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Look forward to new events, bigger events, catering, drink specials, building improvements, and lots more. To book an event or contact the bar you can send emails to: PhoenixBarNOLA@aol.com. Or you can contact Clint directly at ClintTaylorxxx@aol.com.

the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Coronation 2011 Announces New Southern Decadence Grand Marshals June 7

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVI Julian Artressia and Toby Lefort make it official when they announce their successors Tuesday, June 7, 8pm, at Club LAX in Metairie. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Southern Decadence, the chosen ones will be the 37th Southern Decadence Grand Marshals. As the excitement gains momentum, the guessing game is already in full swing. Whomever it may be, the community anxiously awaits the theme and colors so they can start preparing their costumes for the 37th Official Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 4 celebrating 40th Southern Decadence. For additional information, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.

2011 Gay Appreciation Awards Voting Online ONLY June 7-13

he 24th annual Gay Appreciation Awards voting is set for Tuesday, June 7 through Monday, June 13 online only at AmbushMag.COM/ GAA. Only one ballot per person. Sponsored by Ambush, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. The 24th GAA Gala is set for Saturday, July 23, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. The 2011 winners are announced at this event. VIP Tables with four seats are $150. All proceeds benefit the William Fanning Foundation (Buzzy’s Boys & Girls). Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049. From this year forward, the Entertainer of the Year Award will be now the Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year Award in honor of the late founder of the GAA. Award categories up for public voting include: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year • Hair Salon of the Year • Neighborhood Bar of the Year • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding service in the AIDS arena] • Bitch of the Year • Show Club of the Year • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals] • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year • Dance Club of the Year • Bartender of the Year • DJ of the Year • Leather Bar of the Year • Cheridon Comedy Award • Fly Fashion Glamour Award • GLBT Business of the Year [no bars/restaurants/delis/hair salons] • Leather Person of the Year • Transgender of the Year • Lesbian of the Year • Gay Man of the Year

• Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer] In addition the Board of Directors presents the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence is presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. The Top 5 Finalist in each category will be announced in the next edition of Ambush.

New Phoenix Owner Clint Taylor

lint Taylor, star of adult gay films; is proud to announce his latest endeavor. He is the new owner of the Phoenix/Eagle Bar in New Orleans. Clint has managed the bar for the past six years and now looks forward to building and improving on the bars reputation. The Phoenix/Eagle Bar has been in operation for the past 28 years. The bar will continue to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

inside

New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus presents Minding Our Manners

he New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (NOGMC) is proud to announce their June concert, Minding Our Manners, to be performed June 17 and 18, with an encore performance as part of the Thursday in the Park Concert Series on July 28. Through NOGMC’s music and collected letters to Miss Manners, we will all be reminded to regard each other with a modicum of class and civility. Dealing with topics from what to call a same-sex couple (POSSLQ?) to bad behavior at the opera, NOGMC’s own Miss Manners, Herman Rowlett, will instruct us about on propriety and politeness. NOGMC will illustrate these lessons through the music of Bernstein, Verdi, Rogers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Kander and Ebb, even draw on the Broadway hit, Avenue Q, to explain racism and schadenfreude. Starting its 29th season, NOGMC rehearses and performs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Supporting and supported by individuals and community organizations across southeastern Louisiana, NOGMC is becoming the regional artistic voice of the LGBT community. NOGMC annually supports and provides community outreach to benefit local charities such as Foods for Friends, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, NO/AIDS Task Force, PFLAG, the Friends of City Park, HAART, and many others. Minding Our Manners will take place in New Orleans at the Recital Hall of UNO’s Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 17, at 7:30pm and at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30pm. Starting May 15, tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 through NOGMC’s website at www.nogmc.com, from any NOGMC member or by calling

Pride, GAA Top 5, 4th of July out June 21st DEADLINE: Tues., June 14th

celebrazzi under the gaydar gay appreciation awards voting snap paparazzi/pensacola, nola snap paparazzi/nola, metairie pensacola paparazzi ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds

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acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette trodding the boards/new orleans halloween new orleans (HNO28) ambush paparazzi/new orleans real estate mobile paprazzi

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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

504.322.7007 for New Orleans tickets or 225.387.4281 for Baton Rouge tickets. Tickets will also be available for $18 at the door. Tickets for the encore performance on July 28 in City Park, benefitting the Friends of City Park, are only available through the Friends of City Park at www.friendsofcitypark.com. These programs are supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans, both as administered by the Arts Council of [continued on 8]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin

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 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist, Steve Patrick, Dino Remo, Patrick Shannon, Frankie Wingerter-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL 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. ©1982-2011, 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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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

ynter Gordon brought down the house at the Pensacola Civic Center for the giant ABRACADABRA party, the jewel of circuit promoter Johnny Chisholm in downtown Pensacola. Wynter interacted with the audience performing her #1 dance hit Dirty Talk much to the delight of circuit goers there, and appeared not ready to leave the stage after three more songs. Prior to and after the performance, circuit great DJ Joe Gauthreaux worked his magic keeping the floor moving with his amazing selections accompanied by fabulous illuminations by Bryan Holcombe.

he 12th annual MASCARa Race raised $10,033 over Memorial Day Weekend benefiting the NOCCA Institute. Clover Grill's Grant (left) won Miss MASCARa, the overall winner with high scores in all categories. Most Money Raised was won by Cafe Lafitte In Exile's Brandon bringing in $2,527, Best Drag New Orleans Bears' Keith, and Fastest Time Glazer's Jerry. The Ken Grandpre Worst Drag Award went to Southern Eagle's John. The race sponsored by Wood Enterprises and Bud Light has raised over $90,000 for the NOCCA Institute since 2002.

irect from New York City, the amazing talents of Bianca Del Rio were a treat to circuit goers at ABRACADABRA later in the evening, bringing even more electricity to the atmosphere of the Pensacola Civic Center. She did not disappoint!

he Jewels of the Emerald Coast join weekend hostess Bianca Del Rio for the fab WAVE Beach Party hosted by circuit promoter Johnny Chisholm kicking off Memorial Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach. Circuit great DJ Roland Belmares kept the crowd dancing until the wee hours of the morning. For additional photos and info, visit MemorialWeekendPensacola.COM. (Photo: Ebony Sinclaire, Bianca Del Rio, Lauren Mitchell, Valerie Heart, Monica Heart & Penny Holliday)

eturning Miss Gay New Orleans America Amanda Rose Andrews joins newly crowned Miss Gay New Orleans America Mercedes Ellis Loreal and 1st Alternate Tami Tarmac, and Miss Gay Louisiana America Zhane Kennedy on stage after the coronation at Oz in New Orleans. Loreal and Tarmac will represent New Orleans at the upcoming Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant to be hosted at Cajun Cove in Baton Rouge September 15-17.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 New Orleans.

Celebrate Las Vegas’ Rich Diversity This June With VEGAS.com’s Top Ten LGBT Hot Spots

weet It: During Nat’l LGBT Pride month, help celebrate Las Vegas’ rich diversity w/ @VEGAScom’s guide to top 10 LGBT hot spots. This month, VEGAS.com will help locals and visitors celebrating National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and

Transgender (LGBT) Pride month plan the perfect Las Vegas excursion by presenting the top ten Las Vegas hotels, attractions and famous Las Vegas dining establishments. Experts have scoured the city for LGBT hot spots that will please everyone’s palate, have one dancing up a storm or provide a night full a one-of-a-kind entertainment. Las Vegas is home to a plethora of hotel options for every vacationer. Ranging from luxury resorts to bargain stays, VEGAS.com offers an insight to top LGBT hotels. 1. To stay near all the action, check out the Hard Rock Hotel situated

across the street from the LGBT club loop and close to the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. 2. Travelers looking to stay on the Strip, should check out Wynn Las Vegas or Encore at Wynn Las Vegas that offer a variety of amenities including an LGBT dedicated concierge and resort host to make sure every aspect of their stay is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. 3. Specifically catering to men, Blue Moon is a fabulous hotel that is tailored to the needs of gay travelers. Whether you are looking for dinner or a drink, travel experts have conjured up lounges and watering holes that cater to all different tastes. 4. For happy hour or dinner, Suede Restaurant & Lounge cannot to be missed. The lounge fuses together a fine dining experience with a casual atmosphere, offering a variety of entrees and a live pianist every Friday & Saturday night. 5. Free Zone is also a local’s joint, serving dinner after 6 p.m. with a 24 hour bar that includes incredible nightly specials. Free Zone also is famous for hosting the longest running drag show in Las Vegas with world renowned Shawn M. Patrons. 6. A city favorite for a post dinner drink is Ramrod. The spices things up by offering a combination of live music and gaming with top-notch drinks. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, with a variety of shows and nightclubs that will keep locals and visitors on the Strip until the early hours of the morning.

