the "official" dish ...from Main-4 Diva Barbara Shorts. .” Flounders presents LadyFeast 2008 has performed at Tickets are on sale now and may Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May This is just the tip of the iceberg. countless jazz and festivals, con- be purchased in person at Harrah’s box 25. Look for many more events and activi- certs and cruises throughout the world, office, by calling 504.533.6600 or on- On Thursday, you can catch DJ ties coming from your favorite clubs putting her heart and soul into each line at Ticketmaster.com. You must Jay-R for Fore Play at Emerald City throughout the New Orleans area. Check performance. Her sultry style brings be at least 21 to attend shows at followed by Wave on Friday at Pensacola out their ads for more information in this familiar blues, R&B, jazz and gospel Harrah’s Theatre. Beach featuring DJ Roland Belmares, edition and the next one. songs to life. More informatio is available at and DJ Dewight Barkley at Emerald And don't forget the many restau- Barbara Shorts has also performed www.harrahsneworleans.com. City. Saturday brings Sweat with DJ rants, delis, shops, boutiques and ser- internationally, even sharing her vocal David Knapp to Emerald City followed vices offered here as well. skills Off-Broadway as well. Her ‘down Pensacola's Fun In The Sun by Spellbound I with DJ Phil B at EC home’, earthy style electrifies audiences Warehouse. On Sunday, it's Friction at Harrah's Rolls Out the Red Memorial Day Weekend with everywhere. Boy & Girl Parties May 22-26 Emerald City with DJ Alyson Calagna Carpet for Blues Royalty Shorts is no stranger to Harrah’s followed by Spellbound II with DJ Joe any Gulf Coast residents arrah’s New Orleans New Orleans. When she’s not wowing Gauthreaux at the EC Warehouse. make the trek to proudly presents “Ladies fans around the world with her vocal Monday closes out the weekend with Pensacola for Memorial H Sing the Blues,” Friday, talent, she works at the casino as a M Climax featuring DJ Dewight Barkley at Day Weekend. Johnny Chisholm and May 23 at 9pm in Harrah’s Theatre. table games dealer. Emerald City. For more information: Emerald City present their annual mega Sing your blues away with the Both of these talented and versatile MemorialWeekendPensacola.COM. circuit party weekend Thursday, May “Blues Queen of New Orleans” herself, ladies have earned the honorary title of 22 through Monday, May 26. Crabs and [continued on Main-8] Marva Wright and New Orleans’ Blues “Ambassador of Music for the City of

MAIN~6 of 52 • AmbushMag.COM • May 6-19, 2008 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • May 6-19, 2008 • AmbushMag.COM • MAIN~7 of 52 the "official" dish ...from Main-6 LadyFeast kicks off with Kristy Lee presenting Unleashed I at Crabs on the Beach Friday and Saturday. The event features Kristy Lee, Halcyon, Heather Combs, Lindsey Hinkle, Tasha Valen- tine and more. Unleashed II runs at Flounders on the Beach Friday, Satur- day and Sunday with New Orleans based Hip-Hop DJs The Get Down Project, Beverly Skillz and Tony Schratchere plus Spikey Dykey & The After Midnights, Teddy D, Ivy, and Vita DeVoid, along with Whip Cream Wres- tling every night. And on Sunday there's a free beer bust with the Kristy Lee band, as well. Visit myspace.com/ ladyfeast07 for more info.

