Ambush Magazine Volume 37 Issue 20

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTHâ„¢

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 37 ISSUE 20

TUESDAY, September 24, 2019

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

Gay History, National Bullying-Prevention Month & Pre-Oktoberfest

THE “OFFICIAL” DISH

by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, Are you over your Southern Decadence hangover yet? Do you wish Southern Decadence happened every weekend? Well, don’t worry as there are plenty of events over the holidays to keep you busy and entertained. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead you can mark you calendar now for Southern Decadence 2020. Next year Southern Decadence will be from Thursday, September 3 through Monday, September 7th. And you can always check out SouthernDecadence. com for more information as Labor Day 2020 approaches.

As we move from September to October, it’s obvious in any store you enter that Halloween will soon be here.

Halloween is always a fun time in New Orleans, a city known for voodoo and its love of costumes. And in New Orleans and along the Gulf South, Halloween has become an event for adults and children alike.

This year, Ambush will once again produce the Official Gay Halloween Guide with a full list of parties, events, performers and more! There is always something for everyone in New Orleans during Halloween. And of course, the big event of the weekend is the Halloween New Orleans (HNO) party which is a fundraiser for Project Lazarus. The HNO Saturday Night party this year will be at The Filmore

and the theme is Hallowdays! For more information you can visit HalloweenNewOrleans.com.

BIG FREEDIA HEADLINES THE WALK TO END HIV The Chevron Walk to End HIV will be held on September 28th at Woldenberg Park along the river next to the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas. The walk begins at 10am and helps to raise awareness of HIV in our community and raise much needed funds for CrescentCare - NO/AIDS Task Force. There are currently over 3,500 people in our community who receive HIV services from CrescentCare.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ/ Dance hit artist Synes and the headliner will once again be Big Freedia. We hope to see everyone at the walk on September 28th. For more information go to endhivnola.com.

take place on Saturday, October 19th from 11 am to 6 pm at Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi, MS. The day will be filled with music, food, activities for kids, shopping and drag entertainers.

For more information please visit gulfcoastequalitycouncil.org The Krewe of Narcissus will be hosting their 3rd Annual Hookers Ball on Saturday, November 2, from 5 to 8 pm at Crossing. There will be food, entertainment and a 50/50 raffle. Costumes are encouraged so come as your favorite hooker, pimp or heaux!

Find out who will be named Queen of the Hookers Ball 2019. All proceeds will benefit the Krewe of Narcissus Ball V on January 25, 2020.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS There is a benefit for Winter Wonderland VIII at Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday, October 1 from 8 to 11 pm. There will be food and entertainment at this event. All funds raised

by Winter Wonderland this year will be donated to PFLAG New Orleans and St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. Buffa’s is located at 1001 Esplanade Ave. Equality Fest 2019, presented by the Gulf Coast Equality Council, will

Inside this Issue of Ambush Community Announcements

6

Arts & Culture

14

Health & Wellness

34

Hot Happenings Calendar

36

Business & LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory

48

Comics, Puzzles & Horoscopes

54

Sports

56

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana | info@ambushpublishing.com | (504) 522-8049

H N S A R C A E RA T X E

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™

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION

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

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & EVENTS Chris Leonard SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Adam Radd, Brian Sands, Catherine Roland, Charles Pizzo, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Kevin Assam, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Robert Fiesler, Ryan Rockford, Scot Billeaudeau, Tony Leggio, & Tyler Rosebush PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Hopkins, Charles Pizzo, Doug Adams, Dwain Hertz, Glenn Melancon, Persona Shoulders, TJ Boudreaux, Tony Leggio

LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf 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. ©1982-2019 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHIf you are looking for additional income, OUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, Apply Now! Send your CV to info@ambushpublishing.com MAPS & PHOTOS. 4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Armeinius Ball to be Held on Friday Before Mardi Gras in 2020 Due to changes in the New Orleans parade schedule, the Krewe of Armeinius has announced that Bal Masque 52 will be held Friday, February 21, 2020, at River City Venues (next to Mardi Gras World – Eastbank).

The Armeinius Ball has traditionally been held on the Saturday before Mar-

di Gras, however, several balls were held on Friday during the 1970s. Established in 1968, the Krewe of Armeinius is the largest and one of the oldest gay Carnival clubs in New Orleans.

Gay Carnival krewes began in the 1950s as an outlet for gay people, who were excluded from participating open-

ly in “official” Carnival, to express their artistry and love of Mardi Gras amongst friends. Originally highly secret organizations, today the Krewe of Armeinius invites the public to share in a unique and ebullient celebration of Mardi Gras.

While most New Orleanians have never attended a gay Carnival ball, they

remain a vibrant and integral part of the city’s Mardi Gras celebration.

Mark your calendar now for a spectacular evening of costumes, entertainment, and satire! Tickets go on sale in mid-October at www.armeinius.org.

The Weekend Soiree to be Held Halloween Weekend This will be the The Weekend Soiree’s second annual weekend retreat and is being billed as “Bedlam in the Big Easy.”

According to the event’s website, The Weekend Soiree “will be a demon-

stration of what we are all about: celebrating queer womxn as we seek physical, intellectual, and creative growth in an exciting and affirming environment. This fall you can explore everything that TWS has to offer in NOLA,

including creatively-focused and fitness-based workshops, professional development sessions, a Queer comedy show, speed dating, a burlesque variety show, our signature Weekender’s Ball, and much more!”

The weekend will feature over 50 events and registration is now open.

For more information, visit https://www. theweekendsoiree.com

Krewe of Narcissus’ 3rd Annual Hookers Ball The Krewe of Narcissus will be hosting its 3rd Annual Hookers Ball at Crossing NOLA (439 Dauphine St.) on Saturday, November 2nd, from 5:00-8:00PM. The current Queen of the Hookers Ball 2018, Angel Chalet, will relinquish her title as the krewe selects and crowns the Queen of the Hookers Ball 2019 from all those in attendance and

in costume. After an evening of entertainment directed by Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Brad Arsenaux and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, one lucky member from the crowd will be crowned.

Scheduled to perform are Krewe President, Hot Toddy; Queen of the Hookers Ball 2017 Wilma Do a.k.a.

Mr. William Antill, our current reigning

SDGM; Queen of the Hookers Ball 2018 Angel Chalet a.k.a. Jon Schmidt; and there will be special guest performances by Anita Rich-Goodman, and feature performances by Mistress Monica Synclaire-Kennedy.

There will be food, fun, and a 50/50 Raffle with a bunch of Hookers, Hustlers, Pimps, and Heauxs! This is a “dress your part” costume affair.

Four tables are available for reserved seating, at a cost $100 in advance. Single admission bar seating is $15 in advance from any Krewe member.

All proceeds to benefit the Krewe of Narcissus Ball V, which will be on January 25, 2020 at the New Orleans Ladies Ballroom.

Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans crowned its new Mr. and Miss Apollo New Orleans Eros Sea

The Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans crowned its new Mr. and Miss Apollo New Orleans Eros Sea, left center, and London Manchester, right center, during an energetic evening at Oz on Saturday, Sept. 14. The Krewe and a variety of entertainers, as well as host Persana Shoulders,

also paid tribute to last year’s Mr. and Miss Apollo Shelton Carruth, right, and Lana O’Day, left, who spearheaded the event. Eros and London will represent New Orleans at the National Mr. and Miss Apollo contest that will be hosted

by MKA New Orleans Nov. 16 at Oz.

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Join The Spectrum Center for the 5th Annual Pride Celebration in Hattiesburg

Get downtown to celebrate the Fifth Annual Pride Week from October 7 to 13 with The Spectrum Center. Pine Belt Pride starts Monday, October 7 at The Spectrum Center (210 South 25th Ave.) with Gender Benders Support Group and continues through Sunday with Pride Brunch, downtown at Nellie’s and Southbound Bagel Shop.

Each year, The Spectrum Center does something different for their pride weekend kickoff party. This year, they are hosting a three-DJ dance party Friday night at the Bottling Company

with a few drag performances to keep the fun going. The Center will also sell VIP passes for the weekend.

“We are excited to bring another week of great events promoting inclusion and unity within the LGBTQ+ community and with our allies. I would like to extend a special thank you to the City of Hattiesburg and the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association for their continued support. We are excited to work with Team Xclusive to help expand our reach as we continue to work,” said Keenon Walker, presi-

dent of The Spectrum Center’s board of directors.

“Bringing unity within the LGBTQ+ is what TeamXclusive is all about. We are working with The Spectrum Center to build the bridge between the subsets of our community in Hattiesburg,” said Shawn Per2yon, Sr., president of TeamXclusive.

For more VIP pass information and a complete list of events and sponsors, visit www.thespectrumcenterofhattiesburg.com.

The Spectrum Center of Hat-

tiesburg, founded in 2014, is the first LGBTQ+ resource and community center with a physical location in the state of Mississippi. They sponsor social and educational events throughout the month, as well as events that focus on health and wellness. The Spectrum Center advocates equality for all, and offers a safe space and welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ community members and their allies.

Loyola University Offers Tour Guiding Courses

Loyola University began offering Professional Tour Guiding courses last year as part of a new initiative to accommodate the city’s growing tourism industry as well as to address increasing concerns that many of the newly licensed guides on the streets have not been properly trained.

The city of New Orleans currently mandates that any guides who are paid for giving tours have a city issued tour guide license. At present, there are only three requirements to be issued a license: pay an application fee to the city, pass an FBI background check, and score a 70% on a written test. Students who successfully complete the first course at Loyola will have the city test waived.

Professional Tour Guiding 1 begins on September 30 and meets on Monday nights through November 15.

Designed for people who are preparing to take the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam or just want to learn more about the city, this course is a rich exploration of New Orleans’ colorful history and the tourism industry. Students participate in classroom sessions and two field trips that are guided walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District. Classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, guest speakers, and student presentations.

Students also have the option to take the Tour Guide Permit exam for the City of New Orleans on the last night of class. Cost is $395.

French Quarter History begins on November 5 and meets on Tuesday nights through December 17. This class focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history.

Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, historical preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history.

The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. Cost is $245.

The courses have been designed by and will be taught by local historian,

licensed tour guide, and Ambush columnist Frank Perez. Perez has a long history of experience in both education and tourism. A former Associate Professor of English, Perez taught Tour Guiding courses at Delgado Community College and created that college’s French Quarter History course. He is also a long-time tour guide, a volunteer with the Friends of the Cabildo, and for several years has owned a tour booking agency. Perez is also a member of the Sustainable Tourism Task Force, a collaborative effort among local residents and tour professionals to address the potentially harmful effects of an over-saturated tourism market.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

From New Hope Celebrates in New Hope, PA New Hope Celebrates is held every October to acknowledge National LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day on the 11th. October is a great time to visit, get outside, and enjoy our river towns of New Hope, PA. and Lambertville, NJ. Enjoy the crisp country air and fall foliage, all set along the Delaware River. Discover fabulous dining, the arts, and of course, shopping! All of which are sure to make your visit a memorable one.

On October 11th. New Hope Cele-

brates will reveal “Inside + Out,” with a special reception from 6:00-8:00PM at Stella by Jose Garces at the Ghost Light Inn, in the Riverview Terrace, located on the promenade level. The event is free. Due to space limitations, registration is required.

When visitors first arrive at the exhibit, they will be able to open each door, revealing its contents. Display panels will feature people, places, events, and photos from our archives.

It’s an excellent way to discover and share New Hope’s LGBTQ+ and Al-

lied experience, and the events that shaped them.

New Hope Celebrates’ history exhibit is a community-driven project funded with a grant from Visit Bucks County and generous donations from our annual sponsors, including the Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce, Niece Lumber, New Hope Remodeling and Impact Signs of New Hope. Also, we give special thanks to Stella at the Ghost Light Inn and The Bucks County Playhouse for co-sponsoring this outdoor

exhibit.

New Hope Celebrates will also host a special LGBTQ+ Night Out featuring a live performance of the Rocky Horror Show with a pre-show cocktail reception at the Mansion Inn on Thursday, October 24th. Tickets for the event are only available through New Hope Celebrates’ Facebook page or the official website at newhopecelebrates.com/events-calendar.

WOMEN PERFORMING FOR WOMEN A night of music, food, and celebration to benefit the women and children of Hagar’s House Since November 2007, hundreds have found home, rest, and community at Hagar’s House, a sanctuary for women and children in New Orleans.

On Friday, September 27th, the New Orleans Badass Bitch Experience (N.O.B.A.B.E.), a project composed of 13 well-known New Orleans-based and other talented women musicians

will perform to support the families of Hagar’s House’s at the 9th Annual Women Performing for Women Celebration.

Glitter is encouraged at this funky fabulous concert featuring a stellar line-up of local women artists, a buffet of decadent New Orleans food, a silent auction with a variety of exciting items, a live auction by John Calhoun of the Spotlight New Orleans Show, and free childcare for those who request it.

Dance the night away with headliner N.O.B.A.B.E., Assata Renay from American Idol, Mid City Soul, as well as appearances from The Pussyfooters, and Drag Queen Debbie with a D. N.O.B.A.B.E. includes: Daria Dzurik, Margie Perez, Arsène DeLay, and Amy Trail, backed by a rhythm section featuring Boyanna Trayanova, Jamie Lynn Vessels, Alison McConnell, Ainsley Matich, and Amina Scott, and a horn section of Hannah Kreiger-Ben-

son, Ashley Shabankareh, Lori LaPatka, Catie Rodgers, and Emily Frederickson.

Women Performing for Women takes place at Café Istanbul at 2372 St. Claude Avenue on Friday, September 27th. Doors open at 6:30PM. For more information, or to purchase full price or sliding scale tickets, visit www.HagarsHouseNOLA.org, email HagarsHouse@gmail.com, or call (504) 210-5064.

HIV Awareness Comes to the House…Party The Spectrum Center,

AIDS Services Coalition (ASC),

and Team Xclusive are joining

forces to educate the com-

munity and commemorate National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with a house party on September 27th, 6:00-10:00PM, at The Spectrum Center, 210 South 25th Ave. In 2018, Forrest County ranked first in the number of new HIV diagnoses in Mississippi non-urban areas (regions outside the Jackson and Memphis metro areas). Those persons most impacted are young African American males between the ages of 13 and 24.

ASC, TSC and Team Xclusive want to spread information to help lower the rates of new diagnoses in Hattiesburg.

This event is free and open to the public. There will be games, food, live music performances, and door prizes.

“Getting tested and knowing your status is only the first step in the journey to ending HIV. If you are diagnosed, talk to your doctor about starting medication,” said Keenon Walker, president of The Spectrum Center Board of Directors. “If a doctor isn’t accessible to you, Hattiesburg has resources, like ASC and Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative that can make one accessible. If you are vulnerable to HIV, there are practices and medications to help lower or even eliminate the risk of being diagnosed with HIV. We want to share that information with everyone.”

In 2008, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) launched the observance of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to recognize the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on gay men.

Science has given us powerful tools to help slow, and eventually end, new HIV infections in the United States.

People living with HIV who take their medications as prescribed, and are able to drop their viral load to undetectable, can live a healthy life with no risk of transmitting HIV through sex to their partners.

Since its inception in 2002, ASC has always been about change: changing attitudes toward persons living with HIV, changing behavior so the pandemic will stop affecting our community, and changing the lives of homeless persons through its housing facilities (1-2-1 Haven House and 227 Place). The mission of ASC is to provide housing, case management, and HIV education/prevention to those persons living with HIV and those affected

by HIV. ASC draws many groups together to increase awareness and provide an opportunity for the community to become better informed about HIV and its truths and myths.

The Spectrum Center of Hattiesburg, founded in 2014, is the first LGBTQ+ resource and community-based center located in Mississippi.

Along with its board and volunteers, it works with other advocacy groups to ensure that all members of the queer community are safe. They sponsor social and educational events each month, as well as events that focus on health and wellness. The Center hosts Pine Belt Pride, and will celebrate the Fifth Annual Pride Week in Hatties-

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

burg, October 7 to 13, 2019. The Spectrum Center advocates for equality for all, and offers a safe space and welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ community members and allies.

Team Xclusive is a group of community LGBTQ+ activists working to promote unity across racial lines. The Team sponsored the LGBT Gala at the Lake Terrace Convention Center

in 2016, and have just successfully wrapped up the Third Annual Unapologetically Black Gay Pride.

The tatistics above were gathered from the Mississippi State De-

partment of Health Epidemiological Reporting (2019). Visit https://msdh. ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,73.html for more information.

THAWING OUT ON ST. CLAUDE Siberia Lounge has become Carnaval Lounge A longtime St. Claude Avenue music club, restaurant, and bar has a new name and a new look. The former Siberia Lounge is now Carnaval Lounge. The previous restaurant left early in 2019, and the establishment was sold in mid-May. The new owners, Matt and Jennifer Johnson, and Lisa and Joann Guidos, have spent the summer renovating, rebranding, booking a stellar fall music and entertainment lineup, and opening a new restaurant. The focus is on the music, food, and drinks of New Orleans and points south.

Carnaval’s stage features an eclectic mix of live, local music, including some of New Orleans’ most popular Latin bands, seven nights a week.

The lounge also hosts Comic Strip, a long‑running weekly comedy and burlesque show, every Monday, and a drag show on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Their enter-

tainment offerings are enhanced by the expertise of Carnaval’s lead sound engineer, Tristan Gianola.

The kitchen, Cozinha de Carnaval, features Brazilian street food.

Menu highlights include grilled meats and vegetables on skewers, fresh salads, and, of course, a great burger and fries. Every Monday, Carnaval serves a Brazilian take on a New Orleans tradition, Feijoada: a traditional black bean stew with pork and beef served over rice. Chef Gustavo Naar was born in Rio de Janeiro, and grew up on the Northshore. His menu combines family recipes from Brazil with local influences learned throughout his 11-year career cooking at establishments in his adopted home of New Orleans. The restaurant is open daily from 5:00PM. The owners consider themselves very fortunate to have retained head bartender Jack Long, who previously worked at Mariza and Siberia. He has

Carnaval’s Facade

created an impressive bar program for Carnaval that offers caipirinhas, Brazilian beers, South American wines, New

Orleans favorites, creative cocktails, and the usual suspects. The bar opens at 4:00PM daily.

Valda Lewis and “Just for the Record” Honored at Oracle Gala Pioneering lesbian Valda Lewis was recently honored at the 5th annual LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s Oracle Gala. Each year, the Archives Project honors an individual or organization that has made a substantial donation of historical material to an archive, library, or museum.

From 1987 to 1993, Lewis, along with the late Loretta Mims, produced an LGBT+ themed TV show called Just for the Record on open access cable television. Last year the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana awarded the Amistad Research Center a grant to digitize tapes of the show. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Archives Project and Amistad, that landmark show is now available for future generations.

Guests at the Oracle Gala were greeted in song by The Hummingbirds, a barbershop quartet, as they arrived at the New Orleans Jazz Market before enjoying an open bar, a buffet, the sounds of DJ Jimmy Armstrong, and performances by local drag performers Sunshine Edae and Kiki Kinx.

The highlight of the evening was remarks by videographer Valda Lewis, who introduced and showed several clips from Just for the Record. Lewis commented not only on the political

activism of the 1980s and 1990s, but also on the significance and urgency of preserving that history.

Archives Project President Frank Perez said the Project has been working with Lewis all year to find a home for the rest of her personal collection.

Over the years, Lewis compiled close to 800 hours of video footage of everything from AIDS demonstrations, to Gay Carnival Balls, to the Bourbon Street Awards, to interviews with numerous activists, to HIV medical conferences.

At the Gala, Perez noted Lewis was also the first person to be interviewed in the Archives Project’s new Oral History Initiative, a partnership with the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at L.S.U. Transcripts and audio of Lewis’, and others’, interviews will be available on the Archives Project’s website early next year. Video clips from Just for the Record will also be available on the Project’s website soon.

The subject of next year’s Oracle Gala has not yet been determined but Archives Project officials say the Oracle Gala will probably take place in early October 2020, in conjunction with LGBT History month.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

OBITUARY Victor Vest

Victor Vest

Victor “Bear” Vest passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019. Originally from Alabama, Vest was a long-time member of the New Orleans Bear and

Bear Trappers Social Club as well as the Krewe of Thoth. He is survived by his black cat, Midnight, and will be missed by all who knew him.

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

POLITICS American Things Lynn Stevens In the most recent debate, the Democratic National Committee set new rules for what candidates needed in order to participate in the debates, and in due course the scope was narrowed from 20 candidates down to 10.

The majority of the others have not bowed out of the race, they just did not meet those criteria.

These men and women are vying to lead a country of 327 million people.

1 in 30 people identify as LGBTQ or, according to a Gallup poll, about 4.5 percent of the population.

It can be no surprise then that at this early point in the election cycle only the most broad topics, like immigration, gun reform, climate change and healthcare, have been covered.

Make no mistake, the presence of these topics only points to their extreme importance. LGBTQ rights and the seemingly ever present abortion issue, however, are ripe for consideration in this election for at least four reasons: The current administration’s opposition to the Equality Act, which would add on to the Civil Rights Act to “prohibit discrimination on the basis of the

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity.” The amendment passed the lower house and now has to be considered by the Senate. A recent Reuters article pointed out that most Americans understanding of how integrated our country had become in terms of queer rights was incorrect. Discrimination is a very real obstacle in 30 states which have no such protections in the areas of work, housing, and healthcare.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg is running and polling in the top five. Buttigieg is only the second openly gay major party candidate after Republican Fred Karger who ran in 2012.

This is the first time candidates have participated in a presidential election forum addressing the issues of trans people. The National Center for Transgendered Equality Action Fund is hosting the interviews which are available at transformthewhitehouse.com.

Abortion rights are of high importance in the 2020 election, according to a CNN poll which found that 79% of Iowa voters said the issue was the most important for a candidate to support.

Earlier this year, nine states including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama

signed legislation which put stricter limits on when a woman can have an abortion; Alabama bans all abortions unless the mother’s health is at risk.

Some of the candidates want abortion to be part of their “healthcare-for-all” plans; reversing the Hyde Amendment would be necessary to do so. The Hyde Amendment bans the use of government funds to pay for abortion except in instances where there is a serious health risk for the mother or if the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape.

Up to now these debates have had a “blink and you’ll miss it” approach to gay rights and the abortion issue if they are brought up at all.

