Something Decadent This Way Comes!
As we approach summer in New Orleans and temperatures start rising not only with the weather, but Southern Decadence fever hits the city. What began in 1972 with a group of friends both straight and gay who playfully called themselves the “Decadents” has evolved into one of the largest and oldest LGBTQ celebrations in the country as well as in the Crescent City.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, current Grand Marshals XLVII Nicole DuBois, Jimmy Gale and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy will hold their Southern Decadence Press Party upstairs at the Bourbon Pub. Many people come to the city to party like crazy over this weekend, but their is a storied and rich history that goes along with the celebration. In 1974, Frederick Wright was chosen to lead the parade beginning of the Grand Marshal tradition. Ever since then, the current Grand Marshal will always choose their successor. I myself was honored with this prestigious title in 2016 (Grand Marshal 42 along with Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips, Tony and Derek Penton-Robichaux).
At the press party the Grand Marshals announce the theme of the parade, the official song, colors and charity. Throughout the summer, there are fundraisers held to raise funds to hold the parade which happens on the Sunday before Labor Day.
The event is from 7 to 9 mp.m. and includes performances and appearances by the current and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals. And we are excited to see what our Grand Marshal have in store for us this year. The Grand Marshals come from different backgrounds in the city, but they are all community leaders. Nicole DuBois is the Show Director at the wonderful Sipps bar in Gulfport, Mississippi as well as being a cast member at the Bourbon Pub’s Lipstixx Ladies on Parade show. She holds the titles Miss Gay Universe 2000, Miss Gay National 2001, Miss Gay America 2006, Miss Essence International 2015, NOLA Pride Grand Marshal 2017, King Cake Queen 2012, Three time winner of Gay Appreciation Award Entertainer of the Year and Miss Gulf Coast Pride 2021. Jimmy Gale is the Capacity Building Community Mobilization Manager for the Louisiana Department of Health, STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program. In his role, he helped organize one of the largest vaccinations for the Monkey Pox virus last year in our community. He also holds the following titles: Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2022, Gambit’s 40 Under 40 2021 and Saint of Hexed, Healthy and Humble for the Big Easy Sisters. Last but not least is the amazing Monica Synclaire-Kennedy who is one of the most talented performers in the Crescent City. Her past titles include: Mr. And Miss New Orleans Pride, Mr, Grand Monsieur, Mr. Amon Ra America, Miss Gay New Orleans America 2013, Miss Golden Lantern 2015, Easter Grand Marshal 17, King Cake Queen 23, Hooker Ball Queen 3 and Crackwhore Queen 22.
With all that talent, we are going to have a spectacular year. So come out and witness a part of Southern Decadence history on May 13 at the Bourbon Pub located at 801 Bourbon Street.
