the "official" dish ...from Main-4 sota; Branch: Army and Air NG Rear Admiral William Retz; Branch: cans believe that gays and should Navy be allowed to serve openly in the military. Brigadier General Clara Adams- The letter was read by two of the Ender, Woodbridge, VA; Branch: Army; generals who represented the group of 28 Field: Medical at a joint event sponsored by the Human Brigadier General Dale Barber, Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Waverly, NY; Branch: Army; Field: Infantry United, Log Cabin Republicans, Engineer Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Brigadier General Harold Bowman, and Liberty Education Forum to recognize Pleasant Hill, IA; Branch: Army NG; Field; the 12,000 men and women discharged Medical from the military since the signing of “Don’t Brigadier General Douglas Bradley, Ask, Don’t Tell.” The groups marked the Diablo, CA; Branch: Army; Field: Medical anniversary of the policy’s signing by un- Brigadier General William Colvin; veiling the “12,000 Flags for 12,000 Patri- Branch: Army NG ots” display on the National Mall. The Brigadier General Bob Hardy; Branch: tribute ran November 30 through Decem- Army ber 2. Brigadier General JD Johnson, Salt Below is the full text of the letter: Lake City, UT; Branch: Army We respectfully urge Congress to Brigadier General Phil Peay, Utah; repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Field: Engineering Those of us signing this letter have dedi- Brigadier General Robert Poirot, Ev- cated our lives to defending the rights of ergreen, CO; Branch: Army; Field: Artillery our citizens to believe whatever they wish. Brigadier General Philip Pushkin, As General Colin Powell, former Chair- Randallstown, MD; Branch: Army NG man of the Joint Chiefs said when the Brigadier General Donald Schenk, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enacted, Troy, MI; Branch: Army; Field: Combat Sys- it is not the place of the military or those in tems senior leadership to make moral judg- Brigadier General Daniel Wardrop, ments. Williamsburg, VA; Field: Artillery Scholarly data show that there are *General Scotti passed away in Sep- approximately one million gay and les- tember, 2007 after agreeing to sign onto bian veterans in the United States today, this statement. His widow has requested as well as 65,000 gays and lesbians that he remain on the statement. currently serving in our armed forces. They have served our nation honorably. Gays Name 's We support the recent comments of another former Chairman of the Joint Brian Kinney as TV's Top Chiefs, General John Shalikashvili, who Gay Character has concluded that repealing the “Don’t ogo, announced the results of a Ask, Don’t Tell” policy would not harm, and first-ever online poll on would indeed help, our armed forces. As LAfterElton.com to determine is the case in Britain, Israel, and other the Top 25 gay and bisexual characters on nations which allow gays and lesbians to television. Logo’s AfterElton.com is the serve openly, our service members are online destination about gay and bisexual professionals who are able to work to- men in entertainment and the media. gether effectively despite differences in Earlier this year, the site released its Hot race, gender, religion, and sexuality. Such 100 list, which named Jake Gyllenhaal collaboration reflects the strength and the hottest male star. best traditions of our democracy. The Top 25 list includes such modern Signed: favorites as Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) Lieutenant General Jerry Hilmes; from Will & Grace and Kevin Walker (Mat- Branch: Army thew Rhys) from Brothers & Sisters to Vice Admiral Harold Koenig; Branch: beloved characters from television history Navy; Field: Medical like Soap’s Jodie Dallas (Billy Crystal) Vice Admiral James Zimble, and Waylon Smithers from The Simpsons. Midlothian, VA; Branch: Navy; Field: Medi- Over 5,000 votes were tallied in cal AfterElton.com’s online reader poll, the Major General Leslie Burger, full results of which are posted at Vancouver, WA; Branch: Army; Field: Medi- AfterElton.com. Hit series Queer as Folk, cal now airing on Logo, had five characters in Major General Alexander Burgin, Sa- the top 25, while Will & Grace had three. lem, OR; Branch: Army NG; Field: Artillery Logo’s constellation of federated Major General Michael Conrad, websites was recently ranked the #1 des- McLean, VA; Field: Infantry tination for the LGBT community online. Major General James Delk, Fair Oaks, Some of Logo’s other sites include CA; Branch: Army; Field: Medical AfterEllen.com, sister to AfterElton.com, Major General Jack Farris, New Jer- VisibleVote08.com, the