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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
It's Official! Dusty Debris will Reign as 20th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras
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ising New Orleans' starlet Dusty Debris has been selected to reign as King Cake Queen XX of Gay Mardi Gras in 2013. Krewe of Queenateenas Co-Captains Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain chose her as the "individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques" at last year's Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss, the only criteria used to choose the King Cake Queen. As "The Platinum Queen," Debris will headline the 2013 festivities over 20 Years of Magic, Myths & Mortals, beginning with the 20th King Cake Queen Coronation on Saturday, Jan. 26 introducing the queen to Carnival Society, which is by invitation only. The big day is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), Feb. 12 when King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris leads the 26th annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss from the Ambush Balcony, 828 Bourbon Street, at 2pm. Dusty Debris is the youngest individual to ever reign as King Cake Queen, and will be 22 years old on Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. The drag daughter of New Orleans bigger-than-life Blanche Debris, Dusty is the 3-year partner of Frankie "Fierce" Wingerter, graduate of Tulane University, and was the recipient of this year's Marsha Delain Award of Excellence: The Drag Ambassador Award. Performing as Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse in Glitz: The Art of Female Impersonation, you can catch Dusty every Wednesday night at Show Bar of the Year Oz, 800 Bourbon. Visit GayMardiGras.com/KCQ for more information on the Krewe of Queenateenas.
Tis' the Season...Holiday Shopping Guide
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is' the Season, almost! Yes, it's time to start thinking about just the right gift for all those special ones in our lives. Where do we begin? Well, since we're an "entertainment/travel guide," why not consider liquor, liqueurs, beer, wine or champagne. Certainly, practically everyone we know partakes of one or many of the ones mentioned. In researching tips for this particular topic, we came upon the Crown Royal website, CrownRoyal.com. Who knew there was a "Society of the Crown" where "everyday kings and queens deserve lots of rewards." Yes, that's exactly what it says. With your membership you can "Make Every Bottle Special with Free Custom Labels." Ever want a bottle of Crown Royal® with your name on it? Now you can get one! Members of the "Society of the Crown" can order up to five custom labels free each month. Get one for yourself or create a special bottle for a friend. Plus there's custom bags... "Give a Bag Your Personal Touch." Send a funny or sentimental message in an unforgettable way. Create your own inscription for a personalized Crown Royal Bag — the perfect gift for friends and family. And then there's "Keep Up with All Things Crown." Things are always jumping in the world of Crown Royal. Get the latest news, information, events and more. Before leaving the site, we browsed drink recipes and the one that jumped out at us was the Crown Royal® Whisky Sour made with sugar substitute, perfect for diabetics . The recipe calls for 1.5 oz. Crown Royal®, 1 oz. light lemonade, .25 oz. fresh lemon juice, and 1 packet Sugar Substitute (we used Splenda. Shake it up, pour over ice, Crown Royal® Whisky Sour garnish with a cherry, and enjoy.
inside
Pre-Christmas, New Year's out Dec. 4 DEADLINE: Tues., Nov. 27
celebrazzi gallery spotlight/bliss mccall under the gaydar commentary/voters have spoken snap paparazzi/new orleans moments in gay n.o. history real estate art against aids snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com One of the best ways to support small businesses is to shop on Small Business Saturday, this year Nov. 24. Ambush recommends some of it's favorites including: BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM, offers a gallery-style portfolio of paintings. BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570, is home for everything Pride and Rainbow, plus the best cards, calendars, jewelry, stickers, tee's, underwear, art by local LGBT artists, lube, adult toys and much much more. BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222, offers jewelry, objects d'art, sculptures, mask, great gift assortments and loads more. FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700, has books, magazines, calendars, knickknacks and other gift ideas. LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, carries an array of sterling silver jewelry, stainless steel products, and now great scarves. "Come by and see Poncho for your Christmas goodies."
MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart (upstairs), 529.4465, has all the tools and gadgets to make anyone's culinary dreams come true. "From the home cook to the professional chef, we have the perfect gift." PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064, features a large selection of men's sexy underwear, poppers, lube and more. QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633, brings you sexy ensembles, accessories, hosieries, corsets and exotic heels. RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662, has a large assortment of the latest club
wear including shirts, jackets and pants, underwear, plus assorted jewelry items, and more. [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 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Tony Leggio, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-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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celebrazzi
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ood For Friends Director Glen Kahrman accepts $8,284 from Big Easy Stompers' Kevin Coakley and Dale Mcelwee, monies raised by the International Association of Gay Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC) and Big Easy Stompers during their 19th annual convention held over the Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. An additional $8,284 was donated to Gay Lesbian Education Network (GLEN) from the convention as well. The presentation took place during Big Easy Stompers November Country Western Dance Night at JohnPaul's in New Orleans. (Below) Belle Reve's DaVen Lewis and Steve Lorio accepts $2,255 raised at the convention as well at the same event from Big Easy Stompers' Kevin Coakley and Dale Mcelwee.
FLASHBACK! ...CONTEST
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o you know who this is? Could it be one of today's or yesterday's famous stars or personalities in the gay community. The first person to comment correctly at Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag will be the winner. $100 will be donated to Belle Reve, Food For Friends, or Buzzy's Boys & Girls in their name!
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the "official" dish ...from 4 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167, is your one stop fetish shop with leather, lubricants, smoke shop, videos, adult novelties and much more. Another great idea is to give a gift certificate to your fav hair salon, fitness club, or spa. Ambush recommends: BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100; CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.theclubs.com; HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666; MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782; and PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM. Then there is also another favorite, a gift certificate to a great restaurant or deli. For Ambush recommendations, see Chop Chop for it's complete restaurant guide on page 44. Happy Holidays!
26th Art Against AIDS: A Thousand Words on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1
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rt Against AIDS, one of New Orleans’ premier visual arts and civic events marks over a quarter century of achievement and generosity, with a gala event to take place at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) on World AIDS Day, Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8pm to midnight. This year’s honorary co-chairs are worldrenowned artists Lin Emery and Skylar Fein. This exciting holiday gala benefits NO/AIDS Task Force and features a silent auction of art pieces by acclaimed artists such as Jaqueline Bishop, Douglas Bourgeois, Josephine Sacabo, Mignon Faget, Amanda Talley and more. Packages have been donated ranging from Broadway Bares memorabilia to a NOLA guy’s night out to VIP ALLaccess passes to Fashion Week New Orleans. There are even some oncein-a-lifetime experiences up for bid. Honorary co-chairs, Lin Emery and Skylar Fein have each donated a glimpse into their creative process with studio tours with the artists. Additionally, Fein has donated a never-before-
exhibited piece from his Fire at The Upstairs Lounge exhibit. As for entertainment, Shades of Praise gospel choir is back by popular demand, and Entertainment Chair Laura Tennyson has added the sultry sounds of Dorian Rush and Nasimiyu & Rainy Days. Big Deal Burlesque produced by Roxy le Rouge will showcase their sensuous talents throughout the evening and The Sirens of New Orleans have promised a fantastic surprise for guests as well. DJ of the Year Tim Pfleuger of Oz will round out the entertainment and ensure that guests dance the night away! Of course, there will be sumptuous cuisine provided by the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, complimentary cocktails, the ever-popular Holiday Boutique and The Harrah’s Thousand Words Lounge. Patrons of Art Against AIDS will be treated to a Progressive Patron Party in honor of Skylar Fein and Lin Emery at Arthur Roger Gallery & Jonathan Ferrara Gallery. Vega Tapas Café will once again provide the cuisine against a backdrop of exceptional art and live entertainment. Tickets to the event begin at $75 and can be purchased online through ArtAgainstAIDS.org, by phone at 504.821.2601, ext. 216 or at the door the night of the event. Our regions rich cultural community provides the perfect frame for Art Against AIDS. It was this community that came together in 1987 in response to the early devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic in the New Orleans area to found this event. Today Art Against AIDS is one of the city’s premiere holiday galas, spotlighting the eclectic collection of the area’s visual arts community and their works, the culinary arts featuring some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, and entertainment provided by the best of the city’s nightlife—all under one roof. To date, Art Against AIDS has raised over $2 million to support men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS. For over 29 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana. The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why our agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications, and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of our entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts. For more information, please visit www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601. Ambush Mag has been a proud sponsor of this event since its incep-
tion.
50 Teams Descend on New Orleans for 3rd Bourbon Street Classic
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he NOLA Softball League (NSL) is proud to present the Good Friends Bar & Café Lafitte in Exile 3rd Annual Bourbon Street Classic Nov. 30-Dec. 2. This year NSL welcomes 50 Teams from across North America!
Locals can come meet and mingle with players at the following events: > Friday 11/30: Authentic New Orleans Pub Crawl @ 700 Club starts 7pm Hosted by O’Neal Richard, ‘Welcome to New Orleans’ Block Party @ The Phoenix starts 9pm, Rampart & Elysian Fields; > Saturday 12/1: Host Bar Night @ Café Lafitte in Exile starts 8pm; > Sunday 12/2: Host Bar Night @ Good Friends Bar starts 10pm, After Hours Host Bar All Weekend Long @ OZ; Games are played all day Saturday and Sunday at City Park and LaSalle Park. Admission is FREE and beer/food is available. Visit BourbonStreetClassic.com for maps and full details.
