A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982
VOLUME 43 ISSUE 1 February 3, 2025
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
PUBLISHER
T.J. Acosta
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Frank Perez
DIGITAL EDITOR
Brian Sands
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Jim Meadows, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Rev. Bill Terry, Hairy Bottoms, Kelly Schexnaildre
Jeffrey Palmquist, Ryne Stoned
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz
COVER
Craig Fremin, 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 Official Dish TJ Acosta
Dear AMBUSH Nation,
On behalf of myself and everyone at AMBUSH, Happy Carnival! Mardi Gras is in full swing, and I would encourage you to celebrate it in some way. There are many fun events throughout Carnival season from parades to gay Mardi Gras balls to simply hanging out at your favorite watering hole. If you’ve never been to one, I would encourage you to attend a gay Mardi Gras ball. Local groups put on these balls that showcase the talent of our community. The costumes are amazing, and you are guaranteed to have a good time.
Now is also a great time to support our local LGBTQ businesses. Please check out the advertisers in this issue of AMBUSH and show them some love. Now more than ever, our community needs to come together and support our friends and neighbors.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Athena Jewelle, King Cake Queen XXX – The Phoenix Queen. Athena is beloved member of our community who enjoys performing and helping raise funds for different charities and Carnival organizations. I look forward to your coronation ball in a few weeks and I hope you have an amazing reign as King Cake Queen. On behalf of our community, I want you to know that we see you and appreciate you. Happy Carnival 2025!
From the Editor’s Desk Frank Perez
If the start of 2025 reminds us of anything, it’s that old challenges persist in the midst of all the opportunities a new year brings. Despite a rocky start, much of 2025 is yet to unfold and offers us a chance to make the most of new possibilities and new beginnings. Nowhere is this optimism more evident than in Carnival Season.
We are now in the 76th year of Gay Carnival in the Gulf South. It all began in 1949 when Bob Demmons took some friends to lunch at Brennan’s in the French Quarter and had carriages waiting for them when the meal concluded. He named a queen and a the small group of friends “paraded” around the Quarter. Thus began the Fat Monday Luncheon. In 1953, the Steamboat Club was founded and in 1958, the Krewe of Yuga, the first gay krewe, was formed. Yuga dissolved in 1962 with a police raid, but other krewes arose. The krewes of Petronius, Amon Ra, Armeinius, Apollo (all founded in the 1960s) are still with us. And let us not forget the several krewes which have come and gone: Ganymede, Olympus, Memphis, Celestial Knights, Ishtar, Polyphemus, Satyricon, and others. There are currently ten active gay krewes: Petronius, Amon Ra, Armeinius, Apollo, Lords of Leather, Radical Faeries, Mwindo, Rue Royal Revelers, Narcissus, and the Queenateena’s. The creativity and artistic expression of Gay Carnival and its fascinating history remind us we have been through tough times before. So no matter what 2025 brings, remember Carnival 2026 will be here before you know it.
On the cover: Athena Jewelle, the Phoenix Queen, King Cake Queen XXX of the Krewe of Queenateenas.
Weekly Events Tony Leggio
Monday
*NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA; 7 p.m. NOAGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 4:00 PM at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Zoo. They start walking promptly at 4:00, 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. PLEASE NOTE: The walking group will be AUTOMATICALLY CANCELED in the event of inclement weather.
*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
*Mondays at the Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Come check out the hot men dancing every Monday night.
*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: Le Cabaret; 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.
*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.
*Trivia Tuesdays: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 – 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy Big Gay Trivia with Tara Shay Montgomery.
*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:
*Dance Cardio with NOAGE: Treme Recreation Community Center; 900 N. Villere St.; 6 p.m. Dance Cardio is a low impact dance cardio workout for active adults aging actively, set to high energy hip-hop, rock, R&B, blues and funk.
*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.
*Men At The Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Join the Four for an evening of go-go dancing!
*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 drinks specials all night.
*Drink & Drown: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m.–midnight. Drink and Drown (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.
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.
*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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing comedy together.
*Oz Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 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 Donadlson 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 Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse: 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 New Orleans; 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).
*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 Miss Oops C. (Cont’d on pg. 10)
Weekly Events Cont’d. (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.
*LGBTQIA+ Youth Drop Inn Nights: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA: 3 - 5 p.m. Every Saturday from 3-5pm, LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24) can join us at The Pride Center for different activities including movies, arts, journaling, and more! FREE to attend!
*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.
*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, 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.
Weekly Events Cont’d. 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.
