Ambush Magazine Volume 36 Issue 14

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

VOLUME 36 ISSUE 14

TUESDAY, July 3, 2018

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

Gay Appreciation Awards Voting, Fourth of July & Essence Festival

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THE “OFFICIAL” DISH

by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, We are now in July which means Southern Decadence is only 2 months away. There are multiple Southern Decadence fundraisers in the next several weeks including a pot luck dinner at the Double Play on Saturday, July 7, and Snatch Game at the AllWays Lounge on Saturday, July 14. For more information on how to become a sponsor and a complete list of fundraisers, please check out SouthernDecadence.com.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY Ambush Magazine would like to send our deepest sympathies to Michael Elias, owner of the Corner Pocket bar and the entire Corner Pocket family for the loss of James “Jay” Lamont Sewell. Jay was the life partner of Michael Elias and a bartender at the Corner Pocket for nearly 20 years. A

Celebration of Life was held for Jay on July 1 at the Corner Pocket and was officiated by the Very Rev. Bill Terry of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. Jay was a kind soul and will be greatly missed.

THANK YOU MAYOR CANTRELL On behalf of the entire LGBTQ community we would like to thank Mayor LaToya Cantrell for her participation in the Interfaith Memorial Service on the 45th Anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge fire. She not only gave a heartfelt and well-received speech about love and acceptance, and the fight for equality but she also participated in the second line to the site of the UpStairs Lounge. In her speech, she acknowledged that we have come a long way as a community but we are not where we need to be yet and her administration will be an ally in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.

Inside this Issue of Ambush Sports

6-10

Southern Decadence Announcements

11-12

Snap Paparazzi: Oz New Orleans

14

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Sherwood Anderson Was Not a Famous Creole

15

GAY APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINEES BY AWARD

16

Snap Paparazzi: Stonewall Sports Volleyball

17

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

18

Pasquantonio Heads Human Rights Commission, Will Oversee LGBTQ+ Task Force

22

LGBTQ Business Spotlight: EAT New Orleans

23

Remembering James “Jay” Lamont Sewell

24

Bullied LGBT Elders

25

Barefoot Wine Launches Rainbow Bestie Labels to Celebrate Pride & Support Outfest 25

26

Snap Paparazzi: The Corner Pocket Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio Moments in Gay New Orleans History: How Labor Day Weekend Became Decadent LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

26 26 & 27 27 28 & 29

New Orleans Party Down

30

Mayor Cantrell Creates LGBTQ+ Task Force

31

CrescentCare Receives Sizable HRSA Grant to Expand Health Care for Black Men’s Community

31

Trodding the Boards

32

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio

34

Concerned About Healthcare Expenses in Retirement? How HSAs Can Help

35

Commentary: The Bible: Republican Cherry-Picked Version

36

Finding Peace

36

Book Review: The Feminist Revolution

37

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with TJ & Friends

37

A Community within Communities: ENOUGH!

38

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

GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS VOTE NOW! We would like to thank everyone who nominated an individual, business or athletic team for an award.

It was very exciting to see that over 200 unique nominations were submitted. Voting is currently underway and will continue until July 10th. The top 5 in each category will be announced on July 14th and the winners will be announced at the Gay Appreciation Awards Gala on July 21 at Oz. Tickets to the event are $10 and the proceeds to the event will be divided between Southern Decadence and Stonewall Sports. You can vote and buy tickets to the Gala at GayAppreciationAwards. com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The Lords of Leather is having a fundraiser at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown on Tuesday, July 10. Just write “Lords of Leather” on your bill and 25% of your ticket will be donated to the Lords of Leather.

The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will hold its 4th Annual Oracle Gala on Sunday, August 12, from 6 to 9 pm at the Ace Hotel. This year’s Oracle Gala honors the founders of Southern Decadence. Several of the founders will be in attendance at the Gala.

On August 28, there will be a book-signing with Howard Philips Smith and Frank Perez at the 1850 House Museum Store from 2 to 4 pm.

The book is Southern Decadence in New Orleans and provides the first comprehensive and historical look at Southern Decadence.

CORRECTION: NAPOLEON’S ITCH Ambush Magazine would like to offer our apologies to Napoleon’s Itch, the bar and nightspot located at 734 Bourbon Street. In the ad for the Rainbow Flags on Rampart Street, the name of Napoleon’s Itch was misspelled. We sincerely apologize for this oversight. We would once again like to thank Napoleon’s Itch and all the other businesses who supported the Rainbow Flag Project.

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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©

LETTER TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION

Alabama - Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell, Monroe, Alexandria; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR IN CHIEF Reed Wendorf SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Brian Sands, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Pastor Allie Rowland, Persana Shoulders, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Scot Billeaudeau, Shane Womack & Tony Leggio LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf Shane Womack Jim Tomeny NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Ambush Magazine is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 5pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual’s name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual’s sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc. appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Magazine. ©1982-2018 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.

4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 5

LSHOF induction about more than football for Wayne, Stokley, Cook

by Lenny Vangilder, Crescent City Sports

A class of 11 inductees joined other Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame members on stage after the 2018 Induction Ceremony (Photo: Chris Reich).

NATCHITOCHES – Saturday night’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was capped off with three football inductees – wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley and coach Lewis Cook.

While their on-field achievements on the gridiron landed them in the Natchitoches Events Center on this night, the evening, and the message, was about so much more than football.

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Wayne – the former John Ehret, University of Miami and Indianapolis Colts standout – provided many thanks in his on-stage conversation, but to two people in particular.

“My mom (Denise) … never missed a game,” said Wayne, who noted that Denise Wayne was there throughout his Pop Warner, high school, college and pro career. “She was always there.

I could always look in the stands and see her there.”

He also thanked his wife, calling her “the real hall of famer in my family.”

Wayne said he does not miss the

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game “at all. My body feels great, finally. I felt like I did it the right way since Day 1.”

In the video preceding Wayne’s presentation, his high school coach, Billy North, said he next time he does an interview for Wayne being inducted into a hall of fame, “I expect it to be the one in Canton, Ohio.”

Wayne will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Stokley, the Lafayette native who was Wayne’s teammate in Indianapolis for four seasons, talked about the clan of family and friends who would be at all of his games and rolled into visiting cities “like a tornado.”

Cook coached Stokley during his stint as UL Lafayette’s offensive coordinator that sandwiched two stints as a prep head coach totaling 33 years. He thanked many friends and colleagues for being an influence on his career, including former East St. John head coach Larry Dauterive, who Cook said “adopted me when I came out of college.”

Cook is the fifth-winningest coach in Louisiana high school football history, but his message was never about the scoreboard.

“The one thing we talk the least about is winning,” he said. “If we do the right things and work hard, winning will

take care of itself. The scoreboard in life never goes off.”

The other football-connected inductee was Steve Gleason, who received this year’s Dave Dixon Leadership Award for his work as an activist for ALS. Gleason provided a video acceptance while his father-in-law, Paul Varisco, accepted the award on his behalf.

The other inductees included former LSU and major league relief pitcher Russ Springer, former Grambling and NBA standout Larry Wright, college tennis coach Jerry Simmons, fisherman Jack Hains and champion NHRA car owner Paul Candies, who was inducted posthumously.

Presented the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism were broadcaster Lyn Rollins and Lake Charles American Press sports editor Scooter Hobbs, who may have provided the night’s biggest laugh.

“They wanted me to go to a kids’ clinic today,” said Hobbs, who has won dozens of awards for his writing. “What was I going to tell them? Don’t dangle participles?”

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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6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

The best is yet to come for Anthony Davis

by David Grubb, Crescent City Sports

Anthony Davis didn’t take home Pelicans at Pistons the Most Valuable Player trophy from Davis shot 53.4 percent from the Monday night’s 2018 NBA Awards floor this past season, just one-tenth of show. He also missed out on Defena point off of his career best. sive Player of the Year honors.

Of his 1,462 shot attempts, AnIn a year of incredible individual efthony Davis took almost 900 jumpers, forts, the one that AD gave for New Ormaking just under 39 percent. leans Pelicans was no less impressive What’s encouraging is that AD took or worthy than any of the night’s major more than 100 fewer jump shots than award winners. the year before, and increased his dunk Davis finished the 2017-18 season and layup attempts by a combined 270 with averages of 28.1 points, 11.1 reshots. His 245 dunks alone last season bounds, a league-leading 2.6 blocks, topped his previous best by 85. and 1.5 steals per game.

With Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus It should only be a matter of time Cousins, and Jrue Holiday moving the before an MVP or two is sitting atop his ball, and the Pelicans playing at Alvin mantle or in his trophy case.

Gentry’s preferred pace for an entire According to basketball-reference. season, his assisted scores rose from com, Davis is the only player in league 66 percent to almost 72 percent. history to produce that stat line (reQuick translation: Anthony Davis is membering of course that blocks didn’t getting and taking better shots. Part of become an official stat until the 1974that is his decision-making, as he set74 season). tled for fewer mid-range attempts, inIn fact, since 1973-74 only five stead choosing to attack the rim. players have produced a total of 14 He still lacks a consistent go-to seasons where they averaged at least move in the low post and a counter 25 points, 11 boards, two blocks, and move. Davis is hesitant to use the jump one steal: hook, still preferring to face up and try Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5x) to take his man off the dribble or shoot Bob McAdoo (3x) the jumper.

Anthony Davis, Hakeem Olajuwon, As incredibly efficient as Davis has David Robinson (2x) been throughout his career, imagine Davis tied or set career-highs in him even more so. AD has been a front more than a dozen statistical categocourt player for roughly eight years, afries while leading the Pelicans to their ter famously growing up handling the best regular season in a decade and ball as a guard. to the second round of the playoffs for The subtleties of post play weren’t only the second time in franchise hispart of his internship at Kentucky, and tory. he hasn’t had the teammates or sysThe scary thing is, Anthony Davis tems in place for the majority of his is still only 24 years old and still has career to make things easier for him. room for improveStill, he has career ment.

So how does AD possi- player efficiency ratRemember that ing of 27.1. The 28.9 bly get better? elite five-man club PER he posted last that I mentioned earlier? Of those 14 season was the second highest of his seasons, nine of them were posted career (30.8 in 2014-15), and after his by players aged 25 and older and five 25.0 PER in 2015-16, Davis’ numbers of those came after the player’s 29th have been steadily rising once again. birthday.

Another indicator of Davis’ growth potential are his offensive rebounding Player, Age, PTS, REB, BLK, STL numbers. Over his first three seasons, Anthony Davis, 24, 28.1, 11.1, 2.6, 1.5 AD averaged better than 2.7 offensive Anthony Davis, 23, 28.0, 11.8, 2.2, 1.3 David Robinson, 30, 25.0, 12.2, 3.3, 1.4 boards per game. But, from 2015-17, Hakeem Olajuwon, 31, 27.3, 11.9, 3.7, 1.6 that number dipped to 2.2 as Davis Hakeem Olajuwon, 30, 26.1, 13.0, 4.2, 1.8 took more and more jump shots, pushDavid Robinson, 25, 25.6, 13.0, 3.9, 1.5 ing him farther and farther away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 30, 25.8, 12.9, 3.0, 1.7 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 29, 26.2, 13.3, 3.2, 1.2 the basket and the glass.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 28, 27.7, 16.9, 4.1, 1.5 Alvin Gentry’s strategy has been Bob McAdoo, 24, 31.1, 12.4, 2.1, 1.2 to sacrifice a few offensive rebounds Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 27, 30.0, 14.0, 3.3, 1.0 to improve the Pels’ transition defense, Bob McAdoo, 23, 34.5, 14.1, 2.1, 1.4 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 26, 27.0, 14.5, 3.5, 1.1 but Davis began to return to form last Bob McAdoo, 22, 30.6, 15.1, 3.3, 1.2 season, grabbing 2.5 caroms off of his own backboard each night.

(Just a quick aside, Bob McAdoo One player that can reasonably be was awesome. Seriously.) compared to Anthony Davis in skill set and body type would be Kevin Garnett.

So how does AD possibly get bet“The Big Ticket” averaged at least ter? three offensive rebounds per game five times in his first ten seasons; four of those consecutively in years seven OFFENSE

through 10. Davis enters his seventh his man as well as jump passing lanes season this fall. with his incredible athleticism.

An increase of one-half rebound The Pelicans’ approach has been per game would give AD 225 offento use Davis as defensive deodorant, sive boards over the course of a 75covering for any mistakes that his game season. In his career, Davis has teammates may make. topped the 200 mark just once, during The list of DPOY award winners his second year. is filled with anchors; players who arThose extra possessions transen’t just the best defensive players on late into more layups, dunks, and free their teams, they are the orchestrators throws for Davis. of their teams’ defenConsidering Davis sive efforts.

One basket. One reshot a career-high Anthony Davis bound. Half of a block.

82 percent at the line has the instincts and last season, a scorthe tenacity to take ing title isn’t out of the question. on that role. It’s time for the Pelicans to Davis is still learning his way as give it to him. a passer as well. His 2.3 assists per Rebounding is just as big a factor game this past season were another for Davis on the defensive end. As he’s career-high, but he turned it over more matured physically, he’s become more than twice each game. In six seasons, tenacious on the glass. he’s averaged more assists than turnHis rebounding average rose from overs only twice.