The Return of Lords of Leather's American Bandstand Nov. 24
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f beards and buxom babes are your thing, then you need no longer wait: it’s the return of American Bandstand! The Lords of Leather annual turnabout show fundraiser is here at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. Come out on Saturday, Nov. 24 for an evening of sinful proportions, as the Lords bring you “From Sinners to Saints” with special guest star Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and featuring Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2013 Countess C. Alice. The voluptuous cast hopes to steal your heart and your wallet as they raise funds for Mardi Gras Bal Masque XXX. If you’ve attended this event in the past, there is little doubt that the images are still seared into your memory. With Thanksgiving and Black Friday over, this Saturday night cabaret gives you the perfect opportunity sit back and laugh off some of that turkey and stuffing. Come witness the transformation of evil to good....and the true might and power of duct tape. Show time is 8pm and a $10 donation is requested at the door. Advance tickets are also available from any Lord. In addition to the entertain-
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gallery spotlight by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bliss McCall
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ew Orleans is an ideal city for an artist to find inspiration. From its architecture and natural splendor to the many festivals and characters that live here, the city offers a plethora of things to stimulate a person’s creativity. Recently there is an artist on the scene that has been making quite a name. Bliss McCall, a local artist and owner of Bliss McCall Studio in the Faubourg Marigny, creates artwork based on her photography from her Louisiana travels and beyond. Tapping into her own travels as the basis for her work, Bliss crafts her paintings from photos of the places she visits as well as her own memories of the color and composition of scenes. She meticulously blends her oil-based paint palettes to achieve detailed recreations of seminal moments and
places. The translation of what is in her mind’s eye as a guideline is what makes her knack for capturing a scene so proficient. Bliss holds degrees in interior design/architecture from Oklahoma State University, and she has received personal tutelage from renowned New Orleans artist, Fredrick Guess, and famous still life artist, Elizabeth Robbins. She resided in the historic Vieux Carre with her husband, J.O., and spends most days in her nearby Elysian Fields studio Her works encapsulate the beauty of the city and state. From her Atchafalaya Basin Sunset to Lily Pads on a Ville Platte Pond, the essence and mystery of the scene is expressed in vivid detail. This attention to nature is especially seen in many of her works especially when florals are involved.
the "official" dish ...from 8 ment, various raffle drawings for fabulous prizes will be held throughout the evening as well as the auction of a table for 10 at Bal Masque XXX. For more information visit www.lordsofleather.com.
90% of Gays & Lesbians Vote for Barack Obama, Helped the President Win Close Election
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he Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) pre-election poll showed that 90% of gay men and lesbians voted for Barack Obama. The election poll of 6,625 lesbian, Bliss McCall Studio is open by appointment only so you would need to call ahead to schedule a viewing. For pricing, exhibition information, hi-res photos and more specific details about her works as well as additional available paintings, please contact call at 504.391.9131 or go to www.blissmccall.com. The studio is located at 631 Elysian Fields Avenue.
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) United States citizens was administered November 2-4, 2012 and responses were received from all 50 states. LGBTs represent an estimated 5% of United States voters and an overwhelming majority supported the coalition that produced Barack Obama’s victory. 90% support for Obama was seen in all Battleground States and the percentage was similar to the level that Obama received from the African American community. Demonstrating the importance of the election, 95% of LGBTs indicated that they would vote in the election and 41% indicated that the had already voted before election day. Final data indicated that 90% supported Barack Obama, 6% for Mitt Romney and 4% a third party candidate. 41% of gays and lesbians gave money to the Obama campaign. Respondents were part of CMI’s international research panel of 70,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people. Community Marketing is a an LGBT market research firm providing market intelligence and insights to over 100 corporate brands globally. For more information, visit CommunityMarketingInc.com.
Amsterdam, Limerick, London, Orlando & Paris Bidding for Gay Games X
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he international Federation of Gay Games (FGG) announced that all five groups in the running for Gay Games X had paid the required fees and received the appendices and other documents needed to prepare their Bid Books, which will be presented to the FGG at the end of February 2013. Federation officer for site selection Dennis Sneyers (Chicago) explained that in early September the five organizations bidding for the 2018 event had received the Gay Games X Request for Proposals document, which sets out the bidding process and the requirements for the all-important Bid Books: “The Appendices sent in early October complement the main document, providing templates for the presentation of budgets and sport and culture events and venues. They also include supporting documents such as an updated version of the FGG white paper on the ‘Image and Scope of the Gay Games’ which describes the evolution of the Gay Games and the Federation’s vision for its future, along with the Gay Games Red Books for Sport and for Culture and Ceremonies. And as of last Friday, and after payment of a further fee, all five bidders have now also received the draft License Agreement for Gay Games X.” FGG officer for sport Sébastien Datiche (Tours, France), described the role and content of the Gay Games Red Book for Sport: “The Red Book contains many sections. Some concern the ways in which the FGG Sports Committee inter-
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Book of the Month
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o with the busy social season, I am way behind on my reading list. My book of the month for November is one of those fast reads that I love by international bestselling author James Patterson entitled Beach Road. It is a standalone thriller that is not part of any of his series. Along with co-author Peter de Jonge, he weaves another tale of murder, intrigue and constant plot twists that will delight his die-hard fans. The plot is simple; Tom Dunleavy is a one man law firm in one of the
richest areas in the United States, East Hampton. Celebrities, movie moguls, athletes and billionaires are his neighbors. But when an old friend of his, a local star athlete, is accused of the brutal murder of three people he takes action. Believing his client is innocent, Tom with the help Manhattan lawyer and fellow local Kate Costello search for the answers. With rising racial tensions, the entire community is thrown into upheaval. Soon more murders occur and the waters start getting muddied as the guilty play a very deadly game
commentary
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he voters have spoken. Nov. 6, 2012 will go down as a pivotal point in the history of the United States of America. Let us hope that the “party of no” will learn to compromise on issues important to the success of WE THE PEOPLE. —Rip Naquin, Publisher/Editor Ambush Mag
the "official" dish ...from 10 acts with our host committee. Others define guidelines for policies to be developed and applied by the host in areas such as gender identity, health and well-being, officiating, and the use of categories of age and ability. The bulk of the Red Book is a series of rules, regulations, and requirements for each sport, developed by our Gay Games sports experts in conjunction with LGBT and mainstream sport governing bodies. Our intent is that our hosts offer a quality competitive experience for athletes, while ensuring that our principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best are respect to open the Gay Games to the widest range of participants.” His female counterpart Martha Ehrenfeld (San Francisco) added that Gay Games X will be the second site selection cycle to incorporate the Federation’s revised policy regarding the Gay Games sports program: “In the past, we provided a list of ‘core sports’ which were required
for all Gay Games bids, and which bidders could complement from a list of ‘approved additional sports’. The requirement to include all core sports made it difficult for some cities to bid, either because appropriate venues were unavailable in their community, or because they lacked experienced sports managers to organize the event, or simply because a particular sport might attract little local participation. Beginning with bidding for Gay Games 9, we now allow Bidding Organizations to opt out of a certain number of core sports, and if they choose, to replace them with more events from the additional sport list, or from new sports that they can request to be added before site selection. This offers more flexibility for our hosts, and allows smaller cities in a greater range of countries to bid for the Gay Games.” Federation officer for culture Michael Tolliver (Jersey City, New Jersey) spoke of changes in the Gay Games Red Book for Culture and Ceremonies: “We’ve made
Patterson has fun with this book, telling the story from different viewpoints of the characters. It is up to the reader to try and decipher who is lying and who is telling the truth. This is another one of his riveting page turners that will keep the reader guessing until the final chapter. And, I am very rarely surprised by an outcome of a novel, but I never saw the ending of this book coming. If you are a fan of Patterson or just suspense filled crime dramas, this is definitely a must read. For more information on Patterson and his works, go to www.jamespatterson.com.
Holiday Up With Satyricon This Season
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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents their fabulous Holiday Buffet and Auction on Sunday, Dec. 2 at JohnPaul’s. There isn’t a Saints game so there is no excuse to miss this one of a kind holiday extravaganza that blends food, shopping and non-stop fun in one afternoon. There are some great gifts as Satyricon auctions off gift baskets, wreaths, ornaments, and some special items for those people on your naughty list. Entrance fee is only $15, but you get an endless buffet, the auction and a show with some of the best talent this city has to offer. The doors open at 11am, with the show and auction begins at 12:45pm. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields. There will be a cash bar with some drink specials. This is definitely one shopping trip you do not want to miss. some changes, like incorporating recommended contract templates to help Hosts work more effectively with organizations such as the Lesbian and Gay Band Association to offer culture participants the best possible experience at the Gay Games. For the first time we are including medal events in the cultural festival, with competitive Cheer being offered alongside the traditional show Cheer events. Another tweak to the Red Book is a more detailed version of our conference recommendations. Conferences have been part of every Gay Games since 1994, and we are eager to see them used in a responsible way as a complement to the core sport and culture components of the Games.” Sneyers concluded by recalling the next steps in the calendar: “Bidding Orga-
Sing Hallelujah!
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he Krewe of Petronius is also having a gathering on Dec. 2, so people can make a day of supporting the krewes. Their Gospel Show and Pot Luck Brunch is on Dec. 2 from 2 to 5pm at Four Seasons Lounge in Metairie. The cost is $10 and the show starts at 3pm. The Four Seasons is located at 3229 N. Causeway Boulevard.
