A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982
VOLUME 42 ISSUE 3 December 9, 2024
AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email frankearlperez@gmail.com
T.J.
EDITOR
Frank Perez
DIGITAL
Brian Sands
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Jim Meadows, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Rev. Bill Terry, Hairy Bottoms, Kelly Schexnaildre LOGISTICS
Jeffrey Palmquist, Ryne Stoned
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz
COVER DESIGN
Ryan Leitner
AMBUSH Magazine is published bimonthly. 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.
Copyright 1982 2024 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS, & PHOTOS.
The Of ficial Dish TJ Acosta
Dear Ambush Nation,
The Holidays are here, and another year is almost in the books. 2024 has been a great year for AMBUSH Magazine. We are excited to be back in print! We are honored to share with you, our readers, the vibrant colors of the LGBTQ+ community. From the King Cake Queen Coronation, the Gay Easter Parade and the Gay Appreciation Awards, we have been blessed to share these events with you. We look forward to a wonderful 2025!
On behalf of myself and everyone on the AMBUSH team, we wish you and your family a Happy Holiday season. We hope that you get to spend the holidays with those you love. This is the perfect time of year to reach out to those you love to let them know how much they mean to you. It ’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends who may have lost touch. Please remember there are many in our community who don’t have a relationship with family members and the holidays can be a difficult time. Be thoughtful of your neighbor and make sure everyone has a warm and loving place to spend part of the holiday.
See you in 2025!
From the Editor’s Desk Frank Perez
The end of the year is always a time for reflection, especially so this year in the aftermath of the recent Presidential election. Post election analysis? Nope. Chin up. Stiff upper lip. Carry on. The fight continues.
In the meantime, the annual queer calendar has come full circle. As the Holiday Season kicks into high gear, we remember the end of the year bacchanalia is merely a precursor to Carnival Season, which begins on January 6. 2025 marks the 76th year of gay Carnival in New Orleans.
Shrove Tuesday leads us to Easter, an ancient pagan celebration of fertility and renewal. Easter Sunday costumes and extravag ant bonnets rule the day, and who doesn ’t look forward to the Gay Easter Parade? Then there is Pride, an excuse for yet another parade. The challenges our community faces under the new administration will have come into sharper focus by June, thereby underscoring the continuing need for Pride celebrations. Summer is also time for the annual Gay Appreciation Awards. Before you know it, Labor Day will be here, and with it, Southern Decadence a truly distinctive New Orleans phenomenon. That means debauchery and a boost in slow summer sales for businesses, and of course, another parade. And when the decadence subsides, it will be time again for Halloween and all the opportunities it affords for creative decorating and costuming. Then the queer c alendar begins again.
There is comfort in familiarity and constancy two things the queer calendar provides us in challenging times.
NOAGE Gala
Weekly Events Tony Leggio
Monday
*NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Lafitte Greenway; 500 N. Norman C .Francis Pkwy., New Orleans, LA; 7 p.m. NOAGE ’ s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 6:00 PM. They start walking promptly at 6:00, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. Please consult with your primary care physician before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you are not used to regular exercise.
*Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show; The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. Betsy Propane & The Accessories are a Jazz Trio fronted by a female lead singer, who dabbles in the Ancient Art of Bump & Grind, and wants to share those powerful pipes through song & performance. Cover $20
*LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Mondays are, once again, a DRAG! See your favorite Queens! Sing your favorite songs! GET WEIRD! With a rotating cast of drag hosts.
Tuesday:
*Trivia Night: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine St.; 7:30 p.m. 5 Rounds of Ten Questions Plus a Bonus Round; Prizes for 1st, 2nd & Last Place; $3 Wells & Domestics til 8PM; Kitchen Open til 10PM. Call the Bar at (504) 523 4517 to Reserve a Table
*George’ s Tuesday Night Trivia; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 7 – 9 p.m. Come play trivia every Tuesday with a different theme each week.
*Big Easy Stompers Line Dancing: GrandPre ’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The Big Easy Stompers have free dance classes every Tuesday at Grandpre’s. They have been giving dance classes to the LGBT community and general public for the last 26 years. Classes are free and start at 8:00PM and open dancing at 9:00pm. All are welcome and beginners are welcome.
*No Judgment Karaoke at Good Friend ’s: Good Friend’s Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy karaoke with fabulous hosts and a chance to win great prizes.
*Trivia Tuesdays; SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 – 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy Big Gay Trivia with Tara Shay Montgomery.
*Weekly Pool Tournament; Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 8 – 10 p.m. The Phoenix Pool Tournament is hosted by Jesse every Tuesday night! $5 buy in, winner takes all. Drink specials begin at 7pm.
*Open Talent Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Hosted by Debbie with a D.
Wednesday:
*Showtunes Sing A Long; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – midnight. With VJ Brendan Thompson. Grab a Cocktail and Sing – A – Long to some of your all time favorites.
*No Judgment Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come sing you heart out at the oldest Gay Bar in New Orleans.
*Wednesday Night Variety Show: The Page; 542 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA.; 9:15 p.m. Hosted by Simone Rishard. $5 entry fee and drink specials all night.
*Drink & Drown: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Drink & Drown every Wednesday from 9pm – Midnight $15 all you can drink; Well single pour liquor drinks and Domestic beers 21+ to enter. Come sing your heart out.
*The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
*Queen’s Karaoke; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Wednesday by Alvin McGee starting at 10 p.m.
