Errol Rizzuto, a long-time beloved fixture in the New Orleans LGBT community, passed away on October 29. Rizzuto, along with his good friend Robin Malta, was a co-founder of Café Lafitte in Exile’s annual Red Party, which raises money for local charities. Rizzuto also served as the Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence in 1999. In recent years, Rizzuto became very involved in … [Read more...] about In Memoriam: Errol Rizzuto
Obituaries
Remembering Rip
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
Shane Scallan, Jewelry Designer, Dies at 48
Shane Scallan, Jewelry Designer, Dies at 48 Shane Scallan, 48, lost his battle with cancer on February 8, 2018. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Bordelon of Plaucheville; sister, Buffy James (Michael) of Plaucheville; nieces & nephews, Alie Mayeaux, Nola James, & Michael James, Jr.; aunt, Connie Thevenot. He is also survived by his partner Billy Hogan as well … [Read more...] about Shane Scallan, Jewelry Designer, Dies at 48
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Monday, November 20, marked the 18th International Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDOR was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to memorialize the murder of transgender woman Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts. Since then, the day has grown into an international event and a way to memorialize transgender people who have been murdered by transphobia. TDOR is observed … [Read more...] about Transgender Day of Remembrance
Jerry Zachary, Founder of the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, Dies at 72
Jerry Zachary, Founder of the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, Dies at 72 Jerry Zachary, a fixture in the French Quarter since 1980, died on February 6, 2018. He was 72. Zachary is survived by his partner, Henry Bernstein. Zachary and Bernstein met in 1990 on the outdoor volley ball court in Cabrini Park in the French Quarter and were inseparable for the next twenty-seven … [Read more...] about Jerry Zachary, Founder of the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, Dies at 72
Obituary: Marsha Naquin-Delain
Marsha Naquin-Delain, as he was known to his many friends in the New Orleans community, died at his residence on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Born Marion M. Greeson in Baton Rouge, LA on June 17, 1953, he was a resident of New Orleans since 1985. He was the spouse of the late Robert J. “Rip” Naquin, who preceded him in death on August 8, 2017. He is the son of James Greeson Sr. … [Read more...] about Obituary: Marsha Naquin-Delain
2017: In Memoriam by Frank Perez
The local LGBTQ community lost some seminal people in 2017, as did our national community. Those national gures include: • John Ashbery—poet • Gilbert Baker—creator of the rainbow flag • Judith Bradford—scientist • J.D. Disalvatore— filmmaker and writer • Max Ferra—director • Michael Friedman—composer • Jim Graham—HIV / AIDS activist and politician • … [Read more...] about 2017: In Memoriam by Frank Perez
Obituary: Johnny Jackson, Jr.
Former City Council member and State Representative Johnny Jackson died January 24 after a long battle with cancer. Johnny Jackson, Jr. grew up in several New Orleans neighborhoods and became a community activist in the 1960s. After Hurricane Betsy in 1965, he worked on a clean-up crew at the Desire Community Center and within a few years he was the directing head of the … [Read more...] about Obituary: Johnny Jackson, Jr.
