New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE) will be hosting a fundraising gala on Friday, November 18, 7-10PM, at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Tickets are available now at https://noage.kindful.com/e/2023gala. The last several NOAGE galas sold out a week 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 our annual gala. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Confidential!” Think celebrity scandals, infamous stars, notorious couples; anything related to Hollywood…gone bad! Costuming is encouraged, but not required. Business casual is OK too.
The gala will also feature the presentation of the 2023 NOAGE Awards. The 2023 NOAGE Trailblazer Award winners are Frank Perez and Willie Mackie, and the 2023 NOAGE Community Impact Award winners are Nicole DuBois, Jimmy Gale, and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy.
Frank Perez is the director and co-founder of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a statewide collective that works to promote and preserve our history. He is the author of numerous books on LGBTQ+ history in Louisiana, including Political Animal, Southern Decadence in New Orleans, In Exile, and My Gay New Orleans. His newest book, Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History, is forthcoming from the University Press of Mississippi in 2024. In addition to authoring books, Perez has written hundreds of articles on Louisiana LGBTQ+ history as a columnist for three New Orleans-based publications: Ambush Magazine, French Quarter Journal, and Yaaz Queen zine.
Willie Mackie is the owner and operator of The Page Bar. Under his leadership, the bar has gained a strong reputation in the Black and LGBTQ+ communities in New Orleans, winning various awards including the Krewe of Mwindo Outstanding Support Award, the NOLA Unity Community Award, the 2024 Pride with a Purpose Award from Black Pride NOLA, among others. Willie is an active member of the Krewe of Bacchus Carnival Club, and rides on the Officers float. Among other honors, he has served as King XVII of the Mystic Krewe of Mwindo, and as King IV of Winter Wonderland. Willie has been an active and supportive member of our community for many years.
This year’s NOAGE Community Impact Award winners are the 2023 Southern Decadence Parade grand marshals: Nicole DuBois, Jimmy Gale, and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. These amazing people hosted dozens of fundraiser events during the past year, and all funds raised (after expenses) will benefit NOAGE. They will be presenting the check at the gala.
This year’s gala sponsors include Home Instead, Stonewall Sports New Orleans, St. Thomas Community Health Center, Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI), The Bach Group, Louisiana Assistive Technologies Access Network (LATAN), the Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, CrescentCare, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Oak Street Health, Integrity Health and Wellness, Women with a Vision, Ambush Magazine, Avita Pharmacy, Jefferson Performing Arts Society, St. Bernard Veterinary Hospital, Lez Talk About It, Humana, Sir Speedy, Leigh Anne Arcuri (State Farm), Joey Walker (Rêve Realtors), Patrick K. McLaughlin & David Talley, Jeffery Morgan & Jason Waguespack, David Bernard and Charles Urstadt, Michael Hickerson & David Munroe, and Jim Firmin.
NOAGE’s mission is to improve the well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults in the New Orleans metro area. NOAGE hosts regular socialization and educational events for LGBTQ+ older adults, including potlucks, movie nights, a walking group, a book club, coffee talks, support groups, and others. NOAGE also works to increase the cultural competency of healthcare and other service providers who work with seniors 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.