Ambush Magazine Volume 36 Issue 09

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTH Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 A BI-WEEKLY PUBLICATION

VOLUME 36 ISSUE 09

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018

Navy Week, Jazz Fest & Cinco de Mayo

IS IT TIME FOR JAZZ FEST YET? We’re Giving Away Free Tickets! Follow us on Facebook for Details. facebook.com/ambushmag

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

The “Official” Dish

by Frank Pizzolato, Publisher Email: frank@ambushpublishing.com

Gridlock in Baton Rouge, AGAIN. Someone needs to remind Rep. Cameron Henry that Good Friday was weeks ago--get off the Republican Party ideology cross, work with the duly elected Governor, and come up with a solution to the budget problems this state has faced for years. Problems brought on primarily when the Legislature drank all the Kool-Aid Bobby Jindal could pour.

Saving the pet projects and ideological purity of his party may seem advantageous to Mr. Henry in the short term; the long range prospects for the state of Louisiana are nothing less than catastrophic. To continue attacking

Education and Health Care, slashing funding over and over, will only make any real recovery from the recent past that much more difficult.

The philosophy that has paralyzed Washington has slowly crept into the operations of this state and the results are no less appalling than what we have seen coming out of the gridlock in Washington. Toe the party line to the letter. If you’re not sick, don’t worry about healthcare. If you’re not old, don’t worry about social security. If you have an education, don’t worry about those who don’t. If you are not a victim of social injustice, don’t worry about those who are. If you have opportunity,

Inside this Issue of Ambush Tricentennial Profiles in History: Admiral Farragut

4 6-13

Sports Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea @ 700 Club

8

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans

14

Snap Paparazzi: Stonewall Sports New Orleans

16

New Exhibit at the Cabildo Highlights Spanish Colonial Period

17

Portion of Press Street Renamed to Honor Early Civil Rights Activist Homer Plessy

17

Celebrate and Show Your Pride at the House of Blues

18

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

19

Upcoming at OZ New Orleans & Southern Decadence Announcement

23

LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

24-25

Party Down

26

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio

27

Snap Paparazzi: Leather @ Phoenix Bar

28

Trodding the Boards

29

Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea @ Cafe Lafitte in Excile

31

Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea @ Good Friends Bar

32

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: “Commemoration Ceremonies Planned for the 45th Anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge Fire”

34

Commentary by Frank Perez

34

When the View is Good

35

Book Review: In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History

35

Snap Paparazzi: Corner Pocket

36

A Community within Communities: A Treasury of Love

38

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com

don’t worry about those who don’t. If you’re not gay, don’t worry about those who are.

The problem with that line of thinking? As the list grows, everyone will appear in one or more of the categories.

Who will be left to show empathy? Who will be left to speak for fairness? These party hacks who have managed to get themselves elected and re-elected by pandering to the basest, most selfish of our instincts have to step out and step up to offer us a chance to think and act and govern beyond our selfish narrow concerns, and build a future with potential and opportunity available for everyone.

We had a great time and a wonderful turnout the other night at SIPPS in Gulfport. It’s a very nice place for a change of scenery. The Gulf Coast has always provided a fun get away. SIPPS just makes it that much more of a blast these days. If you haven’t been there yet, do go and visit.

Plans for a summer filled with events, activities, fairs and festivals are in full swing in New Orleans. There will certainly be something enjoyable to get your attention. Pride is fast approaching. The Gay Appreciation Awards, Stonewall Sports, and Southern Decadence are just a few of the others to look forward to.

Ambush is making a huge effort to reestablish our distribution network throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. if you, our readers, in the region haven’t made a road trip to the Big Easy lately, come join the excitement. With the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the founding of the City, all of the events planned throughout the year are going to be even bigger and better than you may remember. It’s a good time to return to the City we love so well whether to eat a lot, drink a lot, or love a lot.

ADVERTISE Looking to reach the LGBTQ community from Texas to Florida?

Print rates start as low as $96 per issue!

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1M+ 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© Email: info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION Alabama - Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi STAFF PUBLISHER Frank Pizzolato DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Reed Wendorf EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Frank Pizzolato, Brian Rivas-Davi, Elisa Cool, John Harper, Persana Shoulders, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry, Pastor Allie Rowland, Davis Walden, Rodney Thoulion, Kara Coley, & Crescent City Sports LOCAL AD SALES Reed Wendorf reed@ambushpublishing.com Jim Tomeny jim@ambushpublishing.com NATIONAL AD SALES Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Ambush Magazine is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 5pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com. 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 Magazine. ©1982-2018 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 3

Monica-Synclaire Kennedy’s Southern Decadence Fundraiser

$350

GOAL

$5,000

FLEET WEEK Need a drink, sailor?

The Music of

Senator Ken Fridays 7:30–9:30pm

Live Shows

Play Girlz

hosted by Gia GiaVanni

Fridays 10–11:30pm

The Music of the

Vanessa Carr Band Saturdays 7:30–9:30pm

Jubilee: Dragging for Jesus

Divas R Us starring Monica Synclaire-Kennedy

Saturdays 10–11:30pm

with Reba Douglas

Sundays 5:00–7:00pm

Best Happy Hour in the Quar ter!

Golden

The Official Home of Southern Decadence.

THE

Lantern

1239 Royal St. New Orleans • facebook.com/GoldenLanternBar

HAPPY HOUR 8AM – 8PM DAILY

N E V E R A C O V E R AT THE GOLDEN LANTERN

4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Admiral Farragut

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

Admiral Farragut, “Beast” Butler, and the Fall of New Orleans

In April of 1862, Admiral David Farragut of the Union Navy led a small flotilla of 17 vessels up the Mississippi River in an effort to capture New Orleans during the Civil War. Downriver, Forts Jackson and St. Philip, meant to protect New Orleans from a river attack, were bombarded for five days but ultimately, the Union Navy prevailed. Farragut landed at New Orleans on April 25 with 14 Union ships.

Confederate troops in the city had evacuated by then and panic-stricken citizens broke into stores,

burned cotton and other supplies, and destroyed much of the waterfront.

Days later, General Benjamin Butler arrived in the city to lead the Union occupation for eight months. The local population despised Butler and derisively referred to him as “The Beast.”

He was also nicknamed “Spoons” because he allegedly stole the silverware from the homes of affluent families.

Butler ruled with an iron fist and had one Confederate sympathizer, William Mumford, executed for lowering the American flag from the U.S. Mint and replacing it with the “Stars and Bars.”

His infamous “Order 28” decreed that any woman who disrespected Union Soldiers would be arrested as a pros-

titute.

Despite his heavy hand, Butler did make some civic improvements, especially in the area sanitation, public assistance and crime. He also turned a blind eye to smuggling—a gesture that assuredly pleased many in the city although they never would have admitted it.

The loss of New Orleans cooled European sympathies toward the Confederacy, especially in Great Britain and France. The Union occupation of New Orleans lasted until 1877, with the notable exception of three days in September, 1874, when a group of angry white supremacists usurped Reconstruction Administration of Governor Kellogg. The insurrection, in which 35 people died, was known as the Battle of Liberty Place.

Portrait of “Beast” Butler

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 5

Pelicans continue to defy conventional wisdom by sweeping Blazers with style

by David Grubb, Crescent City Sports

NEW ORLEANS — Who could have predicted this?

Certainly not the 22 analysts at ESPN that picked the Portland Trail Blazers to beat the New Orleans Pelicans in their first round playoff series.

Then again, the Pelicans have defied conventional wisdom all season.

What happened at the Smoothie King Center Saturday afternoon was just the latest example.

By defeating the Blazers 131-123, the Pelicans completed the first postseason sweep in franchise history and advanced to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2008.

Both Anthony Davis (47 points) and Jrue Holiday (41) surpassed the Pelicans’ single-game playoff scoring record of 38 points set by David West during those ‘08 playoffs.

Davis and Holiday became the first set of teammates to score 40-plus points since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving did so for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals.

The 131 points scored were also a team postseason record.

The Blazers were game and didn’t allow New Orleans to run them off the floor, even as the Pelicans led by 15 with less than one minute to play in

the third quarter. Portland used a 2412 run to pull within one, 112-111, with 5:08 to play.

Former New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu and Portland center Jusuf Nurkic sparked the Blazers’ resurgence by scoring 15 points combined during that spurt.

Ultimately, Davis and Holiday were just too much for Portland, as they had been all series long. Over the final five minutes Davis scored 14 points with two rebounds and a block. Meanwhile, Holiday closed with six points, two assists. They combined to score 27 of the Pelicans’ final 28 points and 60 of the team’s 73 in the second half.

“I’ve played with a lot of great players and when I see these two guys every night and everything they do, I want to go back and watch film,” said Rajon Rondo, who averaged 11.3 points, 13.3 assists, and 7.5 rebounds in the series. “It’s amazing what they do. Before each game I go to these two and tell them to be great. They are and this game spoke for itself tonight. They’re

great teammates and they’re great people off the court. They make the game easy for me.”

“I thought Jrue and AD stepped up big,” said Head Coach Alvin Gentry. “Those guys really kinda got loose tonight. [Portland] changed a couple of things that (were) very good and they made a couple of adjustments that (were) very good that kind of kept some of the double-teams off those guys, but I still thought, in the end, offensively, we were really, really good and we shot the ball extremely well. And I thought that when we had to make a couple of defensive plays, we did.”

The Pelicans did make just enough stops. After playing stifling defense in the first three games of the series, especially on guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, New Orleans finally allowed Portland to find a rhythm.

McCollum scored a team-high 38 points, leading five Blazers in double figures. Aminu added 27 and Nurkic finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Portland also shot nearly 53 percent

The 131 points scored were also a team postseason record.

from the floor. Yet it wasn’t enough to prevent Portland from suffering its 10th consecutive postseason defeat.

The Pelicans overcame deficits in points in the paint (60-66), second chance points (7-11), and fast break points (11-19) the way they’ve overcome just about every challenge this season; with grit and determination.

