HOUSTON’S HOTTEST LGBTQ ARTISTS WITH NEW MUSIC RELEASES
ATTXLA
Turns personal pain into an empowering anthem Pg.40
MARTINI
Mixes pop with purpose Pg.42
Latest album inspires with dance and soul Pg.44
DJ PANDA
The soundtrack of Houston’s queer nightlife Pg.46
& COMMENT
Protecting yourself, both physically and financially, from the next hurricane requires careful planning 30
COMMUNITY
Sophia Silueta’s Coextensive Collective fosters community and creativity among Houston’s gender-expansive artists;
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s annual Queer Teen Night offers a safe space for teens to become part of an extended community ( pg. 32);
Ian L. Haddock launches the Black Queer AF Media Tour across the American South ( pg. 34 )
featuring Nate Drop. Photography by Jonathan “Nate Drop” Harris
A successful retirement in the future can often depend on having a solid plan now. If your money isn't working as hard as you are, it may be time to act—there are no do-overs in retirement planning. Now is the time to consider developing a strategy that can help you work toward your financial goals. I specialize in providing comprehensive, financial guidance with the goal of maximizing every remaining moment of the retirement countdown.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu
Creative Director Alex Rosa
Creative Director Alex Rosa
Editors Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude
Editor Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude
Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Olivia Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Jenny Block, Sam Byrd, David Clarke, Dick Dace, Blase DiStefano, Andrew Edmonson, en Foster, Alys Garcia Carrera, Martin Giron, Lillian Hoang, DL Groover, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, James Hurst, Lisa Keen, Ryan M. Leach, Zachary McKenzie, David Odyssey, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Sheryl Taylor, Terrance Turner, Grace S. Yung
Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Block, Sam Byrd, David Clarke, Dick Blase DiStefano, Andrew Edmonson, en Foster, Alys Garcia Carrera, Martin Lillian Hoang, DL Groover, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, James Hurst, Lisa Ryan M. Leach, Zachary McKenzie, Odyssey, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Sheryl Taylor, Terrance Turner, Grace S. Yung
Photographers/Illustrators
Photographers/Illustrators
Edgardo Aguilar, John-Paul Arreaga, Victor Contreras, Dalton DeHart, Yvonne Feece, Hernandez, Ashkan Roayaee, Alex Rosa
Edgardo Aguilar, John-Paul Arreaga, Victor Contreras, Dalton DeHart, Yvonne Feece, Hernandez, Ashkan Roayaee, Alex Rosa
Operations Manager Michael Gurnas and Marketing Dept.
Operations Manager Michael Gurnas and Marketing Dept.
Advertising Reps 713.520.7237
Fricke, Chris Lew, Gene Mikulenka
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In this month’s issue of OutSmart, we celebrate Coextensive, a groundbreaking queer art collective founded by Sophia Silueta. Established in 2023, Coextensive is dedicated to amplifying the voices of queer artists of color through community events ranging from markets to concerts. Silueta’s mission is to provide a safe space for underrepresented artists to express themselves.
We also highlight the work of contributing writer Ian L. Haddock and The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. Haddock’s upcoming Black Queer AF Media Tour will travel across the American South, bringing live music, podcasts, and community empowerment opportunities to cities big and small. This tour builds on the success of the annual Black Queer AF Music Festival and aims to promote HIV prevention, Black entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Our annual August music section features a diverse range of artists. Our writer Connor
Behrens profiles our cover star, Nate Drop, a Houston native who infuses his latest album, True Air, with joy and authenticity. Don’t miss our stories on Attxla’s new single, “Release,” Sugar Joiko’s soulful DJ SAVE MY LIFE album, and Gin Martini’s The Human Experience self-empowerment soundtrack. Contributing writer Ian L. Haddock talks to DJ Panda, who has emerged as a powerful force on the Houston music scene for over a decade. His consistency and ear for music have catapulted him to stages across the country, merging the Houston flair with his international taste in music.
Houston’s vibrant theater community welcomes Derek Charles Livingston to his new role as artistic director at Stages. He combines his extensive theater experience with a deep commitment to activism as he aims to create impactful and engaging new productions at The Gordy.
Our August wedding section features the heartwarming story of Raed and Carlos Gonzalez, a loving Houston couple who surprised
their wedding guests during a festive celebration at San Antonio’s Hotel Emma.
As our longtime readers know, OutSmart ’s Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate our readers’ favorite LGBTQ and ally businesses, personalities, and community leaders annually. Remember to cast your votes online for the top picks in dozens of categories, and mark your calendars for October 23 when we gather at South Beach for the awards gala. This event not only honors excellence but also supports the OutSmart Foundation through fundraising efforts.
Scan to learn more about OutSmart’s Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards
Your Support Transforms LGBTQ Stories intoChange
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By supporting the OutSmart Foundation, you invest in a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices and promotes equality through storytelling. You help produce journalism that confronts prejudice and embraces diversity.
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DO IT
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
Plus, learn which HIV prevention and treatment options work for you.
QUEER
STAGE August 1
ACTOUT AT THE ALLEY THEATRE
Don’t miss the Alley’s thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. ActOUT reception before the show features complimentary cocktails, light bites, and door prizes. tinyurl.com/bdc8hkzw For
COMMUNITY August 3–4
HOUSTON INT’L ORIGAMI & ART FESTIVAL
Celebrate the art of origami. See a life-size origami dragon, learn a new skill with free workshops, and enjoy live music performances. 7500 Bellaire Boulevard tinyurl.com/3ud4kk7b
COMMUNITY August 31
PRIDE GALVESTON BEACH BASH
Grab your flag and towel and head down to Pride Galveston’s Beach Bash! Enjoy live DJs, snacks, and free goodies. tinyurl.com/mudrd3b
COMMUNITY
August 11
FORT BEND PRIDE FESTIVAL
Fort Bend County Pride hosts its inaugural Pride festival, a familyfriendly event that’s free for everyone. tinyurl.com/mrw5njfd
COMMUNITY
August 24
PRIDE COMMUNITY
CENTER MASQUERADE GALA
This gala honors Brazos Valley individuals who have made significant contributions to their LGBTQ community. The evening includes dinner, entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction. tinyurl.com/2s7a66au
STAGE
August 8
PRIDE NIGHT AT MAIN STREET THEATER
Main Street Theater hosts its Pride night pre-show Happy Hour before the performance of The Woman in Black tinyurl.com/4b2zjy4s
COMMUNITY
August 22
DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION WATCH PARTY
Join the Human Rights Campaign’s Houston community to watch and discuss the 2024 National Democratic Convention. tinyurl.com/yc4japph
COMMUNITY
August 10
THE MAHOGANY PROJECT’S FAMILY REUNION
The Mahogany Project celebrates its 7th anniversary with a “family reunion” featuring delicious food, lively music, and fun games. tinyurl.com/4p8v9t55
COMMUNITY
August 10
BEACH PLEASE DRAG BINGO
First Christian Church Katy presents Beach Please Bingo with Kiki Dion Van Wales, benefitting Pride Galveston. tinyurl.com/ymn8x46c
STAGE
August 16
MISTER & MISS PRIDE GALVESTON PAGEANT
Pride Galveston presents the 2024 Mister & Miss Pride Galveston pageant at Island Time Beach Bar. tinyurl.com/mudrd3b
COMMUNITY
August 17
TRANS LEGAL AID CLINIC
Volunteer clinic attorneys will assist in getting your name and/ or gender marker updated on your identifying documents. tinyurl.com/29jczurh
COMMUNITY
August 23
RED DINNER V
University of Houston Alumni Association presents Red Dinner V, emceed by ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia. Houston singer/songwriter Kam Franklin provides the evening’s entertainment, and radio personality Eddie Robinson will give the keynote address. Tammi Wallace, president and CEO of the Greater
Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is this year’s recipient of the UH Alumni Network’s Katy Caldwell Award.
The Red Dinner raises funds to support LGBTQ students with scholarships and crisis aid since the University’s LGBTQ Resource Center was shut down after Senate Bill 17 was enacted. tinyurl.com/5ee7fvpn
STAGE August 24
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL-STARS LIVE
The Werk Room hosts the high kicks and low splits of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 9, live onstage. tinyurl.com/4kvrhmm5
Brandi Williams
STAGE
September 6–15 HOUSTON BALLET ’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
Houston Ballet opens the 2024–’25 season with their premiere of John Neumeier’s production of The Little Mermaid tinyurl.com/3t26j6wp
COMMUNITY
September 13–15
BAYOU CITY PUPS 10TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
Join the Houston Pups for a tail-wagging extravaganza of kink, community, and pup play. tinyurl.com/yund2mpb
STAGE September 14
COUNTERPOINT: CONRAD TAO & CALEB TEICHER
Pianist and composer Conrad Tao joins tap dancer and choreographer Caleb Teicher to put a unique spin on beloved music and dance pieces. tinyurl.com/yct5ynjb
STAGE
September 19–29
HOUSTON BALLET – VELOCITY
A triple-bill program featuring works that showcase the artistic depth and technical virtuosity of Houston Ballet dancers. tinyurl.com/mr2u7frt
Caleb Teicher
WE'VE NEVER SHIED AWAY FROM WHAT IS RIGHT.
For over 40 years, we have provided exceptional health care services with a warm welcome to our entire community. And that will never change.
A Breakthrough in HIV Prevention
International study reports 100 percent efficacy in women.
By MARIA CHENG AND GERALD IMRAY, AP
Twice-yearly shots used to treat AIDS were 100% effective in preventing new infections in women, according to study results published Wednesday.
There were no infections in the young women and girls that got the shots in a study of about 5,000 in South Africa and Uganda, researchers reported. In a group given daily prevention pills, roughly 2% ended up catching HIV from infected sex partners.
“To see this level of protection is stunning,” said Salim Abdool Karim of the injections. He is director of an AIDS research center in Durban, South Africa, who was not part of the research.
The shots made by U.S. drugmaker Gilead and sold as Sunlenca are approved in the U.S., Canada, Europe and elsewhere, but only as a treatment for HIV. The company said it is waiting for results of testing in men before seeking permission to use it to protect against infection.
The results in women were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and discussed at an AIDS conference in Munich. Gilead paid for the study and some of the researchers are company employees. Because of the surprisingly encouraging results, the study was stopped early and all participants were offered the shots, also known as lenacapavir.
While there are other ways to prevent HIV infection, like condoms or daily pills, consistent use has been a problem in Africa. In the new study, only about 30% of participants given Gilead’s Truvada or Descovy prevention pills actually took them—and that figure dropped over time.
The prospect of a twice-a-year shot is “quite revolutionary news” for our patients, said Thandeka Nkosi, who helped run the Gilead research at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Masiphumelele, South Africa. “It gives participants a choice and it just eliminates the whole stigma around taking pills” to prevent HIV.
Experts working to stop the spread of
AIDS are excited about the Sunlenca shots but are concerned Gilead hasn’t yet agreed on an affordable price for those who need them the most. The company said it would pursue a “voluntary licensing program,” suggesting that only a select number of generic producers would be allowed to make them.
“Gilead has a tool that could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic,” said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the Genevabased U.N. AIDS agency.
She said her organization urged Gilead to share Sunlenca’s patent with a U.N.-backed program that negotiates broad contracts allowing generic drugmakers to make cheap versions of drugs for poorer countries worldwide. As an HIV treatment, the drug costs more than $40,000 a year in the U.S., although what individuals pay varies.
Dr. Helen Bygrave of Doctors Without Borders said in a statement that the injections could “reverse the epidemic if it is made available in the countries with the highest rate of new infections.” She urged Gilead to publish a price for Sunlenca that would be affordable for all countries.
In a statement last month, Gilead said it was too early to say how much Sunlenca would cost for prevention in poorer countries. Dr. Jared Baeten, Gilead’s senior vice president of clinical development, said the company was already talking to generics manufacturers and understood how “deeply important it is that we move at speed.”