A Thousand Words
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ne of my favorite events to begin the holiday season is once again here. This year, Art Against AIDS will actually be held on World AIDS Day which is Saturday, Dec. 1. This is your chance to be a part of the “Big Picture” and make a difference. Art Against AIDS is returning to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This holiday gala is a great way to come together with friends new and old and celebrate, remember, and honor those we love, as well as support the 29 years of good work of NO/AIDS Task Force. This year’s theme is “A Thousand Words – Be Part of Something Big.” It also marks the 26th anniversary of this exquisite art event that combines exceptional live entertainment, food by the city’s finest restaurants, cocktails, dancing, and most importantly a silent auction of art, generously donated by the region’s top artists, galleries, and fine craftsmen. As always they have their Holiday Boutique for ornaments created by local students and other small gift ideas to complete your shopping list. Honorary Art Against AIDS chairs this year are world-renowned artists Lin Emery and Skylar Fein, represented by Arthur Roger Gallery and Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, respectively. In honor [continued on 14] nizations have just received the draft License Agreement that would bind the FGG and our future host. By reviewing and revising the agreement before site selection, whatever the city chosen, we will have a running start for preparation for the Gay Games in 2018. Bidding Organizations will provide their Bid Books next February, with site selection taking place at the next Annual General Assembly, to be held in October 2013 in Cleveland, the host of Gay Games 9 in August 2014.”
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under the gaydar ...from 12 of the chairs, this year’s Patron Party will be a progressive party starting at Arthur Roger Gallery with hors d’oeuvres, libations, and live music and then continue at the Jonathan Ferrara Gallery for desserts, port, coffee and more live entertainment. The Patron Party will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 6 to 9pm. To purchase your tickets (patron and gala tickets) or find out more information, go on-line to www.ArtAgainstAIDS.org or call 504.821.2601 ext. 216. The Gala on the 1st is from 8pm to midnight. Make sure to attend Art Against AIDS this year and get into the picture.
Travel Spotlight
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have always said that you never have to look far to have a good time, sometimes it is just a stone’s throw away. That is the case as the Louisiana Renaissance Festival takes place in Hammond every weekend in November through Dec. 9. I do not care if people think I am a nerd, these types of events have always fascinated me. All those elaborately costumed Lords and Ladies running around drinking mead and acting as characters during that time period brings out the history geek in me. There are over 50 shows every day on nine different stages from fire performing
and juggling to way cool things like falconry (now that is something you do not see every day) and jousting. Maybe it is just me but there is something very erotic about watching contact jousting with all those long poles and all. Besides drinking and people watching, they also have another one of my favorite pastimes – shopping. There are over 100 merchants, artists and craftsmen selling their wares including jewelry, swords, clothing, armor, toys, games and other treasures. You also get a chance to view how people lived in these medieval times. Artists will be on hand conducting demonstrations of glassblowing, blacksmithing, candlemaking, woodworking and much more. The LA. Renaissance Festival happens at 46468 River Road in Hammond, for more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.larf.org.
Lake Charles Pride Gets a Helping Hand
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his year Lake Charles Pride was a huge achievement drawing record crowds. One of the main reasons was its location. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles recently hosted the Lake Charles Pride Fest held at their Touloulou’s Beach Bar & Grill, donating $4,800 in cash and services. The festival supports Lake Charles Pride in its mission sup-
porting unity and equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation. This year’s theme was “building bridges”. Congratulations to the organizers and thank you to all he sponsors who made this year’s event so successful.
Ballet Hispanico Returns To New Orleans
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he New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) is heating up the night by bringing back the sizzling hot dance troupe Ballet Hispanico who have teamed up with the 20-member, Grammy Award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for an evening of Latin music and dance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30pm. Heralded as the leading Hispanic-American dance company, Ballet Hispanico is led by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro. The company has a program filled with the infectious rhythms of Cuban, jazz and big-band music and the stylish Latin social [continued on 16]
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Center, 410 Chartres St., through Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. The galleries are open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm, and admission is free. Details on other PhotoNOLA exhibitions and programming are available at www.photonola.org. In addition to the exhibition, THNOC has also produced a companion catalogue, complete with a selection of Martin’s images and essays by Mary Ann Sternberg and John H. Lawrence. All three contributors will be on hand for a viewing and book signing Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Williams Research Center. The galleries will open at 3:30pm and the book signing will take place from 4 to 5:30pm. The book, which retails for $25, will be available for purchase at the signing and is available in advance through The Shop at The Collection. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org or call 504.523.4662.
Belle Reve Drags Out The Holidays
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elle Reve is presenting a glamorous evening of drag performers at Drag’n Out The Holidays on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Body and Soul starting at 7pm. There will be divas galore such as D.L. Broadway, Anita Rich Goodman, Jasmine Essex, Rikki Redd, Princesse Stephaney and many more. Body and Soul is located at the corner of Marigny and Chartres Streets across from the Friendly Bar. For more information or tickets, call 504.945.9455.
under the gaydar ...from 14 dances of Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Cha-cha. The evening’s program is comprised of three highoctane works, including Tito on Timbale, a tribute to the music of master percussionist Tito Puente. Choreographed by William Whitener, the work captures the joy and intricacies of social dance through cascading patterns and sensual partnering. The intoxicating finale Club Havana, created by Cuban choreographer Pedro Ruiz, is pure Latin dancing at its best with all of themystique of a sultry nightclub in Old Havana. Both works feature the celebrated Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by artistic director Arturo O’Farrill. The centerpiece of the evening, Asuka, was created by Vilaro and honors the life of the legendary Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Tickets ranging from $20-$80 may be purchased through the New Orleans Ballet Association Box Office at 504.522.0996, online at www.nobadance.com or through TicketMaster at 800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. All audience members are invited to join Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro at 6:45pm upstairs in the Mezzanine, Level M2, of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for a pre-performance talk. NOBA is also giving the New Orleans community a rare opportunity this year to get up close and personal with the performers. Following the Main Stage performance on Saturday, Dec. 8, NOBA’s Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) will host a Latin Dance Party in the lobby of the Pan American Life Center at 601 Poydras Street beginning at 9:30pm. The dancers of Ballet Hispanico will join patrons to dance the night away to the infectious rhythms of an ensemble of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $60 and include open bar, Latin-inspired buffet and complimentary parking in the Pan American Life Center garage. Tickets are available by calling NOBA at 504.522.0996.
released. For eight years, Martin has documented the centuries-old tobacco-growing traditions of St. James Parish, in southeast Louisiana. The area is the only place in the world that harvests perique, prized by connoisseurs as the strongest and most flavorful of tobacco varietals. The labor-intensive cultivation process dates to the early 19th century, and its rituals have descended as occupational folklore through a handful of local families, including Martin’s. With 40 images, the exhibition will open in conjunction with PhotoNOLA 2012, an annual city-wide celebration of photography that will take place Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at multiple venues. “Perique: Photographs by Charles Martin”will open Thursday, Nov. 29, and will remain on view at The Collection’s Williams Research
Local Charities Benefit from National Convention
T
he Big Easy Stompers had much to cel ebrate the other night at their Country West ern Night at JohnPaul’s. First they are coming off a successful national convention with the IAGLCWDC (International Association of Gay Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs) which was held in New Orleans over the Memorial Day weekend. Second they raised an impressive amount of money for local charities. In conjunction with the national organization, the Stompers presented checks on Saturday, Nov. 10 to two very deserving groups. Steve Lorio from Belle Reve accepted a check for $2,255 and Glen Kahrman from [continued on 18]
Historic New Orleans Collection Host Special Exhibit
T
he Historic New Orleans Collection returns as a participating venue in PhotoNOLA 2012 by hosting an exhibition of photographs by Charles Martin. A companion catalogue is also being
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under the gaydar ...from 16 Food for Friends accepted a check for $8,284. Also, an additional $8,284 was donated to GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network). Congratulations to the Stompers in showing the city off incredibly and raising some much needed funds.