Thursday:
*Karaoke at Pub: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. – midnight. Sing your heart out every Thursday upstairs at the Parade. There will be a different special host each week. Choose from over 30,000 songs. (Cont ’d. on pg. 9)
AMBUSH is published six times a year in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Contact Frank Perez at frankearlperez@gmail for advertising rates and other information.
Weekly Events Cont’d. *The Van Ella Bordella: A Storyville Burlesque; The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ Storyville spectacle, is back with an all new show, original music, and courtesans. Limited seating. Join Madam Lola van Ella and her courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights and Victorian era brothel history. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.
*QUEERS OF COMEDY New Orleans: Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing comedy together
*Oz Strip Off; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 10 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy the Oz Strip Off contest sponsored by Swiss Navy and hosted by Persana Shoulders. Contestants in this male gogo competition can win $300 in cash and prizes for 1st Place.
*Clay’s KaraoKiki; George’ s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Thursday by Clay Donaldson starting at 10 p.m.
*So You Think You Can Drag: B Bob’s; 213 Conti St., Mobile AL; 11 p.m. Winner chosen by audience applause.
Friday:
*Trixie Minx’s Tease the Season Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse, feat. Romy Kaye: Royal Sonesta; 300 Bourbon St.; 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come join us for a modern spin on a classic 1960’s Bourbon Street Burlesque Show with a rotating cast of soloists all performing classic strip tease to live music, bringing quality Jazz & Burlesque back to its original home on Bourbon Street. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com
*Flamingo Night: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Tiffany Alexander hosts a night of crazy fun and games.
*Freaky Fridays: Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. Oz New Orleans is the place to be this Friday and all Fridays as Ivy Dripp and JoJo host “FREAKY FRIDAYS ,” featuring performances that are sure to amaze and delight! A show that celebrates glam and horror! Join us for this one of a kind variety show spectacular!
*Raw Dog Comedy: Ugly Dog Saloon; 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd.; 8 – 11 p.m.Raw Dog Comedy is a FREE weekly comedy show in the Warehouse District.The open mic list often features the city ’s best comedians, visiting comics, national touring acts & first timers. It’s FREE to attend, but tipping’s highly encouraged (comics gotta eat, too). (Cont ’d. on pg. 10)
Weekly Events Cont’d.
*Bayou Blues Burlesque: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com and at the door. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials by your bartenders and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the strip tease. Music by The Delta Revues Burlesque by Miss Oops C. (AKA Oops the Clown)
*Karaoke Night @ Sipps: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Come sing your heart out.
*Flip’n Fridays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge; 9 – 11 p.m. Splash presents Flip ’N Fridays! Flip a coin each round to see if you win a gift card equal to the value of that round! Featuring a performance at 10:30 where the queen flips a coin to see what she is performing that number!
*The Famous Corner Pocket New Meat Contest; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. (Boys dancin ’ from 7 p.m.).
The country ’s longest running all male amateur dance contest (over three decades!) Hosted by Corner Pocket Emcee III Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Bring your sexiest, skimpiest, and tightest undies (but no jock straps) for a chance at a cash prize of $100 ($200 if it ’s your first time in our contest). Open to all contestants over 21. New dancers encouraged.
*Dollz with Ballz: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy a great show with Taze Ya Ballz and cast.
*Guys Night Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m, Dance the night away at New Orleans ’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” / Adam Joseph / Orlando Ricardo. THE OZ GOGOs DANCING ON THE BAR ALL WEEKEND!
*Friday Night Drag: George’ s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 11 p.m. Join us Fridays Nights @georgesplacebr for the area’s best drag entertainers.
Saturday:
*Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
*Free Comedy Jam for Improvisers: Big Couch; 1045 Desire Street; 1 p.m. Just because improv is unscripted, doesn ’t mean you can’t practice it! We welcome improvisers of all levels to join us weekly to hone their improv skills, learn new ones, and connect with fun folks. An improv jam is an opportunity for anyone to perform and watch scenes.
*Kingz & Corsets: A Sexy Studded Affair: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Attention: Kings, Queens, and everyone in between! Oz New Orleans is thrilled to announce our newest show under the Oz Entertainment umbrella: Kingz and Corsets! “A Sexy Studded Affair” Starring: Justin Betweener Hosted by: Paris Dee DeLorean. The show will feature weekly special guests.
*Dance Bitches Dance: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans ’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger. 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” followed by DJ Adam Joseph or DJ Orlando Ricardo
*Show Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 11:30 p.m. Come check out the fabulous Nicole DuBois and a rotating cast of drag performers each week.
Sunday:
*Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
*Morning Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans; 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.; 10 – 11 a.m. Our worship services are best described as “Blended”. We recognize that many of our congregants come from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We strive to incorporate elements from those various backgrounds so that all can feel a little more connected to our services.
*Solemn High Mass; St. Anna ’ s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; starts at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse congregation and our slogan is “All are welcomed. None are shunned. ” Our worship style is ornate with deep ritual yet it remains warm and inviting. We are also kid and pet friendly. A real community church, St. Anna ’s welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
*Sunday Drag Brunch: Barrilleaux Restaurant; 2000 Burgundy st.; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a rotating cast and show director. Bottomless mimosas. Call 504 609 6390 for reservations.
*WigSnatchers Drag Brunch: Marigny Brasserie; 640 Frenchmen St. , New Orleans, LA; 12 – 3 p.m. Located in the heart of historic Frenchmen St. comes the hottest Drag Show New Orleans has to offer. Hosted by Cosette LaFemme and Mistie Bonét, Drag Brunch @ Marigny Brasserie guarantees a welcoming and entertaining experience with some of Nola ’s finest Drag Queens. Come enjoy performances of some of the most iconic artists of all time while you start the day with a plate of New Orleans, a drink in hand, (Cont ’d. on pg.12)
Weekly Events Cont’d. and a safe space to have fun and express yourself. Email marigny.brasserie@kfkgroup.com to inquire about special event offers and group pricing of parties of 5 or more.
*Sing A Long Sundays: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. – midnight. Join Gay Appreciation Award Winner VJ Brendan for Sing A Long Sundays.
*Trash Disco; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4 – 10 p.m. Come dance the night away at one of the best places to end your weekend of fun, Lafitte’s in Exile, home of the world famous napkin toss that happens every Sunday between 8:30 and 10 p.m.
*The PlayGirlz Show: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 –7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the show featuring Gia GiaVanni with Taze Ya Ballz and a special guest each week.
*Zingo!; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Zingo! with the boy’s pullin’ the balls. Can you say, O 69? Come play to win fabulous prizes and bar tabs (free to play). Corner Pocket Emcee III Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal hosts.
*SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday.
*Drag Bingeaux; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 – 9 p.m. Hosted by Ivy Dripp with gogo boys. 11 games, no cover.
*The Opulence Hour: Maison; 508 Frenchmen St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The troupe that brought you “Talk Nerdy To Me: A Weekly Nerdlesque Revue” is putting on our Sunday best for this new burlesque and variety show. The Society of Sin Burlesque & Variety every Sunday at The Maison on Frenchman at 7pm. Every week there will be a different show filled with decadent costumes, extravagant aesthetics, and big moods from our rotating cast of entertainers. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com
*Lipstixx Ladies on Parade; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – 10 p.m. Hosted by Miss Aubrey Synclaire and starring…Mercedez L’Oreal, Tiffany Alexander and Miss Love Latonia. Showtime 8pm Sharp! Reservations accepted on a “first come first serve ” at 504 529 2107.
*The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30 11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
ANTHOLOGY OF AMBUSH ARTICLES
TO BE PUBLISHED
A new book collection of queer history articles originally published in AMBUSH Magazine is in production. Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History is an anthology of eighty five short, easy to read essays that originally appeared in AMBUSH Magazine and French Quarter Journal . Author and AMBUSH editor Frank Perez has collected essays on a wide variety of topics in LGBTQ+ history and arranged them into multiple sections. Each section contains five essays and begins with a brief introductory overview that ties the individual pieces together.
The book opens with Gay Carnival and provides a unique glimpse behind the scenes of this distinct New Orleans tradition. “Bars and Gay Spaces” examines the ever shifting queer centers of gravity throughout the French Quarter. The section on the AIDS epidemic demonstrates how, by the end of the 1980s, New Orleans was a model city for providing AIDS related services. “Arts and Letters” highlights figures such as lesbian photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston and playwright Tennessee Williams. The next section looks at homophobia in New Orleans in the 1950s. “Activists and Activism ” traces the birth and rise of queer activism in New Orleans. Historical surveys of several organizations are then provided, followed by a unit on the Up Stairs Lounge fire. A section on Southern Decadence follows before the book turns its attention to how gay men saved the French Quarter from destruction a hundred years ago. Several legendary entertainers are then featured, as is the history of Pride in New Orleans. The book closes with a section on historical scholarship and several interview transcripts.
Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History will be published by the University Press of Mississippi in the spring of 2025. Pre orders are available now at the University Press of Mississippi’s website (scan the QR code at bottom right). This will be Perez’s fifth book on New Orleans queer history. His previous titles include In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar , Treasures of the Vieux Carre: Ten Self Guided Walking Tours of the French Quarter, Southern Decadence in New Orleans , and Political Animal: The Life and Times of Stewart Butler .
Perez serves as the Executive Director of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. He also teaches an LGBTQ History of New Orleans class at Loyola University and offers a queer history walking tour called “The Rainbow Fleur de Lis. ”
Chop Chop Charles Pizzo
Upscale Venezuelan Comfort Food in a Chic Setting on St. Claude Avenue
Could St. Claude Avenue become the new Magazine Street restaurant row? There are certainly signs pointing in that direction. The nationally acclaimed St. Germain has been offering tasting menus for years, and last year Bon Appétit Magazine recognized the Jamaican Jerk House as one of the area ’s best casual places.
Add Origen Bistro to that list of elevated dining spots. Over four visits, I was continuously impressed
and curious to try more. There are brunch and all day menus, as well as an empanada weekend feast. There is a generous Happy Hour Monday Friday from 3 to 6 pm offering 50% off wines, beers and appetizers.
That when I tasted one of my favorite dishes, the Chorizo Organico. It’s intensely smoky and lean yet juicy and flavorful. Exceptional, in fact. It’s served on guacamole and topped with truffle mayo. It arrives with arepa tips, small triangles cooked from corn dough that are sweet and savory, to scoop up the goodies.
Arepas are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine and take many forms. But the heart and soul of these is masa (corn flour) dough. Origen serves some of the sweetest and lightest I have ever tasted. The kitchen has a deft hand with doughs (the empanadas are very good too).
