This month, we celebrate Pride – a month dedicated to remembering the work and sacrifices made by extraordinary individuals to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people. In this issue, we highlight the work of several local heroes and allies who continue to lay the groundwork for equality and recognition. We’re not completely there yet, but these leaders continue to work hard with style, grace and bravery. New Orleans wouldn’t be the beautiful, colorful patchwork of personalities, creativity, and innovation without their continued contributions.
Since it’s June, columnist Chris Rose also takes a look at Father’s Day. What does it mean to be a (New Orleans) dad (hello Port-a-Lets, pirates and po-boys) in a world where words like “man cave” and “dad bod” have become the (unsophisticated) norm? Chris digs in to try and find out what’s behind the grilling apron, and more.
Finally, we fill out this jam-packed issue with a look at the 2021 Ella Brennan Award winners – an annual tribute to a person or persons that have made a substantial contribution to hospitality in New Orleans. This year, the awards, like all of us, have changed with the COVID-19 times, and have highlighted several people and organizations that have worked to lead us through the darkest pandemic days.
There are so many people across New Orleans that deserve celebration…and around here we relish any opportunity for a celebration. We lift our glasses and go cups, cue up the jazziest of melodies, put on our dancing shoes and flip-flops, and we honor our neighbors for keeping New Orleans the place that we call home.
Happy reading and keep on dancing!