Ambush Magazine Volume 36 Issue 11

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

VOLUME 36 ISSUE 11

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018

Memorial Day Weekend & Pre-Pride

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The “Official” Dish

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

As a scorching week comes to a close and the start of summer is still weeks away, we can only grimace at the prospects for a very long HOT summer in New Orleans. The week started off pleasant enough last Sunday with a nice lunch at Feelings; by mid-week the high temperature records were falling one day after another. Fortunately the A/C kept going and at least made indoors livable.

Preparations for New Orleans

Pride celebration are in full swing. All indications are that we will be treated to the same extravaganza that we have come to expect over the past few years, thanks to the hard work and commitment of the folks who have taken it on and turned it into a real celebration the whole community can be proud of. Other area events, in Baton Rouge, Pensacola, Biloxi, Alexandria, and Birmingham are planned on various weekends in June; each would

Inside this Issue of Ambush Sports

6-9

2018 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announced

13

KOMENKA PRESENTS “38th Annual Spring Concert”

14

Snap: Just Us Lounge | Biloxi, MS

15

Caravan of GLAM is coming to New Orleans

15

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Norbert Rillieux

16

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio

18

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans

20-21

Personal Papers of Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Donated to Area Libraries and Museums

20

Oz New Orleans Press & Events

20

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

22

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: Tulane’s Gay Conversion Experiments

28

Krewe of Amon-Ra Crawfish Boil

30

LGBT+ Archives Project Annual Meeting Set for June 6

31

LGBTQ Business Spotlight: A&B Errand Services

31

Bartender of the Month

31

New Orleans LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

32-33

New Orleans Party Down

34

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio

35

Trodding the Boards

36

Are You Ready for a Financial Emergency?

38

Commentary by Frank Perez

38

Celebrating Rip & Marsha Bar Crawl

39

Showing Up & Fear of Missing Out

40

Book Review: The Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading

40

From the Armeinius Glitter and Be Gay Event at Their Den

41

A Community within Communities: Outing People of Power

42

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

make a nice road trip destination to share Pride activities with friends around the region.

The Gay Appreciation Awards are on track for the later part of July. We look forward to the return of the GAA to OZ on Bourbon Street. Nominations, voting and reservations for tables will be available shortly.

With the flurry of recent graduation events around town, we would like to recognize and extend our congratulations to Davis Walden (at least he was ours for a little while). Davis was the intern many of you have seen out and about taking pictures and writing articles for Ambush over this past semester. He graduated from Loyola this month. We hope he enjoyed being a part of Ambush as much as we enjoyed working with him. We wish him well and much success in whatever the future holds for him.

Remember to mark your calendars for June 7th for the annual “Dining Out for Life.” So many great restaurants are participating in such a worthy cause.

Treat yourself and do a good deed in the process.

As we approach the summer in the city and welcome visitors from all over, let’s remember the fun we can have in our own backyard. Eat a lot, drink a lot, love a lot…..all things we do best and even better when we share’em with the world. And better still when we can do it all in gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses. Support your Community.

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

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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.

4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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Cousins and the Pelicans: A question of balance

by Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports

As a music aficionado, I enjoyed watching the Moody Blues finally get their due with their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

It was long overdue. They coined a style, pioneered a orchestral sound through use of Mike Pinder and his Melotron and the historic “Days of Future Passed” album, released in 1967, which many bands have since utilized in many manners. It is a classical sound, pioneered by Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Graeme Edge and Ray Thomas, along with Pinder.

In 1969, the Moody Blues released a brilliant album in “To Our Children’s Children’s Children.”

The final song on the album was “Watching and Waiting.”

In 1970, the Moody Blues released another superb album titled “A Question of Balance.”

The first song on the album was “Question.”

As a basketball aficionado, I always enjoy watching the sport at its highest level.

It was great to see the New Orleans Pelicans finally field a winner and make a nice playoff run this past season. It was long overdue.

They crafted a style midway

through the season, adjusting on the fly to the kind of frenetic, fast-breaking, up-tempo game that Coach Alvin Gentry prefers.

Make no mistake about it. Gentry did an excellent job this past season.

Now, the watching and waiting and the question have begun to discover whether the Pelicans will have Demarcus Cousins in the future or if his days in New Orleans have passed.

So the posturing and negotiating process is underway.

Cousins says has not spoken with anyone since the Pelicans season ended. He unfollowed the Pelicans on Instagram but still follows the team on Twitter. He says there is mutual interest between he and the Pelicans but that he will do what is best for him.

What else would you expect him to say?

A max salary for Cousins would likely exceed $30 million. To bring him back on a max deal would put the Pelicans in Luxury Tax territory, an unenviable position for a franchise that is not one of the richest or biggest draws in the league.

Cousins will be 28 in August. He is entering the prime of his career.

Of course, the Achilles injury is very serious stuff but you knew that.

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Can he rebound to become the player he was prior to the injury?

While Cousins remains a combustible player on the floor, subject to explode and incur the wrath of many technical from officials, he has largely been on good behavior in New Orleans. The title of a 1971 Moody Blues album was “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour.”

There is no issue in bringing him back in that area.

His play on the floor was excellent.

The numbers speak volumes.

His ability to translate to a style that has proven to be both entertaining and successful remains a question mark.

Can he assimilate?

Cousins can pass the ball well. He is a good athlete for his size.

Still, his style of play is more of a half court game and his own skill set brings him to a place where the ball often stops with him.

It is a question of style and substance. The style of playing fast works and is widely accepted. The substance of Cousins and his talents are undeniable. He averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds in 48 games for New Orleans before the injury.

New Orleans 27-21 with Cousins and 21-13 without Cousins in the regular season. The Pelicans won a round in the playoffs before falling to Golden State. They would have likely beaten the Blazers with Cousins and would have lost to the Warriors with Cousins.

Can he mature and become the player he is fully capable of being?

While part of it is clearly bad luck and circumstances, Cousins has never been on a playoff team in his eight seasons in the league. The Kings were always poor and the Pelicans were the same a year ago.

There is still a question as to whether he would have been part of a playoff team this season.

The decision on whether to offer Cousins a max contract is very complex.

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There is the matter of the salary cap. There is the matter of being a good team without him. There is the matter of his immense talent.

Then, there is the matter of the severity of the injury and how he comes back from it.

Patrick Ewing, Kobe Bryant, Dominique Wilkins, Rudy Gay, Chauncey Billups, Wes Matthews, Elton Brand, Christian Laettner, Darrell Arthur, Brandon Jennings, Jonas Jerebko, Jeff Taylor, Voshon Leonard, Maurice Taylor, LaPhonso Ellis, Anderson Varejao, Mehmet Okur, and former New Orleans Hornet Dan Dickau are among those to have incurred the serious injury in recent NBA history.

Of that large sample size, Wilkins and Gay came back and played at a level close to where they were prior to the injury. Ewing and Bryant were never quite the same. The same is true of the rest of those mentioned.

According to a 2013 medical study which identified 18 players who suffered significant Achilles injuries from 1988-2011, seven players never returned to the league. Players returning missed an average of 56 games and saw performances decline.

A 2015 CBS Sports feature revealed that among 14 players who came back from Achilles injuries since 1992, those players averaged fewer minutes while both their field goal and three-point percentage averages dropped off.

The fact that Cousins is just 27 right now gives him a better chance than some of the players who suffered the injury at the age of 30 or older.

In the final analysis, this will be all about money.

Can the Pelicans afford to pay Cousins at the max level? Will they opt to do so?

All is takes is one suitor to fall in love with a player. Based on where Cousins is in his career, he will go for the money, particularly if it is offered by an average to above average team. A

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6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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lower level team likely will not be attractive to him. He has stated as much, saying he wants to play for a contender.

The other questions persist as well.

Can the Pelicans afford to bring back Rajon Rondo? Will Frank Jackson become healthy enough to find out if he can play? Will Cheick Diallo grow as a player?

Borrowing from another Moody Blues 1969 album, New Orleans could be “On the Threshold of a Dream.”

The Pelicans are “In Search of the Lost Chord,” the title of another Moody Blues album of 1968.

After mostly enduring losing, the New Orleans NBA franchise is close to experiencing “The Other Side of Life,” the title of a 1986 Moody Blues album.

Cousins is likely to be inducted into several Hall of Fames down the road as well. The journey to that destination will soon resume. Where it resumes remains to be seen.

Ultimately, it is a question of balance for Gentry, Dell Demps and the Pelicans. There remains the hope that Cousins returns and does not leave New Orleans singing the blues as a team named Jazz did nearly four decades ago.

This article was originally published

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

Pelicans face many offseason challenges in quest to join NBA’s elite

by David Grubb, Crescent City Sports

Two days after their season came to an end, New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps and Head Coach Alvin Gentry held court to put a bow on the 2017-18 campaign and foreshadow the team’s plans to improve on its 48 wins and unexpected trip to the Western Conference Semifinals.

While Gentry and Demps said all the right things regarding plans to improve the roster, doing so will be no easy task.

Both men expressed their desire to retain key free agents Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins, while also adding depth, length and versatility to help the Pelicans narrow the gap between themselves and the league’s elite teams.

This season, the New Orleans payroll was sixth in the NBA at nearly $121 million. The Pelicans already have $96,951,257 in salary commitments for 2018-19 for 10 players.

With a league salary cap projected at $101 million (final numbers won’t be released until July), that leaves the Pelicans with very little room to maneuver in improving the roster.

Demps, who has earned the nickname “Dealin’ Dell” for his many moves over the years, will have to be more

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creative than ever this offseason.