“It really has been an interesting year,” Gentry added. “We had DeMarcus (Cousins). We finally think we have it figured out how we can play those two guys and DeMarcus goes down and we really have to reboot and start all over again. I thought our guys struggled about three or four games, but then kind of realized that we still had enough talent, especially when we added Niko (Nikola Mirotić), that we had enough talent that we would reinvent ourselves and we would play a certain way and that was going to help us. That’s basically what we did and then when it came down to the last game of the season, obviously, we were in a position where we had to win every game and so we talked to the guys about that being our playoff. We had to treat that like the playoffs and I Continued on Page 8

to our

lgbtq community:

we see

you & you

matter. no matter what the administration says.

www.crescentcare.org | 504.207.CARE(2273)

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-35

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea 700 Club Photos by Davis Walden

Continued from Page 6

thought they responded well.”

No one in the NBA has responded quite like Davis. After basking in the thunderous cheers of more than 18,000 fans and earning his first playoff series win, his place in the firmament of the league’s superstars has never been more secure.

There will be no more questions about his ability to lead a team, or whether his incredible numbers could translate into wins. AD isn’t feeling pressure anymore, he’s enjoying himself.

“I’ll tell you, it was fun,” said Davis. “Not too many people get the opportunity to be in a situation like this, and have a guy like Jrue do the stuff that he does, so it is an unbelievable feeling. I know what this team can do under these circumstances, but a lot of people counted us out after the injury to DeMarcus, so this is amazing. But we have to get ready for the second round. The way that I played, the way Jrue played, the entire team for the entire series…we played great defensively and stayed in rhythm offensively.

This is a great feeling for me.”

Holiday, whose season has quieted his critics and elevated his stature as an elite two-way player, is finally seeing the fruits of six seasons of chal-

lenges, both physical and personal.

Perhaps, no one embodies the Pelicans’ rise more than he does. The vision that started when he was traded to New Orleans to be Davis’ running mate is finally starting to come into focus.

“This was definitely part of the plan.

I guess I wouldn’t say sweeping the three seed was a detail, but knowing we would have DeMarcus, and we had always talked about Rondo coming in, yeah, that was part of the plan to make the playoffs. To be here now it is a good feeling. It is truly a blessing.

Everything we have been through this season…injuries, trades…to be here now it feels pretty good.”

The road doesn’t end here. The Pelicans will likely face the defending champion Golden State Warriors in round two. It wouldn’t be a shock if once again all 22 experts at ESPN picked the Pelicans to lose.

They shouldn’t win the series, not based on history. But the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans have been all about rewriting history this season. Maybe there’s still some ink left in the pen..

They shouldn’t win the series, not based on history.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Pelicans stars justifying salary numbers with numbers on the court

by Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports

The concept of earning your keep is notable in all aspects of employment.

It is a staple of the every day business world.

In the world of sports, it often gets prostituted, with many employees earning far beyond their performances.

I am a huge proponent of free enterprise and with everyone negotiating and getting the maximum amount of compensation possible. If an employer evaluates that you are worth it, all power to you.

The financial decisions of employers most often determine the success or lack thereof of said enterprises.

Making sound investments will produce sound results.

The sound resonating from Smoothie King Center still lingers today (Sunday), a full day after the New Orleans Pelicans wrapped up the Portland Trailblazers in four games. Appreciative fans turned The Blender into a madhouse, much like we have seen next door at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for New Orleans Saints games.

Everyone loves a winner.

Among the many notables from the game four victory to complete a sweep of the Blazers, Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday tied the NBA record for the most points in league history by a duo in a playoff game with 88.

Back in 1973, John Havlicek and Jo Jo White combined for 88 points in a playoff game for the Boston Celtics.

Both are Hall of Fame players.

How impressive was it?

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, one of the best duos in NBA history, never reached the mark, coming close with 87 points in a single game.

Only LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have each scored 40 or more points in the same playoff game in the last 18 years. They did so on the biggest stage with James and Irving each scoring 40 in a 112-97 win over Golden State to stave off elimination in game five of the championship series in 2016. The Cavaliers went on to rally to win the series in seven games.

Does anyone remember that Jerry West and Elgin Baylor played together?

Ditto for Wilt Chamberlain and West, Chamberlain and Baylor, Chamberlain and Hal Greer? Then, there was Larry Bird with Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish or Dennis Johnson.

Of course, you had Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson and James Worthy, Abdul-Jabbar and Worthy. Remember Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars? Shaquille O’Neal

and Kobe Bryant? James and Dwyane Wade? Kevin Durant and Steph Curry?

Klay Thompson and Curry? Tim Duncan and Tony Parker?

Rajon Rondo, who played with a great duo of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, along with another great scorer in Ray Allen with an NBA title team, finished with 53 assists for the Pelicans in the four-game sweep of Portland. In Boston’s 4-2 championship series win over the Lakers in 2008, Rondo had 16 assists in game two but did not reach double figures in assists in any of the other five games.

Speaking of numbers, when Holiday signed a five-year, $126 million contract last summer, the move was questioned diligently by virtually all observers, myself included. It appeared to be overpaying a solid but unspectacular player to stick around for the marriage of Davis and DeMarcus Cousins to serve as a third wheel on the hoped for Rolls Royce of trios in the league.

Holiday was plagued by injuries when he was acquired by New Orleans from Philadelphia in 2013. He was damaged goods.

Let us not forget that Holiday was a good player with the 76ers, an All-Star.

In his four previous seasons in New Orleans, Holiday shot just 45 percent from the field. His best scoring season was 16.8 points per game in the 2015-16 season. The most games he had played was 67 in the 2016-17 season and he missed several games to start that season to care for his wife, Lauren.

This season, Holiday shot 49.4 percent from the field, averaged 19 points per game and played in 81 of 82 regular season games. He was healthy.

He was good to very good, even better than he was an All-Star in Philadelphia in 2012-13.

Holiday is completing his ninth season in the league, though he just 27. Now healthy, there is no doubt he is entering his prime. The expectation is that he can play at this level for at least two to three more seasons as he is a consummate professional who keeps himself in great condition and goes about his job in exemplary fashion. He is due over $25 million next season.

Following along the age line, Nikola Mirotic is also 27 and he is completing his fifth season in the league. He is under contract for next season at $12.5 million. He is a good all-around player, a 3-point threat, a solid rebounder and better than expected defender.

Davis is 25 and finishing his sixth

Does anyone remember that Jerry West and Elgin Baylor played together?

season in the league. He is under contract through the 2020-21 season and is due just over $25 million next season. He is clearly among the five best players in the NBA. DeMarcus Cousins, should he return to New Orleans, is 27 and has eight years in the league. He made just over $18 million this year and will command more on the open market, despite his Achilles injury. He may not reach the max contract level as those returning from the injury he incurred have most often not been as good as before such injuries. Of course, it just takes one admirer to pony up. When healthy, Cousins is the most talented center in the league.

If history is an indicator, Cousins may still get a max contract from New Orleans, which has most often overpaid for free agent talent (see Peja Stojakovic, Solomon Hill, Omer Asik, even Holiday at the time, among others).

To bring back Cousins, the Pelicans will could up in luxury tax territory, another set of numbers to consider.

That is a pleasant problem to have.

Tom Benson gave Dell Demps the financing needed to build a playoff team. All indications are that Gayle Benson will do the same and continue the legacy.

The New Orleans Saints had an outstanding season.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in the midst of an outstanding season. When pondering numbers, all that matters to fans is the bottom line. That does not refer to the misery of pondering salaries but the ecstasy of counting and enjoying victories. Both franchises have accumulated large quantities of those in this magical season.

In the process, it is clear that both franchises made sound investments in its best players. The results have followed. The numbers add up as star players put up undeniably superb numbers.

Let us not forget that Holiday was a good player with the 76ers, an AllStar.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

Come Join Us For Fun Bowling!!!

Kocktail Bunch Bowling League Summer League Starts Monday, June 4 @ 7pm New Members arrive @ 6:30 Teams of 4 or Individuals Welcome Everyone invited from novices to pros AMF All Star Lanes 3640 Williams Blvd., Kenner, La. For more information or questions contact Steve 504-810-2993

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex.

This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:

Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative.  Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.  You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP:  Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months.  If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away.  To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:  Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.  Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

 Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.  Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include:  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP?  All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

 Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

 If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA.

 Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

 If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

 If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

 All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.  If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com TVDC0162_PrEP_B_10-25x12.5_Ambush_Drag_p1.indd 1-2

I’m irresistible, not irresponsible.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices.  TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex.  You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

Learn more at truvada.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 11 2/13/18 11:30 AM

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP:

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:

• Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

• You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

• You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP.

• If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including:

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including:

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

• Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0162 07/17

12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com TVDC0162_PrEP_B_10-25x12.5_Ambush_Drag_p1.indd 3

2/13/18 11:30 AM

LSU Spring Football Review: Competition on offense, solid front on defense among highlights

by Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports

The spring game is not necessarily a microcosm of the whole picture.

What transpires between the white stripes is for all eyes to see. Coaches don’t want to get anyone injured in the final practice either.

Having said that, some players made strides since the 2017 campaign concluded, while others advanced in smaller increments The quarterback spot remains under the microscope. Anyway you want to slice it, the job is Myles Brennan’s to lose.

The true sophomore will stand in the pocket, facing the pressure to deliver the ball. the other options at the position, Justin McMillian and Lowell Narcisse, will roll the pocket against pressure. Although Brennan can fire a bullet, he will on occasion lock onto a receiver.

Brennan displays nice touch on his offerings and squeezes it in tight windows when needed. The more that I observe him, the more he reminds me of former LSU starter Alan Risher (1980-’82) in mannerisms and delivery. If you don’t readily recall Risher, he was one of the elite signal callers in LSU history who finished his days as a three-year starter and the most accurate passer in school history. I’m not sure if Brennan will live up to that, but he just resembles him in some ways.

McMillian displays good ball fakes on play action and has the ability to extend a play. In the spring game, the junior was able to drop a throw over the shoulder of Drake Davis in stride, but the latter misplayed it.

Redshirt freshman Lowell Narcisse can hit his targets and shows good arm strength, with a 63yard completion to Derrick Dillon in the spring game as a standout moment.

