XLGBTQ - LGBTQ+ History of New Orleans

Course Description

This course explores New Orleans' rich LGBTQ+ history. Topics include: pre-colonial and colonial references, French Quarter Preservation efforts, Arts and Letters, Gay Carnival, Southern Decadence, the UpStairs Lounge fire, bar history, activists and activism, HIV / AIDS, organizational history, queer publications and journalism, trans activism, drag culture, notable characters, and more. The course will contextualize local queer history within a national context and highlights New Orleans' contributions to national LGBTQ+ historical narratives. The last class period is the instructor's signature Rainbow Fleur de Lis Walking tour, which is a leisurely sashay through the French Quarter.

This course is great for aspiring tour guides, established tour guides wanting to expand their knowledge, the service and hospitality industries, as well as anyone interested in the LGBTQ+ history of New Orleans!

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 

Instructor: Frank Perez, B.S., M.A.

Course Outline

See Sample Syllabus

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of New Orleans’ LGBTQ+ history by exploring its evolution from pre-colonial times to the present while contextualizing local narratives within broader historical frameworks.
• Analyze the development of early queer space by investigating the emergence of early bars, the climate of hostility, and pivotal events such as the murder of Fernando Rios, highlighting their significance in the city’s queer history.
• Evaluate preservation efforts in LGBTQ+ history by examining the role of archival work, cultural preservation, and the French Quarter’s historical significance in safeguarding queer narratives.
• Explore the cultural and social impact of key celebrations by analyzing the origins and evolution of Gay Carnival and Southern Decadence, assessing their contributions to the queer community and broader cultural identity.
• Reflect on activism and political organizing by studying the milestones of New Orleans' LGBTQ+ activism, including second-wave feminism, trans rights advocacy, and the community’s responses to the AIDS crisis.
• Examine the legacy of the UpStairs Lounge fire by understanding the historical context, societal reactions, and lasting impact of the tragedy on queer activism and visibility.
• Analyze the contributions of queer arts and letters by exploring the work of notable writers, entertainers, and artists who shaped New Orleans' cultural and literary heritage.
• Engage with queer historical archiving and research by utilizing resources such as the LGBTQ+ Archives Project of Louisiana, archival documents, and oral histories to conduct research and preserve local queer history.
• Connect local queer history to national narratives by situating New Orleans' LGBTQ+ history within the broader context of U.S. queer history and contemporary social justice movements, emphasizing the city’s unique contributions.
• Synthesize course content through experiential learning by participating in the Rainbow Fleur de Lis Walking Tour and collaborate with local LGBTQ+ activists, historians, and community leaders to explore landmarks, stories, and the ethical responsibilities of representing queer histories.

Notes

This course is great for the following:

• Aspiring tour guides
• Seasoned tour guides
• Hospitality industry
• Those who just enjoy learning about the city of New Orleans
• Those who enjoy learning about LGBTQ+ history

Testimonials

Recommendations

Related/Similar Courses:

Professional Tour Guiding 1: History of New Orleans

Professional Tour Guiding 2: Specialty Tours, Research, and Storytelling

French Quarter History

New Orleans African History & Culture

History of New Orleans Voodoo

Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism Certificate

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism : Elective Courses