The Pelicans sent their first round pick to Chicago in the Niko Mirotić trade, leaving them with only a second round choice.

So what options are available to the Pelicans?

First, let’s take a look at the guys that we know are coming back…

Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Niko Mirotić.

That’s it. That’s the list.

All three are under contract and Davis and Holiday are untouchable, with Mirotić slightly less so.

Both Davis and Holiday are coming off the best seasons of their careers and Mirotić proved himself to be a multi-talented “stretch four” who could produce as a starter or as a reserve.

The Pelicans have seven other players currently under contract: Solomon Hill, E’Twaun Moore, Alexis Ajinca, Darius Miller, Cheick Diallo, Frank Jackson, and Emeka Okafor.

Each of those players’ fate is tied to their contract as much as their contribution to the team. If not more so.

If depth and length are the offseason priorities, there’s no way the entire supporting cast returns intact.

Hill missed most of the season recovering from a hamstring injury, and when he returned he was largely ineffective. He was a step slow, had little lift, and his shooting went from suspect to awful. With two years and more than $25 million remaining on his contract, he is not an attractive trade asset. Yes, no one thought Omer Asik could be moved either, but there isn’t a number one pick to throw in to sweeten any deal for Hill.

E’Twaun Moore had a very good season playing out of position as the Pelicans’ forward. He averaged a career-high 12.5 points per game and converted better than 42 percent from deep. Moore is best suited as a backup shooting guard, but his greatest value may be as a potential trade piece.

Ajinca missed the entire season with injury and is entering the final year of his contract. Clearly, he’s not part of the Pelicans’ on-court future. He may end up being trade bait as well; or at least a throw in as an expiring deal.

Darius Miller had his moments and ended up shooting 41 percent from long distance. Miller was a pleasant surprise in the first half of the season, but after the Cousins injury his shooting dropped off. If his shot isn’t falling, he doesn’t provide much else. He’s not a great defender or rebounder, and struggles to finish at the rim. The forward is also entering the final year of his contract and could have appeal as a trade candidate in a league that al-

ways needs shooting.

Chieck Diallo showed real signs of improvement in his second season. After seeing action in just 17 games as a rookie, Diallo played in 52 contests this year. But he was also terribly inconsistent; displaying a deft shooting touch to 15 feet on some nights, and picking up quick, cheap fouls on others. It is unlikely that the franchise is ready to give up on him just yet, knowing he was a project when he was drafted. However, if the right deal comes along, Diallo’s relatively low salary and room for improvement could make him a definite commodity in a large deal.

Point guard Frank Jackson is a question mark. Demps had enough faith in the youngster from Duke that he moved up to snag him in the second round. Foot injuries have kept Jackson from competitive game action for more than a year. The team expects big things from him this season, and announced that he will be a part of the team’s summer league squad. Hopefully they’re right, because if Jackson lives up to the hype, he could be a young Jrue Holiday. If he doesn’t, the Pelicans will be on the market for a backup point guard.

The Pelicans won Emeka Okafor’s first 10 starts, as they tied the franchise record for consecutive victories.

He was quite the redemption story after missing four full seasons due to injury. Okafor provided a solid interior presence and allowed Davis to take early minutes at his preferred power forward position. As the Pelicans pace increased though, their need for Okafor decreased. In the playoffs, there were no favorable matchups for him at all. With the Pelicans so thin in the front court, the team will likely keep him around for his experience and still formidable skills as a rebounder.

Preparing to head into free agency are DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, Jordan Crawford, Ian Clark, and DeAndre Liggins.

Cousins is the biggest name and the biggest decision for the Pelicans.

Cousins was impressive his first season in New Orleans, averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks. In 48 games with Cousins on the floor, the Pels were 2721 (.562) good enough for fourth in the West at the time of his injury. Before he was hurt, resigning Boogie was a foregone conclusion. Now, there are huge questions that must be asked entering negotiations with the All-Star.

• How much of the pre-injury Cousins can the Pelicans reasonably expect to get next season?

• How much game action is he expected to miss?

• Is Cousins willing to accept a lesser

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

role in the offense next season to allow Davis and Holiday to continue to flourish?

• How well will he mesh with Mirotić?

• How much weight do you give the Pelicans’ 20-8 record down the stretch without Cousins or the fact that New Orleans lost to only one team under .500 after the Mirotic trade?

Cousins is a rare talent, but offering tens of millions of guaranteed dollars to anyone requires heavy consideration. His signing alone would put the Pelicans near the luxury tax limit.

If he’s healthy and he can fit in with the Pelicans offense and defense, he could make New Orleans a more dangerous team. But, if Cousins is either unable to fully recover or is unhappy with a new role, moving him for anything near his value at that point would

be extremely difficult. No matter what, don’t expect Cousins to receive more than a three-year deal with the Pelicans, either to retain him or as part of a sign-and-trade with another team.

Not many players were thrown as many accolades at the press conference as Rajon Rondo. He was frequently compared to Davis and Holiday due to his masterful operation of the Pelicans’ high-octane attack. After a few seasons as an NBA nomad, Rondo seems to have found a home in New Orleans. Gentry made it very clear that resigning their point guard is a priority.

To do that the Pelicans know that they’ll have to pay more than the $3.3 million they did last season, as Rondo’s value has increased; not only for the Pelicans, but league wide. Rondo remains an elite passer and rebounder

at his position at age 32, though he is a streaky shooter and an average defender.

Retaining him is a no-brainer, but it could cost the team more than one of their own free agents.

Ian Clark had his moments, and the team seems interested in bringing him back, but he won’t be a priority as long as the Rondo and Cousins situations are unresolved.

Jordan Crawford and DeAndre Liggins aren’t priorities at all. If either returns next season, it would be to fill out the roster or due to an injury.

Gentry and Demps were clear in their assessment of the current state of the Pelicans. This a good team, but not one yet ready to compete for a championship.

There are too many holes in the roster to truly close the gap between

New Orleans and teams like Golden State, Houston, Boston, and whoever LeBron James suits up for next season.

Gentry described the first round playoff win as “fool’s gold,” and he was correct. There is work to be done.

This will be the most challenging offseason for Demps in his tenure with the Pelicans.

Looking further down the road, the franchise can see Anthony Davis’ impending free agency after the 2019-20 season. The wrong moves this summer would leave that reality hanging over the Smoothie King Center like the Sword of Damocles.

This article was originally published

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

Saints first rounder Marcus Davenport begins adjustment to NFL

by Les East, Crescent City Sports

METAIRIE — Marcus Davenport’s level of success in the NFL will go a long way toward determining whether the New Orleans Saints’ 2018 draft is ultimately a success or a failure.

His impact as a rookie will be one of the keys to whether the 2018 Saints can surpass the 2017 Saints’ success, which included an NFC South title and a divisional playoff victory.

But when Davenport stepped on a football field for the first time as an NFL player last weekend, he seemed nonplussed by the significance of his presence as New Orleans’ No. 1 pick.

When asked when he first realized that an NFL career and being a No. 1 pick from unheralded Texas-San Antonio were realistic possibilities, Davenport replied matter-of-factly, “When I got drafted.”

He got drafted 14th after the Saints moved up 13 spots to grab him. The organization sent next year’s No. 1 draft choice to the Green Bay Packers for the opportunity to pick Davenport, whom they envision as an athletic, pass-rushing impact player to complement Pro Bowl end Cameron Jordan.

Jordan anchors New Orleans’ defensive line from the left end spot, and Davenport is expected to be the right end, though he won’t be handed a starting position with veterans Alex Okafor and Hau’oli Kikaha competing with him.

“I see a guy who has all the qualities you’re looking for in a right defensive end,” defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said. “I think the one thing that really stood out to us throughout the draft process was his ability to rush the passer. He’s got the size (6-foot-7, 255 pounds), he’s got the length, he’s got the athletic ability. Now it’s really up to us as coaches and him as a player to develop those athletic qualities and

turn him into a good football player.”

The Saints and Davenport got started on turning him into a good football player during the three-day rookie mini-camp. Allen called it “an introductory phase” in which the players get accustomed to terminology and technique.

“We’re not giving them too much, just the basics of what we do defensively,” Allen said. “This isn’t a process that just happens instantaneously. This is a process that happens over time.”

The process continues with 10 Organized Team Activities beginning next week, followed by a veteran mini-camp June 12-14, leading up to the start of training camp in late July.

Perhaps the biggest question mark facing Davenport is the quality of competition he faced at UTSA. It’s a bigger leap from Conference USA to the NFL than it is from a Power Five conference to the NFL. That doesn’t mean Davenport, who Allen said possesses “a unique skill set,” can’t make the jump and have an immediate impact. Even if the level of competition in college requires a longer transition period, it doesn’t mean Davenport won’t ultimately make the transition to being the equivalent of Jordan.

“The first thing you’re looking for is how does he acclimate himself in the locker room environment, how does he acclimate himself when he comes out on the field and he’s got Cam Jordan on one side and (starting tackle and former No. 1 pick) Sheldon Rankins and some of those guys that have established themselves in the league,” Allen said. “How does he fit in with that group, and I don’t think he’s going to have any challenges there.”

Another transition for Davenport is his stance. He played primarily out

of a two-point stance at UTEP, but the Saints are having him line up in a threepoint stance, which figures to become the norm for him.

Either way, Davenport will be able to show off the skills that enabled him to play wide receiver early in his highschool career.

Even then, though, Davenport said he “gravitated toward defensive ends.”

“I always thought they were big and fast,” Davenport said, “and when you pressure sack the quarterback, it’s a big deal.”

