Ambush magazine volume 27 issue 19

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2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

2009 Southern Decadence Boast Largest Parade & Events in SD History; Over 100,000 Revelers, $150 Million Impact

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t is estimated that the 38th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music and Culture brought in over 100,000 revelers with a projected economic impact of over $150 million to the local economy in New Orleans. 2009 saw the largest parade in the history of Southern Decadence stretching some 22 blocks led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma. The largest crowd of spectators ever at some 40,000 lined the route which went down Royal to St. Louis, to North Rampart, to Toulouse, to Burgundy, to St. Ann, ending on Bourbon.

Following the grand marshals were thousands of costumed revelers and the 200 piece marching band of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, which earlier this year participated in President Barack Obama's Inauguration Parade in Washington DC. Additionally, the 6th Bourbon Street Extravaganza hosted on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend brought out the largest crowd there to date, some 25,000, to hear the live concert and show produced

by Napoleon's Itch. It was headlined by Deborah Cox, Jeanie Tracy, Sandy Vee Anderson and Gina Brown.

The South's oldest Leather Block Party and Vendor Fair hosted by the Lords of Leather and the Phoenix boasted some 7,000 participants for its event, the largest crowd to date.

The economic impact on the city could very well exceed $150 million, based on a conservative spending average of $1,200$1,500 per person. However, many visitors Ambush spoke with were spending from $1,200 to $3,500 per person including hotel, dining, shopping, services, event fees and nightlife.

Ambush contacted most of the GLBT businesses following the holiday to find that business was up tremendously. Some businesses doubled or tripled revenues and attendance while others were up from 10-50%. Some remained at the same levels as previous years, while very few were in fact down over previous years.

Participants were not confining themselves to only one area of the French Quarter this year. Many visited different establishments throughout the French Quarter, CBD, uptown, and the largest jump in business was experienced in the Faubourg Marigny/Bywater area of the city.

Many gay friendly businesses showed their support of the giant celebration flying pride colors over their establishments and advertising in Ambush and at SouthernDecadence.COM. Both shopping and dining establishments were up considerably as well this year. Additionally, participants visited more museums, art galleries and the casino while booking more historic tours than in previous years.

The community, including Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma, worked closely with the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department 8th District in order to ensure that both visitors and locals alike would have a safe and fun Southern Decadence.

In the weeks prior to Southern Decadence, SouthernDecadence.COM and AmbushMag.COM brought in over 150,000 unique visitors to it’s websites.

SouthernDecadence.COM is the Official Website of Southern Decadence in New

Orleans dedicated to the preservation of the history and traditions of Southern Decadence since 1972. Ambush Mag is the Official Southern Decadence Guide.

This publication flew off the shelves of distribution points throughout the city.

Even though Ambush put out an additional 3,000 editions for New Orleans, the mag’s number one distribution point, Dance Club of the Year Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, went through over 4,000 copies.

Most other distribution points were out of Ambush by the end of the weekend.

The 39th Official Southern Decadence celebration is set for Wednesday, September 1-Monday, September 6, 2010.

Community Center Celebrates LGBT Center Awareness Day Sept. 15

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he LGBT Community Center of New Orleans is joining with CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, to celebrate the first annual LGBT Center Awareness Day. On Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm, the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans will host a evening of socializing, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

“We’re hard at work to coordinate the first ever nationwide day of action focused on LGBT community centers,” said Terry Stone, CenterLink’s Executive Director.

“Over 40,000 people visit the over 180 community centers each week and centers have more direct access to the LGBT community than any other organization.

Centers are the real backbone of the LGBT

movement, and we are excited to highlight that work through Center Awareness Day.” The theme of this year’s LGBT Center Awareness Day is “My Community Center Changed My Life,” showcasing the vital role that community centers play in the health, empowerment, and unity of all LGBT communities. At the first annual LGBT Center Awareness Day, the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans will open its doors as an opportunity for all members of the LGBT community and its allies to become better acquainted with directors of the board, the center’s members and volunteers, and the various groups that meet at the center. Also during this social event, the community can learn about all the exciting changes the new committees of the LGBT Community Center envision for the future of the center, and learn how to be a part of the center’s growth by volunteering, becoming a member, and/or joining one of the center’s various committees. The committees to be represented at the event are: Volunteer, Membership, Fundraising and Events, Public Relations and Marketing, Programs and Grants, and Library and Archives.

LGBT Center Awareness Day also has a civil rights equality push on a national scope, with an organized effort for municipal, county, and state proclamations honoring the day and the work that LGBT centers do, as well as efforts to get individuals everywhere engaged in “personal awareness actions,” ranging from wearing a button to visiting a center.

“Currently, the New Orleans LGBT Community Center is a meeting place for several gay men’s and transgender groups. It also has a library and resource lists for doctors, lawyers, therapists, dentists and other professionals that serve the community.. The vision of the Board of Directors is to expand greatly upon these services with the community’s support,” said Darrin Duplissey, LGBT Community center of New Orleans.

The Center will have directors of the board, members and volunteers available to give tours of the center and answer any questions about the New Orleans center. Representatives of the center will also be available to answer any questions about the mission and purpose of LGBT centers and what the center can offer. The LGBT Community Center of New Orleans will also be accepting new memberships and volunteers during the social mixer.

Details about LGBT Center Awareness Day are available at www.mycenterlink.org and more infor-

Gay History Month/Natl. Coming Out Day Edition due out Tuesday, Sept. 29th DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 22nd

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mation about the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans and this event can be accessed at www.lgbtccno.org/CAD.

Lisa Lampanelli at Mahalia Jackson Theatre Sept. 19

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isa Lampanelli is comedy’s loveable queen of mean! Best known for her show-stopping performances on the Comedy Central “Roasts” of Flavor Flav, Pamela Anderson, William Shatner and Jeff Foxworthy, Lisa Lampanelli - Comedy’s “Lovable Queen of Mean” - is a no-holds-barred insult comic who masterfully works her audience while maintaining an inherent likeability that steals the hearts of her fans.

Hailed as a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen, Lampanelli has perfected the ability to [continued on 6]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 • 1.504.522.8047 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Foley, Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Texas - Austin, Dallas, Houston

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 LESBIAN/POLITICAL ISSUES Toni J.P. Pizanie, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands, Patrick Shannon AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Benedict-Baton Rouge, LA Chris Perkins-Lafayette, LA Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Gary Glitter, Tony Leggio-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2009, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

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the "official" dish ...from 4 make people laugh at their own stereotypes and differences, which has won her accolades from coast-to-coast.

She recently joined the ranks of comic greats and added her first ever one-hour HBO comedy special, “Long Live the Queen,” to her resume, with a CD and DVD of the special to follow. In addition, her first book, “Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat and Freaks,” will hit bookstore shelves on September 15, 2009.

She will appear at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for Performing Arts Saturday, September 19 at 8pm. Tickets available at TicketMaster.COM, by phone 800.745.300 or in person the day of the show at the theatre.

LSGRA September-October Line-up Announced

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he Louisiana State Gay Rodeo Association (LSGRA) has announced its line-up for the remainder of September and October.

The Chili Cookoff II is set for Saturday, September 19, 1-3pm, at Tubby's Golden Lantern. Cooks, present your best chili to the spectators and judges. Prepare two gallons of chili. Setup at noon. Contact Lance at 504.915.3339 for entry form. Cash and prizes for: People’s Choice, Judge’s Champion, and Best Presentation. There's a $5 donation to taste all entries plus a bowl of your choice!

Meet The Cowboys on Friday, September 25, 7 - 11pm at George's Place, Baton Rouge. LSGRA rides into town for a Meet and Greet and membership drive sponsored by George's Place. Capital City Cowboys and Cowgirls… come out and say HOWDY !

The October Meeting, Cowboy

Roundup and Beer Bust is Saturday, October 10 at JohnPaul's, LSGRA’s home bar. Monthly meeting upstairs at 6pm. The $5 Beer Bust is 7pm-midnight, while the $5 Chuckwagon Dinner 7-10pm. Country-Western Music & Dance begins at 8pm!

The Angola Prison Road Trip IV is Sunday, October 11. Depart JohnPaul's at 9am (bar opens at 7am with Mimosas and light breakfast). Head to PRISON on the “party bus” for Rodeo Convict Style! Arrive back at 9pm. Limited seats are $60 per person (includes dinner in Baton Rouge).

Drinks are available on the bus. Contact Lance 504.915.3339 for tickets.

Complete information is available at LSGRA.ORG/Events.

Amon Ra Mr. & Miss America Pageant Sept. 19

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he Krewe of Amon Ra presents its annual Mr. & Miss America Pageant on Saturday, September 19 from 8-11pm at the Fine Arts Center,

1733 Constantinople. This year's theme is Playboy Bunnies & Chippendale Rejects. [continued on 8]

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the "official" dish ...from 6 Door donation is $20 with cash bar available. For contestant information contact Keny at 504.473.6703.

20 Anniversary NO/AIDS Walk Sept. 20 th

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O/AIDS Task Force, one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations (ASO) in the Gulf South will mark the 20th anniversary of the NO/AIDS Walk on Sunday September 20th. Thousands will gather beneath the oaks in Audubon Park beginning at 8am and then join hands and Walk at 10 in an impressive display of awareness and solidarity in the face of this terrible epidemic.

Joining the Walk this year, will be Jack Mackenroth from the hit show ‘Project Runway.’ Mackenroth has launched a national HIV and AIDS education campaign called Living Positive By Design in partnership with HIV and AIDS community organizations across the country. The campaign is being supported by Merck & Co., Inc. and aims to combat the stigma associated with HIV by engaging people in thoughtful conversation about the condition. Jack has been living with HIV for 20 years now, and through Living Positive By Design, he highlights the importance for people living with HIV to have a positive outlook on life while effectively managing their disease. The campaign was launched in the fall of 2008 and has visited Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Houston and Chicago.

Walkers and supporters are encouraged to meet in Audubon Park at 8:00 am for registration. The WALK will kickoff at 10am and will proceed down historic Magazine Street to Napoleon Avenue and then will turn onto Prytania Street as we head back into Audubon Park. The Walk is a great activity for the whole family, even the four-legged members. There will be water stops and doggie stops along the route and a children’s tent with lots of great activities. Additionally, there will be great food and drinks provided by Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Taaka Platinum, Coors Light, and Kentwood Springs. The music and registration kicks off at 8am and will run until 2 that afternoon.

Teams and individuals are encouraged to register for free in advance by visiting www.noaidswalk.com or by calling 504.821.2601 ext. 296. By registering online, participants have access to great, easy-to-use fundraising tools to help them reach their goal. All funds raised at the Walk benefit NO/AIDS Task Force and the men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS they serve. Additionally, through the Walk Share Grant Program, other Louisiana based AIDS Service Organizations will benefit too. Rest assured that every dollar makes a difference. Th NO/AIDS Walk is committed to keeping costs low, especially in these tough economic times.

Over 80 cents of each dollar raised goes directly to helping someone affected by this disease.

uled for Friday-Sunday, September 25-27.

Cost for the weekend is $105.00.

Registration is Friday, September 25, 8pm at the Phoenix. The weekend includes free themed cocktail parties, a tour of the Mardi Gras Museum at The Presbytere in Jackson Square, and also includes a banquet at Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant. Tickets for the banquet only are $25.00 and can be purchased from any member or call Mina 504.813.7271 @ or Mike @ 504.610.3725.

Event locations include Bywater Restaurant, Phoenix and Five Happiness Restaurant. Download applications @ CrescentCityOutlaws.ORG.

tion is $20.

For more information, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG.

Armeinius Presents Project Runway Trash Drag Show

Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest Oct. 17 at World Famous Oz Nightclub

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he Krewe Of Armeinius presents their Project Runway Trash Drag Show at JohnPaul's on Saturday, September 26 at 9pm. It will be an evening of crazy, trashy, draggy entertainment hosted by Bianca Del Rio and Blanche DeBris. Admit dona-

visit

Petronius Oktoberfest Oct. 2

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he Krewe of Petronius Oktoberfest will feature the Petronius Fraulein Cabaret starring Princesse Stephaney on Friday, October 2, 8pm, at JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields.

Look for the Best Creatively Adorned or Naturally Stuffed Lederhosen Contest with a $100 cash prize for both the Best Male and ”Female”. There will be a $5 donation Beer Bust.

T

he Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 contest weekend activities have been announced by the Lords of Leather, and will occur at several venues in and around the French Quarter.

Southern Decadence Highlights

SouthernDecadence.COM All activities are intended to celebrate the Louisiana Leather community and will culminate in the selection of this year’s representative for International Mr. Leather in Chicago during Memorial Day (May/ 2010).

Events begin Friday night, October 16, at the notorious Phoenix Bar with a Beer Bust and Contestant Meet and Greet.

The Saturday night, October 17, contest will be held at world famous Oz nightclub located at 800 Bourbon Street at 8pm.

Admit donation is $15.

On Sunday, October 18, Brunch will be hosted at John Paul’s to conclude an exciting Leather weekend.

Download contestant applications, and contestant information sheets at LordsOfLeather.COM.

Crescent City Outlaws 9th Leather Run Sept. 25-27

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rescent City Outlaws celebrates their 9th Anniversary Leather Run with Jail Break IX: Things that make you go ew... sched-

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under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Southern Decadence

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asn’t Southern Decadence amazing this year.

The weather was awesome, the crowds were large and the boys were hotter than ever. I had an incredible weekend filled with undeniably decadent fun. There were so many highlights of this year’s festivities, I do not know where to begin.

Since I was working until Friday, my decadence kicked off that afternoon at the Halloween New Orleans Host party at the Whiskey Blue in the W Hotel on Poydras Street. This event brings out the local gay community in force and what is unique about this event, is you have an opportunity to meet people in the community who usually do not do the bar scene. Who knew there was so many gays who drink in private?

The Absolut was flowing and after a few drinks so were the boys, more than 200 to be exact. I attended this event with my friends, the incomparable Princesse Stephaney, Mollie and Laura.

It was like a literal cavalcade of men, both local and visiting parading around at this party. They were all ready for the festivities of the weekend to begin. And this was a good locals way to kick off the weekend. After the party was over at Whiskey Blue, everyone went upstairs for an after party hosted by Passport Magazine. It was an Andrew Christian underwear fashion show. Even though the fashion show itself was lackluster, the models in it were brilliant But then again, run some pretty boys down a runway in their tighty whiteys and do you really need all the other trimmings.

The show ended and we somehow managed to make it to another after party on a rooftop of this gorgeous condominium. After numerous more glasses of wine later, we were off to Starlight by the Park to catch Marcy Marcell’s show. If you have never been to Starlight by the Park, then you do not know what you are missing. The characters that frequent this establishment are right out of the pages of a Tennes-

see Williams tragedy. The drinks are cheap, the décor minimal and the drag is high. What more can I say, but it is one hell of a nightcap to my first night of Southern Decadence.

Saturday proved to be even more tiring than the first day. But the crowning event had to be the Bourbon Street Extravaganza. What a concert! Wow, thank you Chuck Robinson with Napoleon’s Itch for putting this event on every year. And it was free. That is what is so incredible about Decadence is that most of the events are complimentary.

Saturday came and went so quickly, that I blinked and it was Sunday. I started my day off at The Friendly Bar which was host to the Grand Marshal’s Breakfast and Makeup Party. It was a fun event watching everyone getting ready for the parade and rubbing elbows with the grand marshals and their entourage. And there was even a free breakfast sponsored by the Nellie Deli of grillades and grits, bacon and sausage. All the staples to start off a day of mucho libations. It is at this time I want to congratulate Paloma and Tittie Toulouse who did one astonishing job as grand marshals this year. Another large round of applause should also go to Toby Lefort who was the parade lieutenant and did a exemplary job.

This was one of the best parades and what about that band. Over 200 gay and lesbian people coming down the streets with instruments in unison was a crowning touch to the parade.

I saw many great costumes and hopefully next year we will have a lot more. After the parade, I was lucky enough to go to the Ambush balcony for the Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss. I have been on the balcony and below the balcony for this event and either place it is always a great time. I think I had more fun watching Tittie and Paloma address the crowd. They were like the drag Evitas.

After frolicking in the Quarter, I managed the strength to maneuver my way into the Marigny and go to Mimi’s

Don't be left out! of the next

Ambush Deadline: Tuesday, September 22

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

for Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein and Becky Allen’s Decadence Cabaret Show. It was crowded and the mood was festive. A good cabaret will always bring out the queens. Something about show tunes and bawdy lyrics that we cannot get enough of. That describes this show to the tee. From Becky’s non-stop one liners, to Chris’ magical voice, the show was perfect. Harry even brought Miss Viola in on the act. If you haven’t seen Miss Viola perform, then you need to go see their cabaret Hot Stuff at Marigny Brasserie every Tuesday in September. Viola is a sixty something year old marionette with the body of Kim Kardashian and the mouth of Lisa Lampanelli.

Monday was appropriately Labor Day, because it was a major labor just to get out of bed. But like a little trooper I did it and managed to go to the 12th annual Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl. This was my first year going to this event and it was fun as hell. It kicked off at the Corner Pocket with snacks and dancing boys. What more can you ask for then hot boys unrobing for you on the bar. So I discreetly placed a few dollars in their gstrings. I mean it all goes to their “college fund.” Right? Then we moved on to the next bar on the list, Double Play. The crawl continued to the Roundup, then Orlando’s, the 700 Club and finally ended at Starlight by the Park. Thanks to Starlight who also had a scrumptious barbecue waiting for everyone. After continuing to drink, we needed sustenance. This was a great way to see some of the bars in the city, you would never have an opportunity to visit any other time.

But, I knew I was in trouble, when I told someone when I first arrived at the bar crawl that I think I am only drinking beer today because I have to sober up.

The Party Season Kicking into High Gear

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ummer is over, the weather has cooperated lately and we are moving into fall. And you know what that means, the party season is kicking into high gear. The following are some gay and gay-friendly events you need to check out. First off Lisa Lampanelli, the Queen of Comedy, is coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on September 19 at 8pm. If you haven’t seen Lisa before and are from New Orleans, just picture a white, female, more corpulent and less couture version of Bianca Del Rio. By the way, if you have not seen any of Bianca’s videos on U Tube, check them out.

They are hysterical and the one aptly entitled Bianca’s Minute of Hate will have you in stitches. But I digress. For tickets to Lisa, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Also on the 19th the Degas House at 2306 Esplanade will be hosting their Oktoberfest from 6 - 10pm. There will be a traditional Biergarten with great

German food by Jagerhaus and beer.

Music will be by Julie Council and the German Jubilee Band. There will be prizes for the best traditional costumes.

It is a $10 admission and a cash bar.

For more information, call 504.821.5009.

Next is the 20th Annual NO/AIDS Walk on Sunday, September 20. Thousands of people attend this fun event that starts at Audubon Park at 8am.

This year, Jack Mackenroth from Project Runway will be the special guest. I do this event every year and it is a great way to get exercise, meet all kinds of people and enjoy music and food. Look for me, I am usually pulling a red ryder wagon filled with bloody marys and mimosas. Just because we have to be up at an unsocial hour for a Sunday, does not mean we cannot be civilized.

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

Do you like seafood, well Fulton Square is once again the site for the 3rd Annual Seafood Festival from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. I went last year and it was definitely worth checking out, boasting lots of great restaurants serving up their best seafood dishes.

Half Naked Boys at Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

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want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil event. The event was a huge success for the Krewe of Satyricon. It had all the right ingredients, wonderful drag queens, a great disc jockey, good food, half naked boys, a silent auction with fabulous prizes and flowing drinks. This is why joining a gay carnival krewe is a wonderful experience.

Also, the author of the book, John Berendt, even showed up at the party.

He was in town visiting and heard about the party and dropped in. He was great, he signed autographs and took pictures with the guests. He was the perfect celebrity party crasher.

We have many gay carnival krewes, so do your research and find the one that suits you best. Or do what I try to do and support them all. For more information on joining Satyricon, go to www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com.

Another krewe coming up with a great party is the Krewe of Petronius who is hosting the Petronius Oktoberfest on Friday, October 2 at 8pm at JohnPaul’s. I will be one of the judges for their stuffed lederhosen contest.

Their will be $100 prizes for the Best Male and “Female” lederhosen. They can ether be creatively adorned or natural. There will also be the Petronius Fraulein Cabaret starring Princesse Stephaney. For more information, call 504.484.6045.

Have an event or have something of interest to the LGBT community, feel free to send press releases or information to tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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sappho psalm

by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: psalmwrite@att.net

Southern Decadence, NO/ AIDS Walk & . . .

B

usy, busy ~ this is the very best time of year in New Orleans. The events are remarkable, and so that we can enjoy them, the weather becomes close to perfect. The breezes off the river sweep across the City making the warmth pleasant. The weather even worked well for Decadence. The rain that poured down at 1 o’clock was gone by the time the parade strutted down Royal Street with the precious Grand Marshals Tittie Toulouse (or Too-loose) and Paloma.

Enjoying the infamy as much as the reigning GMs was their lieutenant Toby.

There was some confusion when the parade arrived at the Ambush headquarters. Evidently, Toby was not told by the GMs that he was to demand of the throngs below to show him something good. Instead Toby decided to show his goodies to them making for a very excited crowd. The men I spoke with certainly enjoyed the show.

Take it from one who has spent years on that balcony, it is not true about if you’ve seen one, you've seen them all. One Decadence I saw a big black one on a white Lesbian. Isn’t that right, Mags?

I love Decadence. My first was spent with my honey at the time, Pam, drinking Pim’s and walking only one block with the parade before rushing back to the bar for another cocktail. The next year Kay and I got hammered on Separators. And I don’t usually drink.

And I didn’t drink for more than three months after that day. When it comes to pain, I have a long memory.

But before Decadence, Ray and I were celebrating our birthdays. There were dinners out with friends and cake and fun gifts. During all this, the US Open started and I was sitting in front of the tube (is it still a tube) watching tennis and FaceBooking back and forth with Al about the players and results of matches.

I am thankful to know at least one other person that is as crazy a fanatic over tennis as I am. As I am writing this, Al and I are remarking on the Nadal match that just finished. He won. Poor Malfils looked like he’d just come up from the juniors.

Beside Serena, we have another American woman in the mix, Melanie Oudin from the Atlanta area. She is only 17 and full of excitement and hope and belief. I love watching her and wish her the very, very best. I am so happy for her that I wouldn’t even mind if she defeated Serena.

The American men are out again –

isn’t that an old story – so I fall back to my old love, Roger Federer. Now there are some beautiful young men out on the courts like Verdasco, Djokovic and Robredo. Somewhere on this page if Rip decided to print it is a nude Robredo posing with a tennis racket. He is doing this as part of a fund-raiser and advertisement to help men deal with their special health problems. Pretty brave, don’t you think?

I’m always pleased when professional athletes get involved in charity work. In the tennis world, it is common for these men and women to set up schools, tennis workshops and aids for children who cannot afford to learn a sport, buy equipment or attend a real educational system. Most open these schools in their home countries but some are helping in third world countries.

Another group that cares about education and protection is the NO/ AIDS Task Force. The annual Walk is coming up on Sunday, September 20.

PFLAG will once again be working the individual registration tent. I hope to see thousands of you there. Be at Audubon Park for 9am, visit with us a while, stretch your muscles, and be ready to start for 10am.

Also in the business of education and support is the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of New Orleans.

Their annual educational and social mixer is on September 15 at the office on Decatur Street. I’ll be there with a group from PFLAG. The Forum for Equality is hosting two very important events. The first is the Acclaim Awards XI. This is when the Forum honors outstanding individuals, groups and businesses that have served our community. Last year Ambush was awarded the Media Award. The event will be held on September 26, 6:30pm, at Harrah’s Casino.

The next afternoon, Sunday, September 27, the Forum is hosting the 2009 LGBT Student Mixer at 3354 Esplanade Avenue. This is a wonderful time to meet students from across the state, make them welcome into our GLBT community and share information. If your organization or club would like to speak on its behalf, please contact the Forum to make arrangements.

To RSVP for either or both of these events, please contact the Forum online.

Now that’s a busy schedule for September and Christ the Liberator Church is looking for a date to have a pot luck dinner and visitor appreciation event.

We had scheduled it for September 26th until we realized the Forum had that

date taken.

These are just the gay organizational events. New Orleans is host to festivals, concerts and plays each weekend in September and October. There is no end to the mischief we can get into.

On a final note, by the time this issue is delivered, this season of Big Brother will be history. Yes, I got hooked. Not only am I watching it on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, I am staying up for Big Brother After Dark – 11pm until 2am. Sick, right? Even worse is that I have also gotten hooked on the FaceBook games – FarmVille, Lil Farm Land, SuperPoke! Pets, a zoo, Yo Town, RockAPet (something like that) and a few more. What am I doing?

This is nuts.

I’ve got altogether too much time on my hands. Please don’t send me another game to play. And I ignored Mafia Wars and creepy supernatural creature games. If I’d joined everything, I have to stay on FaceBook all day, eat while I’m playing and sleep only four hours a night. Oops! I do that anyway. After Big Brother ends at 2am, I read until I drop the book and then I sleep until 9am.

Sometime I’m up at 7am and sometime I’m down until 11am.

So now you know my ugly truth. I am so glad the weather is changing and there are so many wonderful events to be a part of. I hope to see you out there.

in the spotlight

by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

Drag Survivor #5

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n Wednesday, 9/02, the on going New Orleans reality series of Drag Survivor continued on, as all the contestants were ready and had sharpened their tongues and their claws, to see who would be the finalists going to the next round. My two favorite Emcees, Blanche, in her disco wedding outfit and Persana, in her pantsuit trimmed with the feathers of Deanna’s cock from last week, were there to egg them all on.

Even though it started late, much to my dismay, it was an excellent contest once we got past the opening, which was a production number of which NONE of the girls knew the words (well, maybe one or two knew some). It was awesome to look at and could have been the highlight of the evening. It was like watching a foreign movie dubbed in English.

The theme for the night was Movie/ Show Tunes and the line-up for the evening was: 1. Tathiana, 2. Felina, 3.

Sable, 4. Carmen, 5. Sha N'yia, 6.

Deanna, and due to a mix up in the judging from the last week, Candi, who was eliminated, was brought back. The girls were put through there paces, and then a special guest entertained the crowd, the incredible Cody Collins, who performed in Glitz at Harrah’s Casino 9/03 and 9/04.

Since a mistake had been made the week before, then that meant that two contestants had to be eliminated this week. And the real fun began, the bitchiness, bitterness, and drama ensued, and when all was done, Carmen and Deanna had to say good-bye. So next week will be five contestants left.

The gloves go on and the pumps come off. And you can get a taste of the reality of Drag Survivor.

Spike'd Volleyball: Is A Real Drag

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he actual volleyball was sec ondary at the Annual Spike’d, Chicago’s only beach cocktail party and “Drag” volleyball extravaganza, hosted by Chicago House, HIV/ AIDS. It was way more about lipstick and just looking pretty.

Four teams competed in the action, including the Southern Baptist Bitches, who ultimately were the champions, defeating the Jon Benet Ramseys. Thankfully, the sun shone throughout, so no outfits were ruined.

The event raised more than $5,000.

And the Jon Benet Ramseys were honored as the Best Dressed. They also did a Spike’d Car Wash, which was something to see.

To see pictures of this event go to: WindyCityMediaGroup.com.

Texting Banned

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llinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law a measure that will prohibit motorists from sending test messages while driving. The law, which will take effect January 1, 2010, will ban text messaging, e-mailing, downloading ringtones and instant messaging.

Drivers will still be able to use GPS devices, and can test emergency/accident reports. Users can also text if traffic is stopped and the car is in park or neutral. Violators will be fined $75.

Three tickets in a year could result in the loss of the drivers license. ( A law already had been passed in Cook County, Chicago, against talking on a cell phone while driving with a $100 fine.

You must pull off on the shoulder of the road if you need to talk on your cell phone.) [continued on 16]

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ambush

paparazzi

Cocktailin’ at the Phoenix

Grey Cross Body Painting Exhibit at the Bourbon Street Extravaganza One of the hot men on the bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Chris & Wayne sling cocktails for Leather Decadence at the Phoenix Pat O’Brien’s Donnie visits Lafitte’s Wilhemina at Lafitte’s King Cake Queen Tami Tarmac & Gizelle Bouvier pop in to Tubby’s Golden Lantern for the SDGM Drag Show

Oz’s Johnny Chisholm & Cy Whitney

Bruce & Ted get to the Phoenix after the SD Survivors Bar Crawl

Opal, Marsha, Bianca, David, Rhonda & Darwin working the corner at St. Ann

Tony, Darwin, Paul, John & Opal on the SD Survivors Bar Crawl at 700 Club

SDGM XXXIV Electra City & SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse with fans at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie join Micheal for the Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contest at The Corner Pocket

Emcee Nathan introduces the boys from BrokeStraightBoys.COM at the Nawlins Queens of Comedy Show at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Gina Brown kicks off the 6th Bourbon Street Extravaganza sponsored

by Napoleon’s Itch

Emcee Persana Shoulders brings the Men of Manwatch Strip Show to the stage at Oz

Some 25,000 revelers pack Bourbon & St. Ann for the 6th Bourbon Street Extravaganza

Grey Cross Body Painting Exhibit in full swing at JohnPaul’s

They make ‘em hot at 700 Club: Rob & Paul

Montreal Boy Mounir showing the shock of being wet down for the Pocket’s SD Wet Jockey Shorts Contest

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Southern Decadence Highlights ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Ambush

SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie Toulouse welcomed to the Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show by emcee Gary Glitter

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

in the spotlight ...from 12

Grand Marshals Drag Show at Tubby's Golden Lantern

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n Friday, 9/04, at 9pm, the show went off right on time and went just like clock work. Thanks to the cooperation of Rick the owner, the stage was decorated with new curtains and the crowd was in the mood to celebrate the beginning of the Southern Decadence weekend.

Starting off right from the beginning with the Grand Marshals XXXV, Tittie and Paloma, were first up to begin the festivities. After they each did a number, then it was Larry Bagneris’s turn to welcome everyone and present the GMs with the Proclamation from the City, officially starting off the weekend.

I had the honor of being the MC for the evening, and the show was fabulous. Past Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXIV, Electra City started off the nights entertainment, then came Miss Starlight 2009 Rikki Redd, (who was my right hand helping to set up this revue), was next, and then came 2009 King Cake Queen Tami Tarmac, Mr. America Amon Ra Nathan Brooks, and Deanna, and last was Miss Tubby's Golden Lantern Miss D. Through the courtesy of Nathan Brooks Entertainment, we had Jace and Logan of the BrokeStraightBoys, as seen on JustUsBoys, were there handing out t-shirts and goody bags of DVDs, ManLube, books, a Wet sex kit, and so you wouldn’t get lonely after seeing them, a nice sucker...oooh, lick me.

Needless to say , good entertainment, and presents all around. Who could ask for more??? And it was all free, thanks to Tubby's Golden Lantern

Leather Block Party

J

ust happened to wander by the Phoenix and saw the magnificent setup they had for the Leather Block Party. I must say that it was the best I have ever seen and it was really thought out. Lots of vendors, and everyone seemed to be shopping and having a good time. It was just after the down pour on Friday about 10pm, but that didn’t stop anyone from being out and having a good time. Kudos to everyone involved with the initial set up and I’m sure that you will want to do the same, when Mardi Gras rolls around.

Queens of Comedy

by Nathan Brooks aturday night of Decadence was an amazing night with the best crowd, but they weren’t ready for what was coming to them. A night of comedy including Miss American Dynasty Miss Gia performing as a Hip Hopping grandmother, Anita Rich Goodman performing as a sexless nymphomaniac, and the host Apheelia Breast being visited by her “monthly gift” on stage, was more then

S

enough to bring the crowd up to a roar at Tubby's Golden Lantern! Add in The Boys from BrokeStraightBoys.com and Just Us Boys Magazine, then Chelsea Delorean Divine as Micheal Jackson and you have what turned out to be a great night of entertainment!

I have never heard such comments in my years of entertainment! The visitors loved the fact that such entertainment was available there and even more that the ticket price to get in was FREE! Locals enjoyed seeing drag in a new light and a new perspective. One person said it best when I was leaving, “It is so great to see people that can make ‘drag’, ‘female illusion’, or whatever you want to call it, entertaining again, and not take themselves so seriously.”

As a promoter, I was very happy to bring such a great and bold show to Southern Decadence. It was fun and it made everything just fit together. The coming years should be interesting as we continue to make not only this show, but P3 a historical and hysterical event which visitors and locals alike can bring home and cherish forever.

P3, Rain, Success

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t exactly 12noon, the P3 party commenced to a bright and sunny day and even though the crowd was good and little by little when they heard all the music, it started to look like God had smiled upon us and it would be a lovely day.

Starting out out program was Rikki Redd, and then came Nathan Brooks, followed by Josh Duffy, the new singing sensation who wowed the crowd with his live numbers. Jasmine was up next and due to a technical problem we had to go to the next performer, which was Anita Rich Goodman, who wowed them with her fabulous rendition of I Will Survive with her walker and all. Deanna Ninneman, from Drag Survivor came out and did her thing for the crowd, AND THEN, true to New Orleans weather, came a torrential downpour, and everything came to a halt.

And it rained, and it rained, and it rained for 45 minutes, however, not to be out done the crowd got into the spirit and several parade watchers decided to do their own show, and danced in the rain, in the street. You know how it goes, give someone an opportunity to show what they can do and this being New Orleans, they entertained the crowd. They were well rewarded with dry t-shirts from the BrokeStraightBoys for their efforts.

Finally the rain let up enough that Felina Colby Shane said that she would go out and bear the few showers and did a number. Miss Gia, GAA Cheridon Comedy Award Winner did a great comedy number that was very much a crowd pleaser. Vanessa Michaels came out and wowed the crowd with her impression of Cher, and then through [continued on 18]

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

E-mail: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Mr. Marmalade at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré

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was still in my NYC Katrina exile when Noah Haidle’s Mr. Marmalade debuted off-Broadway in 2005. Despite some good wordof-mouth, it received a drubbing in the NYTimes and I passed on seeing it before returning a few weeks later to NOLA for good. Looking back, the usually reliable Charles Isherwood was about as accurate about this one as Bush’s Brownie was about the levees.

A self-described dark comedy, Mr. Marmalade limns the relationship of a precocious four year old girl, Lucy, and her inappropriately mature imaginary friend, Mr. Marmalade. He exists in a world of business meetings and lunches, high pressure finance, and trips to Cabo San Lucas but also, when things don’t go his way, of alcoholic binges, drugs and domestic violence. Add to this Mr. Marmalade’s efficient but overburdened personal assistant Bradley, plus Lucy’s real life neglectful mother and Lucy’s new, suicidal 5 year old best friend Larry, not to mention Larry’s imaginary plant friends, and it’s quite a mix. in the spotlight ...from 16 the magic of the sound system we finally go to see Jasmine do her number. About this time the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals showed up to start the parade. And as promised, Larry Bagneris made the champagne toast from the city to them to have a good parade. (Unlike for formal occasions, the champagne was not in crystal glasses, but were splits of champagne with a straw. Now how decadent can you get. haha !!!) Officially the 35th parade was under way with the blowing of the Grand Marshals whistles, they were off.

As the parade passed us by and out of sight, the crowd wanted more, and that’s just what they got when Miss Gia came out and did a rendition of Joan Crawford in the board room of the Pepsi Co. It was an excellent piece, and the crowd ate it up, and what a way to close the show down, but with that bitch, Joan Crawford. It was an excellent job by everyone, considering the rain and all, they were real show people from throughout the whole thing. (I can’t thank all of you enough!)

And a special thank you to Rick, Rikki, Nathan, and all the businesses that supplied everyone with all the “goodies” that were given out to the crowd.

BrokeStraightBoys, Jaeger, andAbsolut.

Let’s do it again next year, whadda ya think ???

As Lucy’s attachment to Mr. Marmalade rises & falls and as her friendship with Larry deepens, we see the emotional resiliency of youth serving as a universal metaphor for loneliness and love and longing. Haidle adeptly blurs the lines between reality, his own imagination, and the imagination of his characters, so that, for an instant, you think that a 4 year old might be pregnant.

What makes this work is that though the world of Mr. Marmalade is different from the one we live in, it is consistent unto itself, related to but not as brittle and caustic as Christopher Durang’s universe.

As Mr. Marmalade’s first act ended, I couldn’t wait to get back and see how things turned out. (This happens more rarely than you’d suppose.)

And, indeed, Act Two did not disappoint with its brilliantly absurdist spectacle of an imaginary character being fired from his “job” and going to pieces. If the play ends more with a whimper than a bang, it’s a gentle, very humanistic whimper full of hope. Which, in this world of woe, ain’t such a bad thing.

Though Haidle might’ve ramped up the ages of his child characters a bit (had Lucy been 5 or 6 or 7, it would’ve made her sophisticated imagination a mite more believable), and Lucy’s mother seems as though she should be a white collar worker rather than the waitress she turns out to be, neither of these are fatal flaws, if you don’t let them be.

In addition to lightening quick pacing, Director Andrew Larimer wisely kept things as “real” as possible, not giving in to the script’s potential campiness; this was certainly one of his best directorial efforts I’ve yet seen.

The entire cast gave spot-on performances.

As Mr. Marmalade, who’s indeed kinda dreamy until he turns out to be completely dissolute, A.J. Allegra added another pitch perfect characterization to his repertoire. Despite being in his 20s, Allegra has the physical demeanor more of a sophomore college student which seems apt as, to a young child, a teenager is old and anyone older than 20 is ancient. More importantly, without ever becoming slick, he found just the right boundaries of suavity and slovenliness within which Lucy’s imagination would be likely to operate.

James Yeargain was smooth as butter as Bradley, beautifully blossoming in the end after Mr. Marmalade has been banished for good. In two roles, Kristin Witterschein, an actress new to New Orleans, well-calibrated the difference between Lucy’s resentful but lov-

A.J. Allegra and Natalie Boyd in Mr. Marmalade Photo by Linda Marie

ing mother and the slatternly babysitter whom she hires for Lucy. Richard Alexander Pomes gave his usual solid performance as two different guys, neither of whom should be allowed around kids.

As Lucy and Larry, Natalie Boyd and Sam Dudley gave emotionally exquisite performances BUT were more physically and vocally spassy as the kids than they needed to be, for which Larimer must share the blame as well.

Sure, kids tend to twist and squirm and vocalize differently than adults. But, when more closely observed, they are often smoother and more centered than we think of them as being. Had Boyd, Dudley and Larimer found this proper balance, they’d’ve achieved perfection.

Though costume designer Shauna Leone’s pink tutu for Lucy has become a bit of a cliche to indicate early girly childhood, her giant plant outfits more than made up for it. Josh Palmer’s set made for a fine functional home for Lucy and her Mom, but his sky blue backdrop, lit by him to reflect the characters’ ever-changing emotional states, was transcendent.

Some Girl(s) at Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans

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hen Neil LaBute’s Some Girl(s) opened off-Broad way three years ago, the NYTimes’ Ben Brantley deemed it a “slight and sour comedy, ... (a) scant variation” on LaBute’s other clinical examinations of the male species.

Weeeellllll, excuse me! Though perhaps not in the same league as his bash and Fat Pig, if you can overlook a certain plot device that’s telegraphed a mile away, Some Girl(s) certainly is a worthy companion to his The Shape of Things in which a woman got to be the snarky one.

With finely etched, natural-sounding dialog that creates vivid characters and a plot that keeps you interested, Some Girl(s) tells the tale of Guy (alright, not the most original name), a recently published author on the verge of marriage, who decides to go back

and visit four former girlfriends in different cities to right the wrongs he inflicted on them. If it’s more novella than fullfledged novel, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Seemingly an inveterate prevaricator, with each scene a different aspect of Guy is revealed even if, at the end, he remains a bit of a cipher. With his aria of self-justification, has this former “emotional terrorist” become an emotional masochist?

LaBute’s characters are recognizable types, though not stereotypes.

They fumble for words, “confuse ‘moral’ and ‘ethical’”, and the women especially, ingratiate themselves into your soul.

Guy’s palaver and mea culpa-ing become a teensy repetitious and, especially in the second scene, there’s an inconsistency between a character’s using highfalutin’ words one minute and being puzzled by them the next. Shortcomings? Yes. Overlook-able? For the most part.

After presenting The Shape of Things last year and Fat Pig three years ago, Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans seems to have an affinity for LaBute’s work. Certainly this was the case with Some Girl(s) which started out good and got better as it went along until it was perfect by the end.

Director René J.F. Piazza not only enabled his cast to get to the core of the characters but, using the constricted space simply but wisely, treated his players like boxers who retreat to their corners but then come out again fighting. And unlike some shows where I want to yell at the actors “Move already!”, here when a character sat or stood for an extended period of time there was no reason for him or her to move one second before they did.

I’m not sure why Piazza didn’t have his actresses include certain physical descriptions that the text refers to (a rash, highlights in one’s hair) but this is a minor quibble. It appears as though ATNO is spending more money on their sets, and if Piazza’s hotel room setting, [continued on 26]

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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

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outhern Decadence Grand Marshals (SDGMs) XXXV Paloma and Tittie Toulouse, and their entourage, approach the Home of Southern Decadence, Tubby’s Golden Lantern at 1239 Royal Street. The duo would lead what would become the largest parade in the history of Southern Decadence. Stretching some 22 blocks, the 35th parade was chockfull of costumed revelers, and special guest, the Lesbian and Gay Band Association marching band with 200 members. It is estimated that over 40,000 lined the route this year, the largest number to ever view the parade.

C Gary Glitter of the first 3P (Pre-Parade Party) brought SDGMs XXXV Paloma and Tittie Toulouse to the stage out front of Tubby’s Golden Lantern for the official toast and welcome by the grand marshals for the 38th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music and Culture. Joined by Parade Lt. Toby Lefort, the duo started the parade as tradition dictates at Tubby’s Golden Lantern going down Royal to St. Louis, to N. Rampart, to Toulouse, to Burgundy, to St. Ann, to Bourbon, ending at Neighborhood Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile.

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ayor’s Office representative Larry Bagneris is joined on stage at the 6th Bourbon Street Extravaganza on Saturday by Philip Pizzi and Chuck Robinson. Robinson was recognized with an official proclamation for bringing the live free open concert to Southern Decadence outside of Napoleon’s Itch on Bourbon at St. Ann Streets. The largest crowd ever for this event was estimated at some 25,000 this year.

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outhern Decadence Susan Lucci’s Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain welcomed SDGMs XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma, along with invited guests, to the 16th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss. Hosted at Ambush and SouthernDecadence.COM Headquarters, 828 Bourbon Street. Thousands of beads, t-shirts, and buttons were tossed to the huge crowd below. The 2009 SD theme was Hurricane: This Year They BLOW Back! which was the inspiration for the Ambush balcony created and designed by artist Todd Blauvelt.

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he parade of Good and Evil contestants at the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil was hosted at Venusian Gardens in New Orleans. The event helped raise funds for the krewe’s Mardi Gras Bal Masque VIII on February 7, 2010 at the Sugar Mill. For more visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM.

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t the end of the 35th Official Southern Decadence Parade, the Lesbian and Gay Association marching band paused in front of Ambush and SouthernDecadence.COM Headquarters to play two sets exclusively for Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse and Paloma.

ayor’s Office representative Larry Bagneris presented SDGMs Paloma and Tittie Toulouse with proclamations honoring Southern Decadence by the City of New Orleans on Friday of Labor Day Weekend.

Bagneris, in his remarks at the Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show at Tubby’s Golden Lantern, stated that the economic impact of Southern Decadence, is over 150 million dollars to the local economy.

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he 38th Southern Decadence theme was Hurricane: This Year They BLOW Back! And in keeping with that theme, Southern Decadence Susan Lucci’s Marsha and Rip Naquin-Delain (right) appeared as the “Ugly Red Hurricane Twins” in the 35th Southern Decadence Parade.

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Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Paloma lead largest parade in Southern Decadence History ~ New Orleans

paparazzi

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Photos by Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Ambush, Miss Dee, King of Plantation

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Over 40,000 line the route for the 35th Official Southern Decadence Parade ~ New Orleans

paparazzi

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trodding the boards ...from 18

alabama

paparazzi

Nightlife & Entertainment ~ Foley & Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

Mac @ Bacchus Downtown voted #1 bartender The beautiful and talented former Miss Florida Continental Amy DeMilo appeared last weekend @ B-Bob’s

which serves identically for all four scenes, might seem more Motel 6 than the W of the New York production, that more accurately mirrored the likely reality of these characters.

As Guy, Robert Facio gave an impressive performance. Played by Eric (Will & Grace) McCormack in New York and David (Friends) Schwimmer in London, two actors pushing 40, Facio seems to be barely pushing 30. This production thus posed the interesting question, Would someone still so young be ready to look back on his life and make amends? Is this Guy thus more or less callow than his predecessors? And when did he have time to go through these four multi-year relationships and

scorned academic wife from Guy’s postgraduate days, displayed a justifiably stern mien as she played a cat & mouse game of revenge with Guy. With her pointed intellect, stony visage and no-nonsense voice of gravitas, Schafer seemed to have arrived in Metairie directly from Boston.

Lastly, as Guy’s one true love Bobbi, Sarah Fontenelle, an actress new to me, was unforgettable. When she gave Guy a gift certificate for his upcoming marriage, you believed the sincerity of the gesture. When she fooled Guy with a story about her twin Billie, she fooled us as well. Unsure if Guy had been involved with Billie, Fontenelle listened to Guy’s protestations of love with a glazed, faraway look in her eyes, an emotional blankness that comes of not

Girls night out @ B-Bob’s B-Bob’s Show Director Miss Cie & Pensacola, Florida’s Valerie Hart @ B-Bob’s

Andreu celebrating his birthday @ B-Bob’s with Miss Cie Clockwise from left: Sarah Fontenelle, Krista Schafer, Jen Allison, Eva Langston and Robert Facio in Some Girl(s) Regine Phillips with Miss Fallon @ Club Evolution in Foley

Miss Cie with Jeremy @ B-Bob’s All American Goddess Miss Candi Stratton coming to B-Bob’s Oct. 29-31

Jeremy & Jennifer attending College Night @ B-Bob’s

Miss Cie celebrates with birthday boy Stevan @ B-Bob’s

the others that are mentioned as well?

If Facio is not conventionally handsome like McCormack or Schwimmer, he convinced that his cool, teddy bear charm could insinuate his way into these women’s hearts. And it wouldn’t be the first time some gals fell for a big, writerly type. Hemingway, anyone?

Facio still needs to develop a greater range of expression but he’s come a long way from last year’s Laughing Wild and a long, long way from 2007’s Prelude to a Kiss, and I look forward to seeing his continuing evolution as an actor.

Eva Langston was very good as Guy’s high school sweetheart but Piazza could have guided her to a more nuanced performance; there seemed to be something missing that, based on Langston’s excellent performance in ATNO’s Talking With..., she was capable of providing.

As a bubbly, free-spirited jewelrydesigner-cum-sexual-plaything, Jen Allison was even better but she too could have added some grace notes.

Yet, revealing tender emotional depths, Allison melted hearts.

The final two “girls”, however, were superb and brought the show to a bracing conclusion. Krista Schafer, as a

knowing what to believe, of not willing to allow oneself to be hurt any more.

Guy was a fool to leave her. She would’ve been a fool to go back to him.

Pity Guy’s bride to be.

Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage at NOCCA’s Nims Blackbox Theatre

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n the second scene of the Ensemble Arts Production of Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage, a character emerged wearing just a holster, cowboy boots and a jockstrap.

While I’m sure the play carried on, you’ll have to excuse me if I lost track of the narrative for a bit since, as played by cute-as-can-be Leon Contavesprie with his hunky chest and a tush you could bounce coins off of, this proved to be too much of a distraction for me to continue following the plot for a bit.

Then again, with its cockamamie plot, such a distraction turned out to be the highlight of Flaming Guns.

Having disagreed with the NYTimes’ assessments of Mr. Marmalade and Some Girl(s), this time I do concur with Bruce Weber who judged it to be one of the “biggest clinkers” of [continued on 29]

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

in the news Pensacola Pride Oct. 10

T

he entire Gulf Coast com munity is invited to Historic Seville Square in Pensacola, Florida on Saturday, October 10 for a day of fun, learning and culture at Pensacola Pride.

“Pride is intended to give lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people an opportunity to express themselves and enjoy their community,” said Thom Mendonca, president of Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida (GGNWF), the group sponsoring Pensacola Pride. “We want everyone to come out, take part and have fun because everyone has gay people in their lives and everyone is touched by gay culture.”

Pride Pensacola, a family-friendly event, is set to run from 11am to 6pm on October 10, with live entertainment, speakers, food, vendors and more. A week of other special events will lead up to the festival.

Vendor booths are still available, ranging from $15 to $60 each. Pensacola Pride also has opportunities for local entertainers to perform at Seville Square.

Anyone wishing to be a vendor or entertainment at the festival should contact Doug Landreth at 850.429.7551 or 850.685.2881 or gaygrassrootsnwfl@gmail.com.

Cities across America and around the world celebrate Pride in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, an event spurred by unwarranted police raids on a gay bar in New York City.

Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida has chosen October for Pensacola Pride in recognition of National Coming Out Day, first celebrated on October 11, 1988, as a way to encourage lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people to be open and honest about who they are. October is also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month. trodding the boards ...from 26 the 2001 Humana Festival of NewAmerican Plays, “a silly, farcical parody of romantic western movies.”

Now, there’s nothing wrong with farces or parodies or even silly ones if done right. But playwright Jane Martin stirs too much into the sarsaparilla in this tale of a tough cookie rodeo healer, her “goofy as hell” boy toy, and a young woman with a bad attitude who’s on the run from her crazed Ukrainian biker boyfriend and claims to be carrying the healer’s grandchild. And that ain’t the half of it.

What starts off in Southern Gothic territory veers off into cartoon-ish nonsense with enough blood to rival The Lieutenant of Inishmore once the biker is done away with. But unlike the Gothicism of, say, Crimes of the Heart in

which bizarre things happen due to the characters’ inner make-up, in Guns you feel Martin’s authorial hand piling stuff on (Tourette’s-like symptoms? sure, why not) to the already convoluted story.

And Martin doesn’t know how to build a comedic situation, or even a joke, so there aren’t the laughs which could’ve made this all endurable.

On Stephen Thurber’s strikingly realistic ranch house set, complete with deer head, Director Andrew Elliott did what he could with the material without overcoming its flaws. As he’s credited as producer as well, one does wonder what attracted him to the script.

The entire cast (Mary Pauley, Molly E. Maginnis, Latricia Huston, Benjamin Clement, Michael Sullivan, Brian A. Rosenberg in addition to Contavesprie) gamely tore into this as a starving hyena would to a carcass in the desert.

In their enthusiasm, though, it occasionally was difficult to understand ev-

ery word they said as they spit out large mouthfuls of dialog with a Western twang.

If none of these actors would ever be confused with their wacky characters, Contavesprie especially, looking like a more compact Reggie from the Archie comics but with a countenance

and natural personality evincing Archie’s sweetness, just doesn’t seem like a dim-witted rodeo champion; he’s too urbane. It’s like casting John Gielgud as a Beverly Hillbilly. I hope Contavesprie will have a more suitable role for his next performance, though if it calls for him to appear again in a jockstrap, I won’t complain.

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autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com Foley, AL [251] CLUB EVOLUTION, 8380 Highway 59, 251.943.5557, myspace.com/ evolutionclubdance1 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] OLYMPUS BAR, 4003 MacArthur Dr., 442.6735, OlympusBar.COM Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430

JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE PHARE, 523 Gravier St.

New Orleans, LA [504] MASCULINE TOP STUD FOR AWESOME BODY RUBS & MORE 6'0, 178#, w/magic hands & hard gun. 6am-mid. Fantastic 4 hand session avail. In/Out/Hotels. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is1909] NEW GUY IN TOWN - Avail for full body rubdowns starting @ $50 for Fr Qutr area. All other areas, add'l fee. 24 hrs. Out calls only, 616.334.1432 [is1909]

bookstores Baton Rouge, LA [225] CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494 New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S OF KENNER, 96 West 26th St., 466.1870 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELLADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616

cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78

casinos New Orleans, LA [504] HARRAHS NEW ORLEANS, Canal at the River, 800.HARRAHS

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2209]

circuit/events Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 12-16, 2010, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored

by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 27-31, 2010, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush,

GayPensacola.COM June 3-6, 2010, One Mighty Weekend,. Orlando, Florida, sponsored by Ambush, OneMightyWeekend.COM Sept. 1-6, 2010, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM

computers Baton Rouge, LA [225] JDiT NETWORKING SOLUTIONS, Jerry Durden, 229.6108, JDiT.US

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964

erotica SYKCOR EROTICA, 225.933.0686, SykcorErotica.COM, sykcorerotica@aol.com

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

for sale New Orleans, LA [504]

FSBO - GREAT LOCATION – UNIQUE Condo Townhome New Orleans Garden District - 1528 Seventh St – corner St. Charles Ave – steps to parades, streetcar, min to French Quarter, warehouse/ arts district, Superdome, CBD, etc… 2000 sq ft - 3 BR, 3 ½ baths, balconies, off street parking, patio, pool, sec. guard, onsite mgr. $480,000 – 504.897.2226 [is1909]

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAME, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MOMS MINI MART, 902 Poydras, 596.2223 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dauphine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 OFADEAN SALONSPA & WELLNESS CENTER, 536 Bienville St., 522.3318, ofadeansalonspa.com SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555, salondmalta.com

laundries New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274 WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is1709]

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double.

Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and halfopen tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool).

Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area.

Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0810] CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly renovated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking.

Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon!

[1109] MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/ cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking.

[0110]

SUPER 8, 6322 Chef Menteur Hwy., 504.241.5650, 800.800.8000. Minutes from the French Quarter, the hotel offers free continental breakfast, covered parking, high speed wireless internet, local calls, guest laundry, smoking and non smoking rooms, outdoor pool, mini fridge, microwave on request, and independent shuttle company.

BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website www.righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2/2010]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

models/escorts New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY/NUMBER 1 MALE ESCORT IN NOLA-hot, cute muscle stud, pics at m4rn.com, ID #190508, friendly & discreet. In/Out/Hotels.

Body rubs, 4 hands & 25 year old Kody avail.

24/7, 504.756.9443 [is1909] COLBY RYAN, Greek-American, a true New Orleanian, not a boy toy, but a man's dream.

Pics @ m4rn.com, ID #215544. Discretion is of the utmost importance. Avail. 24/7 serving New Orleans & Baton Rouge, 504.400.9214 [is1909]

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTSAND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc.

Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr.,

PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITANCOMMUNITYCHURCHOF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504]

ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 828.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality@aol.com FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com

FRIDAYNIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons.

Monthly meetings, socials and political activism.

Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush

HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation.

IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, www.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695 http:// kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 MOC/NO [Men of Color/New Orleans], 482.5341 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609

REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 TAU HOUSE MINISTRIES, 1029 Governor Nicholls, 70116, roddyssnd@aol.com, 529.3569. Mass on Sunday 4:15pm; Vespers on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm. Everyone is welcome!

VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] AVALON PLUMBING, residential & commercial repair & remodeling, call Michael 237.0888 RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] JUDY FISHER, INC. REALTORS, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, marylind2020@gmail.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Embers Original Bourbon House, 700 Bourbon, 523.1485 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans The Pelican Club, 312 Exchange Alley, 523.1504, PelicanClub.COM Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tiramisu 55 Restaurant & Bar, 123

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

Carondelet, 581.3288

retail/shopping Baton Rouge, LA [225] JAMES & KYLE ANTIQUES, 3875 Government St. New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS, QueenFashions.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tours New Orleans, LA [504] STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ, Toulouse Street Dock, 568.1401, SteamboatNatchez.COM

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARRE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, 525.1052, mahaliajacksontheater.com

hot tails of red stick

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com

Catching Joy

I

have to tell you a little more about Joy’s big art exhibit she had at Hound Dogs. I mentioned it last time, but I didn’t really elaborate on all the arts and crafts that she had on display.

She was selling that stuff like hot cakes, and that’s good. I don’t know of that many people who knew of Joy’s artistic talents, but it was nice to see it all on display along the walls with the painted crafts in the front window. Add to all this the food that was served, and you had a nice group at this gathering of friends. Of course, when some people hear the word food, they come running. Hopefully, they at least bought something.

I suppose my favorite person of the evening was Katie. I loved that dress she had on, and it looked as if she wore it to match my shirt. She was a modern-day flower child, and those colors really made her stand out in the crowd. She commented that she wore it just for me so we could match up. Well, I can tell you for sure, that it far outdid my shirt. So as far as matching up, that just wasn’t to be.

This was a night with both Joy and Katie wearing dresses. My goodness!

What is the world coming to! That was another first for me. I didn’t know they

Katie and Joy at Joy’s first art showing

owned any clothing of this type. I will have to say that they were both stunning and because of the happy occasion, their radiance showed even more. Now I can hardly wait to see them in tuxedos at some formal dinner or bal masque.

There were lots of nice guests here, [continued on 36]

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Amy, Joy and Katie

David and Danny

Nightlife ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Bar barons Cory and Guy

Michael and Chansley

Rick and Tom Joe, Tom and Don

Jeannie at Hound Dogs exhibit Stephen and Ty

Sexy Joseph with two beauties

Trio of studs at George’s

red stick paparazzi

The Divas

Scotti and Dwayne

Jerry, Nicole and Chad Guy and James

Kyle and James at Hound Dogs

Ronnie, Richard and Andy

Luther finds another cutie

Bryan and Richard

Melvin and Johnny

Richard and Luther

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

the pink pastor

by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com

The Body’s Grace – or what your pastor never told you about SEX

M

uch of the wisdom (if there is any) in this little essay is directly from Rowan Williams (The Archbishop of Canterbury) in a wonderful address he gave in 1989 to The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement called ‘The Body’s Grace’. The rest of it is hard won glimmers of good sense I have learned through years of pretty awful mistakes!

It is important to start with a good working definition of Grace – I like this one ‘enabling power sufficient for progression’ – or in other words, the freely given gift of God which allows us to progress, to carry on, to keep moving even when we are challenged and face trouble and despair.

It is what lifts us above our limitations and sets our feet on a higher path. It is lovingkindness made real and useful.

We embark upon a conversation about sex rather than passively await instruction – it is in this mutual conversation that each of us may find wisdom to navigate what is a complex and extraordinary subject. It has the capacity to delight, enthrall, hurt, addict, bless and extend us all at the same time! No wonder people get so fretful about it! It has been seen in reproductive terms as ‘the means to control production of human beings’ and as such has been tightly ordered by rulers and those who seek to oppress and proscribe human choice and expression.

It is useful to think about some ground rules for this conversation, lest we fall into the adversarial trap that so much public discussion falls into.

Firstly, do not judge – we are definitely called to do some pretty deep analysis of our own motives and those symptoms of motives that we call behavior, but unless you are omnipotent then we, as private citizens have the luxury of leaving judgment to God. Secondly, Empathize – do not fall into the trap of assuming that the journey you have taken is correct in every detail for everyone else, and let us keep the phrase ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ forever on our lips.

Thirdly, let’s be honest; let’s not dress up our past because we are the sole guardians of its reality – by sharing our disasters as well as our triumphs this conversation will be of use to all of us and not just an exercise in self justification.

Let’s try and separate that which is expedient and practical from that which is moral and divinely desired. Some expressions of gay sexuality have been challenged because of HIV/AIDS, but in reality condemnation based on this is like saying that kissing is immoral because you can get mono!

Let’s assume that everyone else is as sincere as we are – even when we suspect they are not! Unless we are ready to filter the entire human race according to our personal judgment as to their honesty we had better assume the best and take folk at their word.

Finally, let us never prescribe God’s freedom of action, and never be so sure of our own judgment that we fail to see God leading us somewhere else. God can and

does work through some very surprising mediums, and may shine upon a relationship that to us is unacceptable – God appears to be very insistent about where grace may be poured; thankfully it seems that God is infinitely more creative and generous that we are.

I have paraphrased The Rt Rev Rowan Williams directly at times as he can be a little obscure. This is pretty much the core of what he has to say.

The life of the Christian community has as its rationale - if not always its reality - the task of teaching us this: to so order our relationships with one another that human beings may see themselves as desired, as the occasion of joy. It is not surprising that in Christianity sexual imagery is freely used, in and out of the Bible, for this new way of looking at things. What is less clear is why the reality of sexual desire, the concrete stories of human sexuality rather than the metaphors and poetic phrases it produces, are so grudgingly seen as matters of grace, or only admitted as matters of grace when fenced with conditions. Understanding this involves us in stepping back to look rather harder at the nature of sexual desire.

So to begin with it is worth asking the question ‘Why is sex such a big issue, and especially gay sex?’

Rowan Williams suggests that the reason gay sex is such a hot topic is that it does not allow the real issue to be hidden behind practical considerations – as the production of children cannot be used as a cover for sexual activity we are forced to ask what sex and desire are really FOR. In this view procreation is in some respects a red herring, and an excuse to avoid the knottier issues at the heart of human relationships. Society is forced to address this most important of issues because of us – even questions like ‘what is marriage for’.

Christians have no business seeing human beings as no more than beasts ripe for reproduction, with no other valid motive for desiring and bonding with each other except the same motive present in rats and raccoons. Reproduction is a wonderful and extraordinary thing, but it is not the mechanistic reason for all human desire and love! The loving relationships of the LGBT community show this to be true.

As we are the catalyst for some serious social self examination and a mirror to society’s immaturity we are bound to be unpopular in some circles! We are the bringers of good, but troublesome news.

We are all forced to face the question ‘what is desire for?’ as Williams says, not as being instrumental in some process, like reproduction, or power games, but in

hot tails of red stick ...from 34

itself. Can it really be as simple as joy?

Can it, in itself really be an uncomplicated source of delight? Yes it can, but we fall down when we see it as a tool, a crutch, a panacea, a weapon to be used to get what we want or a false God – it is not. Let it stand as itself; let it breathe doing what it does best. If we apply what Christ teaches us about other areas of life to sex then we find the whole playing field transformed.

Games are over, power is removed from the equation and we see that sex can be redeeming and transformational like everything else when exposed to Christ and the possibilities of grace.

The Body’s Grace is that blessing bestowed that takes us from the needy infantile grabbiness of unbalanced sexual relationships to mutuality, risk, growth and self giving with no guarantee of return.

Most people find most of whatever maturity they have in partnership with some form of sexual expression, either in marriage or out – it is the catalyst for some of our deepest self examination and contemplation.

Sex matters, but as an ingredient, as a response, as risky self-giving and as a channel for grace – it is not in itself either a devil or an angel. Like most aspects of our lives it is what we make of it, and it is profoundly different depending on its context.

Any serious and thoughtful idea of sexual morality must be bound up in the idea that sex is inherently and rightly a balanced equation. When one partner seeks to control all the elements, and manage the risks you get disordered sexuality – it is these asymmetrical relationships that seek to take all the risk and put it on one side, the side that loses choice and free will that look most like candidates for a real understanding of sexual perversion. Rape, bestiality, pedophilia are all deeply unbalanced relations, where all the control, all the ‘power’ and all the choice is on one side.

Rowan Williams says these very surprising things about traditional marriage in this context…

These “asymmetrical” sexual practices have some claim to be called perverse in that they leave one agent in effective control of the situation - one agent, that is, who doesn’t have to wait upon the desire of the other. (Incidentally, if this suggests that, in a great many cultural

follow the LSU scene though that gorgeous Little Corey. He is an avid fan, and he had a blast on this trip. Of course, this youngster just has that flair for radiating a good time around him. He has one of the nicest personalities of anyone I know, and it is always a pleasure to be in his company. Besides, I love those beautiful eyes and his wonderful smile.

I talked with TTT the other day too. I was helping a gentleman in a wheel chair out of Albasha Restaurant and down the ramp when TTT came across the parking lot. We talked for a while, but we really didn’t have enough time to get too much accomplished. We thought doing this over margaritas at El Rio Grande Restaurant would be a better venue, and plans are in the works to do just this.

Phil and Little John came by my home for a visit, and we sat on the front porch and chatted about old times and old friendships. Phil had borrowed some of my leather and came by to return it, and I ended up giving him a hanging basket of Red Epiphyllum for their patio. They have completely redesigned this small outdoor area at their condo, and it really looks nice.

I heard from Kiley this past week and am hoping to run into him when I get to San Francisco. I’m also going to check in with John Ducote who lives in Oakland. In addition to meeting them, I’ll head on into the wine country. Kevin is going with me, so we will probably be doing some birding too. I can assure you I’ll be dining on Tibetan food, checking out the restored Pacino flick “Cruising” at the Castro Theater, and probably do some Christmas shopping. I know I’ll be shipping back lots of wine. It’s a shame that you can’t go on line and order the wine you want, so I just fly out, buy what I want, and have it shipped back. Some rules that we have to live by are just not right. At least this gives me an excuse to go to California annually.

BC Boy also stopped by again. He is looking great after that little hospital visit, and that is good to see. I do believe he is one of the nicest guys around. I love his company, and I enjoy hearing about his life’s goals, his work, and his immediate plans at becoming a home owner. John is just one of those super studs that you want to be around because of the positive attitude he has about life in general. I love this guy.

Baton Rouge is almost deserted today. I know the bars aren’t open at the time I write this, but I can assure you that at Southern Decadence each year, this place is empty. Of course, being a government town means the area clears out handily as the state workers head for home, and weekends aren’t that crowded but holidays are literally open areas of no cars, no people, and no interest unless you like the peace and quiet of such a place. I happen to find it really nice. By the time the early evening hours arrive, guys and gals will be returning to the city from New Orleans, and it will be a time to relate all the happenings of the weekend.

Sunday afternoons are like this too.

For several years, Hibiscus Bookstore offered a place for a gathering of friends, but that is no longer possible. Looking back, it can be said that this bookstore was the only business open with the exception of the newspaper. Now the newspaper block is empty with the buildings torn down to make way for progress, what-

[continued on 42]

[continued on 38]

and I enjoyed meeting Amy and talking with Mark. This handsome stud is enjoying his new digs above the Capital Grocery. I’ve seen pictures, and the rustic atmosphere suits him well. He is an exceptionally nice guy, and I really enjoyed getting to know him better. I hadn’t talked with Kyle and James for some time either, so it was catch up time with them. Jeannie was in her LSU colors and enjoying the occasion. I also met Danny, a very nice friend of neighbor David.

The event could be termed as very successful, and I’m really happy to see this happen for Joy.

Catching Up

W

ell, a lot of Tigers journeyed up to Washington for the game last week. I usually

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

alexandria

paparazzi

Olympus Tight End #69!!!

Tight, Money, Style ~ Olympus Bar ~ Alexandria, Louisiana

Cute & Cuter

Lesbians!!! Go Figure Take the MONEY Queen!!!

Ladies of Olympus

Everyone loves half nekkid bartenders!!!

The Mambo Queen

Marsheya & Friend

Lou Lou takes a bite out of life

Sable with style

GayMardiGras.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

hot tails of red stick ...from 36

allons acadiana

by Chris Perkins, Lafayette, Louisiana E-mail: keebler_6984@yahoo.com

Excitement in Lafayette

S

o hopefully everyone had a good time where ever they spent Labor Day weekend, New Orleans being a great weekend for most, back in Lafayette, for us that were here, made it a rather eventful time as well.

Now that everyone is back home and rested up from all the partying and fun, we can return our focus to what has and is happening to our local family and friends.

Just a couple of weeks ago Sound Factory hosted it's very 1st “Trailer Park Trash” theme night along with R.O.U.’s 7th annual $1.98 Pageant which turned out to be a huge success for both parties that night. With both parties involved it brought in the fun and comedy from both sides and that in itself is what made the night truly a night to remember.

Our two favorites that made the night and were crowned Trailer Park Trash, were non-other than Dildora and Gertrude Alabastard, known to all of us as Troy and Kevin. Many have said what would you expect from them, but I don’t feel it was that, I personally think that these two “ladies” took their ideas and with help from friends went ALL out with it. From their outfits to the actual pageant, they were the highlight of the entire night, and everyone at least smiled when seeing them pass, or just hearing them coming. That night deserved to go to them for taking the part and not just acting, but all around fulfilling the part, and that they did, and of course with their partner in crime, Ms. Tina, known to us as Ms. Scott (Errruhhrrrruhh). Great job ladies and can’t wait to see it all again in Lake Charles.

Now with all that behind us, Sound Factory gears up for a “Spreading the Truth

Night” as they introduce Sobieski Vodka, the original vodka.

The following weekend they would also like to invite everyone to enjoy their Bear Night with their celebrity stripper for the night, Maxx Steele. And watch for many more fabulous things to head our way from Sound Factory, such as a drag hypnotist on October 2. Bonnie Bitch returns to Lafayette with her new show where she hypnotizes the audience, check the website for V.I.P. seating if you would like to be hypnotized for the show, or just call. Also, be sure to check them out the following night, October 3 as they host their 1st ever Toga Party, so go out and buy your toga outfit, find some white fabric, or even come dressed in some hot undies, as we can recall, it will be another fabulous night to remember only at Sound Factory.

N

ow they are not the only one’s heating things up, Jules Downtown has many things ahead of them for all of us to enjoy as well.

Just this past Friday, they had the grand reopening that went very well. Check them out and see what they plan on doing, from my angle its hush hush, so it must be something big, all I know is we have the 2nd annual drag birthday coming up for Joey on September 17.

It's Drag with Valarie Sugarbaker on Friday, September 18 followed on the 19th with DJ Jayskee.

Kristy Lee will let us all have it once again on September 25.

And lastly, the Jules Reunion Party will be Saturday, September 26. So head out and have a great time where ever you end up.

So until next time, no matter what your

comes to the bar, he has a personality that just brightens up the place with positive ever that might be. I’ve noticed so many vibes, and that gorgeous face is one of small businesses come and go in the beauty that few others possess. He is just downtown area over the years. I’m just a very gracious and outstanding bartender happy to see so many improvements, but – and friend to many. You don’t find a better here again, I don’t ever see this as a busy individual on the planet.

I see where my New Orleans Kevin downtown area on weekends. It’s a government town, and state workers don’t has been kicking up his hills lately. It is care to come back to their work area when good to see him so happy. This is another they can go to malls or off to beaches and great guy, and I need to meet up with him casinos in the Mississippi area along the more. We used to see each other at Lords Gulf of Mexico. Even Spanish Town’s little of Leather meetings or at the Phoenix or grocery store closes on holidays and even Cowpokes, but I don’t get to the Crescent has shortened hours on Sunday during a City as much as I used to. We did have normal week when there is no holiday some fun times.

I haven’t heard from Acadiana Tommy involved.

Therefore I believe it is this type of this week, but I know he is somewhere in attitude, along with the fact that you can’t New Orleans. I’m sure if I miss him this drink beer at the store, that the front porch year, I will hear of his latest visit to New activities originated. That is good if you Orleans. Last year, he was one of the consider all the super studs that gather many who had to leave early because of there. You can just buy a beer, move to a Hurricane Gustav. I’m overdue a visit with porch away from the store, and drink away. him in Las Vegas, so maybe I can work that If you want to do any serious drinking at all into my schedule soon.

Thinking of the Crescent City reminds in the city, you have to go to a restaurant, order dinner, and drink away to your heart’s me how much I miss Mina. I always did like delight. You just can’t do it in a bar. How- her, and we keep in contact by e-mail, ever, many people just head across the sometimes a phone call, but that isn’t like river and buy their liquor, or drink there. I being there in person. I guess I need to just wonder when and if any of these just head out and spend a day checking stupid rules will ever be changed. Hmmm. out the old drinking spots and looking for Luther didn’t get to dine with me and the good guys and gals who meant so Gerry this past week. He had to visit with much to me in the past – and still do – but a sick friend, and I haven’t talked with him I just don’t get out as much anymore. I to see how things went. However, we are always find myself volunteering for activigoing to start doing our weekly dinners ties that leave little time to do some of the again. It is really the best way to get to know things I enjoyed so much in the past.

I even thought about George and someone, and if you are friends, it gives you a chance to talk in places other than Danny this week. I have had so many good where you might be employed. Luther is times with them. We Red Stickers have one of the best (and definitely the most been trying to put together a gathering of handsome) guys to ever work at George’s. friends to head out for a day of fun in the city, I can say this because I know it to be the but it hasn’t happened yet. I know quite a truth. He is courteous to everyone who few who have gone down for Decadence this year, but that isn’t the same as going plans may be, you are sure to have a great for a meeting or just for a friendly day of bar time where ever you and your crew decide hopping.

I have decided that the next time I to go. I’ll see you all out and about, and always keep a smile on, you never know need a hair trim, I’ll just make it down to Mickey Nolan’s Salon on Toulouse. I when I have my camera at hand. haven’t seen Mickey for a while either. That will be a good excuse to head out and have a great time – separators at Good Friends, maybe dinner with Toni Pizanie at Café Amelie, a stopover at Ambush Headquarters, or maybe check in with Barry at Oz. I haven’t stayed overnight in a while either. Perhaps it is time to do Bourgoyne’s Guest House on Bourbon Street again. That way, I can stumble across the street if I’ve had too much to drink at Lafitte’s.

I had actually planned to go to Decadence this year, but with my upcoming vacation so near, I had to catch up and get ahead on my column and article formats. In all this preparation, I started to look for various CDs that I would need to put on my laptop. Of course, the ones I wanted were not to be found, but in the process I came across things I had forgotten about. Many of these were pictures from the past.

When I first started doing work for Ambush, I would go through several rolls of film each week, and I came across pictures and events I had forgotten about. It just goes to show you that I don’t have a perfect filing system, but it did give me a chance to re-acquaint myself with lots of memories. I didn’t run across any Decadence pictures, but you should see the folders I have containing pictures of Mardi Gras and bal masques in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. I’m sure if I looked more that I would have uncovered plenty of those from Lafayette. I had to make myself stop so I could finish this column and move on to packing my suitcase for the trip west.

It is good that I didn’t run across those videos from Mardi Gras.

Those would have really caused a delay in my work routine.

Well, I’ve lots more to do so I’ll stop for now. I hope everyone has had a great time on this fabulous Labor Day 2009, and I’ll be waiting to hear your stories. Let me know all about it.

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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acadiana

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Your Trailer Park $1.98 Pageant Judges @ Sound Factory

Ms. Kevin is letting them have it as usual @ Sound Factory

Adam & Steven bartending @ Jules Downtown

DJ Kyle D playing your favorites all night @ Jules Downtown

Thora & her gang @ Jules Downtown Ms. Gordon & Macky showing the camera some love @ Sound Factory Cliff showing off with his lady of the night @ Jules Downtown

John & the Tramps for Trailer Park Trash Night @ SF

Newly Crowned TRAILER PARK TRASH Dildora & Gertrude Alabastard @ Sound Factory

We still have not found the KEYS to these handcuffs...errruhhrruhhh @ Jules Downtown

Jeremy & well, some of that trailer park trash @ Jules Downtown

Sam & Lindsay @ Sound Factory

Smiling faces & good times @ Jules Downtown Is Macky stuck, lost or is this some sort of karate’ move @ Sound Factory

Macky & his two Tramps @ Sound Factory

Chris & Matty @ Sound Factory

Sam having a good night @ Jules Downtown

Adam being a Lady... @ Jules Downtown

Mitch with the newly crowned Dil & Gert @ Jules Downtown

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Nightlife in Acadiana ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Chris Perkins

Congrats on their year anniversary @ Sound Factory

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everybody's a critic

by Gary Glitter E-mail: gglitter04@yahoo.com

An Interview

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his interview is with Jim Flint, owner and director of the Miss Continental Pageant System.

The pageant was held on Labor Day weekend, the same as Southern Decadence.

The Miss Continental Pageant started in 1980 in hopes of improving and helping the art of female impersonation. I wanted to give entertainers an avenue to display their talent in a national competition. The first winner was Chili Pepper. Many of the past winners have gone on and have appeared on TV and in major screen productions. Lady Cateria was seen in the film Too Wong Foo, and Michelle Dupree was featured in the movie Flawless with Robert DeNiro. Former Miss Continental, Candis Cayne, helped choreograph Too Wong Foo and most recently appeared in ABC’s Dirty, Sexy, Money, with William Baldwin.

The Continental Pageants are a four stage competition. The contestants compete in evening gown, swim wear, talent and interview. Once you make it to the top 5, it really comes down to the final question, which could make you or break you, and that is a very important part of the pageant. The winners have appeared on many talk shows in the US and as far away as Japan. It shows the stage presence and intelligence of the entertainer.

The number of contestants usually fluctuates. In the past, it has been as high as 44, but I like to keep it right around 30.

This year there are 33.

For the contestant costs, some spend as little as $1,000, while others spend much more. The cost revolves around

in the news Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Presents Dorian Rush in Livin’ Janis

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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting for one night only Dorian Rush performing the music of the legendary Janis Joplin called Livin’ Janis at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., on Thursday, September 24 at 8pm. as a benefit for the krewe. Tickets for this performance are $25 and can be obtained by calling 504.525.4498.

Parkway Partners' Feast With The Stars Oct. 11

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ew Orleans - Parkway Partners Inc., a non-profit partner ship between the citizens and the city of New Orleans, announces the 20th annual Feast With The Stars, a jazz brunch hosted by local celebrities and fine restaurants. Proceeds from this event will fund Parkway Partner’s ongoing efforts to improve and expand green spaces in New Orleans.

Feast With The Stars will be held on Sunday, October 11 from 11:30am to 2pm

which gown designers they use, if they have dancers in their talent numbers and other factors like that.

Many of the visitors come in on Friday so they can attend the Mr. Continental Pageant held Friday at the Baton and Saturday at the Park West. The Miss Continental Pageant was held at the Park West on September 6 and 7.

Miss Continental wins a cash prize the night of the crowning, as well as a crown, and a trophy with the Continental Lady logo, that is made by the same people that make the Oscars. During the year, the winner travels to about 43 bookings around the country, plus Canada, Puerto Rico and this year Hawaii. These bookings include an appearance fee paid to them and all expenses paid for them by the promoter.

