Montrose Star - Houston's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Newspaper | October 3, 2018 by Laura Villagran

Turkish Festival

26TH HOUSTON

MONTROSE STAR .COM

THE GAY-ETY STARTS HERE! WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 3, 2018 e VOL. IX, 14

» Houston Rainbow Herald

OCTOBER NATIONAL LGBT HISTORY MONTH

2 » Foodie Diaries

Matthew Shepard

17 INDEX Editorial Crossword Guide to the Clubs

3 19 26

1 976 –1 9 9 8

15 » Across the Causeway

PAGE 2 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

HRH Report

Why I didn’t report, and dating app dangers e By

Johnny Trlica

T H E S TA R C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S JIM AYRES by day is an employee benefits and human resources writer. By night he turns his creativity toward the local food and restaurant scene. Do you know of a restaurant that needs a review? Info@montrose-star.com JOHN BUCHANAN is originally from Florida but now calls Houston home for 20+ years. “Proud to be Gay and part of the Community – Your Gay Realtor of Choice!” johnwb214@aol.com

NANCY FORD has enjoyed a front row seat to the most remarkable and sparkly Cultural Revolution in the history of mankind. “What a world!” She reflects appropriately. After moving to Houston from Ohio in 1981, Ford became a highly visible player in Texas’ LGBT publishing circles as an editor and contributor to myriad other local and statewide LGBT magazines and newspapers. RANDALL JOBE has been a fixture in the Houston LGBT Community for several decades in marketing and promotions for top nightclubs, as an actor/director/writer for dozens of theatrical productions, and is also known for his whimsical art pieces. He is the author of the 12-part series “This Old Queen”, which summarized his many experiences living in the gay Mecca, Montrose. MARK KARIEL is from Marshall, Texas, but has called Houston home for almost 40 years. An accounting supervisor by day, he can be found working most Saturday nights at South Beach’s RuPaul’s Drag Race events. His RuPaul obsession began 6 years ago in Palm Springs. It will all be in his book, plus much more. Stay tuned! mark@sobehouston.com FOREST RIGGS is no stranger to the adventures of life, he bills himself as a “raconteur with a gypsy spirit.” A former educator, public speaker, hospital administrator, counselor and gay B&B owner, he was instrumental in the formation of OutSmart Magazine in the early 1990s. He has written for several newspapers, magazines and other publications. Recently he completed a collection of short stories about his beloved Galveston and is working on a novel. He currently resides on the island where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life. JOHNNY TRLICA has called the Houston area home all of his life. Four years ago he founded and still edits the Houston Rainbow Herald and has worked in the apartment leasing industry for the past two years. His passion is keeping the battle for LGBT rights at the forefront of today’s headlines and fighting omplacency in the LGBT community.

ommentary: Is our country so polarized that we cannot even agree that rape is a bad thing? One of the most disgusting things we have seen in recent weeks is a Trumpsupporting mother, standing with her teenage daughters defending Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, saying, “Groping a woman? I mean what is that at 18? I mean how many guys, you know, think that’s no big deal?” Let that sink in a minute. A mother is telling her teenage daughters that getting groped is essentially a rite of passage. The message to boys is essentially to do what you want with girls; it’s expected of you and you will not be held accountable. Is the overturning of Roe v. Wade worth selling your soul to the devil? If the ends justify the means there is a price to pay. Apparently that price is decency. #Why I didn’t report America was riveted by the testimony or Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as she recounted her story of being sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Cavanaugh while the two were in high school. While a majority of those who viewed her heartwrenching testimonial found her to be credible, many wondered why she didn’t tell the police when it happened. Most experts agree there are many reasons why victims remain silent, including, feeling ashamed, feeling responsible, fear and just wanting to forget about it. More and more we are hearing stories of sexual assault victims coming forth 10, 20 even 30 years after the incident. For decades we have been witnessing adult men describe being victimized by Catholic priests as children. They, along with the women who spoke up about Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein and now Brett Cavanaugh deserve to be heard and believed. HRH reader Randy Young shared his story of being sexually victimized when he was a young man. He graciously allowed us to share it with MONTROSE STAR readers here. In a September 22 Facebook post he wrote: “When I was young there was a reason I didn’t start working in the hospitality business until much later in my life, not realizing my potential to be one of the best servers in Houston. My lover at the time was friends with the manager at a popular restaurant in Houston. “One day he offered to give me a position as a server and asked me to come in for an interview. My lover and friends encouraged me to take the job. They were excited for me. The excitement faded quickly as I came home later without getting the job. “When I walked into the office to interview for the position and was asked to sit down in front of the desk, the manager told me to start filling out the application and that he would be right back. Minutes later I hear the door behind me be locked from within and the lights went out and that’s when the horror began. “He attacked me and attempted to rape me and I fought back hard. He said to stop fighting that it would

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only take him a minute but I resisted. After an intense struggle I was able to get him off of me and make it to get out of the door. He told me as I was leaving that he never intended to give me the job that, I could never be qualified to hold such a position. “I was ashamed and would believe for a long time that what he said was true. Shamed, I went home with no job and when asked by my partner and friends why I didn’t take the position I lied and told them the job was too big for me, that I didn’t think I had the experience to work in fine dining. “Shortly after my lover talked to the manager and he told him that I didn’t take the job he offered because I didn’t want to work and only went to the interview to please my partner. I took a slap to my face and was a disappointment to my friends and never told anyone what really happened. #whyididntreport” Randy is currently a top server at one of Montrose’s most popular restaurants. Do you have a similar story to tell? Send it to: HRHeditor@gmail.com.

Randy Young

All Jack’d up Hooking up with someone found on a dating app can be a dangerous proposition. Houston Police say at least six men have been robbed over the past few weeks while trying to hook up with a man met on Jack’d, reports ABC13.com. In five of the six cases the men were asked to meet a man in the 8600 block of St. Lo Road and the other incident occurred in the 8600 block of Glenside. In all six cases, the victims were robbed immediately upon arrival, with a gun pointed to their heads. The suspect is described as a black male from 5’7” to 6’1” and weighing about 180 pounds. He is in his twenties or possibly older and has hazel eyes. HPD urges caution meeting people through hookup apps. e Johnny Trlica is the manager of the Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page, your source for the latest LGBTQ news and information. Contact him at HRHeditor@gmail.com.

