New Orleans has a lot of magical qualities that draw people to her (yes, I like to think of our 300+ year-old city as a Grand Dowager full of stories, history and sass) such as our architecture, cuisine and the artistic scene. But we have another huge draw, our cocktail culture. The cocktail may not have been invented in New Orleans but we have been a renowned … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – December 2023
Articles
Bulbancha was Queer
In 1720, just two years after French colonizers renamed Bulbancha “New Orleans”, a French military officer named Ladun complained to Governor Bienville about indigenous queerness. Bienville, who founded New Orleans and lived into his 80s without ever marrying, told the young man to relax, that queerness was quite common in these parts among the Natives. Ladun recorded … [Read more...] about Bulbancha was Queer
Access Health Louisiana Celebrates World AIDS Day
December 1st is World AIDS Day, an international day dedicated to spreading awareness of AIDS and HIV, and a day to mourn those lost to AIDS. It was conceived by two WHO (World Health Organization) members in 1987 and the first day was celebrated in 1988. Traditionally marked by wearing a red ribbon, it is observed by all United Nations member countries around the world and … [Read more...] about Access Health Louisiana Celebrates World AIDS Day
Under the Gaydar (December Events Calendar)
Happy holidays Y’all! December is upon us and no one celebrates the holidays like the Big Easy. It is filled with parties, lights, glitter, drag queens and festively gay happenings. Here are just some of the hot happenings in December to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (December Events Calendar)
Trodding the Boards November 28, 2023
Curtain Up The holidays are upon us so don’t expect anything too heavy on local stages for the next month or so. Or to kinda quote Stephen Sondheim, “Comedy tomorrow, tragedy next year!” If you’re looking for something to do besides caroling and standing under the mistletoe, check out some--or all--of the following– Wicked, now the 4th longest-running show in Broadway … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards November 28, 2023
Trodding the Boards November 20, 2023
Chicago Culture I hadn’t been to Chicago in a while and certainly not in November. I guess I shouldn’t complain as I had overall nice, sunny weather. But now I know why they call it the Windy City. No, it’s not because of Mother Nature’s blowjobs. Rather, it refers to the city’s windbag politicians. Still, I would’ve been much happier if someone had turned off the wind … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards November 20, 2023
A Brief History of Black Drag in New Orleans: The Dew Drop Inn, The Caledonia, and Stormé DeLarverie
A lost treasure of New Orleans’ rich cultural history is being resurrected. From the late 1930s to the early 1970s, the Dew Drop Inn in Central City was an iconic venue for African American musicians both locally and nationally. For black artists traveling through the segregated South, it was a must stop on the Chitlin Circuit. Now, fifty years after it closed, the Dew Drop Inn … [Read more...] about A Brief History of Black Drag in New Orleans: The Dew Drop Inn, The Caledonia, and Stormé DeLarverie
Access Health Louisiana Honors Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is November 13th-19th, leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th which honors the victims of anti-trans violence. Denial of healthcare is one of the most common forms of violence that affects Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) people. At Access Health Louisiana (AHL), we are working to combat that violence by providing … [Read more...] about Access Health Louisiana Honors Transgender Awareness Week
Bartender Spotlight – November 2023
Bartenders are performers. I believe they make the best actors since they go through a range of emotions on a daily basis dealing with their patrons. Like actors, bartenders are chameleons turning into a different character to suit the situation or customer. They can be the understanding father figure, the bitchy next door neighbor, the gossip girl or the protective … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – November 2023
LGBT+ History: A Local Timeline
The following timeline starts with the founding of New Orleans in 1718, but it’s important to note that queerness was common and revered in Bulbancha (what New Orleans was called before it was colonized). Colonial visitors in the Gulf South observed that Indigenous Nations recognized and respected the existence of more than two genders. The acceptance of LGBT+ people has a deep … [Read more...] about LGBT+ History: A Local Timeline
