101 years after the Mistick Krewe week earlier, had been presented as moments in gay new orleans history of Comus first rolled through the streets the first Queen of Petronius in the same of New Orleans, another Krewe would hall. Escaping arrest were Bill Wooley transform Carnival yet again. In 1958, and Elmo Avet, two founding members a group of gay men formed the Krewe of Petronius who would go on to shape of Yuga as a spoof of Comus and the the phenomenal development of gay by Frank Perez other old-line mainstream krewes. The carnival. When news of the raid reached E-mail: [email protected] name itself hinted at the satirical nature the French Quarter, Dixie Fasnacht, of the group. KY jelly, the personal owner of Dixie’s Bar of Music, gave “The Krewe of Yuga” lubricant, had been introduced to the Carl Escovitch, who was sitting in the The Shrove Tuesday celebration now known as Mardi Gras was brought to marketplace in 1904. Also the name of bar at the time, a wad of cash and told New Orleans by 18th Century French explorers and celebrated in southern the krewe is sometimes pronounced him to go bail out all those who had Louisiana as early as 1699. The holiday, which has its roots in Roman Catholicism “you-gay,” although “you-guh” is the been arrested at the ball. (and even deeper roots in the pagan Bacchanalia of classical Rome), has always more common pronunciation. Conno- The Krewe of Yuga folded after the been celebrated in New Orleans but it wasn’t until 1838 that the first parade tations of homosexuality with the word raid but the idea of gay carnival krewes occurred. This consisted of a walking procession of masked figures. Float gay date back to the 1940s. lived on and continues today. The parades were introduced in 1857. In that year, Mardi Gras in New Orleans was During Yuga’s first few years, the history of gay carnival is fascinating but on the verge of extinction. The annual celebration had become a drunken, chaotic, krewe met in member’s homes. About poses problems for gay historians. As and increasingly violent street party. The revelry and disorder that characterized fifteen men attended the first “ball,” the ill-fated Yuga Ball demonstrates, the day offended puritanical American sensibilities and there was serious where they enjoyed cocktails, cake, being gay was not something people discussion of permanently canceling the event. A group of businessmen then and elected a Queen. These men were wanted to document in those days. As suggested that instead of canceling Mardi Gras, a sense of order should be older and well established and gath- a result, pictures, journals, diaries, let- imposed upon the celebration. They proposed a float parade with a theme and ered simply for the purpose of making ters, audio or visual recordings and masked riders. Thus, the Mistick Krewe of Comus was born, and with it, the fun of their Uptown neighbors in the other primary sources are scarce, es- custom of float parades on Mardi Gras. The idea of imposing order on a day older, traditional krewes. pecially from the early years. About all defined by disorder and misrule violated the essential spirit of Mardi Gras; By 1962, interest in the Krewe of that remains from the early years of nevertheless, the float parade was a practical solution that proved very popular. Yuga had caused its membership to gay carnival are the memories of those Today, there are numerous float parades throughout the New Orleans area in the grow and necessitated a larger meet- still alive along with ball programs and weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. Thus, Comus inaugurated the modern ing space. The krewe chose a day invitations. Of all the gay krewes that incarnation of Mardi Gras. school / nursery called The Rambler have come and gone, Yuga is the most Room off Veterans Boulevard in difficult to research because there is so Metairie. A week before the Yuga Ball, little documentation of it, which makes carnival feature the newly minted Krewe of Petronius the invitation pictured (on page 17) (founded in 1961) had used the same such a treasured artifact. King Cake Queen XXI Barbara Ella Heralds in location for its debut Ball. Last year Carnival historian Arthur On Saturday, February 24, the Hardy donated a box of gay carnival Third Decade of Glamour at Coronation 2014 Jefferson Parish police department materials to the State Museum. Among What an incredibly beautiful evening in the French Quarter as "The Borghese raided the Yuga Ball and arrested nearly the items donated were ball programs Queen," Barbara Ella, heralded in the third decade of glamour at the 21st King 100 men, most of whom were in drag. and invitations from Amon-Ra, Lords of Cake Queen Coronation. Hosted at the Ambush Mansion, King Cake Queen XXI About fifteen minutes into the tableau, Leather, Mwindo, Olympus, Perseus, Barbara Ella greeted some 237 invited guests for the society bash of the season policemen with bullhorns burst into the Petronius, Armeinius, Celestial Knights, on Bourbon Street celebrating Rome, Royalty & Intrigue. From Carnival room and announced, “No one is to David, Ishtar, Queenateenas, Royalty and celebrities to A-listers and community leaders, it was especially leave this room!” Among those ar- Satyricon, and Apollo. There was also wonderful to have so many loving committed couples (in view of the huge strides rested was Carlos Rodriguez, who, a a poster from 1965 advertising the made in marriage equality) enjoy socializing with old while making new second annual Bourbon Street Awards. ones. The camaraderie in a party atmosphere leads to more cooperation on Birthday Party & Charity Fundraiser As interesting and important as these those issues and causes which makes the LGBT+ community into the viable, sponsor Ambush Mag's Rip and items are, Curator of Carnival Collec- influential one it enjoys today. Marsha Naquin-Delain joined Frankie tions Wayne Phillips’ heart must have This is the only time during the year that the mansion is open for a huge soiree Fierce as he presented a check in the soared when he laid eyes on an original where guests mingle in the first floor Ambush Mag offices, the patio, and second amount of $4,531.85 to Buzzy's Boys invitation to the Krewe of Yuga Ball that floor private quarters of Krewe of Queenateenas' Co-Captain's Rip and Marsha and Girls' Steve Tregre, the total pro- was raided. Naquin-Delain featuring Belle Lain's Magnolia Bar, formal Victorian Parlor, dining ceeds of the event hosted at Oz. The invitation was designed by room, and world famous Ambush balcony. On the way to the second floor guests And then the party continued. The Stewart K. Gahn, who went on to be a travel up the sweeping spiral staircase showcasing the portraits of the King Cake queen traveled to the mansion's bal- costume designer for Bacchus. Gahn Queen Royalty Club, many by renowned photographer Larry Graham. cony adorned in brilliant red, purple and had a successful career as a design Many first time guests marvel at the Ambush art collection, antiques from gold with Adam and Steve (the manne- artist and advertising executive for a Marsha's grandmothers estate in Baton Rouge, and hundreds of collectibles quins) dressed in black slacks, red number of business concerns, includ- featuring objects d’art throughout the home. One of the favorites is the etched shirts, white dinner jackets and red/ ing Pontchartrain Beach, Goldman Print- French crystal illuminated Erte' on the fireplace, while the two gilded Faberge' white Venetian masks. ing, Kirschman Furniture Store, Sears eggs in gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds are another. The mannequin in the The culinary delights prepared by and D.H. Holmes. He also served as parlor displays Marsha's King Cake Queen XV coronation gown and queens the Naquin-Delain's were delish includ- President of Vieux Carre Patio Plant- collar by Opal Masters with her KCQ crown as "The Fleur de Lis Queen." And ing the "Borghese" gumbo with smoked ers, on the Board of Vieux Carre The- then there's the altar in the parlor laden with religious treasures from the couples goose, wild duck, turkey and sausage atre Du Vieux Carre and Property travels in Europe, and here in America. in the office on the first floor serving the Owners and Resident and Associates Queen Barbara Ella designed and made her own coronation gown replicat- remainder of "Banchetto di Carnevale," of the Vieux Carre. He died in 2009. ing a flowing gown from a Borghese portrait in Rome (photo on page 17). After translation for feast of carnival, in the The State Museum began collect- greeting guests in the receiving line for almost an hour, the city's Human second floor dining room. It included ing gay carnival artifacts in the 1970s Relations Commission Executive Director Larry Bagneris presented the queen Venison & Veal Ousso Bucco with Ital- and is always looking for more. The with a Certificate of Recognition stating "I, Mitchell J. Landrieu, Mayor of the City ian egg noodles, Meatballs Cacciatore, State Museum also has an ongoing of New Orleans, do recognize Barbara Ella in of the King Cake Queen Eggplant Caponata with cream cheese, exhibit at the Presbytere in Jackson Coronation and your reign as Queen XXI of the royal court. Barbara Ella is the Stuffed Artichoke Casserole with Square called “Mardi Gras: It’s Carni- first King Cake Queen to receive a mayoral proclamation. crabmeat, Antipasto Salad featuring val Time in Louisiana,” which features Next was the King Cake Queen gift exchange where the former queens elk salami, provolone, prosciutto, swiss two costumes from gay balls of years present a gift to the new queen, and the reigning queen presents a gift to the & bison mortadella with Ditalini, Goat past—Merlin from the 1984 Petronius former queens, which this year was a beautiful cameo bracelet. Cheese Pyramid with figs & pancetta, Ball and Seahorse from the 1992 Amon- The last official function of the evening was when Frankie Fierce's 30th and Cream Cheese King Cake. Ra Ball. 16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 25-March 10, 2014 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM (above-see moments in gay new orleans history on page 16)

