| . |
| . |
www.ambiente.us AUGUST |AGOSTO 2010
Leather and Feathers |Gay N’awlins Gets Decked Out for
Southern Decadence
By Jon Fairbanks
Bourbon Street has a carnival atmosphere on most weekends, but Labor Day
Weekend is a party like no other in the Dirty South. Southern Decadence,
SoDec or Gay Mardi Gras is a legendary circuit party that has gone on for more
than three decades. Hurricanes, oil spills and other disasters haven’t stopped
LGBT travelers from flocking to the Crescent City. If anything, it’s given “the city
that care forgot” another reason to lift a plastic cup.
The center of the action takes place where Bourbon Street meets St. Ann
Street. This is the area where you’ll find most of the gay bars. The most popular,
the Bourbon Pub and Oz couldn’t be easier to find. They’re across the street
from one another on Bourbon. If you’re looking to dance, these are the two
venues you’ll want to check out. If you’re looking for something low-key there
are plenty of options nearby, including Cafe Lafitte's in Exile, Napoleon’s Itch
(both on Bourbon Street) and Old Friends (on St. Ann).
Southern Decadence isn’t just about going to the bars, there are also outdoor
concerts and parades. On the Sunday before Labor Day, many will don their
most elaborate dress and gather to see the floats, performers and half to
completely naked partiers. This year the theme is “Leather and Feathers” and
the colors—black, powder blue and purple. Keep in mind this is “Gay Mardi
Gras” so expect requests to flash for beads or get hit in the head with a set
intended for someone else.
Leather and Feathers |Gay N’awlins Gets Decked Out for
Southern Decadence
By Jon Fairbanks
Bourbon Street has a carnival atmosphere on most weekends, but Labor Day
Weekend is a party like no other in the Dirty South. Southern Decadence,
SoDec or Gay Mardi Gras is a legendary circuit party that has gone on for more
than three decades. Hurricanes, oil spills and other disasters haven’t stopped
LGBT travelers from flocking to the Crescent City. If anything, it’s given “the city
that care forgot” another reason to lift a plastic cup.
The center of the action takes place where Bourbon Street meets St. Ann
Street. This is the area where you’ll find most of the gay bars. The most popular,
the Bourbon Pub and Oz couldn’t be easier to find. They’re across the street
from one another on Bourbon. If you’re looking to dance, these are the two
venues you’ll want to check out. If you’re looking for something low-key there
are plenty of options nearby, including Cafe Lafitte's in Exile, Napoleon’s Itch
(both on Bourbon Street) and Old Friends (on St. Ann).
Southern Decadence isn’t just about going to the bars, there are also outdoor
concerts and parades. On the Sunday before Labor Day, many will don their
most elaborate dress and gather to see the floats, performers and half to
completely naked partiers. This year the theme is “Leather and Feathers” and
the colors—black, powder blue and purple. Keep in mind this is “Gay Mardi
Gras” so expect requests to flash for beads or get hit in the head with a set
intended for someone else.
| . |
During any trip to New Orleans you will meet more than your fair
share of fun and eccentric people. The laissez-faire lifestyle of the
people who live here, like a good hurricane (the drink), is
intoxicating. Where else could you see a Drag Race? Drag queens
racing each other in the middle of Bourbon Street in shopping carts!
Take that RuPaul!
If you’ve shot your wad on summer getaways to Provincetown or Fire
Island, New Orleans is the perfect spot for a fall gaycation. Hotel
rates are reasonable, drinks are cheap and depending where you
go, you can eat very well for very little. Despite the oil disaster in
the Gulf, local restaurants still prepare and serve seafood better
than any other city in the country.
Weekend passes are available for special events and entry into
clubs like Oz and the Bourbon Pub, but they’re only worth buying if
you actually plan on going to the bars in the evening or plan on
going to a lot of the events. Most bars on and around Bourbon
Street are open 24 hours and during the day, most don’t charge a
cover. If you do plan on just showing up and paying general
admission, be prepared to wait in line at many of the venues past 9
pm.
There are two great bars just for the ladies. Rubyfruit Jungle is in the
French Quarter. Three dance floors packed with beautiful ladies?!
Needless to say, you’ll never get bored. The other venue, Club
Tribute is arguably the most popular lesbian bar in the area,
however, it’s located in Metairie, a city close to but not exactly in
share of fun and eccentric people. The laissez-faire lifestyle of the
people who live here, like a good hurricane (the drink), is
intoxicating. Where else could you see a Drag Race? Drag queens
racing each other in the middle of Bourbon Street in shopping carts!
Take that RuPaul!