Another appetizer, Arepas Fritas, features fried pillows of corn dough with a trio of toppings. There ’ s shredded beef, a beautifully caramelized cheese version, and an outstanding one called Reina made with chicken and avocado that had an undertone of cilantro. It’s luscious and creamy. The menu notes that a vegan option is available, and most arepas are gluten free. The house made crema (liquid sour cream) accompaniment is tartly satisfying.
Tequenos (4) are tawny colored mini eggroll shapes stuffed with stretchy, melty white cheese. The menu calls it semi puff pastry, and it appears to be baked not fried. Very tasty, as is the sweet chili sauce reminiscent of fruity pepper jelly. The counterpoint between the mild cheese and slightly spicy sauce is pleasing. These pair well with alcohol.
Chorizo Organico
Ceviche 7 Potencias is a bargain during Happy Hour. Ceviche, in which seafood is lightly “cooked” in an acid, vary wildly across the southern hemisphere. Here, the acid takes the form of apple vinegar, tomato sauce, aji and cayenne peppers.
Plating and presentation are important at Origen Bistro. Various dishes are served on small wooden platforms, and some dishes arrived on glass while others were presented on wood of varying shapes. That combined with distressed walls and ceilings in shades of cerulean blue and cream, warm Edison lightbulbs, exposed brick, and fresh flowers on tables contribute to a very inviting vibe. In the background, Venezuelan music plays gently. There are large open windows that let in natural light during lunch and brunch.
Empanadas are available daily, but the fun happens on weekends when additional varieties are available at reduced prices (I was there at lunch). They were out of lamb on the day I went, yet I was quite happy with Asado Negro (thick slices of slow cooked beef in a sugar cane sauce with cheddar cheese excellent), a savory crawfish filling paired with your choice of house made salsa, and a playful version called Capressa similar to a Caprese salad or Margarita pizza basil forward with white cheese and tomato sauce. They are larger yet thinner than empanadas I ’ve had elsewhere.
It's worth repeating that the dough at Origen may be the star of the show. I’ve had empanadas in various forms and in differing national styles. These are slightly sweet and soft, not dry, and extremely good. This is the first time I ’ve ever noticed the pastry itself.
An entree, Mahi Mahi Verde was expertly cooked sitting in a pool of mild cilantro sauce, served with rice on the side. The fish itself was under seasoned (there is no salt or pepper on the tables) so I asked for a spoon to coat it in more of the sauce. The menu says it comes with a house salad that never arrived. Nevertheless, it’s a sophisticated dish.
As an afterthought, I ordered black beans (served in a cute miniature oven casserole). This simple food was earthy, deep, and very satisfying. This is a Venezuelan dish at its best. (Cont ’d. on page 27)
Ceviche 7 Potencias
Know Your Histor y Frank Perez
Mr. Bingle: Christmas and Cruising
For generations of New Orleanians, Christmas meant not only Papa Noel but also Mr. Bingle the beloved Christmas icon that adorned the Maison Blanche department store on Canal Street each holiday season for decades.
In the years before it went all fast food and tacky tourist shops, Canal Street was lined with high end department stores and specialty shops and was considered the city ’s premiere shopping destination. During the holiday season, decorators worked tirelessly to transform store windows into fabulous wintry display cases. One department store, Maison Blanche (now the Ritz Carleton Hotel), outdid all the other stores in 1947. Store decorator Emile Alline created a lovable snowman and called him Mr. Bingle. When the fifty foot papier mache’ Mr. Bingle appeared on the Maison
Blanche building, New Orleans knew the Christmas Season had arrived. As Santa’s helper, Mr. Bingle was a big hit with children and adults. In the 1950s, Alline hired Oscar Isentrout, a master puppeteer in the French Quarter, to produce Mr. Bingle marionette shows in the Maison Blanche storefront window. Mr. Bingle went on to have his own radio and television shows.
looking for some action had to weigh the benefit of getting their rocks off with the potential cost of jail time or a stint in a psychiatric hospital (can you say electric shock treatments ouch!)
By 1966, Café Lafitte in Exile’s reputation as a cruise bar had caught the attention of the United States Navy. In that year, the local Naval Commander sent a letter to the bar’s owner informing him Lafitte’s had been “declared off limits and out of bounds to personnel of the Armed
What does all this have to do with cruising? Mr. Bingle recalls the by gone era of the great Canal Street department stores D.H. Holmes, Maison Blanche, Krauss, Gus Mayer, Kreeger ’s, and Godchaux’s. It may be hard for some to fathom now, but in the 1950s and 1960s, long before people could cruise on their phones, these department stores were prime cruising grounds for gay men. The men’s bathroom at D.H. Holmes was a particularly active spot for businessmen looking to hook up during their lunchbreaks.
There were gay bars, of course, but that was risky. Just being in a “queershop,” as they were called then, was dangerous because the police often sent undercover vice squad officers into them to make arrests. Arrests were usually accompanied by a beating and a public outing in the next day ’s paper. There was also the fear of being seen entering or exiting the bars. Not only were homosexual acts illegal then, being gay was also considered a mental disorder at the time. Men
Forces.” To this day, the letter is on proud and permanent framed display in the bar.
The ban probably did not have the effect the Navy desired because there were a number of “Greek sailor bars” on Decatur Street which were primarily the domain of straight female sex workers, but they also tolerated gay hustlers. There were a few bars that welcomed working boys, notably Wanda’s on Iberville, and perhaps more common were certain areas in
the French Quarter where male sex workers slowly strolled along the sidewalk or hung out on corners waiting for closeted men to drive by and pick them up.