*Minx Burlesque: Howlin Wolf; 907 S. Peters St., new Orleans, LA; 6 p.m. Minx Burlesque is LIVE at the Howlin’ Wolf. Featuring a rotating cast of performers for a new and exciting show each week. From classic strip tease, to circus acts, to comedy Queens, Minx Burlesque has something to please and tease every audience member. For tickets, go to https:// www.ticketweb.com/events/org/13741?pl=howlin
*SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 7 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday.
*Drag Bingeaux: Oz New Orleans; 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30-11:30 p.m. Featuring the
Pizzo
Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop Lauded by SouthernLivingMagazine Charles
Recognition from Southern Living magazine is a noteworthy honor. In December 2024, Symiah Dorsey, a writer for the venerable arbiter of regional taste, singled out Chef Ron’s in “Why I Never Visit New Orleans Without Stopping at This Charming Suburb.”
She advises visitors to satisfy their cravings for Cajun cuisine with a quick stop upon landing. “This award-winning restaurant, just a 10minute drive from the Louis Armstrong International Airport, knows how to make its guests feel right at home. The menu has just about every Creole comfort food you can dream of, but the star of the show is, of course, the gumbo. Try Chef Ron’s famous creation: the stuffed gumbo, with your choice of protein smothered in gumbo and rice, topped with fried catfish or shrimp.”
Of course, if you’re in a hurry to get to Mardi Gras, this is also tasty advice to keep in your back pocket for a leisurely departure day. Try a local brew from Abita too. If you’re not visiting, Chef Ron’s serves lunch and dinner five days a week.
Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop / 2309 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m.
gumbostop.com
NOAGE POTLUCK & GULF SOUTH LGBTQ+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chop Chop Charles Pizzo
Pulcinella!, New Southern Italian Restaurant, Shows a lot of Promise
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Pulcinella!, a Southern Italian restaurant, since it opened in October. This may be due to involvement of Bella Blue, a local burlesque performer with a large following. On several visits, there was a strong LGBTQ+ presence at tables especially women. It was often crowded, even early.
The location is the site of the former The Green Room in the 7th Ward, adjacent to the Marigny.
It’s been updated in shades of deep blue and black with touches of red. A bank of electronic screens adorns one wall with revolving images of clowns from the Italian Commedia Dell’Arte. Pulcinella is the name of one whimsical character.
A standout appetizer is The Meatball (beef and pork, red gravy, whipped ricotta, basil, focaccia). It’s larger than average and served in a small black skillet. The meatball itself is rich and tender. The sauce is balanced, neither acidic nor sweet, and has a deep hearty flavor. It’s paired with creamy ricotta cheese, a chiffonade of basil, and topped with freshly shaved cheese. Served with grilled focaccia bread, this is a very satisfying dish. A side of bucatini pasta (thick spaghetti) is available for a small upcharge (though curiously unlisted on the menu).
Seafood Cannelloni (crab, ricotta, sauce Newburg, shrimp, capuliato, chili crisp) is also delicious. The pasta is tender, and the mildly sweet sauce luscious. It’s rich but not heavy and complements the mild ricotta cheese. Capuliato is a traditional condiment of Sicilian cuisine based on dried tomatoes that adds acidity. The chili oil offers a surprise for the palate.
Grilled Steak Tagliata (crispy smashed potatoes, Bérnaise (Hollandaise on newer menus), salmoriglio butter) is a solid choice for meat eaters. The cut is a bavette, akin to a strip sirloin with a nice chew. It’s meaty and fairly tender (we ordered medium rare) but not fatty. It was well-seasoned and quite beautiful. Small potatoes are smashed and topped with the flavorful egg-emulsion sauce. It’s a good-sized portion for a main and served pre-sliced.
Grilled Market Fish (cannelinni bean ragu, fresh herb salad, lemon) featured hake on the first visit and wahoo on subsequent trips (hake was the winner). The fish was expertly cooked, well-seasoned and moist. The peppery arugula is a touch of genius. It provides a biting counterpoint to the mild fish. The bean ragu is savory with a trace of sweet notes though on the second visit, it had an The Meatball
unexpected spicy chile flavor.
As one old enough to have eaten the original Potage LeRuth, which originated at the widely-acclaimed restaurant helmed by Chef Warren LeRuth, I was particularly interested to try the Oyster Artichoke Soup (crispy P&J oysters, fennel, basil oil, oyster crackers). This is a very different interpretation that pays homage in a modern way. The soup is a puree of artichokes, not creamy. Three plump, briny oysters are perched on top. When you take a bite and eat them together, it all comes together. The dish is garnished with swirls of herb oil and cream, fresh sprigs of fennel, and oyster crackers. Understated and elegant. The Caesar Salad was very cold with good Grana Padano cheese, an excellent dressing, and barely a hint of anchovies.