7. Combining acrobatics, music and dance colored with a healthy dose [continued on 10]

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and golf. A state-of-the-art contact center provides customer support, expert information and sales 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to complement the information on www.VEGAS.com. VEGAS.com, through its Casino Travel & Tours unit, operates retail and concierge desks at more than 50 locations including the Palms, Paris, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Excalibur, New York-New York, Luxor and more. The company also offers a variety of excursions including city tours, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. VEGAS.com is a member of the Greenspun Family of Companies, privately owned and operating in Southern Nevada for more than 60 years.

IN THE LIFE Celebrates Gay Pride Month with A Message of Hope

the "official" dish ...from 8 of uninhibited eroticism, Zumanity offers a unique and sensual Cirque Du Soleil performance. 8. Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace offers some of Las Vegas’ finest female impersonators. Hosted by Marino as comic icon Joan Rivers, superstar female impersonators portray famous divas including Britney Spears, Cher, Madonna, Dolly Parton and Diana Ross. 9. If you’re looking to hit the Vegas Nightclub scene, 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge & Piranha Nightclub are two of the hottest off Strip venues. 8 1/2 is an intimate, comfortable lounge featuring

a pool table, dance floor, stage and retro tabletop arcade game console. Piranha Nightclub, known for its 180 degree Piranha filled fish tank, features live entertainment, regular theme nights, and killer drink specials. 10. Billing itself as “the only alternative club on the Strip”, Krave is located adjacent to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Combining a nightclub, theater and lounge, Krave offers great dancing, contests and live music. With VEGAS.com’s comprehensive list of LGBT venues and entertainment, this June locals and vacationers will be able to celebrate National Pride month within a city rich of diversity. For additional Vegas hotspots to help travelers and locals plan the perfect trip, visit http://www.vegas.com/traveltips/guide/ gaylesbian.html. VEGAS.com is the largest city destination travel website in the world with extensive, constantly updated information and a full range of travel products including Las Vegas hotel rooms, Las Vegas Air & Hotel Packages, Las Vegas show tickets, tours

ride Month has officially begun and IN THE LIFE, the only independent voice for the gay community on mainstream television, sends out a message of hope by featuring a gospel choir raising spirits and awareness about HIV/AIDS. Messengers of Hope is an Oakland based gospel choir that uses gospel music as a means to go into the church and the community to engage people in conversations about HIV/AIDS. African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginnings. “When I tell people in the services that I am HIV positive, I see a bunch of different reactions. Sometimes I see shock on people’s face. I can’t tell whether it’s shock because they found out that I’m positive or they’re shocked that I said I was positive,” Ernest Larkins, Director of Messengers of Hope and Minister of the Allen Temple Baptist Church. Maintaining the theme of celebrating one’s authentic self, IN THE LIFE also features Andre Cooley, a Mississippi Corrections Officer who was fired when his employer discovered he was gay and Bill Hendrix, Bio Team Leader of Dow AgroSciences in Indiana who has civil protections from 8am-5pm that disappear after leaving the gates of his company. Their personal stories provide a look at employment discrimination and how some corporations provide protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in the absence of a federally accepted Employment Non-Discrimination Act. “There are still a majority of states in the United States where it is legal to fire someone because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Even in those states that do have laws, the coverage of these states varies from state to state and in some cases don’t provide adequate protection. For example, most laws do not include protections for transgender people,” Chai Feldblum, Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) To watch the complete episode, visit http:// www.itlmedia.org/. In The Life Media will also be featuring, exclusively on the Web, profiles of corporate executives who discuss the unique challenges of being openly LGBT in high-level corporate positions. The profiles include employees from Texas Instruments, Dell Inc., State Farm, Mass Mutual Financial and Out & Equal. To watch the exclusive Web content visit http:// www.itlmedia.org/html/other/ LGBT%20Executives%20Speak%20Out.html. A Message of Hope began airing on June 1st on public television stations across the country and will be available for free video streaming and downloadable podcasts from the In The Life Media website. To find out when it will air in your local area, to stream or download it, go to www.ITLMedia.org. In The Life Media produces change through inno[continued on 12]

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the "official" dish ...from 10 vative media that exposes social injustice by chronicling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life. Produced by In The Life Media, IN THE LIFE is the longest running television show documenting the gay experience. IN THE LIFE is a two-time Emmy Award nominee, a Lambda Legal Liberty Award honoree, a Seigenthaler Award recipient from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for excellence in network television and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Journalism-Newsmagazine.

The Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit not to occur at Texas A&M

he 3 rd Annual Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit scheduled for August 12-13, 2011 will not take place at Texas A&M. The climate at A&M for GLBT people has taken a big hit, and right now anything can fuel those fires. In the interest of safety for the participants, the organizing committee for the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit has decided to have the conference at the University of Houston. The 3rd Annual Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit was scheduled to occur at Texas A&M, but “the lack of supportive responses from TAMU administration has been perceived as condoning a campus that is not affirming for members of the GLBT community,” said Summit leader Josephine Tittsworth. “The University of Houston has held the Summit on campus before without any problems, so we anticipate the environment will again be appropriate to everyone regardless of their gender expression or sexual orientation,” said Maria C. Gonzalez, a member of the Summit board. The Summit committee, in partnership with the Houston GLBT Community Center (501c3), is now holding this year’s Summit at the University of Houston main campus. Details about the Summit and registration information can be found at http:// www.houstonglbtcommunitycenter.org/ texastransgendernondiscriminationsummit.

Boston Red Sox Announce "It Gets Better" Video Against Anti-Gay Bullying, Joining Giants & Cubs

he Boston Red Sox announced that they will produce an “It Gets Better” video, becoming the third team in professional sports in a week to join the campaign in taking a stand against anti-gay bullying and homophobia.

More than 9,000 people -- mostly Red Sox fans in New England -- signed 12year-old Sam Maden’s Change.org petition to the Red Sox, which he started in honor of his Uncle Chris, who died unexpectedly in January at the age of 43. "We are proud of dedicated Red Sox fans like 12-year-old Sam Maden who have taken the courageous step of publicly standing up against bullying of LGBT youth," said Susan Goodenow, Senior Vice President/Public Affairs and Marketing for the Red Sox, in a statement. "The Red Sox have frequently done PSA videos, or public service announcement videos, on important social issues. We are currently producing an “It Gets Better” video to support the It Gets Better campaign to stop bullying of LGBT youth and teen suicides. We hope that when it is released it will both reflect our continued commitment to be active participants in the community and help advance the efforts of Sam and others to stop bullying. Our team stands for respect and inclusion – there is no place for discrimination or acts of hatred in Red Sox Nation." Sam Maden’s effort began after his seventh-grade teacher recently asked him to come up with a project that could “make a difference” in the world. Sam decided to merge his love for the Red Sox with a cause his uncle believed in passionately: ending the bullying of gay kids and kids perceived to be gay. Inspired by news that the San Francisco Giants had responded to a fan’s petition on Change.org by announcing they would become the first pro sports team to create an “It Gets Better” anti-bullying video, Sam decided to ask his favorite team -- the Red Sox -- to make a video as well. Sam, who currently plays on three baseball teams and was invited by the Red Sox to shout “Play Ball!” before a sold-out crowd at Fenway Park, thinks a video from the team will be a milestone in professional sports. “When I found out about my uncle’s passing, I didn’t know what to do,” Sam Maden said. “This is something I can do to honor him. Uncle Chris knew how much I love the Red Sox and I think he would have been thrilled with the team making an ‘It Gets Better’ video to support kids.” In addition to Sam Maden’s petition, more than 30 sports fans from around the country have launched petitions on the Change.org platform urging their favorite sports teams to produce videos as well. The Giants responded with the first “It Gets Better” video in pro sports after lifelong fan Sean Chapin started a petition on Change.org supported by more than 6,000 fans and four mayoral candidates. The Chicago Cubs announced they would become the second team to join the “It Gets Better” project after Cubs fan Joe Hinton launched a peti-

tion on Change.org. More than 10,000 “It Gets Better” videos have been produced since syndicated columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller launched the project in September 2010, in response to an epidemic of teen suicides by gay kids and kids perceived to be gay. Through “It Gets Better” videos, President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and corporations like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Pixar and other major organizations and leaders have provided hope to kids struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information on the It Gets Better Project: http:// www.itgetsbetter.org. Change.org is the world’s fastestgrowing platform for social change — growing by more than 300,000 new members a month, and empowering millions of people to start, join, and win campaigns for social change in their community, city and country.

