Ambush Magazine is pleased to announce the winners in each category of the Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA). Winners were announced at the GAA Gala which was held at The Marigny Opera House on Saturday, August 16th in front of a capacity crowd of over 200 attendees. The GAAs were hosted by French Quarter Personalities Jeffrey Palmquist and Frank Perez with Felicia Phillips and Tiffany Alexander working the Red Carper as guests arrived. Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Willie Mackie provided food for all the guests at the GAA’s. Over 5,000 people voted for nominees in this year’s GAA.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award was George Roth and the winner of the Lee “Bunny” Brasseaux Volunteer Award was Ryan Franklin. Bette Tittler took home the Marsha Delain Red Carpet Award.
Funds raised (after expenses) at the event will be donated to Southern Decadence and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.
I want to thank those who made this event a success, most importantly everyone who attended the event. Ambush Magazine is proud to highlight the amazing and diverse individuals and businesses who make up our LGBTQ+ community. Thank You!
And now, your 2025 GAA winners are:
Advocate of the Year
- Jim Meadows
Artist of the Year
- JoJo Molina
Bartender of the Year
- David McElveen
Bitch of the Year
- Fatsy Cline
Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award * Person, not organization
- Debbie with a D
Critics’ Choice Award
- Anything Goes
DJ of the Year
- DJ Dolla Bill
Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award
- New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus
Emcee / Host of the Year
- Nicole DuBois
Event of the Year
- Gay Easter Parade
Fly Fashion Glamour Award
- Nicole DuBois
Gay Man of the Year
- Dr Jason Gaines
Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year
- Krewe of Armeinius
Hair Salon/Stylist of the Year
- Two Guys Cutting Hair
Kinkster of the Year
- Fatsy Cline
Lee “Bunny” Brasseaux Volunteer Award
- Ryan Franklin
Leather Person of the Year
- Jimmy Gale
Lesbian of the Year
- Romy Thompson
LGBTQ Business of the Year * bars/restaurants/hair salons ineligible
- Bourbon Pride
LGBTQ Nonprofit of the Year
- CrescentCare
Marsha Delain Red Carpet Award
- Bette Tittler
Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year
- Debbie with a D
Neighborhood Bar of the Year
- The Phoenix
New Entertainer of the Year
- Zephyr
Realtor of the Year
- Rachel Hoag Thompson
Restaurant / Deli of the Year
- Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop
Rip Naquin Writer / Reporter of the Year
- Tony Leggio
Show Club of the Year
- Allways Lounge
Social Media Presence of the Year
- Tony Leggio
Sports League Team Spirit Award
- Crescent City Rougaroux
Sports MVP Award
- Joey Algier
Trans Person of the Year
- ChiChi Rodriquez
- Dustin (Ivy Dripp) Gaspard
Lifetime Achievement Award
George Roth
