Original members of the Krewe of Yuga at their third ball, in 1961

John Doe

The license provided by Mardi Gras for acting out fantasies and transgressing social boundaries nurtured a gay ball subculture and helped make New Orleans a gay mecca. — Photo courtesy of First Run Features

The license provided by Mardi Gras for acting out fantasies and transgressing social boundaries nurtured a gay ball subculture and helped make New Orleans a gay mecca.

— Photo courtesy of First Run Features