6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 17-30, 2010 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM Gay EasterParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • August 17-30, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7 8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 17-30, 2010 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM the "official" dish ...from 4 walk away with the $100 Grand Prize. A $10 donation is requested and more infor- Juan LaFonta “It cannot be stressed enough how mation can be found at lordsofleather.com. important it is to have a diverse crowd. This is our community and anybody is wel- come. It can be a chance to connect with Bourbon Pub & Parade by Tony Leggio old friends, meet new ones and show Readies for Southern E-mail: [email protected] support for your LGBT friends and family,” Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM said Martin Strickland, Coordinator of the Decadence under New re:Vision Project. Sandy Sachs Ownership Interview, Endorsement More information on the New Orleans andy Sachs first stepped in- or all those in the gay commu- Gay Prom can be found by calling side Bourbon Pub back in nity, there is an election coming 504.945.4000 or at noaidstaskforce.org. S1980. She was nineteen years Fup on Saturday, August 28 that re:Vision is a CDC funded old at the time, attending Tulane University is very crucial. There will be a Democratic MPowerment project of NO/AIDS Task on a tennis scholarship, and it would be primary to find an opponent to face Repub- Force that aims to build a healthy social her first visit to a gay nightclub and her first lican Anh “Joseph” Cao in the 2nd District setting for gay and bisexual men ages 18- step in coming out openly as a lesbian. Congressional Race in November. In 35. The project promotes safer sexual Now, thirty years later, Sachs walks choosing a candidate, it is important to be behavioral practices while encouraging through Bourbon Pub’s French Quarter informed on where he stands on issues members to create an environment that is purple front double doors as if she owns that effect you and your community. Both safe, secure and free from judgment. New the place. That’s because she does. In Ambush Magazine and Forum For Equal- members are welcome and new activity time for Labor Day Weekend’s Southern ity have endorsed Juan LaFonta in the ideas are always encouraged. You can Decadence, Sachs takes sole ownership Democratic primary. find out more by logging onto of the nation’s oldest continuously operat- I recently got the opportunity to inter- facebook.com/revisionnola or sending an ing gay nightclub from retiring owner Bobby view LaFonta for Ambush. Before we get email to Martin Strickland at Revere, who is passing the torch to her. into the interview, I thought you might be [email protected]. Revere became the bar/nightclub’s sec- interested in learning more about this can- For over 26 years, NO/AIDS Task ond owner in 1986, while the late Jerry didate. Force has been providing hope, care and Menefee opened the club originally in 1974. Juan LaFonta has a catch phrase that compassion to thousands of men, women he usually says all the time - “Juan LaFonta and families affected by HIV & AIDS. The is working.” That seems to be very preva- Task Force acknowledges that the compli- lent in his entire political career. The son cations of HIV-disease are not just physi- of a bricklayer and a public school teacher, cal, but mental, emotional and social as ber of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and was Juan LaFonta is no stranger to hard work. well. That is why the agency offers a full an adjunct professor at Dillard University Since he was elected to the Louisiana spectrum of care at low to no cost, includ- for 5 years and serves as a mentor to many House of Representatives in 2005, LaFonta ing services such as: an HIV medical clinic, in youth in the city of New Orleans. has been an effective and dedicated rep- food pantry, home delivered meals, hous- As a Member of Congress, Juan resentative for the people of New Orleans, ing, mental health, peer support and many LaFonta will continue his work for his be- not to mention a lifelong resident of others. NO/AIDS also remains committed loved New Orleans by focusing on eco- Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District. to the health of the entire community and nomic development, job creation and hur- Juan is committed to economic devel- reaches over 20,000 each year through ricane recovery and protection. LaFonta opment in his community, working to ease HIV prevention education efforts. will also be a strong advocate for universal the tax burden on local businesses to help health care and a stalwart protector of create jobs. He is a believer in accessible Social Security and Medicare. In Con- Decadent Church healthcare, championing the effort to re- gress, as always, Juan LaFonta will be build Charity Hospital and pushing legisla- Bazaar August 28 working. tion to expand healthcare coverage and t’s a night of wicked games, fun, TL: Please tell our readers your affili- requirements on insurance companies. He prizes, and surprises as the Lords ation with the gay community in New Or- serves on the House Commerce, Insur- of Leather host the Decadent leans? I ance and Retirement Committees, and on Church Bazaar at JohnPaul’s on Saturday, JL: In case anyone does not know, I Bobby Revere & New Bourbon the House Special Committee on Disaster August 28 at 8pm. was introduced to politics at a very young Pub & Parade Owner Sandy Sachs Planning, Crisis Management, Recovery Come and play such exotic games as age. Larry Bagneris is my uncle and he and Long-Term Revitalization, formed af- “Chicken in a Bucket,” “Ring the Phallus,” “I really feel like I’ve come full circle,” was the first openly gay man to run for city ter Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. and “Marital Aid Bowling.” Sachs explains. “The Bourbon Pub & Pa- council. I was exposed to the gay commu- In 2005, Juan was elected to repre- For the shy, Bingo, Plinko, and other rade has played such an important role in nity since I was a child, so I believe I have sent the people of House District 96, which carnival games can be played. High scores both my career and my life.” an understanding of the issues important includes Bywater, Treme, Gentilly, the will win prizes and one lucky player will After graduating from Tulane, Sachs to them. Some of my fondest memories French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny, in went to work for Jerry Menefee at Menefee’s include the New Orleans gay community. a special election. He was reelected in which was the sister bar of the Bourbon They have showed me different cultures funding to make the Monorail system be- 2007 without opposition, and was the first Pub. She was the first female employee, that have proved valuable in my life. I like tween Baton Rouge and New Orleans an freshman legislator ever elected to a chair- working in various positions from bartender, to think that I am picking up where my actuality. And speaking of transportation, I manship in the Louisiana State Legisla- to manager, even a DJ. Uncle Larry left off. want to make the streetcars on all the ture when he became Chairman of the In 1986 Sachs moved back home to TL: How do you stand on some of the streets of New Orleans a reality. This Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, a New York City, where she worked in the gay issues concerning our community? creates more commerce for areas and position he held until July 2008. city’s first video bar, Private Eyes, for three JL: I am a full advocate of second helps with getting people transportation to In the legislature, LaFonta has been years. She migrated west to Los Angeles parent adoptions and civil unions. I have jobs around the city. steadfast in his work on hurricane protec- in 1989 and went on to become owner of worked hard on the Anti Bully and Anti And finally, with all the new develop- tion and recovery. After assisting in the West Hollywood’s largest nightclub and Discrimination Laws. My door has always ments with the Panama Canal, I would like evacuation, working with US Special Forces event space, The Factory, as well as launch- been open to the issues facing the gay to see more international trade with the city to get telecommunications up, locate land- ing Girl Bar, the country’s largest dance community. In fact, when I did an interview and open up more business opportunities ing pads, and tend to the needs of the and entertainment group for lesbians and with HRC DC, they said that I was the first with Central and South America. community dispersed, he hit the ground its signature annual Palm Springs event, candidate that was well versed on all the TL: If you wanted the voters to know running participating in the necessary ac- Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week. topics effecting the gay community. one thing about you, what would that be? tion of bringing awareness to the gravity of “I’m very excited to be a part of the re- TL: How would you generate more JL: I want the voters to know I am a the storm. He testified before the Con- birth of the city that means so much to me,” jobs for this district? real person, not some made up politician. gressional Black Caucus, and focused on explains Sachs, who will be traveling back JL: That is the major base of my I grew up in this community, and especially securing the funds needed to rebuild the and forth from Los Angeles to The Big platform to create more jobs for this dis- around the gay community, my entire life. I city. Easy. trict. I am looking into joining all the ports love this city and want to let people know Juan LaFonta earned a Bachelor’s Southern Decadence, September 1 – in this area together to create one Mega that I want to make it a better place to make Degree from the University of New Or- 6, is the city’s biggest gay event and the Port. If we do this, we would become the a living and have a future. leans before acquiring his Law Degree Pub joins the center of the action. To pur- second largest port in the world. For more information on Juan LaFonta from Southern University. Juan is a mem- I am also researching finding residual and his platform, go to VoteLaFonta.COM. [continued on 10]

Gay EasterParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • August 17-30, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9 the "official" dish ...from 9 chase weekend passes online, visit: www.bourbonpub.com Sachs adds, “New Orleans has endured a lot, but I see this as an opportunity to give back to the place that gave me my start and hopefully make it even greater than before.” Ain't Dat Super! A Black and Gold Comedy Labor Day Weekend at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre irector Perry Martin is working on creating the epic celebration of New Orleans Favorite Team Dand its notorious fans in the hilarious comedic play Ain’t Dat Super!. The play which is centered on the Saints championship is a journey through history and lore all played out in a favorite and familiar New Orleans setting; The Mid-City Bar Room. The play will be at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on Labor Day weekend and is being billed as A Black and Gold Comedy and “the Ultimate Theatrical and Tailgating Experience.” Martin has directed over 80 theatrical produc- tions in addition to Ain’t Dat Super! not to mention his notable credits in television, film and local work at the Bayou Play- house in Lockport. Martin, however, in an ironic twist of fate wasn’t very interested when he first heard of the event from writer Steven Scaffidi. Perry says, “Originally the Saints concept didn’t do a whole lot for me, but as Steve started talking about the tailgating party and everything else, the history, the humor and the story, the creative opportunities became boundless.” Perry was called in after Steven had written the screenplay for film. From there, Steve, along with co-writer Nick Gambino wrote a book of the same name, which you can now find in FNBMG thanks its generous supporters who have made these official capacities. many local bookstores. It was Scaffidi’s wife who suggested annual donations possible. FNBMG especially appreciates the The lawsuit sought to require the he work work with Perry, someone who has more theatrical unprecedented support and advertising HALLOWEENS NEW OR- prompt transfer of mentally ill pretrial de- (over film) experience. The two’s relationship has been LEANS provided this year. tainees to the Feliciana Forensic Facility, golden ever since. Scaffidi is glad he took the advice, “When Following the Cirque du Sogay Extravaganza this year, the in compliance with existing court orders we first got into this, I was a little apprehensive. I work on film FNBMG Board of Directors chose seven local charities to receive and with Louisiana law. and it’s a very different medium. But all I can say is this, and cash awards. FNBMG has now awarded $6,800 to the NO/AIDS Task I’m very serious, everyday the creative process just gets Force Food for Friends Program, $2,800 to Belle Reve New Orleans, [continued on 18] better and I have to tell you that this guy (Perry) is a great $2,000 to Project Lazarus and $1,200 to the Forum for Equality storyteller. He gives all that he’s got… I think he gets me and Foundation. I get him. That’s beautiful.” Now Martin and Scaffidi have truly During coming weeks, FNBMG will announce additional dona- transformed Ain’t Dat Super, into the ultimate theatrical and tions to AIDSLaw of Louisiana, the William J. Fanning Foundation tailgating experience with the addition of actors John “Spud” (Buzzy’s Boys and Girls), and the New Orleans Gay and Lesbian McConnell, Randy Cheramie, Becky Allen, and Dane Rhodes Community Center. to the all-star cast. FNBMG extravaganzas are fabulous parties held annually on The match made in heaven between Perry Martin, direc- the Friday night just before Mardi Gras day and are open to the public. tor, and Steven Scaffidi, writer, was meant to be. A firm Each extravaganza features an open bar, buffet, free professional believer in the “things happen for a reason” mantra, Steven photographs, costume prizes, entertainment, and dancing. Several agrees this is what the Saints winning the championship is all luxury round-trip transportation options from metro-area locations to about: “The right place and the right time and bang! Magic whisk you to and from the Audubon Tea Room for the event are happens!” This happens to be what the play is about, too. organized as well. Ain’t Dat Super was born four months before the champion- Aptly described as “The Mardi Gras Ball Where Everyone Is The ship was won by New Orleans. Was it coincidence or divine Tableaux” is no exaggeration. Participants arrive to party the night intervention? We’re not sure but we do know this… This away in costumes described as running the spectrum from spectacu- weekend event is not to be missed! lar to outlandish. Join us for the final result of this amazing partnership on Information, including mailing list sign-up is available at: Labor Day weekend at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. The fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. Anyone interested in contacting play starts at 8pm on Friday and Saturday and at 2pm on FNBMG for organizational information or to participate in planning Sunday. Tailgating begins two hours prior to each show. the next Extravaganza and other FNBMG events should contact For more information about Ain’t Dat Superplease visit FNBMG at: [email protected] or call 504.733.3311. aintdatsuper.com. For more information about the tailgating FNBMG will return to the Audubon Tea Room for Extravaganza event and play contact Karissa Kary at XII on March 4, 2011. Mark your calendars now. It’s never too early [email protected] or call 1.888.946.4839 . to start preparing the costume that will knock everyone’s eyes out that Labor Day Weekend - 3 Days Only! September 3, 4 and will make you the Belle or the Butch of the Ball! 5 - Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tailgating starts 2 hours prior to showtime. Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts Tickets $35 - $70, 1.888.946.4839, Federal Court Orders Louisiana to aintdatsuper.com. Provide Mental Health Care for Pretrial Detainees Friday Night Before Mardi Gras n a victory for those unable to stand trial due to mental illness, Awards Funds to Project Lazarus a federal court ruled yesterday that all detainees who have riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG), a New Ibeen deemed incompetent to stand trial by Louisiana courts Orleans based 501(c)(3) fundraising charity is and ordered to receive restorative treatment must be transferred to Fdedicated to raising funds for local HIV/AIDS the Feliciana Forensic Facility within 21 days. The court also ordered charities and organizations. Since the year 2000, FNBMG that a status report on the transfer of the detainees be submitted has donated more than $130,000 to local HIV/AIDS agen- within 30 days updating the court on the implementation of its order. cies. All donations FNBMG raises are derived from FNBMG’s The Advocacy Center and an individual plaintiff, represented on annual extravaganzas. a pro bono basis by law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the ACLU of FNBMG is pleased to announce that on August 3, 2010 Louisiana, filed the lawsuit on April 12, 2010, in the U.S. District Court a $2,000 check was presented to Project Lazarus. for the Eastern District of Louisiana against three state officials in their

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • August 17-30, 2010 • Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM