Have you browsed through some of the Southern Decadence groups on social media lately? If you didn’t know any better, you might get the idea that the COVID-19 pandemic is completely behind us. Sure, there are occasional posts about masks, but on the whole, one gets the impression that the hordes of Southern Decadence devotees who did not come last year are … [Read more...] about “For the Love of Mardi Gras, Get Vaccinated!”
National Association of Black and White Men Together to Hold 40th Convention in New Orleans
The National Association of Black and White Men Together (NABWMT) will hold its 40th Convention in New Orleans from July 21 to July 24. Scott Duty, Co-Chair of the convention, said, “NABWMT has been at the forefront of anti-racism initiatives, equality for all, and creating supportive environments for those interested in interracial relationships for over 40 years.” “The … [Read more...] about National Association of Black and White Men Together to Hold 40th Convention in New Orleans
Frank Perez Announces Candidacy for City Council
Although it’s no secret, I am pleased to officially announce my candidacy for New Orleans City Council, District C. District C incumbent Kristin G. Palmer is running for an At-Large seat on the Council, thus leaving the District C seat open. I’ve never run for office before but I’m no stranger to politics. As a columnist, I’ve covered many issues concerning … [Read more...] about Frank Perez Announces Candidacy for City Council
How Well Do You Know French Quarter History?
· Was Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville gay? · Was New Orleans named after a cross-dresser? · Did the Catholic Church let the French Quarter burn down in 1788? · Did a gay Jewish man save St. Louis Cathedral from destruction? · … [Read more...] about How Well Do You Know French Quarter History?
Congo Square, City Hall, & the Municipal Auditorium
City officials are stubbornly proceeding with Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s proposal to relocate City Hall to the old Municipal Auditorium despite fierce opposition from residents in Treme and other community advocates. Cantrell first suggested the proposal shortly after being elected. In 2019, the administration commissioned a study that found the existing City Hall was … [Read more...] about Congo Square, City Hall, & the Municipal Auditorium
Book Review: The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. The United States
The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. The United States. Eric Cervini. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2020. 512 pages. $35 History is a series of causes and effects: A lie about voter fraud leads to bloody insurrection. The murder of George Floyd leads to a national call for police reform. The election of a black president leads to the election … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. The United States
Chess, Insanity, and the Historical Closet
One of the challenges of recovering queer history from the closet is the fact that until recently, no one wanted to document their same sex desires. To do so could result in being arrested, committed to a mental asylum, being fired from a job, being ostracized by family and friends, and in some cases, suicide. This was certainly the case in the 19th Century. The … [Read more...] about Chess, Insanity, and the Historical Closet
It’s Time to Legalize Weed in Louisiana
The Louisiana legislature is considering two bills that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana. House Bills 524 and 243 (sponsored by Richard Nelson, R-Mandeville, and Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, respectively) were favorably reported to the full House by the House Criminal Justice Committee on April 27. The House has already passed a bill which … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Legalize Weed in Louisiana
Queer Streets: LGBT+ Representation in New Orleans Street Names
The New Orleans City Council Street Renaming Commission (CCSRC) recently issued a report that identified 37 streets named after Confederate generals, politicians, and other sympathizers of “the Lost Cause” and included suggestions for renaming those streets. Noticeably absent in the suggestions for renaming these streets is any LGBTQ+ representation. The exclusion is odd … [Read more...] about Queer Streets: LGBT+ Representation in New Orleans Street Names
Legislature Targets Trans Youth
The Louisiana legislature is back in session and has turned its horrifying attention to trans youth. In its infinite ignorance, the legislature will consider four bills this session that would legally enshrine discrimination against trans youth. The proposals are so draconian, they will certainly result in the death of more trans youth if passed. SB 104 would ban … [Read more...] about Legislature Targets Trans Youth