Ambush Magazine Volume 43 Issue 05 by Ambush Publishing

A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 5 October 6, 2025

Halloween Issue

T.J. Acosta

EDITOR

Frank Perez AD

Frank Perez, Cam Zimmerman

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Jim Meadows, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Kelly Schexnaildre, Cas O’Brien, Frank Perez

Jeffrey Palmquist, Ryne Stoned, Chris Trentacoste, Dwain Hertz

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz COVER DESIGN

Ryan Leitner

AMBUSH Magazine is published bimonthly. 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.

AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email frankearlperez@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com

The Of ficial Dish TJ Acosta

Dear AMBUSH Nation,

On behalf of everyone at AMBUSH, Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving! New Orleans is a town known for parties and elaborate costumes, and Halloween brings out the best of both. Check out our digital version of AMBUSH at AmbushMag.com for our Official Gay Halloween Guide. It is a full list of events for the month of October. I’m sure you’ll have a spooky good time celebrating Halloween along the Gulf Coast. We put out a monthly event calendar called Under the Gaydar each month, so be sure to follow us at AmbushMag.com and on social media @AmbushMag for our event calendars each month.

As we roll through fall and march toward Thanksgiving, let us remember to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives. First, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you, our readers. If not for each of you, there wouldn ’t be AMBUSH Magazine.

We have a wonderful team of writers and contributors – they are the ones who make this magazine great! And, although I probably don ’t thank them enough, I’m very thankful for all their talents and efforts.

While I’m giving thanks – I want to thank everyone who came out to the Gay Appreciation Awards in August. It was an amazing event in large part because of the huge turnout from our LGBTQ+ community. I can ’t wait for next year! Again, on behalf of everyone at AMBUSH, Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving.

From the Editor’s Desk Frank Perez

Halloween is almost here, and spooky season is in full effect. Monsters are everywhere and there is much to fear. The most haunted house in all the land is The White House. That once sacred symbol of freedom and democracy has been transformed into a tomb for decency and the rule of law. The stench of petty vengeance, ugly bigotry, and malignant narcissism emanates from there like the vapors of a rotting corpse and boy does it stink!

The Trump administration sees monsters elsewhere: immigrants, brown and black people, the poor, and, of course, LGBT+ people. They find trans people particularly frightful. According to The Advocate , the Heritage Foundation and other right wing groups are urging the FBI to add a new designation to its list of domestic violent extremist groups for “Transgender Ideology Inspired Violent Extremism, ” falsely claiming violence from trans people and allies is increasing.

Like werewolves when there is a full moon, the federal government, public service, and civic life in general are morphing int o a putrid carcass and we find ourselves living in a Twilight Zone where everything we were taught about civic life and morality is inverted humility is mocked, service is ridiculed, revenge is valued, and selfishness is prioritized. In Trump world, hatred is winning and love is for suckers.

Is there anyway to exorcise the demons Trump has unleashed and prevent our civil liberties from turning into ghosts? Yes, it ’s called voting. Register today, and remember the scariest monster of all is a person who doesn ’t vote.

Craig Nero & Keeley Williams Named as Winter Wonderland 2025 Royalty

Craig Nero and Keeley Williams were recently named as royalty for Winter Wonderland 2025 at an announcement party at Le CaBARet. The official coronation will take place on November 29 at the AllWays Lounge. Also announced were the Legacy and Icon award winners Catherine and Misti Gaither (Legacy) and Willie Mackie (Icon).

Nero is the owner of Who Dat Coffee Café in the Marigny. Keeley is a Paramedic Captain with New Orleans EMS, and a fixture on the television show, “Nightwatch.” Mackie is the owner of The Page bar and currently reigns as a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. The Gaithers founded Winter Wonderland fifteen years ago as a fundraiser for local charities.

Last year, the Gaithers turned Winter Wonderland over to the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. This year ’ s show will take place at the AllWays Lounge on November 29. Tickets and Sponsorship Tables are available on Eventbrite.

Winter Wonderland will feature live entertainment, a complimentary buffet, an open bar, an auction, and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a non profit organization founded in 2013 that works to preserve local queer history.

Scan the code for tickets and info.

Craig Nero and Keeley Williams

Katherine & Misti Gaither

Willie Mackie

Weekly Events Tony Leggio

Monday

NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA; 4 p.m. NO-

AGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 4:00 PM at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Zoo. They start walking promptly at 4:00, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. Please consult with your primary care physician before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you are not

used to regular exercise. PLEASE NOTE: The walking group will be AUTOMATICALLY CANCELED in the event of inclement weather.

•Cooking with Monica: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 5 p.m. Come enjoy delicious food cooked by Monica every Monday at 5 p.m. and stay and enjoy cocktails with her till her shift ends at 2 a.m.

•Monday Night Madness Pool Tournament: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. $5 per person winner takes all.

•Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. Betsy Propane & The Accessories are a Jazz Trio fronted by a female lead singer, who dabbles in the Ancient Art of Bump & Grind, and wants to share those powerful pipes through song & performance. Cover $20.

•Mondays at the Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Cause way Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Come check out the hot men dancing every Monday night.

•LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Mondays are, once again, a DRAG! See your favorite Queens! Sing your favorite songs! GET WEIRD! With a rotating cast of drag hosts.

•Monday Late Night Karaoke: 1135 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Hosted by Sunshine Edae. Come sing your heart out.

Tuesday

•Sing A Long Karaoke with DJ Slay: Flip Side Bar and Patio; 213 Conti St., Mobile, AL.; 7 – 11 p.m.

•Trivia Night: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine St.; 7:30 p.m. 5 Rounds of Ten Questions Plus a Bonus Round; Prizes for 1st,

2nd, & last place; $3 Wells & Domestics til 8PM; Kitchen Open til 10PM. Call the Bar at (504) 523 4517 to Reserve a Table

•George’ s Tuesday Night Trivia; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 7 – 9 p.m. Come play trivia every Tuesday with a different theme each week.

•Big Easy Stompers Line Dancing: Mags 940; 940 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA.; 8 – 11 p.m. The Big Easy Stompers have free dance classes every Tuesday. They have been giving dance classes to the LGBTQ+ com munity and general public. Classes are free and start at 8:00PM and open dancing at 9:00pm. All are welcome and beginners are welcome.

•No Judgment Karaoke at Good Friend ’s: Good Friend’s Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy karaoke with fabulous hosts and a chance to win great prizes.

