Are you thinking of skipping the Sat., Mar. 20, election for U.S. Congress? I hope not! I hope you’re carefully considering the candidates vying to represent us in the U.S. House as our representative. More so, I hope that you’ll consider voting for our friend Troy Carter. To explain why, let me take you way, way back to a lost age known as the 1990s. I want to introduce … [Read more...] about A Commentary by Larry Bagneris
Opinions
Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?
For the last year and half, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell managed to rouse the ire of French Quarter residents and business owners. Her proposal to pedestrianize the neighborhood sparked immediate protests and her handling of the pandemic, while generally praised, has not been without its critics. Detractors point to inconsistencies in COVID regulations and an utter lack of … [Read more...] about Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?
Weapon of Glass Destruction
(Sometimes) Father knows best. When I was a kid, my grandfather gave me a slingshot for my birthday. It wasn't the usual, ‘Y’-shaped, wooden, piece of crap, slingshot you could pick up at Time Saver. This one was "professional." It was made of aluminum alloy rods and shaped in such a way that the handle extended backward into a wrap-around support bar for the wrist that would … [Read more...] about Weapon of Glass Destruction
Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Sometimes I think we have lost the ability to just “be” with ourselves. If we don’t use the time alone to the greatest advantage, it just goes away and is no longer there for the taking. There is a way to view ‘alone’ and ‘lonely’ as two different but equally interesting concepts. Perhaps there have been times lately that you have felt a bit lonely while being with … [Read more...] about Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Born to Run: The Gay Migration Away from Home
I knew I had to leave. I had to get out. I couldn't explain it, and I didn't tell anyone else. I was only 16; I didn't have a plan. I didn’t know when, or how, but I knew that at some point, an opportunity would present itself, and I would take it – I would leave my hometown and my family behind. I love my family and New Orleans, but as I hit puberty and began to … [Read more...] about Born to Run: The Gay Migration Away from Home
Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Sometimes I think we have lost the ability to just “be” with ourselves. If we don’t use the time alone to the greatest advantage, it goes away, and is no longer there for the taking. One can view ‘alone’ and ‘lonely’ as two different but equally interesting concepts. Perhaps there have been times lately that you have felt a bit lonely while being with others. Conversely, … [Read more...] about Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
“Through the Looking Glass” This year, COVID-19 has proven to be a big wet beach blanket tossed over the summer of 2020; as a result, the flames of New York’s scorching Fire Island are little more than embers. In the winter of 2019, I eagerly made my reservations on Fire Island for Pines Party, which was scheduled to be the weekend of July 24-26, 2020. The theme of this … [Read more...] about Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
The New Leprosy
I grew up in an extremely Catholic family. We went to church every Sunday. Every meal began with a prayer. Being involved in the church was a sort of requirement growing up. Religion meant so much to me that I decided to major in theology when I began college. One of my favorite things to do during my time studying was reading the Bible. I was fascinated by … [Read more...] about The New Leprosy
Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
We are in the midst of a health crisis the likes of which no living American has seen as well as an impending economic disaster, a looming national election that will undoubtedly change our world, and the critical Black Lives Matter movement. And some members of our LGBTQ+ community seem to be focusing on – Ellen DeGeneres. Really? The focus on her troubles, accusations … [Read more...] about Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
Our Authentic Journeys Together
Imagine being an openly trans athlete. Imagine a career path that encompasses fashion design, commodities trade, hospitality, and philanthropy all of which led to a passion for running. Imagine tackling ambitious goals, then facing the challenges of existing. That is exactly what I, George Melichar, am doing. To many, I am known by my chosen name Geo or my nickname GiGi. … [Read more...] about Our Authentic Journeys Together
