BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Chris Daigle Honored
For Exceptional Accomplishments

The home of Glenn Ducote in Baton Rouge was the site of a special gathering of friends who came out to congratulate Christopher Daigle for being named as one of the 100 most influencial gay men in America by Out Magazine. He's Mr. Big in lots of gay causes, but it was LAGPAC that honored him last week.

As most of you know, LAGPAC stands for Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus, and it has served the lesbian and gay community since 1980. Over the years, LAGPAC has played a significant role in many of the community's important political victories. The organization is committed to maintaining and expanding a statewide network of people who are tired of being silent. It's a way for your voice to be heard.

In the 1980s, LAGPAC worked to pass the New Orleans Human Rights Ordinance, which finally passed in 1991. Following up on this victory, LAGPAC successfully lobbied for passage of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance in 1993 and worked with Mayor Marc Morial to achieve the extension of domestic partnership benefits to city employees in 1997. Work is ongoing in cities across the state to duplicate these successes. Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain of Ambush were the first to sign up as domestic partners in New Orleans.

In the 1990s, LAGPAC adopted an aggressive strategy in the Louisiana Legislature. Hard work and building coalitions with other groups (such as LEGAL), resulting in passage of a Hate Crimes law which includes protection based on sexual orientation and the historic defeat of the proposed anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment.

If you are interested in helping the cause, pick up an application for membership at Hibiscus Bookstore's information counter or write to LAGPAC, P.O. Box 53075, New Orleans, LA 70153. Individual membership is only $25 per year, and students can join for $5 and non-students up to 24 years of age pay only $15. Baton Rouge as the seat of state government is fast becoming a center for LAGPAC work. It is only fitting that the community members come forward and join this movement. This IS the capital city. Support here is extremely important.

Travelin' About

Beautiful men in Louisiana are everywhere, and Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport can claim many.

It was macho Michael of Christina's in 1996, charismatic Kyle in 1997, and now a new face, or should I say rear, is making news as the new Mr. Butt Beautiful of 1998. It's none other that that spectacular soft-drink young man with the fabulous face, beautiful body (from head to toe and all points in between), and a personality that is absolutely captivating. I've known him for a long time, and this is such a nice honor for him. I can recall the days when he would remove all his clothes, climb on that horse, and ride around the back 40 for hours. Can't you just imagine the feel of the wind gliding over that magnificent body as that horse raced around the fields away from the eyes of humans? It was thrilling then, and it still is as he breaks away from the grind of the normal workday and heads to the farm and a ride into sheer enjoyment. Lady Godiva! Eat your heart out! Congratulations, Coca Baby! Did I say that right?

Curtis, the Baton Rouge and Regis hair stylist extraordinaire, is another beauty who has brought many honors to the local area. It all started with the Mr. Mirror title and continued on to the Mr. Apollo Baton Rouge title, and then the Mr. National Apollo title. All in all, this is a most talented young man and very deserving of these honors. Do I see a Mr. Gay Louisiana title in his future?

Speaking of Mr. Gay Louisiana, Lafayette's Chris Terro holds that title now, and he's one sharp little man. He holds several other titles, including the current Mr. R.O.U. and Mr. Apollo Baton Rouge. He is so sweet and cuddly, just a super-nice young man. He's a pride and joy for the gay community and an outstanding choice to hold the state title.

Another young man who fits this same category is the current Mr. Apollo Lafayette and reigning Mr. National Apollo, the gorgeous and magnificent Brother Smith. Each time I talk with him, I find a sincerity about him that makes him so qualified to hold such a title. He's the pride and joy of all the Apollo groups and was a very popular addition to the Tabloid Tableau of the Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette's Bal Masque XXII. Elvis never had those moves, but Brother showed the audience what he was made of-a dynamic and wonderful hunk of manhood-a talented and beautiful human being.

Now Shreveport is not to be outdone here. I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention the dynamic combination of Desmond and Darren. They are absolutely the most beautiful example of companionship that I can recall at this point, and there are lots of those types out there. They just have a classy quality about them that so many couples lack. It would be difficult to feature one without the other. They are truly fantastic sweethearts in every way.

Another Shreveport couple that I had seen before at Apollo functions but never had the pleasure of meeting was Chris and Todd. This is former Shreveport Apollo royalty, King and Queen Apollo X. They are both very cordial and gorgeous young men with outgoing personalities and a joie de vivre air of excellence. I don't know of any two cowboys, and sweethearts at that, who can compare to them. They were outstanding additions to the guest list of Lafayette's Bal Masque XXII.

And I must mention the reigning queen of Apollo Shreveport, the sweet, lovely and exceptionally friendly Ronnie, who will relinquish his crown on February 7 at their Bal Masque XII. The first time I met him was at the royalty announcement party for he and the other Ronnie, the king from Ruston. I liked him immediately and have been pleased with our friendship ever since. Thanks for the grope - oops - hug, sweetheart.

In fact, it was at this same function in Shreveport that I met (or saw) Chris and Todd, and I also got first sight of a certain ex-Mr. Apollo Shreveport who was in George's recently doing a little karaoke with a couple of other Shreveporters. (I would tell you more about him, but I only HEARD he was in town. He failed to come by and see me, or even call, but he's forgiven for the oversight. He's just too cute, a perfect little cowboy, who had other things on his mind.)

Lafayette's ball was filled with Baton Rougeans. One in particular was my adjoining seatmate, cute little Chuck, who will celebrate #24 this month. This young man is so charming. I do believe I recall him as an Old Spice Girl. Oh, darling! Say it wasn't so!

Lords of Leather charmer Jared was not at the ball. His place setting was next to mine, but he was a no-show. I do trust everything is all right. The two cowboys from Shreveport had talked with him earlier, and he was supposed to attend.

Another charmer I need to mention is a certain lawyer's other half. I talked with him at length at the LAGPAC reception. Joey is the young man I speak of, and his new business venture is Zack's, located at the corner of Lee and Highland. Help make this a successful venture by supporting this member of our community. It really is important to assist an undertaking like this, and it keeps the money in the family.

Richard and Damon do that constantly. Last week, they paid a visit to Mystik Coffeehouse for coffee and bagels. Another group of happy people were caught last week in high spirits at Arzi's on Government Street. One of the couples was that fabulous (other) sexy lawyer, Chad, and his adorable Les. Both were also in attendance at Lafayette's ball.

The Hide-A-Way has offered locals a spectacular place to drink and dance for a number of years. The excellence continues with many prominent artists performing at this establishment. In addition to this, a special exhibit of lesbian-oriented books, jewelry, and giftables are on display as a part of Hibiscus East, which is proving to be a quite successful endeavor for the book baron and the dynamic entrepreneur, the Lady Minette. With assistance from Marie and Bubba, this has really taken off.

The Hibiscus January Sale is still under way. Hardcover books are 40% off, softcover books are 20% off, and other items have similar discounts. The catch is to mention this in connection to the ads in Ambush or that you read about the sale in this column format. At any rate, the savings are very good. Be sure to ask about the bargains offered. One of the new items coming to Hibiscus is the new CD from E.D. Laningham. "Alone" is a collection of New Age/Jazz works spanning several years. The CD shows the range of musical ability that this young man possesses. He plays all the instruments on the CD - piano, saxaphone, recorder, drums, keyboards, and percussion. By putting this all together, he's come up with a fabulous CD.

Fluffy came away a big winner in a recent football pot at the Time Zone. He was all smiles as he laid those $100 bills out on the table.

That ever-lovable Brian keeps drawing them in at George's, and he also holds down another job at that seafood place on Lee Drive. I thought he was the shy type, and he really is, but that didn't keep him from wiggling his weenie the other night. My, My! Such a talented young man! REAL talented!

Don warmed our bodies last week with some fabulous potato soup. In addition to that, there was salad and his mother's famous pineapple upside down cake. Wednesday's are so great at the Blue Parrot. It's eating and drinking and watching "Ellen." Thursday's is karaoke night, quite different from karaoke at George's. You need to check it out. And Fridays are still devoted to leather and all that goes with it, sometimes in the form of beautiful cowboys just in from the ranges of Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana.

The wedding event of the season actually took place on Dec. 31, 1997 at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. It was Anna and Edie who pledged their love for one another in a wonderful ceremony that signaled the beginning of their new life together. Congratulations, sweethearts. Have a happy life together.

I'd like to explain something that is sometimes misunderstood within the local gay and lesbian community. It concerns invitations to Mardi Gras balls. Using the Krewe of Apollo as an example, let's take a look at how a ball comes together. Last week, I asked several people if they were coming to Bal Masque XVII, and the immediate responses were "I (or we) haven't been invited." This is not correct! Anyone can buy a seat on the floor or the balcony. In the past, it had been invitation only, but times have changed. Anyone can attend or view the spectacular show from the balcony.

Look at it from another perspective. Members pay a fee to join. They work all year to put together enough money to host the ball. They pay for food, decorations, music, drinks, and gifts. These members spend an enormous amount of money to put on a good show. In fact, some spend thousands of dollars for a brief appearance for your enjoyment.

"I haven't been invited" just doesn't apply here. Everyone's invited. The simple fact of the matter is that if there is not enough room at the member's table, it should not be expected of him to buy more tables just to fill up the spaces or to cater to those who expect freebies. If you want to attend the Apollo ball, you can. If you are invited to sit at a member's table, you will reap the benefits of that member's hard work throughout the year. However, you can have just as much fun if you get your own table and stop expecting a free handout. Working together, supporting functions throughout the year, and helping in many small ways make ball season what it really is. It's a season to make merry. Sour grapes do not apply here.

And on a closing note, I have to tell you that our fabulous Tommy (of TTT fame) is carless--at least until it's fixed. That hasn't stopped that youngster. He's been seen with some prime beef, which just goes to show you where there's a will, there's a way. TTT knows the way!