GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Gay EasterParade.COM • July 19-August 1, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11 the "official" dish ...from 10 san Clade, Louisiana Human Rights homemade soups, sweet treats and For more information, call Campaign, Larry Best, Larry Bagneris, breakfast items including a “build your 877.813.3329 or 504.527.6012 or visit 13. A nationally recognized spokesper- Charlene Schneider, Dr. Judy Harris & own biscuit” option. The Soda Shop is www.nationalww2museum.org. son and political activist, Ms. Stabler Regina Matthews, James Wiggins, located in The National WWII Museum has appeared globally on television, Kelly Bryson at 945 Magazine Street at the corner of Win a Trip to Dallas radio, and print media representing a * Political Leadership Andrew Higgins Drive and is open daily Pride in September number of industry, LGBT, and political Previous Winners include: Troy from 7am to 7pm. his September, the Dallas issues.A past president of Pride Hous- Carter, Melinda Schwegmann, Lynn Reminiscent of the soda shops lesbian, gay, bisexual and ton, an active leader on the Human Dean, Marc Morial, Miriam Waltzer, that were commonplace in the 1930s transgender (LGBT) com- Rights Campaign Board of Directors Mayor Ray Nagin, Jacquelyn Brechtel and 1940s, the new “hot” spot for cool T munity will celebrate gay Pride with a and AIDS Foundation, she is a senior Clarkson, Rep. Juan LaFonta, Michael treats will boast original spinning soda weekend of activities leading up to the director at CA Technologies. G. Bagneris, Arthur Morrell, Cynthia stools from New Orleans’ historic 28th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom “These are two of our most out- Hedge-Morrell, J.P. Morrell Krauss department store. The Soda Parade. To commemorate, the Dallas standing leaders in the trans-commu- Additional winners of the Chairs’ Shop combines nostalgic design Convention & Visitors Bureau (Dallas nity, and we are very excited that they Award include Dixie Fasnacht, Eric touches with contemporary architec- CVB) is giving away a vacation pack- have agreed to speak at our Summit,” Hess, Jim Wiltberger, Jody Gates, Jack ture to create an inviting, evocative age for two to visit Dallas during Pride said Josephine Tittsworth, chair of the Sullivan, Beth Scalco, Jimmy space. weekend, September 16 - 19, 2011. Summit organizing committee. Fahrenholtz, Noel Twilbeck, New Or- ”When guests enter the new Soda For official rules and a chance to enter, “This is just spectacular! Ms. Sta- leans Gay Men’s Chorus, ACLU, Dr. Shop at The National WWII Museum, visit www.glbtdallas.com. bler and Dr. Schilt are some of our Marc Behar — this is awarded by cur- we want them to be transported back in “Dallas is a diverse, progressive most dynamic community activist but rent Chairs of FFE Foundation and time,” said Besh, “back to the heyday destination with much to see and do for they are also some of our most knowl- FFE Louisiana. of soda shops, when a stop there meant lesbian and gay travelers,” said Phillip edgeable experts on the trans-com- In your nomination, please include fellowship and festivity – perhaps wel- Jones, president and CEO of the Dal- munity,” explained Lou Weaver, a mem- your name and contact information coming a G.I. back home – and hand- las CVB. “Visitors in September have ber of the Summit organizing commit- along with a short paragraph highlight- made ice cream creations and other the opportunity to participate in our tee. ing the contributions that the individual treats.” city’s Pride festivities, and it’s also a The Summit committee in partner- or organization has made over the The first soda fountain with counter great time of year to experience Dallas’ ship with the Houston GLBT Commu- years. If you have any questions, please service opened in 1903, and soon these world class arts, shopping, dining and nity Center (501c3) and the Depart- call the office at 504.569.9156. Please new establishments became popular entertainment options.” ment of English at the University of submit your nomination via email to gathering spots across America. In the The winner of the sweepstakes Houston are proud to host this year’s [email protected] 1920s, they were hailed as a greater will receive round trip airfare to Dallas Summit. Details about the Summit and no later than 5pm, Friday, July 22nd. ally for the temperance movement than provided by American Airlines, corpo- registration information can be found 2.) Help Captain the Ship! Become any sermon preached from the pulpit. rate sponsor of the Dallas CVB; ac- www.houstonglbtcommunitycenter.org/ a table captain and fill your table with By the 1930s and 40’s, soda shops commodations by the luxurious W texastransgendernondiscriminationsummit. your friends and family for an amazing were enjoyed by all ages and were night of fun and celebration! All you’ll especially popular among teenagers Dallas – Victory, which includes a din- ner for two at Craft Dallas; passes to 13th Acclaim Awards have to do is find nine friends to join you who came both for the treats and to at your table. Then join the Forum at play the jukebox. Sadly, soda shops Gay Day at Six Flags Over Texas, Gala Sept. 24th the Patron Party as a special thank you gradually declined with the post-World compliments of Dallas Voice; and VIP he 13th Annual Acclaim for all your hard work! War II migration from the cities, where passes to Gaybingo Dallas, compli- Awards Gala will be held 3.) Volunteer! Whether it’s the night early soda fountains and soda shops ments of Resource Center Dallas. Tthe evening of Saturday, of the event or helping the Forum get were concentrated, to the suburbs. Dallas Pride weekend offers sev- September 24th at the beautiful JW ready, the Forum can always use a few ”One of our goals at The National eral events that showcase the city’s Marriott Hotel in downtown New Or- extra hands! Use your talents and time WWII Museum is to engage visitors friendly and diverse LGBT community. leans. The Acclaim Awards is the Fo- to help make this the best event of the with an immersive experience that en- The highlight of the weekend is the rum For Equality’s annual fundraiser year. ables them to learn in a variety of Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade. th and our opportunity to applaud the There are many ways to get in- ways,” said Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, Now in its 28 year, the parade is work of those across the state for their volved! If you have any questions or Museum president and CEO. “Whether expected to include nearly 2,000 march- contributions to the LGBT community. want to sign-up, don’t hesitate to call they are speaking with one of our WWII ing participants and draw more than There are a few ways to get in- 504.569.9156 or email veteran docents, enjoying 1940s musi- 40,000 spectators from across the volved this year: [email protected]. cal entertainment in our Stage Door nation and around the world. 1.) Nominate! Nominate an indi- Canteen, watching our 4-D multi-sen- Organized by the Dallas Tavern vidual or organization you know that New John Besh Soda sory cinematic experience Beyond All Guild, this year’s Dallas Pride theme is has contributed to the LGBT commu- Boundaries, or, now, having an old- “It only gets better”. The Pride Festival nity in one of these five areas: Shop Opens at National time ice cream soda after the show in will immediately follow at the conclu- * Arts & Entertainment WWII Museum a unique new soda shop, guests here sion of the parade. For more informa- Previous Winners include: Sonny eviving an icon of America’s will get the full, historical perspective.” tion and a schedule of events, please Borey, Ricky Graham, Becky Allen past, The National WWII Chef John Besh is also the cre- visit www.dallasprideparade.com. * Community Health Museum geared up for the ative force behind the American Sec- Entries for the sweepstakes will be R accepted online through noon on Au- Previous Winners include: Billy grand opening of its latest attraction, a tor, a casual dining restaurant that Henry, Dr. Louise McFarland, Sister Soda Shop by award-winning Chef opened in the Museum in 2009. For gust 12, 2011, and a winner will be Marcy Romine, Paris Winn, Vicki John Besh. The new dining venue more information, visit www.american- announced shortly thereafter. The Weeks, Dr. Mit Seiler, Pamela Holm, opened just in time for National Ice sector.com. sweepstakes is open to legal residents Hosts of Halloween New Orleans, Dr. Cream Day, July 17, designated by The National WWII Museum tells of the U.S. at least 21 years of age or Troy Scroggins, Heidi Nagele President Ronald Reagan in 1984. the story of the American Experience older at the time of entry. For official Chapman, Dr. Michael Kaiser Besh brings his famed culinary in the War that changed the world – rules and to enter, please visit * Media expertise and creativity to the menu. why it was fought, how it was won, and www.glbtdallas.com. Previous Winners include: Steven Visitors will find fountain sodas in melon, what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 Forester, Michelle Miller, Nell Nolan, pineapple, nectar and special seasonal as The National D-Day Museum and Angela Hill, David Tyree, David Ber- versions, served in vintage 1-quart now designated by Congress as Ambush Ad Deadline nard, John Deveney, Ambush Maga- seltzer bottles; house-made ice creams America’s National WWII Museum, it July 26th zine, Leonard Pitts Jr., Ted Baldwin and milkshakes in flavors as Bananas celebrates the American Spirit, the * Political Activism Foster, Sector Candy Bar Crunch, and teamwork, optimism, courage and sac- 504.522.8049 Previous Winners include: John Creole Cream Cheese Red Velvet; and rifice of the men and women who fought [email protected] Rawls, Randy Evans, Jan Harrell, Su- an array of signature sandwiches, on the battlefront and the Home Front.

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • July 19-August 1, 2011 • Official Southern Decadence Guide• SouthernDecadence.COM GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Gay EasterParade.COM • July 19-August 1, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13 under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: [email protected] Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM It Is An Honor Just To be Man; Player of the Year; Most Closeted Homosexual; Best Scandal of the Year; Nominated! Butchest Bull Dyke and the BE Award he Gay Appreciation Awards of Excellence for Social Climber of the are once again upon us. Year. TThis is when five people, Do you think you would attend an events or businesses in certain cat- award show if nominated in one of egories are selected by a majority vote those categories? Your answer should of the community to receive Ambush be hell yes. With the popularity of the magazine’s wonderful award. I just Razzies (a take-off of the Oscars for want to take a moment to thank all worst movie performance, etc.), I think those for voting for me in a few catego- this event may become a smashing ries; it is always fun to loose multiple success. I for one cannot wait to see times instead just once. Just kidding, who is nominated in all of these cat- a huge amount of gratitude should be egories. Besides isn’t notoriety just as bestowed on Rip and Marsha for tak- good as popularity. Somehow I have ing up this event which was originally this sinking feeling I once again will be started by the late Marcy Marcell. It is seeing my name multiple times. Per- a lovely tribute to the legacy of this sonally I have my sights on Hottest great performer when they changed Mess. the title of one of the most coveted categories to the Marcy Marcell Enter- The A List New York tainer of the Year. Congratulations to Chuck Turner and Bill Miller for the 24th et your DVR’s, The A-List show’s most noticeable character is character. But he has rich parents and Annual Lifetime Achievement Award, New York begins its sec- Reichen Lehmkuhl who was the win- is launching a new bronzer called; wait no two men deserve it more. Sond season on Logo on July ner of CBS’ The Amazing Race. This for it, “Tansexual.” Wow, what a It is so good to see so many new 25 at 9pm central time; and the cat season opens up with him being caught douchebag, I mean did he think about names in all the categories which mean fights are at their nastiest. Never hav- in a sex scandal, which is actually one this name all of two seconds. I always that more people are getting involved ing seen season one, I got a chance to of the humorous bits of the show. He love the way offspring always think in our community. A special thank you glimpse the first show of the new sea- has just recently broken up with an- they have earned their high social sta- should also go out to the GAA Board son and they are off to the races with other cast member model Rodiney tus when it is truly because of their very (Rip, Marsha, Lisa Beaumann and sexual scandals, bitchy slap fests and Santiago, who is making quite a name wealthy parents. The Housewives of Teryl-Lynn Foxx) for staging this much dirty gossip. With friends like these for himself in the modeling world. But New York consider themselves so- anticipated event. So good luck to all who needs enemies. I think squaring like all supposedly characters destined cialites too. I think an episode pitting the nominees, you are already all win- off against a terrorist would be easier to play the woman scorned, he is al- the two casts together planning a gala ners. See y'all at Oz Saturday, July than going toe to toe with Nyasha. ways very whiny and put upon. They would be fabulous. Imagine the fur 23rd, 8pm. Personally I have never been a fan of reality television, finding most of the broke up because of Reichen’s lies flying on that one. Now that is one people on these so called “unscripted” and cheating. For the love of god, did show I would watch. New Awards Ceremony shows vapid, narcissistic and utterly he not talk to Lance Bass before he Next up in the cast