In a normal year, this column would introduce you to the year’s Southern Decadence Grand Marshals. But as we all know, 2020 is anything but normal. With the bars closed and City Hall not issuing parade permits, Southern Decadence 2020 has effectively been canceled. Or has it? That question has generated a lot of discussion on several Southern Decadence Facebook … [Read more...] about Southern Decadence 2020 Update: The Southern Decadence That Wasn’t
Articles
SAGE New Orleans Services: An Update
It’s hard to believe we’re already six months into the COVID-19 crisis. The events of this year have placed an enormous burden on all of us, but one of the hardest-hit groups of people have been LGBT older people. SAGE New Orleans – NOAGE and SAGE National have been working to help people adapt to these circumstances by offering a broad range of services and programming … [Read more...] about SAGE New Orleans Services: An Update
Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
“Through the Looking Glass” This year, COVID-19 has proven to be a big wet beach blanket tossed over the summer of 2020; as a result, the flames of New York’s scorching Fire Island are little more than embers. In the winter of 2019, I eagerly made my reservations on Fire Island for Pines Party, which was scheduled to be the weekend of July 24-26, 2020. The theme of this … [Read more...] about Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
OUT! with Michael-Chase
Picture it: Greensburg, Louisiana, 1995. A young gay boy tunes into an FM station, and hears a man with a golden voice broadcasting his own radio show about modern gay life in New Orleans. Within two years, the gay boy would find his way across Lake Pontchartrain to that land of milk and honey. That gay boy was me, and that man with the golden voice was Michael-Chase … [Read more...] about OUT! with Michael-Chase
The New Leprosy
I grew up in an extremely Catholic family. We went to church every Sunday. Every meal began with a prayer. Being involved in the church was a sort of requirement growing up. Religion meant so much to me that I decided to major in theology when I began college. One of my favorite things to do during my time studying was reading the Bible. I was fascinated by … [Read more...] about The New Leprosy
An Interview with Peyton Rose Michelle
Peyton Rose Michelle recently became the first openly trans person to win an election in Louisiana when she was elected to the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC). I recently had an opportunity to interview her. FP: Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up? PRM: I'm born and raised in Parks/Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I say … [Read more...] about An Interview with Peyton Rose Michelle
Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
We are in the midst of a health crisis the likes of which no living American has seen as well as an impending economic disaster, a looming national election that will undoubtedly change our world, and the critical Black Lives Matter movement. And some members of our LGBTQ+ community seem to be focusing on – Ellen DeGeneres. Really? The focus on her troubles, accusations … [Read more...] about Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
Showgirls Nomi Malone Mercury and Sun in Leo
At some point, you’ve felt hesitant to express yourself. Self-expression can take the form of creativity, sexuality, romance, platonic love, or communication from the heart. The insecurities that prevent the aforementioned actions find their roots in a deeply primal place—the necessity to conform in order to survive, because if everyone did what they wanted, there would be … [Read more...] about Showgirls Nomi Malone Mercury and Sun in Leo
Our Authentic Journeys Together
Imagine being an openly trans athlete. Imagine a career path that encompasses fashion design, commodities trade, hospitality, and philanthropy all of which led to a passion for running. Imagine tackling ambitious goals, then facing the challenges of existing. That is exactly what I, George Melichar, am doing. To many, I am known by my chosen name Geo or my nickname GiGi. … [Read more...] about Our Authentic Journeys Together
Guilty Pleasures August 11, 2020
With the craziness of life in a pandemic, I have more time to evaluate the things that are important such as family, friends and lately the ability to embrace my guilty pleasures of which I have many. I no longer hide behind the facade that I only watch high-brow entertainment as the news these days just makes my stomach churn. If I’m going to watch violence, mayhem … [Read more...] about Guilty Pleasures August 11, 2020
