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Crossword Queeries
ACLU reps ‘Zoom’ into July meeting
e By Janice Anderson & Greg Lambert
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WHILE MOST OF US HAVE BEEN disappointed by what 2020 has brought to us so far, the Supreme Court of the United States brought some more joyous news in June. With the decision in Bostock v. Clayton County (Georgia), the Court extended Title VII protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers against discrimination in the workplace. This is one of the biggest victories for LGBT workers since the Court allowed marriage equality and the biggest victory ever from the Court for the transgender community. Finally, a reason to celebrate in 2020.
As the mother of three children affected by the Bostock decision, I realize how little the country’s laws have protected them. The idea that someone was denied basic civil rights protection simply for being outside the norm on sexual orientation or gender identity seems preposterous, yet common in our society. Finally, it is the right of everyone to work and earn a living without having to conceal your true sexual orientation or gender identity. It is a right which we have fought to obtain, and continue to protect.
Representatives from ACLU Texas will be our guest speaker at our general meeting scheduled Sunday, July 12 via Zoom, the online meeting platform. The ACLU’s work and efforts to push for expanded civil rights have helped bring this victory. They will discuss what this means for our families and their futures. Other intersecting factors will be discussed, as well, such as the civil rights movement of Black Lives Matter. This is a tumultuous time, but a time for hope of progress.Our virtual “doors” will open at 1:45 p.m. to allow people to settle in on Zoom and get to know each other. The General meeting will begin at 2 p.m.
After our guests speak, we will break into small support groups. Small groups are the heart of PFLAG. It’s a time where you can meet other parents and allies and LGBTQ folk. We share our stories and experiences, voice our concerns and triumphs.
Small groups will also be held via Zoom. The meeting is open to everyone, but you must get an email invitation and password to attend. To get that invitation, email helplinePFLAGhouston@gmail.com and one will be sent out to you. This helps keep outside shenanigans at bay and keeps our warm circle of love safe.
Ordinarily, our support groups are available in Pearland, Katy, Clear Lake, and at the Montrose Center near downtown Houston. When the safety precautions of social distancing are over, we will resume meeting in person for small groups in those areas. Until then, we will meet safely through Zoom online meetings each Sunday at 2 p.m. Meeting announcements are sent out to our e-mailing list. Let us know if you would like to be added to our mailing list.
PFLAG Houston is committed to supporting families and educating the public about LGBT issues and invites all to consider the group’s numerous volunteer opportunities. PFLAG Houston is also passionate about advocacy to ensure equal human rights and end discrimination. PFLAG Houston invites all family members, parents and/or youth who are having problems with coming out issues, and welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity or political persuasion. The group is proud of its rich history and the continued contributions of members and invites all to learn more about the organization and join in efforts to create a more diverse, accepting society. Find a home in PFLAG.
For information about support, upcoming events, and meetings, as well as up-to-date news relevant to PFLAG Houston’s family and friends, visit PFLAGHouston.org, email janice anderson@yahoo.com, or call the PFLAG Helpline at 713-467-3524.
HOUSTON
n MONTROSE - MIDTOWN
Buddy’s
2409 Grant St Ste A, Houston (281) 310-1050 Cocktails | Beer | Karaoke |Pool | DJ’s
Crocker Bar
2312 Crocker St, Houston (713) 529-3355 Large Deck | Karaoke
George’s Country Sports Bar
617 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 528-8102 Sports Bar | Pool & Darts | Patio
Guava Lamp
570 Waugh Dr, Houston (713) 524-3359 • guavalamphouston.com Video Lounge | Karaoke | Mixed
JR’s Bar and Grill & Santa Fe
808 Pacific St, Houston (713) 521-2519 • jrsbarandgrill.com Videos | Patio | Karaoke | Shows
Michael’s Outpost Piano Bar
1419 Richmond Ave, Houston (713) 520-8446 Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Piano
Rebar Houston
Barcode Houston
817 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 526-2625 • facebook.com/barcode77006 Shows | Neighborhood Bar | CD/Trans
The Ripcord
715 Fairview St, Houston (713) 521-2792 • facebook.com/ ripcordhouston Leather | Uniform | Fetish | Men
n DOWNTOWN / EADO
Lucky’s Pub - Downtown
801 St Emanuel St, 77003 (713) 522-2010 • Luckyspub.com Sports Bar | Food
Moon Tower Inn
3004 Canal St, 77003 (832) 969-1934 • damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Hot Dogs | Beer Gardens
Neil’s Bahr
2006 Walker St, 77003 (281) 352-7456 • NeilsBahr.com Premier Nerd | Gamer | Intellectual hangout
Tout Suite
2001 Commerce, 77002 713-227-8688 • toutsuitetx.com Bakery | Cafe | Pub
Voodoo Queen
322 Milby St, 77003 713-555-5666 • damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Casual | Po’ Boys | Games
n DOWNTOWN / WARDS 1-4
Tony’s Corner Pocket
817 West Dallas Street, Houston (713) 571-7870 • tonyscornerpocket.com Neighborhood Bar | Pool | Dancers
n HOUSTON - NORTH SIDE
Ranch Hill Saloon
24704 Interstate 45, Spring (281) 298-9035 • ranchhill.com Country | Cowgirl | Neighborhood Bar
The Room Bar
4915 FM 2920 Rd, Spring (281) 907-6866 • roombarspring.com Neighborhood Bar | Shows | Dance | Mixed
n NW HOUSTON
La Granja Disco & Cantina
5505 Pinemont Dr., Houston (713) 518-6753 • lagranjadisco.com Latin dance club
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
11410 Hempstead Highway Houston, TX 77092 (713) 677-0828 • neonbootsclub.com
Viviana’s Night Club
4624 Dacoma St, Houston (713) 681-4101 • vivianasniteclub.com Latino | Tejano | Dance
n SW HOUSTON
Crystal Night Club
6684 SW Fwy, Houston (713) 278- 2582 • crystaltheclub.com Latin Dance | Salsa
n HEIGHTS / WASHINGTON CORRIDOR
Pearl Lounge
4216 Washington, Houston 832-740-4933 • pearlhouston.com Neighborhood Art Bar | Live Music | Women
GALVESTON
23rd Street Station
1706 23rd St, Galveston (409) 443-5678 • 23rdstreetstation. com Piano Bar | Pub | Live Entertainment
Robert’s Lafitte
2501 Ave Q, Galveston (409) 765-9092 • galveston.com/robertslafitte Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Cruise | Shows
Rumors Beach Bar
3102 Seawall Blvd., Galveston (409) 497-4617 • RumorsBeachBar.com Beach bar | Shows
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