Party Down
I
hope you had an enjoyable Halloween holiday weekend. I know it was non-stop parties and events for me. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as we gear up for an exciting season. I started the next two weeks with Gambit’s Forty Under Forty Party at the Hotel Monteleone on Monday. No rest for the wicked, as my friend Michelle and I went to cheer on another one of my friends Nick, who was honored as one of the 40. The champagne flowed as we mixed with the other recipients. What was so great about this night was the opportunity to see so many young people making such great strides in the city. And, I am so proud of Nick who deserves this credit immensely. Afterwards, we met up with my friends I met over Halloween weekend, Travis and Chris, for drinks at the Carousel Bar. After a few cocktails, the others left and Travis, Chris and I ventured into the Quarter. Since they are from San Diego, they had not seen much of the bar scene since they were doing all the Halloween 29 events, so I took them to Oz, Pub, Corner Pocket, Double Play, 700 Club, Good Friends, Rawhide, Napoleon’s Itch and Lafitte’s. Who knew Monday night could be so entertaining, but getting up the following day for work was difficult. On Tuesday, I met up with my outof-town friends again for dinner; then we went and partied at Good Friends for karaoke and Oz for the wet underwear contest. Blanche did a remarkable job of whipping the audience into a frenzy with the help of three very hot contestants that added to this fever. I was even lucky enough to get into the action, when I got called on stage to pour water on their lithe bodies. Now there is something sexy about Tuesday nights at the Oz. Wednesday was actually Halloween night, so I could not sit at home. Chris (aka Barbara Ella) came over and transformed me into a daring fairy godmother. I have to say I looked fabulous. Then we met up with my friends Laura, Beaux and Barrett and we went to two Halloween parties. The first was at the Hotel Storyville on Esplanade Avenue where I won the costume contest, then the restaurant Dijon. After beginning the night with the straights, Chris and I cut out to the Quarter to play with the gays. We hopped from bar to bar and settled at Oz where we danced the night away. I went to one of the most enjoyable
events that is now going to make my must attend list from now on. I attended Emeril Lagasse’s fundraiser Boudin and Beer benefitting his foundation. It was held in the Warehouse District as a large block party that also incorporated the Foundry. My friend Nick invited me and it was truly a spectacle. There were over fifty restaurants doing sausage related dishes from all over the country. Mario Battali, Donald Link and Emeril himself were all there. It was a virtual who’s who in the foodie world. But as fun as the event was, it was the after-party at Cochon that stuck out in my mind. It was a very surreal experience where the theme was “Follow the Unicorn over the Rainbow.” There was even a lifesize, seated stuffed unicorn on hand overseeing anyone who partook in the alcohol luge, which we did many times. The staff was dressed in tight blue jean shorts with rainbow shirts as they danced around serving delectable hors d’oeuvres which included triple cheeseburger sliders. The DJ was rocking and the entire place was upbeat and dancing. Cannot wait to attend next year. When I had my fill of unicorns, I took a cab to catch the tail end of Princesse Stephaney’s drag show at Mike’s By the Park, and Satyricon’s Barn Dance at JohnPaul’s. The next day, my friend Michelle and I hit the cultural side of the city. We did the gallery walk on Julia Street first. In case you did not know, this is one of the best free events in the city. The first Saturday of every month, the galleries on Julia Street open their doors for people to peruse the art and have some free vino. We saw the exhilarating production of “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” at Mid-City Theatre after the walk. The cast did an outstanding job and they were definitely easy on the eyes, especially that Mr. Lucas Harms. We followed up the play with dinner at one of my new favorite restaurants Toup’s Meatery in Mid City. This place was touted as one of the top ten new restaurants and they live up to their reputation. With mouth-watering food and a personable staff, they are hot. And they have the best cracklins in the city hands down, take it from a connoisseur. I went to another event I had not attended before on Sunday. My friend Beaux and I braved the bad weather and went to Gleason Gras, a music and food fan festival to raise funds for Team Gleason. Steve Gleason played for the New Orleans Saints from 20002008. He is best remembered for his blocked punt on the night the Louisiana Superdome reopened for the first time after Hurricane Katrina. He was diagnosed with ALS, considered a terminal neuro-muscular disease. The mission of his organization is to show that patients can not only live but thrive after this diagnosis.
This man is not only an inspiration, but the very definition of a true hero. We were lucky enough to get to be in the VIP area, where we met some incredible people, chowed down on some high end food by top restaurants in the city and got to see Sean Payton up close and personal as he did the live auction. Now that is a man who knows how to raise money. The subsequent week was pretty easy going until the weekend. I had dinner on Tuesday at another new eatery in the city, Annunciation, which is owned by the people from Clancy’s. Both the cuisine and service was top notch. I believe the food scene in our city is better than it ever was even preKatrina. I also saw another great cast in “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Contemporary Arts Center on Thursday. On Friday, Beaux and I went to the Halloween New Orleans Host Thank You Party at a stunning home Uptown. It was a very relaxed atmosphere as we had a chance to catch up after the event and talk about next year which will be the event’s 30th anniversary. After the party, we stopped for a few cocktails at Dijon then went and played in the Quarter. We had quite the night as we judged both the New Meat contest at the Corner Pocket and the Strip Off at the Pub. Talk about seeing enough male flesh to last a while. Saturday the galleries on St. Claude had art openings. It was surprising and energizing to see so many new places in the area. Some friends and I did a twirl at the galleries then went to Tim Wolf’s new warehouse space in the New St. Claude section where he was throwing a gallery opening/brass band party. Tim is best known for creating the documentary “Sons of Tennessee Williams.” His fete was a music lover’s extravaganza as brass bands played and a kicking DJ kept people on their feet in between sets. Afterwards, I went to Country Western Night at JohnPaul’s for the check presentation to Belle Reve and Food For Friends by the Big Easy Stompers. The place was crowded for the occasion and I got to catch up with people I had not seen in a long time. Ending the week on a high note, on Sunday Rip and Marsha had a few guests over to their home for a delightful brunch. It was a wonderful afternoon of friends, fun and Redneck Casserole, which was decadently delicious. When the party ended, we all moved the scene to Oz for Sunday Dingo with Blanche Debis. As always, it was a good time, and I even won a game. So this is the time when I get a little sappy, so bear with me. Sometimes, I do not think we thank the people in our lives that matter. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving here I go. First and foremost, I want to thank my mom who no matter what stays an uplifting and posi-
tive influence in my life. Blaine and Tammy Kern for giving me a job that allows me to do something I love, plan parties and events. I also appreciate Rip and Marsha for not only what they have done for me personally, but allowing me to be a part of this great magazine. There generous nature is abundant and our community is fortunate to have them. To all my friends and family, thank you for a memorable year and wish us many more to come. And to the readers of Ambush, may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
I
t is the holiday season and for many it is a stressful time of balancing work, family and holiday entertaining all the while finding time to shop for gifts and decorate. The malls are always so crowded and the hustle and bustle of the season has never been so chaotic. I have a suggestion that not only helps you avoid the retail craziness but also helps our community. Check out Ambush’s gift guide this year to support the gay owned and gay friendly businesses that advertise with us. Ambush holds the key for so many unique gift ideas for anyone on your list. In addition to restaurant certificates at one of the many great places to dine, the retail outlets in the magazine have just that unique (and maybe naughty depending where you go) present for anyone on your list. But this year you can also be creative in what you give. The bars also have gift cards or memberships. How cool would it be to give a membership to Oz, Pub or the Country Club (or Club New Orleans if he is the real friendly sort). Another outstanding gift is to buy someone a table or tickets to one of the many gay carnival krewe balls. Satyricon, as does Amon-Ra, Petronius, Armeinius, Lords of leather and Mwindo not only sell tables at their ball, but also give certificates for a membership for the following year. Make someone’s carnival even brighter and support the gay culture by helping someone be a part of a time honored tradition. You can also make a donation in someone’s name to one of the AIDS organizations, such as NO/AIDS Task Force, Lazarus House, Buzzy’s Boys, Belle Reve and many more. So let Ambush take the pain out of holiday shopping and add the fun back into it. The Gift Guide is in this issue on page 4, but also review all the advertisers for just the right thing for everyone on your list. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
N e x t De a d l i n e : T u e s d a y, N o v. 2 7 t h ov Ca l l 5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9
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Chris, Barret, Laura & Beaux @ Dijon’s party
Dominique, Tyriq & Raven @ Oz Bartender Wayne scares it up @ The Phoenix
Cowboys @ Oz Posing @ The Phoenix
Wet Underwear Contest @ Oz Lords of Leather’s Gary & Tim @ Lafitte’s
Cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s Jose @ The Friendly Bar
Rub a dub dub, 3 men in a tub @ Oz
Tami Boo Boo & Tiffany @ Oz
Friday's Boys On Parade @ Bourbon Pub Parade Flight Attendants @ The Friendly Bar Butch @ Lafitte’s Baseballers & Oz
Hot @ Oz
Crayolas @ Oz
Big Beak snags Tony @ Lafitte’s
Sophia joins MC Matt for Bourbon Pub Parade's Boys On Parade
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Halloween Roundup ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Red Hats @ Oz
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Climate of Hostility”
A
s the holidays approach and the season compels us to count our blessings and be thankful for them, New Orleans city government is probably the last thing to come to mind. And yet, we as a community do indeed have one thing at least for which to be grateful for as far as city government is concerned. As dysfunctional as it is, we should remember that the city of New Orleans is fairly tolerant of us as a community and is light years ahead of the rest of the state in acknowledging our rights. As Ambush readers of a certain age will remember, such was not always the case. In 1958, the New Orleans City Council established a “Committee on the Problem of Sex Deviates.” An initial report of the committee proposed a “climate of hostility” be adopted toward homosexuals. As its chairman, the council appointed Jacob Morrison, a prominent citizen and co-founder of the “Vieux Carre Property Owners and Associates.” Morrison had been a thorn in the side of the gay community for years, often attacking gay bars through legal channels. He had a few years earlier led a successful effort to have the Starlet Lounge’s (at the corner of Chartres and St. Philip) liquor license revoked and then turned his attention to Tony Bacino’s bar on Toulouse. In the summer of 1958, the manager and staff of Tony Bacino’s were arrested six times. They were charged with violating a city ordinance that prohibited “immoral” people, including “sexual perverts,” from working in bars and restaurants. Amazingly, the ordinance was not repealed until 1993. Before the city formally resolved to create a “climate of hostility” for gays, the climate was already pretty hostile. A few years earlier, in 1955, Police Superintendent Provosty A. Dayrides publicly proclaimed that homosexuals were the city’s “Number One vice problem,” adding “They are the ones we want to get rid of most.” Widespread ignorance and familiar stereotypes of gay people were prevalent, especially the notion that homosexuals were predatory and looking to recruit teenagers and children. In 1951, The Times-Picayune ran a story entitled, “Curb Advocated on Homosexuals: Crackdown to Save Young Persons Demanded”: A warning that homosexuals in the French Quarter are at work corrupting high school boys and girls was made Friday by Richard R. Foster, chairman
of the Mayor’s Committee on the Vieux Carre, in an address before the Civic Council of New Orleans. For that reason, he said, the homosexual problem is one of the city’s most serious. “In several instances, parents have come to police begging them to save their children,” he asserted. High school boys and girls enticed into places habituated by homosexuals often see an obscene show or something of that nature as a starter,” he added. The homosexuals are, he said, “continuously recruiting” and there at least four “places” in the Quarter which cater to almost no one but homosexuals. “It almost seems as if youngsters who develop homosexual tendencies in other Southern cities are put on a train and sent to New Orleans,” he said. About a month earlier, The TimesPicayune ran another article along the same lines with a new twist. At a meeting of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, Chairman Foster argued that the city should develop a strategy for discouraging “perverts” from coming to New Orleans, claiming most homosexuals in New Orleans were “out-oftowners.” That gay people lived in New Orleans was either incomprehensible or too distasteful to bear. The level of denial and clueless-ness revealed in the article rivals the level of bigotry and hatred permeating straight society at the time. One man recently told me, “We never flaunted our sexuality then because we were so afraid.” In those days New Orleans was much more homophobic than recent generations can possibly imagine. Despite New Orleans’ penchant for tolerance and its laissez faire attitude, gays in New Orleans have faced a considerable amount of homophobia, especially from police. Although police harassment of gay bars now is mainly a thing of the past, it was, nonetheless, a very ugly past. Many bar owners paid the police to leave them alone. Such was the case at Café Lafitte In Exile. In the 1960s and early 1970s, a police officer would come in each week, like clockwork, and collect an envelope stuffed with cash. Tom Wood stopped making the payments when he took over the bar and eventually obtained a restraining order against the police because of their harassment. Nevertheless, the vice squad would, on occasion, either raid bars or send undercover cops (almost always young and good-looking ones) into the bars to make arrests. This practice continued well into the 1970s. Bartenders customarily slapped a wooden board on
the bar to warn patrons they were getting too touchy-feely. Arrests were often accompanied by a beating and pressure to name other “perverts.” Anyone unfortunate enough to be arrested for “crimes against nature” or “committing a lewd act” had his name and picture published in The Times Picayune. This often resulted in family alienation, the loss of a job, and, in some cases, the loss of a place to live. Times certainly have changed,
haven’t they? Think about it the next time you walk down the street holding hands with your lover or wear a t-shirt proclaiming your pride or party on the sidewalk outside your favorite gay bar or wear next to next to nothing for Decadence. There was a time not too terribly long ago when any of those activities would have landed you in jail. Can you imagine being arrested simply for being gay? Thankfully many of us cannot. Regrettably, some of us can.
real estate 7 Steps to Home Ownership
D
oes home ownership seem like a goal that is out of reach for you? If there ever was a time to buy a home, it would be now! Historic low interest rates, home prices rising across the country, and prices expected to increase in some markets up to 10% annually for the next few years. You might be surprised at how little you have to do to actually put yourself in a position where you are able to purchase a home. For many people it is a process that involves taking seven practical action steps to put themselves in a position where this is possible. 1. Get your finances in order. Make sure you know what your credit report says about you and clear up any errors or debts & ensure you have the proper down payment (3.5% for an FHA loan). 2. Familiarize yourself with the basics of getting mortgage. Decide on which local lender might be best for you before you start looking for a property to buy. A referral to a mortgage broker from your realtor is usually the
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best bet. 3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Meet with your lender and get a letter of pre-approval for a mortgage. Your realtor will attach a copy of this letter to any offer you make on a house to improve your chances of getting the home you want. 4. Find a top LGBT real estate agent. This means doing your homework at free sites like GayRealEstate.com to review the profiles of the top gay realtors in the area where you want to move are. Buyer representation is free ~ ensure you are being represented! 5. Actually start doing drive-bys of properties you’re interested in. The gay realtor you hire has automated systems that send you the new listings that meet your criteria daily. 6. Choose a property. When you find the house or condo that you like, ensure it has the minimum features you desire/require. At this point your agent will work the numbers, determine the actual value, and have a recommendation on what price to offer. 7. Have your agent prepare a written offer; attach your mortgage preapproval to it, write an earnest money check (this is a deposit that ensures the seller you are a serious buyer). Your agent will submit this offer to the seller’s agent, with a deadline for a response, which could be acceptance, a counter, or a rejection. Once your contract is accepted you’ll have dates and deadline to meet; inspection of the property, appraisal of the property, formal loan approval, walkthrough of the property prior to closing, etc. The professional gay realtor that is representing you in your purchase will guide you every step of the way. Homeownership is an exciting time in life; historically it’s been the best long term investment in history. The benefits not only include huge tax savings, but a place to call your own… finally, king (or queen) of your own domain. Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of www.GayRealEstate.com.
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Paul & friend join Satyricon’s Barn Dance @ JohnPaul’s
Ambush’s Tony & Dustin join HNO Host Thank You Party
Dancer Rafael with bar baron Michael @ The Corner Pocket
Mark, HNO Co-Chair John Ramsey & Dewey @ HNO Host Thank You Party Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels in the Legends show
MC Lisa Beaumann & dancer Tommy @ The Corner Pocket
Alina, Coca & Sophia join Legends show @ Bourbon Pub Parade Divas R Us @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern Vince, Gizelle & Jay in for Satyricon’s Barn Dance Mike & Todd snag a cutie @ The Corner Pocket
Karli Essex, Chris & Bradley @ Legends show Tru & Regina in Golden Age Revue @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Jay & Kevin, aka Cathy Fox @ Satyricon’s Barn Dance
Steve & Lazarus House’s Kim @ HNO Host Thank You Party
Kocktail Karaoke with Rikki Gee & DJ P @ Good Friends Bar
DL Broadway in Bourbon Pub’s Legends show
Golden Lantern presents Divas R Us with Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels
Tommy behind the bar @ The Double Play
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Nightlife in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin, Tony Leggio
Klorocks & Princesse in Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael’s On The Park
The one & only KCQ X Teryl-Lynn Foxx in the Legends show
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ambush
papar azzi
DJ Chris Jaeger, Aletha & Jeff hail from Cafe Lafitte in Exile Blanche’s Sunday Dingo assistant Little Ricky @ Oz
The Bourbon Pub Parade Big 3: Bartenders Ryan, Tim & Brad
Bar Baron Matt behind the bar @ 700 Club
Chris, Ambush’s Paul & Ken @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Miss Nettie with Bourbon Pub bartender Wezly Laura & Josh cocktailin’ @ Lafitte’s
Trevor bartends @ The Double Play
Eric heads to Rainbow Room Trash Disco Sundays with DJ Myke @ Cafe Lafitte’s
Cutie Earl slingin’ cocktails @ Oz
Janice & Louis enjoy Saints game @ Michael’s On The Park
Oz’s Derek with Karl @ Bourbon Pub’s Breakfast Club Legendary Pineapple hails from Bourbon Pub Parade
Bartender Guido being channeled by bartender Anthony @ The Corner Pocket
Joker & friend @ Le Roundup
Catching the Saints @ Michael’s On The Park
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Deals, Dares & Dancers Fridays @ Oz
The Full Gamut ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Errol ready to serve you @ World Famous Clover Grill
Planet Beach proprietors Jeffrey & Rebecca
Big Easy Stompers CW Dance Night @ JohnPaul’s
Diversity ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Bartender John welcomes you to Rawhide 2010
ambush
Dingo MC Blanche with Tami & Arthur @ Oz
Nick with 610 Stompers @ Emeril’s Beer & Boudin fundraiser
papar azzi
DJ JRB keeps ‘em dancin’ the night away @ Oz
Blanche with Wet Underwear contestants @ Oz KCQ XX Dusty & Sally @ Rip & Marsha’s Sunday Brunch
Jon behind the bar @ 700 Club
In for Boys On Parade @ Bourbon Pub Todd joins Satyricon Barn Dance @ JohnPaul’s
Paul, Opal, Missy May & Ambush’s Paul @ Rip & Marsha’s Sunday Brunch
Big Easy Stompers celebrate CW Dance Night @ JohnPaul’s
Jasmine Essex MCs Boys On Parade
Beaux & Ambush’s Tony with Saints’ mascot during Gleason Gras @ Champion Square
Darwin & Brad @ Rip & Marsha’s Sunday Brunch
Chef playing with his meat @ Emeril’s Beer & Boudin fundraiser
KCQ XX Dusty & Frankie @ Rip & Marsha’s Sunday Brunch
Belle Reve reps join Big Easy Stompers Country Western Dance Night @ JohnPaul's
Some of the Lords of Leather in for CW Dance Night
Boys On Parade @ Bourbon Pub Parade
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CANAL STREET
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
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 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 Lafayette, LA [337] 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] 1135, 1135 Decatur St. 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 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, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 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 RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036
SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 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
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2012]
circuit/events Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 8-12, 2013, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, 14th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 24-27, 2013 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 2013, 42nd 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. 24-27, 2013, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 SOUTHERN COSTUME COMPANY - 951 Lafayette St., 523.4333, SCCNOLA.COM
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 [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons 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
hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
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. [0712] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0812] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! 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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! 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 break-
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Nov. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
fast and off street parking. [0113] 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 [is2612]
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 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 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, www.bigeasymcc.com, pastor@bigeasymcc.com BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 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, 1001 South Broad St., Suite 115, New Orleans, LA 70125, 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 MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION 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. ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org 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] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy 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
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Shanghai! at the AllWays Lounge & Theatre through Dec. 1
W
ith Le Chat Noir a fond but increasingly distant memory and Le Petit still sidelined, who would’ve thought the AllWays Lounge would take up our town’s musical theater slack? Well, Dennis Monn and his krewe has, and in quite an impressive way. After the fun, if silly and relatively traditional Bingo! in September and with a re-imagined Sweeney Todd still to come in December, the AllWays is currently presenting one of the wildest musicals this city has seen in years...and that’s saying a lot! Link Martin and Richard “Scrumbly” Koldewyn’s Pearls Over Shanghai was first presented back in the 1970s by The Cockettes, a gender-bending San Francisco-based theatrical troupe. Director Nari Tomassetti tweaked the script getting rid of outdated references and making it more NOLA-friendly. Retitled Shanghai! it remains a comic mock-operetta about white sla-
very and miscegenation set in Shanghai, the “crossroads of good and evil,” circa 1937. Martin and Koldewyn’s jazzy score is reminiscent of a 1930s Bmovie musical with lots of Oriental touches filtered through a band consisting of a violin, clarinet, guitar, bass and percussion. To say, however, as the publicity does, that the dramatis personae is made up of “singing sailors and witty whores, handmaidens and henchmen, all taking their places in streets beside Asian aristocrats and gangland czars” doesn’t begin to convey the denizens of this Shanghai. There’s a all-American Seaman with three b-u-l-g-i-n-g muscles. And two zaftig virgins in fishnet stockings, Delightful and Delicious, tap-dancing their way around the world in search of fame and fortune—picture Shirley Temple on steroids. And an oversized snarky rat prone to humping a Snickers bar. And another Sailor with tattoos
medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized familylike service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
Fields, 451.2495
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
real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, SteveRichardsProperties.COM, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian
restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM 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 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, 301.1740 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064
over large swaths of his body. How do I know? A jock, a beret, and bell-bottom chaps leave little to the imagination. Then there’s Mother Fu, wisps of hair sprouting on her face, who not only oversees a white slave ring, but also has plans to make the West her slave using zombie minions to destroy American democracy. And did I mention the four-breasted, fire-eating contortionist who sings and dances? The King and I this ain’t. Unlike Welcome to Desire, her half-baked re-interpretation of Streetcar, Tomassetti is in full control of Shanghai!. Working with Luke Brechtelsbauer’s Orientalist wet dream of a set, Tomassetti ratchets up the outrageousness factor but, by never letting go of the tale’s innate silliness, remains true to the script’s Hasty Pudding-like charms. Tomassetti’s straightforward staging takes full advantage of the front portion of the AllWays, as actors gambol all around the audience; she might have given just a little more thought to viewers’ sightlines, however, as fun scenes played out on the floor and a few other locations can be difficult to see. But that’s a minor caveat in an evening that’s otherwise filled with delights. Chief among these is a cast that fully inhabits the extravagance of their roles. Done up in a wig of black, white and red, Nicole C.W. Gruter’s entrance as Fu is a masterpiece of insinuation. Though rightly over-the-top, Gruter endows Fu with a certain dignity as well as menace which anchors the show to a recognizable reality. Likewise, John QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167
spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM
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 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG
tours New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717
Michael Haas, possessed of a beautiful tenor voice, doesn’t need to wink at the audience; as the male ingenue, he plays Captain Eddy straight with outsized, heroic charisma. Both Gruter and Haas are real finds who I hope we’ll be seeing more of in future productions. Chris Wecklein, as the snarky rat Chop Chop, Fu’s aide-de-camp, is clearly having a gay ol’ time, relishing the puns and double entendres he gets to toss out. Despite being an overly well-fed rodent, I sensed he might be a not-too-distant relative of Max Bialystock, Wecklein’s Ambie-winning role from The Producers. Wecklein’s mixing up of r’s and l’s may be politically very incorrect but, when done with such tongue-in-cheekiness, it would be ridiculous to take offense. Sporting raccoon-eyed make-up and bouncy curls, Allee Peck’s Delightful and Melody Keel’s Delicious are, well, delightful and delicious. Eternally cheery, even as they wind up in the sex trade, they seem to make the best of their terrible situation, and we root for them, knowing, as the plot in such musicals go, that right will eventually triumph. With his booming baritone voice, it took me a while to realize that Owen Ever’s street urchin, whom Eddy falls for, is a girl (hey, with his kabuki wig and make-up, it’s hard to tell). Once past that, Ever was quite touching as the beloved waif who, not unlike Madame Butterfly, is shunned because she’s not Caucasian. If she did nothing else than eat fire and contort herself, “The Kahnartist” would have my lifelong admiration but that, in a variety of roles, she proves to be an excellent singer/dancer/actress as well requires a new category come award time. The tattooed Andy Overslaugh, clearly under the weather, valiantly struggled through the opening performance despite having lost his voice; one hopes he’ll have recovered it by the final weekend. Alicia Zenobia’s costumes add immeasurably to the fun, brilliant both in overall conception, such as a lovely lotus flower, and down to such details as nipple rings for Chop Chop. Jeremy Horn’s lighting luminously creates the required exotic atmosphere with paper lanterns and noir-ish effects. And Matt Bell leads the first rate band with a flair that captures the period sound. Afficionados of camp and anyone else who wants to indulge in two hours of mindless merriment—never mind a slow boat to China, take a fast rickshaw to Shanghai! [continued on 36]
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trodding the boards ...from 35
Seven Guitars at the Anthony Bean Community Theater through Nov. 25, Two Trains Running at Dillard University
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ew Orleans was recently treated to a mini-August Wilson festival, part of which is still going on. Dillard University presented Two Trains Running while Seven Guitars continues at the Anthony Bean Community Theater through November 25. Both plays are Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominees and are part of Wilson’s 10 play cycle about the African-American experience in the twentieth century; see-
ing them in two successive days was most instructive.. Both plays begin when a funeral is about to or has recently taken place. In each there is a young, or relatively young, firebrand of a man who wants to make his mark on the world and who has recently been released from incarceration. Each is frustrated when he doesn’t receive money that he believes is rightfully his. Both are involved with women who, at first, resist the
gentleman’s overtures of marriage or a deeper relationship. Both plays feature another man, slightly older, who butts heads with the protagonist, and another who is more of a resident philosopher and who provides a greater frame of reference for the play’s story. And in each of these dramas, there’s a character who is “not quite right in the head”, though the one in Seven Guitars proves to be more central to the plot. Not surprisingly, in each work there is a sense of oppression of blacks by whites often seen in deals that are unfair or not honored. At least Two Trains Running, set in 1969, twentyone years after Seven Guitars takes place, posits an evolving world where a black man can eventually triumph. Two Trains Running and Seven Guitars, produced four years apart on Broadway (1992 and 1996, respectively), each feature Wilson’s signature muscular language which defines his characters with detailed backstories and idiosyncratic dialog while placing them in the context of national issues. And if each suffers from Wilson’s wordiness and repetitiousness that causes each work to become dramatically inert around the middle of the first act, they both explore the theme of how does a person stay true to himself in order to fulfill his destiny. How fascinating it would be to see them in repertory! Interestingly, in one unexpected way, Dillard’s production had a slight advantage over Bean’s. As all the roles in it were played by students (all excellent), talcum powder was used to “age” some of the actors. Though clearly inauthentic, it allowed the audience to appreciate the various relationships some of which turn on one character’s experience and seniority to the others. Seven Guitars was originally scheduled to be done in September and then was pushed back due to Hurricane Isaac-related damage suffered by Bean’s theater. This necessitated recasting certain roles. Director Bean understandably went with the actor who could best perform each part but resulted in a spread of about twenty years among three of the characters who should all be around the same age. This was by no means a fatal flaw but it did throw off some of the script’s inner balance. Otherwise, as Floyd Barton, an upand-coming musician, Roscoe Reddix bursts with the cocksure pride and confidence that comes with success. He also lets Floyd’s darker side come through while giving countless variations to his wooing of Vera. As Vera, whom Floyd had once dumped for another woman, Coti Gayles mixes wariness with wounded, bitter pride, refusing to let herself be hurt again; when at last she blossoms, like the paper flowers Vera makes for Mother’s Day gifts, her new-found hope radiates warmth.
