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
Articles
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
The Official Dish
Congratulations to Jason Waguespack and Jeff Morgan and The Forum for Equality, as well as all hosts and sponsors of the very successful fundraising reception honoring Governor & Mrs. John Bel Edwards. Jason and Jeff opened their uptown home for the evening and it could not have been a more present event. It could not be more fitting to say Thank You, and offer our … [Read more...] about The Official Dish
Trodding the Boards
Always . . . Patsy Cline at The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, Feb. 23–Mar. 25 [This production returns for weekend performances with Margaret Belton and Caroline Fourmy reprising their roles. Here are excerpts from my review which originally ran in March 2015.] In the past five years, the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen has put on an impressive number of entertaining … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards
Moments in Gay New Orleans History
300 Years of Local LGBT+ History 1724 - First written reference to homosexuality in New Orleans 1805 - Sodomy outlawed in Louisiana 1848 Walt Whitman lives in New Orleans 1848 - Gaston Pontalba designs cast-ironwork on Pontalba Buildings 1876 Tony Jackson born 1922 - William Spratling moves to New Orleans 1930 - George Dureau born 1933 - Café La tte opens 1939 - James … [Read more...] about Moments in Gay New Orleans History