This article was originally published

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

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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 · May 22 - June 4, 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 · May 22 - June 4, 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 · May 22 - June 4, 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

2018 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announced Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez were named Grand Marshals of Southern Decadence at the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Announcement Party on May 10 at Oz. Adikus Sulpizi is a barber and HIV activist. For the past 20 years, he has been involved with many organizations to raise the awareness about HIV, mostly through volunteer work.

He has been the keynote speaker for Crescent Care’s Empowerment Conference, and multiple other workshops in the city to help involve the community in HIV prevention, healthcare education, and safe practices. He has worked on many projects around the city such as Mr. Friendly, the Hate Crimes March, and Pride. He is a former Grand Marshal for Gay Pride and was named one of the saints for the Big Easy Sisters (Saint Big and Easy).

In addition, Sulpizi was also Mr. Big Easy Leather, representing the Knights D’Orleans in Chicago at IML. Currently, he is the owner of Two Guys Cutting Hair, a small barber shop in the Marigny. He has been happily married to my husband for almost 18 years.

Frank Perez is a writer and public speaker who lives in the French

Quarter. He has authored four books: Southern Decadence in New Orleans (with Howard P. Smith), forthcoming from LSU Press, In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar (with Jeffrey Palmquist), Treasures of the Vieux Carre: Ten Self-Guided Walking Tours of the French Quarter, and That Chameleon Time: Reflections in Verse and Tale. He is also the co-editor of the anthology My Gay New Orleans: 28 Personal Reminiscences on LGBT+ Life in New Orleans. In addition, he writes a column on New Orleans history for Ambush Magazine.

His publications also include a number of scholarly articles in academic journals as well as a number of poems and short stories in various literary journals.

When not writing or giving tours, Perez teaches history and tour-guiding courses at Delgado Community College. Perez also owns a small business, the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, and is a licensed tour guide.

He currently serves as President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

The Announcement Party raised a total of $1,149--$970 from the door and $179 in tips.

Adikus Sulpizi (above) and Frank Perez (below)

to our

lgbtq community:

we see

you & you

matter. no matter what the administration says.

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 13

KOMENKA PRESENTS “38th Annual Spring Concert” The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble of New Orleans proudly announces its upcoming “38th Annual Spring Concert” to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 (7:30 PM) andSunday, June 3, 2018 (2 PM) in the Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall of Loyola University New Orleans (St. Charles Avenue at Calhoun Street).

Both shows include exciting Komenka dance and music presentations representing Appalachia, Argentina, Brazil, Hawaii, India, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Russian Gypsies, Samoa, Transylvania, Turkey, and New Orleans.

In addition, both shows include a Brazilian dance presentation by the children of the New Orleans School of Ballet.

Each performance of The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble of New Orleans is truly an “Around the World” and “Thru the Years” ethnic dance and music tour in two enchanting hours.

At door admission prices are $15 for the general public and $10 for seniors, students, and children.

Advance ticket purchases may be made online at www.buytickets.at/komenka. Advance admission prices are $13 for the general public and $8 for seniors, students, and children.

Discounts are available for groups as well as advance reservations.

For more information about the The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble of New Orleans, call 504529-4676 or email rodij@copper.net.

14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Snap: Just Us Lounge | Biloxi, MS Photos Courtesy of Kathy Snow

Caravan of GLAM is coming to New Orleans The Caravan of GLAM, one of the top 10 touring shows in North America per America’s Got Talent, makes their New Orleans debut with a multi night residency at The Allways Lounge and Cabaret May 23rd-26th!

Headlined by Internationally renowned performance duo IZohnny, the Caravan of GLAM is sure to be unlike anything that New Orleans has seen.

Hosted by New Orleans Legend Bella Blue featuring the best local New Orleans performers to round out our cast. With shows now produced in over 20 States as well as into Canada the Caravan of GLAM has been coined as a New Age Cabaret. Featuring Burlesque, Drag, Comedy, Dance, Live Vocals, and so much more no two shows are EVER the same!

Caravan of GLAM members have

been featured on America’s Got Talent, American Idol, in the film Burlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe, scouted by ABC for a new dance reality competition show, and more. IZohnny, Isaiah Esquire and Johnny Nuriel, have won numerous awards around the World including the Caribbean Burlesque Festival, Dublin Ireland Burlesque Festival, Seattle Boylesque Festival, Vienna Austria Burlesque Festival, and many more!

Venue: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret Dates: May 23rd-26th Time: Doors at 9pm Cost: $12 Advance, $15 Door – www. boldtypetickets.com, search Allways Lounge

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Norbert Rillieux

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

Lucien & Celina Gaye

If you walk along Royal Street in the French Quarter, you may notice the name “Lucien Gaye” in blue tiles on the lakeside sidewalk in the 600 block.

Who was Lucien Gaye? And what life do those blue tiles denote?

On December 23, 1914, Lucien Jean Marie Gaye and Celina Fromigue Gaye boarded the S.S. California, which was docked at Bordeaux in southwest France to set sail for New Orleans. The couple from Pau, France, in the Pyrenees, had married eight months earlier on April 21, 1914.

The Gaye’s settled into life in their adopted hometown and by 1919 purchased a three-story townhouse at 631 Toulouse Street that had been constructed in 1832. A few years later, in 1924, they purchased another building nearby on the corner of Toulouse and Royal Streets. This building had been constructed in 1834.

The decades leading up to the Civil War were a Golden Age for New Orleans and the French Quarter enjoyed a building boom between 1820 and 1850. 967 buildings were constructed

HoneyBee Trivia Thursdays 7:00 PM

Happy Hour Daily

Free Jello Shots & Bar Tab

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in the Vieux Carre during those thirty years, the majority of which (553) were erected in the 1830s.

Lucien opened a restaurant at 603 Royal simply called “French Restaurant.” He and Celina lived above the restaurant. The New Orleans City Guide (1938) informs us that the restaurant was open from 7:00am to 10:00pm and declares, “Lucien Gaye’s is a French restaurant of the bourgeois type, where good, plain French food is obtainable.”

In her book, Along the Banquette: French Quarter Buildings and Their Stories, Edith Elliott Long describes Lucien as “a popular restaurateur and colorful figure in the Quarter throughout the 1920s and ‘30s.”

Lucien died in 1941 and Celina passed in 1972, but the Gaye legacy lives on at the Mes Amis Quilt Shop, which is owned by the Gaye’s granddaughter, Denise Taylor. Denise and her sisters still own the properties on Toulouse and Royal Streets.

Country Dancing Tuesdays 7:00 PM 16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

“ Iʼm here to tell HIV that Iʼm a survivor.

It takes a lot more than three little letters to stop me.”

Jada - New Orleans, LA Living with HIV since 1995.

HIV

TREATMENT

WORKS

I tested positive for HIV just one week before my 21st birthday. I was afraid, I didn’t tell anyone, and I didn’t go into treatment right away. But now I know the value of medical care and treatment. I found a doctor who I love and who’s been ultra-sensitive and helpful throughout my transition. And because of HIV treatment, my viral load is undetectable and my CD4 cell count is back to normal. I live my life to the max and I want other transgirls living with HIV to know that it only gets better from here!

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 17

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

At the Lazarus Awards at the Ace Hotel

18 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 May 22 - June 4, 2018 路 Official Southern Decadence Guide 路 www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 May 22 - June 4, 2018 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 19

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans Photos Courtesy of Persana Shoulders

Personal Papers of Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Donated to Area Libraries and Museums

by Frank Perez

The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana recently facilitated the disbursement of Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain’s personal papers and other memorabilia to three area research institutions: the Louisiana State Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, and the Louisiana Research Collection at Tulane University.

The Naquin-Delains were the founders and publishers of Ambush Magazine and prolific fundraisers for local charities throughout the New Orleans area. Their same-sex do-

mestic partnership was the first to be registered in New Orleans in 1993.

The couple also founded the Krewe of Queenateenas and the Gay Easter Parade. The two also reigned as Grand Marshals of Southern Decadence in 2015.

Frank Perez, President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana said, “The loss of Rip and Marsha has left a gaping void in the local community. Fortunately their legacy will be properly preserved for future researchers.”

The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Louisiana.

The Archives Project does not operate its own repository but rather has a collaborative relationship with several area museums and libraries that actively seek and preserve LGBT+ materials. In addition to the Naquin-Delain

collection, the Archives Project has in the past facilitated the donation of several collections from both individuals and organizations to institutions such as the Louisiana State Museum, the Louisiana Research Collection, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the Newcomb College Institute Archives, and the Amistad Research center.

For more information on the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, please visit https://www.lgbtarchiveslouisiana. org/

Oz New Orleans Press & Events New Orleans Pride: Join us for a fabulous New Orleans Pride weekend at Oz New Orleans, where we have ALL nights covered with fabulous Pride festivities!

Saturday - THE MAIN EVENT! Join us for the Official New Orleans Pride Balcony and Parade After Party!

Watch the Pride Parade live as it crosses Bourbon Street on our HUGE balcony! DJ WILLOW spins@ MIDNIGHT! Hosted by Persana Shoulders! The sexy Men of Oz dancing on our bar tops. Weekend lights by the fabulous Johnny Eubanks.

Sunday - Close out Pride with amazing live performances by BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM @ 6PM. After the Ladies of Oz take the stage at 9 PM for a Special Pride Edition of SUNDAY FUNDAY SHOW NIGHT!!!!

Resident DJs: DJ TIM PFLUEGER / DJ JRB / VJ KYLE D appearing all weekends long serving all your favorite

Pride anthems!!

Come and celebrate your PRIDE with us at Oz New Orleans!

