Located in the heart of Treme, the Backstreet Cultural Museum is a New Orleans treasure. Technically opened in 1999, the museum had its origins years earlier in 1988 when Sylvester Francis, who used to march with the Gentlemen of Leisure Social Aid & Pleasure Club, began displaying photographs and other memorabilia in his two-car garage. Mardi Gras Indian tribes … [Read more...] about Backstreet Cultural Museum
Articles
Some Advent Gifts
The following was originally printed in a previous issue. Yet, when re-reading it, I believe it is something that I hope I can share with you again. I also hope that I will see you at one of the many social gatherings that this season offers. Thanksgiving <BURP!> was great. The Saints, “We go’n to da Supa Bowl!” Rain, cold, warm, cold, rain. What a week! Now the … [Read more...] about Some Advent Gifts
Gay Zoo Day: Tales of Seeking and Discovery
Gay Zoo Day: Tales of Seeking and Discovery. Mike McClelland. Beautiful Dreamer Press, 2017. 274 pages. Every now and then, I stumble upon a book I didn’t know I was looking for. Gay Zoo Day by Mike McClelland is one such book. Imminently satisfying, this debut collection of short stories is breathtaking in its warmth and scope. Before … [Read more...] about Gay Zoo Day: Tales of Seeking and Discovery
Remembering the Legacy of Chris Daigle
Christopher Daigle was a banker before he became a gay activist in the early 1990s. Educated at Loyola University, Fairfield University and Dartmouth College, Daigle settled in New Orleans and took a job as the Director of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Life at Tulane University, Daigle became involved in LAGPAC and led the organization for roughly … [Read more...] about Remembering the Legacy of Chris Daigle
#Me(n) Too
It’s estimated that 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse at some point in their lives, and often are unable to talk about it. I believe that we have to talk about it. Despite what society has groomed us to believe, boys are not immune to sexual abuse just because we’re boys. I should know. The first time it happened is one of my clearest memories from childhood. I was … [Read more...] about #Me(n) Too
The Best Christmas Albums of All Time
OK, I admit it. I’m a sucker for Christmas music. I can’t stand those tacky Hallmark Channel made-for-TV Christmas movies they’ve been torturing us with since July, and I definitely disapprove of Yuletide decorations before December. But during the couple of weeks leading up to the main event, nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like Christmas music. Every year, we add at … [Read more...] about The Best Christmas Albums of All Time
Stay in touch with your representatives
Trumpette, Eddie Rispone, lost in the gubernatorial runoff election; four more years of John Bel Edwards. Edwards has said he will stay the course, making the economy as good as it can be and working to increase teachers’ wages. In an earlier column, I said maybe Edwards would move further left in his second term but, as was pointed out on WWL-TV’s election … [Read more...] about Stay in touch with your representatives
Tweaking Traditions: Celebrating the Good Times
If a quick and dirty poll were conducted about one thing you remembered about food around the holiday season, most of us would come up with at least one favorite recipe, a beloved dish that was served every year. And then many of us would also recall something that may have occurred during that meal. Granted, not all people have entirely positive feelings … [Read more...] about Tweaking Traditions: Celebrating the Good Times
Art Has Arrived at the 3rd Annual COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival
Billy Kearins is the founder of Coast Projects (COAST). What started as an experimental artist collective flourished into a lifestyle brand and concert promoting outfit. On the eve of his 3rd Annual COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival - December 5-7th in Key West’s Bahama Village – Billy talks beards, his relationship with musician Rayland Baxter, and debuting the art … [Read more...] about Art Has Arrived at the 3rd Annual COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival
Trodding the Boards December 3, 2019
A Christmas Carol at Le Petit Theatre thru Dec. 23 [A Christmas Carol returns to Le Petit through Dec. 23. The following is my review from December 2018 of the original production. All of the actors mentioned below will be part of this year’s show.] Christmas arrived early at Le Petit this year with a smashing new production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. To be … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards December 3, 2019
