NAUGHTY N'AWLINS 2020 MAKES HEADLINES
Some say any press is good press, but that is usually not the case in our business. We had a couple of early media stories on our event that had a lot of misinformation (that we were doing a parade, they listed the wrong event, they showed photos from past events where people did not have masks or socially distance worries), luckily a couple of reporters contacted us and was able to at least get some of the facts straight.
Being Naughty in a COVID-19 world is a challenging idea and is something we understand is a challenge for many. Read Bob’s reflection in To Naughty or not… about the event and you'll gain a little insight into so many factors that went into the decisions that led to this event. You'll really get to know more about us as event planners and as people.
To say that we're grateful for having been able to have Naughty N'awlins 2020 is an understatement. We knew there would be some controversy around hosting this event. Many people disagreed and voiced their opinions, however, many supported and expressed how much they appreciated what we were doing. In the end, we believe we created the safest event possible.
Of course, the media had a field day with us—as soon as the first day of Naughty N’awlins 2020 began (which was the same day New Orleans went into Phase 3.3), we were approached by several local news publications, the Louisiana State Fire Marshalls, and a frenzy of angry comments on our social media platforms. The next thing we knew, we were in the public hot seat, news articles were coming out with false claims and assumptions which isn’t really new in this business.
Forever the cool, prepared first responder, Bob calmly explained to one reporter after another, exactly how we planned on conducting this event amongst the pandemic and managed to save the day.
We fine-tuned Naughty N'awlins 2020 to follow, and in some cases exceed, all safety guidelines mandated by the city and state. Attendees were asked to wear masks while in the classrooms and in the general Naughty event areas, a mandatory wristband was given to each attendee that signified what their COVID status was (test/not tested, had COVID/never had COVID), we provided hand sanitizer and disposable masks, all classrooms were arranged so that attendees sat 6 ft apart from each other and the educator and we decided not to have the signature Naughty playrooms or the Sexual Freedom Parade. Our procedures, safety protocols and standards for this event were given to every guest, we published them for everyone to read here.
It is because of our educators, sponsors, supporters and attendees that we were able to make this event happen and make it feel like home. The lovely ladies from Dark Garden were living proof that you can be stunningly sexy while wearing a mask and staying safe, our attendees couldn't take their eyes off their corseted waists and fabulous costumes.
Kasidie, Rockin Ronnie and DJ Sante supplied the music throughout the rooftop and ballroom parties, keeping the buzz alive. And we continued our tradition of crowing the King & Queen of Naughty N'awlins, this year it was our dear friend Louie as our King and Nicole (Cheeky) from World Exotic Travel as our Queen.
We, us, you, "swingers," people in the lifestyle, hold on to one golden rule and that is consent. We've been practicing the act of asking to be in each other's personal spaces before it was COVID-cool. Everyone who attended Naughty N’awlins 2020, made the choice to come. We are all adults and make our own personal decisions. Many of our attendees felt that they really needed this time, that even for just a few days, they needed a break from the drama that is 2020 and come be around some lifestyle people.
By the end of the event, Nola.com published a more positive article about us. The front page of the Entertainment Section features Bob decked out in his signature blue: mask, hair and shirt, laid back, cool, and holding up a picture on his phone of two people fist-bumping with their Naughty wristbands that signify their COVID status. The headline declares "Masks are the new condoms," a Bob-ism that is explained in the article. It shines neither a good or bad light, but informative and factual.
We did our best to produce a safer, responsible event. Our goal was never to disrupt or offend anyone. Sometimes, we just have to be willing to test the waters, to be the one who investigates how things are going to work, to learn how to adapt to the changes at hand and do our best with what we can work with.
We won’t have another big event until next August, providing a vaccine is available and we have turned the corner on this pandemic.
We look forward to many more years of Naughty N'awlins with you!