Another HIV prevention shot, Apretude, which is given every two months, is approved in some countries, including in Africa. It sells for about $180 per patient
Clinical trials coordinator Thandeka Nkosi and lab technician Xolile Mhlanga at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation’s Masiphumelele research site in Cape Town, South Africa
per year, which is still too pricey for most developing countries.
Byanyima said the people who need long-lasting protection the most include women and girls who are victims of domestic violence and gay men in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized. According to UNAIDS, 46% of new HIV infections globally in 2022 were in women and girls, who were three times more likely to get HIV than males in Africa.
Byanyima compared the news about Sunlenca to the discovery decades ago of AIDS drugs that could turn HIV infection from a death sentence into a chronic illness. Back then, South African President Nelson Mandela suspended patents to allow wider access to the drugs; the price later dropped from about $10,000 per patient per year about $50.
“TO SEE THIS LEVEL OF PROTECTION IS STUNNING.”
—Salim
Abdool Karim, AIDS research director in Durban, South Africa
Olwethu Kemele, a health worker at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, predicted the shots could boost the number of people coming in for HIV prevention and slow the virus’ spread. She said young women often hide the pills to avoid questions from boyfriends and family members. “It makes it hard for the girls to continue,” she said.
In a report on the state of the global epidemic released this week, UNAIDS said that fewer people were infected with HIV 2023 than at any point since the late 1980s. Globally, HIV infects about 1.3 million people every year and kills more than 600,000, mainly in Africa. While significant progress has been made in Africa, HIV infections are rising in Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
In other research presented at the AIDS conference, Andrew Hill of the University of Liverpool and colleagues estimated that once production of Sunlenca is expanded to treat 10 million people, the price should fall to about $40 per treatment. He said it was critical that health authorities get access to Sunlenca as soon as possible.
“This is about as close as you can get to an HIV vaccine,” he said.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:
dofetilide
rifampin
any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.
Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated by Gilead.
*Source: 04/19/2019 IQVIA NPA Weekly through 05/19/2023. #1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*
IS
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.
MORE TO LOVE.
BIKTARVY® is approved for more people than ever before.
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Scan to learn more about BIKTARVY.
*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.
By GRACE YUNG, CFP
It’s Hurricane Season
Prepare to protect yourself, both physically and financially, from the next one.
With the 2024 hurricane season now in full swing, we have already seen the effects of wind, rain, flying debris, and loss of power. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an aboveaverage hurricane/storm season this year. It is estimated that just one inch of floodwater in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damage, so it is essential that you protect your home and other assets—as well as yourself—from severe weather situations.
Preparing Prior to a Storm
When an oncoming storm or hurricane is predicted, it is vital to prepare for it ahead of time. This can include boarding up windows and doors (or using hurricane shutters, if applicable). In addition, moving outdoor furniture and other items inside can help to prevent them from being picked up by the wind and possibly causing additional damage to your home or your neighbors’ homes.
That said, let’s not forget about how to protect yourself financially with the proper insurance coverage. Regular homeowner’s insurance may cover some types of hurricane damage, but the extent of this protection will depend on the actual policy.
For example, standard home insurance policies typically do not cover flooding or rising water, so you may want to consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy that covers the primary types of hurricane-related flooding such as excessive rainfall, flash floods, and overflowing bodies of water.
FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) offers a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through more than 50 insurance companies, as well as NFIP Direct. Keep in mind, though, that FEMA’s flood insurance premiums may cost more than private flood insurance.
The NFIP coverage may also be somewhat limited, as it doesn’t generally cover the cost of improvements, such as finished walls and
floors. And the wait time for reimbursement could be longer than that of a private flood insurance plan. A natural question would be whether you can buy an additional flood policy for more coverage. The answer is no, but there may be exceptions. To learn more about NFIP coverage, visit floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider.
If you rent your home, the property owner or management company will typically carry insurance on the property. But you are still responsible for having renter’s coverage that protects your personal items like furniture and clothing. These policies are typically very affordable and can be well worth the premium cost if you must file a claim for damages.
It is also recommended that you take pictures of items in and around your home. These shouldn’t just include higher-priced items like furniture and appliances, but also clothing, electronics, and other things that may have to be replaced in the event of storm damage. Having pictures of your pets is also recommended in case they become lost.
Further, having certain documents on hand—and kept in a safe, dry location—is also helpful. These should include identification for yourself and anyone you take care of, a list of your medications, vaccine records, and emergency contact information.
Dealing with Storm Damage
Because there is no way to fully prevent the wrath of a severe storm or hurricane, if your home and/or possessions become damaged, there are some key steps to take—starting with taking an inventory of the damage.
If you are covered by insurance, you will want to take proactive measures so that you know what to anticipate in various situations. For example, if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, who is responsible for paying the cost of repairs and/or replacement of damaged items? The same holds true if one of your trees falls and causes damage to a neighbor’s home or yard. Speak with your neighbors about their
tree if there may be a potential for the tree to fall over onto your property and cause damages. This is a preventative that can help save you headache and money later, should something happen. If your neighbor is not cooperative, then consult with your property/casualty insurance company about other steps to take in order to protect yourself and your property. Perhaps putting your concerns in writing (and giving them fair warning) can help protect you if your neighbor’s tree does fall on you. Otherwise, you may have to foot the bill on your own.
Taking pictures of any storm damage can be extremely helpful if you file an insurance claim. These photos can even be compared with any of the “before” pictures that you have on file. You should also include evidence of other items, too, such as any food that has spoiled in your refrigerator or freezer due to power outages.
In some cases, it may seem unwise to file an insurance claim out of concern for future increased premiums, or even being dropped from your coverage altogether. Even if you pay out-of-pocket for such damages, though, the claims that your neighbor(s) file could force your entire area’s premiums to go up anyway. With that in mind, make sure that you obtain as much information as possible from your insurer regarding no-fault claims.
Preparing for Future Storms
Even if there are no storms currently on the horizon, taking precautions ahead of time can pay off when the time comes. This can include stocking up on some key necessities. Important items to have on hand should ideally include:
• Generator – The power grids are becoming more fragile with each passing day, so planning for a power outage is recommended—whether it is due to severe weather or some other reason. Depending on the type of generator you install for your home, it could be a positive selling point when you decide to sell in the future.
• Gas stove – If you have an electric stove, it would make sense to consider getting a gas stove. If you lose power, at least you will have the ability to cook and boil water for consumption.
• Flashlights – Although many people have access to the flashlight on their phone, using it can quickly drain your phone’s battery. So having one or more battery-operated flashlights
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dealing with the difficulty sheltering with neighbors hurricane, someone from Wyoming contacted Kern inspired to rewrite their policies to be more transKern’s voice is making a
inspire further activism The Free People’s Village. a red background with suggesting war propaganreaders with its revolution-
ary tone. The cover was designed by Egyptian artist Ganzeer, who Kern met at a local festival and recognized him as the activist and street artist who gained notoriety during the Egyptian revolution in 2011 before being forced into exile. Now based in Houston, Ganzeer was able to produce a cover design—including a dust jacket that unfolds into a protest poster—recalling the street art he produced during the Egyptian revolution.
Looking ahead, Kern is already working on their next book, and it’s a departure from previous climate-fiction novels. This new story takes place in Eastern Europe in 1647 and is a historical-fiction plot that follows a group of traveling queer Jews as they navigate religion, racism, and capitalism. But Kern’s signature style—including elements of climate change and social justice—will still be evident throughout the book.
WHAT: Sim Kern book launch event and discussion WHEN: September 12 at 6:30 pm WHERE: Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet INFO: www.brazosbookstore.com
Keep up with Kim Kern on Instagram @sim_bookstagrams_badly
Best Pet Emergency Center
on hand is recommended—or even a wind-up emergency radio with a built-in flashlight.
• Water and non-perishable food –With the potential for long-term power outages that can cause most grocery stores and restaurants to close, having plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, especially during storm season, is another necessity.
• Portable home batteries – Portable batteries can be helpful for running one or more appliances. This can help with cooking, as well as the ability to run heat or air conditioning, even if just for a short period of time.
As with any other emergency, it is critical that you have a plan of action in place. For instance, know where to go if your home becomes uninhabitable. In this case, be sure that you research various establishments to make sure that pets, special needs, and other situations are accounted for. And always have a full tank of gas.
Are You Protected from Damage?
While you can’t control the weather, there are strategies that you can put in place to help protect yourself, your home, and your assets from future natural disasters like floods, storms, and hurricanes.
Connect
employment@outsmartmagazine.com
If you need assistance in setting up an emergency fund and/or choosing the right insurance coverage, contact a financial planning professional who can walk you through the process and narrow down the best options for you and your specific needs. Hurricane season is not something to take lightly, as we have experienced. The damage caused by these storms can be catastrophic, but with the right preparation, you can significantly reduce the impact. Take proactive steps now to protect yourself. By staying informed and ready, you can face the storm season with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Grace S. Yung, CFP ®, is a Certified finanCial P lanner practitioner with experience in helping LGBTQ individuals, domestic partners, and families plan and manage their finances since 1994. She is the managing director at Midtown Financial Group, LLC, in Houston.Yung can be reached at grace. yung@lpl.com. Visit letsmake aplan.org or midtownfg.com/lgbtqplus.10.htm. The opinions voiced in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
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Empowering Women Through Divorce
Board-Certified Family Law Attorney Trey Yates provides essential guidance for navigating divorce.
By AUDUBON STUDIO
Trey Yates, a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has been a steadfast advocate for the residents of greater Houston since 1986. With a practice that spans divorce, complex marital property division, child custody disputes, special needs families, will contests, guardianship litigation, marital property agreements, and estate planning, Yates has earned a reputation for his comprehensive legal expertise and compassionate client service.
In addition to his impressive legal credentials, Yates is also a Certified Attorney Mediator and trained in Collaborative Law. This training equips him to assist divorcing couples in reaching settlement agreements outside of the courtroom, fostering a more amicable and less adversarial process. His commitment to finding peaceful resolutions underscores his dedication to his clients’ well-being during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
In 2011, Yates launched a groundbreaking seminar series known as The Guide to Good Divorce. This initiative was born out of his desire to help women navigate the often tumultuous waters of divorce with confidence and grace. The seminars are designed to provide women with the tools and knowledge necessary to advance through the divorce process and emerge on the other side with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
The Guide to Good Divorce seminars are structured around what Yates identifies as the Five Keys to a Good Divorce. These keys are: acquiring legal knowledge, engaging in divorce financial planning, gaining new life skills, practicing wellness, and creating new communities. Each seminar features uniquely qualified experts who offer guidance and support in these critical areas.
Acquire Legal Knowledge:
Understanding the legal aspects of divorce is crucial. The seminars provide comprehensive information about the divorce process, legal rights, and responsibilities. Yates and other legal experts offer insights into navigating the
of their journey.
Engage in Divorce Financial Planning:
Financial stability is a significant concern during and after divorce. The seminars emphasize the importance of financial planning and management. Participants learn about asset division, spousal support, and how to safeguard their financial future. Financial experts share strategies for managing money effectively and making informed financial decisions.
Gain New Life Skills:
Divorce often necessitates a reevaluation of life skills. The seminars address this need by offering practical advice on time management, career development, and personal growth. Experts provide tools and resources to help women build confidence, set new goals, and create a positive trajectory for their future.
Practice Wellness:
Emotional and physical well-being are paramount during the divorce process. The seminars include sessions on wellness practices such as stress management, self-care, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Mental health professionals and wellness experts offer
Attorney Trey Yates guides clients through the emotional challenges of divorce.
techniques to help participants cope with the emotional challenges of divorce and prioritize their well-being.
Create New Communities:
Building a supportive network is essential for emotional recovery and growth. The seminars encourage participants to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This sense of community provides emotional support, encouragement, and the opportunity to form lasting friendships.