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 3

OP-ED

Creep of the Week: Brett Kavanaugh… Again e By

D’Anne Witkowski

t seems like it was only one week ago that I was writing to stop it. They will, of course, be accused of being liars, like about how Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was a Ford has, even though it is a huge risk to come forward. nightmare for LGBTQ people. That’s because it was last week. So Ford is lying and/or Kavanaugh was just putting “locker And now we find that he is a nightmare for women, too. room talk” into practice. Republicans are hot to confirm Who would have thought? Besides anyone who pays even a Kavanaugh as fast as possible so that the court can finally fleeting bit of attention to the contemptuous way Republicans repeal Roe v. Wade and Republicans can prove once and for all treat women, of course. how much they hate women. Christine Blasey Ford has bravely come forward to accuse But Ford’s accusation is credible. And we need to take a Kavanaugh of attempted rape while they were in high school. step back and ask ourselves how in the hell we got to this Yep, that’s right. High school. Which was a long time place. And we don’t have to look very far. We’ve seen this story ago for them. But so what? Conservatives have been tying played out over and over. One popular fable is of the Supreme themselves in knots arguing, essentially, that what happens in Court nominee who is accused of sexual harassment and high school stays in high school, especially if what happened yet the Senate essentially puts his accuser on trial and he’s in high school was their pet SCOTUS nominee getting drunk, confirmed anyway and is STILL ON THE BENCH TODAY pushing a girl onto a bed, trying to take off her clothes and MAKING DECISIONS THAT IMPACT EVERY AMERICAN covering her mouth with his hand when WOMAN’S LIFE. she tried to scream. Then there’s the made-for-TV Christine Blasey Ford has bravely movie This behavior, many would like you about the powerful man who to believe, is just “boys being boys.” come forward to accuse is accused of sexual assault by over a Which is bullshit. dozen women, calls them all liars after Kavanaugh of attempted rape And then, of course, there are people bragging about grabbing women “by saying that Ford is a lying liar, including while they were in high school. the pussy” and becomes President of Kavanaugh himself. Which just shows you the U.S. how little so many men understand about sexual assault and how Trump is, of course, very concerned about Ford’s allegations our society treats accusers. and is taking the matter very seriously. Just kidding. He As Candance Owens of Turning Point USA put it on Twitter, merely sees it as a little bump in the road. “Brett Kavanaugh should be confirmed IMMEDIATELY. It But I keep thinking of the one person who could have is time for Americans to send a STRONG message to the stopped this whole mess before it started. If more American anarchist Democrats that we will no longer tolerate their men respected women we would have a President Hillary disgusting, corrupt, low-bar antics. The #MeTooWitchhunt Clinton nominating Michelle Obama to the Supreme needs to come to an END once and for all.” Court right now. I don’t know, y’all, it’s almost like steeping And I agree! The #MeToo thing should totally come to an American boys in a mixture of rape culture and toxic end. But, spoiler alert, it can only end when MEN CHOOSE masculinity has been bad for, well, everybody. e TO STOP SEXUALLY HARASSING AND ASSAULTING D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. WOMEN. Until then, women must keep coming forward to try

“

”

TOC OCTOBER 3, 2018 | VOL. IX, 14

COOKING WITH PAULA DREAM Slow cooker: Cranberry and Pork... or chicken

ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY Galveston is tickling the ‘Hale’ out of the ivories

HRH Report.......................................................... 2 OP-ED.....................................................................3 Out at the Theater.............................................. 6 The Frivolist:......................................................... 8 Deep Inside Hollywood................................... 12 Cooking with Paula Dream............................ 14 Foodie Diaries.................................................... 15 Across the Causeway........................................17 Crossword Queeries......................................... 19 Star Buds............................................................20 What a World.....................................................24 PFLAG Houston News.....................................25 Corrections Amplifications Jan2018_Layout 1 10/9/17 12:50 PM Page 1 ©2018 MONTROSE STAR All Rights Reserved. Montrose Star™ Entertainment Newspaper since 1976, is owned and operated by GLYP Media, a Texas minority-certified company founded in 1990. Published alternate Wednesdays. Subscription rates: $54/year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the main office at: Montrose Star|1712 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006

CONTACT US: Ph: (713) 942-0084 | Fax: (713) 942-0085 TheMontroseStar@gmail.com The entire content of every issue of the Montrose Star is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without the express written permission from GLYP Media.

Guide to the Clubs............................................26 WAIVER: The Montrose Star Entertainment Newspaper reserves the right to refuse any advertising order. Only the publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of such an order. Ads accepted for publication are presumed to contain information that is true and advertisers are duly authorized to use images and logos shown within their ad. Montrose Star is not liable for any ad content nor is Montrose Star responsible for any advertisers’ claims or performance.

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National Advertising: Rivendell Media | (212) 242-6863 Sales@rivendellmedia.com Printed in the USA on post consumer content CORRECTIONS & AMPLIFICATIONS:

October 3, 2018: None as of press time.

PAGE 4 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

LGBTQ GUN REFORM PAC

Makes key endorsements in VA, NJ, TX P ride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC, America’s only national LGBTQ political organization focused solely on gun violence prevention, has announced its endorsement of candidate Elaine Luria (VA-2), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and Texas gubernatorial challenger, Lupe Valdez. Pride Fund believes that Americans deserve leaders who will stand up for what is right, not what is profitable and, thus, will stand up to the gun lobby. With the approach of the 2018 midterm elections, the race for important seats in Congress and throughout the country is becoming more crucial than ever. Pride Fund is proud to stand and fight with Elaine Luria in VA-2, Josh Gottheimer in NJ-5, and Lupe Valdez in Texas, three leaders the political action committee is confident will stand up to the National Rifle Association (NRA), take action and make progress toward a safer America. Lupe Valdez “Valdez has made history so far in her career, and will only continue to do so,” said Jason Lindsay, founder and executive director of Pride Fund. “We are excited to back her and watch her flip Texas into a better, safer state with her extensive experience and fresh approach. We can’t wait to see the way that her pro-equality, pro safety platform will shape Texas into a more progressive place.” Valdez is a dynamic, spirited leader ready to guide the state of Texas onto a safer, more inclusive path. Unlike A-rated, NRA-endorsed governor Greg Abbott, Valdez will put the people ahead of the gun lobby’s profits. During his time as governor, Greg Abbott has been a puppet of the NRA. Simply accepting gun violence as an inevitable reality, Abbot has encouraged militarizing schools and arming teachers. While at first Abbott considered implementing Red Flag Laws in his state, he changed his mind when the NRA began touting their opposition to the law, showing where his commitments lie: with the

profits of the gun lobby, not the safety of his constituents. Abbot is also a vehemently anti-LGBTQ Republican, pushing an infamous “bathroom bill” to humiliate transgender Texans and working to allow discrimination against LGBTQ families during his first term as Texas’s governor. Valdez, however, believes in equality, opportunity and public safety. As a veteran and former Dallas County Sheriff, Valdez — a self-identified Latina lesbian — shows that she can be tough when necessary, but still lead with compassion. Her commitment to gun violence prevention includes banning assault weapons, bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. She is also committed to keeping guns out off the wrong hands, including those on the terrorist watch list and those with a history of violent and hateful behavior. On LGBTQ issues, her platform is equally impressive: Valdez will work to protect the rights of all LGBTQ Texans and their families to live, work, and exist in Texas equally as their true selves.

Elaine Luria “We are proud to endorse Elaine Luria due to her commitment to making our communities better, safer, and more inclusive places for everyone,” said Lindsay. “As an Iraq war vet for the U.S. Army, I am confident that Elaine will use her background as a Naval Surface Warfare officer to guide her decisions about gun safety and, unlike Representative Scott Taylor, will prioritize the safety of her constituents over the gun lobby’s blood money.” In Virginia’s second district, Luria, a Democrat, is challenging Republican incumbent Scott Taylor, a politician with troubling views on the rights of LGBTQ Americans and even more troubling ties to the gun lobby. One day before the infamous Parkland school shooting, Taylor accepted NRA cash for his campaign, which is a chilling reminder that he values the blood

money of the gun lobby over the safety of children and communities. We know where his allegiance lies. Taylor is also reeling from a scandal that has shaken his candidacy, as 59 signatures on his petitions were found to be falsified, with four even belonging to constituents who had passed away before their signatures were supposedly collected. This is the kind of dishonesty and lack of character that has no place in Congress. Luria, however, is different. On top of her commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community, Luria is committed to supporting common-sense gun safety legislation including measures such as bans on assault weapons, bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. She also supports a ban on gun sales to those convicted of domestic violence, stalking and/or hate crimes, as well as those on the terrorist watch list. Finally she supports allowing the Centers for Disease Control to fully research America’s gun violence epidemic and providing adequate funding. Voters are clearly seeing the difference between the two candidates, as well: In June, Luria was trailing in the polls by approximately four points. However, in September, Luria passed Taylor, leading by a resounding eight points. Pride Fund is excited to watch her progress continue as Election Day draws nearer. Congressman Josh Gottheimer “I’ve gotten to know Congressman Gottheimer since the 2016 election and he has proven himself time and

