New in New York Heading up to New York recently, what with orange dust from Canadian wildfires drifting east and news of tragic wars making headlines, I was in the mood for something that would bring a smile to my face. So no Death of a Salesman for me (tho everyone I know who saw the recent revival loved it); instead, bring on pure mindless, more or less, entertainment. Was … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards August 16, 2026
Articles
The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana: Past, Present, and Future
“[A]nd soon now we shall go out of the house and go into the convulsion of the world, out of history into history and the awful responsibility of Time.” - Robert Penn Warren I first became aware of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana in June of 2014 when a friend invited me to attend the organization’s first public meeting, which was held at Café Istanbul. I became a … [Read more...] about The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana: Past, Present, and Future
Francisco “Frank” Earl Perez (1968 – 2026)
Francisco “Frank” Earl Perez (1968 – 2026) – historian, tour guide, educator, former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, Editor-in-Chief of Ambush Magazine and Executive Director of the LGBT+ Archives Project – passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 8, following a sudden and valiant fight with cancer. He was 57 years old. Perez is survived by his loving partner of 12 … [Read more...] about Francisco “Frank” Earl Perez (1968 – 2026)
Trodding the Boards July 31, 2026
2026 Critics’ Choice Gay Appreciation Award winner On behalf of Tony Leggio and myself, I am delighted to announce that the winner of this year’s Critics’ Choice Gay Appreciation Award (GAA) is Crescent City Stage’s production of Primary Trust, Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about how one damaged man confronts the world which Michael A. Newcomer directed to … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards July 31, 2026
Under the Gaydar (August 2026 Event Calendar)
Your schedule should be heating up this August with all the events happening whether it be a Southern Decadence Fundraiser, festival, drag show or party. Here are just some of the hot events in August. If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Monday: · NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (August 2026 Event Calendar)
Ambush Magazine Announces the Winners of the 36th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards
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, July 25th in front of a capacity crowd of over 200 attendees. The GAAs were hosted by French Quarter Personalities Jeffrey Palmquist and Felicia … [Read more...] about Ambush Magazine Announces the Winners of the 36th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards
Ambush on the Road: A Gay’s Day in Dallas
Traveling for work is a privilege I cherish, although it often limits my opportunities to explore the cities I visit. During a recent one-day trip to Dallas, I was fortunate to attend a conference at the historic Statler Hotel, located in downtown Dallas. I arrived early in the morning on a Southwest flight to Love Field, which is just a short fifteen-minute drive to the hotel. … [Read more...] about Ambush on the Road: A Gay’s Day in Dallas
Bartender of the Month (July 2026)
The hospitality community in New Orleans is enriched by remarkable individuals, with bartenders serving as essential ambassadors for both their establishments and the city itself. This month, I would like to highlight Marcus Holland from The Page, who embodies the spirit of New Orleans. A lifelong resident of the Seventh Ward, Marcus has dedicated six years to The Page, where … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month (July 2026)
Excommunicated, Still Connected
I walked away from the institution, but somehow faith followed me home. Alright… let’s talk about the thing we’re not supposed to talk about at brunch unless someone’s had at least two mimosas and one emotional breakthrough: Religion. Yeah, I said it. Don’t clutch your pearls—unless they’re vintage, in which case, respect. I usually avoid this topic because … [Read more...] about Excommunicated, Still Connected
2026 GAA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Kenneth Mitchell
Kenneth "Kenn" Mitchell will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 36th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards on July 25th. Mitchell has lived a life of service to the LGBTQ+ community for over 50 years. Kenneth J. Mitchell was born, raised, and educated in New Orleans, and he became an activist soon after coming out in the mid 1970s. He has spent a lifetime doing the quiet … [Read more...] about 2026 GAA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Kenneth Mitchell