Through The Guide to Good Divorce seminars, Trey Yates empowers women to approach divorce not as an end, but as a new beginning. His holistic approach ensures that participants receive comprehensive support, addressing legal, financial, emotional, and social aspects of divorce. By providing these resources, Yates helps women transition through divorce with resilience and hope for a brighter future.
WHAT: The Guide To Good Divorce℠ WHEN: Saturday, September 14, 2024
WHERE: The Houstonian Hotel 111 N Post Oak Ln Info: guidetogooddivorce.com
complexities of family law, ensuring participants are well-informed and prepared for each step
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AND CREW
Houston’s longest-running celebrity impersonation revue, ‘Eye Cons,’ dazzled at Michael’s Outpost on July 6, 2024. Pictured are Dominique Opulent Ross, Symphony McKnight Capri, Hu’Nee B, Lana Blake, and Violet S’Arblieu.
, Joan Cotton, Audra Zahn, Kay Crayton, Francois Reihani, and Alex Gomez
Lazarus House kicked off ‘Summer Vibes’ with a lively happy hour at Star Sailor on July 11, 2024. Pictured are Douglas Springfield, Alex Story, Edna Mancia, Miranda Quintanilla, Angel Huerta (kneeling), Danielle Sampey, Marin Slanina, and Omar Bell
Gotti’s welcomed the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber for their monthly Meet and Eat on July 12, 2024. Pictured are Sunny Johnson, Kym Adams, and Irv Gotti Williams
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La La Land Kind Cafe on South Shepherd celebrated its grand opening on July 13, 2024, with a warm welcome to the community. Pictured are Travis Wolf, Bryan Cotton, Danyell Wells, Gaven Stalsby
South Beach lit up with festive cheer and fundraising at the 46th annual Christmas in July show on July 14, 2024. Pictured are the hosts of the event.
EPAH members gathered for their July 2024 Dinner Meeting at Churrascos River Oaks on July 16, 2024. Pictured are Loren Haskins, Ed Rivera Jr, Sharon Parker, and Aldridge Jack.
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The Diana Foundation held its July membership meeting at Lustre Pearl on July 17, 2024. Pictured are Tanner Williams and Phillip Johnson.
Community Health presented
Cadillac Bar & Grill hosted the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for their third Thursday Breakfast on July 18, 2024. Pictured are JD Doyle, Debbie Costello, Stan McDonald, Renita Cooksey, and Tim Martinez
The Viet Cultural Fest 2024 kicked off at Kau Ba Restaurant on July 24, 2024, gearing up for a vibrant September 14 event at NRG. Pictured are Bao Tran Huynh, Tomas Gill, Tina Berry, Don Vo, Kelly Tran, Tai Tran, Thanh Le, and Nam Nguyen
The Normal Anomaly and the Paris Effect joined forces for a Hurricane Beryl recovery benefit show at KiKi on July 18, 2024.
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Pictured are Ian Haddock and Avery Belyeu
Legacy
‘Le Cirque du Mint Julep’ at Bayou City Music Center on July 21, 2024. Pictured are Richard Werner, Chree Boydstun, and Tony Bravo
Eureka Heights Brew Company hosted July 2024 Drag Bingo alongside the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce member showcase on July 25, 2024. Pictured are Joaquin Jimenez, Clay Gore, and Dessie Love Blake
On a mission to uplift queer artists of color, Coextensive is a queer experimental art collective based in Houston that hosts bimonthly events such as markets, concerts, fashion shows, and artist showcases. Serving the underrepresented and underserved, Coextensive has grown considerably since its founding by Sophia Silueta (she/they). Silueta currently acts as the creative director of Coextensive and is a bioacoustics researcher at the University of St. Thomas, a cellist in multiple music groups, as well as a curator and local organizer. A jack of all trades, Silueta started Coextensive in 2023 because of a harrowing experience, a sensitivity to the needs of her community, and a deep love and respect for marginalized artists.
“Coextensive came about from a really strange and dark place,” she explains. “I was new to the experimental scene in Houston. One night I went to a show at a small venue where I didn’t really know anyone, and there were very few people there. Very early on into the show, I realized I had started to not feel so great, and it turned out that someone had drugged my drink. After the show, I came forward about that experience. I realized that the experimental scene was not a safe space for fem-presenting people, and especially for people of color and queer artists.”
Hearing similar stories from others, Silueta decided that Houston’s art scene needed a place for queer artists and artists of color to safely congregate to create and experience art.
“I knew there was a serious problem in Houston,” she says. “There were so many artists like myself that were marginalized and did not have the support, resources, spaces, or even people who would respond to their requests to share their art.”
Silueta’s experiences uncovered a larger problem in Houston’s experimental art scene. Wanting to see a change and support the community, she began organizing events with
Sophia Silueta, Coextensive Collective’s founder, fosters community and creativity among gender-expansive artists in Houston.
Echoes, a Montrose staple. Attending one of the movie-inspired music nights, she met the owner who gave her the opportunity to host a Twin Peaks-inspired party that was a huge success. Silueta created the visuals, decorated the entire event space, baked cherry pies, and made costumes for the event.
“Later on that night,” Silueta says, “the owner had told me that if I was interested in hosting anything else, he would allow me to use Echoes as a venue! That’s when I took the opportunity to be like, well, I would really like the ability to platform marginalized art-
ists—specifically queer POC and genderexpansive individuals in multimedia experimental art.”
Since that first Coextensive event at Echoes in the spring of 2023, Silueta has dedicated their time to adhering to Coextensive’s mission: creating a safe space for queer people, gender-expansive people, and people of color, and giving marginalized artists opportunities to share their art.
Coextensive provides a multitude of opportunities for artists of many identities to collaborate with each other. By encouraging
artists to curate their own events, hold their own concerts and fashion shows, sell their art, and create visual media, the collective helps them achieve their dreams. Silueta explains that Coextensive supports artists by providing resources and avenues for artists to learn and hone their skills. All event proceeds either go back to the artists or support future events. Some people who approach the collective want to pursue archival work while others are novice curators who need a space to host their first event. Coextensive has also given many novice graphic designers the ability to try their hand at designing flyers for their events.
“No one else is giving these artists a chance. We will give them a chance because, ultimately, I think the community that
Coextensive works with is made up of an insane amount of incredibly talented artists across a wide array of media,” Silueta notes. “One thing that Coextensive does really well is connecting people across different art media and communities who would otherwise not merge. It’s incredible how we are able to merge visual artists, musicians, and fashion designers! We’ve also been able to bring people from the movie-making community together by having filmmakers show their music videos at an event called CoexClips, a collaboration with the Houston Cinema Arts club.”
Of course, Silueta does not work alone. Working around the clock to keep Coextensive running is Jonny Elaine, sculptor Julia Rossel, and business owner Chloe Yvette. This team is dedicated to serving and uplifting their com-
and
munities. They are constantly venturing into new media, just like the individuals within the community who come to them for a platform.
Growing in popularity and notoriety in just its first year of existence, Coextensive has hosted many memorable events, including Prom Out Loud in June 2023 and, most recently, two events in July: a showcase event featuring trans artists, performance artists, and visual artists titled The Future Is Trans, and a 713 day market with the music blog OffRecord, where local bands performed.
Be on the lookout for the Coextensive collective’s future events on their Instagram, and support Houston’s diverse local art scene!
Keep up with Coextensive Collective on Instagram @coextensive.htx.
The Coextensive team at the Queer Punk Prom at Ripcord on June 13 (l to r): Jonny Elaine, Julia Rossel, Chloe Yvette, and Sofia Silueta
PHOTO BY: CATA LEJOS
Performers from the June 13 Queer Punk Prom at Ripcord (l to r): Celestica Mythica, Mari Jane Kontour, Annalee Naylor, Xoy, Hexpartner, Sofia Silueta, and Lisa Longoria
PHOTO BY: ABRA MEISNER
Vendors
the crowd at Coextensive’s Radical Queer Market on June 23
PHOTO BY: JULIA ROSSEL
Silueta’s December 2023 solo performance during The Happening at the Orange Show
PHOTO BY: MILES ST. JOHN
Sofia Silueta’s February 2024 solo performance at the OUTsider festival in Austin
PHOTO BY: ROLANDO SEPULVEDA
Sofia Silueta’s May 2024 performance of Devoured Sounds: A Fluxus-Inspired Dinner Party for Coextensive
PHOTO BY: MILES ST. JOHN
Creating a Brighter Future for Teens
Jack Morillo discusses the importance of CAMH’s annual Queer Teen Night.
By DAVID CLARKE
Queer safe spaces for teens are not an abundant resource in the Greater Houston area or even across the nation.
However, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s (CAMH) Teen Council coordinator
Jack Morillo is proud to invite local LGBTQ teens (ages 14 and above) to seek refuge at the musem this month. This year’s annual Queer Teen Night event will provide local LGBTQ youth with the opportunity to imagine, in community, all the ways their futures can be bold, bright, and affirming.
“Queer Teen Night is an extension of our teen-based programming, because we noticed the kinds of teens that we attract already have kind of a queer sensibility,” Morillo notes. “The queer teens who are already attending our museum and also new queer teens can be brought in and feel at home in this extended community of local queer young people.”
This year’s Queer Teen Night is inspired by Olivia Erlanger’s CAMH exhibit entitled If Today Were Tomorrow. “The ideas that she’s proposing through her visual strategies and her interests were super-stimulating, and felt in line with what it is to engage
a queer politic using tools like fantasy and creating,” explains Morillo. “I think that specific strategy of futurity is something that I want to invite young queer people into as a strategy that has a long queer lineage.”
The CAMH exhibit and the Queer Teen Night event both invite attendees to fantasize as a mode of creation, allowing them to explore the futures they want to find themselves within. With that in mind, Malaysian-born and Houston-raised performance artist Kumquat will be on hand to provide tarot readings.
“I’m hoping the teens will engage this queer process of meaning-making through the pretty queer symbology of tarot and participate in a co-authoring process between themselves, the reader, and the divine to conjure the future that they want,” Morillo says. “I want them to gain the insight that the future is still very alive for them here in Texas, especially as politics try to erase queer futures in Texas. I want them to know that it’s alive, that they’re the authors of it, and that there’s evidence of it, because it’s happening in that very moment through the performance of tarot reading.”
Like all things tied to divining the future, one must accept and lean into the power of suggestion to provide any meaning or relevance. And that’s exactly where the act of authoring our own futures blends with these tools. “Tarot
can be instructive, and I’m interested in the suggestive and emergent qualities that tarot imagery and discourse can offer,” Morillo explains. “As much as it is secluded from politics, it can really make one’s interiority come to the fore, and I think that alignment and conversation between your inner self and the world that you’re facing creates a level of clarity that can really ferment the truer decisions that one can make—those self-authoring decisions that influence one’s future.”
Helping queer teens imagine and envision futures where they can and do achieve their goals is an absolute hallmark of LGBTQ safe spaces, so this year’s event provides both literal and figurative safe spaces for those who attend. “Queer Teen Night is a responsibility that I’ve inherited as someone who just entered this role of Teen Council coordinator,” says Morillo. “But I was also in the Teen Council myself when I was in high school. This was, and is, a space that is safe for me, being queer. So, I’m gestating this sense of safety and expression that I can call upon freely in a way that is not immediately accessible at churches, schools, or within families.”
“I really see the museum as something that can offer an alternative to the normative institutions that teens engage with—and that now, more than ever, are politically fraught,” Morillo says. “Teens are not only exposed to that, but are highly sensitive to that. The bluntness of these political instruments affects them on a deep level, and I want to provide a truly safe space that is an alternative to the political responses to queer identities. I don’t want to coddle them, but I do want to provide them with the safety and immunity to just meet each other without being subjected to a political climate.”
Spaces that create, celebrate, and exhibit art have often been among the safest places where queer-identifying people can commune, dream, plan, and achieve. CAMH’s bold implementation of programming for queer teens is as heartwarming as it is essential in planting the seeds for future gardens where queer people thrive without societal or political scrutiny.
WHAT: Queer Teen Night
WHEN: August 1, 6–8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd.
INFO: tinyurl.com/queer-teen-night-august
Backstage at last year’s CAMH Teen Council Fashion Show
PHOTO BY TASHA GOREL
The Normal Anomaly’s leadership team (l to r): Ian L. Haddock, Shelley Washington, Joelle Espeut, and Jordan J. Edwards with their special guest from the Dear Black Gay Men podcast, Jai The Gentleman.
Award-winning activist Ian L. Haddock is taking The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. on the road to expand the reach of the nonprofit across the American South with this month’s launch of Act I of the Black Queer AF Media Tour. Having presented Black Queer AF Music Festival for the last three years in Houston, this tour aims to bring a unique blend of culture, community, and awareness to Black, Queer individuals in Atlanta, New Orleans, Montgomery, and Dallas before the end of 2024.
The idea for the Black Queer AF Media Tour grew out of The Normal Anomaly Initiative’s Project Liberate, a social enterprising program designed to help co-create and launch sustainable businesses. “Mostly Black LGBT people have participated in Project Liberate over the last three years. And, in the first year, we were trying to figure out how to launch these businesses,” Haddock says. “Through the innovation of our team at The Normal Anomaly, we created the Black Queer AF Music Festival.”
Across the last three years Project Liberate and the Black Queer AF Music Festival have helped launch 48 businesses, which made people take notice. This opened the door for Haddock and his team to engage with The HIV
Taking a Local Music Festival On the Road
Ian L. Haddock launches the Black Queer AF Media Tour.
By DAVID CLARKE
Prevention Trials Network (HPTN). HPTN’s study 096 is centered around building equity through advocacy, and The Normal Anomaly wanted to see if they could work with HPTN 096 to implement Project Liberate within their study cities.
“We had a little bit of complexity because, previously, we would launch these businesses at the festival,” explains Haddock. “So instead of doing the music festival in all these cities and putting it at the end as a launch, we said, ‘Why don’t we just bring some semblance of the music festival to each one of these cities at the beginning for recruitment.”
The tour is for anybody who is interested in participating, but it will have a specific focus on Black gay and Back trans men because that’s the focus of HPTN 096, and within these cities, those populations face an unfortunate dispar-
ity around HIV prevention and treatment. Because art and music bring people together, educate, and enlighten, this tour utilizes those modalities. “To be able to highlight artists, both musical and creative artists, in these local cities, is a wonderful way to bring community together across the South,” states Haddock. Each stop will feature both local and national talents performing live music that cultivates and showcases both community and joy for the Black and Queer communities. Additionally, each stop includes live tapings of the Dear Black Gay Men podcast and Relentless AF podcast, and exclusive viewings for the upcoming limited series They’re Not Coming to Save Us.
“We are collaborating with the Dear Black Gay Men podcast, led by Jai the
Gentleman, because it has arguably the most niche focus on the population that we are trying to specifically recruit for the implementation of Project Liberate across these study cities,” Haddock points out. “Some of my senior leadership at The Normal Anomaly will also be traveling with us as we are launching a new podcast called Relentless AF. We’ll be talking to people who are relentlessly pursuing things such as businesses, love, and family.”
Another key aspect of the tour will be advocating for equity around HIV prevention and care. “About 38 percent of all new HIV infections are Black gay men, and in 2021 about two thirds of those Black gay men were diagnosed in the South. Now, the updated data says it’s about 52 percent,” says Haddock. “There’s a disproportionate amount of people still contracting HIV in the South, so I think to have positive, empowering conversations around things like sex, HIV, and the relentless pursuit of success—whatever that means for people—hopefully will leave people able to dream again and to feel like they have purpose and are part of a movement.”
The last goal for the tour is to recruit people into Project Liberate within their localities. “We absolutely believe that economic justice, social justice, and racial justice, is all a part of ending the epidemic of HIV. And, my personal argument is that we will not end the epidemic of HIV if we don’t break the barriers that contribute to HIV, such as being unhoused, poverty, transportation, and access to care and medication,” explains Haddock. “That means we have to give people an economic ecosystem in which they have a better probability of thriving. And we know that one of the avenues by which we can do that is entrepreneurship, and social enterprisers specifically, because that creates businesses that not only pays bills and earns profits, but also has social good tied to it.”
For the remainder of 2024, Haddock will be taking everything he has learned and developed within Houston’s supportive and robust LGBTQ community that has allowed him to flourish and thrive to these other cities. But that’s not where it ends. Act II of the Black Queer AF Media Tour will launch in 2025 and plans to have stops in Tennessee, South Florida, and Houston, among others.
For more information on the BQAF Media Tour and to stay updated on events and locations, visit bqaftour.com.
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Dropping the Beat
From gospel roots to authentic beats, Nate Drop ’s new album
By CONNOR BEHRENS
Photo by JONATHAN “NATE DROP” HARRIS
Nate Drop’s love of music comes from the excitement of creating art, and now the Houston native is hoping his art can inspire others.
“Art is going to give everyone something a little different, but the most important thing for me is that it’s giving,” he says. “I love creating something new and surprising myself. My favorite part is continuing to have fun with it and making songs with other talented artists.”
Drop, whose real name is Jonathan Harris, became interested in music through the gospel, funk and jazz music his mother would play. It’s the influences in his teen years, such as Erykah Badu and Missy Elliot, that inspired his music, including his most recent album titled True Air
“Erykah Badu taught me to be authentic about whatever I made,” he says. “Missy Elliott said be weird. Lil Wayne showed me you could be raw and unserious. Sade sang with her heart, so I put my heart in it.”
Drop believes that, like any art form, music has the ability to bring groups together and offer escapism for anyone going through hardship.
“Maybe someone will get a melody stuck in their head, or a lyric will make a great caption online,” he says. “The message of my music is to have fun with whatever you’re doing. A state of play is good for our brains, especially in a world that requires so much work.”
“THE MESSAGE OF MY MUSIC IS TO HAVE FUN WITH WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING. A STATE OF PLAY IS GOOD FOR OUR BRAINS, ESPECIALLY IN A WORLD THAT REQUIRES SO MUCH WORK.”
—Nate Drop
Excited to try new things, Drop likes to experiment and evolve with his material, with the goal to write songs that sound different from anything else he’s made previously.
“I love continually leaning into that unknown,” he confides. “If Twilight Zone taught us anything, it’s that there’s usually something wild beyond that unknown and possibly a lesson or two. That can be scary, too. In the essence of being authentic, we have to honor wherever we are. I’m excited for the future. There’s more laughs to be had in the studio, more vibes and connections to be made and more taking up space in the name of music and community.”
Though it’s difficult to make it in the music business, Drop says that you can succeed if you put your heart into it and work hard.
“Tell your story,” he urges. “Give us a reason to listen. Study the greats who came before you. Work with the people around you. Never forget where you came from.”
For more information, go to linktr.ee/natedrop.
The Music Issue
Unleashing Release
Alt-Pop artist Attxla transformed personal struggles into musical magic
By CONNOR BEHRENS
Photos by NATE DROP
Alternative-pop artist
Attxla began songwriting as a form of self-therapy—a way to express her thoughts, feelings, and musings. Now the singersongwriter is hoping to offer a means of inspiration for others with her new song, “Release.”
“My songwriting slowly shifted from free train-of-thought style journal entries to poetry, and that then took on a more lyrical shape,” she says. “In a lot of ways, the music itself did not come naturally nor easily, but came through a series of failed starts, tons of late nights, and a lot of inner work. It was not natural, but I was naturally drawn to it with the feeling only getting stronger by the year. That’s what I want people to take away from my music: you are not alone, regardless of the situation. You yourself are enough to live for. You are worthy—in general, and of all the things you want in this world.”
Since 2017, Attxla has put out an album (Ebb), mixtape (OLD NEWS ), two
EPs (“Flow I” and “Wake the Witch”), seven singles, and a slew of DJ collaborations as well as remixes, amassing over 4 million streams. Attxla says artists like Little Dragon, Banks, James Blake, Arca, Jill Scott, Sophie, Bjork, Erykah Badu, and Baths have truly shaped the framework for how she thinks about, hears, interacts with, and (occasionally) attempts to make music.
“Most of the feedback I receive comes from friends, family, and fellow musicians in the scene,” she says. “The reception overall is quite positive and at times constructive, which I so appreciate. Also, the fact that my music is reaching audiences in 50-plus countries is truly wild, but I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to bare my soul and personal struggles with so many others that might be going through similar times.”
Attxla thinks the most interesting part about being a musician is the connections and friendships she’s made along the way so far.
“Being a maker and consumer of music makes the world so much more detailed, but also way smaller. Especially in the streaming era, social media has helped tremendously with the discovery and subsequent befriend-
ing of artists all over the country—dare I say, the world—for one reason or another, besides simply geeking out about each other’s music or educating one another about the current industry status and latest marketing/licensing/publishing practices.”
However, Attxla finds the creation of the music itself to be the most gratifying part of the process.
“I truly enjoy the conjuration that occurs when you lock yourself in the studio and just create without thought, intention, judgment, etc,” she says. “It is incredibly freeing, and I’m beyond grateful to even be capable of such. It really feels like I am having a conversation with my soul where the sounds are the question and the lyrics are the answer. It is easily the most intimate and deeply spiritual experience that I get to have in this life—besides my candle-lit tarot pulls, of course.”
For her latest single, “Release,” Attxla wanted to provide a means of expression and healing for those who have faced hardships in the LGBTQ community.
“This is my first Pride single. What makes it so special is that lyrically it tells a tale as old as time, especially for those in the queer community. A lot of us are raised by parents who use shame and guilt as their primary disciplinary tools, especially if they’re religious or conservative. Literal years go by and those two imps continue to taunt and torture us until we—who did not ask for this, mind you—do something about it. In the song, our protagonist (one of those reared using the aforementioned method) finds themself in a dreamy, haze-filled scene where people like them come to wash away the shame through dance, and let the guilt go.”
Going forward, Attxla plans to release remixes of her latest EP, “Wake the Witch,” as well as a deluxe edition, “Awakened Witch,” just in time for Halloween.
For Attxla, being a musician takes hard work and dedication, and you have to truly want it in order to make it in the music industry.
Healing Harmonies
Attxla’s new single ‘Release’ takes listeners on a journey of personal healing and empowerment.
“This has to be the first thing you think about when you wake up, the thing that gets you through each day, the thing that keeps you up most nights, and the last thing you think about before you close your eyes,” she says. “If that doesn’t describe you now or sound comfy to you, exit stage left. I say that with as much love as I can. Considering the amount of time and energy you put into this craft versus the return (not even mentioning how long one may go without any return at all), you must love this art form, this industry, and feel with every fiber of your being that you belong in it.”
For more info, visit linktr.ee/attxlaa
Perfect Pour
Indie artist Gin Martini blends her pop influences with experimental beats.
By CONNOR BEHRENS
Gin Martini, whose real name is Ginger Martinez, has loved pop music for as long as she can remember, and the musician is now wanting to inspire a new generation with her material.
“A lot of my songs are about being yourself, staying strong, keeping your head up, moving on,” she says. “My last album, The Human Experience, was made to be able to have on in the background throughout your day—yoga, cleaning up, etc. I just wanted something chill enough to enjoy.”
Martini grew up on N Sync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. It’s these influences that have inspired her material. For her song “Holly Would,” Martini says she dabbled with music production, opening the door to new possibilities with her future music.
“The most interesting part about creating music is you’re always learning,” she says. “I like to create my own beats
and sounds, so I’m always asking, researching and trying to find ways to get that sound! For ‘Holly Would,’ I learned how to make a beat by using the arpeggiator feature on my synthesizer, and that was a game changer! It created an automatic groove and was easier to build a beat around!”
“What Should I Do” continued Martini’s more experimental side, with the artist going into the studio not sure what would be created.