Washington, DC to host Largest LGBT Aquatics Competition June 19-22 he District of Columbia Aquat- ics Club (DCAC) and the TWashington Wetskins Water Polo Team are extending an invitation to the LGBT community to support the up- coming 2008 International Gay and Les- bian Aquatics Championships (IGLA) by either competing in or attending the an- nual tournament. More than 1,200 athletes are expected to convene in Washington, DC during the fourday competition to be held June 19– 22. The IGLA Championships provide competition in the sports of swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronized swim- ming. Over the years, IGLA competitors have set dozens of and World Masters swimming records. Former Olympians Bruce Hayes, Bruce Pichler and Dan Veatch, as well as Jack Mackenroth of the hit Bravo television show Project Runway have all participated. “DCAC and the Wetskins are really excited to host IGLA. We’ve been working hard over the past year to ensure that the IGLA Championships in DC will be a world- class event,” said WonKee Moon, IGLA Director. “Additionally, I think that first-time visitors to DC, as well as those that have not visited the city in a few years will be pleasantly surprised by what DC has to For additional information and to reg- mers, DCAC ranks as one of the largest water polo with no specific political agenda, offer beyond the monuments. DC is truly ister, please visit: http:// USMS teams in the Potomac Valley re- other than tolerance and inclusion. The an international city with great restaurants, www.igla2008.org. The championships gion, is one of the largest 50 teams in the Wetskins have proudly represented the culture, and nightlife.” are also looking for corporate and indi- U.S., and is one of the largest (primarily, Washington metro area in numerous Competition will take place at the vidual sponsorship. Please visit the Web but not exclusively) gay and lesbian teams national and international competitions. world-renowned natatorium in the Eppley site to find out how you can help! in the world. DCAC’s membership in- The team’s journeys have included local Recreation Center on the campus of the The International Gay & Lesbian cludes first time swimmers, as well as competitions in the Washington area as University of Maryland, College Park, and Aquatics (IGLA) is the world’s foremost experienced competitive swimmers, in- well tournaments in Paris, Amsterdam at the Takoma Community Center’s state- international organization solely devoted cluding FINA Masters World Record hold- and Sydney. The Wetskins are members of-the-art, Olympic-size swimming pool in to developing and promoting swimming, ers, and individual & relay USMS Top Ten of USA Water Polo as well as IGLA. For Washington, DC. water polo, diving, and synchronized swim- and All-Americans swimmers. DCAC is a additional information, visit In addition to the competition, the ming among members and friends of the member of both United States Masters www.wetskins.org. IGLA Championships are also known for LGBT community. IGLA represents more Swimming (USMS) and the International their irreverent celebrations. Essential to than 10,000 athletes in 36 countries world- Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA). For Coming Out Group Meets every IGLA Championships are the clos- wide. For additional information, visit additional information, visit Mondays at the Center ing night awards banquet, social events, www.igla.org. www.swimdcac.org. and the famed “Pink Flamingo,” where The District of Columbia Aquatics Club ocal social worker Bill Austin teams perform skits involving dressing (DCAC) is an entirely volunteer-run swim Founded in 1985, the Washington conducts Coming Out Group up drag, choreographed dance moves team and 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mis- Wetskins Water Polo Team is the longest LTherapy every Monday, 7pm, and synchronized swimming. A panel of sion is to promote competitive and fitness continuously operating water polo team in at the Lesbian & Gay Community Cen- “celebrity” judges rates each team’s per- swimming for LGBT swimmers and their the U.S. to openly welcome individuals ter of New Orleans, 2114 Decatur Street. formance and the winner is awarded the friends in a team-oriented, professionally who identify as gay, straight or bisexual. The group therapy is set up for people Pink Flamingo Trophy at the end of the coached setting. DCAC, established in The team welcomes both men and having trouble with coming out or think- competition. This year’s theme is “In Hot 1988, is dedicated to promoting the sport women. The team’s common goal is learn- ing about coming out. Call the Center Water.” of swimming. With close to 150 swim- ing, improving and excelling in the sport of for further details at 504.945.1103.

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by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: [email protected]

Kindness of Friends and Randy Trahan. Even a friend from the uring my years of very active ice age, Ed Wilson, took time to call with a political activism, I met sev- friendly word as did Joe Ruffino. Deral older, professional lesbi- But of all the thoughtful gestures, Ray ans that spoke so ill of gay men that it Bates is the king of kindness, the king of seems odd to me that they could not kool. He is the kid sister that I never had – experience the great friendships I have until now. Ray showed up at church the found with men. I have never been able to morning before my surgery ready to move depend on these women for any type of out to Metairie for a week to take care of kindness. And as I write this sentence, Freddie. When I realized how difficult life Ray Bates has just brought me a hot cup would be alone after back surgery, I asked of delicious coffee to stimulate my creativ- him to stay an extra few days. He said, “Of ity. course, gurl, anything you need.” When I Yes, I am three days home from asked him to stay longer to assist my aunt Ochsner where two rods and several because I could not drive yet, he just smiled screws were placed in my back to correct and said, “Anything you need.” the Scoliosis that has developed in the Now I am trying to think of another last few years. Other than Julie Thompson crisis to keep him with me longer because a great friend whom I can always depend he has me totally spoiled and that is the on, there were no other women (lesbian or way only children like myself should be. straight) coming to my aid this time around. He cooks, cleans, drivers me to appoint- The joy comes from guys like Al ments, runs errands, listens to my woes, Hardouin who showed up to feed me applies medicine to my incisions and lunch because he figured out for himself keeps me laughing all day and evening. that I probably couldn’t sit up to eat. Of Yes, laughing and telling naughty stories course, I can always count on Fr. Michael is the order of the day even while we are (Michael Des Jardins) for hand holding, [continued on Main-12] prayer and a good joke to make me smile. He has never failed me in times of trouble. Advertise Today My stay would have been far worse without the daily phone calls from Stewart Butler 504.522.8049

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