Southern Decadence Returns To New Orleans

[William769]

(New Orleans, Louisiana) A year after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans forcing the cancellation of the biggest gay party in the South, Southern Decadence is back and organizers say it is living proof the city is well on its way to recovery.

Hotels and guest houses are reporting near capacity bookings for the weeklong event that gets underway Friday and culminates with the traditional flamboyant parade.

For a city still coping with the aftermath of the worst storm to hit the country in modern history the millions of dollars spent by revelers over the week will be a major boon.

The French Quarter and Garden District, both known as mostly gay areas, escaped most of Katrina's wrath and few people will notice anything different but travel only a few blocks and it is a far different story. Go to the Ninth Ward and you will still see unfathomable devastation.

While much of the city's gay population is back, many have opted to stay in communities that gave them shelter in the aftermath of Katrina - like Baton Rouge and Houston. Organizers of Southern Decadence say that a lot of those people are coming back this weekend, if only for a visit.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/08/083106deca.htm

[aquart]

1. Well, God bless Southern Decadence.

To the continuance of treasured tradition.

[nealmhughes]

2. I think Kate Harris should lead the parade. She puts Hedda Lettuce and

Lady Bunny (who will be at the Bourbon Pub) to shame in camp.

[Rowdyboy]

3. We just got back a few hours ago! It was a blast....The parade was

flawless and I acidentally bumped into gay film director Chi Chi Larue at The Corner Pocket. What a blast!