How wonderful it is to have Gwendolyne Foxworth, an Ambie Award winner for ABCT’s 2004 production of King Hedley II, a related play in Wilson’s cycle, back on stage in a major role. Her Louise, a friend and neighbor of Vera’s, is by turns compassionate, sly and entrepreneurial; without any ostentation, Foxworth conveys Louise’s subconscious hurt at no longer being an object of the men’s romantic attention. Sean Beard, a newcomer to the ABCT stage, and that estimable veteran Will Williams are both fine as Floyd’s sidemen, with Beard memorably describing how he can tell the difference between various types of roosters and Williams forever needling Floyd for not taking his advice that could have made him a rich man when he signed the contract for what came to be his hit song. Alfred Aubrey, whose King Hedley follows his own logic and personal visions with tragic results, continues to stretch as an actor. With his imposing physique and an accent of indeterminate origins, Aubrey’s King (he was named after “King” Buddy Bolden) is the type of person any wise man gives a wide berth to; avoiding the typical cadences of Wilson’s “mad” prophets while still making Hedley a bit “off”, Aubrey brings out this food vendor’s gentler, human side, a city version of Of Mice and Men’s Lenny. Giselle Nakhid completes the cast as Ruby, Louise’s niece, sent up North from Alabama after getting mixed up in a scandalous affair. Her Ruby is a smoldering tease and flirt but not without a grounding common sense. At first entrance, I felt Nakhid was giving us a vampish caricature but as the play progressed and she revealed Ruby’s various aspects, Nakhid had me convinced that this woman is the type of person, like so many of New Orleans’ colorful folks, who you think could never be made up; leave it to master storyteller Wilson to do so. Unlike some of the other plays in the cycle, Seven Guitars tends to amble along in an almost expressionistic manner and not all of its sections come into focus. Whether the fault lies with the script, director Bean, or that I attended a performance on this production’s first weekend is hard to say; it could be all three. Unlike Two Trains Running, however, there is an unmistakable distance to this play—a contemporary audience doesn’t share the visceral excitement the characters feel listening to a victorious Joe Louis match on the radio—that an abrupt ending merely compounds; the result is that Seven Guitars’ emotional pull is more muted. Still, as these vital, workaday characters’ fates play out on John Grimsley’s naturalistic backyard set, one of his finest, in the words of one of the most famous plays of that era, attention must be paid.
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
pharmacy spotlight by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Interview: Rodney Culotta with Mumfrey’s Pharmacy
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here are many people who help in the combat of the AIDS disease from doctor and scientists to drug companies and educators. But there are so many people who never get noticed, yet do so much for the cause. With the approach of World AIDS Day on December 1, Ambush decided to spotlight someone who is not only a huge supporter of the LGBT community but plays a vital role in his neighborhood and beyond. Rodney Culotta is a second generation pharmacist who has been in the business for 34 years and is the owner of Mumfrey’s Pharmacy in Chalmette. To say that being a pharmacist runs in his family’s blood is an understatement. Rodney’s father owned a pharmacy most of his life so he grew up in the business. He just recently retired at the age of 89, after 69 years in the industry. His brother is also a pharmacist and an attorney. In fact, Rodney walked to what is now his pharmacy as a kid growing up.
In 1990, Culotta purchased Mumfrey’s when it was still located next to the Courthouse and has since relocated to its current spot on Judge Perez. Since Hurricane Katrina, half of his customer base is new, but his business is thriving. The key to his success is personal service and customer satisfaction. His staff know most of the people who walk through the door by name sometimes having their prescription ready before they even make it to the counter. It is not an uncommon occurrence to have people drop by just to hang out and talk. “I have some customers who come by here just to get happy and talk to my staff if they are having a bad day,” Rodney goes on to say. That is a true testament to a business that is an intricate part of the community. In a culture where independent pharmacies are rare, it is refreshing to see one so successful. But is more than just knowing a person’s name that keeps people coming back to Mumfrey’s. Rodney’s staff helps customers get hooked up with certain programs to save them money. They are familiar with rebates and special coupons that can bring the cost down on their prescriptions. In these trying economic times, a business that affords such savings to their customers is a godsend. Mumfrey’s Pharmacy also delivers throughout the metro area, in addition to shipping medication around the country. Even through many of their clientele is from the parish, they have a large and growing number around the area even as far as Lake Charles and Mandeville. 25% of his business is HIV related and has been for years. Culotta even sits on the board of Belle Reve. With New Orleans and Baton Rouge seemingly seeing one of the largest increases in HIV and AIDS, his services are needed more than ever. They never turn down a customer, sometimes opening up after hours to help a person. Couple this outstanding customer service with the ability to save people money through rebates and coupons; it is easy to see why people come from all over the city to bring their business to Mumfrey’s. But Mumfrey’s has changed with the times also, people can order their medication on-line and their storefront will be getting a new digital sign to help drive even more sales traffic. Mumfrey’s Pharmacy is located at 1021 Judge Perez in Chalmette. Their hours of operation are Monday 9am to 6pm; Tuesday through Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. On-line you can go to www.mumfreyspharmacy.com.
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving
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obble gobble gobble! Turkey Day! The myth of Thanksgiving with Native Americans and Puritans at table together all in perfect harmony; well that didn’t seem to work out too well in the long run, did it? The myth of a just and loving society is equally as elusive, isn’t it? So, in this “just and loving society” what will you/we give thanks for? In my last article I brought attention to a man who could not see the blessings around him because of his own burdens which ate up his very spirit. There is certainly a lot to dislike, reprove of, and disdain in our community. Certainly many of these articles point toward desperate circumstances, exhort engagement in our broader society, and reprove the self absorbed and self serving. But, wouldn’t it be nice to just for a moment give thanks. Thank you, Lord for this very day that I write where the winter southern sky is as deep and profound a blue as any ocean. It hangs above in resplendent color. Not the wisp of a cloud but just the breath of fresh air in a coolness that says all will be well. It is a good day to read outside in the sun but in the shade, a sweater is a must. Yes, a sweater perhaps an old style cardigan to play the part of an afternoon with nature sidled up with a cup of good hot English tea. Thank you Lord for laughter and the gift of a smile and the warmth that it brings. I shaved my beard this week
and a small child, one of Anna’s Arts kids that I see almost every day, looked at me so strangely and reaching out, rubbed my chin. She, with a smile, a giggle and yet stern eyes said, “It’s scratchy. But you know Santa’s coming and he has a beard.” No, it doesn’t have to make sense, it just is delightful. Or pants in a catalog called “ball room” pants and yes, it really did say extra large crotch for a comfortable fit. No, it really is in a workman’s clothing catalog. Thank you for the gift of humor and laughter. Thank you for simple pleasures like cornbread made in an iron skillet. Thank you for a dark roux or dark beer or dark nights where the stars simply shimmer. Thank you for that small blue flower that pushes through the crack in the sidewalk that I see when I am looking at the ground, self absorbed and then, I feel better. Thank you for eccentric family members who have big hair, no hair, or comb over’s with plaid shirts and knee high socks. Thank you for putting me in a city that takes time out for the silliness of Mardi Gras, Decadence, and Second Lines. Thank you for crooked streets, houses, and street lamps that make this a quirky little village. Thank you for balconies, draped with sweet potato vines and vegetables like mirlitons that grow in the back yard. Thank you for the occasional rooster that still runs the streets. Thank you for dark, raging thun-
derstorms that passes in the night. Thank you for the fog that shrouds the city streets, that adds romance and mystery. Thank you for the calliope on a steamboat that echoes lightly in the noon day sun. Thank you for that furry friend dog or cat that is always around and always willing to put up with us. Thank you for a city that is many shades of brown, black, peach, pink, yellow, and red in the fabric that is our human race. Thank you for good hearts and deep longings. Thank you for the gift that you have given us called love.
Thank you for my grandmother’s thimble and the memories it brings. Thank you for friendships through hardships and good and bad times. Thank you for my life companion along the way. This Thanksgiving I give thanks for all of this and more those things seen and unseen, for it is in the unseen through you that I know all things are possible. Thank you Lord my brother, my companion, my trusted friend, my God, and my eternal hope. Thank you for this Thanksgiving.
commentary LGBT Capitol Miracle by Mark Segal t’s magic time in Washington, D.C., and our LGBT media, bloggers and particularly lobbyists like Human Rights Campaign are not feeling that magic. Most are tripping over themselves to give what they believe should be the LGBT priorities for the Obama administration’s second term. All their suggestions are worthy, but they all miss the Washington magic. They’re looking in the wrong place. Let’s take a cue from the Latino community. It’s the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue we should be focusing on — the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Latino community gets the game: Their lobbyists have a focus and make it simple for legislators to understand. For them, it’s the Dream Act. For us, it should be the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. Magic time in D.C. happens rarely. It comes every four to eight years and only when there is a true shift in the populace that one of the political par-
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ties begins to look inward to try and find their deficiencies. That magic time usually runs from the election to the end of the current congressional term, since the congressional leadership can count on the majority of outgoing members for their votes in trade for future assistance, and on current members looking for plum positions in the new Congress. ENDA is the only major part of our priority list that is not accomplished. It’s important, since most LGBT Americans are still not protected in employment. Military servicemembers are; if you work for the U.S. government you are. To our lobbyists in D.C., isn’t it time to use our political capital for the rest of the people? How to make it happen: It takes three steps. First, ENDA must pass both the House and Senate, then be signed by the president, whose support we already have. We know we also have the support of Democratic leadership and the overwhelming ma-
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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com
Gay Marriage, Do You Care?