QuintEvents to Offer Essence Fest Ticket/ Hotel/Travel Packages

uintEvents is introducing a new, publicly-available offering of tickets, accommodations and special access packages for the famed, annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, providing fans with an experience previously reserved only for officials, sponsors and media partners. The Essence Music Festival has partnered with industry-leading hospitality company QuintEvents to design, market and fulfill the packages for the July 1-3 celebration at the Louisiana Superdome. Charlotte (NC)-based QuintEvents provides similar services for The Super Bowl and other NFL properties, The Kentucky Derby and the NBA All-Star Game. The program, named Essence VIP Events, uniquely provides backstage passes, invitations to parties with celebrity attendees, on-site hospitality and premier ticket locations available only from Essence, which owns and operates the world-renowned festival. The customized packages are available at multiple price levels and all elements are guaranteed by Essence, providing fans with the transactional security and a hassle-free experience. The blockbuster lineup for the three days of music includes Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Kanye West, Mary J Blige, Boyz II Men and a host of other artists. Packages also include access to the 2011 Essence Empowerment Experience, taking place concurrently at New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Billed as a “Weekend of Transformation,” the Essence Empowerment Experience features speakers such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley, Steve Harvey, Soledad O’Brien plus Gospel music, TV show auditions

and authors as part of a multi-cultural complement to the festival. Essence VIP Events packages including center stage seats for all the music plus backstage, party invitations and VIP seating at the Essence Empowerment Experience, start at $2,999. Detailed information on all packages is available at www.QuintEvents.com. “Through Essence VIP Events, we are offering an all-inclusive service that accommodates our Festivalgoers in a special way; including exclusive backstage access and invites to after-parties.” said Essence General Manager Joy Collins. “QuintEvents has mastered the art of serving fans, groups and businesses for major events like the Essence Music Festival and we are pleased to partner with them.” “Events of this scope and stature are perfect for the expertise we have developed over the years working on Olympics, Super Bowls and the Kentucky Derby,” stated Brian Learst, President of QuintEvents. “Fans want to elevate their experience and ECI wants to make it memorable. We work with the fans in a way that reflects well on the Essence brand.” Essence VIP Events packages include the following benefits: Premium Center-Stage seating on the Superdome floor; Premium seating at the empowerment seminars; All-access pass to the Platinum VIP Lounge; VIP parking and entrance; Official Essence VIP Events gift bag; Reception with Essence executives, local officials event sponsors; Private meeting with senior executive(s) of Essence; Optional Accommodations at the InterContinental; and Backstage access (selected). Charlotte-based QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for NFL On Location®, for events including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Draft and International Games, Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks and the NBA for the annual All-Star Game. QuintEvents’ partners have more than 100 years of experience in travel, incentive and event management that merge to exceed expectations on every event and create unique, memorable experiences! Its unique partnerships with some of the greatest names in sports and entertainment enable them to offer customers access to larger blocks of seats, the best hotels and exclusive entertainment venues inside the stadium and access to exclusive parties at the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Hospitality packages include a broad spectrum of seating options, unique venue access, celebrity appearances, dedicated entrances and other interactive experiences that make your entertainment event stand out.

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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Movie Review: Incendies

seek out her family’s history, he eventually joins her there. Aided by Lebel, they piece together the story of the woman who brought them into the world and the tragic fate and exceptional courage of their mother. The realities of war and their far reaching effects are brought to vivid life in this film without being overbearing. But Incendies is more than a film

about war; director Denis Villeneuve tells the gripping story of one family’s saga, a coming of age account of two people trying to understand their past as well as their sometimes distant mother. This thought provoking movie has all the right ingredients, compelling [continued on 14]

ncendies, the award winning Canadian film that was nomi-nated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2010 is making its New Orleans debut and it is truly one movie that is not to be missed. It is a gripping and powerful drama that takes the viewer on a journey that keeps the suspense building to its final revelation. Winner of numerous awards in Canada, Incendies is an adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s acclaimed play. The movie begins when notary Lebel (Remy Girard) sits down with adult twins Jeanne and Simon Marwan (Melissa Desormeaux Poulin, and the very sexy Maxim Gaudette) to read them their mother Nawal’s will. The twins receive a pair of letters, one to their father who they thought was dead and the other to a brother they never knew existed. From this point begins a mystery that bounces back and forth from the past to present as they unravel the circumstances of their mother’s life. Nawal is played by the amazingly talented actress Lubna Azabal, who truly embodies this character. This movie is hers from start to finish and her portrayal is a tour de force. Jeanne views the letters as a key to their mother’s retreat into unexplained silence the last few weeks before her death, while Simon considers it a final mind game. He is unmoved, but when his sister travels to their ancestral home in the Middle East to

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under the gaydar ...from 13 characters, an interesting mystery and intense action; definitely a large popcorn film.

Food For Thought

ew Orleans has always been known as a city of culinary pleasures, so it is no surprise that the gay bars in the city provide gastronomic delights as part of their regular offerings or for special occasions. What bars offer some of the best munchies in town? Here is just a list of some of my favorite haunts. Let’s begin with one of my favorite bars with good eats, the 700 Club. They have some of the best bar food in the city especially when one is drinking. Their menu of sliders, paninis and quesadillas will tempt anyone’s taste buds. But it is their loaded potato croquettes that are their biggest seller. These panko coated mashed potatoes contain cheddar cheese, bacon and chives and are deep fried, served with salsa and buttermilk dipping sauce. Talk about a bite of heaven. Following on their heels is Phillips Bar Uptown who not only offers $4 martinis at Friday’s Gay Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm, but serves up a delectable assortment of pizzas, pastas and specialty tapas. And they always have some of the hottest college boys in the city there. They may or may not be on the menu depending on how many martinis they have. One cannot forget Bywater BBQ’s Patio Bar that allows patrons to dine on their full menu of incredible dishes in a relaxed bar setting. They definitely have some of the best onion rings in town. Then there is the Country Club, which is located just a block away from Bywater BBQ. It is a little oasis in the Bywater, with a changing menu. Guests can enjoy their meal on the gorgeous veranda, in the restaurant or poolside. And, very soon Kajun’s Pub will be opening up their new dining room adjacent to their bar. But there are many other bars that offer food for special occasions. One of my favorites is Cutter’s. The owners are culinary geniuses and know how to make some of the best dishes for holidays. Their corned beef and cabbage on New Year’s Day is some of the finest I have ever tasted. And the Cinco de

Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving spreads rival any hotels’ buffets. Not to be outdone, the Wood Enterprises bars also have food for particular occasions. Recently for the Kentucky Derby, Good Friends laid out a delicious spread for guests as they sipped Mint Juleps. And during Friday Happy Hour, they always offer free pizza to patrons. Each bar also treated Cinco De Mayo revelers to specialty dishes during the festive holiday. We also have JohnPaul’s who always has complimentary hot dogs and popcorn for customers. And if you are lucky, you may come in on a special night when Manny cooks up one of his incredible homemade dishes. Then there are some bars such as Friendly Bar, Rawhide and the Phoenix who have Meat Nights. You bring your own meat and they serve up all the fixings. Now that is what I call a good deal. From time to time during the season, places like LAX, Four Seasons and Billy's have crawfish boils, usually as a fundraiser for a worthy cause. During the summer, check out Ambush magazine for barbecues or other special happenings, such as Michael's On The Park who recently hosted a great grill out for Memorial Day with Poche's Cajun chicken sausage, pork steaks, potato salad and more. No matter how you slice it, food and drink in New Orleans go hand in hand. So have a cocktail and enjoy all the best we have to offer. And we all know that the consummate way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Now you just have to find those men with hearts.

