Howard P. Smith. University Press of Mississippi. ISBN: 9781496814012. 2017. 346 pages. $50.00. At long last, a book on the history of Gay Carnival has been published. And what a book it is. Simply put, this book is a triumph! Traditional Carnival has been well documented with a vast array of books published on the subject. However, few of them, if any, mention gay … [Read more...] about Unveiling the Muse: The Lost History of Gay Carnival in New Orleans.
Articles
Under the Gaydar
Party Down It’s Carnival and the city is alive with festivity. The scent of fresh king cake fills the air as the parades start winding their way through the streets. It is a perfect time of the year to live and visit our beautiful city. I filled my time these last two weeks with all kinds of wonderful events starting with a reception announcing Crescent Care’s new building … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar
Prospect 4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp
The fourth iteration of Prospect New Orleans’ international art exhibition, Prospect.4 (P.4), opened to the public on Saturday, November 18, 2017 and runs through February 25, 2018 aligning with the City of New Orleans Tricentennial celebration. According to P.4’s website: Prospect.4 Artistic Director Trevor Schoonmaker, Chief Curator and Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher … [Read more...] about Prospect 4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp
Armeinius Turns 50
The Krewe of Armeinius turns 50 this year and in a happy coincidence, the krewe’s golden anniversary coincides with the city of New Orleans’ tricentennial celebration. Consequently, the theme of the 2018 ball is “La Nouvelle Orleans: 300 Years of Fabulous.” Co-Captain Barrett Delong-Church promises “this ball will be like no other.” That’s a high standard to surpass. In … [Read more...] about Armeinius Turns 50
Gay Carnival at the Historic New Orleans Collection
On Wednesday, January 31, author Howard Philips Smith will give a presentation on his new book Unveiling the Muse: The Lost History of Gay Carnival in New Orleans (University Press of Mississippi, 2017). Traditional Carnival has been well documented with a vast array of books. However, few of them, if any, mention gay Carnival krewes or the role of gay Carnival within the … [Read more...] about Gay Carnival at the Historic New Orleans Collection
2017: In Memoriam by Frank Perez
The local LGBTQ community lost some seminal people in 2017, as did our national community. Those national gures include: • John Ashbery—poet • Gilbert Baker—creator of the rainbow flag • Judith Bradford—scientist • J.D. Disalvatore— filmmaker and writer • Max Ferra—director • Michael Friedman—composer • Jim Graham—HIV / AIDS activist and politician • … [Read more...] about 2017: In Memoriam by Frank Perez
On Christians and Shitholes
Donald Trump’s recent “shithole” comment about countries comprised mostly of brown people is the latest confirmation of decent people’s worst fears about the megalomaniac currently occupying the White House, namely that he is ignorant, crude, racist, and generally despicable. The comment came as no surprise to those who have long since resigned themselves to the fact Trump is a … [Read more...] about On Christians and Shitholes
Is It Mardi Gras Already?
If you’re like me, you’ve got friends outside of New Orleans (or new to New Orleans) asking “Is it Mardi Gras already?” Here’s a handy explanation/retort. Dear Non-New Orleans Friends: You’ve got Mardi Gras wrong. Many folks think Mardi Gras is the day, prior to Ash Wednesday, where everyone drinks heavily, fights for beads, and topless ladies climb greased poles on … [Read more...] about Is It Mardi Gras Already?
Commentary by Noel Twilbeck
With our frozen temperatures hovering around in the third week of January and wreaking havoc on our city and in our lives, you may have missed a bit of chill coming from Washington. An icy front blew through that week aimed squarely at the LGBTQ community. CrescentCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care providers, cannot sit by in silence without responding to the … [Read more...] about Commentary by Noel Twilbeck
Alone in the Crowd
Alone in the Crowd This is the GRAND MARDI GRAS ISSUE! It is a season that we celebrate each year. Carnival time! As a native of this glorious, thread-bare, quixotic city I sometimes enjoy and at other times hide from the mayhem. I must say that I do enjoy Krewe du vieux! All of that said, has anyone wandered down the street in the midst of the crowd and not felt a buzz, not … [Read more...] about Alone in the Crowd
