Ambush Magazine Volume 37 Issue 08

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTHâ„¢

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 37 ISSUE 08

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019

The 20th Annual Official Gay Easter Parade

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

The Gay Easter Parade

Always gave reba a

sweet tooth!

Play Girlz The Music of

Senator Ken Fridays 7:30–9:30pm

hosted by Gia GiaVanni

Fridays 10–11:30pm

The Music of the

Vanessa Carr Band

Saturdays 7:30–9:30pm

Divas R Us starring Monica Synclaire-Kennedy

Saturdays 10–11:30pm

e e l i b u las J g u o D a

The Half-Assed Straight Boys Sundays 3–9pm

eb R . t a e f 5p m

S u n da Best L GBTQ

Bar

Jubilee: Dragging for Jesus with Reba Douglas Sundays 5–7pm

Best Happy Hour

in the Quar ter!

ys @

Golden

The Official Home of Southern Decadence.

THE

Lantern

1239 Royal St. New Orleans • facebook.com/GoldenLanternBar

HAPPY HOUR 8AM – 8PM DAILY

N E V E R A C O V E R AT THE GOLDEN LANTERN

THE “OFFICIAL” DISH

by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, Easter is finally here! The 20th Annual Official Gay Easter Parade is less than two weeks away. The parade is on Easter Sunday, April 21, and starts at 4:30 pm at GrandPre’s near the corner of Rampart and St. Ann. We expect this year’s parade to be the biggest in the 20-year history of the event!

To our Grand Marshals Clint Taylor and Regina Adams, and Honorary Grand Marshal Jesse Hernandez, enjoy your reign as we are glad that you are part of this special anniversary year of the Official Gay Easter Parade.

Each year the parade is used as a fundraiser for charity and this year is no different. All money raised pays for the expenses associated with the parade and the surplus funds will once again be donated to Food for Friends, a division of CrescentCare. If you would like to be a sponsor of the parade or want to participate in the parade itself, you can find all the information you

need at GayEasterParade.com.

If you would like to attend an Easter Parade fundraiser, there are 3 more before Easter Sunday.

The Marsha Delain Purple Party will be held at Crossing on Saturday, April 13, at 7pm. This event features food, auction items, and live entertainment.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown will be holding a fundraiser all day on Tuesday, April 16. Eat in or take out for lunch or dinner at LPK Uptown and write “Easter Parade” on your receipt and 25% of your bill will be donated to the Gay Easter Parade.

Last but not least is the 10th anniversary of Bunnies in the Big Easy!

This fundraiser always kicks off Easter weekend with a bang! This event will be at the Sheraton New Orleans on Good Friday, April 19, from 7 to 9:30pm. The party has everything food, live entertainment, auction items, open bar (beer, wine & vodka) and of

Inside this Issue of Ambush Mayor Cantrell Establishes Office of Human Rights and Equity

6

Inaugural Queer History South Conference Held in Birmingham

6

NYC Pride announces route for WorldPride NYC 2019 | Stonewall 50 Pride March

7

A Letter from Tracy “Clint” Deroche Owner of Phoenix Bar

8

Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshals Regina Adams and Clint Taylor

8

Snap Paparazzi Bourbon Pub & Parade

12

Snap Paparazzi Golden Lantern

13

On Becoming an Ally to the Trans Community

14

Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshals and fundraising over the years

15

Book Review: American Indians in Early New Orleans

16

Health & Wellness: The Steps to Get PrEP

17

How to Win Friends and Influence Your DJ

18

New Orleans Through the Eyes of a Visitor

19

Trodding the Boards

20-21

Honorary Grand Marshal Jesse Hernandez

22

Finance 101: Buy Those Shoes, Damnit!

24

Party Down

26

Under the GayDar: Hot Happenings Sharing Financial Wisdom With Your Kids LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

30-41 40 42-43

A Community within Communities: Resurrection

44

Sports 46-47

48

NYC Pride announces route for WorldPride NYC 2019 | Stonewall 50 Pride March

49 50-51

Sports Saints and Sinners Festival to Feature Panel on Social Justice

46

ODYSSEY HOUSE LOUISIANA’S 2nd ANNUAL PROPHYLACTIC PROM

48

LGBT+ Archives Project Launches Oral History Initiative

50

Sports 52-53 Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com

44-46

course sexy bunnies! This is a ticketed event and only 100 tickets are sold.

Over half the tickets have been sold so be sure to buy yours today. You can purchase tickets at GayEasterParade. com.

HELLO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA We are excited to announce that we have once again expanded our distribution, this time to our neighbors in Birmingham, Alabama. You can now find copies of Ambush Magazine at Our Place, Al’s on Seventh, The Chapel Bar & Nightclub and The Quest Club. Birmingham is a natural city for Ambush as it’s only a 5 hour drive (300 miles) from New Orleans and a quick flight of less than 1 hour. If you are living in Birmingham and reading Ambush, drop us a line and let us know what you think. We can always be reached at info@ambushpublishing.com.

AMBUSH INVESTIGATIVE REPORT “RAWHIDE & PHOENIX” In light of all the buzz from last issue’s investigative report about the Rawhide and Phoenix, and some questions/comments that have been directed my way, I feel the need to set the record straight and clarify some things for the readers of Ambush.

First, Ambush Magazine is not in the business of taking sides. I don’t think it’s our job to tell you who or what is right or wrong. In the investigative report we set out with the mission of laying out the facts as we found them.

If you read the article, you’ll see that is exactly what we did. We told you what we knew and what we didn’t know. At a time when members of the LGBTQ community thought they were under attack and being targeted by the Alcohol & Tobacco Control Board, we felt it was our job to get the facts together and put that information in the public sphere.

We did not feel it appropriate to tell you what we thought of the facts as each reader can make those judgments for themselves. When I want to tell you, the readers of Ambush my opinion, I’ll write an editorial. Until then, just keep reading my Official Dish!

Second, there are several gay bars and LGBTQ businesses in New Orleans who don’t advertise with Ambush and we still promote their events.

I would have given the green light to this story regardless of whether any parties involved advertised in Ambush. We take seriously our role as a news source for the LGBTQ community and are committed to covering stories that matter and affect the lives of our readers.

Third, while Ambush Magazine is

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1M+ 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online Official Gay Easter Parade Guide™ Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide™ Official Gay New Orleans Guide™ Official Pride Guide™ Official Southern Decadence Guide™

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION

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

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & EVENTS Chris Leonard SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Brian Sands, Catherine Roland, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Kevin Assam, Persana Shoulders, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Ryan Rockford, Scot Billeaudeau & Tony Leggio LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf 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. ©1982-2019 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.

4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 5

a for-profit business, we are not solely in the business of making profits. We are in the business of being a valuable news source and event guide to all our readers along the entire Gulf South region. We are very deliberate in our role of documenting LGBTQ life, music and culture for future generations. And hopefully along the way while reading Ambush, you learn something, read something that makes you laugh or entertains you, and maybe you’ll even see a picture of a friend or two. As much as I would like ALL bars and LGBTQ businesses to advertise and partner with Ambush, I know that may never happen. But what I do expect is that everyone work together to support the community in any way possible.

In my mind, we are all members of the same community. In light of current

events and the current political climate, the words “united we stand, divided we fall” still ring true. Ambush is committed to reporting on and promoting all things LGBTQ in New Orleans and along the Gulf South. We are all in this together and Ambush prides itself on being inclusive of everyone. It’s simply the right thing to do!

Finally, on a personal note, I want to thank Frank Perez for all his efforts in writing the investigative report. It is more work than some may realize or appreciate. Frank spent countless hours collecting the facts through interviews, public record request and even sitting through hours of public hearings. Speaking of Frank Perez...

CONGRATULATIONS FRANK PEREZ

It’s not every day that someone you know gets inducted into the Hall of Fame. At the closing ceremonies of the 16th Annual Saints & Sinners Literary Festival, I had the privilege of watching Ambush’s very own Frank Perez get inducted into their Hall of Fame. He was one of a class of four inductees. The other members of this year’s Hall of Fame class included Michael Cunningham, Judy Grahn and Cheryl Head. All were recognized for their contributions and dedication to LGBTQ literature.

Congratulations Frank!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Flashback thru the Decades 3, a fundraiser for New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) , will be held on Sunday, April 28, from 6 to

8pm at Allways Lounge & Cabaret.

There is a $10 donation at the door and a 50/50 raffle will be held. Several entertainers will be there to take you thru the decades once again. NOAGE is a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the LGBT older adult community. Allways Lounge & Cabaret is located at 2240 St. Claude Ave. In addition, NOAGE will have its next potluck dinner on Tuesday, April 30, at 7:30pm. The event will be held at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church located at 1313 Esplanade Ave. If you are able to attend please consider bringing a dish (although not required) or a non-perishable food item for St. Anna’s Food Pantry. All ages are welcome to this event!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Cantrell Establishes Office of Human Rights and Equity New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has signed an executive order establishing the Office of Human Rights and Equity. This Office will house the city’s Equity Office and the Human Relations Commission, as well as serve as a liaison to many of New Orleans’ most underrepresented communities.

The City’s LGBTQ+ Liaison will

also be housed in this new office.

“The Mayor’s Office of Human Rights and Equity will ensure that underrepresented residents have a voice in City Hall,” Mayor Cantrell said. “I am charging them to deliver results and reduce the disparities that exist in our city, and to help provide positive outcomes in the lives of all our residents.”

The new office will be led by Vin-

cenzo Pasquantonio, who also leads the city’s Human Relations Commission and the city’s Equity initiatives.

“This office underscores the Mayor’s deep commitment to human rights and equitable governance. Its establishment will help better coordinate our efforts to promote human rights and embed equitable practices that will achieve measurable results,”

Pasquantonio said.

Under Mayor Cantrell’s administration, the Human Relations Commission has worked to reform its complaint process, improve language access policies in City Hall, prioritize LGBTQ+ communities of color and embed a lens of racial equity in City Hall policies and practices.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Inaugural Queer History South Conference Held in Birmingham On March 28-29, over 115 people from all over the U.S. spent two days in Birmingham discussing ways to better collect, preserve, research, and make accessible the diverse and complex LGBTQ history of the American South.

Queer History South began in 2014 as a way to connect researchers, archivists, scholars and others involved in Southern LGBTQ history fields through a virtual network. This network helped join research projects, locate materials, find experts on specific topics, and created an informal network of people invested in increasing the visibility of LGBTQ Southern experiences, history, and community.

In fall 2018, the Invisible Histories Project (IHP), a member of the network, released a convening interest survey that was sent out around the Southeast. Were people in the network (and beyond) interested in meeting in person? The answer was a resounding “Yes.” In response to the needs articulated in the survey, the Queer History South 2019 conference brought together people from across the U.S. to discuss best practices around Southern LGBTQ history work, create networks for future research, learn about

existing collections and scholarship, and determine the future role of the QHS Network. The planning committee for QHS 2019 consists of representatives from 5 Southern states. Speakers and presentations include representatives from organizations like the LFBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, the ONE Archives Foundation, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Amistad Research Center, Williams Research Center, Florida State University, Georgia State University, College of Charleston, and King’s College London.

The conference was generously supported by the City of Birmingham, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Sloss Furnaces, The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences, the Greater Birmingham Community Foundation LGBTQ Fund, Equality Alabama, Al’s on Seventh, AIDS Alabama, the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, Queer Appalachia, and the Emory University Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library.

In addition to the conference, two community events were also held. On Thursday, March 28, at the Birmingham Museum of Art, John Howard,

PhD, Emeritus Professor of Arts & Humanities, King’s College London, and author of Men Like That: A Southern Queer History (1999), hosted a screening of his new film, The Joneses, which was followed by an audience Q&A. On March 29, a community and conference mixer was held at the 41st St. Pub in Avondale.

The Invisible Histories Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Birmingham. IHP is an intermediary organization working with community members (individuals and organizations) and institutions like universities and libraries.

IHP connects with community members to collect their archivable history (documents, photographs, video, buttons, t-shirts, and many other items).

Items are then relocated to one of several partner repository archives located within the state wherein the materials were collected. From there, IHP works with archives and universities to make sure the materials are accessible, and research by students, faculty, and other scholars can begin. IHP has been collecting in Alabama since February 2018 and is in the process of expanding collections and partnerships into Mississippi and Georgia over the next two years.

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

WORLDPRIDE NYC 2019

NYC Pride announces route for WorldPride NYC 2019 | Stonewall 50 Pride March New York, NY, March 18, 2019 -NYC Pride, the official host of WorldPride NYC 2019 and Stonewall 50, announces the 2019 LGBTQIA+ Pride March route, as an unprecedented number of people are expected for the events planned for June 2019.

The 2019 Pride March, which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, will step off at noon on Sunday, June 30th from 26th Street and 5th Avenue. Some 150,000 marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the March will continue on Christopher Street, passing the site designated in 2016 by President Barack Obama as the Stonewall National Monument.

It will then turn north on 7th Avenue, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial, before dispersing in Chelsea just north of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue.

“As we prepare for the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride event in history, NYC Pride has worked closely with the New York Police Department, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office, and Council Speaker Corey Johnson to determine the most efficient and safest route and staging

areas possible for the 2019 March,” said Julian Sanjivan, NYC Pride March Director.

“As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, it is fitting that we will march down Fifth Avenue, past the Stonewall Inn and through the neighborhoods of Greenwich Village and Chelsea, cradles of the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio, the NYPD, NYC Pride and all their partners for their hard work in planning WorldPride NYC 2019, a tremendous logistical feat,” said NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“New York City stands ready to welcome people from around the world to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the significant role our city played in advancing equality and justice for all,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I commend NYC Pride, the NYPD, and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson for working together with my office to determine a Pride March route that provides for a safe, affirming, and meaningful experience to commemorate this historic milestone for the LGBTQ community.”

“NYC Pride is thrilled to welcome

millions of LGBTQIA+ people from around the globe for World Pride as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Uprising,” said Chris Frederick, Executive Director of NYC Pride, “From our Opening Ceremony in Brooklyn to the largest Pride

March in history to the Closing Ceremony in iconic Times Square, it is clear that New York will embrace Pride like never before. We welcome everyone to experience a million moments of Pride and make history with us in 2019.”

LGBT+ LIBERATION STUDY GROUP Join us to read and discuss "Lavender and Red" by Leslie Feinberg Wednesdays at 6:30 until May 15, 2019 Artspace Bell Campus Community Room 2111 Dumaine St., 2nd floor We're learning about the history of our struggles against capitalism, racism, and the state! We'll study colonialism and its effects on LGBT+ people worldwide, movements like Stonewall and ACT UP, and socialist ways forward to smash patriarchy, white supremacy, homophobia, and transphobia.

Free transportation available!

Contact Dylan at dborne99@gmail.com RSVP that email for this week's readings

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A Letter from Tracy “Clint” Deroche Owner of Phoenix Bar Frank Perez’s investigative report in the last issue of Ambush (“Phoenix and Rawhide: An Investigation, March 26) gives a detailed account of many of the things we have been dealing with over the past couple months because of a complaint that came from “a concerned French Quarter business owner.” While the Ambush story cites a redacted report, we knew early in the process that the complaint came from Tom Wood. We were and are disgusted. There are enough arrows pointed toward our community in the form of bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, and legislated, legalized hate, that for this to come from within our own circle is beyond disheartening. It’s gutting.

We have long held the belief that the queer spaces of Phoenix and Rawhide are an integral part of New Orleans’ unique LGBTQ+ fabric. And yes, our spaces have changed. Mr. Perez said in the article, “the truly sad fact is those losses appear to have come at the hands of members of our own community.”