•Weekly Pool Tournament; Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orle ans, LA; 8 – 10 p.m. The Phoenix Pool Tournament is every Tuesday night! $5 buy in, winner takes all. Drink specials begin at 7pm.

•Trivia Tuesdays; SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 – 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy Big Gay Trivia with Tara Shay Montgomery.

•B Bob’s Gay Bar Bingo: B Bob’s; 213 Conti St., Mobile AL; 8:30 & 10 p.m. Hosted by Champagne Munroe, come out for fun and great prizes.

•Open Talent Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Hosted by Debbie with a D.

Wednesday

•Showtunes Sing A Long; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – midnight, with VJ Brendan Thompson.

(Cont’d on pg. 12)

AMBUSH is published six times a year in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Contact Frank Perez at frankearlperez@gmail or Cam Zimmerman at camzimmerman504@gmail.com for advertising rates.

Weekly

Events Cont’d.

Grab a Cocktail and Sing – A – Long to some of your all time favorites.

•No Judgment Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come sing you heart out at the oldest Gay Bar in New Orleans.

•Men At The Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Join the Four for an evening of gogo dancing!

•Wednesday Night Variety Show: The Page; 542 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA.; 9:15 p.m. Hosted by Simone Rishard. $5 entry fee and drinks specials all night.

•Big Gay Game Show; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:30 p.m. Audience members have the chance to compete with they favorite Drag Super Stars for chances to win some fabulous prizes in this all new show. Games include: Lip Sync

4 Your Life, Are You Smarter then a Drag Queen, Guess the Key Word, What ’s in the BOX, and much much more. Weekly Rotating Hos. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and Many More of New Orleans’ Drag Entertainers. Show Time 8:30pmFeaturing the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.

•Queen’s Karaoke: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Wednesday by Alvin McGee starting at 10 p.m.

Thursday

•Karaoke at Pub: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. – midnight. Sing your heart out every Thursday upstairs at the Parade. There will be a different special host each week. Choose from over 30,000 songs.

•The Van Ella Bordella: A Storyville Burlesque; The AllWays Lounge & Caba ret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ Storyville spectacle, is back

with an all new show, original music, and courtesans. Limited seating. Join Madam Lola Van Ella and her courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights and Victorian era brothel history. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.

•QUEERS OF COMEDY New Orleans: Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing comedy together.

•Jezebell’ s Jukebox – With a Twist: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS.; 9 p.m. Join us Thursday at 9PM at Sipps Bar for an unforgettable night of music, sass, and surprises with the fabulous Jezebell Sin! Singing hits from all genres and eras. Happy Hour from 4–6PM – $2 off everything alcoholic.

•Oz Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy the Oz Strip Off contest sponsored by Swiss Navy. Contestants in this male gogo competition can win $300 in cash and prizes for 1st Place.

•Karaoke Night; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Thursday by Cassini starting at 10 p.m.

•So You Think You Can Drag: B Bob’s; 213 Conti St., Mobile AL; 11 p.m. Winner chosen by audience applause.

Friday

•Drag Bingo: The Roundup; 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL; 6 –9 p.m. No cover. 9 games with prizes, last game blackout.

•Cardio with NOAGE: Treme Recreation Community Center; 900 N. Villere St.; 6 p.m. Dance Cardio is a low impact dance cardio workout for active adults aging actively, set to high energy hip hop, rock, R& B, blues and funk.

•Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse: Royal Sonesta; 300 Bourbon St.; 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come join us for a modern spin on a classic 1960s Bourbon (Cont ’d. on pg. 14)

Trans Matters Cas O’Brien

Reflections on Halloween and Costuming

Growing up in New Orleans, Halloween always seemed like a much smaller, tamed version of Mardi Gras, but both celebrations have been rooted in Trans and Queer history for decades. The ability to dress up and play with gender allowed many LGBTQ+ people to celebrate openly with their queer community while still being under the radar to the broader public.

I always had a complicated relationship with costuming, or a really, with my lack of motivation to do so. One Mardi Gras, I wore pajamas and a sign that said “Lazy But Self Aware”; some of my transplant friends offered me glitter as if I wasn ’t doing enough, while my fellow New Orleanians gave me thumbs up for my laissez faire bit. That's how it usually went while growing up. My friends stressed getting their costumes done in time, and I usually stuck to minimal clothing while supplementing with glitter and random throws I found on the street. It always seemed to suffice.

Halloween was different, though. There was pressure to “be something,” something with a name and therefore usually a gender. For many, Halloween was a chance to bend or break those boundaries, but for me, it felt like an anxiety inducing risk of revealing too much. In eighth grade, I dressed up as Mad Max. I thought I was so fucking cool with my ripped up fake leather jacket that morning. Turns out I didn ’t care that none of my classmates even knew who Mad Max was (this was 2008, after all). But I spent the whole day secretly terrified that someone would catch me being too happy while dressed up as a boy. While I admittedly crawled further into my transgender closet after that experience, history tells the story of many people in New Orleans who made the most of their Halloweens, despite there being a vague law againstcross dressing.

New Orleans enacted an anti cross dressing ban in 1856 under Ordinance 3121. This Ordinance made it illegal to stage bear fights in public, store horse manure in one's yard, to play ding dong ditch, and to wear clothes deemed for the opposite sex in public. The ordinance had a written exception for Fat Tuesday but no such allowance for Halloween, as seen in a Times Picayune Newspaper article from November 1,1952, “Homes Damaged, Pranksters Held, 21 Booked with Disturbing Peace in Female Attire.” The article states, “Those arrested, all of whom were booked at the First District station with disturbing the peace by appearing in public attired in the clothing of the opposite sex, were picked up at various sections in the district throughout the night. ” The First District station in 1952 was located where it still resides today on N. Rampart and St. Louis streets, patrolling the historic Vieux Carre district.

During the fifties, the French Quarter was home to a flourishing queer community that was at odds with the mainstream public in the surrounding New Orleans neighborhoods. 1950 marked the beginning of the Lavender Scare, a nationwide moral panic that fueled intensified discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people. While never stated outright, the police enforcement of the anti cross dressing ordinance in the French Quarter in 1952, a neighborhood long home to many queer New Orleanians at that point, was clearly a targeted attack on queer rights and freedom of expression.

It cannot be confirmed what happened to these people after their arrests, though there are documented cases of others being persecuted for similar charges around that time. The newspaper printed their names and ages, effectively outing them to friends, family, and employers during a time when queer witch hunts were growing ever more dangerous and widespread.

