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by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Gregory Cain
Setting New Standards For Leatherites

It's time for a new kid on the block, Red Stick style. Our own Gregory Cain has come up a winner in New Orleans, but we always knew he was a winner even when he stepped out in old Alexandria. Yes, this is one young man who set his sights on the big one, Mr. Louisiana Leather, and he's out to capture this and other titles.

Last Sat., the Mint on Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans was packed with Red Stickers as dozens of our own came into the Crescent City for the Knights d'Orleans contest which saw our sweet Gregory besting three other candidates for the title of Mr. Knights d'Orleans. This title gets him to the Mr. Louisiana Leather contest later this year, and who knows, maybe our fair city will have another Kevin Cwayna to contend with. That definitely wouldn't be all that bad. I met Kevin last year, and from what I can tell, our Gregory could stand tall when compared to this big winner. They are two of a kind-the best of all the rest.

Not only did Gregory win, but he will also reign as next year's Lord King in the Lords of Leather Bal Masque presentation, which hopefully I will be allowed to cover for Ambush. Here again, Gregory will be stepping into some big shoes, like the wonders of Jamie of Phoenix fame, but he can handle this too. When it comes to winning, Gregory doesn't need titles to prove his worth. He has always been a winner in my book, and now everyone else can see what I've known all along.

This gracious young man with the wonderful personality and amazing body is on his way to bigger things, and big is the right word for him too, if you know what I mean. Gregory Cain is a spectacular example of goodness, kindness, and uniqueness. From the Dees shadow, he has emerged on top, but then that's where he was all along. Right, Tony?

Another big weekend was also on tap in Baton Rouge. While Gregory was taking New Orleans by storm, George's was storming into the history books with their anniversary celebration. Richard called back as many bartenders as he could for their big bash, and they too showed their winning form. The most comical thing about this get-together was that hour that Cody spent on doing Mark's makeup only to find Mark slipping into the bathroom to redo it all to his own taste. Precious Mark is beautiful in all respects, and no makeup can do justice to what is already perfection.

Mark is also Baton Rouge's finest photographer. His studio, Marcos Photography, is a prime example of what outstanding photography and excellent photographers is all about. His business card reads "A Return to Art." I prefer to say that it has been there all along. For all your photography needs, you only have to call Mark to come up with the very best of all the rest. You can page him at 504.844.7163, or call him at either 504.899.6687 or 504.346.9294. If it's excellence you are after, you need go no further than this young man. He's the best. Really!

I do have to tell you something else that happened on the prior weekend at George's. A certain bartender from St. Amant, who we all know as a gorgeous little hunk, was infatuated with a certain stripper named Fermin. Now this said bartender made it a point to tell everyone that he licked Fermin's posterior six times and still didn't get him to go home with him. Well, darling child, maybe you should lick something else next time. Really!

Guy tells this story about how Richard had to work more on the anniversary weekend than he ever had in his life. It was that busy and that crowded. But look at it this way. Sweet Richard got his start here as a bartender. It was only fitting that he do the same on his anniversary. It was a wild time, and the spirit of the night was still going on after the 2am closing. If I could only tell you everything about this night, it would fill a complete column, but since this is also a family newspaper, I would have to omit those big weenie exposures and all the pictures of referenced weenies. It was a weekend's closure to the celebration of a winning team, a winning bar, and a winning future to Richard's expertise at owning and promoting one of the Deep South's finest watering holes. Congratulations, Richard! And congratulations to all your bartenders, past and present, for reaching this milestone in Baton Rouge's Gay history. You are the cornerstone for a community, and you are deserving of all the praise that can be reaped upon you.

Years ago, I can recall when an interview was done at George's that was so controversial that it couldn't be published in the local press. It was too positive in nature for the local masses to read about these homosexuals. It was the truth, and I thought it was wonderful. The article died a natural death because it was too soon for everyone to know about their local subculture. That subculture was strong then, and it's stronger now. I only wish I had sneaked a copy of this story, but I remember it well, and I sat back and observed the wheels of progress trying to stop a snowball of accuracy. Now, looking back, that snowball has gotten bigger, is in the forefront of every major story in the world, and I know for a fact the part that George's played in the story. The man Hogan told it well. It was the truth, and Red Stick just wasn't ready for it, and they still aren't.

Big things have been happening over at the Blue Parrot lately. Don and Tom know how to keep people happy, and their stock in the community is growing by leaps and bounds. This little place has garnered new patrons on a daily basis. Many of our numbers who seldom ventured out into the local scene are now making the Blue Parrot their home. That says a lot for management here, but then they don't make them any better than the dynamic duo of Don and Tom. I've watched these two over the years, and they've come to mean so much for the Gay community in Red Stick. As their business has grown, their stature of leadership has grown too. This definitely has nothing to do with the fact that I like red-haired studs. It's all in the way they have conducted themselves, and I think they are major contributors in that snowball of positive endeavors. What more can I say for a couple who serve their guests better-than-sex cake? However, they are going to have to convince me that this is correct. Something tells me they can't! Hmm!

The Time Zone is planning another crawfish boil for June 20. It will be their last of the year, so you need to plan to make this one. These guys keep pushing their Main St. location, and it's great to see them succeeding in their efforts. Deadline day for Ambush finds James being treated to a fantastic birthday bash, but you will have to get all the details later. The "press of progress" cannot be stopped, but you can rest assured that a full report will be forthcoming.

The Mirror Lounge has had a number of contests lately. This showplace bar offers the glamour of drag and the talent of all those who participate in the presentations. Danny and Jeff are constantly working to make this a special place for all to enjoy. The fabulous Lady Rhonda is the icing on the cake. This sweetheart is one of my favorites in all the world.

The Miss Louisiana Universe contest held at the Mirror saw Jada Alexander of New Orleans win the title with Tori Taylor coming in as first runner-up. Of course, Tori is that Lafayette beauty with the fabulous personality and outstanding storytelling quality. She's just great!

The Hide-A-Way had a wonderful crawfish boil that saw the Ambush duo of Rip and Marsha in attendance. From what I understand from Rip, they had a wonderful time. Minette always knows how to throw the big ones, and this event, along with that big annual party after the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade are always two biggies that you should always plan to attend.

I went out to chat with Hubba Bubba, Marie and Jonathan last week. It seems that another bar with the same name had a big shootout, and the rumors were flying about the bartender shooting at a customer, missing that one, and hitting another. Well, darlings, the Hide-A-Way that we all love has "club" in its title, not "lounge." Please get your stories straight (if that's possible with some of you), and give Minette a break. The Hide-A-Way is one of the best bars in the country, and management here keeps all the riff-raff out. You won't find a nicer place to be. THIS Hide-A-Way is located on Exchange Place. If you haven't been there, you really don't know what you've missed.

I talked to Obry at Evolution, and things are still going strong over there. I did enjoy the zipper invitation from a certain party that Obry knows so well. In fact, it was the highlight of my day. Of course, the highlight of your day will be a visit to the South's finest dance emporium. One of the regulars there is a favorite of mine. His name is Keith, and he has always been an outstanding young man in my estimation. I'm certain a sweetheart named Minnie could vouch for that and back me up on this.

Hibiscus has been having some great sales on books. The ads in Ambush always produce the kinds of results that any business owner treasures. Damon has advertised in this newspaper from the very beginning and credits much of his success to readers who have spotted his ads in this fine publication.

Patrick has been helping him out in the store. This young man is one of Baton Rouge's finest. Actually, he's Alexandria's loss and the capital city's gain in the finest department. You don't find his kind of sincerity in most individuals, and that's a shame. He is a pride and joy to have as a friend and a wonderful human being in all respects. That's ditto for TTT, Paul, Mitch, Sam, and Leonard.

Now it's here that I have to tell you something extremely funny that happened to TTT. He and Damon were dining at Pat's Restaurant in Henderson when they got the surprise of their lives. This chick comes in with an absolutely gorgeous stud in loose cutoffs in tow. He seated his date, and then walked around to take his seat (which was within arm's length of TTT). What happened next had both of them in a state of shock-and complete bliss. This stud (acting as if no one else were in sight) proceeds to take his member in hand to re-position it in his pants. It was apparent that there were no under shorts involved, and it was also noted that a semi-condition was at hand, or needless to say, in hand. He shook it several times to the left, eye level with TTT, and then seated himself for their evening meal. TTT looked at Damon. Damon's mouth was open. They left their money for their meal on the table and walked out. The people seated outside the restaurant couldn't figure out why two grown men were in spasms and laughing in an extremely loud manner. I understand the experience was absolutely wonderful.

I must thank Guy and Gerald for helping me with some of my pictures during this period. When every Gay establishment has something scheduled at the same time, it is impossible to make them all on a given night, especially if you have out-of-town commitments. Thank heavens there are good friends out there to help you out. I am blessed with many.

I want to also thank John over at Sound Factory for his friendship. I think he has a fine club there and also one in Lake Charles. I will be in Lake Charles to judge one of his contests in June, a preliminary to the Miss Gay Louisiana pageant. I'm looking forward to it.

I definitely enjoyed meeting James, the new Ambush correspondent for Acadiana, while I was in Lafayette. Besides his great body, he has one of the most beautiful smiles you will ever find on a sexy male. He's definitely an asset for the Ambush family.

I'm also looking forward to the Royal Order of Unicorn ball to be held at the Martin Luther King Center in Lafayette in early 1999. Kyle and Christy are the ball captains, and they should prove to be excellent choices for this krewe. John Abshire, the new Mr. R.O.U. was in Red Stick last week, and I had a long chat with him. He is a gorgeous young man and just as sweet and kind as you will ever hope to fine anywhere. Two other outstanding Lafayette men are the brothers Chad and Chris. They aren't twins, but they are definitely two of the finest human beings on the face of this earth.

And finally, I'd like to thank a couple of guys in the Ark-La-Tex who I have described to you as movers and shakers. I stand by that description. They don't come any better. I would especially like to thank them for the tape of the Shreveport Krewe of Apollo Bal Basque this past Feb. It was a wonderful show, and I only wish I could have been there. Maybe this year, all the various Mardi Gras balls will be on different dates so that we can all participate in them. I know for a fact that I plan to have these two individuals sitting at my table when the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo presents their next ball. That invitation goes out to Darren and Desmond, two of the state's finest citizens--and my friends.

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