Dancing Queens (Country That Is)

ecently a contingent of New Orleanians traveled to Philadelphia to attend the 18th Annual Convention of the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC). Wow, that is a mouthful. It is with great news that they have received an enthusiastic response for the convention being held in New Orleans next Memorial Day, May 24 - 27, 2012. Our city hosted the Saturday night “after hours” party with a large

number of constituents attending. Most were already making plans to come to New Orleans next year. As of Sunday, 5-29-11, there were already 42 preregistrants. The organization is hoping that the 2012 convention will be the largest ever! And we can help them with this. Iggle Wiggle has offered a SPECIAL (for 2 weeks only). Pre-registration is only $99. That’s a savings of up to $60. But you have to act now! Please go to www.outhoedown.com/ nola and register. Registration for the 2012 hoedown gets you into all the classes on both Friday and Saturday, both dances on Friday and Saturday nights and the brunch on Sunday morning. Individual tickets for the dances are available, however are usually more expensive, ($40 to $60 each night). Currently the host hotel has not been finalized, but those details will be shared shortly. So put on your dancing boots and let’s show these people how we hoe down in the Big Easy.

Tuna Anyone

fter winning the Gay Appreciation Awards Entertainer of the Year last year, Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) proves his worth once again as he stars in and directs Greater Tuna. What do Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Blye and Rev. Spikes have in common? They are all among the upstanding citizens of Tuna, Texas’ third smallest town, in this hilarious send-up of small town morals and mores. The long-running Off Broadway hit features two actors creating the entire population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick change artistry, shifting costumes and characterizations faster than a jack rabbit runs from a coyote. Two actors, twenty characters, Greater Tuna is a sure fire comedy romp. This production stars Derrick Mittelstaedt and Jeff Mallon and runs for three performances only, June 16 – 18, at 8pm. The show is at the Shadowbox Theatre located at 2400 St. Claude Avenue. The June 16th show is a fundraiser for the Krewe of Petronius. For tickets, call 504.701.0631. For all other performances, go to www.greatertuna.eventbrite.com.

No More Wire Hangers

unning with Scissors once again brings you comedy at its campiest. This time they bring the “Mother” of the year, Joan Crawford to vivid life in Mildred Dearest. On Friday, June 10, the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting the opening night performance of this hilarious comedy. With some of the finest actors in the city, this show is bound to be a hit and definitely not to be missed. And Queen Satyricon IX, Brian Peterson is vamping up the stage as none other than Ms. Crawford.

Mildred Dearest will be at Le Chat Noir at 8pm. For tickets, call 504.525.4498. Grab your Comet and wire hangers, it is definitely going to be a wild night.

Some Like It Hot

ho’s your daddy? On June 19, Father’s Day, the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is having their Sippin’ in Sarongs Party at the Lion’s Inn from 3pm to 7pm. This fun pool party has so many exciting things, that even Annette and Frankie would be jealous. For the $15 cover, guests get a free Caribbean themed buffet, there first drink complimentary and a relaxing day at the pool with great people. There will also be a costume contest for the best and craziest sarongs, a full bar and special entertainment guests. The theme of the party this year is Some Like It Hot. In honor of Satyricon’s 10th anniversary, each event that the krewe does this year will be named after one of the previous nine balls. The Lion’s Inn is located at 2517 Chartres Street in the Marigny. For more information or tickets, call 504.525.4498.

Memorial Day Weekend Pensacola (Lesbians, Twinks & Bears Oh My!)

he best way I can describe Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola is F*** Me Wow! I have never quite experienced the beach like that before. So I thought it might be fun to give readers a quick recap of an exciting and memorable weekend. Well, the weekend started off innocently enough as we headed out on our journey to the beach; the “we” being Ronnie, David and I. Ronnie is better known as a former Queen of Amon Ra, Rhonda Roget, David is her husband, and then there is little single me. I know this sounds like it could be either a great weekend or a total disaster. Thankfully it was the former. The next three days passed at breakneck speed that before we knew it, Monday was already upon us. So we left on our way, three merry men on a quest to find some relaxation in the sun and maybe some comradeship with our fellow man. We arrived at the Hampton Inn On The Beach, which was the host hotel for the Memorial Day weekend, and stored our bags till the room was ready. We met up with Rip and Marsha of Ambush fame and the five of us went to lunch at this marvelous restaurant on the beach called Peg Leg Pete’s. Now this is a fun place. There is impressive food, terrific service and sights that the eye could behold. It seemed that the men from the military base were also there [continued on 24]

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The Tennessee boys @ ABRACADABRA

Emerald City GM Ted & Paul "Bev Nap" Martin @ The WAVE Beach Party

Team Lafitte’s Brandon wins Most Money Raised @ Rawhide for awards ceremony

Team New Orleans Bears’ Keith wins Best Drag @ Rawhide

Oz Pit Crew with Oz contestant Chris aka Shelbie Heart

The lovely contestants

Ready for the WAVE Beach Party @ Pensacola Beach

Enjoying the beach @ Pensacola Beach Tony & Joshua @ the Tiki Bar poolside @ Hampton Inn On The Beach

Team Southern Eagle’s John wins Ken Grandpre Worst Drag Award @ Rawhide

Team Good Friends Nick

Ronnie & David in front of Hampton Inn On The Beach Even MC Barbara Ella gets into Red Bean Wrestling @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile in The Balcony Bar

Boys on the beach in Pensacola

Hot men @ ABRACADABRA in Pensacola Civic Center

Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico @ Pensacola Beach

Getting ready to devour chili cheese fries @ Clover Grill

Team Lafitte’s Brandon, Wil & Shawn

The Trophies

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12th MASCARa Race Memorial Day ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Jeff Palmquist

Memorial Day Weekend Highlights ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Circuit promoter Johnny Chisholm & weekend hostess Bianca Del Rio

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Miss Gay New Orleans America contestants Coca Mesa, Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Tami Tarmac & Starr LaRouge

DJ Tim Pflueger & Frankie Fierce do Military Maneuvers @ Oz Memorial Weekend

Stars galore @ Miss Gay New Orleans America

The Ladies of Oz: Coca Mesa, Lisa Beaumann & Dominique DeLorean on stage Memorial Weekend

Bartender Chris welcomes new bartender Surfer Dave to Bourbon Pub & Parade

Zach Scheibal, Bryant Gomez, bar baron Toby Lefort, Alex Cannon & Eric Lumetta @ Club LAX Chuck with DJ P & Rikki Gee @ 4 Seasons Karaoke

snap paparazzi

Newly crowned Miss Gay New Orleans America Mercedes Ellis Loreal, Miss Gay Louisiana America Zhane Kennedy & outgoing Miss Gay New Orleans Amanda Rose Andrews

DJ E spinning @ Club LAX

Dusty Debris on stage for Lady GaGa CD Release Party during Military Maneuvers

Military Maneuvers brought Steven, Derick, hosts Frankie & Persona, & Jude to Oz

Brad belts one out @ 4 Seasons Karaoke

Mobile’s Loretta Wynette, Queen Osiris 29 Michelle Brown & Misti Lane @ Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s

Josh sings it out @ 4 Seasons Karaoke

Sean with bartender Charles @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

Special Guest Marty J wows the crowd @ Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s

Miss Gay New Orleans America 1st Alternate Tami Tarmac

Corynne Deville, Bruce Brumfield, Riley Ry & Shelbie Heart @ Miss Gay New Orleans America

Bartender Chris does Military Maneuvers @ Oz

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Pageants, Shows & More ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin Black, Tony Leggio, Frankie Wingerter

Gay Louisiana America prelim winners Lakeshore Dextaci, Vieux Carre Ya-sha Alexander, Olympus Gia Giavanni & Lafayette Amanda Rose Andrews @ Miss Gay New Orleans America @ Oz

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AJ, Bob & Jacob @ BITCH BINGO

Penny Holliday & Lori @ Emerald City

Jamal & Jeffrey @ BITCH BINGO

BITCH BINGO

BITCH BINGO brought Monica & Valerie Heart @ The Other Side

ALL ACCESS = Pensacola mug shot

Nick & Patrick, can you say BROMANCE!! Lauren & Zach @ BITCH BINGO And this is why we called it BITCH BINGO

Drag King Gino NOLA & Drag Queen Rhonda Roget poolside @ Hampton Inn On The Beach

The WAVE Beach Party @ Pensacola Beach

Sebastian & Jon @ Emerald City

I think the shirt says it all and LOUDLY....