“I literally had the mic recording and didn’t know what to sing about and had an existential crisis while recording,” she says. “I just went with it and the song became about that! Now when I’m producing beats and starting a new song, I try to find sounds that I like and go from there. It’s just me and my laptop and a MIDI controller. I play guitar and piano as well, so I
“A LOT OF MY SONGS ARE ABOUT BEING YOURSELF, STAYING STRONG, KEEPING YOUR HEAD UP, MOVING ON.”
—Gin Martini
like to throw those into a few tracks. My most popular track right now is ‘Until I’m Gone,’ which is a guitar and vocal track featuring Chris Walker, aka Krissy Strange.”
Going forward, Martini wants to focus more on experimental pop music, getting her music licensed for use in TV and film. She says her upcoming album Harmony will further show her growth as an indie artist.
“Harmony is based on a lyric from my first single, ‘Arise,’ that says ‘Discover the harmony in your life.’ Growing in my music means discovering who I am as an artist/writer, singing and honoring that,” she says. “Things have been harmonious in my life right now and it’s fun to be able to document that. This is how I feel at this moment in time!”
If someone wants to pursue music professionally, Martini advises to do your research, trust your gut, and don’t give up.
“So many artists second guess themselves or get into crummy deals that are too good to be true,” she warns. “Slow and steady wins the race. Always be learning!”
For more information, go to linktr.ee/ GinMartiniCanSing.
Sweet SyMphony
Sugar Joiko ’s DJ SAVE MY LIFE inspires with soulful dance and synthwave pop.
By CONNOR BEHRENS
Photo by CHANNEL PURPLE
Influenced by the strong women who have come before her in the music industry, Sugar Joiko says her music is made to inspire and lift people up, and the singer-songwriter’s new album DJ SAVE MY LIFE is her latest extension of that soulful dance and synthwave pop.
“I hope people can take in the fun and love for living life, including the learning from mistakes, that I share in my music,” she says. “I hope my music can give other queer girls the freedom and desire to be who they are and to do what they love to do in life.”
Joiko, who is also a producer, says music has always been a big part of her life, with some of her biggest influences being Sade, Janet Jackson, and Missy Elliott. It’s these trailblazing women that showed the singer there was a spot for her in the
music industry.
“With women still being a huge minority in the production part of the industry, I looked up to Missy heavily growing up,” she says. “She’s one of the reasons why I’m the music producer I am today.”
Making music for a living is interesting because the process is ever-changing, Joiko says, allowing her to express herself and showcase her authenticity.
“I HOPE MY MUSIC CAN GIVE OTHER QUEER GIRLS THE FREEDOM AND DESIRE TO BE WHO THEY ARE AND TO DO WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO IN LIFE.”
—Sugar Joiko
“That’s perhaps one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts about it,” she says. “Music has helped me grow musically, emotionally, spiritually, and in so many other ways in between. And it’s pretty cool that others get to see the timeline throughout my work as I continue growing as an artist. I think my favorite part about the music process is how, for me, it writes itself. It’s not something I can turn on and off at will. One week I’m just a normal gamer-girl, and in the next, an entire album can come out of me in two days. I never know when to expect it. I just trust myself and I’m not afraid of allowing my authenticity to shine through my story and my art.”
For anyone who wants to get involved in the music industry, Joiko says you can only fail if you give up.
“Just move forward,” she says. “Don’t wait for perfection. If your sound is authentically you, it can never be outdated.”
For more information, go to sugarjoiko.com
OPEN 7 DAYS
• Disappearing Fountains
• Glazed Urns Fountains
• Birdbaths
• Decorative Precast Rock Waterfalls
• Fiberglass Garden Ponds Bowls
• Tables & Benches
• Pumps & Tubing
• Planters
• Pedestals
• Flower Pots
• Fountain Tops Religious Statues
• Concrete Animals, Fish, Birds & Reptiles
• Talavera Style Mexican Pottery
“THE
MOMENT WAS LIKE A DISNEY MOVIE IN REAL LIFE. BEING ON STAGE WITH MY GAY SON AND SEEING SOME OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS IN FRONT WITH DJ PANDA SIGNS—I CAN’T EVEN PUT IT ALL INTO WORDS. IT WAS JUST SPECIAL.”
—DJ Panda
The Music Issue
Vibe Control
DJ Panda takes his Houston roots and international sound across America.
By IAN L. HADDOCK
Photo by PISCES PHOTOGRAPHY
DJ Panda has been emerging as a powerful force on the Houston music scene for over a decade. And his consistency and ear for music have catapulted him to stages across the country, merging the Houston flair with his international taste in music. A consummate professional and a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ community, he exemplifies music being a form of healing in spaces that the queer community observes as safe. Whether twerking, fistbumping, rocking, or swaying, you can look over to the DJ booth and see Panda paying scrupulous attention to the crowd’s vibe and curating his set to ensure everyone feels included.
Panda was, and still is, a simple guy. He works in healthcare full-time and loves gaming and rollercoasters. He loves being there for his friends’ major events. In fact, being introduced to a new circle of friends was how he got his start in creating DJ Panda.
His story dates back to high school when he was the kid who would burn CDs to make money. Before long, he had a catalog of music that ranged across all genres and sounds. Then he was introduced to the scene in 2010 by a group of Black gay men called The (He)Motions. The HeMos, for short, was a mentorship and communitybuilding group of men with a dual purpose of supporting the collective and guiding younger gay men along their path. At their gatherings, he would bring his speaker and his computer and simply hit shuffle. After a while, everyone agreed that with his extensive and eclectic music taste, he should start DJing. Panda fondly remembers that moment his DJ career began, saying, “You know, I enjoy watching people dance and have fun, so why not dive into it and see what happens.”
DJ Panda has been innovating for almost 15 years, with no end in sight. Focused
on the people and the music, he continues to bring new sounds and feel-good moments to the crowds. He knows the importance of music as a path to healing and wholeness. “It really does fulfill my spirit to bring happiness to other people, so to see so many people now truly appreciating what I can bring to the table and requesting me to do events keeps me in the lab working on new ways to wow them when I’m on stage.”
Those stages range from Los Angeles to New Orleans to Atlanta for World Pride. He has even DJed alongside his mentor, the legendary DJ Sedrick, in Washington, DC at the largest Black Pride in the country. Often, we don’t consider the work it takes to build a brand as a music curator and build the skills to ensure the audience is receptive to your music choices. DC was both a test of his skill and a pivotal moment that solidified Panda across the country as a leading DJ who wasn’t just “emerging.”
Still, one of his favorite stages was here in Houston, when he was the DJ for Pride Houston. Being a native Houstonian, he had attended the Pride celebration for several years. Noticing the lack of urban influence in the music, he set a goal to make his name and perfect his craft. It paid off in a major way in 2022 when he stood on the stage in front of City Hall and broke down at the sound check a few hours before the Pride Festival and his DJ set. “The moment literally was like a Disney movie in real life. Being on stage with my gay son, MC, and my photographer, throwing out DJ Panda shirts, jumping into the crowd with water while jamming some of my favorite hits, seeing some of my closest friends come out dead in front of me with DJ Panda signs—I can’t even put it all into words. It was just special,” he recalls fondly.
DJ Panda has become one of our Texas gems as he continues to be in ‘vibe control’ mode across the country while all of his labor is just beginning to bear fruit. “It’s truly been amazing!” he says. “It’s crazy this year. I dubbed it ‘The Summer of Panda’ tour because I’ve literally been going from city to city! I have to start with this, though: These past two years
I have truly called my ‘renaissance years.’ A renaissance is a rebirth. My mantra to even begin DJing was to bring happiness to people through music, and seeing me traveling to accomplish this goal is such a humbling experience.” It is heartwarming to see a DJ so passionate about bringing joy and new music to the crowd as he delivers his set. Still, some things don’t change: certain anthems have to be a part of the mix. As we prepared to end the interview, Panda shared his top three songs that have to be included in each set. “My top three vibes— that’s tough. With a plethora of songs out there to listen to and experience on a dance floor. I would say:
• ‘Moment For Life’ by Nicki Minaj is such a huge crossover smash, and one of my go-to’s! It’s a feel-good rap song that gets the crowd engaged, especially once I cut the music and the crowd is still rapping along.
• ‘Before I Let Go’ by Beyoncé, but I would mix in Frankie Beverly’s portion all the way through the bridge and then slide into the remake from Beyoncé. That song, no matter where you are, will have a crowd on their feet dancing and singing. I’m the type of DJ who enjoys crowd interaction, so I’m known for cutting my music and just enjoying the people singing at the top of their lungs.
• ‘Swag Surf’ by F.L.Y. is my party go-to. Nine out of ten times, if I’m DJing an event, at some point you will be shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger next to you, and for that little two to three minutes, they will become best friends and sway away to this classic. Most of my friends know this is probably my favorite song to drop in the club.”
All of these top picks are classics here in Houston and beyond. We are thankful that DJ Panda has taken Texas all over the country and kept us in the center of his vibe-control.
For more info, visit tinyurl.com/djpandamusic.
From Oaxaca to Houston
Artist Sol Diaz-Peña imagines the impossible in a new solo show at Lawndale Art Center.
By OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ
Photo by YAEL MARTINEZ
Visual artist and organizer Sol Diaz-Peña (they/him) openly lives his life as a multicultural, queer, nonbinary trans person. The native Houstonian has ethnic ties to Mexico and Cuba, so being multicultural at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only actively discouraged but on the verge of being outlawed is often the subject of his artwork, as is his gender and sexuality.
Diaz-Peña works mostly in painting and photography, with occasional forays into other media such as stained glass.
Over the last nine months, he’s been in residence at the Lawndale Art Center. The new work created during that residency can be seen during his solo exhibit, Here All Along, starting September 27 at the Center.
“My work explores the space that exists between things. Some people call that negative space, which people tend to want to fill. I want us to slow down and allow there to be emptiness,” he tells us. “That idea of space that exists between things relates to my being a multicultural person who is nonbinary. Ethnic labels and gender labels don’t really fit me. I feel ‘in between’ culturally and in terms of gender.”
Diaz-Peña employs architecture, bodies, and cultural symbols in his paintings. Those symbols are personal to him, like the pattern on a blanket that he’s seen. One recent painting shows two houses that have been melded together. “One is my ancestral home in Oaxaca and one is my home here in Houston. I’ve merged them. That house doesn’t exist except in my imagination,” he says.
Another frequent symbol for Diaz-Peña is the poinsettia. “The poinsettia is one of my protagonists,” he explains. “I use them as a symbol of the brown body.”
The poinsettia plant was cultivated thousands of years ago by the Aztecs in Mexico. It was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first Anglo missionary in Mexico who brought the flower to the US in the early 1800s.
“Now we purchase these plants, celebrate Christmas using them, and then throw them away. We purchase them to throw them away. They’re disposable,” he says. “What’s amazing is that they can grow to be eight-foot-tall trees. When I physically saw one, I just cried. Before I saw one, I didn’t even have the ability to imagine that. I would have said it was impossible—in the same way a queer, nonbinary multicultural person is impossible for some people. They don’t have the ability to imagine that. But here I am.”
“I
Sol Diaz-Peña
While he has something specific in mind when creating his work, Diaz-Peña understands that viewers may see something different.
“I think you can see my work and understand it in one way. I think if you know me, then you understand it in a different way. The more you know about me and about art, the more you see. But at the end of the day, whatever comes up for you when you see a piece of art, that’s what it’s about.”
Diaz-Peña has found his time spent in residency at Lawndale Art Center as one of exponential growth.
“I’ve been in competition with myself during this residency. I was confronted with a lot of things. Stepping into it, I knew I was going to grow and change. It’s nice to be on the other side of that now. It’s nice to see how much my confidence has grown. I’ve also had the time to really flesh out my work. To have the room—just the space to spread out and work—has been a blessing.”
WHAT: Here All Along, an exhibit by Sol Diaz-Peña WHEN: Opening September 27 WHERE: Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main Street INFO: tinyurl.com/SolDiazPena
“WE LEAN INTO PROVIDING THE AUDIENCE WITH A GREAT EXPERIENCE, NO MATTER IF IT’S
A LAUGH-OUTLOUD EXPERIENCE OR AN UGLY-CRY EXPERIENCE.”
—Derek Charles Livingston
Taking Center Stage
Derek Charles Livingston hits the ground running as the new artistic director at Stages Houston.
by ZACHARY McKENZIE Photo by SQUARE SHOOTING
A new era at Stages has begun with the introduction of the theater’s new artistic director, Derek Charles Livingston. With a résumé that includes impressive experience on stage and in leadership positions at a number of reputable theater companies across the country, a life rooted in a passion for civil activism, and a talent for bringing communities together, Livingston stands at the starting line of what is sure to be a long and impactful journey with the Houston arts nonprofit.
“I can’t remember a time when I was not interested in theater and filmmaking. No one with whom I grew up, no one in my family, and certainly no one in my neighborhood looked at art making or performing as a viable career option,” Livingston says of his upbringing. “Fortunately, I went to a college that had a really tremendous theater program. It was there that I saw it was possible to build a life and career as a theater maker.” The artist embraced his calling, thanks to an invitation from a professor who saw his potential. “I was selected to be a director for a new play reading. I became a hybrid actor and director, and even took a costume-design class.”
After graduating college, Livingston worked at Playwrights Horizons in New York City. Having observed the artistic director of the off-Broadway theater, he realized that was what he wanted to do professionally. “An opportunity came along to lead Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles, which had an LGBT focus,” he explains. “Combining the passion that I already had for the performing arts, as well as having a very strong political background, it was a really great opportunity for me.”
Livingston’s political background was cultivated through years of social activism. “I derive a lot of my strength and passion from my experience growing up African American,” he states. A photo of Livingston taken at the Capitol Mall during the 1995 Million Man March hangs in the Smithson-
ian’s Museum of African American History and Culture. A film about the Civil Rights Movement he was shown at school as a young child sparked his journey in activism. “From that moment, I have never lost sight of the fact that any advantage that I’ve had in my life or any changes that happened in this country were a result of people making a decision to put themselves on the line. When I came out of the closet, I knew I wanted the world to be a better place, so I had to be an active participant. That sort of basic desire for human acknowledgement and safety, as well as the overarching societal oppression and laws that were against us, really drove me.”
Today, Livingston has landed his dream role as artistic director, carrying the torch passed on by beloved retired director Kenn McLaughlin. “I really love the duties of being an artistic director; not just directing shows
myself, but also stewarding plays, musicals, and new works by bringing artists together to make them happen,” says Livingston, who recently served as the interim artistic director at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. “You have to enjoy bringing people together, making artistic decisions, and giving artistic feedback. That’s what artistic directorship largely is.”
The thriving arts community, the cultural diversity, and the prominent queer population in Houston appealed strongly to Livingston. Applying for his position at Stages was a nobrainer. “Stages is a tremendous place with a dedicated, experienced, hardworking, committed staff that is very much attuned to a lot of the values that I find important in my life,” he says. “My activist background has always been based in developing the community in which one lives, and Stages’ emphasis on nurturing Houston talent had a philosophical appeal to me as well.”
Livingston has goals of activating The Gordy, Stages’ three-theater complex, to its full potential. His plans include housing fellow arts communities, producing new works, and transforming the lobby into immersive and educational experiences for various productions. His first goal, however, is to fill a prominent vacancy. “One of the first things I have to do is select this season’s final show. I’m excited to present a show that I think our audiences will find exciting, thrilling, thought-provoking, and even a little daring.”
Livingston brings a lifetime of experience in the arts and activism to Stages and invites the community to experience the magic at The Gordy for themselves. “Stages produces intimate experiences and creates works that spark conversations that appeal to emotion. We lean into providing the audience with a great experience, no matter if it’s a laugh-out-loud experience or an ugly-cry experience. We’ll never stop caring, growing, and listening to what our audience needs and finding works that will continue to make coming to the theater worthwhile.”
For more information, visit stageshouston.com.
Photograph of Derek Charles Livingston in the crowd, holding a sign that reads “I AM A BLACK, GAY MAN / I AM A BLACK MAN / I AM A MAN” at the National Mall, Washington, on October 16, 1995.
Schipani’s Lovers in the Dunes, Two Curves, One Embrace
A Trans Masculine Perspective
Artist and
activist
Xavier Schipani ’s work appears in the Galveston Arts Center exhibit Beach Bodies.
By OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ
Visual artist and trans activist Xavier Schipani has a mission: to find a world where the transmasculine male body has context. He looks for it in his art. He looks for it in society. He looks for it in history. And when he can’t find it, he creates it.
Now almost 40 years old, Schipani transitioned in his late 20s. “I didn’t even realize that
there was a trans-masculine population until pretty late in my life,” he admits. “Before that, I thought that being a butch lesbian was the end of the line for me. That was because the only trans people I saw were trans women. And it was a certain type of woman, because society was sexualizing the female body and making it acceptable for people to digest.”
Finding historical representation of trans males was really difficult for Schipani at first.
It’s become easier over the last 20 years, but it’s still rare. So he creates it.
The idea of bodies on a beach resonated with Schipani on several levels. “My approach was to look at the landscape of the beach itself, and the colors that exist in that space,” he explains. “When you’re at the beach, most people are either lying flat or reclining, so they also become a landscape. My idea was to take that landscape, take those colors, and take those bodies and put them together. When you’re on the beach, it’s hot and sticky and you’re sort of melting into the sand. Then I got into my memories of summers at the beach with puddles of ice cream all melted into the sand. I started thinking of bodies overlapping and melting into each other. I thought of when you bury somebody in the sand, up to their neck. Their bodies become very soft shapes or mounds. I played with all of those ideas.”
The resulting figurative work shows soft, rounded bodies in various muted shades. At first glance, it’s simply a pleasing
jumble of intertwined bodies. But add to those images Schipani’s stated mission of finding the trans masculine male body in context, and the images become something more.
“My work can stand on its own,” he notes. “It is what it is. That being said, my personhood will always be what defines my work and gives it context. As a queer person or a trans person, my work is inherently apolitical because my body is. I’m not mad about that. I think that’s just a part of storytelling. Why are we making art if it’s not to communicate who we are?”
Schipani has found several outlets for his work, including designing a sneaker for Nike. It was the first time Nike released a sneaker for Trans Awareness Week.
“It’s really cool,” he says. “I had the idea of walking in the footsteps of those who came before us. And there’s a quote on the inside tag that says ‘I see you always, in all ways.’ That’s something I carry in my work, the idea that no matter where you are on your journey, I see you. I see you for who you are, and as you are . ”
Just before going to Galveston to create the mural for Beach Bodies, Schipani painted a mural at a Maryland elementary school.
“Thousands of kids will see this mural over the years,” he says. “Hopefully, at some point they’ll make a connection with who I am. And that’s representation. But even if they don’t, they’ll get to see a nice piece of art.”
Originally from Washington, DC, Schipani
is based in Austin now. Living in a state that is anti-LGBTQ in many ways is difficult, he admits, but he’s found a supportive community here.
“I’ve been in Texas for a few years now. I know it’s hard to be queer in Texas, but there are so many people here that make living here really amazing. It’s important that we’re represented and that we’re fighting for what we deserve. Not everyone can afford to leave. And we shouldn’t have to. So I’m happy to live in Texas.”
Schipani does have one caveat to his love of Texas, however: “I am mad about the heat. The heat in Texas is just crazy!”
Audiences can view Schipani’s latest creations at Beach Bodies, a group artists’ show at the Galveston Arts Center (GAC) curated by GAC staff member Dennis Nance. Schipani shares the space with artists Cody Ledvina and Liz Rodda. Ledvina presents relief carvings of butts (yep, butts) using sand from Galveston’s beaches, and Rodda’s multimedia works employ a self-tanner, video, and sculpture.
WHAT: Beach Bodies art show WHEN: July 13–September 29 WHERE: Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand INFO: tinyurl.com/BeachBodies
Crafting Visibility Visual artist and trans activist Xavier Schipani
Photos by
DALTON DE HART and CREW
46TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN JULY SHOW
JUNE 18, 2024
The 46th Annual Christmas in July—a longstanding tradition that’s become one of the most anticipated events of the summer—was celebrated at South Beach Houston, presented by Bobby Bass and Joe Melton. Hosts for the event included Jimmy Bogert, Alex Bubulka, Domenic Cusano, Regina Dane, Donna Griffith, Hu’Nee B, Angela Mercy, Johnnie “Marilyn” Parsons, Queen Persephone, and Violet S’Arbleu.
JUNE 28, 2024
Rainbow on the Green, Discovery Green’s annual Pride event, was especially festive this year with KPRC2’s Derrick Shore as the evening’s emcee. Performers included Houston’s own Z’maji Glamouratti and the Lone Star Discoteq, The Space Kiddettes, DJ Hiram, and drag queens Adriana Larue, RBF, Keymiya, Andy Seymour, and Roxanne Collins.
Photos
DALTON DE HART and CREW
RAINBOW ON THE GREEN
LE CIRQUE DU MINT JULEP 2024
JULY 21, 2024
“Le Cirque Du Mint Julep: A Glitter & Glam Carnival” was the theme for this year’s annual extravaganza presented by Legacy Community Health and Quest Diagnostics. The event, once again held at Bayou Music Center, was a huge success, raising funds for Legacy’s HIV/AIDS programs and services.
Photos by DALTON DE HART and CREW
WEDDING GUIDE
Modern Family in the Making
Raed and Carlos Gonzalez are passionate about becoming fathers.
By DAVID CLARKE | Photos by TALIAFERRO PHOTO + FILM
Raed, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Carlos Gonzalez, born in Central Mexico but raised in San Antonio from the age of seven, share a beautiful home in Houston’s Meyerland area. The charismatic duo met at a mutual friend’s birthday bash and connected thanks to Carlos’ cheeky confidence.
As a friend introduced Carlos to Raed, the two shook hands. Carlos, with a slight grin, said “Nice meeting you—for the third time.” Raed was slightly embarrassed, but the two never let go of the other’s hand throughout the exchange or for the rest of the evening.
“We continued talking a good five, six, or seven minutes until I told him, ‘Do you want a drink?’ And I dragged him to the bar, holding his hand,” recalls Raed. “There was a little balcony outside, and we spent most of the night out there talking. We noticed too many similarities in what we were looking for and wanted in life, so it got kind of serious.”
While Raed made the first move by inviting Carlos for dinner at El Meson, it was their second date at the tapas restaurant Baso that really stood out. “I told the waitress that it was his birthday, so they brought him the whole fireworks thing,” Raed recalls.
“That was cute,” adds Carlos. “We met on March 20, and my birthday is on March 7, so it
wasn’t too far off.”
For Raed, the attraction to Carlos was instantaneous. “That first night, I told him, ‘You’re gonna marry me someday,’” he admits. “We were just having too much fun together. It was so different from what we had experienced before in other relationships, and it really changed us.”
“I noticed he was funny, and he had a sexy goatee,” Carlos remembers of his first meeting with Raed. “I appreciated his line of work. Being an immigrant and him being an immigration lawyer, I could totally empathize and sympathize.” Carlos was enamored by their similar morals and experiences, and that’s what convinced him that Raed was the one.
Raed (l) and Carlos Gonzalez
“We were on a trip in Santa Fe,” says Raed of the proposal. “Santa Fe is very well known to tourists for its jewelry, and I thought, ‘Well, we can get a ring there together.’”
Before checking into their hotel, Raed took Carlos to a jewelry store. Carlos found a pinky ring he really loved, and Raed purchased it surreptitiously. “I was distracted and neglected to make the hotel reservations correctly. When we got to the hotel, there was no reservation, and all the hotels were full,” Raed confesses.
With a little luck, Raed and Carlos were able to book a charming AirBNB, and upon checking in, Raed found an ad for a private chef who would cook and serve a nine-course meal. “It turned out that the chef was Puerto Rican,” says Raed. “He made us this lavish nine-course meal, and during the meal, I proposed, and Carlos got his pinky ring.”
With the goal of being fathers, the couple started planning their family, but discovered that the legal team they were working with around the surrogacy and IVF process expected them to already be married. They quickly remedied the situation with a trip to Las Vegas, where they secretly got married at the world-famous Little White Chapel on October 10, 2022.
Several months later, without revealing their Las Vegas elopement, they invited
friends and family to a wedding ceremony on October 14, 2023, at San Antonio’s Hotel Emma. Picture a storybook wedding with guests seated and the couple standing in front of everyone. Carlos turned, grabbed the microphone, and said, “Hello, everybody. Thank you all for being here, but today, there’s not going to be a wedding.”
“You could hear the silence,” explains Raed. “You could only hear a guest that squeezed my cousin’s hand so hard one of her nails broke.”
Then a video of their Las Vegas wedding played, to the surprise and ebullient cheers of their guests. The couple explained why they needed to get married sooner.
Pulling off their extravagant and luxe San Antonio celebration required the help of several superheroes. They offer heartfelt praise to Carlos’ maid of honor, Joi Adamson, an event planner who stepped up to the plate when the planner they hired fell short. Hotel Emma staff members Cara Jacobson, Meghan Ross, and many others were enthusiastic about helping coordinate what was to be the first gay wedding at the venue. Grupo KaChe, a Houston-
based wedding band, was equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to perform at a gay wedding and supplied the reception with a 12-piece orchestra for the elegant black-tie event.
The couple has the highest praise for Freesia Designs, who supplied their floral arrangements. “The wife is the owner and main designer, and her husband is a structural engineer, so together they create elaborate pieces,” explains Raed, who was also impressed with Fine Art Wedding Photography for their work.
“They are professional and always made sure we were happy with the final product,” he says, “including editing a few things out of all the pictures, like lipstick on our blazers and the blue light projected on us inside the venue.
Also adding to the elegance of their memorable celebration was JC Invitations. “They pulled some all-nighters for us,” Raed adds, “to make sure our invites and swag bags were on point and in keeping with the theme of classic elegance.”
WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? Email us at letters@outsmartmagazine.com
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.... .... .... 8 6 6 / O U R - H F C U
B A K E R IE S/CU S T O M C A K E S
D e s s e r t G a l l e r y
D e s s e r t G all e r y c o m 7 1 3 - 5 2 2 - 9 9 9 9
C H U R C H E S/S PIR I T UA L C E N T E R S
B e r i n g C h u r c h 1 4 4 0 H ar o l d b e r in g c h u r c h o r g
R e s u r r e c t i o n M C C
2 0 2 5 W 1 1 t h 7 1 3 / 8 6 1 - 9 1 4 9
U n i t a r i a n F e l l o w s h i p o f H o u s t o n 1 5 0 4 W ir t R d u f o h o r g
C O L L E G E S/E DU C AT I O N
L o n e S t a r C o l l e g e N o r t h
H N - I n f o @ L o n e S t ar e d u l o n e s t a r e d u
H o u s t o n C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e w w w. h c c s . e d u .... .... ... ... .... .... .... .... .... .... 7 1 3 / 7 1 8 - 2 0 0 0
C O M M U N I T Y/N O N PR O FI T
A l l i e s i n H o p e A lli e s inh o p e o r g 7 1 3 /6 2 3 - 6 7 9 6
B e r i n g C o n n e c t 7 1 3 /5 2 6 -1 0 1 7, e x t 2 0
R ya n W h i t e P l a n n i n g C o u n c i l r w p c H o u s t o n o r g 7 1 3 - 5 7 2 - 3 7 2 4
E N T E R TA IN M E N T/N I G H T L IFE
A l l e y T h e a t r e
6 1 5 Te x a s Av e a l l e y t h e a t r e o r g
Fr o s t To w n B r e w i n g 1 0 0 N J a c k s o n S t 7 1 3 - 2 2 4 - 5 3 2 6
J R ’s /S a n t a F e 8 0 8 P a c i f i c ... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 7 1 3 /5 2 1 -2 5 1 9
P e a r l B a r 4 2 1 6 Wa s h in g t o n P e a r l H o u s t o n c o m
CL U B S/PE R S O N A L T R A IN IN G
C l u b H o u s t o n 2 2 0 5 F ann in 7 1 3 /6 5 9 - 4 9 9 8
FL O O R C OV E R
G A R DE N IN G /L A N D S C A PIN G
2 8 0 - 6 6 4 6
F o u n t a i n s & S t a t u a r y 1 1 8 0 4 H e m p s t e a d 7 1 3 /9 5 7- 3 6 7 2 J o s h u a ’s N a t i ve P l a n t s & A n t i q u e s 5 0 2 W 1 8 t h S t 7 1 3 /8 6 2-74 4 4
HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY
D “ Wo o d j a ” F l a n i g a n , M S , L PA
2 6 0 0 S W F w y, S t e 4 0 9 7 1 3 /5 8 9 - 9 8 0 4
D r. D a n i e l G a r z a , M D 3 1 3 1 E a s t s i d e S t , S t e 4 2 8 1/6 1 0 - 8 1 9 0 D r B a r r y F G r i
1 3 /8 6 9 -74 0
E ve r y b o d y N e e d s S o m e b o d y/J i m B e n t o n , A B S
e v e r y b o d y n e e d s s o m e b o d y m e 2 8 1/5 0 4 -7 7 2 1 T h e M o n t r o s e C e n t e r 4 0 1 B r an ar d 7 1 3 /5 2 9 - 0 0 3 7
M a t t Tr i e t s c h , M A , L P C A s s o c i a t e , N C C M a t t-Tr i e t s c h c o m 5 1 2 /5 9 1 - 8 5 1 0
C h r i s t i n e W y s o n g 2 2 1 1 N o r f o lk S t r e e t , S u i t e 3 7 7 1 3 /8 6 9 -74 0 0
H E A LT H C A R E – C O S M E T I C S U R G E R Y
A C P S/ P a u l F F o r t e s , M D w w w F o r t e s M D c o m 7 1 3 / 7 6 6 - 6 0 2 5
H E A LT H C A R E – DE N T IS T S
B ayo u C i t y S m i l e s / M a r c u s d e G u z m a n , D D S 2 3 1 3 E d w ar d s S t , S t e 1 5 0 7 1 3 /5 1 8 -1 4 1 1
B ayo u C i t y S m i l e s /C y n t h i a C o r r a l , D D S 2 3 1 3 E d w ar d s S t , S t e 1 5 0 7 1 3 /5 1 8 -1 4 1 1
C o r y L o g a n , D D S 5 3 0 Wau gh D r 7 1 3 /9 4 2- 8 5 9 8
M o n t r o s e D D S/S a m u e l A C a r r e l l , D D S 6 2 0 W A l ab am a .. .... .... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... 7 1 3 /5 2 9 - 4 3 6 4
M o n t r o s e D D S/A u s t i n T. F a u l k , D D S
6 2 0 W A l ab am a 7 1 3 /5 2 9 - 4 3 6 4
H E A LT H C A R E -/H I V/C OV ID T E S T IN G
H o u s t o n H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t / H I V h o u s t o n iam li f e c o m
H o u s t o n H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t /C O V I D h o u s t o n t x g o v 8 3 2- 3 9 3 - 4 2 2 0
1 9 2 5 T C J e s t e r 8 3 2 /8 5 0 - 4 3 3 8
H E A LT H C A R E - H I V/S T D T E S T IN G Ave n u e 3 6 0 Av e nu e 3 6 0 o r g 7 1 3 /4 2 6 - 0 0 2 7 L e g a c y C o m m u n i t y H e a l t h L e g a c y C o m m u n i t y H e al t h o r g
H E A LT H C A R E – O PH T H A L M O L O G IS T S S t e wa r t Z u c k e r b r o d , M D G r e a t e r H o u s t o n E ye C o n s u l
H E A LT H C A R E /PH A R M ACIE S L e g a c y P h a r m a c y L e gac y C ommuni t y Heal th org/s er vic e s/pharmac y S c o t t R e a d P h a r m a c y 5 3 6 Wau gh D r i v e 8 3 / 6 4 9 - 3 1 4 2
H E A LT H C A R E – PH Y S I C I A NS
O c t av i o B a r r i o s , M D
5 0 7 We s t G r ay 7 1 3 / 9 4 2 - 7 5 4 6
G o r d o n C r o f o o t , M D/C r o f o o t M D
3 7 0 1 K ir b y, S t e . 1 2 3 0... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... 7 1 3 / 5 2 6 - 0 0 0 5
M . S a n d r a S c u r r i a , M D 6 5 6 5 We s t L o o p S o u t h , S t e 3 0 0 2 8 1 / 6 6 1 - 5 9 0 1
D e r e k S m i t h , A G P C N P - B C/C r o f o o t M D
3 7 0 1 K ir b y, S t e 1 2 3 0 7 1 3 / 5 2 6 - 0 0 0 5
M a g g i e W h i t e , M P H F N P - B C A A H I V S/ We l l n e s s B a r b y L e g a c y 1 2 0 We s t h e im e r .... .... .... .... ... .... .... .... .... .. 7 1 3 / 8 1 4 - 3 7 3 0
H E A LT H C A R E –S E R V I C E S
A l l i e s i n H o p e H o u s t o n aih h o u s t o n . o r g .. .... .... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... .7 1 3 / 6 2 3 - 6 7 9 6
Ave n u e 3 6 0 Av e nu e 3 6 0 o r g 7 1 3 /4 2 6 - 0 0 2 7
H a r r i s H e a l t h C o u n t y P u b l i c H e a l t h P u b li c h e al t h . h ar r i s c o u n t y t x . g o v ... .... 7 1 3 /4 3 9 - 6 2 9 3
H o u s t o n H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t h o u s t o n t x g o v
L e g a c y C o m m u n i t y H e a l t h
L e g a c y C o m m u n i t y H e al t h o r g 8 3 2 / 5 4 8 5 0 0 0
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Debbie Levine/Sotheby’s International Realty sothebysrealty.com 713/942-6857
Lynette Lew/Better Homes and Gardens
LynetteLew.com. 713/582-2202
Richard Ray / Douglas Elliman Real Estate
713-416-3931
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone!
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OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone!