Weekend Hostess: New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal 2015 Persana Shoulders An Evening of Excellence with Aariyah Sinclaire- Miss Gay New Orleans America: AN EVENING WITH AARIYAH SINCLAIRE MISS GAY NEW ORLEANS AMERICA Tuesday, June 12 at 10:00pm Hosted by: Persana Shoulders Starring: Miss Gay New Orleans America - AARIYAH SINCLAIRE Come out to help raise funds to send AARIYAH SINCLAIRE to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant! We are very excited for this show. 50/50 raffle will be held. Join us for drinks, drag, and fun!

Capture the Crown: with Fancy Rae: Tuesday, June 19 at 10:00pm Hosted by: Persana Shoulders Starring: 1st Alernate to Miss Gay New Orleans America - Fancy Rae Come out to help raise funds to send Fancy Rae to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant! We are very excited for this show. 50/50 raffle will be held. Join us for drinks, drag, and fun!

Magnola Revue Show: CALL ALL MISS GAY LOUISIANA AMERICAS.....The ladies of the Magnolia Sisterhood & qualified contestants for MGLA 2018 will be giving you a taste of what is to be expected during this year’s pageant. Money raised will help cut some costs associated with running an entertaining & successful prelim to Miss Gay America.

Red Dress Dance Party: Aug 11 - ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT..

It’s never too early......... for Red Dress Saturday!!!

Southern Decadence: We at Oz New Orleans are pleased to present our TOTALLY FIERCE Southern Decadence 2018 lineup!

Sponsored by: Swiss Navy.

PASSES ON SALE NOW: www. ozneworleans.com/purchase Super Star DJs: DJ Danny Verde DJ Ben Baker DJ Tracy Young Plus our resident DJs: DJ Kyle D, DJ Tim Pflueger, and DJ JRB Weekend Host: Persana Shoulders SDGM XLIII Only at Oz New Orleans!

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans 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

FRI, SAT & SUN: 24/7 MON–THURS: Opens at 1PM

ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

Just because Jazzfest is over, do not worry, the city is always bustling with events. 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, May 22, 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 Ti-

aras 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.

Dina Martina Comes to New Orleans: One Eyed Jacks; 615 Toulouse Street; 8 p.m. - midnight. Cult sensation Dina Martina returns to New Orleans in her new show Fine Avec Me. This tragic singer, horrible dancer and surreal raconteur, the hysterically funny Dina Martina debuted at Seattle’s Center on Contemporary Art in 1989, instantly gleaning reviews that dubbed her “magically warped”, “utter genius” and “unwittingly hilarious”. Since then, she’s packed venues in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and London and shared the bill with acts ranging from Modest Mouse to Nina Hagen to Margaret Cho. This is Dina’s fourth time performing in New Orleans, and each time sells out. Recently, Dina Martina’s hugely successful shows

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in New York and Provincetown have made ardent fans of the likes of John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Stone and Jennifer Coolidge. Martina has received nominations for the Alpert Award in Theater and two GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Off-Off Broadway Theater. She’s received two Seattle Times Footlight Awards and the Stranger’s 2012 Genius Award for Theater. Absolutely packed with ludicrous song, horrifying dance, overburdened costumes and sidesplitting video, Dina Martina’s shows are impossible to describe - other than that they’ve become synonymous with jaw-dropping pathos and mind-blowing comedy.

Tickets are $20-40 advance seated standing or meet and greet levels available Please visit dworldnola.com.

Wednesday - Sunday, May 23 - 27, 2018 New Orleans Food and Wine Experience: Around the city. Cone out and enjoy grand tastings, vintner dinners, and The Royal Street Stroll. For information, go to https://www.nowfe. com.

Wednesday, May 23, 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 24, 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.

Pop Oh Rama: Renaissance Père Marquette Hotel; 817 Common Street; 7 - 9 p.m. Eureeka Starfish Presents POP OH RAMA! The Show will all be taking place in the Courtyard area of the Hotel. And it’s free. This Show is going to have some Pop Icons, Pop up Girls, Pop Queens, Pop TOONS! Starring POP OH RAMA CAST: GAYLE KING KONG, LUNA REI, AUDA BEAUX DI with DJ: TIDDY SWEAT of ATLANTA! Friday, May 25, 2018 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.

FlamBOYant: The Allways Lounge: 2240 St. Claude Avenue; Doors open t 11 p.m. AtomycWolf continues flamBOYant a monthly show. 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 at 12 midnight. Hosted by Continued on Page 23

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 22

the non-binary wonder Atomyc Adonis with the Show All flamBOYS for the new revolution of BOYlesque here in New Orleans. $10 cover.

Saturday, May 26, 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.

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.

Big Easy Sisters Bingo: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 7 - 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 Anna Outside Bake Sale: St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; Noon ‘Anna Outside’ program is a great way for St. Anna’s parishioners to get to know each other outside of the church. They hold events every few months and this Bake Sale Fundraiser helps offset the costs for the events.

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 Upstairs and Down stairs.

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

Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they Continued on Page 24

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

Continued from Page 23

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 28, 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 Mascara Race Race 2018; Clover Grill; 900 Bourbon Street; 1 - 6 p.m.

The “WACKIEST RACE” you will ever see on Bourbon Street and that’s saying something.

Fun starts at 12pm Race Starts at 1pm. MASCARA RACE! This event is to be held on Memorial Day, May 28th, 2018, at 1p.m. to benefit the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Foundation. This foundation assists all students who need help with tuition and supplies. It also helps with each production NOCCA puts on. For more information on running please email clovergrill@woodenterprises.com Tuesday, May 29, 2018 NOAGE Monthly Potluck Dinner; The Drifter Hotel; 3522 Tulane Avenue; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Come join us for a great time of food, conversation, connection. Come to stuff your face, come to laugh, come to network! The Drifter is an accessible space, so please call me at 423-505-1488 if you need to avoid the (one or two) steps. All beverages will be available from the Drifter’s bar.

Prick Up Your Ears Always Lounge Benefit; The Always Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Avenue; 8 - 11 p.m. On Tuesday, May 29th, a bunch of performers

that put-on shows there are gonna show up and raise a butt money to help the venue buy/fix their sound system so that they can bring you bigger and better shows in the future with beautiful clear sound for your own ears to enjoy. Things on the list are a new sound board and some active speakers and cables n such. This will not only make for better live events. Please take the time to come out for what is going to be an All Star Cast and get up in the raffle and auctiony type stuff with fabulous things to win. It’s a school night, so doors will be at 8pm and show promptly at 9pm. It’s a measly $10 cover.

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 30, 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 (Wednes-

days): 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 31, 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.

Friday, June 1, 2018 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, June 2, 2018 New Orleans LGBT Leadership Summit: LGBT Community Center; 2727 South Broad Street; 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join Victory Institute and Forum for Equality for a day-long, intensive training for LGBTQ leaders from the New Orleans metropolitan region. New Orleans LGBTQ Leadership Summit trainees will participate in discussions on how our community can successfully and effectively advocate for equality in today’s political climate. Trainees will also spend the day developing the skills needed to take the next steps in public service. Space is limited, and

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

reservations will be accepted on a firstcome, first-serve basis. The deadline is Friday, June 1. For more information, visit our website at victoryinstitute.org or email domesticleadership@victoryinstitute.org if you have questions.

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.

Glitter Girls: The Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Join Glitter Girls as they celebrate Countess C Alice and Lana O’Day’s birthdays!

Sunday, June 3, 2018 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 Lafittes in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 1 - 4 p.m.

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

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 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 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, June 4, 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, June 5, 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, June 6, 2018 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, June 7, 2018 Dining Out For Life New Orleans: All day event all over the city. Dining Out For Life is moving to align with New Orleans Pride! On Thursday, June 07, kick off New Orleans Pride by doing what we do best in New Orleans - going out to eat with your friends and family. This year, dozens of the area’s best restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to NO/AIDS Task Force.

All you have to do is dine at one of the participating restaurants and you will be helping those affected by HIV and AIDS in our community. Once again, Poppy Tooker (Champion of Louisiana’s culinary customs, cookbook author, and host of the NPR-affiliated “Louisiana Eats.”) is joining us as Honorary Chair of Dining Out For Life New Orleans.For more information, please visit diningoutforlife.com/neworleansRestaurants are being added daily!

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 - Sunday, June 8 - 10, 2018 New Orleans Pride: Around New Orleans. Come enjoy New Orleans Pride Festival and the three days of activities scheduled. For more information, go to https://www.neworleanspridefestival.com.

Friday, June 8, 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

Continued on Page 27 26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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.

Johnny Passion Elite Celebrity Entertainers: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 10 p.m. - midnight. Johnny Passion Presents ELITE Celebrity Entertainers Monique Michaels-Alexander, Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Solitaire Bonita Folse. There is no coverNo cover.

Continued from Page 26

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, June 9, 2018 New Orleans Pride Parade Presented By Walgreens: starts at 7;30 p.m. Join more than 100,000 people as we celebrate New Orleans Pride 2018!

The New Orleans Pride Parade: Presented by Walgreens is continuing to grow and will be open to 5,000 participants this year. The route will begin on Elysian Fields, proceed down Royal, Frenchmen, Decatur and Canal Street before making it’s way down world famous Bourbon Street. Anyone can be a part of this LGBT+ parade; schools, organizations, dance groups, churches, businesses, individuals and more.

For more information on the parade, visit NewOrleansPrideFestival.com.

Big Easy Sisters Splash Dunking Tank: Mags 940; 940 Elysian Fields; 1 - 5 p.m. Come throw balls to dunk some of your fave Sisters, bar owners who will be dunkees.

Sunday, June 10, 2018 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.

The Double Play

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s n

In

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on

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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 Upstairs 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.

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

Margarita Mondays $3.00 Margaritas from Open to Close

CAT 5 HURRICANE Tuesdays $5.00 Hurricanes from Open to Close

LONG ISLAND WEDNESDAYS $5.00 Long Island Iced Teas from Open to Close

Three Dollar Thursdays

$3.00 Jagermeister & Fireball Shots from Open to Close

HALf-PRICE Fridays

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

DOUBLE DOWN SATURDAYS

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

Doubles for the price of singles from OPEN UNTIL 10:00 PM

DEEP EDDY Sundays

$3 deep eddy VODKA drinks from open to close

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: Tulane’s Gay Conversion Experiments

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

Imagine having a doctor drill a hole into your skull in order to implant electrodes in your brain. Nine of them. And then telling you to masturbate. Why? To cure you of your homosexuality, of course.

This actually happened at Tulane University under the direction of Dr. Robert Heath. Heath founded Tulane’s Department of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1949 and chaired the department until 1980.

In the 1950s, Heath began experimenting with a technique he called “Deep Brain Stimulation” (DBS) in an effort to identify the brain’s “pleasure and pain centers.” Known primarily for his work with schizophrenics, Heath theorized he could use DBS to “cure” homosexuality.

He tried to do just that in 1970 on a patient code named B-19. At the time, the American Psychiatric Association considered homosexuality a mental disorder and classified it as a “sociopathic personality disturbance.”

B-19 was twenty-four years old. After implanting electrodes in his brain, Heath monitored the patient’s brain activity as he viewed a heterosexual pornographic movie. In a subsequent session, Heath hired a twenty-oneyear-old female sex worker to have intercourse with B-19 while Heath again

monitored his brain activity.

Heath wrote about his experiments on B-19 in two papers that were published in 1972: “Septal Stimulation for the Initiation of Heterosexual Behavior in a Homosexual Male,” co-written with his colleague Charles E. Moan (yes, that’s his real name), and “Pleasure and Brain Activity in Man.” In addition to being a homophobe, Heath was apparently also a racist.

According to Dr. Harry Bailey, who assisted with some of Heath’s experiments, Heath once explained why he conducted so many experiments on African-American prisoners by saying it was “cheaper to use niggers because they were everywhere and cheap experimental animals.”

Jim Meadows, a social worker and the Executive Director of New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders, has recently led an effort to raise awareness about Heath’s bizarre medical experimentation. Meadows learned of Heath at a geriatric hospital where he was working after treating one of Heath’s former patients who survived a brain infection caused by one of his experiments. Meadows notes, “At least two people died as a result of one of his experiments alone.”

Meadows, and other researchers in the past, have wondered if there

were other patients like B-19. Questions concerning the extent of Heath’s DBS experiments could be answered by examining Heath’s papers and laboratory notes but alas those records are not available.

Mary Holt, history librarian of the Matas Library of the Health Sciences at the Tulane School of Medicine, states, “Unfortunately neither the Matas Library nor Tulane University Archives have the correspondence, letters, or laboratory notes belonging to Dr. Health. We believe that his papers were in his possession in St. Petersburg, Florida at the time of his death in 1999. I do not have any further contact information for his family.

The Matas Library and University Archives have had prior inquiries as to the location of Dr. Health’s papers. If you discover their availability we would very much like to know where they are located.”

Yet another issue of concern is Heath’s continued legacy at the Tulane Medical School. Established in 1984, the Robert Heath Society was named for Heath’s role in founding the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology.

The Association meets about two times per year, donates funds for education, and sends out a newsletter every six months.

According to a recent article in Hullabaloo, the student newspaper at Tulane, “Tulane has also honored Heath through endowed funds.” Heath has a Chair in Psychiatry and Neurology named after him. There is also a Robert G. Heath Lectureship Fund. And Tulane’s neuropsychiatry alumni association is named after Heath.

Meadows observes, “And [the conversation around the alumni association], not to beat anyone down, it’s kind of looking at what happened and maybe reconsidering. Even if they don’t do so, it could be good just to get the conversation going that this happened here, people were harmed and this happened.”

A few years ago, Meadows contacted the alumni association about Heath and received a chilly response, “They were not interested in changing the name, or considering that Dr. Heath’s torture and abuse of helpless patients was something to apologize for or even simply acknowledge.”

Meadows expresses the feelings of many when he says, “Tulane University has much to answer for about Dr. Heath. They need to acknowledge their history of facilitating the torture and unspeakable mistreatment of LGBT people. The Tulane neuropsychiatry department has even more to answer for. Their alumni association is, to this day, still the Robert Heath Society. To continue to ignore Dr. Heath’s crimes against innocent patients and his complete disregard of basic ethics, to continue to honor a man who hurt so many people, is frankly disgusting. It’s tantamount to maintaining a Joseph Mengele Society.”

Dr. Randy Sparks, a History Professor at Tulane notes, “I think we all have to understand those were different times, but it’s important now to acknowledge whatever role Tulane might have played in all of that. It would be important to acknowledge it now and it would be important to make any amends.”

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 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 · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 29

Krewe of Amon-Ra Crawfish Boil Photos Courtesy of Jeremy W

THE DOUBLE PLAY Cocktails offered in a casual watering hole with a pool table, drag shows & an offbeat vibe.

“Drink where the locals drink!”

OPENING HOURS Everyday 7:30am - 1:30am ADDRESS 439 Dauhpine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-4517 30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Business Spotlight: A&B Errand Services

LGBT+ Archives Project Annual Meeting Set for June 6 The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 6, at the Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand Street).

The keynote speaker will be Robert Fieseler, author of Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the UpStairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation (Liveright, 2018). Tinderbox is the third book to be written about the fire and positions the narrative of the tragic arson within a national context.

In addition to Fieseler’s address, the Archives Project will hold Officer and Board of Directors elections. The annual meeting also typically features a brief summary of the Project’s accomplishments in the last year and an announcement of upcoming events, including the honoree of this year’s Oracle Gala. The Oracle Gala is the Archive Project’s annual flagship fundraiser and honors an individual or organization that has made a significant donation of materials to a local archival repository or museum.

Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and other light refreshments will be served. Attendance is free and open to the public. A one-year membership in the Archives Project is $10. Doors open at 6:00pm.

by Brian Rivas-Davi Email: brianrivasdavi@ambushpublishing.com

No time for that really important errand that needs to be done by noon?

Did you forget to water your plants before you left on your business trip?

Don’t have time to pick up the dog from the groomer? A&B Errand Services has you covered for all your needs in your busy daily life. Owner and Founder Roberto Diaz Del Valle has been an ambassador for the New Orleans area for most of his life. While originating from Honduras, he can say that his roots truly stem from the Big Easy.

He started A&B (an homage to his parents, Antonio and Bianca) while being a time-deprived businessman himself.

He knows best that between meetings, clients, appointments, and the usual life surprises that it can be almost impossible to complete the easiest of tasks. “I started A&B Errand Services after seeing the need for personal assistance while taking care of my own parents,” states Roberto.

Roberto has worked in many industries and knows the daily struggle to complete all the tasks at hand. He spent 35 years in the fields of academia, banking, and hospitality. After working endless days and hours on end, he was inspired to become his own boss and take control of his life, by helping out others. We all know there

are not enough hours in the day to finish everything you need to do. Between concierge services, home/pet sitting, special events, and even caregiver services, A&B is the one stop shop you need. Roberto is there to help balance out the daily grind.

A&B can help with an endless list of jobs and tasks. Forgot your credit card at a restaurant and you’re already back at the office? No problem, call A&B. Live out of town and need to buy something only found in New Orleans?

No problem, call A&B. Going on vacation and need someone to collect rent checks and make a deposit? No problem, call A&B. The list goes on and on and A&B Errand Services is happy to help.

A&B Errand Services is a member of both the Gay Chamber and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. Rates start for as little as $35 per hour with a 1 hour minimum. Both monthly plans and gift certificates are available.

Not only is Roberto a man about town, he is also a LGBTQ community contributor and inspiration. He’s a huge Saints fan. You can find Roberto out and about in the French Quarter, window-shopping on Magazine Street, or both of us out at Bourbon Pub’s

Sunday Tea. For more information, check out A&B Errand Services online at www. aandberrandservices.com or contact them at (504) 319-7227 or via email at contact@aandberrandservices.com.

Bartender of the Month

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

Due to popular demand, we have brought back our Bartender of the Month column. And I cannot think of a finer person to kick off things than this local celebutante who brings his popular charm and wisdom as well as his professional bartending skills to GrandPre’s. I am talking about none other than Philip Anthony, or better known by his alter ego Felicia Phillips.

I cannot say enough good things about Philip, but let’s begin with the basics. He makes a great cocktail and has exemplary customer service skills.

His wit and “laissez les bons temps rouler” personality make him popular with locals and tourists alike. He arrived in NOLA about eight years ago and has taken the city by storm. In Texas, where he hails from, he earned the titles Miss Gay Beaumont and Miss Gay Golden Triangle. Here he was my co-Grand Marshal for Southern Decadence and just recently was named

Grand Reveler of 12th Night.

Creating an inviting atmosphere is one of his strongest suits. When you walk into GrandPre’s and Philip is behind the bar, you have made a friend.

Whether he is regaling you with one of his many anecdotes or making you one of his specialty cosmopolitans, you are caught up in his enthusiastic spirit.

His devotion to and pride in his city and job shine brightly through in the many community events and fundraisers he is involved in.

