Big Diva - Ambush Mag - Gay New Orleans

the big diva
gay new orleans
Volume 22/Issue 18/2004

by Phyllis Denmark
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
www.thebigdiva.com
This is the Official Southern Decadence Guide so first of all I want to welcome one and all to New Orleans. I know we will have the time of our life. For the tourist, I’m Phyllis Denmark, an old, but still fabulous Drag Queen. Much like the French Quarter, I have been around forever and except for a few cracks, I still do pretty good for an old girl.
I don’t know where to begin. I want to tell you all about Southern Decadence, but my last two weeks have been soooo fabu that I have to touch on what has been going on.
Since my last column it has all been about charity, and I’m not talking about my sex life. I went to the Krewe of Petronius’ Hookers Ball at Big Daddy’s and did a number for them. If your not familiar with them, they are the oldest gay carnival krewe and I was their 33rd queen. "Again, all about me!" Being the thrifty queen I am I went to the Golden Lantern after for Mickey Hebert’s birthday show. I did the same number "don’t tell". Hey!, it’s hard for an old girl to remember the words!
Sunday I attended the fund-raiser show for Satyricon, the newest gay krewe. My friend Flo is a member and I was talked into being one of the whores in the Best Little Whore House number. Like they had to twist my arm. Again for charity. Who is this bitch and no wonder she has all the money! The place was packed and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Donnie Jay entertained and hosted.
This past weekend began with Winston’s Birthday buffet and show at the Golden Lantern. I’m not going to mention his age because I don’t want him to mention mine but I do think he came with the building! This was a fun filled and star packed evening. I got out my gay pride fringe dress and did Proud Mary. Ok! So white girls can’t dance, I did throw off the shoes and tear it up! This was also a weekend of anniversaries. Godfrey and Jim who own the Golden Lantern celebrated 43 years together. And they both still have hair on their heads. They don’t look old enough to be together that long. They celebrated with a Champagne Party at the Golden Lantern. This was followed by another anniversary party. Ambush’s own Rip and Marsha celebrated their 30th anniversary with their annual Magnolia Cotillion. This is a combo party/fund-raiser for the NO/AIDS Walk. In spite of the rainy night the place was still filled with a who’s who of New Orleans favorites.
The last event this week ...even I can’t believe I did. It was Celebrity Lube Wrestling for the benefit of Belle Reve at Cowpokes. This started out as a joke with me wanting to wrestle a while back. Cowpokes hosts Lube Wrestling ever Wednesday night. The next thing I know Todd has me billed wrestling the Amazon Queen Savanna and Rip with Marsha.
I felt it only right to talk Queen Fashions' Titty Toulouse and Electra City into participating. See their ad in Ambush they have heels up to a 17. My entourage arrived about 9pm and the bar was already packed. We raised money with a small cover charge, 50/50 raffle, jello shots and tips from the wrestling. It was a wonderful night, so why does my ass hurt! Special thanks to Rex and Timm and the gang at Cowpokes. A special thanks to Ray who lubed me down and then hosed me off when it was over. If I wasn’t married he would be in line to be the next Mr. Phyllis Denmark! The best news of all is that we raised over $1,600 for Belle Reve.

SDGM XXXII Donnie "Jager" Jay/Hookers Ball

Ok! Enough about me let’s talk about Southern Decadence. If you have never been, Miss Phyllis has a few no no rules. New Orleans is a very tolerant place but don’t push it sister! I don’t pee in your street so don’t pee in mine. The bars and streets will be packed so don’t wait til you're about to pee on yourself to look for a rest room. Public urination will get you a night in jail. Public sex is another no no. Girl! You paid too much for that hotel room, use it! Or at least take it in a bar. We want everyone to have a great time in the bars and street, not behind bars. New Orleans is a big city. Watch Your Purse! Nothing can ruin a vacation like getting your pocket picked. This is a relatively safe city but we are a CITY! Last but not least pace yourself. Girl! The bars ain’t closing. Don’t overdo it and remember to EAT! Look in Ambush for some great restaurants to try. We have something for every budget. From soul food at Big Shirley’s to elegant dining at the Bombay Club. If seafood is your thing there’s Ralph and Kacoo’s, Deanies Seafood and Jack Dempsey’s. All are fabu with generous portions. If you can’t tell from my picture. I’m a big girl and I know generous portions!
There are many official and unofficial events during Southern Decadence. This year's Grand Marshal is New Orleans icon Donnie "Jager" Jay. He is the Southern Decadence Grand Marshal (SDGM) XXXII.
The parade will start on Sun., Sept. 5th promptly at 2pm in front of the Golden Lantern. This years theme is Daydreams and Fantasies: Welcome to my Harem.
Official colors are electric blue, silver and black. High hair is always acceptable and sensible shoes are not acceptable. Just teasin, no going home with broken ankles. How can you explain to your wife that you broke an ankle in 6 inch heels at Southern Decadence!
Kicking off Southern Decadence weekend is the Wednesday show at Oz, New Orleans #1 Gay Dance Club. This is always a must see show featuring the finest in female impersonation along with SDGM Donnie Jay. After the show we dance til dawn!
Thursday again at Oz will be the 4th Annual Miss Queen Fashions Pageant. Be nice, I’m a judge. This is always great fun if you like drag, and want to get into the mood, this will do it. The pageant will be followed by dancing til 11:30 and then it’s Blanche DeBris with the Calendar Boy Contest. This is another must see. Boys, Boys, Boys!
Friday night is the Official Southern Decadence Drag Show at the Golden Lantern featuring the Golden Age Revue along with many special guest. I may have to pack a number. You can also go to the Country Club Friday 9:30am til 4am. Swim naked, swim better! And they have a lovely cabana bar. If you're out in Metairie Friday night you must see my friend Janice Medlock perform at 4 Seasons at 9pm. Don’t tell her I said this, but she is one of the only "real girls" I know!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday night will be the Southern Decadence Grand Marshal’s Fundraiser show at Body and Soul to benefit Buzzy’s Boys and Girls. You can have fun and raise money for a good cause. Again! I will bring a number. Now don’t stay out tooooo late Saturday night. Sunday is going to be fun and the party won’t end until Monday.
If you like leather, the Phoenix is the place. They will be holding Leather Decadence 2004. This is the biggest, wildest Leather Block Party in the south. It starts Friday and I’m not sure when the party ends. But I do know they usually host a Makeup breakfast the Sunday morning of Southern Decadence. Owner Jamie Temple is also a past Southern Decadence Grand Marshal!
I am so excited. Since I am writing this article a week before Decadence, I don’t actually have a thing to wear. But with a little glue, some fringe and bangles and a lot of red hair I don’t plan on disappointing anyone.
For all the up to date info look in Ambush or go to SouthernDecadence.COM.
I can’t talk about Southern Decadence with out mentioning Rampart Street. If you have seen the fabulous rainbow colors that line the street they are courtesy of Irish Mike, SDGM XXX. Irish Mike along with Tony and Big Rick are all past Grand Marshals. Their bar, Ninth Circle, is one of my favorite bars. Just a walk in either direction will land you into another bar. To your right a block is Orlando’s, to your left a block is Voodoo.
We are very proud of what these guys have done to bring back Rampart Street. Last but not least don’t forget the 7th Circle where the boys will be dancing on the bar through Decadence and almost next door Starlight By The Park.
There is definitely something for everyone in New Orleans. Have a fun and safe Southern Decadence. And if you see a pushy red head, jumbo petite say hi, it will probably be me!

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