Wood said in a statement to Ambush: “I cried foul. I am responsible for the employment of almost 100 people and will always do what’s best to protect them as we have for almost five decades.” When “doing what’s best to protect them” involves tearing apart the New Orleans LGBTQ+ community for your financial gain at the expense of

generations of our chosen families and collective queer experiences, how is that protecting anyone? The Phoenix is the proud employer to 20 people, and now the livelihood of those 20 people and their families, along with Wood’s own employees and their families at Rawhide, is jeopardized, because of his greed, pettiness, and hate.

We want both of these spaces to thrive in the aftermath of this. We will continue to be a champion for all queer spaces to thrive, but we will never stand for deplorable tactics like Wood’s to tear down another.

We also want to thank the city, state, and agency officials who have guided us through this process and

have been nothing but supportive and encouraging to get us compliant. As troubling and difficult as this has been, we have made some great new contacts and friends in our local and state governments. They have heard you, our fantastically loyal Phoenix family, and knowing we have so many in our corner has been a great help these past few weeks. We hope you continue to stand with the Phoenix and that you support LGBTQ+ businesses who stand with and support each other. We pledge to do the same.

Tracy “Clint” Deroche Owner, Phoenix Bar

INTERVIEW

Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshals Regina Adams and Clint Taylor Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com

FP: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself. Where are you from?

How/why did you get to New Orleans?

RA: I was born in Mercy Hospital when it was on Annunciation St. in

New Orleans in 1951. I was raised in the Saint Thomas Street Projects until I was about five years old, then my mother, who was divorced when I was three, moved to the Carrollton section

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of New Orleans, where I lived until I was ten years old. Then my mother remarried and moved into a house in Metairie, in the Green Acres Subdivision. I graduated from East Jefferson High School in 1970. I then moved to the French Quarter where I met my first lover Reggie and my best friend for 45 years Marcy Marcell, a former EGM (now deceased and missed very much).

CT: I grew up and went to school in New Orleans. Upon graduating from school, I stayed in New Orleans for a few years and worked for Saks 5th Avenue, Lord and Taylor and Macy’s. It was there that I got into the buying program and was transferred to Atlanta and became an Assistant Diamond Buyer. A few years later I was transferred to San Francisco and was the Diamond Buyer for all of the stores West of the Mississippi River. From there I moved to Palm Springs. I was ready for a change and was a little homesick, so I moved back to New Orleans. Just my luck I moved back approximately 6 months before Hurricane Katrina. While in Palm Springs I bartended at the Tool Shed and loved it, so when I moved back home, I knew that I wanted to bartend again and wanted to work at the Phoenix. I was offered the graveyard shift and was flattered but I knew I would shut off the alarm at 1:00am and be fired before I worked a single shift.

Lucky for me a couple of weeks later a daytime shift opened up. I bartended for a while and then became manager.

Fortunately for me the owner was at a point where he wanted to sell the bar and he knew I was interested so we

made plans to discuss the sale but before we could seal the deal he passed away. The good news was that he mentioned to his mom he was going to sell the bar to me so approximately two weeks later she called and said when things settled down she would call me because she knew that I was talking to Bobby about purchasing the bar. She kept her word and I have been the owner of the Phoenix for seven years.

I currently live on the Northshore with my partner and our four children.

As I mentioned I had moved here right before Katrina. One day I was reading the paper and there was an article that there was a desperate need for foster and adoptive parents because of so many left after Katrina. I took the foster care training program and then the phone started ringing off the hook. I knew I wanted infants and if they had special needs that was not an issue.

I began fostering and was hooked. I knew that I wanted to adopt so I started getting placements of children that they knew were high risk and chances were that they were not going to be able to be sent back home. All four of my children were born addicted to drugs and had to go through withdrawals. They were removed from the parents immediately, and I was able to bring them home directly from the hospital at birth.

They are now 13, 11, 6 and 3. The funny thing is that only the two youngest are related but all four of them look alike and they even look like me, so I knew that it was a perfect match. We are huge Disney fans and usually go to Disneyworld at least six times a year and have been to the Caribbean, Alas-

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

ka, Germany, Spain, Italy, Amsterdam and even Russia on the Disney cruise ships. There are not a lot of children that can say they have been out of the country and especially several times. I was looking but I did not run into Donald Trump in Russia.

FP: Have you been involved in the Parade before? Are there any memories you care to share?

RA: I have been riding in the parade since it started 20 years ago and contributed to it as a bar manager (WE are Family Bar, Gina’s Bar, Ziggie’s Bar, and my own bar—Society Page, which I sold to Orlando Aloe who also supports the Easter Parade. It’s now The Page.)

CT: I have never participated in the Easter Parade and most of it was due to the fact that the kids are out of school that week and that is usually one of the times we are at Disneyworld. I was so honored when I was asked to be Grand Marshal, but I mentioned that I could only do it if the kids were ok with us leaving for Disney the day after Easter. Just to offer an incentive to them I asked if it was ok if they rode with me and I was told yes, so that basically sealed the deal. You will see them in the carriage with me at the Easter parade.

In the past we have ridden in the Chris Owens Easter Parade and really loved it, so I know it is going to be that much more exciting being the Grand

Marshal of the Gay Easter Parade.

When the Chris Owens Parade gets to St. Ann Street you can see and hear an entirely different level of excitement so I know it will be even more exciting riding with and for the community.

FP: What does being Grand Marshal of the Easter Parade mean to you?

RA: As far as my memories of the parade, there are many, but seeing my friends become Easter Grand Marshalls and sharing this with them are among my favorite memories. Hope to see all of them at the parade.

CT: I never thought that I would be chosen as Grand Marshal because I keep a low profile. Not intentionally but with running a bar that is open 24/7 and trying to raise four children, there is not a lot of time to go out to other bars and mingle. However, I am very involved with the community and am thrilled that I have met so many people in such a short time that want to be involved in things that I do at the Phoenix and also asking me to help them with things away from the Phoenix. If I could pick one word that sums up what it means to me, I guess I would have to say “family.” We all run around day in and day out with segments of our family but when it comes to special occasions or someone who is in need of our support, our entire family comes together.

Due to the unfortunate circumstances at the bar lately, I am proud to say that

my “family” has come home to support me. I was at a very sad place when the summons was issued, and I remember crying across the Causeway bridge for the first few days, but I have to say my family both at home and in the community has really helped me get through this. Then when we found out who actually made the complaints my family really came home in droves to support me. So for me it will be a “Thank You to my family parade” and not just a Gay Easter Parade.

FP: Being GM of the GEP is not a ceremonial title, there is a lot of fundraising work involved. What is it like “behind the scenes,” so to speak?

CT: I am extremely grateful for everyone that has been involved with fundraising and behind the scenes activities. I have to be quite honest and say that I cannot be involved as much as I want to be with the fundraising. It is extremely difficult for me to be able to attend events due to family commitments, but I know that throughout the year I will be involved with fundraising for next year’s Grand Marshals and for the Parade itself.

FP: The Parade is a fundraiser for Food for Friends, which provides food for those living with HIV. Could you comment on why this is important?

RA: I have been performing in New Orleans for over 50 Years. I have performed with many, and almost all, drag performers in New Orleans to help raise funds for many charities, including the first HIV/AIDS Fundraiser at the Pub with the legendary Jimmy Calloway of The My-O-My Club. I myself have been HIV positive for over 40 years now, so this is a cause close to my heart. I also did the first fundraiser for Buzzy’s Boy and Girls at Ziggie’s Bar. Before they had a name for HIV, it was called the gay cancer.

CT: At 55 years old I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of what HIV and AIDS can do to a person.

Back in the ’80’s I remember people would not be able to leave their house because of the way the public treated them. Back then I remember Kaposi’s sarcoma and just the rapid weight loss would cause people to not want to leave their house. Fortunately, with programs like Food for Friends and other programs like this throughout the United States, people do not have

to face the fear in the community. As I think of when earlier asked about what does being the Grand Marshal mean and I said family, it just came back full circle. We hear about lesbian bars, leather bars, twink bars, black bars, etc. Sometimes some of us would never step foot into one of these so-called “type” bars but originally when Food for Friends and these other programs were in need of people to pack grocery bags of food, cook and deliver the meals to people living with HIV, the lesbian segment of our family volunteered to help out with what was back then known as a primarily gay man’s disease. They did not have to do that, but they felt a need to help support one of the family members. Food for Friends is an integral part of the family. Sometimes you have an unexpected bill that you must pay. We can all relate to that, but it becomes especially more important for someone that is unable to work due to their HIV. It is always good to know that the food pantry is available to get some basic necessities to help you bridge the gap until you can get back on your feet. It is not always a meal delivered to your doorstep that the Food Pantry needs to raise funds for, but it is also good for your everyday staples.

FP: Anything else you’d like to add?

RA: I am a cancer survivor since 2009. I can testify to the good work all at Food for Friends have done in the past and continue to do. Also, I ask all who know me and call themselves my friend to do what they can to support this vital and worthy cause.

CT: They could not have chosen a better Co-Grand Marshal to be with me. I had never met Regina Adams until after the announcement but the few times we have met since then I knew that I could not even come close to what Regina means to the community. I found out that she was at the Upstairs Lounge the night of the fire.

She has put on countless benefits throughout the years and has a wealth of the history of our family here in New Orleans. Again, I want to thank everyone who suggested me as one of the Grand Marshals and for everyone that has come up and offered their support since then.

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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COMMUNITY VOICE

On Becoming an Ally to the Trans Community Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org I recently saw an article posted on social media about the disturbing phenomenon of some gay men turning against transgender people. I felt deeply troubled by this, as I have long been troubled by some of the tensions I have observed between the gay and trans communities. A couple of weeks after reading the article, I attended a performance hosted by Vanessa Carr Kennedy, during which she talked about the importance of the Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), an annual event that is intended to celebrate the lives of trans people who are living, in contrast to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), which memorializes trans people who have been murdered. Listening to Vanessa, I realized that I needed to devote some space to this topic, one that hasn’t been covered as extensively in Ambush as gay issues have been.

I’ve come to realize that many of the hostilities between different groups of people tend to arise out of ignorance in its most basic sense. Groups of people are apprehensive of those they don’t understand, and the reason they don’t understand them is twofold: they

don’t make the effort to educate themselves, and they don’t make the effort to meet folks who are different from themselves. It’s easier to complain that there are too many letters in the LGBT+ acronym than to try to understand what the letters mean, and it’s definitely easier to “stick with your own kind” than to branch out. Of course, this isn’t unique to gay people. The people who most virulently hate immigrants tend to live in communities where they are very unlikely to actually meet or interact with them, to cite just one example.

So on the one hand, xenophobia may be human nature, but on the other hand…really queen? You can’t have it both ways. You can’t demand equal rights for gay people, and then turn around and say, “but not for them.” If you have struggled against bigotry and intolerance yourself, you should know better than to participate in it. But of course, if you’re the kind of person who knows better but won’t act better, this article isn’t really for you. This is really aimed at gay people who don’t understand trans issues, but want to.

Growing up in the 90s, I remember reading articles about the search to

identify the “gay gene.” Of course, we now know that there is no simple answer to why people are gay. Evidence of a genetic component (e.g., identical twins, who have nearly the same DNA, are more likely to both be gay than fraternal twins, who do not) exists, as well as evidence that some variations in a pregnant woman’s hormones can influence the likelihood of her child becoming gay. There is no known single biological cause of homosexuality, however, and most scientists who study it believe that it results from a variety of genetic, biological, and environmental influences. The same seems to be the case for trans people.

Various scientific studies have found that transgender identical twins are much more common than transgender fraternal twins, and that means there may well be a genetic component to gender identity. Studies have also found some key differences in the brain structure and activity of trans people.

As reported on realclearscience.com: “Male and female brains are structurally different…[T]he brain structure and brain activity of transgender people more closely resemble those of their gender identity versus their birth gender. This suggests that sexual differentiation of the brain during the development is not necessarily linked to sexual differentiation of the genitals.”

What this means, basically, is that gender – and the experience of gender – is not as simple as what an obstetrician writes on a birth certificate. Of course, trans people have been saying this all along.

There is, however, a potential danger in only looking at sexual orientation and gender identity through the lens of science. No one needs validation from scientists to be treated with dignity and respect. We can’t wait for science to “prove” that our personal experience is valid; we need equality now. I am a materialist; that is, I believe that the answers to the most pressing questions can be, and ultimately will be, shown through the scientific method. But the brain is by far the most complex aspect of human biology, and it will take a long time for scientists to reach ultimate conclusions about its role in gender and sexuality. In the meantime, if you want to gain a better understanding of what gender identity really means, read up on it. Below are some books that may be useful to that end.

THE BASICS Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation, by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman Trans-Kin: A Guide for Family and Friends of Transgender People, by

Dr. Eleanor A. Hubbard A Guide to Gender: The Social Justice Advocate’s Handbook, by Sam Killerman Transgender History: The Roots of Today’s Revolution, by Susan Stryker Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue, by Nicholas Teich MEMOIRS In the Darkroom, by Susan Faludi Man Alive: A True Story of Violence, Forgiveness, and Becoming a Man,

by Thomas Page McBee Tomorrow Will Be Different, by Sarah McBride Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, by Janet Mock Becoming Nicole, by Amy Ellis Nutt I want to acknowledge that this article hasn’t touched on the topic of gender-nonconforming people, those who reject the idea of the gender binary, or do not necessarily identify as either male or female. I do hope to cover that topic in a future column, but there is plenty of information about it in some of the above-mentioned books. I also would like to acknowledge that I do not speak for trans people. But I have spoken a great deal with trans people, and I hope you will too. We are privileged to live in a city with an amazing variety of different people, and we do ourselves - and each other - a disservice if we never try to make friends with people outside our usual social circle.

But that’s not enough. When you hear that trans people are facing a military expulsion, being humiliated in restrooms, getting assaulted (or worse), you need to call or write to your legislators and demand justice. If you hear someone making unkind remarks or dumb jokes about trans people, don’t just stand there and act like it’s cool.

It’s not cool. Think about all the times you were mistreated and disrespected in some way for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Then think about your straight friends and allies. Think about how much their support has meant to you and your community. They rejected hatred and bigotry. Shouldn’t you?

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for other services, events, or initiatives that you’d like NOAGE to provide for the community? You can always reach me at info@noagenola.org. I also urge you to consider making an investment in your future by supporting NOAGE. www.noagenola.org/support

14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY

Gay Easter Parade Grand Marshals and fundraising over the years Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com

Date

Grand Marshals

Parade Date

Money Raised

Charity

XX

April 21, 2019

Clint Taylor, Regina Adams & Honorary GM Jesse Hernandez

April 21

TBD

Food for Friends

XIX

April 1, 2018

Carl Mack & Nicole Lynn-Foxx

April 1

$13,082.66

Food for Friends

XVIII

April 16, 2017

Glen Kahrman & Bootsie Deville

April 16

$22,057.32

Food for Friends

XVII

March 27, 2016

Ken GrandPre & Monica Synclaire Kennedy

March 27

$33,110.08

Food for Friends

XVI

April 5, 2015

Johnny Prejean & Deja Deja-vue

April 5

$29,260.05

Food for Friends

XV

April 20, 2014

Todd Blauvelt & Stuart Nettles

April 20

$31,313.68

Food for Friends

XIV

March 31, 2013

Tommy Elias & Starr Daniels

March 31

$23,662.06

Food for Friends

XIII

April 8, 2012

Darwin Reed & Rhonda Roget

April 8

$36,252.00

Food for Friends

XII

April 24, 2011

Gary Vanderventer & Elizabeth Bouvier

April 24

$25,000.00

Food for Friends

XI

April 4, 2010

Chuck Turner & Tittie Toulouse

April 4

$17,182.15

Food for Friends

X

April 12, 2009

Tony Leggio & Marcy marcell

April 12

$15,518.75

Food for Friends

IX

March 23, 2008

Orlando Aloe & Safonda Peters

March 23

$12,424.05

Food for Friends

VIII

April 8, 2007

Michael Elias & Rona Conners

April 8

$11,000.00

Food for Friends

VII

April 16, 2006

Doc Reed & Opal Masters

April 16

$8,000.00

Food for Friends

VI

March 27, 2005

James Swire & Lisa Beaumann

March 27

$8,019.91

Food for Friends

V

April 11, 2004

Brett Messmer & Princesse Stephaney

April 11

$4,160.72

Food for Friends

IV

April 20, 2003

George Simons & Electra City

April 20

$3,002.55

Food for Friends

III

March 31, 2002

Timm Holt & Teryl-lynn Foxx

March 31

$1,500.00

N.O.AIDS Monument

II

April 15, 2001

Larry Bagneris & Miss Do Moreland

April 15

NA

NA

I

April 23, 2000

Rip Naquin-Delain & Marsha Naquin-Delain

April 23

NA

NA

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

BOOK REVIEW

American Indians in Early New Orleans Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com

American Indians in Early New Orleans: From Calumet to Raquette.

