About Us
Who We Are
We started Queer Northshore in 2022 in hopes of building an LGBTQ+ community in a part of Louisiana where there wasn't one. Over the past 2 years, we’ve produced or facilitated nearly 100 events, recruited over two dozen LGBTQ+ people to join community boards and democratic committees, produced one of the largest protests in Northshore history, created the first LGBTQ+ krewe to parade on the Northshore, and introduced the first PRIDE parade to the Northshore, with over 500 participants. Our members are from St Tammany, Tangipahoa, and beyond, representing many world views and religions, all age groups, and consists of LGBTQ+ people and allies. Together, we are building a better, more inclusive Northshore.
- Mel Inari Manuel & Jeremy JF Thompson,
Queer Northshore Cofounders
Queer Northshore Board of Directors
Mel Inari Manuel
Mel Manuel (they/them) is the cofounder of Queer Northshore, the Director of Operations for the Louisiana Abortion Fund, a representative of our state Democratic Party and a parent from Covington, Louisiana. They love escape rooms, hiking and chilling in hammocks and are reported to have mythical high-fiving abilities. One day they hope to pursue their dream of designing adult playgrounds.
Jeremy JF Thompson
Jeremy JF Thompson (they/them) is the cofounder of Queer Northshore, 4th Vice Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, a digital activist, strategist, and compulsive problem solver with 20 years of diverse communications experience. Having spent their youth traversing numerous countries as the child of a missionary, Jeremy developed a broad perspective shaped by diverse cultures and worldviews. They earnestly advocate for equality for everyone, no matter who they are, where they came from, or how they choose to identify.
Leyla Hekmatdoost
With immigrant parents from Canada and Iran, Leyla (she/her) grew up in Mandeville and moved to Covington after attending LSU for undergrad and grad school. Since moving to Covington, Leyla has been a public school teacher, a mother of four, a parenting and family educator at St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, a leader in the secular homeschool community, a professional photographer, an activist for LGBTQ+ rights, and is currently the executive director of Twin Steeples, a non-profit community arts center in Ponchatoula.
Erica Radosta
Erica Radosta (she/her) identifies as a late-in-life queer, although her gay core memories originate with Icebox from 1994’s Little Giants. A solo-mom and 10 year Northshore resident, she takes seriously the opportunity to represent aspects of queer culture within its dominantly heteronormative parenting community. Erica works for a local vegetable and dairy farm and freelances in creative projects. She enjoys hammering away at the ongoing rehab of her home, talking about feelings, and standing in the yard waving at people when they go by.
Marc Settembrino
Marc Settembrino (they/them), Associate Professor of Sociology at Southeastern Louisiana University, tirelessly champions LGBTQIA+ inclusivity on campus since 2013. Serving as adviser for StandOUT/Lavender Lions, they mentor emerging queer and trans leaders and spearhead events like National Coming Out Day and Lavender Graduation. Outside academia, Marc's drag persona "Tuffy Love" confronts anti-trans/queer politics, hosting shows promoting queer joy and equality, fostering a healthier campus environment. Reflecting on Tuffy's impact, a student remarked, "Drag events provide inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ students." Marc views Tuffy as embodying the audacity of queerness, living life on their own terms.
Queer Northshore in the News
FOX 8 - Nola Now
Queer Northshore directors go on NOLA NOW to discuss the 1st Annual PRIDE Northshore Parade and celebration.
Nola.com
Queer Northshore and supporters successfully get approval for the 1st Annual PRIDE Northshore Parade in Mandeville.
In These Times
Queer Northshore has played a central role in fighting book bans in St Tammany, Louisiana.
The Nation
Queer Northshore Co-director Mel Manuel brings LGBTQ+ advocacy to St Tammany and beyond.
Fox News
Queer Northshore directors take aim at Target for pulling PRIDE products after backlash.
PBS News Hour
Queer Northshore Directors speak to how destructive anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is hurting the youth in Louisiana.
Book Riot
Queer Northshore Directors speak out against bigotry in St Tammany, Louisiana.
The Guardian
Queer Northshore Directors fight to keep hundreds of LGBTQ+ books in libraries.