I knew who Rip Naquin was long before I knew him as a friend. I had seen him at the bars for years and had even been introduced to him a time or two at various social events. Marsha was always, without fail, at his side. Together, they struck me as an enigmatic couple—mysterious and intriguing, yet aloof and unapproachable. There was something about them that made me want to … [Read more...] about Remembering Rip
Moments in Queer New Orleans History
Gay History Goes to the Armeinius Ball
Gay History Goes to the Armeinius Ball The Krewe of Armeinius recently celebrated its golden anniversary as well as New Orleans’ tricentennial at its annual Bal Masque. The theme of the ball was “Nouvelle—Orleans: 300 Years of Fabulous” and featured the following historical characters from New Orleans history: The Lady Bugs of New Orleans (mosquitos, termites, cockroaches, … [Read more...] about Gay History Goes to the Armeinius Ball
20 Years of HIV/AIDS Headlines
The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana recently hosted a panel discussion on the history of HIV / AIDS in New Orleans. In preparation for the event, Archives Project intern Philip Ross, a student at Tulane University, compiled the following bibliography of early newspaper coverage of the crisis in New Orleans. Mulvhill, Kathleen A. “AIDS: Mystery Disorder” The … [Read more...] about 20 Years of HIV/AIDS Headlines
Moments in Gay New Orleans History
The Year in LGBT+ Scholarship This is an exciting time for LGBT+ history enthusiasts. Consider the following Christmas presents: Out for Queer Blood Out for Queer Blood: The Murder of Fernando Rios and the Failure of New Orleans Justice by Clayton Delery was recently published by Exposit, an imprint of McFarland & Co. Fernando Rios was a tour guide from Mexico City … [Read more...] about Moments in Gay New Orleans History
12th Night & the Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers
In the Roman Catholic calendar, January 6 is recognized as the Feast of the Epiphany—the day the three Magi visited the baby Jesus, thus representing Jesus’ revelation to the Gentiles. Because the Magi were thought to be kings (although the Biblical nativity stories never suggest this), the Feast of the Epiphany is sometimes called King’s Day. 12th Night, despite all the … [Read more...] about 12th Night & the Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers
Bienville’s Wet Dream
Carnival 2018 takes on special significance as New Orleans celebrates its tricentennial. Many parades will draw inspiration from the city’s 300th birthday, but none as irreverently as Krewe de Vieux, whose theme this year is Bienville’s Wet Dream. Bienville, the founder of New Orleans, lived to be 87 and never married. Just saying. Although Krewe de Vieux is a relatively new … [Read more...] about Bienville’s Wet Dream
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