Philip also knows how to work a bar quickly slinging drinks so there is little-to-no wait time. He also remembers your drink after your first order, even when it is crowded. That is the sign of an accomplished bartender. So definitely go to GrandPre’s located at 834 N. Rampart Street to see Philip and try one of his delicious alcoholic delights.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

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-

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 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, P.O. Box 2587, LaPlace, LA 70069, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ambushpublishing.com AMBUSHonLINE, P.O. Box 2587, LaPlace, LA 70069, 522.8049, AmbushOnline.COM; email: info@ambushpublishing. 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

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

New Orleans Party Down

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

The year keeps moving along as we creep up on summertime. The temperature is not the only thing rising in the city--so is the amount of events, parties and festivals. Our summer is so bright, we will need to wear shades and in some cases maybe even throw a little. From movies and theatrical offerings to fundraisers and birthday celebrations, I had two very full weeks.I very rarely go to the movies; I am a total Netflix and chill type of person, but I did check out the new Avengers: Infinity War on Tuesday at the Canal Place Cinema. In case you were not aware, on Tuesdays, the Canal Place Movie Theatre has $8 movies all day (including 3D). You know I love a deal and this movie was awesome. It had all your favorite characters from all the movies, Iron Man and Thor, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr. Strange and Black Panther, the whole gang was present and accounted for. The movie was non-stop action and its ending left you just stunned. If you love superhero movies - see this film! But do not take my word for it.

Avengers; Infinity War has grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of all time, as well as the highest-grossing film of 2018, highest-ever grossing superhero film, and the eighth highest-grossing film ever in the United States. The untitled sequel is set to be released on May 3, 2019.

On Friday, I went on down to the Audubon Zoo and they all asked for you! Actually I attended the Whitney Zoo-To-Do, the premier gala hosted by and benefitting the Audubon Institute. The funds raised at this event will support Audubon Zoo’s “Celebrate Lions: The Roar Returns!” There was an amazing crowd on hand dancing, drinking and dining under the majestic oaks. The Zoo-To-Do has the prestigious honor of being the largest non-medical fundraiser in the United States. There was lots to eat with over 70 restaurants on hand serving some of their best dishes and copious amounts of cocktails. The band was called Party on the Moon out of Atlanta and kept people on the dance floor

for the entire event. It was a truly special evening from the glitter bar, where you can have you face and body sparkled, to the gorgeous decor.I definitely needed a day of recuperation after that event, but not for long because I had to be at the last day of Jazzfest. What a spectacular year it was, no rain (or very little), and an incredible line-up of talent and the best local cuisine. I swear the crawfish bread and crawfish strudel is worth the price of admission alone.

The second Sunday was just as good as the first. Jack White, Buddy Guy and Trombone Shorty gave me life.

Jazzfest is one of my favorite festivals in the city because it combines, art, music and food in such a way that you feel the love and excitement. It truly does feed your soul.Th next week, one of my favorite restaurants in city turned 100 years old. Arnaud’s hosted a party like it was Prohibition! The event had a delicious menu, 1920’s themed cocktails, live music and Burlesque icon Trixie Minx with her beautiful models dressed as flappers and fan dancers.

Always up for a costume, some friends of mine and I threw on some zoot suits and flapper dresses and partied like it was Prohibition. Trixie was the center of attention nestled inside an oversized champagne glass pouring Moet for the guests. Arnaud’s is the largest restaurant in New Orleans, and serves classic Creole Cuisine. Arnaud’s was founded in 1918, by a French wine salesman, Arnaud Cazenave. In 1978, sixty years after the restaurant opened, it was bought by Archie and Jane Casbarian. Arnaud’s is currently run by the 4th generation of the Casbarian family, Katy and Archie Casbarian.The following evening was a gala in honor of two great women in our community. Project Lazarus held its Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala at the Ace Hotel.

This year the awards were presented to Maryam Bahman and Angie Bowlin.

If you have been to any event in the gay community then you have probably met this two remarkable women. They have given so much of their time and expertise not just for Project Lazarus but many other causes for our community. They had a sold out event as so many family and friends came out to honor these two ladies. The seated dinner included a reception plus a silent and live auction. Knowing both these ladies for many years, I cannot express how much I admire and was honored to be a part of their big night.

On Saturday, it was all about the Krewe of Armeinius and their annual fundraiser at their den, Glitter and Be Gay. This cocktail reception is an opportunity for guests to see where all the elaborate costumes for their ball are created.

The evening included food, cocktails, a

DJ and silent auction with some pretty incredible items. All proceeds raised this night go to their Ball.

The Krewe of Armeinius has held New Orleans’ most lavish and satirical gay carnival ball since 1969. The affair is strictly formal and strictly personal.

Armeinius krewe members host this elaborate ball for the enjoyment of their invited guests who are seated at tables around the ball floor where they enjoy an abundance of food and drink while the krewe members display their costumes in a series of tableau presentations. To receive a table invitation to the ball is an indication that you have arrived in New Orleans gay society. In recent years, due to ever-increasing costs, the membership has opened the ball to the general public with balcony seating for a modest donation.

Krewe membership is by pledging at the annual rush party or by nomination during the year by a krewe member. Once admitted into the organization, members work year long holding fundraising events to finance the ball.

The work doesn’t stop there. Individual members are responsible for the building of their own costume. The krewe maintains a studio where they meet weekly to build costumes and sets for the next year’s ball. For decades, the safety of the Krewe and its members depended on its secrecy and exclusivity. After such incredible progress that has been made with equality in the last decade, the Krewe has found its new mission. The Krewe of Armeinius now serves as an educational and historical preservation organization that seeks to preserve and pass on the traditional art of gay Mardi Gras costume creation and archive the gay historical photos, documents, and memorabilia from the past. Since this mission change, the social club has represented the City of New Orleans in commercials, hosted seminars, and collected & archived its history with the State of Louisiana to become one of the largest gay historical archives of its sort in the country.

I ended my two weeks by spending the day with my lovely mother Dawn on Mother’s Day Sunday. We had brunch at the fabulous new restaurant in the Quarter called Curio. Afterwards, I met up with some friends for a few cocktails at the Four Seasons Bar in Metairie, then a visit with Princesse Stephaney at Mags 940. Whether you celebrated with your mom, or someone who is like a mother to you, I hope everyone had an enjoyable day. Until next time, keep partying!

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio Photos by Tony Leggio At the Zoo To Do Event

At the Arnaud’s Birthday Party at their Restaurant

At the Decadence Announcement Party at OZ

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

Trodding the Boards

by Brian Sands Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Three Musketeers at NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden through May 27

Sometimes I just want to write “Go see this. Do NOT miss it.” and be finished with my review. The NOLA Project’s production of Pete McElligott’s adaptation of The Three Musketeers occasions such a response. But this terrific show deserves more than just that.

Billed as “part Monty Python foolishness, part swashbuckling adventure tale” this Musketeers certainly swashbuckles across the stage in City Park’s Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden with multiple deeds of derring-do. And some of its absurdist humor does derive from that Monty Python ridiculousness.

McElligott, however, has leavened his version of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel with a bewitching humanism, and shtik that comes from the most audience-engaging silliness of vaudeville.

Running jokes, mistaken identities,

dollops of bawdiness, and evildoers getting their comeuppance all contribute to making this glorious show seem like one of the best of Shakespeare’s early comedies.

If you want to know all the intricacies of the plot, feel free to google “The Three Musketeers.” Let’s just say that the youthful D’Artagnan has arrived in Paris in the hopes of joining the recently disbanded Musketeers. The duplicitous and power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu plots to consolidate his authority. A war with England looms.

Not till about an hour into the show do those three well-known Musketeers--Athos, Porthos and Aramis--come together into full focus. Yet, till then, McElligott’s Musketeers manifests perfectly how to enfold exposition into action and character development, and the time flies by. When we finally do meet the well-known trio, one’s an alcoholic, another’s a thief and the third is rather pervy. Never fear, tho, everything will turn out alright in the end.

Faux French gets sprinkled in liberally as do 17th century-sounding phrasings (“He is an enemy of France,

James Bartelle, William Bowling, Alex Wallace and Kali Russell in The Three Musketeers

but not of my heart.”). It all manages to be witty without being show-off-y with some moments of seriousness along the way as we learn what “One for all and all for one” really means.

How much of what we see is Dumas and how much is McElligott (apparently a good deal of ad-libbing and improvisation from the show’s rehearsal period made it into the final script) I’m not sure, but it all melds together seamlessly. I recall reading The Three Musketeers many years ago and don’t remember it being one tenth as much fun as this version. Think of an eclair stuffed with bonbons and topped with macarons.

Mark Routhier directs using cinematic cross-cutting, never letting any

scene go on longer than necessary. He expertly balances the show’s slapstick and comedy with its occasional more somber moments, maintaining the knowingly broad tone at just the right measure. This is one soufflé that never collapses.

Once or twice so much is occurring on stage that you can’t take it all in, but that may be a wise marketing tool to force you to get another ticket and sit on the other side of the sylvan playing area.

Routhier is greatly aided by Fight Director Alex Martinez Wallace whose many duels are most likely the best this city has ever seen on stage. It’s especially thrilling to see the female swordsmanship on display as you rarely see

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

two women dueling, let alone as magnificently as is showcased here.

All thirteen roles provide rich material for the actors, many of whom play multiple characters, and all get the most out of McElligott’s witty wordplay, zany humor, and edge-of-your-seat adventuresomeness. As this is one of those productions in which everyone contributes equally (and fabulously) and has at least one gut-bustingly funny moment, I’ll just list the names of this outstanding cast (Khiry Armstead, James Bartelle, William Bowling, Sarah Carlton, Keith Claverie, Leslie Claverie, Julie Dietz, Jon Greene, Lauren Malara, John Neisler, Alex Martinez Wallace) though Kali Russell provides the show’s moral compass as D’Artagnan.

