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.
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
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
Gay Carnival at the Historic New Orleans Collection
Gay Carnival at the Historic New Orleans Collection On Wednesday, January 31, the Historic New Orleans Collection hosted a public lecture on the history of gay Carnival that also served as a book launch for author Howard Philips Smith’s new book Unveiling the Muse: The Lost History of Gay Carnival in New Orleans (University Press of Mississippi, 2017). The event was held … [Read more...] about Gay Carnival at the Historic New Orleans Collection
Fight Over LGBT Rights May Go to the Supreme Court
Fight Over LGBT Rights May Go to the Supreme Court In the latest episode in a long legal battle, Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards (D) led an appeal to the State Supreme Court seeking to reinstate his Executive Order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in state employment and by state contractors. Edwards issued the order in April … [Read more...] about Fight Over LGBT Rights May Go to the Supreme Court
Budget Crisis Could Affect State Hospitals, Public Education
Budget Crisis Could Affect State Hospitals, Public Education Louisiana State Senator Troy Carter, Chairperson of the Senate Democratic Caucus, recently sent a letter to Governor John Bell Edwards urging him to call a special session of the legislature to address the state’s budget crisis. Carter also pledged the Democratic Caucus’ support for the passage of a standstill … [Read more...] about Budget Crisis Could Affect State Hospitals, Public Education