KCQ XXI Barbara Ella Coronation Night Formal Dining Room Ambush Mansion (photo by Rip Naquin) (see page 16)

SouthernDecadence.COM • Feb. 25-March 10, 2014 • .COM/AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17 the "official" dish ...from 6 along with more than a dozen celebri- origin, age, disability, sexual orienta- ties. tion or other status protected by appli- Tigers of the University of Missouri. He .com has also published cable federal, state or local law.” graduated in December and is cur- an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at In the document, NFL Commis- rently a highly-touted prospect in the how his announcement came about. sioner Roger Goodell also stated: “The National Football League (NFL) draft. Sam is the latest high-profile ath- NFL has a long history of valuing diver- He becomes the first publicly gay ath- lete to come out as LGBT with others sity and inclusion. Discrimination and lete in any of the Big 4 sports drafts. including the NBA’s Jason Collins, the harassment based on sexual orienta- In interviews with The New York WNBA’s Brittney Griner, WWE’s Darren tion is not consistent with our values They are selling handmade leather Times and ESPN, the football player Young, UFC’s Liz Carmouche, MMA’s and is unacceptable in the National masks by local artists from fun to fan- stated: “I am an openly, proud gay Fallon Fox and Major League Soccer’s Football League.” tasy that would be perfect for any man.” Robbie Rogers. The NFL added sexual orientation costume. Prices range from $30 on up In December 2013, The Associ- ”Michael is first and foremost a to its list of protected classes in Sep- to $100. If you do not see a mask that ated Press named him the SEC’s De- talented football player, and his humility tember 2011. you like you can also have one custom fensive Player of the Year. He was also and heart will reshape the way that The NFL has also demonstrated its made to match your costume. Stop by selected as one of ten unanimous first- Americans think about LGBT people commitment to inclusion by participat- the C.O.K. store located inside of the team all-Americans. He led the SEC in and the sports world,” said Wade Davis, ing in GLAAD’s annual anti-bullying Phoenix. both sacks and tackles-for-loss and Jr., a gay former NFL player and Ex- campaign, Spirit Day. For the past two Also new at C.O.K. exclusive to resides in the top 10 nationally in Divi- ecutive Director of LGBT sports orga- consecutive years, the NFL has ‘gone Louisiana is Colt Underwear, as well as sion I in those categories. He is origi- nization You Can Play. “His story sends purple’ online in a stand against bullying a large selection of Andrew Christian nally from Hitchcock, Texas. Sports a message to LGBT young people, and to show its support for LGBT Underwear. DVDs are as low as $5. journalist Cyd Zeigler stated to GLAAD: especially young black men, that you youth. In December 2013, You Can Check out all of the fetish wear and “Every NFL draft expert has Sam being are free to show up in the world as your Play and the NFL announced the ‘High accessories, and other adult novelties. selected in the first to fifth round of this authentic self and others will embrace Five Initiative’ an “effort to create mean- Store hours Tuesday, Thursday and year’s NFL draft.” you. When I came out after playing in ingful connections between LGBT youth Sunday 6pm-12midnight. Friday & Sat. Before his announcement, Michael the NFL, I felt the support from fans, and leaders within the professional 6pm-2am. Open at 1pm the weekend Sam’s publicist Howard Bragman intro- teammates and the league and I know sports community.” of Mardi Gras. duced to him to athletes including openly he will be embraced and continue to gay former NFL players Dave Kopay inspire.” C.O.K. Features Hand Lords Host 3 Events and Wade Davis Jr., openly gay NBA In an NFL document released in Sculpted Mask for player Jason Collins, openly gay former April 2013, the NFL defined its equal Mardi Gras Weekend Major League Baseball player Billy employment opportunity policy as: “It is Mardi Gras Night of the Black Mask: Start Bean, as well as outspoken straight the policy of the National Football If you still have not decided what your Mardi Gras weekend on Friday, allies and former NFL players Brendan League to provide equal employment you are going to wear for Mardi Gras or Feb. 28th with the Lords of Leather at Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe. This is opportunities to all employees and ap- to any of the Mardi Gras balls, then you their annual “Night of the Black Mask” the fifth professional athlete that plicants for employment without regard should stop by the Phoenix Bar, 941 Bragman has taken out of the closet, to race, color, religion, sex, national Elysian Fields. [continued on 20] 18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 25-March 10, 2014 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM SouthernDecadence.COM • Feb. 25-March 10, 2014 • Facebook.COM/AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19 Party. This traditionally incognito (black for a limited time only. Stop by the bar mask strongly encouraged) event kicks and get your cookies or call off at 9pm at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian 504.460.7655 for further details. Fields Avenue. A $5 beer bust will be held until midnight on the patio, with New Orleans Bears sets black lights complementing white jock- straps and leather; the rest of the Feb.