The year for Miss Continental can be whatever they make of it. It has the potential of being a year full of great memories, meeting ne people and traveling all over the country.

This just in Saturday, 9/05, the new Mr. Continental 2009/10 is Christopher Iman, and on Monday 9/07, the new Miss Continental 2009/10 is Armani. Congratulations to both.

Promises, Promises

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hate that I have to write this, especially to people that should be old enough to realize that part of life is how you are perceived by those around you. And part of that is to be able to keep promises that are made, both personal and professional. It is very clear that some people feel they can promise you they will do something, when they have no intenat Gallier Hall. Over a dozen restaurants including Bayona, Cafe Reconcile, Dooky Chase, The Creole Creamery, and K Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen will provide food.

A silent auction, occurring onsite and online, includes donated items from Mi[continued on 45]

obituary Blanchard “Skip” Ward — A Celebration

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tewart Butler and the friends of The Faerie Playhouse invite friends of Skip Ward to attend a celebration of Skip’s life. “An Affaerie” will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2 to 4:30pm at 1308 Esplanade Avenue. Skip’s cremains will be added to The Faerie Playhouse Memorial Garden.

During the early 1980’s, Skip was publicly open as a Faerie. Living in an area known for it’s strong hatred of Gay men, Skip was a brave trend setter. Pineville, Louisiana was a location that frightened lesser men but Skip stood up to discrimination and ignorance.

Those wishing to attend are requested to RSVP to Stewart at 504.523.3922.

tion of doing it at all, and there are those that are just “ditzy” or “scatter brained”, and have no idea what or if, they did it to begin with. Either way it is a hardship on people that are relying on you to do what you have promised, especially when they have asked you in good faith.

It is most unfortunate that some of us keep thinking that we have no reason to doubt someone when a promise is made, and that person will come through as they have said they will. But, sometimes, because we want so badly to believe these people are being honest and truthful with their promises, when they can’t or don’t come through, we don’t understand how someone could do such a thing. Do we take it personally? Yes we do!

Let me give you an example: Three months in advance, a show is being planned and a whole line-up of people have “promised” they would appear for this big event. As is expected weeks before, a “few” inform you they cannot appear, due to “whatever” reason. OK, I understand as long as it’s a valid reason, so you go out and get some more people.

The day of the event arrives and you go

expecting to see all of the people that had “promised” to appear, and some don’t show up, don’t bother to call, NOTHING. The people that are there are the “real professionals” and do what they “promised” to do and offer their services if you need more. And some people that happen to be in the area jump in and take up the slack to help you complete your show.

Of course there are “glitches” to every show, such as : cd’s that aren’t compatible with the antique sound system, but at least that person showed up and was ready to do what they had to do. These are the type of professional people that make setting up a show and working on special projects enjoyable.

The sad part of this whole thing is that “places” where these “unprofessionals” work let them get away with doing these type of things, and they figure if they can do it there, it’s acceptable everywhere. Maybe it’s the “Big Easy” way, but it’s not the “best” way.

And the only thing I have to say to these people is, “ You were asked once and couldn’t keep your promise. You won’t be asked again...ever!!!

the pink pastor ...from 36

something we made up! We have the necessary parts for a truly astonishing range of valid sexual expression – and we are frequently driven by forces besides the rational decisions we hope to make in the rest of our lives.

I suspect that a lot of our brokenness around sex comes from our brokenness before God – our failure to present ourselves to God and to one another as whole human beings. Physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual and not to see them as chess pieces being played off against each other in a great game with God on one side and the devil on the other!

We can say all this, we can seek our ideal, and we can struggle for that maturity that seems to elude us at times, but we need – at risk to our immortal soul to ever say ‘there but for the grace of God go I’.

We can look to the heights of human love and fulfillment and even reach them ourselves without any need to despise or belittle those climbing behind us; we need not despise our own journeys just because they started in places we no longer wish to be. It’s all good in that without the start there would have been no end, without the valley there can be no mountain, and without risk there can be no true joy.

Fundamentally, what we are called to do with each other is what God did with us in Christ; risk everything because there is no other valid way to live out love. Our relationships are not to be judged fundamentally on how ‘successful’ they appear, but on the way we become able to be self giving and reckless in our loving and recognize that we only find our joy in the joy we see in the face of our beloved. Christ was adored on earth as well as crucified, the actions of the few did nothing to defeat his love – rather they made the love of those that loved him all the more precious.

Rev Clinton Crawshaw is the fulltime pastor of The Big Easy MCC. They meet every Sunday at 5.00pm at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. For full details of Christian Education classes, social functions, marriages and events, and also to check out online sermons, go to www.bigeasymcc.com. Tel: 504 214 4340 to speak to the pastor or email at revcrawshaw@yahoo.com.

settings, the socially licensed norm of heterosexual intercourse is a “perversion” - well, that is a perfectly serious suggestion...)

He is pointing out that most traditional understandings of marriage in our society and other ‘man centered’ cultures has at their heart an imbalance, where the needs, desires and passions of the woman are not given the same weight as those of the man. This is a terrible injustice to both parties, because it distorts and perverts the course of the relationship, and robs it of it greatest potential. It effectively prevents it ever being a joyful, divine thing unless the partners grow past the institution and remake it in a more loving and equal fashion.

It is important to keep - in all this discussion, a proper sense that our joy matters – that God intends for us to know the joy God has IN us.

Only by seeking the joy of our partner and trusting our partner to do the same does sex really ‘work’. It is lesson 1 in the pattern of trust, risk, mutuality and generosity that underpin the whole Christian life.

Sex that is all about me and all manners of hidden neediness and ego propping are dysfunctional, as are relationships based on similar issues.

Sex can be fabulous without ever blossoming into Hollywood love affairs, and can teach us something of our ability to give joy to others even when it is brief and humble in it’s circumstances. It doesn’t require four poster beds and rose petals to leave us feeling more than we did before – it can be, eve when entirely casual, a means for grace. Our big problem comes when we leave God at the door of the places we go to seek sexual release and fulfillment. God wants in, God wants to be a part of our lives – all our lives, and we need to remember it is not our childhood pastor, or our mother we are taking with us, but the loving creator of the bits and pieces we are pressing together in the first place!

This whole messy, comical, wonderful and scary process that is sex was not

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

ambush

Marty, SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse & Koo at Southern Decadence Sunday Sister Social hosted by The Friendly Bar

MC Becky Allen & Tony Leggio

Models strut their stuff at the Gallop Fashion Show

Petonius Capt. Bill McCarthy & Queen Amon Ra XXXIII Opal Masters

Winner of the Evil Costume Contest with MC Becky

SDGM XXXV Paloma, SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams, SDGM XXIV Wayne White & SDGM XXXV Tittie Toulouse at Southern Decadence Sunday Sister Social Celebrity bartenders Blake and Erik Beefcake at the Gallop Fashion Show

Winners of the Good Costume Contest with MC Becky

Parade Lt. Toby Lefort & Bar Baron Big Daddy Lou at The Friendly's Southern Decadence Sunday Sister Social Devils with the blue dress on: Princesse, Barbara, Elizabeth & Cathy

Survivors join the 12th Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl at Le Roundup

Pat & Lee enjoy the Southern Decadence Sunday Sister Social Miss Louisiana Leatherette Cathy Fox entertains

Miss LSGRA Elizabeth Bouvier entertains

Keno & Petronius’ Bill at Starlight Decadence Friday Show

Satyricon’s version of Charlie’s Angels

Tony flanked by the Devil Chris & the Angel Brian

SDGMs XXXV Paloma & Tittie sign posters as Koo, Marty & SDGM XXXIII Regina look on at the Southern Decadence Sunday Sister Social

Models at Passport Fashion Show hosted at the W

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Some of the Best ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Tony Leggio

Satyricon’s Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

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44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

Photos by Regina & Lee Adams-Mullen, Ambush, Miss Dee, King of Plantation

35th Annual Southern Decadence Parade through the streets of the French Quarter ~ New Orleans

Reach the Market

Ambush

504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com in the news ...from 42 gnon Faget, Southwest Airlines, Doerr Furniture, Fredrick Guess Studio and Bayou Tree Service as well as meals and overnight stays at prominent local restaurants and hotels.

A full list of event participants and silent auction donors can be found at ParkwayPartnersNOLA.org/Feast09.html.

The silent auction is now open, with participation occurring online until midnight October 1 at blacktie-louisiana.com/ auctions.

Parkway Partners has reintroduced 6,000 trees in their ReLeaf New Orleans initiative including 422 trees planted along Elysian Fields Avenue and Broad Street. With no government funding, the organization and active members have helped support the Department of Parks and Parkways, restore the urban canopy, and educate and empower community gardeners.

“Trees are important and the launch of tree planting season is a celebration for the entire city,” commented Jean Fahr, Executive Director of Parkway Partners. “Our tree lined corridors give New Orleans its special ambiance and restoring them is the privilege of this generation. We hope that New Orleanians will join us in celebrating the volunteers who are spearheading this replanting effort.”

Parkway Partners achieved LANO certification in 2008, the first “green” organization to receive this distinction. All donations are tax-deductible.

A partnership between the community and the city for 27 years, Parkway Partners works to improve and expand green spaces in New Orleans. Ongoing campaigns include ReLeaf New Orleans, Adopt-A-Neutral Ground, Save Our Tress, Community and Schoolyard Gardens, and Second Saturday Program.

For more information, visit www.parkwaypartnersnola.org.

Calling Local Musicians for French Quarter Festival, April 9-11, 2010

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ew Orleans - French Quarter Festivals, Inc (FQFI) is now accepting applications for local musicians interested in performing at the 27th annual French Quarter Festival, to be held April 9-11, 2010. Interested performers are encouraged to access the application online at www.fqfi.org, or by calling Greg Schatz at 504.522.5730. The deadline for applying is November 15.

The 2010 festival will feature over 250 hours of free music across 18 stages throughout the historic French Quarter. In 2009, French Quarter Festival was named ‘Best Festival’ by offBeat, Where Y’at, Gambit, and New Orleans Magazine’s readers. French Quarter Festival showcases Louisiana musicians, exclusively, with genres including; traditional and contemporary jazz, to rhythm and blues, funk, brass band, folk, gospel, rock, reggae, Latin & classical.

French Quarter Festival’s entertainment committee makes the final selection of local and regional artists to perform at the largest free festival in the south.

Louisiana musicians (both union and non union), are encouraged to apply. Non-union musicians may apply after securing a performance sponsor, (union musicians can do this too, but it is not necessary). The performance sponsor compensates the musicians directly for their French Quarter Festival performance in return for publicity and marketing benefits offered by FQFI. Members of the local Musicians Union may receive compensation for their performance from the AFM Musicians Performance Fund, a major sponsor of the festival, if selected to perform at the festival.

For more information about the performance sponsorship or to request an application by mail contact: Entertainment Manager, Greg Schatz at 504-522-5730 or via email at greg@fqfi.org.

French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest and Christmas New Orleans Style.

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16th Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XXXV Tittie & Paloma hosted by SD Susan Lucci’s Rip & Marsha ~ New Orleans

big easy

46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

12th SD Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl led by Ted Mahaffy: Corner Pocket, Double Play, Le Roundup, Society Page, 700 Club & Starlight

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48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • September 15-28, 2009 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM