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
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Healing a Broken Heart
This past week I was asked a question: “My heart feels broken. How can I heal it?” It’s a difficult and multi-faceted question that I had to think about quite a bit. For purposes of this article, the concept of a broken heart shall be taken in a broad sense, one not necessarily having to do with primary love as in partner or spousal relationships. An example … [Read more...] about Healing a Broken Heart
Book of the Month: The Night Crawler King
A gripping memoir has the capacity to take readers on a journey of a person’s life and experiences. Memoirs tend to be not so much of an autobiography but a glimpse into a slice of your life. My book of the month choice for May is about William Fagaly who while growing up in rural Indiana during World War II began his first venture―collecting and selling earthworms (or … [Read more...] about Book of the Month: The Night Crawler King
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
Trodding the Boards May 4, 2021
Eurydice at the UNO Amphitheater After two online productions last fall (Single Black Female and The Emperor Jones), Theatre UNO rousingly returned to live performances recently with an outdoor production of Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. Though I’ve attended many productions at UNO over the past 15+ years, this was my first time at its Amphitheater--I even had to ask where it was, … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards May 4, 2021
Not Throwing Away My Shot!
I am fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. Now what? I had been on the hunt for an available vaccine appointment for some time. Someone suggested I visit the New York Department of Health website. I found the site in less than a minute and, with the blazing speed of experience, I filled out the same questionnaire I’d filled out dozens of times before, and without … [Read more...] about Not Throwing Away My Shot!
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
Book of the Month: Tennessee Williams 101
It is hard to be a theatre lover and not be familiar with Tennessee Williams, especially if you are from the Crescent City. Considered as one of the greatest playwrights of 20th-century American drama, Williams not only lived in New Orleans for a period of time, but set many of his successful plays in the city such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Vieux Carre and Suddenly, … [Read more...] about Book of the Month: Tennessee Williams 101
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
Emotional Well-Being: It’s All on Us to Keep It Strong
Our great city is beginning to open up, including bars, restaurants, stores, food trucks, and music, music, music! Another thing that seems to be reopening, or resurging for some, is a sense of anxiety about the very thing we’re so wanting to celebrate, which is that very same reopening. What a conundrum. There seems to be a little more restlessness, and a bit … [Read more...] about Emotional Well-Being: It’s All on Us to Keep It Strong
