From Where We Stood…

New Orleans Campaign

Your Hosts

Honorary Chairs

Councilman Jean Paul “JP” Morrell
Councilman Joseph I. Giarrusso, III
Councilman Eugene J. Green
Councilwoman Lesli Harris
Councilman Oliver M. Thomas, Jr.

Fundraising Committee

Larry Bagneris
Roberts Batson
Peggy Blades
Lonnie Cheramie
Kathleen Conlon
Blu DiMarco
Jimmy Gale
Billy Henry
Guy LaMothe
Tony Leggio
Sarah Manowitz
Frank Perez
Noel Twilbeck

Corporate Sponsorships

The Story

As the 1980s began, LGBTQ people in New Orleans were building a vibrant, visible community. Ten Carnival krewes were presenting formal balls. Social, religious, cultural, arts, sports, and political organizations were creating a solid civic infrastructure. Two newspapers provided information.

Then, suddenly, people were dying – young, healthy men. Bewilderment became horror became resolve became organizing became care giving became medications.

That, in short, is the history of AIDS.

Multiple award-winning filmmaker Valda Lewis documented this history over a period of almost forty years. (Many will remember her trailblazing monthly television show here, “Just for the Record,” which presented LGBTQ community news from 1986 to 1993).

Her nearly completed film “From Where We Stood: AIDS and the Culture Wars,” traces the history of HIV/AIDS in New Orleans, Dallas, Wichita, and Cleveland. Using contemporary interviews – as well as archival footage – parallel and interwoven stories of HIV/AIDS are told by those who survived. Interspersed coverage shows the emerging LGBTQ movement and the backlash it created.

The Need

Lewis has thus far raised $118,000 to produce this historic documentary. She needs $40,000 more to complete it.

We need your help.

We hope you can attend the reception on July 19th to meet the producer and see clips from the film.

The Perks

Individuals and organizations who contribute $100 or more will be named at the LGBT Legacy Project web site and in the film credits.

Contribute $250 or more and receive dry cleaning services from Metairie Cleaners valued at $100.

All Businesses who contribute $500 or more will have logos featured on the LGBT Legacy Project web site and listed in the film credits.

Plus, due to a generous donation from Metairie Cleaners, will also receive dry cleaning services an the following donation amounts:

$500 or more - $100

$1000 or more - $200

$2,500 - $300

$5,000 - $500