8.2 as a rookie to 11.8 in 2016-17. Last season his numbers dipped slightly to 11.1, but that was due in large part to DEFENSE the presence of Cousins, a rather proFrank Kaminsky, Anthony Davis digious rebounder himself. AD grabbed Anthony Davis is one of the most 11.9 boards a night in the 33 games afversatile defensive players in the NBA, ter Boogie’s injury. capable of guarding players in space, Davis moving above 12 rebounds on the block, and more than capable at per game seems like an inevitability protecting the rim. rather than a projection.

So let’s go back to the chart above.

In only four of those historic seasons did the player average less than three blocks per game. Davis has two of those four.

In the last decade, only Serge Ibaka (2x) and Hassan Whiteside have topped that mark for an entire season.

But, Davis has been right there on a couple of occasions, averaging 2.8 in 2013-14 and 2.9 in 2014-15.

If Davis commits to playing center and the Pelicans can put the type of defenders around AD that funnel players towards the big man, there’s no reason that Davis can’t be an even better shot blocker.

And with the pace of play across the league showing no signs of slowing, Anthony Davis should continue to rack up steals. Davis is able to strip

SUMMARY

One basket. One rebound. Half of a block.

If Anthony Davis can add that to his averages next season, he would become just the second player in NBA history to put up a 30-12-3 season (after the aforementioned McAdoo).

If the Pelicans can provide the type of team success that matches a statistical output like that, #AD4MVP goes from campaign to near certainty.

And he’d still only be 25 years old.

Imagine that.

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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Orgeron and his staff have updates but not answers yet about this year’s Tigers

by Les East, Crescent City Sports

METAIRIE – LSU begins preseason football practice in a little more than a month and there’s lots of uncertainty surrounding the Tigers.

Who will be the quarterback?

Who will be the top running back?

Who will emerge from a group of talented but inexperienced receivers to complement Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles?

How quickly will a rebuilt offensive line jell?

Will what appears to be a very good defense be able to carry the offense through its growing pains?

How well will the Tigers navigate a schedule that adds games against Miami and Georgia to the annual SEC gauntlet?

Some questions will be answered during preseason cap, and others won’t be fully answered until the regular season, which begins Sept. 2 against Miami in Arlington, Texas.

Head coach Ed Orgeron, offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda were the featured participants as the annual summer LSU caravan stopped in Metairie on Thursday night.

The coaches didn’t have many answers to the questions, but they did

provide updates on where the Tigers ada left after his only seasonas costand. ordinator last year, said the offense “Everyone will be given an equal will be different from what it was last opportunity,” Orgeron said of the comseason and similar to, but not identical petition for starting positions. to, what it was two years ago when he Of course the position battle atwas named interim coordinator after tracting the most attention is the one Orgeron became interim head coach, at quarterback where Myles Brennan, in the wake of the firing of Les Miles, Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan and dismissed Cam Cameron. have been competHe said the Tiing against one angers will still run some other for a year and which When spring practice Iwasformation, a half. a staple in 2016, ended, the compeWhen spring but he’s equally compractice ended, the fortable with two tight tition was still in full competition was still end sets and those effect, and it got more featuring three or in full effect, and it got more crowded more wide receivers. crowded last month last month when “We’re going to when former Ohio former Ohio State be more of a spread State quarterback quarterback Joe team,” Ensminger Burrow joined the said.

Joe Burrow joined mix. It remains to be He added that the mix. seen whether his arhe’s not expecting rival leads McMillan to platoon quarterto transfer after he backs, though he graduates at the end of July. doesn’t rule it out “in any way.”

“I’m looking forward to the coaches Ensminger has been able to watch and the players seeing them all comfilm with Burrow for two hours a week, pete,” Orgeron said. but isn’t allowed under NCAA rules to Ensminger, who was promoted watch any seven on seven practices from tight ends coach when Matt Canthe players have.

Both Ensminger and Orgeron mentioned Burrow’s size (6-foot-3 and 225 pounds) and smarts as attributes they especially like about him.

The defense is generally considered the more stable side of the ball, though Aranda called last year “the toughest year I’ve had in coaching.”

He said that’s because of the growing pains the defense experienced while leaning on young players, a situation that was exacerbated by injuries.

Aranda said he thought the defense began to find its identity around mid-season, when LSU started playing more nickel, and things improved down the stretch.

He said the Tigers’ versatility and depth, especially on the defensive line, have him excited about the prospects for this season.

As for the schedule, Aranda said the players should be “invigorated” and “challenged” by the likes of Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi State in addition to the aforementioned Miami and Georgia.

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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8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 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?

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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.

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Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

Saints training camp previews: Receivers, tight ends feature added competition for snaps, roster spots

by Les East, Crescent City Sports (This is Part 3 of a seven-part series previewing the Saints position by position heading into training camp.)

Position: 218

Wide receiver/Tight end (17) —

Massington; Watson, Yelder

Player to watch: Meredith

Game plan:

Wide receiver — to develop more consistent threats beyond Thomas and Ginn, presumably in the persons of Meredith and Smith. Meredith is coming off a major knee injury, which scared off the Bears, but he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season. He could be a valuable weapon from the slot, especially on third down.

He’ll likely be brought along gradually in training camp and the preseason.

Smith will be worth watching in preseason games to see if he’s ready to Overview: contribute as a rookie. Lewis’ primary The Saints used free agency and contributions have been as a returner the draft to bolster what was already a and he faces a challenge to stay on strong, though not necessarily deep, the roster, but he has been a standout position. Thomas has emerged as a during the off-season program. Tight star in his first two seasons, and Ginn end — to get the position more inprovided a solid veteran complement volved in the passing game than it has in his first season in New Orleans last been since Jimmy Graham’s departure season. But there was little consistenafter the 2014 season. Coach Sean cy behind those two or from the tight Payton uses a lot of ends last season.

The Saints allowed The Saints used free two tight-end sets, utilizing some as Coleman to test the agency and the draft blockers and some market as a restrictto bolster what was as receivers. None ed free agent before of the current candibringing him back, already a strong, dates appears to be a and Willie Snead IV though not necessari- top-flight blocker and was allowed to sign a top-flight receiver. with Baltimore. New ly deep, position.

Yelder is an intriguing Orleans signed Merundrafted free agent worth keeping an edith from the Bears and drafted Smith eye on during training camp and prein hopes of giving Drew Brees more season games. This is one of the more dependable targets besides just Thomlikely positions at which New Orleans as and Ginn, in a scheme that utilizcould still bring someone else is. es three- and four-receiver sets. The Saints brought back Watson in free agency to try and increase the receivQuote to note: ing productivity of the tight end group.

“He is ahead of schedule. That is It might be unrealistic to expect him encouraging. … He (is) way ahead of at age 37 to duplicate the production schedule and certainly where our doche had in his previous stint (2013-15), tors had hoped (he would be) and even but he’s a valuable leader as well and better. So he’s going to factor in this was signed after Coby Fleener was reyear. He’s a player that we’ve got a real leased in the wake of a disappointing clear vision for.” –Payton on Meredith’s two-season stay. Hoomanawanui and return from major knee surgery.

Hill are dependable veterans.

Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Brandon Coleman, Tommylee Lewis, Cameron Meredith, Tre’Quan Smith, Travin Dural, Austin Carr, Dan Arnold, Josh Huff, Keith Kirkwood, Eldridge Massington Josh Hill (TE), Michael Hoomanawanui (TE), Benjamin Watson (TE), Garrett Griffin (TE), Deon Yelder (TE)

Starters at the end of 2017: Thomas, Ginn; Hill

Other returning players:

Coleman, Lewis, Dural, Carr, Arnold, Hoomanawanui, Griffin

Subtractions:

Willie Snead IV

Additions:

Meredith, Smith, Huff, Kirkwood,

Series schedule:

June 13: Quarterbacks June 20: Running backs/fullbacks June 27: Wide receivers/tight ends July 4: Offensive line July 11: Defensive line July 18: Linebackers July 25: Defensive backs This article was originally published

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

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Early Southern Decadence Fundraising Sets Record Fundraising for Southern Decadence 2018 is underway and SDGMs Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez have already set a record having raised $10,797.

Tropical Isle $2,500 Black Penny $1,000 The Double Play $1,000 Two Chicks Walking Tours $1,000 Tomy Acosta $500 Rose Barbee $500 Lost Love Lounge $500 City Wholesale Liquor Co. $500 Dr. Robert McWhirter $250 Blue60 Guest House $250 Mr. Friendly $200 Helene Berot $200 Major Tom & Johnny $100 Press Party $1,172

Black Penny Art Auction $1,125 Total $10,797 In addition to the $10,797 listed above, SDGMs Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez have also secured $33,000 in in-kind donations from Skyy Vodka, Bud Light, Tours By Steven, Two Guys Cutting Hair, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Ambush Magazine, former SDGMs Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca Mesa, Glamour Puss, and Quartermaster Deli.

Monies raised after parade expenses will be donated to the official charities of Southern Decadence 2018—Mr. Friendly and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

2018 Southern Decadence Theme and Charities Named SDGMs Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez recently revealed the official theme, colors, poster, song, and charities of Southern Decadence 2018 at the annual Southern Decadence Press Party, which was held at the Bourbon Pub on Thursday, June 21.

Theme: House of Bourbon: Unleash Your Beast Colors: Royal Blue and Canary Yellow Song: Bathhouse Melody: Bach’s “G String in Air” Remix by John Reed; Video by Ronny de Jesus and John Olivar.

Charities: Mr. Friendly and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Mr. Friendly is a subsidiary of Community AIDS Resource and Edu-

cation Services (CARES). Created in 2008 by Dave Watt to fight the stigma associated with HIV, Mr. Friendly is a national campaign with chapters, or “Teams,” in dozens of cities, including New Orleans. Team Friendly NOLA focuses on putting on events to raise awareness about HIV, promoting testing for HIV, and connecting people with local resources.

The mission of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is promoting and encouraging 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 was founded in 2014 by a group of local activists in New Orleans.

Southern Decadence Events SDGMs XLIV Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez have announced the following Official Southern Decadence events:

Wednesday, July 4 Potato Salad Contest at Grand Pre’s Saturday, July 7 Pot Luck Dinner at the Double Play Wednesday, July 11 Pool Party with SDGMs XLII Jeff Palmquist & XLIII Coca Mesa Saturday, July 21 Gay Appreciation Awards at Oz Sunday, July 22 Buffet and Auction at Cosimo’s Saturday, July 14 Heroes & Villains at the All Ways Lounge Saturday, July 28 Let’s Get Cheesy for Decadence: Cheese, Wine, & Pool Party

Sunday, July 29 Leather & Lace at the Page Friday, August 10 Boys in the Shower at Grand Pre’s Saturday, August 11 Poppers Underwear Party at Cutters Thursday, August 16 Cocktails and Queer History Sunday, September 2 46th Annual Southern Decadence Parade These events are fundraisers for the 2018 Southern Decadence parade.

Proceeds after the expenses of producing the parade will be donated to the official charities of Southern Decadence 2018—Mr. Friendly and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

All monies raised will be processed through the Southern Decadence Financial Oversight Committee (Chairperson SDGM XLII Jeff Palmquist, SDGM XLII Felicia Philips, and SDGM XLI Misti Ates-Gaither).

Southern Decadence Parade Registration Now Open Registration is now open for groups wanting to march in the 2018 Southern Decadence Parade. Last year, over 70 groups (consisting of over 1,000 people) marched in the parade and Parade Captains Steven Mora and Chad Boutte expect even higher numbers

this year. To register as a participant, email Southerndecadenceparadecaptain@gmail.com or call 594-239-9745.

There is no charge to participate in the parade. The deadline for registration is August 19.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 11

Southern Decadence Sponsorships SDGMs XLIV Frank Perez and Adikus Sulpizi would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for being Official Sponsors of Southern Decadence 2018:

Presenting: Skyy Vodka, Bud Light, Tours By Steven, Two Guys Cutting Hair, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Ambush Magazine Platinum: Tropical Isle, Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca Mesa Gold: The Black Penny, The Double Play, Two Chicks Walking Tours Silver: Tomy Acosta, Rose Barbee, Lost Love Lounge, Quartermaster Deli, City Wholesale Liquor Co. Bronze: Dr. Robert McWhirter, Helene Berot, Blue60 Guest House Pearl: Major Tom & Johnny Sponsorships are still available through August. For more information on being an Official Southern Decadence 2018 Sponsor, please contact SDGMs XLIV Frank Perez or Adikus Sulpizi at frankearlperez@gmail.com or adikussulpizi@gmail.com

HoneyBee Trivia

Happy Hour Daily

Thursdays 7:00 PM

noon - 9:00 PM

Free Jello Shots & Bar Tab

Join us July 4th and help choose this year’s winner of the

5th Annual Potato Salad Contest the decades 4-5 PM Thru$10 to taste 6/24 3-5pm and judge and get

Sat, July 7 at 10:00 PM

With Johnny Passion and friends free A fund hot raiser dogs for NOAGE

12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

30th Annual GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS Nominations and voting will take place online at GayAppreciationAwards.com for your favorite in each of our categories provided below.