R W P C H o u s t o n o r g 7 1 3 / 5 7 2 - 3 7 8 4
S t H o p e F o u n d a t i o n o f f e r in gh o p e o r g 7 1 3 / 7 7 8 - 1 3 0 0
H E A LT H C A R E –S K IN C A R E
B e yo u t i f u l a n t i a g i n g 3 1 4 E 1 3 t h S t 7 1 3 /5 4 7- 5 6 5 6
S k i n R e n a i s s a n c e L a s e r/O c t av i o B a r r i o s , M D
5 0 7 We s t G r ay .... .... .... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... . 7 1 3 / 9 4 2 - 7 5 4 6
H O M E S E R V I C E S
Tom Schwenk/Tom’s Galveston Real Estate Tomsgalvestonrealestate.com .713/857-2309
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Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
R e s t o P r o s G r e a t e r H e i g h t s / R e m e d i a t i o n S e r v i c e 2 8 1 / 6 9 4 - 7 6 9 9
H O M E F U R N I S H I N G S / A C C E S S O R I E S
E k l e k t i k I n t e r i o r s 1 3 0 0 S h e p h e r d 8 3 2 / 8 0 4 - 6 3 0 0
INS U R A N C E AG E N CIE S/AG E N T S
L a n e L e w i s / F a r m e r s I n s u r a n c e
2 2 0 0 N o r t h L o o p W, S t e 1 3 6 7 1 3 / 6 8 8 - 8 6 6 9
J E W E L E R S
Te n e n b a u m J e w e l e r s 4 3 1 0 We s t h e im e r .. .... .... ... Te n e n b a u m J e w e l e r s . c o m
Z a d o k J e w e l e r s 1 8 0 1 P o s t O ak B l v d S t e 1 0 0 Z a d o k c o m
PE T S E R V I C E S & S U PPL IE S
B ayo u C i t y Ve t e r i n a r y H o s p i t a l
4 7 2 0 Wa s h in g t o n 7 1 3 / 3 4 3 - 9 9 0 9
D O G T O P I A
1 8 3 9 W A l ab am a S t 2 8 1 / 9 8 5 - 5 1 5 8
M i d t o w n Ve t e r i n a r y H o s p i t a l
M i d t o w nVe t H o s p i t al . c o m ... ... .... .... .... 7 1 3 - 5 2 8 - 4 9 0 0
Ve r g i 2 4 / 7 E m e r g e n c y & C r i t i c a l C a r e H o s p i t a l
8 9 2 1 K a t y F r e e w ay 7 1 3 / 9 3 2 - 9 5 8 9
We s t A l a b a m a A n i m a l C l i n i c 2 0 3 0 W. A l ab am a .. .... .... .... ... ... .... .... .... . 7 1 3 / 5 2 8 - 0 8 1 8
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Whether
Whether
Whether
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OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
There’s
There’s
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
As the month begins, you are looking to express your creativity and fun through adventures and connecting with your children or your inner child. You are resetting your daily habits and pursuits. This can be a great time for continuing education, expanding your presence on social media, and putting a voice to your ideas. You have also been working on expanding your resource base and exploring alternatives, even in your career. By the end of the month, you are working with your shifting routines, and trying to go with the flow with Mercury retrograde making impact in these areas. Relationships also become more important, as you will need more support toward the end of the month. With Mercury retrograde, this is a good time to explore your options and wait until next month to move forward on your ideas.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
Life is calmer this month, and your focus shifts to your home and family sector. With Mercury retrograde there, this can be a good time to connect with family, especially with those you haven’t seen in a while. You may be considering relocating for work, exploring home improvement, and making your home a more homey place! This can also be a time of dealing with older family members who are moving out of their patriarchal/matriarchal positions, creating a gap in the power dynamics within the family. You may also be exploring alternative career paths, doing something on your own, or cutting back. This theme continues to be strong through the middle of 2025. You are trying to make your life more safe and stable with the New Moon on the 4th in your home sector, and the Full Moon in your career sector on the 19th. You may have to make some decisions then.
GEMINI (May 21–June 21)
You are even busier this month than last! Mars, planet of action, self-protection, and focusing on the self, will be in your sign until September 5. You will be taking life much more personally and your temper will be shorter. You may also experience restless sleeping
SIGN OUT
By LILLY RODDY
Pause, Reflect, and Reconnect
Navigating
the challenges and opportunities of Mercury retrograde in Leo.
Mercury officially goes stationary retrograde on the 5th, but we are already feeling the impact. Time to slow down our forward path and look back on where we have been. Mercury moves out of retrograde for safe activity by September 1. Mercury retrograde does well with family or high-school reunions, renewing and connecting with people from the past, and taking care of problems you have been putting off. After August 19, it’s time to start formulating your plans. But don’t put
patterns during this time. You will be much more direct with people and may not always want to listen to what they have to say. This is a very good time to improve your health and exercise regimens. You have to pace yourself, as you will expect results on the first day. With your ruler, Mercury, retrograde this month, you are working on improving your day-to-day activities. Personal boundaries continue to demand attention. You are wanting others to be more mature. The 14th and 16th could be strong days of tension. Focus on what you can do, and not what others expect of you.
CANCER (June 22–July 22)
Resources and investments are the main topics this month, and with Mercury retrograde in that sector, you are exploring old and new ideas to improve your financial situation. You have already been working on reducing debt and stepping away from old financial habits. Your spiritual and psychic side is also very active this month. You may need more time to yourself and are more reflective or philosophical about your views of the afterlife. You are more open to alternative points of view and looking for a connection that touches you personally. You are more creative and may appreciate art and music more, and you may even need more entertainment in your life. You will be reviewing your routines and making improvements at the end of the month. Your career interests are beginning to change as you explore alternatives.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
This is your personal yearly cycle of reviewing the past and setting new plans for your personal year. This will be even stronger with Mercury retrograde in your sign this month. This is an excellent month to look back and reflect on your past decisions and actions. With career and family, you have been looking to separate from some of your past responsibilities and are looking for things that interest you now. This can also be a time of considering doing something on your own or possible retirement. This is a better social month for you. Connecting with friends, especially those from the past, can be a very positive experience. You may also want
them into action until after September 1. Positive days this month are the 7th, 24th, and the 27th. Days with extra tension are the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 28th, and 29th. Yes, there are a lot more tense days! The 18th and 19th could be very demanding. The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd for the next 30 days. We will all be paying more attention to details and the inter workings of people and business. Retrograde Mercury travels through Virgo at the start and reenters Leo on the 14th. Pace yourself this month.
to reconnect with any business organization from your past. In the latter part of the month, you are improving your financial habits and paying more attention to your money.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept.22)
This time of the year is normally one of rest and retreat before you resurface in September. You are more sensitive to your surroundings and may need more time to yourself for self-reflection and to turn down the external noise. And yet, your career sector is very busy with new ideas and a desire to get them all done at once. With your ruler, Mercury, going retrograde this month, this will be an excellent time to consider where you want to point your arrow. This is the time to review your work environment for upgrades, improvements, or a total re-do. Partners can be more supportive and still demand the best from you. Toward the end of the month, you are back in the groove as new financial opportunities open up.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)
Your social, friendship, and group participation sector is the place of activity as the month begins, and with Mercury retrograde there, you are reconnecting with people from your past. If you are involved in an organization, you may be reconsidering your participation. You are more open to expanding your education or upgrading your existing skills. You are looking for more fun and play time in your relationships. With Mercury currently retrograde, this is an excellent time for brainstorming and considering alternatives in business relationships. In your romantic partnerships, you are keeping in touch with the moment and will examine new or altered plans for your future. In the latter part of the month, you are ready for some personal rest and retreat. You will have to balance responsibility and self-care.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)
This month, the focus is on your career and personal responsibility sector. The focus is more
intense with Mercury retrograde here. With work, this can be a time when you are contemplating your current path. Problems may be more glaring and much harder to ignore. This is a good time to see these problems and figure out how to solve them. And you will want to apply these solutions after September 1. For older folks, this can be a time of cutting back or considering retirement. Younger people may want to do something on their own. This energy persists through January. There are also changing dynamics in your relationships. You may both be wanting a change of direction in the relationship that reflects the growth and continuing potential. In the latter part of the month, friends can be very helpful and supportive.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Relationships and partnerships are one of the main topics for this month. With Mercury retrograde, this is an excellent month to reconnect with friends and lovers from the past. This is a very good time for all partnerships. If you are involved, this is a great month to renew those bonds. If you are single, this time is also very good for you as well. You may also be connecting with people from your past. And even in difficult relationships, this is a better time for communications. Mercury retrograde will be impacting your career and personal responsibility sector. Problems with work will be more visible and easier to identify. You are not very patient this month, and may expect overnight changes. Even
if you are right, you may need to wait until Mercury is direct in September before any real changes can occur. And with all of this on your plate, you may just want to get out of town to clear your head.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
This month is a time of taking care of small tasks, particularly those you have had to postpone or have deliberately avoided. With your health, this is an excellent time to start or restart your health-awareness programs. Don’t overdo it, as you usually do. Start with something you can accomplish and allow your momentum to build in increments. This is a very good time for cleaning out closets, storerooms, and getting rid of stuff that has outlived its usefulness, even if it still has some intrinsic value. You are using your time more wisely this month by improving your daily habits. Toward the end of the month, you are ready for a break in your routines and some entertaining distractions. Conditions are changing at work, and you may have a hard time adapting because you expect yourself to adjust too quickly. Slow down and enjoy the Mercury retrograde.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
This past month has been quite busy for you, as you are making changes in your home and with your family. For this be time to downsize, relocate,
they are only in your head. Relationships are a big deal this month, with Mercury retrograde in that sector. This would be a great time to reconnect on that personal level and remember why you got together. You are even reviewing your career and its current direction. You are also in a time of cleansing and detoxing. This is a very good time to renew your exercise and healthcare activity. Pay attention to you!
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
This month, Mercury retrograde is in your sector of health, exercise, work environment, and relationships with co-workers. These are the areas to focus on this month. You will want to make your workspace more workable, and also have better relationships with co-workers and colleagues. If that doesn’t happen, you may take more drastic action. Family activity is also very strong this month. This is a very good time for a family reunion, though there are some power struggles around. There could be a shift in power due to aging or other natural causes. You are paying much more attention to your personal boundaries, and that continues through the end of 2025. Consequently, you are better at saying no and not feeling guilty. Toward the end of the month, relationships are more in the limelight. It may be a good time to spend more time with your partner.
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Bayou Brilliance
Glitter-bearded beauty Jacklyn Dior knows the blitz of a live performance.
By SAM BYRD
Jacklyn Dior, née Sean Saunders, started off as an unassuming volleyball player who entered the team’s annual benefit for charity. Little did she know what would happen once she slipped on those magical high heels and donned the mic for a live singing performance. What started off as a fundraiser has blossomed into a fully realized drag career, and the diva has never once looked back. It’s Jacklyn’s world, and we just live in it. Read on for more about this glitter-bearded beauty.
Pronouns?
In drag, She/Her. Out of drag, He/Him.
Inner Avatar?
I like to think of myself as a gentle teddy bear.
Hometown?
Houston is home now, but I grew up in Midland.
Drag birthday?
My drag birthday is March 2016.
What got you interested in drag?
I started drag because of a desire to help my community. I continued with drag because I loved being able to make people smile, and I love making costumes.
Describe your drag persona.
Jacklyn is a fun-loving, singing, over-the-top lady. I like to think of her as a classy Southern lady with a naughty side.
Any titles?
Miss LSVA (Lonestar Volleyball Association) 2019–2022, Miss Tony’s Corner Pocket Bearded Queen, Girl of Montrose 2021, Miss Lone Star 2022, Southern States Bearded Queen 2022, Miss Tony’s Corner Pocket 2024.
Most memorable onstage moments?
Anytime someone comes up to me and tells me that my performance touched them in some type of way.
Thoughts about the legislation restricting drag performances?
I am so sick and tired of hearing about how evil drag is. Drag is art. Drag is love. Drag is a personal expression. If you don’t understand it, then it’s not for you. Back off and let others live their lives. Stop trying to legislate how I live,
because if the tables were turned, you wouldn’t like it either.
What are your favorite hangout spots?
I love Tony’s Corner Pocket and Ripcord.
Tell us about your aesthetic.
Jacklyn is a mix of 1950s and 1980s fashion. I love a good gown and sequins, though I’m not afraid to wear a body suit or a jump suit.
Why the glitter beard?
I think of my beard as an extension of my accessories. I like my beard and choose to incorporate it into my drag by covering it in glitter.
What are your passions in life?
Music is a huge passion of mine, and also travel. I love going to new places and learning about other cultures.
What does music mean to you?
Music is my life. I am a classically trained singer and a choir director by day. I still sing professionally to this day.
Advice for up-and-coming artists?
Be true to yourself, don’t get in the way of your own creativity, surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and be humble. We all start at the beginning. Also, don’t stop experimenting and learning.
Who is your favorite drag character from the media?
I love Mrs. Doubtfire, because Robin Williams was such an amazing force in that role.
Where and when do you normally perform?
Tuesdays at 2409 Grant Street for trivia, and at Tony’s Corner Pocket throughout the month.
What is your secret talent?
It’s not so secret, but I also play the violin.
What have you learned from drag that you use in your everyday life?
Be authentically you. Don’t let anyone try to cover your light.