Cruising today is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be. Exchanging body stats and pics online is certainly convenient but missing in the transaction is the element of suspense that comes with live, face to face cruising the furtive glances, the hope of orgasm, the fear of rejection, and the slight thrill of fear that comes with uncertainty.
So, this holiday season, as you shop for gifts for friends and family, remember your gay forefathers. Remember the ones who were so closeted they had to cruise department store bathrooms, but also remember the ones who proudly paved the way for you to be out today. Open cruising is a great gift that would not have been possible without them.
Santa and Mr. Bingle in 1952. The Charles L. Franck Studio Collection at The Historic New Orleans Collection, Acc. No. 1979.325.10.
NEWS BRIEFS
Two Longtime French Quarter Bars Change Hands
Grand Pre’s bar, 834 N. Rampart, was recently sold to a gay couple, Gregory and Craig Theis. Ken Grand Pre purchased the bar ten years ago after a storied career in the business with Wood Enterprises. The new owners plan to clean up and update the décor, but essentially keep the bar the same. The bar has been renamed Le Cabaret.
Bar baron Tom Wood is trying to sell Good Friends bar, 740 Dauphine. The bar will go up for auction on January 7. The opening bid is $6.5 million for the business and the building. Previously, Good Friends was a bar called The Louisiana Purchase.
World AIDS Day Recognized in New Orleans
World AIDS Day, December 1, was acknowledged in New Orleans with two events. Three sections of the NAMES Project National AIDS Memorial Quilt were on display at the Dodwell House, along with two historical exhibits on loan from the Stonewall Natio nal Museum, Library, and Archives. The exhibition was produced by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and was the final event in a series of monthly programming by the Archives Project called the New Orleans AIDS Memory Project.
The second event was a candlelight march from the Phoenix bar to Washington Square Park, which was followed by a commemoration ceremony at the New Orleans AIDS Monument. The public sculpture was erected in 2008 to honor those lost to AIDS. The monument, officially called “The Guardian Wall, ” was created by glass sculptor Tim Tate.
Arrest Made in Up Stairs Lounge Plaque Theft
Dannie Conner, Jr. was arrested on September 19 for a parole violation. While in custody, authorities discovered he was also wanted in the theft of the Up Stairs Lounge Plaque. He is currently in custody on other charges and will be charged with a felony in the theft of the plaque.
New Orleans Prepares to Host Superbowl
New Orleans hosts its record tying 11th NFL Championship game, Super Bowl LIX, on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome. Road and other infrastructure improvements have been accelerated in recent months to prepare for the big game. The city and the state are spending more than $40 million on the upgrades.
Bourbon Pub’s 50th Anniversary
FIND OUT ON JANUARY 6
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE
Cur tain Up Brian Sands
Not surprisingly, with the Holidaze approaching, one can find lots of Christmas Carols and other such Holiday fare on the boards. There are other goodies, though, that can entertain you...or that you can give tickets to as gifts. Here’s a look at some of the offerings that will be playing in local area theaters till the end of January when Carnival will kick in.
Crescent City Stage’s production of Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol has returned to
Loyola’s Marquette Theatre through December 15. About last year’s premiere, I wrote “Director Elizabeth Elkins Newcomer effectively conjures up the proper moods and set pieces for this oft told tale with bounteous imagination, never permitting the pacing to flag.”
Michael A. Newcomer is back as an utterly stern Scrooge, joined again by Erin Cessna, Eleanor Frederic Humphrey, Ryan Reilly, and LeBaron Thornton who play all the other characters, from Tiny Tim to doors (you read that right).
On the Northshore, Playmakers Theater of Covington presents The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular through December 15. The second production of Playmakers ’ 70th season can best be described as Steel Magnolias meets The Maltese Falcon as it takes you backstage at a small town Christmas pageant.
Arden Allen Dufilho directs Elizabeth Humbert, Cara Bovet, Stephanie Sayles, Esther Trosclair and Julie Bowling. Evening performances are at 7:30pm and matinees are at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and available at BonTempsTix.com.
In Mandeville, the 6th annual A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular plays at the 30 by Ninety Theatre through December 15. This festive celebration features nearly 30 local performers of all ages singing and dancing in the spirit of the holidays. And as lagniappe, there’s complimentary milk and cookies at every performance.
30 by Ninety follows this with Shakespeare ’s A Midsummer Night's Dream (Jan. 18 Feb. 2) in which two pairs of young lovers and a group of amateur actors all become entangled in the magical mischief of the fairy realm. It ’s a perfect way to get into the mood for Carnival.
Over in Slidell, Slidell Little Theatre presents Scrooge! with book, music and lyrics by Leslie ( Doctor Dolittle, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) Bricusse through December 22; performances are Friday evenings and Saturday & Sunday matinees.
Directed by Lee Dukes, in this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge under
goes a profound experience of redemption after being visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students & seniors.
Next up at Slidell Little Theatre is August Wilson ’s Pulitzer Prize winning The Piano Lesson (Jan. 17 26), that focuses on the battle between a brother and a sister over their family ’s prized heirloom piano. Jennifer Baptiste directs the production.
Back on the Southshore, at the New Marigny Theatre (aka Church of Arts and Sciences ), Fat Squirrel returns with Euripides' The Trojan Women which chronicles the fates of the last of the great women of Troy, immediately following the city ’s fall. This drama runs through December 13th, is directed by Andrea Watson, and is for those who are tired of snowflakes and scrooges.
At Marigny Opera House, Marigny Opera Ballet presents the premiere of HERE (December 13 15), an immersive exploration of time and place, centered around the history and present day significance of the Marigny Opera House, originally built in 1847 as Holy Trinity Catholic Church by New Orleans' German immigrant community.
With choreography by Christian Denice and Artistic Director Diogo de Lima, this program of two contemporary ballets reflects on the passage of time, and the historical narratives embedded in the Marigny Opera House. The music for HERE is composed by Ted Joyner and performed live by The Delachaise Ensemble. (Cont ’d. on pg. 25)
Curtains Up Cont’d. Coming to the Saenger Theatre is The Cher Show (Dec. 17 22) which brings to the stage the life of you know who, about whom it was once said, “The only thing that will be left after a nuclear holocaust is Cher and cockroaches.” (She didn’t disagree). Featuring Tony winning costumes by Bob Mackie, this bio jukebox musical uses three actresses to play the iconic, Oscar winning singer/actress at different stages in her career.
& Juliet follows January 14 19. After seeing it on Broadway last year, I wrote “everything comes to pass too easily in David West Read’s manipulative book which tells what might ’ve happened if Juliet, of Shakespeare fame, had lived. It ’s a worthy idea, but its two dimensional characters rob it of any enduring emotional resonance.
“A jukebox musical, & Juliet features the songs of Max Martin (Oops! … I Did It Again, I Kissed a Girl, Since U Been Gone, etc.) and it’s fun to hear his hits reconfigured in new arrangements; his other songs, however, are pretty meh. Hit or not, tho, just about all of them are pitched at the same emotional level, belted out with no nuance or subtlety. Luke Sheppard ’s direction keeps things moving along while Jennifer Weber ’s music video ish choreography is so “HI NRG”
that it’s less art than aerobics. ” Still, it’s in its second year on Broadway, so I guess this rose smells sweeter to others than it did to me.
Also in January, The Fire Weeds will mount their company ’s second production with Edward Albee's Who ’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Jaclyn Bethany (Honey, who also directs), Lin Gathright (Martha), Casey Groves (George), and Logan MacRae (Nick) star in this Tony Award winning play which explores marriage and women in a time of societal upheaval and change. It can be seen January 5 14 at Big Couch
At Le Petit Theatre, it’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late night talk show on television. His favorite guest? Master of wit, character actor, pianist, and wild card Oscar Levant. Doug Wright’s Good Night, Oscar explores the nexus of humor and heartbreak, the ever dwindling distinction between exploitation and entertainment, and the high cost of baring one ’s soul for public consumption. Directed by A.J. Allegra, it runs January 9–26.
And having its regional premiere January 24 at the New Marigny Theatre, Timbuktu, USA tells the story of Kelly Kilkenny, a decorated career politician who formulates a devious plot to attain the ultimate seat of power – the American presidency. Will she manage to claim what ’s rightfully hers, or will the men (and the monkey) in her life prevent her from claiming the highest seat in the land? Inspired by the works of Sylvia Plath and Samuel Beckett, Ken Prestininzi ’s play offers an absurd portrait of American systems of power.
Elizabeth Frenchie Faith directs this Intramural Theater production which features Mary Langley, Emily Laczek, Lauren Wells, Jon Greene, Benjamin Dougherty, C.A. Munn, Becca Chapman, and Joshua Tierney, and plays through February 3.
Michael A. Newcomer and the cast of A Christmas Carol (photo by Brittney Werner)
ASTROLOGICAL LOVE MATCHES
Hairy Bottoms
“Capricorn & Aquarius ”
Chop Chop Cont’d. For dessert, Mango Jalea is a paragon of simplicity. Chilled mango is pureed to a jelly like consistency and served with vanilla ice cream.
A Capricorn and Aquarius pairing is unusual, and more often than not does not result in a long term relationship, but when the Goat and the Water bearer get together, the mutual benefits are highly rewarding. Capricorn brings to the relationship practicality; Aquarius brings idealism. If these two lovers can achieve a balance, the potential is limitless. Capricorn, you must understand that Aquarius is intellectually curious. Aquarians love ideas and abstract concepts. Their need to investigate and explore is more important than sex drive. Aquarius, you need to remember that Capricorn is the natural executive of the Zodiac and brings to the relationship practicality, integrity, and sincerity. Capricorn may seem cool and aloof, but deep down there is passion and ambition. Capricorn needs security and may be reluctant to commit to the relationship until Aquarius earns the trust necessary for the Goat to open up and be vulnerable. Aquarius, you would be wise to let Capricorn help you get your head out of the clouds. Capricorn has your best interests at heart and very sound advice to offer. Capricorn, Aquarius can help you be less rigid and help you express the emotions you tend to suppress.
It’s worth noting that one sign of an authentic ethnic restaurant is a substantial following of ex pats (natives of Venezuela) enjoying the food. I observed this crowd on every visit. If Origen Bistro has won them over, you’re certain to find something you’ll love too.
Origen Bistro, 3600 St Claude Ave (near the Holy Angels complex). Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: open 10:30 a.m., Friday & Saturday: close 10:00 p.m. All major credit cards. (504) 381 4245 https:// www.instagram.com/ origenbistronola/
Charles Pizzo is a native New Orleanian and PR professional. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chairman of IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators.