Wide receiver this spring had their issues but Justin Jefferson stood out with good routes and ability to create separation. On one play, he demonstrated sticky fingers leading to a 94 yard scoring catch. The younger brother of Jordan and Rickey is better against press coverage and comfortable in the offense. He also will engage with defenders in running plays as a blocker.

Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles is as good as advertised. A smooth receiver, he seems to glide into routes.

He will draw added attention from the defense, allowing teammates to more single coverage. Giles shows a quick burst to gain separation.

Early arrival Terrace Marshall may not have jumped out to observers during spring drills, but he has spent

Defense may be LSU’s main calling card in 2018 (Photo: Terrill Weil).

time digesting offense and adjusting to the speed of the game. The 2018 signee is knocking off rust from his senior injury at Parkway High. He’s not quite a finished product, butmuch is expected of Marshall down the line.

Edna Karr product Racey McMath will stretch out and go get ball. He has improved his route running and blocking with his big 6-foot-3 frame. Speaking of a big receiver, 6-6 Dee Anderson is a big target yet he seemed to struggle with separation. Derrick Dillon has playmaking skills, especially run after catch.

Senior tight end Foster Moreau enter his final season with 26 grabs for 293 yards and four touchdowns. I fully expect those numbers to be exceeded in 2018. You may recall that he agreed to sign with LSU out of Jesuit at the 11th hour in the 2015 signing class when a spot opened late. He is a primary candidate to wear prized jersey No. 18 this fall.

The offensive line looks to be a work in progress with talented enough options to form a quality unit. Left tackle Saahdiq Charles and right tackle Austin Deculus are a solid SEC duo at their respective spots. JUCO arrival Badara Traore (6-6, 310) has struggled at times though. He can seal the edge on running plays, but Traore has challenges pass blocking the edge.

Left guard Damien Lewis (6-3, 326), another JUCO addition, comes out of his stance with good pad level.

Improved throughout spring, he drives his legs during blocks. Lewis will be difficult to keep off of field. Right guard

With Dave Aranda orchestrating the defense, LSU has a chance in most games.

Ed Ingram (6-4, 314) has the look of an All-SEC type, showing the same effort each play. Senior guard Garrett Brumfield maintains his blocks and has experience. Junior Adrian Magee has his moments, but seems to play a bit high and sometimes lunges. Lloyd Cushenberry looks like the best option at center.

There is no signature running back in the group, and you would have to travel back to 2000 for the last time that LSU’s leading rusher (LaBrandon Toefield) had less than 700 yards on the season. But it appears that LSU will employ “satellite” backs to get into space to do their damage.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire plays with good balance, steps out of tackles and has good hands as a receiver. The change of direction runner is decisive in his cuts. Hopefully, freshman Chris Curry brings physicality to the position when he arrives this summer. Fullback Tory Carter looks to be an even better blocker who is also a reliable target.

With Dave Aranda orchestrating the defense, LSU has a chance in most games.

Rashard Lawrence and Breiden Fehoko could be two of the better linemen in the SEC. Lawrence, the voice of the defense, is strong enough to hold his ground against double team blocks. Fehoko, a very active and powerful, doesn’t stay blocked.

With nose tackle Ed Alexander missing time with injury, sophomore Glen Logan (6-4, 315) has seized the opportunity. He controls the center, gets hands up and swats balls in passing lanes.

A 2018 signee, Davin Cotton, got a late spring start following injury at Evangel. He plays with leverage and

shoots hands quickly. Tyler Shelvin is still battling the bulge at 378 pounds, noticeably slow as play develops but powerful enough to rag doll blockers when he makes up his mind. Neil Farrell helped his case this spring with high effort and quickness at the snap.

K’Lavon Chaisson is the alpha of the defense along with Devin White.

The rangy edge has gained strength and is quicker. He plays sideline to sideline, and his first step off the edge is explosive. With bend off the corner, Chaisson brings constant pressure.

He also shows enough athleticism to cover flat when needed. He recorded a couple of sacks in spring game and came close to a couple more.

White is a renowned tackler, but the interior linebacker also gets good depth is pass coverage and closes on ball in a hurry. He appears to be a step faster to fill gaps compared to last season. Fellow inside ‘backers Jacob Phillips, Patrick Queen and Micah Baskerville all looked solid rotating in practices and the spring game.

All three show good reactions. Queen gets into passing lanes and recognizes as play develops. Baskerville is a good blitzer.

Outisde linebacker Andre Anthony (6-5, 242) is a sophomore finally getting his chance and making the most of it. He crashes down on running plays and drops well enough in coverage. He flies off the edge.

Coming off a Freshman All American campaign at cornerback, Greedy Williams is primed for another super year after recording 34 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass defelctions.

Eric Monroe at free safety is a sure tackler. A couple of pleasant surprises at the spotion include sophomore Jontre Kirklin, who can climb the ladder on high throws. He closes on the ball well but sometimes allows too much separation. Kirklin seems more suited to press coverage. Converted receiver Manny Netherly (6-3, 184) has handled himself well in the defensive backfield.

He competed well against bigger receivers Drake Davis and Stephen Sullivan, but struggled at times locating the ball. That will come in time. It will be interesting to see how grad transfer Terrence Alexander fits here when he arrives.

This part of the 2018 dress rehearsals is in the books. Summer workouts and preseason camp will be invaluable for a Tiger squad facing a rugged schedule this fall.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 13

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans

Fleet Week Photos Courtesy of Persana Shoulders

OZ New Orleans 2-story, 24/7 gay dance club with DJs, drag shows, go-go dancers & a balcony for people-watching.

OPENING HOURS Everyday 8am - TILL ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

Snap Paparazzi: Stonewall Sports New Orleans Photos by Davis Walden

DODGEBALL Dip, Duck, Dive 16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

New Exhibit at the Cabildo Highlights Spanish Colonial Period The Louisiana State Museum is currently featuring a new exhibit highlighting Louisiana’s Spanish Colonial Period at the Cabildo on Jackson Square. It is the most extensive exhibit the Cabildo has hosted in twenty-five years.

Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans, and the Support for the American Revolution will showcase hundreds of historic artifacts, documents, and works of art exploring Spain’s influence on the development of New Orleans, its support of the American Revolution, and Spain’s lasting legacy on American culture.

“The legacy of Spanish influence on colonial Louisiana and the young United States of America echoes still today,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees the Cabildo and the Office of State Museum.

“Spain’s administration of colonial New Orleans – housed in the Cabildo, which features this incredible exhibition – was not just a footnote to the city’s rise and

Portion of Press Street Renamed to Honor Early Civil Rights Activist Homer Plessy

development, but a significant demonstration of Spanish support for the American Revolution and the founding of our country.”

Recovered Memories not only showcases Spain’s backing of the American colonies prior to and during the Revolutionary War, but also notable Spanish figures whose lives impacted the emerging new country. The exhibit takes the visitor on a chronological journey of Spanish-American relations, beginning with Spain’s own Age of Enlightenment during the reign of Charles III through the times of European and American revolutions to the technological advancements at the turn of the 20th century.

Highlights from Spain include important works from noted Spanish painters such as Francisco de Goya, Luis Paret, and Joaquín Sorolla; original portraits of Spanish colonial Louisiana governors Antonio de Ulloa and Bernardo de Gálvez that have never before been shown out of the country; the original British flag captured upon their defeat at the Battle of Baton Rouge in 1779; period clothing including an ensemble worn by 18th century Spanish diplomat Diego de Gardoqui;

and other historic artifacts and documents.

“Recovered Memories seeks to provide the visitor with an engaging and carefully documented survey of Spain’s contribution to the founding of the United States,” said José Manuel Guerrero Acosta, curator of the exhibit.

“It also focuses on the traces left by the Spanish presence in the United States, and more particularly in Louisiana and New Orleans. Finally, it returns to the present, with detailed information on Spain’s social, cultural and business ties to the United States from the late 19th century to today.”

The Cabildo itself has strong ties to Spain, having been built under Spanish rule during 1795–1799. It also served as the seat of the Spanish government for much of the period from 1762–1803.

Entrance fees to the museum, through July 8 when the exhibit ends, will be $12 per person for adults, $10 per person for students (age 7-18), seniors (age 62 and over), military personnel, and free for children age six and under.

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced that he has signed an ordinance to rename a portion of Press Street between the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods to honor early Civil Rights activist Homer Plessy. On April 5, the New Orleans City Council voted unanimously to rename the five-block stretch of Press Street between Chartres Street and St. Claude Avenue Homer Plessy Way. “Homer Plessy’s courageous act of civil disobedience in the name of racial equality was a pivotal moment for our nation,” said Mayor Landrieu.

“From Plessy v. Ferguson; to Ruby Bridges facing integration at the William Frantz School; to the Freedom Riders and their perilous journey from Washington, DC to New Orleans, may it never be forgotten that our city was at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. While the struggle was long and hard, it was Homer Plessy’s action that would inspire future generations to provoke, challenge and peacefully agitate the unacceptable status quo in order to move progress forward. It is appropriate the City of New Orleans honor Homer Plessy’s lasting legacy with this dedication.”

“We are thrilled that this has be-

come a reality,” said Phoebe Ferguson, executive director of the Plessy and Ferguson Foundation. “We feel this is another milestone educating the public about the legacy of Homer Plessy and the Citizens’ Committee. We are grateful to the City Council for recognizing the importance of naming this section of the street after him.”

On June 7, 1892, at the corner of Press and Royal Streets, an African-American man named Homer Plessy was arrested after boarding a segregated passenger train car.

Plessy would go on to be the plaintiff in the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws that became known as “separate but equal”. This unjust decision sanctioned the segregation of public accommodations throughout much of the nation until it was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954 which was a watershed moment for the Civil Rights Movement.

The City’s Department of Public Works will change necessary streets signs to read “Homer Plessy Way” beginning May 7.

