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by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Movers And Shakers Spotlighted

Sometimes a kind word helps to make points, but this also serves another purpose. It's a way of telling everyone about outstanding young men and women and in this case that spotlight is on the entire state. Let's take a look at some of the movers and shakers around our great state, and these individuals don't necessarily stand in the spotlight, but they are here in the background and all are doing positive things for the Gay and Lesbian community by being responsible citizens.

I'll start with Baton Rouge because I know it best, and then I'll branch out elsewhere. I have to mention TTT first, not because he's such a dear friend, but because he's one of those people who work diligently in the background and very seldom get credit for what they do. His mainstream job puts him in contact with the very people who control our political base, and he produces a newsletter that lets everyone know what's going on. On the side, he's very active in the Catholic Church and has a second career as a free lance writer. This young man never stops, except when he visits Significant Other Roger who works in another city. I'm sure he stops then, but that's another story.

Most of you know Minette, the dynamic young woman who owns the Hide-A-Way, but how many of you really know her as a person? There's a beauty here that awaits all those who seek out her friendship. She is a warm, affectionate, and caring individual who works as a full time ambulance employee. To know her is to love her. They don't come any better.

I make that last statement as if it applies to only one person, but I have to admit it also applies to that dashingly handsome Suzanne, who holds down that full time position but is also a property holder/investor. She is planning for a future by acting now, something that too few people even consider. Her future is secure but only because she is a planner and a motivator for others who know her and love her.

Baton Rouge lost a mover and shaker in the lovely Jan, who left Spanish Town for the great state of Arizona and physical therapy school. At last report, she enjoys her new surroundings and her new roll as a student learning massage therapy. For those of you who missed the friendship of this young woman, I can only say that you missed someone very special.

Professionals are seldom mentioned unless it's like describing a sexy lawyer or handsome doctor. It is here that you have to consider that the less said about a sexual preference is the best thing to do. It's because of society's great horror at knowing such things exist. I have to mention that these people behind the scenes deserve recognition, and you all know who you are, and this is a way of saying thank you from a grateful community. So to all those many lawyers, doctors, real estate execs, dentists, newspaper workers, hospital employees, governmental workers, grocery clerks, students, and teachers, the word is merely "Thanks." You are appreciated. Even some politicians deserve credit here. It's difficult to be gay and expect the mainstream population to embrace you.

Moving over to Lafayette, I have to mention Kenny, who is a former king of the Royal Order of Unicorn and who is a mover and shaker in the gay community in this part of the state. Known for that black cowboy hat and the beautiful smile, this young man just reeks in personality. He's active in a number of gay activities, but I know him as a friend. He's simply a wonderful individual, and you have to love this guy. He's great.

Great is a description that can also apply to Chris, a talented singer and songwriter, who makes his mark in the gay community through a beautiful voice and a will to work under abnormal situations. He's always there when you need him, and the goodness shows in his every action. I can't think of anyone any better suited for leadership than this young man. He is a pride and joy within Lafayette's gay community.

Moving up to Shreveport, I have to say that no two people represent the gay community any better that the dynamic duo of Darren and Desmond. I met them several years ago and know of their work in the Krewe of Apollo, but I didn't really get to know them until I made it a point to get to know them better. That's what you should all do. They are two of the best individuals you will find anywhere, and they are always there when you need them.

I think I should also mention a certain Mike here, but I can't reveal too much about him because of his job. However, Mike is a frequent visitor to Baton Rouge, so I've gotten to know him well. Even in his limited exposure to the outside world, he still stands out as a leader, and the community is very proud of him.

Proud is what everyone thinks of Kenneth Ann too. That's one of the smiling faces you will see when you stop in at the Korner Lounge. Kenneth has been there through lots of changes in the Ark-La-Tex, and hopefully, he'll be around for a long, long while. His establishment is a gay landmark for Shreveport. You can't find atmosphere and camaraderie any better than at the Korner Lounge.

Monroe is fortunate to have the sincerity and leadership of a man named Jay, manager of HottShotz, Tradition's sister club in Ouachita land. I've always known how important this man was to the Gay community in Monroe, but he doesn't flaunt his laurels. He sits back, does his work, and reaps the credit for his endeavors.

Jumping across the Mississippi, I have to mention a couple of movers and shakers in Jackson. B. Jaye is a member of the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo, and George is a dynamic leader in the New Orleans Lords of Leather. Their work for Gay causes is always there, and whenever they are needed to support these causes, they tackle the assignments with pride and dedication.

Coming down into the New Orleans area, one has to take a look at a number of individuals. It would be difficult to call out any specific individual as the best of all the rest, but several come to mind. All of you know about Chris and his national recognition, so he's always around on the local scene. I think Brian and his work with LEGAL deserves a very special standing ovation for all the accomplishments he has made during our great Legislature sessions. It took him a long while, but he's come to be a respected citizen among our legislators. Now that the Legislature is in special session, Brian is already back on the job doing what he does so well.

Looking behind the scenes, you have to know that Toni is an outstanding leader. Her work is ongoing but singing her praises isn't on the lips of everyone around her. She could be described as one of those silent minorities who constantly work to improve the prestige of the community through her daily endeavors. It's working, and she is always there in the background.

As I said, naming everyone in New Orleans would be a monumental undertaking. The Crescent City stands tall in outstanding movers and shakers. All you have to do is take a look at the annual Pridefest participants and planners who have done such a great job in planning those activities in Washington Square, and you see the cream of the crop, so to speak. And it would be unfair to media moguls, Rip and Marsha, if I didn't mention Ambush. As a newspaperman of long standing, I've seen the ins and outs of putting out great publications, having worked at newspapers in Fort Worth, New Orleans, Monroe, Baton Rouge, and other cities around the country as a freelance writer and with a syndicated column in 22 Texas cities alone. When it comes to covering the local scene, you won't find any newspaper any better. Circulation areas and publication numbers tell the story accurately, and advertisers pay for what they get. It takes a lot of work to keep in the forefront. Ambush leads the way.

Moving back upriver, I find myself again in Baton Rouge, but that doesn't mean I forgot the movers and shakers in Lake Charles, Donaldsonville, Bogalusa, Slidell, Alexandria, DeRidder, Houma, Bossier City, Baker, St. Francisville, and Zylks. I know you are there, and I know you by name. Some things are best when left alone. Silence doesn't work that well in larger cities, but for the rural and smaller communities, it is the only way to go. Only time can change this.

On a more general note, I'd like for all of you to take a trip over to Perk's on Perkins and enjoy the fine coffee and goodies. Christopher is a local mover and shaker, and he will welcome you to the gay-friendly atmosphere of this coffeehouse.

For giftables, you won't find a place any better than Nature's Treasures. Russell and Danny have proven that they know what they are doing, and their complex on Government Street is absolutely fabulous. They are a loving couple who supports the community in a number of ways. Pay them a visit soon. I ran into them at George's last week. They were escorting a visiting Gordon to all the night spots, or hot spots, in the city. Gordon is from Germany, and he's very proud of his buddies at Nature's Treasures, which is located near that fine Lebanese establishment.

The Mirror Lounge presented a great AIDS benefit show last week. Keith Nappier, Mr. Mirror '98 and a Texas mover and shaker, headed up this show along with lots of other entertainers. The Mirror has lots of big shows coming up so watch their ads for complete details.

Traditions is planning to reopen their dance area on April 3. They are remodeling it, and the changes are going to be great. Check out their ad in this issue for more details. Obry filled me in on all the particulars, but you will have to go there to see how great it is going to be. They are going to schedule an even bigger grand opening in the near future.

Another ad you need to check out is the Time Zone. They have a big crawfish boil planned for Saturday, April 18 at noon and even have a night of swinging music on tap. It's from DJ Tommy and Sound Unlimited scheduled for Saturday May 2 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Old Main Street will be moving and shaking on that night. The Blue Parrot is remodeling one corner of their fine establishment, and the new Hibiscus South will locate here. It's the store's leather connection, which will service all your leather needs. Their Friday nights are big ones for the leatherites and the cowpokes, and now they are adding movies to their Monday night lineup. The big screen that covers one wall is absolutely fabulous. I thought United Artists had opened up a branch movie house on Oklahoma Street.

As most of you know, the girls are enjoying Hibiscus East at the Hide-A-Way, and this is another service that Damon is providing the community. With Minette's help and encouragement, this endeavor has been quite rewarding. I have to note here that I ran into that fabulous Roger at the Hide-A-Way last week. He and his Brian make such a marvelous couple. It's good to see Roger moving and shaking back in the mainstream again.

George's was the site of a big Oscar bash last Monday, and last Saturday, Richard decided he was going to feed everyone and the food was made available for the masses. I don't think very many of you realize how much Richard does for the Baton Rouge community. His philanthropic demeanor places him at the very top of the dynamic scene you will find here. His help with various causes is ongoing. I love this man and all the fine work he does for everyone. This doesn't mean he stands alone in this. It merely means he stands tall as a mover and shaker.

A cute and dynamic little straight boy named Justin visited George's for karaoke last week, and he was captured on film in all his glory. We had a showing at the bar that following Saturday evening, and everyone was in tears when it was over. This is one super nice young man, from Natchitoches, and everyone is so grateful to that dear Gay friend for bringing him by the bar. You would have to see the performance to believe it. Masterful! Absolutely masterful!

Dr. Mel White is coming to Baton Rouge. Co-sponsored by the MCC Peace and Justice Ministry and the Lambda Group, he will be conducting his Soul Force Workshop on Sat., Apr. 25. All activities will be held at the Joie De Vivre Metropolitan Community Church, 333 East Chimes St., near the LSU campus. Call 504.383.0450 for more details. You can't find a more prominent mover and shaker than Dr. Mel White.

Benjamin D. Rinehart's show "bitter-sweet" will be exhibited at Murphy J. Foster Gallery on the Louisiana State University campus from Apr. 5 through Apr. 10. The artist reception will be held on Apr. 9, from 7pm to 9pm. The show encompasses the experiences of life as a gay male. The living environment instillation will consist of common place household items with printed media. The prints range from magnets, cards, mirrors, key chains, letters and pillows. This instillation focuses on the relationships formed between the viewer and the environment. Everyone is encouraged to interact with the works on display. To compliment the experience, costumes and untraditional attire are certainly welcome. A portion of the proceeds will go to Friends For Life. Benjamin is definitely a mover and shaker in all respects. As a closing note, let me emphasize that many straight businesses have lots of gay connections. Most community members don't realize the great assets they have in these individuals.

Gay businesses are few and far between. Operating a business in a homophobic world always puts you on the cutting edge of society as we live in it today. Standing tall is nothing new to these people. From bar owners to miscellaneous business owners, lots of individuals are doing small things to make life in the capital city and in this state a rewarding experience. Movers and shakers are everywhere. I consider it an honor to know as many as possible. You should feel the same.

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