VOTING: June 25 - July 10 TOP 5 ANNOUNCED: July 14 30th ANNUAL GAA GALA: July 21

NOMINATION & VOTING CATEGORIES Circuit Party / Event of the Year Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Hair Salon of the Year Neighborhood Bar of Year Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award Bitch of the Year Show Club of the Year Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year Dance Club of the Year Bartender of the Year DJ of the Year Leather Bar of the Year

Cheridon Comedy Award Sports League Team Spirit Award Sports League Rookie of the Year Top 10 Award (Player with most clutch plays) Fly Fashion Glamour Award LGBTQ Business of the Year Leather Person of the Year Transgender Person of the Year Lesbian of the Year Gay Man of the Year Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year The Lifetime Achievement Award Red Carpet Oscar Award

30th Annual GAA Gala

Benefiting 2018 Southern Decadence and Stonewall Sports

Saturday, July 21st • 7:00 - 10:00pm 800 Bourbon St. New Orleans

$10 Entry

news+vies.indd 2

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 13 6/17/18 10:21 ·AM

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 14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Tricentennial Profiles in History: Sherwood Anderson Was Not a Famous Creole

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

Sherwood Anderson Was Not a Famous Creole

Carmer, Anita Loos, Edmund Wilson, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and John Dos Passos, and as well as publishers B. W. Huebsch and Horace Liveright.

When most people think of New Among the locals, two of AnderOrleans, literature is probably not the son’s best friends were a very young first thing that springs to mind. Yet, William Faulkner and William SpratNew Orleans has an incredibly rich ling, both of whom shared an apartliterary heritage. Many ment nearby in what is Faulkner and Spratare familiar with names now known as Pirate’s ling published a like Tennessee WilAlley. liams, Truman Capote, small book called In 1926, Faulkner and Anne Rice, but of Sherwood Anderson and Spratling published all the writers who lived a small book called and Other Famous and wrote here, the Sherwood Anderson Creoles—an ironic most unsung, perhaps, and Other Famous title because Anderwas the novelist SherCreoles—an ironic title wood Anderson. son was from Ohio. because Anderson was Upon first visiting from Ohio. The book New Orleans in 1922, Anderson deconsisted of 42 short sketches (biscribed the French Quarter as “the ographical by Faulkner and artistic by most civilized” place in America. Two Spratling) of their circle of friends. The years later he moved to the Quarter book was humorous in nature and not and took up residence in the upper meant for widespread distribution.

Pontalba building on Jackson Square.

Anderson did not find the book There Anderson held nightly saamusing and eventually ended his lons at his apartment, hosting local as friendship with Faulkner and Spratling well as visiting writers, including Carl over it.

Portrait of Sherwood Anderson

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

GAY APPRECIATION AWARD NOMINEES BY AWARD VOTING ENDS JULY 10

CAST YOUR VOTES TODAY FOR GAA NOMINEES www.GayAppreciationAwards.com

Gay Appreciation Awards thanks those in the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform.

Scan with Your Phone’s Camera to Vote

These individuals and businesses have made the LGBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South.

Bartender of the Year

Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award

Ashlee Logan (I) Eric Johnson (I) Jason “JD” Disharoon (I) Jeffrey Palmquist (I) Jeremy Cole (I) John Breaux (I) Lawrence Edwards (I) Mark Preston (I) Mark Scovern (I) Philip Anthony Palumbo aka “Felicia Philips” (I) Ryan Flanagan (I) Urban Cook, Jr. (I) Wayne Penton (I)

Bitch of the Year

Aubrey Synclaire (I) Billy Pennington (I) Paris Delorean (I) Persana Shoulders (I) Princesse Stephaney (I) Racheal Diaz (I) Reba Douglas (I) Taze-Ya Ballz (I) Tosha DeLeon (I)

Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award

Adikus Sulpizi (I) Christopher Campbell (I) Crescent Care & NO/AIDS Task Force (B) Misti Ates (I) Team Friendly NOLA (B) Toby Lefort (I)

AUX Colorguard (B) Daniel Nardicio (I) Jamie Lee Rineholt (I) New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (B) Tennessee Williams Theatre Company (B)

Gay Man of the Year Andrew Palermo (I) Brian Sands (I) Charles de la Cruz (I) Chris Leonard (I) Craig Wingard jr (I) Dustin Woehrmann (I) Dwain Hertz (I) Frank Perez (I) Greg Jones (I) Jake Thomas (I) James Garner (I) James Roberson (I) Jared Sampson (I) Jeffrey Mayeux (I) Jonathan Rushing (I) Lonnie Cheramie (I) Marcus Stein (I) Poseidon Davenport (I) Steven Mora (I) Tee Johnson (I) Terrence Jones (I) Thomas Robichaux (I) Tony Leggio (I) Tree Johnson (I)

Lesbian of the Year

Clorox Bleachman (I) Gia GiaVanni (I) Jeff DeRouen (I) Jezza Belle Lmore (I) Lana O’Day (I) Persana Shoulders (I) Tittie Toulouse (I)

Catherine Gaither (I) Christina Schneider (I) Ilana Obuchowski (I) Jack Inman (I) Jenna Ard (I) Mina Hernandez (I) Misti Gaither (I) Sandy Sachs (I) Tracy Foxworth (I)

Dance Club of the Year

Transgender Person of the Year

Cheridon Comedy Award

Bourbon Pub & Parade (B) Good Friends Bar (B) MASCARA Race (B) Oz New Orleans (B) Sipps Bar Gulfport (B) Splash (Baton Rouge) (B) The Page (B)

DJ of the Year

Adrian Claveria (I) Chi Chi Rodriquez (I) Kayla Starr (I) Mariah Vanderhurst (Mariah Moore) (I) Opal Vanderhurst (I) Regina Adams (I) Rikki Redd (I) Stephanie Lee (I)

Fly Fashion Glamour Award Adrian Claveria (I) Chi Chi Rodriguez (I) Connie Hung (I) Felicia Phillips (I) Gia GiaVanni (I) Monica Synclaire (I) Persana Shoulders (I) Tiffany Alexander (I)

Hair Salon or Stylist of the Year Aivi Dang (I) Head Quarters (B) Jonathon Baxter (I) Joseph McCrory (I) Two Guys Cutting Hair (B)

Leather Bar of the Year Cafe Lafitte in Exile (B) Rawhide (B) The Golden Lantern (B) The Page (B) The Phoenix/Eagle (B)

Leather Person of the Year Adikus Sulpizi (I) Brock Andersen (I) Gary Vandeventer (I) Luscious Riley (I) Matthew Birkhoff (I) Tim Goodman (I) Tommy Stubblefield (I) Troy Powell (I)

LGBTQ Business of the Year

Avita Pharmacy (B) Bourbon Pride (B) Covenant House (B) Crescent Care & NO/AIDS Task Force (B) Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (B) EAT New Orleans (B) Mumfrey’s Pharmacy (B) Sun Herald Newspaper (B) The Blakemoore Bark (B)

Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year Anastacia Davenport (I) Britnee Alexander (I) Britney DeLorean (I) ChiChi Rodriquez (I) Coca Mesa (I) Connie Hung (I) Dominique DeLorean (I) Gia GiaVanni (I) Karli LaCorre (I) Lana O’Day (I) Lisa Beaumann (I) Monica Synclaire (I) Monique Michaels Alexander (I) Nicole Dubois (I) Nicole Lynn Foxx (I) Reba Douglas (I) Snow Wyte (Brandon Aizen) (I) Vanessa Carr Kennedy (I)

Show Club of the Year

Bourbon Pub & Parade (B) Favela Chic (B) Golden Lantern (B) Oz New Orleans (B) Sipps Bar Gulfport (B) Splash Baton Rouge (B) The Corner Pocket (B)

Neighborhood Bar of Year

700 Club (B) Big Daddy’s Bar (B) Black Penny (B) Cafe Lafitte in Exile (B) Country Club (B) Cutter’s Bar (B) Double Play Bar (B) Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar (B) Golden Lantern (B) Good Friend’s Bar (B) GrandPre’s (B) Kajun’s Pub (B) Mag’s 940 Bar (B) Main Street Lounge Houma (B) Sipps Bar Gulfport (B) The Corner Pocket (B) The Page (B) The Phoenix (B)

Party/Event of the Year

Gay Easter Parade (B) Halloween New Orleans (B) Memorial Day Pensacola (B) New Orleans Pride (B) Southern Decadence (B)

Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop (B) Clover Grill (B) Country Club (B) EAT New Orleans (B) Faubourg Bistro (B) Gene’s Po-Boys (B) House of Blues New Orleans (B) Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown (B) Mona Lisa (B) Quartermaster Deli (B) Santa Fe (B)

Sports League Team Spirit Award Big Easy Bears (Softball) (B) Crawlers (Softball) (B) East Compton Clovers (Stonewall) (B) Geaux Cups (Softball) (B) Kick Tease (Stonewall) (B) Kickelob Ultra (Stonewall) (B) Kocktail Bowling League (B) Queen Cake (B) Suck My Kick (Stonewall) (B) The Wannabes (Stonewall) (B) The Wizards (Softball) (B) Ursa Majors (Softball) (B) Ursa Minors (Softball) (B)

Sports Top 10 Award (Player with most clutch plays) Aaron Schwindt (I) Alex Abbruzza (I) Beau Moss (I) Benny Dorris (I) Blaine McGowan (I) Caleb Dufresne (I) Cameron Tillman (I) Dustin Woehrmann (I) Glenn Culp (I) Grant Dalgo (I) Jack Peña (I) Jeff Darling (I) Michael Schnell (I) Michael Styles (I) Rion Byrd (I) Rob Gerhart (I) Stratton Reichen (I)

Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Bouffant Bouffant (I) Krewe of Armeinius (B) Chris Allen (B) Krewe of Petronius (B) Father Figure (I) Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather (B) Jonathan Reed (I) Mystic Krewe of Satyricon (B) Kyle David (I) The Krewe of Amon-Ra (B) Tim Pflueger (I) Will Lowe (I) 16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Snap Paparazzi: Stonewall Sports Volleyball Photos by Andrew Palermo & Friends

“If you wanted a soft serve, you should have gone to Dairy Queen! #stonewallvolleyball #stonewallsportsnola #stonewallsports” —Andrew Palermo, Stonewall Sports New Orleans Commissioner

Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ & Ally community-based, non-profit sports league. Our league values each player for who they are and what they bring to the league’s community. Our Mission is to provide a fun, inclusive kickball league that promotes a vibrant LGBTQ & Ally community while fundraising for local organizations that support the betterment of all New Orleans communities. Learn More at http://stonewallneworleans.leagueapps.com www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 17

Under the Gaydar: New Orleans Hot Happenings

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

Celebrate this Independence Day in style. No one does the red, white and blue like New Orleans because we like to mix a little rainbow flair into our celebration. July is such a fun month in the city, so here are just a few of the hot happenings to help your calendar sizzle. (If you have a fundraiser, party, show or event coming up and would like to be listed in the calendar, please email me at ledgemgp@gmail.com).

Tuesday, July 3, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke. The winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball.

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

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

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is 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: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m.

Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots.

Wednesday, July 4, 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; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Cafe Lafitte 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 New Orleans;

800 Bourbon St.; 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 St.; 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): Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m.

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers.

Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine.

July 4th Pool Party and Cook Out: The Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; Starts at 10 a.m. Join the July 4th celebration with a pool party. Come stay the day and walk over to Crescent Park for awesome fireworks viewing! Pool Entry is $15 & Happy Hour is 4-7pm with 3.00 well drinks. Be sure to take advantage of our new frozen daiquiri machine, vegan smoothies and our wonderful outdoor grill menu which you can view here- http://www.thecountryclubneworleans.com/restaurant/ menus/poolside-menu July 4th BBQ: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; noon – 5 p.m. Free burgers, dogs and all the fixings! Huge grill if you want to grill something of your own! 2 drink minimum.

Wieners, Meat and Buns: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 1 – 4 p.m. Join the Krewe of Amon Ra for a cookout at the Corner Pocket on the 4th of July as they grill up a good time!

For a $10 donation, you get wieners, hamburgers, buns and more: on the plate, and on the bar.

4th of July Potato Salad Contest A Southern Decadence Fundraiser: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 4 – 6 p.m. Back by popular demand, Grand Pre’s annual Independence Day Potato Salad Contest! No cost to enter a potato salad. $10 to taste / judge.

Proceeds benefit Southern Decadence 2018 and its official charities--the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and Mr. Friendly.

Thursday - Sunday, July 5 - 8, 2018 2018 Essence Festival, known as “the party with a purpose”. This annual music festival is the largest event celebrating African-American culture and music in the United States. It features artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four superlounge

stages. For tickets or more information, go to www.festival.essence.com Thursday, July 5, 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 St.; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is brings 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.

Bring Your Own Meat Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd..; 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your own meat for the grill and the bar will have all the sides.

Friday, July 6, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

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

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

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

Bear It All Bearlesque: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 10 - 11:30 p.m.

Come out to the monthly BEAR-IT-ALL BEARLESQUE, starring these tasty studs: Teddy Bareback, Cadillac, and special guest, Mr. Gay Pride 2018, Poseidon Sea. No cover at the door, and nothing but gorgeous men taking it off.

Saturday, July 7, 2018 Potluck Supper & Auction for Southern Decadence: Double Play

Bar; 439 Dauphine St.; 5 – 8 p.m.

Come see the newly renovated Double Play and enjoy a great meal. $10 gets you all you can eat. Raffles and auctions will be held throughout the evening.

Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 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 St.; 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 St.; 4 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. 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.

Requiem for a Tease Presents Carnal Coven; The Goat; 1301 St. Bernard Ave.; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join Requiem for a Tease at the Goat for a witchy burlesque review and underground dance party. Come dressed in your most frightening attire ready to indulge in an evening of dark sensual burlesque and dance the night away.

Costumes aren’t required but highly encouraged as there will be a “Best Dressed” contest with prizes to be announced! Cover is $5 (cash only) at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m.; Show starts at 10 p.m. Featuring Burlesque by: Mortal Sinn; Iris Ameretto; Azazel Von Satan and “Scene Kitten” – Bleu.

Risque the Sultry Side of Drag: Allways Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Ave; 10 p.m. Johnny Passion Presents...

RISQUE’ : The Sultry Side Of Drag starring Monique Michaels-Alexander, Pussy Hertz, Ava Gina and special guest: Vida Carlton. NO Cover!

Sunday, July 8, 2018 Bottomless Sundays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St.. 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 St.; 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.

Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Continued on Page 20

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 July 3 - 16, 2018 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 19

Continued from Page 18

Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest.

Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 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.

Sunday Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO); 5401 S. Claiborne Ave; 10:00 a.m. New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where we celebrate God’s Love for everyone.

Monday, July 9, 2018 Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill.

S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 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: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink spe-

cial is $3 margaritas all day and night.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 Gift Certificate for Rawhide Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 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.

Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots.

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

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

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Ave.; 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: Double Play

Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two-for-one drinks until 10 p.m.

Lords of Leather Pizza Night: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 S, Carrolton Ave.; starting at 11 a.m.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen is giving The Lords of Leather 25% of each ticket for those tables and guests who identify as there for “The Lords of Leather” on their bill on Tuesday July 10th! All day, lunch, dinner, and to go orders!

Wednesday, July 11, 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;Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke. 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 St.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game Night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. and free jello shots and Bar Tabs.

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

Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers.

Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine.

Forum for Equality Annual Meeting: New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; 1436 Oretha Castle Haley; 6 – 8 p.m.

Come join Forum for Equality for their Annual Meeting. They will be electing our board members and discussing what we have been working on this past year as well as what is on the horizon. Cash Bar with complimentary desserts. Current, new and renewing members will be treated to a drink of their choice.

Thursday, July 12, 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush brings 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.

Bring Your Own Meat Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd..; 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your own meat for the grill and the bar will have all the sides.

Friday – Sunday, July 13 – 15, 2018 San Fermin in Nueva Orleans.

San Fermin in Nueva Orleans is the annual Encierro (bull run) festival in New Orleans, which pays homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, or “The Running of the Bulls.” One small difference – our bulls are none other than the Big Easy Rollergirls and participants from other roller derby leagues across the country!

For information on events and tickets, go to www.nolabulls.com.

Friday, July 13, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites.

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

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

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

Bastille Day Fete: New Orleans Museum of Art; 1 Collins Diboll Circle; 6 – 9 p.m. The 6th annual Bastille Day Fête takes on an extra special meaning this year as New Orleans celebrates its Tricentennial. Bastille Day Fête 2018’s activities will take place indoors on the first and second floors of the NOMA and will include live music and dancing with local swing band the Bon Bon Vivant, a cooking demonstration by Chris Montero, Executive Chef and Culinary Curator of Café NOMA and Napoleon Continued on Page 21

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Continued from Page 20

House, a presentation and book signing with Cheryl Wakerhauser, pastry chef and author of Modern French Pastry, guided gallery tours, numerous French-themed kids’ activities, a popup shop by The French Library, multiple food trucks, and more! For a full list of Bastille Day celebrations in New Orleans, please visit www.bastilledaynola.com.

The Experience: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd..; 10 p.m.

– midnight. The Experience brings 4 New Entertainers to the stage with The One and Only Analia XO as producer & hostess.

This Month’s performers are Izzy Femme; Slenderella; Squirt Reynolds and Cosette LaFemme. Doors: 1O:OO p.m.; Show: 1O:3O p.m.

Saturday, July 14, 2018 Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 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 St.; 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 St.; 4 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with Talented piano player Trey Ming.

CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. 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.

26th Annual HRC Gala Dinner: Hyatt Regency Hotel; 601 Loyola Ave.; 5 – 11 p.m. With special guests American Idol 2018 performer Ada Vox and comedian and auctioneer Dana Goldberg. For tickets, go to www.hrc.org/ events/hrc-louisiana-gala.

Mismatched – Heroes Vs. Villains (A Southern Decadence Benefit); Allways Lounge; 2240 St, Claude Ave.; 10 p.m. – midnight. Johnny Passion presents MISS SMATCHED: Heroes Vs. Villains.. A Southern Decadence Benefit. To celebrate the 5th year, they are having all of our entertainers to perform as a hero or a villain. All proceeds will be donated to Southern

Decadence. $10.00 at door.

Sunday, July 15, 2018 Bottomless Sundays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St.. 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 St.; 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 St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests.

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

Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 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.

Make Up Summer Stravaganza Show: Café Istanbul; 2372 St. Claude Ave.; 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. The world’s only improv show starring a full cast of drag artists is bringing you a summer Sunday spectacle sure to satiate your sweaty soul!

July’s SUMMER ‘STRAVAGANZA SHOW features: An ALL-STAR cast; The JUBILANT return of our favorite improv games; PRIZES awarded to audience members who provide incredible suggestions (à la Princess Diana Memorial Beanie Babies); EXTRA drag numbers chosen

by YOU via our Facebook event (www. facebook.com/dragimprov). Doors at 7:30pm // Show at 8:30pm // $12 early bird // $15 advance // $18 door.

Sunday Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO); 5401 S. Claiborne Ave;

Robert Menuet, LCSW Relationship Therapy and Marriage Counseling

10:00 a.m. New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where we celebrate God’s Love for everyone.

Monday, July 16, 2018 Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill.

S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; Starting at 9 p.m.

Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer Margarita Mondays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 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: Grand-

Pre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m.

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

Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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 Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is 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: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m.

Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots.

Get Your Event Listed

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

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, CCS COVERS AREA SPORTS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE & PRO LEVELS WITH A KEEN EYE TOWARD PROVIDING THE NEWS & ANALYSIS YOU WANT. crescentcitysports.com facebook.com/ccsdaily @ccsdaily @ccsprep

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · JulyUntitled-5 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 21 6/13/18 4:55 PM 1 6/1/18 1:01 PM

Pasquantonio Heads Human Rights Commission, Will Oversee LGBTQ+ Task Force

by Rodney Thoulion

Change is happening at New Orleans City Hall.

Flowers adorn the planters out front. A light-hearted flow of traffic is moving in and out of the building and just overhead for the month of June, our city seat was draped with a rainbow flag. Partly responsible for the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community flying proudly at City Hall is Vincenzo Pasquantonio, the head of the City of New Orleans’ Human Relations Commission.

“When we put it up, I gave her a big hug,” Pasquantonio said with a laughing joy to his voice. “And she (Mayor LaToya Cantrell) said off the cuff to me, ‘small things matter.’ She really thinks in these terms of loving individually the residents of our city. As a social justice Catholic, she sees this as an act of love.” Mayor Cantrell also followed up this action with a short Facebook video for the Pride weekend letting the LGBTQ+ community know of her love and support. It has been her most popular post to date.

For Pasquantonio, he wants that moment to be just like a moment his father shared with him when he was a young boy at the age of 7 or 8. He could barely pronounce the word “homosexual” but was inquisitive about what was happening with AIDS. “My father said to me ‘There are people in the world and, while most men and women love each other and marry, some men love men and women love women. A lot of folks are going to tell you that’s wrong or against God.’ Essentially what he was telling me is that they were full of… He told me this before I had an identity of myself and it stuck with me.”

“Imagine that you are that kid growing up in North Louisiana or anywhere in Louisiana, Mississippi, New York or California and you’re growing up like I did. And you see on City Hall there is a Pride flag and the Mayor wishing us a Happy Pride. That’s what my parents did for me. The words my Dad told me

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were in my head as that flag was going up. His telling me that “people are people” instilled a strong backbone in me. It probably insured my survival.

I want that flag to be that moment for some other kid right now and so does the Mayor.”

Pasquantonio’s father was, and is, a social justice Catholic who was once a Marist seminarian and travelled to the South for lunch counter sit-ins in the 1960s and witnessed “spitting hatred”. His grandmother was a holocaust survivor. No wonder Pasquantonio became involved in grassroots movements to fight for the rights of others.

When New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell began her transition team and took office in May, she tapped Pasquantonio for the position of Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission, a position that was held for more than 20 years by his predecessor Larry Bagneris.

Pasquantonio, a native New Yorker, moved to New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina. With strong ties to his Italian family, they soon followed.

Over the years, Pasquantonio has been involved in fighting and advocating for disability rights with the Advocacy Center of Louisiana. He has a brother with a disability and sees disability rights as part of civil rights. He was Vice Chair of the Louisiana Language Access Coalition (a Latino forum) and has been involved in Forum For Equality. And of course, he participated in the grassroots efforts to get Mayor Cantrell elected.

“I am excited to be in this position and glad to be serving under a mayor who finds it important to engage the community directly,” said Pasquanto-

nio from his 8th floor office in City Hall where the Human Relations Commission is housed.

Much of Pasquantonio’s experiences from his upbringing and his involvement with local organizations has given him the opportunity to see the interconnectedness in the New Orleans community and he is proud of the city’s history of acceptance.

“It’s not just checking off boxes and fighting for one group and then we are going to turn around and fight for another group. It’s really all connected. We are entangled one into another. That’s particularly true of New Orleans, right?”

Pasquantonio, an active member of the LGBTQ+ community, admits that not all people in New Orleans feel a sense of security and belonging, and he want the Commission to be that “opportunity and a voice for everyone.” As an openly gay 9th grader run out of his high school, Pasquantonio knows firsthand the struggles and feelings caused by discrimination and doesn’t want anyone in New Orleans to experience what he did.

“We have to change the tone in this city for everybody,” he said. “Some of our most marginalized residents are treated with complete suspicion and their legal rights are often disregarded. We need to be proactive in making sure people are being treated fairly and we need to set the tone.”

The Human Relations Commission is an office “for the people” and with Pasquantonio’s leadership will also be an office “lead by the people”. On the campaign trail, Cantrell and Pasquantonio often heard, “I love New Orleans, but I don’t think New Orleans loves me back.” Both plan to start changing things that “are the low hanging fruit” that will have maximum effect on people’s lives now.

When the commission meets in July, the agenda will be led “by the people,” according to Pasquantonio. “I am taking time in creating an agenda for the Commission that is generated by the community itself,” he said. “I will not, as Executive Director, be chairing our advisory board meeting. I will be facilitating them. It’s important to have that conversation led by people who are on the ground.” Pasquantonio says that whenever he brings an idea to the Mayor, she always asks, “Where is this bubbling up in the community?”

At St. Mark’s United Methodist on June 23 for the memorial commemo-

The Human Relations Commission is an office “for the people” and with Pasquantonio’s leadership will also be an office “lead by the people”.

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rating the 45th anniversary of the tragic Upstairs Lounge fire, Mayor Cantrell announced a newly created LGBTQ+ Task Force that will be lead by the Commission. Pasquantonio shared his thoughts with me prior to that announcement.

“My focus as Executive Director is not just on my community, but all of our communities. While I am engaging in improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, my focus is going to be on those most marginalized in our own community. Sixty-six percent of the trans community are survivors of sexual assault. Fifty-three percent of hate crimes in the LGBTQ+ community were committed against people of color and that’s just the beginning. If you change one thing about me, my skin color, by some accounts I have a 50% greater chance of getting HIV. For these communities, the house is on fire.”

According to Pasquantonio there are three basic needs that are common among all groups in New Orleans: housing, access to jobs/financial stability, and problem solving/engaging with City Hall.

“The barriers can be different with different people so we have to address the barriers, but the needs are the same. That’s why, in our law, Chapter 86 talks about housing, employment and public accommodations. Those are things we all need.”

The commission has an open door policy but currently someone has to go to City Hall to file a complaint.

Changes are coming that will allow online accessibility through website and social media. People have asked for an increase in enforcement capabilities and open data on the types of complaints filed so they can share that and work closer with groups like Forum For Equality, Women with a Vision or Breakout!. Pasquantonio wants to bring meetings into the community to make the Commission more visible.

“We want to build bridges, want to make connections and be responsive to the community’s needs,” he said.

“Sometimes with the overall community, you have to draw a line and say ‘It’s not cool and you’re going to be punished for [doing] it.’ If you are going to discriminate against the people of the City of New Orleans, you should come to a public hearing and explain why.”

To reach out to Vincenzo Pasquantonio at the Human Relations Commission: email, Vincenzo.

Pasquantonio@nola.gov or call 504658-4023.

Rodney Thoulion is a freelance writer for Ambush Publishing. To contact Rodney for news articles, email him at rthoulion@gmail.com.

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Business Spotlight: EAT New Orleans

by Shane Womack Email: shane@ambushpublishing.com

In Spring 2006, after Hurricane Katrina, Zeringue opened the doors of his restaurant, just a few blocks from the Quarter’s historic gay mecca. Zeringue made it a personal mission to preserve and celebrate the region’s unique culture and traditions through local dishes with a Cajun style.

“We use local seafood and seasonal produce whenever possible to help support the fishing and farming ways of life that are integral to Louisiana culture,” explains Zeringue. “Every day, we strive to create a friendly and comfortable environment that welcomes visitors and appreciates locals.”

EAT features different menus for lunch, dinner and brunch. Reasonable prices and a great staff add to its French Quarter flair, and if you’re looking for casual dining, the restaurant maintains a BYOB policy. It also supports local artists with displays of their work within the space. It’s easy to see why EAT New Orleans has become a New Orleans staple where, whenever you visit and whatever you order, you’ll not be disappointed.

For the last 12 years, when it comes to local authentic New Orleans cuisine, EAT New Orleans has served up a genuine NOLA charm that delights taste buds for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. The simple, yet cozy restaurant, stands on a sunny corner at Dumaine and Dauphine streets. The great location (not far from St. Ann and Bourbon) and welcoming atmosphere help make it a popular spot for locals and a must for anyone visiting the French Quarter. It will quickly become one of your favorite places to dine.

With its prime corner spot and floorto-ceiling windows, this homey restaurant is well-known for its local farmto-table dishes, serving a spectacular variety of Cajun, Creole and other New Orleans favorites done right; the Fried Chicken is an especially popular dish you’ll want to try, though its menu full of yummy options will not make your entree decisions easy. And don’t forget dessert--the bread pudding is something you’ll want to save room for.

EAT New Orleans is owned and operated by Jarred Zeringue, a South Louisiana native architect-turned-chef.

EAT New Orleans

The Double Play

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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 · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

Remembering James “Jay” Lamont Sewell 1948 - 2018

Jay, as he was affectionately known, passed from this world on Friday, June 22, 2018, following a long illness.

He had survived cancer surgery in 1997 to spend an additional two decades with his loving partner in life, Michael T. Elias, Esq., owner of the Corner Pocket Bar in New Orleans. The couple spent 35 years together and had cared for three adorable fur babies during their relationship: Callie, Tigger, and Minou.

Jay—a descendant of early Texas and Illinois pioneer families—was born in Austin on December 6, 1948; the family later moved to Corsicana. He is survived by his brother, Jay Hoover Sewell. He was preceded in death by his father, James Carroll Sewell (1912 – 1976), and mother, Janet Hoover Sewell (1918 – 1975).

Jay was the longtime daytime bartender at the Corner Pocket, where he worked for nearly twenty years (1983 – 2002). He teamed up with beloved local entrepreneur and entertainer Lee (Ms. Fly) Fetherston soon after the bar opened. The two famously performed together, once re-enacting a drag version of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Following Lee’s untimely death, Jay’s partner in life, Michael, purchased the bar in 2001.

Jay was a 1966 graduate of Corsicana High School, where he played drums in the high school band. He attended North Texas State University in Denton and later graduated from beauty school in Dallas.

In the early Seventies, Jay moved to New Orleans, where he initially worked at D.H. Holmes Department Store as a hair stylist to many colorful local personalities.

Family History

Jay’s great-great-grandfather and his father were both highly respected members of the Texas Legislature.

On his mother’s side, his grandfather was the oldest practicing veterinarian in Northern Illinois at the time of his death (1945).

His father, who was blinded during World War II in the Pacific, graduated from the University of Texas School of Law with honors following the war.

His mother was a graduate of the University of Illinois in Geology (1940); during World War II, she worked for Cities Service Oil Co. Jay was born amidst the baby boom. After the war, in 1952, the family moved to Navarro County, Texas. His father was appointed County Judge, and later elected State District Judge, and his younger brother, Jay, was born there in 1955. Jay Hoover Sewell says that his older brother “inherited his Father’s tenacity for living large— and living life on his own terms.”

Memorial Service

A Celebration of Life was held at The Corner Pocket on Sunday, July 1. The Very Rev. Bill Terry, Rector of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, officiated. Any donations to the Louisiana SPCA (https://www.la-spca.org) in Jay’s memory would be appreciated.

Special thanks to Niles Monnin and Matt Downey, Jr., personal caregivers, the entire family at the Corner Pocket for their love and support in difficult times, and to Rev. Bill Terry and St. Anna’s Episcopal Church for their love and support.

Arrangements handled by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home.

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Bullied LGBT Elders

By Jim Meadows, Executive Director, NOAGE Email: info@noagenola.org

“Back in my day we used to kill those faggots.” Those were the chilling words that prompted one man to join the committee that would eventually become NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders). He had been visiting his mother in a local nursing home. One of the residents, a friend of his mother, had just walked away from a congenial conversation with them.

Another nearby male resident who perceived the other man as being effeminate then walked up and said those words to our board member.

Two years ago, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit against a long-term care facility in Illinois on behalf of Marsha Wetzel. Wetzel alleges that when she mentioned to some of her peers at the facility that she was gay, she became the victim of daily verbal harassment, and was even physically assaulted. “I tried to avoid them, but they would seek me out and taunt me. When is it going to stop?” Her case was dismissed by

an Illinois court, but Lambda Legal has appealed to the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The only unusual thing about Wetzel’s case is that she was brave enough to seek outside help when her nursing home ignored what was happening. In a 2010 survey of 769 longterm care residents and their family and friends, there were 853 instances of mistreatment reported, all based on residents’ sexual orientation or gender identity. These included refused admission, abrupt discharge, denial of medical treatment or basic services, refusal to recognize powers of attorney, restriction of visitors, misgendering, verbal harassment, and even physical assaults by staff or fellow residents.

These examples would distress almost anyone, but for those of us who grew up being tormented by bullies in school, and for any of us who have ever hesitated to reveal our sexual orientation or gender identity to a healthcare

Barefoot Wine Launches Rainbow Bestie Labels to Celebrate Pride & Support Outfest New Customizable Wine Labels Feature Fun Compliments for You and Your Bestie to Celebrate Everyone’s Unique Spirit and Individuality Modesto, Calif., June 19, 2018 – In celebration of Pride Month, Barefoot Wine, an ally to the LGBTQ community since 1988, is launching its “Barefoot Bestie Labels,” allowing wine lovers everywhere to customize Barefoot wine labels for them and their best friends to enjoy. Now through September 8, anyone looking to celebrate their best friend or “sole mate” can choose from three varietals – Pinot Noir, Rosé, or Pinot Grigio – to customize their own special rainbow labels through the “Barefoot Bestie Labels.” The website can be found at www.barefootbestielabel.com. Barefoot fans can craft their own special message or select one of six fun compliments for their bestie such as, “You always leave a little sparkle wherever you go” and “You’re made of 100% best friend material.”

Barefoot, America’s most awarded wine and bubbly brand, has been a long-standing ally to the LGBTQ community, making its first donation to an LGBTQ charity in 1988 and proudly sponsoring more than 200 LGBTQ events around the globe each year. For every “Barefoot Bestie Label” ordered, Barefoot will donate $1 to Outfest, the leading organization in promoting equality by creating, sharing, and pro-

tecting LGBTQ stories on the screen.

Proceeds will be used by Outfest to continue building community by connecting diverse populations to discover, discuss, and celebrate stories of LGBTQ lives.

“At Barefoot, we believe that wine is better when we’re together, and we continuously celebrate inclusivity, authenticity and community,” said Anna Bell, Senior Director of Marketing at Barefoot. “We’re thrilled to partner with Outfest to support its many initiatives that celebrate and share Barefoot’s similar values.”

Over the past three decades Outfest has showcased thousands of films from around the world, educated and mentored hundreds of emerging filmmakers and protected more than 20,000 LGBTQ films and videos.

Barefoot® can be found bearing the fun, iconic footprint label. Barefoot has 16 still wine offerings available with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $6 for 750 ml bottles and $11 for 1.5-liter bottles. Barefoot Bubbly® sparkling wine has 11 available offerings with a SRP of $9. Beyond still wine, Barefoot® now offers wine-based spritzer cans made in a fizzy & light wine style with added hints of fruit flavor. Barefoot Spritzer™ has five flavors available 8.4 oz cans, with a SRP of $8 for a four-pack and $2 for singles.

professional, it is truly appalling. Many of us left small communities to create better lives for ourselves. And for good reason. A 2014 study by Columbia University found that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who grew up in anti-gay communities have a life expectancy twelve years shorter than their peers.

Suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular disease were some of the named culprits. Ultimately, bullying can kill.

Imagine it. You survive the childhood bullying. You move to a more accepting place like New Orleans.

You build an authentic life for yourself.

You find a community where you feel validated. You find love. Then, toward the end of your life, you are faced with the knowledge that you may well have to spend your final years in a facility where you could potentially have to relive the trauma that may still haunt you to this day. It’s beyond terrifying.

What is being done about this?

NOAGE provides cultural competency trainings to local healthcare providers.

We began this initiative in January of last year, and we trained over 300 providers in the first year. It’s been a great start, but it’s not nearly enough.

Of all local healthcare providers, we are most eager to train those work-

ing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Unfortunately, those have been some of the hardest to reach.

Although all local nursing homes and assisted living facilities were sent invitations to our provider network launch and our collaborative symposium with Ochsner Pride last year, and I made in-person visits to many of them, very few of their representatives showed up. The same is true of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association and the Louisiana Assisted Living Association.

I get calls asking me which local nursing homes we recommend, and at this point I am not able to confidently recommend many of them for LGBT elders. If any of the facilities have gotten LGBT cultural competency trainings by other individuals or organizations, I am not aware of it.

I need your help. If you know a good point of contact at any local nursing home or assisted living facility, please contact me at (504) 517-2345.

Sometimes knowing the right person makes all the difference. The time for this is now. The LGBT elders who helped build this community are counting on us. And it’s an investment we need to make for our own future.

Beautifully Renovated Historic Cottage 5036 N. Rampart St. ∙ 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1760 SF ∙ $239,000 This recently renovated home offers an expansive patio, ample yard space, off street parking and tons of natural light. Hardwood floors, tall ceilings and crown molding create the authentic Creole Cottage feel while offering an updated open floor plan. The master suite has a large walk-in closet, georgous bath and opens onto the patio. +1 504-777-1773 ∙ Michael.Styles@evusa.com

ENGEL&VÖLKERS MICHAEL STYLES

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

Snap Paparazzi: The Corner Pocket Photos by Jeremy

THE CORNER POCKET

Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!

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

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

At the Captains Party at GrandPre’s

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Moments in Gay New Orleans History: How Labor Day Weekend Became Decadent

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

Southern Decadence began in 1972 with a group of friends who playfully called themselves the “Decadents.” This core group included Michael Evers, his boyfriend David Randolph, Frederick Wright, Maureen and Charlie Block, Robert Laurent, Tom Tippin, Robert King and Robert Gore, Preston Hemmings, Bruce Harris, Kathleen Kavanaugh, David Red, Ed Seale, Judy Shapiro, and Jerome Williams. All were young, mostly in college or recently graduated, and counted among themselves male female, black and white, and gay and straight.

Many people are aware that Southern Decadence began as a going away party for Michael Evers and a welcome party of sorts for Maureen, but what is not as well known is that there were actually two parties. The “Decadents” met regularly at Randolph and Evers’ home in the Treme, which they dubbed, “Belle Reve,” after the plantation Blanche DuBois lost in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Sunday Night Bourre (a popular card game in South Louisiana) and croquet games were a staple of the Decadents’ social life, as was gathering at Matassa’s bar to begin a night of carousing in the Quarter.

As Labor Day approached, Ran-

dolph, who was roughly ten years older than Evers, had to leave town on family business. Wright was returning from Chicago to visit his good friend Evers.

Maureen kept complaining there was nothing to do. School would be starting soon, and an end summer party was in order.

The Decadents planned a costume party on the Sunday before Labor Day. It was a fun party marked by spiked punch and a lot of drug use, especially marijuana and LSD. A few weeks later, Evers left to join Randolph in Michigan. Robert Laurent designed and sent out invitations that encouraged all to come dressed as their favorite Decadent to another party to say goodbye to Evers. About fifty people attended the party.

In 1973, the Decadents decided to have another party on the Sunday before Labor Day. Laurent suggested they all meet at Matassa’s and “parade” back to Belle Reve. This was the second Southern Decadence but the first parade.

The party continued in 1974 with one notable change. The Decadents chose Frederick Wright to lead the parade. This was the beginning of the Grand Marshal tradition.

In Southern Decadence in New

Orleans (LSU Press), Maureen Block, observes, “Frederick simply had to be the first grand marshal. There was no question about it.” Though he did not live in the city, “he would always make time for a stopover in New Orleans for his job travels. Everyone fought to pick him up at the airport. He was the guiding spirit of the group, a natural force.

No one knew what he’d do next, the life of the party, but with a huge heart. Just a lovely man.”

By 1980, the focus of Southern Decadence had shifted from the house party to the parade. In 1981, the Grand Marshal’s Parade began at the Golden Lantern, a tradition that continues today.

Another important tradition began in 1987 when SDGM XV Olive introduced the first official theme. There were no themes in 1988 and 1989, but there has been an official theme every year since 1990. It was also in that year that SDGM XVIII Ruby introduced the first official color.

SDGM XV Miss Love secured the first parade permit in 1997. The first official song was introduced in 2000

by SDGMs XXVIII Tony Langlinais and Smurf; there has been an official song every year since then. SDGMs XXXVIII Toby Lefort and Julien Artressia in-

troduced the first charity; there’s been an official charity every year since then as well. In 2016, SDGMs XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips, Tony Leggio. and Derek Penton-Robichaux introduced the first official shot.

After the advent of the internet in the 1990s, Southern Decadence has grown exponentially in both participants and visitors, as well as in terms of economic impact. Over 300,000 revelers are expected to attend Southern Decadence 2018.

According to Southern Decadence founder and SDGM IV Robert Laurent, “Cheers to Southern Decadence! What began in 1972 as an end-of-summer party among a small group of friends has transformed itself into a Quarter-wide weekend celebration. The first costume party was a farewell to Michael Evers, who was leaving New Orleans. Now, 46 years later, his spirit, wit and sense of frivolity continue, transformed into a celebration of Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

You can learn more about the history of Southern Decadence in a new book, Southern Decadence in New Orleans, by Howard Philips Smith and Frank Perez, forthcoming from the LSU Press.

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

At Caitlin Miner’s Birthday at Flamingo A-Go-Go

At the Lords of Leather Pool Party

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LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory

bars

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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.

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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-

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 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

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.lgbtarchives-

la.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

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.

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

retail/shopping

New Orleans, LA [504] Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave — Pastor Alisan Rowland: New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our weekly Sunday worship services at 10:00 AM, where we celebrate God’s Love for everyone.

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

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 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

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www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 29

New Orleans Party Down

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com

It seems in this city we just move from celebration to celebration; we plan our schedule with the calendar of annual events and then sprinkle new occurrences at random intervals. As Pride ends and June comes to a close, we prepare for Independence Day, Bastille Day, Essence Festival and Tales of the Cocktail. July is already filled with events. Leading up to the start of the second month of Summer, my two weeks were filled with dinners, fundraisers, theater, awards and just a little bit of Decadence.

Theater is one of my passions, and New Orleans has its fair share of regional, community and professional theatre. On Tuesday, I attended the premier of Waitress at the Saenger and it was wonderful. Sara Bareilles’ music and score was phenomenal; I can see why she was nominated for both a Tony and Grammy Award. Following the movie’s storyline, this feelgood musical about empowerment, love and forgiveness was magnificent with a talented cast. It was funny and poignant with an untraditional love sto-

ry which I enjoyed. Before dinner, my friend and I dined at the new French Quarter eatery, Governor. This seafood restaurant and oyster bar has a delicious menu that is affordable. The blasted Brussel sprouts, garlic parmesan chicken and shrimp boil chowder are some of my favorite dishes. Their oyster dishes, both raw and cooked, are amazing especially their bacon-horseradish gratin and brie-androasted garlic ones.

The following day was a pity double header. My company hosted a client party at NOSH called Hosts and Headshots. Clients had food and drink while they had their professional headshot done. This is a great idea for a party. So many people in the professional world do not have a headshot of themselves. If you want to know what to get someone just starting out in their career, professional, headshots are the perfect gift.

Afterwards, I went to the Chicory for the Ilea (International Live Events Association) Award Gala. It was an elegant evening with many people in our

hospitality community and my company was lucky enough to bring home one of the prizes for Best Corporate Event. It was quite an honor to accept this prestigious award and a great high note with which to end the night.

The weekend approached quickly and on Saturday, I attended the Captains’ Royalty Party at GrandPre’s.

This event was hosted by the Krewes of Armeinius and Lords of Leather, but members and supporters of all the gay carnival krewes were invited to attend.

There was food and lots camaraderie at this daytime social that boasted a large crowd.

On Sunday, at Le Petit Theatre, I saw Crowns, a moving and celebratory exploration of history and identity.

It’s told through the eyes of Yolanda, a young African-American teenager who comes down South after her brother is killed, and is introduced to her grandmother’s circle of hat queens. Each hat holds the story of one of life’s joys or struggles, and Yolanda comes to realize that these hats aren’t just fashion statements, but testimonies of sisterhood, all hard-earned “crowns.” The performers in this show were outstanding; each woman had a strong, beautiful voice that had the audience captivated. The cast included Barbara Hunter, Barbara Shorts, Danielle Edinburgh-Wilson, Jarrell Hamilton, Jasmine Johnson and Joanna Hale-McGill.

The following week, the brand new hotel Eliza Jane held a gathering. The Eliza Jane is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The hotel is steeped in New Orleans history, located in a 19th-century building that was formerly the offices of The Daily Picayune newspaper. It is named after Eliza Jane Poitevent, the paper’s first female publisher. The place is gorgeous and has a great bar menu with craft cocktails. I predict this hotel will definitely soon become the newest hot spot for both locals and visitors alike.

In addition to the Eliza Jane, I also was excited to attend the hard hat tour of the new Filmore Music Club located on the second floor of Harrah’s.

Operated by Live Nation (House of Blues) this new 2,200 person music venue will be an incredible addition to our city, filled with original art, vintage concert posters and touches of contemporary and classic New Orleans, when it opens in 2019, The hard hat tour included a sampling of their great new catering menu as well as some delicious craft cocktails.

I ended the day by attending the Southern Decadence Press Party at the Bourbon Pub where this year’s Grand Marshals Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez announced their colors, song and theme. I love them this year, “House of Bourbon - Unleash Your Beast.” They have a killer poster to go along with the theme which you can buy. The colors this year are Royal

Blue and Canary Yellow. I am honored to be part of Adikus’ entourage and our theme is the Manimals. A great drag show preceded the announcement emceed by Aubrey Sinclair. With the excitement and expected size of the crowd, this year is bound to be a banner one.

This weekend was also packed with lots of unique experiences. On Saturday, I went to the Lords of Leather Pool Party and if you haven’t been before, it’s probably one of the raciest ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.

There was food, an open bar and a pool. Clothing was optional at this event so it was definitely hot!

After a quick shower and change, I attended the Krewe of Stars Royalty Showcase. This was a progressive event starting at the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture with a champagne toast and reception for their new king and queen, Mark Davison and the legendary Chris Owens.

After the reception, there was a second line procession to Chris Owens Club for her show. This Bourbon Street icon still wows audiences with one of the liveliest and festive shows on the strip.

Not slowing down, I next went to the birthday dinner celebration for Braddston Delong Church at the restaurant Las Cazuelas Mexican Grill. This unassuming place has some of the best Mexican fare in the city and some pretty awesome cocktail specials. Two margaritas for seven bucks! Keeping the pace going, I ended the night by attending another of my friend’s birthday parties at Flamingo A Go Go, where the restaurant was celebrating National Flamingo Day. Talk about an abundance of pink. The place was packed to the rafters and had live music and drink specials. My favorite libation here is their Frise - it is just sumptuous.

I ended my two weeks on Sunday with Flashback Through The Decades 2, a NOAGE fundraiser hosted by Johnny Passion at GrandPre’s.

Johnny along with her wife Cat Gaither presented this entertaining show that had drag queens performing songs from the current decade all the way back to the 1950’s. Everyone had an amazing time as they relived the music through the ages (my favorite was the eighties) with Ava Gina, Natasha Sinclair, Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Analia XO, Solitaire, just to name a few. This successful event raised over $2,000 for the NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders). Thank you Mist and Cat for always being a shining light in our community.

After the show, I did something a very rarely do, go to the movies. I am a Netflix sort of guy because people just do not know how to act in the movies anymore. They can’t stay off their phone and they can’t keep quiet.

I mean I do not care who you are, you are not that important in life that you

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

cannot live without your phone for two hours. And if you are that important, stay the hell home and do not go to the movies. Oh and shut up. Your commentary does not add to my movie going experience. Okay, rant over.

So I very rarely go to the movies, except to the one in Canal Place where it is adults only (over 21). But against my better judgement, my friends convinced me to go to the Westbank to see Jurassic World 2: Fallen Kingdom. I am a sucker for dinosaur movies. I mean they are all kinds of crazy fun, even if they are bad, they are still entertaining. As expected, the people of the Westbank do not know how to behave in a movie theatre, but even they could not ruin this awesome flick.

I do not care what the critics say, this movie was edge-of-your-seat escapism. I see the trilogy forming now after this movie ended. If you want a good distraction for two plus hours, this movie has enough “dinosaur eating stupid human” action to keep anyone’s mind off the problems occurring in the real world.

On that note, until next time, enjoy these hot days and party down!

Mayor Cantrell Creates LGBTQ+ Task Force

by Frank Perez

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recently announced the formation of a Task Force led by the Human Relations Commission to focus on the needs of LGBTQ+ communities of color and the transgender community of New Orleans.

“We recognize that deep disparities exist within the LGBTQ+ community itself,” said Mayor Cantrell, who announced the Task Force at an interfaith memorial service at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. The service marked the 45th anniversary of the Up Stairs Lounge fire that led to 32 deaths. “The concerns of our most marginalized residents can often be overlooked even within the LGBTQ+ movement as a whole.”

The Office for Victims of Crime has reported that as much as 66 percent of the transgender community has survived a sexual assault. Data on HIV rates show much higher rates of contraction between LGBTQ+ people of color than their white cisgender counterparts. Further, about half of hate

crimes against the LGBTQ+ community were against people of color. Most indicators suggest that those living in the City of New Orleans face even greater inequities.

The Human Relations Commission’s Task Force will work to address the following recommendations: Currently, no coordinated strategy exists within City or State government that seeks to specifically address the challenges faced by the most marginalized segments of LGBTQ+ residents.

The Task Force will be comprised of residents who are currently on the ground doing the work to help these populations. The Task Force will be driven and led by representatives of the communities who are most vulnerable.

The challenges faced by marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community are unique, urgent and often life-threatening. While it is important to create a forum to discuss these challenges, the work of this Task Force should lead to concrete policy recom-

mendations that are actionable.

The Human Relations Commission will provide a critical link between the Task Force and the Administration.

Mayor Cantrell recommends that the Commission coordinate and oversee the work of the Task Force by: Seating members of the Task Force by producing a list of possible candidates for the Commission’s approval; Ensuring that the Task Force produces actionable recommendations; Calling a public hearing of the Commission to hear the Task Force’s final report; Submitting findings to the Commission upon completion of the work of the Task Force; Strategizing ways to implement approved recommendations.

“We hope that announcing this initiative will send a powerful message of care and concern for these communities, and to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole,” Mayor Cantrell said.

CrescentCare Receives Sizable HRSA Grant to Expand Health Care for Black Men’s Community Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded the community health center with $300,000 a year for three years to enhance health outcomes & reduce HIV rates for black men in the New Orleans area.

CrescentCare, a local healthcare provider, will be awarded $900,000 from the federal agency HRSA as a measure to reach, retain, and improve the care of black men across New Orleans. This Special Projects of National Significance grant-funded program focuses specifically on young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). The funds will be administered for three years wherein $300,000 will be provided each year. CrescentCare is one of only seven recipients of this grant na-

tionally.

CrescentCare provided a strong case for its eligibility for this funding, since solid infrastructure in reaching the YBMSM community is already in place. The Movement is a program of the agency which has existed since CrescentCare was known as the NO/ AIDS Task Force, and provides a social outlet, peer support, a dropin space, and routine free testing for young black men, among other supportive services.

The testing and treatment aspect of these programs is a main focus both for CrescentCare and for HRSA. HIV rates continue to be at epidemic proportions in New Orleans (and across Louisiana), and HIV disproportionately affects communities of color. Stigma,

low income, lack of sexual education, and apprehension about healthcare environments all factor into these health disparities.

“This is great news for us, and it couldn’t come at a better time. There are advances being made every day in HIV care, but black men continue to be vulnerable when it comes to health problems across the board. With this kind of support, we’ll be changing lives,” says Lauren Gauthier, project manager for the Movement.

Regular testing, linkage to healthcare for people diagnosed with HIV, and rigorous prevention through condom availability and PrEP (a once-daily pill that has proven to be over 90% effective at preventing HIV) are all major tenets of this program. A consid-

erable part of the grant will be a provision to offer affirming and culturally appropriate behavioral health services to YBMSM. Noel Twilbeck, CrescentCare CEO remarks: “We want to step past simply saying that everyone is welcome at CrescentCare and prove it. This grant will help get young men of color into our doors, where they’ll find an affirming environment and high-quality care.

Healthcare settings can be intimidating, but we’re dedicated to welcoming our whole community. HRSA’s support is instrumental in this effort.”

For more information regarding the Movement, check them out at themovementnola.org or visit CrescentCare.org for more news about CrescentCare’s programs.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

Trodding the Boards

by Brian Sands Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Historical Musical Train Tour at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park through November

Looking for something different to do this summer? Then get a ticket for Historical Musical Train Tour. Its title may be clunky, but it does describe it accurately. And regardless of its name, this new show offers a thoroughly delightful and edifying way to spend 45 minutes in City Park.

Produced by Friends of City Park, Historical Musical Train Tour (HMTT) begins in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park where you board the miniature train that normally gives briefer tours of the Park. It pays to get there about 15 minutes before your scheduled show time to insure a front row seat in one of the cars. Otherwise, you might be a bit cramped as the trains have kid-sized dimensions.

Watch your head getting in and out, too.

Once the train pulls out, though, HMTT delivers education coated in pleasing tunes and unpretentious dia-

log as you get to see about one tenth of the Park’s 1,300 acres and learn of its 2,000 years of history, 164 if you’re counting just from its official establishment.

A rotating cast of three presents tales of European explorer Robert de la Salle, who discovered the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1682 but, later, couldn’t find it again, and the Le Moyne brothers, Iberville and Bienville, whose rediscovery of it stuck; Bienville would go on to found New Orleans in May 1718.

What we now know as City Park became, in the late 1700s, the Allard Plantation which John McDonough later acquired at a tax sale. He then willed the original tract to the City to “benefit the children of New Orleans.” Well, not all children; the Park remained segregated until 1958, a disgraceful fact that Andrew Larimer’s script doesn’t sugarcoat.

The Park’s sylvan land was used for coffee-drinking, and cattle-grazing until folks complained about the cow pies those cattle left behind. A shady mortgage deal also figures in the history. Big surprise in this town, eh?

Whitney Mixon, Alex Martinez Wallace, Tracy Norwood in Historical Musical Train Tour HMTT brings the Park’s history up Mixon enlivened the list song Critto the present with the devastating imters with true enthusiasm for the Park’s pact Hurricane Katrina had on it; floodamazing variety of animals, insects, waters covered 95% of the Park and birds and fish that it details. caused $43 million worth of damage.

Wallace acted out all those creaFortunately, 7,500 trees have since tures inventively and, in his Bayou Mebeen planted to replace the 2,000 that tairie number, made the Park’s histowere lost. ry appealing to everyone. Who knew And what trees they are! City Park were it not for a ridge created by the has the largest collection of registered Mississippi River there’d be no trees Live Oaks in the world, including the there and hence no City Park?

850-year-old McDonough Oak. Too Norwood’s crystalline voice conoften most of us probably take these veyed old-fashioned charm in We trees for granted; HMTT encourages Danced The Peristyle as well as, along you to appreciate them as the magnifwith Mixon and Wallace, the humor of icent creatures they are akin to tusked Hey Hart, Let’s See Some Art about elephants or inspiring rock formations NOMA. or even sculptural masterpieces.

(Rebeckah Gordon-Kirk, Dylan Larimer’s book neatly ties all these Hunter, and Ronald James Joseph, factoids together, apportioning segwho also serves as Music Director, are ments out to the history, animals, and the other Tour Guides.) plants of the Park, as well as some of To say Sean Patterson’s direction its more noteworthy structures such as was invisible is meant as praise as he the Peristyle (1907) and the Museum kept everything appropriately straightof Art (1911). He successfully avoids forward, moved things along smoothly, any pedantry, keeping things pitched and found just the right overall tone for at a level kids can comprehend but the show. The excellent sound design still engaging adults. While I might of Catalyst Event Solutions’ Earl Lenhave thought that the Dueling Oaks nie III allowed the train’s passengers to would merit a section of their own--with hear all words and music. some sword (“En garde!”) or pistol play Though I had once long ago taken (“Ready, aim, fire!”)--it could be that the train ride during the Christmas in their location, towards the end of the the Oaks celebration, doing so during train’s route, precluded this. the daytime was tremendous fun and Paul Soniat’s score of eight songs permitted me to see the Park clearly fits the bill beautifully, at times refrom new perspectives. Not only did minding me of some of Schoolhouse we pass by a variety of the Park’s founRock’s more memorable numbers. tains, but there were ducks, bluebirds, From the welcoming opener Take a and butterflies along the way as well as Little Ride to the Cajun-influenced bicyclists, birthday parties, and folks in swamp pop of I’m a Live Oak Tree and hammocks in some of those oak trees. the ballad The Park Is For All, Soniat And while those glistening shirtless provides lovely music and fitting lyrics. bodies playing volleyball distracted a I look forward to hearing more of his bit from the show, that lasted only a work. minute. Or two.

At the performance (ride?) I atAs one of the lyrics says “I think we tended, the “Tour Guides” were Whitall need a little culture now and then.” ney Mixon, Tracy Norwood and Alex Whether in a theater or a train car in Martinez Wallace. Each brought an City Park, I’ll give that a hearty “Toot affable presence and bodacious talent toot!” to HMTT.

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Jock Strap Lube Wrestling at The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret, monthly

If a historical musical train tour in a park isn’t different enough to suit you, how about some jock strap lube wrestling? Should that be more of a match for you, then head over to The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret where drag queen extraordinaire Neon Burgundy hosts the monthly incarnation of Jock Strap Lube Wrestling (JSLW) and, if you want to have a chance to win $100 cash, you can enter the contest yourself as all the wrestlers come directly from the audience. Jock straps are even provided should you have left yours at home.

Under the cotton clouds that dangle from the AllWays’ ceiling, the magisterially chic yet stern Neon Burgundy started a recent JSLW just after midnight bantering gaily with the eclectic and very cool crowd that packed the venue.

Wrestling matches would alternate with drag performances beginning with Cree D’angelo who commanded the stage with her fabulously dramatic goth genderf*ck elegance.

With a nod to our equality times, the matches commenced with a male/ female match-up which slim but tenacious Andrew won handily.

A three-way followed with the diminutive butch femme Dakota, tattooed Andy, and “#3” a drag queen colleague of Neon Burgundy about whom she caustically observed “shame she doesn’t put [her sassiness] into her art.”

Some serious wrestling followed with Andy deservedly declared the winner.

The next performer was big and blonde Gayle King Kong whose mashup of I’m Coming Out, I’m So Excited and other bouncy songs alternated with sounds of choking or flatulence.

Bizarre? Yes. Imaginative? Absolutely.

I liked it. A lot.

In the next round, Dakota easily picked off #3, and Andrew upset the larger Andy though they expressed love, or at least lust, for each other afterwards.

Appearing very fashionable in a little black dress and black cape, Miss Dede Onassis continued the performances and merely had to open her clutch for tips. It was quickly stuffed.

Now I would have thought that Andrew was the winner, and that Andy and Dakota would be fighting it out for second place. But what do I know of JSLW rules? So it was Andrew and Dakota in the final and after a 45-second match that was truly too close to call, Neon Burgundy declared that a 20-second rematch would decide the outcome.

The combatants were given a chance to rest up as Neon Burgundy rendered a stylish version of Reach Out And Touch a la Patti Labelle. They then met in an ultimate battle. Andrew

seemed to win the match, but Dakota then won the audience vote and went home with $100. Fair enough, but, IMHO, the criteria for winning should have been spelled out as Andrew certainly had earned the money based on wrestling skills alone.

But c’est la vie as Neon Burgundy and her krewe, including Noah who did a great job on lights and sound, dished up an undisputedly amazing entertainment.

JSLW’s claim that “There’s nothing quite like it in town!” speaks truth.

Keep your eyes open for its next occurrence so you can experience, or enter, it yourself.

Talkback at The Wein Jazz & Heritage Center through July 8

Talkback, a new play by Christopher Kaminstein and Andrew Larimer that The NOLA Project is presenting at The Wein Jazz & Heritage Center for its final weekend, is a sendup of those sometimes interesting, sometimes tedious post-show discussions during which audience members ask questions of a play’s cast and other constituents of its artistic team.

I have one question myself, “Why?” It’s not that such events aren’t ripe for satire. But the play that’s the subject of the talkback, a piece of pretentious avant-garde drivel (we see its preposterous final scene), makes a too easy target; its cast members erupt into personal recriminations and petty bickering that strain credulity for such a setting; and, though some passages appreciatively touch on the purpose and necessity of theater, there’s a whiff of smugness as the authors seem to look down on their characters, a rather cliched assortment (the perky ingenue, the dim-witted stud, the sweet gay guy, the egotistic director).

This is doubly disappointing as both Kaminstein and Larimer are skilled writers (Goat in the Road’s The Stranger Disease seen earlier this season and Historical Musical Train Tour (see above), respectively) and veteran theater hands. Certainly, they include some knowing touches, as when the play-within-the-play’s director keeps turning questions back on the audience member who asked them, but more such specifics and wittier observations are needed for a fully effective lampoon.

In a puzzling vein are repeated favorable references to such golden oldies as West Side Story, Death of a Salesman, and A Streetcar Named Desire as the ne plus ultra in dramaturgy. Coming from these 20- and 30-something characters, I would’ve expected mentions of, say, Assassins, The Lieutenant of Inishmore or Mr. Marmalade, any of which would’ve added another meta layer to the proceedings as each have been trium-

Neon Burgundy at The AllWays Lounge phantly produced by The NOLA Project.

And shoehorning in a retro drag number smacks of mere laziness. If Kaminstein and Larimer want to make a more cogent statement regarding drag, which one character says “is the new theater now,” they should check out a Neon Burgundy show to discover other, more compelling options by which to present this.

Interestingly, Kaminstein and Larimer have structured the play with questions asked by actual audience members who must fill in some blanks in the queries a la Mad Libs. While a clever idea, the cast parried these questions, some sharper or more topical than others, with such well-integrated ad-libs, before returning to the actual script, that the purpose of the improvisations never really registered.

Director Beau Bratcher gets all the

rhythm of the script’s words right, his staging is apt, and his pacing carries things along. I’d expect nothing less from him. But he could’ve challenged the playwrights to bring their script into more trenchant form as this concept has much potential.

The entire cast, all fine actors (AshleyRose Bailey, Torey Hayward, Levi Hood, Ashley Ricord Santos, Nick Shackleford, Janet Shea, and Anna Toujas as the mostly silent stage manager), wholly inhabit their somewhat silly characters and manage to make even the more ludicrous moments seem natural.

So if you just want some very light-hearted summer entertainment, there are worse ways of spending 70 minutes than at Talkback. Still, I’d opt for the train tour or lube wrestling for a little summertime fun.

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

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

At the Southern Decadence Press Announcement Party at the Bourbon Pub

At the Southern Decadence Press Announcement Party at the Bourbon Pub

34 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 July 3 - 16, 2018 路 Official Southern Decadence Guide 路 www.SouthernDecadence.com

Concerned About Healthcare Expenses in Retirement? How HSAs Can Help

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

Healthcare costs are a significant concern for many Americans, particularly for those approaching retirement.

One increasingly popular way to manage medical expenses is to save into a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you have access to an HSA, read on for details on how you may use it to optimize your healthcare savings.

The fundamentals of using HSAs In order to have access to an HSA, you generally must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no other form of health coverage. Medicare participants cannot make HSA contributions. High deductible health plans require you to make larger out-of-pocket payments to meet the plan’s deductible amount. The minimum deductible is $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family. The total out-of-pocket maximum (including deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance, but not premiums) can be as high as $6,650 for an individual and $13,300 for a family.

Since HDHP plans come with larger up-front costs, they generally offer a

HSA to help participants manage their medical expenses. In 2018, individuals can contribute up to $3,450 annually to their HSA while families (two or more covered under the same plan) can make an annual contribution of up to $6,900. Contributions can either be made on a regular basis (such as monthly deposits into your account), at various times during the year or even all at once. All HSA contributions for 2018 must be made by April 15, 2019, the tax filing deadline.

The advantages of using HSAs HSAs offer three key benefits.

First, they provide a flexible source of savings to cover a variety of out-ofpocket qualifying medical expenses.

Examples include prescription drugs, x-rays, urgent care, dental care, eyeglasses, eye surgery, or even your insurance deductible. Check with your tax professional or visit irs.gov/formspubs/about-publication-969 to learn what expenses you can cover with an HSA. The second benefit HSAs provide is a tax-efficient source of funds. With

an HSA, you can: • Deduct the value of any contributions to an HSA from your income taxes, even if you don’t itemize deductions; • Exclude from your income any contributions made to your HSA by your employer; • Accumulate earnings (interest, etc.) on savings in the account on a taxfree basis; and • Receive tax-free distributions to pay for qualified medical expenses.

The third key feature of HSAs is that the money doesn’t have to be spent by a specific deadline. Funds can continue to accumulate in the account and be used at a later date, including retirement. The longer you contribute to a HSA, the more likely it is that you will accumulate meaningful savings which you can invest in other areas.

A retirement supplement Keep in mind that once you retire (and reach at least age 65), you can enroll in Medicare to help cover your heath expenses. Be aware that you will still need to pay premiums, including for Part B, the Part D prescription drug plan and Medicare supplemental insurance policies. In addition, Medi-

care generally doesn’t cover long-term care expenses, so you may need to purchase some form of long-term care coverage. Visit medicare.gov/coverage/prescription-drugs-outpatient.html to see a list of what costs are covered.

Your HSA savings are available for you to use on a tax-free basis to pay Medicare-related premiums and even to pay premiums for long-term care insurance. This is in addition to other qualified out-of-pocket expenses you may face in retirement.

Tax-free access to dedicated healthcare savings can give you peace of mind in retirement. If you already contribute to an HSA or are considering enrolling in a high deductible health plan, consider working with a financial advisor and tax advisor who can help you evaluate what the account could mean for your financial situation.

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.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

Commentary: The Bible: Republican Cherry-Picked Version by Frank Perez Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions recently quoted the Bible in a pathetic attempt to justify the Trump Administration’s immigration policy of separating children from their parents.

Republican politicians claim to love the Bible and self-righteously proclaim it guides not only their personal lives but also their public policy positions.

Such assertions are, of course, horseshit.

Consider this short list of Bible verses that Republicans routinely ignore: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”— Matthew 25:35 “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”—Proverbs 14:31 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” — Matthew 6:24 “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not

harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother.” — Deuteronomy 15:7 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”—Mark 10:25 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’.”—Hebrews 13.5 “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”— Luke 10:9 “Judge not, that ye be not judged.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”—Matthew 7:1-2 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”—Matthew 5:9 “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”—1 John 3:17 “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you, They have their

reward.”—Matthew 6:5 Why don’t Republican politicians pass laws based on these verses? Because they’re hypocritical assholes. If the leaders of today’s GOP had been at the Sermon on the Mount, they would have told Jesus, “You can’t feed these people. That will destroy their incentive to work.”

It’s a terrible idea, and unconstitutional as well, to base law on the Bible.

If Republican leaders didn’t cherry-pick

the Bible, slavery would still be legal and eating shrimp and crawfish would be illegal. And brides who were not virgins would be stoned to death on their wedding night.

Republican politicians hypocritically exploit the Bible to appeal to uninformed voters. That’s what happens when half the population believes in ridiculous myths dreamt up by ignorant goat herders in the Bronze Age.

Finding Peace

by Pastor Allie Rowland, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO) Email: alisan.rowland42@gmail.com Website: www.mccneworleans.com

If you talk to Marilyn (Lyn) LeBlanc, she’ll tell you about how Ferris saved her from an accident when she was a toddler who had fallen out of a baby buggy. Recently. she’s shared her story with many people, about how growing up in a family of 13 children, Ferris helped to raise her. But then Ferris, after leaving California, died in the Upstair’s Lounge Fire 45 years ago in New Orleans. For decades, Lyn didn’t even know her brother had died or how to find him. And now her family’s quest is to locate Ferris’ remains, so that they can have some closure.

I heard Lyn’s story after a screening of Robert Camina’s documentary Upstairs Inferno which tells the story of the fire from the point of view of survivors, first responders, and Metropolitan Community Church clergy who arrived afterwards to offer comfort (including the founder of our denomination Rev. Troy Perry). My heart was moved by what this family has been through. I spoke to Ferris’ nephew, Skip Bailey, after the screening and he explained to me that they had tried to visit the site where Ferris’ remains were, but found the entryway barred, and were told they could not take any videos or pictures of the site. Maybe it was because of my years of work as a spiritual counselor with hospice, but learning this angered me.

And that’s how I ended up standing in a field with Ferris LeBlanc’s family and Frank Perez (president of the LGBT+ Archives in New Orleans), trying to surmise where Ferris’ unmarked grave might be. As I stood there on a scorchingly hot day surveying the unkempt field of weeds next to a falling down tenement covered in graffiti, next to a row of porta potties, I couldn’t help but think of my father’s own resting place in the cemetery for veterans in Riverside, California, with his plaque, the beautifully manicured lawns, and regular groundskeepers. All of this giving me the knowledge that even when I am far away, people care for and respect my father’s remains. I never thought that mattered to me much, since I believe his soul is in a place of

eternity with God, but when I saw the condition of Ferris’ resting place, my heart ached for his family. When I have visited my father’s gravesite, I am given a map and given every courtesy. I wish this had been the experience for Ferris’ family, but it wasn’t.

For any of you who have lost someone, you know how meaningful it can be for families to have a place to visit, to know that their loved one’s remains have been respected. Grief is a long process, and sometimes knowing that, when you miss someone the most, you can return to some part of them, brings comfort.

As Lyn and I stood in the field together, and as she told me stories about Ferris, a monarch butterfly flew towards us, hovering nearby and then flitting away. We watched it, almost catching our breaths, feeling as if we’d had a sign that Ferris knew we were there, honoring his life. Lyn shared with me that she’s written a few poems for Ferris, and that it had been meaningful to be able to share those with friends in California. For a moment as Lyn, her husband Jerry, and I prayed for Ferris, that unkempt field felt a little more sacred. But this family deserves so much more; they deserve to be able to care for Ferris’ remains just as any family would want to do for their loved ones.

They would like Ferris LeBlanc to be buried in California with the military honors he deserves from his service in WWII. I’m grateful to Frank Perez, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and our clergy and community allies, as our interfaith memorial service provided some healing for Ferris’ family.

Their quest, however, will not be complete until they are able to locate Ferris. Frank Perez and a few other allies have been helping this family, and now MCC of New Orleans will join their efforts.

For those of us at MCC of New Orleans, those who died in the Upstairs Fire were our members, family and friends, and we will always remember them. May all those who are still grieving continue to find comfort and peace.

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Book Review: The Feminist Revolution

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

The Feminist Revolution: The Struggle for Women’s Liberation. Bonnie J. Morris and D-M Withers. 2018.

Smithsonian Books. 224 pages. $34.95.

This book is a collection of essays, oral histories and illustrations that chronicle the Feminist Movement in the late twentieth century.

Beginning with the auspicious founding of the National Organization for Women in 1966, at a time when women across the world were mobilizing individually and collectively in the fight to assert their independence and establish their rights in society, the book traces a path through political campaigns, protests, the formation

of women’s publishing houses and groundbreaking magazines, and other events that shaped women’s history.

It examines women’s determination to free themselves from definition by male culture, wanting not only to “take back the night” but also to reclaim their bodies, their minds, and their cultural identity. It demonstrates as well that the feminist revolution was enacted by women from all backgrounds, of every color, and of all ages and that it took place in the home, in workplaces, and on the streets of every major town and city. This sweeping overview of the key decades in the feminist revolution also brings together for the first time many of these women’s own unpublished

stories, which together offer tribute to the daring, humor, and creative spirit of its participants.

In addition to an excellent exploration of how feminism in the 1960s dovetailed with the struggle for African-American civil rights, the book addresses the reclamation of women’s bodies and healthcare, workplace equality, sexuality, the politics of war, and even music. The text is enhanced by visual illustrations of buttons, campaign posters, stamps, and other representations.

This book is essential reading for forward-thinking progressives and should eventually be a cornerstone of the Resistance Canon.

Bonnie J. Morris taught women’s history for 22 years at both George Washington University and Georgetown, and is now a lecturer in the Gender and Women’s Studies Department at UC-Berkeley. She is the award-winning author of 14 books. D-M Withers is a writer, researcher, curator and publisher, who is currently Research Fellow at the University of Sussex.

D-M’s recent publications include Feminism, Digital Culture and the Politics of Transmission: Theory, Practice and Cultural Heritage, which won the 2016 Feminist and Women’s Studies Association Book Prize.

Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with TJ & Friends At Boomtown Drag Brunch

At the 45th Anniversary Memorial of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

A Community within Communities: ENOUGH!

by The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org I and others from St. Anna’s gathered at St. Mark’s on Rampart for the 45th anniversary of the Upstairs Lounge Fire to pay tribute to the losses of that terrible evening and to rejoice in what progress we have since made.

The gathering was sweetness personified. People sang, prayers were said, memorials offered, and a community was gathered. No matter if you are Christian, Jew, believer or not it was a great evening service. The march too was a tribute to the progress made since then.

I am also mindful of the role that Fr. Bill Richardson played in that sad moment in our collective history. On the Monday after the fire, St. George’s Episcopal Church held a memorial service with 40 or 50 people in attendance. Fr. Richardson then received death threats, admonitions from his vestry, and, finally, a strong chastising by his Bishop.

When Fr. Richardson put himself at risk, it was a time that did not look kindly toward the LGBTQ community--an understatement. Yet, today we marry same sex couples, nurture Sunday School with children with two mommies or daddies, and rejoice in it. Things have changed and we must hang on to that change and never go back.

Today, we, as a community, as a nation must take stock in our inclination toward divisions. We must take stock in the arbitrary use of holy scripture to justify genocide, disenfranchisement, marginalization, and prejudice in all of its horrid forms.

This current administration has yet to reflect any sense of holy or spiritual values. From the perspective of a professional holy guy, and religious student, the moral crisis found in our government today stands over and against any real reading of the “holy texts” that

I am familiar with.

Such is this government that I hear the echo of the prophet Jeremiah (22:13) “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and will not give him his wages, “ or even a reasonable minimum wage.

Or, Isaiah (10:1-2) “Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their spoil and plunder the fatherless.” and provide tax relief for the rich and withdrawal of medical access for the poor.

Prophets spoke truth to power.

Prophets in the Hebrew texts reminded the powerful that there was a reckoning for disregard for strangers, visitors, the poor, and the socially weak. That to wield power and divisiveness or to become corrupt would end poorly for them. We have had prophets in our modern age, Harvey Milk, Dr. King, Gandhi, and so many others.

Romans 13 was recently used to justify the abysmal and unholy separation of families. Paul’s letter to the Romans has been so often used to justify governments’ behaviors. I take little comfort that when Romans 13 is trotted out, the worst in government has surfaced. So it is in this day and age. But was Paul the Roman Citizen that his letter would indicate? Was Paul subservient to the desire of Emperor Nero? Do we skim over it with disdain, reading only his call for obedience to secular authority?

Perhaps Paul was deluded, but in a careful reading of the text certain social contracts become apparent. These contracts are based on the ancient Hebrew ideals of justice and equity in law and by rule. Factually, “The Law”

did not always get that right, but nonetheless that was the heart of the law.

“Love the Lord your God with all that you have. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Implicitly in Romans 13 is the obligation of the State to act with justice, to care for the people and to rule with harmony and grace. “ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong” Rm 13:3 Explicitly the expectation is that rulers will protect the innocent and punish those who do harm. Does this sound like Trump?

“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.” Rm 13:4 Again the expectation is that rulers seek to do good and not harm. Paul talks about paying taxes to run a government that implicitly serves the people. Does this sound like Trump? Or does this even sound like our Government in general? At the end of the day Paul got this one wrong. Or, at the very least he did not add necessary caveats about the moral obligations of the State and those under the authority of the State.

Paul ended up being killed by the very state that he asked his people to serve. Perhaps Paul was afraid for the newly forming Christians and wanted them to avoid conflict with the state as a survival mode. Some of the Jews tried that in Europe before WWII and it did not work then as it hadn’t in Paul’s time. Rancor and divisiveness is the tool of tyrants. “Blame them, blame them all for all evil upon us!” So often we find that we are them.

Self-interest seems to be the nomenclature of our leadership - at least for the better part. It is antagonistic to all that is holy to reject those seeking asylum. It is unholy to forget mass shootings over time and to move to the next issue while continuing with policies of gun ownership that go beyond any reasonable Constitutional guarantee. Gun control is still an issue even though we haven’t had a mass shooting in the past six weeks.

It is unholy to ignore the eroding environment so that we can hyper-in-

dustrialize to “make American great again.” It is unholy to withhold reasonable medical access to our entire population affording “some of the best medical expertise in the world” for only those that can afford it. It is unholy for any economic system to gather wealth and to contrive laws and taxes that will accelerate the gathering of wealth in as little as 20% of the population let alone 1% of the population.

“Currently, the richest 1% hold about 38% of all privately held wealth in the United States. while the bottom 90% hold 73% of all debt.” Wikipedia On a recent NPR show a caller spoke about the “tone and text” of what Trump says. A respondent said that we need to overlook the rhetoric and look at Trump’s policies. NO, his rhetoric is important. What we say matters. How we say things matter. His misogyny is a sin because it degrades. It mattered when Bill Clinton degraded women and it still matters. Trump’s abrasive confrontational style gives permission for everyone to be confrontational in the worst possible manner. No, what he says matters, how he says it matters, and it is abysmal. Equally his policies matter. Certain policies of his create new social contracts and define us.

His record stands over and against the hospitality and care demanded in Torah, Christian Bible, and Koran. There is not enough space to list singularly or collectively the unholy presidency and those who support these works.

Enough is enough! Pick a sin. Pick urban violence or poverty. Pick inequality for LGBTQ community or workers.

Pick childhood poverty in America.

Pick immigration issues that bar people seeking a roof, and fleeing from fear and violence. Pick American workers who no longer have Unions with strength to give voice to a real living wage or better yet to “Right to Work” laws that prohibit collective bargaining.

Pick continuing racism and racial injustice. Pick one and act on it tenaciously, diligently, with a holy vengeance against unholy policies and leadership.

Pick one, at least, or we may lose what we have...and our humanity.

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · July 3 - 16, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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