Own the Perfect Pied-à-terre Steps from the French Quarter 917 Esplanade #7 ∙ 1 Bed, 1.5 Bath, 695 SF ∙ $349,900 Situated on beautiful Oak-lined Esplanade Avenue, this condo is the ideal weekend getaway. The location offers easy acces to everything the French Quarter, Marigny and the city has to offer! Don’t miss this opportunity! +1 504-777-1773 ∙ Michael.Styles@evusa.com

ENGEL&VÖLKERS MICHAEL STYLES

Engel & Völkers New Orleans ∙ +1 504-875-3555 ∙ neworleans@evusa.com 601 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 ∙ 722 Martin Behrman Ave., Metairie, LA 70005 ©2018 Engel & Völkers. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Licensed in Louisiana.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 17

Celebrate and Show Your Pride at the House of Blues House of Blues® New Orleans is a premier restaurant and entertainment venue located in the historic French Quarter with the ambiance of an old Southern Delta Juke Joint.

The location features indoor and outdoor space, offering a rich setting for corporate and private events, weddings and premiere parties.

We provide the best in live music and eclectic cuisine, for events both large and small.

Whether you crave our famous

Southern specialties seasoned with a touch of the Delta, or want to create a unique menu, we’ll help you satisfy your tastes.

Bring your group to House of Blues and experience our Southern hospitality. From a sit-down lunch to a wholehouse buyout, our House can be yours!

Whatever you have in mind, our team is dedicated to designing an exciting event that is perfect for your needs.

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

If you thought French Quarter Festival was fun wait until the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and a whole lot more hot happenings for you to enjoy. Every issue we will feature weekly events at some of the best LGBTQ bars in the city as well as special fundraisers, festivals, parties and drag shows.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Swing in the Oaks: New Orleans City Park; 1 Palm Drive; 6 - 9 p.m.

Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic fare to this free annual concert on Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn presented by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and City Park. Music begins at 6 p.m. and admissions free. City Park will offer food and drinks for purchase. Please note: While the sounds of LPO can be heard throughout the park and there are no bad seats, plan to arrive early if you want a spot near the orchestra. This free event is popular! Free parking available throughout the park; Dreyfous and Victory are closed during this event. Just across Victory Drive in the New Orleans Bo-

tanical Garden, the annual Earth Day event is happening before Swing in the Oaks. Stop by this free event to learn about being green and for music and educational lectures. Learn more here: http://neworleanscitypark.com/events/ earth-day.

Potluck Dinner: The Drifter Hotel; 3522 Tulane Avenue; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Join the New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders for their NOAGE potluck dinner. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, network, and eat some great food! All ages welcome. Bringing a dish is encouraged but not required.

Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and

The Double Play

other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Twofer Tuesdays: Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Trixie Mattell - Now With Moving Parts Tour: Civic Theatre; 610 O’Keefe Avenue; 8 p.m. Trixie Mattel from RuPaul’s Drag Race hits the stage with comedy, drag and performs songs from her new album. Tickets are onsale now at civicnola.com WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrolton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends...

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. -

1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafitte’s in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. $5 Fireball, $25 Gift Certificate for GFB, plus Free Tatertots Gift Card for Clover Grill.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays): Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m.

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy Street; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers Thursday, April 26, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top perContinued on Page 20

Daily Specials Margarita Mondays $3.00 Margaritas from Open to Close

TI

on

I s n

In

a r T

Two-fer Tuesdays 2-for-1 Drinks from open until 10:00 PM

HALF-PRICE HUMP DAY

All Drinks half-price from open until 10:00 PM

Three Dollar Thursdays

$3.00 Jagermeister & Fireball Shots from Open to Close

Long Island Fridays

$5.00 Long Island Iced Teas from Open to Close

CAT 5 SATURDAYS

439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517

$5.00 Hurricanes from Open to Close Doubles for the price of singles from 8:00 pm to 10:00 PM

Open 7:30 AM - 1:30 AM

All You Can Drink Mimosas & Bloody Marys from Noon to 3:00 PM Only $15

B ottomless Sundays

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 19

Continued from Page 19

son/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive: 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.

Atomyc Wolf Present FamBOYant: AllWays Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Avenue; 9 p.m. - midnight AtomycWolf brings a new Monthly show to the AllWays Lounge & Cabaret. flamBOYant brings the art of Boylesque to a new level, fully stripped. The flamBOYS will grace the stage with conceptual art and striptease that will stimulate all of your mind and body. Come meet the

flamBOYS, Phathoms Deep, Bobby B, Franky Conga, Danny Girl, Claymazing, Joy, and Atomyc Adonis on Thursday April 26th at 10pm for the premier of flamBOYant hosted by the non-binary wonder Atomyc Adonis with the Show All flamBOYS for the new revolution of BOYlesque here in New Orleans. $10 cover.

Friday, April 27, 2018 Long Island Fridays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night.

Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Saturday, April 28, 2018 Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street;

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8 - 10 p.m. Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol.

Sunday, April 29, 2018 Annual Spring Gala: Beauregard Keyes House; 1113 Chartres Street; 5 8 p.m. Come out for an evening of merriment in the magnificent 1826 home.

As the sun sets, you will enjoy a delicious buffet, bid on fabulous auction items, and dance in the newly updated courtyard to our favorite, Deacon John & the Ivories! For tickets go to www. bkhouse.org.

Bottomless Sundays: The DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 4 - 9 p.m. THE ORIGINAL TRASH DISCO with the Famous Napkin Toss! Step back to the days of Disco and remember you will never know when the napkins hit the air. Now Up stairs and Down stairs.

You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Pub; 801 Bourbon Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 - 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

Monday, April 30, 2018 S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m.

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer

Margarita Mondays: The DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy Street; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 Gift Certificate for Rawhide Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Twofer Tuesdays: Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends.

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafitte’s in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. $5 Fireball, $25 Gift Certificate for GFB, plus Free Tatertots Gift Card for Clover Grill.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays): Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m.

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy Street; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 Continued on Page 21

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 20

wells, draft, and domestic beers Thursday, May 3, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.

Whitney Zoo-To-Do: Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine Street; 7 p.m. midnight Ready those black ties and buy yourself a new cocktail dress; the 2018 Whitney Zoo–To–Do returns to the Audubon Zoo Grounds. Zoo-To– Do will feature live entertainment, local and international cuisine from over 70 New Orleans restaurants, a luxury car raffle, premium cocktails, and a silent auction! Enjoy music from this year’s headlining band, The Big Beyond, along with many other live musicians.

All Proceeds from the 2018 Zoo-To-Do Events support Audubon Zoo to Celebrate Lions: The Roar Returns! Tickets available for purchase at http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztd or call (504) 861-5107 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Long Island Fridays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night.

Friday, May 4, 2018

HoneyBee Trivia

Saturday, May 5, 2018 Jammin on Julia 2018: Arts District of New Orleans (300 - 800 blocks of Julia Street); 6 - 11 p.m. Join us on Cinco de Mayo this year for a fun art and music event hosted by the Arts District of New Orleans. Jammin’ on Julia is an annual festival benefiting the Arts District New Orleans. This non-profit organization has been expanding over the past year to make the Warehouse District a contemporary fine arts, food and performance destination. There are 12 contemporary art galleries, 3 world class museums/institutions presenting visual and performance arts, numerous cafés, bars and star chef restaurants. There will be art, refreshments and music on the street as well as inside the galleries.

PrIML Instinct: The Phoenix; 931 Elysian Fields Avenue; 5 - 8 p.m. Mr. Louisiana Leather 2018 (Darryl D) invites you to reveal your PrIML Instincts.

Check your coats and inhibitions at the door. This private event will include a Silent Auction, Open Bar, with Cinco de Mayo drink specials. All donations will help Daddy D defray travel-related expenses as he represents Louisiana and the Gulf South and competes for INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER in Chicago Memorial Day weekend. And of course, enjoy your PrIML Instincts.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. For tickets go to eventbrite. com.

Thursdays 7:00 PM

Happy Hour Daily

Free Jello Shots & Bar Tab

noon - 9:00 PM

Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

Johnny Passion Presents Risque - The Sultry Side of Drag: AllWays Lounge; 2240 N. Rampart Street; 10 p.m. - midnight Starring Monique Michaels-Alexander and Ava Gina with special guest stars Kayla Starr and Solitaire. Showtime is 10pm. NO cover. Show will be in the theater!

CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8 - 10 p.m. Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol.

Sunday, May 6, 2018 Amon Ra Crawfish Boil: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine Street; 2 - 5 p.m. Mark your calendars and join the Krewe for Crawfish! $15 donation to the Krewe. Includes Crawfish, Chicken, and all the fixings.

Bottomless Sundays: The DouContinued on Page 22

Country Dancing Tuesdays 7:00 PM www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

Continued from Page 21

blePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12.

Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 4 - 9 p.m. THE ORIGINAL TRASH DISCO with the Famous Napkin Toss! Step back to the days of Disco and remember you will never know when the napkins hit the air. Now Up stairs and Down stairs.

You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m.

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and

Dominique DeLorean.

Drink Drown and Drag: The Pub; 801 Bourbon Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 - 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m.

Monday, May 7, 2018 S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft.

Margarita Mondays: The DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy Street; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 Gift Certificate for Rawhide Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m.

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis,

ARE YOU BEACH READY FOR PENSACOLA MEMORIAL WEEKEND?

3630 COLISEUM ST. NOLA, 70115

Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx.

Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.

Twofer Tuesdays: Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends...

You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafitte’s in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. $5 Fireball, $25 Gift Certificate for GFB, plus Free Tatertots Gift Card for Clover Grill.

Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.

Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays): Doubleplay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m.

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy Street; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers Thursday, May 10, 2018 Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Announcement Party 2018: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 7 - 10 p.m. WHO WILL BE THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE GRAND MARSHALS FOR 2018? Come join Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLIII - Persana Shoulders, Princess Stephaney, and Coca Mesa - as they announce their successors for Southern Decadence Grand Marshal this coming year. Party begins at 7 pm with food in the upstairs bar followed by a fabulous show leading up to the announcement of the new Grand Marshals XLIV. Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night.

Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night.

The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.

Friday, May 11, 2018 Project Lazarus Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala: Ace Hotel; 600 Carondelet Street; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Please join Lazarus House as they honor and celebrate our newest Guardian Angels: Maryam Bahman and Angie Bowlin. The elegant event at the fabulous Ace Hotel New Orleans features a cocktail hour, a three-course dinner, an award ceremony, and a high-end silent and live auction. All proceeds benefit our mission of housing and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in New Orleans. Black tie optional. For tickets, go to www.projectlazarus.net.

Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests.

New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize.

Long Island Fridays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night.

Saturday, May 12, 2018 Glitter and Be Gay 2018 - The Tricentennial Edition: Armeinius Den; 433 N. Broad Street; 7 - 9:30 p.m. Glitter and Be Gay returns for its 10th year and just in time to celebrate the city of New Orleans’ official founding week celebration. Come enjoy all that makes our city gay and grand. Sip cocktails, eat great bites and enjoy a fabulous silent art auction. Wear all your sparkles, pins, and bling as we celebrate together. This year’s festivities are being held at the Armeinius Den so you can Continued on Page 23

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 22

see some of our New Orleans themed costumes from our smashing 50th ball “300 Years of Fabulous” up close and personal. Tickets are $40 at the door, buy early online and save. For tickets go to www.ticketleap.armeinius.com Nola Gaymers Party - May: The LGBT Community Center; 2727 South Broad Street; 2 - 6 p.m. Join LGBT Gamers at the LGBT Center to socialize, game and generally geek out! They will have board games, party games, card games, and snacks to share!

Guests are encouraged to bring their own favorite games as well. Donations of $3 or more towards future Gaymer events will be split with the LGBT center. We are excited to announce +1 Gaming is the sponsor and those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a prize from their store!

Champagne Stroll on Magazine Street: Magazine Street; 5 - 9 p.m.

Champagne Stroll on Magazine Street is one of the city’s premier springtime sip & shop events, held the Saturday before Mother’s Day! This fun annual event draws huge crowds of shoppers to Magazine Street to enjoy beautiful weather and extended shopping hours. Locals and visitors are invited to this one night only event, with over 100 businesses providing FREE sparkling wine, and many offering special deals, promotional sales, and art and trunk

shows. Participating shops, stores, galleries, and restaurants will be open from 5pm to 9pm, and the event is free and open to the public. Special thanks to our wine sponsor, Breaux Mart Supermarkets.

PFLAG Scholarship Reception: UNO Lindy Boggs Reception Center; 2045 Lakeshore Drive; 5 p.m. Join PFLAG New Orleans for their annual presentation for education funding for local students. There will also be food, entertainment, a silent auction and champagne. For tickets go to www. pflagno.org.

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today.

Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal Street; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes a special guests stars.

Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine Street; 4 - 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: DoublePlay Bar; 439 Dauphine Street The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8 - 10 p.m. Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol.

Upcoming at OZ New Orleans & Southern Decadence Announcement Tuesday, April 24th Join SDGM Perana Shoulders and Oz New Orleans as we celebrate and raise money for New Orleans Pride!

Headlining this benefit show will be the current reigning Miss New Orleans Pride and Lady of Oz, Connie Hung.

Show will start at 10:30 pm following Bourbon Boylesque Wednesday, May 2nd It’s time to crown a new queen at the Miss Gay New Orleans America 2018 pageant, “Lost In Space”. Who will represent the city of New Orleans at the Miss Gay Louisiana America? This year celebrates the reign of Miss Gay New Orleans America 2017, Lana O’Day and the current reigning Miss Gay Louisiana America, Arilyn Roberts. The pageant plans to bring former title holders, local entertainers, and quality contestants to the stage!

Miss Gay New Orleans America is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious continuing city preliminary for the Miss Gay Louisiana American state level.

Hosted by Promoter and SDGM XLIII Persana Shoulders, the competition begins at 10 pm. If you are interested in competing or have any questions

regarding the pageant, please contact Persana Shoulders (persana@ozneworleans.com).

Tuesday, May 8th Join Oz for a fabulous benefit show to help raise funds for the current reigning Miss Gay Louisiana USofA, Britney DeLorean, as she gets ready to compete for the national title at the Miss Gay USofA pageant. Show will start at 10:30 pm following Bourbon Boylesque.

Thursday, May 10th WHO WILL BE THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE GRAND MARSHALS FOR 2018? Come join Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLIII - Persana Shoulders, Princess Stephaney, and Coca Mesa - as they announce their successors for Southern Decadence Grand Marshal this coming year. Fabulous food, cocktails, and entertainment to be had! Party begins at 7 pm with hors d’oeuvres in the upstairs bar followed by a fabulous show leading up to the announcement of the new Grand Marshals. Followed by the Oz Strip Off at midnight hosted by Persana Shoulders!

If you want to make sure your upcoming event is listed, email the information to me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.

HO

ST

YO

UR

O

W

N

HEALTHY COOKING CLASS FOR COUPLES OR GROUPS!

Tupperware is growing in your area.

Learn how to Save Time, Save Space and Cook without the waste.

Call 985-377-9162 for more information. www.my.tupperware.com/steverocha • tupcouple@gmail.com www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

bars

Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!

Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted

We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.

Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted

Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events.

If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com

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] 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 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 BIG EASY DAIQUIRIS, 216 Bourbon, 501 Bourbon, 409 Decatur, 617 Decatur 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. Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States.

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. Designed for a casual night out or a quiet evening with that special someone, we offer a wide selection of liquor, beer, and the world renowned Separator.

GRANDPRE’S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN’S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM MAG’S 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM THE PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 875.4976 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM. Leather, Dark Rooms, & Bears All Around. You can feel the throb of excitement and smell it in the air. This isn’t just a bar. This is an experience!

TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY’S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave.,

207.3271

bookstores

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

circuit/events

Easter Sunday, April 11, 2018, 19th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade. com

costumes

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

galleries

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

guides

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] Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397

hardware

New Orleans, LA [504] MARY’S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465. More than just a hardware store, Mary’s Ace French Quarter Hardware also features an extensive selection of kitchen and bath items upstairs.

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. [0118] BLUES60 GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, www.blues60guesthouse.com, info@blues60guesthouse.com. The Blue60 Guest House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. [1115] 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, www.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. [0815] The french quarter guest houses, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuest-

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Houses.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!

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, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: ripna@ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline. com, email: ripna@ambushmag.com

organizations

FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext. 254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828A 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; HalloweenNewOrleans.COM 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 LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org MYSTIC KREWE OF LORDS OF LEATHER, 1000 Bourbon St #B415, New Orleans, LA 70116, www.lordsofleather.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 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 504.821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM NEW ORLEANS PRIDE, info@neworleanspridefestival.com; 504.321.6006; NewOrleansPrideFestival.COM; NOLAPride.

ORG; New Orleans Pride fully embraces the message of “One CommUNITY” as we celebrate our history and promote the future prosperity of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. We use public awareness and education about the LGBT+ community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination. Our programs, seminars and events leading up to, and during Pride weekend, are meant to include individuals from all walks of life.

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 504.947.2121, stannanola.org

Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com. Since 1939, our quirky, cozy, unique diner has been home to the best breakfasts & burgers on Bourbon Street–maybe even the whole French Quarter!

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans. com, 945.0742 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 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 Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com

real estate

New Orleans, LA [504] Engel & Völkers New Orleans, Michael Styles, Realtor — Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans

properties. 504.777.1773, NolaStyles.com Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gay-owned 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 MARY’S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063

services

New Orleans, LA [504] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195

theatres

New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM

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

pharmacy

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

restaurants

Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans. com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com

Get Listed for $10 per Issue

Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?

Email Ambush info@ambushpublishing.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

Party Down

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

Easter was a fun, albeit exhausting long weekend, but there was not much time to rest. My next two weeks were filled with theater, parties, fundraisers, Boylesque, and Bow Ties.

On Tuesday, I took some of my friends who were still in town after Easter and still not physically depleted after the parade out to dinner and a show in the French Quarter. If you have not tried Vacherie yet, put it on your list.

Vacherie is located on the first floor of the Hotel St. Marie and serves authentic Cajun food. Vacherie restaurant is named for the town of Vacherie, Louisiana — a small community situated on the bank of the Mississippi River, where Chef Jarred Zeringue grew up.

Vacherie’s landscape and lifestyle are the direct inspirations for the restaurant’s menus.

The food was reasonably priced and delicious. After dinner, I took my friends David and Larry to one of the best free (not many things can boast that) shows in the Quarter, Bourbon Boylesque at Oz. The fabulous burlesque personality Trixie Minx emceed

this show of fabulous beefcake strutting their stuff in and out of clothing. I especially loved the postman and the roller skating cowboy routine.

The following night the National Association of Caterers and Events (NACE) hosted a fundraiser at Arnaud’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. This fine dining establishment is having their hundredth anniversary this year, so this is the perfect time to enjoy a true dining experience. The event was held at the newly renovated Count’s Room which is spectacular.

The cuisine and wine that night was outstanding and any event at Arnaud’s is worth it as long as they have their souffle potatoes.

Keeping the momentum going on Wednesday, I attended the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Business After Hours at the Jung Hotel. This networking event was held on their gorgeous rooftop pool deck.

One of the cool things to look forward to for locals is that they are going to be offering great deals on day passes for the pool. I love a good hotel pool with a

cabana boy!

After the Jung, I hopped over to the Bow Tie Bash at The Lighthouse. Bow Tie Bash is an event benefiting CrescentCare which helps those affected by cancer and HIV in the New Orleans community. Proceeds from Bow Tie Bash help their Food For Friends program which delivers meals to cancer and HIV-positive clients who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

The evening’s cuisine was catered by Food For Friends. They are available to cater any of your events. So host a party and help a worthwhile cause all at the same time.

Each year, Bow Tie Bash honors the memory Chet Pourciau, whose exuberant personality matched with his flair for eye-catching bow-ties inspired those around him. This year, Bow Tie Bash also honored the memory of Larry Mercier, long-time advocate for those affected by HIV. Larry also made many gorgeous bow ties himself. The event featured entertainment by Kelcy Mae and Will Dickerson, an open bar, raffles and a creative bow tie contest.

And the Lighthouse, located on Camp Street in the Warehouse District, was an ideal spot to host this party.

My weekend then started with catching the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s production of One Arm, a play by Moisés Kaufman based on a screenplay by Tennessee Williams. The show was directed

by Augustin J. Correro and was quite an entertaining evening of theater.

One Arm is about a champion boxer who is mangled in an accident, leaving him to roam the streets and hustle for his meals. Adler Hyatt as Ollie Olsen (the hustler) is just mesmerizing in the role as he navigates his way through the seamy underbelly of society in order to survive. This burgeoning theater company has proven its worth with topnotch shows starring the best talent the city has to offer and many Big Easy Award nominations under its belt. The company has announced their new season, so keep your eye out for the following shows: Vieux Carré, The Mutilated and Suddenly, Last Summer.

On Saturday, it was all about St. Anna’s as I co-emceed with the fabulous Lana O’Day the Dodwell House Gala. The gala raises funds to restore the Marsaudet-Dodwell House, built in 1846, located at 1519 Esplanade to become St. Anna’s new Community Center. There was food, libations and an incredible live and silent auction. It was a great night of revelry and the Church raised some much-needed funds. After the fundraiser, some friends and I went to the return to the stage of the one and only Johnny Passion for her Risque Show at the AllWays Lounge.

After a brief hiatus, Johnny is back better than ever and her Risque Show is a powerhouse of entertainment. This drag variety show boasts free admission and a talented ensemble cast. Do not forget to catch their next one on May 5.

Spring is in the air and I celebrated it on Sunday at the City park Garden Show with a plethora of vendors selling not only plants and flowers for your garden, but decor and other fun products. I literally can get lost for hours at this event looking at all the plants.

Hopefully my green thumb will bloom and the new greenery I bought for my courtyard will last more than a month.

The following week, I went to a small gathering for Wednesdays in The Square at The Blake Hotel. The hotel has a wrap around balcony on their second floor that is perfect for a birdseye view of the very crowded Lafayette Square. Flow Tribe performed to an especially packed Square, so it was great to be above the crowd with food and drink. The balcony was perfect and probably one of the most amazing places to catch Mardi Gras Parades on the St. Charles route.

On Thursday, I attended Arthur Severio’s Art Opening at his Severio Gallery as part of the kickoff celebration for French Quarter Festival.

Southern Gothic Redux re-images race and gender in the latest collection of Arthur’s photographs and paintings

by Andrew LaMar Hopkins. These new photographs take Tennessee Williams’ iconic characters to a new level, with Desiree Josephine DuPlantier as Violet Venable, the matriarch from Suddenly, Last Summer, in the actual Garden District location that inspired the play.

You will also see Frank Perez, Felicia Phillips, Kirk Gagnon and Aubrey Sinclaire in several fabulous scenes from Williams’ works. I personally bought three of his photographs. Arthur’s show was inspired by Bethany Bultman whom the two local artists got to know via the New Orleans Musician Clinic’s Dancer Wellness Program.

She invited them to use the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation’s Garden District headquarters as a backdrop for their interpretation of NOLA’s Tricentennial. The show will be on display through May 31st. Severio Gallery is located at 834 Chartres Street.

The weekend (except for rainy day Saturday) was all about the French Quarter Festival and except for that one day was incredible this year with some of the best talent NOLA has to offer. In its 35th year this festival has proven to be one of New Orleans true ways to pass a good time.

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio Photos by Tony Leggio

At the Dodwell House Fundraiser

At the Bow Tie Bash at the Lighthouse

At Arthur Severio Gallery Opening

At always lounge for Johnny passion risqué show and line wrestling

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

Snap Paparazzi: Leather

Phoenix Bar Photos by Davis Walden

Crescent City Leathermen A social and Fraternal organization of gay men established to promote and cultivate an interest in Leather/Leather-Levi.

Mission: To create social activities among our members and other gay and lesbian organizations in an effort to support and give back to the community.

We have raised funds for Veterans group. We’ve also held food drives in conjunction with local bars for St. Anna’s house. We are dedicated o holding events that give back to the community.

CCL held a travel fundraiser for Mr. Louisiana Leather 2018 Darrell Klassy. The fundraiser was to help Darrell pay for expenses to compete for IML (International Mr. Leather) in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend. Darrell was selected as Mr. Louisiana Leather , last year during Southern Decadence, out of three contestants. Darrell will represent the Southern Gulf States while competing at IML. All proceeds from CCL’s fundraiser went to Darrell. The club raised and turned over $303.00 to Darrell at the end of the event.

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Trodding the Boards

by Brian Sands Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

John Cleese at Saenger Theatre

the

For those Monty Python fans who missed or didn’t get their fill when John Cleese and Eric Idle appeared at the Saenger Theatre in 2016, the erstwhile Minister of Silly Walks returned to Canal Street recently for a 75 minute Q&A session. To get the crowd in the mood, a screening of the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail kicked off the evening’s entertainment.

“Absurd and/or ridiculous questions only” were requested from ticket buyers in advance; how many came from the Saenger’s audience, how many were recycled from previous shows, and how many were scripted, I couldn’t quite discern. I’d guess we got a fairly equal apportionment of all three. No matter--Camilla Cleese, his 34-year-old daughter, served as interlocutor, doing a mighty fine job of keeping things moving and her Dad’s occasional aura of self-importance in check.

Cleese may be older and paunchier now than in Python’s heyday, but the voice is the same and he still packs an intellectually irreverent swagger. Once

he made it unequivocally clear that he would brook no catcalls from the audience, even of the “We love you!” variety, the program settled into a merry ebb and flow.

Evincing a persona at once both mildly cantankerous and brazenly daffy, Cleese commented pointedly about WrestleMania which was going on here that weekend, before getting down to the questions.

From the top, he maintained that Monty Python’s success sprang from “six writers who happened to enjoy performing. We were always fighting about the scripts [i.e., how to make them better], never about the parts.”

Many questions focused on Monty Python and the Holy Grail’s Black Knight, who winds up armless and legless. Cleese revealed that although the scene “got more laughs than any other” at preview screenings, the producers wanted to cut it. Good thing the Pythons stuck to their guns or, as the Knight said “If you never give up, you can’t be beaten.”

If you recall the Holy Grail scene involving a witch and a scale, you’ll

John Cleese appreciate the query “Does Kellyanne Conway weigh more than a duck?” which prompted Cleese to muse “Why does she stop at Head of Communications? Why not become Secretary of Defense?” Though she’s actually “Counselor to the President,” given the revolving door nature of this Cabinet, I suppose Defense Secretary might still be possible.

Cleese’s favorite Monty Python sketch? “The Batley Townswomens’ Guild Presents the Battle of Pearl Harbour” because when it’s plainly silly like that “you can see it again and again, and keep laughing.”

Along the same reasoning, his fa-

vorite joke, told to him by the actor Jim Dale goes “What is black and white and crawls along the ground?” “A wounded nun.” Silly indeed.

Averring that he “never met a Python fan I didn’t like,” Cleese regaled the audience with stories about Life of Brian; the only deceased (and gay) Python Graham Chapman; and a trip to an unexpectedly closed Dachau concentration camp which ended with Chapman calling out “Tell them we’re Jews” (alas, though, Fawlty Towers got no mention).

The only odd part of the evening occurred when Cleese spoke of A Fish Continued on Page 30

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 29

Continued from Page 29

Called Wanda. Apparently, a Danish doctor’s convulsive laughter while viewing the film caused him to have a heart attack and die. Why the audience applauded at the end of this story is a mystery to me, but I suppose it had something to do with Cleese’s droll delivery.

Witty, brilliant and innately funny, Cleese did come off as a bit eccentric. Which shouldn’t be surprising for a man who thinks “it’s hilarious that the third leading cause of deaths is medical errors.”

Future performers at the Saenger include singer-songwriter Ryan Adams (May 5), comedian Eddie B (May 25), and country/bluegrass singer Alison Krauss (July 13).

The Tennessee Williams Festival

Leah Chase at the Tennessee Williams Festival

Another Tennessee Williams Festival has come and gone with its panels and master classes and special events and the “Stella!” shouting contest.

Yet something seemed different about it this year.

Sure there were some boldface names (political strategist Donna Brazile, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford, playwright/director Moisés Kaufman) and local favorites (playwright Lisa D’Amour, memoirist Anne Giselson, actor Bryan Batt giving a preview of his coming of age show-inprogress ), but no true marquee names of the type that have been featured in the past.

True, the wonderful actress Blythe Danner, who memorably portrayed Alma Winemiller in a television production of The Eccentricities of a Nightingale, was scheduled to appear but, even though her photo and bio were still included in the Festival’s program, she had pulled out due to a film gig that had arisen.

And it wasn’t Tony (for A Streetcar Named Desire) and Oscar nominee Amy Ryan’s fault that she was waylaid from coming by a nasty nor’easter that cancelled her flight down here. Still, she was to have taken part only in the Wednesday night performance reading.

Now some might say “Fiddle-deedee.” And I certainly didn’t miss Dick Cavett or Rex Reed retelling Tennessee tales we’ve heard before. But I’ve always enjoyed the reminiscences of folks who worked with and knew Williams such as Diane Ladd, Keir Dullea, Estelle Parsons, Richard Chamberlain, Tab Hunter, and last year’s Robert Wagner & Jill St. John. Sadly, I suspect we can look forward to less and less of such moments.

Two events that were only tangentially related to Williams, if at all, proved to be very rewarding, however.

The panel discussion Chinese Place and Identity in the American

South examined why, beginning in the 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the Mississippi Delta region (similar weather, agriculture, and social structures to Canton where many came from) and the challenges they faced (discrimination, the need to assimilate to American culture) while focusing on the experience of the Lum family, the topic of panelist Adrienne Berard’s book Water Tossing Boulders.

In 1924, Martha Lum and her older sister Berda were barred from attending middle school in Rosedale, Mississippi, because, as Chinese Americans, they were considered to be “colored”; the school was only for whites. The girls’ father Jeu Gong Lum, a poor immigrant from southern China, took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although the Lums ultimately lost, it was an important forerunner of the Brown v. Board of Education decision thirty years later.

Scholar Shaolu Yu also provided many fascinating insights. But both she and Berard realized they were entering highly charged territory when the conversation began to explore current-day relationships (and occasional tensions) among Chinese, blacks, and whites, both economically and socially. Fortunately for them, if not for the audience, time ran out just about then.

How very lucky we are that time has still not run out on the 95-yearyoung Leah Chase. Interviewed by Sheba Turk, Chase remains smart, sharp and sassy, and, asserting that she “will never retire,” gave sage advice while recounting her storied career.

In the 1940s when all the men had been drafted, Chase started working in a restaurant in the 500-block of Chartres where Tennessee Williams would sometimes eat. “I had never been in a restaurant in my life,” she said. “Because of segregation, we just didn’t have them. I didn’t know anything about the restaurant business but I learned a lot. And it beat picking strawberries” After marrying Edgar “Dooky” Chase II, she started working at his family’s sandwich shop. Wanting to upscale it --“We have to change!” she told them--she nearly ruined the business by putting Lobster Thermidor on the menu only to discover that their customers weren’t interested in it. Once she started offering Shrimp Creole, jambalaya and gumbo, the Chases met with success.

Her recollections about the Civil Rights era transfixed the audience.

Because she would give local policemen a sandwich or a snack when they passed by the restaurant, they “never came in” and Dooky Chase’s became known as “a safe haven” for visiting activists. Chase fed Freedom Riders much appreciated gumbo and fried chicken. “Martin [as in Martin Luther King Jr.] ate on the run,” she said. “He Continued on Page 31

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 30

always had something on his mind.”

Still the activist, she observed that “We have to vote; our ancestors sacrificed so we could do so,” and “We have to do something about guns, particularly the automatic ones” while speaking knowledgeably about those guns used for hunting.

There were tales of serving Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. She had kind words for the latter’s personality, if not of the job he did.

She had to reprimand the former when he put hot sauce in her gumbo.

Chase’s sense of humor sparkled through. “All this modern technology is good, but you have to know the basics in case the dishwasher breaks down,” she said with sly wisdom.

When it came to contemporary cuisine, her tone turned wry. “We’re not cooking ‘smothered’ onions any more.

They’re ‘caramelized.’”

Charming and down to earth, Chef Chase clearly loves life and continues to expand her range of experiences. “The new thing for me is Mexican restaurants,” giving a shout-out to El

Gato Negro.

Still continuing with her cooking and philanthropic efforts, looking back Chase said “It makes me really happy that Martin, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks came my way and I could feed them, these people who tried to make a difference.”

Just as she has.

As for the Festival’s theatrical offerings, I’ll try to be kind.

Over at the AllWays Lounge, Dennis Monn created a marvelously seedy atmosphere for his immersive production of Vieux Carré, the actors swirling through the audience. This overall fine production captured the comedy and pathos of Williams’ memory play about his early days in the French Quarter.

I wish Christopher Weaver as a budding writer and Williams stand-in, had brought more flavoring to his role; instead, he remained wan throughout.

Emilie Whelan, however, as a decent gal escaping her upper class upbringing in the arms of a Bourbon Street strip club doorman, keenly etched her pain and frustration. As two down-on-their-luck spinster types, Re-

becca Rae and Elyse Manning nearly stole the show as these characters are wont to do.

Vieux Carré, though, is not Williams at his best, more a series of sketches than a fully realized play. In a fluke of scheduling, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans will be mounting another production of it this summer. If my heart isn’t pounding at that prospect, at least the spinsters will be portrayed by two of New Orleans’ most terrific thespians, Carol Sutton and Janet Shea.

For the Festival, TWTCNO presented One Arm by Moisés Kaufman based on a short story and screenplay by Williams. It tells, literally, as Kaufman uses a writer to set the scene, of a sailor, Ollie, who’s the lightweight boxing champion of the Pacific Fleet.

There’s an automobile accident and he loses his right arm. One thing leads to another and he becomes a hustler, his mutilation a turn-on for some guys (and the occasional gal). As with most innocents in the Williams canon, things don’t end well for Ollie.

While I had some quibbles with

the play, for which both Williams and Kaufman share the blame, it was a generally worthy production with Director Augustin J Correro mostly finding the stage equivalent for cinematic sweep.

The entire cast, many in numerous roles, all did excellent work with one glaring exception. As the “mutilated” sailor/boxer/hustler, Adler Hyatt simply didn’t have the acting chops to convey Ollie’s emotional nuances and deeper feelings, giving an intelligent but superficial rendering of what should be a shattering role.

Admittedly, when Ollie lost a limb, as Williams/Kaufman would have it, he lost his capacity to feel as well. Okay, fine. But a more accomplished actor would allow ripples of subconscious emotion to occasionally dance across his face, endowing Ollie with greater complexity. Instead we got unremitting blankness. I kept envisioning how a dancer from the Corner Pocket might have enacted the role.

Southern Rep contributed two oneContinued on Page 32

Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea

Cafe Lafitte in Excile Photos by Davis Walden

Café Lafitte in Exile Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States.

OPENING HOURS Everyday 24 Hours ADDRESS 901 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 522-8397 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

Continued from Page 31

acts. Ricky Graham directed And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens, in which a 30something antique dealer/ drag queen picked up a badass, sexually ambiguous sailor on Mardi Gras with ultimately unfortunate results.

Well-acted by Evan Spigelman and Garrett Prejean, it’s now a cliched period piece.

After intermission came The Two-Character Play. I had seen it in New York in 2013 with Brad Dourif and Amanda Plummer as sibling actors who find themselves abandoned by their troupe while on tour. I enjoyed its roller coaster of emotions but wrote “I would hate to see a bad production of this play.” Austin Pendleton’s artless staging here demonstrated how prescient that statement was.

Finally, Director Maxwell Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire at Le Petit offered not a single new insight into this iconic work. Sure, some might say “Well, some people have never seen it before.” So what? For theater to remain a living art form, there must be some invigorating reason to do a classic like this.

(While Director Kristin Shoffner’s outstanding A Doll’s House at UNO (through April 28) may be fairly straightforward, NOLA hasn’t seen it in decades and #MeToo allows for energizing new ways in which to perceive it.)

Streetcar might have been tolerable if all four leads had been topnotch.

Paul Whitty’s Mitch passed muster, but while I liked how Curtis Billings’ Stanley initially treated Blanche decently, he

never built up to the brute force necessary to make his rape of her credible.

I had always thought that Stella was a foolproof character; Elizabeth McCoy proved me wrong. Toughening up Blanche’s sister might be an understandable response in our post-Weinstein world. But the result is that it made Stella’s passionate return to Stanley after he strikes her seem utterly preposterous.

Only Beth Bartley’s quirky take on Blanche intrigued me. Too often she comes across as just a Southern belle.

Bartley made her a little flaky, a little odd; when the breakdown finally came we had been prepared for it.

Let’s hope the offerings at next year’s Festival will honor Williams and intrigue us with the same probing creativity he brought to his own works.

Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail. com.

Snap Paparazzi: Sunday Tea

Good Friends Bar Photos by Davis Walden

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: “Commemoration Ceremonies Planned for the 45th Anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge Fire”

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

“Commemoration Ceremonies Planned for the 45th Anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge Fire” A series of commemoration events are planned in June to mark the 45th anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge arson.

Tuesday, June 5. Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the UpStairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, a new book about the fire by Robert W. Fieseler, will be released from Liveright. Pre-orders of the book are available now.

Wednesday, June 6. Author Robert W. Fieseler will be the Keynote Speaker at the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s Annual Membership Meeting. The Meeting takes place at 6:00pm at the Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street. Admission is free and open to the public.

Sunday, June 24. An ecumenical service will be held at St. Mark’s Methodist Church (1130 N. Rampart)

at 5:00pm followed by a Second Line parade to the site of the fire where a solemn reading of the names of the victims will be held.

Wednesday, June 27. The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and The Historic New Orleans Collection will host a panel discussion of historians and witnesses to the event discussing how it shaped the LGBT+ community locally and nationally. This event will take place at 6:00pm at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street.

Participants in the June 27 panel include Royd Anderson, director of the documentary The UpStairs Lounge Fire (2013); Clayton Delery, award-winning author of The UpStairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973 (McFarland, 2014); Clancy DuBos, the journalist whose story “Blood, Moans: Charity Scene” ran on the front page of the Times-Picayune the morning after the fire; and Robert W. Fieseler.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Frank Perez, president of the LGBT+ Archives Project and co-author

of the forthcoming book Southern Decadence in New Orleans (LSU Press).

The event will also feature a reading and book-signing for Fieseler’s new book.

This free public program is presented in collaboration with the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. More information is available at www.hnoc.org and by calling (504) 523-4662.

In addition to these local events, ABC News (national) will air an investigative documentary about the arson at a time yet to be determined.

A case of arson for which no one was ever convicted, the UpStairs

Lounge fire claimed 32 lives on June 24, 1973, in a second-floor gay bar at 141 Chartres St. in the French Quarter. Many felt the fire was inadequately acknowledged by the New Orleans community—some family members refused to claim the bodies of their relatives out of fear of social stigma, and local civic and religious leaders largely ignored the tragedy. According to survivors, many avoided talking about the event, as they faced discrimination in the workplace and from landlords.

Nearly half a century later, the tragic story of the UpStairs Lounge is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Commentary by Frank Perez Trump’s Silent War Against LGBTQ Rights

Like all effective demagogues, Donald Trump knows how to make headlines. He is a master of media manipulation and diversionary tactics to shift attention away from his most egregious and dangerous policies and criminal activities. Lost in the fury of tweet storms and the media frenzy they engender is the incredibly anti-LGBTQ record he is amassing. Consider: Trump is attempting to reinstate a ban on trans people joining and openly serving in the military.

Trump failed to recognize LGBTQ Pride month during his first year in office.

Trump has reversed Executive Orders issued by President Obama protecting trans people.

Trump disbanded the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Trump’s administration has defended “religious freedom” laws that legally enshrine discrimination against LGBT people.

Trump appointed religious-right darling Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

According to Lambda Legal, onethird of Trump’s judicial nominees have anti-LGBT records.

All this in just 13 months. At this rate, Trump’s record will eventually make Ronald Reagan look like an LGBTQ ally.

Trump’s record stands in sharp contrast to his predecessor, President Obama. The Obama Administration’s record on social progress and equality includes: • Preventing Bullying and Hate Crimes against LGBT Americans • Supporting LGBT Health

• Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell • Ending the Legal Defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) • Protecting LGBT Americans against Discrimination • Taking Steps to Ensure LGBT Equality in Housing and Crime Prevention • Advancing and Protecting the Rights of LGBT Persons around the World • Recognizing LGBT History and Contributions The contrast between both Administrations on LGBT issues is striking and illustrates a larger, sadder truth about Trump: instead of having his own vision (which would require core beliefs and a pinch of integrity), Trump is content being the Anti-Obama. Lacking leadership and any sense of where he wants to take the country, Trump is a small-minded, petty reactionary, hellbent on reversing anything Obama did.

It’s sad, really. One hopes the President of the United States would embody our highest ideals— inclusion, tolerance, empathy—not our worst fears—insecurity, bigotry, and selfishness.

During the campaign, Trump claimed to be a new type of Republican. As a New Yorker, he said he had no problem with LGBTQ people. But Trump must placate his base—right wing religious fanatics who are convinced LGBTQ folk are going to usher in the Apocalypse.

Hopefully, Trump is turned out of office soon but if he does run for re-election, he must be defeated. In the meantime, it is imperative that we elect LGBTQ—friendly candidates.

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

When the View is Good

by Pastor Allie Rowland, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO) Email: alisan.rowland42@gmail.com Website: www.mccneworleans.com “And this our life exempt from public haunt finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” –William Shakespeare.

There are many of us who have a sense of awe when we are most connected to nature. Whether we are gazing at a blazing purple and orange sunset, listening to waves crashing against the ocean sand, or staring up at towering oak or pine trees, for many of us the sheer beauty and majesty of nature is when we most feel connected to something larger than ourselves. In the moments when I am standing on the sand listening to the rhythm of the water, or listening to wind rustling through trees, I feel as though I am connected to everything around me. In those moments I feel that I am a vital and integral part of the earth and all life.

Perhaps because of Earth Day, perhaps because I traveled to California where my daughter married the woman she loves, and perhaps be-

cause I am sentimental, I felt nothing but love and gratitude this past week as I visited the ocean, gazed upon sunsets, and meandered through mountains. Many people believe that to experience our connection to the earth is to truly understand our humanity and the value of life and love all around us.

Philosophers, poets, and spiritual seekers of all kinds have sought remote and beautiful places to meditate, to pray, or to simply listen to their own thoughts and the life around them. In Moby Dick, Herman Melville wrote “… meditation and water are wedded forever.” And here in New Orleans with the Mississippi river, Lake Pontchartrain, and the bayous all around us we are surrounded by and connected to the water…to what gives us life. When we seek it out, the natural beauty of the water surrounds us.

Outside we might be surprised by how wonderful life can be when the view is good. For a few moments as we breathe in deeply we can let go of our daily worries, the stress of work, or

Book Review: In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History

the unanswered questions that trouble us…and gaze on sunlight reflecting off water or moss swinging gently in the oak trees. For just a view moments we can dwell in the beauty and mystery of the world that is all around us. And as we allow ourselves to appreciate it and fall in love with the world around us, perhaps we we will value all life and every moment even more. As Henry Da-

vid Thoreau wrote “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” May we all learn what the earth has to teach us as we find our connection to the earth, to life, and to love!

by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net

In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History.

Mitch Landrieu. 2018. Viking. 227 pages.

When New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu proposed removing four Confederate monuments from public land, a tangle of racial nerves was touched the likes of which have not been exposed since Dorothy Mae Taylor tried to desegregate Comus in 1991.

The ensuing controversy was ugly and passionate. City Hall was flooded with hateful emails and phone calls.

The Mayor received death threats.

Contractors were afraid to bid on the removal project for fear of physical violence and business reprisals. The statues were vandalized. Protests were held. Gun sales peaked. Neo-Nazi militia groups enjoyed a recruiting bonanza. And the Klan came out of hiding.

Political observers, assuming that politicians always have an ulterior motive, wondered what the Mayor hoped to gain from this. Conservative whites went ballistic and claimed the Mayor was trying to erase history. Many in the African-American community were nonchalant about the whole affair and

quietly took comfort in the fact that the white backlash against the proposal publicly confirmed what they already knew, namely that white supremacy is alive and well.

Many people will not read In the Shadow of Statues because of its author, who, to be fair, had already alienated a large segment of the city even before the monument proposal. When they see Landrieu’s name, they will dismiss it as liberal bullshit. That’s unfortunate because In the Shadow of Statues is actually a pretty good read.

On the surface, the book is not only the mayor’s explanation of why he took down the monuments, it is also a compelling argument defending his claim that removing the monuments was morally justified. In the process of making that argument, Landrieu takes us on his own personal journey through the issue of race and prejudice.

In the Shadow of Statues is thoughtful, insightful, and well-written.

Sadly (and ironically), the people who could benefit most from the book’s acumen will probably not read it because of their bias against the Mayor.

RESTAURANT & BAR LARGE COVERED PATIO ON ESPLANADE

DAILY SPECIALS Open 11am – 10pm Daily Except Mondays

HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS 4 – 6PM

SUNDAY BRUNCH 11AM – 3PM $1 MIMOSAS $3 SANGRIAS & BLOODY MARYS

THE TRADITION LIVES ON AT

3201 ESPLANADE AVE. · 948-0077

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

Snap Paparazzi: Corner Pocket Photos by Jeremy

THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!

OPENING HOURS Everyday 9pm - TILL ADDRESS 940 St Louis Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 568-9829 www.cornerpocket.net

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

A Community within Communities: A Treasury of Love

by The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org I recently did a search for “quiet spirit” seeking some profound saying.

It was interesting that for the better part of the first page, citations referred to women. Even then, the most lovely quote goes into a realm of misogyny that is almost embarrassing were it not for the historical context of the times.

Even then misogyny was normative.

Scripture, The New Testament, has glimpses of women of power and dynamism but as those texts become later in writing, even that fades away. Even this most endearing quote is directed toward husbands and wives. It starts off in a lovely way and one I would suggest that we all consider: “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

But then, aww man, there it goes, as it continues-“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.”

A preamble, of course, sets the stage and tone, calling for women to submit to their husbands. That said, this article is not about misogyny.

Maybe we can tackle that in the next edition. This article is about the neu-

tering of feelings that males generally confront as they are raised. How many have heard the words, “man up” or “take it like a man”? We have created generations of males who have been effectively shut down emotionally. When I go out into the community and see the affection that is shown as a sort of common denominator, it gives me hope that such can spread and become normative in our culture.

I’m pretty sure that male dominance is based more on feelings that are shut down and shoved away, a gut response to internalized anger which has replaced heartfelt expression.

When I see common expressions of a kiss on the cheek, even lips, throughout the community as an accepted greeting, it gives me hope. I often tease saying that I came back to New Orleans a straight white guy from the suburbs, and over the past several years I have kissed more men on the lips than I ever would have dreamed of.

After church, it is a delight to exchange a ‘kiss of peace’ with my friends and those whom I care deeply about. Yea, Gary has a scratchy beard but then I guess I do too. I know that at times the drama of the day seems over the edge. I have heard some say, “Oh these Queens and their drama are driving me nuts” and that came from a Gay man. Yet, I am here to tell you

such expression and passion is so much better than shut-down males and little boys being raised to repress, rather than express, feelings.

Now the story gets complicated for straight males and, perhaps, others as well. Males are expected to be dominant, brave, fearless, and aggressive.

I see that played out in straight bars all the time. In that world men don’t have a “group” of friends like women do.

They tend to be solitary. The sadness about this is that males still feel. They code their feelings with actions or they put feelings away someplace that later manifest in illnesses. Studies show that males from birth to about six years old express as many ranges of emotions as females do. Yet, when they hit puberty, most straight males start to repress. Their peer groups grow smaller and they code-switch feelings. The science is still far from certain about this behavior pattern. Yet I believe that our Community within the greater community offers something that is Holy, subtle, and gracious--the ability and, indeed, inclination to show emotion in all of its grandeur.

That quote from Peter should apply to everyone, “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” It is without dispute that our creator made us to have emotion and to express such with deep mutuality. So, while this little community that seems so “Gay” expresses itself with kisses and hugs and tears

and laughter, it is indeed expressing what God has intended. The intent you ask? To become bonded together as a common body. To love and to have passion. That is our defining characteristic.

So, to the Community--keep kissing and loving and laughing and crying. Keep your emotions on your bedazzled sleeves or ever-so-elegant starched shirts, but wear them like a badge of honor. Our community may (or may not) be a hot mess, but it is our hot mess, and better a mess than a chilly maleness that deprives developing men the freedom to be all that nature and God intended. Perhaps that is why, historically, more women go to church than men. Because historically, women bond, women show compassion without hindrance, and so does our Community. Just as when Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Less so now than a generation ago, young men and women in the Community, and indeed in the millennial communities, are expressing themselves.

Keep it up and teach the world what it is to “be free to love” and to show affection even in the most common of terms. Such things are rare now but hopefully heart will win out and so you will become the teachers of a treasury of love and mutuality.

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · April 24 – May 7, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

JOIN MYCHOICE® FOR SAME-DAY REWARDS. New mychoice members can earn 30 points for a $30 food credit, earn 100 more points for $15 in Bonus Rewards™ and earn another 100 more for a complimentary hotel stay with a $30 resort credit.

MAKE IT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Special rates are in full bloom! Valid now through May 24, save up to 20% off your stay when you visit BoomtownNewOrleans.com and use promo code SPRING.

/BoomtownNewOrleans

/BoomtownNOLA

/BoomtownNOLA

Offer valid on select dates based on availability. Offer ends May 24, 2018. Advance reservations required. Offer subject to availability. Valid credit card deposit required for reservations and upon check in. Blackout dates and holiday restrictions may apply. Management reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel this offer at any time, without notice. Participants must be 21 years of age or older to take advantage of this offer. Must present valid government or state issued photo ID. This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or complimentary. Reservations guaranteed until 9pm. Offer not valid for persons on a Disassociated Patrons, Voluntary Exclusion or Self Exclusion List in jurisdictions which Pinnacle Entertainment operates or who have been otherwise excluded from the participating property. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700. ©2018 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc All Rights Reserved.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 800.522.4700