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time again to be a leader and a fighter,” said Lindsay. “When re-elected, he will continue to support legislation that ensures the safety, freedom, and inclusion of those in his district, state, and country. Pride Fund is proud to endorse Congressman Josh Gottheimer in his re-election campaign,” said Lindsay. In 2016, Pride Fund proudly endorsed Gottheimer and fought tirelessly to get him elected, and the group is glad it did. During his time in Congress, he has represented his constituents with care and courage. As a part of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, Gottheimer has shown his pro-inclusion and pro-equality stance, and his voting record and platform on gun violence prevention are equally impressive. Gottheimer is a firm advocate for common-sense gun regulations, including expanding background checks, keeping combatstyle weapons out of circulation and guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and allowing research on America’s gun violence epidemic. Meanwhile, Republican challenger Steve Lonegan has been endorsed by the NRA, and will not fight for these necessary measures to ensure Americans’ safety and well being. Lonegan will vote on the side of the gun lobby and not the safety of his community. About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (“Pride Fund”) is the only national LGBTQ political organization focused solely on gun violence prevention. Pride Fund was founded by Jason Lindsay, a gay Iraq War veteran, in the days following the June 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When it occurred, the Pulse nightclub shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Pride Fund supports sensible gun policy reforms while championing LGBTQ safety and equality by advocating for legislation and supporting candidates at the state and federal levels. To learn more, visit www.pridefund.org, Facebook and follow on Twitter @PrideFund. e

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 5

DEAR HIV, ’ WE DIDN T GIVE UP. XOXO, SCIENCE There is no cure, but science is still in the battle against HIV. Today’s HIV treatments may help you get to undetectable. That means the amount of virus is so low it can’t be measured in lab tests. Ask your healthcare provider about HIV and treatment options.

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PAGE 6 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Out at the Theater

e By

Photos by Pin Lim/Forest Photography

William, Will and ‘The Wiz’ Randall Jobe

he 2018-19 seasons in Houston theaters promises to be full of exciting productions, innovative presentations and classic favorites. Many theaters are offering great pricing on multiple shows, often with multiple options in choosing the productions that have the most appeal to individual audience members. Your support of the major houses, and especially the smaller homegrown houses, is crucial to a continuation of relevant theatrical experiences. The Houston theatre scene continues to grow and rivals many major cities. You can do your part by supporting the art of live theatre. Final weekend: The Alley Theatre presents Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau. In 2008 at the start of the Great Recession, and in the break room of one of Detroit’s last auto stamping plants, a makeshift family of co-workers swap stories, shares dreams and takes pride in their work. When faced with the life-altering choices they must face if the factory closes, dynamics shift and each is pushed to the limits of survival. Loyalties are tested and boundaries are crossed in this “deeply American play” (The New York Times). Suitable for high school-

age audiences and older. Through October 7. 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700. The Music Box Theater presents Keep it Brassy 2, adding horns to its usual four-piece band headed by musical director Glenn Sharp and featuring the resident cast of talented performers Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, Cay Taylor, Kristina Sullivan and Luke Wrobel. The production features a variety of musical genres with lots of well-crafted tunes and a little comedy thrown in for good measure. Through October 13. Friday and Ġ Sat › 7:30 p.m. Ġ Sun › 2 p.m. 2623 Colquitt. Tickets: 713-522-7722. Main Street Theater presents The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson. This beautiful play tells the tale of how Shakespeare’s First Folio came into existence thanks to the loyalty and love of his dear friends, particularly John Heminges and Henry Cordell, actors in Shakespeare’s company. They are determined to preserve the true versions of plays and compile the works that shaped their lives. Their families join in what is a truly a labor of love, stopping at nothing to make it happen. Through October 21. 2540 Times Blvd. Tickets: 713-524-6706.

Stages Repertory Theatre presents Swimming While Drowning by Emilio Rodriguez. Angelo and Mila are fifteen and homeless. Angelo is a dreamer and Milo is a streetwise hustler, but when they become roommates at a shelter for LGBTQ teens, they build a fragile bond that inspires them to reach for understanding and selfacceptance. Rodriguez’s poetic comingof-age story celebrates the healing power of hope and the beautiful mystery of being a teenager. October 3 through 21. 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 101. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123. The Alley Theatre also kicks off its 2018-19 season by bringing to the stage Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s comedy classic of unrequited love, gender-bending hijinks and quick wit. Directed by Jonathan Mascone, this hilarious tale finds Viola assuming the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino, placing her at the center of an explosive love triangle in which identity, passion and gender all threaten to come undone. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night gives audiences one of Shakespeare’s most

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Dwight Clark (left) and Brittny Bush in Main Street Theater’s ‘The Book of Will’.

dynamic heroines matching wits with a host of captivating characters. Suitable for audiences high school-aged and older. October 5 through November 28. 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700. Theatre Under The Stars continues its 50th season with The Wiz. Based on the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, this reinvention of the classic tale features a book by William F. Brown and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. A Tony-Award winner for Best Musical, The Wiz is a super-soul and energetic experience with a delightful twist on all of your favorite characters: Dorothy, Toto, the Wicked Witches and more. October 23 through November 4. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street. Tickets: TUTS. com or 713-558-8887 (TUTS). e

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PAGE 8 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

The Frivolist:

4 REASONS EATING ALONE AT A RESTAURANT IS

The best meal you’ll ever have e By

Mikey Rox

eing alone and being lonelvy are two different things. While I don’t prefer the latter, I embrace the former. I do a lot of things by myself, in fact. Go to the movies, sit on the beach, pop into a happy hour, enjoy bikes rides, even go on vacation. I also like to treat myself to lunches and dinners out where I can sit in solitude and think, work, or catch up on odds and ends on my to-do list. For those reasons and six more, here’s why eating alone at a restaurant is the best meal you’ll ever have.

1. YOU CAN ORDER WHAT YOU WANT WITHOUT ANY GUILT When I’m trying to stick to a strict diet, I like to have a food buddy who will support my endeavors when I go out to eat. But, sometimes, I just want to dive face first into a massive pasta dish with a bottle of wine, a basket of bread, and finish with dessert. And do you know what I don’t need while I’m doing that? Judgment. I judge myself hard enough, ya know, and I don’t need some hoity-toity fit so-and-so chastising me for licking the bowl in public. So what if I make vaguely oinky noises while I do it. Does that embarrass you? Good; table for one, please.

2. YOU DON’T HAVE TO ENGAGE IN IDLE CHIT-CHAT I don’t know if you have this thing, but I sort of put my friends into certain categories. Like, I have specific friends with whom I enjoy going to the movies or inviting over for game nights or going away for the weekend with. I rarely, however, invite anyone to eat out with me or accept invitations for a meal out, especially if I’m without my boyfriend. The reason? I don’t want to feel trapped in a situation where I feel like I have to talk. I find small talk annoying, and to have to keep it up for an hour or more gives me anxiety. If you

want to catch up, just text me. I’ll be at one restaurant eating alone and you’ll be at another and we can establish a lovely back-and-forth banter without having to ever look at each other’s faces, which is exactly how I like it.

3. YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PICKING UP SOMEONE ELSE’S TAB I’m the higher earner in my relationship, so I often pick up the tab for meals out – which I don’t mind doing most of the time, but sometimes it gets old, if I’m honest (though he does pay half when he

can and takes me out from time to time). I do the same for friends and family out of guilt or kindness or reparation, like if somebody put me up in their house for a night or two while traveling. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to go out by myself and know exactly how much I’ll be spending. Even more so when I’m taking advantage of a deal, like Chili’s recent “3 for $10” promotion. This is not a paid endorsement but an endorsement nonetheless because where else can you get a drink, salad, and substantial meal for a Hamilton? If you’re reading this, Chili’s, I will be your spokesperson.

4. ‘ME’ TIME IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSAARY I eat alone at restaurants spur of the moment, but most of the time it’s a conscious, advance decision, and I plan for it. I like to gather up all my unread magazines and take them with me. I sit at the bar for hours, eating, drinking, and thumbing through the pages of the pile, and it’s truly my happy place. Totally relaxing; try it sometime.

5. YOU’LL GET FASTER SERVICE AT THE BAR When I’m eating out with four or more, it’s usually best to get a table, but I prefer to sit at the bar on most other occasions. My boyfriend and I strictly sit at the bar whenever we dine out, except +1 Google+ Find us on P vFacebook.com, tTwitter & P

for special romantic occasions (we like to get mushy on anniversaries and holidays – sex is better afterward ;-)). I opt for the bar because I know I’ll get prompt service because I can stare the bartenders down until they submit to my if-you-don’t-pay-attention-to-meI’m-not-tipping gaze. That’s not true, of course – I’m a generous tipper, I think – but they don’t need to know that when my mouth is parched for another margie.

6. NOBODY WILL EAT OFF YOUR PLATE If you’ve ever seen that Friends episode where “Joey doesn’t share food” – that’s me. When my ex-husband and I would go out to dinner, he’d order something small like an appetizer and a salad because he was watching his weight or he didn’t want to feel like he was overeating, but then he’d grab from my fries until I barely had any left. All the time. Eventually I started encouraging him to order a more substantial meal because I didn’t want him taking my food. I’m not antisharing, but I am pro cleaning my plate. I want to eat what I ordered, thank you, and I’d love it if you ordered your own junk so we can get fat together. Isn’t that what love is all about? e Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He spends his time writing from the beach with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyrox.

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Turkish Festival reflects Houston’s international flair T

he 26th Houston Turkish Festival will celebrate all things Turkish, including authentic Turkish food, coffee, live music, traditional folk dancing including the famous whirling dervishes, a kids’ corner filled with fun activities, arts and crafts, and a Grand Bazaar. This year the festival will also feature a mini World Pavilion that will provide an overview to the mosaic of international cultures Houston prides itself with. The theme for the 2018 Houston Turkish Festival is “We come in different colors, we live as one.” This year’s festival will feature

award winning performances by the Tuana Ankara Folk Dance Group from Turkey as well as a collage of other live music and dance shows including “Opera and Keys Under the Stars” featuring renowned artist Mete Tasin and acclaimed Turkish composer Erberk Eryilmaz with piano and violin performances, Izmir Olgunlasma Institute fashion show, world-renowned clarinet player Ismael Lumanowski from New York with amazing folklore compositions, and many other performances by local international guest organizations. e

WHEN & WHERE:

WHAT:

26th Houston Turkish Festival

November 17 through 18 Jones Plaza, 600 Louisiana St, Houston 77002 TICKETS:

$10 at gate. Children free. Reduced prices online INFO: www.HoustonTurkishFest.com

Connecting our communities to health every day, in every way Legacy Community Health has opened our doors and our hearts to people from all walks of life. We provide a wide range of quality health care services to all of our neighbors, regardless of ability to pay.

Services: Adult Primary Care Behavioral Health Body Positive Wellness Dental Gender Health & Wellness HIV/AIDS Testing & Prevention Nutritional Counseling OB/GYN

Pediatrics Pharmacy Ryan White Health Care Services STD Screening & Treatment Transgender Specialty Care Vaccinations & Immunizations Vision

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(832) 548 5100

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LegacyCommunityHealth.org

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PAGE 12 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Deep Inside Hollywood

Heidi and Tim deliver a lot of look Romeo San Vicente

eidi Klum and Tim Gunn are taking their act on the road. Amazon, in its quest to take over every last inch of Earth that isn’t already nailed down, has made a deal with the Project Runway mainstays to develop a new reality fashion series, one that will premiere in over 200 countries and territories. There are zero details available right now regarding content, but it means that the Emmy-nominated PR pair are jumping ship (and if you aren’t a diehard fan, be real: did you even realize it was still on television?) and moving into the realm of global reach. Amazon is using vague signifiers like “narrative” and “fresh” to describe the project we aren’t allowed to know about, and they’re referring to something called a “shoppable experience” for the viewing audience. Frankly, we don’t care about any of that stuff; we love Tim and Heidi and we want them to be able to invent a new thing that will bring us back into the fold.

Photo: KathClick.

e By

Sugarbaker & Associates back in business at ABC

Designing Women might be happening all over again. ABC has confirmed a “script commitment” with creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, which isn’t the same thing as a series order, but it’s good enough for us to get overly excited about. If you weren’t in the ’80s you should know that this show was about four women at an Atlanta interior design firm who hung out a lot and made jokes about social issues and the out of control shoulder pads were a moral universe unto themselves and these women were, in a word, amazing. If there was any rivalry with the equally amazing Golden Girls we never paid attention to it and now, goddess willing, we’re going to have Sugarbaker: The Next Generation. No cast yet, no details at all, just the shining golden hope of television that comforts and makes conservative men irrationally enraged. Fingers crossed for a chance to revisit the classic “night the lights went out in Georgia” monologue. Broadway needs Taylor Mac. Broadway gets Taylor Mac.

Andrea Martin, entertainment’s longstanding MVP for several decades now, is going back to Broadway, accompanied by Nathan Lane, who is no slouch himself. The pair will star in Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, by Taylor Mac. Who is Taylor Mac, you ask, and why is there someone named Gary associated with Titus Andronicus? Well, Taylor Mac is an artist (one who uses “judy,” lowercase sic, as a gender pronoun) and one of theater’s most innovative voices. Mac is the creator and star of one of the most buzzed-about American cultural events in recent memory, A 24-Decade History of Popular Music, the author of the +1 Google+ Find us on P vFacebook.com, tTwitter & P

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn

acclaimed play, Hir, and a MacArthur Fellow, speaking of no slouches. Gary is Mac’s Broadway debut, and it is what the title suggests, a comic sequel to Titus Andronicus in which Lane and Martin are servants who have to clean up the carnage in the aftermath of war. We hate to jinx by getting too revved up, but this has all the signs – rising creator on a roll meets comedy legends – of being something very special, and we’re just going to hand it all the Tony Awards now. Jim Parsons makes room at the Inn

In 1999, The New Yorker published “The Inn Crowd,” an article by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tony Horwitz detailing the controversy surrounding the Inn at Little Washington in Rappahannock County, Virginia. The residents of the area were split over whether or not to be decent human beings and welcome a gay couple and their business, or be stereotypical rednecks and run them out of town. Two decades later, that slice of American life is in the process of becoming a sitcom produced by Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons, Young & Hungry creator David Holden, and producing partner Todd Spiewak. The series is in development at NBC, and though no cast has been officially announced, it’s assumed that Parsons will star. We’re also assuming that in 2018 the homophobia will be made somewhat more adorable and easily turned to sweetness by the end of about the fifth episode, and we’re totally fine with that. Create the world you want to see and all that. e Romeo San Vicente’s self-created world alooks a lot like Folsom Street Fair.

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 13

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PAGE 14 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Cooking with Paula Dream

SLOW COOKER

Cranberry and Pork... or chicken e By Paula Dream (A K A K AL E HAYGO O D)

SLOW COOKER CRANBERRY PORK ROAST

2 7 10 Montrose Blvd. Houston, T X 7 7 006

713.526.0202 Order Online www.pepperonis.net

2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast salt and pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium white onion, chopped 1 cup chopped cranberries 1/4 cup blackberry fruit spread 1 t. chili powder 1 bay leaf 1 cup vegetable stock 1 cup plus one teaspoon of water 1 teaspoon of cornstarch

Season roast with salt and pepper. Heat large iron skillet mediumhigh heat. Add oil to the pan and sear roast on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker with onions, cranberries, jam and spices. Pour one cup water in pan used to sear and scrape up any bits. Pour over roast. Cook on high for 90 to 120 minutes. Remove pork from slow cooker. To thicken sauce, continue cooking or mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one teaspoon of water. Mix till smooth, then whisk into sauce. Slice roast and drizzle sauce over top. SLOW COOKER CRANBERRY GLAZED CHICKEN

4 chicken breasts 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 (14 ounce) can cranberry sauce 1 cup BBQ sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon black pepper +1 Google+ Find us on P vFacebook.com, tTwitter & P

Place chicken and onion in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients in mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Pour sauce over chicken and cook on low for six to eight hours or four to five hours on high. APPLE-OATMEAL SHORTBREAD BARS

Cookie base: 1 pouch (17 oz.) sugar cookie mix 1/2 cup butter Filling: 5 cups coarsely chopped, peeled, Granny Smith apples ( should be 5 medium size apples) 1/3 cup granulated sugar 3 teaspoons flour Topping: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup old fashioned oats 3/4 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix cookie base ingredients, using fork until well combined. Press in bottom of pan. In medium bowl toss filling ingredients. Spread over base. In medium bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using fork until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over filling. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool completely before cutting into squares. e Paula Dream (AKA Kale Haygood) owns Beyond Service, a Montrose-based, home-cooking catering company. For more information, call 713-805-4106 or email barrykale@yahoo.com.

Foodie Diaries

‘Classic’ doesn’t mean ‘old fashioned’ I

4412 WASHINGTON AVE | LAURENZOS.COM

Jim Ayres

found a fun online discussion recently: “Which words and expressions from the past do you still like to use today?” I have some favorites and I’m sprinkling a few of them in this column for fun. But The Classic is anything but archaic. On the contrary, the former Benjy’s location on Washington Avenue is glistening, pristine — a very 2018 interpretation of an all-day diner. You’ll have no trouble parking your horseless in The Classic’s expansive lot. Inside, all the dark woods are now bright white. (It was generally agreed that this Benjy’s location had good food but horrible décor.) Colors have emerged — muted blues and avocados may evoke the 1970s but really, this is Local Foods, also part of the Benjy’s family, writ large. There’s even a muralsize map of the neighborhood, a Local Foods signature. Alas, when The Classic opened in August, some would-be patrons found the menu a little too wholesome. Expecting an elevated Avalon Diner or Barnaby’s, they instead found Crispy Rice Salad, Grain Bowls and Hamachi. True, these may be hard sells in Houston. I saw Facebook comments along the line of “We took one look at the menu and left.” But I declare, don’t give up! Stay! And enjoy the wonderful dishes at The Classic. Besides, The Classic does have a burger. And pasta. And steak, eggs and pancakes. And cocktails! On my visit, I sampled a few things. Matzo Ball Soup was a thing of beauty. It’s usually made with chicken broth, but this broth was earthier, beefier. I

slurped with abandon and appreciated the little teapot with extra broth inside. And I’m sure the delicious matzo ball had healthy, ancient grains mixed in with the traditional meal. The seduction continued with Pelmeni Dumplings. Somewhat related to pierogis in Polish cuisine, these dumplings hail from Russia. Instead of a traditional meat filling, The Classic makes them over with a mushroom, rye and hazelnut stuffing. They’re soft on the outside and, topped with crème fraiche and dill, are mind-blowing. The BLT is a time-honored diner favorite, but The Classic’s PLT takes it to a new level. Pancetta subs for bacon, giving the sandwich a less smoky but no less porky flavor. Seeded bread kept to the healthy theme, as did an avocado-feta spread in place of mayo. Arugula peppered the whole thing up in a way mere lettuce never Watermelon could. ham. Did I mention cocktails? I certainly did to my attentive and friendly server. El Diablo is a simple concoction of tequila, crème di cassis and ginger wort (the “starter” syrup used in making ginger ale). It’s served with a lemon twist and the result is a bright, uplifting cocktail that would be good for brunch or any time of day. I didn’t try the burger. I’ll save the steak, or the rotisserie chicken, for another time. But I love The Classic for its modern spin on a wide variety of foods. It’s a classic in its own time. e Photo courtesy Gothamist and Duck’s Eatery

e By

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 15

ace in l p t s e b the et town to g prime rib. it. come get

French dip

The Classic

5922 Washington Avenue Houston, Texas 77007

713-868-1131 T H E C L A S S I C A L L D AY. C O M

Classict Pelmeni Dumplings

prime rib pizza

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PAGE 16 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Please note: Events, dates and times subject to change without notice.

Ġ Wed › October 3

Ġ Wed › October 10

Ġ Fri › October 12

Q Alley Theatre presents Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew, 7:30p (Thru 10/7) alleytheatre.org Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts ‘5-4-3-2-1 Wednesdays’ with Duckie & An’Marie, 8:30p, plus Hottest Male Dancers 6 Nights A Week, 10p

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts ‘5-4-3-2-1 Wednesdays’ with Duckie & An’Marie, 9p, plus Hot Male Dancers 6 Nights A Week, 10p

Q Club Houston hosts the Exposed Party, 10p, theclubs.com Q Miller Outdoor Theatre presents Día de la Hispanidad, celebrating the culture of Argentina through the music of Grupo Sur, 7:30p, milleroutdoortheatre.com Q Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents the documentary that explores the challenges of female filmmakers in Turkey today in Her First, 7p, mfah.org Q Rich’s Nightclub: GayKickball.com presents Bases & Faces, a benefit for Hatch Youth, 7p, richsnightclub.com

Ġ Thu › October 4

Q Discovery Green: Avenida Houston hosts Party On the Plaza, feat. Tontons: Houston-based Indie Rock Sweethearts, with opener: Say Girl Say, 7p, avenidahouston.com/party Q Matchbox 3: The T.R.U.T.H. Project, Inc, presents A Community Discussion on Aging Within LGBTQ+ Communities of Color and allies, addressing stigma, fear, triumph and pride, 7p, truthprojecthtx.org Q Matchbox 3: The Catastrophic Theatre presents Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class, 7:30p (Select dates thru 10/21) catastrophictheatre.com Q Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts the 39th Annual Chicano Festival Chicano, a celebration of culture through the music of countless generations of artists, 7p (Thru 10/6) milleroutdoortheatre.com

Ġ Thu › October 11

Q Matchbox 3: Gente de Teatro presents the hilarious comedy about the dreams that could have been in Jordi Galceran’s Cancún, 7:30p (Thru 10/14) gentedeteatro.org Q Univ. of St. Thomas campus: The Italian Cultural & Community Center presents the 40th Annual Houston Italian Festival, 5-10p (Thru 10/14) houstonitalianfestival.com

Q University of Houston: The Rockwell Lecture Series presents An Evening with Soledad O’Brien, 6p, uh.edu/giving/rockwell-lecture-series Ġ Sat › October 13

Q 901 Bagby Street is the site of the 2018 Bayou City Art Festival, featuring over 300 artists, food trucks, music and children’s creative zone, 10a (Thru 10/14) artcolonyassociation.org Q Brenner’s on the Bayou hosts their Annual Fall Wine Fest, 3-6p, brennersfest.com Q Discovery Green hosts the 2018 Korean Festival Houston, now in its 10th year, kfest.com Q Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall: Join the Houston Pride Band in celebration of their 40th Anniversary, 6p, thehobbycenter.org Q Todd Mission, Tx: Texas Renaissance Festival Weekend – Theme: Barbarian Invasion (Thru 10/14) texrenfest.com Q The University of Houston Alumni Center: The Houston Bears and the University of Houston LGBTQ Alumni Association presents My Big Funny Peter starring Peter Bisuito, Meet & Greet at 5p, Performance at 7p, mybigfunnypeter.com Q Wortham Center: Voss Events presents RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World 2018 Tour hosted by Michelle Visage, werqtheworld.com

Ġ Fri › October 5

Q Matchbox 1: Rogue Productions presents the heartwarming story Sole Mates, A Laundered Love Story, 7:30p, rogueproductionshtx.com Q Theatre Suburbia presents the retirement home comedy Ripcord (Select dates/time thru 10/13) theatresuburbia.org Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents an evening with Houston’s Hottest Male Dancers, 10p

Photo courtesy

Ġ Sun › October 14

Ġ Sat › October 6

Pearland Town Center hosts the Pearland Art & Crafts on the Pavilion, 10a-5p (Thru 10/7) visitpearland.com/artshow2018

Texas Renaissance Festival Peter Bisuito Oct 13 & 14

Q Todd Mission, Tx: Texas Renaissance Festival Weekend – Theme: 1001 Dreams (Thru 10/7) texrenfest.com Q 23rd Street Station, Galveston hosts Island Idol Season 4 with Carly Nation, every Sunday 7p (Thru 11/11) 23rdstreetstation.com Q Michael’s Outpost hosts a benefit for the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of GLBT History featuring Bill Bartlett on piano and special guests perform live, 8pm Q Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents the classic film noir directed by Otto Preminger, Laura, 5p, mfah.org Q Rich’s Nightclub presents Dessie’s Drag Race All Stars 3–Finale featuring Valentina LIVE, 6p, richsnightclub.com Q Tony’s Corner Pocket invites all to their 12th Anniversary & Customer Appreciation celebration, which includes a silent auction featuring Houston artists’ works, gift baskets and much more, 5p

Annual Turnabout at Tony's Corner Pocket

Ġ Tue › October 16

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents Twisted Tuesdays variety show hosted by Amanda, Ashleey and Alexis Nicole, 9p - PLUS - Tony’s Amateur Male Dance Contest, 10p Photo courtesy

Ġ Sun › October 7

Q 23rd Street Station, Galveston hosts Island Idol Season 4 with Carly Nation, every Sunday7p (Thru 11/11) 23rdstreetstation.com Q Eagle Houston hosts a Fried Chicken Brunch with special guest Peter Bisuito, a fundraiser to benefit Houston Bears’ charities: The HIV & Aging Coalition and Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History, 12p Q Montrose Center: The Krewe of Olympus presents the Bitchy Witchy Brunch featuring Tarot Readings, a Silent Auction, Entertainment, Brunch and more – costumes encouraged! kreweofolympusorg Q Rich’s Nightclub presents Dessie’s Drag Race All Stars 3–Reunion Show, 6p Q Tony’s Corner Pocket’s Annual TurnAbout spectacular features TCP’s bartenders performing in drag to benefit PWA Holiday Charities, 6p Q White Oak Music Hall presents A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper LIVE, 7pm, whiteoakmusichall.com

Ġ Mon › October 8

Q Matchbox 4: Southwest Alternate Media Project, Inc. presents the story of the terrifying progression of American history in The Truth Has Changed, 7p, swamp.org

Alice Cooper

Ġ Wed › October 17

Q Stages Repertory Theatre presents Emilio Rodriguez’s Swimming While Drowning, (Thru 10/21) stagestheatre.com Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts 5-4-3-2-1 Wednesdays with Duckie DuJour & An’Marie Gill, 9p, plus Hot Male Dancers 6 Nights A Week, 10p

The Tontons +1 Google+ Find us on P vFacebook.com, tTwitter & P

Photo courtesy

Q Rumors Beach Bar - Galveston hosts Tequila Tuesday with Karaoke and Lip Sync Battles, 8p rumorsbeachbar.com Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents Twisted Tuesdays variety show hosted by Amanda, Ashleey and Alexis Nicole, 9p, Kiki Maroon followed by Amateur Male Dance Contest, 10p

Photo courtesy

Ġ Tue › October 9

» Crossword Queeries ....... 19

KEVIN KELLER MONTROSE STAR .COM

» Star Buds................................... 20

Does the human body require cannabinoids to be healthy?

» Guide To The Clubs............. 26

Section

THE GAY-ETY STARTS HERE! WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 3,

2018 e VOL.

B IX, 14

Galveston is tickling the ‘Hale’ out of the ivories e By

Across the Causeway

Forest Riggs

alvestonians love music, especially live music and even more when it comes from a piano! Chances are, if you have sat in the Tremont House sipping the famous chocolate martinis and listening to beautiful piano music, you were being entertained by islander musician and bundle of talent, Kirk Hale. Over the years, Hale has developed quite a following and as he appears at various venues on and off the island, he is often the reason for a special trip or visit to hear him tickle those ivories. Taking up the piano at age 13 and without reading music, Hale listened to his favorites, over and over, often running from the record player to the piano in order to perfectly reproduce the notes he was hearing. Coming from a musical family, with his mother being classically trained on the piano and a sister already playing, young Hale listened to his idols like Carol King and Neil Young. “Oh my God! I played Carol’s album Tapestry over and over a thousand times. That album changed my life. I knew I had to learn this music and play it for people,” says Hale. The first song young Hale mastered was Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold”. “That song and Neil Young are still so very special to me, it was a magical beginning.” After hours and years of practicing, the young man from Dallas and Greenville was as skilled and versatile as any Juilliard-trained pianist. There were certainly other talents that the budding musician studied, note for note, in order to perfect his skills. With his love of both classic and light rock that he delivers beautifully, folks like Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and “any female that could sing, play the piano and write music” became Hale’s teachers. He studied them and their music until he had it down. “I genuinely enjoyed them and learning their styles gave me tremendous pleasure and my own sense of accomplishment,” he says. Hale says he wanted his songs to sound exactly like the records and tapes that he filled days and nights listening to.

“I didn’t want the songs to sound like some hacked version of a famous musician,” he says. “I wanted my work to make their sound and make it exact.” As Hale grew older, his musical talent was recognized and brought him great opportunities to perform all over. Over the years he has developed quite a following and a repertoire of songs and has very comfortably added humor and storytelling along the way. Growing up in the 1960s and addicted to television, shows such as Bewitched, The Munsters and many more shaped his comedic sense of humor and supplied him with ample material to highlight his songs and keep his audience entertained. From highbrow to no-brow, Hale played them all. He drew crowds at Nordstrom’s, thrilled the well-heeled folks at the famous Driskill Hotel in Austin, charmed the “Hale” out of ’em at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and proudly displayed his abilities at the Wendy Krispin Dallas Design Center. One of Hale’s favorite moments in his career came one night in 1976 while playing the Driskill. “The house was packed. I was playing songs from the Jeff Beck album Blow by Blow and when I finished Diamond Dust, a patron brought over Jeff Beck himself to meet me,” he said. “I was flabbergasted as Beck said rather than give me his autograph, I should be giving him mine! He loved it.” From fine dining to quiet clubs and cabarets, Hale has played them all and, in each, joyously entertaining and leaving the crowd with a smile. “There is a fine line between talent and no integrity,” he says. Hale certainly brings integrity to his performances. When asked why he continues to Hale playing at the Driskill in Austin perform and entertain, he says he wants to see people listen and enjoy the music. It gives him pleasure to have them engaged. As for the tips and money, Hale laughs, “Honey, you can’t put a price on it, it is a one of a kind experience.” “People really enjoy live music, seeing it created and being played to them and for them,” Hale continues. “Rap and Hip-Hop came along and the S 18

PAGE 18 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Pianist Kirk Hale and Life Partner Carl Samuels

Across the Causeway S 17 some live music styled and treatments faded a bit, but it is coming back strong, now more than ever-real music is back!” Island life and love Along the way, while visiting Galveston club Robert’s Lafitte, Hale met his life partner (of 28 years now), Carl Samuels, a very handsome communications specialist. Island Diva Misty Valdez was performing that night and Hale’s Steely Dan music was all it took for true love to blossom. Samuels walked over to Hale and said, “I love your music.” The rest as they say, is history — romantic history. The couple moved to Galveston for a second time eight years ago, and it remains their home. In their comfortable duplex, (“We both need our space,” Hale says), they enjoy their pets and sunsets on the terrace with good music flowing from their Bose speakers. Hale is busy performing at various places on the island and the mainland. Aside from performing, Kirk is also sought out for his piano tuning skills and stays busy keeping the instruments tunedand ready to go. He is a hit in both gay and straight (stray) clubs. He performs at the Galveston Country Club now and then and can be heard and experienced at the island’s 23rd Street Station Piano Bar where piano music and real Happy Hours have come back. Catching one of Hale’s shows is a fun and uplifting experience. He has

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Hale and one his many dogs

incorporated voices and movie lines in his performances. One of his favorite characters is the “mommy-loving” Edwin Flagg from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. With his amazing resemblance to actor Victor Buono and his big Teddy Bear hands, Hale IS Edwin Flagg, telling Jane Hudson she “…sings beautifully. Now how much are you going to pay?” If you have not seen him perform, watch the magazines and articles to catch his magical music and wit. It is worth a drive — just ask Jeff Beck! For bookings and information, contact Kirk Hale at 512922-6920 or www.LoneStarPianos.com. e Forest Riggs, a resident of Galveston is no stranger to the adventures of life. A former educator and business owner, he enjoys Island life and all that comes with it. He says he is a “raconteur with a quixotic, gypsy spirit.” Forest has written for several newspapers and magazines as well as other writing pursuits, including a novel and collection of short stories.

Crossword Queeries

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 19

KEVIN KELLER Across

50 Dawn direction

11 Does a circumcision, e.g.

1 Bargain sign at Barneys

52 Walk, in Sue Wicks’ sport

12 Leave the stage

5 Basketball to Eliza Doolittle?

57 With everything counted

13 Changes colors

9 Gave a butt whipping

60 Kevin Keller is a character

21 Melissa Etheridge’s “

14 Guilty or not guilty,

in this TV teen drama series

to Perry Mason

63 Bitch and moan

25 Med. care grps.

15 Constellation bear

64 From square one

27 Home st. of Maupin

16 Sticky stuff

65 Gomer’s “anti”

28 Margaret Cho, for one

17 Opera solos

66 Cause to come out

30 “

18 Dark greenish blue

67 Mae West’s “She

31 Bone by the radius

Him Wrong”

19 Nickname for Brian

Am”

to differ!”

32 Lindsay Lohan’s

20 Kevin Keller portrayer

68 Former anchor Roger

and source of the quote

69 “God loves everybody,”

33 Skater Mattis

at 10- and 36-Down

to Jane Spahr

34 Lohengrin soprano

22 Birds’ abodes

70 Sooner city

35 In case

23 Rubber

71 Takes advantage of pupils?

36 “...of his as

24 Climb, as a tree

Down

38 Prefix with byte or hertz

26 ’N

1 Patrick Stewart’s final frontier

(boy band)

29 Whoopi Goldberg

2 What you better

plays one in Ghost

not be calling me

33 After “New”

3 First lesbian magazine

(Urvashi Vaid birthplace)

Vice

37 ”More” singer Perry

4 Makes less difficult to bear

39 Type of seaman

5 Yell upon leaving the closet?

40 Stick in the fridge?

6 Milk go-with

41 Masters

7 Pre-coll. exam

42 Rowlands of An Early Frost

8 Preserves meat

43 R. Nureyev’s land, once

9 Member, in slang

44 Like the 13 Amer. colonies

10 “His name may be

45 Mullally of Will & Grace

Moose, but I’d describe a

46 Fitzgerald character

certain

48 Lorca’s house

Girls

”

41 Vibrators and such 45 Golf sportscaster Dave 47 What Cassie teaches on Glee 49 Like some mushy fruit 51 It may be rough 53 Affleck’s Chasing Amy crush 54 Like the Ambiguously Gay Duo? 55 Write “The Hot’l Baltimore”

...”

56 Gives temporarily 57 Rapper who’s a thespian 58 Church section 59 Shakespearean stream 61 Aware of 62 Caesar’s post-orgasm cry?

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PAGE 20 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Star Buds

Does the human body require cannabinoids to be healthy? e By

Rena McCain

appy Weedsday, everyone! I hope today finds you doing well. So just about everyone on the planet knows what Cannabis is, right? Many people know that it helps make a person feel better for a variety of reasons and ways. Cannabis helps make depression and anxiety bearable for some and helps others to relax. Cannabis helps with chronic pain and nerve pains, too, for a good portion of the population. This has been experienced and proven time and time again. But how many of you know why Cannabis helps with all these symptoms and so much more? What is it about your body and Cannabis that can make an epileptic seizure stop in its tracks? How many of you out there have seen the videos of this happening? If you have not seen these videos, I encourage you to Google using the search words “Cannabis” and “stop seizure” and watch them! It is enough to give hope to mankind when you can see a little child or any other human being suddenly find the relief they have needed in their life from a simple yet complex plant that grows as wild as a weed. The reason this plant works for people is because of a system in the body called the endocannabinoid system that is present in each and every one of us — no exceptions! This system was discovered to be a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the mammalian central

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nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, pregnancy, during pre- and postnatal development, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory and other functions in the body. (Source: en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Endocannabinoidsystem) That, to me, is fascinating. We have all these little receptors all over the insides of our bodies that regulate what the other parts of our bodies do, right? So if your body is starved of the Cannabinoids it needs in order to be healthy, it seems to me we would have a total body deficiency that could potentially affect the whole body. Is the deficiency enough to cause a lot of the current weird diseases we have out there that have no cures or explanations for healing? I feel it’s a possibility! Look at such cases of people out there where their tumors have disappeared altogether? Or Alexis Bortell and some of the other children out there not suffering anymore because of Cannabis in their life? I am not saying Cannabis is the cure-all, but it sure does better work that most of Big Pharma does! For all these conditions out there that have no cure or treatment, I would love to know if they have been treated by Cannabis and has it been successful! If you have a Cannabis story you would like published or if you would just like for me to know your story, please reach out. Let’s connect. e Rena McCain is a co-founder of the Cannabis Open Carry Walks. Find her on Facebook at Rena McCain, or via Twitter @sassikatt24 and Instagram at ganja_grrl420.

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 21

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PAGE 22 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

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MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 23

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PAGE 24 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

October is our month e By

Nancy Ford

h, October. Month of falling leaves and falling temperatures (hopefully), all culminating in Halloween, the High Holy Day of self-respecting and glitter loving queers everywhere. But let’s start with a bit of a history lesson, shall we? October is also the month LGBTQs and our supportive friends celebrate National LGBT History Month. That tradition started in 1994 in the United States, thanks to teacher Rodney Wilson who proposed the idea after realizing that most history books were completely devoid of significant contributions to humanity by LGBT individuals. Without the introduction of National LGBT History Month, we might not know of the same sex-loving tendencies of folks like Jane Addams (1860–1935), considered the “mother” of social work. Or of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), one of history’s greatest military minds. Or of Magnus Hirschfeld (18681935), who helped found the Scientific

Humanitarian Committee in Germany to defend the rights of homosexuals. Or Billy Sipple (1941-1989), who prevented the assassination of President Gerald Ford in 1975. And of so, so many others. LGBT History Month expanded to a full month of awareness after National Coming Out Day was established on to October 11, 1988. October was chosen as the target month for NCOD because the first LGB March on Washington was held in October of 1987. It would be years before the T was added in recognition of our transgender brothers and sisters in the greater queer struggle, and thank goodness it finally was: Arguably, that trans activists currently lead the march for overall gender equality. Sadly, horrifically, the exultation and exhilaration of Coming Out Day was smothered in 1998 with the death of Matthew Shepard. On October 6 of that year, Shepard was drinking at a bar in Laramie, Wyoming. Later that night he found himself in a pickup truck with fellow drinkers, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. Some say McKinney and Henderson were simply intent on robbing Shepard, but reacted violently when Shepard made sexual overtures toward them. Others say it was a drug deal (meth, to be specific) gone bad and had nothing to do with Shepard’s sexuality. You can read more about this theory in this issue of MONTROSE STAR’s coverage of the

What a World new book, Matt: Hidden Truths about the Murder of Matthew Shepard, by Stephen Jimenez. Whatever the truth is, Shepard was found beaten beyond recognition, slung up on a fence in a remote field where he had been left to die. Which he did, on October 12. McKinney and Henderson are each currently serving two consecutive life sentences.Of course, thousands of LGBTs were beaten, tortured and murdered before the young, white, attractive Shepard died on that fence. But for some reason Shepard’s death was considered the last(ish) straw, a turning point for a wave of outrage that forced the United States Congress and President Barack Obama to make the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act the law of the land. Yet, here we are, twenty years later, and anti-LGBTQ violence continues to rise. In 2016, 28 hate crimes were perpetrated against LGBTQ people; in 2017, that number rose to 52, according to NewNowNext.com. Hmmm. I wonder what happened in 2016 and 2017 that may have encouraged such an increase? What could possibly have occurred in our nation that emboldened twice as many Americans to take the lives of 52 people simply because of who those slain people loved? This year, 21 transgender men and women have already lost their lives at the hands of violent, hateful men (as of September); most of those lost were

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transgender women of color. Keep in mind, these figures do not include suicides, which is a whole other topic for a whole other column. Grim as all these facts and figures may be, they serve as a reminder of the importance of National LGBT History Month and Coming Out Day. The more we celebrate our history, loudly and proudly, the more educated we all become. This month reminds us of how much L’s and G’s and B’s and T’s and Q’s and I’s and all the rest of our chosen identifying initials have in common with the S’s. The more of us who come out, the more of us there are to love. Harvey Milk knew what he was talking about when he wisely said: “Gay brothers and sisters, you must come out. Come out to your parents. I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your relatives, come out to your friends — if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbors, to your fellow workers, to the people who work where you eat and shop. Come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake.” There’s another way you can celebrate your LGBTQ-ness this month. Make sure you are registered to vote in November for those who celebrate equality. OK. History class is adjourned. e

PFLAG Houston News

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 25

October is full of PFLAG Houston celebrations e By

Linda Bratsen

n October 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the National March on Washington, advocating for LGBTQ legal rights and protections. In 1988, the second march on Washington was designated as National Coming Out Day. As PFLAG Houston celebrates the 30th anniversary of this historic event, all are cordially invited to the group’s general meeting scheduled Sunday October 14, 2018. PFLAG Houston parents, as well as individual members, will present their stories. Doors open at 1:45 p.m., and the meeting begins at 2 p.m. in the Jones Building at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main Street. Parking is available between Fannin and San Jacinto. Small groups, where members and visitors can confidentially share their individual journeys, immediately follows the program. The Big 4-0. The PFLAG Houston party is about to begin, and it members look forward to seeing all at the group’s 40th anniversary celebration! On October 13 at 7 p.m., PFLAG Houston cordially invites all to join in celebrating this anniversary at Resurrection MCC. Co-chaired by former Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker and wife Kathy Hubbard, the event offers a great opportunity to reminisce, enjoy delicious food and fellowship and learn more about PFLAG Houston. Attendees are encouraged to share a story or recount an amusing incident. Mark your calendar, and tell your friends and family. What a great opportunity to reminisce, enjoy delicious food and fellowship and learn more about PFLAG Houston! More PFLAG Houston meetings. 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! PFLAG Houston’s Mid-Month Sharing Meeting meets on the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting is located at Bering United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold Street in Houston. Enter under the teal awning. The meeting is in the first room on the left. PFLAG Houston’s Clear Lake Sharing Meeting meets the fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 17503 El Camino Real Drive in Clear Lake. PFLAG Houston’s Katy Sharing Meeting meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 ’til 8 p.m. at First Christian Church, located at 22101 Morton Ranch Road. Please enter the main building through the front doors and follow the signs. PFLAG Houston is excited to bring support, education and advocacy to the west side. PFLAG Houston’s Yahoo Group subscription list is confidential, and all members can immediately post messages to all other members of the network. Subscribers may search PFLAG Houston’s archives to look at all previous listings. e 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 PFLAG Houston’s hotline at helpline@pflaghouston.org or call 713-467-3524. +1 Google+ Find us on P vFacebook.com, tTwitter & P

PAGE 26 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday October 3, 2018

Guide to the Clubs HOUSTON

n MONTROSE - MIDTOWN Moon Tower Inn 3004 Canal St, 77003 (832) 969-1934 • damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Hot Dogs | Beer Gardens

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

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

Michael’s Outpost Piano Bar 1419 Richmond Ave, Houston (713) 520-8446 Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Piano

n DOWNTOWN / WARDS 1-4 Tony’s Corner Pocket 817 West Dallas Street, Houston (713) 571-7870 • tonyscornerpocket.com Neighborhood Bar | Pool | Dancers

Rich's Houston 2401 San Jacinto (281) 846-6685 RichsNightclub.com

n HOUSTON - NORTH SIDE Ranch Hill Saloon 24704 Interstate 45, Spring (281) 298-9035 • ranchhill.com Country | Cowgirl | Neighborhood Bar

Barcode Houston 817 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 526-2625 • facebook.com/barcode77006

Neil’s Bahr 2006 Walker St, 77003 (281) 352-7456 • NeilsBahr.com Premier Nerd | Gamer | Intellectual hangout

The Room Bar 4915 FM 2920 Rd, Spring (281) 907-6866 • roombarspring.com Neighborhood Bar | Shows | Dance | Mixed n NW HOUSTON Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon 11410 Hempstead Highway Houston, TX 77092 (713) 677-0828 • neonbootsclub.com

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Viviana’s Night Club 4624 Dacoma St, Houston (713) 681-4101 • vivianasniteclub.com Latino | Tejano | Dance n HOUSTON - SW 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

SOLUTION FROM p19

MontroseStar.com  e | Wednesday October 3, 2018 | PAGE 27

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