Ambush magazine volume 30 issue 02 by Ambush Publishing

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

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

Vote New Orleans Tastiest Town in the South with Chance to win $2,500 Cash Prize

ast your vote daily from now through January 31 and you'll help name The South's Tastiest Town to be announced in the April issue of Southern Living magazine. Plus, you'll be entered for a chance to win a $2,500 cash prize for a trip to any Tasty Town of your choice. Vote for New Orleans at http://www.southernliving.com/travel/souths-tastiest-towns-00417000076768/. Here's why New Orleans earned its ranking as one of the 10 Tastiest Towns in the South: There are several (hot sauce-soaked) reasons why New Orleans is one of the most important and seductive food cities in the country. Consider, among other things, its iced Abita and oyster meccas (Acme, Felix's, Casamento's, and Bourbon House, for example), time-honored landmarks that should be on anyone's bucket list (Friday lunch at Galatoire's, brandy milk brunch at Commander's Palace), life-changing muffulettas and po'boys, a posse of power chefs like Donald Link, John Besh, and John Harris, and dangerously delicious cocktails (from historic sazerac bars like Napoleon House to new spots like Bouligny Tavern) make it an essential, irresistible food destination.

Tea for Two Exhibition opens Feb. 2 at Longue Vue House & Gardens

Tea for Two exhibit. Mr. Roberson is the Tea Expert at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Registration is required for the Tea, Talk, and Tour. The cost is $60 and covers the talk, tea service, champagne, and tour of the exhibit. Seating is very limited. For more information on the Tea, Talk, and Tour and to purchase tickets, contact Jen Gick at 504.293.4723 or jgick@longuevue.com. For more information on the Tea for Two exhibit and opening reception, contact Lenora Costa at 504.293.4712 or lcosta@longuevue.com. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, is an eight-acre Country Place Era estate comprised of a Classical Revival-style mansion surrounded by 14 different gardens, including an interactive children’s garden. The former home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue now serves as an educational and cultural resource. Longue Vue offers tours daily and holds events and exhibits that fulfill its mission “to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives.” Longue Vue, a designated National Historic Landmark, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and included on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information call 504.488.5488 or visit us at www.longuevue.com.

ee the progression of tea services over the span of time and place at Longue Vue’s Tea for Two exhibit opening Feb. 2. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world with more than 3,000 varieties grown today. Tea is consumed on every continent and each culture over time has put its stamp on the vessels used to serve and drink it. Visitors to the exhibit will see this progression on display, with pieces from local collectors and the Longue Vue collection. The opening reception for Longue Vue members and guests is Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8pm in the Gallery. The Tea for Two exhibit will be open to the public Friday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, May 13 during museum In Exile due out Feb. 10 hours. n Exile: The History and Lore “LVHG is pleased to present this exciting exhibit exploring the art of tea Surrounding New Orleans around the world,” says Executive Director Joe Baker. “In addition to the variety Gay Culture and Its Oldest of tea sets and utensils associated with the ritual of tea making, the exhibit will Gay Bar is the first comprehensive feature outstanding ceramic teapots from Newcomb Pottery, Peter Anderson of treatment of the history of gay New Shearwater Pottery, and George Ohr.” Orleans. Drawn primarily on the recolTea is indigenous to the Asian continent, with almost every culture having a lections of dozens of gay men and ceremony. The proper service was important and much attention was paid to women, Frank Perez and Jeffrey matching the tea to an aesthetically appealing vessel. As Western trade with Asia Palmquist weave a fascinating narraincreased 600 years ago, the British expanded the importance of drinking tea tive of how gay New Orleans evolved around the world, even introducing it to countries in West Africa that previously throughout the twentieth century. Comhad no tradition. Tea in Asian cultures has historically been an object of ing Feb. 10, it will be available in paperconnoisseurship and in Western traditions, tea preparation and drinking is a back, PDF, ePub, Kindle, LIT, HTML, social and cultural staple. and PRC. Longue Vue’s collection includes 18th through 20th century silver and ceramic In addition to showing the incredtea services, coffee sets, and chocolate cups. Mrs. Stern’s monogrammed set ible and previously unrecognized conwill be on display, as well as a tea set from Newcomb Pottery, an outstanding tributions gay people have made to children’s set by Peter Anderson of Shearwater Pottery, Chinese export-ware New Orleans culture, In Exile also (ceramics made in Asia to appeal to a Western audience), and unusual pieces illuminates the darkness in which ordisuch as a c.1830-40 French tea warmer known as a Veilleuse. In a nod to the lives of Edgar and Edith Stern, visitors will see items special to their romance and Super Bowl XLVI, Valentine's, Pre-Mardi Gras out Jan. 31st learn that the name “Longue Vue” was DEADLINE: Tues., Jan. 24th chosen because Edgar proposed to Edith at a Hudson River tea house trodding the boards 24 celebrazzi 6 called Longue Vue. ambush paparazzi/new orleans 26 obituaries 8 On Friday, Feb. 3, at 3pm, a Tea, community within communities 27 under the gaydar 12 Talk and Tour with tea expert Marc pride new orleans/commentary 32 spotlight feature/glitz, email 14 Roberson will be held in the Playhouse pensacola paparazzi 34 snap paparazzi/new orleans 16 at Longue Vue. After the talk, guests ambush paparazzi/new orleans 36 snap paparazzi/nola, metairie 18 mobile paparazzi 39 on the prowl 22 will enjoy an afternoon tea service in the Center Hall of the main house Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 featuring tea, sandwiches and cham828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 pagne. This is followed by a tour of the marsha@ripandmarsha.com

inside

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

nary gay people lived secret doublelives for decades and chronicles the social forces which ultimately enabled gay New Orleanians to live openly and honestly. Written with graceful insight and thoughtful perception, In Exile is not only a captivating history book, it is also a beautiful meditation on the intersection of place and identity. “A true look into New Orleans Gay History and Café Lafitte’s role in it.” — Ken GranPré, General Manger Wood Enterprises, Café Lafitte “Even further back than the oldest gay publication in the South, an exciting read...” —Ambush Magazine [From the section: A Mutual Af[continued on 8]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-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 OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

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 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.535.3615 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Tony Leggio, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-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. ©1982-2012, 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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Whitney Houston by Teryl-Lynn Foxx with dancers Gawain Dupree’, Dillon Powell & Josh Mesa

Liza Minnelli by Lisa Beaumann with dancers Gawain Dupree’ & Dillon Powell

Tina Turner by Lawanda Jackson

Carol Channing by Lisa Beaumann Judy Garland by Lisa Beaumann

Diana Ross by Teryl-Lynn Foxx

Mary J. Blige by Lawanda Jackson

Cher by Bianca Del Rio

Dionne Warwick by Teryl-Lynn Foxx

Amy Winehouse by Dusty Debris

Marilyn Monroe by Blanche Debris

Lady GaGa by Dusty Debris with dancers Gawain Dupree’, Dillon Powell & Josh Mesa

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

Elias Productions’ Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation @ Joy Theater ~ New Orleans

celebr azzi

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obituaries Hal (Nancy Rose) Hagen

al (Nancy Rose) Hagen passed away at Tulane University Hospital on August 31, 2011. He was a former bartender at various clubs in the French Quarter and most recently worked at Big Daddy’s and The Friendly Bar. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Friendly Bar 2301 Chartres St on Thursday, January 19th at 4pm.

