Frank Perez, executive director of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and editor of Ambush magazine, along with French Quarter resident and former Lafitte in Exile bartender Jeffrey Palmquist, recount the story and ongoing legacy of one of New Orleans’ most well-known and influential gay bars in the city. In “Café Lafitte in Exile: Queer New Orleans and the Story of America’s Oldest Gay Bar” readers will learn about the long history of the bar along with gay residents, writers, artists, musicians and activists that have made New Orleans their home. Historic documents and personal accounts paint a picture of resilience in what Daniel Hammer, president and CEO of the Historic New Orleans Collection, calls “indispensable for anyone who wants to understand New Orleans in its full complexity.”
An Epic Romance
“Eugène and Eulalie” by author Melissa Daggett follows the epic love story of Eulalie Mandeville, a free woman of color, and Eugène Macarty, two colonial elites that met and married despite society norms of race and relationships in the late 1790s. The couple would be together for more than 50 years and have five children, while together. Daggett examines the culture of interracial relationships in 19th century southern Louisiana, the influence of Spanish law, the struggles of free people of color and antebellum culture in New Orleans, and the enduring power of love and family.
Behind the Baroness
Businesswoman, mother, family abuse survivor and cultural icon, the Baroness of Pontalba may have been the original inspiration for the term “girl boss.” Authors Rory O’Neill Schmitt, PhD and Rosary O’Neill, PhD transport readers to 19th century New Orleans, and detail the fascinating life of the baroness from her childhood in France to her arrival in and influence across the city, and the series of events that would lead to an attempt on her life, her survival and her enduring legacy. If you’ve ever wondered about the iconic Pontalba that flanks what is now Jackson Square in the French Quarter, “The Blood of the Baroness” brings the true-life story into full color.
Events
June 4
Writer Olivia Worley launches her latest book “Man of My Dreams,” 6 p.m. at The Garden District Book Shop, along with an author Q&A. gardendistrictbookshop.com
June 11
Join New York Times best-selling author Matt Dinniman, 6 p.m., for a Virtual Author Talk to discuss his latest “A Parade of Horribles,” hosted by the New Orleans Public Library. Register in advance to submit questions and to receive the virtual link. nolalibrary.org
June 16
The New Orleans Public Library Hubbell branch hosts Author Night featuring local writer and LGBTQ activist Frank Perez, 6:30 p.m., to discuss his book “Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History.” nolalibrary.org
June 17
The Book Easy book club meets over dinner and drinks to discuss “The Safekeep” by Yael van der Wouden, 6:30 p.m. at Blue Cypress Books. Eat, drink and enjoy fellow reading community. Tickets are required in advance and space is limited. bluecypressbooks.com
June 23
Diaspora Spice Co. CEO Sana Javeri Kadri and food writer Asha Loupy discuss “The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook,” seasonal cooking and traditional Indian and Sri Lankan family recipes, 1 p.m., in a Virtual Author Talk hosted by the New Orleans Public Library. Register in advance to submit questions and to receive the virtual link. nolalibrary.org
June 23
Journalist, TV host and podcaster Tiffany Cross discusses her new book “Love, Me,” 6 p.m. at Baldwin & Co. Tickets and reservations are required. baldwin&cobooks.com
