Dear Ambush Nation,
PRIDE IS HERE!!! In New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, June is pride month, and we are so excited. There are so many events—from Houston to Pensacola and from Birmingham to Baton Rouge—that you don’t want to miss! From pride parades to drag brunches, and from outdoor festivals to drag bingo, there is something for everyone. This issue of Ambush is our Official Pride Guide™, with everything you need to know to have the best pride experience ever—no matter where along the Gulf South you choose to celebrate!
It’s also important to remember that June is pride month in honor of the Stonewall riots that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 in New York City. Speaking of New York City, it is the host this year to World Pride as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. And although 50 years have passed, we are still fighting for equality for ALL in the LGBTQ community, especially our brothers and sisters of color and members of the trans community. Let us remember, not only during pride month, but all year long, that we are all in this fight together.
THE 31ST ANNUAL
GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS
Ambush is excited to once again present the Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA). Through the GAA, we honor members of the LGBTQ community who are often not recognized for their services and efforts. The 31st Annual GAA will take place on Saturday, July 20th at 7PM at Oz. Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Southern Decadence 2019. VIP tables will be available for $100, and regular tickets to the event will be $10. To reserve a VIP table, email us at info@ambushpublishing.com.
Like last year, the GAA will be a two-step process. Nominations are currently live, and will continue through June 14th. Anyone can be nominated, and you can be nominated for multiple awards. After the nomination period, you can vote online from June 18th through July 9th to choose the winners. Once voting is complete, we will announce the top five in each category. We’ve also added several categories this year, and combined a few others. To nominate someone for a GAA, or for more information, check out GayAppreciationAwards.com.
In the next few weeks, Ambush will announce the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award presented at the GAA. While nominations are accepted for this award, the winner is chosen by Ambush and the GAA Board of Directors. We are so excited for this year’s GAA gala, and hope you are as well. Please make plans to spend Saturday, July 20th with us at Oz, as we celebrate and recognize the wonderful accomplishments of many individuals, businesses, and organizations within the LGBTQ community.
GAY EASTER PARADE
FUNDRAISING NUMBERS
The numbers are in, and this year’s Gay Easter Parade was a huge success. After expenses, we were able to raise a total of $16,007.63 for Food for Friends, a division of CrescentCare. Since 2003, the Gay Easter Parade has raised $315,932.42 for Food for Friends. This would not be possible without the help and dedication of our sponsors and the Gay Easter Parade Board: Tony Leggio, Electra City, Anthony Lala, Jr., Arthur Severio, Henry Marshall, and Darrin Duplissey. A full accounting of revenue and expenses for the parade is located in this issue of Ambush. Again, thank you to everyone who made this year’s parade such a wonderful event and fundraising success.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) will have their next potluck dinner on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30PM. The event will be held at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, located at 1313 Esplanade Ave. If you are able to attend, please consider bringing a dish (although not required), and a non-perishable food item for St. Anna’s Food Pantry. All ages are welcome to this event! Come eat, network and make new friends!
Winter Wonderland VIII will hold its Royalty & Sponsorship Party on Wednesday, July 24th at 6PM at the Golden Lantern. The King and Queen of this year’s Winter Wonderland, along with the two official charities will be announced. The recipient of the ICON Tribute award will also be announced. There will be food and a mini show at this event. The King and Queen of last year’s Winter Wonderland were Rodney Thoulion and Desirée Marie Chevalier.
The New Orleans Track Club is once again hosting the New Orleans Pride Run & Walk on Saturday, August 31st. This is a family-friendly event, and will be in Crescent Park, along the Mississippi River. Members, allies, and supporters of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to participate and show their pride! Proceeds from this event will benefit the PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Program, which recognizes outstanding LGBTQ students from Louisiana. To register, or for more information, go to www.runNOTC.org.
