Dear Ambush Nation, With 2020 in the rearview mirror and we look forward to better times in 2021, it's important to reflect on the last twelve months. I’ve tried to write this column several times, but for some reason, I just couldn’t do it–in part because I’ve been busy, but also I didn’t know exactly what to say. The year 2020 has been unlike any year any of us has ever … [Read more...] about Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review
News
New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Orleans Parish reverted back to a modified Phase One on Friday, January 8. The return to Phase One, which will last at least three weeks, was triggered by increasing COVID-19 positivity rates. The positivity rate in New Orleans doubled in one week, going from 5.5% to 10.4%. The new restrictions began at 6:00am on Friday and … [Read more...] about New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
The 2020 Holiday Season promises to be like none we have ever experienced. Many of us are trying to figure out how we’re going to get through it safely, and maybe even find a bit of holiday spirit along the way. This guide includes information on upcoming (safe) events, open-air markets, staying connected, volunteer opportunities, and various other resources. I hope you find it … [Read more...] about Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Friday, November 20, marks the 22nd annual Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The annual memorial was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a way to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman who was murdered in 1998. Smith recalls, "Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no … [Read more...] about 22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Obituary: Rodney Dean Workman
Rodney Dean Workman March 3, 1953–July 20, 2020 Rodney Workman passed away at his home in New Orleans on July 20, 2020. He was born and raised in New Orleans and lived here most of his life. He worked for many years as a printer. He printed the K&B flyers and would come home with purple ink on his hands and arms. Later in life, Rodney worked at the Folgers Coffee … [Read more...] about Obituary: Rodney Dean Workman
SAGE New Orleans Services: An Update
It’s hard to believe we’re already six months into the COVID-19 crisis. The events of this year have placed an enormous burden on all of us, but one of the hardest-hit groups of people have been LGBT older people. SAGE New Orleans – NOAGE and SAGE National have been working to help people adapt to these circumstances by offering a broad range of services and programming … [Read more...] about SAGE New Orleans Services: An Update
Recent Anti-LGBT Violence and Murder in Louisiana
There have been several high-profile cases of young LGBT Louisianians experiencing violence or death during the past month. Two Trans Women of Color On July 1, the body of Shaki Peters, 32, of Denham Springs, was found in a rural area near Amite, Louisiana. Peters was a Black transgender woman. Days earlier, another Black transgender woman, Draya McCarty, 32, of Hammond, … [Read more...] about Recent Anti-LGBT Violence and Murder in Louisiana
The “Official” Dish July 14, 2020
Dear Ambush Nation, Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the path we are on as both a state and country in terms of our response to COVID-19. Here in Louisiana, and in New Orleans in particular, we have done a good job of flattening the curve and stopping the spread of coronavirus. But as time has passed and we have begun to ease restrictions, cases … [Read more...] about The “Official” Dish July 14, 2020
Ryan Gomez Runs for Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee
Ryan Gomez, a fixture in the LGBT+ New Orleans community, is running for a seat in District “B” on the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee (OPDEC). Early voting is now open. Election day is July 11. The OPDEC holds general responsibility for local Democratic Party affairs, reports to State and National Committees, endorses local candidates, builds party … [Read more...] about Ryan Gomez Runs for Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee
House of Tulip: Safe and Affordable Housing for TGNC New Orleanians
Introducing the House of Tulip On Monday, June 22, a group of local and national transgender activists and leaders hosted a community announcement/town hall event at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans. This group, known as the Founders Circle of House of Tulip, announced a brand-new initiative aimed at creating housing solutions for TGNC (transgender and … [Read more...] about House of Tulip: Safe and Affordable Housing for TGNC New Orleanians