Charles Word Hooper, Jr.

harles Word Hooper, Jr., 67, died December 10, 2011 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Graveside service was held December 17 at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama. Charles was predeceased by his father Charles Word Hooper, Sr. and his mother Adeline Houghton Hooper. He was from an established Selma family who enjoyed a rich heritage in the community. Charles graduated from A.G. Parish High School in 1962. He was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church and had a deep appreciation for Selma's history, the arts and cultural fare. In the late 70s and 80s, Charles lived in Atlanta, Georgia where he opened a leather store. He was also the president of the Atlanta Motorcycle Club which toured the US making many trips to New Orleans. In the early 90s Charles rented an apartment above Chris Owens on St. Louis Street. He dubbed the bars along St. Louis as "the Financial District." In the late 90s and until his death, Charles lived in Biloxi, Mississippi. He made many trips to New Orleans and Mobile, and was well known for his generosity within the gay community, and willingness to help people and many different charity organizations along the Gulf Coast. Charles will be missed by many friends and relatives he leaves behind.

Eric Robinson Murdered

he Orleans Parish coroner’s office has identified the man whose charred body was found early January 7 in an overgrown lot in the Upper 9th Ward. Eric Robinson, 41, of New Orleans was shot in the head before his body was doused in gasoline and set ablaze, said John Gagliano, the coroner’s chief investigator. The coroner’s office identified Robinson through his fingerprints. Firemen responding to a call of a grass fire found Robinson’s body at the edge of a lot at the corner of North Rocheblave and Independence Streets after they Tribute set up for Eric Robinson extinguished a car by Friend William J. Fitch in Raceland fire around the cor-

the "official" dish ...from 4 finity] New Orleans is a Siren City that smiles on all who visit her. She takes you in her arms and willfully gives up her secrets as she whispers in your ear, “It’s okay. I’m not perfect either. Look at my scars and wounds and wrinkles. Let’s forget the past with all its pain and live in the now. Come dream with me.” Author Frank Perez grew up in Louisiana and now lives in the French Quarter where he is a barfly at Café Lafitte in Exile. Jeffrey Palmquist grew

ner in the 2100 block of Pauline Street about 5:30am. Officials believe the car fire and murder are related. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111 or 877.903.7867. -source: The Times Picayune Services for Eric Darnell Robinson, a native of Terrebonne Parish and resident of New Orleans, were Jan. 14th at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Houma with burial in St. Francis de Sales No. 2. This kind man will be missed by family and friends alike. You may make your condolences in Eric's guestbook at http:// w w w . l e g a c y. c o m / g u e s t b o o k / houmatoday/guestbook.aspx?n=ericrobinson&pid=155450609&cid=full. Friends attending services for Eric joined together celebrating his life afterwards with gumbo and potato salad. It was great to warm up with a good food and reminisce about good times.

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up in South Dakota and now lives in the French Quarter where he is a bartender at CaféLafitte in Exile. For more information visit http:// www.ll-publications.com/inexile.html.

Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum: Carnival Edition

oin the Friends of the Cabildo as the Louisiana State Museum’s impressive Carnival Collection is opened for an exclusive behind-the-scenes viewing of historic costumes and other rarely seen artifacts. Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum, will guide you through an in-depth look at Carnivals of years past through a tour of the storage rooms of the Museum, usually off limits to the general public. Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum: Carnival Edition takes place Tuesday and Thursday, January 17th and 19th. Tours are at 6pm and 7pm at the Louisiana State Museum’s Collection Storage Facility, located at 1000 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Cost is $15 per person, or $10 for Friends of the Cabildo members. Reservations are required, and space is extremely limited. To reserve your space, please contact Rebecca Duckert at 504.523.3939. Future behind-the-scenes tours are planned focusing on the Museum’s visual arts, decorative arts, science and technology, Louisiana music, and manuscripts collections. Hidden Treasures: Decorative Arts Edition, featuring Newcomb Pottery is scheduled for March 20th and 22nd with Katie Hall, Curator of Decorative Arts for the LSM. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum. Visit friendsofthecabildo.org for [continued on 10]

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the "official" dish ...from 8 additional information.

Lady Gaga Achieves New Feat — Fan Authors Book Sharing Story of H. S. Bullying

RIE, Pa., Jan. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)-At the offices of the outspoken autobiography, I Was Born This Way, author Rich Bateman had this to say about his new book, “I had been working on this book about my life and being born gay since 1996. When Gaga released her song Born This Way, the more I listened, the more I began to think that the timing is finally right to put my story out there—it is a cry to end bullying! I began to write and attack this book as Gaga did her fame—like a MONSTER. The feelings as I wrote were of confidence that at last I can help to make the world a better place; meanwhile, discovering and releasing my inner-superstar—which Gaga says we all have in the lyrics of her song.” During A Very Gaga Thanksgiving, Lady Gaga was quoted as having said, “I want to say and sing the right things for you and I want to make that one melody that really saves your spirit that one day.” That—the author says is why he shared the horrid details of his story of bullying that almost cost him his education. Bateman says the reason he wrote this book is because there are probably thousands of others out there—like him—who almost had their education robbed from them. There are also percentages that are having their education robbed as the bullies do win with some of their victims; therefore, we MUST address this situation and address it NOW. Bateman says he wants to make a difference, not just be an unheard story of torture so he decided right away that he would happily donate 10 percent of all profits from the book to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, being released in 2012. Paws up to Lady Gaga for her new achievement and to author Rich Bateman for such an enthralling story, which clearly demands action toward ending bullying. It appears as though you are absolutely on the “right track, baby.” To learn more visit www.iwasbornthisway-thebook.com.

Loyola Theatre Debuts Screwball Comedy, Anton in Show Business

he Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Loyola University New Orleans debuts the madcap comic play, Anton in Show Business, a sharp, wry comedy based on three actresses who have

been cast in an ill-fated production of Anton Chekhov’s play, The Three Sisters. The play will run in Loyola’s Lower Depths Theater on Feb. 8, 9, 10, 11 at 8pm and Feb. 12 at 2pm. Written by Jane Martin and directed by Loyola theatre arts lecturer Ann Mahoney Kadar, the Anton in Show Business explores the typical needs of producing classical theatre in a modern world and the zany antics that ensue. The all-female cast takes on gender roles, stereotypes and the mysteries of life in Martin’s farcical backstage exploration of the relationships between art and audience in show business. Often described by critics as an open love letter to theatre, Anton in Show Business premiered at the Humana Festival in Louisville, KY in 2000 and received the American Theatre Critics/Steinberg New Play Award in 2001. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $8 for students, children and seniors. For tickets and information, visit montage.loyno.edu or call 504.865.2074. Free parking is available in the West Road Garage located on West Road and accessible from St. Charles Avenue.

Sordid Lives’ Star Serves New Orleans a Dose of XXX March 2

op 20 Billboard recording artist and star of cult smash Sordid Lives: The Series, Jason Dottley, enters a new arena, the world of the one-man show. Returning to New Orleans March 2 after being 2011’s Gay Pride Grand Marshal, Dottley will bring to his New Orleans fans his fiercely reviewed performance of XXX: My First 30 Years (Get Your Mind Outta the Gutter). Known on stage and television as “Ty” in SORDID LIVES: THE SERIES, as well as for his Top 20 Billboard dance hit PARTY ROUND THE WORLD, HIT PLAY (#30), and his newly released POP IT, Jason Dottley returns to the stage with this debut one-man. “Loved your show. I laughed, teared up, and had a great time!” - D.G. San Francisco. “Ah-f*ckingmazing! Catch it if you can.” - C.H. San Francisco From stories about how the tragically sudden death of his father at 18 influenced his

music at 28, to meeting Madonna, stalking Britney Spears while at a Christmas party at Olivia Newton-John’s home, and even getting the hives from a diva’dup Rue McClanahan, XXX exposes both the humor and the sadness of Jason Dottley’s first thirty years on this lovely little planet we call Earth. And yes, he does go to the gutter a bit with some down and dirty details from his rather not-so-private sex life. There’s even a touch of magic. “I love New Orleans so much! I know the sick and twisted nature of my show will be greatly appreciated by my lovely twisted fans in French-Quarter Land.” The show is Friday, March 2nd, 10pm at All Ways Lounge & Theatre. Tickets are $10-$15 available at www.NationofJason.com “See Jason Live: XXX.” Jason starred in Sordid Lives: the Series with music legend Olivia Newton-John, TV icon Rue McClanahan and everyone’s favorite witch Caroline Rhea (Sabrina The Teenage Witch). Since his debut on the US Billboard chart in 2010, Dottley has racked up both Top 20 and Top 30 hit records. His music video to Hit Play was his first to be distributed nationally. Having spent the summer tearing up the United States with his Nation of Jason Tour, joining Nikki Minaj, Kelly Rowland and Britney Spears on the roster at Los Angeles superclub Super Cherry Pop and playing nearly 30 shows across 24 cities, Dottley begins his third round of club takeover with his upcoming Pop It Tour this Winter. Beyond his music career, Jason Dottley has achieved acclaim as both

an actor and a producer. As an actor, Dottley made his stage debut in Terrence McNally’s The Lisbon Traviata, which he followed with a ninemonth run in the Los Angeles production of Del Shores’ Sordid Lives. After Sordid Lives: The Series reached unparalleled success on US/MTV’s alternative television station LOGO, Dottley was selected as a member of the prestigious 2008 “Out 100” most influential gays by Out magazine. As a producer, Dottley recently won the most prestigious Los Angeles theatre award, the 2011 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Best Production Award for Del Shores’ Yellow. Dottley has mounted national tours of Sordid Lives and Southern Baptist Sissies starring another TV icon Delta Burke, as well as the national tour of A Sordid Affair with the late and legendary Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea and Del Shores, the mastermind behind all the Sordid madness.

Gay Mardi Gras Ball/Events Schedule Saturday, January 21st...~8pm, Krewe of Amon-Ra Ball XLVII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Saturday, January 28th...~8pm, Krewe of Petronius Ball LI, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Saturday, February 4th...~8pm, 19th King Cake Queen Coronation , presenting King Cake Queen XIX of Gay Mardi Gras Nicole DuBois, by invitation only, New Orleans Friday, February 10th...~8pm, Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque X, The Sugar Mill, New Orleans Friday, February 17th...~9pm12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XIII, Audubon Tea RoomNew Orleans ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans Saturday, February 18th...~9pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIV, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Sunday, February 19th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVIII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 21st... ~12noon, 48th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 25th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

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

Harrah’s Pride Night

arrah’s Pride Nights just got better! On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Harrah’s Casino hosts their Pride Nights from 7 – 11pm. Kicking off the New Year on January 18, Johnny Passion and Summer Rayne with Harrah’s New Orleans will present Glamour! Glamour! starts at 8pm and is a variety show that consists of drag queens, kings, live performers, comedians, and much more. The event is free and open to the public, and as a special incentive to attend this wonderful monthly event, they have been offering complimentary vodka drinks from 7pm-8pm.

Book of the Month

his month, Janet Evanovich’s first Stephanie Plum novel One for the Money hits the big screen starring Katherine Heigl and Debbie Reynolds. To celebrate one of my favorite comedic writers, I decided to review Smokin’ Seventeen one of the latest novels in the series. In this outing, dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction site of Plum’s employer, Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. The offices were destroyed in the last book, and now they are working out of their friend Mooner’s RV. The murders take a sinister turn when a note is left for Stephanie at

each crime scene. All the usual suspects are back, Lula, Grandma Mazur, Morelli and Ranger. And the love triangle between Plum, Morelli and Ranger heats up to some pretty steamy proportions. There are also a new list of miscreants for her to bring in like a senior citizen vampire and a dancing bear. Evanovich’s novel does not disappoint with this novel, there is plenty of sexual tension, crazy hijinks and a mystery to solve. So the only thing I need to decide on is whether I am on Team Ranger of Team Morelli. Like Stephanie, is it possible to be on both teams? For more information on Smokin’ Seventeen or any of her other novels, go to www.evanovich.com.

Party Down!

he holidays are over and now we roll into the new year full of renewed energy and excitement. And in New Orleans the parties never stop, so 2012 just heralded in more exciting events and fetes to prove that even though Vegas never sleeps, NOLA wins on the party circuit by leaps and bounds. I had a few days of rest after Christmas, but my events started up again with the premier of Big Bosom Buddies hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon on December 28 at the new Mid City Theatre. The show stars Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham and is a

laugh a minute riot. It is good to see more little theatres popping up around the city after seeing several closings last year. On Friday, I took a half day off and met my friends, James, Nick and Marvin for our gay mafia lunch, which we do once a month. We drink; catch up on the latest gossip around the city, but most of all socialize with each other. Four gay men with extremely busy schedules, you can imagine how hard it is for us to find a date where we can all get together without conflicts. We had lunch at the fabulous restaurant le Meritage in the Maison Dupuy which offers 25¢ martinis; I mean really who can beat that. This was one hell of a lunch with each of us having lots to talk about. After a long and leisurely meal, I bid farewell to my friends and caught Drag Bingo (or Dingo) at Oz with Princesse Stephaney and Persana Shoulders. There was a nice crowd and you could feel the anticipation in the air for the upcoming year. As usual, this duo kept the patrons entertained. After losing a few rounds of Dingo, I went to Michael’s on the Park for the kickoff birthday pub crawl of Paul Harris. Mike took care of one of his star bartenders with food, drink specials and an ice luge in the shape of a penis, now talk about shots taking an entire new meaning. There was a great crowd, and I found myself hanging out with the ever so fun Frankie Fierce and Kyle (aka Dusty Debris) for the night. A party bus pulled up to whisk us away to places unknown. Now I have been on many private busses, but this one took my breath away. It is a school bus painted purple with blacked out windows, no seats and two stripper poles down the center. All I have to say, I needed lots of alcohol to make me get on that rolling monstrosity, but once on, everything seemed so surreal. It is like a moving disco, I am not quite sure how safe it was, but hell I just drank more and my worries dissipated. Our first stop was Miss May’s Uptown and I am not sure anyone prepared that neighborhood hangout for the bus load of homosexuals that descended upon them. Drunk college boys mixed with tipsy gays with ques- Kyle (aka Dusty Debris) shows off Paul Harris' birthday ice luge @ tionable morals, shake well and it’s a party. Talk about fun times. Michael's On The Park Next up, we took a little drive to Metairie’s 4 Seasons for more carousing. Chuck laid out the welcome mat for us and we showed Jefferson Parish a fun time. Afterwards, we returned to the city and then we took to the French Quarter streets with our crawl going to all the bars. Talk about a fabulous night to sort of remember. On Saturday, New Year’s Eve, my friend Jeff and I went to a little soiree hosted at the Ambush offices where we had an early toast to begin the new year. What I love about intimate parties (there were 9 of us), is you are able to mingle and actually get to speak with people on more personal levels. Rip and Marsha hosted a lovely little gathering and it was nice way to start the evening. After Ambush, Jeff and I went to my friend, artist and designer Jose Luis’ French Quarter home for his New Year Eve’s party. There we met up with some other friends and we continued our evening party-going trek into the night, stopping at a party on the corner third floor of the Pontabla apartments. Of course, somewhere around Bourbon and St. Ann, we lost Jeff, go figure the draw of the gay bars was too strong. So my friend Laura and I made it to the river with a group of others and a few bottles of champagne to ring in the new year, watch the fireworks and raise a toast or two. After all the excitement, Laura and I strolled to Frenchman Street to see what action was happening there and ran into our friends the Contessa Breaux and Ben and Mollie who were visiting from Salt Lake City for the week. They had a limousine and asked us to join them [continued on 14]

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

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spotlight feature by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Glitz Performance on Fire, Bianca Del Rio’s Balls Fall Out as Cher

lthough we have seen previous performances of Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation, the new show held at the all new Joy Theater was on fire! It brought previous cast members Bianca Del Rio, Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Lawanda Jackson and Blanche Debris back together again with a new and rising star, Dusty Debris. The girls were dead on as the various illusions appeared and mesmerized on stage. The surprisingly large crowd (there was the Saints Wild Card Playoff Game at the same time), was a rowdy, appreciative one, making the girls even work harder. Oh, but there were real boys too, three excellent dancers Josh Mesa, Gawain Dupree’, and Dillon Powell’s renditions were well rehearsed, athletic and executed with precision. Brought to you by Elias Productions' Michael and Tommy Elias, the excellent stage set was designed by renowned Doyle Yeager of Oz New Orleans fame. The Joy Theater staff were efficient providing cocktail servers throughout the evening serving patrons right at their seats. You won't see this in many theatrical venues in The Big Easy.

under the gaydar ...from 12 for a quick spin around the city and cocktails which we did. It was a very nice and relaxing way to end the night. The following day we hopped around and played at some of the gay bars and watched Saints football. I caught up with Jeff and we went to Cutter’s for some of their fabulous corned beef, cabbage and blackeye peas. I definitely need all the money and luck I can get in 2012. From there we frolicked at a different bar each quarter, stopping at the Friendly Bar, Kajun’s Pub, the Phoenix and ending at JohnPaul’s where we celebrated the Saints win by watching Tittie Toulouse and Electra City’s Outrageous show. Nothing like a little drag to start the new year off right. The following week was quite relaxing, not doing much except for a dinner with friends at Café Degas on Wednesday, which by the way has a great deal on wine that day. Any wines by the glass only $5; this is an excellent way to try some of those expensive ones you have been wanting to but did not want to pay the high price. Friday, January 6 was 12th Night and the city was festive. There were carnival kickoff events all over and the costumes were abundant. It was quite an interesting night to be in the Quarter. The next night, the Krewe of Satyricon held their 12th Night event at the lovely Uptown home of Dr. Marc Behar and Jeff Sbisa. The delicious cuisine was catered by member Gigi Zachau, the liquor was supplied by Glazer’s and the Saints were playing on the large screen television. It was a beautiful evening as King and Queen Satyricon X was announced. Brick Bishop and Stephen Rizzo will welcome in their reign at the Armageddon Ball.

On Sunday, I attended the Lords of Leather Royalty Appreciation event at Kajun’s Pub. What a very easy-going way to spend a Sunday socializing with the other krewes and enjoying a Mardi Gras wreath auction. It seems that 2012 has started off right. Let’s hope for a wonderful new year filled with much love, prosperity, and of course, parties.

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

have been reading so much about anti-bullying campaign now with its nationwide catch phrase “It Gets Better” and I am so glad that there is an organization out there to help children especially LGTB youth who are the victims. And, I wholeheartedly agree that things get much better after you leave school. But kids need to be prepared for the real world, because honestly, bullies and the socalled “mean girls” do not go away when you graduate school. Unfortunately you will encounter these people and so much more in your adult life; that you need to be equipped to handle them. Growing a thicker skin, a higher tolerance for ignorance and an understanding that sometimes people are just plain angry or jealous will help you deal with any situation as you get older. Just recently, I heard a politician running for president (really) on national television spouting his condemnation for the gay community. We have political and religious leaders (supposedly God loving Christians) on a daily basis tell us that gay people are abominations or sinners. I wish there was a 1-800 number to call to make them go away. Then on a more personal level, there will be people who make nasty

Bianca Del Rio emceed throughout the event with her trademark nasty, sassy, and insulting slurs aimed at everyone whether she knew you or not. However, for the final performance of illusions for the evening as Cher, Bianca’s balls fell out towards the end of the medley. She fell to the floor trying to hide her wardrobe malfunction, finally snatching a stage arrangement to hide her embarrassment as she fled the stage. For once the bitch didn’t have anything to say for a good 15 seconds! But for the best talents in the show, we got a fab Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick and Diana Ross from one of our favorites, Teryl-Lynn Foxx. Lisa Beaumann was not to be outdone as she did an amazing Carol Channing, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. And how can anyone beat Lawanda Jackson as Mary J. Blidge, and an incredible live Tina Turner, getting the audience to sing along and join in the performance as she pranced through the crowd. Of course, one of the hysterical highlights of the show was when Bianca went out into the audience to find a "real" straight man to bring up on stage. The unsuspecting man, Jonathan, a Dr. Pepper salesman from Atlanta, was assured he was going to experience the biggest star of the show. And that he did as a bigger than life Marilyn Monroe, Blanche Debris, serenaded him and gave him the experience of his life. Another highlight was when the

comments, tell lies, or spread malicious gossip about you because of whatever reason they feel like you have done them an injustice. These people are even in our own gay community and can be anyone from ex co-workers and past relationships to the guy at the end of the bar who is plain envious of you. Keep in mind; petty people are just that, rising above that keeps you on a new level. It is easy to make strategic decisions from above, when you are down in the fray; you can’t see what is coming at you. Now that does not mean you have to be a doormat, quite the contrary, the best battles are won from the air. Trust me most of these people hurling insults are doing so from a very weak glass house. It is all smoke and mirrors, by deflecting people away from their flaws; they think they can hide behind a façade of righteousness. Most of the time, people like that are just trying to get a rise out of you, attempting to bring you down to their mud racking level. Like the bully from school, you have the power to feed their hatred or make them go away. And sometimes it means calling in the cavalry. But I find that treating these people with apathy is far better than hatred. Once they understand that you do not care what they say,

deceased Amy Winehoure came back from the dead to mesmerize the crowd in the portrayal by Dusty Debris. But the biggest surprise of the night was when Lady GaGa appeared live with the three great dancers, all in sync, as Dusty Debris gave the performance of her life to GaGa's Marry The Night! Watch out for this girl, cause she is definitely going to make it big! Hope New Orleans doesn’t loose her, as major metropolis’ are sure to court her many talents. Wow! What a night in the art of female impersonation. As a couple who has seen, we’re sure, over a 100,000 shows in our lifetime, this was one night we will cherish! Don’t miss the next Glitz which we're sure Elias Productions will bring to a stage near you. You won’t be disappointed.

email/letters THANK YOU Michael (FISH) Hickerson -for a very successful Turn-A-Bout. $10,000 was raised to help people living with HIV & AIDS. Many thanks to all performers, MC Frankie, DJ Karbin, bartenders Wayne & Wilhemina, and all our loyal supporters. --Buzzy’s Boys & Girls because they have no power to hurt you, then you win. That and also exposing their dirty little secret, also helps. Remember they are usually hiding in a glass house. Like I said, shoot from the air. They never see it coming. Ultimately, the cute catch phrase is right because it does get better, but it is you who will make that happen. Believe in yourself and your strength and the mean girls will just be that, pathetic, lying, manipulating, small minded characters who will never rise in life further than where they are right now. If you have an event or news item you would like me to cover in this column, please contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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Frankie Fierce, Dusty Debris & Becky Allen following Glitz @ Joy Theater

Bartender Lee welcomes you to Le Roundup

Lord King Ben, Countess C. Alice & Lord Consort Pat @ Lords Royalty Appreciation Party

Starting New Year’s Eve @ Ambush offices

Miss Tubby’s Golden Lantern Starr Alexander

Divas R Us cast Miss Tubby’s GL Starr, Rikki, Mercedes & front Jessica New Year’s Eve @ Tubby's Golden Lantern

Bob & Jim celebrate New Year’s @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Lords of Leather past & current royalty @ Lords Royalty Appreciation Party Lords Capt. Gary, Kajun’s Pub’s Joann & former Queen Amon-Ra Rhonda & Lords Royalty Party

New Year’s Eve with Lance @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern Jason & partner DJ Jeff of Lafitte’s @ Golden Lantern

King Petronius Jimmy, past Queen Petronius Natasha & past Queen Amon-Ra Opal @ Lords Royalty Appreciation Party

Former Queen Amon-Ra Darwin, Capt. John & Pres. Opal @ Lords Royalty Party Cougar Cabaret’s Tami Tarmac @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Josh & Jeff bring in New Year’s @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

snap paparazzi

Oz bartender Allen

Lords Capt. Gary with Mr. Louisiana Leather David Butler @ Lords Royalty Appreciation Party

Gizelle Bouvier in Cougar Cabaret @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

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New Orleans Bear Club Jim bartending in the Balcony Bar

The New Year ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Lord Consort XVI Mickey & Lord King XXVI Gary @ Kajun’s Pub for Lords Royalty Appreciation Party

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Bar Baron Mac celebrates New Year’s @ Cutter’s

Robert & chef Jimmy New Year’s Day @ Cutter's

Celebrating @ Outrageous New Year’s show @ JohnPaul's Hot men aplenty during Satyricon 12th Night party @ Mark Behar & Jeff Sbisa’s home

Persana gets a lift from a hunk @ Oz

David, Gigi & Don join Satyricon opening of Big Bosom Buddies @ Mid City Theatre

Welcome to Oz

Troy & Lisa ring in the New Year @ The Corner Pocket

Announcing King & Queen Satyricon X Brick & Stephen @ Satyricon 12th Night party Chuck & Red @ 4 Seasons in Metairie for Paul Harris’ b-day

Electra & hot men contestants in Outrageous Show @ JohnPaul’s

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Bar Baronessa Joann with patrons @ Kajun’s Pub New Year’s Day

Tittie Toulouse in Outrageous @ JohnPaul’s New Year’s Day

King & Queen Satyricon IX Kent & Sadie @ Satyricon 12th Night party

Danny & Russell @ JohnPaul’s New Year’s Day

Behind the bar @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Satyricon’s 12th Night Queen & King

On the party bus poll for Paul Harris’ b-day

Outrageous Show New Year’s Day @ JohnPaul’s

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ZoomZoomZoom~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

Society Page’s Orlando enjoys 2012 food & football @ Cutter’s

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and said ‘I don’t know why you are being that way, it’s not like you have the balls to get up there and do that (drag).’ “So the next week I took him up on his challenge and entered the contest and won first place and a booking! by Rory Wright (Laughter). I continued to perform for Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com a couple of years in Palm Springs and have continued performing in New OrBurlesque Show becomes Bearlesque for New leans since I moved here.” I asked what he thought of Ru Orleans Fundraising Event & Raucous Paul’s Drag Race on LOGO, “I like the Entertainment Jan. 27th @ Tubby's Golden Lantern concept, and I’ve known a number of athan Martin, who was showcased in a previous interview in Amthe contestants who have been on the bush after winning the Sire Ursus Title for 2012, has put together a show because a lot of them are from rocking show, which he calls Bearlesque as a fundraiser for the NO/ California. The first couple of seasons AIDS Task Force Food for Friends program. seemed so fresh and new, but the later seasons seem to have focused more Burlesque has an entertainment its troop of ballerinas in flesh-colored on the drama more which is unfortuhistory going back hundreds of years, tights served notice that respectable nate” according to author John Kenrick, the American audiences were ready to fork We talked about what his parents author of a History of the Musical over big bucks for sexually stimulating thought of the career choice. “My dad Burlesque: entertainment. All it took was a daring had an issue with it for a little while but “Most people think that 'burlesque' producer to take things to the next he also had an issue with me doing means female strippers walking a run- level.” theatre. My mother has way to a bump and grind beat. But that Now Bearlesque has actually been to shows and only fits the form in its declining years. been used in Briton for a she thinks it’s awesome At its best, burlesque was a rich source show that ran for three years and my dad has no issue of music and comedy that kept Ameri- and just recently closed; that with it now, it just took him can audiences laughing from 1840 show used hairy bearded awhile. “ through the 1960s. men in many skirts and Monique went on to Some sources try to wrap bur- songs, but did not focus on describe the upcoming lesque in a mantle of pseudo-intellec- dirty drag as Nathan Martin event. “The show is going tual respectability. Yes, it involved trans- has pointed out about the to be like the Louisiana gressive comedy and songs, but the upcoming show. He will Kitchen, throw a bunch of primary attraction of burlesque was showcase hairy, bearded talented performers tosex in the form of ribald humor and talented men getting up in gether with me and watch immodestly dressed women. Although drag without any shaving to it cook!” (Laughter) many dismissed burlesque as the tail- entertain for charity. “It’s going to be one of end of show business, its influence Nathan describes how the most outrageous, over reaches through the development of the concept came about: the top, campy shows that popular entertainment into the present. “I’m Sire Ursus for 2012 and I have ever had the priviIn the 19th Century, the term “bur- also a member of the New lege to be a part of. In Palm lesque” was applied to a wide range of Orlean Bear & Bear Trapper Springs there is a huge focomic plays, including non-musicals. Social Club, and one of my cus on drag and the glamBeginning in the 1840s, these works duties for the year is particiour aspect of it and being entertained the lower and middle pation in fundraising for variabout the illusion and the classes in Great Britain and the United ous charities around the city. perfection of it, which I have States by making fun of (or “burlesqu- I talked to my friend Bobby actually fallen in love with ing”) the operas, plays and social hab- (Robert Vallecillo) who is in that as a performer and its of the upper classes. These shows charge of the Food for that’s the style of drag I do; used comedy and music to challenge Friends pantry at the NO/ but, I also love going to a the established way of looking at things. AIDS Task Force. Due to show that’s completely unEverything from Shakespearean drama Federal cuts in funding last inhibited and not about to the craze for Swedish opera singer year they were in greater whose got the prettiest Jenny Lind could inspire a full-length need of donations so I gowns or the biggest rhineburlesque spoof. On Broadway, the wanted to raise funds and stones or any of that, it’s burlesque productions of actor/man- food for them. about entertaining the agers William Mitchell, John Brougham How the Bear drag idea crowd and having a great and Laura Keene were among came about was I saw a time.” Broadway’s most popular hits of the promo for a turnabout show “This show will be mid-19th Century. where the staff of a bar would bawdy and at times vulgar By the 1860s, British burlesque do drag and the regular drag relied on the display of shapely, under queens would tend bar while Monique Michaels, Southern Decadence 2011 and I am just talking about my own act. (Laughter)” dressed women to keep audiences they performed. I thought “The show will start at interested. In the Victorian age, when that was a great idea but I I asked how Monique got started 10pm sharp and that’s not drag time so proper women went to great lengths to didn’t want to shave in order to do the hide their physical form beneath show so we came up with the “Dirty performing drag and here is the story: don’t come late. We really plan to start bustles, hoops and frills, the idea of Drag” show and we won’t be shaving “It really was an accident how I got on time so ask our audience to get to young ladies appearing onstage in tights anything off. It will be campy and rowdy started in drag. I had done years of the Golden Lantern by 9pm to ensure was a powerful challenge. and it’s kind of us poking fun at our- theatre and studied theatre. Anyway, I a good seat. If you want to participate was out with a friend in Palm Springs, in the keg beer bust put on by the New Suggestive rather than bawdy, selves and having a great time.” these shows relied less on strong He went on about the location: about five years ago, and we were Orleans Bear & Bear Trapper Social scripts or songs than on sheer star “We all discussed the venue and de- watching an amateur night at a bar. Club, it starts at 9pm with all you can power. When Broadway’s The Black cided to have the event in the Quarter We‘d had a few cocktails and it got a drink beer for $5. All of the donations Crook became a massive hit in 1866, so we chose Tubby’s Golden Lantern little catty and my friend looked at me go to the charity.”

on the prowl

because it’s half way between the bars in the Quarter and in the Marigny. The show will consist of three to five bears each doing 2 numbers and Monique Michaels (in true drag) will be the emcee and do a couple of numbers as well. The show is scheduled to start at 10pm sharp Friday, January 27th. The admission fee is $5 and if you bring non-perishable food items to donate then the admission is only $3. Also starting at 9pm is a beer bust and for an additional $5 you get all the beer you can drink. This writer had the pleasure of interviewing Monique Michaels, the true drag star and emcee of the event about her journey in drag and comments about the event. Monique has lived in New Orleans for almost three years when the family picked up and moved from Palm Springs, California for a job here in Louisiana. They love New Orleans.