foundation for sey; Branch: Air Force; Field: Aviation (pi- Logo’s 2008 election coverage and lot) HappiestGayCouple.com, the online com- Major General Fred Forster, Tennes- panion for Logo’s hit animated series see; Field: Aviation Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple Major General David Hale, Hampton in All of the World. These sites reflect Bays, NY; Field: Combat Logo’s ongoing commitment to making Major General Randy Jayne, McClean, its content available online and on-the-air. VA; Branch: Air NG; Field: Aviation (pilot) Major General Dennis Laich, Dublin, PhotoNOMA Dec. 5 at NOMA OH; Branch: Army; Field: Military Police he New Orleans Photo Alliance, Major General Dennis Malcor, Vine in partnership with the New Grove, KY; Branch: Army; Field: Combat Orleans Museum of Art, is Major General Michael Scotti*, Arling- T thrilled to announce PhotoNOMA, a pho- ton, VA; Branch: Army; Field: Medical Major General Harry Sieben, Minne- [continued on Main-8]

MAIN~6 of 52 • AmbushMag.COM • Dec. 4-17, 2007 • The One & Only Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • Dec. 4-17, 2007 • AmbushMag.COM • MAIN~7 of 52 the "official" dish ...from Main-6 will a silent auction and the presentation Johnny Angel & the Swingin’ Demons new HIV infections and new AIDS cases in of the first annual Caldwell-Kirby Awards “Swingin’ Christmas” the United States call out for stronger tographers portfolio night at the New Or- to recognize valued supporters of the Sunday, December 23, Fulton Stage leadership domestically as well. This year, leans Museum of Art. Wednesday, De- Center. The Board has announced that 3- 3:45pm Christmas Characters; 4-6pm Congress passed the largest increase in cember 5th will mark the return of this the 2007 recipients will be long-time com- TBA seven years for the Ryan White initiative, popular annual event, formerly known as munity activists Stewart Butler, as well as Friday, December 28, Hotel Lobby 4- which provides care and treatment to more Underexposed, which has been on a two- Betty Caldwell and Niki Kirby, for whom the 6pm Joe Krown; Fulton Stage 6-8pm than half a million low-income people year hiatus since Hurricane Katrina. awards are named. Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas living with HIV/AIDS. Significant increases PhotoNOMA will feature 100 photog- Individuals, businesses and organi- Saturday, December 29, Hotel Lobby are also pending for HIV prevention, the raphers displaying their work for a com- zations that wish to join in honoring the 4-6 pm Joe Krown; Fulton Stage 6-8pm Housing Opportunities for People with munity walk through. Participating artists recipients as hosts or sponsors of the Charmaine Neville AIDS program, and health research at the include such local luminaries as Victoria celebration should contact the Center at Sunday, December 30, Hotel Lobby National Institutes of Health. In addition, Ryan, Thomas Neff and Lori Waselchuk. 504.945.1103. 4-6pm Joe Krown; Fulton Stage 6-8pm the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which I first PhotoNOMA will run from 6-9pm, and is The date commemorates an impor- New Birth Brass Band introduced nearly a decade ago to expand open to the public. Event entrance is free tant milestone – the Fifteenth Anniversary Monday, December 31, NEW YEARS Medicaid coverage to allow people living for NOMA members and $5 for non-mem- of the opening of the Center. It is also the EVE; Hotel Ballroom - La Spice; Harrah’s with HIV to stay healthy and active, was bers. The New Orleans Museum of Art is 16th Anniversary of the passage of the Theatre - Johnny Angel; Masquerade - reintroduced earlier this year with strong located at One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City New Orleans Human Rights Ordinance Wiseguys bipartisan support in both the House and Park. which added sexual orientation to the list Friday, January 4, Hotel Lobby 4- 6pm Senate. Keeping people healthy saves “We are thrilled that the New Orleans of classes protected from discrimination Numa Woods; Fulton Stage 6-8pm BCS lives. It is good health policy. We must Museum of Art is sponsoring this wonder- in employment, housing and public ac- Weekend, The Topcats pass this bill and we will. ful event,” said Maja Georgiou, Alliance commodations. Saturday, January 5, Hotel Lobby 4- “On World AIDS Day, let us renew our Treasurer and event organizer. 