on Trystereo, visit nolaharmreduction.tumblr.com. CrescentCare also provides harm-reduction services, including sterile syringe access and an intensive outpatient program. For more information, visit www.crescentcarehealth.com/service/ harm-reduction-services.

Our legacy is yours.

New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) provides services and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults in the New Orleans metro area. We host regular social events for LGBT older adults and their allies, and we provide cultural competency trainings for healthcare and other service providers. To learn more, visit www.noagenola.org, or call (504)517-2345.

Beautifully Renovated Historic Cottage 5036 N. Rampart St. ∙ 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1760 SF ∙ $239,000 This recently renovated home offers an expansive patio, ample yard space, off street parking and tons of natural light. Hardwood floors, tall ceilings and crown molding create the authentic Creole Cottage feel while offering an updated open floor plan. The master suite has a large walk-in closet, georgous bath and opens onto the patio. +1 504-777-1773 ∙ Michael.Styles@evusa.com

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LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

bars

Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!

Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted

We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.

Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted

Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events.

If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com

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. Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States. 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. Designed for a casual night out or a quiet evening with that special someone, we offer a wide selection of liquor, beer, and the world renowned Separator. 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 NAPOLEON’S ITCH, 734 Bourbon St., 237-4144 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. Leather, Dark Rooms, & Bears All Around. You can feel the throb of excitement and smell it in the air. This isn’t just a bar. This is an experience! 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

Easter Sunday, April 11, 2018, 19th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade. com

costumes

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

galleries

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

guides

AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com

groceries/delis

New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hair salons

New Orleans, LA [504] Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397

hardware

New Orleans, LA [504] MARY’S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465. More than just a hardware store, Mary’s Ace French Quarter Hardware also features an extensive selection of kitchen and bath items upstairs.

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. [0118] 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 “half-kitchen”, 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

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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!

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, P.O. Box 2587, LaPlace, LA 70069, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ambushpublishing.com

organizations

FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext. 254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@ gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade. COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www. haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area. HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; HalloweenNewOrleans.COM 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 LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org MYSTIC KREWE OF LORDS OF LEATHER, 1000 Bourbon St #B415, New Orleans, LA 70116, 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 NEW ORLEANS PRIDE, info@neworleanspridefestival.com; 504.321.6006; NewOrleansPrideFestival.COM; NOLAPride. ORG; New Orleans Pride fully embraces the message of “One CommUNITY” as we celebrate our history and promote the future prosperity of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. We use public awareness and education about the LGBT+ community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination. Our programs, seminars and events leading up to, and during Pride weekend, are meant to include individuals from all walks of life. 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 504.947.2121, stannanola.org Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave — Pastor Alisan Rowland: New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our weekly Sunday worship services at 10:00 AM, where we celebrate God’s Love for everyone.

pharmacy

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]

Get Listed for $10 per Issue Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?

Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com

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. Since 1939, our quirky, cozy, unique diner has been home to the best breakfasts & burgers on Bourbon Street–maybe even the whole French Quarter! 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

real estate

New Orleans, LA [504] Engel & Völkers New Orleans, Michael Styles, Realtor — Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties. 504.777.1773, NolaStyles.com Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com

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] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195

theatres

New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM

tours

New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM

Your financial needs are unique. Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals. I’ll look at all aspects of your finances, then find solutions that are right for your unique needs. I’ll be there to adjust your plan as life unfolds. When you have the right approach, life can be brilliant. Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M., ADPA® Financial Advisor Waterfront Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3939 N Causeway Blvd, Ste 400 Metairie, LA 70002 504.889.1704 s.billeaudeau@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/s.billeaudeau

Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT BELLE REVE NOLA’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH AND TEA DANCE

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE NOAGE HALLOWEEN PARTY AT JIM MEADOW’S HOUSE

AT KREWE OF ARMEINIUS‎’ COCKTOBERFEST 2018

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

FINANCIAL & BUSINESS

Six Ways to Reprioritize Your Finances This Fall Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com Let’s face it – summer can be expensive between vacations, home improvements, the cost of children’s camps and dining out. Now that the calendar has flipped to fall, you may want to take this opportunity to check in on your financial well-being and ensure you’re on track for the remainder of the year. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

REFOCUS ON YOUR GOALS

Assess your finances to see if you may have strayed from your financial goals (which hopefully you set back in January). If you’re far behind the targets you’ve set, review your spending habits and try to identify which choices and activities have contributed to this. There’s still time to get back on track.

MONITOR YOUR CREDIT

Get back in the habit of checking your accounts frequently. Doing so can help you keep an eye on recent purchases and may help detect and prevent fraud. Make sure to monitor your credit score, too. You can request a

free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at least once per calendar year. Review each report for accuracy and signs of identity theft.

CONSIDER REFINANCING OPTIONS

If your mortgage is not at a competitive rate, now may be a good time to refinance before rates go higher. Lowering your interest rate by even a quarter of a percent can potentially add up to thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a loan.

BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR HEALTH AND FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

If you have funds in an employer-sponsored flexible savings account (FSA), remember that the money expires at the end of the year. (The IRS allows you to roll over up to $500 to the next calendar year.) It may make sense to schedule health appointments soon, before the school year and holiday season are in full swing. You can use your tax-advantaged account to pay for reg-

ular medical and dental bills, eye exams, eyeglasses, chiropractic care and mental health counseling. If you have a health savings account (HSA), the funds don’t expire. Consider using the funds for various health expenses this year, or keep the money invested for future needs, which may include retirement health expenses. You have until the tax filing deadline (generally April 15) to make your annual contribution to the account for the prior year. Contribution limits vary based on certain factors, including whether you have single or family high deductible health plan coverage, so check with your tax professional.

INCREASE CONTRIBUTIONS

Boost your retirement accounts and reduce your taxable income by contributing the maximum amount to your tax-deferred IRA and 401(k) accounts. Your contributions will not be taxed in the current year. Plus, when you eventually withdraw the savings in retirement, you will probably be taxed at a lower rate.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Review your insurance policies and evaluate if you have the appropriate coverage. A divorce, child’s college graduation, large purchase, home remodel, etc. could cause you to need more, less or different options. Look for savings from bundling policies and pursue eligible discounts (safe driver discount on auto insurance, for example).

As you re-assess your financial well-being this fall, consider working with a financial advisor who can help you sort through potential challenges, identify your key goals and develop a strategy to keep your financial plan on track.

Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA®, is a Financial Advisor with Waterfront Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He specializes in addressing the unique needs of the diverse LGBTQ community, fee-based ﬁnancial planning and asset management strategies, and has been in practice for 11 years.

LSU sets up huge showdown with No. 1 Alabama David Grubb, Crescent City Sports BATON ROUGE – On a dreary and windy Saturday night in Death Valley, the No. 5 LSU Tigers did enough to earn a 19-3 win over the No. 22 Mississippi State Bulldogs. There is no such thing as a bad win, especially when that victory improves your record to 4-1 against ranked teams this season. But this one was like a game from a different time. A time when men named Woody, Bo and Bear roamed the sidelines and the forward pass was something you did because you had to, not because you wanted to. “It was definitely physical,” said tight end Foster Moreau. “We knew coming in it was going to be a dogfight, and we remembered what happened last year (a 37-7 loss in Starkville). We knew we were going to have to come out and play physical LSU football; three yards and a cloud of dust.” The contest got off to a rousing start. The crowd of more than 101,000 caused a pair of false start penalties before Mississippi State took its first snap. The Tigers were given the gift of a 7-0 lead following an interception and 31 yard return by Michael Divinity Jr. that put LSU on the Bulldog three yard

line. “We always focus on getting a lot of turnovers,” Divinity said. “And just to get a turnover on the first drive was a big thing because we set the tone for the whole game.” Nick Brossette would punch it in on third down from one yard out for the score, his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. Brossette would go over 1,000 career rushing yards with 64 on 16 attempts. After failing through the air, Mississippi State went back to what it does best; run the football. Sparked by quarterback Nick Fitzgerald’s 40 yard run, they went on a seven-play, 73 yard drive that ended with a Jace Christman chip shot field goal that made it 7-3. Later in the quarter Fitzgerald threw his second interception of the game. Grant Delpit made another highlight-worthy play to put the Tigers back in business. However, it was “grand opening, grand closing” as Burrow gave the ball right back when Cam Dantzler picked him off in the end zone. For Burrow, it was his third interception in as many weeks. LSU would finish with 239 total yards, their lowest output of the season.

As they have so many times before, LSU turned to its defense. And as they have so many times before the defense responded. Over eight first half possessions the Tigers forced five punts and grabbed two interceptions while allowing the Bulldogs to gain only 144 yards of total offense. State had a grand total of 14 yards through the air during the break. They somehow managed to outgain the Tigers 260-239, but their four turnovers killed any chance of an upset. However, the Tigers were more than willing to match the visitors in offensive futility. LSU ran 36 plays for 79 yards in the half; just nine coming on the ground. They did finish the second quarter with a 64 yard drive capped by Cole Tracy field goal as the clock expired for a 10-3 halftime lead. Coming out of the locker room LSU was able to string together a pair of scoring drives in the third quarter, both ending with Tracy field goals, to extend its lead to 16-3 heading into the fourth. Tracy improved to 21-of-23 on field goals this season, once again showing himself to be as valuable an offseason addition as anyone in the Tigers’ locker

room. “Anytime that you have the opportunity to help your team put points on the board, as a kicker that’s what you want to do,” Tracy said. “Defense was lights out again, and the offense did a great job of moving the ball, and I’m just happy to be able to do my part and do my job.” “We were very sluggish on offense,” said Orgeron. “We got going a little bit in the second half. It wasn’t a perfect game…but you know we won the game.” Meanwhile, the Tiger defense continued to terrorize Fitzgerald. He was 1-4 passing for five yards in the quarter. When he dropped back, he was pressured. When he ran, he was swarmed. That continued into the fourth quarter as Mississippi State went punt, interception, interception on its final three drives. LSU tacked on one more Tracy field goal to create the final margin of victory. The Tigers suffered a significant loss, however, when All-American linebacker Devin White was ejected from the game for targeting after a hit on Fitzgerald in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. White will miss the first

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

half of the Alabama game. Statement from SEC Office on targeting call on LSU player Devin White in response to request for comment from media in Baton Rouge: By rule, no player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent. The QB on the play was defenseless at the time of the contact. By rule, all tar-

geting calls are reviewed. The call was reviewed and confirmed. But that’s two weeks away. The Tigers are now 7-1, with a SEC West championship still there for the taking. “I knew it was going to be a battle,” Orgeron added. “I didn’t know if we could hold them to three points, I’m very proud of that. This is a team that ran for 369 yards against a very good

Auburn team. For us to hold them to three points is excellent. I thought we’d do a little bit better on offense, but 19 points was good enought for the win.” At this stage in the season, it doesn’t matter how you get your wins, it just matters that you get them. Somehow, someway, LSU has kept figuring it out. The question remains whether the Tigers can find the right formula four

more times to earn a trip to the SEC Championship Game. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

Before there were Saints, Raiders and Chiefs almost moved to New Orleans Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports What if I told you that New Orleans pro football faithful came oh-so-close to cheering for their team in Super Bowl I or II? Would you think that I’ve lost my mind? Well, how do the New Orleans Raiders or New Orleans Chiefs sound? Still think I’m crazy? In 1963, the Oakland Raiders almost became tenants in old Tulane Stadium. And if that didn’t take place, New Orleans came within a whisker of cheering for the New Orleans Chiefs. Let me back track a bit, so this will all make sense. On August 18, 1962, the Houston Oilers and Boston Patriots squared off in an exhibition contest at Tad Gormley Stadium. It was well attended by 31,000 fans, the largest ever American Football League preseason game crowd. Keep in mind 7,000 additional were turned away due to capacity restrictions. It was the very first taste of professional football in the Crescent City, sending out a message loud and clear to the pro football world that New Orleans was ready to have a team of its own. In 1961, New Orleans mayor “Chep” Morrison was ready to focus on trying to secure a Major League Baseball franchise for the city, on the heels of Houston’s landing the Colt .45s (soon to become the Astros). Morrison assembled an enthusiastic group pf 20 local businessmen to help fulfill this dream and get New Orleans on the major professional sports map. One of those businessmen was an aggressive entrepreneur named Dave Dixon, who convinced the committee that there was no stadium in place for MLB while a venue which could house professional football was ready to take in a franchise. Understanding the requirements to be an NFL city, Dixon reached out to the local African-American community, including a meeting with prominent black leaders like future mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial and Avery Alexander. The NFL had a written rule that all games will be desegregated, with no partiality to race, color or creed. Dixon offered to work closely with the black community to ensure they would be treated fairly.

But the AFL provided the faster opportunity for New Orleans to have a team. In 1962, it appeared as though the Oakland Raiders were seeking greener pastures. Then-owner F. Wayne Valley’s team had just endured a 1-13 mark, playing in old Frank Youell Field where the Raiders averaged just 10,984 fans per home game. “We were skiing in Austria,” recalls Dixon’s son Frank about a family vacation in his pre-teen days. “Dad received a phone call. The caller tells him that the Oakland Raiders are for sale. They had just finished 1-13 and weren’t drawing. He flew back to Oakland and, with a handshake agreement, accepted an offer to purchase the team for $236,000. Dad had a group of 8-9 guys who would pool their money and sign the paperwork.” The Silver and Black was void of marquee stars but had prominent players like future Hall of Fame center Jim Otto, running back Clem Daniels and former LSU quarterback M.C. Reynolds. Despite a down 1962 campaign, the Raiders would play in the World Championship II (later named the Super Bowl) five seasons later in January 1968. Oakland eventually captured wins in three Super Bowls (XI, XV and XVIII). “The mayor of Oakland got wind of what was going on and convinced F. Wayne Valley to sell to a local group,” Dixon recalled. Valley gave in to the mayor’s request, keeping the team on the west coast and hired a 33-year old by the name of Al Davis to serve as the team’s head coach and general manager. The rest is pro football history. John Mecom, Pete Rozelle, Dave Dixon L to R: The first New Orleans Saints owner John W, Mecom, NFl commissioner Pete Rozelle and Dave Dixon in 1966. Dave Dixon was disappointed, but not deterred. In 1963, his phone rang again. This time it was an offer from the Dallas Texans owner Lamar Hunt, the legendary promoter and developer who was the principal founder of the AFL and would later have a hand in founding World Championship Tennis and Major League Soccer.

“Hunt … struck up a relationship with mom (Mary Shea Dixon) and dad,” continued Frank. “He was very interested in moving the Dallas Texans to New Orleans, but did not want his (plans) made public. He was adamant about that.” Dave Dixon had forged a relationship with a very impressive local by the name of Joseph Merrick Jones, who had spent time as president at Tulane and had served as assistant secretary for Public Affairs in the U.S. State Department. Familiar with Dixon’s plight in 1962 with trying to land a pro franchise for New Orleans, Jones knew that Tulane Stadium would be the ideal venue to house a team. He also understood what roadblocks Dixon might encounter and professed his support. At that time, the Tulane adminis-

tration was totally opposed to bringing pro football to the Sugar Bowl’s home stadium, preferring to reserve it for amateur football only. It would take some persuasion to seal the deal. Joseph Merrick Jones had enough clout. But timing and fate intervened. On March 11, 1963, prior to Lamar Hunt sealing the deal, Jones’ Metairie home was engulfed in flames. In efforts to rescue his wife, he tragically did not survive the fire. Hunt and Dixon met following the ’63 football season, and the final destination for the Chiefs was between New Orleans and Kansas City. Hunt had great respect for Dixon. Darwin Fenner had replaced Jones as the new Tulane Chairman of the Board. He did not possess Jones’ persuasiveness with the Board, who had