Varlerie Heart @ BITCH BINGO

pensacola Jesus Creighton & Billy @ BITCH BINGO

papar azzi

Valerie Heart & Ken @ Emerald City

Bianca Del Rio, Penny Holliday & Lauren Mitchell @ Emerald City’s Memorial Day Drink & Drown

Louis & Shelley poolside @ Hampton Inn

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Memorial Day Weekend ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell, Tony Leggio

Bianca Del Rio & Lauren Mitchell @ ABRACADABRA

Four packs of lube, three guys HMMMMM...

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country themed bar, with lots of outdoor space and tents set up for the having lunch and many of them were weekend. They have just recently sans shirts. Muscles while you have moved and the new space is great with lots of room to mix, mingle and dance. mussels are great combinations. After lunch we trekked back to the This too proved to be fun, as I met a hotel and checked in. It was not long wonderful guy who again wanted to before I found myself having drinks know me more personally. I love it with the rest of the gang at the poolside when locals like to express their gratiTiki Bar. This would end up being my tude toward visiting tourists. But alas, base camp for the entire weekend. another quandary became apparent. Leah, the bartender, was incredible. He too was with a boyfriend, and this Her witty repartee was a welcome joy, one seemed to be important in my not to mention her homemade jello world, being a higher up in the hotel we shots. The strawberry with the whipped were staying at. After a severe tongue lashing and finger wiggling by Ms. cream vodka was to die for. Rhonda Roget that this may be a sticky situation (no pun intended) and I should extricate myself from it. Or simply put by her, “do you want our asses thrown out of the hotel, Mary. Do not sleep with the boyfriend of management.” I decided to heed Rhonda’s advice, being the wise sage she is. So once again I threw another one back. It was apparently still too soon. After many cocktails at the bar, we Tiki Bartender Leah @ Hampton Inn On The Beach found ourselves After half a dozen cocktails, Ronnie, drunk and happy, so we decided to David and I decided to go into town to have dinner so we can keep the moEmerald City’s sister bar, The Other mentum of the night going. We dined Side, for Bitch Bingo with hostess for at a cute Italian restaurant called the entire weekend festivities Bianca Franco’s with very good authentic cuiDel Rio and Pensacola local Lauren sine. We then quickly took a cab, Mitchell. Now this is what I call a fun which was driven by this beefy slab of Bingo game, they definitely have NOLA a man named Shane back to the hotel beat in the prizes department giving to refresh before the first party of the away bottles of liquor, pitchers of drinks, weekend. Shane turned out to be our gift certificates and cash. Since Ronnie cab driver of choice for the entire weekand David consider Bianca their drag end. I always rode beside him in the daughter, we were able to hang out front seat. God and sex were our cowith her and Lauren for most of the pilots of the night and we were ready. evening. Both “ladies’ were very funny With our fingers on the trigger, our and for two hours kept the crowds intrepid little trio went to Wave, this entertained with their acerbic banter. incredible beach dance party that was We met lots of locals and I seemed to so much fun. There were huge light find myself quickly at the horns of a structures set up everywhere illuminating the beach and DJ Roland dilemma. I met a guy there, who wanted to Belmares kept the crowds moving. He “hang out” in the biblical way, but I had was astonishing, not being familiar with just arrived, and on top of that I was circuit DJ’s, I found his song choices with my friends and he was with his and timing excellent. I could see why boyfriend. It obviously was too soon to he is in such high demand. As Rhianna so delicately put it, start these shenanigans. So I decided after a heavy make out session on the “there was sex in the air.” And boy did rooftop, that he would have to be tossed I like the smell of it. Hot boys mixed back into the Gulf. So after Bingo, we with the cool breezes off the Gulf just set off to the next stop of the evening, did something to my inhibitions. It was the Round Up. This is like a very large like one big sand trap that I did not want

under the gaydar ...from 14

to get out. And the men were awesome. But alas all parties must end, and we went back to the hotel and got a few hours’ sleep for the next day’s adventure. We woke up and had a charming breakfast at the hotel, which is one of the reasons I love the Hampton Inn, included in your price is a surprisingly decent breakfast. During tough economic times, I cherish a deal. We set out for the beach early and OMG, the beach was one of the biggest gay scenes I have ever seen in my life. Ten miles or more of homosexuals as far as the eye could see. We had to park a million miles away it seemed and hiked in. We decided to forgo the tent and chairs and rely on the kindness of strangers. Besides you would have to get there on Wednesday to set up camp at somewhere decent close to all the action. But the people were everywhere. During our mile hike through the beach, we ended up meeting some guys from the bar the previous night. Jacob and Bob were some of the nicest guys and we hung out with them most of the day. We found our friends DJ Richie Rich, Ray and Al and set up camp at their tent. The sights of the day were splendid. These queens know how to do this right. It is like Pensacola’s version of Mardi Gras. Some of these tents were decked out to the extreme, with décor, hammocks, bathrooms and yes even a built in pool. I mean really, a friggin’ pool. Similar to New Orleans, people got shots in lieu of beads for exposing their naughty bits. Signs saying “Shots for Cocks’ or Shots for Tops” were everywhere and those welcome to oblige were rewarded with ice cold tequila shooters. The most unique sight though was the chocolate syrup lesbian wrestling match; talk about your sticky and sweet. After a long day at the beach we returned back to the hotel where the party continued at the Tiki Bar. After five hours of heavy pounding of libations and convincing the locals to disrobe, I decided it was time to lay it down. Besides after having the hunk of the hotel Joshua, show me his tattoos, I was a happy camper. I mean he had his name tatted on one arm and on the other arm the Japanese symbols for “bend but never break;” which also happens to be my motto, but probably a total different context. So I went up to the room for a nap, which lasted until 3am in the morning when Ronnie and David came stumbling in drunk from a night of fun at Emerald City. I said a few hellos to them, and then returned to my slumber. I was awakened a few hours later by a noise in the room. I saw Ronnie walking out onto the balcony. We were only on the second floor, how much damage could he do? So I rolled back over and went back to sleep. Next thing I know he is climbing in bed with me, mumbling about just using the bathroom, still in his drunken state that

he was in when they came back. To my surprise, I jumped out of the bed realizing he must have not relieved himself off the balcony. The commotion woke David up who scolded Ronnie and brought him back to bed. Well, I spent the rest of the night with one eye open and plastic bags over my suitcases. Note to self, if you ever invite the Rogets to stay at your house, do not get Ronnie drunk and if you do, better but visqueen down on the rugs. So the next morning when I awoke I went outside to see if there was anyone who witnessed Ronnie’s little night time show, but we seem to be okay. Ronnie woke up refreshed with no memory of the night before. And you know my saying, if you can’t remember it, it never happened. So moving on, I am just happy he did not get drunk in the middle of the day and went outside during pool hours. Could you just imagine your surprise being rained upon from above by the water weight of Rhonda Roget. Anyway, our last morning, we went to brunch with Rip and Marsha at this wonderful restaurant called the Grand Marlin. There are not enough good things I can say about this place. Everything was spectacular from the food and service to the atmosphere and live singer who played beach favorites which just blended in nicely with the atmosphere. Our waiter’s name was Rob and for whatever reason he kept on asking me if I needed a big box. Subliminal message, I thought so, until I realized he just wanted to offer a container for my leftovers. So I asked him do you know what Rob backwards spells. “What,’ he asked sheepishly. “Well, a good time for me.” And with that he left the table never to return, thank god the meal was done. Then we went shopping at the gift shop, where someone absconded with my box. I searched high and low throughout the restaurant asking people if they had seen my box. No answers just snickers, but finally I found the culprit. Once again it was Rhonda Roget, who seems to not be able to keep her hands off other people’s boxes. She had placed my box in her bag. There is a support group for that, I hear. After brunch, we returned to the hotel and laid out at the pool with several local New Orleanians who happened to be staying there also. There was Shelley and Louis who are on JohnPaul’s softball team the Flaming Flamingos, Drag King extraordinaire Gino NOLA, Lords of Leather’s own Michael Albracht and varied and sundry smaller characters too numerous to name. After we had our fill of the sun, we got ready and went to dinner at a place called Crabs, which was located on the beach near our hotel. Can you guess what their specialty is? Once we finished dinner, we took the shuttle downtown to the Civic Cen[continued on 27]

