EYECON: Reflections of ‘Iconic’ Moments of Louisiana’s Queer Cultural History

For the past decade, I have had the privilege of photographing some of Louisiana’s queer cultural phenomena. What started as a fun hobby quickly turned into something more meaningful.

As I continued to immerse myself in different facets of Louisiana’s queer communities, I began to experience a catharsis I never knew I needed.

Baton Rouge, La. (2019) — Gia Giovanni, The Mystic Krewe of Apollo’s 39th Annual Masquerade Ball.

Baton Rouge, La. (2019) — Eric Brandon Collier, The Mystic Krewe of Apollo’s 39th Annual Masquerade Ball.

New Orleans, La. (2018) — performs during Thrills & Wonders held during CAKE, A Southern Decadence Party at Ace Hotel.

New Orleans, La. (2019) — Charlene performs during TRAX ONLY, at CAKE, A Southern Decadence Celebration held in the Three Keys Lounge at the Ace Hotel.

Shreveport, La. (2019) — Drag King Jax Hannigan performs during Shreveport’s first pride festival, Queerport.

Baton Rouge, La. (2017) — Justin Greene (Editor-in-Chief) performs during The New Delta Review’s Drag Ball Apocalypse fundraiser held at Spanish Moon.

Baton Rouge, La. (2017) — Drag Queen, Millie Meringe performs during The New Delta Review’s King & Queen of Hearts Drag Ball fundraiser held at Spanish Moon.

Baton Rouge, La. (2017) — Drag Queen Extraordinaire, Laveau Contraire performs during The New Delta Review’s Drag Ball Apocalypse fundraiser held at Spanish Moon.

New Orleans, La. (2019) — Franky Canga hosts Suns Out Buns Out, during CAKE, A Southern Decadence Celebration at the Ace Hotel.

New Orleans, La. (2018) — CAKE, A Southern Decadence Celebration at the Ace Hotel.

Witnessing these incredible moments and encapsulating such a spiritual practice of self-expression became monumental for not only my art practice but also for how I fed my own soul & spirit.

Now, years later – and years older, I see the critical role these images play in documenting Louisiana’s Queer history. That despite the state & nation’s anti-trans & anti-gay legislation, we continue to show up for ourselves and our community by continuing to create our own space for connection, community, & self-expression.

Baton Rouge, La. (2019) — Michael J. Morris performs Elemental Rites at the End of the World in the Firehouse Gallery during Southern Queer Magic, the 3rd annual pride month exhibition held at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge, La. (2025) — Red Stick Roller Derby hosts Queer Wrestling Night fundraiser at Wonderground.

Lafayette, La. (2024) — (left-to-right) Rosemary Benoit, Gina Forsyth, and Jan Boney perform in Gais Do Do during the Queer Zydeco Night fundraiser hosted by the Acadiana Queer Collective.

Let these captured moments bear witness to the fact that Louisiana is rich in its queer history, and may they fill your soul and spirit just as they did and still do mine.

Lafayette, La. (2024) — Meagan Benoit performs in Gais Do Do during the Queer Zydeco Night fundraiser hosted by the Acadiana Queer Collective.