“Ms. Russell as D’Artagnan?” you wonder. I’ll not reveal here whether D’Artagnan has been cast as a trouser role or recast as a female one, but McElligott elegantly informs his work with knowing nods to the #MeToo movement and a keen feminist take that’s well-attuned to these times.

With The Three Musketeers, Pete McElligott and The NOLA Project provide an evening in NOMA’s Sculpture Garden as phenomenal as their Adventures in Wonderland of 2014.

Does it all make sense with its magical reversals of fortune? Probably not. But you’ll be enjoying this rip-roaring entertainment too much to care.

An Act of God at Le Petit Theatre through May 27

God has appeared in the French Quarter.

That may not surprise you as anything is possible in da Quarter, God knows. (Hmmm...He probably wouldn’t approve of my using His name that way but whatever.)

Through some miracle, though, the Creator of space and time has taken over the body of Bryan Batt described as a “Magazine Street retailer with an obvious dye job” (I would beg to disagree regarding the second part of that statement.) and is in residence at Le Petit through May 27.

Apparently, God has grown weary of the Ten Commandments and so is giving us ten new Commandments with some holdovers (“Thou shalt not take my name in vain” understandably being one of them).

This forms the basis for David Javerbaum’s play An Act of God which previously played on Broadway with Jim (The Big Bang Theory) Parsons and Sean (Will & Grace) Hayes.

It does make you wonder if God has a special affinity for openly gay stars of TV series, as Batt was with Mad Men. Well, why not? If only Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reilly were still around.

So God holds court on Eric Porter’s

set which features cloud-emblazoned walls, a pastel color scheme, and a comfortably overstuffed white leather sofa. Abetting God are the Archangels Michael (Leon Contavesprie) and Gabriel (Wendy Miklovic), the former taking questions from the audience, the latter reading passages from a Gutenberg Bible, and both looking divine in white suits and feathered wings.

Wearing a white robe with gold trim and shiny sneakers (the stylish costumes are by Julie Winn), God offers his new Commandments which include “Thou shalt not tell others whom to fornicate” and “Thou shalt separate Me and State.” Clearly God has a liberal perspective.

God, despite his “wrath management issues,” also knows how to be funny. Which is not surprising as Javerbaum has won a bunch of Emmys and other awards as a writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Some of the more piquant lines are– --“Celebrities are my chosen people. Lot of overlap with Jews.”

--“Stop calling my name out when you’re having sex. I’m not that interested!”

--“Adam masturbated incessantly.

It’s a sin because I had to watch.”

--“People who study snakes are cursed and called herpetologists which sounds like herpes.”

--“I say with no ambivalence, leave me out of sports.” (Amen!)

--“Amen is my favorite word because when I hear it I know you’re done asking for shit.”

But if God/Batt starts out chatty, dishy, even eager to please, as He goes along He admits that He’s a “jealous God” and “My all time two favorite emotions--panic and awe.”

As Act of God works its way through the new Commandments, some lines have been given a local spin and some jokes are pure groaners, both fine by me.

By the time the show reaches the two-thirds mark of its approximately 90 minute running time, however, things go a bit slack. The humor remains but it’s more stand-up than dramatic, and the script begins to resemble a lecture rather than a play. Given that Javerbaum adapted Act of God from a series of tweets he posted as God (and the book that was inspired by them), this may have been unavoidable.

But if one wishes that the now passé Lindsay Lohan, Justin Bieber and Kardashian references had been updated, it was a shame that the “power bottom” mention seemed to go over the heads of at least 90% of Le Petit’s audience when I attended on Mother’s Day. Likewise, that the snake in the Garden of Eden was on the “down low.” And a nightclub called “Fire and Rimstone.” This is a show that should insist on at least a 50% gay quota for its viewers.

Still, if it’s Javerbaum’s fault that

the script is pitched at mostly the same emotional level until the very end, Director Maxwell Williams could’ve given better guidance to the ever-appealing Batt to vary his delivery more.

Miklovic remains amiably droll throughout while Contavesprie challenges God with some heavy questions albeit of the “Why do you allow children to get cancer?” variety which probably should best be left for late night discussions in college dorm rooms.

If you want to learn the truth about all the animals on Noah’s Ark, who really started out in the Garden of Eden with Adam, and why God “loved shaping Florida,” head to Le Petit...or perhaps Hazelnut at 5525 Magazine Street. The guy behind the counter just might look like God.

An Act of God’s Bryan Batt

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

Are You Ready for a Financial Emergency?

by Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® Email: S.Billeaudeau@ampf.com

The wrath of natural disasters has been on full display in recent weeks as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods have ravaged large swaths of the world. While our first thoughts go to the victims of these tragic events and the challenges ahead for recovery, it may also cause you to step back and think about your own preparedness for a natural disaster. If you’re feeling underprepared from a financial standpoint for the possibility of an unwelcome weather event, consider creating an emergency plan.

Create a plan

Just as you plan ahead for your retirement or children’s college tuition, you need to prepare for risks related to a financial emergency. Any type of unforeseen event could jeopardize your financial security. Work with your financial advisor, estate planner and attorney to identify and address potential financial risks.

Protect your property

One common concern in such

events is catastrophic damage to your home. Start by making sure your property is appropriately insured. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure there is sufficient coverage for unforeseen events. Remember that typical home insurance does not include coverage for flood damage, which needs to be purchased separately. Home owners may assume they are not at risk of such damage, but unusual circumstances might mean your risk is greater than you think, so it’s best to double check. Those who rent their living space should consider renter’s insurance to protect property.

In the case of disasters like a flood or tornado, you want to make sure you have sufficient coverage for possessions, including valuables, vehicles (e.g. cars, boats, ATVs), and technology. Maintain good records of the valuable items you own and keep them in a safe place. It can be helpful to take pictures of your property before an event occurs as well as after to help you in the insurance claims process.

Establish your emergency fund

A general rule of thumb is to have at least three-to-six months’ worth of expenses saved in case of an emergency. Consider saving more if you have children or live in an area where severe weather threats are more common. Keep these funds in accounts that offer liquidity like a money market fund or in bank savings. Make sure you have some cash on hand in case power outages or other issues prevent ATMs from working.

The money you set aside could be used for temporary housing, medical care or to cover your essential expenses if you’re unable to return to work.

The funds can also jump-start your relief and clean-up efforts.

Safeguard your financial information When unanticipated events occur, you will need access to your financial information and personal identification

documents. Store copies of your insurance policies, financial account statements, medical information, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, passports and other important records in a secure location such as a bank safety deposit box or a secure electronic vault. Having documentation readily available allows you to quickly verify your identity and work through your emergency plan after disaster strikes.

Recent events are a reminder of the importance of having an emergency financial plan in place to help protect you against worst-case scenarios.

Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA®, is a Financial Advisor with Waterfront Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He specializes in addressing the unique needs of the diverse LGBTQ community, fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies, and has been in practice for 11 years.

Commentary by Frank Perez Tax Morality

In an attempt to mock restrictions on women’s access to abortion and other health procedures, Texas Democratic State Rep. Jessica Farrar of Houston recently introduced legislation that would fine men $100 every time they masturbated. The bill also set a waiting period before Viagra could be prescribed. It also required a rectal exam before men could choose to get a vasectomy.

Many people, especially men, thought the idea was ridiculous, but that was the point. The bill was a mockery of existing laws that restrict women’s health choices.

In any event, the whole affair gave me an idea on how Louisiana could solve its financial woes. We’ve all heard of “sin taxes” on alcohol and cigarettes and other vices, so why not tax morality?

Think about it. How about a one cent sales tax on church attendance?

Or a half a cent tax every time someone says a prayer? That alone would solve our budget crisis in a month.

Sound ridiculous? Perhaps. Enforcement would be virtually impossible.

How much more reasonable, then, wouldn’t it be to repeal church’s tax-exempt status. That would be much easier and probably more profitable.

Currently, and since 1894, church-

es, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions are exempt from federal income taxes. Donations to these institutions are tax exempt. Not one of the 50 states collects property taxes on these places of worship.

According to the Washington Post, U.S. taxpayers subsidize religion to the tune of $71 billion a year. The breakdown is as follows: • Federal income tax subsidy: $35.3 billion • State income tax subsidy: $6.1 billion • Property tax subsidy: $26.2 billion • Investment tax subsidy: $41 million • Parsonage subsidy: $1.2 billion • Faith-based initiatives subsidy: $2.2 billion • Total subsidies: $71 billion And that figure does not include local income and property tax exemptions.

Many proponents of taxing churches argue that not taxing violates the separation of church and state. Others point out that an increasing number of Americans identify as atheists, about 10% according to Pew and Gallup, although that figure is surely higher as many atheists remain in the closet.

For my part, I think it is the epitome of hypocrisy for churches to enjoy tax-exempt status while simultaneously endorsing so-called sin taxes and opposing other forms of revenue from, for example, gambling and marijuana.

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Celebrating Rip & Marsha Bar Crawl Photos Courtesy of Tomy Acosta

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Showing Up & Fear of Missing Out

by Pastor Allie Rowland, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO) Email: alisan.rowland42@gmail.com Website: www.mccneworleans.com Recently our daughter Jessica explained to me that our granddog Oscar has FOMO. What is FOMO? For those of you who didn’t see the commercials for Sonic Drive-in, FOMO is the “Fear of Missing Out.” I don’t mind telling you that throughout my life, I have had this fear. In childhood, I would try to stay up past my bedtime on a regular basis, and was always asking for just one more bedtime story. When I moved to New Orleans, I was given very good advice before my first Mardi Gras to pace myself, and not try to go to every parade and party. Yes, New Orleans is a terrible city for FOMO, if you have it, because you cannot possibly attend every festival, or be at every social event to which you’re invited.

For most of my life I wasn’t very intentional about my time, or how I spent it. But I came to learn that one of the most important gifts we can ever give to other people is the gift of our presence. For those of you whose mothers are in heaven, or even just those of us who have lost loved ones, usually we’d give anything just to have a few more

minutes with that person. Because the gift of true presence is just about the most important thing we can give. In fact, it is so important, that it’s worth regularly considering who we spend our time with and when. And now we have to be even more intentional about how we spend our time with others because we have smart phones, computers, and a myriad of other distractions that challenge us to be fully present.

Have you ever feared you wouldn’t have enough time with someone?

Feared that you’d miss out on something important? Feared that you’d never be able to manage your work schedule, get everything done and be there for those that matter to you? No matter how hard we try, we will only have so many hours, minutes, and seconds in a day. So, how do you decide who receives the gift of your presence and when?

I have discovered that often in life, we have to make choices about how we spend our time, and those choices are not always clear cut when there is only so much time in our day. Do we

go to the hospital to visit a friend, or do we spend time with our spouse who’s been missing us? Do we visit a family member who has been asking to see us, or go out on that date we’ve been hoping for? Do we go out with friends to the French Quarter, or get the rest we might need for work the next day?

There are not always conflicts, but the more responsibilities we have in our lives, the more conflicted we might feel about who to give our time and attention to… And those decisions matter.

They matter because as you know it matters to you who shows up for you when you’re in a time of crisis, or when you are feeling down. In fact, if you think back to a critical moment when you were struggling, you know with certainty who showed up for you and when.

Your presence is important to other people. Each day, we all need to balance care for ourselves and our families with the care of others. So how do we decide? We need to listen to our

bodies…to our own level of fatigue or wellness – because we can’t be fully present for anyone if we aren’t caring for ourselves. And we need to listen.

We need to ask about where and how to spend our time, and then listen for the answer. Usually, if we keep thinking about a specific person in need, it will become clear to us that person needs our attention.

Someone’s mother wisely said… that what we give grows. What we give our time and attention to grows. The relationships that we give our time and attention to are the ones that will thrive.

What we give our attention to grows abundantly! So, it’s true. At times we will have to make choices, and not every choice will be easy…but if we are seeking to be loving as we make those decisions, then I believe we can leave the fear of missing out behind us, and we’ll be able to show up when we’re needed the most.

Book Review: The Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading

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

Your financial needs are unique.

Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals. I’ll look at all aspects of your finances, then find solutions that are right for your unique needs. I’ll be there to adjust your plan as life unfolds. When you have the right approach, life can be brilliant.

Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M., ADPA® Financial Advisor Waterfront Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3939 N Causeway Blvd, Ste 400 Metairie, LA 70002 504.889.1704 s.billeaudeau@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/s.billeaudeau

Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading. Anne Gisleson. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 261 pages.

What do you do when life hands you lemons? You form an Existential Crisis Reading Group.

That’s what a group of friends in New Orleans did in 2011.

Soured by the Katrina exodus, the death of family members, the tribulations of child rearing, marital problems and a host of other “slings and arrows,” this group of friends began meeting regularly to read and discuss literature. In the process, they deepened their friendship and discovered a sacred truth—there is healing in good literature.

Calling themselves the Futilitarians, they mined the works of Epicurus, James Joyce, Simone de Beauvoir, William Shakespeare, Louise Gluck, Shel Silverstein, Franz Kafka, and Elizabeth Bishop, just to name a few.

Don’t let the names of these literary giants intimidate you; this book is any-

thing but a dry explication of canonical texts. Conversely, The Futilitarians is a narrative, nay, conversational account of not only the group meetings, but also of the different life experiences— pains, losses, memories, and gains— each member brought to the words on the page. And although each read the same words, those words echoed back a plethora of responses, multiple (and sometimes) competing memories. All the while, a deeper understanding of each other took deep roots.

The Futilitarians is well-written, insightful, and wise.

It’s about the things that really count.

Read it.

Anne Gisleson’s work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Oxford American, The Believer, Ecotone, The Los Angeles Times, and has been selected for inclusion in several anthologies, including Best American Non-Required Reading. For years, Anne was Chairperson of the Creative Writing Program at the internationally-renowned New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). In 2005, she co-founded Antenna in New Orleans, where she lives.

The Futilitarians is well-written, insightful, and wise.

It’s about the things that really count. Read it.

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · May 22 - June 4, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

From the Armeinius Glitter and Be Gay Event at Their Den Photos Courtesy of Tony Leggio

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A Community within Communities: Outing People of Power

by The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org PRIDE PARADE -- it’s a party!

Sometimes I wonder what the real difference is between PRIDE and DECADENCE. Now I know the REAL difference, but I wonder about the outcomes.

Decadence seems to bring in a very large crowd each year (barring a stupid hurricane or two). PRIDE, not so much.

I would hope that PRIDE would attract some regional support. But each year it is growing and becoming more of a demonstration of support.

Marching through the Quarter has power and is significant for all of the love and support shown. The same is true with the Marigny. Unlike Decadence, a few churches and synagogues are represented showing faith-based support. That is significant. It means that those churches have been, by choice, outed for their broad and long overdue acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

I have shared with you, in past issues, how profoundly touching it is to be accepted and appreciated by the Community during this march.

PRIDE means that those marching and, often, those viewing stand in solidarity with LGBTQ inclusion in our society. I also, as a priest, stand

in solidarity with the radical inclusion taught by Jesus. So there is consistency. For those religious nay-sayers, please keep in mind that what many of us believe the Gospels reflect is inclusion and not exclusion. That a hallmark of true Jesus-driven faith is radical hospitality, radical compassion, radical forgiveness, and above all “Love one another.” So, whatever you think of organized religion or Christianity in general, please know that there is faith beyond hate, love beyond loathing, and truth beyond speculation found in these deposits of radical Christian love.

But I wonder if we can do more.

I have had, admittedly nothing to do with the organizing aspect of PRIDE. I know that it is a Herculean task. I cannot imagine what it takes to put on the event, stage the event, and to do all of the pre-parade events. It is, to this feeble brain, mind boggling. Makes me want to take a shot of fireball and enjoy the drag show! But can we do more? I wonder.

I wonder what it would be like to “out” the City Council to invite them by special invitation to ride in the Parade.

I wonder what it would be like to help

organize gay police and firefighters to march with PRIDE in the parade.

Would it be unlikely to invite and hold accountable our own new Mayor or Senators? Perhaps HRC might consider a Q&A day with State, City, and Parish officials on full inclusion in the life of our region. It is no small worry that laws can and might change that once again disenfranchise LGBTQ community members. Is it possible? In this political environment I believe that it certainly is.

Roe v. Wade is under scrutiny and several states are legislating challenges to that law that is now taken for granted. Voter registration protections were stuck down just a year or so ago as if they are now unnecessary. The current Federal Government is now trying to, by duress, leverage “Sanctuary Cities” into abandoning their positions. These are interesting times and, as the LGBTQ community well knows, times that can turn ugly very quickly.

As quickly as DOMA was struck down, laws and policies can be foisted upon us that reverse the effects of DOMA. As I understand it, LGBTQ people are not considered a “class” by legal definition therefore limiting to some degree the political and legal access that they might otherwise have.

So, can PRIDE be used to “out” certain individuals that hold the keys to our future?

What a grand day it would be to see a Mayor ride along with PRIDE. What a special time it would be to see three or four ranks of Police Officers and Firefighters and EMTs marching in PRIDE, maybe even a bagpipe or two with kilts! I know that we are not New York or San Francisco and I am very happy with that, but in this day wouldn’t it be great to fully enfranchise who and what is represented by PRIDE in the political spectrum and city services sectors? We few churches march with PRIDE and love what we see and experience and it is about time. That is our faith-based response and a show

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of religious solidarity.

But isn’t it time to raise the bar socially to see who will come “out” for PRIDE? It is too late this year but maybe next year it might be time to start soliciting support from the larger community. Almost like churches, people tend to invite or enlist those that they know.

By nature we seek sameness and in that sameness sometimes comes segregation. Maybe at some small risk we might consider integrating into the larger fabric and invite those who in the past have been avoided or ignored.

Maybe it is time for the likes of Mayor Cantrell to consider “marching with PRIDE.” I’ll bet that she would.

I hope to see friends and a large crowd “out” and marching in PRIDE. I know one establishment that will be reaching out to the lesbian community in particular. That is the stuff of inclusion. Perhaps a float or something similar promoting transgender persons so that within our own Community we can fully integrate ourselves and our own interest in promoting the right to love freely without the fear of rancor or phobias. Don’t be comfortable with marriage equality, there is so much more at stake.

In researching archives under the word PRIDE, most of what I came upon alluded to the first of the “Deadly Sins.”

Interestingly, PRIDE of person as a word is so misunderstood. PRIDE, not meaning a feeling of superiority, but rather a groundedness in who one is is no sin. PRIDE of who we are created to be is no sin. Black PRIDE, Gay PRIDE, all move to build up a community that has for so long lived on the margins and been told that they, no we, are less than whole. That we do not count.

That we are a perverse generation.

No, PRIDE for us is no deadly sin. The source of our PRIDE is integrity. The font of our PRIDE is to enjoy who we are without fear or a sense of being anything other than a grand creation meant to love and be loved.

N

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