6pm Numa Woods; Fulton Stage 6-8pm commitment to stop this deadly disease “PhotoNOMA will be one of the gems in 1st Christmas House Party The Topcats and to a future where AIDS is no longer a this years’ PhotoNOLA lineup. We hope Benefits Marigny Theatre Sunday, January 6, Hotel Lobby 4- threat.” photography enthusiasts and the public 6pm Numa Woods; Fulton Stage 6-8pm at large come out to see the wide and Community Workshops Bucktown Allstars. Local Charity Calls wonderful range of work that will be on ncle T. J. (Marigny Theater’s for Help and Awareness on Timm Holt)and Ambush’s Pelosi Statement On display. The excitement and buzz amongst World AIDS Day the participating photographers should Uown culinary columnist Auntie World AIDS Day make for a dynamic evening.” Dee (Donnie Jay) will co-host their first roject Lazarus, the oldest and annual Christmas House Party Thurs- ashington, D.C. – Speaker largest residential facility pro- The New Orleans Photo Alliance is a Nancy Pelosi released the nonprofit organization founded in 2006 day, December 20, 8pm at The Marigny Pviding assisted living to people Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street. The evening W following statement on with AIDS in the Gulf Coast region, will whose mission is to encourage the un- World AIDS Day. derstanding and appreciation of photog- will be a fund-raiser for the theatre’s (a recognize the 19th anniversary of World 501C3), fund to establish community “World AIDS Day gives us an opportu- AIDS Day by making a plea for help to raphy through exhibitions, opportunities nity each year to assess the progress we and educational programs. PhotoNOLA workshops. those in the area. As the AIDS pandemic Auntie Dee will prepare her world have made together in the fight against continues to spread across the globe (4.3 is a month long celebration of photogra- HIV/AIDS and to consider what more we phy in New Orleans, coordinated by the renowned Bourbon Balls for all adult million people were infected in 2006 attendee’s to sample. Scheduled to ap- can do to help alleviate poverty and dis- alone), New Orleans and its surrounding New Orleans Photo Alliance in partner- ease at home and in the developing world. ship with galleries, museums and pho- pear are many of the theatre’s players, not areas are now ranked seventh for the limited to but including Jason George, “This year’s World AIDS Day theme is highest incidence of AIDS in the United tographers citywide. December 2007 ‘Keep the Promise – Leadership.’ It is a marks the second annual series of events. Don McCoy, Phillip Gordon, Rikki Gee, States. Marshall Harris, Sharon, many of the cast reminder that we all must do more. Across “We cannot do this without support For additional information on the developing world, HIV/AIDS is devas- PhotoNola or The New Orleans Photo members of Naked Boy’s Singing (par- and donations from the community,” says tially clothed) Lisa Davis, Mandy Turner, tating productive members of these soci- Eric Oleson, Executive Director of Project Alliance please visit www.photonola.org eties, discouraging economic develop- or contact [email protected]. Shannon Williams and a very special Lazarus. appearance by Varla Jean Merman (Jeff ment and orphaning millions of children. He continues, “The theme of this Robinson). “Last week, UNAIDS and the World year’s World AIDS Day is leadership, and Satyricon Presents Come and pass a good time this Health Organization released more accu- it is said that the best leaders know when Preview Performance of Holiday Season. Tickets are only $25 rate figures that reduce the number of they cannot do it alone.” On this World each. Advance tickets are advised for this people estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS Day, Project Lazarus is making a Scrooge in Rouge! one time only show. For reservations new HIV infections. While the report is plea to locals for support against the virus. he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon please call 504.218.8556. welcome news, the numbers are still stag- To donate, please visit will sponsor the preview per- gering: 2.5 million new HIV infections each www.projectlazarus.net/donate.html. Tformance of Varla Jean Miracle on Fulton Street year, and a worldwide total of 33 million Research has shown that Lazarus Merman and Ricky Graham’s new com- people infected with HIV. The need for House’s population is reflective of the edy, Scrooge in Rouge! A British Music Entertainment Schedule Set stronger U.S. leadership and a sustained local population living with AIDS: Hall Christmas Carol, on Thursday, De- arrah's New Orleans an- commitment from the international com- *The population is generally 70 per- cember 6, 8pm, at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. nounces the remaining en- munity is clear. cent minority and 30 percent Caucasian Charles Ave. Tickets for this performance H tertainment schedule for it's “I am proud that one of the first actions * Women now comprise 30 percent of only are $25. To make reservations, for Miracle on Fulton Street holiday presen- taken by the new Congress was to provide residents (which is increasing every year) this show only, please call 504.525.4498. tation including: $4.5 billion for global AIDS initiatives, rep- *The average age is now over 40- For all other performances, call Friday, December 7, Hotel Lobby 4- resenting a $1.3 billion increase over the years-old 504.581.5812. 6pm Walter Cunningham; Fulton Stage 6- previous year. We followed up this year by *All residents fall below 80 percent of 8pm Gina Brown & Anutha Level passing an additional $6 billion commit- federal poverty guidelines 12/12 Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 8, Hotel Lobby ment for global AIDS – the highest levels As more become infected, Project and Awards Announced 4-6pm Tom McDermott; Fulton Stage 6- of funding ever appropriated by the U.S. to Lazarus struggles to maintain and update 8pm Panorama Jazz Band “Klezmer Holi- fight infectious diseases worldwide. the facility. Increasing accessibility of the he Board of Directors of the day” “We have an opportunity to do even and Gay Community buildings to handicapped residents and Friday, December 14, Hotel Lobby 4- more. Congress will soon consider legis- installation of generators to ensure the TCenter of New Orleans invites 6pm Larry Sieberth; Fulton Stage 6-8pm lation to reauthorize the President’s Emer- care of residents in the event of another the LGBT community to its Second Annual Who dat BB/Rockin’ Dopsie gency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This Holiday Celebration, which will be held at storm are two of the projects now costing Saturday, December 15, Hotel Lobby is an opportunity to show that America the organization more than $250,000. 6pm on Wednesday, December 12. It will 4-6pm Marc Adams; Fulton Stage 6-8pm stands with developing nations as they be held at the Center, located at 2114 “Not only did we receive nearly one Big Al Carson “Santa Claus” fight this deadly disease. Greater invest- million dollars in damage during the Decatur Street in the Marigny Triangle. Sunday, December 16, Fulton Stage ments in treatment and care can The celebration, called Twelve/ storm,” says, Eric Oleson, Executive Di- 3-3:45pm Christmas Characters; 4-6pm strengthen health systems and give new rector of Project Lazarus, “but as a result Twelve, A LGBT Holiday Celebration, will TBA hope to millions, and a renewed focus on be an opportunity for the whole diverse of the shift in the New Orleans population Friday, December 21, Hotel Lobby 4- education and the elimination of gender- we have seen a dramatically reduction in community to share in the all the varied 6pm Fred Sanders; Fulton Stage 6-8pm based violence can make significant joys of the season. The event is free and personal and corporate support.” Benny Grunch/Topcats strides in preventing a new generation of Project Lazarus volunteer pool has the public is invited. Saturday, December 22, Hotel Lobby HIV-infected young people. Food and drink will be provided, as 4-6pm Amasa Miller; Fulton Stage 6-8pm “Recently reported increases in both [continued on Main-10] MAIN~8 of 52 • AmbushMag.COM • Dec. 4-17, 2007 • The One & Only Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • Dec. 4-17, 2007 • AmbushMag.COM • MAIN~9 of 52 in the Democratic primaries and 21 per- cent say that lesbian and gay rights will be the most important issue influencing their vote in 2008. • 72 percent of LGB likely voters con- sider Senator Clinton a supporter of gay rights, with Senator Obama at 52 percent and former Senator Edwards at 41 per- cent. On the Republican side, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was at 37 percent, followed by Senator John McCain at 13 percent. “These findings suggest opportuni- ties. Clinton benefits from a high turnout in this very Democratic bloc; her opponents would benefit from making their stated support for gay rights more visible to LGB voters,” said Murray Edelman, a distin- guished scholar at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute and one of the study’s investigators. • 33 percent of all respondents say they are “very interested” in politics com- pared to 22 percent of the Knowledge Networks general population sample. And 36 percent said they became more inter- ested in politics during their “” period. • LGBs were more likely than the general population to have contacted a government official in the past 12 months (23 percent to 16 percent). “These levels of civic engagement indicate that gay people can have a bigger influence on public policy than suggested by their relatively small share of the popu- lation,” said Patrick J. Egan, an assistant professor at New York University and an- other of the study’s investigators. • Asked what gay rights goals are “extremely important,” LGBs chose: goal % saying goal is “extremely important”; enacting employment non-discrimination laws 59%; protections from bias crimes 59%; securing spousal benefits 58%; AIDS funding 53%; legalizing same- sex marriage 50%; rights of transgendered people 36%; ending the military’s ban on being openly gay 36% “The top priorities for LGBs bear little resemblance to the debates that have dominated the headlines,” said Egan. • When asked about the proposed federal law making it illegal to discrimi- nate against lesbians, gays, and bisexu- als in employment, LGBs (by a margin of 60 to 37 percent) said that those seeking to pass the law were wrong to remove story as fictionly told by Alice B. Toklais. team of scholars with a nationally repre- the "official" dish ...from Main-8 protections for transgendered people in August 29th - September 29th, Thrill sentative sample of lesbian, gay and bi- order to get the votes necessary for pas- gone from approximately 200 to 50. Me (The Leopold and Loeb Story), Drama sexual (LGBs) Americans, results re- sage in Congress. Founded in 1983, Project Lazarus, Desk nominee for Best Musical and Best leased today show that Senator Hillary The Hunter College Poll was funded often referred to as Lazarus House, is Musical Score, by Stephen Dolginoff. A co- Clinton has the support of 63 percent of by a grant from the Human Rights Cam- struggling in both the reality that is post- production with The Marigny Theatre Group. LGB likely voters in the Democratic prima- paign Foundation. Sole control over the Katrina New Orleans for nonprofit entities October 31st - November 24th, One ries, followed by Senator Barack Obama design of the study’s questionnaire and and against a virus whose face is chang- Piece, an original musical by New with 22 percent and John Edwards with 7 analysis of the data were maintained by ing daily. Orleanian Randy Bibb. A laugh out loud percent. The Hunter College Poll also the study’s investigators. The survey was To see Project Lazarus’ mission in spoof of the MGM Esther Williams Water finds that during the process of “coming conducted among those who identified action, please view this video at Musicals. out,” LGBs become more liberal and more themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual to www.projectlazarus.net/Video.html. Watch for casting notices. engaged in the political process than the Knowledge Networks, which recruits its All shows will be presented at The general population. nationally representative sample of re- To Do Productions Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street and “We found a stunning transformation spondents by telephone and administers wil be directed by the artistic director for To in political views in the LGB community of Announces 2008 Season surveys to them via the Internet. The sur- Do Productions, Glenn Meche. Curtain a magnitude that is virtually unparalleled o Do Productions is pleased to vey has a margin of error of plus-or-minus times are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and among social groupings in the U.S. popu- announce it’s 2008 season of 4 percentage points. Sunday at 6pm. lation,” said political science professor Tplays, as follows: The study’s investigators can be Kenneth Sherrill of Hunter College, one of April 11th thrus April 28th, The Little reached at the following numbers: Ken- the study’s investigators. The Hunter Col- Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Bean. Pathbreaking Survey Finds neth Sherrill (Hunter College) lege Poll was conducted with 768 respon- “Theater goers have a cause to rejoice ( if 212.595.6213; Murray Edelman (Rutgers Clinton as Overwhelming dents by Knowledge Networks, Inc. from available.) or Regrets Only, “A devastetinly University) 212.787.5477; and Patrick J. Favorite for 2008 Election November 15th through November 26th, accurate political and social satire,” by Egan (New York University) 646.808.7271. ew York, NY-In the first public, 2007. Paul Rudnick. To access the poll data, visit political survey ever con Other findings include: June 21st - July 7th, Gertrude Stein www.hunter.cuny.edu under “Hunter ducted by a university-based • Nine in 10 LGB likely voters will vote and a Companion by Will Wells, Their N Headlines.”

MAIN~10 of 52 • AmbushMag.COM • Dec. 4-17, 2007 • The One & Only Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM