One of my favorite books about New Orleans is Bruce Gilden’s photographic essay, “Hey Mister, throw me some beads!” From 1974 to 1982, Gilden came to New Orleans from New York for Mardi Gras and captured the Carnival street scene in the French Quarter. The photographs are raw and poignant and include a cross section of people—old/young, gay/straight, … [Read more...] about Moments in Queer New Orleans History: Remembering Daisy Mae
Drag Queen Profile: Gia GiaVanni
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? I was born in Metairie and lived in various cities across Louisiana until 1988 at the age of 13. I then moved to Texas, and lived there from 1988 until 2008. In 2008 Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area where I was living and I ended up displaced as a result. I eventually moved back to Louisiana at the end … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Gia GiaVanni
City of New Orleans will recognize the 32 victims of the Up Stairs Lounge arson
After 49 years, the City of New Orleans is finally recognizing the 32 victims of the Up Stairs Lounge arson. On Thursday, June 23, the City Council will hear a presentation about the fire and pass a resolution acknowledging and honoring the victims. If your schedule allows, please be at the City Council chamber on Thursday at 10:00am. In 1973, the tragedy was ignored by … [Read more...] about City of New Orleans will recognize the 32 victims of the Up Stairs Lounge arson
The Pride Conundrum
How a person feels about Pride month says a lot about that person. I’m not talking about the people that hate it. The religious fascists will always be with us. I’m talking about members of the queer community. Theoretically, it’s fair to say we all like the idea of having a Pride month. But why? Maybe you’ve just come out of the closet and feel … [Read more...] about The Pride Conundrum
Drag Queen Profile: Natasha Sinclair
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? Metairie, LA. Born & raised. How long have you been doing drag? Ummm 40 Years. How did you select your drag name? First name was from doing Boris & Natasha in the first Mardi Gras ball I was in. Last name came from a drunk emcee of a fundraiser I was in. Did you have a drag … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Natasha Sinclair
Drag Queen Profile: Vanessa Carr Kennedy
Where are you originally from? I am originally from New Orleans. Born and raised How did you end up in New Orleans? I was raised in New Orleans but moved to California after graduating from Xavier University in May 1986. I moved back to New Orleans in 2001. How long have you been doing drag? This is a good question. Prior to meeting … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Vanessa Carr Kennedy
The 2022 Southern Decadence Press Party Highlights
The 2022 Southern Decadence Press Party was recently held at the Bourbon Pub/Parade. Grand Marshals Rikki Redd and Dany Girl announced this year’s theme as “Jazz. Burlesque. Decadent. New Orleans.” The official colors are red and gold—red because it’s the Grand Marshals’ favorite color and gold because this year marks the 50th anniversary of Southern … [Read more...] about The 2022 Southern Decadence Press Party Highlights
2022 Legislative Session Targets LGBTQ+ Rights
The Louisiana Legislature is back in session and as usual, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Conservative North Louisiana legislators have filed a number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The New Orleans delegation in Baton Rouge and Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards are the only lines of defense against the repressive legislation. New Orleans representatives have … [Read more...] about 2022 Legislative Session Targets LGBTQ+ Rights
Drag Queen Profile: Coca Mesa
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? Terrytown, LA, but I reside in NOLA. How long have you been doing drag? Since the year 2000. How did you select your drag name? Collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. Do you hold any titles? If so, which ones? Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLIII, 2017 plus Miss New Orleans America, 2004. … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Coca Mesa
19th Annual Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Set for March 25-27
The annual Saints & Sinners Literary Festival will return to New Orleans later this month. The 2021 Festival was completely virtual due to the COVID pandemic. The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival was founded in 2003 as a new initiative designed as an innovative way to reach the community with information about HIV/AIDS, particularly disseminating prevention … [Read more...] about 19th Annual Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Set for March 25-27