Over seventy years later, and though there may not be any explicit ordinance banning us from wearing “clothing of the opposite sex” (as if clothing even has a gender), our community continues to face violence and discrimination at an alarming and growing rate. The year before last was my first Halloween after my gender confirming surgery, and I went as Twink Jesus: shirtless, with a crown of thorns and covered in glitter. To feel at home in my own body, even while dressing as someone else, is a gift I will never take for granted. So I plan to continue to put a little more effort into my costuming, maybe even for Mardi Gras too. I hope everyone gets to go all out, and that Halloween in New Orleans remains as gloriously and unapologetically gay as ever.

Weekly

Events Cont’d.

Street Burlesque Show with a rotating cast of soloists all performing classic strip tease to live music, bringing quality Jazz & Burlesque back to its original home on Bourbon Street. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com

•Whiskey & Rhinestones: The Original Nite Cap: 1300 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Whiskey & Rhinestones returns in its new forever home The Original Nite Cap! Nestled upstairs in the historic 7th Ward of New Or leans overlooking St. Bernard Ave burlesque dancers invoke the spirit of history and celebration of the city while you enjoy incredible cocktails and a smattering of delicious food options to enjoy during the show. The Original Nite Cap operates under the direction of local burlesque legend, Bella Blue, and strives to create a guest experience that is unparalleled in both hospitality and quality entertainment. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you are celebrating a special event. 7pm doors. 8pm showtime. $20 cover. Featuring a rotating cast of local and traveling burlesque entertainers! Tickets are at Eventbrite.com and at the door. We open to the public at 9pm! You're welcome to stay after the show and continue to hang with us!

•Freaky Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Oz New Orleans is the place to be this Friday and all Fridays as Ivy Dripp and JoJo host “FREAKY FRIDAYS,” featuring performances that are sure to amaze and delight! A show that celebrates glam and horror! Join us for this one of a kind variety show spectacular!

•Wigsnatchers Drag Show: The Maison; 508 Frenchman Street, New Orleans, LA; 8:30 p.m. The Wig Snatchers Drag Show features some of New Or leans best drag artists performing comedy, dance, and musical numbers every Friday and Saturday night at 8:30pm in The Penthouse upstairs at The Maison. While the show is no cover/first come first served, they do offer the ability to guarantee seating for your group by reserving a VIP section.

•Friday Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA; 9 p.m. Splash ’s Show Night is BACK, and it's about to be EPIC! Join us every Friday for the hottest drag show in the capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a surprise special guest each week! Hosted by the fabulous Miss Thing, who ’s serving looks and laughs all night long! Whether you ’re a drag aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to live your best life with us!

•Bayou Blues Burlesque: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret;

2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com and at the door. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the strip tease. Music by The Delta Revues Burlesque by Miss Oops C. (AKA Oops the Clown)

•Karaoke Night @ Sipps: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Come sing your heart out.

•Fab Fridays Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge; 9 p.m. Join us every Friday for the hottest drag show in the capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a surprise special guest each week! Hosted by the fabulous Miss Thing, who ’s serving looks and laughs all night long! Whether you ’re a drag aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be!

Don’t miss the chance to live your best life with us! $4 well drinks before 11.

•The Famous Corner Pocket New Meat Contest; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. (Boys dancin ’ from 7 p.m.).

The country ’s longest running all male amateur dance contest (over three decades!) Hosted by Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Bring your sexiest, skimpiest, and tightest undies (but no jock straps) for a chance at a cash prize of $100 ($200 if it ’ s your first time in our contest). Open to all contestants over 21. New dancers encouraged.

•Guys Night Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans ’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” / Adam Joseph / Orlando Ricardo. THE OZ GOGOs DANCING ON THE BAR ALL WEEKEND!

•Friday Night Drag: George’ s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 11 p.m. Join us Fridays Nights @georgesplacebr for the area’s best drag entertainers.

•Terrioke: Le Caberet; 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA; 11:59 p.m. Come sing karaoke with Terri Aqui.

Saturday

•Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com

•Free Comedy Jam for Improvisers : Big Couch; 1045 Desire Street; 1 p.m. Just because improv is unscripted, doesn ’t mean you can’t practice it! We welcome improvisers of all levels to join us weekly to hone their improv skills, (Cont ’d. on pg. 16)

Weekly

learn new ones, and connect with fun folks. An improv jam is an opportunity for anyone to perform and watch scenes.

•LGBTQIA+ Youth Drop Inn Nights: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA: 3 5 p.m. Every Saturday from 3 5pm, LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13 24) can join us at The Pride Center for different activities including movies, arts, journaling, and more! FREE to attend!

•Wigsnatchers Drag Show: The Maison; 508 Frenchman Street, New Orle ans, LA; 8:30 p.m. The Wig Snatchers Drag Show features some of New Or leans best drag artists performing comedy, dance, and musical numbers every Friday and Saturday night at 8:30pm in The Penthouse upstairs at The Maison. While the show is no cover/first come first served, they do offer the ability to guarantee seating for your group by reserving a VIP section.

•Drag Me To The Lantern: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Drag show starting at 10 p.m. with revolving cast.

•Dance Bitches Dance: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger. 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” followed by DJ Adam Joseph or DJ Orlando Ricardo.

•Show Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 11:30 p.m. Come check out the fabulous Nicole DuBois and a rotating cast of drag per formers each week.

Sunday

•Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com

•Morning Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans; 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.; 10 – 11 a.m. Our worship services are best described as “Blended”. We recognize that many of our congregants come from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We strive to incorporate elements from various backgrounds so that all can feel a little more connected to our services.

•Solemn High Mass; St. Anna ’ s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; starts at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse congregation, and our slogan is “All are welcomed. None are shunned. ” Our worship style is ornate with deep ritual, yet it remains warm and inviting. We are also kid and pet friendly. A real community church, St. Anna ’s welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

•WigSnatchers Drag Brunch: Marigny Brasserie; 640 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA; 12 – 3 p.m. Located in the heart of historic Frenchmen St. comes the hottest Drag Show New Orleans has to offer. Hosted by Cosette LaFemme and Mistie Bonét, Drag Brunch @ Marigny Brasserie guarantees a welcoming and entertaining experience with some of Nola ’s finest Drag Queens. Come enjoy performances of some of the most iconic artists of all time while you start the day with a plate of New Orleans, a drink in hand, and a safe space to have fun and express yourself. Email marigny.brasserie@kfkgroup.com to inquire about special event offers and group pricing of parties of 5 or more.

•Writing Across the Rainbow: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA; 2 5 p.m. Writing Across the Rainbow is our new ongoing monthly LGBTQIA+ workshop focused on all aspects of writing, spanning how to get your first words on paper, to getting published and sharing your work with the world! Award winning publisher, editor, and writer Sorella Smith will host this event which will also feature other writers as guest presenters. This is an ongoing workshop, so you can attend as many meetings as you want! This is a free event, but everyone should bring their own pens, notebooks, computers, and tablets. Everyone has stories to tell, fictional, factual, or otherwise. This workshop will assist you (Cont ’d. on pg. 38)

Chop Chop Charles Pizzo

First Class Food, Island Vibe at Spicy Mango

Nestled at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Frenchmen Street, walkable from the live music clubs down the street, you ’ll find this newest addition to the growing legacy of quality restaurants opened by Larry Morrow. This one specializes in Caribbean – Creole cuisine. Perhaps no better example of that fusion is the Red Bean Oxtail. Slowly simmered and tender red beans get a jolt of peppery jerk seasoning (typically made with smoke, allspice, and Scotch bonnet

peppers). They’re salty in a good way, slightly sweet, yet also spicy. That flavor combination describes many of the jerk dishes on this menu, and it ’s a winner.

Oxtails taste like beef, with silky, rich, and fatty meat enmeshed around a bone (think short ribs). The flavor is off the charts. As a local born and raised here, this is undoubtedly the best non traditional plate of red beans I have ever eaten. Herbed, coconut jasmine rice accompanies the dish, elevating it further.

That meal started with Shrimp Ceviche (citrus marinated shrimp with mango, red onion, avocado, and peppers, served with house fried chips). A generous mound of shrimp are fully cooked by the acidity in the marinade and not raw. The taste is light and refreshing; the mango coaxes out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The chips, used to scoop, are fresh and add crunch (they ’re thicker and heavier than tortilla chips).

Mango Habanero Wings are large and meaty. They were juicy and a tad crisp, coated in sweet and spicy glaze. This is a familiar flavor profile here. While you will feel the heat, it never rises to the point of being uncomfortable or making you reach for a beverage. It’s balanced and comes with a mild, herbal dairy dipping sauce.

Coconut Gulf Shrimp are plump and lightly fried. The coconut is barely there, a pleasant respite from the overly cloying versions found elsewhere. An orange chili lime sauce pairs well and will seem familiar to anyone who knows Indonesian sweet chili sauce.

They were out of the bread to make a Cuban Sandwich twice. Apparently, buns are baked in house. The Jerk Burger features a chargrilled patty of Angus beef cooked to temperature. The patty is tender, a sign the meat has not been overworked, and fills the bun. It ’s garnished with pickles, a crunchy pickled cabbage slaw, and the aforementioned jerk sauce. Mine arrived with cheese, though not listed on the menu. The totality is savory and rich, if messy. It came with tender, nicely

seasoned, crisp, coated yucca fries.

A popular entrée, and I understand why, is the tasty Escovitch Red Snapper (crispy Caribbean marinated red snapper, served over roasted red pepper sauce with cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and charred lime). The whole fish is presented, head to tail, with bones. The meat is flaky with citrus notes and easy to pick off. I ’ve had similar dishes cooked beachside in Jamaica and Belize, so this felt very authentic. Be sure to drag some of the fish through the sauce under it for the full effect, and take your time to surgically get all the meat.

Lamb chops are cold smoked then cooked to temperature. They were moist with a gentle smoky flavor throughout. Our server says the kitchen recommends medium well, but we opted for medium rare. The grilling was inconsistent, with some bites medium and others medium rare, while another chop was fully rare. Nevertheless, it was tender and delicious. You get two large double chops, for a total of four ribs. These are big and meaty chops, not like the smaller variety from Australia. The topping is a jerk barbecue sauce; I found myself dragging the meat on the plate to get every drop.

It's not often you see a side dish listed for $20 unless it includes caviar or truffles, etc. So, with a bit of curiosity and some skepticism, I ordered the Jerk Mac & Cheese. The pasta is fluted and curves into an elbow shape, which helps it cling and hold the excellent cream sauce. It’s topped with cheese and baked en casserole. The generous portion, meant to share, is topped with shredded chicken, jerk sauce, scallions, and grated Cotija cheese. The net effect is cheesy, salty, sweet, spicy, hearty, and rib sticking (I could not finish). Oh, and worth every penny.

Plantains were okay, a bit undercooked yet mildly sweet, topped with crema and that same Cotija cheese. While not too starchy, they were basic and underwhelming.

The sweet potato bread pudding was never available. Open less than three months, I suspect this is a menu (Cont ’d. on pg. 32)

Red Bean Oxtail

Escovitch Red Snapper

Jerk Mac & Cheese

Red Dress Run, Gay Appreciation Awards, Dirty Linen Night, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown

Know Your Histor y Frank Perez

Halloween New Orleans

In 1983, a few people in New Orleans hosted a dinner party to honor their friends and loved ones who had died of AIDS. That dinner party evolved into Halloween New Orleans, an annual weekend event that has become the single largest cumulative donor ($5 million) to Project Lazarus (which provides housing and AIDS related services to people living with AIDS) since the agency ’s inception in 1985. The weekend of events includes the famous Lazarus Ball, the main costume party on Saturday night, and a Sunday brunch and French Quarter second line parade.

The Lazarus Ball has become one of the most highly anticipated events in the queer New Orleans annual calendar. From its beginning, HNO events were recorded. These video recordings documented an extraordinary period in New Orleans ’ gay history during the height of the AIDS epidemic. They captured the shows, the elaborate costume parades, and most importantly, the spirit of those who were there.