ENGEL&VÖLKERS MICHAEL STYLES

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 41

high demands for information and input in the proces. Hunt wanted, essentially, a blank check agreement. Dave Dixon was between a rock and a hard place. Tulane select committee chairman Lester Lautenschlaeger, a former Green Wave star player, was more interested in getting a franchise from the more established NFL rather than an AFL relocation. That thinking would eventually greatly influence Dixon concerning the uncertain future of the AFL. Morrison resigned his mayor’s post to become Ambassador to the Organization of American States. Morrison’s influence, had he been in New Orleans at that time, would have certainly influenced the Tulane committee and Hunt to solidify a deal. Hunt and his franchise were off to Kansas City where his Chiefs would play in two of the first four Super Bowls, falling to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I and capturing victory in Super Bowl IV in New Orleans against the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL became Dixon’s primary focus. Within a short time, Dixon scrambled to put together an NFL preseason doubleheader at Tulane Stadium after the board agreed to it. On September 7, 1963, the Dallas Cowboys faced the Detroit Lions in the opener and the Chicago Bears took on the Baltimore Colts in the nightcap. The event attracted

57,000 paying fans. The games represented another major step for the city. Southern cities had not promoted desegregation at their sporting events. “On the Saturday morning that tickets were available, the first person approaching the trailer to buy his tickets was a black gentleman,” explained Frank Dixon. “He wanted to buy his tickets at the 50-yard line. He was told that he could sit wherever he wanted. After he paid his money and the tickets were in his hands, he sat down on the curb, looked at his tickets and literally cried, understanding the magnitude of what had just happened.” The Crescent City played host to subsequent NFL preseason games prior to the arrival of the Saints. On August 8, 1964, 63,000 witnessed the Packers against the St. Louis Cardinals. Sadly, the cause lost another staunch pioneer two months prior to the Packers-Cardinals game. On May 22, 1964, Morrison and his 11-year old son both died in a plane crash in Victoria, Mexico. Dixon understood the need to keep bringing in fans for exhibitions to aid his cause. Local announcer Al Wester, the voice of Notre Dame football in those days, helped. There were concerns that the heavy rains that poured down for the Bears- Colts game at the doubleheader the year before may re-

appear. Dixon informed Wester that he needed to pre-record a commercial saying that it would be “clearing and cooler by game time” even those the proclamation was taped weeks prior to game time for Packers-Cardinals. “We went to the Packers’ hotel where Green Bay was staying,” said Frank Dixon about the morning of the contest. “It was raining hard when we arrived to visit coach (Vince) Lombardi. We went to assure him everything would be fine. Lombardi looked at us and said ‘I heard a weather report. It’s going to be clear and cooler.’ He had heard Al Wester’s commercial recorded weeks earlier.” Dixon’s weather ‘prediction’ was accurate. The game went off without a hitch. I recall soaking in the Packers practice at Tulane Stadium on the Friday afternoon before the scheduled game that Saturday evening. I was in awe watching my heroes that I had only seen previously on TV. Legends like Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and Vince Lombardi were right before my eyes in person. I remember thinking that I could sit here and watch practice forever, never knowing that I would be watching the New Orleans Saints three years later. The Cardinals made a return visit the following year to square off with the Colts in 1965. The next year brought

two more preseason games to the Big Easy (Vikings-Lions and Eagles-Colts). New Orleans lost a tremendous ambassador for sports and the region as a whole when Dave Dixon passed away on August 8, 2010. We recognize and honor him for all the great causes that he spearheaded for the city, plus a few things that he almost did. Somehow I feel that the New Orleans Saints are the perfect team for this area. It was formed as an expansion team with castoffs, misfits and under-appreciated overachievers. But the organization was constructed brickby-brick with a solid foundation in the community despite the lack of success the first two decades. The Saints are the team that most resembles the community and its ardent fans. Success doesn’t always come easy in the Big Easy but we sure do appreciate and celebrate it when it does come. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · October 23 – November 5, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

$10 Gets You All You Can Eat ──── Thursday, November 15 5:00pm—7:00pm ──── The Double Play 439 Dauphine ──── Tickets for the 2019 12th Night

NOVEMBER 15 BURGERS &WIENERS Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers Fundraiser Join the Lord of Misrule, Frank Perez, and Grand Reveler I, Jeffrey Palmquist, at the Double Play as they grill delicious burgers and hot dogs to raise money for the Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers’ annual 12th Night Party. Grand Revelers II, Will Antill, and IV, Felicia Phillips will be serving up side dishes.

Party Will Be Available For Purchase ────

KREWE DE RUE ROYALE REVELERS 740 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70116 504-941-1633 frankearlperez@gmail.com