In the last debate, during the closing remarks, George Stephanopoulos asked each candidate what their biggest setback had been and how they reacted to it.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg answered, without ever saying the word “gay” that he had served in the military under “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” and served as mayor under then-Governor Mike Pence.

He had feared as to what reaction his constituents and conservative leadership would have to his coming out, but did it anyway.

The remainder of this column will look at the top three candidates, their backgrounds and current stances on Women’s and LGBTQ Rights. #1 JOE BIDEN

- - “I’m the guy that...”

At his kickoff rally Joe Biden said, “I know how to make government work,” and with 30 years in the Senate before his time as Vice President under Barack Obama, Joe Biden arguably can make that claim more than his rivals.

Biden came under fire recently for his questionable actions towards women, including hair smelling and unwarranted shoulder rubbing.

He apologized, kind of, saying, in part, “I’m sorry I didn’t know more,” presumably in reference to personal space.

According to the New York Times, in 1981 Biden voted to allow states to overturn Roe V. Wade. Although as Vice President he helped kill support for The Defense of Marriage Act and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” he voted for both in 90’s.

More recently, he has referred to Transgender discrimination as the, “Civil rights issue of our time,” and has launched a campaign through his foundation to highlight familial acceptance of LGBTQ children. A recent article in Bustle says that Joe Biden has stated that his first act as president would be “to make sure the Equality Act was passed”.

CNN reported that on the first day of Pride month Biden said the deaths of five black transwomen this year was “outrageous” and that “it must end.”

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 11

His solution, he said, was to “end the Trump administration,” an administration he says is out of step with the country and ”on the wrong side of history.” #2 ELIZABETH WARREN - - “I have a plan for that...”

Warren has spent the least amount of time in Washington out of the top 3.

This could be a blessing or a curse; remember the current president had no experience which was viewed by some voters as a positive.

She came to DC in 2008 as chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel enacted in part to address the 2008 mortgage crisis. She has served as Senator for Massachusetts since 2013.

Warren found herself in hot water

due to comments she made in which she claimed to be of Indigenous heritage. She apologized saying, “I am sorry for the harm I have caused.”

Vox reported that at a Planned Parenthood forum Warren said that the current situation regarding women’s, especially poor women’s, access to abortion is “Not just an attack on women... It’s a class attack. It’s a race attack.”

She also released a LGBTQ rights agenda in May through NewNowNext where she promised to pass the Equality Act, a federal ban on conversion therapy, and to repeal the ban on transgender military service. #3 BERNIE SANDERS - - “Healthcare for all...”

From 1991 until 2007 Bernie Sanders served in the House of Representatives for the state of Vermont. Since then he has served as Senator for Vermont.

He ran in the primary election against Hillary Clinton in 2016, an election cycle which has certainly led to the leftward motion of the Democratic race in 2020.

Sanders has faced criticism for not properly addressing sexual harassment claims and wage disparity between female staffers and their male colleagues during the 2016 campaign.

On both fronts he has promised to do “better”.

Since the 1970’s Sanders has fought to abolish anti-gay laws. He op-

posed “Don’t Ask, Don’t tell” and the Defense of Marriage Act. Senator Sanders co-sponsored the Equality Act and has vowed to support policies that would protect LGBTQ students against bullying and discrimination.

In his Transform the White House interview, Sanders was questioned on healthcare for trans people to which he answered, characteristically, they would get what everyone else will – guaranteed healthcare. with anti-discrimination provisions built in. He’s also stated that abortion services would be available to women under his healthcare plan.

COMMENTARY Drew Brees and Focus on the Family Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com As most Ambush readers know by now, before being injured and declared out of commission for six weeks, Drew Brees was recently crucified in some circles over his controversial video endorsing “Bring Your Bible to School Day.” As weird as that concept is (can you imagine a “Bring Your Quran to School Day”?), the content of the video is not what upset people; rather, the firestorm erupted when BigEasyMagazine reported the video was used by Focus on the Family, a Christian hategroup that endorses conversion therapy. Other media outlets, some national, picked up the story and ran with it.

Brees was pronounced a homophobe and his name became anathema to many gay folks. He was excoriated on social media for days. When he finally commented on the story, Brees’ claimed he did not know the video was for Focus on the Family and that he is not homophobic. But his remarks received a mixed reaction at best, many noting that he was self-defensive and that he spent most of his time attacking BigEasyMagazine for click-baiting.

The original story, written by Jenn

Bentley, was published on September 3, just two days after Southern Decadence and is factually accurate. The central question is whether Brees knew the video was being made for Focus on the Family. And if he did know that, was he aware of Focus on the Family’s designation as a hate group because of its fierce opposition to LGBT+ rights and its support of conversion therapy.

Bentley argues he did, citing two previous interviews with Focus on the Family in 2010 and 2015.

Responding to reporters a few days before the season opener, Brees addressed the issue, angrily claiming he was unaware the video he made was being used by a hate group, and insisting he was not homophobic.

On social media, Brees tweeted, “Hopefully this sets the record straight with who I am and what I stand for.

Love, Respect, and Accept ALL. I encourage you not to believe the negativity you read that says differently. It’s simply not true. Have a great day.” The tweet was followed by a short video in which he said, “I do not support any groups that discriminate or that have

Inner Makeup Astrology #1 New Orleans Astrologer Dan Beck Answering All Questions Call 504-313-8706 Email dan@innermakeup.net www.innermakeup.net

agendas that promote inequality.”

Those comments satisfied most (straight) people, but his response went over like a lead balloon in the LGBT+ community. Many noted Brees never actually apologized, played the victim, and attacked the messenger.

In his video, Brees said, “I’m not sure why the negativity spread.” And therein lies the problem. If he didn’t know then, he certainly knows now.

And crickets.

This column was originally going to be an investigative report but sometimes investigations hit dead ends.

Sometimes claims cannot be corroborated and facts cannot be confirmed.

Sometimes key players decline to comment or even respond to interview requests. And sometimes those who do talk wish to remain anonymous or to speak “off the record.” All that happened in this case; so I’m offering what I’ve learned based on the information I have gathered. I should point out that I attempted to contact Brees, the Saints Organization, and Brees’ agent but have received no response. In the course of my digging, I did manage to contact friends and former co-workers of Brees who wish to remain anonymous.

Sources close to Brees swear he is not homophobic and cite numerous personal examples to support that claim. Their insistence seems to be supported by external evidence as well.

Everyone who knows or who has met Brees says he is a humble, nice guy.

His backers also point to his support of the NFL’s anti-bullying campaign.

But what about his ten-year association with Focus on the Family? A friend of Brees says “association” is the wrong word. In 2010, Brees did a radio interview on the topic of “Overcoming Adversity” for Focus on the Family. But some have pointed out that in 2010, after winning the Super-

bowl, Brees did over 200 interviews.

And in 2015, Brees did a segment on his family, which straight fans point out is fairly innocuous.

Brees’ friends and fans point out that he does not have a Public Relations person, does a lot of interviews and promotional videos, and while he is a Christian, he is not an Evangelical and rarely goes to church. One source who used to work in the NFL also points out that players “live in a pretty tight bubble.” One source even fingered his agent for not vetting prospective groups seeking Brees’ endorsement.

Is it really possible Brees did not know what Focus on the Family stands for? Perhaps, but for many gay fans, indeed, anyone remotely in-touch with pop culture, it’s hard to believe.

For the sake of argument, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Okay, fine. But, given the pain he has caused so many in the LGBT+ community, why won’t Brees make a statement repudiating Focus on the Family and its hateful positions? That is the question.

If Brees values his LGBT+ fans, he should make a statement condemning Focus on the Family and apologize for ever having anything to do with the group. If Brees wants to believe in a ridiculous myth dreamt up by ignorant goat-herders in the Bronze Age, that’s his prerogative. But he cannot actively support groups that hate LGBT+ people and then be surprised when there is a backlash.

And for the record, the Bible endorses genocide, rape, racism, slavery, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, and childhood genital mutilation. War and pedophilia did not even make Moses’ Top Ten Don’t list. The fact that many Christians can ignore that has always baffled me. If Drew Brees is one such “cherry-picker,” he should say so.

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at the Oracle Gala 2019 AT THE LGBT+ ARCHIVES PROJECT OF LOUISIANA’S 2019 ORACLE GALA | PHOTOS BY CHARLES PIZZO + CHRIS TRENTACOSTE

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ARTS & CULTURE

Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

August: Osage County at Southern Rep thru Oct. 6

I can’t say I was looking forward to Southern Rep’s production of August: Osage County. After all, reviewing the Broadway production in 2008 I wrote: “In August, three generations of the totally dysfunctional Weston family come together after its patriarch has disappeared. In the course of its nearly three and a half hours, we get alcoholism, drugs (prescription and otherwise), potheads, divorce, adultery, sex with students, nymphomania, cancer, Alzheimer’s, abusive childhoods, lies, family secrets, incest, and fighting, lotsa fighting. Surprisingly, homosexuality is left out though one sister keeps being referred to as a lesbian. The only normal person onstage is the Native American housekeeper who has to clean up the mess everyone else has made.

“This could be fine, but playwright Tracy Letts is content to give us O’Neill, Williams and Sam Shepard regurgitated for our tell all/show all era. I’ll admit that Letts writes engaging dialog (favorite line: “Thank god we can’t tell the future or we’d never get out of bed.”) that keeps the story going despite an exposition-laden act or two. Yet despite a few involving passages, ultimately August becomes a trite, soap opera-ish story about a bunch of ugly people acting uglily, to coin a word one of the doped-up characters might use, without the humanity that, say, a Pedro Almodovar brings to his similarly whacked-out families.”

Seeing it again, through the first act and the beginning of the second, I still felt that way; watching Jason Kirkpatrick’s production I wasn’t necessarily bored, I just didn’t feel any concern

for these characters.

And then something magical happened. As the Weston family went to war at the dinner table, I found myself being fully drawn in to this cursed family’s story, a spell that was sustained and became even more transfixing until the lights finally went down at the end of Act Three.

What happened? Certainly the more intimate size of Southern Rep’s theater, compared to Broadway’s vast Imperial, helped but that doesn’t fully explain it.

Rather, Kirkpatrick and his marvelous cast humanized Letts’ characters which, in NYC, came off as stick figures battling each other. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a show, which I found rather dry in Manhattan, to have its warm heart discovered and revealed here. Bravo NOLA! From the start, Kirkpatrick allows the script to breath. Lines that were lost on Broadway had me laughing out loud here. Moments that once seemed like mere Southern (Midwestern Plains?) Gothic tropes became passages of aching humanity. By the last act, touching moments of familial warmth and understanding as well as little tragedies that we all are likely to face, danced across the stage.

A good deal of credit must be given to Ellen Barry making a tremendous New Orleans debut as Violet Weston.

Though she would win a Tony for the part, I found Deanna Dunagan’s performance as the clan’s venomous matriarch to be a shrill one-note, hateful termagant. Barry, while not obscuring Violet’s mean-spiritedness, brings out such a greater range of the character’s colors allowing us to see her more as a victim of her prescription pill addiction (something which seems much timelier

Jenny Mercein, Ellen Barry, Aimée Hayes and Mandy Zirkenbach in August: Osage County

and less sensationalistic than it did 11 years ago).

By softening Violet’s contours and delineating, with utmost skill, her lucid from her drugged-out moments, Barry enables us to better enter the world of the play and care about the Westons Aimée Hayes, as Violet’s oldest daughter Barbara, starts out as a more-or-less decent middle-aged wife and mother, but then proves herself as tough as her Mom. Hayes navigates the play’s almost surreal passages with precision, fierce conviction, and an alltoo-human messiness that feels just right for this conflicted and adrift soul.

Mandy Zirkenbach, best known for bubbly comedic roles, quietly shines here as one of Barbara’s sisters, the target of much of Violet’s abuse. We root for her and her inner fortitude though her hope of moving to New York may be as futile as Chekhov’s three sisters’ goal of Moscow.

It’s always good to have Lara Grice back on stage. Portraying Violet’s crass younger sister Mattie Fae, she pivots with hairpin accuracy from belligerent humor to stark pathos. All the other actors do fine work neither overnor underplaying their roles.

On David Raphel’s terrifically detailed set, Joshua Courtney’s occasionally expressionistic lighting amplifies the inner workings of the Weston family.

August: Osage County is not a perfect play. With its gripping production, however, Southern Rep shows

why it is an important one, and in so doing has happily proven my initial assessment of it wrong.

Measure for Measure at NOMA’s Great Hall thru Sept. 29 With her fingers darting in the air, watch how Ashley Santos argues her case. As Isabella in The NOLA Project’s production of Measure for Measure, step by step, everything she says makes sense. Except the conclusion, which is that she would rather preserve her virginity than see her condemned brother live.

Santos does her usual exceptional job of locating the clear meaning of every word in the text and making them all seem freshly imagined. Isabella, a novitiate, may be sanctimonious but, as portrayed by Santos, we sympathize with her.

Interestingly, Santos’ performance overshadowed what I thought would be the biggest takeaway from this production, namely the world premiere of Aditi Kapil’s “modern verse translation” of the script into contemporary English that is part of Play On Shakespeare, a project through which the Oregon Shakespeare Festival commissioned 36 playwrights, one for each play, to make the Bard’s words more accessible.

Turns out, other than replacing obscure words and references, Kapil didn’t change that much leaving Measure still sounding echt Shakespear-

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ean.

Matching Santos is James Yeargain as Angelo, a deputy put in charge of Vienna by Duke Vincentio who says he’s heading out of town; as Angelo enforces the law to the letter, he reveals a conflicted power-driven carnal side that could almost be ripped from today’s headlines (do men never change?). Yeargain’s not the flashiest of actors, just a damn fine one. His scenes with Santos, as she pleads for her brother’s life, the keenest in this dramedy, crackle with intensity Others who do well are Graham Burke as both a well-meaning aide-decamp and a reluctant executioner with a conscience, and Megan Whittle as a wronged woman, some of the more straightforwardly dramatic roles in the show.

It’s when we get to the comic aspects that Mark Routhier’s production stumbles. This director, who has scored previously with such NOLA Project presentations as The Pillowman and The Three Musketeers, allows for a hodgepodge of styles, accents and concepts from the actors playing a variety of secondary characters; it’s as tho they don’t exist in the same universe and this Measure suffers because of it.

One wishes these cast members had taken a cue from Kali Russell. In her two small gender-bending roles, instead of merely tossing them off, she

supplies completely detailed, imaginative characterizations. With cunning specificity, she creates two terrific, knowingly humorous portrayals.

Triangulating between Santos’ Isabella and Yeargain’s Angelo, Michael Joel Bartelle takes a gleeful, almost impish approach to the Duke, one of Shakespeare’s more bizarre, even cruel characters. But the many facets of Vincentio, who actually stays in Vienna and surreptitiously yields puppetmaster-like power over the others, never come fully into focus and we get Duke-lite instead.

Though billed as a response to or reflection on the #MeToo movement, Routhier’s Measure could just as easily have been done 30 years ago for the little light it sheds on our current situation. It seems like a missed opportunity.

It doesn’t help that NOMA’s immense Great Hall is virtually barren.

Admittedly, it’s a tricky space (challenging acoustics and sight lines, etc.) to do shows in, but Routhier gives us no indication of Vienna’s claustrophobic moral corruption and licentiousness, or the contemporary equivalent of such, that undergirds Measure’s mise en scène.

Measure for Measure is undoubtedly a knotty, talky script, one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”, socalled comedies that don’t offer traditionally happy endings. Yet I’ve seen a heartwarming All’s Well That Ends Well and a heartbreaking Troilus and

James Yeargain and Ashley Santos in Measure for Measure (photo by John Barrois)

Cressida. I hope some day to see an equally fulfilling Measure.

Till then, The NOLA Project’s version offers some measure of satisfaction.

Stage Door Songbook Series: Cole Porter, WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, through Sept. 29

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It’s hard to dislike any show that gives you 75 minutes of Cole Porter songs. Their brilliant lyrics and unforgettable melodies continue to shine as brightly as ever. They’re as much the tops as a Rembrandt painting, a Dickens novel, a Shakespeare play!

Inaugurating the new Songbook Series with a tribute to Porter, kudos to bookwriter Banu Gibson and the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen for not giving us just another bio musical revue.

What Gibson’s original script offers, however, is more anything goes than de-lovely.

The use of a newspaper staff writing an obituary (on the day of Porter’s passing) may not be the most brilliant or original framing device, but it works to get basic biographical information across. Yet we also get a half-baked office romance, an extended flashback to a community theater production of a Cole Porter revue, and even a Frank Sinatra recording accompanying a dance interlude.

All of which could’ve worked, but it comes off as more a dutiful attempt at something different, with Wikipedia-esque factoids layered in, than a truly organic creation.

Can you just sit back, listen to, and enjoy 18 of Porter’s best known songs (including Let’s Misbehave, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Friendship, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, etc.), all beautifully

sung? Sure.

Could Gibson have used Porter’s recovery process from his tragic horseback riding accident to allow the songwriter to look back over his life? While it admittedly may not be that much better an approach, think about the opportunities all the drugs and painkillers he was on could have given for a more phantasmagorical story arc.

One thing eerily missing are any references to Porter’s homosexuality.

Perhaps that’s understandable in the context of an obituary being written in his hometown of Peru, Indiana, in 1964 (and a show being done for the Canteen’s typically more staid audiences) but still...

With the 2004 musical biopic De-Lovely now faded from view, it’s time for a full-blooded portrayal of this singular songwriter whose lyrics clearly reveal his gay side. Same sex couplings, trans performers--anything should go and likely might reveal an even greater appreciation for Porter and his works. Heck, I’d love to see a flick focusing just on Porter’s rivalry in 1930s Hollywood with film director George Cukor over who could have more boys at their gay pool parties!

In the meantime, under Gibson’s capable direction, Bailey Gabrish, Jake McCoy, Mandi Mueller, Josiah Rogers and Brittany Williams all bring the proper zest to the show. A smooth’n’silky Rogers captures Johnny Mathis’ style

and sound in Night and Day; Mueller does the same for Ethel Merman as she belts out Anything Goes.

Williams, 2019’s Stage Door Idol winner, especially shines in two of the best numbers, tossing off the cute and sexy list-song Let’s Do It and savoring ever word of Kiss Me, Kate’s withering indictment of the male species I Hate Men. Harry Mayronne’s musical arrangements are topnotch, and pairing with Gibson for the musical direction chores insures that those duties are in the best of hands. I especially enjoyed the use of clacking typewriter keys and a stapler to accompany Night and Day. While I wish Cole Porter was a little more easy to love, from this moment on I’ll be looking forward to future editions of the Stage Door Canteen’s Songbook Series.

Regardless of whether the show gets under your skin, you’re likely to be so in love with the meal served beforehand.

I was a little surprised when, last year, after many wonderful meals at the Canteen, on two separate occasions, the food didn’t all come up to the WWII Museum’s usual high standards. Both these instances occurred before Jeremie Janise came on as Executive Sous Chef in October 2018; he was promoted to Executive Chef a few months later with John Cairo serving as Chef de Cuisine.

As evidenced by my 3-course brunch, the Canteen (and by extension The American Sector Restaurant) is back on top again.

After a refreshing Summer Salad that included baby tomatoes and mandarin orange sections, I opted for the Eggs Sardou; it turned out to be one of the best brunch dishes I’ve ever had.

Not only were the eggs, artichoke bottoms and accompanying asparagus perfectly done, but the two chicken and apple sausages that came with it were delectable. The brunch ends with a Lemon Chess Pie that’s fancy-looking, imaginatively put together, and tasty as can be.

Add in the always excellent service and you get an experience that’s de-lightful and de-lish!

Wicked at the Saenger Theater, Oct. 2-20 [Wicked returns to the Saenger Oct. 2-20. The following are excerpts from my May 2016 review of the touring production that played here.]

I had last seen this behemoth of a musical on Broadway not long after it opened and was curious to see if it had changed in any way...or if my mixed opinion of it would.

On the plus side, Winnie Holzman’s book, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, which is both a prequel and a sequel to The Wizard of Oz, seems less cluttered now, the storyline and

16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

characters’ motivations clearer. It could be, however, that in streamlining Director Joe Mantello’s production for touring, some of what I once found murky came into better focus.

Stephen Schwartz’ score, while not in the same league as his tune-filled ones for Godspell and Pippin, has at least yielded three modern standards-The Wizard and I, Popular, and Defying Gravity--though Gravity is the kind of song that once stuck in your brain you do your utmost to get it dislodged.

Wayne Cilento’s musical staging seems to have been expanded into more full-blown dance numbers that add buoyancy and visual grace to this often lumbering show. Susan Hilferty’s inventive costumes and Eugene Lee’s quick-changing set continue to be as fabulous as ever.

But problems still remain in this tale of how two young ladies evolved into Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the wicked one.

In Holzman’s book, the overlong journey from start to finish lacks the vital conflict and suspense that should hold an audience on the edge of its seats. Instead, we merely arrive at a drama-free ending where knotty plot points have been too easily resolved.

Questions bloom like poppy flow-

ers. With Kremlin-like buildings seen in the distance, is the Wizard supposed to be Stalin? Or Putin? As a university is purged of its non-human faculty (don’t ask), are we meant to think of the Nazis’ treatment of the Jews? And nowadays, is the Wiz a Trump stand-in?

While it’s fine for a script to allow for multiple interpretations, the result here is that we get generic two-dimensional quasi-evil which results in, as Jason Zinoman noted in a follow-up New York Times review, “an unusual marriage of styles and sensibilities--knowing irony and earnest sentiment, self-serious politics and silly frivolity” as well as “an intimate teenage drama and a $14 million special-effects blockbuster.”

All of which might’ve been overlooked if Wicked had evinced even a little bit of emotional resonance. For, just as 12 years ago, other than a brief moment when Glinda holds out a friendly hand to the up-till-then disdained Elphaba, Wicked simply didn’t move me or engage my heart. And for a musical, that’s wicked indeed.

[Next up at the Saenger will be the Tony Award winner Dear Evan Hansen, Nov. 5-10.]

Curtain Up

If you want to laugh, and who doesn’t in these challenging times,

head to Le Petit Theatre (616 St. Peter St.) for Michael Frayn’s classic backstage farce Noises Off in which a troupe of second-rate actors rehearse/ perform a silly sex comedy, and the intrigue is as much offstage as on.