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

First Out of the Starting Gates for 2012

he New Year is just a few weeks old and already we’ve had our first bit of offstage drama with the announcement by Southern Rep that after 20 seasons they have lost their lease to their Canal Place theater. Apparently, the break-up was an amicable one with the landlord unable to ignore the very hot commercial retail real estate market that New Orleans is experiencing. It all may be for the best as SRep begins to look for a permanent home that offers a more traditional (or flexible) seating arrangement than its current Lshaped one and a space where vibrations from the cars barreling down from the overhead garage don’t come at the most inopportune of times. Meanwhile, for drama (and comedy and musicals) currently onstage, here are the ones bringing up the curtain on 2012: A Behanding in Spokane—The NOLA Project’s first production of 2012 is by Martin McDonagh, a playwright whose The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Lieutenant of Inishmore they have previously presented. In McDonagh’s first American-set play, Carmichael has been searching for his missing left hand for twenty-seven years. Enter two bickering lovebirds with a hand to sell and a hotel clerk with an aversion to gunfire, and we’re promised “a hilarious rollercoaster of love, hate, desperation and hope.” Featuring John Grimsley, A.J. Allegra, Natalie Boyd, and James Bartelle, Behanding plays ThursdaySunday at 8pm through Jan. 22 at the Allways Lounge on St. Claude. Tiny Alice—Silk Dress Productions concludes The Albee Project with Albee’s Tiny Alice, only the second New Orleans production of this daring play in over 40 years. Featuring vintage costumes by Veronica Russell, set design by Sean Creel, and Su Gonczy’s pyrotechnics, George Patterson directs Bob Edes Jr., Scott Jefferson, Ross Britz, Doug Barden, and Jennifer Growden in “one of Albee’s most endlessly fascinating creations” (Variety), a tantalizing puzzle that is “tightly constructed, elegantly written

and (most surprisingly) defiantly funny” (The New York Times). In this psycho-spiritual mystery play, when Brother Julian agrees to visit the Church’s mysterious benefactress Miss Alice in her sepulchral mansion, he finds himself a pawn lost in her labyrinthine world of aggressive consorts, children’s games and seething passions. Theatrically innovative, Albee’s infamous and lacerating treatise examines man’s relationship with God and the serpentine way it is negotiated with an exchange of love, money, power, and sometimes, one’s life. When Tiny Alice first opened in New York in 1964, the play immediately sparked passionate controversy and debate that was played out almost daily in newspapers and magazines. Critics and viewers demanded to know what the play meant. Albee claimed in a press conference, and in his Author’s Note when the text was published in 1965, that the play was quite clear, even simple, and thus did not need his explanation. ”This play gets under your skin because it uses archetypal imagery to probe deeply into our questions of who we are and why we are here. It doesn’t give you any answers but throughout The Albee Project we’ve been about finding the divinity in Albee’s thorny presentation of women,” says Artistic Director Jennifer Growden. Tiny Alice plays Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm unSilk Dress Productions presents til January 28 at The MidEdward Albee’s Tiny Alice City Theater, 3540

Toulouse Street, just behind the American Can Company. Call 488-1460 for reservations. Spring Awakening—Before Southern Rep shutters its Canal Place space, Theatre 13 is presenting the professional regional premier of Stephen Sater and Duncan Shiek’s Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking play of the same name. (Delgado Community College presented a very worthy production this past Fall.) An electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll, Spring Awakening gives life to a group of late 19th century German students as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. Directed by Gary Rucker with musical direction by Tammy Mansfield and choreography by Kelly Fouchi, Spring Awakening features Ashley Monaghan, Ashley Rose Butler, Austin Alleman, Brett A. Barnes, Brian Falgoust, Drew Arnold, Elyse McDaniel, Jesse Quigley, Katie Mraz, Molly Ruben-Long, Wesley Slade, Mary Lee Gibbons, and Michael Martin. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm through January 29. You can reach the box office at 522-6545. Nunset Boulevard—Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) presents the local premiere of NUNSET BOULEVARD: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show. Directed by “Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont, with choreography by Lindsey Price and musical direction by Alan Payne, this production stars Claire Conti, Danielle Edinburgh Wilson, Katie Coplen Bourg, Allee Peck and Shayla Lange as the Little Sisters. In this latest incarnation of the popular series, the nuns have been invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl. They are thrilled at the prospect until they arrive and realize that they are booked into the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama—a bowling alley with a cabaret lounge. When the Sisters get wind of the fact that a famed movie producer is across the street auditioning for roles in his new movie musical, the Sisters get starstruck and as always, “hilarity ensues!” This production premieres at the JPAS Teatro Wego! Theatre (177 Sala Ave, Westwego thru January 22), and then will tour to venues on the Northshore (January 28 & 29, Benet Hall at Saint Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, Covington) and in Metairie (February 3, 4 & 5, Monsignor Barrett Complex at St. Catherine of Siena School, 400 Codifer Blvd.). Performances are Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets, call the JPAS Box Office at 8852000. Next up at JPAS’ East Bank home is Hairspray running January 28-February 5 featuring “Spud” McConnell as

Edna Turnblad. Greater Tuna—There’s one performance left (Friday, January 20 at 8pm) to catch Cutting Edge Theater’s Greater Tuna the popular comedy set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the “third-smallest” town in the state, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers (Derrick Mittelstaedt and Jeff Mallon), making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful. The show began as a simple party skit based on a political cartoon more than 25 years ago in Austin. Creators Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard parlayed the sketch into a critically acclaimed production which has entertained audiences across the country ever since. Cutting Edge Theater is located at 747 Robert Blvd. in Slidell. Call 985649-3727 or 985-640-0333 for tickets. The Amen Corner—The Anthony Bean Community Theater presents the American classic The Amen Corner which tells the story of a fire and brimstone pastor of a Harlem church who is hunted by her past. This first dramatic play by the much-celebrated AfricanAmerican novelist, essayist, and playwright James Baldwin, was written during the 1950s, first performed on the professional stage in 1965, and published in 1968. Anthony Bean directs with scenic design by John Grimsley, lighting designed by Damany S. Comier and costumes by Wanda (Ms. B) Bryant. Starring Dana Webb, Donna King and Edward Buckles. Performances are January 27-29, February 3-5 and 10-12, Friday/Saturday at 8:00 pm, and Saturday/Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm. (Note: On Sunday, February 5, there will be an 8:00 pm show only.) Tickets are available by calling the box office at 862-7529 (Tuesday-Saturday, 6pm8pm and two hours before performances.)

2012 in Review —An Addition

ue to publication deadlines, I wasn’t able to acknowledge Big Bosom Buddies! with Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham in the last issue’s year end column. This cabaret featured these incredibly talented performers singly and together in skits new and old and all hilarious. Suffice to say I was laughing so hard I was literally in pain (and even though I was still recovering from a hernia operation, Varla’s retitled children’s book list (for example, BiCurious George) might well-have the same effect on you). With a performance run that spanned two years, it was a great way for some to close out 2011 and others to begin 2012. Look for both of these national treasures to star in upcoming productions later this year!

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ambush

papar azzi

Starr Daniels, Princesse Stephaney & Regina Adams bring in the New Year @ Michael’s

Deity’s Greg & partner Vince bring in the New Year @ Michael’s

Napoleon’s Itch bar baron Ron Julian & bartender Frank

Daniel, Tim & Dr. George, with Head Quarters’ Mike & Jessica (front) @ Napoleon’s Itch

Don & Debbie cocktailin’ @ Napoleon’s Itch

Mark & Brad New Year’s Eve @ Michael’s On The Park

Josh, Opal & Deja New Year’s Eve @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

New Year’s Eve with Johnny Love @ Michael’s On The Park

Appletini’s Stephanie & Dee New Year’s Eve

Father Tommy & son Philip @ Double Play

One of the friendly Corner Pocket dancers

Ambush’s Rory & Shamus @ 700 Club Wilhemina joins Tubby’s Golden Lantern bar baron Rick

Mother Moses & Butch @ Le Roundup

Bartender Matt @ Bourbon Pub Parade

BCS Championship game @ Good Friends Bar

Bartender Anthony welcomes you to Corner Pocket

Catch Robbie @ World Famous Clover Grill

BCS Championship game with Alabama buddy & bartender Luke @ Good Friends

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Bars, Clubs, Action ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon

Bar Baron Mike with Darwin & Opal New Year’s Eve @ Michael’s On The Park

a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

Dodwell House Update

ne of the reasons I was invited to write this column was to keep the LGBT community up to speed on Dodwell House. Why Dodwell House? Because it is likely one of the only faith based neighborhood community centers that is open to ALL PEOPLE! Yes, we will provide space and resources to ALL PEOPLE. Yes, that means GLBT community and activities that are consistent with making this place a better world will be welcomed. Yes, that means that we will host peoples who don’t normally get together much and in fact may claim some fundamental division. Just before the end of December we received a wonderful donation that will enable us to complete the work on the dependency. This will allow us to house our head of Anna’s Arts who gets paid little and to house visiting groups that help to rebuild the city. So, work is in progress. But we need the help of this community to do this work. We will be hosting another Gala on April 21st so please clear your calendars and consider attending. Consider being a sponsor or donor we are looking for fabulous packages and promises to auction or sell. This is a chance for all of the communities to work together for the common good and we want YOU to be included. This past year you have already stepped up. In 2011 New Orleans Bear & Bear Trapper Social Club, Lords of Leather, and several local pubs have donated very generously to what we do on behalf of you. We are in this together! We are now feeding over 30 households representing as many as 90-100 people who without you would go Dodwell House Blueprint hungry. We delivered over 200 Christmas toys to children who without you would have had nothing. We gave dozens of free flu shots to this community especially for those that could not afford them or where travel was difficult. We gave flu shots at the church, in restaurants, and in bars. We are in this together. When Saint Anna’s was attacked by a hate crime THE community came together and offered support, gay, straight, black, white, Latino, rich, poor, Jews and Muslims. We are a community within communities. The dominant symbol of our unity within diversity is Dodwell House. We pray, hope, and dream that Dodwell House will be your dream. Soon and very soon we will be drafting a steering committee to help shape the future of Dodwell House and be assured that members of the LGBT community will be invited into the conversation and more. Help us to help our family the family that enfranchises all of us. Keep the date open April 21st; consider a donation of time, talent, or treasure for this fundraiser and help to keep St. Anna’s as a beacon of hope and hospitality to all peoples. For information or to make a donation of time talent or treasure please e-mail fr.bill@stannanola.org. Have a very blessed New Year and Happy Mardi Gras!

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Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson,

body rubs

RT PA M A R

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 KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340

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

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] 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

galleries

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 [is2611]

New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM DIETY ARTS OF THE EXTREME ORIENT, 830 N. Rampart, DietyNOLA.COM TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266, HauntingArt.COM

book stores

guides

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

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

cable shows

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 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 VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0950 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Bay St. Louis, MS [228] CLUB RED, 317 Reese St.,, 467.5920, ClubRedBSL.COM Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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

casinos Lake Charles, LA [337] L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, 337.395.7777 or 866.580.7444, ldlcasino.com New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS, GayHarrahsNOLA.COM

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2411]

circuit/events 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 Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2012 41st 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. 25-28, 2012 Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] FRADY'S ONE STOP GROCERY & DELICATESSEN, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 MATASSA'S MARKET, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hair salons Mandeville, LA [985] RESTORATION HAIR DESIGN, 1800 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 119, 626.4353 New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 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 (Conti-

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 17-30, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

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nental 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 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email 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. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. 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 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. 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 [is2611]

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 Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 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 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. 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,

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70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. 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] 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

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

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

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] 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

CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Frady's One Stop Grocery & Delicatessen, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Matassa's Market, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 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

retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 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 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 Q T PIE, 241 Dauphine St., 581.6633

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH: A CONTEMPO SPA, 301 Burgundy, 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., TheJoyTheater.COM 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

travel

restaurants

New Orleans, LA [504] Adventures Actually, Kate Alexander, 220.5503, AdventuresActually.COM

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 Cajun Cafe Market, 1100 N. Peters in the French Market, 905.3212 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010,

websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM

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pride: beyond the rainbow Announcing New Orleans Pride, The Official Pride of New Orleans

ride 2012 will be very different than in 2011 for a few reasons. The LGBT Community Center no longer has ties, financial or otherwise to New Orleans Pride, the Official Pride of New Orleans. Get ready for an amazing event filled “10 Days of Pride” for 2012. Bringing back past events such as the pride pageant, pub-crawl, parade/block party, and new events including a family day, restaurant nights, and more; Pride 2012 is sure to be a great time. Pride this year will run from Friday, June 15th through Sunday June 24th. Stay tuned for a schedule of events in a future issue of Pride: Under the Rainbow. We also have a great and passionate Board of Directors, composed of both returning board members and some fresh faces! Meet the board below: Darrin Ferris, Co-Chair Darrin is a huge advocate in the fights against HIV. He hosts his own Benefit for Life as well as serving on the board with Southeast Louisiana AIDS Awareness. He was also nominated for two Gay Appreciation Awards last year; Buzzy Fanning and Gay Man of The Year. Chris Leonard, Co-Chair Chris Leonard has worked with New Orleans Pride for two years. He is the 2011 Pride Grand Marshal and 2012 co-chair. Chris works with several organizations including the Southeast Louisiana AIDS Awareness Organization and Roux La La Dance Troupe to erase the stereotypes of HIV and the homosexual community. Chris works on a national level with Dab the AIDS Bear Project where he was awarded a Dab Angel in June 2010. Chris is also the 2011 recipient of the Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award. Jeff Kiefer, Treasurer Jeff is a lifelong New Orleans resident. He has worked for the Corps of Engineers for 13 years, and he currently works in financial management. He is a very active member of the community, and a valued asset to the board of directors for Pride. Ben Warshaw, Secretary Ben is a student at Tulane University, studying Finance and Marketing. He enjoys working as a valet attendant, spending time with friends, and performing as Ms. Reinita Newman. He has devoted much of his time to community service and fundraising to various non-profits, inside and out of the New Orleans community. Cathy Fox, Sergeant at Arms Cathy is active in the LGBT community and has served on the NOLA Pride 2010, and 2011 organizing committees. Cathy was a 2010 NOLA Pride Grand Marshal and was also Ms. Louisiana Leatherette 2010. She devotes a lot of time and effort to the food bank at St. Anna’s Church, NO AIDS Task Force, and other various non-profits. Misti Ates, General Board Member Misti is the 2011 New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal, and the 2011 Lesbian of the Year. She performs as Johnny Passion and is the show director of La Familia Variety Show. She is married to fellow board member Catherine Czindulawith whom she organizes several fundraising events. Catherine Czindula, General Board Member Catherine is Pride’s chair for public outreach in 2012. She also designed the official logo for Pride. Catherine raises funds for multiple charities and organizations throughout our community while raising her three children together with her wife Misti Ates. Charlotte Kelly, General Board Member Charlotte is new to the community and we’re glad she’s here! She has one son and is a surgery coordinator for an eye doctor in Metairie. She is excited about this new board and she looks forward to bridging the gap between the straight and gay communities. She encourages everyone to come out and meet the board at our various functions.

Lonnie Cheramie, General Board Member Lonnie is a recent addition to the Pride Board of Directors. Since his move to NOLA 3.5 years ago, Lonnie has been involved in much of the behind the scenes work of many of Pride’s fundraisers. He is a Mid-City resident and works in the hospitality industry. Lonnie believes that Pride is an excellent way for LGBT individuals to celebrate who they are and to make a difference! For more information about Pride 2012 and to join our mailing list, please visit PrideNewOrleans.ORG (scan QR code), or email nolapride@gmail.com. Committee meetings open to the public are held in various locations on the second Wednesday of each month at 8pm. For information on the upcoming meeting location, please email us at the address above. For more information about sponsorship for Pride, please email nolapridesponsorship@gmail.com

commentary Two Major Benchmarks in LGBT History by Mark Segal, Email: atmark@epgn.com f you sneezed last week, you might have missed them. Two major changes in the fight for LGBT equality took place — and they literally will change the playing field forever. During the Republican presidential debate last Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” before the New Hampshire primary, a new benchmark in LGBT

equality — at least for Republicans — was christened. And the surprise was who set it and who shrugged it off. The frontrunner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, did the honors. Here’s the thumbnail version. One of the moderators quoted a pro-gay equality statement from Romney that was published in Boston’s LGBT newspaper Bay Windows, then asks Romney what he will do for nondiscrimination. (A well-phrased question, journalists should note.) Romney, who, it

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[continued on 39]

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pensacola papar azzi

Gencie’s Birthday Drag Bingo @ The Other Side New Year’s Eve @ Emerald City

The sexy men of Pensacola @ Drag Bingo

Celebrating birthdays @ Drag Bingo

Emerald City’s New Year’s Eve Party New Year’s Eve @ Emerald City

Crystal & Shannon @ Drag Bingo

The things that happen @ Drag Bingo

Daniel @ Drag Bingo Rick @ Emerald City

Jamaal & Jonathan @ Emerald City

Emerald City’s New Year’s Eve Party

Jesus & Shane New Year’s Eve @ Emerald City

Zack @ Emerald City’s New Year’s Eve Party

New Year’s Eve @ Emerald City Drag Bingo @ The Other Side

Always a good time @ Drag Bingo

Sadie Calhoun & Jeff hanging out @ Drag Bingo

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Drag Bingo, New Year’s Eve ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Barbra @ Emeraldd City’s New Year’s Eve Party

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ambush

papar azzi

Josh & boyfriend @ 700 Club Mike & Zack @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Celebrating @ Rawhide

Bryan Metoyer celebrates partner’s Paul Harris’ b-day on board the party bus

Steve & Dr. Dusty @ Good Friends Danny & Denny @ Rawhide

Panama City’s John @ Rawhide

Troy & Neel serving up BCS hot dogs @ Good Friends Phoenix bartender Wayne @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Hector with Ambush’s Paul on the poll enroute in Paul Harris b-day party bus to Metairie

Good Friends bartender Blake

LSU fans @ Bourbon Pub Parade Ambush’s jealous Tony had to get on the poll after Ambush’s Paul

Justin & Cha Cha behind the bar @ Good Friends

Herman & Paul @ 700 Club

Wayne & partner @ Ninth Circle

Mark & Chris take in the BCS game @ Bourbon Pub

LSU fans @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

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Corey Torres, Kyle Satterfield, Bryan Metoyer & Frankie Wingerter celebrate Paul Harris’ b-day @ Oz

Celebrating, Games, Birthdays ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Paul Melancon

Errol welcomes you to World famous Clover Grill

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A Blast from the Past: Ambush Volume 2 November 1983 (front cover)

Happy New Year @ Bacchus

Miss Cie & Erick @ Bacchus

iss National Dreamstate Coronation (photo l to r kneeling) Fantasy I's (site of pageant in Lafayette) Randy Chestnut, People's Court of Louisiana (PCL) Artistitic Director Alexis NaquinDelain, (standing) PCL President Marsha NaquinDelain, Miss National Dreamstate '83 Coco & PCL Social Director Chris Rhodes

New Year’s ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John

Stevie, Travis & Judson celebrating a New Year

mobile

papar azzi commentary ...from 32

B-Bob’s House DJ Chromatic blowing speakers UP!

Miss B-Bob’s Nadya Simone performing @ Burlesque

The Presidential Council @ B-Bob’s, we love YOU!

Miss Regine Phillips performing @ B-Bob’s Burlesque PaPa Cherry performing for B-Bob’s Burlesque

Miss Venus - Sukiyaki @ B-Bob’s...

Goddess of the Gulf Coast, Miss Gina Germaine

seems during this nomination process has cast aside his previous limited LGBT equality record, states very clearly that he supports nondiscrimination and that, as governor, he appointed LGBT people to his administration and as judges. He then said clearly that he does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. So he answered the question and you’d think that was it, but the journalist — this guy was good — then asked: But what will you do to further the rights of LGBT people?” (Again, journalists please note the phrasing of the question.) Romney clearly says, “I just did that.” Applause. He adds that the only difference he has with the gay community is that he believes “marriage” is solely between a man and a woman. Applause from the audience again. Here’s the surprise, and why this is a moment that will be marked as the beginning of the long road to reality for Republicans: They then went to Santorum with the question. He attempted to make a joke but it was obvious that the audience was not amused, so he sidestepped the question that has been a hallmark of his campaign. It was his chance to stand out and he knew that disparaging gays would no longer work. And so did every candidate standing up there, since no one took Romney on. How serious of a change is this? The Obama campaign was quick to send out a press release Monday morning suggesting that Romney was stepping away from comments made at the debate, but that was based on a 2002 flyer that Romney’s team had disavowed. Point is, the handwriting is on the wall and Republicans see the inevitable. Americans are tired of them trashing the gay community. So the

frontrunner has drawn a new line in the sand: We believe in nondiscrimination up to the issue of marriage. So enjoy the next few months and watch the dying gasps of the anti-equality Republican rhetoric, since this is the last presidential race you’ll hear it. They won’t go quietly, but Romney’s statements, if he’s nominated, make that change inevitable. There was another change last week that needs noting, since my previous column really hit hard on that issue: Chicago’s Cardinal George comparing our community to the KKK. We congratulated the Chicago community on planning to demonstrate against the cardinal, and this column went further, suggesting that if no apology or meeting with the community happened, a look at the Church’s finances would be in order. Guess what happened? The church blinked, as it did in D.C. when challenged. George apologized. The community in Chicago is mixed on whether the apology was strong enough, but this is their turf, and it is imperative that the national community take note that the Church now twice has blinked when challenged. This is a major change. While we should respect the Church and its religious views, it is also time for the Church to treat our community with that same respect. If not, we must use our tools to create a climate of respect. Change is in the wind. It is imperative to recognize it and know how to move on to the next battle for equality. The two greatest foes of equality both shifted in one week —important benchmarks on our path to equality. Mark Segal, PGN (Philadelphia Gay News) publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media.

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