Shoppers of celebration and local supporters cheered as Ambush Magazine revealed the winners of the 36th Gay Appreciation Awards at The Marigny Opera House, honouring community leaders, entertainers, and businesses that keep New Orleans’s LGBTQ+ scene vibrant and visible. Over 5,000 votes shaped the results, and the gala drew a capacity crowd of more than 200.

Essential Takeaways

  • Lifetime honour: Kenneth Mitchell received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising long-term community impact.
  • Top-voted categories: Over 5,000 votes decided winners across dozens of categories, from Artist of the Year to Transgender Person of the Year.
  • Standout winners: Debbie With A D earned multiple nods, including the Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award and Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year, noted for a lively stage presence.
  • Community and care: CrescentCare won LGBTQ Nonprofit of the Year, while Bourbon Pride was named LGBTQ Business of the Year, reflecting local organisations’ central roles.
  • Local flavour: The event leaned on neighbourhood staples , The Page supplied food, and Golden Lantern and The Allways Lounge & Cabaret were among the nightlife winners.

A gala with plenty of heart and a packed house

The Marigny Opera House was warm with applause and colour as hosts Jeffrey Palmquist and Felicia Phillipos guided the evening, while Felicia Phillips and Tiffany Alexander worked the red carpet. Ambush Magazine’s event felt both festive and familiar, a civic party as much as an awards night. Industry observers say these GAAs are less about trophies and more about community recognition.

Kenneth Mitchell’s Lifetime Achievement feels earned

Presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Kenneth Mitchell underscored a career of advocacy and visible leadership. Ambush Magazine highlighted his long service to the city’s queer scene, and reactions at the gala were emotional and celebratory. For readers, this is the kind of local leadership that signals continuity , someone who helped shape the scene people enjoy today.

Entertainers, DJs and emcees who keep the nights buzzing

Entertainer categories celebrated household names in New Orleans nightlife. Debbie With A D walked away with several awards, while Lana O’Day was named Artist of the Year and DJ Dolla Bill took DJ of the Year. Nicole DuBois earned Emcee–Host of the Year, showing how vital warm, witty hosts are to bringing audiences back. If you’re planning a night out, these winners are a solid shortlist for a lively show.

Organisations and grassroots groups that do the work

CrescentCare’s recognition as LGBTQ Nonprofit of the Year and Bourbon Pride’s nod as LGBTQ Business of the Year spotlight organisations doing day-to-day work for the community. The Gay Easter Parade took Event of the Year, and Crescent City Rougaroux won a sports-league spirit award, proving activism and celebration go hand in hand. For those wanting to volunteer or donate, winners like these are practical places to start.

Why these awards still matter , and how to use the list

The GAAs are a map to New Orleans’s queer culture: bars worth visiting, performers to follow, charities to support. With more than 5,000 votes cast, the results reflect real local affection. Use the winners’ list to plan nights out, book acts for private events, or find community partners. And if you’ve never voted before, the next round will likely feel even more meaningful , grassroots choice still shapes the scene.

It's a small, bright moment for a city that knows how to celebrate its people.

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