This string of outstanding dishes came to an abrupt halt with Cavatelli alla Norma (eggplant crema, tomatoes, whipped ricotta, basil). This pasta dish was bland, needed salt, and had a one-note texture. The was no discernable dominant taste to anchor the dish. Much worse was the Pollo all Cacciatore (tomatoes, olives, fennel, creamy polenta). In contrast, the sauce was inedible and salty (and there were several small bones in it). I’m quite familiar with olives in tomato sauce, so that was not the issue. The dark meat chicken, described by the server as “falling off the bone tender,” was dry and noticeably hard as if had been pre-cooked then sat uncovered in the refrigerator. It all rests on a bed of polenta.
My dining partner and I were perplexed at this turn of events, so I returned to see if maybe we had hit on a bad night. I’m happy to report that the third visit was indeed better.
Market Panzanalla Salad (olive oil fried focaccia, apples, fennel, beets, burrata, tarragon vinaigrette) was tasty with expertly cooked beets. The dressing is delicious with bright, acidic notes. The only flaw was that the “croutons” were oversized slabs of thick bread that were ridiculously (Cont’d. on page 27)
Grilled Steak Tagliata
Know Your History Frank Perez
Entertainingly Out: Tony Jackson & Patsy Valdelar
New Orleans has a long history as an entertainment destination. In addition to being the birthplace of jazz and home to several legendary nightclubs, the city has always produced colorful entertainers, many of whom were gay. Two of the most colorful were Tony Jackson and Patsy Valdelar.
Tony Jackson was a seminal figure in the city’s music scene at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Born in 1876 in Uptown New Orleans, Jackson demonstrated musical ability at an early age. By the time he was thirteen, he was playing the piano in neighborhood bars during the day and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best piano players in town. When Jackson turned twenty-one, Storyville was created, and the brothels / clubs of the infamous red-light district launched his career.
At Storyville, sex work flourished in “cribs” as well as elegant mansions which offered full-service bars and elaborate shows featuring exotic acts and music. One brothel, The French House, even offered what was billed as an “Erotic Circus.” Many of the Madams and prostitutes were lesbians and at least one house offered live lesbian sex act shows. While lesbianism in Storyville was not uncommon, male homosexuality was strictly forbidden, although there was a not so clandestine gay brothel not far away
in the Central Business District.
Decades after the decline of Storyville and its famous jazz clubs, New Orleans’ rich musical heritage lived on at the Dew Drop Inn on LaSalle Street. From 1939 to 1970, the Dew Drop Inn was considered the swankiest nightclub on the “Chitlin Circuit” (venues in the deep south for black musicians who could not legally play in white clubs) and featured local talent such as Tommy Ridgley, Larry Darnell, Earl King, Huey Smith, Irma Thomas, and Allen Toussaint as well
Jackson, who lived openly as a gay man, was one of the district’s most popular musicians. Jackson’s piano playing style was dynamic and mesmerizing. One of his signature moves was to do a high stepping “cake-walk” while pounding the keys. He also dressed to the nines, usually wearing an ascot tie and a diamond pin. Jackson’s impeccable sartorial style set the standard for other performers.
Although Jackson never recorded his music, he did tour Vaudeville twice (in 1904 and 1910) with the Whitman Sisters Troubadours. Songs attributed to Jackson include: “Some Sweet Day,” “The Naked Dance” (covered by Jelly Roll Morton), “Pretty Baby” (dedicated to Jackson’s male lover), “I’ve Got Elgin Movements in My Hips With Twenty Years’ Guarantee,” “Michigan Water Blues,” and “I’m Cert’n’y Gonna See About That.”
as nationally known performers including Ray Charles, James Brown, and Little Richard among many others.
For nearly twenty years, the shows were hosted by New Orleans’ most famous female impersonator, Patsy Valdelar. Musical acts at the Dew Drop Inn were often preceded by a drag show, one of the more notable of which was Bobby Marchan’s “The Powder Box Review.” Many of the female impersonators came from out of town, but Patsy was always the star. Around the city, Patsy was referred to as “the Toast of New Orleans,” a title which earned her the nickname, Toast.
Little Richard, who before he became famous performed in drag as “Princess Lavonne” in a traveling Vaudeville show, was especially inspired by Patsy’s flamboyant style.
Patsy, originally from Vacherie, Louisiana, had been inspired to become a female impersonator by a well-known New Orleans cross dresser, the legendary Caldonia. Before working at the Dew Drop Inn in the 1950s and 1960s, Patsy worked briefly at the Gypsy Tea Room and also with the Valdalia Sisters, a group of singing female impersonators. While working at the Dew Drop Inn, she helped organize the annual Halloween Gay Ball, which was held at the club.
