Ambush magazine volume 33 issue 19

2 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Sept . 29-Oc t . 12, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

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the "official" dish

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

B-Bob's Celebrates 24th Anniversary Oct. 17 All roads will lead to Mobile, Alabama's popular nightclub B-Bob's Downtown on Saturday, Oct. 17. The largest LGBT club in Mobile will celebrate its 24th anniversary with a giant blowout. Bar Baron Jerry Ehlen has a lot in store for revelers that evening featuring the talents of Colt Studio's sizzling hot Seth Fornea. You can chill out on the main floor, and dance and see a show on the second level. Open nightly, shows are held of Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays under the direction of Show Director Miss Cie. Entertaining Mobile since 1992, the club is located at 213 Conti Street. Visit www.b-bobs.com or call 251.433.2262 for more information.

Big Easy Sisters to be Recognized at Exequatur on Oct. 10 in NOLA The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Parish of The Muddy Waters) will be officially recognized at their Exequatur ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 10 in New Orleans. The organization is proud to invite the New Orleans community to join and celebrate their official authorization becoming a house of the famous international activist, community service, and outreach organization, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Arriving at GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart Street, at 3 p.m., the Sisters will host the Exequatur meet and great until 5pm. A traditional New Orleans Second Line brass band parade follows. Revelers will be heralded through the French Quarter by the sounds of The Mighty Muddy Brass Band heading to Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon Street, for the main event running 6-9 p.m..

The Parish (Abbey) is comprised of people of all gender associations, all spiritual affiliations, and all proclivities who seek to do good works. "We are dedicated to the promulgation of universal joy and the expiation of stigmatic guilt.

We welcome and invite everyone (in your best costumed glory please) to join us in celebration with our Second Line Parade and the ceremony afterwards. No matter who you are get in your costumed glory and join us.

All events are free and open to the public. Visit www.facebook.com/events/ 1444286989203763, www.facebook.com/TheBigEasySisters or www.thebigeasysisters.org for more information.

Group or individuals or encouraged to register, but it is not required, at www.123contactform.com/form-1388473/The-Big-Easy-Sisters-Exequatur.

The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Parish of the Muddy Waters, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization comprised of men and women dedicated to the support, education, and development of the community and city.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® is a leading-edge Order of queer nuns.

Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have devoted theirselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.

NOLA Leather to Geaux OCT. 16 -18 Whether you’re into leather, rubber, kink or something else, you’ll want to attend this year’s New Orleans leather run : NOLA Leather to Geaux. Scheduled for October 16 – 18, this run weekend offers many opportunities for the indulgences of your desires. Participants will have the unique experience of

inside

Pre-Halloween, Oktoberfest out Oct. 13 DEADLINE: Tues., Oct. 6

under the gaydar 6 celebrazzi/new orleans 12 snap paparazzi/new orleans 14 halloween new orleans 17 moments in gay new orleans history 18 the real cheese 18 book review 20 alabama paparazzi/foley & mobile 20 trodding the boards 23 classifieds 24-25

matters of health a community within communities spotlight feature/natl. coming out day ambush paparazzi/new orleans "girls gone broadway" paparazzi ambush marketplace

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AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

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

wearing his/her leather or fetish gear while drinking in the streets with a “go cup” in hand. Check out the playful dark spaces in our bars while celebrating leather and kink in a way possible ONLY in New Orleans.

Purchasers of the weekend package will enjoy a welcome cocktail party at the Hotel St. Pierre on Friday evening hosted by the Lords of Leather and NOLA PAHs (Pups and Handlers) and a “meat” and greet event at Rawhide 2010 afterwards. A Saturday mid-day walking tour of the historic French Quarter led by local tour guide Chad Boutte will be followed by a BBQ Lunch/Beer Bust hosted by the Knights d’Orleans at the Phoenix Bar. A play party follows from 2-6 p.m. upstairs at the Eagle Bar in the Phoenix.

Then on to Bourbon Street for the leather/fetish dress code-enforced NOLA Leather to Geaux Dance Party at Oz beginning at 10 p.m. Special guest DJ will be Robbie Leslie, who has worked in NYC, Florida and The Coast from the 1970s through the 1990s. He began his career at Fire Island’s disco The Sandpiper, then on to NYC at Studio 54, Palladium, Underground, The Red Parrot, The Saint and 12 West. He was the prototype of the modern “circuit party DJ”, travelling internationally to spin at one-night party extravaganzas, events and fund raisers. He would continue as a circuit regular until 2002.

He was the last of 10 renowned disc jockeys performing at the marathon 40-hour closing party of New York’s private club, The Saint, from April 30 through May 2, 1988. He continues to perform in clubs around the country and internationally. He produces a weekly show on Sirius/XM Studio 54, “Robbie Leslie Presents” where he shares his classic recordings, current international shows and legendary DJ showcases. You won’t want to miss it this special night at Oz! Sunday features a late lunch leading up to a French Quarter bar crawl which will begin at GrandPre’s on North Rampart and end at Lafitte’s on Bourbon Street where love and napkins have been tossed in the air for 26 years on Sunday nights.

Each run package includes a run pin, a t-shirt, a souvenir plastic “geaux cup” and a “swag” bag in addition to the aforementioned meals, tour and parties.

Register now at w w w. n o l a l e a t h e r t o g e a u x 2 0 1 5 . doattend.com and sign up today. Don’t miss out on a great weekend!

Hotel St. Pierre at 911 Burgundy in the Quarter is this year’s host hotel, call 504.542.4401 and mention NOLA Leather to Geaux to get the special rate. Rooms are limited so don’t delay.

For more information visit w w w. n o l a l e a t h e r t o g e a u x . wordpress.com and like us on Facebook (NOLA Leather to Geaux.)

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:

Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.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 Texas - Houston

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans MIss Cie, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip NaquinDelain, 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. ©1982-2015 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

Louisiana Gubernatorial Election Set for Oct. 24 The Louisiana Gubernatorial Primary election is set for Saturday, October 24. Early voting will last from October 10 through October 17. The General Election is set for Saturday, November 21.

Nine candidates for the office have qualified with the Secretary of State’s [continued on 6]

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under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham

Book of the Month So I always want to read the book before watching the movie and this author has been on my must read list ever since the movie Gone Girl came out to rave reviews. Gillian Flynn is an American author, screenwriter, comic book writer and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly. Flynn has

three published novels: the thrillers Sharp Objects, Dark Places, and Gone Girl. Gone Girl was adapted for the screen in the 2014 film of the same name directed by David Fincher and starring Ben Affleck and Neil Patrick [continued on 8]

the "official" dish ...from 4 Office: Scott Angelle (R), Beryl Billiot (I), Jay Dardenne (R), Cary Deaton (D), John Bell Edwards (D), Jeremy Odom (I), Eric Paul Orgeron (I), S.L. Simpson (D), David Vitter (R).

Decadent Ducks Sets New Fundraising Record for Food For Friends, over $22,000 The Decadent Ducks, a gay travel and social network, spent their 18th year at Southern Decadence and, by

all accounts, experienced their best year ever in New Orleans. The Ducks, led by Troy Richardson, hosted well over 330 of their group members for the 44th annual celebration this year.

In addition to various events and parties enjoyed throughout the weekend, the Decadent Ducks put their numbers to good use by raising money for Food For Friends. The Food For Friends Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries and home-delivered meals to HIV-infected and -affected individuals in the greater New Orleans area for over 15 years.

Decadent Ducks held two raffles during the Original Southern Decadence Welcome Party Friday night and at Candy Samples “Sunday Services” show on Sunday, both hosted by One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse Street. The Grand Prize for both raffles for the third year in a row was a round trip ticket on Southwest Airlines. Many prizes from other generous sponsors were also raffled.

Decadent Ducks donates 100% of the proceeds from these raffles to Food For Friends. This year, the generosity of Ducks members raised over $22,000, setting a new record for the group’s fundraising efforts for Food For Friends.

“The people of New Orleans have always welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family,” Richardson explains. “I can’t stress enough how important that is, especially in this day and age, when the gay community seems to be under attack so often.

That means a lot. We’ve been very lucky, and we’re really excited to be able to give something back to this city that we love so much.”

More than just a travel group, the Decadent Ducks have evolved into a close network of friends from all over the world, and they credit New Orleans for fostering and inspiring their spirit of camaraderie and friendship. Returning members enjoy the occasion to reunite, and new members appreciate the efforts made to welcome them into the group and forge new friendships.

Everyone agrees that there was something in the air this year, and this was one of the best Decadence events in many years, and they are all looking forward to coming back next year.

To learn more about the Decadent Ducks or Food For Friends, visit the official website at www.DecadentDucks.com. To learn more about Candy Samples, visit www.SampleMyCandy.com.

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under the gaydar ...from 6 Harris.

Dark Places is up next on my list since the movie is coming out shortly also. Gone Girl is one of those twisting thrillers that keep you riveted. The story revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her fifth wedding anniversary. Amy is a bright and beautiful woman who is married to the town’s golden boy, Nick. Soon lies are revealed and nothing is quite as it seems.

The story volleys back and forth between Amy’s Diary and Nick for the first half of the novel. You learn little pieces of these extremely complex characters. The book takes the “How well do we know our spouse” question to the next level and turns it menacingly on its head.

The secondary characters are also vividly portrayed as each one from the lawyers, to Amy and Nick’s families to the investigating police officers play crucial roles to the story. Gone Girl is filled with surprises at every turn and no one is to be trusted. Flynn’s expert character development draws the reader into this disturbing look at the ultimate dysfunctional marriage. The writing is crisp and darkly humorous at times.

I highly recommend Gone Girl which will make you think twice before saying “I Do.” For more information on Gillian Flynn’s novels, go to www.gillianflynn.com.

Hot Happenings It is October and my birthday month long celebration. Let the games begin.

Here are just a few of the top picks of events for the coming weeks. Have fun!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Sip your cares away at one of the most beautiful courtyards in the French Quarter. The Maison Dupuy courtyard has been newly renovated and the staff invites you to join them for Sippin’ in the Courtyard from 5-8 p.m. There will be music, food, and cocktail specials in the French Quarter’s largest courtyard. The Maison Dupuy is located at 1001 Toulouse Street.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 One of the greatest musical divas is back in New Orleans and I am so excited since I have not seen her since Essence Festival a few years back.

Janet Jackson’s “Unbreakable World Tour” is coming to New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center (1501 David Dixon Drive). Music icon, multiple GRAMMY Award-winner and multiplatinum selling artist Janet Jackson’s UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world’s most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation Records/ BMG. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Thursday, September 30, 2015 Enjoy some singing nuns at Café Lafitte’s in Exile (901 Bourbon Street) from 8 – 10 p.m. when you join New Orleans’ own Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as they host Sisteraoke: Singing with The Sisters. This is Novice Guard Chasin Azz’s novice project to benefit local charities in the community. Come have some laughs, enjoy some drinks, sing a song or three, and of course win some fabulous prizes!!

Saturday, October 3, 2015 No White Flags – words to live by an inspirational man. Get ready for one of the coolest races and after parties in NOLA benefitting a really great foundation and helping one of our local heroes, Steve Gleason. The race starts at 9 a.m. with the festival beginning at 11 a.m. The race: 3.7 miles around beautiful Bayou St. John and City Park.

Festival entertainment includes music

by Better Than Ezra, Flow Tribe, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Paul Varisco and the Milestones. There is food and fun for the whole family. General Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate, VIP is $250 and $300 at gate.

The purpose of Gleason Gras Run and Festival, hosted by What You Give Will Grow, is to raise awareness for ALS and to support Steve Gleason’s participation in advanced and experimental technology, equipment, and treatments.

The event takes place at the Team Gleason House located at 3525 Bienville Street near Jeff Davis in Mid-City. For tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ gleason-gras-2015-run-festival-registration-17945212614.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 Join October’s commUNITY® Speak Out as they tackle the subject of Suicide and the LGBTQ+ community at the New Orleans Healing Center 2nd floor classroom 250 (2372 St. Claude Avenue). The talk will focus on the issue of suicide and bullying prevention in the LGBTQ+ community. If you cannot make it in person, they now have live streaming video and you can participate in live chats. Just register on the following link http:// www.webinarfusionprolaunch.com/ register/community®-speak-out—suicide-and-the-lgbtq-community-eng28969. The event starts at 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 Enjoy one of the city’s most cultural events at Art For Art’s Sake from 5 – 9 p.m. at galleries and shops on Julia, Magazine, St. Claude and Royal Streets (as well as many other locations throughout the city). Created by the Contemporary Arts Center in 1980, this annual rite of fall has become one of the hottest events of the year for art lovers in and around New Orleans and has now expanded beyond the Julia Street borders. There are shuttles that run from Julia Street to Magazine Street at

this unbelievable event. One of the major locations downtown the CAC Art & Membership Experience from 5 – 8 p.m. featuring Free Admission, Cash Bar, REVERB exhibition Artist Talks, Pop-up performance by progressive string quartet ETHEL, Grand Opening of The Stacks art & design bookstore, Visual Arts & Theater workshops for children & families, and Amending, a large-scale stop motion animation by artists Kira Akerman and Silvie Deutsch.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 Get Twisted this October with the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras. The FNBMG presents their second party leading up to the 2016 Masquerade Ball. Take a trip down the rabbit hole and directly to Wonderland. Join Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts at this wild and wacky adventure at Mags 940 (940 Elysian Fields) from 3 – 7 p.m. Tea-themed cocktails at the open bar, a floor show featuring Alice and her Looking Glass companions, an “eat me/drink me” buffet of goodies and a fabulous auction featuring a Royal Red wig from Fifi Mahoney’s are just some of the fun things in store for guests. Tickets are $35. For more information, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.

Sunday, October 4, 2015 Come play with the animals at Gay Day at Da Zoo. Join this fun event for all ages at the Audubon Zoo (6500 magazine Street). Bring your families, friends, co-workers; the more the better. The organizers are trying to supersede last year’s turnout of 400 people.

Sunday, October 4, 2015 Come out to the Bourbon Pub and Parade (801 Bourbon Street) for a special edition of Lipstixx: Ladies on Parade starring: Miss Louisiana Continental 2015 and show director Aubrey Synclaire, Miss Black Mississippi Universe/MGLA 2013 Mercedez Ellis Loreal, MGLA 91/93 Tiffany Alexander, MGLA 2009 Bambi Bextor, and MGLA 2015 Delanie Valentine. Showtime is at 8 p.m.

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2015 Come celebrate a weekend with Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Exequatur as they celebrate their Exequatur ceremony. They will be a fully professed house of The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. Details are coming and will be finalized very soon but here’s a snapshot of what you can expect.

Friday: The “fais do do” begins with a special French Quarter wide “meet-and-greet.”

Saturday: The Exequatur starts Saturday evening with a traditional New Orleans Second Line through the French Quarter that heralds the arrival of The Sisters, and guests, at the venue of the Exequatur Ceremony.

Sunday: It’s National Coming Out Day! (Event TBD) Don’t say “goodbye” to New Orleans and The Big Easy Sisters but “see you soon” with an afternoon BBQ and tea dance.

For more information please visit: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / TheBigEasySisters/ or http:// www.thebigeasysisters.org/. The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, (Sisters of the Muddy Waters) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization comprised of people dedicated to the support, education, and development of our community, and our city. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® is a leading-edge Order of queer nuns.

Since our first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have devoted ourselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.

Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2015 Get ready for NOLA Leather To Geaux: a Leather Run Weekend for the Leather, Kink & Fetish community. Get your “to go” cup, fill it with your favorite drink and spend it in this fun-loving city for a weekend with other leather daddies, boys and gear wearers. Enjoy a fun time wearing your leather/kink/fetish gear while celebrating all that New Orleans has to offer. Host hotel, welcome party, brunch, dance, BBQ, beer bust, walking tour of Historic French Quarter, and a closing bar crawl Sunday evening. Visit their Facebook page or web site for more information.https:/ /nolaleathertogeaux.wordpress.com.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 The Krewe of Armeinius is once again hosting their hugely successful event Cocktoberfest. Everyone knows that an event like Cocktoberfest is bound to be a sausage-fest. That’s why this event is billed the most fabulously strange Oktoberfest in New Orleans.

Served up with a bottomless beer garden and fun German themed entertainment, this is bound to be a night you don’t want to forget. After growing the past couple of years Cocktoberfest is now going to be celebrated at the Armeinius Den located at 433 N Broad St in Mid-City. This event goes to benefit the Krewe of Armeinius and the Gay Historical Preservation Society and is truly an event that is smash for everyone 21 and up. Come help preserve some of the most unique traditions while enjoying a rooster filled evening of fun. The party begins at 7 p.m. For more information, go to http:/ /armeinius.org/.

Party Down Thank God Decadence is over and my liver is taking a well-deserved rest.

But I did not rest on my laurels because [continued on 10]

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under the gaydar ...from 8 my two weeks consisted of drag queens, fundraiser and a trip down to Mexico.

On the Tuesday after Labor Day, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Frankie Fierce and I along with some friends went to the Country Club’s Drag Dinner. Now it has been literally years since I had dinner at the Country Club and I was pleasantly surprised. The food was excellent and the service was wonderful. They also have bottomless wine for $10 (they lose money on people like me). But it was the show that brought out the crowd this evening.

Nicole Lynn Foxx knows how to command an audience and she had one of my favorite performers Vinsantos as her guest star this evening. If you have not been, the drag dinner is one of the best entertainment values in the city. It is on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

The following night I was at another dinner at the gorgeous Audubon Tea Room, this time for the National Association of Caterers and Events (NACE). NACE Partnered with Save Our Cemeteries for their annual fundraising event entitled The Soiree Internationale. What an amazing event that boasted a four-course wine pairing dinner featuring premier New Orleans chefs, patron party, and silent auction.

They even had the largest paella I have ever seen made before your eyes.

NACE is one of the top hospitality organizations that I had the honor to be president of for several years. They believe in not only promoting the New Orleans hospitality community but also local noteworthy non-profits. Save Our Cemeteries preserves and protects the historic cemeteries of New Orleans, and fosters a public appreciation for their historical, cultural, and architectural value. We were thrilled to be working with an organization that plays such a vital role in preserving a piece of our history for locals and tourists alike.

On Thursday, Gambit Weekly hosted Pop Tails at the Michalopoulos Studio on Elysian Fields. This very cool space was ideal for a pop-up cocktail Do It Yourself Party. Swamp Pop and New Orleans Rum joined together to allow guests to create their own libations. Swamp Pop’s many flavors mixed nicely with the three different types of rum drinks. Two locals make the perfect combination. Then afterwards my friend Laura and I finished off the night with a few nightcaps at the ever so fabulous Friendly Bar which in my opinion is the epitome of a great neighborhood spot.

I started the weekend on Friday with Scales and Ales, the Aquarium’s annual fundraiser. Local restaurants provided food for the hundreds of guests as they danced the night away at Woldenberg Park drinking beer and wine. What I love is you get to tour the aquarium without children around. I actually got to pet the stingrays, which

I had never done before. The VIP area was aboard the Natchez which was parked by the Aquarium and a great place to escape the heat for quiet time.

All and all it was a great event. Then my friends and I wandered into the Quarter to Good Friends. I think people forget what a beautiful bar the upstairs is, to relax and sit on the balcony and watch the nightlife. It is a people watcher’s dream.

Saturday Frankie Fierce and I hit the town at the St. Claude Avenue Gallery walk. This newly developing street is quickly becoming a cultural hot spot with art galleries popping up. The galleries host an art opening on the second Saturday of every month. It is free and lots of fun. That is what I love about NOLA. There is always something free you can do here. We followed up the walk with the Lazarus House Bon Appetit Fundraiser at the Ursuline Convent. This dessert soiree brought out the gay community. The weather cooperated giving us a lovely evening of music, sweets, champagne and other liquors. Wandering around these beautiful gardens sipping bubbly and eating chocolate was a great way to end the night. Also, there was a Blanche DeBris sighting, the elusive and mysterious drag queen that entered retirement last year and has been rarely seen since.

Sunday was a full day of activity starting with catching the matinee of the play Marie Antoinette staged by the NOLA Project at NOCCA. This was a unique take on the story of Marie Antoinette that took the title character from a spoiled rich girl to the dungeons awaiting death. The set which was a giant guillotine was wonderfully done. I especially like the white screen made up of white French Peasant Shirts. The talented cast did a great job and the costumes were inspired. After my dose of culture, I met up with my friend Beaux and caught the tail end of the Krewe of Petronius’ Trailer Park Event and the beginning of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Beer Bust both at GrandPre’s. Both events were well attended and I have to say, I have never seen a drag queen do a number with a live chicken dressed in matching outfits. There is always a first for everything. Next up was Zingo at the Corner Pocket for a few games with Miss Opal Masters calling the balls literally. Boy she can make those guys hop to it.

On Monday, I dared go where very few men have ever gone, a cruise to Mexico with Tami Tarmac and an assortment of New Orleans fun-loving gays that included Monica SynclaireKennedy, Regina Adams, Rikki Redd, Elizabeth Bouvier, Athena Jewelle, James Garner from the Golden Lantern, Will Antil from the Double Play and a Marty and Koo. We were quite the intrepid explorers as we boarded Carnival’s Elation for five days bringing us to the Mexican ports of Cozumel and Progresso.

This was one of the most fun and relaxing vacations I have ever taken. At sea, we enjoyed time at the spa. I had full seaweed detoxifying wraps, facials and massages. The Serenity Spa was state of the art and the services were superior. I also used their gym which was on the top deck of the ship with a wrap-around window so you had panoramic views while you worked out.

Almost every morning I walked on their jogging track located on the very top of the ship and watched the sunrise. When people say there are things good for the soul, this was one of them. And the food on the ship was delicious and abundant. There was the 24 hour pizza parlor and deli sandwich station, the dining room which served daily brunch and dinner, and of course the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet that had a grill, Mongolian Wok, Chocolate and Dessert, and American Delicacy Stations. In the dining room, it was more like dinner with a show. Every night, the waiters did special sexy dances for the diners. They were fun and lively.

Speaking of shows, there was plenty of entertainment on the ship.

The had a comedy club with two performers and a theatre that had a singing and dance troupe. This group performed three shows during the trip – Divas, Soul and Epic Rock Reviews.

Each show spotlighted famous musicians for that music genre. These eight gorgeous singers and dancers wearing skimpy outfits belted out tunes and danced. The shows were very entertaining and well worth seeing.

The ship was not the only fun, in Cozumel, we arrived on Mexican Independence Day, and so while we were downtown exploring the city, Jeff and I got to witness their holiday parade.

They had blocked off the streets and it seemed that all the schools on the island participated sending their students to march dressed in their full dress uniforms. It was a very serious parade where the students all marched in order in a militaristic fashion. There were some schools who did dress their students in traditional Mexican attire which added color to the parade. Which gets me to the fact, did everyone know Cozumel was an island. God, I am horrible at geography, I always thought it was part of the mainland of Mexico.

Also Jeff (Elizabeth Bouvier) and I shopped like crazy. FYI, if you ever want to haggle over a price with a merchant, she is the person to bring with you. We spent the remainder of the time in Cozumel at a fun bar called the Three Amigos doing shots of tequila with our new gay friends, Dave and Dan, we met from Nashville. We almost did not make it back on the boat after one too many watermelon shot slices. But thank goodness Monica and Athena showed us and, always safety in numbers.

Our next port was Progresso which is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo along with Cozumel. Most

Americans who go to foreign countries never realize that Mexico is made up of states like the US. You would not say you visited New Orleans, United States, you would say you went to New Orleans, Louisiana in the US, same thing here. That is your geography lesson for the day. I digress, Progresso is a resort and farming town on the coast with million dollar homes and resorts along the beach. While in port, we went to one of those resorts to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, eating Mexican delicacies and of course drinking. It was another great port day that ended with shopping.

The cruise was recharging and fun allowing me to connect better with some old and new friends while on the boat. But one of the highlights and the main reason we were there was when Richard (Tami Tarmac) proposed to her husband Paul at a little reception they had in their stateroom. It was wonderful and romantic; he even made a video of their life together. He said yes, thank god, wouldn’t that have been awkward. So it looks like we will be having a wedding cruise coming up in the near future.

Tami proposing to Paul Got back into town on Saturday, dropped my bags changed into a Hugh Hefner costume and jetted off with Frankie Fierce to my friend Contessa Christine Breaux’s birthday extravaganza aboard the stylized old time Public Belt Railroad. The Disco Amigo dance troupe greeted guests as we boarded the train for food and drink and a dance party. The hostess of the hour arrived on the back of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, very dramatic. From the moment we pulled out the station till we got back, we nibbled on appetizers from Palate Catering, drank tons of champagne and danced to disco music as we cruised the tracks alongside the Mississippi River. Now that is a birthday party. When it was done, we continued the party at Christine’s Uptown home with more drinks and cake; then finally ended up at the midnight show at the Pub, where Frankie cohosted with Bradley Latham. It was a great drag show and an ideal way to cap off the night.

Sunday was the day everything for the last two weeks caught up with me, and laid prone on the couch all day barely moving bringing on Netflix. It is good to have those days too.

And for all those Libra babies born in October, you rock, happy birthday.

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Dr. George & Deja Deja-Vue’

Krewe of Amon-Ra's Special Lieutenant Electra City, President Barbara Ella, Queen and King Amon-Ra L Opal Masters and Darwin Reed, present $1,200 to the Cancer Society during the krewe's annual fundraiser "Girls Gone Broadway" at the House of Blues in New Orleans. The money was raised during the charity number at the krewe's 50th Mardi Gras Ball. "Girls Gone Broadway" brought some 15 entertainers to the stage celebrating "Welcome to the Cabaret."

Jonathan Molina, Dr. George, Ray Conard

celebrazzi Dr. George & Sally-FLY Monica Synclaire-Kennedy

Birthday Cake Time!

Danny Pitre and Jeffrey Tobias join Dr. George Toti-Williams for his 51st birthday bash hosted by Sally-FLY's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain at the Ambush Mansion in New Orleans. Some 20 guests celebrated with cocktails, smoked oyster pate, Louisiana crabmeat cream cheese log topped with cocktail sauce and more lump crabmeat, reuben casserole, sweet and sour wild boar with Hawaiian rolls, Greek salad with feta, and traditional Italian cream cake.

Sally-FLY’s Opal Masters & Darwin Reed with Dr. George

Get ready for the next big holiday in The Big Easy - Halloween. Join the 32nd Annual Halloween New Orleans Oct. 29-Nov. 1 celebrating "Fall of the Pharoahs."

The four day circuit party kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 29 with “The Lazarus Ball” featuring live entertainment, great food, and silent auction at newly renovated Il Mercato, 1911 Magazine St. in the Lower Garden District. The neon party returns on Friday, Oct. 30 with the amazing DJ GRIND at Republic New Orleans, 828 S. Peters St. in the Warehouse District. The Main Event is Saturday, Oct. 31 where you’ll be transported to a time of sand, scarabs, and skulls; where the golden world of the ultra rich pharaohs of today collides with the dark and destitute mummies of the past. From the market bazaar to the temple wall of hieroglyphics, prepare to be immersed in a story of lust, betrayal, and revenge with music by DJ Joe Gauthreaux and DJ Blacklow. Costume is required for entry at Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. On Sunday, Nov. 1, come hang out, eat, listen to music, and catch up on last night’s gossip at House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. starring legendary Thelma Houston.! Be sure to stay to the end and join the Second Line from HOB to Oz! (www.HalloweenNewOrleans.com)

Paul Melancon & Dr. George

Sally-FLY Aubrey Synclaire, Ray Conard & Coca Mesa

Justin, Dr. George & Kyle

Host's Sally-FLY's Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain with Dr. George

Dr. George & Jim May

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Dr. George Toti-Williams 51st Birthday Bash @ Ambush Mansion ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed

Sally-FLY Aubrey Synclaire, Dr. George & Jeremy Weinberg

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Dominique DeLorean, Anastacia Davenport & Coca Mesa opens Legends of Oz Sunday show

Ken GrandPre stirring the pot with Cutter’s Kevin Limberg @ GrandPre’s on Cheesy Thursdays

Sally-FLY Jeffrey Palmquist serving up the first Dirty SKYY Martini (Official Vodka of Southern Decadence) @ Lafitte’s

Entertainer of the Year Gia GiaVanni on stage @ Show Club of the Year Oz

Dwain & Beijing grabbing a cold one @ The Phoenix

Bartender Trevor Cook joins Wilma Pearl (aka Todd Blauvelt) @ The Double Play David, bartender Richard, Brittany & Kristen cutting up @ Good Friends Bar

Ladi Phat Kat guest stars in Legends of Oz

Bartender Ashlyrose invites you to Karaoke @ Kajun’s Pub

Chuc gets a face massage from Cricket @ Cutter’s

Good Friends’ August, Lafitte’s manager Kevin & Stanley’s Joseph @ The Golden Lantern

Halen & David all smiles @ The Phoenix

Bartender Joe welcomes you to Dance Club of the Year Oz Double Play bartender Urban shows off his new baby Cosmo @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Christian & Matthew join Karaoke @ Kajun’s Pub

snap paparazzi

The many faces of Coca Mesa @ Oz New Orleans

Deja Deja-Vue’ & Jim May celebrate their 25th anniversary @ GrandPre’s

Bartender Paul welcomes you to Rawhide

Lantern bartender Josh & Lafitte’s bartender Jerek @ The Golden Lantern

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The Club Scene ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin

Ryan & Franko cocktailing @ Double Play

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moments in gay new orleans history

by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

“A Timeline of the Movement” October is Gay History Month. Many people believe the gay rights movement began 1969 with Stonewall, but that’s not entirely accurate. The seeds of gay liberation were planted 45 years earlier. As we enjoy the harvest those seeds have yielded, let us not forget our history. Here is a timeline of some of the milestones in our collective history:

the real cheese

by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys

From Busted to Dusted!

In my last column I left you all with assurance that in the next one I would address Coca Mesa’s recent change in makeup, especially those eyebrows of perfection she has been modeling. Well I will be doing just that, but first so it is not taking in the wrong context and have me come off sounding like a naysayer or worse a bully, I feel I have to address our current state of seemingly having to be always politically correct.

Social media undoubtedly plays a big part in our ever changing society, especially when it comes to LGBT issues. If not for it, I well believe the fight for marriage equality would still be going on.

It has also shed light on bullying and many people's negative nature. Those two things in itself make for much good in this evolving world of ours, but I dare say it also can be taken way overboard with the political correctness and having to watch every word or term used. Let's not forget a person’s meaning in any conversation depends on context and also the demeanor in which it's expressed, reading words without hearing the tone in one’s voice, or the expressions on one’s face, can put a whole different meaning into it.

For instance take the word trannie, yes it is slang for what used to be called Transexual, now Transgender, in my younger days using the word Trannie was a term of endearment just like calling each other gurl, sista, or Mary. I know and love dearly many friends who happen to be transgender, some still use the term and have no problems with it, and others abhor the use of it, so this I can understand should be something that is thought about, but now with all the other terms and sub genres that are being brought out it can be a bit much.

Just the other day I was reading one of the countless stories on the county clerk with all of her new found moral convictions. In it was a mention to the fact that she had in the past issued a license to a female to male transgender unknowingly, the marriage was to someone who identified as a pansexual, well I thought I was fairly educated, but I had to go to Google on this one because all I could think of was it must be someone who likes to have sex in the kitchen, which meant I might even be a pannie, yes I said it a pannie, cause I often have illicit affairs

with food especially when I get a new recipe!

I’m sure by now many of you are thinking what does all this have to do with Coca’s new mug or the price of panty hose at wallyworld, well I’m getting to that.

I’ve sat back and watched friends, all members of the drag community (or whatever correct term is being used, artists, illusionists, I’m a man in a dress, always have been so I’ll continue to say drag), go at each other sometimes just kidding, other times seriously reading and throwing shade, which is another term that has evolved quickly.

I have seen it get out of hand, starting as a joke and then getting carried away, and some do take it to heart and can be hurt by the words that are written or the humor posts that are shared. That’s when I will be the first to say back off as no one knows what someone may have dealt with in their lives that could cause a joke to hurt, but other times I say this political correctness is just too much. I remind most every queen, and up and coming princess out there who dreams of being on RuPaul’s Drag Race that Bianca didn’t win or get to where she is by holding hands and singing Kumbaya with everyone. Roy just has the unique ability of separating stage persona from the real person. Throwing shade and reading has always been apart of drag biz, but I stress when done in humor, when done to intentionally hurt, then no!

Now all this being said I can finally get to Coca’s mug, she was one of the first people I met upon moving here, first as a boy who I got to know, and then as the performer. Just being myself once I felt she was comfortable with me, and after sharing with her my history in the art of drag, I proceeded to read the powder off her puff so to speak. I would tell her, "Mary one word BLEND." She would sometimes come back at me and sometimes

1924—Henry Gerber founds the Society for Human Rights in Chicago 1948—Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male 1950—Harry Hay founds the Mattachine Society in Los Angeles 1952—the American Psychiatric Association lists homosexuality as a “sociopathic personality disturbance” 1953—President Eisenhower (R) orders the firing of all federal employees who are gay 1955—the Daughters of Bilitis is founded in San Francisco 1965—LGBT activists picket Independence Hall in Philadelphia 1969—Police raid the Stonewall Inn in New York 1970—first Gay Pride Parade in New York City 1973—the American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders 1973—an arsonist sets fire to the Up Stairs Lounge in New Orleans claiming 32 lives; the fire remains the deadliest crime and against LGBT folk in the nation’s history 1974—Kathy Kozachenko (Human Rights Party) becomes 1st openly gay elected official in Ann Arbor, MI. 1977—Anita Bryant leads successful effort to repeal a gay rights ordinance in Miami 1977—Harvey Milk (D) elected to San Francisco Board of Supervisors 1978—Harvey Milk assassinated 1979—first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights 1980—the National Democratic Party endorses equal rights for LGBT people 1981—the New York Times runs a story on a rare pneumonia and skin cancer found in 41 gay men; the disease is first called GRID but later changed to AIDS 1987—Larry Kramer founds ACT-UP in New York 1987—2nd National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights 1988—The World Health Organization founds the 1st World AIDS Day 1988—1st National Coming Out Day 1990—Congress passes the Ryan White Care Act 1993—the Department of Defense enacts the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy 1996—Congress passes the Defense of Marriage Act 1998—Matthew Shepard is murdered 2000—Vermont becomes the first state to legalize civil unions 2003—the Supreme Court rules that sodomy laws are unconstitutional 2004—Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage 2007—the LOGO network hosts the first presidential debate on LGBT issues; six democratic candidates participate; all republican candidates decline the invitation to attend 2008—California voters approve Proposition 8 2009—Congress passes the Matthew Shepard Act, including sexual orientation in federal hate crime legislation 2010—Proposition 8 is ruled unconstitutional 2010—”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is repealed 2010—President Obama (D) announces he supports marriage equality 2013—the Supreme Court rules the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional 2015—the Supreme Court rules state bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional just shake her head. I noticed over time she would try different things, which I had told her I did for years before I did what I term caught my drag snap, meaning getting a face that I felt was the best possible look I could attain.

Upon moving away from the Quarter I didn’t get to see her or go to shows as much, and forgot about my campaign to help her ‘catch her drag snap’ and then during Decadence she pops up with The Face, BLENDED and eyebrows to the Gods and Goddesses! She did it her own way and in her own time, but she did it! So yes I read her but I did so in the context of wanting to help. When I started queens were truly shady to the point that they would lie to newbies about makeup techniques just to mess us up. I once went out sporting black orchid lipstick over my eyebrows with my top lashes on bottom and vice versa.

I can also say that no one is too old to learn or too young to teach. I have picked up many new things from some of

the youngest around here. Carla Kahlua turned me on to a new product just recently. So what I’m basically saying is the context in which we use makes a difference, and I for one know I cant change my reading ways and terms I use overnight for political correctness, but I can try to make sure to use the ability of tongue and cheek sarcasm in ways that will hopefully benefit others.

And all of this gave me an idea for a future fundraiser where any newbies or oldies that want to change or learn new techniques in make up can enter what we can call "From Busted to Dusted!" I may be the first contestant. I would leave my fellow sisters with this, do watch out when calling others buggers, because you never know when that bugger might become a beauty and give you competition!

And that’s the Real Cheese.

Till next time dahlings, I’m Felicia Phillips, the Cheese Queen of New Orleans...

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Miss Venus Anniversary Celebration

Miss Cie with Monica Heart

Trailer Trash Party @ The Tavern in Foley

m obile paparazzi

Hello Lee

book review Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh.

John Lahr. Norton, 2014.

ISBN: 978-0-393-02124-0.

765 pages. $39.95.

by Frank Perez Before Tennessee Williams died in 1983, he authorized Lyle Leverich to write his authorized biography.

Leverich’s book, Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams, was published in 1995. The primary reason for the 12 year gap between Williams’ death and the book’s publication was a woman named Maria St. Just—a long-time Williams friend (and the inspiration for Maggie in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof) and his literary guardian after his death. St. Just refused to allow Leverich to quote from any of Williams’ letters or journals; access to these vital sources was not available until after St. Just’s death in 1994.

Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams was the first of what was to be a two volume biography of Williams.

But Leverich died in 1999, before the second volume was completed. Upon his death, Leverich left his archive of Williams research material to John Lahr, the prominent New York theatre critic.

Lahr completed Leverich’s project, the result of which is Tennessee Williams:

Sparklze @ Venus Anniversary Celebration Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, a mammoth biography of the first order.

Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams covers the playwright’s life up to 1944 and the premier of The Glass Menagerie, Williams’ first hit play.

Lahr’s book picks up at this point and focuses on the dozen or so years when Williams was riding the crest of commercial and critical success as well as the playwright’s last twenty years which were marked by critical failure and a descent into depression, aided in no small part by alcoholism and drug addiction.

Lahr draws upon previously unearthed sources, including 70 audio cassette’s worth of interviews with Pancho Rodriguez (Williams’ boyfriend in New Orleans), the papers of director Elia Kazan, and the letters of both Frank Merlo (Williams’ partner of 14 years) and agent Audrey Wood.

As a theatre critic, Lahr focuses on the plays and in so doing examines them as a lens into Williams’ own life.

By unpacking the common Williams themes of suffering, loss, and mad-

Hello Boys & Girls @ Flip Side Patio Bar in Mobile

Flip Side Patio Bar in Mobile

Hello Michael & Judson

Jerry & Jayme @ B-Bob’s in Mobile

Hello Delta, Dewight & Justin

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Celebrations & Parties ~ Mobile & Foley, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie

Congratulations to Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Broadway in New Orleans/The Little Mermaid at The Saenger Theatre through June 19, 2016 The Little Mermaid recently sailed into the Saenger and, after some choppy waters, settled down for a smooth and very enjoyable journey.

Seen on its opening night, one is willing, almost, to forgive the sea-foam set piece that flew in and nearly crashed on the stage as well as some tech people that could be seen scurrying around. Not enough rehearsal time here, perhaps?

But dropped props and falling dancers? Had they had a pre-curtain hurricane or two?

More importantly, most of the first act was a fairly generic and schematic retelling of the classic fairy tale as adapted from the hit film version. But then towards the end of Act One, the focus sharpened; melodies reflected, rather than being imposed upon, characters; the drama was heightened; and Act Two went along swimmingly until the happily-ever-after finale.

Interestingly, this was a Theatre Under The Stars production, rather than a more traditional direct-fromBroadway one. Which might have been just as well as the New York version was generally considered to be a bloated, confusing and charm-free blunder that ran a mere 658 performances.

If this streamlined Mermaid seemed, at times, visually, like a slightly upscale version of the St. Anne’s Mardi Gras parade, it did pull off the big effects of folks swimming to the sea’s surface, or, in the case of Prince Eric, falling to the ocean floor. Kudos to Flying by Foy and Paul Rubin, flying sequence choreographer.

Doug Wright’s pun-filled book got the job done, and if you could generally tell which songs came from the movie from Howard Ashman’s witty lyrics, some of the new songs for stage with words by Glenn Slater, such as the piquantly insinuating Sweet Child sung by the villainess’ henchmen (hencheels?), came up to their level. I wish Alan Menken’s melodies were more memorable; only the faux-calypso Under the Seas really got the tot-filled audience truly energized. (The two floating jellyfish in that number enchantingly stood (swam?) out.)

Under Glenn Casale’s dutiful direction, Alison Woods as the mermaid Ariel, and Eric Kunze, as the Prince, made an appealing pair of lovers. Fred Inkley, as Ariel’s father King Triton with whom she has some daddy issues, conveyed the proper majesty. Jamie Torcellini was funny as the malapropand neologism-spouting seagull Scuttle.

And Jennifer Allen as the evil sea witch/ octopussy-ish Ursula pretty much stole the show as villains tend to do (though there must be a better way for her to manipulate her costume’s tentacles

than by merely flinging them around).

Maybe it was the Jamaican-esque accent, but only Melvin Abston as the put-upon crab Sebastian sank some of the numbers with his mush-mouthed diction.

Next up at the Saenger is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Oct. 27-Nov. 1) with Beauty and the Beast returning for New Year’s (Dec. 29-Jan. 3) and Wicked coming back next spring (May 25-June 19).

Those of you who, like me, prefer to see real flesh’n’blood people on stage instead of the princesses and evildoers of fairy tales can look forward to Newsies (Dec. 1-6), Motown: The Musical (Jan. 19-24), Kinky Boots (Feb. 16-21), The Book of Mormon (Mar. 8-13) and Cabaret (Apr. 5-10).

As for Blue Man Group (May 13-15), they’re in a class by themselves.0

Curtain Up With Decadence behind us and Art for Art’s Sake nearly here, the new cultural season is getting into full swing.

Here are some shows to look forward to...if they aren’t playing already!

Southern Rep was one of the first out of the starting gate with Stage Kiss, a romantic comedy by Sarah (The Clean House) Ruhl in which two actors are reunited on stage long after their disastrous, but passionate, love affair has ended. Trey Burvant, Aimée Hayes, and John Neisler head a cast directed by Jason Kirkpatrick at the Ashé Power House (1731 Baronne St.) through October 10.

It’s long overdue that the duo who sold over 200 million records and racked up over three dozen top 40 hits gets a permanent venue in their hometown dedicated to championing their works.

Walking to New Orleans, billed as a “Vegas Style” musical tribute, pays homage to Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew’s catalog with nearly a dozen of the best musicians in the country. Al “Lil Fats” Jackson and Shamarr Allen lead the ensemble to recreate the infectious sounds, strides and boogie-woogie piano technique that in the 1950’s would outsell every rock and roll pioneer other than Elvis Presley.

Walking plays Thursdays through Sundays at 7:00pm at the historic Carver Theater (2101 Orleans Ave.) in the heart of Treme, America’s oldest black neighborhood and at one time a major hotbed for live music in the Big Easy.

It’s been about twenty years since Lerner and Loewe’s classic My Fair Lady has been seen in town. JPAS is rectifying that through October 4 at their new Jefferson Performing Arts Center (6400 Airline Dr.) in Metairie.

Micah Desonier plays Eliza Doolittle to Kris Shaw’s Henry Higgins under Clayton Phillips’ direction. Musical director and JPAS head honcho Dennis Assaf has waited many years to finally have a theater to call his own and it looks like the results are loverly.

Over at JPAS’ Teatro Wego! (177 Sala Ave., Westwego) Ain’t Got No Home, the second installment of Butch Caire’s trilogy, returns October 2-11 to continue the story of the lives and loves of the folks who run a neighborhood cafe/bar using classic songs from the New Orleans jukebox.

Classic is certainly the word for Our Town at Le Petit (616 St. Peter St.) where new Artistic Director Maxwell Williams, will make his New Orleans theater debut directing Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winner (Oct. 218). Le Petit promises a “fresh take on this quintessential American play” which tells the story of two intertwined families in the small town of Grover’s Corners, U.S.A. For one thing, the Stage Manager who narrates, usually played by a white man, will be performed by distinguished African-American actress Carol Sutton. Which should help make Our Town look more like our town.

Over in Slidell, Cutting Edge Theater (767 Robert Blvd.) presents Doug (I Am My Own Wife as well as Little Mermaid above) Wright’s Quills in which The Charenton Insane Asylum provides a backdrop to delve into the brilliant, but sadistic, mind of the Marquis De Sade. Quills recounts the imagined final days of the French aristocrat, revolutionary politician, and philosopher whose libertine sexuality and erotic works challenged societal norms in 18th century France. Directed by Richard Fuentes and starring Ronald Brister as De Sade, Quills runs October 2-17.

Nearby at the Slidell Little Theatre (2024 Nellie Dr.), Rob Florence’s Katrina: Mother-In-Law Of ‘em All, which brilliantly depicts the real-life experiences of five Katrina survivors, makes its St. Tammany Parish debut October 9-25.

Back in the Marigny, semi-celebrity, international drag chanteuse, and petty criminal Varla Jean Merman crash lands Varla Jean Merman’s Big Black Hole at Mag’s Cabaret (940 Elysian Fields) on October 8, 9 and 10 for a deep, probing exploration of the outerreaches of good taste. Promising new songs, videos, space-age costumes,

and comedy turbo-charged by Jawa Juice, Varla Jean Merman’s Big Black Hole will answer the question “Can our planet’s most unlikely ambassador since Shirley Temple find a new home in Uranus?”

On a more serious note, See ‘Em On Stage: A Production Company presents the regional premiere of A New Brain by Tony-award winners William (March of the Falsettos) Finn and James (Into the Woods) Lapine.

In it, songwriter Gordon Schwinn discovers he needs a brain operation and, after having it, hallucinates a surrealistic musical-within-a-musical starring the people in his life; this near-death experience teaches him to re-evaluate and better appreciate all of his relationships.

Award winners Chris Wecklein and Tracey Collins star as Gordon and his mother Mimi. Directed by Christopher Bentivegna, A New Brain premieres October 8 and runs through October 26 at Kajun’s Pub (2256 St Claude Ave.), showcasing Joann & Lisa Guidos’ popular bar in a brand new way. As a special “dinner and a show” offering, Arabella, the Italian restaurant adjacent to Kajun’s Pub will offer a prix fixe pre-show dinner—show’em your ticket and get a discount on your yumminess!

A few blocks away, Lux et Umbra invites audiences to spend a night in Hell with Christopher Marlowe’s Faustus. In this dark tale from Elizabethan days, the scholar Doctor Faustus (Matt Standley) thirsts for knowledge and winds up battling Mephistopheles (Evan Spigelman) for his soul. Full of torment and demons, what better way to get into the Halloween spirit?

Faustus’ torture devices and devilish costumes can be found Thursdays through Saturdays from October 15 to 31 at the Old Marquer Theatre (2400 St Claude Ave.). Director Jon Greene has some tricks up his sleeve which should be a treat for audiences.

On a somewhat lighter note, Bridget Erin’s Sonata For Four Hands examines how the love of music can incite surprising and dividing passions when two young pianists, Jonah and Eliza, decide to take on a difficult four-hand sonata. This will be the third new play in 2015 from Generate INK, New Orleans’ first and only playwright-driven producing organization.

Directed by N. Harold Gervais, and featuring Kaitlyn McQuin, Rebecca Meyers and Mike Spara, Sonata For Four Hands runs at the Marsalis Jazz Studio at NOCCA (2800 Chartres St.) from October 21 until November 7.

Apparently the sonata provokes such strong emotions that Jonah and Eliza’s relationship may never be the same.

Hmmm...for the right price, maybe they can get a little help from Mephistopheles. Boo!

Next Deadline Tuesday, Oct. 6th - 504.522.8049

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bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.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, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457

New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465

Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com

bookstores

New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1515]

circuit/events Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2015, Halloween 32, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.com Feb. 5-9, 2016, 67th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, 17th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2016, 45th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.com

costumes

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

attorneys

Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

chiropractic

URSULINES

R

hardware

900 1000

A

Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

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

ST. PHILIP

M

St., 522.2666 Kinky Straight, 907 Iberville, 475.5901 Mickey Nolan's Salon, 717 Toulouse St., 587.7782 Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397

800 DUMAINE

FR

RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953

Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 THE BLACK PENNY, 700 N. Rampart 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, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM

New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633

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

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671

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; marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, www.ingramhaus.com/xqey, e-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queen-size 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.

[0715] 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 "halfkitchen", 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.

[0815] CHATEAU LEMOYNE FRENCH QUARTER, 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gayhotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.”

[0915] ELYSIAN GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, info@elysianguesthouse.com.

The Elysian Guest House is within walking distance to all the fun spots. Five to steps to a few blocks to all the action. We have a Jacuzzi too.

Call and lets talk.

[1115] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: Info@frenchquarterguesthouses.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 unforgettable 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. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.

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, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Or-

24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Sept . 29-Oc t . 12, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om

leans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available.

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 (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter.

Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com.

License #LA4553 [is2515]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride 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 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257 CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, 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 GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722 GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661 HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077 HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662 LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631 OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square WORLD WAR 2 MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012, http://nationalww2museum.org

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666

organizations 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 BIG EASY STOMPERS, Country & Western line dancing. Weekly lessons and monthly Country & Western dance party, www.bigeasystompersneworleans.com, info@bigeasystompersneworleans.com BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BreakOUT! builds the power of youth ages 13-25 in New Orleans to end the criminalization of LGBTQ youth of color, 504.252.9025, 1001 S. Broad St. #119, NOLA 70125, @youthbreakout, www.youthbreakout.org, COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area.

HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, www.kreweofpetroius.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.lordsofleather.org Louisiana Equality Foundation, serving the Louisiana LGBT Community through education, activism, and awareness. www. l o u i s i a n a e q u a l i t y f o u n d a t i o n . o r g , info@louisianaequalityfoundation.org Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, services at 10am, 6200 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118; 504.270.1MCC www.mccneworleans.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 BEAR AND BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.298.0061, theneworleansbears.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 PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com

pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7.

Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com New Orleans, LA [504] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7.

Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com 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 family-like 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.

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

plastic surgery New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, Parker A. Velargo, M.D., Dr. Russell Hendrick, Jr., M.D., 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 920, www.plasticsurgerynola.com, 504.533.8848

restaurants

The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; www.Deanies.com Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.com, 371.5074 Feelings Cafe, 2600 Chartres, 945.2222, www.FeelingsCafe.com Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861,

www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Little Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, www.littlevics.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 CUIR, 708 Toulouse St., 249.5603 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095, MrBinkys.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662

services New Orleans, LA [504] ABC Title Services, www.abctitle.com

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG

tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM Royal Tours New Orleans, 507.8333, 888.537.4750, www.RoyalToursNewOrleans.com

Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] Addiction Coffee House, 909 Iberville St., 475.5900, www.addictioncoffeehouse.com

GayMardiGras.c om • GayNew Orleans.c om • Sept . 29-Oc t . 12, 2015 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25

matters of health The History of HIV/AIDS Stigma

by Eugene Collins, Director of Prevention, HAART In the early 1980s, the medical community coined a term called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) to explain an unexpected cluster of illness cases.

Today, we’ve come to know this disease as AIDS, only after much debate around HIV/AIDS being a gay disease. We often ignore the numbers, which show that this virus is clearly not a gay disease. Statistical data produced by the STD/HIV Program from 2014, states that in the U.S., woman test positive for HIV every 35 minutes. Nationally, 1 in 4 persons living with HIV infection is female. These infections are not showing homosexual contact as a mode of transmission, rather the data is showing heterosexual contact and intravenous drug use as the most prevalent means of transmission for that population.

a community within communities

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

Coming Out National Coming out Day, what a day! I suppose it is a day that many in ‘The Community’ remember. Some will recall that day as anxious, others devastating, some liberating, and yet again some as just another step toward authenticity. The truth is it is likely a little less risky now than then. Whenever then was. I recently met two men that reflected what so many know to be true. “Who would have thought” or “I never thought that in my lifetime…” and the visions go on. These incredible times offer much for those who have been on the fringes. These are new times with never before imagined possibilities.

For a somewhat younger generation what we are experiencing is expected and not greatly surprising. Although I suspect that many younger types are even a bit surprised with the rapidity of Constitutional inclusivity.

Can you imagine what Bayard Ruston would have thought of the country that he worked so hard to bring to peace and most importantly Constitutional Justice. It is said that he was the chief strategist, and in fact, it was he that crafted the non-violence position later championed by Dr. M. L. King. But he could not be at the Lincoln Memorial for King’s Speech … because he was Gay. He was “outed” in the 1950s in California but after that he never hid from his identity. But he could not hear the speech that dreamed of a new day.

“Love him and let him love you. Do you think anything else under heaven really matters?” said James Baldwin.

Baldwin, an expatriate, returned to the USA in the late 1950s and continued in and out writing essay after essay about the growing Civil Rights movement. He aligned himself with CORE and SNCC. During this amazing time he ran with the likes of Lena Horn and Harry Belafonte.

BUT, he was conspicuously absent on those steps at the Lincoln Memorial.

He had been openly gay for some time; even so, he could not hear the speech that dreamed of a new day.

That was then and this is now. Can you imagine what both Baldwin and Ruston would think today? One can only imagine. That in the turbulence of their lives and quest for racial equality

they were yet marginalized because of who they were beyond the color of their skin. But, like many communities the Black community seems to be changing its attitude towards the LGBT community in a positive direction. All in the entire nation is coming out.

As I was doing a little research for this column I ran across several speculative articles that tried to convince the reader one way or the other that Dr. King would have been for, or as some argue, against LGBT rights and full Constitutional Inclusion. I am not sure there is a consensus and honestly it would be impossible to speculate about.

Because casting King today would mean casting him with the information and experience that we have today.

So when I hear the Christian Right lay claim that Jesus would condemn LGBT persons I simply say that it is unlikely. But we can speculate. First, in this time he would have information that would alter his 1st Century perceptions and understandings. Next, I believe he would have stuck to his teaching. His teaching always looked at the heart and motivations of people. He looked at their souls. He told the story of The Good Samaritan as a parable against marginalization and for charity to all persons. He admitted to a woman at a well who was not Jewish that even she had access to his love and hope. He was constantly spitting on his hands and digging in dirt then healing the sick.

That last piece was in direct conflict with The Law. He touched and was touched by bleeding women; entered

So, why is HIV/AIDS considered to be a gay man’s disease, when it’s clearly affecting community members all over the spectrum? I have a few ideas where that thought may have derived from, which includes: 1. HIV/AIDS was initially called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID), for which overlying stigma was added to a soon to be stigmatized virus. The effects of this mistake can still be felt today within the LGBT Community, 2. In Louisiana, as of 2013 of the men who reported risk, 85% were men who had sex with men (MSM), 3. HIV/AIDS rates disproportionately affect gay men.

These factors directly attribute to the community feeling that HIV/AIDS is a gay man’s disease, but statics show that this is a community-wide problem.

Educating our community as a whole should be our goal, all the while focusing on behavior and not who the person decides to go to bed with.

We have to let our community know that if you’re participating in risky behaviors, then you’re at risk for contractthe house of a Gentile; and argued that his people could eat foods and do good works on the Sabbath against ridicule and condemnation of the religious authorities. For the adulterer and harlot he was more concerned about interior motive than sexual act. The litany could go on. But, I think it safe to say that Jesus would not and does not hold the LGBT community hostage to ideas of revulsion, persecution, or rejection. Honestly, it just does not add up to the Jesus found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The point is this: when one is coming out don’t add to the already anxious moment by thinking that your Christian faith or many faiths stand against you.

Do not condemn yourself because you were taught with errant beliefs or inconsistent theologies. Don’t get caught up in desperate and fear driven theologies that would cast out and abuse.

Just don’t. If anything, know at that moment of self realization, that you are still loved, you are still of great value, and that you are still a part of what we call “The Kingdom of God.” Shame and guilt simply does not have a place in the discovery of sexual orientation.

To be sure there is plenty to be shammed by guilt aplenty. Those things might look like spousal abuse, economic elitism, and injustice in the work place, lack of adequate housing, food, or education. Those are sins worthy of guilt. Not one's sexual orientation. We are all who we are and the more transparent it becomes the less threatening it is.

Luther once said, “Sin and sin boldly” (regarding transparency) I say “come out and come out boldly” be who and what you are and be not ashamed.

ing HIV. It has nothing to do with you being Bi-Sexual, MSM, Same Gender Loving, or Gay. We have to work towards removing titles and get back to accessing risk.

If you’re a part of the LGBT community or the Heterosexual Community, if you’re having sex with multiple sex partners, having unprotected sex, or injecting drugs, then you’re at risk.

There is an old saying that states, “Sweep around your own front door, before you sweep around mine”. We have to stop adding stigma to the LGBT community, which can be accomplished by educating our community that HIV is a disease associated with risk factors and not who you sleep with.

The history of the LGBT community is one filled with oppressive factors and miseducation on varying community levels, but we can make a difference by educating family members, friends, and leaders, as well as community members on the proper modes of HIV transmission and associated risk factors.

Together we can make a difference!

spotlight A Brief History of National Coming Out Day

by Frank Perez After the second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, a group of about 100 activists gathered in Manassas, Virginia. Robert Eichberg, a psychologist from New Mexico, and Jean O’Leary, leader of the National Gay Rights Advocates, pitched the idea of organizing a National Coming Out Day (NCOD).

The group enthusiastically supported the idea and first NCOD was held on October 11, 1988—the first anniversary of the 2nd March on Washington. Only 18 states participated in the first NCOD but 1990, all 50 states, as well as other countries, participated.

Different cities celebrate the day in different ways but some common features include rallies, parades, and information tables in public places.

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Tony & Daddy Don with underwear to go @ COK

Bartenders Michael & Tim welcome you to GrandPre’s

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The Big Easy Sisters 2nd Sunday Beer Bust on the patio @ GrandPre’s

paparazzi Sizzling @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

On the Carnival Cruise Elation with Tami Tarmac & friends

Undisclosed friends enjoy Drag Dinner @ The Country Club Southern Barbitchuates’ Coca Mesa as Lady GaGa @ Vaughn’s

Barry Bareass Dance Contest @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year Corner Pocket

Tony Leggio celebrates Contessa Breaux’s b-day on the Public Belt Railcar

Jubilee starring Aubrey Synclaire @ The Golden Lantern

Athena & Monica partying in Cozumel @ the Three Amigos

Elizabeth, Marty & Koo in bed together on board the Carnival Cruise Elation Celebrating during Petronius’ Trailer Park Party @ GrandPre’s

Drag Dinner @ The Country Club

The NACE fundraiser @ Audubon Tea Room boasted a giant paella

GrandPre’s Ken with Four Seasons’ Tip & Gary @ Petronius’ Trailer Park Party

Richard (Tami Tarmac) proposing to Paul Davis on Carnival Cruise Elation

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The Big Easy ~ Photos by Poncho LaPerle, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin

The Cheese Queen Felicia Phillips & Corner Pocket Ball Boys do Zingo @ The Corner Pocket

On stage @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

Ms. Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr & Miss Golden Lantern Monica SynClaireKennedy join Petronius Trailer Park Party @ GrandPre’s

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Queen & King Amon-Ra L Opal Masters & Darwin Reed

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Krewe of Amon-Ra’s “Girls Gone Broadway” @ House of Blues ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

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