WATCH: A behind-the-scenes look at Southern Decadence, the best and queerest party in New Orleans
As anyone who’s spent time living in New Orleans can tell you, Mardi Gras is far from the only party in town.In fact, if you’re looking for something much more queer and colorful (and fun), you simply can’t miss the legendary Southern Decadence, a six-day celebration of identity and “gender f*ckery” that showcases the full diversity of arts and culture in the historic Louisiana city, culminating in a raucous parade through the French Quarter every Labor Day. “If you’re not a part of this weekend, you’re not a part of living here.”For nearly fifty years, Southern Decadence has kept the party going, warmly welcoming the broader LGBTQ community to join in on the festivities while carving out space for queer artists of color in particular.
Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of attending, there’s now a documentary that aims to give audiences an all-access pass to the festival that’s as eye-opening and enlightening as it is beguiling and wild.From filmmaker Stuart Sox, To Decadence With Love is a behind-the-scenes look at Southern Decadence through the eyes of drag artists Laveau Contraire and Franky Canga—who also serve as executive producers on the film—as we watch them prepare for one of the biggest weekends of their year.“The way I see it, Southern Decadence is a vessel through which you can experience all kinds of pleasure, art, culture and enjoy being queer in whatever way that looks like for you,” Sox tells Queerty, who says he’s known about and admired the event ever since he came out. “Our film is a celebration of that and I’m immensely grateful Franky and Laveau agreed to bring this idea to life with me.”To Decadence With Love wouldn’t be what is is without Franky and Laveau as its charming guides.