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his writer moved here about a year and a half ago to live and work in New Orleans by choice, and it was for many different reasons. The French Quarter was one of them, such a fascinating and ever changing place, yet always remaining the same. Then there was the weather; mostly sunny and mostly warm, and sometimes unbearably hot. People I thought were my friends and family would ask, “Why would you move to a place with hurricanes, big bugs, heat and humidity where it floods for God's sake.” And my answer is and was, “I love it here, the people, the food, the houses, the trees, the river and the Quarter.” For all of these reasons and more, when my daughter called from Washington State, to tell me: “Dad, did you know that you can smoke a joint in Washington State while at the same time getting married to your same sex partner?” I congratulated her very straight self for being so modern, but it did not make me want to return to the rain and the cold of the Northwest for those two new reasons people might want to live there. In the recent election, a tremendous amount of people in this country voted for inclusion and for the rights of citizens to marry and party legally regardless of their sexual orientation. This was the first time that three states had put the subject to the public for election and the voters said “yes.” The states of Maine, Maryland and Washington approved same-sex marriage. In Minnesota they defeated a proposed constitutional amendment, modeled on federal law, that would have banned same-sex marriage in the state. That now brings us nine states— Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia — that have embraced Gay Marriage. There exist right now 12 other states who allow “Civil Unions.” or “Domestic Partnerships” which give many rights in those states. (The laws in New Jersey, California and Oregon give same-sex couples virtually all the state law rights opposite-sex married couples have.) These landmark votes mean a lot to the LGBT community, and it has been won with a lot of fundraising and a lot of hard work. I spoke with Janice Langbehn (who was the subject of an article in the recent Gay History Issue of Ambush Volume 20, Issue 20) on the issue recently, as she is very active in Washington state politics for the LGBT community and she pointed out that a lot of research and hard work went into this vote. “The campaign collected over 14 million dollars and had high profile contributors like Michael Bloomberg do-
nated $250.000 to the campaign and said he would match anyone’s donations up to $500,000. Bill Gates founder of Microsoft and Jeff Bezos, founder and owner of Amazon.com each donation large sums to the effort. The Opposition raised about 2 million dollars.” “I expected this to pass this time because I was there last Feb. 13 with the Governor when she signed the bill into law, but we all held our breath because we knew the opposition was going to come back to fight it, and it only took them about four months to do so and it was then on the ballot for this November election. I was involved in a lot of different political campaigns. And causes which stretched me pretty thin. The group United for Marriage ran an excellent campaign. There was a lot of research and a lot of grass roots work to accomplish this but in the end people of Washington state understood that the same values and goals that straight people have are shared by gay couples who want the same things they do.” I asked her if she thought that President Obama communicating that he was in support now of Gay Marriage after meeting a number of gay couples and talking to many people over his term, did she think his support made much of a difference. She said: “I think it may have had a small impact, I think he came out in favor of Gay Marriage publicly on May 9 of this year. People have such a short memory these days about politics, but western Washington turned out in large numbers partially because it was a presidential election but there was a lot of support for this. And as I grew up in eastern Washington, I want to point out there was a lot of support there but that part of the state has always been more conservative and traditionally does not vote the way western Washington does.” This was a major shift from the outcomes of voting in many states in the past, for gay and lesbian advocates, who historically have not done well at the polls. During the past decade 30 of the 31 measures put to the voters have banned same-sex marriage.
Still, the biggest challenge, regardless of how many states approve Gay Marriage is the federal Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA, which defines “marriage” and “spouse” as limited to one man and one woman, and bars federal recognition of all same-sex marriages. DOMA prohibits benefits to spouses of same-sex marriages, even in states that have recognized Gay Marriage which include inheritance and social security, among other vital benefits of interest to all couples. Is it possible that Gay Marriage could become legal in all 50 States? There are a couple of ways that could happen, but just a few weeks ago, the federal appeals court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. This is big news! Here is what happened: Judge Dennis Jacobs of New York’s 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, (appointed by George H. W. Bush) declared for the first time that homosexuals have been discriminated against as a “quasi-suspect class” which necessitates subjecting any law applying to them be be subject to “heightened scrutiny.” Now what is extremely interesting about this ruling, is that it uses the
commentary ...from 38 jority of Democrats in the House and Senate. OK, here comes the problem, and a suggestion. >From that scenario, you should devise that the hold-up would be in the House of Representatives, whose speaker is Congressman John Boehner. The speaker controls all. If he wishes, legislation will make it to the floor and to a vote. He does not necessarily have to have his name on the legislation. The point is, he has the Republican votes and the authority to get it through the House. And as magic season has it, he’s very much aware of not only the future of Republicans in the House, but those around him who want his job. That, my friends, spells opportunity. Choose your partner and dance. Anyone in for a fox trot with Congressman Cantor? Time for our friends at GOProud and Log Cabin and people like Ken Mehlman to prove themselves. They should either, on their own or with a coalition of organizations, focus like a laser beam on ENDA and Boehner. If you guys don’t have the access, then it’s time for you to stand your ground, as Latinos have with the Dream Act. Ken, raising money for marriage equal-
same language found to protect women and racial minorities in the past against discrimination. This may end up being thrown out by the Supreme Court, or it could be a landmark decision that grants gay married folks, all federal benefits awarded by marriage to their straight friends and neighbors. The headline of this article asks, DO YOU CARE? Some couples I have talked to don’t care about marriage, or the traditionally straight institutions in our country. It reminds me of the question put to Cher years ago, the question was: “Cher, do you believe in the institution of marriage?” to which she replied with a smile and a glint in her eye, “Sure, but...who wants to live in an institution?” Whether YOU care or not, there are a lot of couples who do, and they look forward to having the same rights and privileges that other married couples historically have enjoyed. To be able to take care of your partner, without antiquated laws and restrictions that make passing on property and wealth a taxable event, is worthy of our effort and our support. This will all be interesting as it plays out over the next few years, and it will always be part of Gay History. We have a national movement moving forward in support of all LGBT people in America and there are many folks contributing to the writing of Gay History around the country. If you have anything to contribute or any articles you want to see, please write Rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com. ity will not wash the blood off your hands, but standing in front of the Capitol at a news conference fighting for nondiscrimination starts you on that path. Here’s the rub: We have about four weeks left of this Congress. Think that is not enough time? Remember the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”? That’s all it took, just two years ago. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
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papar azzi
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Emerald City Turn-A-Bout, Nightlife ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie
World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
Breakfast @ Krystal, 116 Bourbon
700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til daily. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offfer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am-10pm. Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903, serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including Margaritas, Piña Colada, Daiquiris etc., all made using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farmers and suppliers including local rum, Old New Orleans Rum. Open 10am-6pm daily. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.Sat. 5-11pm. Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, 504.301.1740, is the Bywater's newest eatery featuring casual fine dining at reasonable prices. Located in the old Bywater Bar.B.Que spot, the interior has been tranformed into a snappy bistro which definitely enhances a comfortable dining experience. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Open Tue. - Thur. 11am - 9pm, Fri. - Sat. 11am - 10pm, Sun. Brunch 10am - 3pm, Tue. - Sat. dinner starts @ 5pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Scotch Eggs @ Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine St.
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Beef Lasagna @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
the art of entertaining by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Serving A Holiday Brunch
I
t is definitely the season to celebrate, and what better way than hosting a brunch for a small group of friends. Recently, we did just that preparing for fourteen, twelve friends and ourselves. The first thing is to create the menu in advance to help you do everything efficiently so that you can enjoy the afternoon with your guests. Set the date and time. We chose a Sunday at 3pm. Invite your friends via phone or email since this is an informal gathering. We wanted to try some different dishes which we had seen on some of the cooking programs, and through research on the web. Be sure and adjust the recipes to put your own spin and techScotch Quail Eggs & Deviled Quail Eggs nique on the dishes. The menu we decided on was Scotch Quail Eggs with Blue CheeseOnion-Chive Dipping Sauce, Redneck Casserole, Hillbilly Shrimp Maque Choux & Cheesy Grits, Italian Meat Tray, and Red Velvet Bundt Cake. Next check and make certain you have all of the ingredients you will need to prepare the dishes. Rely on Samantha or any of your favorite markets to pick up some ready made products you can incorporate into the menu. And this is also the time to check on your bar to see if any liquor, beer, wine and setups are needed. Get all of this in advance and have the bar set and ready to go. All you have to do on the day of the party is order ice, have it delivered, and relax. Two days before the party, prepare your table with a centerpiece, serving trays and the like. To make your life easier, use discardalbe plates, napRedneck Casserole with Baked kins, forks, spoons and cups. The day Beans, Cheese Hot Dogs, Tater before the party, prepare everything Tots & Cheddar you can where it is ready to cook or bake on the day of the party. On the day of the party, prep anything that has to be done that day. Make sure your cooking times will be complete for the start of the party so all of the cooked dishes will be hot. We cooked our dishes an hour and a half before the party and then placed them in a 200 degree oven covered to keep them warm. At 2:50pm we placed all of the hot dishes on the table, removed our aprons, and greeted Italian Pepperoni, Prosciutto & our guests. Salami wrapped Mozzarella with Pickled Okra
Hillbilly Shrimp Maque Choux & Cheesy Grits
Cream Cheese stuffed Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
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46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
Osiris Emblem Country HoeDown
Welcome home Jennifer... Love YOU! Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s...
Parties, Nightlife, Royalty ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
King’s Party @ B-Bob’s
Christina & Aaron @ Bacchus Judy & Jeremy having a kiki... Newly crowned Miss B-Bob’s 2012-13 CoCo Elise
Happy Birthday Jerry Grady
Hello Boys & Amanda
Hello John, Eric & Cory Osiris Cast of Characters Jason & Jayme
Hello George @ B-Bob’s
Hello Cameron & Colton
mobile
papar azzi
Reigning King Cake Queen XIX of Gay Mardi Gras Nicole Dubois performs @ B-Bob’s
Miss Cie with King Stevie & King Stephen of Osiris
Hello Casey & Paige @ B-Bob’s
Amber Douglas & Robyn Michaels performing @ B-Bob’s
Hello Miss Britney & Miss Bentley
Happy Halloween from B-Bob’s
CoCo Chanel in attendance for Osiris King Party
GayEast erParade.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Nov. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 47
48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov Nov.. 20-Dec . 3, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM