Southern Louisiana’s wicked heat and humidity, not to mention the bureaucracy’s slowly-turning wheels, means things evolve slowly here. In the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, rebuilding progress started off at a snail’s pace before finally kicking into high gear in recent years. Some argue that the city is not the same place it was before August 29, 2005. Of course it isn’t — even in an unhurried city, change is inevitable.
What’s different about New Orleans a decade since Katrina is a newfound infatuation from those who survived the storm and those who were drawn there in the aftermath. If America is a melting pot, then New Orleans is a big pot of tasty gumbo, with flavor that grows richer with every new resident’s love for this unique, down-home metropolis.
Post-Katrina, one of the best parts of the city’s rebirth — along with improved infrastructure and economic investments that are boosting the local economy — has been renewed hometown pride. That goes for LGBT pride especially.