Both Tony Jackson and Patsy Valdelar were remarkable not only for their incredible talent and amazing performances, but also because they courageously lived openly gay lives.
Photo Credit: Tony Jackson. The William Russell Jazz Collection at The Historic New Orleans Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, Acc. No. 92-48-L.241.
NEWS BRIEFS
Anti-Gay Crusader Anita Bryant Dead at 84
Former Miss Oklahoma and popular singer Anita Bryant died December 16 at the age of 84. In 1977, Bryant successfully led a campaign to repeal a Miami-Dade County ordinance affording gay and lesbian employees discrimination protection. She then launched a national crusade against gay rights called “Save Our Children.” The New Orleans queer community held a protest against her in Jackson Square in 1977 when she was in the city for a concert.
Trump Administration Limits Access to Healthcare, Rolls Back LGBTQ+ Protections
On the first day of his presidency, President Trump issued a sweeping executive order that reversed dozens of orders previously issued by his predecessor. Those on Medicare and Medicaid now face higher costs for prescription drugs. The order also reduces access to COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The order also begins the process of the U.S. withdrawing from the World Health Organization. Funding for cancer and other medical research has been halted. Further, Trump’s policy rescinds the 2021 formation of a Gender Policy Council, as well as multiple gender and sex discrimination protections. President Trump has also halted all federal government Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. He also directed federal agencies to “take down all outward facing media (websites, social media accounts, etc.) of DEIA offices,” cancel upcoming DEI trainings and terminate contracts with DEI-related contractors. The Trump administration has also erased all references to LGBT+ topics and resources from federal websites, such as (WhiteHouse.gov), the U.S. Department of State (State.gov), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL.gov), and the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC.gov). Censored terms include “gay,” “lesbian,” “bisexual,” “trans,” and “HIV.”
Le CaBARet Has Grand Opening
The grand opening of Le CaBARet, 834 N. Rampart Street, was a huge success. The three day event (Jan. 17-19) featured an official sign changing ceremony, complimentary buffets, go-go boys, entertainment by Vanessa Carr, variety shows, a trivia contest, and drag performances. Co-owner Gregory Theis said, “Craig and I are both so excited to be a part of the next chapter for 834 N. Rampart. We want to thank Eureka Starfish who has helped lead the way as we create the vision for entertainment at Le CaBARet. We are so proud that Eureka Starfish was named the 2025 King Cake Monarch. We are so proud she has chosen Le CaBARet as her drag home! I would also like to thank our bar staff, Richard, Doug, Brien, Trey, Elissa, Brandon, Demi, Andrew and Heidi for their amazing contribution making this bar a huge success.” The bar is now open 24 hours a day.
Curtain Up Brian Sands
With Mardi Gras approaching, there’s a bit less theatrical activity in town as people head to parades and parties. A number of productions, however, will debut amidst the madness, and, in March, more worthy shows will bow to provide entertainment to compensate for what’s being given up for Lent.
Jefferson Performing Arts (JPA) has an ambitious, and busy, line-up. First, Intramural Theater’s Artistic Director Bennett Kirschner will be moonlighting from his company when he directs True West for JPA at
Westwego Performing Arts Theatre (Feb. 6-16). Sam Shepard’s acclaimed comedy/drama explores sibling rivalry, identity, and the clash between the civilized and the wild. It’s set in the California desert, and follows two estranged brothers Austin, a buttoned-up screenwriter, and Lee, a volatile drifter whose lives collide in a battle of wills. As their personalities blur and ambitions unravel, a darkly comic and raw portrait of the American dream emerges.
Kirschner will helm a cast of local actors Topher Johnson, Philip Yiannopoulos, and Joshua Tierney, plus distinguished playwright/performance artist and Obie Award winner Deb Margolin as the siblings’ Mom. How did JPA score such a casting coup? Well, Margolin happens to be Kirschner’s real-life mother.
Back on the East Bank at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC), JPA follows True West with a stage version of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile (Feb. 14-23). We’re promised “tension” and “claustrophobia” as a “shocking and audacious conspiracy is laid bare” in this 3-act murder mystery set aboard a river cruiser. Kris Shaw directs a cast of notable thespians including Jonathan Mares, Jimmy Murphy, Janet Shea, Leon Contavesprie, and Jimmy Demontluzin.
Post-Mardi Gras, the action returns to Westwego for Joe & Marilyn: A Love Story (Mar. 13-23) by Willard Manus. Directed by Janet Shea and starring Jonathan Mares as Joe DiMaggio and Sarah Colbert as Marilyn Monroe, this two-person play offers an intimate look into Marilyn’s relationship with baseball star DiMaggio in a series of vignettes spanning their relationship, from first meeting to brief marriage.
Then, again at the JPAC, we’ll have Billy Elliot: The Musical (Mar. 28-Apr. 6), one of the best musicals of the 21st century. With music by Elton John and a book & lyrics by Lee Hall, this Tony Award-winning show tells the story of a young boy from a coal mining village in northeast England who transcends class and circumstance to become a ballet star.
Kenneth Beck directs a cast that includes Leslie Castay as Billy’s world weary ballet teacher and Parker Portera-Dufrene, who was a stand-out in last year’s School of Rock, as his best friend (and budding homosexual).
Another classic musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music about The von Trapp Family Singers and their escape from the Nazis, will be done by The Company–A St. Bernard Community Theatre at their new home (800 Judge Perez Dr.). Daniel C. Rubio helms the production and its dates are February 7-16.
More musicals can be found at the Saenger Theatre. First, the mother of all jukebox musicals, Mamma Mia!, shimmies into the Saenger February 11-16 with its Greek island tale of a mother, a daughter, and three possible dads, all told using the hits of ABBA. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, Dancing Queens and Super Troupers should have a blast.
Next comes the recent Broadway revival of Funny Girl (March 11-16), which tells the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who went on to become one of the most beloved performers in history. An updated book from Harvey Fierstein showcases Jule Styne and Bob Merrill’s score which includes such classics as Don’t Rain On My Parade and People
There’ll be more biographical drama when Carolyn Nur Wistrand’s fascinating play about Marie Laveau Fever Season is given a world premiere at Dillard University February 14-23. It’s set in the French Quarter during New Orleans’ Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853 and will be directed by Ray Vrazel.
The NOLA Project presents Duncan Macmillan Every Brilliant Thing, in which the narrator, as a young child, begins creating a list of "every brilliant thing" in the (Cont’d. on pg. 25)
(l. to r.) Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill, and Carly Sakolove in Mamma Mia! (photo by Joan Marcus)
Curtains Up Cont’d. world as a coping mechanism after his mother attempts suicide, using this list as a way to remind himself and others of the beauty and joy in life.
Featuring Alex Martinez Wallace and directed by Natalie Boyd, Every Brilliant Thing will play at Big Couch (1045 Desire Street) from March 27 through April 6.
On the Northshore, Slidell Little Theatre presents All's Well in Roswell (Isn't It?) by Michael Druce February 21-March 9. Directed by Jonah Boudreaux, the play takes place on a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, where an unidentified flying object has crashed and the ranch owner has his hands full trying to deal with the press, government authorities, his own family, and Jake, a mysterious ranch hand who has been living on the ranch for the past 10 years who is not what he seems to be.
At Mandeville’s 30 by Ninety Theatre, Tom Bubrig directs The Play That Goes Wrong (March 15-30) the zany farce in which things go from bad to utterly disastrous during the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, a 1920s whodunit in which accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call.
Also playing March 15-30, Playmakers Theater in Covington has They Promised Her The Moon which tells the story of Jerrie Cobb, the first American woman to test for space flight. This based-on-a-true-story drama recounts how Cobb learned to fly a plane as a child in Oklahoma as well as her testimony in Congressional hearings about the under-the-radar, all-female Mercury 13 space program. It’s written by Laurel Ollstein and will be directed by Van Turner.
Taking us into April, will be Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at Le Petit (March 13-April 6). In 2016, after seeing the touring production at the Saenger, I wrote the following:
“With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice that’s more history lesson than dramatic narrative, despite the involvement of The Four Seasons with mob bosses and assorted personal tragedies, I felt like there’d be a quiz afterwards on which Season quit first or who was the nerdy one.
“Admittedly, half-way through the second act, when we get to the uneasy recording and release of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, things become genuinely involving on stage, but they soon move on to the next soap opera-y moment.
“I could go on about the cheesiness of bringing a recently deceased character back to momentary life to tug the heartstrings during a song, but there’s really nothing I could say that the original lukewarm New York Times review didn’t say already and which didn’t prevent an 11-year run.
“Certainly the score’s fantastic songs written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe are some of the greatest pop tunes ever penned and are immensely enjoyable to listen to. But theater should offer more than just that.”
I suspect the Le Petit production, directed by A.J. Allegra and Jauné Buisson, both immensely talented theater artists, will be a big hit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, though
A PROGRAM OF THE LGBT+ ARCHIVES PROJECT OF LOUISIANA
JUNE 5 8, 2025
ASTROLOGICAL LOVE MATCHES
Hairy Bottoms
“Pisces & Aries”
Aries and Pisces are the bookends of the zodiac and these two neighbors on the Wheel of Fortune make for a fascinating, though complex, pairing. Aries represents the most basic life energy force, whereas Pisces represents the most evolved; as such, a fish-ram coupling can be extraordinarily complimentary, but not without potential pitfalls. Ariens are ruled by Mars, the god of war, and therefore tend to “be in your face.” An Arien lover is all about direct action, charging forward, head to head. Pisceans are ruled by Neptune, god of the sea, and tend to swim in emotional, ethereal depths. The fish sign is sensitive and intuitive and will take the path of least resistance. Pisces will gladly, even naturally, fall in line under Aries leadership. Pisces is eager to serve, and Aries must be mindful of this. Aries appreciates Pisces’ passivity, but needs to resist the temptation to bully Pisces. Pisces should always bear in mind Aries’ lack of emotional depth and not be judgmental. The elements of fire and water meet in this pairing to make for steamy romance. Master-slave relationships should work really well when these two signs get together.
Chop Chop Cont’d. hard. I asked for steak knife, and even that didn’t cut it. It’s rustic and flavorful, so you want to eat it. It soaks up the dressing and apple and fennel juices wonderfully. The server mentioned that a lot of it gets tossed, and owner Bella Blue stopped by to say she had encountered the same problem (then promptly walked into the kitchen to deal with it).
Eggplant Parmesan (marinara, Caciocavallo cheese, capuliato, basil) is one of the best I’ve eaten. Three thick slices of eggplant are breaded and sautéed to a tender consistency, not soft or soggy. It’s accompanied by a bright, acidic, tomato sauce (not too sweet) that is an excellent foil for the slightly bitter eggplant. The melted cheese is toasty and mellow. This is a superior vegetarian dish. Pasta can be ordered on the side, and side dishes are generously portioned for sharing.
I was always too full to try dessert. They have three or four nightly specials that rotate such as ricotta cheesecake, Pavlova, and an almond cake with limoncello ice (Cont’d. on pg. 35)
Eggplant Parmesan
Ask Felicia Felicia Phillips
Dear Felicia: Dear Felicia, How Much? Horny in Houma
Dear Horny: Well before price is discussed, understand I never travel south of IH10,so travel is on you, and I know from past experience most of you from that area depend on others for rides to the city, so we would likely need to talk group rates. It is Carnival Season so I’m negotiable.
Dear Felicia: I’ve been watching a lot of drama online lately, so I would like your opinion on cyberbullying. Nosey Bitch in Bywater
Dear Nosey Bitch: While I do not approve of bullying of any kind, cyber or otherwise, and have many opinions on the subjects you may be referring to, I realize that in these turbulent times just sharing an honest opinion can be considered a form of bullying so just call me Bennett cause I ain’t in it! I do however keep popcorn on hand just for the comments!
Dear Felicia: I’m a Mardi Gras virgin and will be in town for the big celebration. Any advice? Cherry Popping
Dear Cherry Popping: If you are asking for cultural advice, then plan on having two sets of clothes to attend parades. One for now possible blizzard conditions with artic like temps, the other set appropriate for jungle like heat and humidity, I will send you private advice on how to prevent swamp ass. Stay hydrated to keep from waking up on a sidewalk and stick to ‘most’ of the gay bars for your drinks, so you won’t be broke after an hour in town. If you are asking in a literal sense, then my simple advice would be put your Grindr on Roam, set it to New Orleans with your date of arrival and your Mardi Gras cherry will be popped in no time! Either way I can guarantee you will pass a good time!
While 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.
Queer and trans people have borne the burden of societal alienation and cultural violence for thousands of years across many empires and kingdoms, and we have always needed safe gathering spaces where we could let our hair down and embrace our identities. I’ll never forget the first time I walked into The Drama Club, a gay bar in Houma, Louisiana. A whole new world opened up: one where I could just be myself, safely , surround-
ed by others who were just like me. It was magic to be able to kiss other women in public, to hold their hands, to cuddle all normal public displays of affection that were not only forbidden but also illegal.
Navigating a world that marginalizes our identities can be very frightening. Most of us were bullied and harassed throughout our formative years, many of us were rejected by our families, and we had little to no representation of ourselves in the broader culture. The inability to express one’s true self within the larger culture is suffocating; this pervasive exclusion fosters a sense of invisibility and isolation. Queer spaces are, and always have been, vital for fostering connection, safety and community, and as the current political climate in America grows increasingly hostile toward LGBTQ+ rights, these spaces will become critical once again.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer adults are nearly twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to have had an alcohol or drug use disorder in the past year. Substance use disorders are directly correlated with childhood trauma and abuse, which sexual and gender minorities experience at much higher rates.
Chop Chop Cont’d. cream.
