Greg Herren and Paul Willis call upon their friends from the Big Easy literary establishment to pen this remarkable book, a love letter to their beloved city - New Orleans.

Dear Reader,

My city has been called many things; the playful sounds Big Easy, the elegiac Crescent City or just the folksy N'Awlins. Others have called me the City that Care Forgot. I have as many names as I have identities, as many identities as lovers. But with all the notoriety, do you really know who I am? Come with me, on a journey to the past, to the present, and God willing, to the future.

No one uncovers the mysteries of my queer streets more so than the writers who call me home. Join the outrageous party on the French Quarter's booze-soaked streets with Paul Willis and Timothy State, feel the tragic tales of bygone activism by Pastor Dexter Brecht and Melinda Shelton. revel in the lush poetry of Jewelle Gome and Martin Pousson, be inspired by the powerful recounting of a hurricane called Katrina by Brian Sands and Karissa Kay, Life has made me depend on the kindness of these writers, and many others.

But if these stories speak to my heart, it's Greg Herren's remarkable "I'm Still Dancing" that truly speaks to my wounded soul. In this epic tale of pursuing my dreams, of falling in love, of fleeing my hurricane-swept lands, and of determinedly returning and rebuilding, the passion of New Orleans is fully embraced.

So, until I see you again, laughing and smiling, indulging yourself on my sidewalks, read these eclectic stories, share them with friends, share them with strangers. Because we say here (by whatever name you call me by), we don't live to work, we work to live.

Love, Bourbon Street.

Hardback