If you’ve shot your wad on summer getaways to Provincetown or Fire
Island, New Orleans is the perfect spot for a fall gaycation. Hotel
rates are reasonable, drinks are cheap and depending where you
go, you can eat very well for very little. Despite the oil disaster in
the Gulf, local restaurants still prepare and serve seafood better
than any other city in the country.
Weekend passes are available for special events and entry into
clubs like Oz and the Bourbon Pub, but they’re only worth buying if
you actually plan on going to the bars in the evening or plan on
going to a lot of the events. Most bars on and around Bourbon
Street are open 24 hours and during the day, most don’t charge a
cover. If you do plan on just showing up and paying general
admission, be prepared to wait in line at many of the venues past 9
pm.
There are two great bars just for the ladies. Rubyfruit Jungle is in the
French Quarter. Three dance floors packed with beautiful ladies?!
Needless to say, you’ll never get bored. The other venue, Club
Tribute is arguably the most popular lesbian bar in the area,
however, it’s located in Metairie, a city close to but not exactly in
LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
FLOWERS|ART ESSENTIALS flowerbardesign.com |
UC|CU MEMBER DISCOUNT CARD |
WORDS & IMAGES MATTER. Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation glaad.org |
SHOP AT THE DOT MDGLCC Members offer some great discounts & specials. |
New Orleans. Drink specials are offered every night of the week, this
may keep Club Tribute packed, but the hot women working behind
the bar don’t hurt either.
Since Hurricane Katrina, more and more gay and
lesbian tourists from around the world are discovering
Southern Decadence. Approximately 100,000 LGBT
out-of-towners gather for this uninhibited celebration,
according to neworleansonline.com
Maybe I should have told you sooner, but if you are planning on
going to SoDec, it’s a good idea to book your hotel room early. The
best locations (to make sure you’re never too far away from the fun)
are on or near Bourbon Street or Canal Street . A major tourist
destination, there’s no shortage of great properties to stay at when
you’re in New Orleans .
W French Quarter is next to Jackson Square. This is an eclectic area
where you’ll find street performers, palm readers and artists selling
their wares. After a long day of living it up, head back to the hotel
and lounge around in the outdoor courtyard or take a dip in the
illuminated outdoor pool. Now if want to goose lady luck, W New
Orleans is located close to Harrah’s Casino, great shopping and the
Warehouse District.
Not to far away from W New Orleans on Canal Street, you’ll find the
New Orleans Marriott. Offering more than one thousand guestrooms
and suites, this lavish property offers a chic wine bar, rooftop
swimming pool, fully-equipped fitness center and a number of other
amenities. These are just a few options. There are a variety of
hotels, fitting pretty much any budget.
may keep Club Tribute packed, but the hot women working behind
the bar don’t hurt either.
Since Hurricane Katrina, more and more gay and
lesbian tourists from around the world are discovering
Southern Decadence. Approximately 100,000 LGBT
out-of-towners gather for this uninhibited celebration,
according to neworleansonline.com
Maybe I should have told you sooner, but if you are planning on
going to SoDec, it’s a good idea to book your hotel room early. The
best locations (to make sure you’re never too far away from the fun)
are on or near Bourbon Street or Canal Street . A major tourist
destination, there’s no shortage of great properties to stay at when
you’re in New Orleans .
W French Quarter is next to Jackson Square. This is an eclectic area
where you’ll find street performers, palm readers and artists selling
their wares. After a long day of living it up, head back to the hotel
and lounge around in the outdoor courtyard or take a dip in the
illuminated outdoor pool. Now if want to goose lady luck, W New
Orleans is located close to Harrah’s Casino, great shopping and the
Warehouse District.
Not to far away from W New Orleans on Canal Street, you’ll find the
New Orleans Marriott. Offering more than one thousand guestrooms
and suites, this lavish property offers a chic wine bar, rooftop
swimming pool, fully-equipped fitness center and a number of other
amenities. These are just a few options. There are a variety of
hotels, fitting pretty much any budget.
Gorgeous people,
incredible food and
music … you’ll find
plenty of all three in
NOLA. New
Orleanians have seen
and been through it
all, but they always
bounce back, put on
a smile and find a
reason to celebrate!
Copyright © AMBIENTE
MAGAZINE.
Do not reproduce without
citing this source
incredible food and
music … you’ll find
plenty of all three in
NOLA. New
Orleanians have seen
and been through it
all, but they always
bounce back, put on
a smile and find a
reason to celebrate!
Copyright © AMBIENTE
MAGAZINE.
Do not reproduce without
citing this source
gaytravel.com |
