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
Profiles & Spotlights
Bartender Spotlight
Whenever I travel, I love visiting gay bars in other cities. And one of my favorite bars is very close to New Orleans in Gulfport, Mississippi. Sipps is a fabulous LGBTQ+ venue with a relaxing atmosphere, great events and some of the best bartenders. My bartender for the month of April is Jacob Simmons. Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, Jacob has lived in … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
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
Drag Queen Profile: Debbie with a D
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? I am originally from Baltimore (shoutout to SweetSpotBaltimore!) but I’ve been here in New Orleans for 11 years. The first time I visited New Orleans was in 2010 to help move my (at that time) ex-boyfriend to New Orleans. We were still friends and I volunteered to drive his moving truck with him from Baltimore … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Debbie with a D
Bartender Spotlight
I have been interviewing bartenders for a long time and they all seem to have this one trait in common -- a gregarious personality. Bartenders tend to be outgoing people and have a strong desire to be around people. I also believe that they are all true entertainers even if that may not be their actual vocation. They keep us laughing, they take our mind off our problems, … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Drag Queen Profile: Analia XO
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? I was born and raised in Honduras, but I came to the U.S. when I was 10 years old. At the time, I was living with my mom in South Carolina, but was having financial struggles, so our aunt offered her a job here in New Orleans back in 2009, and I’ve been here ever since. How long have you been doing … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Analia XO
Bartender Spotlight
I have always considered being a bartender as a fulfilling job. It is hard work, but you have the opportunity to meet so many people. Though in the past few years since COVID, the job has become much more challenging. But on the flip side, I think most people, I know myself included have become much more appreciative to bartenders and the well needed role they play … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight: December 2021
We spend so much of our time talking to bartenders about a litany of subjects from the weather to problems at work or home. Sometimes, we spend more time with them than we do with some of our family. They not only serve us cocktails, but sometimes advice. They make us laugh, keep an eye out for us when we may have had a little too much to drink, and even act as a therapist. … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight: December 2021
Bartender Spotlight: November 2021
New Orleans is a city that loves to drink. Our bars, especially in the LGBT+ community, are considered places not only for entertainment; but community and safe spaces. The people who work in this industry normally always become active in the community and in my opinion are some of the best people in the world. That can definitely be said about my bartender of the month for … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight: November 2021
Bartender Spotlight: October 2021
Football season is here, and there is nothing I like more than going to see a game at one of the many LGBT bars in the French Quarter. And one of my favorite bars to watch the Saints play is Crossing NOLA. It also happens to be where my Bartender of the Month for October works. Nick Schlumbrecht enhances my Saints viewing experience whether they win or … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight: October 2021