Big Easy style

[PHOTOS] Southern Decadence celebrated the end of summer with lots of skin, sun, and sexy outfits

New Orleans’ five-day Southern Decadence blow-out celebration in the city’s historic French Quarter attracted LGBTQ+ from around the world, their supporters, friends, family, neighbors, and locals. 

As always, the revelry peaked at the gay epicenter of LGBTQ+ New Orleans: the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann. The corner is the location of the Bourbon Pub and Parade (celebrating 50 years as NOLA gay ground zero), the famed Oz New Orleans dance club, and the more laid-back Good Friends Bar down the block on Dauphine. All three locations were packed over the Labor Day festival weekend.

The year’s theme was “Birds of a Feather Flock Together,” represented in numerous plumage-adorned, yet barely-there costumes. The 2024 Grand Marshals were Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Paribe Meyer, and Jeffrey Mayeux. Tony Award-winning actor and singer Billy Porter performed at select clubs and starred in the Sunday afternoon parade.

2024 Southern Decadence Parade Day photo gallery:

Take to the street!

Four friends smile while holding a rainbow unbrella. They are all having fun. One has a glittery blue beard and blue harness on
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Two shirtless men, share an adorable kiss. One is wearing a pink harness, while the other one has a blue harness and sparkly blue beard
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A cutie with curly hair and sunglasses poses and smiles at the camera while wearing a Victorian print mesh shirt
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Four men smile at the camera. One holds a big fan that has the word "daddy's" printed on it
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Two friends pose fashionably and with silly smiles on their faces
Two short-haired women take a break sitting on the curb of the street. They are smiling broadly and drinking water
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba

Leather lovin’ queens

A group of men in feathered harnesses all wear gold crowns and smile for the camera
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Two lovers of puppy play wear the signature masks and pose underneath the sign for The Bourbon Pub.
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Four scantily clad men, all sporting harnesses stand in the busy street
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Three friends smile and stick their tongues out playfully at the camera.
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba

Party on the parade route

A woman sits daintily on the lap of a man in a wheel chair. They are both wearing colorful wigs and bright clothing, smiling at the camera.
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A gorgeous queen struts confidentially while wearing rainbow colored dragonfly wings
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Some stylish queens in Vegas showgirl outfits fabulously walk down the parade route
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba | Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Two femme presenting people with rainbow heart stickers on their chests smile at the camera while standing on the street
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A parade participant waves to the crowd
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A group of friends all smile broadly for the camera in the middle of the packed street
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A packed street with rainbow flags and a New Orleans style building with an equally packed balcony
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
A group of parade walkers all wear bright and funky costumes while holding a banner that reads "Pussyfooters"
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba
Bourbon Street is filled with people and confetti
Photo Credit: Kristine Froeba

Related Articles:

9 decadent ways to experience queer New Orleans
The Country Club: A New Orleans experience like no other

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