Daniel H. Usner. LSU Press, 2018.

176 pages. $29.95.

As a tour guide and historian, I have long been searching for an accessible book on the Native-American experience in (and before) New Orleans. I have finally found that book.

American Indians in Early New Orleans fills a gap in the canon of New Orleans history books and in so doing provides fascinating insights into how indigenous Native-Americans have profoundly influenced New Orleans culture.

From a peace ceremony conducted by Chitimacha diplomats before Governor Bienville’s makeshift cabin in 1718 to a stickball match played

by Choctaw teams in 1897 in Athletic Park, American Indians greatly influenced the history and culture of the Crescent City during its first two hundred years. In American Indians in Early New Orleans, Daniel H. Usner, Holland N. McTyeire Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, lays to rest assumptions that American Indian communities vanished long ago from

urban south Louisiana and recovers the experiences of Native Americans in Old New Orleans from their perspective.

Centuries before the arrival of Europeans, American Indians controlled the narrow strip of land between the Mississippi River and present-day Lake Pontchartrain to transport goods, harvest resources, and perform rituals.

The birth and growth of colonial New Orleans depended upon the materials and services provided by Native inhabitants as liaisons, traders, soldiers, and even slaves. Despite losing much of their homeland and political power after the Louisiana Purchase, Lower Mississippi Valley Indians refused to retreat from New Orleans’ streets and markets; throughout the 1800s, Choctaw and other nearby communities improvised ways of expressing their cultural autonomy and economic interests―as peddlers, laborers, and performers―in the face of prejudice and hostility from non-Indian residents.

Numerous other American Indian tribes, forcibly removed from the southeastern United States, underwent a painful passage through the city before

being transported farther up the Mississippi River. At the dawn of the twentieth century, a few Indian communities on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain continued to maintain their creative relationship with New Orleans by regularly vending crafts and plants in the French Market.

In this groundbreaking narrative, Usner, born and raised in New Orleans, explores the array of ways that Native people used this river port city, from its founding to the World War I era, and demonstrates their crucial role in New Orleans’s history.

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16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 Untitled-5 · Official1 Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

6/1/18 1:01 PM

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Steps to Get PrEP

Chenier Reynolds-Montz Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana CReynolds@accesshealthla.org “PrEP is like birth control. Birth control pills prevent an unplanned pregnancy tomorrow, while PrEP will prevent an unintended HIV exposure tomorrow,” says MarkAlain Déry, D.O. Dr. Déry is the Chief Innovation Officer and Infectious Diseases Physician with Access Health Louisiana (AHL). His mission is to help educate, prevent and detect HIV early in patients. His dedication to this mission is backed by his radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP. If you’re on the fence about protecting yourself against HIV by using PrEP, you’re not alone. Fears of side effects from taking the daily Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication or jumping through hoops to get on the drug are shared by many people. However, the benefits of being on PrEP far outweigh the consequences and the steps to get on PrEP aren’t as bad as they seem.

“If a patient wants to get onto PrEP today and they come into my office and see me, they will leave with a prescription for PrEP,” says Dr. Déry. “We will perform an INSTI HIV test in clinic to ensure that the patient is HIV negative prior to starting on PrEP.” INSTI HIV tests involve a simple finger prick to tell if a person is positive or negative for the disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone be tested for HIV at least once in their life.

This means that everyone from soccer moms, granddads and teenagers aged 13 and up, now qualify to get INSTI HIV tests during annual wellness exams according to Louisiana Office of Public Health guidelines.

Dr. Déry says the best practice is to have a patient get their bloodwork completed prior to their initial visit with their physician. This way, the doctor can tell if there are other exposures to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) that can be talked about during the initial visit. This also helps the physician work out a successful treatment plan for the patient if they test positive for an STI. Prescriptions for PrEP are written for 90 days at a time. This means that every three months, you’ll need to return to your healthcare provider to undergo a quick blood test to determine your status. “Commercial insurances cover most of the cost of PrEP with little out of pocket expense. Medicaid covers the medication fully,” according to Patrick Murphy, Operations Manager for AHL’s two New Orleans clinics.

“If you’re uninsured, our in-house Case Managers can help you get financial

assistance to cover your PrEP free of charge.”

Dr. Déry says “unlike birth control, if a patient misses a daily dose of PrEP, they don’t need to play catch up on the pill, but it is important to maintain a daily regimen to prevent an unintended HIV exposure.” PrEP offers patients up to 92% protection from HIV and when combined with use of condoms, that protection increases even more.

Access Health Louisiana operates community health centers in eleven parishes. Dr. Déry’s office is located at Access Health Louisiana Primary Care inside the Pythian Building located at 234 Loyola Avenue in downtown New Orleans. To schedule an appointment for a PrEP prescription, call (504) 2262976. To find the AHL clinic closest to you, log onto accesshealthla.org Chenier Reynolds-Montz is Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana. She can be reached at creynolds@accesshealthla. org. Access Health Louisiana is a registered 501©3 non-profit organization.

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INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

How to Win Friends and Influence Your DJ Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com

Scott Gerke

Scott Gerke is the zany founder of the Key West Full Moon Experience, Visualize Entertainment, and the outdoor theater initiative — Key West Outdoor Movies. He’s best known for being one of the most sought after DJs and sporting a disco ball earring. How his lobe isn’t damaged is beyond me.

As the proud owner of a bidet, Scott’s boy-next-door squeaky clean personality made him a great DJ for intense intellectual probing.

What is the appropriate way to tell the DJ at my favorite local bar that he sucks and his mixes are far too long?

Scott: [laughs] My thoughts would be to find somewhere else to party.

As a DJ, it’s the worst when DJs don’t properly mix the tunes to keep the energy flowing! I would just leave as they probably don’t understand proper techniques to begin with. Who knows, maybe the bar owner wants the mixes to be played out like that. You’d be surprised at what I’ve had to deal with in the past.

Some people just think of you as their human jukebox.

I just don’t understand why my girlfriend is hell-bent on having us go to these outdoor movie screenings. An indoor theater is so much more practical and comfortable.

What’s the deal?

Scott: Think about the date night opportunities! A nice picnic on a comfortable blanket, all cuddled up, watching a movie under the stars. You’ll have points for days!! Can’t get that at an indoor theater.

What’s the verdict on Cardi B? Scott: She loves the headlines!

I want to start a monthly full moon experience in my city. What are some snafus of planning a beach event that I should especially consider?

Scott: I’m all about celebrating what makes everyone unique and letting people be themselves. I’d consider creating an environment for self-expression and participation. Look for specific people who are really drawn to that type of environment. Specially go to those people and let them know how awesome they are. You’ll then have a party soldier for life and a new best friend. Oh, and don’t forget to get the mounds of paperwork to fill out. That’s my favorite part. Not! I keep seeing more and more prams and toddlers in bars often with live entertainment. Should I chill out or should I ask the parents if they’ve lost their minds?

Scott: Ha, where are you hanging out at?! I’d say get the kid to do some apple juice shots with you and make it

a party!

Are there songs we should no longer play in light of the behavior and actions of singers and songwriters?

Scott: I keep politics out of parties.

Times change, but a song deemed timeless shouldn’t be held accountable to what things are like today. Just like the Michael Jackson situation. There’s no way I’d ever stop playing his music just because of what has been in the news these days.

I feel like I am passed over for DJ gigs because I’m a lesbian who doesn’t dress like a hipster. Does my actual appearance need to match my mixing style?

Scott: I’ve been caught wearing gym shorts and a tank top to a gig before. Just show up ready to create a good time and forget what everyone might say about your outfit!

I’ve lost a significant portion of my hearing due to countless raves and techno clubs in my twenties and thirties. Is it time to kiss my biggest love goodbye for the sake of my ears?

Scott: Just show up with some super off-the-wall ear muffs and rock out without a care in the world.

My impossible sister asked me to DJ my niece’s Easter Day party.

I’ve played at Burning Man and Fantasy Fest. What do I mix for six year olds?

Scott: Baby Shark on repeat!

My son is a street performer and currently attending circus school up north. His mother and I are separating because I’ve just come out of the closet. Should we hold off on telling my son anything till he makes it through his final year?

Scott: That’s a tough one. That question may be way out of my league, but if he’s a street performer, he probably has an open mind and is able to handle that situation well. Tell him to blow off any steam at something like a Full Moon Experience and go perform!

Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

MUSINGS BY CATHERINE

New Orleans Through the Eyes of a Visitor Catherine Roland catherineroland12@gmail.com

Standing on the corner of Poydras It was becoming clear to me that and Baronne in downtown New Ormy friend had, as they say, fresh eyes, leans, talking with a dear friend from and looked at my beloved city differentWashington DC, I stepped off the curb ly than I did. The mule-drawn carriages a bit ahead of her, and heard her call that roam the French Quarter, offering out, “Wait, I don’t understand where tours, and clogging traffic at times, dewe’re headed.” lighted her. She took multiple photos, I went back for her, and explained engaged the drivers in conversation, we were going to cross Poydras, then and was most enamored of the green cross Canal into and white carriagthe French Quarwith decoratIt was becoming clear to es ter. Ever try to exed unicorns. (Her plain to a visitor me that my friend had, as nieces, 8-year-old that we don’t aclove unithey say, fresh eyes, and twins, tually use the excorns.) pected directions looked at my beloved city The drivers of North, South, were great to my differently than I did.

East and West friend, putting her here? It’s close to up on the carimpossible, but explaining that the city riage, taking selfies, all of that. She follows a crescent-like shape so it will took pictures, I took pictures of her and never seem as if the line from one place the drivers, and sent them all to those to another in that area is a straight line, lucky little girls. She saw all of that as sometimes helps. My friend looked one of the most unique things about at a map, looked at where we were, our city. and continued to be a bit confused.

While walking with another friend We ventured on, and she developed a from Charlotte, North Carolina, last sense of our city I would never have week along the Mississippi, from the expected.

Riverside Hilton down to American We continued into the Quarter on Aquatic Gardens (which was closed that Saturday morning, at 70 degrees, at the time since it was after 5pm), he sun on our bodies, the Mississippi secommented on all of the art, the beaurene and so very wide to our right, unty and the architecture. Those are just der a so-blue sky that we hadn’t seen a few of the things that brought me so very often lately. to New Orleans so many years ago; I As we headed toward Barracks, veered off and pointed out the Cathemy friend then commented about the dral, Napoleon House, the Supreme balconies on Royal Street. As happens Court building, and the wonderful row early in the morning, water was pouring houses as we meandered through off them where people were watering the Quarter and Marigny. He was entheir beautiful pot gardens. So we got a thralled, and as a semi-professional little wet; the delight my friend seemed photographer when he issn’t being a to experience with the sprinkles as counselor, took photos the entire way. they streamed down on us was a joy My friend commented on the dito me. I assumed she’d be annoyed; versity of the area, and how accepted she’d gotten wet and how rude to waas an out gay male of middle age (his ter when you knew people would be description, not mine) he had felt since underneath. Instead, she complimenthe’d arrived. I do think I sometimes ed the second-floor gardeners on their take that for granted. It’s very different beautiful flowers, unique pots, and the from any place I’ve lived, and I’ve lived combination of colors. Had I gotten imin a good many, including New York mune to this beauty? and Washington DC. We should see

New Orleans when we can from fresh and we walked on. His eyes saw someeyes, with renewed joy. thing unexpected and loving. I know We had a wonderful encounter what happened is the norm, not the unwith an older woman walking two small usual, which solidified for me why I’ve dogs, who was returning to her home, moved to this city twice in my life, and one of the larger deeply love and in the area and From the eyes of a few who appreciate it. manicured beauThe reason I tifully. We were are good friends, and to whom had several good passing her home I have spoken often and en- friends here this on Burgundy, adlast week was bethusiastically about the city, miring the landcause the AmerI was privileged to view New ican Counseling scaping, and she hurried toward us Orleans in a new light and with Association held and asked if we its conference renewed appreciation. would like to see here at the Hilton the back where it and the Morial was prettier.

Convention Center. Over 4,500 profesMy friend looked at me as if to ask sional counseling members descended “Is this really ok?” And I replied to the upon New Orleans, with many of those woman, “We would love to” because individuals making their very first visit. in New Orleans, when asked to come From the eyes of a few who are inside, you do so. It’s a serious offer; good friends, and to whom I have spothat’s Southern hospitality. ken often and enthusiastically about It was lovely, we chatted with her, the city, I was privileged to view New found out all about her family, the house Orleans in a new light and with renewed and its history. Thirty-five minutes later, appreciation. I hope we who live in this we were back on our way. My friend area would revisit our favorite things looked at me, smiled, and said “Now I this Spring by walking around, and enunderstand why you moved back here” joying our openness and diversity.

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 19

Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

Suddenly Last Summer at Loyola’s Lower Depths Theater through April 13

At last.

At last, after some very good productions of second and third tier plays

by Tennessee Williams and okay productions of better plays and bad productions of bad plays of his, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans (TWTC) has finally given us an outstanding production of one of Williams’ major plays.

At last.

At last, someone has finally had the wisdom to give Gwendolyne Foxworth a role commensurate with her magnificent talents so that, after years of her giving stellar performances, primarily at the Anthony Bean Community Theater, an even wider audience can appreciate the virtuosity of this treasured actress.

Responsible for both these achievements is Director Augustin J Correro, TWTC’s co-Artistic Director, whose perspicacity for staging Williams’ plays and working with actors has, over the past four years, developed impressively with successive productions.

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.

In Suddenly Last Summer, Correro and TWTC tackle one of Williams’ more bizarre tales.

Set in the solarium of a posh Garden District home, Suddenly describes the tug of war between Violet Venable (Foxworth), mother of the 40something poet Sebastian who died mysteriously “suddenly last summer” in Italy, and Catherine Holly (Elizabeth McCoy), her niece by marriage who had accompanied Sebastian to Europe and was with him when he died.

Catherine has insisted upon telling the truth about Sebastian’s death, the extraordinary circumstances of which Violet refuses to acknowledge. Using her money and power, Violet has had Catherine institutionalized; the play captures their final duel before Violet hopes to have Catherine lobotomized.

Violet dominates the play’s first half, Catherine the second, with a brief middle section in which Catherine’s money-hungry mother (Lin Gathright) and brother (Jay Canova) try to convince her to tell a different version of what happened (or at least keep her mouth shut). Along the way, we’re treated to a hothouse garden’s worth of delusions (artistic and otherwise), Oedipal urges, closeted sexuality, and some of Williams’ most striking imagery.

On Ken Thompson’s set, whose walls seemingly keep the jungle at bay, Correro has staged this with a minimum of fuss, strategically deploying his actors like chess pieces and beautifully sustaining the tension throughout. Working with Eduardo M. Ramirez Kortright (lighting) and Nick Shackleford (sound), Correro creates an eerie, at time expressionistic landscape of the mind perfectly suited to Williams’ heightened language.

Wearing Costume Designer Lee Kyle’s satiny short cape & matching dress like armor and wielding a walking stick, carved with atavistic symbols, that she pounds for emphasis, Foxworth employs a smooth charm to obscure Violet’s steely resolve. Willfully blind to her son’s shortcomings, Foxworth’s Violet doesn’t think twice about laying her hand suggestively on the inner thigh of the handsome young brain surgeon (Matthew Raetz) she would bend to her will.

Not only does Foxworth expertly convey the deeper meanings of every passage in the long opening scene, but her phrasing brings a musical quality to Williams’ words. She can not only draw out a word, shaping it exquisitely for added emphasis (and sometimes menace), but also find the subtle humor in Violet’s haughtiness. This is an abso-

Bryan Batt and Patricia Clarkson at the Tennessee Williams Festival (photo by B. Sands) lutely chilling and thrilling performance.

Catherine can be a tricky part; she’s basically a nice gal caught up in a rotten situation. McCoy radiates a strong inner presence which here, unlike her ill-conceived Stella in last year’s Streetcar, serves her well. She brings a sweet quality to this illy used young woman that allows us to empathize with her, yet McCoy also makes her tough enough to be a well-matched adversary for her imperious aunt.

Gathright and Canova, both excellent, find just the right level of grasping avariciousness without falling into caricature. Likewise, Ann Dalrymple is properly strict as Sister Felicity, assigned by the hospital to guard Catherine, without overdoing it. Even Bianca Siplin, with just a few words as Violet’s put upon aide, manages, through looks and body language, to fully define her character.

Only Raetz, in the role Montgomery Clift played in the movie, seems out of place. That he’s bland, if decent, would be okay, but he doesn’t even seem to be acting, merely saying the lines as if he wandered in from a different production entirely or went on without any rehearsals.

TWTC will next be doing The Glass Menagerie this summer. I’m looking forward to it in a way I hadn’t prior to seeing Suddenly Last Summer.

The 2019 Tennessee Wil-

liams Festival

I went to only one day’s worth of programming at this year’s Tennessee Williams Festival. Why? Partly because there seemed to be many other events going on at the same time this year, more so than ususal. But also because, well, there just weren’t as many appealing offerings.

I’ve always enjoyed the panels, interviews and reminisces of those who actually worked or knew Williams. Either because of scheduling conflicts or simply because there just aren’t that many of them around these days, there seemed to be a noticeable void in this year’s TW Fest.

Still, I attended some interesting and enjoyable presentations...and one that wasn’t.

At the Won’t You Be My (New Orleans) Neighborhood? discussion, Bryan Batt, Katy Danos and Scott Ellis, led by Moderator Stephanie Bruno, explored a variety of topics including the recent changes in Treme, the destruction of the oak trees on North Claiborne, and the background behind the name “Black Pearl”as well as which neighborhood each would like to live in.

I’m not sure exactly what it all had to do with Tennessee Williams, other than that he lived in and near some of these neighborhoods and set some of his plays in them, but it was a well-done and very engaging talk nonetheless.

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Peter Hagan, President of the Dramatists Play Service (DPS), started his master class talking about Williams’ legendary agent Audrey Wood who began working with the playwright when he was just starting out and became, not only his representative, but like a mother hen to him.

Hagan then spoke about the history of DPS and the services it provides, and gave such advice that his company is “always looking for scripts with women characters because a preponderance of women try out for high school, university and community productions.” Geared towards playwrights, it was a worthy 75 minutes.

The Power of Sexuality in Contemporary Literature with Garth Greenwell and Justin Phillip Reed, two young, queer award-winning writers, sounded like it would be absorbing, but turned out to be a “literary discussion” that was breathtakingly pretentious when the panelists weren’t stating the obvious or, in Greenwell’s case, being almost abusive to an audience member who asked a legitimate question that he took exception to. Moderator Brad Richard, alas, simply wasn’t able to cut through all the bull.

There was no bull, however, when Bryan Batt interviewed his friend and recent Golden Globe-winner Patricia Clarkson, just lots of candid, fun talk.

Claiming to be a proud “Algerine” (she grew up in Algiers), Clarkson said that even back in junior high school, where she joined a drama club led by Janet Shea, “I was very dramatic.” She also gave credit to her high school, O. Perry Walker, where “we did remarkable plays” from Neil Simon to Ionesco.

Batt then took her from LSU to Fordham to Yale Drama School where she played everything from “an 8-yearold murderer to a 300 lb. Cajun momma.” She moved back to New York and got her first Broadway role as a replacement in the Lincoln Center production of John Guare’s The House of Blue Leaves which was followed by movies with Burt Lancaster and Clint Eastwood.

And then a dry spell.

Clarkson was refreshingly straightforward as she recalled how “my confidence started to slip” and, though her friends and family were “incredible, I had lost myself.”

She let out a whoop recalling some straight-to-cable films she’d rather forget, but got utterly serious when she said that Lisa Cholodenko’s High Art (1998), in which she played a German lesbian heroin addict, “lifted me up and completely & utterly changed my career; it put me in a different lane in Hollywood.”

Clarkson went on to discuss Blanche in Streetcar which she did at the Kennedy Center, and said that the character “demands every ounce of your soul and your innards.” Changing course, she told about the time her dog

started barking underneath the stage at the Center just before her big scene, laughing at the memory.

Throughout, Clarkson was bubbly, down-to-earth and an absolute delight.

You could easily sense the camaraderie she shared with Batt who did a first-class job of guiding the discussion so that we came away with a better understanding of what it means to be a successful actress. Especially one from New Orleans.

This year, in addition to theatrical offerings by Williams (Suddenly Last Summer and Baby Doll (reviewed last issue)), a new play was part of the line-up. Azul by Christina Quintana, presented by Southern Rep (through April 14), tells three intertwined stories involving three generations of a Cuban-American family. The focus is on Zelia, a 20something lesbian who’s dealing with a mother succumbing to Alzheimer’s and who also is increasingly curious about her family’s history back in Cuba.

Azul almost feels like it was written by two different people. There are passages of lovely evocative writing that draw you in and propel the story while aptly defining the characters. There are other sections, however, of bald exposition when the characters become two dimensional and soap opera-y.

Quintana has some great, observant one-liners, but could be clearer, especially at the start, of the relationships among the characters and the time line of the story. I certainly didn’t mind that Spanish was used as part of the dialog, my high school lessons paying off, but there were some longer sections where subtitles (perhaps projected on the drapes of Kimberly Powers’ set) would have been useful for those not fluent as those members of the audience who understood Spanish responded with laughter.

Estefania Fadul’s direction brought out the play’s humanity but couldn’t always cover up the visually static nature of some scenes. The three actresses, who each play two roles, shined when Quintana gave them fully formed characters to work with; Cristina “Cuba” Hatheway faced the biggest challenge as Zelia, as she’s less a person, more a collection of traits. Perhaps a more experienced actress could’ve pulled them all together with a bit more finesse.

(Hatheway was fine in her smaller role as a Cuban woman caught in a loveless marriage.)

Zuleyma Guevara, as Zelia’s mother, and especially Sol Marina, as Zelia’s girlfriend, informed their roles with acute observations to create people you would be pleased to know.

If I wished that the many ingredients in Azul, which include assimilation concerns, Cuban history and politics, queer identity, how to care for aging parents, etc., had been better stirred together, the play’s final third, as things resolved on a more personal level, was

Elizabeth McCoy and Gwendolyne Foxworth in Suddenly Last Summer (photo by James Kelley) truly touching, allowing you to leave the theater with a warm glow. I suspect Tennessee would’ve enjoyed it.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Saenger Theatre, Apr. 12-14

[Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella returns to The Saenger Theatre for a brief run this month. The following are excerpts from my review which originally ran in November 2015.]

Any opportunity that gives you the chance to hear seven classic R&H songs is not to be sneezed at. What with William Ivey Long’s sumptuous costumes that ingeniously transform from rags to riches before our eyes, and grand staircases that magically appear on Anna Luizos’ set, itself reminiscent of old-fashioned storybook illustrations, this touring production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is certainly wondrous to look at.

But if I didn’t mind Douglas Carter Beane’s updating of Hammerstein’s original book, which added contemporary references, revamped one of the stepsisters into a dorky but nice gal, and made Cinderella a more conscious shaper of her own destiny, it lacked one crucial aspect--drama.

Whether it was how Cinderella would get to the ball or seeing whom the “shoe” would fit, things went by

too quickly, like a parent speedily telling a child a bedtime story. And having set up a vote that would transform the kingdom into a democracy with the good Prince versus the evil Regent, Beane resolves things too easily and, presto!, everyone’s taking their bow.

Perhaps I’m asking too much, but I would’ve preferred an Into the Woodslike rendering that told the basic story in Act One and showed how a newly democratic land turned out in Act Two. Of course, that probably would’ve forced all the show’s wonderful original songs (Impossible, Ten Minutes Ago, A Lovely Night, etc.) into the first act leaving a musically wan second one.

As it is, the score has been filled out with some numbers that had been dropped from other R&H productions (South Pacific, Me and Juliet, etc.), and understandably so as they’re not top tier.

Director Mark Brokaw [this tour is directed by Gina Rattan], who’s better known for his work on edgy new plays, efficiently kept things moving along but tended to let the big production numbers go on just a bit too long.

Did I enjoy Cinderella? Despite my reservations, overall, yes.

Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail.com.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

INTERVIEW

Honorary Grand Marshal Jesse Hernandez Jesse Hernandez, the 20th Annual Gay Easter Parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal, is the third male dancer in NFL history chosen to perform in a team’s dance-squad and the first male Saintsation.

The 25-year-old is from Maurice, LA, a small town with a graduating class of about 90 kids, and has one younger sister, who is also gay. Hernandez comes from a middle class family with both parents being very accepting of both him and his sister which he says, made their “lives so much easier; when dealing with a lot of controversy at school, home was a safe place.”

Jesse got his start with dance at the age of two. His mom was a dance instructor and needed a little boy in her dance. He started with tap, jazz, and ballet and, as he got older, he added hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and dance team style. At the age of 16, Hernandez started teaching dance.

He currently teaches at Lacey’s Dance World in Scott, and is on the Universal Dance Association (UDA) staff which travels during the summer to teach high school and college dance teams material for their football seasons.

Through the years, Jesse has won

several dance titles and scholarships on the local, state, and national level.

Additionally, he’s performed in a number of ballets with the Lafayette Ballet Theatre.

After being on his high school dance team from 2009-2011, Hernandez decided that he wanted to continue to dance instead of going to college. In Maurice, however, there weren’t many opportunities for male dancers, just out of high school, to continue a dance team career. He told us that his reason for trying out for the Saintsations was, “I’ve coached for so many dance teams, cheer teams for minor league hockey teams, and high schools along the Gulf Coast so I figured why can’t I be doing this on a bigger level. When my mom saw that Quentin and Napoleon made the Rams cheer team earlier that month she said ‘Go for it, it’s your time to shine.’ And I had some friends trying out for the Saintsations so I showed up to a clinic and then auditions the week after, and it has been the most electrifying experience of my life.”

Jesse and another finalist were in Alabama for their UDA staff training when he found out he made the team.

It had been a month after auditions

WARREN J. WEISS NEW ORLEANS REALTOR C. (504) 82-6105 O. (504) 949-5400 WARREN@WARRENWEISSREALTOR.COM @WARRENWEISSREALESTATE

and they found out via email. During a break from dancing, he grabbed some water and was checking his phone.

When he looked over at the other finalist, she was crying and told him that she had made the team. A rush of feelings came over Hernandez as he checked his emails. “I immediately started crying. We ran to each other and held each other tight; the 300 other co-workers with UDA that witnessed us started applauding! We were overcome with excitement and couldn’t stop smiling for a very long time!”

Being in such a diverse city is why Hernandez says he loves New Orleans so much. When asked about the negative reactions some had regarding a male Saintsation, his response was, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion and when it was announced that I made the team I knew there would be some negativity, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m very comfortable in my skin and in my dance ability; anything harsh said about me didn’t, and doesn’t, faze me. We are in a big transition in the NFL and in the world in general; I’m just very happy and blessed to be a part of something as big as this is!”

Hernandez’s advice for anyone considering doing something that is

outside of the “norm” is “GO FOR IT! As we approach auditions again this year, I know there will be other male dancers auditioning and my heart is filled with joy that these men have the courage and pride to come and be a part of this journey with me. You absolutely never know until you try!”

Hernandez wants to thank everyone who has supported him throughout this journey. “This entire year since auditions all the way to our last game has been a whirlwind of meeting new people and receiving so much praise from others and hearing people tell me they are proud of me and look up to me. It has overwhelmed me with joy! We are living in a brighter future and I can’t wait to continue to help widen that path for our future generation! Thank you, thank you all! ‘Let’s change the world!’”

Hernandez will be leading the 20th Annual Gay Easter Parade through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday at 4:30pm. He said he is most looking forward to “seeing all of the different outfits and the happiness exuding from everyone on such a fun day, for everyone in our community. “

Help us welcome the newest member to our family

Richard Walker Wednesday, 4/10 - 5:00 PM til

REALTOR ON DUTY HELPING YOU FIND YOUR NEW ORLEANS HOME OR RENTAL!

PROPERTY SALES, LEASING, & MANAGEMENT 22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

Finance 101: Buy Those Shoes, Damnit!

Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com Was Carrie Bradshaw right on the money? Should the children of strippers go into debt? What is a Roth IRA? Jacqueline Luhta is the Vice President, Key West Market Retail Leader of Centennial Bank. She amasses her power through her incredible fundraising abilities and vast collection of tutus and high end wigs. Let’s see if she can illuminate the enigma of finance.

Does my credit score affect the algorithm of my dating app profiles?

Jacqueline: [Laughs] I have turned down amorous advances based on knowledge of others’ scores. No algorithm, but keep your score in line to attract quality over quantity.

I am a young female working in financial consulting. I enjoy my Key Lime Pie. I am constantly under pressure to dress in infinitely tighter dresses while my male coworkers get to look like slobs. As a junior staff member how should I address this to senior management?

Jacqueline: Put the brakes on that now. When the next comment is made, you professionally state that it is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.

If you don’t nip it early, it doesn’t stop.

Jacqueline Luhta On the other hand, if the clothes are getting tighter because of all that Key Lime Pie, maybe it’s time to rethink your nutritional habits, or start sizing up whatever clothes you feel professional and comfortable in.

I’m in the process of divorcing my husband to be with my girlfriend.

I’m considering liquidating all the jewelry he’s given me. Should I hang on to gold or head to a pawn shop?

Jacqueline: Ditch it! No need to have that weighing you down. Pawn it! Or ration it out for gifts for your girlfriend. Cover the holidays.

My lesbian friends talk about everything from 2020 candidates to their cobweb sex lives. I feel like we should be able to discuss money too. How is this still taboo?

Jacqueline: It’s ridiculous that money is still such a secretive thing.

Everyone wants to look like they are richer than they are. Especially now with more and more social media.

Across the board, more people need to be open about their situations in order to have any hope of making it better.

My partner used to be an adult entertainer and received a lot of expensive gifts from his insatiable fans. Tax wise, should he have declared all these things?

Jacqueline: Gifts? What gifts? I see no gifts. Note, I am not a tax accountant and therefore not liable for that opinion.

The power is out at home and I

want to be productive. How can I explain a Roth IRA to my thirteen year old?

Jacqueline: I can’t even explain that to grown adults! It’s taxes now versus later. Plan for retirement. Save your money. Let your kid veg out in the power outage instead.

I got an offer to work as an analyst in a much smaller bank in a comparably smaller location. The pay will surprisingly be a bit better but I’m worried about going from a fast paced exciting city corporate life to island time. Can you relate?

Jacqueline: I’m suspicious that you are spying on my life. Yes, completely relatable. Been there and done that. Truly, best thing I ever did. I have seen other people not able to handle the “island life” and bolt after six months. Know what’s important to you, and if it’s spending weekends at Super Target, this is not your gig.

A few times every year I get pestered to join the boards of these toothless community organizations.

It all seems to be for show. Remind me how a board seat isn’t just a vanity trip.

Jacqueline: It’s an equation: amount of press + level of cocktails at events — level of effort needed. Seriously, only join those that you believe in. Find the ones with teeth. Do your research. They are out there and need more fabulous people. If you suspect fluff, walk away.

My partner is hell bent on private school for our child. But his job as a stripper means that his income fluctuates with season and my public defender salary just doesn’t cut it. Should we take on debt for this?

Jacqueline: No debt for the kid.

It’s too risky of an investment and then you’re stuck with the bill when Little Johnny follows in Dad’s stripper career path.

I’m not an advanced investor.

I would like to ensure my money does not support anti-LGBTQ led corporations. How can I do this with both my bank and broker?

Jacqueline: Agreed 100%. It’s difficult to navigate, but the more local support you see for the LGBTQ community with events, sponsorships and such, the less likely that bank is funding Chick-fil-A on the side.

Was Carrie Bradshaw right about anything financially?

Jacqueline: Carrie, Patron Saint of Single Women, was right on one thing. Buy the shoes. You will regret if you don’t and you will smile every time you look at them.

Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

BIG DIPPER BIG DIPPER is a Chicago-born,

Los Angeles-based recording artist. His big boy style, outrageous songs, and live shows have made him the go-to bear of raunchy internet rap.

Late Bloomer (2018)

Big Dipper has an extensive catalog of viral music videos and songs, including his 2017 ode to sparkling water “LaCroix Boi” and his 2018 fat boy anthem “Lookin”. Known for his creative video concepts, you can find him portraying a ravenous boy scout in “Meat Quotient,” an oversized banana in “Chunkita,” a mermaid in “Vibin,” and much more on his youtube channel: youtube.com/BigDipperMusic.

Extra Good (2015)

Noisey called Big Dipper’s life “an ongoing party full of … cute outfits, fierce rhymes, eating candy behind DJ booths, and a ton of hard work.” A perfect description for the rapper and DJ, who delivers an impressive stage show that features choreographed dance routines, costume changes, and twisted song covers. Big Dipper’s live show has been performed all over the United States, and in Canada, Australia, Iceland, France, Amsterdam, and Sweden.

Big Dipper has been featured in Details Magazine, Huffington Post, Next Magazine, Out, Rolling Stone, A.V. Club, NPR, Paper, and Red Eye Chicago; not to mention a youtube series with WOWpresents, his poppin Instagram feed, and as a host for Streets

by Vice. Big Dipper can also be heard cohosting his podcast “unBEARable with Big Dipper and Meatball” on Revry, and his music can be streamed on all digital platforms.

As a recording artist, Big Dipper has written for and performed with such artists as The AAA Girls, Cazwell, Peppermint, Shea Couleé, TT The Artist, Mister Wallace and ShowYouSuck.

Big Dipper / Byrell the Great (2015)

Free Money (2015)

Big Dipper’s new album “Late Bloomer” is his first full length project, and his 6th overall release.

Follow him at: @bigdipperjelly www.bigdipperjelly.com www.lacroixboi.com youtube.com/bigdippermusic soundcloud.com/bigdippermusic facebook.com/bigdipperjelly top photo by Rakeem Cunningham bottom photo by Dylan M. Austin

Thick Life (2014)

They Ain’t Ready (2013)

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

Party Down Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com Springtime has arrived in New Orleans with much fanfare because, not only does it mean gorgeous sunny days with milder temperatures, but it’s the start of the major festival season. Food, music and good times is what our city is known for and we are delivering on that promise every day.

Festivals are not the only way to spend your time, however. My last two weeks were filled with theatrical shows, fundraising events, birthday celebrations and restaurant openings.

I attended three community theatrical offerings. The first was Raisin in the Sun produced by Voices in the Dark Repertory Theatre and Ashe Cultural Arts Center at the Ashe’ Power House Theater. The Power House is a state-of-the-art performance center and visual art gallery which opened in 2015 in a building that was once the 1924 New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (NOPSI) street car switching station.

The amazing Carol Sutton headed up a talented cast of performers. A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. The story tells of a black family’s experiences in “Clybourne Park”, a

fictionalized version of the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, as they attempt to “better” themselves with an insurance payout following the death of the father. This is a powerful show and every member of the cast delivered exceptional performances under the direction of Tommye Merrick. I especially enjoyed the Constance Thompson’s heartfelt portrayal of Ruth Younger.

The second show I attended was Tennessee Williams’ Baby Doll at Le Petit. Maxwell Williams directed this play based on a screenplay written by Tennessee for the award-winning 1956 movie of the same name. If you have not seen the movie, definitely check it out. The plot focuses on a feud between two rival cotton gin owners in rural Mississippi; after one of the men commits arson against the other’s gin, the owner retaliates by attempting to seduce the arsonist’s nineteen-yearold virgin bride with the hopes of receiving an admission by her of her husband’s guilt.

The stage set was impressive, creating an atmosphere of a Southern home in decline. There were some

solid performances notably by Paul Whitty who played a menacing Archie Lee filled with pent up frustration, anger and bigotry, and Maggie Windler as the childish Baby Doll. It is always fun to see the wonderful Janet Shea on stage. I do have to admit that Todd d’Amour’s take on Silva was unique at best. It was like he was channeling Johnny Depp playing a bi-polar Jack Sparrow if somehow his pirate’s character ended up owning a cotton gin in the deep South. But it makes for entertaining theatre.

My final show was Into The Woods at Rivertown Repertory Theater, a musical by Stephen Sondheim that intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales.

It basically explores the consequences of the characters’--from Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella to Rapunzel and Jack in the Beanstalk--wishes and quests. The play is tied together by a story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey.

Rivertown knocked this show out of the park. Everything worked from the magical set and costumes to the fantastic cast that sang their hearts out.

Kevin Murphy and Maria Victoria Hefte shined brightly in the roles of the Baker and his wife. Everyone performed at

their best with a special kudos to Hannah Rachel who owned every scene as the witch.

The first weekend was filled with fundraisers and rush parties. On Friday, the Gay Easter Parade hosted their Sponsorship Party. This year it was married with the 17th Annual Spring Fever event at the Pub. This is the kick-off event for the LGBT+ Easter season. It was an incredible night of entertainment led by GEP Board Member and former Easter Grand Marshal Electra City along with fellow GEP Board Member Little Debbie.

Plus a raffle was held with eggs filled with some great prizes that included money, drink coupons at various LGBT bars, and light up beads. There was also a star-studded Drag Show, light food, a Silent Auction, Easter Baskets and more! All the proceeds for this event went to the Food For Friends, a program of NO/AIDS Task Force.

Sunday was a crazy day of Rush parties (and otherwise). I started my Sunday Funday with a birthday jazz brunch soiree for Dane Castiille at Broussard’s. We dined at the historic spot in the courtyard where Tennessee Williams entertained his guests back in the day. And like good old Tennessee, we drank sufficiently to start acting like many of the characters in his plays.

Dane’s last birthday was overshadowed by his wedding to the fabulous Marvin Andrade so he decided to make

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Mx. Phoenix 2019

Presented in partnership with NOLA Leather to Geaux

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 9 P.M. Get ready for the Mx. Phoenix contest, a light-hearted event in which anyone is welcome to compete. Leather has no gender and the Phoenix welcomes everyone! Here you’re family.

Get an application from any Phoenix bartender or download one from our website. More details at phoenixbarnola.com/events/mxphoenix.

ALWAYS OPEN, ALWAYS WELCOME

Winner will receive a custom leather sash and prize package from the Phoenix. There are no official responsibilities for the title. The winner can chose to use title as they see fit. If available, the winner will be asked to judge Mx. Phoenix 2020.

941 ELYSIAN FIELDS

No Greed NOLA Bar Crawl SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 4:30 P.M. Join us on a bar crawl for solidarity within the queer community!

PIST (Power In Standing Together) presents an evening of patronizing the best gay bars in New Orleans and conspicuously avoiding the ones that tear us apart.

Bars along the route will have numerous drink specials and “Don’t Go Into The Woods” T-shirts will be sold for $15.

PHOENIXBARNOLA.COM

@PHOENIXBARNOLA

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

up for it by having his close friends enjoy an afternoon of raucous fun, delicious food and lots of libations; what every brunch should be like. Most memorable part of the day is the spot where we dined in the courtyard was under the restaurant’s wisteria tree, which is the oldest one in the Quarter.

It was just beginning to bloom and the purple florals were abundant creating a gorgeous canopy overhead and showering us with its tiny flowers like a delicate purple rain.

Afterwards, I attended two rush parties Armeinius and the Lords of Leather. Armeinius held their event at Crossing, the old Double Play, and they had about a dozen new pledges in attendance. They also showed the video of their ball as the the potential candidates met with current members and networked, dined and had cocktails. Gay Carnival krewes are not only an enjoyable outlet for creative people, they provide excellent social experiences. And do not let the fact that you do not know how to make a costume prevent you from joining. Not everyone is Martha Stewart (or wants to be). The members of the krewe will teach you (and even help) build your costume. Also, you do not have to costume to be a member of the krewes. I personally am a member of Armeinius and love it.

The next party I attended that day was the Lords of Leather at the Phoenix. They also showed a video of their ball which had some pretty spectacular costumes this year. Dragons, pandas, and lotus blossoms were just a few of the costumes that, with a little touch,

put them in line with the theme of “Forbidden.” They too had a large contingent of new pledges. Gay Carnival is a worthy tradition in our community and it’s heartening to see so many people embracing it.

The following week I attended the opening party for Nolé which is New Orleans restaurateur Al Copeland, Jr.’s new Latin-inspired restaurant in the Garden District. The restaurant occupies the space that was once Cheesecake Bistro. Guests are beckoned in by an oversized neon sign saying “Hola Y’All.” The new restaurant celebrates the marriage between the cultures and cuisines of Latin American and New Orleans.

Nolé will feature the food inspirations of Chris Lusk who helmed the kitchens of Cafe Adelaide, The Caribbean Room and Restaurant R’evolution. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is open and airy. And their craft cocktail list and tequila offerings are amazing. That night they had servers passing around a metal tequila tree with shots on their branches. You know it is a great party when you get a shot of tequila upon entry. Oh NOLA (and Nole’) how I love you!

My second weekend was just as exciting as my first with fundraisers.

The first one on Saturday was for Dodwell House. The community of St. Anna’s Church has consecrated Dodwell House to the work of transformation and reconciliation. In the work of transformation they are dedicated to engendering a culture of boundless horizons of hope, possibility, and integrity. By acts of reconciliation the facility is dedi-

cated to the proposition that all cultures have value; that all peoples are members of the beloved community; and that issues of discrimination can and shall be vanquished by the work set about in this safe environment. I was honored to be asked to emcee their fundraiser along the talented Elizabeth Bouvier. The event had an incredible amount of food, noteworthy live & silent auctions, and entertainment from the community. An incredible night was had by all.

Dodwell House has a pretty interesting history. Constructed in 1846, it was originally the home of Mrs. Eliza Ducros Marsoudet. In its 1977 New Orleans Architectural Series, the Friends of the Cabildo noted that this formerly elegant 1846 center-hall American cottage stood alone among commercial uses and vacant lots. So it remains today. Interestingly Mrs. Marsoudet was building her fine home in the same year that St. Anna’s was being founded as “St. Peter’s Seamen’s Bethel Mission” at #5 Esplanade under the direction of The Rev. Whithall.

Successive owners allowed the property to lapse into disrepair. Many of the original fine appointments were sold off so that by 2007 floors were missing, bricks degrading, and the property was filled with volumes of refuse and debris. During this period, the main house was used for the closing scenes of the classic 1994 film (I cannot believe it was that long ago) Interview with A Vampire. Some of the set pieces were retained in the property.

In 2015, the House was designated as a New Orleans 9 property, mean-

ing it was/is in dire need of substantial repair and is at risk. The designation, given by the The Louisiana Society for Historic Preservation, was given while recognizing that the goals of St. Anna’s Church are consistent with historic preservation but that her resources to do so are limited. The home, according to the Historic Districts and Landmarks Commission (HDLC), is one of the most important buildings in the city, prized for its architectural value. And I am glad to report that St. Anna’s finally took over the deed of the property and now owns it fully. I cannot think of a more worthwhile cause to help.

The following day was the second GEP fundraiser - the Eggstravaganza at the Golden Lantern. The format of the event changed slightly making it a drag brunch instead of an evening event and it worked extremely well.

There were large crowds and great entertainment led by GEP Board Member and former Easter Grand Marshall Monica Sinclaire Kennedy, who for this special occasion brought back her later ego Tyriq. There was some pretty amazing food cooked by many people including the fabulous Rikki Redd.

People ate, drank, and enjoyed the entertainers all while giving to this worthy cause. All proceeds after parade expenses go to Food for Friends. This was a great way to cap off two weeks of good times in New Orleans.

Do you want your party or event covered? Invite me! ledgemgp@gmail.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale FIRST LGBTQ QUEEN OF MKFF QUEEN PAMELA PROUT FOXWORTH-CARTER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LYNN TROY

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER RUSH PARTY AT THE PHOENIX | PHOTOS COURTESY OF TONY LEGGIO

AT DANE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY BRUNCH AT BROUSSARD’S | PHOTOS COURTESY OF TONY LEGGIO

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 29

UNDER THE GAYDAR

New Orleans Hot Happenings

Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com We are knee deep into festival season and the gorgeous weather has put a “Spring” into everyone’s step. This is one of the best times of the year in our city, everything is in bloom and the city is alive with color, music and parties!

Here are a few hot happenings to fill up your calendar. (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).

WEEKLY EVENTS EVERYDAY

Happy Hour: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 7 days a week from open until 9pm (7AM to 9PM). It’s $3 domestic beer and well drinks. $1 off everything else.

Happy Hour: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street.; 7 days a week from 8 a.m - 8 p.m.

Happy Hour: GrandPre’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. $3 Well/ domestics Happy Hour: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

777 Happy Hour: Kajun’s Pub;

2556 St. Claude Avenue; 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Kajun’s Karaoke: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Avenue; Karaoke from 5 p.m. until.

MONDAY

Martini Mondays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tito’s and Deep Eddy martinis will be $3.

Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. 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 9 p.m.

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 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; 6:15 p.m.

Join Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE starting at 6:30 p.m..

Meet for the walk/run at Audubon Park by the Magazine Street entrance parking lot. 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. If you are the fastest person there, we’ll see you at the finish line. 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.

Underwear Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; starting at 9 p.m. The Eagle now is open EVERY Monday night. Happy Hour prices if you’re in your underwear.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and NO COVER. S.I.N.: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St.

Claude Ave.; 1 a.m - 4 a.m. 2 for 1 drinks.

Happy Hour All Night: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Open to close.

Well, Domestic, and Wine.

TUESDAY

Tequila Tuesdays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tequila drinks $5.

Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke. The winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

Country Dance Lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with the Big Easy Stompers from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:00 p.m. 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: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiar-

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

April 19

April 20

9 p.m.

Bearlesque

5:30 p.m.

The 17th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop ends here at 5:30 p.m. Free food!

11 p.m.

Big Dipper 1 a.m.

