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… The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do
They’re only saying I love you
— Louis Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World”
![NFL Campaign Initiatives - NOLA - Day 1](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C688 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C887 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C982 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/01/30119f06-ff1b-11ed-b68e-577211d836f0/6476460762ba8.image.jpg?resize=1765%2C1174 2008w)
Southern Decadence celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2022.
This Pride month, I’m reminded of the power of the rainbow flag. Twenty years ago, I stood on Bourbon Street as Grant Storms, the self-proclaimed “Christian Patriot,’’ and nearly 200 of his followers marched toward Southern Decadence revelers, carrying brooms and signs that read “Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve’’ and “Sodomy: It’s to Die For.’’
As I stood behind my camera lens, capturing the tense standoff, I couldn’t help but be struck by the hateful messages and clenched fists juxtaposed against the joyful revelers on the balconies above, draped in colorful rainbow flags. The symbolic potency of the contrast struck me with a force I still feel today.
Each color of the Pride flag has a specific meaning — red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit. Together, the colors represent the full spectrum of human experience and identity.
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Flexin’ during Pride 2022
For much of my career, I’ve aimed my lens toward gay Mardi Gras krewes, the Gay Easter Parade, Southern Decadence, and drag brunches throughout the city. New Orleanians have long taken pride in our thriving and diverse gay community. In the face of discrimination and hate, New Orleans stands tall as a city proudly waving the rainbow flag, reflecting its dedication to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Everywhere you look in the Quarter there are rainbows draped on buildings, on balconies, in the windows of businesses.
Peering through my camera lens, I have witnessed firsthand how the rainbow is a powerful symbol of unity and acceptance and I love capturing the many ways that people incorporate it into their own personal expressions. The popularity of the rainbow is not lost on New Orleans’ businesses, either. One example is Windsor Court’s annual LGBTea, a drag show tea hour, complete with rainbow cookies and cocktails.
![Brides_of_March_led_by_Blake_Robertson_2023.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=150%2C102 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=200%2C136 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=225%2C153 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=300%2C204 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=400%2C272 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=540%2C367 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=640%2C435 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=750%2C510 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=990%2C673 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C704 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C816 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C907 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1004 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/e4/ae464ebc-ff1b-11ed-80a3-7711145f5f06/647646db22d41.image.jpg?resize=1745%2C1187 2008w)
Blake Robertson leads the parade during Brides of March 2023.
I was recently hired to photograph the relatively new Brides of March, a charitable pub-crawl in which dozens of men, and some women, second line through the Quarter dressed in bridal gowns. The coveted lacy garter, embellished with a rainbow ribbon, is thrown from the balcony of the Good Friends Bar to the “brides” gathered on the street below, much to the delight of passersby, children included. It was not lost on me that these men could be arrested in nearby states.
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A big fan of Brides of March 2022
Two decades since the “Christian Patriot” and his band of bigots marched on Bourbon, I am stunned by how much of the progress made since has been eroded by a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws that threaten the significant freedoms gained.
Even the colorful flag that represents Pride is under attack: In April this year, a Covington resident paid $6,000 for a billboard to support librarians, who are also under attack these days. The ad read “Support Your Local Library,” set against a background of Pride’s rainbow flag, plus pink and light blue from the transgender flag and a black stripe to represent people of color. The message was swiftly taken down after the billboard’s owner received too many complaints.
Unfortunately, Louisiana is rushing headlong in the same direction that other Southern states like Florida, Tennessee and Texas have gone. Lawmakers here recently passed their version of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay’’ bill and are either in the process of passing or planning to pass more bills targeting the human rights of the LGBTQ community.
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The Mystic Krewe of PUEWC marched in Southern Decadence 2017.
While our state’s political class may be busy hurting the LGTBQ community, here in New Orleans, we don’t bow down, as the popular Black Masking Indian song goes. We have a long history of standing up to injustice and fighting for what’s right, from the Civil Rights movement to Katrina.
In fact in the days after the storm, some religious leaders argued the storm was God’s wrath for Southern Decadence, the largest gay event in the South, which had been scheduled for the following weekend. In true New Orleans style, several dozen scantily clad gay men found their way through the devastation to Bourbon Street and led a parade under their tattered rainbow flag. They brought with them a renewed sense of energy and passion for the city.
Meanwhile Storms, the so-called Christian Patriot, has taken a more ignoble path: He was arrested in 2011 on obscenity charges for masturbating in Lafreniere Park and is no longer a threat to the gay community.
![Pussyfooters_during_pride_2022.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C688 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C887 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C982 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b4/4b44b70e-ff1b-11ed-ab70-6b589ccc78dc/6476463509900.image.jpg?resize=1765%2C1174 2008w)
The Pussyfooters during the 2022 Pride Parade
Unfortunately, the movement he represented remains not only alive and well but growing. Which is why it is so important for all of us to more tightly embrace the meaning behind the Pride flag and redouble our efforts to defend the human rights and dignity of us all.
As a photographer who has witnessed the power and beauty of this community up close and firsthand, I am committed to using my photography to shine a light on the beauty of the LGBTQ community and on the injustices that they face.
