New Orleans stands out among other American cities, and this weekend’s Endless Gaycation ushers in dozens of new opportunities for residents to enjoy just how queer we really are in the Big Easy. 

All along St. Claude and throughout downtown, the Inaugural Endless Gaycation will host parties, balls, beauty shop pop ups, picnics, educational activities, queer punk shows, and more to celebrate New Orleans’ queer and trans communities.  

“It’s all inclusive,” organizer Kiernan Dunn explained. “It’s about making our community stronger through connecting people who are open.”

The gaycation is taking place all over the city, with fun events like tonight’s dance party at Michael’s on the Park (834 N. Rampart) and Saturday’s “Heel Yourself,” a workshop with Miss Ross on the art of strutting effortlessly in challenging kicks (Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields). In addition to all the lighthearted celebrations of queer life in New Orleans, the weekend has a lot of educational events in store.

"I guess the main focus is just gathering people, getting people together just to do new and awesome things,” explained Dunn.

Tomorrow at Kajun’s Pub (2652 St. Claude) at 1pm, organizers are putting safety first with a workshop on safe sex within queer relationships. “The Dirty, Sexy, and Safer,” will include a discussion of everything from dental dams, to toy talk, to lube allergies. All are welcome, whether you come with a list of questions or just an open mind.

“Chez Gay,” the city’s pop up queer beauty salon, will be posted up in Kajun’s on Saturday at 3pm giving haircuts, hairdos facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. According to the event’s facebook page, pricing for “Chez Gay” services is very affordable and runs on a sliding scale.

There is also a workshop called “Get Your Dude On,” that explores the art of masculine performance. Whether you’re on the drag king circuit, getting into gender bending, or just looking to add a little machismo to your life, the workshop promises to be educational and fun.

At 5pm on Friday in Washington Park, organizers of Endless Gaycation are hosting a “Potluck Picnic on Polyamory,” for anyone interested in learning more about lifestyle as well as the poly community in New Orleans. “It will be an informal discussion,” explained Dunn. “Not only about polyamory but about how it relates to the queer community and also feminism.”

Various events throughout the weekend will support local nonprofits such as BreakOUT as well as the LGBT Center. BreakOUT exists as a resource for LGBTQ youth in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system.

“The LGBT Center got some damage during the storm, we would have a lot of events there if it weren’t for Isaac,” said Dunn.

Those planning on attending the evening’s Queen's Milliner's Ball should take advantage of the cheap cuts and styling before they make their grand entrances into the Allways Lounge (2240 St. Claude) for the extravagant affair. There will be a Deep Fried Photo booth set up for everyone to immortalize their fierce looks.   

“The organizers are so diverse and have such different ideas and passions, the kind of events that are happening are all completely different,” said Dunn. The local artist and organizer is especially excited about all the happenings planned at Diety Arts (830 N. Rampart) including her own project “Love Quest.”

Dunn created a completely free, completely offline dating service, operated through phone consultations. Anyone looking for love this weekend can call 504-233-XOXO to talk to Dunn about his, her, or zir ideal mate. For a complete schedule of events, times, and locations, see the event's facebook page.