Adam Radd’s Amateur Stripper Night in the Eagle

11 p.m.

Punx Under Pressure and Krewe Of Cher present Dual Level Disco featuring DJ Scooter (Toronto), Heavy Pleasure, Honey B, and DJ Bryant

Easter Big Dipper

SUNDAY

April 21 Come by for our pre- and post-Gay Easter Parade Party for tons of food.

PERFORMING FRIDAY, APRIL 19

EXCLUSIVE DJ SET SATURDAY, APRIL 20

ALWAYS OPEN, ALWAYS WELCOME

Photography by Fred Attenborough

941 ELYSIAN FIELDS

PHOENIXBARNOLA.COM

Don’t forget to attend the parade!

@PHOENIXBARNOLA

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

as is 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.

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 8 p.m. Every Tuesday at 8 you can 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.

Happy Hour All day and Night: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Every week on Tuesday from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM the next day.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy: The AllWays Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Loose Hellfire presents their free weekly grown-up game show where everyone’s a winner! There is NO COVER for this sexy and silly game. Just buy a drink from the bar & Tsarina Hellfire will give you a Bingo Card! Each round winner gets a BUCKET of prizes including exclusive prints & a grand finale prize from Abita Brewing Company! Just for showing up you get to enjoy the free BURLESQUE side of this unique game! Between ev-

ery round, Lefty Lucy performs an improvised striptease to a song the crowd selects, removing only one item per round—Don’t miss your chance to win the finale prize, and to see the tassels twirl!

Trivia: Cutter’s; 706 Franklin Avenue; 7:30 p.m. Join your host, bartender and local music legend Johnny Sketch, at 7:30. Join a trivia team or bring your own and test your knowledge across multiple categories to win an often odd and useful assortment of prizes!

WEDNESDAY

WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton Ave.; 5 p.m. 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.; 9 p.m. – midnight. $25.00 Bar tab and Free Shots & Givea-ways with Happy Hour All Day. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s;

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket MEET ME ON ST. LOUIS—WHERE THE BOYS ARE DANCIN’ NIGHTLY ON THE BAR | PHOTOS BY POCKET PEEPS & JEREMY WEINBERG

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Trivia with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers.

Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine.

Video Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8:30 p.m. midnight; The bar is doing Video Game Night starting at 9 p.m. Come and compete for prizes and Grab some Drinks.

Movies in the Courtyard: Flamingo A-Go-Go; 869 Magazine Street; Double-feature movie nights. Showtimes 7pm and 9:30pm Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

THURSDAY

Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. 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.; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is 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.; 10 p.m. 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 11 p.m. 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 Prime Time Trivia: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; starts at 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. Retro Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; starts at 10 p.m. Enjoy drink special from 10 p.m. to midnight and the best hits from the 80’s and 90’s.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Looped: Mags 940; 940 Elysian Fields; 7 p.m. Come see a boozing, pill-popping Tallulah Bankhead (played

by Elizabeth Bouvier) get off some “savage” one-liners as the sound editor, Danny Miller (played by Greg Nacozy) tries to get one line looped, or re-recorded, for her last picture, 1965’s Die! DIe! My Darling! and forces him to “spill the tea”! - Show 28.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party with Laveau Contraire: Kajun’s Pub;

Wednesday Video Game Night 7:00 PM

2256 St. Claude Avenue; 8 p.m. Are you ready for Season 11? RuPaul’s got a fresh crop of queens competing for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and we’re going to be watching each episode at 2019’s Best Karaoke Bar Kajun’s Pub! They will be giving lots of FREE swag with the purchase of one of our DRINK SPECIALS.

FRIDAY

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

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

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; 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5 - 9 p.m.; $15 drink and drown from 9 - 11 p.m. all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well. Cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30 a.m.

Misc4Misc: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Enjoy this won-

Happy Hour Daily

derfully weird drag show hosted every week by Apostrophe. Cover is $5.

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Avenue; 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Come by and get to know Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi and vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae during their late night happy hours.

They look forward to serving you some delicious drink specials and amazing food from our kitchen. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

Beat The Clock; 700 Club; 700 Burgundy; 5 - 9 p.m. Well Drinks: 5 PM - 6 PM $1.50, 6 PM - 7 PM $2.00, 7 PM - 8 PM $2.50, 8 PM - 9 PM $3.00 Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

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

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 4 – 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming.

Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch

Sat, 04/20 - 10pm

noon - 9:00 PM $3.00 wells and

domestics

Fri, 4/26—10 pm 34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY ANDREW HOPKINS #OZNEWORLEANS & 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.

OPENING HOURS

FRI, SAT & SUN: 24/7 MON–THURS: Opens at 1PM

ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

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

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Avenue; 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Come by and get to know Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi and vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae during their late night happy hours.

They look forward to serving you some delicious drink specials and amazing food from our kitchen. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Queer Meditation: Mid City Zen; 3248 Castiglione Street; 10:30 a.m. A queer and trans centered meditation group meeting regularly on Saturday mornings. Open to all LGBTIQ+ people, and all folks interested in holding and sharing an intentionally queer-centering mindful space. Join for a sit, breathe, notice, rest; to cultivate presence and kindness together. Free/by donation.

SUNDAY

Bottomless Mimosas: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

The Original Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 410 p.m. Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with.

You Better Sing Karaoke: GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke.

The Half Assed-Straight Boys: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 3 - 5 p.m.

Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 - 9 p.m.

Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 – 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

Sunday Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO); 5401 S. Claiborne Ave; 10:00 a.m. New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where they celebrate God’s Love for everyone.

Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in their upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long.

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Street; 11 a.m.

For tickets, go to www.crunola.com.

Vanessa Carr Presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch featuring an amazing menu from Chef Marlon Alexander and awesome entertainment! Come celebrate with the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends!

Divas at the Dive: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave; 5 p.m. Vanessa Carr LIve. 6:30 p.m. Drag Karaoke. 8 p.m. Audience Karaoke Drink and Drown: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy Street; 5 - 8 p.m. Unlimited well drinks, Bud Light and Miller Lite draft $10 Happy Hour/ Drink Til You Drop: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Happy Hour 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Drink Til You Drop $12 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday Swing: The Allways Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Avenue; starts at 8 p.m. Every Sunday, local swing dance instructors offer a community class from 8-9pm. From 9 till midnight there is live, local music and social dancing! There is NO cover, but a one drink minimum is required per set.

SPECIAL EVENTS TUESDAY 4/9

NOAGE Membership Party and Board Elections: The Drifter Hotel; 3522 Tulane Avenue; 6 - 7:30 p.m..

Join the New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders or their Membership/Supporter Appreciation Party and Elections for the NOAGE Board of Directors at the fabulous Drifter Hotel. This is a great opportunity to become a NOAGE Member or renew your support for us, and also to meet the Board of Directors. All are welcome to attend this event, but only paid NOAGE Members/ Supporters are eligible to vote in the election. If your membership dues are not current, you can either pay online at www.noagenola.org/support or at the event. Membership is $25. Members are also eligible to run for a spot on the NOAGE Board of Directors. Refreshments will be provided, and each attendee will get a FREE drink ticket!

THURSDAY 4/11 – SUNDAY 4/14

French Quarter Festival: https:// frenchquarterfest.org.

THURSDAY 4/11

Forum For Equality Spring Social: Bayou Wine Garden; 315 N. Rendon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Join Forum for

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Crossing PEOPLE ARE CROSSING NOLA TO SEE AND BE SEEN AT CROSSING NOLA | PHOTOS BY TEAM CROSSING

CROSSING

Neighborhood video bar with a steampunk theme in the historic Vieux Carré.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 7 AM – 9 PM OPENING HOURS 7 AM – 1:30 AM ADDRESS 439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-4517 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

Equality for our Spring Social at Bayou Wine Garden. Come learn about our organization, the legislative session and enjoy a nice cool drink with us on the back porch.

FRIDAY 4/12 – SUNDAY 4/14

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: The Saenger Theatre; 1111 Canal Street; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, will play at the Saenger Theatre for a limited engagement. Performance schedule is as follows: Friday – Saturday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 2 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30 and will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (800) 982-2787.

FRIDAY 4/12

Lords of Leather Sock Hop Beer Bust: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 9 p.m. “ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF at the SOCK HOP BEER BUST! Time 9pm Meat & Greet and 10pm-Midnight beer bust. Put on a sock, let’s see it “hop”. They will also be collecting clean/no-holes/new/gently-used sock pairs for shelters! And we will have a surprise for the best sock model! The

cost is $5.00 buy-in with $1 refills for beer & sodas; (nibble snacks there too) and $1 Jell-O shots. Donations go toward our Bal Masque XXXVII which will be held Sunday, February 23, 2020!!

SATURDAY 4/13

NOLA April Gaymers Party: LGBT Community Center of New Orleans; 2727 South Brian Street; 2 - 6 p.m.

LGBTQ GAMERS OF THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS REGION - COME OUT! Join them at the LGBT Community Center to socialize, game and generally geek out! We will have board games, party games, card games, and snacks to share! We strongly encourage you to bring your own favorite games as well. Donations of $3 or more towards future Gaymer events will be split with the LGBT center. +1 Gaming will be our sponsor again and those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a prize from their store!

The Marsha Delain Purple Party: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine Street; 7 - 11 p.m. Come out for. The 20th Annual Purple Party on April 13, 2019 at the Crossing NOLA. There will be food, auctions, raffle, drag show and more. $10 at the door. This is a fundraiser for the Gay Easter Parade.

Funds raised at the Gay Easter Parade will benefit Food For Friends, a program of CrescentCare.

Blunderland NOLA: One Eyed Jacks; 615 Toulouse Street; Shows

8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Eric Schmalenberger Trixie Minx and House of YES are proud to present BLUNDERLAND at One Eyed Jacks! A delectable evening of variety with all the whimsical, surreal, and psychedelic you can handle, served HOT and ready to dazzle you. Leave all expectations at the door and come be titillated. Drawing from the finest burlesque, circus, cabaret, and queer scenes BLUNDERLAND is a trip down a rabbit hole of scintillating surprises! Including performances by Jett Adore Stormy Leather Deity Liza Rose Lady Lucerne, the infamous SPILL SISTERS, Rob Roth as CRAIG, and more. Hosted by Trixie Minx and Eric Schmalenberger. Shows at 8pm and 10:30pm. Tickets: VIP Table Seating $35 / Reserved Seating $20 / General Admission $15 cash at the door. For Reserved VIP Table Seating, please email Blunderland13@gmail.com to let us know your group size. Tickets are on www.eventbrite.com.

NOAGE’s Coffee Talk: New Orleans Healing Center; 2372 St. Claude Avenue; 10 - 11:30 a.m. Join NOAGE for a discussion in Room #250 of the Healing Center, moderated by Dr. Catherine Roland: “More People in Your Life: That’s Why It’s Called MAKING Friends” This Coffee Talk will include discussion on the difference between having friends and making new ones as we grow older. What qualities do you offer, and how can you best

reach out and show those? Perhaps more importantly, knowing your boundaries and ability to say ‘yes’ and to say ‘no’ when appropriate. Come and join us! PJ’s coffee and pastries will be provided.

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Artisan Bar and Cafe; 2514 St. Claude Avenue; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Vanessa Carr Presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch at Artisan Cafe featuring an amazing menu and awesome entertainment!

Come celebrate with the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends! To register go to www. eventbrite.com. Show are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

April Country Dance: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 9 p.m. - midnight. Come join the Big Easy Stompers for our April Country Dance. Open to everyone. Free event.

Mx. Phoenix 2019 Contest: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 9 p.m.

- midnight. NOLA Leather to Geaux and the New Orleans Phoenix present: Mx. Phoenix 2019 - a part of the Phoenix Leather Weekend. Do you have a kinky side? Wanna show off your leather? Or just wanna get on stage and snag a title? Then this contest is for YOU! This is a leather contest that represents the Phoenix bar, ANYONE is welcome to compete! We have revived the Phoenix Bar Leather to be a fun, light-hearted event without regard to gender since leather has no gender.

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Prizes include a leather sash, goodies from the Phoenix , and unlimited prestige as you reign over the Phoenix for a full calendar year! Please message for application on the Facebook Page or pick one up from any bartender at the Phoenix.

Party with Royalty: Chris Owens Night Club; 500 Bourbon Street; 8 p.m. Come on out and party with the Krewe of Stars Royalty! It’s a chance to come and have a great time with the King & Queen of Stars Mark Davison & Chris Owens and your fellow Star members. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Refreshments at 8 p.m.; show at 9 p.m.

SUNDAY 4/14

Opus Opera presents Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater: Trinity Episcopal Church; 1329 Jackson Avenue; 5 p.m.

Bryan Hymel’s Opus Opera begins its Spring season with an original interpretation of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater.

Opus Opera combines this beautiful baroque work with ballet in a completely original take on the 1736 work. Paul Weber’s Krewe de Voix and a baroque ensemble add to the proceedings in a unique concert experience. Opus Opera will partner with the Krewe de Voix & Delta Festival Ballet in an original treatment of this 1736 baroque treasure, accompanied by a baroque ensemble with soloists Irini Kyriakidou and Christina Vial. Suggested Donation at the door - Doors Open at 4:30

p.m.

French Quarter Festival Halloween New Orleans Kick Off Party: 810 Ursulines; 3 - 6 p.m. The first of an amazing season of Halloween Host Recruitment parties kicks off during French Quarter Fest. Join HNO at the beautiful home of Dustin Woehrmann and Jeff Hebert in the French Quarter.

Halloween New Orleans’s 36th year promises to be the best yet- and this is THE party to launch it all. There will be an opportunity to purchase Patron and Host passes, as well as, tickets to the 1/2 way to Halloween pub crawl.

As always, all HNO profits benefit our incredible partner, Project Lazarus.

There will be a suggested $10 donation at the door for this event (no cost for our Hosts and Patrons). Must be 21+ to drink. Everyone is welcome!

TUESDAY 4/16

Dining With A Purpose - Gay Easter Parade; Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 S. Carrollton Avenue; 11 a.m - midnight. The Gay Easter Parade is dining with a purpose on April 16! Get lunch, dinner, or takeout on Tuesday, April 16 at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown (LPK - Uptown) and 25% of your purchase will go to the Gay Easter Parade! All you have to do is enjoy one of LPK’s delicious creations, then either write “GEP” on your bill or mention us to the person taking your phone order.

It’s that easy! LPK-Uptown has a great

variety of pizza, pasta, appetizers, salads, and drinks. There’s something for everyone – and your meal will help raise funds for the Gay Easter Parade, benefitting Food For Friends at CrescentCare.

FRIDAY 4/19

10th Annual Bunnies in the Big Easy: Sheraton New Orleans; 500 Canal Street; 7 - 9:30 p.m. Kickoff the Easter weekend festivities with Bunnies in the Big Easy, the premier fundraiser of the Easter season. Enjoy a limited open bar (beer, wine, and vodka), a raffle for fabulous prizes, bunny boys and live entertainment hosted by Tony Leggio. Bunnies in the Big Easy is a part of the Gay Easter Parade fundraisers raising money to produce the 20th Annual Gay Easter Parade.

Proceeds from the parade will be donated to Food for Friends which provides nutritious meals to those living with HIV. Bunnies in the Big Easy is one of the gayest and glitziest soirees of the whole gay Easter weekend and with only 100 tickets available, it sells out fast every year. Go into your costume closet, grab your freshest set of bunny ears, and get to the party!

SATURDAY 4/20

Drag Queen Story Hour: Alvar Library; 913 Alvar Street; 1 - 2 p.m.

Come listen to the beautiful and talented Vanessa and friends read stories.

The 17th Annual Bunny Hop: Mags 940: 941 Elysian Fields; Start 2 p.m.

The annual Easter bonnet bar crawl will hop again on April 20th. Starting at 2:00 p.m. at Mag’s on Elysian Fields.

Join Bunny Marshall, The Dutchess, for a fun filled afternoon. This Easter Bonnet Bar crawl goes to several different venues in the Marigny which will award prizes based on various categories.

Dirty Dime Peepshow: The Allways Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Avenue; 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Dirty Dime Peepshow is the most outlandish burlesque show in all of New Orleans, produced by Bella Blue and hosted by Ben Wisdom. The cast consists of the artistic genius of The Lady Lucerne, Tarah Cards, Bella Blue, and more.

The Dirty Dime provides a platform for performers from New Orleans and beyond. Since 2009, the Dirty Dime has been feeding audiences the raw, dirty, and boundary-busting burlesque they crave. This isn’t another classic burlesque show! Cast aside your judgement and preconceived notions of what burlesque should be, and join us for a walk on the darkside. The Dirty Dime Peepshow. 11pm doors. Midnight show.. $15 cover at the door.

It’s Showtime on Rampart Street; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

SUNDAY 4/21

The 20th Annual Gay Easter Parade: French Quarter; 4:30 p.m. Start.

The parade showcases the fashion and creativity of the LGBTQ community dressed in Easter and summer suits, tuxedos, and dresses with festive Easter hats. For more information go to www.gayeasterparade.com.

TUESDAY 4/23

LGBTQ Interfaith Seder: Temple Sinai; 6227 St. Charles Avenue; 6 - 8:30 p.m. Congregation Temple Sinai will host an interfaith Seder* for the LGBTQ community and the allies who love and support them, co-sponsored by Jewish Pride Nola and our generous donors. Join us in reading the Passover Hagaddah with special queer readings and a FREE dinner! This event is sponsored by JP NOLA, Chalres Wallfisch and Jeffrey Gregoire, Jane and Billy Sizeler, and Judge Robin Giarrusso. *The Seder is a Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Tickets available on www. eventbrite.com.

Femme Night - Music, Comedy, Burlesque and Pop-Up Market: The Allways Lounge; 22 40 St. Claude Ave.; 7 p..m - 2 a.m. Join your Host Tsarina Magalena Hellfire for an evening celebrating all things Femme!

Burlesque: Blyre Cpanx; Comedy : Geneva Joy & Mallory Head. $7 at the Door. Doors @ 7pm / Show @ 9pm.

Generations Forum - A Cross Generational LGBT+ Conversation; Cafe Istanbul; 2372 St. Claude Avenue; 7 - 8:45 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Admission is free, but RSVP via Eventbrite is required. Direct RSVP on www. eventbrite.com. On the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, we reflect upon the strides made by each generation in the fight for equality for all LGBT+ individuals. The Generations Forum is an opportunity for the New Orleans community to engage in dialogue, understanding, and appreciation surrounding the changing culture of LGBT+ life.

A four-speaker panel, consisting of LGBT+ people of different generations, will engage in a moderated discussion, followed by a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.

WEDNESDAY 4/24

6th Annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Tour - New Orleans: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m.

Reserve your no cover tickets at www. eventbrite.com. We use Eventbrite for all check-ins, and all +1’s must be present to receive wristbands. With RSVP there is no cover, and YOU can be a part of the blind-sampling to vote audience (1st 100 RSVP’s to check in at 9pm doors get to try every cocktail

between 9 and 9:45pm) AND the first 100 to check in with RSVP receive a Stoli drink ticket. NEW this year, all audience members get to participate in “text to vote” audience voting with the chance to win additional drink tickets as well as to sample cocktails throughout the show. One of the New Orleans’ brightest Bar Stars will win 7 days in sunny Key West for the SKWCC June 4-10 Pride Week Finale compliments of the Key West Business Guild, with a shot at up to 10K for their favourite Los Angeles area LGBT-supportive charity, the chance to become Honorary Grand Marshall of Key West Pride 2019, trophy, sash, title, a trip somewhere in North America in the year of reign to a fabulous Stoli weekend event, as well as a custom-designed victory celebration and charity check presentation held at their hometown bar. Hosts: New Orleans Drag Star PERSANA SHOULDERS and PATRIK GALLINEAUX, LGBT Ambassador for Stoli Judges: 2018 SKWCC New Orleans Champion TOBY LEFORT, Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Director of Mixology and Key West Ambassador JAMES BRAUN, Marketing Director Island House Key West and Key West Ambassador JEFFREY SMEAD, and owner Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House and Key West Ambassador JOEY SCHROEDER. Special Performances by THE LADIES OF OZ. Must be 21+. More info: www.face-

book.com/StoliKeyWest. For inquiries including how to apply to compete, please e-mail stolikeywest@gmail. com.

THURSDAY 4/25 – SUNDAY 5/5

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course; 1751 Gentilly Blvd.

For more information, go to www.nojazzfest.com.

SATURDAY 4/27

Drag For A Cause: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 8 - 10 p.m.

Watch as Drag Queens from across the city come together to help raise money for New Orleans’ Covenant House. Join in with music, drinks, a Drag Makeover competition and Amateur Drag Queen competition to close out the night! Admission fee: $10. All proceeds go to benefiting the local branch of The Covenant House. Buy your tickets at the door @ Oz New Orleans the night of the event! Contact jonathanu@vanguard.paulmitchell.edu for inquiries. This event will benefit the following organizations: The Covenant House; Leeza’s Care Connection; Food 4 Africa; Thirst Project; Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking; Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; No Limits; Andrew Gomez Foundation; Gary Sinise Foundation.

FINANCIAL & BUSINESS Sharing Financial Wisdom With Your Kids Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com Parents often try to impart their values about money to help their children establish a strong financial foundation. If you are a parent, talking to your kids about money can help them learn how to be financially responsible, self-supporting adults. To get the discussion flowing, consider using these conversation starters depending on your child’s age.

Begin with basics for your preschooler. Look for opportunities to teach values that will help your child develop positive financial attitudes and behaviors later in life. For example, the concept of sharing with others is something most young children can grasp.

Talking about what you’re thankful for and involving kids in philanthropy can help instill gratitude.

Explain financial building blocks to your elementary school student.

As your child progresses through school, start introducing the difference between needs and wants. Present the concepts of cost and quality to teach your child how to discern value. Give your child the chance to make some simple financial decisions that involve delayed gratification, such as setting

aside a small allowance to buy a toy.

Understand that your middle schooler may be watching more than listening. Kids tend to be peer-oriented in the preteen years and may be less receptive to parental advice. Keep talks short, but don’t abandon the mission. Remember that your actions speak volumes about your values. For example, if your child hears you continually talking about a new car purchase or sees you frequently shopping, he or she may pick up similar behaviors toward material goods. Consider involving your child in donations or charitable work you are passionate about, or encourage him or her to support a cause of their own.

Encourage your high school student to think about the future. Now is the time to discuss college costs and encourage saving for college expenses. Talk to your child about what you plan to contribute and what portion you expect them to pay. Discuss whether student loans will play a role and their potential impact down the road. Conversations about college and majors can include frank discussions about the job market and future income po-

tential. Discuss day-to-day financial responsibilities as well, such as how to maintain a checking account and debit card and how to protect accounts from fraud.

Help your college student prepare for independence. Counsel your child about the importance of living within their means and establishing and maintaining a good credit record.

Explain how to use a credit card appropriately (and how to avoid fees and other credit troubles). As graduation nears, discuss your expectations for your child’s transition from student to working adult. Offer yourself as a resource for guidance on how to seek fulfilling work, negotiate a good salary and navigate the world of employee benefits.

Inspire your college graduate to embrace adulthood. Once your child becomes financially independent, be thoughtful about how you approach money topics. Let your newly employed college graduate know you are willing to offer support and guidance yet steer clear of making decisions for him or her. Allow your child space to decide their financial goals. Continue

sharing advice based on your experience, such as the importance of saving for retirement early, having appropriate insurance or creating an estate plan. Encourage your child to establish a relationship with a financial advisor who can provide an objective perspective and tools to create a financial plan unique to their goals.

It’s worth it. If you want to help your child develop financial competence and independence, start the conversation early and keep it going.

Sharing your financial values can enrich your relationship and bring lasting rewards.

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.

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Along the Gulf South BATON ROUGE MONDAY

Game Night: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Chance

WEDNESDAY

Queens Karaoke: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Alvin McGee Free Cover Wednesdays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm

THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St

TUESDAY

Karaoke; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

THURSDAY

Speed Quizzing Trivia; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

Drag Bingo with Monica Heart; 6 p.m.

- 8 p.m. Win cash and prizes

GALVESTON

THURSDAY

Double Trouble Thursday: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 7pm. $6 Double Wells and $10 Double Calls Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 11:30pm. Featuring the Bombshells of Baton Rouge

FRIDAY

23RD ST. STATION 1706 23rd Street

LAFAYETTE

Mobile Hot Happenings WEEKLY AT FLIP SIDE

WEEKLY AT B-BOB’S

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

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Texas Hold ‘Em 7pm

Upstairs Karaoke: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm $1 Martinis 9-10pm

UNDER THE GAYDAR

TUESDAY

Tube-ular Tuesday with Jim 8pm

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email info@ambushpublishing.com

WEDNESDAY

BOLT BAR & PATIO 114 McKinley St

Ladies Night w/ Piano 6pm

THURSDAY

Movie Night with Chris 8pm

THURSDAY

Thirsty Thursday; No Cover. $4 Double Wells and $2 wine

FRIDAY

The Ladies of Bolt; 11:30pm. $5 cover

SATURDAY

Dance Night; No Cover. Happy Hour 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

LAKE CHARLES CRYSTAL’S DOWNTOWN 720 Ryan Street

FRIDAY

Live Entertainment 6pm

SATURDAY

Live Entertainment 9pm

SUNDAY

Sing Along Sundays w/ Piano 4pm7pm

RUMORS

3102 Seawall Blvd.

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Show Nights 11 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

TUESDAY

Anything But Techno Tuesdays; 10 p.m. No Cover. Ladies drink half off

WEDNESDAY Drag Bingo & Show

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY Karaoke 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

Drink & Drown Karaoke; $10 selective alcohol with $1 refill

The Sunday T with Carly & Kymber 4:30 p.m.

PENSACOLA www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 41

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.

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 CROSSING (formerly 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

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · 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, 433 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119, www. armeinius.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.

CRESCENT CITY LEATHERMEN, c/o The Phoenix Bar Complex, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117, ccl@crescentcityleathermen.com, www. crescentcityleathermen.org.

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

op.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 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, 615 S Carrollton Ave, 866-5900, www.louisianapizzakitchenuptown.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.RoyalHouseRestau-

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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

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A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Resurrection

The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ fr.bill@stannanola.org

This is the Easter Parade Edition.

WOW! Easter is here and we are already thinking about seersucker suits, white buck shoes, bonnets and bows.

It is that time of year when the weather is generally magnificent. We are anticipating the Fair season which kicks off soon and will continue through the hot days of summer. It is a time to be alive!

There are so many spiritual forces at work during shifts in the season. We move from winter, the time of quiet and introspection, to Spring, a time of newness, blossoms, fresh new leaves.

For we Episcopalians it is the ritual time when we are at our best. We love well-ordered ritual and liturgy. It is often said that our liturgy says what we believe. I think such is true. Equally I believe that there is a liturgy of the community if one takes a bit of time to watch. There is rhythm, order, expectation, and demonstration.

This past week we, St. Anna’s hosted a fundraiser and we were blessed to have several representatives of the community among us. I won’t name them because I will forget someone but let us say this wasn’t your Daddy’s or Momma’s typical church casserole supper. The generosity of spirit shown by the community was beyond belief.

When one is doing social justice work, it is always encouraging to hear voices of support. One of the representatives of the community who often can be found at the Phoenix was excited to let us know that our annual Easter Basket drive will be the best ever. Touching - absolutely. This Community within Communities allows us the graciousness of distributing Easter baskets to dozens if not hundreds of children, many of whom have never gotten an

Easter basket. Such is the liturgy of the community. It shows love, affection, and fun. It is a liturgy of servanthood, giving, and generosity.

There is also the liturgy of our city.

How we pattern our lives, how we show outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. Have you ever looked at the bronze statues in City Park installed during the depression.

What lovely expressions of beauty. The arched bridges spoke of a longing for an imagined genteel time.

What we see in our city is what we define ourselves as. So, some of the city took down statues that no longer said what many, perhaps most, believed. I suspect that those removals are still contentious with some and forgotten by many. Honestly, I had moved on and had not thought much about the removed monuments. I was more focused on today. Until I went to Battle Creek, Michigan.

When I was a little kid, over half a century ago, I used to dream about Battle Creek because that was the home of two major cereal companies; it was where you sent box tops to get prizes and gifts. The prizes for sure were the usual plastic magnifying glasses, or rubber noses, or magic cups. I thought Battle Creek, however, was like Santa’s workshop. So, when I was made a Kellogg Fellow to receive training as a community leader, I was invited and went to the Home Office in Battle Creek. I was amazed!

I won’t share the entire Battle Creek story with you but I will share some: It was the last home and burial place of that great justice advocate Sojourner Truth

Corn Flakes were discovered by a mistake and were part of a “health food” initiative started by the founder of the Seventh Day Adventists.

Battle Creek was a major stop in the famed “Underground Railroad” led by the “Conductor” Harriett Tubman.

Battle Creek was home to Quakers, Seventh Day Adventists, and a dozen other denominations in its early history.

One of the early pioneers from Battle Creek was a shop owner from New York named Erastus Hussey. He was a Quaker. He became one of the founding fathers of the Republican Party. He was an avid abolitionist. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 held that slaves had to be returned to their masters.

Somewhere during that time Hussey and number of others in Battle Creek confronted some slave bounty hunters. They beat them up and sent them on their way. Hussey later won a seat in the Michigan Senate and passed a law that confronted the Federal Slave Act saying that Michigan would not return any slaves. That Michigan was a free state. In any event, he had helped over 1,000 slaves get to Canada.

Battle Creek is home to a diverse population. Like all cities, not everybody there agrees about all things.

BUT I did not see a single monument dedicated to war. I did see two grand monuments. One dedicated to Mr. Hussey and Harriett Tubman and others engaged in the Underground Railroad. And at the entrance of the city, its “gateway” street, a large monument to Sojourner Truth. It was the liturgy of their city.

We have a different city and different culture. We are more diverse in

opinion, history, and culture perhaps more than any other city in North America. What a gift we have. But, what is and will be the liturgy of this city?

There is a small brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk about the Upstairs Lounge fire. If you did not know it was there, though, you would pass it by. Louis Armstrong and others find themselves in a pocket park on Bourbon. LaSalle and Bienville rightfully are prominent. Saint Joan seems to hold a golden place in our hearts as does Andrew Jackson.

Jackson is controversial but I don’t say take it down. What I do say is that rather than arguing about what is or is not to remain what about what isn’t there right now?

I for one think that a prominent statue to Stuart Butler might be appropriate. That more than a plaque in a sidewalk memorializing the Upstairs Lounge fire might be in order. Or perhaps a statue of Edmond Dédé, a black composer of the mid-19th century who lived in New Orleans.

We need a grand liturgy for New Orleans, a celebration of life. We need Resurrection monuments that speak to all people and all hearts. We need to think about nature, life and liberty. Perhaps a giant statue to the Great Blue Heron atop the old Tivoli Circle column.

How we express ourselves to the world is how we do our community liturgy.

We express what we believe. I am sure that we can find common ground. So, with that don your best chapeau, go to Easter Services, rejoice in Resurrection, then have a nice cool mimosa somewhere.

tea set and the historically accurate reproduction carpets and upholstery, bygone New Orleans comes to life at the Hermann-Grima House. The grounds also include a two-story stable and a three-story detached service wing with an intact open-hearth kitchen.

The Hermann-Grima House is open Thursday—Tuesday.

Guided tours (which last 45-60 minutes) are offered at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm (and by appointment). The museum is closed on Wednesdays, but is available by appointment for groups of 25 or more.

From November through April, volunteer culinary experts prepare seasonal dishes on select Thursdays us-

ing traditional recipes and techniques of the 19th century. Group tours may schedule private open-hearth cooking demonstrations by appointment. The hearth cooking exhibit carefully recreates the methods and techniques used at the Hermann-Grima house in the 19th century, with dishes including rotisserie duck, goose, chicken, and beef; smoked hams; spicy sausages; stews such as gumbo and red beans; and French bread, brioche, and round loaves. Guests witness these methods in person while tasting the authentic spirit of Creole cuisine.

MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT

Hermann-Grima House Among New Orleans’ many charms are its plethora of architectural styles and historic antebellum homes.

Fortunately, many of these architectural treasures are now museums. One such home is the Hermann-Grima House.

Located at 820 St. Louis Street in the French Quarter, the Hermann-Grima House was constructed in 1831 and is a fine example of Federal style architecture. The home was built by a German-Jewish businessman named Samuel Hermann. Hermann immigrated from Germany in 1804 and made his fortune in cotton. After a financial downturn in the economy, Hermann sold the house to Felix Grima in 1844.

The Christian Women’s Exchange acquired the house in 1924 and owned it until it became a museum in 1971.

Inside the Hermann-Grima House and the adjacent slave quarters, visitors are transported back in time to learn about this bustling 19th-century home, its outbuildings and courtyard.

Through the efforts of The Woman’s Exchange, this house was painstakingly preserved and restored. The parlors, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoor workspaces are completely furnished in period pieces. In fact, one-third of the objects you will find on display belonged to either the Hermanns or the Grimas. From family portraits and kitchen equipment to Mrs. Hermann’s

44 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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It’s easy to see why Tulane hired Ron Hunter Les East, Crescent City Sports NEW ORLEANS – It’s easy to see why Tulane hired Ron Hunter to be its men’s basketball coach.

In fact, after watching Hunter’s introductory news conference Tuesday afternoon it was difficult to imagine how they could have hired anyone else.

As it turns out the Green Wave never seriously considered anyone else. Athletic director Troy Dannen said he spoke with 14 candidates from what Tulane President Michael Fitts called “a very rich and deep pool” of candidates.

But Hunter, who declined an interview request when Dannen last had an opening four years ago, landed the only face-to-face interview.

“He stood out above all others from the beginning,” Fitts said.

Dannen called Hunter “ambition personified” and the coach proved to be charming even when being brash during a virtuoso performance inside Fogelman Arena.

Hunter, who quickly and lastingly turned around other moribund programs at IUPUI and Georgia State, said the aged, diminutive gym brought “a tear to my eye,” adding, “This is the best facility I’ve ever had.”

He said Tulane is “right up my alley” after second-lining across the Tulane campus, marveling with a fresh eye at opportunities often unseen by the Green Wave.

“We look down on the program more than people on the outside do,” Dannen said frankly.

When Dannen interviewed Hunter last weekend in Atlanta shortly after his Georgia State team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, the athletic director offered the job “halfway through dinner.”

Hunter, whose team qualified for the NCAA Tournament by winning the Sun Belt conference tournament at Lakefront Arena six days earlier, was similarly quick in accepting the job after Dannen “blew me away.”

“My plan was to retire at Georgia State,” Hunter said. “It had to be special for me to do it.”

Hunter sees Tulane as special even though the Green Wave haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 1995.

“I had planned on going to the NCAA Tournament next year at Georgia State,” he said, “and I plan on going to the NCAA Tournament next year with my team at Tulane.”

Hunter clearly was attracted by a jump to the American Athletic Conference, which sent four teams to the NCAA Tournament. The Sun Belt is a de facto one-bid league and Hunter said “the hardest thing I ever had to deal with” was going 17-1 in the Sun Belt regular season, winning 26 games and winding up in the N.I.T. after losing in the Sun Belt title game.

The Green Wave often fret about their limited basketball success historically and their challenging academics being a detriment in recruitment.

“I think Tulane sells itself,” Hunter

said.

New Orleans was an easy sell for Hunter with his wife Amy. Hunter didn’t tell her about his interest in the Tulane job immediately.

On the bus ride back to Atlanta after winning the Sun Belt title and GeorgiaState’s second consecutive NCAA berth and third in five seasons, the team stopped at a sports bar in Mississippi to watch the NCAA Selection Show.

Ron pulled Amy to the side and told her he was considering taking the Tulane job and asked her what she thought.

“It’s in New Orleans,” she said, “so yes.”

New Orleans holds pleasant memories for the Hunters. Georgia State’s last two Sun Belt titles were won here and the Panthers beat the Green Wave in Fogelman this season, giving Hunter as many wins in New Orleans during the 2018-19 season as Tulane had.

“I don’t know how that can happen,” Hunter said of the 0-18 conference record, the only winless conference season in Tulane’s 109 years of playing basketball. He jokingly added, “If I win one conference game I’m getting a contract extension.

“We’re not only going to win,” Hunter said, “but we’re going to win big and we’re going to win consistently.

He has two goals for his first Tulane team: — “to have the largest turnaround in NCAA history from 0-18 to the NCAA Tournament and to prove

everyone wrong.”

“People thought I couldn’t do it at IUPUI,” Hunter said. “I still don’t even know what IUPUI stands for and I worked there for 17 years. So if I can recruit and win at IUPUI, I surely can recruit and win at Tulane.”

Speaking of recruiting, Hunter said he hopes to add “two to three” new players though he believes Tulane can win with Dunleavy’s players that return.

He cited his first Georgia State team, which ended a streak of 10 straight losing seasons by winning 22 games playing strictly with players left over from his predecessor.

He plans to visit “every high school in New Orleans” as soon as he returns from the Final Four in two weeks. By that time he should have a coaching staff in place, mostly comprised of his Georgia State staff along with the addition of someone with “strong New Orleans and Louisiana ties.”

“We have to have a culture change,” Hunter said. “We have to change the mindset.”

In the end, Hunter said “I don’t care” about the four wins overall, the winless conference season and the long NCAA Tournament absence.

“Today is a new day here at Tulane.”

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

NFL’s Next: This year’s rookies-to-be from the New Orleans area Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports Terren Encalade hopes to parlay success as a wide receiver at Tulane to a chance to perform at the next level in 2019 (Photo: Parker Waters).

In any given preseason, there are usually more than 40 players on NFL rosters who hail from the Greater New Orleans Metro area on the fields trying to make teams or just prep for the regular season to come. Here are a list of next batch of potential rookies who have a chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster in 2019: • DT Gerald Willis (6-3, 300) Edna Karr/Florida/Miami. He earned Louisiana Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. While with the ‘Canes (2018) he was 2nd team All ACC with 59 tackles, 4 sacks and 18 TFL. Projected to go in 2nd round of the upcomiing draft.

• QB James Tabary (6-2, 215) Holy Cross/Arkansas State/McNeese, He threw for over 7,000 career yards and 56 touchdowns for the Cowboys including five games in which he threw for over 300 yards. Was All State at

Holy Cross. Free agent.

• OLB B.J. Blunt (6-1, 220) McDonogh 35, McNeese. 2018 Southland Conference Defensive Player of Year after recording 20 tackles for loss.

Played in East-West Shrine game. 6th round pick.

• OLB Zachary Harris (6-0, 220) Holy Cross/Tulane. 31 starts for Green Wave where he recorded 165 career stops and 12 TFL Good work ethic.

7th round /free agent. While at Holy Cross had 253 career tackles including 23 tackles in one game (2013) against Brother Martin.

• DB Rod Teamer (6-0, 205), Brother Martin/Tulane. Had 280 career stops aas a prepster and 198 career tackles, 11.5 TFL and 3 interceptions at Tulane.

Free Agent.

• OC/OG Ryan Hanley (6-1, 300), Rummel/Nicholls State. Free agent.

• LB Hexikiah White, John Curtis/ Nicholls. Free agent.

• DT Robert Kennedy (6-1, 285) Belle Chasse/Tulane. Tough, hard

nosed, wrestling background. Free agent.

• DB Hunter Dale (5-10, 195) John Curtis/Washington State. Recorded 58 tackles in 2018 for Cougars. Free agent.

• NT Ed Alexander (6-3, 319) St. Thomas Aquinas/LSU. Highly-rated player in 2016 recruiting class made 14 starts at LSU with 58 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 2 sacks. 5th/6th round.

• WR Stanley Morgan (6-1, 200) St. Augustine/Nebraska. All Time leading receiver for the Cornhuskers with 189 catches, 2,747 yards and 22 touchdowns. In 2018, had 70 grabs for 1,004 yards and 7 scores. Had a streak of 38 consecutive games with a catch while at Nebraska. 5th/6th round.

• TE Irv Smith, Jr. (6-4, 246) Brother Martin/Alabama. Was 2nd team All SEC in 2018 after catching 44 passes for 710 yards and 7 TD’s. Complete TE, physical, good hands. 1st or early 2nd round.

• TE Foster Moreau (6-6, 256)

Jesuit/LSU. Tough, hard nosed leader who was a great blocker and team captain for the Tigers. Made 49 game appearances at LSU with 32 starts. He recorded 52 catches for 629 yards and 6 touchdowns. 4th round.

• TE Charles Jones (6-4, 255) St. Augustine/Tulane. Made 22 starts with Green Wave with 61 overall catches for 460 yards and 8 touchdowns. Fought injuries. Free agent.

• TE Jayshawn Washington (6-1, 240) John Ehret/Southern Miss. His grandfather is Alden Roche (former NFL DE). Could play FB. Free agent.

• WR Tyron Johnson (6-1, 193) Warren Easton/LSU/Oklahoma State.

Former 5 star signee with LSU in 2015.

Good hands. Played in 9 games at LSU with 9 catches for 150 yards and 2 TD’s. Past two seasons at Oklahoma State, making 71 grabs for 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns. Left Cowboys as a junior. 7th round.

• CB DeShawn Capers-Smith (6-0, 192) Warren Easton/Texas A&M. Ga-

46 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

torade Player of Year in Louisiana in 2014 after accounting for 5,550 yards of total offense and 70 touchdowns made 101 career tackles for Aggies as CB. Free agent.

• WR Teddy Veal (6-0, 190) West Jeff/Tulane/La. Tech. Deep threat with 4.4 speed led Tulane in receiving in 2015 with 48 catches for 644 yards

and 5 TD’s. In 2018, he paced La. Tech with 70 grabs, 716 yards and one TD. Career at La. Tech, 144 catches, 1,666 yards and 8 TD’s. 6th/7th round.

• WR Terren Encalade (6-0, 190) Belle Chasse/Tulane. Made 45 starts for Wave with 143 catches, 2,235 yards and 15 touchdowns. Good vs. zone coverage. free agent. In Auto Nation

Cure Bowl had 5 catches for 93 yards and touchdown.

• WR Damion Jean-Pierre (6-1, 185) Rummel/Nicholls, Totaled 128 catches, 2,324 yards and 14 touchdowns for Colonels. In ’18 accounted for 44 grabs, 850 yards and 3 scores.

Improved each season. Free agent.

• CB Terrence Alexaander (5-9 1/2,

183) John Curtis/Stanford/LSU. 4.5 forty, 35″ vertical jump. Ran track at Stanford. Free agent.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

Replay rule change is small victory for Payton, Benson and Saints fans Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports It was nearly unanimous. thus, a playoff spot.

NFL owners 31-1 voted in favor of By making that point, Payton came changing the rules to allow challengacross as a member of the competition ing pass interference calls via replay committee seeking to make the game review beginning in 2019. Only the better, rather than a partisan hack simCincinnati Bengals voted against the ply looking out for his own interest. change. Who dey anyway?

Give Gayle Benson credit for makFans make a difference. ing the case as well. She is the ownWhile some on the national scene er and she has already commanded were puzzled, amused and even mad and garnered respect from her league at the way fans of brethren. the Saints reacted I pointed out The quickest way to build an when it was stated to the infamous infraction which NCAA championship contend- just over a month was not called in er is to lure NBA-ready players ago that there the NFC champiwas not a sizeable onship game with amount of support the Los Angeles Rams, the voice of the for such change to be patient, that fans resonated with the rest of the NFL something would happen. world. That is obvious.

Every time there has been a conI wonder what the critics of Saints troversial, bad call in the postseason fans are saying now? Apparently, whinover the last half century, the aftermath ing works. Of course, it was not whinhas resulted in a rule change. ing but simply expressing a strong obThat was the case this time around. jection to a ridiculous job of officiating Make no mistake about it. by two men, perhaps as many as three The change was all about the men who were in position to make the Saints. call.

It was about the fateful play by NicTo give perspective to what has kell Robey-Coleman against Tommylchanged, consider the following. ee Lewis.

Pass interference represents just The fact that the Saints made the nine percent of all penalties enforced case in appropriate fashion after the in the NFL but 70 percent of the penfact was important. alties with the greatest impact on win Equally important was the incredprobability in NFL games are pass inible public outcry of passionate New terference calls.

Orleans Saints fans, who kept the play Both defensive and offensive pass and the offense alive, including staging interference penalties are now chalpublic functions the day of the Super lengeable.

Bowl. The passion and contempt for Coaches still have two challenges, what happened spilled into Atlanta, if both are successful, they get a third where billboards stared everyone in challenge. The beauty of this is that it the face and where Roger Goodell had does not change the number of chalto field questions about the no-call. lenges or extend the length of games, The CFL began reviewing pass ina primary concern. Coaches will be terference in 2014. They have worked cautious, judicious and selective about out the kinks and it works well north of throwing the red flag. the border.

Having Sean Payton on the rules The NFL pass interference chalcommittee helped. lenge case gets a year to unveil itself, Payton did a magical job of making to determine if it is worthwhile, implethe case for change and turned the tide mented correctly and that it corrects by getting other NFL coaches to buy in egregious errors. and get their owners to buy in.

If it is proven to be correct and The fact that Payton cited a phansuccessful, you can bet that it will be tom pass interference call on Joe expanded.

Haden of the Steelers against Alvin There were other rule changes Kamara in the end zone, setting up a which passed as well.

Saints touchdown, was brilliant. PayThere will be no blindside blocks ton correctly pointed out that the call allowed anymore. Remember Bobby was a blown one and that it may well McCray’s block on Kurt Warner in the have cost Pittsburgh a victory and 2009 playoffs? It was brutal but it was

legal. Not anymore.

Blatantly hard hits can now get a player ejected.

There will be no more running starts on kickoffs on a permanent basis. There were 38 percent fewer concussions last year. Onside kicks were recovered at a 7.7 percent rate, falling from 21.1 percent as a direct result of not allowing running starts.

The proliferation of kickers who can boot the ball deep into the end zone or out of the end zone, along with the fact that a touchback now gets you the ball at 25-yard line, rather than the 20, has rendered kickoffs few and far between in terms of impacting games.

In all, give the Saints credit for helping exact real change in an attempt to make the game better. Ultimately, it is all about getting the call right.

Speaking of which, all that is left is for the league to take action against

the two or three officials who completely blew the call.

Human error is part of the game.

Everyone understands that. Technology allows replay to correct many of those errors. Everyone understands that.

What is not understood is how someone can do such a poor job as those officials did on that fateful day and not face disciplinary action?

Accountability applies to owners, coaches and players. It should apply to officials as well.

Payton and Benson held the NFL accountable and that accounted for positive change in the most popular professional league in the country.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 9 – 22, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 47