Frank Perez, a luminary in the preservation of LGBTQ+ history, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his New Orleans home. At 57, Perez left behind an indelible mark on the community through his work as a writer, educator, and archivist. His passing was announced by Ambush Magazine where he served as editor-in-chief.
Perez is survived by his partner of 12 years, Chris Trentacoste, and his parents, Louise McCann and Frank Perez. His life’s work was a testament to his dedication to recovering and preserving queer stories that had been overlooked or erased by institutions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Baton Rouge, Perez earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His journey was marked by a pivotal moment when he was outed as gay while involved in campus ministry, leading to his forced attendance at a conversion therapy camp in Kansas. This experience, though harrowing, became a catalyst for his lifelong commitment to embracing and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
After leaving the camp, Perez embraced his sexuality and pursued his PhD studies at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. He briefly worked as a tenure-track professor before embarking on a series of adventurous endeavors that included card-counting, liquor bootlegging, and country politicking. These experiences enriched his storytelling abilities, which he later used to engage and inspire audiences.
Contributions to LGBTQ+ History
Perez moved to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, drawn to the city’s vibrant culture and history. He rapidly established himself as a community leader and voice in the French Quarter. In, he coauthored the first major queer New Orleans history book, In Exile: The Story of Cafe Lafitte with his friend Jeffrey Palmquist. This work laid the foundation for his extensive contributions to LGBTQ+ history.
In 2014, Perez co-founded the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana a nonprofit dedicated to preserving regional queer history. His efforts earned him recognition as the Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence in 2018 and New Orleans Pride in 2026. Perez also ran for the New Orleans City Council in 2026 and received the New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders Trailblazer Award in 2026.
Literary and Educational Legacy
Perez authored or co-authored more than six books, including Southern Decadence in New Orleans and Political Animal: The Life and Times of Stewart Butler. His work as a historian and tour guide through the French Quarter, along with his teaching at Loyola University New Orleans, further cemented his legacy as an educator and mentor.
Robert Fieseler, who wrote Perez’s obituary for Ambush, described him as a “central community node” whose generosity connected younger LGBTQ+ researchers and activists with the people and history that preceded them. Perez’s ability to wear many hats and embrace the multifaceted nature of his being made him a beloved figure in the community.
A funeral visitation for Perez will be held at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home in New Orleans on Saturday, August 15, from 10 am to 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. A Celebration of Life in the French Quarter will be announced at a later date.