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ambush

papar azzi

Dancer Paul on the bar in Memorial Day Wet Jockey Shorts Contest @ Corner Pocket

Barry Bareass hosting Memorial Day Weekend Calendar Boy show @ Corner Pocket

Enjoying the patio @ Michael’s On The Park on Memorial Day Travis serves cocktails @ 700 Club

Birthday celebrants Jessica, Michael & David @ Corner Pocket for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl

David, Jeff, Kevin & Ronnie @ Le Roundup for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl

Bar baron Mike & bartender Paul with Michael’s On The Park’s on High Heel Special

Bartender Kelton does the honors @ Le Roundup Birthday boy David Capt. John & Pres. Mike on Amon-Ra June Birthday Crawl @ 700 Club

Dancer Jay, Calendar Boy contestant @ Corner Pocket

Bar baron Mike doing Memorial Day grilling @ Michaels On The Park all new patio

Queen Petronius Bill joins Chris, David & Mike for Amon-Ra June Bday Crawl @ Double Play

Jessica & David dancing @ The Corner Pocket for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl

David, Ronnie & Keny @ 700 Club for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl

Tommy gives brother Michael bday kiss joined by Lisa & Charles @ Corner Pocket

Yes, Ricky can still open wide for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl @ 700 Club

Kajun’s Pub’s Lisa & JoAnn join Barry @ Double Play for Amon-Ra June B-day Crawl

Lords of Leather Pres. Michael Albracht & King Amon-Ra Jerry Scavo

Miss Gay Pride Monica SynclaireKennedy, Miss Louisiana Leatherette Bubbles Champagne, Raven Kennedy & Darwin Reed

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Contests, Bars, Krewes ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

Hostess Lisa Beaumann watching contestant being watered down for Wet Jockey Shorts contest @ Corner Pocket

under the gaydar ...from 24 ter for the circuit party, Abracadabra. The party had everything including protestors out front asking us to accept Jesus Christ. Unfortunately one Nellie queen screamed “Britney Spears is my Jesus Christ.” I had to pull him to the side and explain to him that silence is golden, if people thought that gay people were frivolous and shallow, he sealed the deal with that comment. Really queen, Britney? I mean Barbara or Judy, I could understand, but Britney. Inside the action heated up with guys with perfect bodies gyrating to the sounds of New Orleans own DJ Joe Gauthreaux. It is always great to see one of own doing well for himself, and he rocked the house. There was lots of eye candy and headliner Wynter Gordon was outstanding. She was fun, personable and a powerhouse singer. After her set, Bianca Del Rio took the stage with a show-stopping performance. What a night, gorgeous men with beautiful bodies and loose moral codes. Who could ask for more? We dragged ourselves home in the wee hours of the morning and crashed. The next morning, we had breakfast and were on the road early. When I arrived back in NOLA, I bid farewell to my friends and slept for a good six hours. Sometimes you truly need a vacation from your vacation. So next year, book your rooms early and I will see you on the beach.

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

othing tests a friendship more than traveling with someone. I just recently went on vacation with my friends Ronnie and David and it worked splendidly with maybe the minor exception of Ronnie’s penchant for getting into other people’s beds and peeing off the balcony when drunk out of his mind. Actually I jest, they were perfect traveling buddies.

So how do you know if a friend is right to go on vacation with? Easy, never go with a co-dependent friend. You do not want someone up your ass the entire time (unless it is in a good way), they need to be able to handle being left for a few hours. Always try to pick a friend with similar interests as you, such as museums, theatrical shows or bathhouses. Make sure everyone is in the loop of what some of the major things that will happen on the trip. I hate it when a trip is planned out and then someone says that a restaurant or show is too expensive for them. Let them know what the financial expectations will be ahead of time. You do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable if they cannot afford something. Do not bring a person who has a boyfriend or girlfriend that they cannot leave for five minutes. It is annoying when someone goes on vacation and spends half of the time talking with someone back home. Another warning sign is never go

on a trip with anyone whose significant other is jealous. Vacation is supposed to be a fun time, so a good rule of thumb when picking a traveling mate is if you can keep a conversation up with them for more than four hours, then you should be good. If you would lend these people money in a pinch or go to them in a time of crises, then you should be fine with voyaging with them. So happy trails; and have safe and festive summer vacations. If you have something that would be of interest for the column, please email Tony at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

Rhonda Roget simply could not stay out of Tony's BOX!

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body rubs New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is1311]

T R PA M A R

Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 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, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 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, CuttersBar.BIZ 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

FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

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

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: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com

groceries/delis

book stores

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

New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 Mr. Binky's Boutique, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 Mr. Binky's Boutique of Harahan, 301 Funston St., 305.2160

hair salons

cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99

casinos

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1111]

circuit/events Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 40th Official Southern Decadence 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 Oct. 27-30, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 17-21, 2012, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 25-28, 2012, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225]

New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555

insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711] 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, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. HOTEL LE MARAIS, 717 Conti St., New Orleans, LA, 800.535.9111 or visit NewOrleansHotelCollection.COM, is the newest boutique hotel property in the French Quarter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily newspaper, complimentary Wi Fi in all areas

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and all rooms, complimentary extended continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, complimentary business center, and complimentary welcome drink. 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. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. 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

marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com

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 & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1312]

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

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND 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 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capi-

tol 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 EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 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 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 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, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 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., 592.4666

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

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • J une 7-20, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

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 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF 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, 838.3399 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 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & 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, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@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 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 FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT 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, Email: 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 701566836; 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 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, 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, KreweOfPetronius.ORG 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 70117-4035, 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 MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 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 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A 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, 828-A 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 PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 Softball: NOLA SOFTBALL LEAGUE, nolasoftball.com THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director

Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 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 YWCA AIDS 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 DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 FRENCH QUARTER VET, 922 Royal St., Office 322.7030, Cell 250.1175, DrScott@TheFrenchQuarterVet.COM

retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, HerbImport.COM LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, the newest sensation in a very old place, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

pharmacy

theatres

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

New Orleans, LA [504] MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM

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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] FRENCH QUARTER REALTY, Agents: Gary R. Williams 251.2047, Sandy Preston 319.7500; Office 949.5400 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM 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

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse, bakery, cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Little Vic's Gelateria, 719 Toulouse St. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360

AMBUSH

MAG.COM

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acadiana

papar azzi

DJ Kyle D returned to his roots for one night

Too cute for words

Spencer & Rebecca enjoying Tonic Okay, so maybe they do like one another

Jules bartender Steven singing karaoke Darren pretends he can read

Who let Tyler in and what is he doing?

Michigan Avenue performing @ Jules John, Margo & Dana; BFF’s Your bouncer @ Tonic Jules Karaoke at its best

Jason enjoying his birthday @ Jules

Josh Duffy performing @ Tonic Joey & Maria enjoying Jules Summer Concert Series

Too many drinks @ Jules

Brodie Lee Meche is always happy to serve you @ Tonic

Somebody please intervene with Rick

Kira, Chris & Scott @ Tonic

Ryan & Joey showing their favorite bartender some love

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Intervene, Pretend, Enjoy ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Andrew @ Tonic

acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583

t’s getting kind of hot in here. Can you stand the heat? Ready or not, summer is here and in full swing. Game. Set. Match.

Bar Spill

tarting on Friday, June 10th, a new and improved show will begin at Jules. Each Friday will feature a competition that includes performers from across the State. Each drag night will have its own theme that performers are expected to adapt to. Also keep an eye out for surprise guests hosts. Don’t forget

that Thursday night will always be a country-free karaoke night and Saturday nights are reserved for you to dance, dance, dance! Tuesday Night Talent Show at Tonic recently wrapped up another round of finals. As always, a very creative cast of characters perform their hearts out. Well at least the ones with hearts do. Does Brodie Mess have a heart? Only way to find out is to attend and be a part of the fun. Many other endeavors seem to creep up on you at Tonic. Recently Josh Duffy performed for the very first

Spring Fling. Audience members were captivated by his strong vocal abilities. The standard was set for when even more concerts come to the Tonic stage. On Saturday, June 11th St. Cecilia will do another performance. The best thing about Saturdays at Tonic is the open bar from 8pm to 12am. Drink responsibly. You must be 21 to consume alcohol. Okay I couldn’t even type that with a straight face. As always, don’t forget to follow Jules, Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, and Tonic on Facebook. Ambush is always accessible via the interweb at AmbushMag.COM.

Recapping a Night Cap

hen is too much just simply too much? There should seriously be a certified scientific scale in which drama is measured. It would read something like we rate hurricanes. Drama 1 would be something small like a hissy fit. Drama 10, being the highest, would mean that several queens have killed each other over the ownership of a new wig. So rate this one for me. A typical Wednesday evening and I’m trying to enjoy a cocktail at Zea. For those who know my routine, Wednesdays at Zea are always fun because you enjoy a two for one frozen cosmopolitan and they are to die for, literally. (If you don’t believe me then ask the fly that flew into my cocktail and instantly died.) I try to enjoy a nice drink when of course a friend of mine, who we will refer to as Bob, starts attacking my phone via text. “Wyd?” “Wyd?” “Wyd?” (That’s What You Doing for the text inclined.) Once I finally answer, Bob is furious because I’m at Zea without him. Wow! When did I end up in a relationship? Somehow I always get high jacked into romantic relationships without even knowing it. So of course it doesn’t help when I explain that I was simply invited here by another friend and I would be leaving soon to attend a meeting. I guess we’ll rate this one as a Drama 2. Cut to the meeting at 6pm. This meeting is a Town Hall styled meeting. I was actually there to do a favor for a friend and ask a few questions on the subject matter in hand. You’d think this would be easy, right? Ha! Not in my life. There is a drunken Latino woman who is dealing with romantic drama. You know, the kind where one is heart-broken but doesn’t want to let go so she insists on texting her ex and then gets upset when she doesn’t receive the response that she’s looking for. Mix in the frozen cosmopolitans and a town hall meeting and you’ve got a cocktail for disaster. I’m trying to sit in this meeting, in the auditorium, pretending that I’m interested but alas I’m not allowed to. The drunken middle-aged Latino woman is now outside the door, chain smoking, crying, and texting me that we have to leave. I finally do my part and ask a few public questions and then let my friend, who I was originally there for, know that I have to leave because I need to take this woman to her car. We head out and I explain to my friend that we will meet up in a bit. I think this one will be rated a Drama 4. Know how they say “it gets better”? Does it really? So now it’s 8pm and we are attempting to bring the crazed Latino woman home. Don’t get me wrong, she is a very dear friend that I love but she is the type to be highly maintained. She knows what she wants, even in a drunken state of mind, and will not take no for an answer. Oh and you must serve it to her on a silver platter. We drive her to her car but that’s not good enough. Now she wants us to drive her home, which is about 15 minutes away and across town. The driver obliges and now we’re on our way to Youngsville. Once there my phone begins to blow up because my friend from the meeting is now done with his meeting and wants to know where I am. Now he’s upset because I’m not home and I’m in Youngsville. He decides that he is going to yell at me and tell me how horrible I am for not being home. Oh joy! Let’s rate this one as a Drama 6. See it escalating here? I motion for us to leave and head back to the other side of town. Not good enough. My drunken [continued on 34]

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at The Shadowbox Theatre

ilk Dress Productions’ The Albee Project comes into its own with its production of Albee’s masterpiece, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Ostensibly the tale of two academic couples who get together late one night after a faculty party, Woolf is a study of the lies we tell ourselves and the fantasies we create to get us through our daily existence. But it is much more than that as, along the way, Woolf touches on the existence of God, the roles of science & history, the urgencies of sex & truth, and many other timeless, basic issues. Beyond the plot and its big themes, Albee’s playful and precise language makes most other modern dramatists look like neophytes. A woman is “revirginized”. Someone takes a “snooze-ette”. An unassuming spouse is a “wife-let”. A doorbell doesn’t “ring”, it “chimes”. Better yet, in Albee’s hands, when a character says “I can admire things I don’t admire,” such topsy-turvy logic acadiana happens ...from 33 makes sense. friend now insists we stay and have First time director Jennifer wine. I protest and argue that I have to Growden began her production with get back. I mean hello, I just turned naturalistic exactitude as George down a glass of wine. Obviously that’s (Michael Martin) and Martha (Kathryn a signal that I need to go. Of course Talbot) arrive home and start cleaning now I’m in trouble with my other friend up their living room. Beautifully done, who is back across town because apyes, but I was afraid such measured parently this is my entire fault. We staging would begin to drag and not finally head back and I receive text justify the show’s more then three and messages from the drunken middleaged lady that reads, “thanks for aban[continued on 37]

doning me.” Drama 8. So where do I go to have this scale certified? It would help a lot in shortening excuses and story-telling time. “Sorry I was late; there was a Drama 4 back at home this morning.” The other person just nods and understands. End of story.

Gisele then you’re sure to enjoy the production of Roadkill Diner. Dennis Ward and production staff and talented performers have all made a local name for themselves. It will be very interesting to see what’s in store next. Original music and score is by the incomparable singer/songwriter Roddy Barnes.

Roadkill Diner

June is Pride Month

ocal playwright, Dennis Ward (Chez Gisele), has done it again! Coming this summer to Cite des Arts, Stephanie Broussard (Chez Gisele) stars in Roadkill Diner. This comedic melodrama tells the story about the dysfunctional Nutt family set in the Roadkill Diner. Big Daddy Nutt has just died leaving his family with nothing but debts. The eldest daughter, Ima Nutt, sets out on a mission to put the Nutts back on top. Along her path she runs into many other characters such as Connie Coffee, a fiery AK47 tongued Roadkill Diner waitress. Annie Lu Nutt is a beautifully talented waitress who provides musical interludes and dreams of becoming a star along with Dub Nutt, her drag queen, gender bending, straight husband. Local radio station, KARP, streams roadkill alerts along its airways and informs people where to scrape up the freshest meat. Let’s not forget KARP’s sponsor, Ethyl Mae’s Beauty and Chain Saw Repair. If you enjoyed the cast of Chez

n case you are unaware, President Obama has declared June as National LGBT Pride Month. I encourage all members and allies of the LGBT community to get out there and get involved. Volunteer at your local HIV/AIDS support centers. Find out how you can help with certain organizations such as Forum for Equality and HRC. Write to your local, state, and federal elected officials and show some concern for your community. Show your true pride off.

Closing Out

umor has it that someone has started an Epic Fail Lafayette Facebook page. I am embarrassed for our community. We should be supporting one another. Instead we’re being just as hateful as the bigots who try so hard to break our stride. This page may be a joke to some but to others it is very hurtful. Enough said. You’re listening up with Joey Collins. Keep the party going.

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Life time member Robert Dunlap, Charles Maddox & Panda Bears Ed @ Cocktails & Crowns

King Amon-Ra XLVI Jerry Scavo, XLV David Aranda & XLIV Nick Olivares

Elizabeth tries on Tami’s big hair in FourPlay show @ JohnPaul’s

David, Mike, Tony, Brent & Ronnie @ Petronius’ Cocktails & Crowns

ambush

papar azzi Dominique DeLorean in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille & Amon-Ra’s Leonard celebrate Petronius' 2012 theme "Let It Be"

Devin & Christopher @ Oz

Co-Capt. Chad Brickley, Magnolia Jones, Lui Caleon & Charles Turbeville @ Cocktails & Crowns

Maybelline Mascara @ JohnPaul’s for FourPlay Ricky & Capt. Bruce work Armeinius Sale @ Freddie Guess Studios

Artist Freddie Guess by one of his fantastic pieces @ Armeinius Sale @ Freddie’s gallery Barbara Ella in FourPlay @ JohnPaul’s

Raven Kennedy entertaining in Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s

Magical Mystery Royal Heir Apparent Ray Anderson, Co-Capt Chad Brickley, Co-Capt./Queen Bootsie Deville, Magical Mystery Royal Heir only Apparent @ Petronius’ Cocktails & Crowns

Karen & Princesse Stephaney @ Petronius’ Cocktails & Crowns

Lui & Jobie @ Petronius’ Cocktails & Crowns

Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, Co-Capt. Chad Brickley & Princesse Petronius For Life Princesse Stephaney @ Cocktails & Crowns

Coca Mesa @ Oz

The infamous Oz Dingo hostess Blanche Debris

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Shows, Krewes ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin Black, Tony Leggio

Dancer David with Sean @ Oz

trodding the boards ...from 34 a half hour running time. But such worries were unwarranted. Growden proved herself to be acutely aware of the script’s need for momentum and allowed Albee’s dialog to crackle at a brisk pace. With the arrival of Nick (Matt Story) and Honey (Giselle M. Chatelain) she kept the traffic flowing, never settling for unnecessarily static stage pictures but attuned to those moments that called for stillness. Under Growden’s guidance, the cast got the rhythms and cadences of Albee’s dialog just right, mining it for every ounce of his subversive, occasionally violent humor. And having designed a set that ingeniously wrapped around the audience, Growden made full use of it. If things got a bit talky when the women leave the stage in Act One and, especially, Act Two, they picked up again soon enough; Growden nicely coaxed out the appropriate homoerotic undertones during the George/Nick sequence in the second act. Growden pulled out all the stops for the devastating Act Two finale, a kind of emotional grand guignol. Over the top? Perhaps. But it worked. And very well. Growden orchestrated such a surehanded job that little details stood out;

when straightening up, I would’ve thought Martha would empty her overflowing ashtrays, yet they sat there, annoyingly, for the course of the play. (Asked afterwards if that was to signify anything, Growden acknowledged it was just an oversight.) An initially toned down Martin has never been seen to better effect. His George comes across at first like a overused doormat, but we soon realize he can give as good as he gets. At times Martin even makes us wonder if George is a bit dim or just “playing” dim; in his passive aggressive way, he eventually makes the answer as clear as the gin that he copiously drinks. Martin might have provided a little more variation in his line readings, especially at the start, and a little less of a certain sing-song approach that seemed slightly off-key for a somewhat dry New England professor. But he radiated an apt intelligence that made him an even match for the more forthright Martha, and the pain he felt at her betrayals was real. Talbot just may be the find of this production. Almost unrecognizable beneath a bird’s nest of a wig (full disclosure—Talbot directed an evening of one-act plays I wrote in 2007, a very pleasant experience), she’s both tart and tart-y, and tangy too. Sounding slightly like Cyndi Lauper’s older sister, she commandingly projected the selfentitlement that would understandably

Michael Martin, Kathryn Talbot, Matt Story & Giselle Chatelain in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? accrue to the daughter of the president of the university where George and Nick teach but made clear that Martha is a terribly frustrated woman, the victim of being born too smart, too soon. Certainly not stupid, Talbot’s Martha was, however, crass, an occasional bully used to getting her own way, a woman who would conceivably rise to a high post in some fascist party. Yet in her fearsome, galvanic performance, Talbot also limned, with touching precision, the little girl side of Martha that needs to be taken care of by that rare man who’s stronger than she. As they play a variety of head games with their guests, Talbot and Martin made us feel as though George and Martha had played them before, with slight variations, becoming ritualized performance pieces in the process. This particular night, though, is their own personal Walpurgisnacht. Wandering into George & Martha’s lair, Story and Chatelain nicely con-

veyed the sense that the Punch and Judy show they’re witnessing is something they don’t really want to see and only half understand. Story captured Nick’s smugness and the sense that the young teacher thinks he knows the score from the start. I just wish his inebriation had been calibrated a little more progressively; as it was, it emerged a little too quickly and then seemed to disappear. Chatelain brought the requisite perkiness to Honey along with a pleasing ingenuousness but needlessly was squeaky and ratcheted down Honey’s intelligence level, making her almost mechanically doll-like where there should be a semi-comprehending awareness of the situation. I hasten to add that Chatelain did not give a bad performance, but that it did not seem as organic as the others. Vic Woodward’s lighting could be cozily soft but occasionally harsh, bringing out the characters’ line-creased and puffy physiognomies. Fifty years after its debut Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has not only secured its place in the theatrical canon but has proven to be remarkably prescient with its talk of recombinant DNA and eugenics. The one thing it may have to concern itself with is a question overheard during intermission as a young audience member asked her companion, “Who’s Virginia Woolf?”

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Advice for LGBT Mortgage Applicants: Deploy Preemptive Tactics in 2011

GBT real estate buyers and homeowners who have been thinking about taking out a home loan or doing a mortgage refinance may now have more reasons to do so – and to start working on the project sooner instead of later. That’s because interest rates are currently hovering at record lows, representing some of the best bargains in decades. But after being historically cheap for the first half of the year interest rates are expected to soon start their inevitable ascent. Many experts predict that the window of opportunity to get the best rates may even close before the end of summer. incur any new debt from loans or purchases. The timeframe for that moratorium on fresh debt should extend at least 90 to 120 days prior to loan application and be observed until the month after the loan has closed. Once rates show clear evidence of upside momentum everyone who has been considering a home purchase mortgage or refinance will stop procrastinating and start applying for their loans. That kind of surge in business happens whenever a significant transition toward more expensive rates occurs, but it almost always leaves lenders and borrowers unprepared. Banks that have been trimming back the personnel levels in their underwriting departments in order to save money are usually caught off guard – and it can take them a few months to get up to speed. During the interim period new loan applications pile up and borrowers experience the frustration of watching rates go higher before they have an opportunity to lock theirs into place. But as interest rates creep up, so do the corresponding monthly mortgage payments. That triggers new calculations in terms of the formulas used to approve or reject mortgage loans, because there is a delicate balance that must be maintained in terms of the borrower’s ratio of income to debt. After being badly burned by the recent mortgage crisis lenders have become quite stringent about those parameters, and unless a borrower can verify enough income to comfortably handle the mortgage payment the loan will have to be reworked. If the size of the monthly payment hits a certain metric or benchmark, for example, the homeowner may have to either accept a higher interest rate, pay extra points, or agree to borrow less money. The key to success is, therefore, to quickly capture the cheapest possible interest rate so that the domino effect of higher costs and more restrictive lending policies doesn’t happen. Follow the recommended tips outlined above, crunch the numbers with the help of a qualified lender or mortgage broker, and enjoy snagging a great mortgage and interest rate that will offer sustained value for decades to come. To find real estate and mortgage professionals dedicated to active support of the LGBT community, visit www.GayMortgageLoans.com and www.GayRealEstate.com, or call toll free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683).

Jacob & Joe with Sergio @ Emerald City Memorial Weekend

Beautiful & talented Sophia Luccianni performing @ B-Bob’s & Oz New Orleans

Judson, Travis & Patrick enjoying themselves @ B-Bob’s

Celebrating Memorial Day @ Emerald City with Ebony Sinclair

Happy Birthday to Taylor Heart, The Gulf Coast Lady GAGA

Tim, Michael & Gang @ Round-up in Pensacola for Memorial Day festivities

mobile

papar azzi

Happy Birthday Miss Cie, celebrating 30 years in the Art of Performing

New York’s Gina Germaine & Biloxi’s own Toni Dee performing @ B-Bob’s

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Celebrations, Festivities ~ Mobile, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

LGBT borrowers can expedite the process for a smoother transaction that results in a great rate if they follow these preemptive guidelines: – Shop Around for the Best Broker In today’s market any lender can offer attractive rates, but mortgage brokers who are resourceful problem solvers provide additional value. Borrowers may encounter obstacles related to closing costs, property valuations, and available cash for the down payment. Or they may experience hassles with refinancing when there is a second mortgage or home equity loan involved. LGBT borrowers often face additional challenges, for instance, because they want to buy in partnership but are not legally married – or if their legal marriage from one state is not recognized in the jurisdiction where they want to buy or refinance. But a creative mortgage broker experienced in making loans to members of the LGBT community can figure out how to pair the borrower up with appropriate lenders, strategize the application process, and find the best overall loan package. – Get Organized Processing mortgage paperwork can take time and there are often unexpected delays along the way. So those who want to capture extremely affordable rates before they evaporate are urged to set their plans into motion now, rather than waiting until rates start to rise. Find out exactly what documents are required by talking to the mortgage broker or lender. Most borrowers will need tax returns for the past two years, at least a month’s worth of pay stubs and bank account statements, and any legal documents pertaining to outstanding loans. Statements from stock portfolios, retirement accounts, student loans, and other paperwork related to significant assets or financial obligations should also be obtained. After gathering everything together, make copies and keep them in a central file in a secure, convenient location. – Put the Brakes on New Purchases Immediately start working on debt reduction and savings, paying off credit card balances and reining in household expenses. It is important to note that just because the mortgage application has been approved that does not mean that the borrower is free to on a spending spree. Most underwriters currently monitor debt all the way up until the moment the loan is funded, so to ensure that nothing backfires don’t

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