Blake Coheley directs a cast led by Leslie Castay and Ian Hoch. The show runs October 4-20. Caution: Those prone to guffawing may experience extreme shortness of breath and intense stomach pains.

On a more serious note, Slidell Little Theatre (2024 Nellie Dr.) presents August Wilson’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning Fences (also Oct. 4-20), the powerful tale of a Pittsburgh sanitation man, his family, and their dreams and aspirations.

For you balletomanes, Marigny Opera Ballet opens its sixth season on October 4 with the premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a full-length evening by choreographer Derwin May Jr., danced to a commissioned score

by Tucker Fuller, and accompanied by the New Resonance Orchestra. Performances run through October 6 at Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St.).

While Shakespeare’s classic comedy is frequently performed by ballet companies using Felix Mendelssohn’s

1843 score, New Orleans-based composer Fuller’s new music will be both classically romantic and contemporary, conjuring up the mystery of an enchanted forest replete with fairies and star-crossed lovers. The Bard’s lyrics will be sung by Paul Weber’s Krewe De Voix Chamber Ensemble to evoke the mood and characters.

And on October 10, right down the block from the Marigny Opera House, Seth Rudetsky and Broadway @ NOCCA return to Lupin Hall (2800 Chartres St.) for an eighth season.

Kicking off the festivities will be Beth Leavel who won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for the title role in The Drowsy Chaperone. I’m looking forward to her as she was equally excellent in the glbtthemed musical The Prom in which she played a vain’n’shallow-but-witha-heart-of-gold actress, a performance which snagged her a 2019 Tony nod for Best Actress in a Musical.

Following Beth will be Audra McDonald (Dec. 14) and Liz Callaway with special guest Bryan Batt (Jan. 11).

Pretty dreamy, eh?

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

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH Jacob Simmons Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com I am finally completing my trilogy of Bartenders-of-the-Month from Sipps in Gulfport with my choice for September, Jacob Simmons. Jacob hails from Cleveland, Mississippi, where there wasn’t much going on for him and he was feeling restless. Then one day his best friend kidnapped him and brought him down to the Gulf Coast where he discovered (cue Aladdin music) A Whole New World. Gulfport is six times the size of his home town and has so much more to do. He has lived in Gulfport for seven years and worked at Sipps for the last two.

He was recruited by Cara and has enjoyed his time ever since. He admitted he was very shy; working at this wonderful place has brought him out of his shell. Jacob is definitely in his element. He is quick, professional, courteous and greets everybody with his award-winning smile. Adding to those attributes, he knows how to make a stiff

drink. He follows the same mantra as the bar--everyone who enters the front door is treated like family--and you can tell. Not only is the bar a warm and inviting place, but the bartenders make you feel immediately at home.

His specialty cocktail is entitled Jacob’s Twisted Berries which is a vodka-based drink.

When he is out, he likes Crown Apple Neat. You can normally find Jacob working Friday through Monday. His favorite part of his job is meeting new people as well as helping with all the great events that happen at the club such as Friday Drink and Drown, Karaoke, and the Calendar Boy Contest. And on Mondays it’s happy hour all day!

So come out to Sipps and get a tasty beverage from Jacob. Sipps Bar is located at 2218 25th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi.

So come out to Sipps and get a tasty beverage from Jacob. Sipps Bar is located at 2218 25th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Bartender of the Month Jacob Simmons

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THE HERE AND THE NOW The Bullying Battle Continues Catherine Roland catherineroland12@gmail.com Sometimes things happen to us, and while they may seem almost insignificant and too small to discuss, the event stays with us all through life.

That’s what some bullying does.

When someone is targeted for bullying, the bullying events can mount up, and become part of the negative expectations around self-esteem, self-confidence and even encourage self-hate. Bullying can be sneaky, or it can manifest in blatant attacks on who we are.

A profound definition of the concept of bullying by an icon of the anti-bullying movement, D. Olweus (1997) is “bullying is any aggressive behavior that is (a)repeated over time, (b) with the intent to harm, and (c) by a perpetrator who holds greater power than the victim.”

I like this general definition because even though it was published over 20 years ago, it is still the most used basic definition and most agreed upon as professionals continue to attempt to understand all of the aftereffects of bullying on the victim (often referred to as the target).

From the general conceptualization of bullying, has grown a multifaceted list of topics that have emerged through the years of what else is considered a bullying event, a history of ‘quiet’ bullying, and work or leadership styles that employ bullying tactics as targeted for employees as well as stakeholders. One of the Ambush themes this week is anti-bullying, and our discussion is one many can relate to right now.

Bullying doesn’t discriminate. Targets/victims include women, men, old, young, children, rich, not so rich, and very often members of our community.

We’ve learned over time that certain marginalized groups, such as anyone whose lifestyle is somehow distasteful and perceived to be immoral or dangerous, are ripe to become targets of bullies.

In other words, members of the LGBTQ+ community often experience bullying from childhood through innuendo, violence, embarrassment, instillation of fear or the robbery of hope.

Although there have been many families that accept a child who is ques-

tioning, or have announced an identity of LGBTQ+, many families still, as it was years ago, employ violent bullying tactics to somehow change their child, often out of their own frustration and misperception. Some go so far as to send a child to a camp, or an institute for Conversion Therapy.

All of those things can be conceptualized as bullying, and are harmful and even devastating to the target. The difficult part of bullying that occurs in the quiet and secrecy of ‘home’ is that, so often, it occurs with no repercussions, because no one knows. Sometimes no one will ever know, except the target of the bullying, until that individual finds the strength and courage to share those experiences. That is one of the most difficult things that can be done, and the most important to begin the recovery of self-esteem, self-love and the absence of fear in life. It does, however, happen, all the time. There is always hope.

This broader definition of bullying behavior is probably used more lately, which is really a combination of the various ways in which bullying can occur.

Specifically, bullying can entail using intimidation, threats, coercion, neglect or force to dominate others.

Bullying behaviors are habitual, which of course can manifest in lifelong problems for victims/targets if they remain in the same atmosphere, meaning they cannot relocate, or feel they must continue to allow the bully to remain in their life.

As we know, every day for some can include some form of bullying, which can be devastating. Some examples with which I expect many readers could relate include hearing snide remarks or name-calling, feeling uncomfortable in a situation due to people offering the ‘cold shoulder’ in a social situation, offering no help in a retail store to someone who presents as different, or is openly identifiable according to the bully.

So often misperceptions and fear can fuel a bullying event, where targets are assumed to be somehow threatening to those in that space, when really bullies are looking for an excuse to levy insults and hate-language toward the targeted person.

It is important to note that often bullies do target a person they know or a ‘kind of’ person they think they know.

Please be aware, if you feel someone is looking at you, threatening you, and you are uncomfortable – take steps to remove yourself. Just do it, quickly.

Taking care of yourself sometimes involves being just about to leave.

A more recent area of exploring bullying is in the workplace, incorporating language that may be frightening, degrading, or belittling, usually on a consistent basis. Signs of bullying behavior that can seep into your life at your job can include the following: Use of offensive or abusive language Aggressive voice-raising Circulating private emails, embarrassing correspondence Consistently being the target of jokes or hurtful teasing Negative comments on someone’s clothing, lifestyle or family Taking credit for another person’s work Discrediting any creativity of the target Isolating behaviors via office placement, not allowing for office networking Demanding unrealistic timelines, giving unique assignments that are inappropriate There are many more examples you could probably fill in. The positive things for some workplaces is that many of these actions would be considered egregious to the Human Resources department. Going to HR, however, can be scary. As more and more companies and employers are scared of repercussions, this may be a very good risk to take, however. So consider reporting what you know, and going on record.

There are many instances every day that can feel threatening. There are so many more that can and do present as safe, welcoming, and uplifting, and I hope we can all find those safe spaces for ourselves and our friend-family.

Please think about creating a safe space for you and yours, which can often be just a warmly inviting place you find, like a neighborhood coffee shop, maybe a section of a park where you run or walk, a spot in your workspace you and a trusted colleague visit during breaks daily. Soothe yourself. There are physical places just as there are inner or spiritual places, that can bring some semblance of peace and sanctuary. We all deserve that!

Dr. Catherine Roland, LPC, is a therapist in private practice, specializing in our LGBTQ+ community for 25 years. Catherine is a member of the Board of Directors of both CrescentCare-NO/AIDS Task Force, and NOAGE - New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders.

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 19

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

An Interview with Allán Herrera Tyler Rosebush tyrosebush@gmail.com

The surreal pageant of costumes we are so accustomed to seeing on regular holidays in New Orleans would not be as marvelous without the diligent year-round work of costume designers like Allán Herrera. Chasing the unique challenges every costume idea presents, Allán’s costumes often involve more than just a needle and thread. Though in the midst of working on his Halloween commissions, he let me come over to interview him about his projects past and present.

How did you originally get into costuming? I met a drag queen named Peaches Christ who was doing a spoof on the Madonna Truth or Dare documentary. I went up to her and said, “Can I make an outfit for you?” That was the first thing I ever made for anybody. Then I did dragwear for 10 years in San Francisco, and then moved to New York for 3 years and did fashion– hated that, then moved here. I’ve been doing costumes in New Orleans for five years now.

Were drag queens your first costuming clients here in New Orleans too? I am very picky about who I choose. Because the 10 years I did drag, I learned a lot. It was like bootcamp for costume design because you have zero budget, and you have to create these huge elaborate costumes– sometimes in very little time–while also dealing with egos. That was the big thing that taught me. So when I moved to New York, I was able to deal with those egos. I had already been yelled at by a drag queen for $20 bucks an outfit.

Did you ever do drag yourself?

Absolutely yes. I did drag with my brother but we only did it for about a year. That was a lot of fun because my brother is super tiny, and he’s the ideal model for me. I would be able to make stuff the day of or the night before we went out.

What was your drag name? My drag name was Barbitua, because I love barbituates. Every Tuesday night at The Stud in San Francisco they would have drag but very experimental. Sometimes very high art. We were able to do anything we wanted to. I was Barbitua who was a trucker, but in drag.

It was very gender-fuck at the time.

Sounds like Barbitua had many layers to her. I’ve always been obsessed with trucker culture, and trucker cruising, and dark rooms. So I was like how can I cruise the bathroom, but still be in drag at the same time? A lot of people stopped doing drag at that time because we weren’t getting laid or we were attracting the wrong kind of trade. So, a lot of us stopped doing drag because of that because we didn’t know how to digest that at the time.

So when you got to New Orleans who was your first client? I think it was a guy who wanted to be a Tinder profile. So I made this cutout that looked like the Tinder screen, but it had to be attached to him and people had to be able to swipe left or right. I had to figure that out, which was basically like I just velcroed things. He would go up to people and they would velcro on the left or the right side. That was my first client here.

Despite having to cater to individual client wishes, your pieces tend to have a signature look. How long did it take to develop that? I’ve always had it. I’ve always had this ethereal, very 70s doing deco, 90s minimal aesthetic. It was a challenge moving here with my aesthetic because it’s not a minimalist city.

Is there often a tension between your aesthetic and what your clients here ask for? I’m pretty lucky that pretty much 90% of my clients let me do what I want to. They come in with an idea like “it needs to be red,” or “it needs to be inspired by this.” Every cli-

Allán Herrera

ent is attracted to me usually because of my aesthetic– because they want something flowy– they want something super elegant. I’ve been doing this for 15 years now and I know how to read a client. When you’re a freelancer and you’re doing art stuff, 80% of your job is educating the client. It’s like, yes, you want that dress, but that hemline doesn’t look good on you because you’re this tall.

Do you have to manage client expectations versus their budgets?

Yes, but the difference between New Orleans versus what I’ve experienced in New York and San Francisco, is that here people actually understand what a costume is and what it takes to have a costume made. So they’re very patient. It’s rare that I have to talk about bringing my prices down or move a run.

Is there anything you would improve about being a freelancer?

Absolutely. I would have my own team but it’s very difficult to find the right people. I hate to say it but I’m so artsy that sometimes I wake up and don’t feel like working that day, or I don’t feel like working till midnight, or until I get that inspiration. I can’t have someone just hanging out until I get that spark.

It would have to be someone who can go into my train of thought. A lot of making stuff can be very tedious and very boring. Even just thinking about something can take you three days.

And people don’t know that. It can take

me days to think about something and research the fabrics.

Speaking of which, where do you get your fabrics? That’s the thing with New Orleans. I have to get everything online because we only have two fabric stores here and that’s where everybody gets their stuff. I don’t like to do that because these are custom-made, people pay good money. I want someone to have something that’s literally one-of-a-kind.

What’s an example of something unique that you are currently working on? This burlesque duo hired me for Halloween, and they want to be a scarecrow and crow. Burlesque is a new venture for me because everything has to fall apart. There’re all these little secrets, magic tricks, and illusions that you have to come up with. And we want to find alternatives to burlesque materials too and not just depend on feathers which are cruel, overdone and can get expensive. I still have to figure out what I’m going to use for straw that’s not straw.

Why can’t you use straw? Because it doesn’t hold up. It’s going to be itchy. I love coming up with alternatives. With every project there’s a block but there’s always a solution. I was making this costume and I couldn’t come up with what to use for the eyes. I was just standing outside and was like, “Oh my God. That light has a perfect shape of an eye.” It was instant and it’s

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

such a rush to me.

It reminds me of the Wookie outfits you made last year. What was the solution there? It was synthetic braiding hair. With costume design, you always dabble in different worlds.

I knew nothing about acrylic hair. I had to go to the beauty store four times and educate myself. See what hair does and doesn’t do. I was going to take wigs and cut them up but there was a woman at the store who knew of a better way to do it. She showed me these big pieces used in braids to braid real hair. Of course they made this Ombré in these humongous packs.

The whole place was going out of business so everything was on clearance, so it was one of those moments where, holy fuck, my overhead just went down 80%. I used 100 packs of hair for each costume.

You were able to find enough that were all the same Ombré coloring? No but then you look at Wookies and they have like four different colors of hair and then different parts of the body. At the bottom it’s going to be a little dirtier because that’s where they walk a lot–or under the arms. There’s a lot of planning because once you start sewing, you’re just going, going, going. That’s why the pre-planning takes longer than the actual making of costumes, especially for that one. That was a lot of fun and very tedious. Once I finished the first one I was like, “Ahhh,

and now I’ve got to do a second one.”

That’s just gay men. Not all of them, That’s where I wish I had someone that but a majority. It’s definitely a pet peeve can help me. Halloween orders are because there’s just so many versions coming in but then Halloween jumpof sexy, and I get people to start thinkstarts Mardi Gras season. So I get a ing because like, “I want to be a sexy lot of Mardi Gras commissions around vampire.” Okay, but sexy how? Sexy Halloween. romantic?

Sexy What’s the like you want to For Halloween, people like just be half-nadifference between a Hallowked? For Red to dress up as a thing– a een costume Dress Run, I’ve very specific thing. They and Mardi Gras had a lot gay men, costume?

For want to be a character. But that’re like, “I want Halloween, peowear a dress for Mardi Gras it’s more like, to ple like to dress but I don’t want you’re just an explosion of to look femme in up as a thing– a very specific thing. it and I still want something. People don’t They want to be a to get laid.” It has character. But for like to spend a lot of money nothing to do with Mardi Gras it’s on Halloween because it’s the dress. It’s all more like, you’re your psyche, so specific and they’re only in just an explosion boo. Those things going to wear it once. of something. are exhausting for People don’t like me, because I’m to spend a lot of not here to teach money on Halloween because it’s so you about your femininity. Also you can specific and they’re only going to wear go one day without getting laid. it once.

Fragile gay masculinity. The last What about visual puns? What sexy costume I made was for a straight would you say is the punnier holiman and he wanted to be a sexy vamday? Definitely Mardi Gras. You get pire. That was a hard one for me, bethose on Halloween but I think it gets cause I couldn’t get out of him what he lost more because it can sometimes meant by “sexy.” So I asked, “okay how translate as a last minute costume. do you want a woman to react when How many costumes would you she sees your costume?” And he resay people are like, “But I want to plied, “I want to be approachable and look sexy. I still want to get laid.” not be that creepy vampire guy.” And

I was like, done. I did a lot of focus on his crotch, but subtle stuff, like a visible zipper and things that direct your eye down there. Then he started seeing that his energy was going to be in his groin area and was like, “That’s going to be sexy.”

I don’t doubt it. I’ve seen you make caftans sexy. The caftan is a big thing for me. I call myself a drape queen–Dr. Drape. I just love this very 70s Halston, where you can just drape to the Gods. You’re managing and controlling how the fabric falls, but just letting the fabric do what it needs to do.

Some of my biggest caftan clients are straight men because they are all one-size-fits-most, and any type of body type can wear it. It’s like, Hello guys! Untapped potential there and you’re kind of an usher for modern masculinity a little bit. They never leave this template of what they can wear because it is the only thing that’s accessible to them.

How have I gotten this far in life without a caftan! Last year I did maybe 50 custom-made caftans, and I’m a little burnt out by that. Everybody had caftan fever. It was all I did last summer for 3 months–just caftans. In my head when I die I would love for someone to be like, “Oh my God, his collection of caftans!”

Allán Herrera can be reached via email at Allan.costumes@gmail.com or on his instagram @nolacostume.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

COMMUNITY VOICE Social Anxiety Is Nothing to Be Embarrassed About Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org Last weekend, I found myself living a nightmare with my eyes wide open.

I was standing at a lectern on a stage in front of hundreds of people who expected me to remain standing there.

And to speak. Intelligibly. For an hour.

“How did I end up here?” I wondered.

And who were these cruel inquisitors?

Actually, they were a harmless group of healthcare professionals sipping coffee to stay awake through the opening plenary session of the GLMA Conference. GLMA (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, now Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality) is an organization of professionals who work to ensure health equity for gender and sexual minorities. The theme of this year’s conference was “LGBTQ Health Across the Lifespan,” and a colleague and I were there to speak about how to provide better care for LGBT older adults.

It was an amazing experience, and I couldn’t be prouder for having been a part of it. So why the silly opening paragraph?

Because there was a time in my life when this would have seemed all

but impossible. As a kid, I had a very shy temperament. I dreaded going to school; not because I had to learn, but because of the bullies who could smell my fear. It was the worst kind of middle school experience. I stared out by avoiding the ones who actively sought to torment me, but my fear eventually led me to shun as much social interaction as possible. High school was a bit easier, but by the time I was an undergrad in college I realized that my social anxiety was not something I was going to just grow out of. It was going to take some work, and I was going to have to get uncomfortable.

About Social Anxiety and the LGBT Community Social anxiety is feeling nervous and awkward around other people.

Shyness, basically. Almost everyone experiences this at some point, but for some people it can become so intense that they feel they are being scrutinized in all social situations, and are at risk of being humiliated in some way. Therefore, they avoid social interaction as much as possible.

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This transition from simple shyness to fall on your face. And if a few actuto full-on phobia tends to happen fairly ally are….well, who cares what those early in life, usually by age 20. In adpeople think? Not me. It’s none of my olescence and adulthood, some peobusiness, so why should I take it perple with full-on social anxiety disorder sonally? self-medicate by routinely using drugs Easier said than internalized. I and alcohol as a “social lubricant.” The know. Sometimes it takes more than avoidance and self-medication can a self-help quote to get over all of this lead to problems with their close relastuff. So here are a couple of self-help tionships, at work, and in other importBOOKS that might be helpful: ant areas of their lives.

The Shyness and Social AnxiAnxiety disorders are more comety Workbook, by Martin M. Anthony, mon among LGBT people. Which Ph.D., and Richard P. Swinson, M.D. makes a lot of sense once you think (2017, New Harbinger Publications, about it. The stigma around being a sexThird Edition) ual or gender minority is pretty intense.

The Mindfulness and AccepWhen you place tance Workbook Social anxiety is feeling ner- for Social Anxia kid who already has a shy tem- vous and awkward around oth- ety and Shyness, perament into the er people. Shyness, basically. by Jan E. Fleming, pressure cooker M.D., and Nanof middle and high Almost everyone experiences cy L. Kocovsky, school, and add in Ph.D. (2013, New this at some point, but for a whopping dash some people it can become so Harbinger Publiof frequent peer cations) rejection and bul- intense that they feel they are If your anxiety being scrutinized in all social is hindering you lying, it’s not all that surprising that situations, and are at risk of to the degree that some of us come feel paralyzed being humiliated in some way. you away from it being by it, however, unusually anxious around others. there is help. The front-line treatment So what can we do about it now for social anxiety disorder is cognitive that we’re adults? behavioral therapy (CBT). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may Overcoming Social Anxiety also be helpful. CBT helps people First, I’ll tell you what has worked challenge maladaptive thoughts and for me. As an undergrad in college, I beliefs in order to change their behavset a goal of raising my hand to ask ior, while ACT helps people develop a question during each class. Yeah, I mindfulness skills in a way that helps was that annoying person. But if it was them align their behavior with their perirritating to you, it felt excruciating to sonal values. To find a psychotherapist me, at least at first. It definitely wasn’t who specializes in CBT or ACT, visit an overnight cure, but it was a good psychologytoday.com. You can search start. Over the years, I’ve continued to by types of therapy, and you can also challenge myself to get outside of my search for therapists who have excomfort zone; to allow myself to feel perience working with LGBT people. anxiety without letting it dictate how I Medication may also be helpful if other respond to stressful situations. therapies aren’t. If that’s the case, ask “What other people think of you your doctor for a referral to a psychiis none of your business.” I first heard atrist who can help you find the best that aphorism about five or ten years treatment approach. ago, and while it may sound a bit facFull disclosure: I do still feel anxile, I have found it helpful. Because it’s ious in some social situations. When basically the opposite of what a lot of I first stepped onto the stage at the us internalized early on: the idea that GLMA Conference last weekend, I felt embarrassment is awful, and must be a brief twinge of fear, and my mind did avoided at all costs. We even believed go blank for a second or two. But then that we had to avoid appearing to be I remembered why I was there to begin embarrassed. Talk about an impossible with: to advocate for what I believe in, task! No wonder it sometimes seemed and to do my best to be a voice for the easier to just stay home. people I want to serve. It was mostly The problem is that this puts all pretty easy after that. (And it didn’t hurt of our power – and all of our potential that I had a dear friend and colleague – into the hands of theoretical judgy at my side!) So, yes, I felt a little shy people. I say “theoretical” because, at first. But that’s nothing to be embarbelieve it or not, most people are not rassed about. spending a lot of time waiting for you

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

NEW TO NEW ORLEANS

Humping Station Robert W Fieseler wordbobby@gmail.com A schism split my life—a set of train tracks, to be precise. Let’s back it up. I live in the Bywater and write in the Quarter. I don’t own a car. It’s too far to walk, and I refuse to buy a Pee Wee Herman-style Schwinn that will inevitably break my heart when some evil clown steals it and smashes the bell and squirts his acid-flower across the seat and then pawns it off for makeup or tattoo ink.

