Gay & Lesbian Travel in New Orleans

New Orleans has a large gay and lesbian population spread throughout the metropolitan area. The most gay-friendly neighborhood is the French Quarter, followed by the Faubourg Marigny, just outside the Quarter. Most bars for gay men are within these neighborhoods; lesbians may have to venture farther. Robert Spatzen leads a 2½-hour Gay Heritage Tour through the French Quarter and environs on Wednesday at 4 PM and Saturday at 1 PM. Call ahead for a reservation; he needs at least four people signed up an hour before starting time to guarantee a tour. Throughout the year a number of festivals celebrate gay culture. The city also has gay-friendly guesthouses and B&Bs, particularly along Esplanade Avenue. The Whiz and Ambush, local biweekly newspapers, provide lists of current events in addition to news and reviews. Southern Voice also publishes a newspaper with nightlife coverage of New Orleans, Atlanta, and the Gulf South. These publications are found in many gay bars and in the Faubourg Marigny Bookstore.

Local Sources

Faubourg Marigny Art and Books (600 Frenchmen St. 504/947-3700). Robert Spatzen (909 Bourbon St. 504/945-6789).