-March Events evening is as mysterious as you want it The New Orleans Bear and Bear to be. So dig out that mask, disguise Trapper Social Club welcomes all to yourself and celebrate the big week- their upcoming events. end with the Lords. On Friday, Feb. 28th, they host Lords of Leather Bal Masque Muscle Bear Lube Wrestling at Mag’s XXXI: Ball Captain XXXI Gary beginning at 8pm. It is $5 at the door Vandeventer and the Mystic Krewe of with a $5 beer bust. Wrestling winners Lords of Leather cordially invite you to take home 1st prize $150, 2nd Prize join them at their spectacular edition of $100, and 3rd Prize $50. Bal Masque XXXI - “Tales and Adven- It's Bears, Beads and Bubbles at tures” to be held on Sunday, March Lazarus House on Lundi Gras, March 2nd. This Mardi Gras season’s final 3rd at 2pm. A celebration of all things ball takes place at the Frederick J. Gay Mardi Gras, it features a cham- Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette with pagne reception with hors d’oeurvres doors opening and social hour begin- wtih the theme SlumBear (pajama ning at 7pm and the tableau starting at party). 8pm. Emcees for the evening will Their 1st Friday Beer Bust is at the again be the entertaining duo of Bianca Phoenix on Friday, March 7th @ 9pm del Rio and Darwin S. with a $5 beer bust including hot dogs Ball gowns/leather are requested and chips. for ladies, black tie/formal or leather The Bears' Appreciation Party is attire for men. set for the Friendly Bar on Saturday, Full tables for ten are available for March 15th at 3pm. St. Anna’s Food $500, individual table seats are $50 Bank and Buzzy’s Boys & Girls is host- and balcony seats are $15. See ing a party to show their appreciation www.lordsofleather.com to purchase for the Bears continued support of their tickets in advance. Tickets will also be organizations. available at the door. The 3rd Friday Beer Bust is at Lundi Gras Party: Get an early Rawhide on Friday, March 21st at 7pm start on your Mardi Gras festivities by with a $5 beer bust. Hamburgers and joining the Lords of Leather on Lundi hot dogs will be available for a small Gras. fee. On Monday, March 3rd the Lords will host “A Roman Holiday – a Night CWB XV @ Oz with the Gladiators” at the Phoenix, Benefiting NOSIDA on 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Bring your friends and visitors from out of town for March 17 a truly local Mardi Gras experience as The 15th annual Crack Whore Ball only the Lords and the Phoenix can (CWB) is set for Monday, March 17th at offer. Oz, 800 Bourbon Street celebrating Rise For just a $20 wristband, one gets of the Leprechauns, this year’s theme. all the domestic beer and well drinks The ball benefits New Orleans Society one can drink from 6pm until 9pm in the for Infectious Diseases Awareness Eagle upstairs bar. Optional free “coat” (NOSIDA) which actively promotes check will be available as well for those awareness of the physical, mental, and who are “overdressed.” emotional effects that infectious diseases So come early and “when in Rome, inflict on communities worldwide. do what the Romans do” and meet The annual ball gives service indus- some hot men for some Mardi Gras try personnel and their friends the oppor- memories. tunity to relax and party since most worked through Carnival. The highlight of the evening is when Irish Mike announces Girl Scout Cookies @ the new Crack Whore Queen at the stroke The Phoenix Feb. 28 of midnight. Then there’s the presenta- Words that you never thought you tion of the monies raised at the ball to would hear in the same sentence is Girl NOSIDA. The $40 ticket includes open pre- Scouts and the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian mium bar from 9pm-1am. Tickets are Fields. But for a limited time these two limited. Get your tickets from a past Crack will come together (sort of). Clint Taylor Whore Queen or at Voodoo Bar, 718 N. who is the owner of the Phoenix has a Rampart. daughter who is in the Girl Scouts. She has set herself a goal of selling 500 Past Crack Whore Queens include 1 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies. unknown, 2 Kabrina Watson, 3 Genevieve, Beginning on Friday, Feb. 28th there 4 Janice Goodbee, 5 Wade Burnham, 6 will be eight varieties of cookies that Rip and Marsha Naquin- Delain, 7 Aletha will be available at the bar, including Bryant, 8 the late Wendy Byrne, 9 Chris some of your favorites such as Thin Morton, 10 Frankie Fierce, 11 DL Broad- Mints, Trefoils and Do Si Dos. The way, 12 Sabrina, 13 Duane Parrish, and boxes are $4 each and will be available 14 Johnny Eubanks. 20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 25-March 10, 2014 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM