Troy of New Orleans
recognized by Catchlight: Pictures of the Year
Troy is a bartender from Lafayette, Louisiana, he lives in New Orleans and works at The Swamp on Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street is a historic corridor in New Orleans that spans 13 blocks. With approximately 50-60 bars and night clubs it is a one of New Orleans' main tourist hubs.
“I was working as a tattoo artist but then my teacher died.” After his teacher’s death, Troy fell out of love with tattooing. Now he only tattoos friends on special occasions.
The Swamp is predominantly frequented by tourists, “I’d prefer to work at a bar that locals go to. You meet people, you make relationships and connections.”
“I’m working from 8pm today until 6am tomorrow, then they need me back at the bar at 11am to work a shift until 7pm.”
Troy’s partner, Tay, is also a service industry worker. Although she used to be a photographer, she now works at Larry Flynt's Hustler Club on Bourbon Street as a stripper.
On a rare night off from work, Troy visits a local skateshop to celebrate the birthday of his friend, Lucid.
“The new owners don’t know what they’re doing and they don’t listen to us.” The Swamp was recently taken over by new management, Troy often finds himself working an empty bar.
New Orleans, pinning dollar bills to the shirt of the a person celebrating their birthday is a common tradition.
“I’ve worked with my hands my whole life. I started with carpentry, then there was tattoos, and now working at the bars.” Troy’s career began as a carpenter, he loved working with his hands but it was tough on his body and the air was bad for his lungs.
Most visitors to The Swamp are tourists. “I’d prefer to work at a bar that locals go to. You meet people, you make relationships and connections.”
Troy is in a leadership program for New Orleans service industry workers. For him, the program represents hope, growth, and opportunity.
“I’ve never felt so seen and cared about by a group of people who don’t know anything about me.”
This series was produced at NDA Workshop in New Orleans. The workshop is supported by the CatchLight Impact Fund.