Mahi Mahi Verde
Ask Felicia Felicia Phillips
Dear Felicia: What do you think about the iconic French Quarter gay bar going up for auction and do you think it will sell for the six plus million reserve bid or more? W. Chip
Dear W. Chip: While I feel somewhat sad about some of the many changes in the gay bar scene, not just here but in many places, change is sometimes the better alternative than just coming to an end. Years before moving here, the bar I think you refer to was always my first stop on every visit to Nola, and those memories will always be treasured. Although the vibe changed for me a good while ago, I ’m sure others found their own groove there. As far as the asking price, good luck with that. Not that it isn’t possible, in fact if you get two bidders whose egos and bank accounts are bigger than their brains (it ’s happened before) then who knows how high the bids could go! But when all is said and done, the new owner will have to sell more beer than Otis Campbell of Mayberry drank in a lifetime daily! And on the bright side it would likely mean they would also again accept cash as well as credit, debit, bitcoin, jewelry and precious metals and maybe toilet paper if those tariffs kick in.
Although this column is meant to amuse, feel free to email me actual questions to fphillips1011@gmail.com, it is no surprise that queens of a more ‘mature’ age tend to share their opinions freely!
‘Til next time darlins, I’m Felicia Phillips with things to say.
Halloween New Orleans
Armeinius Tea Dance
Crescent City Leathermen
U Haul Diaries Kelly Schexnaildre
Reimagining Butch: Evolving Identities in the Queer Community
Butches had a heyday in North America in the 1950’s and ‘60’s only to disappear with the advent of hippie culture and radical feminism. There was a revival in the 1990’s, but today in the queer community we are more likely to hear the terms “bois” and “transmen. ” The term butch is to lesbians as Giverny is to Monet, and though there will always be butch identified lesbians, over the last twenty years our words for butch have changed,
and in some ways, pretty radically.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "butch" as “a lesbian whose appearance and behavior are seen as traditionally masculine.” When we picture the butches we know, we might think of short hair, men ’s clothing, opening doors, or fixing things. Yet, a growing number of people who fit this description no longer identify as butch. Why? As our communities evolve, so does our language. With a deeper understanding of ourselves, we naturally create new identities or subcategories that reflect our complexity and individuality.
Humans have a natural tendency to categorize; naming allows us to define who we are and distinguish ourselves from others. Through this differentiation, we carve out identities that feel uniquely our own, and it is through knowing who we are and naming ourselves that we can find and form our own communities.
The terms that fall under the butch umbrella are stone butch, soft butch, masc, boi, stud (for our Black/Latinx masculine lesbians), diesel dyke, dyke, nonbinary lesbian, transmasc lesbian, androgynous, and tomboi. Our names and categories are as versatile and fluid as the range of our sexual and gender identities, and it ’s refreshing to have a rainbow of new terms from which to choose.
I identify as a nonbinary lesbian, yet I fit the definition for butch almost perfectly. Butch is a term that has always embraced a spectrum of masculine presenting AFAB individuals, with nonbinary identities fitting seamlessly within it.
For me, being nonbinary means existing beyond the binary of male or female, masculine or feminine, embracing a blend of traits that reflect the vastness of human identity. I can exist outside of the gender binary, while still being a female bodied person that exclusively dates women.
The term butch is our umbrella, our catchall for the masculine leaning gender identities of AFAB people within the lesbian community. If we didn ’t have butch, we might not have nonbinary, masc, boi, or stud; our legacy has been, and always will be, butch. As our understanding of our own queer humanity gets more nuanced, we can reach into our hearts and languages to create new, refreshing identities more closely aligned with our souls, while honoring those that paved the way for our existence.
Gertrude Stein
Lesbians from an earlier era
The Vicarious Vicar Father Bill Terry
Advent and Christmas and all of the social gatherings that are afoot what a time of the year. For many of us clergy, it is the start of an amazing ride from now until June 8, 2025. I am in a faith tradition that embraces feasts and the seasonal changes that we all experience.
Advent was likely an invented season following on the heels of the invented Feast of the Incarnation aka Christmas. Yes, they were both invented. Christmas, for example, replaced pagan festivals.
Really, most cultures have some sort of festival during the darkest of days (which happens to be December 21st this year). Those festivals were seen as a turning point toward longer and warmer days. But the word “invented” should not tell you that they are anything less than holy seasons. They are because the faithful who believe say that they are and express their deep faith, at least in principal, during that time. Let’s face it, we are all on some spectrum of faith. Some, but increasingly fewer folks, lean into religion as a way of expressing and making sense out of their faith. Others may respect some of those religious traditions but do not directly participate in them. Some prefer the purely secular and non religious traditions. Mistletoe for instance or in Louisiana we have Réveillon Dinners. My oh my what a feast! We do know how to enjoy this season. Just check out AMBUSH to find out all of the goings on. All of those events, gatherings, and dinners are a sort of faith pursued with religious scrupulosity. Neither should one be put off by the word “invented” for these holidays known as Advent or Christmas. They were not part of the earliest churches. But they were introduced somewhere around the middle of the first millennium.
According to tradition, when Mary learned she would give birth to Jesus, she said: “His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him. He puts forth his arm in strength and scatters the proudhearted. He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly. He fills the starving with good things, sends the rich away empty. ”
What else embodies this season that is or should be communicated to our current society?
John Dominic Crossan said, “The Christian challenge of Christmas is this: justice is what happens when all receive a fair share of God's world and only such distributive justice can establish peace on earth.”
When trans rights and liberties are threatened, when the “T” in LGBTQ+ is being removed from our solidarity and alliances, we find ourselves in a lonely and cold stable as an expectant mother was. When they act against the “T,” they will or may eventually decide queer people are a risk to the weaponized
Christianity and social order that they seek. Yes, it is them and us. All of this threat is embodied in the nativity story. The oppressive Herod the Great was threatened by this man child. He sent soldiers to kill this innocent child and, according to tradition, killed many innocent children instead. One may suspect that the historicity of this story is suspect but the metaphor is clear and on point. Power for the sake of power seeks to destroy what threatens it.
So, rejoice this season because the traditions of Christmas understand you. Rejoice and spread that joy in pubs, drag shows, intimate gatherings, and Réveillon dinners. Renew and restore relationships. Forgive if you can those that have hurt you. Be mindful of those who have lost something during this season and are in sorrow. Give gifts particularly to the poor and those that lack. Because as for this Vicar I take great comfort from one of the names given to that baby Jew, Emmanuel (God is with us).
Community Focus Jim Meadows
Parkinson’s Rainbow: An Interview with Robert Turner
Robert Turner is the founder of LGBTQ+ Parkinson ’s Rainbow, a local support group for LGBTQ+ people living with Parkinson ’s disease, and their caregivers. He is also an Ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson ’s.
JM: Thanks for meeting with me, Robert. Could you tell me a little about your background? Where did you grow up, and when did you move to New Orleans?
RT: My father was an army officer, so I grew up moving around. When I graduated high school, I had lived in 12 places and gone to 12 schools. But I've been in New Orleans for over 35 years. It’s where I choose to call home.
JM: You’ve also done a fair amount of volunteer work here in the city.
RT: Yes. I served on the NO/AIDS Task Force board of directors in the early 90s, after my first partner died. More recently, I was involved with Crescent City Rougaroux, a local gay rugby team. It’s just a great sport, and this group are very accepting and welcoming to everybody. Unfortunately, I had to quit playing about four years ago because of Parkinson's disease.
JM: When did you first notice symptoms of what you now know to be Parkinson's disease?
RT: My first symptoms were stiffness and slowness in my hips, where walking was uncomfortable and slow. I went to physical therapy, then to a chiropractor, then to a massage therapist, and nobody seemed to have an answer. And then finally I was referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed the Parkinson ’s. But looking back, I had physical and psychological changes dating back ten years. Parkinson's is a neurological disease characterized by a lack of dopamine. Your brain quits making as much dopamine as normal, but typically you're not diagnosed until you've already lost like 75% of your dopamine production. So anxiety and depression are two of the mental problems that can develop with Parkinson's, and it's caused by a lack of dopamine. But people get anxiety and depression for lots of reasons. You don't necessarily think of Parkinson's as being the cause at first.
JM: When you first got the diagnosis, what kind of resources helped you?
RT: Searching the internet, I learned about the David Phinney Foundation for Parkinson ’s, and eventually became part of their Ambassador program. But rather than working only
within the New Orleans area, I ’ve become the National Ambassador for LGBTQ+ People with Parkinson ’s. So, if anyone who’s part of our community is dealing with this, they can reach out to me.
JM: Tell me about LGBTQ+ Parkinson ’s Rainbow, the local LGBTQ+ Parkinson’ s support group that you founded. How did that come about?
RT: Well, it was partly based on what I learned from early HIV support groups I was part of years ago. And more recently, I’ve met local gay people living with Parkinson ’s and I figured, let's start a group! The Parkinson ’s Rainbow group gives you a way to be with other people who know exactly what you're going through. And we're focused on both LGBTQ+ people with Parkinson's and their caregivers.
JM: What is the format of the group?
RT: We host two support group meetings each month, on the second and fourth Thursday, 1:00 pm at the New Orleans Pride Center. And we also have a social event once a month; a
Community Focus Cont ’d. dinner out, or meeting for coffee somewhere, or a movie night, something we can do together outside the support group setting.
JM: What would you say to someone who's just learning that they – or their loved ones – have Parkinson's?
RT: Get physically active. It's hard to get out there and be physically active when you're feeling broken. But physical activity is very good for Parkinson's. Yoga, Tai Chi, lifting weights, swimming, riding a bicycle, walking whatever works for you. All these things are good for delaying the progression of Parkinson’s. But the real first thing I would tell people is this: It's not the end of the world. It's a new thing that we're having to deal with. It's a change in our lives. But you can live a long time with Parkinson's. Doctors frequently say, “You don't die from Parkinson's; you die with Parkinson's. We can get through this. But being physically active really helps, so I emphasize that as much as I can.
JM: Is there anything I haven’ t asked you about that you’d like for people to know about Parkinson ’s?
RT: I recently read a quote from Steve Gleason’s [former Saints football player] memoir. He said that he can ’t control the fact that he has ALS, but he CAN control his response to it. So, I ’d adapt that to say, “I cannot control that I have Parkinson's, but I can control my response to it. ” Empower yourself, be proactive. Don’t just let it “happen” to you. I’ve been HIV positive now for 40 years. I’ve learned how to be proactive in dealing with that, and I can do the same with Parkinson ’s.
JM: Thank you so much, Robert, for the incredible work that you are doing for people in our community who are dealing with this.
For more information about the LGBTQ+ Parkinson ’s Rainbow support group, contact Robert Turner at ParkinsonsRainbow@gmail.com, or call/text (504) 669 1880.
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana World AIDS Day Exhibit