The rainbow flag represents a beacon of hope and a call to action for all those who believe in equality and justice. I am proud to stand with them in this fight.
See more of Cheryl’s Pride photos below:
![SD_2016.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=225%2C337 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=300%2C449 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=400%2C599 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=540%2C809 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=640%2C959 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1124 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1483 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1551 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5c/35c15162-ff1b-11ed-986a-bbbd0c11d64a/64764610e6c61.image.jpg?resize=1176%2C1762 1200w)
A scene from Southern Decadence 2016
![Barkus_2016_021.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=150%2C186 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=200%2C248 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=225%2C279 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=300%2C372 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=400%2C496 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=540%2C669 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=640%2C793 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=750%2C930 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1227 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1283 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1488 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/c9/5c918816-ff1b-11ed-bf3b-17e41b517a67/647646520f771.image.jpg?resize=1293%2C1603 1333w)
Pups for equality!
![Kim_Welsh_Nancy_Ochsenschlager_at_SD_2022.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C688 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C887 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C982 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/76/d76e9286-ff1b-11ed-a437-0fbed5a78c07/647647202f415.image.jpg?resize=1765%2C1174 2008w)
Kim Welsh and Nancy Ochsenschlager at Southern Decadence 2022
The New Orleans Pride Parade is at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10.
![SD_2001.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=150%2C183 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=200%2C245 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=225%2C275 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=300%2C367 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=400%2C489 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=540%2C660 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=640%2C783 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=750%2C917 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1211 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1266 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1467 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/02/602a1b96-ff1b-11ed-996f-d35baf2771d4/6476465817219.image.jpg?resize=1302%2C1592 1333w)
A scene from the 2001 Southern Decadence parade
![Pride_commericalization_2022.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C688 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C887 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C982 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3b/63b20fd0-ff1b-11ed-a2ad-8b8cc7dcec98/6476465e04be0.image.jpg?resize=1765%2C1174 2008w)
The popularity of Pride events aren’t lost on brands, like Smirnoff.
![DSC_8539.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=225%2C161 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=300%2C215 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=400%2C286 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=540%2C387 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=640%2C458 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=750%2C537 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=990%2C709 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C741 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C859 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C954 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1057 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/3d/93deeae8-ff1b-11ed-9aaf-5773e2bd90e0/647646aece900.image.jpg?resize=1701%2C1218 2008w)
Play party organizers Undercurrent during Southern Decadence
![Kookie_Baker_LGBTea_2017.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=750%2C501 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=990%2C661 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C691 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C801 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C890 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/c1/7c1b0c48-ff1b-11ed-abac-abf3b834e2da/64764686ed9d9.image.jpg?resize=1762%2C1176 2008w)
Drag performer Kookie Baker during the Windsor Court’s 2017 LGBTea show
![Merry_Antoinettes_SD_2023.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=750%2C501 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=990%2C661 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C691 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C801 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C890 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/44/744b4a0a-ff1b-11ed-be73-b77f61f8490a/64764679d4068.image.jpg?resize=1762%2C1176 2008w)
The Merry Antoinettes
Ignoring the past holds back the present. Silence is no cure for what ails a participatory nation.
![Big_Freedia_poses_with_Homeowner_Sarena_Teng_at_her_Big_Freedia_House_FLoat_2021.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=750%2C501 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=990%2C661 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C691 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C801 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C890 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/1b/a1b41b84-ff1b-11ed-a84b-87919278a4c0/647646c60cffc.image.jpg?resize=1762%2C1176 2008w)
Big Freedia poses with homeowner Sarena Teng in front of the Queen of Bounce House Float during Carnival 2021.
![Gay_Easter_at_Golden_Lantern_with_girl_2016.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=225%2C337 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=300%2C449 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=400%2C599 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=540%2C809 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=640%2C959 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1124 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1483 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1551 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3a/c3a336a8-ff1b-11ed-ac4b-97c285634ede/647646fef0866.image.jpg?resize=1176%2C1762 1200w)
A girl dances outside of the Golden Lantern during Gay Easter
![Eloise_Lewis_shows_her pride_2023.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C426 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C659 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C688 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C887 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C982 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/c9/cc90e40e-ff1b-11ed-bdf6-93665eb9a4d9/6476470deb68a.image.jpg?resize=1765%2C1174 2008w)
Eloise Lewis shows her pride
![Southern_Decadence_2007.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C134 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C151 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C201 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C268 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C362 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C429 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C502 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C663 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C693 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C804 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C893 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C988 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/b2/3b2ea0dc-ff1b-11ed-b6cf-e30e4d1f99f8/6476461a0c48f.image.jpg?resize=1759%2C1178 2008w)
A scene from Southern Decadence 2007
![Drag_Brunch_Fillmore_Lexis_Redd_D'Ville_.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C501 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C661 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C691 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C801 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C890 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/nola.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/76/87684cb4-ff1b-11ed-925e-5fb9352f843c/64764699e466e.image.jpg?resize=1762%2C1176 2008w)
Drag performer Lexis Redd D’Ville at a drag brunch hosted by The Fillmore
The Ocean has a lot to say.
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