So every day, I hop on one of those ugly Blue Bikes, plop on a purple helmet and peddle it like a little bitch boy down Chartres Street towards my secret writing location in the Vieux Carré (my portal to divine dialogue on good days, my personal keys to the hellmouth on all others). A Blue Bike, for those who’ve never had the pleasure, is the most functional two-wheeled contraption ever devised, with so little thought to aesthetics that its front-facing basket – steel interwoven like wicker from the world’s worst picnic – makes every rider look and feel like Margaret Hamilton playing Miss Gulch at the beginning of The Wizard of Oz, on her way to the sheriff to put little Toto to sleep. The three-geared ride, however, is smooth and wonderfully simple. Brakes catch on a dime. One glides along on this metal beast, and it makes you start to think that crotchety Miss Gulch may have been on to something—at least, in the transportation department.

Thus, on my commute, I pedal like a mean old lady down Chartres Street towards the monster bend of St. Ferdinand, where Chartres abruptly reverses into a one-way road going the opposite direction, which befuddles many a tourist in the act of crashing into itself (this city, delightfully, will never abide by rational rules). But, before you get to the bend, you have to cross Homer Plessy Way, where the eponymous civil rights hero made his legendary stand against segregation. And, before you reach that, you have to cross a most devilish set of trickster tracks, which lead to the “humping station.”

Let me expand on that. Every day, more than 30 industrial trains surge down a single piece of track separating the Marigny from the Bywater, two chiefly residential neighborhoods. This train line, run or once-run (it’s not clear) by the company “Norfolk Southern,” snakes out of a primary “switching station” located about 200 feet north of St. Claude Avenue called the Oliver Yard.

Ahhhhh, yes, the Oliver Yard is an heirloom of a different Big Easy—and, to some extent, a different century. A century when trains ruled the Earth like industrial tyrannosaurs, branching out

and roaring across the nation as the apex technology, the Internet of their age.

The Oliver Yard’s existence, clearly, predates any anticipation of the Bywater going residential. And I suppose, at one point, it must have been a convenience to have heavy rail running so close to factories and warehouses and riverfront wharfs. But here’s what happens now. For about 15 minutes, sometimes longer and usually during rush hour, a train will cross St. Claude and then block Rampart Street and then cock-block Burgundy and then taint-pinch Dauphine and then assblock Royal and then flip the finger as it crosses Chartres, effectively sealing off the Bywater and the Lower 9th and anything eastward on its way to the levee tracks that follow the Mississippi.

Meanwhile, for that one quarter of an hour, on all of the abovementioned streets, cars and bikes and pedestrians will pile up in virtual breadlines waiting to be released, to be freed into this newer century defined by perpetual distraction, by the absence of time to waste (although, ahem, people waste plenty of hours on Facebook and the like) and certainly with no fealty to trains. You’re just stuck watching the hefty cars roll by…and then return.

You can’t eat lunch or dinner. You can’t write or work on your computer.

You can’t make a business call because the train horn is piercing and the wheels screech. You can’t take a piss. You can’t walk your dog. You can’t make love to your husband. You can’t jack off to the blond Russian dom on RedTube. You can’t jack off to old sex memories. You can’t jack off to the beach volleyball scene in Top Gun. You’re just stuck with, dread of all dreads, yourself in a century that avoids that self at all costs.

It’s for this reason, I think, that I’ve seen drivers on all of these streets routinely ignore the red warning lights and train sirens until one of those Godzillas of locomotion actually enters the intersection. I’ve seen bikes swerve a hairsbreadth away from a train’s front bumper. I’ve seen Lululemon mothers in white Lexus SUVs with children in the back seat swerve right and speed past the engine as if recreating a scene in 2 Fast 2 Furious, as if possessed by ghosts of Hollywood stunt drivers.

Granted, most cars can backtrack and side-wind over to the Claiborne Avenue overpass to avoid the existential holdup, but cyclists like me are absolutely fucked when we try the “grey rainbow.” I’ve had, and I’ve seen, some amazingly close calls on that concrete arch. No, cyclists have nothing to do

but pause. Consider this: every day, a portion of the 30,000-some cars and 120+ buses that cross over St. Claude Avenue alone are called to a halt. They receive an unexpected break from our world of hyper-connections, from our little Borg Collective, some time around morning, some time around noon, some time around sundown, and some time at night. (And no matter what any alpha-male in a polo tries to mansplain about this topic, the schedule is inconsistent.)

Because this is New Orleans, where time works amorphously, many look upon these halts as a kind of exhalation, a novelty, part of the charm of living and thriving in this bizarrely enchanted country. I get it. Sometimes, we all get fucked by the roads or the rain. Sometimes, we all laugh together when we end up late. But nobody’s excited to see the end of a train—even here, among New Orleanians in New Orleans. We’re pissed the train exists.

Nobody cheers for the caboose anymore. I can’t remember the last time I noticed one, for real. And when you’re a writer in a purple helmet on a Blue Bike, and you have an idea in your head that’s sprinting away, as if your mind has laid a golden egg that’s rolling down a mountain, and you need to get to that secret desk at the secret portal in the Quarter where you can catch the egg and compose the inspiration, there is nothing more ill-timed, nothing more maddening, nothing more nonsensical than watching some long, rusty anaconda of commerce pleasure itself by rolling back and forth to nowhere.

Sometimes, I’ll catch a ride to or from the Quarter to try to avoid the train by taking the grey rainbow over Claiborne Avenue. But sometimes, I’ll want to ride a bike outside. Sometimes, I’ll forget. Everyone forgets the train eventually because, I’m convinced, the human mind strives to apply patterns to chaos. And when it cannot find a pattern, as a method of self-protection, it erases the source of confusion. And there is nothing lucid about the persistence of the Oliver Yard. Like any black hole, it is both a vortex and a paradox. It doesn’t exist until it becomes an inconvenience that swallows you

up.

One time, I was sitting shotgun beside the artist Skylar Fein in his white van, and we got caught on St. Claude in front of those all-too familiar blinking lights. We paused, and he sat with a Jedi’s equanimity. “What the fuck is with these tracks?” I asked, laughing nervously.

“It’s a humping station,” he said.

“What?” “The engine rolls forward and backward to connect and disconnect, or ‘hump with,’ various chains of train cars.”

The notion of “train-humping” altered much for me about these aggravations, at least for a span. When I reached St. Claude or Royal Street, and the train blocked my homeward (or work-ward) journey, I cast my mind overhead like a bird and pictured the rock-hard dong of the train thrusting and retreating and thrusting and retreating into the sparkly man-cave of my neighborhood, the place where I lived. It’s a hot thought. I’d get home and need my husband for a bit. But, like any fantasy, the lust dulled with repetition (and what is any form of sex but variable repetition to climax?), especially when the train-humping situation showed no real signs of change or evolution—like any trick with just one move.

Thus, today, I find myself side-byside those Lululemon mothers in white SUVs when we see those blinking red lights, like knives in our eyes. And in that second, we become compatriots of impatience, comrades in Thoreau’s shared vision of quiet desperation. And I’ll turn my bitch boy Blue Bike right on St. Claude and pedal like hell to chase the train’s humping progress. I’ll race beside the promenade of Lexuses down Homer Plessy Way until we touch freedom at Chartres. And when I beat that humping train, and I often do beat that stupid engine, I’ll extend my middle finger as I turn left and cross the tracks, knowing that I’ve saved myself 15 minutes.

Robert W. Fieseler is the author of Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, which won the 2019 Edgar Award in Best Fact Crime. He lives with his husband and dog in New Orleans.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

THE ROCKFORD FILES

The Hoe-Fax: A Carfax for dating Ryan Rockford RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com Let’s be honest. On a first date, I right impression. The first few months don’t give a shit about his family’s reof any relationship are crucial. They cent trip to the Grand Canyon or seeare the foundation on which all other ing a slideshow of his favorite memes. building blocks rest. Those first few Chances are, I’ve already had a full day weeks define to your S.O. who you are at work, a trip to the dog run, a dash as a person, and set the course and through the bodega for dinner, followed tone for the relationship’s future. by a shower, taken at warp speed, beThriftiness has no place during fore heading to our coffee date. Yes, on the Honeymoon phase of courtship. a first date, coffee is nice, but what I reThat Netflix and chill bullshit doesn’t fly ally want is the Tea. So while he’s pratduring the early stages of dating. When tling on about his latest Groupon deals, a guy throws out the Netflix and chill what I really want to say is: “Shut up. option too early or too often in the beJust show me the Hoe-Fax”. ginning phase of the gay dating cycle, Cut to the chase, already. Are we it tells me three things: 1) He’s cheap compatible? Does he satisfy a signif(which in this instance refers more to icant number of requirements on my a mindset than a measure of afflurelationship checklist? Relationships ence). 2) He is so lacking in imaginatake effort; everyone knows that. And tion that he cannot develop an original while I don’t expect a relationship to be idea. And 3) He’s not sexually mature easy, I do expect it to be worth it. enough to ask for what he wants. I’m Dating is becoming more and more sorry, but ‘sexting’ is for pussies. I’m a sterile with every app and cellphone grown man. If you want to have sex, upgrade. As society’s interpersonal put the phone down and come suck my skills decline, the expense of having dick. them increases. One reason many Wouldn’t you want to know if a popeople (including myself) don’t date tential mate was cheap, unimaginative, much anymore is, dating costs money. and sexually immature before you beReal money, if you want to make the gin picking out furniture or planning va-

cations? I would.

Life is hard. It’s a struggle. It just is. Why do you think the internet if full of “Life Hacks” and countless lists of time-saving tips and ideas for a new side hustle? For most of us, keeping our heads above water from month to month is exhausting enough, so why do we insist on tossing the complexities of finding love into the mix? Because we’re human. We mentally, emotionally, physically, and scientifically NEED human touch in our lives in order to develop into a balanced, well-adjusted, and productive member of society. The caveat being, today, when it comes to the gradual, coy, getting-to-know-you phase of a new relationship, ain’t nobody got time for that.

Before investing in a new relationship, wouldn’t it be nice to skip the obligatory expenses, white lies, flirty glances and under-the-table gropes of a first date? What we need is the HoeFax. The Car-Fax of dating. It works for cars, why not people?

Think about it, dating is a lot like shopping for a used car.

Most of us have either experienced or heard ‘buyer beware’ horror stories from people shopping for a used car.

Shopping for a new/used boyfriend isn’t that much different.

Let’s say, after an exhaustive Tristate search, you’ve found your dream machine. It’s got a great body, flawless exterior, comes from a reputable family, and performed impressively on your first few test drives, so you decide to take your dream machine home. Then, shortly after you’ve begun investing your time and money into something that you thought would be reliable and long-term, your dream machine begins to break down, ultimately turning out to be a lemon. Sound familiar?

I refer to the summer of 2016 as my “Country Time” summer. I dated so many lemons, I pissed lemonade.

Think of all the headaches we could spare ourselves with the HoeFax. Why continue to pour energy into planning the perfect dinner, or finding the perfect gift for some asshole who’s only going to lie, cheat and hijack your Uber account on his way out the door to fuck your best friend?

There is a reason we don’t plop down a wad of cash and drive the first good-looking car we see off the lot.

It’s irresponsible. You need to kick the tires and get under the hood to find out how much life is left in it – just like a new boyfriend. Buying a used car is an investment, one that you will need to trust and depend on to keep you safe and accompany you on life’s adven-

tures. Why should finding a life-partner be any different?

Whether you’re in the market for a Buick or a boyfriend, the same principles apply.

If there was a service that served up his tits on a platter - the real dirt, the facts - would you use it? If there was a report detailing the things that you really want to know before giving him your google number, would you read it? Hell yeah, you would.

Consider this: One night you might be at Happy Hour feeling frisky and looking cute when you lock eyes with the handsome buck standing next to you. One Mai Tai leads to another, and before long it’s last call, and you’re smacking face in line at coat-check.

You exchange numbers as he makes a mad dash to catch the train to Brooklyn. He’s hot, he can kiss, and he has a job. He seems perfect, but what’s really going on? Will he turn out to be a “self-employed” music producer, living off this grandmother’s government checks, and texting you from his dealer’s pre-paid burner phone? You need the Hoe-Fax. Similar to the Car-Fax, the HoeFax provides you with the information you need to help you make an informed decision. Let’s run down the kind of information can you expect to see on the Hoe-Fax. Damage History: How many times has your man been heartbroken?

Enough to know what losing love feels like? Or too many times, which could signal a melodramatic queen prone to overreacting?

Maintenance History: Is your man self-sufficient? Can he take care of himself by maintaining a job and paying his bills? Is he free from debt collectors? Does he appreciate and receive high-end services such as spas, pedicures, and champagne brunches?

Or does he have the reputation of being a high-maintenance slug, looking for a meal ticket and a nice place to stay? You’re looking for a long-term investment, and heavy maintenance issues are going to put your finances through a rough ride. Trust me on that.

Odometer reading: How much mileage does your new beau have on him? What is acceptable is up to you, but take a good look at the exterior, and feel the upholstery. How long has it been since your dream machine was showroom new? There is always a little fluctuation in mileage history, and it isn’t uncommon for some to roll back the odometer a bit, hoping you won’t notice. Look for signs of wear and tear and worn down parts. Compare any scars, scratches, or mysterious markings found on the body to a different model with similar mileage.

Owner history: How many relationships has he been through? Has his every breakup or failed relationship been someone else’s fault? Is he quick to blame anyone but himself for

24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

being so unlucky in love? If he has a long list of “losers” who just weren’t the right match, chances are the problem wasn’t them. It was him.

Emissions inspection: Does he make noises in his sleep? Does he snore or engage in a diet that causes frequent flatulence and explosive diarrhea? Does he have good oral hygiene and breath?

Disclaimer: The information included in the Hoe-Fax is by no means exhaustive. Remember, it’s always Buyer Beware. Before taking the plunge and signing on the dotted line, there are a few things you can do on your own to evaluate your dream machine, before he takes you on a ride.

Look for misaligned body parts.

Is there a posture problem or weight issue that needs to be addressed?

Catching small signs early can make a big difference down the road.

Check for a shady interior, especially on models with a seemingly flawless exterior. Sometimes too much effort is spent sprucing up the outside to make up for what’s lacking on the

inside. Is there a comfort factor during your test drives? Are there quality materials under the hood?

Does he have a Service Record?

Not to be confused with Maintenance History or time spent in the armed forces. How much bodywork has he had done up until this point. Are there steroid issues? Has he been under the knife?

Has he had a harmless Nip/Tuck or two over the years, or is his face pulled so tight that when he crosses his legs, his mouth snaps open? Considering the times we live in and our obsession with youth and beauty, a little cosmetic touch up is almost expected. But if you suspect that you’re your new Beau is two stitches away from being Botched, get a second opinion.

Check the engine lights. These little windows of warning are important and cannot be ignored. Too many people, especially in the early stages, are quick to blame faulty wiring or bad fuses when the red warning lights start to blink. Don’t be one of those people.

The moment that check engine light starts to flicker, pull over and step on

MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT New Orleans Museum of Art New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), the city’s oldest fine arts institution, opened on December 16, 1911 with only nine works of art. Today, the Museum hosts an impressive permanent collection of almost 50,000 objects. The collection, noted for its extraordinary strengths in French and American art, photography, glass, and African & Japanese works, continues to expand and grow, making NOMA one of the top art museums in the South.

NOMA continues to exhibit, interpret and preserve works of art from

ancient to modern times. Paintings, drawings & prints, and decorative arts survey the development of Western Civilization from the pre-Christian era to the present. Reflecting its rich historic and cultural heritage in New Orleans, NOMA has formed a comprehensive survey of African and French art. Among its French treasures is a group of works by the French Impressionist Edgar Degas who visited maternal relatives in New Orleans in the early 1870s and painted just 20 blocks from the Museum. NOMA’s collection of works by masters of the School of

the breaks. What may seem like a minor issue early on will most likely explode into a major one if left unattended.

Shaky Suspension: Can he stay in his lane, or does he tend to veer off to the side? If your crush can’t hold the course on his own, or keeps drifting off to the left or right, his suspension is shaky. Shaky suspension often results in an unstable ride and inadvisable for the long haul.

Finally, Check the (tail)pipe? Does he smoke? If so, what kind of smoke is it? Is it smoke from cigarettes? Weed?

Crystal meth, a hookah or crack? Does he abuse drugs or alcohol? This isn’t an opportunity for judgement, perhaps you partake in a few festivities of your own. But before you coast your dream machine into Mama’s driveway, it’s best to know which time of day is going to work to your advantage.

As of this writing, the idea of the Hoe-Fax is for entertainment purposes only, but it’s an idea that isn’t far from becoming a reality. Think about all of the information we willfully input into

cyberspace everyday through texting, Alexa, online questionnaires, mailing lists, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, etc. If someone were to gather all of the information we provide via social media platforms and combine it with the public records of the DMV and Department of Health, that would create a very accurate Hoe-Fax. Although I love the idea of it, research suggests that I won’t need a Hoe-Fax. Statistically speaking, middle aged gay men will most likely die alone. Data seems to indicate that if I don’t have a partner now, I probably never will. How encouraging is that?

Well, if that’s what I have to look forward to, I want to make sure I drive off into the sunset in style. But how? What if I take this idea to the Shark Tank?

“Ok, Sharks! I’m seeking $15 million dollars for 100% of my company.

Who’s with me?” (… still waiting.)

Until next time, Ryan Rockford RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com

Paris includes paintings and sculptures

by Picasso, Braque, Dufy and Miro, among others.

The twelve-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA is one of the most important sculpture installations in the United States, with over 90 sculptures situated on a beautifully landscaped site amongst meandering footpaths, reflecting lagoons, Spanish moss-laden 200-year-old live oaks, mature pines, magnolias, camellias, and pedestrian bridges.

NOMA has developed a unique Arts of the Americas collection, surveying the cultural heritage of North, Central and South America from the pre-Columbian period through the

Spanish Colonial era. This collection is especially rich in objects from the great Mayan culture of Mexico and Central America, and in painting & sculpture from Cuzco, the fabulous Spanish capital of Peru. An important part of the Museum’s display of American art is a suite of period rooms featuring 18th and 19th century furniture and decorative arts As it has for a century, the New Orleans Museum of Art continues to be a gathering place for all those seeking to share the beauty of this extraordinary collection of world art and learn from it.

NOMA engages, educates and enriches the diverse populations within, and drawn to, the New Orleans area.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at the Oracle Gala 2019 AT THE LGBT+ ARCHIVES PROJECT OF LOUISIANA’S 2019 ORACLE GALA | PHOTOS BY CHARLES PIZZO + CHRIS TRENTACOSTE

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 25

INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

Arcadia Provincetown Is the Little Store At the End of the Earth With Big Stories Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com After 15 years in NYC and now, Provincetown, the year-round Arcadia features handmade, ethically sourced, curated items all with compelling stories. Founder Jay Gurewitsch is happy to share these along with free shipping through ArcadiaPTown.com. As he puts it, that’s just how he rolls. After lucking out with an insolvent Tom of Finland storefront in NYC’s Chelsea, Jay had quite the start to selling his eclectic wares. Now, he reveals his most memorable teachable in-store moments, discusses pushing back in the classroom as a child, and explains why one product in particular is flying off his shelves.

You recently had a teachable moment involving a photo snapping kid and intellectual property rights in Arcadia. What was your first such encounter as a child?

Jay: [Laughs] I come from a family of teachers, librarians, and researchers. My entire life as a child was one long “teachable moment!” I didn’t know that concept even existed until I discovered that other people’s parents did not turn every action, bit of news, or incident into a “teachable moment.”

Two stories immediately stick out.

One good, one not so good. The good one is that when I was little, my family lived in NYC and couldn’t afford to go on vacations. Instead, we went on car trips to visit family in other cities mostly in New England. My brother and I got into fights in the back seat until it drove my parents nuts. My mother quickly learned to keep extra maps in the car and threw them in the back when we started acting up. She challenged us to figure out where we were at that moment and find the route we would take to get to our destination. It worked like a charm. No more fighting. We were intensely focused on figuring out the maps and racing each other to find the answer. We inevitably found things on the maps to discuss. AAA maps always had a fair amount of history on them.

Kids can be treated like adults even if they are acting like brats — sometimes they can be distracted into behaving well.

Then, when I was about six and crossing the street with my mother in Bensonhurst, this little old lady screamed at me, “Christ killer!” I burst into tears immediately thinking I had killed someone. My mom got me away from her and explained that because I wore a kippa [or yarmulke], the old lady figured out we were Jewish and hated all Jews for something she was taught in school that was not true — the

Jews had killed their messiah Jesus.

The Catholic Church changed their teaching on that history years ago, but this woman would have been too old to change her beliefs. My mother made it very clear that I did nothing wrong, this woman was wrong, and just because someone insists something is one way, does not always make it true.

What was the initial response to the NYC store? Was it more or less beneficial to be branded as a gayowned establishment?

Jay: I’m not sure I was branded as a “gay-owned establishment.” I certainly never tried to position it that way. I was often assumed to be the “shop kid” and not the owner. I was only 30 when I started so I understood that mistake in the early years. It was Chelsea during the height of the Chelsea Boy phenomenon. I suppose people assumed I was gay. I never really thought about it. I assumed everyone thinks I’m gay. The focus has always been on the sustainable, ethical sourcing, and storytelling.

Initial and sustained reaction to the store was of two types and has stayed that way all these years. Some people walk in, spend 20–30 seconds looking somewhat confused, and then leave.

They don’t give me a chance to explain anything, are plugged into their phones, and leave before anything catches their attention.

The second type is thankfully more common. They come in and give me a chance to explain the story behind whatever they are looking at. It’s the story that make the difference. Everything at Arcadia has a story and my job is to tell those stories. Otherwise, it’s all just more stuff and no one needs more stuff in their lives. I explain who made it, how it’s made, where it’s made, and who benefits from the proceeds of sales.

What’s your selection process for what ultimately makes it into the store?

Jay: First it has to catch my attention visually. I shop the way my customers shop — it needs to be visually interesting. Then, I start the grilling process.

Who made it, where, and how? Ideally, I am talking directly to the artist, who has a focus on sustainable practices.

Then the last question — does anyone in Provincetown sell your work? I don’t want to carry anything my customers will see elsewhere in town and the fewer places the product is available the better. Everything in my store should be new to each customer.

My stand-out success story of this season is undoubtedly my brooms.

Jay Gurewitsch

Truly functional works of art, they are made by one of the few remaining master broom makers in New England.

He uses a millennia-old method of making brooms using broomcorn — a type of sorghum instead of straw — that must be soaked in formaldehyde to keep it from rotting. A well maintained broomcorn broom can last for generations without any chemicals. The handles are made by a Shaker community in Pennsylvania. Each broom is signed by the artist and is visually stunning because the broomcorn is dyed to look like a rainbow. This is not an LGBT element although it obviously works very well as a selling point. It’s actually an ancient concept of home decor. Previously, when every home had a broomcorn broom, but perhaps not much else, dyeing the broomcorn was a way to introduce color into the home. Now, it’s just a fabulous touch to an otherwise beautiful and functional piece of art.

Add in the fact that I ship brooms, like everything else, for free anywhere in the US, you can imagine how popular these are. Unless tourists in Provincetown drove here, it can be a bit difficult to get a broom home. Although purchasers love joking about riding it home or at least across town. I got my initial order and sold out within a week.

Will LGBTQ artists and designers continue to beat back restrictions or marginalization that may narrow the markets of their creations?

Jay: I will quote President Obama, quoting Martin Luther King Jr, quoting Theodore Parker, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.”

As an LGBT businessman, I’ve never knowingly discriminated against anyone for anything, except dropping one long time straight, southern female artist when it was clear from her Facebook feed that she was a rabid Trump supporter. I don’t recall much of any discrimination aimed at me in a professional context. Being a northerner in Atlanta at the trade shows was generally enough for some folks to give me a “bless your heart.” I certainly never felt the loss. As the buyer in these situations I hold most of the power regardless of my sexual orientation.

I know secondhand of such issues. There is a well-established artist in town for whom I have modeled. He has routinely turned male nudes into female nudes, including at least one of me, because he is represented by a gallery in the South that won’t sell male nudes.

We as a community have accomplished incredible progress in the last few decades, building on the work of pioneers as far back as the 19th century. We have a long way to go before being LGBT is no more of note to someone than being a redhead, Jewish, or poor. I, like others who use that quote properly, understand that with work we will get there. I like to think that my little store at the end of the earth contributes in a tiny way towards that goal.

Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY Ron Caesar and the Pub Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com FP: Tell us a little about yourself?

Did you grow up in New Orleans? How long have you worked at the Pub? RC: I grew up in Mamou, Louisiana, about eighteen miles northwest of Lafayette, on my grandfather’s farm.

My grandparents raised me and my siblings. My grandparents’ farm was one of the last sharecropping farms in Louisiana. It consisted of cotton, potatoes, corn, peanuts and watermelon. I grew up working on his farm.

After graduating from high school, I worked offshore in the oil field industry for about seven years as a crane operator. Then, around 1983 or early 1984, work slowed down. On the days I wasn’t working offshore I would hang out at the Pub, especially for tea dance on Sundays.

Being a country boy and not knowing a lot about the city and gay culture, I felt so overwhelmed with this lifestyle, but I had the good fortune of meeting a lot of nice people, customers and bartenders at the Pub: Paul Cook, Patrick Danu, Mark Scovern, Danny Bessera and Gary Madonna, the barback, and Tex Knight the general manager. Tex was a great guy to work for; every day

was a party. I became good friends with Gary Madonna, and in 1984 he needed help barbacking so I started filling in for him, I did that for about two years.

I was very shy back then, so I really loved doing that job, but Tex Knight had his own plans, which was to make me a bartender. He put me upstairs on Tuesday nights which was 50-cent well night. Back then in the eighties, every night was busy, but Tuesdays were like a weekend night. It was like a 24/7 party.

FP: Did you know Jerry Menefee?

RC: I never met Jerry Menefee, but on Sundays before I started working at the Pub, I’d be on the balcony with friends and he’d pull up to the bar in a Cadillac convertible, and people would tell me that it was Jerry. He actually died the week I started working at the Pub. I would see Bobby Revere every now and then but didn’t really meet him until after he bought the bar.

One of the things I enjoyed about working for Tex and Bobby was that they made everyone feel like family no matter how long they worked at the Pub. In the ‘80s we had company picnics and took road trips to the beach in Missis-

sippi a couple of times. Tex and Bobby were a (great team).

FP: What are some of your favorite memories from working at the Pub? RC: One of the many memorable times in working at the Parade was meeting my partner of thirty-one years, and meeting people from all over the world, and many entertainers who have performed at the Parade. Viola Wills, Sylvester, Eartha Kitt, Lonnie Gordon, Vickie Sheppard, Paul Lakakis, and Thea Austin all performed, and many other entertainers came to the Pub just to visit FP: What is your most and least favorite thing about bartending?

RC: A couple of things I hate about being a bartender is working every weekend, but that’s when the big

party is going on. I don’t care too much for arrogant, upitty people or bachelorette parties but I’ve learned to make the best out of every situation.

Back in the ‘90s when Decadence was becoming more popular than Mardi Gras it was very exciting watching the build-up and preparations for that weekend. It still is my favorite party.

FP: How has the bar scene changed since you started bartending?

RC: Social media has forever changed the bar scene. A lot of people meet on-line and may or may not go out for a drink, I remember the time you had to come to a bar to meet someone (the good old days) before smartphones. One of the things I really like about social media is that I’m able to let people know when I’m working!

BOOK REVIEW 100 Times: A Memoir of Sexism

Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com 100 Times: A Memoir of Sexism.

Chavisa Woods.

Seven Stories Press, 2019. 240 pages.

As the title suggests, this compelling book recounts one woman’s experience as a victim of patriarchal chauvinism, and as such provides an important anecdotal record of not only the ways in which sexism manifests itself in our society, but also how it affects, which is to say changes, its targets (I was tempted to write “victims,” but Woods clearly shows us that may not be the right word).

Woods states that one of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of sexism is convincing men it actually exists. By chronicling her experiences with gender harassment, both subtle and overt, verbal and physical, Woods demonstrates just how pervasively and consistently sexism permeates our society. “Well, duh!” some might exclaim, but there is a special power that resonates in personal experiences which is lost in headlines and statistics. The brain and the heart are about eighteen inches apart and Woods aims for both.

And hits the bullseye on both.

The writing is clear and straightforward and for many women will hit close to home. This book is extremely timely (and overdue) given the current political climate, the “Me Too” movement, the public discourse about toxic masculinity, and the Trump Administration’s overt endorsement of white patriarchy.

By providing 100 specific examples of sexist discrimination and violence, Woods cuts through all the sensational headlines and gives form and substance to the general rage women feel.

100 Times would make an excellent gift, especially for teenage girls just beginning to navigate misogyny, as well as for men who just don’t get it, like your right-wing cousin or crazy brother-in-law. Mailing a copy to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

This book is sure to become a feminist classic. Read it.

Brooklyn-based writer Chavisa Woods is the author of the short story collection Things to Do When You’re Goth in the Country (Seven Stories Press, 2017), the novel The Albino Album (Seven Stories Press, 2013), and the story collection Love Does Not Make Me Gentle or Kind (Fly by Night Press, 2009). Woods was the recipient of the 2014 Cobalt Prize for fiction and was a finalist in 2009, 2014, and 2018 for the Lambda Literary Award for fiction. In 2018 Woods was the recipient of the Kathy Acker Award for Writing and the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novelette. Woods has appeared as a featured author at such notable venues as the Whitney Museum of American Art, City Lights Bookstore, Town Hall Seattle, the Brecht Forum, the Cervantes Institute, and St. Mark’s Poetry Project.

28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES

A Light unto the Nations

The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Rector St Anna’s Episcopal Church fr.bill@stannanola.org The phrase “a light unto the Nations” derives from at least three verses in the Book of Isaiah. At least in part, these are verses of hope: hope for restoration of for future possibility. They were written, it is generally believed, during what is called The Babylonian Captivity, a dark period in Jewish history. Prophets in the Hebrew Bible speak truth to power. Most of the prophetic works are cautionary tales for the future having been written, often, after the fact. But nonetheless, these stories hold both doom and promise, and it is all conditional on how the powerful behave.

“A light unto the nations” is a phrase that jumped into my very cluttered head when I was thinking about what to share with you. Why? Because I have the best job in the world! I get to watch prophets and hear prophets and see prophets so very often. They are dwelling among even now.. So let’s just take a moment to look at the doom scenario: Trump is at the very least ego-driven and self-centered. The worst I leave to you.

Homophobia is rising.

Anti-Semitism is rising.

Racism is still an issue, and becoming more acute.

Protection of assets is trumping charity and hospitality.

The stock market is now the thermostat for moral and social contracts.

And on the local level: The cost of housing is rising.

The cost of living is rising.

Utilities are not delivering.

Flooding and climate change are affecting us right now (95 degrees in September).

Where are the prophets that are dealing with all of this doom? I’ll give you a couple of recent examples..

It starts with a simple invitation to do a benediction (blessing prayer) to open a Gay Krew’s Ball, more recently to offer a blessing to Girls Gone Broadway at Oz. I was talking with a host of one of these events, and I shared with him that they just don’t teach you how to do a blessing for drag shows in seminary. It’s true; they don’t.

Maybe they should. But what does Girls Gone Broadway have to do with prophets?

Last Wednesday night I took some time to hang out with NOAGE. It is a

group that meets and has a potluck supper, and it is a mix of gay community elders and younger folks. The idea is to subvert isolation. What a delight to just sit and visit, and what a wonderful way to meet a serious community need - isolation can and is a bitch! The care with which the community responds is always amazing to those that know of it and stand outside of it. Amazing. “A light unto the Nations.” OK, maybe now you see where we are going.

Another example: The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of “nuns” dressed in colorful garb who use the language and structure of religious orders to push back against prejudice wherever it is encountered.

“A light unto the Nations.”

Drag uses art, fashion, and performance to poke fun (and have fun), and it has a deep history in subversive art. Doing drag is subversive. It takes perceived norms and pushes them back. And it’s on the rise. I mean, Poppy Tooker and Drag Brunch! RuPaul’s Drag Race is also still hugely popular.

Inroads into the social world that sets societal standards: subversive and important.

So, when I am asked to do a Ben-

ediction for a drag show, a gay ball, a funeral service in a gay bar, or to simply sit and break bread with NOAGE, it is in line with the ancient prophets.

The community and its various expressions seem to be in line with the Prophets. Pushback against prejudice during Pride. Pushback against prejudice during Decadence. “A light unto the Nations.”

So, for better or worse, I believe that this community has a lot to offer the world, and that offering is based squarely in the words of the Prophet Yehoshua (which, by the way, means salvation): “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” or “I leave you with this last commandment: love one another.”

Unlike the Old Testament’s violent examples of truth to power, we now have humor, gusto, delight, dance, song, music, makeup, beads, bangles, and glitter, along with wit and wisdom.

Through the pain comes the humor and the hope.

So snap, put on that eyeliner, top your pate with that big hair, and let the world know that you and your audience are FABULOUS!

BOOKS OF THE MONTH The Women’s Murder Club Series Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com So you know when you binge watch a television series? I can be the same way with books, especially those in a series. That best describes my choices for the month of September.

Since August was a slow month workwise, I was actually able to catch up on some summer reading, so I read the last three installments of The Women’s Murder Club written by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. I loved all of them and each novel draws the reader into a twisting thriller.

The 16th Seduction finds the lead of the murder club Sergeant Lindsey Boxer reconnecting with her estranged husband after a brief separation. Unexpectedly, when disaster strikes the city of San Francisco and she is thrust into a horrendous attack, Lindsay finds her career, marriage and even job on the line. Joining the other three members of the Women’s Murder Club, the foursome match wits with a sadistic and brilliant psychopath. Patterson’s books play out like a movie. His descriptions of characters, places and situations bring them to vivid life. With

each book, you connect more with the main characters and their lives. You feel emotionally attached to them, empathize with their plights and, most of all, find them very relatable.

In the second book, The 17th Seduction, a series of homeless people are murdered and Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin are drawn into the case. It is out of their jurisdiction and they find the cops in that precinct are doing nothing to catch the killer. As the plot unfolds, the main characters find themselves at odds with not only a proficient killer but their co-workers. In another storyline, Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano, another member of the Women’s Murder Club, is trying a rape case that is full of surprises. Going up against a formidable defense attorney, her passion to win may cause her to break the law. I found this book satisfying from start to finish. And since the authors do not shy away from killing off main characters, you never know the outcome of these books which keep you wondering till the end.

The final book on my marathon

reading journey was The 18th Abduction. More of prequel, the novel takes a look back at a past case of Lindsay Boxer that sees her searching for three missing female colleagues who went out for a night on the town. Her husband Joe Molinaro mets a woman of Eastern European descent who asks for help bringing a horrible war criminal, now residing in the United States, to justice. When the cases intersect, the Women’s Murder Club becomes in-

volved. This was another good entry although I am never a fan of prequel books. Still, this one delivers the same punch and vigor as the others. The authors create as great portrayals of the villains as the main characters. They’re not one-dimensional killing machines thus making for an interesting matchup between the calculating murderers and the smart detectives. For more information on James Patterson’s books, go to www.jamespatterson.com.

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CHOP CHOP A Roman Orgy of Pizza Charles Pizzo pizzocharles@gmail.com

Fresh mushrooms and herbs top a Roman-style pizza at Bonci.

There is a dizzying selection of familiar and not so familiar pizzas available at any given time. The offerings change constantly throughout the day.

You might be overwhelmed by the roughly two dozen varieties of pizza staring back at you from the counter at Bonci pizza, a new arrival from Rome (yes, that Rome). Cruise over for a visually stunning array of fresh ingredients atop rectangular, Roman-style pizza al taglio.

Bonci operates like food shops in Europe. Pizza is sold by weight. When you make a selection, a strip is snipped across the pie with a scissors. You choose the width. Order one type, or a selection. The system is foreign (pun intended), but it works.

The only downside is that I was unsure of what the final cost would be, though everything pictured in the photos (which was quite filling) came to well under twenty bucks. Be sure to bring plastic because Bonci is cashless. Workers heat up your selections and deliver them to you.

The first clue that this will be a sophisticated experience is the sack of heirloom wheat flour imported from Italy that sits conspicuously by the front door. Some may see that as storage, but foodies know this is a statement.

While many people think that toppings define the pizza, it’s the crust that provides the foundation. And this one is glorious—with nice heft and chew yet light and airy. There are large air pockets indicating the dough has been allowed to rest and ferment to build up flavor (they say it rests for 4872 hours).

It reminded me a bit of focaccia, but was softer—though a few bites crackled like a pizza I once found in the narrow alleys behind Piazza Navona. The interplay of textures works

to great effect, lending an interesting mouth feel.

If you’re looking for a round pizza topped with pepperoni or the same old, you won’t find it. Instead, Bonci transports you to another world where premium ingredients and clever combinations abound. They claim that the chef has created over 1,500 recipes. Vegetarian options are always available.

So, how did it taste? Gloriously fresh, earthy, and toothsome. There are high-quality cheeses in use here, and the overall impression is European. If you’ve been raised on cheap pizza with greasy toppings and cardboard crusts, it’s time to up your game.

Fans of white pies (no tomato sauce) will recognize the four cheese pizza, a rendition sometimes called quattro formaggio. Mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano, and gorgonzola (blue) cheeses are deftly mixed and well-seasoned. The result is unctuous, creamy, and a little bit oily owing to the high fat content of quality cheese.

The crust is light and airy; some parts are tender while others are crisp. This combination is seductive—I craved more. The color is a deep tan and it’s thicker than average and uneven, about a half inch or more in spots, but not so thick that it overpowers the topping.

Not everyone will appreciate the anchovy and burrata pie, but I did. It’s salty in a good way, with a deep, rich taste (and aftertaste) that transported me back to far flung cafés—high in quality with a deep finish. Plain, soft white cheese offsets it perfectly.

The spicy eggplant pie was a revelation with its deep, umami flavor and

A sampler pizza made up of scissors-snipped strips from six varieties: (top down) four cheese, anchovies & burrata, spicy eggplant, soppressata, margherita, and rossa sausage mushroom.

actual spicy seasoning. The crosscut tranches are peeled, soft and sweet, not bitter.

Soppressata is an Italian salumi (cold cut) laced with black peppercorns. It too is salty, and might fill the bill for anyone looking for something meaty and familiar (albeit less greasy than pepperoni). It’s of excellent quality, and layered with a very light tomato sauce and generous amount of cheese. Addictive.

It’s worth noting that the sauce is indeed quite light, perhaps owing to the substantial and flavorful toppings.

It is not the cooked down, tomato paste laden Sicilian-American version sometimes encountered in this area. With these pies, it works beautifully.

There is no better example of that than the simple Margherita pizza. This classic has only a few ingredients: tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh basil.

Less is more.

Of all the selections I tried, the rossa sausage mushroom pie will probably have the broadest appeal. The crumbly, mild sausage melds into the cheese to a creamy effect, and honest to goodness fresh mushrooms (not canned and rubbery!) elevate it all.

Suppli are “Roman-inspired rice and pasta balls” that are fried. I tried one with rice tossed in sauce with a

chunk of melted cheese oozing from the middle. It was different from arancini I have tasted before, and very mild.

This would be a good choice for anyone in your group that might be thrown off by the gourmet toppings of the pies.

Grab a drink from the case. There’s an eclectic selection of local, domestic, and international beers plus wine by the bottle. Or, choose from an upscale selection of sodas, sparkling waters (including San Pellegrino), and organic beverages.

As I was leaving, I checked the counter again. Two new pizzas had arrived: a great looking meatball pie, and one with potatoes (said to be the most popular). I was tempted to order again, and try the pies topped with salmon, fried onions, and prosciutto too. Bonci, ritornerò!

Bonci, 726 Julia Street, New Orleans (right off the corner of St. Charles Avenue); (504) 766-6071; All major debit and credit cards only (no cash); https://bonciusa.com Charles Pizzo is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a lifelong foodie. He writes about food that he likes and would recommend to the readers of Ambush. | Restaurateurs: fancy the spotlight? There is no charge for editorial coverage; simply offer a tasting.

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LIVE MUSIC • VENDORS • INFORMATION • FOOD • KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

SCAN TO DONATE

gulf coast equality fest 10/19/19

UNITY

[yoo-ni-tee]

noun, plural u·ni·ties.

The state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.

Origin: 1250–1300; Middle English unite < Old French < Latin unitas, equivalent to un(us ) one + -itas -ity

THE GREAT LAWN / 11AM – 6PM Harrah’s Gulf Coast • 280 Beach Blvd • Biloxi, MS 39530 GulfCoastEqualityFest.org Facebook.com/EqualityMS Must be 21 or older to gamble. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort reserves all rights. ©2019, Caesars License Company, LLC. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS Battling Bullies While Maintaining Mental Health Chenier Reynolds-Montz Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana CReynolds@accesshealthla.org “Early intervention in helping a person deal with a bullying situation is important because it helps the person realize that bullying is not acceptable,” says Alvin Anderson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). “It also gives them the opportunity to access resources to get it stopped.” Each year, innocent people die from the effects of bullying. LGBTQ youth are at an even greater risk of developing depression, anxiety, stress or even suicidal thoughts from the effects of this form of intimidation.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It’s a month dedicated to creating awareness for the problem and to let people know that bullying doesn’t just impact LGBTQ youth, but adults as well. Through his years as a social worker, Anderson has helped people deal with all types of issues.

He spent many years as a counselor at Cohen College Prep before seeing adolescent and adult patients at the South Broad Community Health Center located at 3300 South Broad Street.

The clinic is located near the LGBTQ Community Center of New Orleans.

Anderson says the key to helping someone cope with bullying is talking about the problem. “I think the individual experiences a lot less stress by seeking therapy to cope with bullying,” says Anderson. “Some of the ramifications for not seeking help may lead to anxiety and depression that could have been controlled with cognitive therapy.

It will also prevent the individual from making inappropriate decisions that may lead to negative consequences.”

Building a safe environment for LGBTQ youth is important for decreas-

ing the risk of bullying. According to a 2017 study published by the website stopbullying.gov, 33% of LGBTQ youth reported being bullied on school campuses and another 27% reported being bullied online. Youth aren’t the only ones being victimized by bullies.

Adults and seniors are too.

“There are individuals with their beliefs,” says Anderson, “and they continue this type of behavior towards targeted individuals. The elderly are often victims of bullying because some lack the human resources to protect themselves or do not have the physical and mental stamina to cope with it.”

Anderson says when dealing with bullies, it’s important to focus yourself on boosting self- esteem. “I have worked with young adults being ostracized by family members. Intervention with them focused on self-esteem building and using a strength-based approach.”

Whether you’re dealing with a bully in everyday life or being attacked online, a trained therapist can help you rise above the situation and maintain your mental health. Anderson offers the following three reasons for seeking help: “First, the person will become aware of resources to get the bullying stopped. They will be taught appropriate coping skills and finally, become more aware of themselves.”

Everyone can thrive in a community when they feel supported. Families, schools and communities all play a critical role in helping LGBTQ youth and adults feel physically and emotionally safe. There are constructive steps people can take to help decrease the spread of bullying and create more supportive environments for everyone.

Alvin Anderson, LCSW-South Broad Community Health Center

First, respect a person’s privacy.

Never disclose a person’s sexuality without their permission. Secondly, build strong connections with youth/ seniors and keep the lines of communication open so they feel comfortable seeking out help if they find themselves in a bad situation. Next, provide support through safe spaces where LGBTQ youth can talk about their sexual identity and navigate decisions about disclosing it with others. Finally, help create social-emotional activities in schools to help foster peer-relationships and help other students develop empathy.

If you find yourself a victim of bullying, always report the problem to your teacher, your boss or even the police.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

There are many wonderful therapists out there who can lend an ear, offer helpful advice and resources, as well

as get you on the road to recovery. If you’re concerned about cost, consider seeking out a therapist connected with a community health center network like Access Health Louisiana. These health centers not only accept Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance, but offer a sliding-fee discount scale for those who are uninsured.

The discount is based off your household size and income.

Chenier Reynolds-Montz is Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana, a registered 501(c)3 organization. She can be reached at creynolds@accesshealthla.org. For information about our services, log onto our website at accesshealthla.org

WELLNESS

Healthy is the new Sexy Dr. Andrew Watley Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana www.drandrewwatley.com We finally live in a time when body positivity is promoted all around us.

Shout out to my girl, Lizzo, who recently graced the city of New Orleans with her presence in what I heard was a concert for the ages. Women like Lizzo have redefined what we view as beautiful and are promoting a sense of self-acceptance that I think is needed

in the world. I do not think that the battle is won, however. We need to push the bar a little bit into accepting a new health-conscious body positivity.

The “dad bod” is a hot trend right now. People love an older man with just the right amount of hair and meat in the right places. When I hear the term, though, I can’t help but to think

of my actual father (in a non-sexual way of course). My dad’s bod isn’t the healthiest out there. Physically, many would say that he is attractive on the outside, but what is going on inside that dad bod is what concerns me. There’s the cholesterol issues, sleep apnea, and not one, but two knee replacement surgeries from the lack of exercise and

constant weight that he puts on them.

In no way am I here to rag on Lizzo or my dad. They are both amazing people that have qualities that I hope to embody one day. I am writing this article, tho, to encourage us all to take more pride in our overall health.

There is a strong connection between our physical health and our

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

mental health. I will use myself as an example. I am a short man standing at a whopping 5’3”. As cute as that may sound, it has all types of consequences, one being the accelerated rate that I can put on weight. I can walk past Clover Grill and easily gain 5 pounds.

This amazing superpower reached its peak in my college years when I was able to turn the infamous “freshman 15” into the freshman 35. My excessive college weight gain didn’t lead to the usual “congratulations” that I was expecting upon graduation, but instead I got a resounding “You got fat”. Since college, I was able to lose most if not all of the weight that I gained, but the thoughts of those comments still haunt me to the point that I developed a slight Body Dysmorphic Disorder, something that I struggle with to this very day.

I was physically unhealthy during

both my college and young adult years.

I couldn’t “blame it on the juice” but, instead, I was forced to point the fingers back at myself. My physical and mental unhealth became a familiar spiral for me. I was eating junk food and avoiding exercise because I was not where I wanted to be mentally and because I wasn’t ready to deal with my internal struggles, I drowned my sorrows in food.

How many of us can find ourselves in a similar situation? We eat or drink our feelings because we are afraid to face them head on. We can easily turn on TLC and find an episode of, “My 600 Pound Life”. Obesity has become so “normal” that it’s a television show.

If you really pay attention to what led to the individual’s weight gain, it is more often than not due to anxiety, depression, or trauma. The show, “Hoarders”

is another example of a similar phenomenon of the physical ailments that result from an unhealthy mental state.

I think that it is fair in the month of September, Suicide Prevention Month, to pay attention to not only our physical and mental healths, but also those of the ones whom we love. It isn’t always an easy conversation to have with ourselves or others but it is one that can be beneficial. Let’s look past what we see in the mirror and into ourselves to find the habits and characteristics that lead us to unhealthy ways of thinking and living. We owe it to ourselves and those who love us to give them the best “us” that we can be. Let’s start making healthier habits. Make a couple of trips to the gym during the week or maybe do a short home workout.

Get into the routine of substituting that sugar-filled morning coffee and

donut with a cup of tea and some fruit.

More importantly, try to eliminate the things in your life that cause additional stress that leads to those unwanted pounds. In the words of Lizzo in her song, Fitness, “think about how I’m gonna feel when I take it all off”. Take off your stress, take off your anxiety, take off your worries and let’s be sexy and healthy together.

Dr. Andrew Watley is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Louisiana. His practice is geared toward helping adolescents, members of the LGBTQ+ community and men who experience concerns with their masculinity and body image. More information about Dr. Watley and his practice can be found on his website, www. drandrewwatley.com.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Apollo New Orleans MR. AND MISS APOLLO NEW ORLEANS CORONATION AND BENEFIT SHOW SATURDAY AT OZ | PHOTOS BY THOMAS MERRILL

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

HOT HAPPENINGS UNDER THE GAYDAR New Orleans Hot Happenings Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com As summer reaches its climax, the city gears up for an incredibly busy Fall season. Here are a few hot happenings to get into the spirit! (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.

WEEKLY EVENTS EVERYDAY

Happy Hour: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 7 days a week from open until 9pm (7AM to 9PM). It’s $3 domestic beer and well drinks. $1 off everything else.

777 Happy Hour: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Happy Hour: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7 days a week from 8 a.m - 8 p.m.

Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (except Monday)

Happy Hour: GrandPre’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. $3 Well/ domestics Happy Hour: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Kajun’s Karaoke: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; Karaoke from 5 p.m. until.

Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (except Sunday) Happy Hour: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; bargain prices starting with draft beer or Schnapps for only $1.50—plus six more specials. Weekdays: Noon - 7 p.m., Weekends: 10 a.m, - 6 p.m. | Boys dancin’ on the bar nightly 9 p.m. till close.

WEEKDAYS

Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Happy Hour: The Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 6 a.m. - 10

a.m. and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Martini Mondays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tito’s and Deep Eddy martinis will be $3.

Service Industry Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $2.50 domestic beers; $3 well cocktails; $3.50 imported beer; $5.50 Tito’s; $6 Jameson.

Happy Hour All Night: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Open to close.

Well, domestic, and wine.

Mexican Monday: The 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; Open to close. $3 Coronas, $3 Cuervo Shots, 2 for 1 Margaritas Primal Nights: Bacchannal Wine; 600 Poland Ave.; 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. $20 donation. Guest Chefs grill a personalized menu and the plate donations go to the charity of their choosing.

NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club: Audubon Park; 6:15 p.m.

Join Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE starting at 6:30 p.m..

Meet for the walk/run at Audubon Park by the Magazine Street entrance parking lot. The Stonewall Run Club joins every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running,

jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry; someone will walk with you. If you are the fastest person there, we’ll see you at the finish line.

If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504) 228-6778.

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.

Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join bartender Mark and a revolving cast of drag queen hostesses for Lazy Susan Karaoke with music by DJ Lucius Riley. Mondays are a drag, so make them fabulous and sing the night away.

Underwear Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; starting at 9 p.m. The Eagle now is open EVERY Monday night. Happy Hour prices if you’re in your underwear.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and No Cover.

Night of S.I.N.: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; from 9 p.m. till close. Get your S.I.N. (Service Industry Night) card from Ashlee to unlock Happy Hour prices every Monday night. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010;

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Crossing PEOPLE ARE CROSSING NOLA TO SEE AND BE SEEN AT CROSSING NOLA | PHOTOS BY CHARLES PIZZO

CROSSING

Neighborhood video bar with a steampunk theme in the historic Vieux Carré.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 7 AM – 9 PM OPENING HOURS 7 AM – 1:30 AM ADDRESS 439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-4517 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide S.I.N.: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 1 a.m - 4 a.m. 2 for 1 drinks.

TUESDAY

Tequila Tuesdays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tequila drinks $5.

Tunes Tuesday: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy: The AllWays Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m There’s no cover for this grown-up game show where everyone’s a winner! Just buy a drink from the bar & Tsarina Hellfire will give you a Bingo card. Each round winner gets a bucket of prizes including exclusive prints & a grand finale prize from Abita Brewing Company! Just for showing up you get to enjoy the free burlesque side of this unique game.

Between every round, Lefty Lucy performs an improvised striptease to a song the crowd selects, removing only one item per round—don’t miss your chance to win the finale prize, and to see the tassels twirl!

Trivia: Cutter’s; 706 Franklin Ave.; 7:30 p.m. Join your host, bartender

and local music legend Johnny Sketch.

Join a trivia team or bring your own and test your knowledge across multiple categories to win an often odd and useful assortment of prizes!

Tito’s Tuesday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m. - close. $5 Tito’s cocktails Country Dance Lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m.

Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with the Big Easy Stompers 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.

Trivia Night: MRB; 515 St. Philip St.; Starts at 8 p.m. Every Tuesday at 8 you can join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia.

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.

Happy Hour All day and Night: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Every week on Tuesday from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am the next day.

WEDNESDAY

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.

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.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

BYOBikes Wednesday Bike Rides: Liuzza’s Bar and Restaurant; 3636 Bienville St.; Starts at 6 p.m. Come get over the hump with BYOBikes and meet every Wednesday at LIuzza’s On Bienville for a mid week Mid City Social Bike Ride. Drink Specials, family friendly, lawn games and FUN! It’s for a great cause! Meet up at 6 p.m.; Bike Ride at 6:30 p.m. and social hour at 7 p.m.

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

Show Tunes Night: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m.- Midnight Wednesday Night Karaoke: Cru; 535 Franklin Ave.; 8 - 10 p.m. Join Vanessa Carr Kennedy and the krewe at Cru NOLA - Raw & Bubble Bar for Wednesday night karaoke in the treehouse. Sing your heart out, enjoy some amazing cocktails, and get some food from the kitchen.

Video Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8:30 p.m. midnight; The bar is doing Video Game Night starting at 9 p.m. Come and compete for prizes and Grab some Drinks.

Kafe Karaoke: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – midnight. $25.00 Bar tab and Free Shots & Givea-ways with Happy Hour All Day. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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.

Prime Time Trivia: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; starts at 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. Retro Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; from 9 p.m. till close.

The Hits of the 80’s and 90’s. $3 well vodka drinks and $4 Long Island iced teas. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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

FRIDAY

Fireball Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $4 Fireball Shots.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Beat The Clock; 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 5 - 9 p.m. Well Drinks: 5 PM - 6 PM $1.50, 6 PM - 7 PM $2.00, 7 PM - 8 PM $2.50, 8 PM - 9 PM $3.00 Take It Off Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m.

- 12:30 a.m. Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5 - 9 p.m.; $15 drink and drown from 9 - 11 p.m. all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well. Cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30 a.m.

New Meat Dance Contest: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. Amateurs and pros compete to win cash prizes ($100 winner, $200 if on the first attempt). Open call; guys register with ID (21+) by 9 p.m. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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.

Bayou Blues Burlesque: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8-10 p.m. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the striptease. Music by The Delta Revues; burlesque by Andrea Louise Duhe´ (Ooops C.) Cherry Brown and special guests. Doors: 7:00pm; Show: 8:00pm; Cover: $10.

Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9 p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket MEET ME ON ST. LOUIS—WHERE THE BOYS ARE DANCIN’ NIGHTLY ON THE BAR | PHOTOS BY CHARLES PIZZO

THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar starting at 9PM!

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

ALL THAT DRAG Weekly Drag Shows in New Orleans

MONDAY

Mondays Are A Drag - 8PM - Southern Rep Theater A weekly spectacle hosted by Latonia Dupree Black, and Malaysia Walker

TUESDAY

Tacos, Tequila, & Tiaras - 8PM - Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant Hosted by Vanessa Carr Kennedy

WEDNESDAY WEDNESD

Show Night - 10:30PM - Oz New Orleans Persana Shoulders presents this production featuring the fabulous ladies of Oz and music by DJ Tim Pflueger.

Hello Gorgeous - Every third Wednesday - Southern Rep Theater DeDe Onassis hosts this circus cabaret alongside aerialist Liza Rose that includes contortion, music, drag, and more.

THURSDAY THURSD

Turnin’ Da Page - Every other Thursday - 9PM - The Page Serenity L. Lord emcees this bi-weekly marvel

FRIDAY

Misc4Misc - 9PM - Oz New Orleans A weird and wonderful show presented by Apostrophe and featuring a new cast every week.

Play Girlz - 10PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Gia Giavanni Illusions - 10:30PM - The Bourbon Pub The Queens of Illuisons offer up superstar female impersonation

SATURDAY

Drag Brunch - 11AM & 1PM - The Country Club Enjoy bottomless mimosas at one of the most popular drag events in the city. cit Reservations are recommended.

Divas R Us - 10PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Monica Synclaire Kennedy Showtime on Rampart - 10PM - GrandPre‘s Every other Saturday. Hosted by Moanalot Fountaine & Sable Starr Illusions - 10:30PM - The Bourbon Pub The Queens of Illuisons offer up superstar female impersonation

SUNDAY SUND

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch - 11AM & 1PM - Cru Bottomless beverages, a decadent brunch prepared by Chef Marlon Alexander, and the talents of Vanessa Carr.

Jubilee - 5PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Reba Douglas Divas at the Dive - 5PM - Kajun’s Pub Hosted by Vanessa Carr Lipstixx - 8PM - The Bourbon Pub Oz Show Night - 9:30PM - Oz New Orleans Hosted by Persana Shoulders

Are we missing your show? Email us at info@ambushpublishing.com

jock or singlet.

Misc4Misc: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Enjoy this wonderfully weird drag show hosted every week by Apostrophe. Cover is $5.

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

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m.

- 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SATURDAY

Queer Meditation: Mid City Zen; 3248 Castiglione St.; 10:30 a.m. A queer and trans centered meditation group meeting regularly on Saturday mornings. Open to all LGBTIQ+ people, and all folks interested in holding and sharing an intentionally queer-centering mindful space. Join for a sit, breathe, notice, rest; to cultivate presence and kindness together. Free/by donation.

Burlesque Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; Join the incomparable Angie Z and friends for a boozy, burlesque brunch every Saturday from 11-3pm. For reservations, go to www. opentable.com.

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) 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.

Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm and goes till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long!

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 top 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 special guest stars.

Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m.

- 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SUNDAY

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin St.; 11 a.m. Vanessa Carr presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch featuring Chef Marlon Alexander’s amazing menu and the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends! For tickets, go to www.crunola.com 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.

Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. $3.75 well drinks and domestic beer.

The Half Assed-Straight Boys: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 3 - 5 p.m.

Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) Happy Hour/ Drink Til You Drop: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Happy Hour 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Drink Til You Drop $12 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Original Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4-10 p.m. Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with.

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

Divas at the Dive: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave; 5 p.m. Vanessa Carr LIve. 6:30 p.m. Drag Karaoke. 8 p.m. Audience Karaoke Drink and Drown: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 5 - 8 p.m. Unlimited well drinks, Bud Light and Miller Lite draft $10 Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long.

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.

Zingo!: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Play for free to win prizes or bar tabs. Late night: The Barry Bareass Booty Contest, $50 cash prize. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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

Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke.

Sunday Swing: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; starts at 8 p.m. Every Sunday, local swing dance instructors offer a community class from 8-9pm. From 9

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ AND ANDREW HOPKINS #OZNEWORLEANS & SUBMITTED BY PERSANA SHOULDERS

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

OPENING HOURS

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

ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 41

till midnight there is live, local music and social dancing! There is NO cover, but a one drink minimum is required per set.

Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9 p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a jock or singlet.

Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

SPECIAL EVENTS WEDNESDAY 9/25

Lords of Leather at Chef Ron: Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop; 2309 N. Causeway Blvd.; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Chef Ron is supporting Gay Mardi Gras - this time, for THE LORDS OF LEATHER. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT, just indicate on the ticket “Lords of Leather” on Weds, 9/25/2019 and Chef Ron will give 25% to the Krewe to support Bal Masque XXXVII! Esoterotica’s Banned Books & Literotica 8th Anniversary Show: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 - 11 p.m. The written word gets banned or challenged for a variety of reasons, but our favorites are always the ones that get us hot. Come out for a Very Special 8th Year Anni-

versary Show celebrating banned and challenged “Literotica” both classic and new! No Cover.

Something Else Brunch: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10 p.m. - midnight.

SOMETHING ELSE IS BACK! Their topic this month is everyone’s favorite gay meal, BRUNCH! Mae Tel Yu and Nicki Nicolai will be joined by our star studded cast of the top New Orleans brunch performers: Miss Monarch M, Laveau Contraire, Analia XO & Vanessa Carr Kennedy. Show Starts: 10:30 p.m. Cover: $5.

THURSDAY 9/26

New Orleans LGBTQ Professional Networking: Catahoula Hotel; 914 Union St.; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Please come out for the September LGBTQ Professional Networking at the Catahoula Hotel. LGBTQ Professionals, LGBTQ-Owned Businesses, & Allies are welcome. Cocktails, beer, wine, and light food will be provided. If you plan to attend, please register: http:// bit.ly/social0926 Untitled Drag Show: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. Drag has always existed in the complicated duality of artistry and entertainment, but in the modern day, entertainment has become the driving force of many a medium. In this [untitled drag show] we seek to

let some of New Orleans’ most capable drag artists explore deeper into the realm of drag as art. No themes. No fetters. Come find out what happens when drag gets real. Doors at 10 p.m.

Show at 11 p.m. $10 admission at the door.

FRIDAY 9/27

Jock Strap Lube Wrestling: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.

There will be jockstraps, squirting lube, amateur wrestling, drag queen performance, and a $100 cash prize for the winner. JSLW is an all inclusive, no judgement, exhibitionist platform. At no time during the show are photos or videos allowed. All wrestlers sign up under their own consent.$15 cover | Show at midnight | Jockstraps provided.

Scout Island Scream Park open through November 2; New Orleans City Park; Scout Island Scream Park Halloween Festival is a unique, immersive experience that evolves each Fall.

This Family Fun Festival opens around lunch time on the weekends with Festival music, food, entertainment, carnival rides, hay ride, and featuring a very unique Kid Zone! And as night falls, Scream Park evolves into a dark carnival of unusual monsters, amazing illusions, stunning special FX, unique and original costumes, makeup, animations and frightening detail created by the artists of The Mortuary Haunted Mansion. Only the courageous will survive the intense encounters with these infamous creatures of the night.

SATURDAY 9/28

Locals’ Fest: Louis Armstrong Park; 701 N. Rampart Street; 11 a.m.

- 6 p.m. Locals’ Fest is an annual music and arts festival. One of the main objectives of Locals’ Fest will be to magnify true “grassroot” business that may have not gotten their storefronts just yet, but may have an amazing product that the city should know about and musicians that are waiting on their big break but have great music that is ready for the world right now.

The festival’s main goal is to create a platform for these true New Orleanian businesses and bands to grow, develop, and expand their fans and customers network. The event is produced

by Raw Revolution Productions LLC., in partnership with the NOSACONN non-profit organization.

Gleason Gras; Champions Square; Gleason Gras 2019 presented by Dave & Buster’s in association with the Saints Fantennial, is back at Champions Square to kick-off the Saints season & raise money for Steve Gleason! Live music, silent auction, costume contests, food trucks, and MORE! Gleason Gras Fun Run; Champions Square; 5 p.m. The Gleason Gras Fun Run is a 2 mile fun run/walk that

takes place in conjunction with Gleason Gras. Participants will run/walk the course around the Mercedes Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center to raise awareness for ALS and to support the Team Gleason Foundation.

Team Gleason is an organization driven to generate public awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), raise funding to empower those with ALS to continue living with purpose, and ultimately find a cure for ALS. Chevron Walk to End HIV: Woldenberg Riverfront Park; 1 Canal St.; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. It’s been 30 years since the walk began to end HIV and support those living with the virus. Come and join Crescent Care at Woldenberg Park as we celebrate the advances in care and remember those we have lost.

While conditions have vastly changed and people are living longer there is still no cure for this disease. If left untreated, the condition still has dire consequences. For more information, go to www.endhivnola.donordrive.com.

Big Easy Sisters Bingo: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 6 - 9 p.m.

COME WIN STUFF! The BIG EASY SISTERS are playing with balls again.

Bingo to raise monies for local charities.

Glow - A Neon Themed Jungle Party: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. - 4 a.m. Theme parties have returned to Oz. Hosted by: Persana Shoulders & Andy Bergeron; DJS: Tim Pflueger, Jonathan Reed, & Kyle D. UV PAINT BAR, GLO GLO DANCERS, SPOTLIGHT PERFORMANCE. Unleash your inner beast at Oz New Orleans!

Grrlspot | Studyhall: The Library; 3629 Prytania St.; 10 p.m. Come out for a back to school throw down at The Library. DJ’s, games, (NON-alcoholic) drinks for 18+, and cocktails for 21+.

SUNDAY 9/29

Poppy Tooker’s Pop-Up Drag Queen Brunch; Antoine’s Restaurant; 713 St. Louis St.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Enjoy a Meet & Greet with Poppy Tooker. Her newly published book Drag Queen Brunch will be available for purchase and signing. $75 inclusive of tax, tip, and bottomless mimosas/rose.

For information, go to www.antoines. com.

Who Is She: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 9 - 10:30 p.m. Get ready for another installment of fine family fun in this celebrity (drag) match game! Audience participants, fun musical numbers, and some of your favorite celebrities! You’ll find us in the Twilight room in the back.

Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $5 at the door

TUESDAY 10/1

A Winter Wonderland Benefit: Buffa’s Backroom; 1001 Esplanade Ave; 8 - 11 p.m. Help us raise funds for Win-

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Sipps Bar Gulfport, MS PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ

SIPPS BAR GULFPORT Our beer is cold, patio is shaded, and pool tables and nightlife dance floor are waiting for your moves at Sipps bar Downtown Gulfport.

OPENING HOURS Everyday 5pm - TILL ADDRESS 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS Phone: (228) 206-7717 Email: sipps25th@gmail.com www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 43

ter Wonderland VIII benefitting PFLAG of New Orleans and St. Anna’s. Have some great food and drinks, catch some world-class entertainment, and raise funds for two most worthy causes!

WEDNESDAY 10/2 – SUNDAY 10/20

Wicked: Saenger Theatre; 1111 Canal St.; Tickets start at $49. To purchase tickets, visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone (800) 982-2787 or at the Saenger Theatre Box Office. Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships; until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

WEDNESDAY 10/2

Crescent City Leathermen Monthly Board Meeting: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Meeting Open to the Public.

THURSDAY 10/3

Drag Band: Three Keys at the Ace Hotel; 600 Carondelet St.; 9 - 11 p.m.

Honor Thy Mother presents DRAG BAND. If the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem (the Muppet band) had a baby it would be DRAG BAND. Join them for a night of four queens in harmony and all the vamping, keyboarding, ukeleing and tambourine-ing you can stand.

Featuring New Orleans’ most musical drag artists, TITIBABY, Dede Onassis, Velma Blair and Hexxorsis. Doors at 8 p.m. show at 9 p.m. $10 general; $20 reserved.

FRIDAY 10/4

Stonewall Sports First Friday Happy Hour: Phillip’s Bar and Restaurant; 733 Cherokee St.; 5 - 8 p.m.

Join fellow Stonewallers for a monthly happy hour on the first Friday of every month at Phillip’s Bar, one of our Stonewall Sports New Orleans Sponsors.

Strip Roulette: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret;2240 St. Claude

Ave.; 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Strip Roulette consists of 2 teams of burlesque performers who will have to strip for the lives of their g-strings! They will have to improv a burlesque act to music that they have not picked out and will be carefully curated by DJ Ajent O to be as awkward and hilarious as possible!! And, on top of that, they will be given an uncomfortably obscure prop that they will have to incorporate into their striptease! Fun, games, prizes, stripping and more. Doors at 10 p.m..

Show at 11 p.m.; $15 cover per person.

SATURDAY 10/5

Beer and Gear Night: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 p.m.

- midnight. Hosted by Crescent City Leathermen. Keg Beer - $5 buy in, $1 refills; Jell-o Shots - $1 ea/6 for $5.

Gear themed nights – appropriate gear encouraged. Second cup or jello shot free if wearing the gear theme.. October’s gear theme is a BAR VEST. It’s Showtime on Rampart Street; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests.

Drag Brunch Halloween Edition: Laurenia; 234 Loyola Ave; 11am 2pm; Join us in the historic Laurenia Ballroom on the second floor of the Pythian Market for our Halloween Edition Drag Brunch! This ticketed event includes a full brunch buffet, and performances by the ladies of Va-Va Voom!

Our drag shows, as always, are family friendly! $25 Pre-sale/$30 Door https://www.facebook.com/ events/753799911720394/

MONDAY 10/7

Pine Belt Pride - Gender Benders: The Spectrum Center; 210 South 25th Ave Hattiesburg; 10 p.m.

This is a social, support, and activism group for gender non-conforming individuals. Meetings will be held every 1st Monday evening at 6pm. Join us for affirmation, support, and information.

WEDNESDAY 10/9

Crescent City Leathermen General Meeting: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields’s Ave.; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the club please stop by. This event is open to the public.

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Mobile Hot Happenings WEEKLY AT B-BOB’S 213 Conti St., Mobile, AL (251) 433-2262

TUESDAY

Gay Bar BINGO 9:30 & 11PM

THURSDAY

Amateur Drag Night 11PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Midnight Drag Show

WEEKLY AT FLIP SIDE 54 S. Conception St., Mobile, AL (251) 431-8819

MONDAY

Service Industry Night

TUESDAY Karaoke

WEDNESDAY Rock n Roll Bingo 8PM

THURSDAY Karaoke

SATURDAY SEC Football

SUNDAY

Funday with Karaoke

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Along the Gulf South BATON ROUGE MON-FRI

Happy Hour: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 3-7p.m.

MONDAY

Game Night: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Chance SIN Night: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 30% Off

TUESDAY

Fat Tuesdays & Billiards & Darts Tournaments: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue

WEDNESDAY

Queens Karaoke: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Alvin McGee Free Cover Wednesdays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm Open Mic w/ Ryan Jenkins: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 9p.m.

THURSDAY

Double Trouble Thursday: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 7pm. $6 Double Wells and $10 Double Calls Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 11:30pm. Featuring

the Bombshells of Baton Rouge Think and Drink Trivia: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

FRIDAY

$5 Fridays: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Upstairs Karaoke: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm $1 Martinis 9-10pm Theme Nights at Splash 7/26 - Homecoming: A Night Of Beyoncé 8/9 - August Birthday Bash 8/16 - Heroes & Villains Costume Party 8/23 - Drag Search All-Stars competition 8/30 - Spiceworld: A Night Of Spice Girls

SATURDAY

Non-stop Dance Music: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd Dancing in the Park: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

SUNDAY

Sunday Social Brunch: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Noon-3:00p.m. $20 Buffet with Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s

44 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

THURSDAY

and Draft Beer

LAFAYETTE BOLT BAR & PATIO 114 McKinley St

THURSDAY

Thirsty Thursday; No Cover. $4 Double Wells and $2 wine

Drink & Drown Karaoke; $10 selective alcohol with $1 refill

PENSACOLA THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St

TUESDAY

Karaoke; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

FRIDAY

The Ladies of Bolt; 11:30pm. $5 cover

SATURDAY

Dance Night; No Cover. Happy Hour 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

LAKE CHARLES CRYSTAL’S DOWNTOWN 720 Ryan Street

TUESDAY

Anything But Techno Tuesdays; 10 p.m. No Cover. Ladies drink half off

WEDNESDAY Drag Bingo & Show

THURSDAY

Speed Quizzing Trivia; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

RUMORS

Ladies Night w/ Piano 6pm

3102 Seawall Blvd.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

Movie Night with Chris 8pm

FRIDAY

Live Entertainment 6pm

SATURDAY

Live Entertainment 9pm

SUNDAY

Sing Along Sundays w/ Piano 4pm7pm

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Show Nights 11 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY Karaoke 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

The Sunday T with Carly & Kymber 4:30 p.m.

Drag Bingo with Monica Heart; 6 p.m.

- 8 p.m. Win cash and prizes

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION 1706 23rd Street

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

MONDAY

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

Texas Hold ‘Em 7pm

TUESDAY

Tube-ular Tuesday with Jim 8pm

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 45

Party Down

AT DRAG BRUNCH AT CRU

Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com AT BON APPÉTIT PRE-PARTY AT TONY’S HOUSE

Coming off of the Southern Decadence high can be quite the letdown.

Post-Decadence Depression is a real thing in the Gay New Orleans community. You spend so many months ramping up to a huge event that when it is over, it is such a release, it can leave you drained and sad.

But I did not fret too long because, though I may have had some down time, there were still a few things that kept my attention.

I attended two noteworthy luncheons during the next two weeks.

The first was the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Luncheon on September 5 at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. There is something awe-inspiring doing things on the floor of the Superdome. I’ve been in the hospitality industry for most of my career so it is cool to be at a party at the Dome. When you are on the field looking up at the magnitude of the building surrounding you, it’s a surreal feeling. The luncheon itself was wonderful. They honored Steve Gleason, the Congressional Gold Medal Recipient and Founder of Team Gleason.

They also inducted three new Hall of Fame members--Senator John Alario, Ron Gardner and Dr. Mervin Trail.

Also Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand to say a few words. It was a unique way to spend a Thursday afternoon.

I followed up the Sports Foundation luncheon with The Silence of the Lambs parody at The Allways Lounge called Silence! The Musical. This regional premiere was put on by The Storyville Collective and was absolutely fantastic. It was a funny, dark comedy with some racy musical numbers such as I Can Smell Your C**t and I’d F**k Me. I loved every minute of this laughout-loud musical. Hannah Rachel and Kevin Murphy were outstanding in the lead roles of Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lector; but for me it was Trey Ming’s performance as Buffalo Bill that stole the show. Go check out this show if you can; it is a great evening of theatre for people who are just a little off and that is a good thing.

On Saturday, it was an easy night of a few cocktails with friends at Crossing NOLA. This steampunk inspired French Quarter bar has made quite a name for itself as the reincarnation of the old Double Play. It has a young, hip vibe but still keeps the neighborhood bar feel.

The following Thursday, for my second memorable luncheon, I went to the Hotel Monteleone for The Carousel Bar and Lounge’s 70th anniversary party. The Carousel Bar is an iconic New Orleans destination. In seven decades, this famous watering hole has seen a cast of characters both famous and infamous from Tennessee Wil-

liams and Truman Capote to Quentin Tarantino and Dennis Quaid. Having a cocktail at the 25-seat bar that makes a full rotation every 15 minutes is probably one of the most memorable things to do in our city. Books and television shows have featured this New Orleans site prominently. I was honored to be invited to this lovely soiree that had some incredible food and, of course, exceptional cocktails that were practically a drinkable history through the years. I started with French 75s and stopped at that year. Congrats to the Carousel Bar and here’s hoping you spin on for 7 more decades--at least.

Later that evening, I attended a wine, cheese and chocolate pairing at Bittersweet Confections in the Warehouse District. Every other Thursday, this fabulous place hosts these well-attended classes.

We paired four wines with cheeses from Switzerland and France with mouth-watering chocolate-based desserts. With each course, you learned the finer things about the cheeses such as their history as well as the nuances of chocolate. It is a very cool class. Bittersweet Confections is located at 725 Magazine Street.

I got my spooky weekend started on Friday the 13th by going to the Haunted House Mortuary with some friends. That it was a full Harvest Moon ad we were going into a haunted house

46 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

AT BON APPÉTIT AT GENERATION’S HALL

next to a cemetery on Friday the 13th made it ideal. There was a line so we bought the VIP tickets to skip the line, well worth the extra 20 dollars.

This year the haunted house had a twist. All guests who entered were given a mask to wear so you were not sure who was who. Very horror movie. They had plenty of jumps as people came at you from all directions. They also have a wicked oversized clown from the movie It that is truly terrifying.

Definitely a fun way to get your spook on!

After, we grabbed a quick bite at the Beachcorner Bar and Grill. This MidCity neighborhood sports bar serves some great food and is the home of the 10-ounce Beachburger. It’s a classic

juicy 10 ounce ground sirloin burger.

They also have lots of appetizer and salad choices, and the prices are nice on the pocketbook.

I can hear Katy Perry singing in the background because the next day was Bon Appetit baby! This is one of Lazarus House’s premier fundraising events. Hosts around the city throw dinner parties where guests come and enjoy a great meal and give to a good cause then everyone heads to Generations Hall to enjoy a dessert/dance party with a silent auction. This year was incredible, not only because of the exciting new location that had air-conditioning, but also the large crowd that attended. I hosted a party at my house that included great food and drink,

sexy bartenders and drag queens.

Countess C Alice was the hostess of the night as my friends celebrated and cocktailed before we headed out for sweets and dancing. A magical night was had by all, especially when you have a theme of Sparkle. Warning, I am still finding glitter all over my house.

If you missed this event, make sure to put it on your calendar for next year.

On Sunday, I went to a special Stock the Bar party at Todd Bernstein’s new home Uptown. There was brunch and mimosas as guests filled up Todd’s new bar (and depleted it at the same time). This is a great theme for your next party and one that is so practical.

Afterwards, we went to an unusual

wine tasting at the Sugar Mill. Guests walked through a vineyard maze setup in their courtyard trying wines from Santa Margherita. With each stop along the way, guests tried a little food until they reached the end where we experienced a more formal tasting in a dome-like structure that told the history of the vineyard with a 360 degree movie. It was a very immersive and interactive experience which was great preparation to see that awful Saints game.

Until next time, keep the party going.

Do you want your party or event covered? Invite me! ledgemgp@gmail.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 47

BUSINESS FINANCIAL & BUSINESS How to Put Together the College Tuition Puzzle Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com Figuring out how to pay for college is like putting together a puzzle.

At first, it can feel like all the pieces are jumbled in the box. The final picture is unclear, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But gradually, different pieces fit together in different combinations until the puzzle is complete. If you are thinking about how the puzzle pieces of your child’s tuition bill fit together, consider the following common questions and answers as a starting point.

Q: When should I start saving for my child’s education?

A: Start saving for future school expenses as soon as possible. Even modest savings can add up over time due to the power of compound interest.

One of the most prevalent ways to save is via a 529 college savings plan because it offers tax-advantaged growth.

Contributions are made on an after-tax basis, and earnings can be withdrawn tax free to pay for tuition, books, room and board and other eligible expenses.

Funds used for noneligible expenses are generally subject to ordinary income tax and a 10 percent tax penalty.

You might also consider a prepaid tuition 529 plan, offered by a handful of state and private schools. In exchange for committing to a participating school, families can predict and manage college costs by paying in advance over time. This option isn’t right for every family, particularly if your child is unsure of which school they want to at-

tend or what career paths to explore.

Q: Should I bother filling out the FAFSA? A: Yes, every parent of a college student should consider completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The federal government offers low-interest student loans regardless of income. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible on or after October 1 of each year for your student to request these federal funds for the next school year. Deadlines vary between the federal government, states and colleges, so check with your child’s college of choice for specific guidelines. FAFSA data is often required when applying for merit-based aid so it’s worth filling out the form even

if you expect not to rely on federal student aid to pay tuition.

Q: How is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated?

A: A key component of the FAFSA is the EFC, which is a number that is used to determine your student’s eligibility for federal student aid. The FAFSA considers a variety of assets in its calculation: For parents, this includes your paycheck, money in college savings plans, and other savings and investments. It does not include home equity in your primary residence, but it does include equity in other property. Retirement savings are not considered.

For students, the EFC includes assets they own or assets they are

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at Bon Appétit AT A BON APPÉTIT PRE-PARTY | PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS ADAMS

48 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

the beneficiary of (such as money in a custodial account, like a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act account). Your student’s assets are weighed more heavily than your own, so you may want to avoid making large gifts of cash to him or her that might adversely affect the calculation.

A financial advisor can help you estimate your EFC and explore ways to minimize assets when it makes sense to do so.

Q: What kind of financial help can we expect?

A: High-net-worth families generally are not eligible for need-based aid, but there are other ways to receive financial help. Students with good grades and test scores may be eligible to receive merit-based scholarships or consideration for on-campus jobs.

High performers in niche areas (athletics, music, theater, math, etc.) also may also be able to earn scholarships, regardless of income. State schools offer tuition breaks to residents. Most colleges also offer tuition installment plans, which may allow you to make payments throughout each semester rather than all at once.

Q: Is it unwise for our child to take on debt to pay for college?

A: It’s not uncommon for students to foot part of the tuition bill for several reasons. Perhaps you want your child to have a financial stake in paying for his or her education. Or, maybe your child wants to attend a college with a price above what you agree to pay.

(This is often true for parents with multiple children attending college.)

However, the most common reality is that many parents are unable to save enough to cover the full cost of education. While it’s an admirable goal to want to help your child avoid student debt, it’s important to prioritize saving for your own retirement. At the end of the day, your child has decades of future earning potential and the possibility to take on loans to cover tuition. You simply do not have the same options to pay for your retirement.

Once you determine what you’re willing and able to pay, have a conversation with your child to help set expectations. Your child’s choice of college and future earning potential will influence how much debt is manageable after graduation, so you may want to discuss these factors in more detail. Keep in mind that some fields of employment (teaching and health care, for example) may offer student loan forgiveness or assistance programs.

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 · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 49

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory NEW ORLEANS

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast, 2513 Burgundy St, (504) 261-9477, theburgundy.com Aaron Ingram Haus, 1012 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 949-3110, ingramhaus.com Blues60 Guest House, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 324-4311, blues60guesthouse.com The BEARigny Suites, 2226 N Rampart St, (504) 309-0062, thebearignysuite.com

BARS & CLUBS

Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 8320659

Bourbon St, (504) 593-9761

(504) 523-4517 Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St, (504) 943-8929

700 Club, 700 Burgundy St, (504) 5611095, 700nola.com

Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St, (504) 529-2860

Black Penny, 700 N Rampart St, (504) 304-4779, facebook.com/ blackpennynola

GrandPre’s, 834 N Rampart St, (504) 267-3615 Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St Claude Ave, (504) 947-3735 Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 948-1888 Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St, (504) 593-9491, ozneworleans.com Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 945-9264, phoenixbarnola.com Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St, (504) 525-8106, rawhide2010.com

Bourbon Pub/Parade, 801 Bourbon St, (504) 529-2107, bourbonpub.com

The Page Bar, 542 N Rampart St, (504) 875-4976

Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St, (504) 522-8397, www.lafittes.com

VooDoo Lounge, 718 N Rampart St, (504) 265-0953

Corner Pocket, 940 St Louis St, (504) 568-9829, www.cornerpocket.net

The Country Club, 634 Louisa St, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans. com

Cutter’s Bar, 706 Franklin Ave, (504) 948-4200 Crossing NOLA, 439 Dauphine St,

Phillips Bar, 733 phillipsbar.com Lafitte’s

Blacksmith

Cherokee

St,

Shop,

941

Big Daddy’s, 2513 Royal street, (504) 948-6288 Big Easy Daiquiris, Several locations throughout the French Quarter Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine Street, (504) 566-7191, goodfriendsbar.com Napoleon’s Itch, 734 Bourbon St, (504) 237-4144 Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St, (504) 529-4109, tropicalisle.com Allways Lounge and Cabaret, 2240 St. Claude Ave

BOOKSTORES

Faubourg Marigny Art and Books, 600 Frenchmen St

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Gay Easter Parade, Easter Sunday, gayeasterparade.com Gay Mardi Gras, gaymardigras.com

New Orleans Pride, June 7-9, 2019, NewOrleansPrideFestival.com Southern Decadence, Labor Day Weekend, SouthernDecadence.com Halloween New Orleans, October 25-27, 2019, HalloweenNewOrleans. com Gay Appreciation ambushpublishing.com

Awards,

GALLERIES

Casell Bergen Gallery, 1305 Decatur St, (504) 478-6744, casellbergengallery.com

GROCERIES

Matassa’s Market, 1001 Dauphine St, (504) 412-8700, https://www. matassas.com Quartermaster Deli, 1100 Bourbon St, www.quartermasterdeli.net Robert’s Fresh Market, 2222 St. Claude Ave, (504) 207-0162, robertfreshmarket.com

GUIDES

Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, gayeasterparade.com Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, gaymardigras.com

50 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory

Special Performance by

JUJUBEE Drag Show / 4PM Meet and Greet / 5PM

Official Gay New Orleans Guide, gayneworleans.com

Krewe of Mwindo, PO Box 51031, (504) 913-5791

Official Pride Guide, neworleanspridefestival.com

Krewe of Stars, 1010 Conti St, kreweofstars.com

Official Southern Decadence Guide, southerndecadence.com

Krewe of Narcissus, PO Box 3832, (504) 228-9441

HAIR SALONS

Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leater, 1000 Bourbon Street #B415, lordsofleather.org

Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon St, (504) 522-2666

Renegade Bears of Louisiana, PO Box 3083, renegadebearsoflouisiana@ gmail.com

FiFi Mahony’s, 934 Royal St, (504) 525-4343, fifimahonys.com

Micky Nolan Salon, 717 Toulouse St, (504) 587-7782, mickeynolansalon. com Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St Claude Ave #125, 215.519.5030, (504) 239-2397

HARDWARE

Crescent City Leathermen, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, crescentcityleathermen.org NOAGE, noagenola.org The Krewe of King kreweofkingarthur.com

Arthur,

Mary’s Ace Hardware, 732 N Rampart St, (504) 529-4465, acehardware.com

LGBT Community Center, 2727 S Broad Ave, (504) 333-5412

HEALTHCARE

Gulf South Chamber of Commerce, (504) 754-5279, gulfsouthchamber. com

Access Health Louisiana, 3300 South Broad Street, 234 Loyola Ave. Ste 300B, accesshealthla.org

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com

Odyssey House, 1125 North Tonti Street, ohlinc.org

UMC - HIV Outpatient Program, 2000 Canal Street, 4th Floor, 4C Clinic, (504) 702-4344, umcno.org/ infectiousdisease

Krewe of Queenateenas/ King Cake Queen Royalty Club, gaymardigras. com

Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, mkaneworleans.com

MUSEUMS

Mumfrey’s Pharmacy, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., (504) 279-6312, mumfreyspharmacy.com Avita Pharmacy, 2601 Tulane Ave Ste 445, (504) 822-8013

NOLA Softball League, nolasoftball. org

G Douglas Photography, LLC, Wedding and Portriat Photography, By Appointment Only, gdouglasadamsphotography.com

Crescent City rougarouxrugby.org

Rougaroux,

Stonewall Sports, facebook.com/ groups/stonewallneworleans Krewe of Petronius, PO Box 1102, kreweofpetronius.net

Graham/ Studio One, By Appointment Only, grahamstudioone.com

Krewe of Amon- Ra, PO Box 7033, kreweofamonra.com

Parker Studios, By Appointment Only, halle.parker15@outlook.com

Krewe of Armenius, 433 N. Broad St, armenius.org

UNITY

[yoo-ni-tee]

noun, plural u·ni·ties.

The state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.

Origin: 1250–1300; Middle English unite < Old French < Latin unitas, equivalent to un(us ) one + -itas -ity

PHOTOGRAPHY

Craig Fremin Photography, By Appointment Only, craigfremin.com

Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, P. O. Box 770973, www.mkaneworleans. com

10/19/19

SCAN TO DONATE

PHARMACY

ORGANIZATIONS

Louisiana Trans Advocates, (877) 565-8860, latransadvocates.org

gulf coast equality fest

P-Flag New Orleans, (504) 617-5987, alberto.oliver@cox.com

CrescentCare, 1631 Elysian FIelds Ave, (504) 821-2601, crescentcare. org Mardi Gras Museum, 813 Bienville St, (504) 523-5433

LIVE MUSIC • VENDORS • INFORMATION • FOOD • KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

REAL ESTATE

Styles

Realtor,Engel

Harrah’s Gulf Coast 280 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530 GulfCoastEqualityFest.org

Steve Richards Properties Latter & Blum, 712 Orleans Ave, (504) 2581800 Michael

THE GREAT LAWN / 11AM – 6PM

Facebook.com/EqualityMS

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort reserves all rights. ©2019, Caesars License Company, LLC. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

&

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 51

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Volkers, (504) 777-1773, nolastyles. com, Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties.

Cru, 535 Franklin Ave, (504) 446-0040, crunola.com

RELIGION

St. Anna’s Espicopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave, (504) 947-2121, stannanola.org Metropolitan Community Church New Orleans, 5401 S Claiborne Ave, mccneworleans.com

bombayclubneworleans.

Washing Well Laundryteria, 841 Bourbon St, (504) 523-9955

Dat Dog on Frenchmen, 601 Frenchmen St, (504) 309-3362, datdog.com

The Ruby Slipper Café, 2001 Burgundy St, (504) 525-9355, therubyslippercafe.net

Bear Hebert Yoga and Life Coach, bearteachesyoga.com

EAT, 900 Dumaine St, (504) 522-7222, eatnola.com

Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St, (504) 872-0360, whodatcoffee. com

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe, 1241 Decatur St, (504) 524-3689, cafeenvie.com

RESTAURANTS

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres Street, (504) 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard,

Lousiana Pizza Kitchen, 615 S. Carrollton Ave, (504) 237-0050, louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com

801 Royal, 801 Royal Street, (504) 581-0801, 801royal.com 819 Rue Conti, (504) 581-3866, broussards.com

Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur Street, (504) 522-5565, cafesbisanola.com Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop , 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St, (504) 598-1010, www.clovergrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa Street, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubnreorleans.com

Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, (504) 5226746, monalisaneworleans.com, NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon, (504) 655-3312, nolapoboys.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Ave, (504) 5231930, Orleansgrapevine.com Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal Street, royalhouserestaurant.com Santa Fe Restaurant, 3201 Esplanade, (504) 948-0077, santafenola.com The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, (504)

577-2237, com

Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 9207 W. St. Bernard Hwy, (504) 354-8452

RETAIL

Mr. Binky’s Boutique, 107 Chartres St, (504) 302-2095 QT Pie Boutique, 241 Dauphine St, (504) 581-6633 Skully’z Recordz, 907 Bourbon St, (504) 592-4666 Bourbon Pride, 909 Bourbon Street, (504) 566-1570 COK (Clothing or Kink), 941 Elysian FIelds, Located inside the Phoenix Bar XXX Shop, 1835 N. Rampart St, (504) 232-3063

SERVICES

Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd, 985.652-1195

NOLA Healer: Lawrence Gobble, nolahealer.com , Massage Therapy A&B Errand Services, (504) 3197227, aandberrandservices.com Flambeaux CrossFit, 505 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, flambeauxcrossfit.com

THEATERS

Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave #140, (504) 974-0786, cafeistanbulnola.com Southern Rep Theater, 2541 Bayou Road, (504) 522-6545, southernrep. com

TOURS

Crescent City Tours, 638 St. Ann, (504) 568-0717, Gay New Orleans Walking Tours

HOUSTON

BARS & CLUBS

Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto Street, www. facebook.com/richshouston JR’s, 808 Pacific Street, (713) 5212519, jrsbarandgrill.com

52 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Eagle Houston, 611 Hyde Park Blvd, (713) 523-2473, houstoneagle.com

Rouge, (225) 242-949, splashbr.com

Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh Drive, (713) 524-3359, guavalamphouston.com

George’s Place, 860 St. Louis St, Baton Rouge, (225) 387-9798, georgesplacebr.com

Pearl Houston, 4216 Washington Ave281.757-3229, facebook.com/ pearlbarhouston/

The Park Pub & Bar, 4619 Benningotn Ave, Baton Rouge, Facebook @ theparkbr

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, 11410 Hempstead Rd, (713) 6770828, neonbootsclub.com

Bolt, 114 McKinley St, Lafayette, (337) 534-4913, facebook.com/boltlaffy

Ripcord, 715 Fairview St, (713) 5212792, theripcord.com The Ranch Hill Saloon, 24704 Interstate 45 Ste 103, (281) 298-9035, ranchhill.com Axelrad, 1517 Alabama St, (713) 5978800, alexradbeergarden.com Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge, 1641 Westheimer Rd. Ste B, (713) 5279929, poisongirlbar.com

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Houston Pride, June 22, pridehouston. org The Woodlands Pride, September, thewoodlandstxpride.wordpress.com QFEST, Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, q-fest.com

ORGANIZATIONS

UH LGBTQ Resource Center, 4465 University Drive, (832) 842-6191, www.uh.edu/lgbtq The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street, (713) 529-0037, montrosecenter.org AIDS Foundation of Houston, 6260 Westpark Dr. Suite 100, (713) 6236796, aidshelp.org

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 6800 West Loop South Ste 225, (713) 592-0211, avitapharmacy.com

SOUTH LOUISIANA ACCOMMODATIONS

Apartments Available for Rent in Baton Rouge. Friendly, quiet, small apartment complex with one and two bedroom apartments available now.

Pool, free parking, gated property, centrally located, owners live on site.

Please contact us today for a tour: (225) 505-6531, @ChateauJacques, facebook.com/chateaujacques Mid City Baton Rouge. 1 or 2 Bedroom for rent: Furnished or Unfurnished $450/month per bedroom. Includes all utilities, internet, and full use of the house with washer and dryer. No smoking or drugs in house. Richard Clement rpcgemcajun@hotmail.com or text (225) 666-9194

BARS & CLUBS

Splash, 2183 Highland Rd, Baton

Crystals, 112 W. Broad St, Lake Charles, (337) 433-5457

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Baton Rouge Pride, June 15, brpride. org Acadiana Pride, acadianapride.org

Date

TBA,

Pride of SWLA, Date TBA, prideofswla. org, info@prideofswla.org

HEALTHCARE

HAART (HIV AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc), 4550 North Blvd. Ste 250, Baton Rouge, (225) 927-1269, haartinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Krewe of Apollo de Baton Rouge, apollobatonrouge.com Krewe of Apollo kreweofapollo.com

de

Lafayette,

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, avitapharmacy. com

NORTHERN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI & ALABAMA BARS & CLUBS

Club Pink, 1914 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, myclubpink.com Central Station, 1025 Marshall St, Shreveport, (318) 222-2216 The Korner Lounge, 800 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, thekornerlounge. com Wonderlust, 3911 Drive, Jackson, (337) wonderlustjackson.com

CAMPING

Wildwoods Hideaway, Eutaw, AL, (205) 860-0836, wildwoodshideaway. com

Rumors Biloxi, 3540 Bienville Blvd, Biloxi, (228) 875-4131 Just Us Lounge, 906 Division Street, Biloxi, (228) 374-1007

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sipps Bar Gulfport, 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, (228) 206-7717, sippsgulfport.com

Oxford Pride, April 28-May 5, Oxford MS, oxfordmspride.rocks

Mobile Pride, October 5, 2019, Mobile, AL, mobpride.org

Central Alabama Pride, June 1-10, 2019, Birmingham, AL, facebook. com/centralalabamaprideinc

Gulf Coast Pride, June 29, 2019, Biloxi, MA, gcpride.org

CENLA Pride, May 31 - June 2, Alexandria, LA, facebook.com/ cenlaclasspride

Druid City Pride, October 2019, Tuscaloosa, AL, druidcitypride.org

ORGANIZATIONS

The Spectrum Center, 210 S 25th Ave, Hattiesburg, (601) 909-5338 Krewe of Apollo mkabirmingham.com

Birminham,

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sexacola, May 23, Pensacola, FL, sexacolabeach.com Memorial Weekend Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, johnnychisholm.com Pensacola Pride, June 15-16, facebook.com/pensacolapride

HEALTHCARE

Oasis Florida, 25 E Wright Street, (850) 429-7551, oasisflorida.org

RELIGION

Safe Harbor Family Church, safeharborfamilychurch.org Joshua Generation joshuageneration.rocks

MCC,

GULF COAST BARS & CLUBS

The Midtown Pub, 153 Foorida Street, Mobile, (251) 450-1555 Gabriel’s Downtown, 55 South Joachmin Street, Mobile, (251) 4324900 B-Bob’s, 213 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 433-2262, b-bobs.com Flip Side Bar & Patio, 545 S. Conception Street, Mobile, (251) 4318819, flipsidebarpatio.com The Roundup 560 East Heinberg Street, Pensacola, (850) 433-8482 Cabaret, 101 S Jefferson Street E, Pensacola, (850) 607-2020

Coastal Family Health Care, 1046 Division St, Biloxi, coastalfamilyhealth. org

HIV CARE AND SERVICES

My Brothers Keeper, 407 Orchard Park, Ridgeland, MS, (769) 257-7721, mbkinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Order of Osiris, PO Box 1991, Mobile, AL, orderofosiris.com Order of Dinoysus D’Iberville, MS, https://www.facebook.com/Order-OfDionysus Gulf Coast Transgender Alliance, (850) 332-8416, gulfcoasttransgenderalliance.com, gctransgenderalliance@gmail.com Gay Grassroots, 6847 N. 9th Avenue, Ste A, Box 317, Pensacola, ggnwfl. com

Northview 378-9003,

Our Place, 2115 7th Ave Birmingham, (205) 715-0077

S,

Al’s on 7th Street, 2627 7th Ave S, Birmingham, (205) 422-4218 Quest Bar, 416 24th Street S, Birmingham, (205) 251-4313, info@ quest-club.com Chapel Bar, 620 27th Street S, Brirmingham, (205) 703-9778, chapelbarinfo@gmail.com

Get Listed for $10 per Issue Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?

Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com

Club 322, 322 N Lawrence Street, Montgomery, club322.business.site Icon, 516 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 53

COMICS, PUZZLES & HOROSCOPES CROSSWORD WORD SEARCH Anti-Bullying

It’s Football Time

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CHALLENGE: How many can you find? Tag us and your completed puzzle on Facebook @AmbushMag

PUZZLE WORD BANK SAFETY HUDDLE INTERCEPTION SACK BLOWN CALL QUARTERBACK WIDE RECEIVER TOUCHDOWN INCOMPLETE TIGHT END

Want More Puzzles?

Email us at info@ambushpublishing.com with ideas, suggestions, feedback, etc. on content for the comic/ puzzle section.

54 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

HOROSCOPES

Messages from the Oracle in New Orleans Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans dan@innermakeup.net If you just want to read your horoscope, skip this paragraph. But I encourage you to pause and consider what astrology is and what it means to read your horoscope. Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or an astrologer like myself, you’re engaging with the possibilities of the future. But modern astrology is also the alignment of the heavens at your moment of birth that serves as the celestial signature of your personality. This combination of your star chart and sun sign—Aries, Taurus, etc.—and the usage of that tool to divine the future is here for your taking. Astrology offers the LGBTQ community a chance to reclaim a space lost to modern science and religion. Though different, ancient pagan cultures venerated divination and celebrated what we now recognize as modern gay elements. This is for your entertainment so let’s start the party that will take us to the stars!

You many have noticed the stunning full moon earlier this month. This moon was visible nationwide, a rare occurrence, and is annually called the harvest moon. In years past, farmers used this moon as an annual reminder to collect and assess their crop yield.

Since most of you reading this aren’t farmers, although you might have an interest in farmers for other reasons, what this signals for you is a time to assess your metaphoric crop yield.

Where do things stand for you as you move into the last few months of the year? As the autumn leaves fall, what needs to stay and what needs to go?

This bleeds into relationships and while you have good fortune in this area, it’s critical to make shrewd judgments about where you put your money and vote with your feet. If you do this ahead of time, you’ll be able to enjoy the autumn without falling.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19 The next couple of weeks look good for you as your driving, aggressive nature is tempered by the beauty of autumn. You have good fortune in relationships and are surprised by a gain in finances. This is a time to take a risk romantically. You do well by leading with your heart as opposed to your head. Expressing yourself as opposed to leading the pack finds you in a good place and lessens the wear and tear of self-assertion that is the normal in Aries.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20 You’re feeling good especially with health matters. Your coworkers notice this and you become defensive. Being the belle of the ball requires grace and humility so attacking those who aren’t faring well could be a personal failing.

Suspend your ego and you’ll enjoy the harmony you’re experiencing in your body.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20 Your mind is focused on a creative project that hasn’t been given enough attention. Get outside of your head and lean on a partner who can help. This requires relating by heart instead of the mind. Individual self-expression is important but everyone needs help to get passion projects off the ground.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22 This is a time to take a risk financially. Over the past year you’ve been protecting yourself, setting up the foundation to make long term gains, but you have good fortune doubling down on a money matter. Thinking and planning for the future is all well and good, but taking a risk in the present is also key. Come late 2020 you’ll be glad you took this calculated risk.

LEO

July 23 - August 22 You feel an emotional pull towards children. Whether you have children or are thinking of getting involved with children in some way, this is a good time to do it. Though you’re one of the most dramatic signs and have tendencies toward egotism you find joy with the kids. Thinking about yourself less and focusing on the energy of youth will inject you with some much-needed fun and positivity.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22 Happy birthday! This is your time of the year. Enjoy it, as you have great planetary energy. But you must enjoy the good fortune by yourself. This is not to say you don’t share your gifts with friends and partners, but enjoying things through others dilutes your own pleasure. Surprise yourself with a vacation or more simply attend a lecture that expands your mind and challenges your normal modes of thoughts and beliefs.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21 You’re not able to see it, but if you let go of a situation regarding a friend, you’ll be much better off. A traditional problem for Scorpio is getting in too deep while holding emotions in. You might go on the attack with this friend and end up wounding yourself in the process. Love is the way to go, and even though you’ll be driven to attack, when you step back and let bygones be bygones, you win.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21 It’s looking good for you the next couple of weeks, especially amongst friends. Think about how all of your social networks interconnect. You can make great gains and potentially acquire new clients through those connections. Enjoying time with friends is wonderful, but leveraging those networks can lighten the load at work by utilizing the talents of those around you.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19 You have a chance to make some

great strides in your career in the coming weeks. The best route to take is the diplomatic approach. If there are contract negotiations coming up, you do well when you express your needs but keep your heart open to others around you. Taking a risk here is not a bad idea either, as long as you are not overly dramatic.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18 You need to protect your health.

Health care costs are rising, but you do well when you express your needs.

This might seem like a risk, but it will save you money in the long run while taking care of what’s most important— your health. Draw a hard line between those people in your everyday life who engage in unhealthy behaviors. As creatures of habit, we very easily become the product of our environments and in turn those who surround us.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20 There is a partner in your life who has been combative and overly critical for the past couple of months. This might morph into a fight about joint finances, and you might feel the urge to sacrifice yourself in this situation. But eschewing that kind of thinking will result in a better outcome for all involved.

You do best when you take a firm, diplomatic approach. You should certainly care about this partner, but hold your ground while making sure the result of this dispute is impartial and fair.

I’m Dan Beck, M.M. Yale University and #1 Astrologer in New Orleans. I’m at your service for readings, parties, events, corporate trainings, and more.

Visit http://www.innermakeup.net and to contact me, email dan@innermakeup.net or call 504-313-8706.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22 You’re your usual critical, perfection seeking self, but where you flourish is finding balance and harmony.

Always trying to clarify and disinfect everything that comes your way will leave you torn up and exhausted. Looking at things through a less critical lens and allowing peace to occur will provide you with true harmony. It’s ironic—the impulse for perfection is actually what leads you astray.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 55

SPORTS LSU fueled by championship-caliber offense, kicking game Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports There were lots of good things but several bad things to take away from LSU’s 66-38 victory at Vanderbilt.

The plus side was obvious.

Joe Burrow has now completed 81 percent of his passes with 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions through four victories. Against the Commodores, Burrow was 25-of-34 for 398 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. J’Marr chase was brilliant with 10 catches for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed 14 times for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Simply put, the offense was superb. Of course, Vanderbilt offered little resistance with a woeful defense but that does not diminish what was another fun performance but the suddenly fun LSU offense.

The kicking game is excellent.

Cade York has filled the void left by Cole Tracy in excellent fashion. Avery Atkins kicks virtually nothing but touchbacks. Zach Von Rosenberg has punted very well. Derek Stingley, Micah Baskerville and Edwards-Helaire are fine in the return game.

Then, there is the negative side of the victory which cannot be ignored.

The Tigers suffered a rash of injuries to key players.

Linebacker Michael Divinity suffered what was described as a “significant” injury by Ed Orgeron.

Wide receiver Terrace Marshall, who was off to a great start, fractured his foot and will miss several weeks, according to Ross Dellenger.

Justin Jefferson sprained an ankle. With a week off, there is at least a chance that Jefferson could return in two weeks against Utah State, though the goal will clearly be to get him ready for Florida on Oct. 12.

Then, Racey McMath got ejected for targeting and he will miss the first half of the game with Utah State in two weeks. With the ejection and the injuries incurred, LSU will be much thinner at wide receiver for that contest.

There were two bad turnovers by the offense, both of which turned into touchdowns for Vanderbilt. There is no chance LSU can survive this occurrence against Florida, Auburn or Alabama.

Edwards-Helaire had a fumble which was recovered for a touchdown while Myles Brennan threw a pick-six.

Some would wonder why LSU was throwing in that situation but it is clear that Orgeon wants Brennan to get real game experience.

Then, there is the matter of defense.

(Photo: David Chivatero)

Joe Burrow has now completed 81 percent of his passes with 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions through four victories.

While Vanderbilt is a terrible defensive team, the Commodores are respectable offensively. They accounted for 374 yards of offense and 24 points against LSU. To be a championship team, you must be a complete team.

LSU has shown an excellent kicking game to go with its brilliant offense, thus far.

The defense has been anything but brilliant.

Simply take a look at Top 25 results from this past weekend to get a glimpse of what championship teams do.

Clemson gave up 10 points to Charlotte. Alabama yielded just seven points to Southern Miss. Ohio State gave up just five points to Miami of Ohio. Florida gave Tennessee just three points. Oregon allowed just six points to Stanford. Washington gave

up 19 points to BYU. Virginia allowed 17 to Old Dominion. Georgia yielded just 17 points to Notre Dame in a battle of top 10 teams. Auburn won 28-20 over Texas A&M in a battle of top 25 teams.

While the LSU defense was excellent against Georgia Southern, it has leaked oil since.

Texas is a very good team and will score on most teams, though the Longhorns scored just 36 on typically defenseless Oklahoma State while they scored 38 on LSU. Though the Tigers allowed just 14 points to Northwestern State, the Demons moved the ball nearly at will in the first half.

Surely, getting healthy will help this LSU defense. It will look better with Rashard Lawrence, K’Lavon Chaisson, Glen Logan and Apu Ika on the field. How much better remains to be seen, particularly with Divinity likely out

for an extended period of time.

With a week off, Orgeron and Dave Aranda will go back to work to try to solve issues with giving up significant plays in the running game, finding a way to have linebackers make more plays and to create turnovers.

Utah State is no pushover. The Aggies lost 38-35 to Wake Forest and have beaten Stony Brook 62-7 and San Diego State 23-17. This will be a tougher test than Northwestern State was.

There is much to like about the 2019 LSU Tigers. They are worthy of their top five ranking nationally. To be a national contender, the defense must improve.

This article was originally published

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

56 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

W 28-13 L 16-13

W 30-28 L 09-27

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Great start, but more work to do for Saints in Brees’ absence Les East, Crescent City Sports METAIRIE – Well, that was surprisingly easy.

The closeness of the final score in the New Orleans Saints’ 33-27 victory at Seattle on Sunday belies how well the Saints controlled that game.

A road victory against a 2-0 team in the first full game after Drew Brees’ thumb injury was significant in itself.

But to get significant contributions from all three phases, including an offensive touchdown, a defensive touchdown and a special-teams touchdown in the same game for just the third time in franchise history, was remarkable.

New Orleans led by multiple touchdowns for the majority of the game against a team considered one of the best in the NFC in one of the most challenging road environments in the NFL. Sean Payton did an outstanding job of tailoring a game plan suited to Teddy Bridgewater’s talent in the former Pro Bowl quarterback’s first significant game action since 2015.

Payton was wise to limit Taysom Hill’s role to something similar to what he does when Brees is healthy and focus on allowing Bridgewater to use his mobility and quick passes to maintain an efficient passing game.

Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas did what they always do. Payton leaned on Kamara a bit more than he usually does and Kamara showed why he is one of the players in the NFL who is most difficult to defend and tackle.

After a rough start with a series of penalties reminiscent of problems that surfaced after Brees was hurt early in the loss at the Rams a week earlier, the offensive line settled in played better as the game progressed, opening enough holes for Kamara and creating sufficient time for Bridgewater to operate.

The defense certainly rose to the occasion in a game that required it to. Forget the 515 yards that the Seahawks wound up with. A significant

portion of that came when Russell Wilson was dinking and dunking against a defense determined to stop any big plays in a game that the Saints could only lose control of if it allowed a couple of big plays.

When the Saints were taking control of the game they were doing so in large measure by containing Wilson and the entire Seattle offense. Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Demario Davis, Kiko Alonso, Marcus Williams and Marshon Lattimore all made big plays as did Vonn Bell, who had the biggest play of all by returning a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown.

Thomas Morstead performed much as Kamara did – even more outstanding than his typical outstanding play.

Rookie Deonte Harris got things started with a 53-yard punt return for a touchdown that allowed Bridgewater and the offense to hold a 7-0 lead as they took take the field for their first

H N S A R C A E RA T X E

snap.

Later Harris would lose a fumble on another punt return, giving Seattle a chance to turn the game around after New Orleans seemed in command midway through the third quarter.

But the defense would stiffen and make a fourth-down stop, something it did three times as Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his staff made a few questionable decisions.

Carroll wore a bandage over his injured nose throughout the game after being plunked in the face by a football thrown by one of his players as the coach ran onto the field before the game.

Maybe the jolt had a lingering effect on Carroll, but whatever the reason, Payton and his staff clearly got the better of Carroll and his.

Afterward Payton alluded to the fact that sometimes “the more desperate team” responds in a positive way in such circumstances. That probably

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had a lot to do with Sunday’s performance.

The Saints were a desperate team as they embarked on an estimated sixweek stretch without the NFL’s all-time leading passer and they channeled that desperation in a positive manner, putting together an excellent three hours of complementary football.

It would be unwise to think this is the new normal, that this is precisely the way New Orleans is going to play during Brees’ absence. There will be ups and downs just as there will be once Brees returns.

But the significance of Sunday’s performance was that the Saints, with Bridgewater leading the way, showed that they can still play at a playoff-caliber level without Brees. They have the coaching staff, the offensive skill stars and solid line, a capable defense and special-teams weapons to collectively mitigate Brees’ absence.

This week they play a better team in the Dallas Cowboys than the good one they just played, but the environment inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday Night Football will be the polar opposite of what it was in Seattle.

This is still going to be a week-byweek, day-by-day, hour-by-hour grind to stay at or near the top of the NFC South during Brees’ absence.

But the challenge of doing so seems a lot more manageable than it did a week ago.

This article was originally published

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

58 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · Sept 24 - Oct 7, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com