Ambush Magazine

The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™

Arts & Culture

Bulbancha was Queer

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In 1720, just two years after French colonizers renamed Bulbancha “New Orleans”, a French military officer named Ladun complained to Governor Bienville about indigenous queerness. Bienville, who founded New Orleans and lived into his 80s without ever marrying, told the young man to relax, that queerness was quite common in these parts among the Natives. Ladun recorded … [Read more...] about Bulbancha was Queer

Trodding the Boards November 28, 2023

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Curtain Up The holidays are upon us so don’t expect anything too heavy on local stages for the next month or so. Or to kinda quote Stephen Sondheim, “Comedy tomorrow, tragedy next year!” If you’re looking for something to do besides caroling and standing under the mistletoe, check out some--or all--of the following– Wicked, now the 4th longest-running show in Broadway … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards November 28, 2023

Trodding the Boards November 20, 2023

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Chicago Culture I hadn’t been to Chicago in a while and certainly not in November. I guess I shouldn’t complain as I had overall nice, sunny weather. But now I know why they call it the Windy City. No, it’s not because of Mother Nature’s blowjobs. Rather, it refers to the city’s windbag politicians. Still, I would’ve been much happier if someone had turned off the wind … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards November 20, 2023

A Brief History of Black Drag in New Orleans: The Dew Drop Inn, The Caledonia, and Stormé DeLarverie

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A lost treasure of New Orleans’ rich cultural history is being resurrected. From the late 1930s to the early 1970s, the Dew Drop Inn in Central City was an iconic venue for African American musicians both locally and nationally. For black artists traveling through the segregated South, it was a must stop on the Chitlin Circuit. Now, fifty years after it closed, the Dew Drop Inn … [Read more...] about A Brief History of Black Drag in New Orleans: The Dew Drop Inn, The Caledonia, and Stormé DeLarverie

Bartender Spotlight – November 2023

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Bartenders are performers. I believe they make the best actors since they go through a range of emotions on a daily basis dealing with their patrons. Like actors, bartenders are chameleons turning into a different character to suit the situation or customer.  They can be the understanding father figure, the bitchy next door neighbor, the gossip girl or the protective … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – November 2023

LGBT+ History: A Local Timeline

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The following timeline starts with the founding of New Orleans in 1718, but it’s important to note that queerness was common and revered in Bulbancha (what New Orleans was called before it was colonized). Colonial visitors in the Gulf South observed that Indigenous Nations recognized and respected the existence of more than two genders. The acceptance of LGBT+ people has a deep … [Read more...] about LGBT+ History: A Local Timeline

Ambush Across the Pond, Part 1

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I got a brief respite in August from the extreme heat of our New Orleans summer when I made a trip across the pond to Merrie Olde England.  It was an amazing experience filled with adventure, parades, festivals, hurricanes, and a lot of gaiety!  I hope you enjoy my “Tale of Two Gay Cities” except in this story, it will be Brighton and London, not Paris and … [Read more...] about Ambush Across the Pond, Part 1

Trodding the Boards October 31, 2023

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I Wrote a Song at The AllWays Lounge I Wrote A Song, Trey Ming’s 2018 musical, recently returned to The AllWays Lounge. Based on countless true stories, it’s just your average boy-meets-girl, boy-gets-married, boy-looks-at-gay-porn-becomes-a-Baptist-preacher-sneaks-off-to-bathhouses-gets-outed-in-disgrace-tries-a-conversion-camp-comes-out-anyway story. Set to music. I had … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards October 31, 2023

Under the Gaydar (November 2023 Event Calendar)

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One of the major things I give thanks for every year is living in a city that has so many fun things happening.  November has so many wonderful things to see and do as a primer for the holiday season.  Here are just some of the hot happenings in November to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com.  Weekly … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (November 2023 Event Calendar)