is hairdresser To Spin off of the GAA’s uninspired. This program shows in started dating him? Add to the mix the to the rich and famous of New York, nce there is a popular idea, uncompromising detail that yes gay bad boy Austin Armacost, whose claim Ryan Nickulas (did you not think we someone always has to people on a reality show can be just as to fame was his close relationship to wouldn’t have a hairstylist in the mix, copy it. First there was insufferable as their straight counter- fashion designer Marc Jacobs, who oh sorry life-style guru). When did O people who cut and color hair (fabu- the Oscars, then the Golden Globes parts. I equate this show to The Jer- has very nice watches. Marc, I mean, came about; American Idol, then The sey Shore. They do to the gay com- not Austin, although I am sure he got a lous as they may be), become experts Voice; Dancing with the Stars, then munity what the lovely people on that lot of nice watches in the very public on telling people how to live their lives? So You Think You Can Dance, the list reality show has done to the reputation breakup. But I kind of like Ryan, he seems to be goes on and on. Yes, there are some of Italians. Sorry, I digress, so to make a long the more level headed of the group, slight changes, but the latter always That being said, if you are gay and story short, it seems that one time and at times the wittiest. The final guy follows the same format primarily. a huge fan of reality TV, this is definitely Reichen and Austin hooked up and in the group is famed celebrity photog- Well, rumor has it that two very the show for you. This season has now Austin wants him back and basi- rapher Mike Ruiz who has photo- well-known personalities in the city are everything including a very stylish to- cally goes out of his way to make graphed the likes of Kathy Griffin and starting the GDA’s, the Gay Deprecia- ken fag hag. Basically the shows Rodiney’s life a living hell, which is kind Deborah Cox. I am sure he has also tion Awards. I do not know how this will premise is it follows six self-anointed of fun to watch in a perverse Mean done Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise and fly. I got a listing of the categories and A-Listers as they go about their daily Girls sort of way. Austin at one point Julia Roberts; they just left those stars would love to know what you think. My life in New York moving from one fabu- surprisingly claims that Rodiney has out of his bio. He has just moved in with email is listed at the bottom so send me lous event to the next, causing scenes burned through all of Reichen’s con- his partner and is starting a coffee table your thoughts. The categories are: and just utterly being obnoxious. OMG, tacts to help him become famous. I book of male models wearing gorgeous Most Disappointing Event; Best Austin you are the next gay Snooki, guess one user knows how to spot floral designs. Now every home needs Drug Bar; Worst Drag Performer; Worst congrats dude to that. And even though another, it is just like when shapeshifters one of those. Just kidding, I will put it Drag Show; Hustler of the Year; Big- Reichen is not as bad as The Situation, can smell each other out like on True right next to my books All About the gest Passed Around Party Bottom; Most one cannot help but see the similari- Blood, which by the way is a totally Boys and Men Factory. Monogamous Couple (which I doubt ties. better show. Rounding out the cast is snappy will have any entries in it); Worst Bar Talk about a train wreck of biblical Aiding him in his quest of nasti- Nyasha Zimucha, a former Miss Africa Bathroom; Hottest Mess; Best Fag Hag; proportions, this show fluxuates be- ness is the shallowest of the group, Shittiest Bartender; Sissiest Leather tween comical and uncomfortable. The Derek Saathoff and my least favorite [continued on 19]

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • July 19-August 1, 2011 • Official Southern Decadence Guide• SouthernDecadence.COM GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Gay EasterParade.COM • July 19-August 1, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15