During the last two years, Arthur Roger has diligently worked to locate and restore these videos. He notes, “I’ve always felt that even if no one watched these videos, they remained an important keepsake a record of a community, a moment, and many individuals no longer with us. ”

Roger is working with the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to make the videos publicly accessible. The recordings will eventually be available for viewing on the LGBT+ Archives Project ’s website. The original tapes and raw footage are now housed at The Historic New Orleans Collection.

elo’s Creation of Adam, and Sister Marcy climbed into the rafters of the Municipal Auditorium to drop confetti during the show’s climax. Our engineering wasn ’t perfect that first year the backdrop opened only three quarters of the way so the drag wedding party had to duck to get on stage. Still, it was full of joy, and everyone loved it. ”

Roger recalls, “One of my favorite memories is from Spectacular! Spectacular!, our Moulin Rouge inspired year. A life sized elephant puppet arrived looking like a large gray blob. A group of drag queens, seeing my dismay, told me to go home and rest. When I returned the next morning, they had transformed it into a showstopper. ” “The following year’s theme, Freaks, Follies and Sideshow, featured Jay Weigel conducting the Louisiana Philharmonic and Gabrielle Porter singing “You Are Beautiful” while body painted performers spelled out BEAUTIFUL then flipped their letters to reveal HALLOWEEN at the song’s big moment.”

Documenting the party was a priority for Roger from the start. He recruited volunteers he had met through New Orleans Video Access classes. Roger said, “They brought their own gear and handled the editing at no cost. I ’m lucky to have recovered footage from that first year. After that first year, people kept asking, ‘What are you doing next year?’ And so the shows grew more elaborate.”

By 1998, the party had grown to more than 5,000 attendees. Electric Dreams listed Halloween in New Orleans among the top five parties internationally, calling it “an outpouring of refined and raw creativity that ’s hard to match anywhere. ”

Roger recalls, “We began shaping the night with rhythm starting with a costume parade and then a midnight show, leading into the dance party. Volunteers from all over came together to help pull it off. Sherif Foti ’s Prisoner Art Program created our first show’s backdrop, a rendition of Michelang

In 2012, Diogo de Lima began choreographing the show. Roger remembers, “That year, we set up a boxing ring as the stage for Monster Brawl, with incredible graphics by Dustin Woerhmann and a spinning monster portrait wall that spun into a tilted mirror, making the stage floor visible to the entire room. Nick Da B wrote a song specifically for the show, and a dozen kids performed what I believe is one of the only choreographed bounce dance numbers I have ever seen staged.”

Roger concluded our interview by observing, “Halloween in New Orleans was never just a party. It was a place where creativity, resilience, and community flourished in the face of unimaginable loss. These videos are not just entertainment they are a living record of our community, our joy, in spite of our grief at the time, and our determination to keep going. They capture countless individuals who gave so much and, in many cases, are no longer with us. ”

Halloween New Orleans 2025 is October 24 26.

NEWS BRIEFS

Kim Davis Asks Supreme Court to Overturn Marriage Equality

Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who was jailed and fined for refusing to issue a same sex marriage license, has asked the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell V. Hodges, the landmark 2015 case that established marriage equality as a Constituti onal right. Legal experts say the Supreme Court is not likely to revisit the case. Davis filed a similar petition five years ag o a nd the court declined to hear it. The high court receives roughly 8,000 requests to hear cases each year and only a handful are sele cted.

Prescriptions Now Required for COVID Vaccine

Several states, including Louisiana, are now limiting access to the COVID vaccine to people who have prescriptions for it. Ma ny critics point out the prescription requirement is a needless barrier, especially for people who do not have a primary care ph ysician or health insurance. Among those critics is Senator Bill Cassidy (R La), a physician who believes in vaccines. Cassidy has propo sed Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham write a “blanket” prescription for anyone who wants the shot. Ironically, Cassidy cast the tie breaking vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy, a noted anti vaxxer, as U.S. Health Secretary. Roughly 310,000 Louisiana res idents (7% of the population) do not have health insurance.

Britney Marks Crowned Miss Gay Louisiana America

Britney Marks, a New Orleans based drag performer, was recently crowned Miss Gay Louisiana America. Miss Gay Louisiana America 2025 held it s 35th annual pageant on August 17, 2025, at Splash Night Club in Baton Rouge, LA Marks will co mpet e for the title of Miss Gay America, 2026, in January of next year. Vantasia Divine placed first alternate, qualifying to also compete at Mis s Gay America. The pageant takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas, January 13 16.

New Orleans Voters go to the Polls October 11

Voters in New Orleans will vote for the following offices: mayor, sheriff, city council, assessor, and criminal court clerk. If no candidate receives 50% plus one in the primary, the top two vote getters face each other in the run off election, which is scheduled for November 15. 60 candidates will be on the ballot. Early voting closed on October 4. The deadline to register to vote in the N ov. 15 runoff is Oct. 15 if registering in person or by mail, or Oct. 25 if registering online. Early voting runs from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8 (excluding Sunday, Nov. 2) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Critical Praise for Rainbow Fleur de Lis

"Every city has LGBTQ history. But not every city has that history documented. New Orleans not only has a long and rich queer history but is also fortunate enough to have strong queer historians. Frank Perez is one of the best." Johnny Townsend, author of the first book on the Up Stairs Lounge fire, Inferno in the French Quarter, Racism by Proxy, Brace for Impact, and 10 Things to Do Before the Apocalypse

"A valuable collection of essays on the many facets of New Orleans’s queer culture. “ Clayton Delery, author of The Up Stairs Lounge Arson and Out for Queer Blood

"Perez is the avuncular voice and herald of an overlooked genre of local columnists and public historians, who felt called to do the good work when sources were still alive to tell their tales. Richly reported and fun to read, this is a foundational text for queer New Orleans history." Robert W. Fieseler, author of American Scare and Tinderbox

Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History is available at the University Press of Mississippi website and at fine bookstores everywhere.

Cur tain Up Brian Sands

There’ll be lots of the theatrical treats to enjoy between now and Halloween; see all the listings below. Things quiet down somewhat in November, but if you take into account university productions ( Fever at Dillard Oct. 10 19; The Lesson at Tulane Oct. 15 19 followed by Squirrels Nov. 11 20; Ghost Quartet at Loyola Oct. 17 26 followed by Critters Nov. 13 22; R.U.R. at Delgado Oct. 23 26; and Orlando at UNO Nov. 13 22) you should be able to find enough entertainment on local stages to stuff yourself with before

the turkey is served on Thanksgiving!

Looking for wacky humor and absurd antics? Aqua Mob, New Orleans’ first and only community based water ballet ensemble, returns to The Midtown Hotel with Wendy, Darling: An Aquatic Retelling of The Shining . For their 8th production, Aquamob dives into uncharted waters as a hotel breathes, the water remembers, and neither will let the Torrance family go.

Written & directed by Lizzy Collins and featuring live music from The Bomb Pulse and bloody dance moves in the deep end, Aqua Mob describes Wendy, Darling as “a fever dream of rage, survival, and watery revenge. ” It runs through October 11. I can’t wait to see it.

If The Shining is a modern horror classic, The NOLA Project opens its 21st season with a classic horror classic, Frankenstein. Pete McElligott, whose Dracula won last year’ s Critics' Choice Gay Appreciation Award, returns with a world premiere adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel.

Frankenstein, directed by Leslie Claverie and featuring James Bartelle, J'aiLa Christina, Keith Claverie, Noah Hazzard, Keyara Milliner, Michael Aaron Santos, Matthew Thompson, and Kristin Witt, will lumber forth at the Station at Lafitte Greenway through October 17.

At Le Petit, The Lehman Trilogy kicks off the 109th season of this French Quarter institution, running until October 19. Stefano Massini’s Tony Award winning play charts the rise and fall of the Lehman banking dynasty from the arrival of the original three brothers fro m Ba varia in the U S in the mid 1800s to the spectacular 2008 collapse of the company they founded. Seen in London in 2019, I liked it, but didn ’t love it. Starring Ryan Hayes, David Lind, and Leslie Nipkow as multiple generations of Lehmans and directed by Jenny Lavery, I ’m hoping the Le Petit production will deliver a better return.

I loved Kimberly Akimbo when I saw it off Broadway and Broadway, too, where it won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical. Based on David Lindsay Abaire’s dramedy of the same name about a teenage girl who has a rare disease that causes her to age rapidly and prematurely, the musical version retains the play ’s quirky humor which, for some reason, seems more plausible in a musical, and adds four geeky high school

classmates of Kimberly’ s to winning effect.

If I wish that there were just one (or two) truly memorable songs in Jeanine Tesori’s score, that doesn ’t take away from its emotional vibrancy. Catch it at the Saenger Theatre October 7 12.

Kimberly Akimbo will be followed at the Saenger by A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical (Nov. 11 16), the true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart busting, Grammy Award winning American rock icon.

If I’m looking forward to seeing Kimberly Akimbo again, I’m also looking forward to seeing Exhausted Paint again when Fat Squirrel presents Justin Maxwell’ s play about Vincent Van Gogh at Big Couch October 8 18. Only I won’t really be seeing it again even though I saw it in 2022 at UNO. Huh? That ’s because, other than its beginning and ending passages, its twelve inner sections are done in a different order at each performance, their sequence determined by randomly chosen audience members before the start of the show. Drew Stroud returns as Van Gogh with “his dazzling portrait of an artist as a youngish man.”

I always look forward to seeing Varla Jean Merman who ’ll be returning to Café Istanbul on October 17 and 18 with her newest show, The Drowsy Chappell Roan . Apparently, after spending a year tagging herself on thousands of photos on Instagram, the international drag chanteuse recently discovered that she had confused herself with Grammy Award winning pop sensation Chappell Roan. So, despite her overall lethargy and low blood sugar, Varla shall set out to reheat the recent hits of Chappell Roan, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus. (Cont ’d on pg. 34)

Drew Stroud in Exhausted Paint

Chop Chop Cont’d.

still in transition (the website lists dishes not found in the restaurant).

Rum cake is served warm. It’ s moist and dense, with a pleasant crumb soaked in sauce. But the real highlight was the accompanying coconut ice cream (more like a gelato), that was intense and sinfully rich. Without a doubt, this is the best and creamiest coconut ice cream I ’ve had.

Dining at Spicy Mango, whether inside or on the patio, is an upscale, casually elegant experience. The space is gorgeous in tones of white, ivory, and shades of caramel. The interior design, lighting, glasses and serving pieces are all attractive. It was always busy, with well dressed patrons enjoying themselves. Service is excellent. Full bar. Highly recommended.

Spicy Mango, 405 Frenchmen St., Open Wednesday – Monday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Midnight on Friday & Saturday), (504) 708 2651 Reservations: suggested: Open Table, https://www.spicymangonola.com $$$

Charles Pizzo is a native New Orleanian and PR professional. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chairman of IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators. All photos by Charles Pizzo

Curtains Up Cont’d.

That other wonderful chanteuse, Anaïs St. John, brings her cabaret show about Josephine Baker back to the World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, October 17 19. Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance uses song and spoken word to celebrate Josephine Baker ’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in East St. Louis to the stages of Jazz Age Paris, her wartime service in France & North Africa, and her speech at the 1963 Freedom March in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial.

On the Northshore, Slidell Little Theatre presents Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias (Oct. 10 19). Directed by Karen Shields, it’s set in Truvy's beauty salon in northern Louisiana. If you haven’t seen it by now, where ya been, sugar?

Also on the Northshore, Mandeville’s 30 by Ninety Theatre continues their season with Beth Henley ’s The Miss Firecracker Contest (Oct. 11 26) which takes place in the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, a few days before the Fourth of July, as its six charmingly eccentric characters search for love, happiness, and acceptance. Tonya Lagman directs Lindsey Andry, Allen Bryant, Addison Fitzmorris, Casey Jones, Rachael Knaps, and Emily Murray.

Back on the Southshore, MB [Mondo Bizarro] Presents

Ask Felicia Felicia Phillips

brings a condensed translation of 2023’s CETACEAN (The Whale), to Catapult on October 25 and 26; it ’s the 6th installment from Deke Weaver's The Unreliable Bestiary, a performance for each letter of the alphabet, each letter represented by an endangered animal or habitat. Truly interdisciplinary, CETACEAN is a collage of lo fi effects, story, video, and sound with a large helping of dance and a dash of national park ranger talk.

A collage of a different sort can be found when Chicago based experimental string duo Missing Piece & sound artist Hunter Diamond join New Orleans string players James Singleton, Sixto Franco, & Kyle Anderson to present Diamond ’s new, large multi movement work for chamber ensemble, Unsettling, on October 23 at the Marigny Opera House.

Composed in the “thirdstream” style, which is neither classical nor jazz or both classical and jazz, Unsettling features strings, winds, & electronics, and offers sound & comment on Israel from the perspective of an American Jew. Diamond takes inspiration from contemporary Israeli writers who seek to hold Israel to account for its immense transgressions without devaluing its enormous accomplishments.

New Orleans Ballet Theatre returns to The Orpheum Theater October 24 30 just in time for Halloween (Cont ’d. on pg. 40)

Dear Felicia: What do you think about the President sending troops to New Orleans, and what do you think we should do in response? Concerned Citizen

Dear Concerned: I’m sure most that know me would expect me to start my answer off by calling our Troglodyte in Chief every derogatory name I could create in a glorious rant of rebellion and resistance. However, since I want to avoid getting Jimmy Kimmeled (although that is going pretty well) and more so because I realize this is a real concern I will answer sincerely.

The actions being presented appear designed to provoke strong reactions from the public and potentially create concern. Don ’t Take The Bait! As overwhelming as it may feel, remember Ain ’t no hurricane strong enough to break our spirit, no pandemic going to stop our happy hours, no terrorist attack going to stop our second lines, neither shall this!

Rather than relying on protest or violence, which would escalate tensions, use our most effective tool instead. Our Culture, our diversity and show them how we Pass a Good Time! Imagine every Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence, Gay Easter, Krewe Du Vieux and Krewe of Boo parade combined. Every Jazz , Creole Tomato, Satchmo, seafood and po boy fest. Every naked bike run, red dress run , and running of the bulls. Put what makes us uniquely New Orleans and a force to be reckoned with in their faces.

I say we all join forces from the Krewe of Elvis and the Pussy Footers to the Radical Fairies and Zulus, all of us Not just L GBTQ plus but all of us that love our city and love our creative freedoms and hit the streets not to throw bricks but to throw glitter! Spread as much joy and laughter as we have in us. We are steeped in culture and it is that culture and love of music, food ,art and community that has gotten us through the darkest of times, and it is that same diverse culture that I believe can get us through this!

So, if they come, we welcome them by simply saying Loudly and Proudly “Laissez les bons temp rouler! ”

U Haul Diaries Kelly Schexnaildre

The Future of Economics is Queer

Democracy will always fail as long as unregulated capitalism dominates. Capitalism is an economic system where private ownership controls production, goods are made for profit, and markets allocate resources through competition. For capitalism to function within a democracy, it must be embedded in a framework that protects rights, promotes fair competition, addresses inequality, and guarantees social security ultimately aiming

for the well being and empowerment of all individuals.

In America, we live in an oligarchy a system where political power concentrates in the hands of a few due to unregulated capitalism that prioritizes profits over people and society ’s collective good. Eight industries accounting for 70% of U.S. economic activity and employment grocery, media, energy, telecommunications, finance, technology, healthcare, and automotive manufacturing are dominated by fewer than forty companies. The 400 wealthiest Americans own more wealth than the 170 million people in the bottom half of the population.

This concentration of power stifles competition, deepens economic hardship, enables manipulation of democracy, and allows corporations to profit billions from the middle and lower classes by raising prices. It also uses vast financial resources to influence policies that further entrench wealth and power at the top, limiting economic mobility for most citizens.

So what do we do?

We queer economics. Queer is not only an identity but a revolutionary blueprint for creativity and resistance a refusal to accept the rigid confines of inherited systems and structures. It invites us to imagine and enact ways of being, relating, and operating that break free from traditional, often oppressive norms. Queer economics pushes back against extractive capitalism by cultivating community centered businesses and organizations that embrace alternative economic models cooperatives, mutual aid networks, sliding scale pricing all rooted in values of mutual care, survival, and shared wealth rather than endless profit. This is an economy that nurtures resilience through connection instead of extraction.

Queering economics through hyper localization grounds queer survival in the vibrant, complex relationships within our immediate communities. Here, mutual aid and collective resistance shape economies that disrupt dominant capitalist norms. By centering economic and political engagement at the local level within neighborhoods, local governments, and community spaces we create dynamic ecosystems that honor our unique identities and lived experiences. These hyper local queer economies fo ster resilient, collective wealth (Cont’d on pg. 40)

Weekly Events Cont

’d

with such concepts as: World building, Plotting, Character creation, Continuity maintenance, Editing, Sharing constructive criticism of work, The journey forward, either to publishing or wherever you want to take your writing. All prose types are welcome, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc. We hope to see you there!

•Sing A Long Sundays: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. – midnight. Join Gay Appreciation Award Winner VJ Brendan for Sing A Long Sundays.

•Vanessa Carr: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 3 – 5 p.m. Come see Vanessa Carr Kennedy sing your favorite songs.

•Trash Disco; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4 – 10 p.m. Come dance the night away at one of the best places to end your weekend of fun, Lafitte’s in Exile, home of the world famous napkin toss that happens every Sunday between 8:30 and 10 p.m.

•The PlayGirlz Show: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 –7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the show featuring Gia GiaVanni with Taze Ya Ballz and a special guest each week.

•The Roundup Review: The Roundup; 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL; 5:30 p.m. No cover. Great drag show every Sunday.

•Zingo!; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Zingo! with the boy’s pullin’ the balls. Can you say, O 69? Come play to win fabulous prizes and bar tabs (free to play). Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and (Cont ’d. on pg. 40)

Curtain Up Cont’d.

with Oliver Halkowich’ s Dracula. Inspired by Bram Stoker’ s novel, this ballet goes into the mind of Jonathan Harker on his journey to Count Dracula ’s castle and his inner reckoning with his own darkness as his love, Mina, fights to bring him back to the light. Using a mix of musical genres, Dracula promises to transport you into “a world of seduction, lust, & forbidden desire, and our eternal obsession with good versus bad. ”

Speaking of light & dark and good & bad, the ever enterprising The Company: A St. Bernard Community Theatre shall be bringing Carrie, The Musical to The Azienda Theatre in Chalmette November 14 23. Based on Stephen King's novel and the 1976 film, Carrie remains one of Broadway ’s most notorious flops but, since its 1988 debut, has gained a cult following. An Off Broadway revival premiered in 2012 with the book and score almost entirely revised; I believe this will be the version that The Company will be doing. Having seen the second performance of Carrie on Broadway the second act opening number with its refrain of “Kill the pig! Get its blood!” remains particularly ensconced in my memory I can’t wait to revisit this legendary musical.

Unlike Carrie, everyone loves Stevie Stevie Nicks, that is. The spectacular Night of 1000 Stevies New Orleans the largest Stevie Nicks fan event in the world returns for its 5th NOLA edition on November 22 to The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret Neither a contest nor a karaoke show, NOTS promises the ultimate Stevie Nicks celebration, a profusion of shawls, lace, baby's breath, twirling, tambourines and a wide range of interpretations of the goddess Nicks by performers from all over the country.

Happy Halloween! Happy Thanksgiving!! Happy Theatergoing!!!

Weekly Events Cont’d.

former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal hosts.

•Minx Burlesque: Howlin Wolf; 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, LA; 6 p.m. Minx Burlesque is LIVE at the Howlin ’ Wolf. Featuring a rotating cast of per formers for a new and exciting show each week. From classic strip tease, to circus acts, to comedy Queens, Minx Burlesque has something to please and tease every audience member. For tickets, go to https:// www.ticketweb.com/events/org/13741?pl=howlin

•SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 7 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday.

•Drag Bingeaux; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 – 9 p.m. Hosted by Ivy Dripp with gogo boys. 11 games, no cover.

•The Opulence Hour: Maison; 508 Frenchmen St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The troupe that brought you “Talk Nerdy To Me: A Weekly Nerdlesque Revue” is putting on our Sunday best for this new burlesque and variety show. The Society of Sin Burlesque & Variety every Sunday at The Maison on Frenchman at 7pm. Every week there will be a different show filled with decadent costumes, extravagant aesthetics, and big moods from our rotating cast of en tertainers. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com

•Lipstixx Ladies on Parade; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 –10 p.m. Hosted by Miss Aubrey Synclaire. Showtime 8pm Sharp! Reservations accepted on a “first come first serve” at 504 529 2107.

•The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30 11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.

U Haul Diaries Cont’d.

that challenges exclusion, decentralizes power, and embeds care at every level. It is a reclamation of space and resources that affirms who we are and builds the foundations for sustainable futures.

While capitalism relentlessly pursues bigness national supply chains, corporate monopolies, and homogenized products queer economies celebrate intimacy. They thrive in the local: buying from neighbors, investing in our blocks and neighborhoods, hosting clothing swaps, sharing resources, and elevating community based economies. These practices reclaim value from hyper capitalism’ s erasures, making space for relationships and economies built on trust, reciprocity, and care values queer communities have long embodied and continue to embody with radical generosity.

Community Focus Jim Meadows

The 2025 NOAGE Gala: A Sinners & Saints Soirée

New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE) will be hosting a fundraiser gala on Friday, November 21, 7 10PM, at The Josephine, a beautifully renovated and reimagined event venue (formerly Our Lady of Lourdes Church, now deconsecrated) at 2400 Napoleon Avenue. Tickets are available online now at noagenola.org. The last several NOAGE galas have sold out in advance, and there will

be no tickets available at the door, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.

There will be music, dancing, food, an open bar, a silent auction, and all the great fun you’ve come to expect from this annual event. This year’ s theme is “Sinners and Saints,” so dress as your favorite sinner or saint, villain or hero you get the idea! Costuming is encouraged, but not required; business casual is OK too.

The gala will also feature the presentation of the 2025 NOAGE Awards. The 2025 NOAGE Trailblazer Award winner is Arthur Roger. Arthur Roger is the owner and director of the Arthur Roger Gallery, located in the Arts District of New Orleans. A native of the city, he worked at an art gallery in the French Quarter while attending college. In 1978, he opened the Arthur Roger Gallery which enjoyed early success and soon earned a national reputation as a leading art gallery in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina, he helped spearhead the renewal of the visual arts in New Orleans. In 2006, his gallery hosted a panel discussion that led to the art consultant Dan Cameron founding PROSPECT, now an international arts biennial in New Orleans. Throughout his gallery’s history, Arthur Roger has made efforts to feature the work of artists of diverse backgrounds. In 2017, he donated his personal artwork collection to the New Orleans Museum of Art. The Museum displayed the work in a special exhibition titled “Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans.”

He is a Trustee for The Greater New Orleans Foundation, and has chaired their LBGTQ Fund. He volunteered to assemble the art collections for the Human Rights Campaign Headquarters in Washington D.C. and the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy. He also arranged for over 200 pieces of artwork to be donated and installed in CrescentCare’s community healthcare buildings on Elysian Fields Ave. and Canal St.

Arthur Roger’s service to our community over the last four decades is deeply appreciated, and NOAGE is very pleased for the opportunity to honor him as the Trailblazer that he is.

This year’ s NOAGE Community Impact Award winners are the 2025 Southern Decadence Parade grand marshals: DJ Dolla Bill Hincks, Monique Michaels Alexander, and ChiChi Rodriquez. These amazing people hosted dozens of fundraiser events during the past year, and all funds raised (after expenses) will benefit NOAGE, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, and Women with a Vision. They have made an incredible impact on the local LGBTQ+ community, and we look forward to honoring them for all the work they have done on our behalf.

At press time, confirmed sponsors include Ochsner Pride, Aspen Estate Planning, Home Instead Senior Care, Stonewall Sports New Orleans, the John Burton Harter Foundation, St. Thomas Community Health Center, CrescentCare, the Gulf South LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, the Big Easy Sisters, Agape Care Group Hospice, Jim Firmin, Edward Bonin & René

Arthur Roger has served on numerous boards and received local and national recognition for his philanthropic efforts. For several years he chaired the highly successful Halloween in New Orleans, which has raised over $4.1 million over the years and is the largest cumulative donor to Project Lazarus, which provides healthcare and support services for men and women with AIDS. He also began Arts Against AIDS in New Orleans, which raised money for the NO/AIDS Task Force (now CrescentCare). He chaired and organized fundraisers for the Louisiana chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

J.L. Fransen, David Bernard & Charles Urstadt, and Patrick McLaughlin & David Talley.

NOAGE is still seeking more sponsors for this event, and we ’re also seeking items for the silent auction. If you ’d like to donate to the auction, or to receive a sponsor packet (which includes information on the various sponsorship levels and benefits), email us at info@noagenola.org.

NOAGE’s mission is to improve the well being of LGBTQ+ older adults in the New Or LGBTQ+ metro area (Cont ’d. on pg. 42)

Community Focus Cont ’d.

NOAGE hosts regular socialization and educational events for LGBTQ+ older adults, including potlucks, fitness groups, a book club, coffee talks/discussion groups, movie nights, and more. NOAGE also works to increase the cultural competency of healthcare and other service providers who work with older adults through trainings, workshops, and conferences. NOAGE is committed to ensuring that all LGBTQ+ older adults in the New Orleans metro area can live their best possible lives with the dignity, respect, and good health that they deserve. For more information, visit noagenola.org.

CORRECTION: In the last issue of AMBUSH, we misspelled two names in an article on the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals. The correct spellings are Bill Hincks and Chi Chi Rodriquez. AMBUSH regrets the error.

AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email frankearlperez@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com