With these hits and misses, would I return? Yes, the personable Bella Blue and another principal are very hands-on. You see them in the dining room, chatting and checking on tables. They’re open to input and share it with the Chef. That’s a recipe for success.
Pulcinella!,1300 St. Bernard Ave (Seventh Ward, two blocks from the Marigny). Open Thursday – Monday 5:30 p.m. –9:30 p.m. All major credit cards. (504) 221-1560; reservations online at https://www.dirtydimeproductions.com/menu
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.
This demands a change for queer gathering spaces and underscores the need to detach them from alcohol and drugs.
Lesbian bars have a rich and storied history. There were once over 200 lesbian bars in the United States in 1980, but today, only 33 remain. Why is that? My go-to answer is that lesbians love staying home and baking cookies with their girlfriends. It’s not that we don’t enjoy going out it’s just that home feels cozier, safer, and, let’s face it, many of us prefer the comforts of staying in over the hustle and noise of going out.
Lesbians are craving the chance to gather and connect over wholesome activities like arts and crafts or a good game of bingo. But the real question is: if we build it, will they come? I think so. Gen Z is leading the charge on a sober curious life, and we’d do well to follow their lead. Gone are the days of drinking to excess, acting a fool and saying things we don’t mean, only to wake up the next morning and in a frenzied panic, try to piece together what happened. It’s time to rise to the occasion and create spaces where queer joy can thrive spaces that celebrate who we are and foster connection through clarity and authenticity, offering a foundation for our community to grow and heal together.
LE CABARET GRAND OPENING
The Vicarious Vicar Very Rev. Bill Terry
"Among the plans and priorities that Trump announced in his inaugural address, he said, 'As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.' GBH, 1/20/25 Rachel Triesman."
There is no mention of this statement on the Facebook account known as Gay’s For Trump. It seems to be a bellwether for future policies promulgated by the federal government. As it stands, the
State Department provided for an 'X' in lieu of cisgender identity. The U.S. military has provided for other designations beyond cisgender identity. It would seem that such will be undone. In other words, we are once again embarking on a society that forces identity to be determined by the Government. As GBH rightly points out and I quote:
Sex refers to a person’s biological status and is typically assigned at birth, usually on the basis of external anatomy. Sex is typically categorized as male, female or intersex.
Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary.
Now, as a clergy person, what does this have to do with faith and religion? Perhaps not much. I would suggest that it has a lot to do with honest, primitive or early Christianity and its self -understanding. The early gospel writers communicated things like 'Go into all the world...' and 'Love thy neighbor as thyself'; even 'Love your enemies.’ “It is true that patriarchy and misogyny found its way into the early church and once it was there it was there to stay for centuries. Yet, the first teachings remain hard to beat; timeless and are just now in certain voices beating back those failures. The bottom line is that, as a pastor, it is my duty, and perhaps your duty, to say that we all belong. We are all created in the image and likeness of The First Cause which many call God.
It is now time to shore up alliances and networks of likeminded people. Some of those structures already exist. We don’t need new ones; we just must ensure that many of our de facto social constructs remain. What am I talking about?
The gay krewes are important to our safety and why they originally arouse Our various bars (I am not advocating for more drinking; gosh, we do that enough and will likely do more) need us to show up. These are the ‘historic churches’ for much of the community.
But those august temples of fun and debauchery are not the only Cathedrals of safety and community for the community. Forum for equality provides a list of “safe” churches throughout the region: https://www.forumforequality.org/welcoming -faith-groups I would also add St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
in Baton Rouge; pastor Tommy Dillon is a great leader and very engaged in the quest for radical hospitality. Why do I recommend faith-based places as important to one’s spiritual and social health? Unlike affinity groups like bars and krewe’s, they are a social bridge and simultaneously a bullwork against oppression. They are unique social institutions that provide support and voice in the broader public forum. Too often we voice our concerns in an echo chamber. One of my biggest critiques of many organizations is we keep telling ourselves how great and fabulous we are – we must let the WORLD “…all nations…” know how fabulous we are.
So, we often say the following as we close our worship service as a blessing (attributed to Henri Frederic Amiel): Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us.
So be swift to love, and make haste to be kind. And the blessing of God, who made us, who loves us, and who travels with us be with you now and forever.
AMEN-Keep the faith; you are not alone. Happy Mardi Gras and have a good Lent.
P.S. Since I originally wrote this piece, a lot of to-do has been made of the sermon by Bishop Mariann Budde, Episcopal Bishop resident at the National Cathedral. You are really not alone; take some time to access this link https://youtu.be/ gNfrbAztlcs?si=hQKwQ4TXb2_oktLW and her explanation https://youtu.be/lIoDUNt5zHc?si=TQr9MJAsgiyDLEDL
Community Focus Jim Meadows
Greater New Orleans PrimeTimers: An Interview with Dr. Graham McDougall
PrimeTimers Worldwide, Inc. is a network of groups for mature gay, bisexual, and transgender men. Their focus is creating a supportive atmosphere with educational, cultural, and social activities. There are over 70 chapters in the United States and Canada, and independent groups in Australia, Columbia, Denmark, Ecuador, Great Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
I recently met with Dr. Graham McDougall, the president of the Greater New Orleans PrimeTimers (GNOPT), to learn more about the organization. Graham worked for many years in academia in the fields of nursing, education, and clinical research. In 2020, he was honored as Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing from the National Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. He retired a few years ago, and moved back to New Orleans with his husband, the artist Rick Shopfner.
JM: Hi, Graham! Thank you for speaking with me. You moved back to New Orleans a few years ago after living away for many years. What brought you back home?
GM: I decided to retire in December of 2021 after the pandemic. Rick, my husband of 41 years, and I both decided it was time to move home to New Orleans. I'm a seventh generation New Orleanian, and Rick is a New Orleanian because of his degree from the Tulane School of Social Work. He and I met in 1983, and after a few years together we moved to Austin, Texas to pursue our graduate degrees. I completed a PhD in Educational Psychology, and Rick got his Master of Fine Arts. Our careers brought us to various places around the country: Ohio, Alabama, and Florida. But we’re delighted to have moved back home. This is where we belong.
JM: How did you first get involved with the Prime Timers?
GM: I was a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin in the late 1980s, and at the time I was also writing a column on gay men’s health for a journal called Chiron Rising. I got a call one day from an older gentleman named Woody Baldwin, who was the founder of PrimeTimers. He had recently retired from a career in academia, and was considering moving to Austin. He had gotten my name from someone who was familiar with my column, and knew I lived there. We met for breakfast and visited for a couple of hours. Soon after that, Woody and his partner, Sean O’Neill, moved to Austin, and formed a local PrimeTimers chapter there. I was writing my dissertation on subjective memory evaluation in older adults, and Woody introduced me to 25 or 30 men from the PrimeTimers group. So, they were very helpful to me, and I was grateful for that. We left Austin in 1991, but I was
recruited back in 1998 to teach at the university. I was 41 years old by then, and I could relate more to the guys in PrimeTimers. That’s how I first got involved, and have been a member of various chapters in different states over the years. I've sort of aged into it from when I was in my late 30s and now into my middle 70s. And here I am now as president of the New Orleans chapter, which I never expected to have happen in my lifetime.
JM: Tell me about the New Orleans chapter of PrimeTimers. When did it first launch?
GM: The New Orleans chapter started in 1994. We celebrated our 30th anniversary last September. I didn't know that when they elected me as president last April. Two of the leaders from international came down asking, “how are you planning to celebrate your 30th anniversary?” And I said, oh, I didn't know we were having one! But I’ve realized that the guys who formed the New Orleans chapter were ahead of their time. There wasn’t a lot of discussion about aging issues in our community when it was formed.
JM: What kinds of activities do you offer?
GM: We meet for lunch twice a month, and have some other get-togethers throughout the year, like holiday parties around Christmas, and picnics in the summer. We are planning to institute some other things, like meeting for happy hour at a bar. That’s something the group did regularly before COVID. We’re also planning to have movie nights, and maybe some other activities. In fact, PrimeTimers International recently put out a document called “150 Activities That Don’t Involve Food.” You know we love to eat here in this town, and it’s a great part of the life here. But while about 85% of our members are retired and have flexibility on their schedules, the people who are still working want more (Cont’d. on pg. 38)
Community Focus Cont’d. activities on the weekends or in the evenings. So this is a dilemma that I'm dealing with right now. Someone suggested we go to a day at the races at the fairgrounds, so we’re planning to do that sometime in early March.
JM: How can people find out more about the local PrimeTimers chapter?
GM: We have a website (https:// chapters.theprimetimersww.com/neworleans), and we also have a Facebook group (“Greater New Orleans Prime Timers Group”). You can request an application by emailing us at gnopt1994@gmail.com. Membership dues are $40 a year. That gets you on the mailing list and gives you access to other members’ information. Because we really are about social networking and bringing people together.
JM: Fantastic. Is there anything about the group that I haven't asked you that you'd like people to know about?
GM: Well, our age of entry is 21. Believe it or not, you don't have to be over 50 to join. It’s important to have intergenerational communication and friendships. If you don’t spend any time with people who are older than you, how are you going to learn how to handle your own aging?
JM: I love that! Intergenerational connections can be such an enriching experience for people of all ages. Thank you so much for your time, Graham.
