FEBRUARY 2025 by OutSmart Magazine

FOUR BLACK LGBTQ LEADERS: VOICES OF RESILIENCE AND CHANGE Pg.22

HOUSTON'S LGBTQ MAGAZINE FEB. 2025

THE

POWER OF VISIBILITY

Kevin Anderson’s

The T.R.U.T.H. Project Pg.28

STUDIO

13’S LEGACY

The ‘80s Black gay bar that built community Pg.34

LOVE TOP ON

Couple Nathaniel Holley & Deondre Moore ﬁnd love and purpose through advocacy Pg.40

Aria Sa’id, Bishop Shon Stewart, Nathan Maxey, and Shelley Washington

The

Out

Artistic director Fabrice Lemire

OutSmart

Fashion

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.

DEPARTMENTS NEWS & COMMENT

CALENDAR

Katy’s First Christian Church Transparent Closet project celebrates Mardi Gras with a festive event featuring desserts, dancing, and a photo booth

MONEY SMART

With the uncertainty surrounding same-sex marriage, couples may need to rethink their estate plans

TRAVEL & LEISURE

The new Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose offers casual luxury in a garden setting with an elegant restaurant and a welcoming lounge area

OUT & ABOUT

SCENE OUT

CALENDAR

WEDDING GUIDE OUT THERE

SIGN OUT BAR GUIDE

LOVE ON TOP

Couple Nathaniel Holley & Deondre Moore find love and purpose through advocacy Pg.40

Photography by Frank Xavier for OutSmart Instagram: @the_creativex Shot at The Silos at Sawyer Yards, January 28, 2025

DO IT

ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

Plus, learn which HIV prevention and treatment options work for you.

Where Excellence

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu

Creative Director Alex Rosa

Copy Editor Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude

Copy Editors Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude

Contributing Writers

Olivia Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Bill Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Jenny Block, Sam Byrd, David Clarke, Dick Dace, Blase DiStefano, Andrew Edmonson, Ste7en 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, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Sheryl Taylor, Terrance Turner, Grace S. Yung

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Edgardo Aguilar, John-Paul Arreaga, Victor Contreras, Dalton DeHart, Yvonne Feece, Frank Hernandez, Ashkan Roayaee, Alex Rosa

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EDITOR’S

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges and victories we’ve experienced during the past year. OutSmart magazine remains committed to telling the stories that matter most to our community, from advocacy and justice to the arts and our vibrant social scene.

Inside this November issue, you’ll find several stories that showcase Houston’s resilient LGBTQ community. Writer David Clarke explores how the ManKind Project’s New Warrior Training invites queer men to deepen their understanding of identity, purpose, and connection. Writer Ian L. Haddock highlights the advocacy work of Ritchie T. Martin Jr., a new addition to the Allies in Hope organization. Martin shares some of the insights he gained from working with marginalized communities in Milwaukee.

As we go to press, the Trump administration is swiftly dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives nationwide. The CDC has been ordered to withdraw scientific papers that include terms such as transgender, gender, and nonbinary, while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has canceled contracts that reference pronouns and inclusivity.

This month’s Community section features writer Terrance Turner’s look at some of our local LGBTQ nonprofit charities, which should help get you in the holiday spirit by supporting their vital work in the community. It’s time to show up for a few of your favorite organizations, both this month and throughout the year! In other news, writer Sam Byrd showcases the ongoing work of Out For Education, another one of our great fundraising charities that empowers our future LGBTQ leaders by offering them college scholarships.

The Montrose Center is observing the annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 by hosting HOPERA’s production of As One, composer Laura Kaminsky’s poignant opera that explores a trans artist’s journey of self-discovery. Arts writer Rich Arenschieldt fills us in on the opera’s 10-year evolution following its 2014 New York premiere.

Federal websites have been stripped of LGBTQI+ content, reducing it to “LGB” and erasing transgender and nonbinary individuals. Some references to racial and ethnic minorities have also been removed, and the Department of Defense eliminated cultural awareness months just ahead of Black History Month.

None of this was entirely unexpected— Project 2025 had mapped it all out. But OutSmart will not be silenced. These attacks only reinforce why LGBTQ media is more essential than ever. Without independently produced community news and media, these erasures go unchecked and our community loses vital representation, history, and advocacy.

This October issue features the winners and finalists in our 27th annual Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards. After tallying thousands of votes cast by our loyal readers, we are proud to profile 12 of these winning individuals and businesses from the LGBTQ community, starting on page 33. This year’s lineup includes not only a few of Houston’s well-known leaders in politics and business, but also an impressive sampling of young artists and activists who are making a difference. Thanks to OutSmart writers David Clarke and Connor Behrens for highlighting these Gayest & Greatest winners. We hope to see you at this year’s Gayest & Greatest Awards party at South Beach on October 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You’ll be able to enjoy drink specials and entertainment with emcee Derrick Shore as you mingle with many of this year’s winners and finalists. Thanks to our event sponsors Bayou City Smiles, Legacy Community Health, Premier Wireless, Silver Eagle Houston, Senior Medicare Patrol, and South Beach Houston for making this year’s celebration a success.

grant labor force.

curator of the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History (GCAM). That local institution is in the midst of reorganizing and expanding their mission to preserve the archives and memorabilia of Houston’s leather community.

advocate; Nathan Maxey, an HIV activist; Pastor Shelley Washington, a leader in women’s sexual health; and Bishop Shon Stewart, a cancer survivor empowering underserved communities.

Personality and Best Local LGBTQ Social Media Presence, shares his journey to success on Mix 96.5. Donald Simon III, who won Best Men’s Clothing Store, describes how he built King Underwear into a successful brand that celebrates its diverse clientele.

On the lighter side, Ryan M. Leach’s annual Top 10 list offers a witty take on a few of 2024’s winners and losers. In the midst of so much political turmoil, it’s encouraging to celebrate winners such as Delaware’s incoming Congresswoman Sarah McBride. As the nation’s first transgender lawmaker to serve in Congress, McBride was greeted with a barrage of Republican hostility, and she has been handling the turmoil with grace and dignity.

Writer Terrance Turner writes about Studio 13, a Montrose nightclub that was a vital space for Houston’s Black gay men in the 1980s. Then historian Brandon Wolf profiles Kevin D. Anderson, whose T.R.U.T.H. Project promotes mental, emotional, and sexual health through events like heART&SOUL, his openmic series fostering creative expression.

In our Arts & Entertainment coverage, writer Michael Robinson interviews “The Pope of Trash,” John Waters—the iconic filmmaker who comes to town with a livecommentary screening of his movie Hairspray on November 14.

Our October entertainment feature spotlights Cyndi Lauper ahead of her farewell tour that includes a stop in Houston next month. Writer Gregg Shapiro spoke with Lauper about her fond memories from four decades of recording and touring. She also revealed her passion for political activism that has inspired many of her LGBTQ fans to become informed voters.

In community news, Connor Behrens previews Out at the Rodeo on March 22, a celebration for LGBTQ rodeo fans and their allies. Organizers Anthony Ferrell and Eric Hulsey are working to ensure LGBTQ visibility remains an integral part of Houston’s rodeo.

“I call Hairspray a ‘Trojan horse of joy.’ People come for the laughs and the music, and leave with a little subversive message on the side,” Waters once said. This legendary director and infamous provocateur also graces our November cover.

journalism alive and well in Houston. Please consider becoming a sustaining member of the Foundation with a gift of just $6 a month. This type of recurring donation will help fund a thriving LGBTQ community newsroom that can make an impact in our great city.

Weldon-Schilling, who reflects on his journey as a Jeopardy! champion, embracing neurodivergence as a strength. Sam Byrd previews Cirque du Soleil’s return to Houston, with artistic director Fabrice Lemire sharing insights into its breathtaking acrobatics and themes of transformation.

eycomb paper ornaments and an elegant red bow tree-topper add a festive touch that theater-goers attending the Alley’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol will appreciate.

Greg Jeu Publisher

Finally, Montrose’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel Saint Augustine, offers a stylish retreat with a variety of welcoming guest suites and chef Aaron Bludorn leading its restaurant.

in 17th-century England. Clarke also previews Filipino artist Royal Sumikat’s stunning mural The Queens of the Tarot, which is part of an interactive new art installation at Meow Wolf in the Fifth Ward. And finally, writer Olivia Flores Alvarez chats with Houston Center for Photography director Anne Leighton Massoni about her provocative new exhibition featuring images of hidden same-sex desire in repressive cultures.

We hope to see you at our annual OutSmart Holiday Party on Friday, December 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rich’s! Please join us for a festive evening of music, laughter, and toasting the year ahead with our family of readers and advertisers. You can RSVP and find updates on Facebook at tinyurl.com/3ktc62ye.

Then writer Brandon Wolf offers a compelling update on the ongoing immigration crisis and LGBTQ marriage issues for non-citizens. The incoming Trump administration’s policies will most likely threaten vulnerable immigrant families and our entire economy, which is heavily dependent on a hard-working immi-

Our December arts and culture coverage celebrates creativity in all its forms—everything from Johnny Salvesen’s starring role in Opera in the Heights’ The Little Prince and 4th Wall Theatre Company’s irreverently funny holiday production to drag artist Tammie Brown’s charming rag-doll exhibit at the Galveston Arts Center. And for you bookworms looking for something new to read, our year-end roundup of impactful LGBTQ titles will keep you satisfied throughout the new year.

Writers Connor Behrens and David Clarke highlight two more winners from our 2024 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards. Jay Michaels, who won Favorite Male Radio

In this February issue, we celebrate our community by honoring Black History Month and recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7. Writer Ian L. Haddock highlights Aria Sa’id, a transgender

October is also LGBTQ History Month, so we asked veteran writer and historian Brandon Wolf to catch up with Judy Reeves, longtime

I would like to thank the Montrose Center for honoring me this month with their 2024 LGBTQIA+ Community Vision Award. For 31 years now, my vision for empowering Houston’s LGBTQ community through a monthly magazine has guided OutSmart ’s entire editorial staff. As we now face a social-media environment that threatens the very existence of local journalism, we are asking for your support to help us thrive in the digital age.

Writer Zachary McKenzie takes us behind the scenes at Stages, where Rose Morrigan stars in a clever, gender-bending comedy sure to please fans of Sherlock Holmes.

Our February cover stars, Deondre B. Moore and Nathaniel Holley, met through their HIV activism work, which keeps both of them busy in the community. Thanks to writer David Clarke and photographer Frank Xavier for capturing their inspiring story.

A tax-deductible gift to the OutSmart Foundation for LGBTQ News and Media is a great way to keep independent local LGBTQ

And finally, we salute our cover star Raymond Valdez, a local interior designer who has been busy decorating one of the holiday trees in the Alley Theatre’s lobby. His delicate hon-

David Clarke also spoke with producer Michelle Britton ahead of her Texas premiere of PlayhouseCreatures, which pays tribute to the first women who were allowed onstage

In Arts & Entertainment, we feature Alan Gonzalez, a Houston native and New York designer who contributed to the “Beyoncé Bowl” halftime show. Then we meet Eric

Why are we asking you to donate to the OutSmart Foundation?

Your support empowers the LGBTQ community through essential journalism, helping OutSmart Media thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Your tax-deductible contribution expands our newsroom, compensates dedicated journalists, and invests in the latest media technology. It also funds internships for future writers committed to social justice.

Thank you for your continued support of OutSmart ’s local LGBTQ journalism. Together, we’ll head into 2025 by embracing its opportunities and challenges with hope and resilience.

Don’t miss the glitz and glam of our annual awards party at South Beach, where you can mingle with winners and finalists while enjoying performances and drink specials.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a bright new year.

Like many independent media outlets, OutSmart faces financial challenges as we remain committed to telling LGBTQ stories that might otherwise go unheard. If you believe in the power of independent LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a charter member of the OutSmart Foundation. Even a small monthly donation can help sustain our mission.

As the holiday season approaches, we encourage you to consider supporting the OutSmart Foundation for LGBTQ News and Media. Your tax-deductible year-end gift will strengthen OutSmart’s independent local journalism which is vital to Houston’s thriving LGBTQ community. We need your support!

Oct. 23, 2024

From all of us at OutSmart, be safe.

South Beach

For more info and to RSVP, scan here!

You r Suppor t Tran sf o rm s L GBT Q Stori es intoCha ng e

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.

Thank you for supporting independent LGBTQ media in Houston. Your contribution helps our platform thrive, amplifying diverse voices and stories.

Donate by texting OUTSMART to 53-555 or use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code here.

Greg Jeu Publisher

SCENE OUT

by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association held its January 2025 meeting at Pinstripes on January 15, 2024. Pictured are Kimberly Dang (HCDLA President), Judge Lina Hidalgo, Drew

Allies in Hope hosted the Walk to End HIV kick-off party at Eureka Heights Brewing Company on January 15, 2024.

Pride Chorus Houston presented Make the Yuletide Gay concert at Unity Houston on December 14, 2024. Pictured are members of the Chorus and supporters.

The LGBTQ+ Community Summit: Preparing for Our Future, was held at the Montrose Center on January 11, 2024. Pictured are Davis Mendoza Darusman and Avery Belyeu

Padley, Barbara Radnofsky, and Ross Miller

Pictured are members of Allies in Hope staff.

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast meeting on January 16, 2024. Pictured are Tammi Wallace, Stephanie Haechten, Carrie Rai, Gianna Ramirez, Erik Smith, Steven Parks, Ryan Wilson, Maureen Maiuri, and Jack Berger

A Celebration of Life was held for Hazel Elaine Jones at Bradshaw Carter Memorial & Funeral Services on January 26, 2025. Pictured are Ben Montalbano, Judge Jim Kovach, and Tripp Carter.

The Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus held its monthly meeting electing new board members and president on January 8, 2025. Pictured are Tom Seymour, Bryan Hlavinka, Nick Vaughan, and JD Doyle.

Bunnies on the Bayou presented the Snow Bunnies Fundraiser at Rich’s on January 19, 2024. Pictured are hosts of Bunnies on the Bayou.

Photos

The Executive & Professional Association of Houston (EPAH) held its January 2025 Dinner Meeting on January 28, 2025. Pictured are Mike Bodin, Cindy Cuellar, and Steve Netemeyer.

Danny Nguyen Couture hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration on January 25, 2025. Pictured are Kristina Phan, Danny Nguyen, and Lela Dang.

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at McHugh Tea Room on January 17, 2024. Pictured are McHugh Tea Room staff, Chamber members, and guests.

The Diana Foundation hosted the 72nd Diana Awards kickoff party at the home of Josh Snellgrove on January 17, 2024. Pictured are Craig McLemore, Josh Snellgrove, Corbin Young, and Tanner Williams.

Dr. Rubbiya Charania

Dr. Robert Hines

Dr. Tyler Henthorn

Dr. Adrian Reyes

Dr. Marcus de Guzman

QUEER

THINGS to DO

STAGE

February 6

Out@TUTS for Mean Girls

Theatre Under The Stars presents its Out@TUTS reception for LGBTQ theatergoers and friends featuring light bites, drink specials, and live music. tinyurl.com/4z7d9btp

COMMUNITY

February 15

Project Love Gala Brazoria County Pride presents an evening supporting local LGBTQ initiatives. Experience a night of entertainment, connection, and community. tinyurl.com/5n6vbx4v

COMMUNITY

February 8

Wags & Whiskers Luncheon and Pet Fashion Show Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston honors Houston legend Frank Billingsley at this fundraiser for the Animeals on Wheels program that provides free pet food to dogs and cats of homebound seniors. tinyurl.com/mra2ceky

STAGE

February 9

Pride Day at HGO for La Bohème

Join Houston Grand Opera for their Pride Day matinee of La Bohème, a performance by Pride Chorus Houston, and a brunch with themed cocktails. OutSmart readers can use code OUTSMART50 for discounts. tinyurl.com/y5hjv2ap

COMMUNITY

February 15

Trans Legal Aid Clinic

Volunteer clinic attorneys will assist in updating your name and/or gender marker on your identifying documents. tinyurl.com/29jczurh

COMMUNITY

February 5

Pride Houston 365 Unveiling Join Pride Houston 365 as they reveal their 2025 logo and grand-marshal finalists. tinyurl.com/2r9t6xuh

COMMUNITY

February 6

UH LGBTQ Alumni’s Drag Bingo

Join the UH LGBTQ Alumni Association for their annual Drag Bingo fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward their Scholarship and Emergency Crisis Aid Fund. tinyurl.com/yckf4ceh

STAGE

February 16

heART&SOUL Experience

The T.R.U.T.H. Project presents the 16th anniversary of heART&SOUL, one of the longest-running queer-centered open mics in the country. tinyurl.com/4sdbynd8

COMMUNITY

February 14

Love (not-so)

Straight Up 2025

Out For Education hosts a Valentine’s Day event celebrating love in all its forms while supporting the nonprofit’s lifechanging mission. tinyurl.com/3ajuyspp

COMMUNITY

February 22

Houston Gaymers

February Meetup

The Houston Gaymers host their monthly meetup where you can make new friends while playing favorite games. Every major system is represented with the latest titles. tinyurl.com/mesp59mw

SAVE THE DATE

STAGE

March 6

ActOut for The Glass Menagerie

Ticket holders for the Alley Theatre’s production of Tennessee Williams’ classic The Glass Menagerie can enjoy a pre-performance mixer with music, socializing, light bites, and drinks. tinyurl.com/mv2ht7z2

SAVE THE DATE

STAGE

March 6–7

Performing Arts Houston’s New/Now Project

Houston favorite Ben Chavez premieres his Last Day, County Fair, one of the 2024-25 winners of New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project. tinyurl.com/22nznfdt

COMMUNITY

February 7

National Black HIV Awareness Day

The Montrose Center sponsors a health and wellness resource fair to observe National Black HIV Awareness Day and increase awareness, spark conversations, and highlight the work being done to reduce HIV transmission in communities of color. tinyurl.com/3xey2sve

COMMUNITY

February 22

Mardi Gras Un-masquerade Ball for All

Katy’s First Christian Church Transparent Closet project presents a celebration of joy, love, and individuality featuring desserts, dancing, and a photo station. tinyurl.com/523ej7dx

Scan here, for a weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings in Houston!

STAGE

March 7

Out at the Ballet for IntheNight

Houston Ballet and OutSmart magazine host a special reception for LGBTQ ballet lovers and friends. Get 25% off select seats, a complimentary drink voucher, and access to the reception area before the show and during intermission. tinyurl.com/yeywzbw4

COMMUNITY

March 28

72nd Diana Awards

Get ready for a night of glamour, hilarity, and heartfelt giving as The Diana Foundation—America’s oldest LGBTQ organization—proudly presents the 72nd Annual Diana Awards. tinyurl.com/5cu7csu8

COMMUNITY

March 13

Bringin’ in the Green

LGBTQ Houston’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day celebration is back! The unforgettable evening of fun, benefitting the Montrose Center, features an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a luxury silent auction. tinyurl.com/4n7radja

COMMUNITY

March 22

Out at the Rodeo 2025

Each year, the LGBTQ community gathers at the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for an unforgettable day of rodeo events, delicious food, live music, and heart-pounding carnival rides. tinyurl.com/2nhz9ez6

Submit your events at calendar@outsmartmagazine.com

By GRACE YUNG,

Same-Sex Marriage Uncertainty

An adverse Supreme Court decision would require couples to rework their financial plans.

The possibility of a repeal of same-sex marriage rights under a new administration could have significant ramifications for LGBTQ individuals and couples in the United States. These changes would ripple across multiple aspects of financial, legal, and personal life, affecting everything from retirement planning to tax liabilities. This article explores how the erosion of marriage equality might impact Social Security strategies, retirement plans, taxes, insurance premiums, and more.

Social Security Problems

Married couples currently benefit from various Social Security provisions that allow for spousal and survivor benefits. If samesex marriage were repealed, many LGBTQ individuals could face financial insecurity in retirement due to:

• Loss of Spousal Benefits – LGBTQ individuals would no longer be able to claim spousal benefits based on their partner’s earnings record. This would particularly disadvantage couples where one partner earned significantly more than the other.

• Impact on Survivor Benefits –Widowed individuals could lose access to survivor benefits, which are crucial for financial stability after the death of a partner. This would be especially harmful for older couples or those with significant income disparities.

A Retirement-Planning Crisis

Under current law, married individuals can inherit their spouse’s Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other retirement plans and treat the account as their own. If same-sex marriage is repealed we would see:

• Loss of Spousal Rollovers – LGBTQ individuals would lose the ability to roll over a deceased partner’s retirement account into their own. Instead, they would be treated as non-spouse beneficiaries, subject to different rules such as the 10-year distribution rule, which accelerates taxation and limits

long-term growth potential.

• Tax Implications – Non-spousal inheritance rules often result in higher taxes due to mandatory distributions over a shorter period. This could significantly reduce the value of inherited retirement accounts.

• Reduced Retirement Security –For many LGBTQ couples, the inability to plan collaboratively for retirement could jeopardize financial security in their later years.

Pension Limitations

Many pension plans provide spousal benefits, allowing the surviving spouse to receive a portion of the pension upon the participant’s death. Without legal recognition of same-sex marriages:

• Loss of Survivor Benefits – LGBTQ partners could be excluded from pension survivor benefits, leaving them without guaranteed income after the death of a partner.

• Restricted Access to Joint Life Annuities – Married couples often purchase joint life annuities to provide income for both individuals throughout their lifetimes. Without marriage recognition, LGBTQ couples may not qualify for such options.

• Increased Vulnerability – The absence of guaranteed income streams

for surviving partners would create financial strain and uncertainty.

Tax Disadvantages

Tax policies are another critical area where changes in marriage laws could have profound effects:

• Loss of Joint Filing Status – Married couples can file taxes jointly, which often results in lower overall tax liabilities. Repealing same-sex marriage rights would force LGBTQ couples to file as individuals, potentially increasing their tax burdens.

• Marriage Tax Benefits – Married couples benefit from higher income thresholds before entering higher tax brackets. LGBTQ individuals would lose these advantages, paying more in taxes on the same combined income.

• Estate Taxes – Spouses can transfer unlimited assets to each other without incurring estate taxes. Without this provision, LGBTQ individuals inheriting assets from a partner could face significant estate-tax liabilities, eroding wealth accumulation and legacy planning.

Insurance Penalties

Marriage often results in lower insurance premiums on some policies. If same-sex marriage is repealed:

Brandon Newton and Family

• Loss of Discounts – LGBTQ couples may lose access to marital discounts, increasing their overall insurance costs.

• Loss of Joint Health Insurance

– Many employers provide health insurance benefits to spouses. Without marriage recognition, LGBTQ partners could lose access to these benefits, forcing them to seek individual policies, often at higher costs.

• Disparities in Coverage – The loss of spousal benefits in insurance could lead to disparities in coverage quality and affordability, particularly for families with children.

The Broader Implications

The repeal of same-sex marriage rights would create financial challenges as well as exacerbate existing inequalities faced by LGBTQ individuals. These include:

• Legal Vulnerabilities – LGBTQ couples would need to rely on legal instruments like wills, powers of attorney, and cohabitation agreements to protect their rights. These can be costly and less comprehensive than the rights

granted through marriage.

• Emotional and Psychological Distress – The loss of marriage recognition could lead to feelings of marginalization and insecurity, impacting mental health and well-being.

• Community and Advocacy Challenges – The LGBTQ community would likely need to mobilize resources to address these challenges, diverting attention and funds from other pressing issues.

Proactive Steps for Individuals and Couples

• Work with Experts: Collaborate with a financial-planning professional and an attorney who are well-versed in issues affecting the LGBTQ community and can offer a comprehensive financial and legal plan.

• Draft Comprehensive Legal Documents: Ensure that wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies are in place to protect your wishes.

• Reassess Insurance Needs: Review insurance policies to ensure adequate

coverage and explore options to mitigate potential cost increases.

• Stay Informed and Advocate: Keep abreast of legal developments and participate in advocacy efforts to protect and advance LGBTQ rights.

Conclusion

The potential repeal of same-sex marriage rights under the new administration could have far-reaching implications for LGBTQ individuals and couples. By understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps, LGBTQ individuals can mitigate some of the adverse effects while continuing to advocate for equality and justice. Legal recognition for same-sex marriage is not just a symbolic victory; it is a foundation for financial stability and social acceptance, making its preservation essential for the LGBTQ community.

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.

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4 4 LGBTQ PEOPLE to KNOW in HOUSTON

BLACK

by IAN L. HADDOCK

Black History Month can be a difficult time for the Black LGBTQ community. Usually, we have to consider either of our intersections that cause oppression, as we can experience a lack of support from either of our separated marginal identities. During Black History Month, as the larger queer community is already anticipating a difficult four years ahead, the Black LGBTQ community is feeling especially apprehensive.

Transgender stigma proliferated through the airwaves as Donald Trump was inaugurated on the same day that we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. H istorically, Black transgender women are most represented among the deaths believed to be related to this stigma. And now, we are likely moving into a space where funding for HIV prevention and

treatment will be cut Black people—mainly Black queer people—are consistently more impacted by HIV (particularly in the South), even with the availability of successful biomedical interventions. Social drivers undoubtedly make the future challenging for those who sit at both intersections.

As we celebrate Black History Month, OutSmart is honoring four local Black people who represent these intersections while bringing a wealth of knowledge, hope, and promise to our collective community at large. As they focus on uplifting the most marginalized among us, these influential Black LGBTQ individuals increase our visibility, reach across multiple aisles, and create opportunities that give us hope for the future of the LGBTQ community. Their resilience, magic, and power—despite the difficulties that all of their intersections present—reveal why they should be considered royalty.

BLACK LGBTQ PEOPLE to KNOW in HOUSTON

Strategist, civic activist, and proud transwoman

ARIA SA’ID

(she/her/hers)

Photo by GOOCH

Aria Sa’id is a Houston transplant from San Francisco who leads the consulting firm Aria Sa’id & Associates. Living in San Francisco for 17 years, she created the world’s first municipal transgender district. This legally recognized cultural district continues to provide resources and cultural preservation both locally and nationally. Describing herself as an unorthodox leader, while in San Francisco she also helped to launch a first-of-its-kind guaranteedincome pilot project and the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program for people of transgender experience. Since moving to Houston a year ago, she has been working with organizations locally and nationwide to deepen their fundraising efforts, including strategic communications for capital campaigns, event planning for leadership conferences, and convening and planning galas.

Doing this comes with a cost, though. “I don’t think people realize the emotional and physical toll that leadership in the nonprofit, grassroots sector can have on you and your body, and it’s something we don’t talk about enough as activists and leaders in nonprofit spaces,” she says. “I think of Erica Garner often, and how her commitment to demand-

ing justice for her father—and the many other Black people who have been systematically impacted by violence and harm from police and government—literally killed her.”

Sa’id has twice suffered a diabetic coma as the constant complexities of her position as executive director caused a rift between what was necessary and what her body could handle. As she has done since the day she started the consulting firm, she continues to reimagine liberation while remaining proud to have created a legacy. She is even prouder that she is doing work that allows her to also focus on self-care. “We, as leaders, work day and night to manifest possibilities. That takes a massive toll on our bodies. I’m proud of the work I’ve done in the past, but I am also proud that I raised my consciousness on how to better care for myself.”

Moving to Texas, the home of Juneteenth, and coming from a city where significant strides in HIV care originated, she knows what it is like not just to fight but to bear witness to victory. As a newly dubbed Southern woman, she is experiencing Houston’s tight-knit local community. She has begun opening her home to Black women of transgender experience for dinner and conversation, where she can observe firsthand how different the equity movement is in the South and how the women

here continue to press forward among seemingly impossible odds.

‘We will always be here; we will always fight for justice,” Sa’id says. “Seeing how it’s in our DNA is what inspires me. It’s not fair that we have to fight, but we do it anyway!”

Her inspiration comes from a long list of people who came before her. One of Sa’id’s heroes is Sharyn Grayson, a Black woman of transgender experience who is the founder and chief executive officer of the Nonprofit and Consumer Services Network (NPCSN). As a teen, Sa’id looked up to Grayson, as she had never before seen a possibility model so connected to her own identity. As a result, Sa’id has modeled her advocacy and career trajectory after the elegance, beauty, and grace that Grayson leads with. “I wish more people gave her flowers for all the incredible contributions she’s made so that we could have the realities we have now,” says Sa’id.

Now, as she leads a more communal life in her new home in Houston with less stress, Sa’id is adamant about her self-care. She habitually goes to the gym, eats well, reads, runs in Memorial Park, and uses Sundays as “spa days.”

Keep up with Aria Sa’id on Instagram @AriaSaid.

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BLACK LGBTQ PEOPLE to KNOW in HOUSTON

Servant leader, educator, and lover of people

BISHOP SHON STEWART

(he/him/his)

Shon Stewart, hailing from Orange, Texas, is the founder of Freedom Church, a ministry dedicated to impactful change, life transformation, and teaching the powerful message of freedom. This man knows the power of fighting for liberation as a faith leader, but also as an educator and, even more critically, as a survivor of Stage IV B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, undergoing two stem-cell transplants.

Stewart stays busy with a renewed passion for life and a deep understanding of the need to do what you must with your gifts in the present, as tomorrow is not promised. He comes from a long line of servant leaders, including his parents, Deacon Albert and Sister Margaret Stewart, who embodied community service without expectation, offering love and support to all. As a cancer survivor, he is also the proud founder of Free 2 Live , an organization that focuses on health education for underserved communities, while also managing two campuses of Freedom Church and transitioning them into the United Church of Christ, broadening his outreach beyond local boundaries to deliver a global message of freedom. “I

have a deep commitment to never give up on individuals by creating spaces for grace, love, and healing; acknowledging that God never cuts anyone off; and striving to extend that same unconditional grace and understanding,” Stewart says.

In his multiple roles, Stewart is inspired by people like Rev. Dr. Sande Bailey-Gwinn, the pastor, founder, and executive director of Foundations for Living, which is based in Jefferson, Georgia. Bailey-Gwinn says of Stewart, “In this work that people say we shouldn’t do, I am committed because I realize that time is not mine, that God made one for us, and because I know that all lives are important. Bishop Stewart embodies that.”

Stewart understands that the road we are traveling over the next several years will not be easy, but he acknowledges that it is essential to stay vigilant and steadfast in his call. His faith is fortified daily. “By day, students and colleagues in special education teach resilience and remind you of the joy in service—even when tough love is needed. By night, my ministry team supports and motivates me during challenging times. In spirit, it recognizes that there is room for growth even in dysfunction,

which fuels the mission to guide others toward betterment.”

One other talent—though it is sometimes hidden from the public—is Stewart’s reputation as a comedian in his close circle of friends. In his free time, you will find him spending quality and undisturbed time with his family and their 112-pound beloved dog companion, Gracie Francis. He is often in the kitchen cooking Sunday dinner with homemade desserts, or at the card table embracing the competitive, bonding tradition of spades. He says, with the dry humor he is known for, “Bring me your stomach to fill and your lack of spades skills to teach! It just ain’t right to play like that and not be, at a minimum, fed a good meal.”

Whether in public health, transgender rights, brave space creation, or education, we are honored to have possibility models in our community that allow us to continue to dream and have hope. The future will have many twists and turns, but having these examples of royalty within our community empowers us to know still that we will be all right.

Keep up with Bishop Shon Stewart on Instagram @Shon_D_Stewart.

BLACK LGBTQ PEOPLE to KNOW in HOUSTON

Public health leader, gay activist, and person living with HIV

NATHAN MAXEY

Nathan Maxey was born and raised in Houston and is proudly and openly a gay man. Raised in a singleparent household by his late mother, Deanna MaxeyTheus, with his queer sister Denisha MaxeyEstes, he has found great strength from being surrounded by robust and resilient women. Working in public health for over two decades, he currently serves as the HIV and hepatitis-C program manager at the Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention for the Houston Health Department. This work is personal to Maxey, as he has been living with HIV for 25 years. When he was first diagnosed, he never thought he would live to see his 50th birthday that’s coming up in two years. In his current role, he is honored to work in a leadership position that impacts thousands of people each year.

Maxey is a first-generation college graduate, having earned Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees

from Texas Southern University. “I didn’t start college until I was 25,” he explains. “Growing up, college never felt like something within reach for me. I had no role models to guide or push me toward that path, so it wasn’t even a thought. It took me six years to earn my bachelor’s degree while balancing life’s challenges, and it wasn’t easy. But that journey laid a foundation for me and my family.” His success became a model for his family, with his sister earning dual degrees, his niece pursuing her second degree, and his nephew also in college.

Indeed, family is very important to Maxey, and his son and twin nephews—all Black and LGBTQ—are a constant source of motivation. “They remind me every day why this fight matters. They inspire me to stay hopeful, and I see them as my legacy. Their resilience pushes me to continue advocating for our community and fighting for a better future where I have made a difference and where they can continue their journey.”

In addition to his family, Maxey’s support system includes members of the HIV com-

munity. This includes his unsung hero, Venita Ray. Venita has worked for over 40 years in policy, advocacy, and public health and is the executive director of Black South Rising. Her work in the fight for equity, racial justice, and the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV has transformed HIV care nationally and locally, as she led a citywide effort to end the HIV epidemic in Houston in 2016.

Maxey found Venita at a pivotal moment in his life. “There was a time when I felt I had lost my fight, but Venita reignited my passion for advocacy and service. Her tireless work inspires me, and I strive to honor her legacy by doing my part.”

As he continues this work with the hope of seeing the end of the HIV epidemic, he continues to find new fuel—including his self-care practices, which include therapy and music. All of this keeps him as a torch bearer who is carrying on his mother’s legacy.

Keep up with Nathan Maxey on Instagram @TheUndefinedOne.

Photo by IVY WAYNE PHOTOS

BLACK LGBTQ PEOPLE to KNOW in HOUSTON

Faith leader, community advocate, and proud lesbian

SHELLEY WASHINGTON

(she/her/hers)

Photo by PISCES310

Shelley Washington, a native of Galveston who now resides in Houston, is the campus pastor for Houston’s third-oldest church, St. Peter United, and bi-vocationally serves as the service director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative. In these roles, she can expand services from a social-justice perspective that addresses the disparities of economic opportunity and healthcare access in marginalized groups. And as a proud lesbian woman, she can also innovate and expand the presence of women in LGBTQ leadership and programming. This includes developing PrEPHer, a prevention program specifically for Black women that educates and equips them on sexual health, pleasure, and wellness. “The work that I do is grounded in passion for community care, justice, and holistic well-being,” she says. “Faith can inspire lasting change.”

For Washington, becoming an ordained

minister in the United Church of Christ was no small feat. Licensed as a minister in the Baptist church in 2013, she faced a backlash from the church she attended that had decided women could not be ordained. In 2021, she left the Baptist church and became a United Church of Christ member. There, she felt a great deal of misogynoir, but was nonetheless ordained to ministry in July 2024.

Although challenging at times, she continues to show up to provide representation and support for a community riddled with injustice and oppression. “I have known that I was queer since I was 16,” says Washington, “but there was no representation or resources in my community that could offer me the assistance I needed. There are not enough of us who are out, proud, and loud. That keeps me going for our community.”

She is held up by her family members, both chosen and biological. They give her unwavering support, a sense of belonging, and accountability. Her family provides a space where she

can be her most authentic self as they love and uplift her in both difficult and joyous moments. This especially includes her wife of six years, Latreva Herndon-Washington, who is her hero. “I have never said this out loud to anyone, but Latreva and I met at a time in my life when I did not believe that I could be free from others’ judgment and opinions, traditional ideologies, and spiritual ideologies. She was the one who helped get me to liberation.”

With such a strong support system and such expansive work to do, self-care is vital. Washington practices shutting out everything that requires decision-making as often as possible, and delves deep into simple joy practices like building Lego cars, spending a day at the spa, or just going off the grid. With all that is going on in the world, she says she lives by an Audre Lorde quote: “Self-care is ‘self-preservation, and an act of political warfare.’”

Keep up with Shelley Washington on Instagram @Shellez827.

Speaking the T.R.U.T.H. for More Than a Decade

Kevin Anderson’s T.R.U.T.H. Project fosters connection among queer communities of color.

by BRANDON WOLF

As a youth, isolation was no stranger to Kevin Anderson. And early in his adult life, an HIV diagnosis brought an even deeper sense of isolation. But Anderson’s innate sense of creativity became the silver lining that helped him heal. Sharing his narrative through a creative lens, Anderson has helped countless others find connection and joy. In 2013, he launched the T.R.U.T.H. Project (Telling Real Unapologetic Truth Through Healing).

The Project’s mission is to educate and mobilize LGBTQ communities of color and their allies through social arts that promote mental, emotional, and sexual health. After turning 50 last month, Anderson shared his life story with OutSmart and explained how his painful early years motivated him to reach out and help others in deeply profound ways.

An Introverted Childhood

Anderson was born in 1975 in Long Beach, California. He was raised by a single mother, who did everything she could to give him a life where he had everything he needed. She often had to work two jobs as a special-needs educator and in various retail stores. Anderson’s first job was delivering newspapers, a job that required him to be up at 5:00 to start rolling the papers.

When Anderson was in the third grade, his mother married his first stepfather. “He was very bright, but he was also an alcoholic,” Anderson says. As issues arose, his mother often had to move. “There was a lot of movement in my life, and it felt very nomadic at times.” One year, he went to four different schools. “I was a latchkey kid. There was a lot of instability, but she was always my rock.”

With so much happening around him, Anderson became very introverted. In his early

years, he was often perceived as being a bit feminine. He didn’t like the rough and tumble of football, preferring to spend recess times with the girls. He even learned the “Double Dutch” jump-rope game that was popular with the girls. Two long ropes were swung in opposite directions at the same time, requiring the jumper to jump in and clear both ropes in rhythm.

Girls found him to be gentle and a good listener. “Some of them had crushes on me,” Anderson recalls. “The bulk of my friends were girls.” But the boys teased him, and his stepfather would belittle him during drunken rages. “He called me a ‘faggot’ with the greatest of ease. I didn’t know exactly what that was, but I knew it was bad, and it meant I wasn’t a man.” He found solace by creating his own private world and doing a lot of drawing.

As he grew older, Anderson made friends with other boys who shared his creative

interests. “But then they were often out of my life rather quickly,” he remembers, making reference to his frequent moves. One boy was his first crush. Once a week they were allowed to go to the local mall after school, where they would play air hockey or visit an art gallery.

In Love with Art

As he grew older, Anderson thrived in his art, history, and English classes. He also enjoyed classes in astronomy and other subjects that were not popular with most other boys. “Overall, I was an average student,” he says. “I excelled in classes I enjoyed, but subjects like math brought down my GPA.”

Although he was shy and somewhat overweight, Anderson says he was “a good kid” who spent a lot of time with adults, carrying on conversations on an adult level. “My relationship with my mother was more like siblings than mother and son. She was my safe space, and I was hers. I felt she always created happiness and joy in our space together.”

Race was not that big an issue for Anderson. Life in California was very multicultural, but gang activity was a problem. He remembers being jumped one day. He was hit in the head and a chain he was wearing was stolen. That incident pushed him even deeper into his isolated world.

Anderson found special joy in going into homes that were being built and sketching out the floor plan. “For so many years, I wanted to be an architect,” he says. He also enjoyed visiting local museums with his mother, going to the beach with her, and playing cards.

Anderson has always enjoyed music. During his teen years, he loved Janet and Michael Jackson and joined the school boys’ choir. Though still not interested in most sports, he made the school wrestling team.

In the Navy

After graduating, Anderson felt like it was time to detach from the safety net of his mother, and he enlisted in the Navy. He had always loved the water, and he liked the idea of following in the footsteps of a friend of his mother, of a former Navy man who had always treated him like a little brother.

In the Navy, Anderson entered an apprenticeship with the quartermasters and became a navigator. Positioned behind the captain, he worked with a team that plotted the ship’s course. “I was using GPS before it was made public,” he says. “It was only for the military.” Anderson’s first ship had a crew of 100, and he ended up on one with 900. During his four years in the Navy, he visited Hawaii, Europe, and Africa. “It was a great time of discovery for me,” he says. “I was learning to navigate my own life.” It was during this time that he had his first same-gender sexual experience, with a man he met while off duty.

Anderson recalls his Navy years as a time of “intense isolation.” It was the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and he had to hide his sexual orientation. He remembers two sailors who “just disappeared” after they were diagnosed with HIV. After his discharge, he finally visited his first gay bar in Norfolk, Virginia.

Gravitating to Houston

After leaving the Navy, Anderson moved to San Antonio, where his mother was living, and attended junior college there, thinking he might become an English teacher. He tried to make connections within the local art community but found it to be lacking in Black representation.

After junior college, Anderson enrolled in Prairie View A&M University and pursued special-needs education classes. With Hous-

ton slightly less than an hour’s drive from Prairie View, he visited the city quite often to visit art exhibitions and attend spoken-word open mics. In Houston’s thriving art community, he could see himself represented.

He also had a weekend job as a house parent in the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, a space for special-needs adults where he worked for two years. “It aligned with what I was going to school for. I come from a line of educators, my grandmother and my mom,” he says.

It was at this point in his life that Anderson was diagnosed with HIV. One of the ways he could get closer to others with the diagnosis was to volunteer at Houston’s Omega House hospice on Sunday mornings. “A lot of my character is being a caregiver, and the residents needed compassionate people more than ever at that point in their life,” he explains.

A Career in Public Health

His education and his interests easily led to a decision to pursue a career in public health. His first job was as a youth educator at the YWCA on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Houston. He worked there for a year, teaching middle school girl’s health and wellness, coping skills, and how to communicate effectively.

His next post was at St. Hope Healthcare, which had just received funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for a drop-in center for Black gay men aged 18 to 30. The center provided HIV and STI testing and offered support to those who were living with HIV. St. Hope had a computer lab open to clients, and a place to take a shower for those who were unhoused.

“It’s interesting that these men were adults, but a lot of them needed the skills I was teaching at the YWCA. Black men had the

Dr. Bethsheba Johnson, featured in The Project’s documentary And We Rest on Giants ➝

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Kevin Anderson at one of the Project’s “heART&SOUL” open-mic events for the queer community

largest number of HIV-positive testing outcomes,” he says. “These men were in the same position I was in when I was in the Navy, trying to learn to navigate life. I was providing them with the skills they needed, such as adhering to their medication regimens. The CDC felt that these centers were a good means of reducing the occurrence of HIV transmission.”

As an individual, Anderson saw that he was beginning to thrive because of his contributions to the community by helping others end the isolation they felt trapped in. That’s when he decided to create a men’s group that he named Brother to Brother. “It was a space that provided support to other Black men,” he says. “They were able to come together over a meal at a friend’s house and have conversations and group discussions.”

Concentrating on Program Development

After three years with St. Hope, Anderson moved on to AIDS Foundation Houston (now named Allies in Hope), where he spent the next 13 years. He began working as a facilitator with the MSM (men who have sex with men) community. He was soon promoted to coordinator of MSM outreach as he immersed himself in program development. “I would check the pulse of the community by conducting surveys to find out what the needs were, and then put things together,” he explains.

Anderson continued to be active in the city’s art spaces, and one night at an open mic, a man expressed his love for another man. Other artists followed, and several of them used their time to belittle him. After that episode, Anderson stepped away from the open-mic scene for about a year.

While at St. Hope, Anderson had worked part-time bartending at Incognito (later known as Rockstar), the venue for the annual Houston Black Pride celebration. He asked

The Project’s documentary And We Rest on Giants won Best Documentary Short (Special Programming) at the 2023 August Wilson Black Bottom Film Festival, and Best Documentary Short at the 2023 National Black Film Festival.

the owner for permission to host a nondiscriminatory open mic on Sunday nights. The response was positive, and the program became known as “heART&SOUL.” Today, it is one of the longest running queer-centered open mics. “I was working in public health, but I needed a creative outlet,” Anderson says. “We had singers, dancers, and spoken-word artists in a monthly showcase.”

A myriad of topics were expressed at the open mic. Some individuals shared their HIV status for the first time. Lesbians spoke about battling their ex-husbands for the kids. Some shared experiences of domestic abuse within same-gender relationships. Others simply shared the joy of queer love.

The Birth of T.R.U.T.H.

One day at work, Anderson wrote an acronym on a Post-it: Telling Real Unapologetic Truth Through Healing (T.R.U.T.H.). “I wanted to create a healing space where the arts could be utilized as a means for sexual and mental health. I had a lot on my plate, but I really wanted to birth this.”

His director at AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH) used to attend the heART&SOUL events. “One night I talked about my idea for the T.R.U.T.H. Project, and my director invited me to develop the concept within AFH. So for the first year and a half, it was part of AFH,” he says. “It was all very fresh and new. We began an initiative where people got tickets for an event if they would test for HIV and STI. The event was a concert featuring a variety of performers, including Grammy Award-winning singer Marsha Ambrosius. Each quarter, a new installment was presented, focusing on such topics as Pride, abuse, discrimination, bullying, coming out, HIV awareness, self-esteem, and trans awareness.”

At the end of 2012, the Project’s funding ended, and Anderson began working to make the T.R.U.T.H. Project an independent entity. He pulled together a board of directors, including Harris County Criminal Courts Judge Shannon Baldwin. By 2015, when the Project had received its nonprofit approval from the IRS, Anderson was creating fundraisers and found other means of supporting the Project.

The monthly heART&SOUL open mics provided Anderson with an audience that he could survey for community needs. “One of the things I realized was that the community wanted panel discussions,” he says. He was quick to begin organizing and presenting those panels.

Expanding the Project

In September 2013, Anderson left AFH and

became the CEO of the T.R.U.T.H Project, which is governed under what Anderson calls its three pillars: health and wellness, art and culture, and education and empowerment.

On the first Saturday of the month, the Project sponsors Glow Up Yoga, a free wellness space focused on the mind and stress reduction. The P.L.U.S. United Support Circle, meeting on the third Thursday of the month, is a confidential support space for men and nonbinary people of color living with HIV. The heART&SOUL open mic continues to provide a queer-centered public gathering. And finally, High T.E.A. was established “to create siblinghood amid transgender/gender-nonconforming folx of color and their allies.” It provides a space for empowering participants to be the narrators and arbitrators of their own stories.

“We want to ensure that everyone feels not only safe and seen, but that they feel brave by being a part of our programs,” Anderson emphasizes. “The only way that can be done is to really be there intentionally for their well-being. We want people to feel welcome and know that we are committed to their care.” Recently, Anderson curated a retreat that dealt with aging and HIV.

At a recent retreat for P.L.U.S. United, participants shared comments through anonymous surveys. Anderson shares a few of those comments from three attendees:

“I was terrified to come here. I’ve been positive for 16 years and never really stepped in or leaned into my status. I don’t discuss it. Coming here made it okay to explore the spaces that intersect my status with people of the same life experience. That meant more than I could ever have imagined. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. It was truly, ‘You had to be there.’”

“Living with HIV for over a decade, I’ve participated in other groups. There is none like P.L.U.S. United. I feel safe to share in this

group. I feel like I’m in a brotherhood. The things I learn to cope with my diagnosis aren’t offered anywhere else. After each outing or meeting, I feel joy. I feel like I’m not alone, and that helps me to keep living and wanting to achieve anything.”

“My diagnosis came at me hard. I was put in spaces that showed me that I am not alone and that if I wanted to embrace all aspects of my identity, I could. P.L.U.S. helps me give myself permission to be my authentic self. I am not there yet, but I want to get to the point where I can share my story objectively so that others can understand that they are not alone. I have established connections that will be cultivated in a long-lasting fellowship. I won’t ever sell myself short again, because we are able to pour into one another.”

Anderson has mentored 26-year-old Phillip

PhillipBurtonshareshispoem I’m the Only One Left Singing

I sing not because I’m happy but because I’m broken, not because I’m free but because I’m caged, a bird not wanting to fly, not wanting to take the chance of falling, of not knowing how to catch the wind on my wings.

I dream of catching the wind on my wings maybe one day. When my heart don’t hurt as much. When my breath don’t hide as much. When my bones are screaming to me that they are prepared to fly.

Burton for the past year. “He is just so kind,” Burton says about Anderson. “He’s always there for me and gives me sage advice. That has been so important to me as a gay Black man. He shows me that it’s possible to live an enriching life and help other people. Everyone around him loves him. He’s such a great dude.”

Burton, a spoken-word artist, met Anderson at one of the heART&SOUL open mics. “It is such a safe zone for people who want to tell their stories but can’t really find another place to do it. Representation is so important, because I didn’t think about what my future would look like until I met Kevin. Now I can see that we can lead prosperous and successful lives.”

Josie Pickens works closely with Anderson and the T.R.U.T.H Project in a contractor role. She first became aware of the Project by attending a session of heART&SOUL years ago, and then going to other Project events and fundraisers. “As a Black queer woman, I had never seen anything like those open mics,” she says. “Kevin is such a visionary. He can weave together art, creativity, and activism, and he is a rare find.” Pickens admires Anderson’s intentionality, and the fact that he walks his talk.

One of Pickens’ recently organized events was “Brunch with Baldwin,” honoring the late Black queer author James Baldwin. “He wasn’t really valued and respected in ways that he should have been. How did he even survive, let alone keep going?”

Pickens organizes an annual Rest Fest. “It helps folks focus on the importance of rest and self care, particularly in this new political climate,” she says. She also works with community advisory boards that help the Project hear the voices of those impacted by their programs. “Especially now, when we know that there will be even fewer resources available, we need to create spaces of hope.” ➝

there will be even fewer resources available, we need to create spaces of hope.”

And We Rest on Giants

In 2023, the Project released a 16-minute documentary titled And We Rest on Giants. The film has been screened nearly 50 times, including at 15 film festivals, where it has won three festival awards. The film features five people of color—an HIV specialist and four people living and thriving with HIV. The film’s opening sequence features spoken-word artist James Just.

Anderson says, “The purpose of the film is to give people hope, to remind them that they are not alone, and to show them that they are not what they’ve been told they are.”

Dr. Bethsheba Johnson, a community ally, was the HIV specialist in the film. “I cry every time I see it, listening to the people that were speaking, and it just moves me so,” she says. Johnson began working with patients living with HIV and AIDS in 1988 at Rush Hospital in Chicago. “I was on a dedicated floor for people living with HIV. Staff members would just shove food trays into their rooms. Things were horrible, and patients were so isolated.”

Johnson now lives just outside Houston in Pearland. Years ago, she was putting together a panel about HIV and needed someone living with HIV on the panel. She asked Anderson if he knew someone, and he said he would be on the panel. Johnson had no idea of Anderson’s status until then.

Johnson remembers the day that her interview for the film was made. “I had just listened to Dena Gray-Hughes tell her story, and I had been crying. But Kevin had excellent questions and made me feel like it was just me and him talking.”

Every year on her birthday, Johnson asks Facebook friends to donate to the T.R.U.T.H. Project instead of giving her gifts. In addition, she attends the majority of Anderson’s fundraisers.

Jay Clark, the co-producer of the film, met Anderson years ago when they made a film titled Black Boy Symphony. “We immediately had great chemistry working with each other,” says Clark. “Kevin has an energy that I really like being around. When he first approached me about producing Giants, I knew it would be something uplifting, inspirational, and impactful.”

Clark’s partner of 14 years, Frank Hernandez, is the other co-producer of the film. It took about a year to plan, shoot, and edit the documentary. They are both pleased that the film has been so well received. At the film’s premiere, it was immediately obvious that it was an audience hit.

Anderson reveals that two more Project

“IT’S BEEN REVOLUTIONARY TO GO UP AGAINST THE NORM OF MAKING PEOPLE FEEL ‘LESS THAN’ AND INVITE AFFECTED PEOPLE TO BE IN A SPACE OF HEALING.”

— Kevin Anderson, founder of The T.R.U.T.H. Project

films are now in production. One features Dena Gray-Hughes, the 2016 Houston Ally Pride Marshal, and her husband. The other focuses on Black gay men living with HIV in the South. Anderson is excited that there will be three documented spaces where the HIV narrative is being told. “Not just told,” he says, “but celebrated for the lives and not the disease.”

Looking Back, Forging Ahead

Having just turned 50, Anderson says he has become more reflective. For so many years, he has implemented ideas that just seemed natural for him to create—safe spaces where people’s sense of isolation has been lessened. Now he has begun to see them all as part of his personal journey.

Looking back, Anderson wishes there had been programs for him at an earlier age like the programs he has been developing and nurturing for decades. “Especially regarding my queerness. And when I was diagnosed with HIV. I’ve had my own battles with mental health,” he adds.

“To me, it’s been revolutionary to go against what society has done to a community—to go up against the norm of making people feel ‘less than’ and invite affected people to be in a space of healing. I’m happy to be a part of that. Marginalization doesn’t come from nowhere; it exists for a reason, and it’s because of oppression. Now it all begins to align.”

In June 2024, Anderson was honored by the local LGBTQ community by being named the Male Identifying Pride Marshal. He is married and has been in a relationship for 17 years with his husband, Roderick Coleman. They have two adult daughters, Ashley and Amaya.

Reflecting on the current political landscape, Anderson says that on Inauguration Day he chose to watch a documentary about civilrights legend Rosa Parks rather than listen to a vitriolic inauguration speech that previewed the profound challenges we will be facing during the next four years and beyond.

For more info, visit truthprojecthtx.org.

Camera Crew

The video production team behind The Project’s documentary And We Rest on Giants: Jeremy Ortiz (left), Frank Hernandez, Chris H, Kevin Anderson, and Jay Clark.

Posters for a Studio 13 show from the HoustonLGBTHistory.org archive

Houston’s Iconic Studio 13

The popular ’80s Black gay club empowered a generation in crisis.

by TERRANCE TURNER

In observance of Black History Month, OutSmart magazine is shining a spotlight on a little-known and oft-forgotten part of Black Houston history. Studio 13, a premier gay club in Montrose from 1984 until around 1994, was launched by owner Wendell Statchuk at 1318 Westheimer. It was one of the first clubs to cater specifically to Houston’s Black gay community, and it became a launching pad for several local drag artists and other entertainers.

“Every female impersonator from that time in Houston who went on to do great things got their start at Studio 13,” says Rodney Vernon, administrative assistant for TS Productions. “It was a place to prove yourself.” Or as one Studio 13 host used to say: “If you can make it at Studio 13, you can make it anywhere.”

Several performers from that era are still active in Houston, and OutSmart talked to three—Tommie Ross, Kofi, and Ivy Tondalayo—who generously took the time to share their fond memories of Studio 13.

Early Beginnings

Before becoming Studio 13, the club had existed as Inside/Outside from 1974 to 1981. In that era, news of clubs opening or re-opening spread mostly through word of mouth. “We didn’t have social media,” Kofi reminds younger readers. “We had TWIT (This Week in Texas), a magazine that was delivered to the bars every Friday. That’s where you found out what was going on over the weekend in Houston and all the bars in the state.”

At the time, Houston was rife with nightclubs, including The Plantation, Lazy J, JR’s, Numbers, The Copa, and Studio 13. By the time Inside/Outside changed management (and

names), veteran performer Kofi was already established elsewhere. “I’ve been at JR’s for over 30-some years,” she says. “I was already performing when Studio 13 opened.”

Kofi already knew Studio 13’s resident DJ and was friends with its host, Cookie LaCook. In fact, it was LaCook who first asked Kofi to be a guest. “I know it was something Cookie asked me to come and do. I think I judged a couple of contests there first. Actually, I think my first experience was judging an amateur night or something like that. Then I performed a number, as well.”

Tommie Ross starred at The Copa, where she’d won Entertainer of the Year in 1982. “The Copa held a talent show every week where the winners would come back at the end of each month and compete, and then the 12 winners of the year would compete for the title of ‘Entertainer of the Year,’” she remembers. “However, I met Wendell Lee Statchuk at a

club on Westheimer called the Midnight Sun. He saw me perform there a few times, and he asked if I would be interested in working at a club he was going to open called Studio 13. I agreed, and the rest was history.”

Similarly, Ivy Tondalayo, who worked three nights a week at the Midnight Sun, received an offer from Statchuk. “Wendell came down to the Midnight Sun and he would watch the show, and he would talk to us,” Ivy recalls. “And we would chit-chat. He’d say, ‘Well, I opened a club down the street. Maybe you’ll come and do shows with me.’”

Tempted by the offer, Ivy said she’d check the place out. “But I already knew I wasn’t leaving Midnight Sun, because there was a certain type of freedom that I could have there that was more open. Because my whole thing was musical theater—comedy, that kind of thing—Midnight Sun was a different kind of audience,” she explains. “It was a mixed audience, and usually an older audience. Studio 13 was a younger audience.” While she doesn’t remember her first visit, she always felt very welcome. “I had friends that worked there on a regular basis. Back in those days, everybody pretty much knew, or knew of, everybody.”

Ivy and Cookie LaCook formed a rapport from working in the club circuit; LaCook even helped style Ivy’s hair. She and Kofi were also close friends. “I’ve known her forever,” Kofi adds. “I used to go support her shows because she’s always just been a very nice and very professional person. And so, yeah, we’ve all known each other, like me and Tommie Ross and Roxanne Collins—people like that. We’ve been friends for years and years.”

Both Kofi and Ivy Tondalayo remember Statchuk as a friendly boss who took care of his employees. While Kofi and Ms. Ivy often served as guest performers, Tommie Ross became a regular part of Studio 13’s shows. “I was hired to be a cast member in the Sunday shows; we were known as “The Ladies of the ’80s,” Ross says. “I also worked the front door in the beginning, but shortly after worked as a bartender when I wasn’t performing in the show.”

There are few photos of Studio 13’s interior, but one of its early patrons was the late writer and trans-rights advocate Monica Roberts, who in 2016 wrote vividly about her Studio 13 experience on her TransGriot blog:

“There was a sunken dance floor that led to the stage and dressing rooms in the back for the showgirls, along with two bars on the lower level and the DJ booth on the east side of the club. Upstairs was another bar and pool table, with windows facing the McDonald’s next door and down Westheimer. In the back, there was a high-walled patio with a hot tub, but it stayed

Pageant Perfection at Studio 13!

Elliott Productions and the House of Remmington hosted the first annual Miss Popular at Studio 13, where the stunning Poison Alexander (kneeling, front) took home the crown.

She’s pictured in the July 1993 issue of TWT alongside second runner-up Silky O’Hara, Kelexis Davenport (Miss Gay Texas/USA at Large), and first runner-up Chevelle Brooks.

covered—especially after Houston started experiencing the first wave of AIDS deaths.

“In the front, on the Westheimer side of the club, was an enclosed patio with a high fence so no vehicles passing by could spot you. It allowed you to get away from the crowds and noise inside.”

Ms. Ivy describes Studio 13 as cozy and comfortable, resembling a Dutch farmhouse.

“You’d walk in and we had to walk up the stairs. We’d get inside and then the dance floor seemed like it was sunken. There was a walkway all the way around on both sides, and the stage was centered at the back.”

“The club was unlike any other club I had

ever been to,” Ross adds. “Ironically, it looked like a big house and became a place that truly felt like home.”

Studio 13 was indeed an oasis for Houston’s Black queer community at a time when, according to Ms. Ivy, some clubs would ask darker-skinned patrons for multiple IDs. At night, she says, parades of cars would drive down Westheimer and the suburban straight people inside those cars would honk their horns and yell gay slurs. “There was a time when you could walk the streets and see where the police had handcuffed gay people to telephone poles for no reason,” she recalls. “Just because they were gay and on the street.”

Kofi (center) with drag performers Tommie Ross (r) and Roxanne Collins

FACEBOOK

Fortunately, those experiences didn’t ruin the fun. According to Ms. Ivy, “Studio 13 was a fun place when it opened. It was the kind of place you could go into and you knew that almost everybody was gonna be friendly to you. You were like a part of the family. The dance music was great. The DJs were great—I mean, they were out of this world! So it was a real cozy club to go to. It was a safe place for Black kids.”

“I have heard horror stories about this time,” Ross agrees. “However, by God’s grace, it was truly a magical time for us during the Studio 13 years. The drag was absolutely amazing. People would drive to Houston from surrounding towns and cities just to experience the vibe. The club was never raided; the police never made us feel uncomfortable. We were a unique family that had a home where we could meet and socialize and be our unique, authentic selves.”

Ms. Ivy agrees. “Studio was family to everybody. It didn’t matter what color you were or who you were, you were gonna have a good time. When you walked into a club back then, you felt like you were in another land. The place lit up. I guess you could imagine being in Oz, because when you walked in, the music was booming, the building was zooming. Everybody was minding their own business and having a good time.”

Coping with Crisis

But the AIDS epidemic had a dramatic impact during the 1980s. Fewer people went out; crowds began to dwindle. Early on, Ivy had a book of about 100 people she would call to do shows. “But then the AIDS epidemic came in, and each week I would scratch off names of people that were no longer around.”

“I believe because the disease and the stigma that surrounded it was fairly new, you really didn’t hear lots of talk,” Tommie Ross remembers. “But everyone knew something was different. It was a scary time.”

“I think it almost brought the clientele closer together,” Kofi adds, “because we were going to funerals every week. Nobody knew who was walking around with it, so you treasured your friendships with people a lot more.”

“This younger generation, they don’t know how much we lived through when the AIDS epidemic first started—when there was no hope, and we had friends who were just dying left and right,” Kofi emphasizes. “And there was nothing you could do, except to just watch. Watching parents bury their kids.”

Studio 13 suffered another blow when owner Wendell Statchuk was murdered in 1991. His attorney, James Stephen Keyser, was

Studio 13 Royalty

On October 6, 1986, Studio 13 was bursting with energy during the second annual Mr. Studio 13 contest. After a night of fierce competition, 20-year-old Loynell Brooks (center) was crowned the winner at 3 a.m., with Leon Thomas (right) as first runner-up, Louis Bradford (not shown) in second, and David Delasbour (left) in third. In the photo at right, Brooks is shown with Victoria Prince, the 1986 Miss Studio 13 winner.

“STUDIO 13 WAS A FUN PLACE WHEN IT OPENED. YOU KNEW THAT ALMOST EVERYBODY WAS GONNA BE FRIENDLY TO YOU. YOU WERE LIKE A PART OF THE FAMILY.”

— Ivy Tondalayo, 1980s Houston drag artist

charged with the killing, but charges were later dismissed.

“I think the largest change came after the murder,” Ross tells OutSmart. “The club continued afterwards, but the atmosphere felt different. I really can’t speak for others, but nothing really felt right after his death. Even though the club remained open and business thrived, things just felt strangely different and empty.”

“Everything changed,” Ms. Ivy remembers. “And not only did the spirit of clubbing and dancing and all that change, drag began to filter out and it became a male-stripper oriented society.” By 1992, she admits to being done with drag entirely.

The End of an Era

It’s unclear exactly when Studio 13 closed, but by 1996 it had reopened as Rascals. Its final incarnation was as the Royal Oak Bar & Grill, which is now permanently closed.

The end of Studio 13 also marked the end of an era that Ross still remembers fondly. “Studio 13 felt like home,” she says. “I know lots of people who came from broken homes where things were chaotic, and some felt unseen and unheard—and in some cases, unsafe. But Studio 13 definitely was a place of love. A place where you were not only seen, heard, and protected, but celebrated for just being you. For me, the beauty that was Studio 13 was unique, and sadly has never been duplicated since then. Of course, different clubs opened in Houston after Studio 13, but nothing for me ever felt like the big red house on Westheimer.”

“I think it’s important to acknowledge the trailblazers of today who are standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way for Houston’s Black gay community to advance,” Rodney Vernon concludes, “because it takes community to create community. People like Ian Haddock, Sherman Houston, Wendell King, Atlantis Narcisse, Mya Wesley, Harrison Homer-Guy, Alexyeus Paris, and Jazelle Barbie Royale—they are today’s change-makers, and I’m so proud of them.”

Giddyup and Be Proud

Out at the Rodeo will be riding high at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

By CONNOR BEHRENS

Rainbow Wranglers

Out at the Rodeo vice president Anthony Ferrell (left) and founder and president Eric Hulsey

Amidst all the cowboy boots, livestock, fried food, and entertainment, Out at the Rodeo will hold forth once again at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in a dedicated tent for the LGBTQ community that will create a unique space to celebrate visibility.

“Our goal is simple yet powerful,” Out at the Rodeo vice president Anthony Ferrell says. “We want to create visibility and representation for the LGBTQ community during an event that’s a cornerstone of Houston’s culture.”

Founded in 2016, Out at the Rodeo was borne out of a desire to ensure LGBTQ voices were seen and celebrated at Houston’s rodeo. For years, the event has functioned as a beacon of inclusivity, offering members of the LGBTQ community a place to gather, connect, and enjoy the rodeo festivities.

The event’s grassroots energy quickly caught the attention of the rodeo’s leadership, who applauded its diversity and vibrant spirit. Ferrell, who works as a Microsoft senior project manager (and also owns the apparel company OG 713), is busily preparing for an exciting 2025 lineup.

“This year, we’re expecting over 2,000 attendees in our tent,” Ferrell says. “The response has been incredible, with people asking how they can bring their friends, their companies, or just show up in support.”

“It should be our largest event yet, as we have one of the strongest teams putting together the programming, organizing volunteers, and reaching out to the communities,” Out at the Rodeo founder and president Eric Hulsey adds.

The 2025 event will feature a dedicated tent in the Champion Wine Garden with clear sidewalls to accommodate overflow crowds.

Brooks & Dunn will be performing on the same night as the Out at the Rodeo main event, adding to the evening’s excitement. Local drag queens are set to perform, and Ferrell says he hopes to one day bring an LGBTQ artist to the main wine garden stage—a long-term goal that symbolizes the community’s growing integration into the rodeo’s lineup.

Hulsey, who designed the event’s logo and merchandise (and who works full-time in the energy field), says Out at the Rodeo’s outreach to the LGBTQ community during the rodeo is a powerful reminder that representation matters.

“Celebrating diversity at one of Texas’ most iconic events is a milestone that shows how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go,” he says.

But Out at the Rodeo is about more than just celebration. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported.

“The Houston Rodeo is such a significant part of our city,” he says. “We want everyone to know there’s a place for them here, where they can celebrate their identity without fear or hesitation. For Houston’s LGBTQ community, having a presence at the rodeo is a declaration of belonging, a celebration of Pride, and a bold step forward in making sure everyone has a voice in our shared cultural fabric.”

Hulsey shares his personal connection to the event’s origins. “I have lived here in Houston the majority of my life and have a deep love for Houston and its people. After graduating from college with a degree in graphic design, I was driven to create a more focused LGBTQ+ group that would cater to the video gaming community. I worked with a group of friends to build the nonprofit Houston Gaymers and successfully ran that organization for 15 years. Out at the Rodeo was an idea formed around celebrating one of the city’s largest events as a queer community together, and being

able to uplift rodeo workers who identify as queer themselves. Doug Mason and I were the original team behind the first two years that set the groundwork for what Out at the Rodeo has become today. Anthony Ferrell joined my efforts as he saw great potential in growing this organization, and he’s been extremely instrumental in shaping the vision.”

Hulsey notes that each year more and more Houston Rodeo committee members come by the tent to celebrate with LGBTQ attendees.

“Allies who want to support us or their fellow committee members show up and ask to don rainbow bandanas to show visibility, or they ask how they can get involved,” he says. “We also have many queer volunteers who have been coming back year after year, always showing off their commemorative pins from previous years as a badge of honor. To them, it’s their favorite day of the rodeo season.”

The event also serves as an entry point for first-time rodeo attendees, Ferrell says.

“We’ve had people tell us they’ve never been to the rodeo until they heard about Out at the Rodeo. Now, they’re regulars.”

Looking ahead, Ferrell and his team are focused on sustainability.

“Our vision is to create something that can grow and thrive even after we’ve passed the torch,” he says. “We’re building a playbook, developing committees, and engaging with volunteers to ensure this event becomes a lasting tradition.”

For Ferrell, the goal is clear.

“We want to celebrate diversity, build connections, and leave attendees with the feeling that they belong—not just at Out at the Rodeo, but as a vital part of the Houston Rodeo itself,” he says.

As the countdown to the 2025 rodeo begins, Ferrell extends an open invitation to all.

“Come as you are,” he says. “Enjoy the music, the food, the carnival, and the sense of community. Most importantly, know that you are welcome here.”

With its blend of heartfelt community, lively entertainment, and Houston pride, Out at the Rodeo is sure to be a highlight of this year’s rodeo season, Hulsey says.

“When I started this back in 2016 with the goal of adding another LGBTQ event to the Houston landscape, I had no idea what it would come to mean for me or for the community it impacted,” he says. “This is proof that inclusion is not just a possibility, but a growing reality. It inspires us all to believe that every step forward is a victory for love and acceptance.”

WHAT: Out at the Rodeo 2025

WHEN: March 22, 2025, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE: The Champion Wine Garden at NRG Stadium

INFO: linktr.ee/outrodeo

Attendees at the 2024 Out at the Rodeo celebration

ACTION ADVOCACY LOVE and in

Dynamic couple Deondre Moore and Nathaniel Holley are fighting stigma, inspiring change, and building a life together.

by DAVID CLARKE

photos by FRANK XAVIER

Deondre B. Moore and Nathaniel Holley are no strangers to the spotlight, nor to the profound challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for marginalized communities. Both of these remarkable individuals have built careers—and lives—centered around fighting stigma and championing HIV awareness and prevention. Their individual successes are impressive, but it’s their shared journey of love, respect, and unwavering support for each other that truly inspires.

Deondre and Nathaniel’s paths crossed in

the world of HIV advocacy, where their passion for change and community service initially brought them together. “We met working in the same field, and had some mutual friends,” Deondre recalls. “There was some flirtation in the DMs before Nathaniel suggested we go on a date.”

Their first official outing was no ordinary dinner or coffee date. Instead, they spent a weekend in a cabin in Oklahoma, using the time to connect deeply. “We talked, we got to know each other, and we were very vulnerable with each other,” Nathaniel says. “It built an instant level of trust and communication.” That trust has since become the foundation of

their relationship.

Both men have made significant impacts through their work. Deondre, a GLAAD Award-winning human rights activist, began his journey after being diagnosed with HIV in 2014 as a freshman at Sam Houston State University. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Deondre used it as a catalyst to educate others, eventually becoming the National Director of U.S. Partnerships and Community Engagement for the Prevention Access Campaign (U=U). Now, he balances advocacy with entrepreneurship as the owner of The Park on Calder, a thriving bar and restaurant in Beaumont, Texas.

➝

Saddle Up for Love

Nathaniel Holley (left) and Deondre Moore

“LET YOURSELF BE VULNERABLE. BE ALL IN, EVEN IF YOU’RE AFRAID.”

— Deondre B. Moore

Nathaniel’s story is equally compelling. Diagnosed in 2012, he channeled his experiences into advocacy, founding the FreeLux Project to combat stigma and expand access to HIV testing and prevention tools. With degrees from Morehouse College and American University, Nathaniel’s career spans corporate compliance, public health, and community engagement. His passion for visibility and education drives his work. “Sexual health is a part of overall health,” he emphasizes. “It’s important to normalize conversations about it.”

While their careers keep them busy, Deondre and Nathaniel are intentional about making time for each other. “We’re both workaholics,” Deondre admits, “but we make it a point to show up for one another.” Whether that’s attending each other’s events, praying together during difficult moments, or simply offering a reassuring presence, the couple’s bond is strengthened by mutual admiration and shared goals.

For Deondre, one of the most poignant moments in their relationship was seeing his family fully embrace Nathaniel. “I came from a Southern Black Christian home where being gay wasn’t okay,” he notes. Over the years, however, his family has grown more accepting—largely due to Deondre’s advocacy work and openness.

At his 30th birthday party, Deondre’s mother publicly welcomed Nathaniel into the family with a heartfelt speech. “She looked at Nathaniel and said, ‘Welcome to the family,’” Deondre recalls. “That moment meant everything to me.”

Nathaniel echoes the sentiment, noting how much he values his growing relationship with Deondre’s parents. “His mom and I have our own bond,” he says. “I feel like they see how much I love their son and want the best for him.”

Nathaniel’s deep respect for Deondre is clear. “He’s incredibly brave, always himself, and never afraid to speak his truth,” Nathaniel shares. For Deondre, Nathaniel’s authenticity and kindness are equally inspiring. “I used to think I wouldn’t date someone who gets their nails done or embraces femininity,” he confesses, “but now, I’d have a heart attack if he didn’t.”

As they look to the future, Deondre and Nathaniel dream of blending their personal and professional lives even further. They’re already finding ways to align their work, from co-hosting community events to discussing joint ventures that merge their unique skill sets. They’re also planning for a family and to live on a farm—Nathaniel’s dream—which they’re both saving money for.

When asked what advice they’d give to other couples navigating similar dynamics, Nathaniel says, “Be with someone you admire and respect, and know what you want from a relationship before entering one.”

Deondre adds, “Let yourself be vulnerable. Be all in, even if you’re afraid.”

With their combined energy, commitment, and love, Deondre Moore and Nathaniel Holley exemplify what it means to thrive, both individually and as a couple. Their story is a

testament to the power of advocacy, authenticity, and unconditional support—not just for their communities, but for each other.

As they continue to grow together, their work and love serve as a reminder that when people come together with a shared vision, incredible things can happen.

Keep up with Deondre Moore on Instagram @deondrebmoore and Nathaniel Holley @nathanielholleyofficial.

BEAUTY in BLOOM

Husbands Joseph Berck and Jaime Gonzalez own Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products in Houston’s East End.

by ZACHARY M c KENZIE

Love is in bloom in Houston’s East End neighborhood.

Husbands Joseph Berck and Jaime Gonzalez are the proud owners of Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products, a shop that curates, creates, and sells natural high-quality skincare products and more. Celebrating six years in operation, the couple positions their store as a space for community and invites everyone to treat themselves to luxury products that don’t break the bank.

The couple met in 2012, just in the nick of time. “We met on a mobile app called Growlr. Joseph made the first move. He sent me a message letting me know he was about to delete the app and I could text him if I was interested,” Gonzalez says. “So I did, and the rest is history. We’ve been together for over 12 years now.”

Having initially connected in the Big Apple, the couple couldn’t resist the call of HTown. “Joseph is originally from Houston and was living in New York City for work. After three years he was ready for a change of scenery after enduring New York’s harsh winters,” Gonzalez explains. A New York native of The Bronx, Gonzalez had grown fond of Houston during visits to see Berck’s family, which impacted their decision to plant roots in the Bayou City. “I appreciated Houston’s unique charm—a big city with a small-town feel.”

Having made the move to Houston, the couple got to work on their next venture. “Bloom started as my vision. With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and a deep passion for natural, clean beauty, I had always been an advocate for small businesses,” Berck explains. “I loved supporting them at pop-up events and farmers markets, picking up products from local vendors whenever I could.” Having worked alongside a large retailer that had a program allowing small businesses to pitch their products that could be sold in their stores, Berck pondered the fate

of those small businesses when the program was discontinued.

“That’s when the idea for Bloom, a space where these businesses could thrive, was born,” Berck says. “The initial vision was to help other small businesses bloom, and after opening and hearing directly from our customers, we felt inspired to create our own products. We began with our turmeric face wash and, over time, expanded our line to include soaps, body care, skincare, and even candles and fragrances.

The couple each wear multiple hats that have combined to make Bloom the success it is today. “I oversee product management and development, vendor curation, and popup market sales, among other roles,” Berck says. “Jaime runs the storefront, handles the creative side designing product labels, developing social-media content, and managing our online presence. He also oversees the back-end duties for the store. Together, we make Bloom

a true reflection of our shared passion for supporting small businesses while offering high-quality, handcrafted products to our community.”

Customers are delighted to shop the handmade beauty products—soaps, skincare, candles, body oils, lotions, lip balms, and exfoliating scrubs—offered at Bloom. “Our products are sourced from local artisans and small businesses that share our commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients,” Gonzalez says. “We also handcraft many of our items in our store, ensuring every product is made with care and attention to detail.”

At the heart of Bloom is the couple’s commitment to their East End community, as well as the LGBTQ community. “As an openly gay couple, it’s been heartwarming to experience the positive impact of being open about who we are. It’s given us the chance to connect with people on a more personal level and to represent inclusion and pride in a way that feels authentic,” says Berck. “The support and love we’ve received from our community inspires us every day to make Bloom a welcoming space for everyone.”

Taking the leap to work together as a couple was a bold step for the duo, but one that has paid off personally and professionally.

“For a couple thinking about going into business together, my biggest piece of advice is to keep the lines of communication wide open. Make sure you both understand each other’s needs and roles. This helps avoid misunderstandings,” Berck says. “It’s also essential to draw a clear line between work and personal life, so you don’t end up bringing stress home,” Gonzalez adds. “Play to each other’s strengths and support one another, especially when things get tough. Running a business together isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it when you’re working toward a shared vision. Always remind yourselves of why you started this journey together in the first place.”

For more info, visit bloomhbp.com.

“THE INITIAL VISION WAS TO HELP OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES. BUT AFTER HEARING

DIRECTLY FROM OUR CUSTOMERS,

WE FELT

INSPIRED TO CREATE OUR OWN PRODUCTS.”

—Joseph Berck

Husbands Joseph Berck and Jaime Gonzalez (l), owners of Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products

Fashions Designed with “Alantude”

From Project Runway to the Christmas Day “Beyoncé Bowl,” Alan Gonzalez continues to build his brand .

by DAVID CLARKE

Alan Gonzalez’s trajectory since his 2019 Project Runway debut has been nothing short of remarkable. The Mexican-born and Houston-raised designer, who moved to New York City with little more than dreams and determination, has consistently expanded his creative reach. Whether crafting custom designs for high-profile events or contributing to major productions, Gonzalez continues to prove that his signature “Alantude”—a blend of bold style and a vibrant personality—is more than just a catchphrase. It’s a movement.

In one of his most high-profile projects to date, Gonzalez worked on the costumes for Beyoncé’s iconic Christmas Day halftime performance, referred to as the “Beyoncé Bowl.” He contributed his tailoring expertise to the team behind over 400 costumes, showcasing the remarkable talent Houston brings to the global stage. “It was amazing! Working under that kind of pressure teaches you a lot about yourself,” he says. “I’ve learned to thrive in high-stakes environments, and this was no exception.”

Collaborating with Beyoncé’s team was a full-circle moment for the Houstonian. “Two Houston powerhouses under one roof is always exciting,” he says. “The professionalism and passion that Houstonians bring to their craft really shines in moments like this.”

This year, Gonzalez is preparing to debut a new collection titled “Heartache” at Telluride Fashion Week. The line is inspired by a “situationship” from the summer of 2024. “It’s lovey-dovey with nautical sailor vibes,” he teases. “I’m playing with exaggerated sailor hats and unique prints. It’s a fun way to turn something emotional into art.”

Telluride Fashion Week is a setting Gonzalez finds particularly unique. “It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie,” he says. “The whole town comes together in this picturesque setting, making it the perfect backdrop for

unveiling something so personal.”

While Gonzalez’s roots are firmly planted in fashion, his career has branched into costume design for television and film. From HBO’s Legendary to designing for Megan Thee Stallion’s dancers, his versatility continues to open new doors. “I didn’t expect to fall in love with TV and film work, but it’s so dynamic,” he says. “The music industry is my latest love. Touring with Megan’s team last summer was an incredible experience, and I’m excited to explore more in 2025.”

In addition to these high-profile collaborations, Gonzalez remains committed to growing his personal brand. “Balancing it all is challenging,” he admits. “Every time I’m on tour, my brand takes a back seat. But I’m determined to get into stores by the end of 2025, ahead of my brand’s 10-year anniversary.”

Though New York City is now home,

Gonzalez’s Houston upbringing continues to influence his work. “Houston grounds me,” he says. “New York is a creative playground, but Houston reminds me to stay marketable. It’s a balance between high fashion and everyday wear.”

This perspective has shaped his design philosophy. “Runway looks are about theater and drama,” he explains. “But when you break it down, each piece needs to be wearable. I’ve learned to create ensembles that captivate on the runway but also work as marketable standalone items.”

“When I moved to New York, I thought I was just going to push my brand. But saying yes to unexpected opportunities has been lifechanging,” Gonzalez reflects. “From designing costumes for major productions to seeing my designs on tour with Megan Thee Stallion, it’s been an incredible journey.”

Houstonian Gonzalez helped craft over 400 costumes for Beyoncé’s iconic “Beyoncé Bowl” Christmas Day halftime show, which was a test of his ability to perform under pressure.

As Gonzalez’s career progresses, he’s setting his sights on new opportunities. “I want to see my designs on more red carpets, and also expand into film,” he says. “The dream is to dress iconic actresses while continuing to explore music and theater.”

Gonzalez’s advice to aspiring creatives is simple: “Stay open. Take every opportunity. You never know where it might lead. I moved to New York for my brand, but I ended up finding so much more by saying yes to different projects.”

Looking ahead, Gonzalez hopes to balance his ambitions with his personal brand’s growth. “This is my last year to push for retail presence,” he says. “Come 2026, I want to celebrate 10 years of Alantude with a retrospective show that highlights everything I’ve accomplished.”

From creating Emmy-winning costumes to crafting his next bold collection, Alan Gonzalez’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Through it all, his unwavering Alantude proves that while his journey spans the country, his Houston roots remain the foundation of his success.

Keep up with Alan Gonzalez on Instagram @alantude.

A few of the designs Gonzalez produced for Megan Thee Stallion’s dancers.

Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO Comes to Houston

Artistic director Fabrice Lemire talks artistry, inclusivity, and teamwork.

by SAM BYRD

Cirque du Soleil brings its jawdropping, imaginative artistry to Houston once again for ECHO. This show marks the 25th time the Canadian-born group has appeared in Houston, and like a fine wine, their performances have only gotten better with age. OutSmart caught up with artistic director Fabrice Lemire to learn more about what Cirque is presenting in ECHO, as well as a behind-the-curtains look at his own life as an LGBTQ performer in the worldfamous troupe.

Sam Byrd: What sparked your interest in the circus arts?

Fabrice Lemire: My journey began as a trained ballet dancer, leading to a career that expanded into directing various dance, opera, and theater productions. When the opportunity to join Cirque du Soleil arose, I embraced it wholeheartedly, despite having limited experience with the circus arts. Seventeen years later, I’m still here—continually inspired by the creativity, innovation, and limitless possibilities that this unique art form offers.

What can audiences expect when they see ECHO?

Audiences can expect to be captivated by breathtaking acrobatics and awe-inspiring performances that keep them on the edge of their seats. ECHO features a thoughtfully designed, minimalist set that emphasizes the artistry and physical prowess of the performers. The exception to this is the Cube—a dynamic, ever-evolving centerpiece that transforms throughout the show, bringing the space to life and even serving as an integral part of the acrobatic acts. This innovative approach creates an immersive and visually striking experience unlike any other.

What’s the storyline behind ECHO?

To me, ECHO is a journey of exploration and

self-reflection. The Cube, which is at the heart of the show, is a multi-faceted structure that symbolizes the many windows of opportunity and the unknown paths that lie ahead. It represents the leap into discovery—both of oneself and the world—inviting audiences to reflect on their own journey of growth and transformation.

Tell our readers about this milestone of Cirque’s 25th show in Houston. ECHO marks a significant milestone as Cirque du Soleil’s first Big Top creation following our return from the pandemic shutdown. With the world watching, we embraced the challenge of reimagining ourselves—adapting to evolving trends and integrating new technologies, such as immersive projections, to enhance the audience experience. Beyond innovation, we are constantly exploring ways to engage both loyal fans and new demographics while fostering greater inclusivity both on and off stage. At its core, Cirque du Soleil remains committed to pushing artistic boundaries, taking creative risks, and delivering performances that continue to inspire and amaze.

What are you looking forward to doing in Houston when you aren’t under the big top?

I love immersing myself in the local culture of every city I visit, and Houston is no exception. I’m excited to explore its diverse neighborhoods, discover charming local coffee shops, and indulge in your city’s vibrant food scene. I’m a true food lover! I also enjoy browsing antique and consignment stores, always on the lookout for unique finds. Having my car with me will give me the freedom to venture beyond the city and explore some natural Texas landscapes, which is something I truly enjoy.

How has dance made an impact in your life?

Ballet has profoundly shaped my life, instilling in me the discipline and rigor that pushed me to reach my fullest potential both as an athlete and an artist. The dancer’s mindset—marked by focus, coordination, and a constant drive to question and improve—has been fundamental to my artistic foundation and management approach. The journey is about continuous practice and resilience: falling, reflecting, learning, and moving forward stronger each time.

Since OutSmart is an LGBTQ-focused magazine, do you or Cirque have anything to share that might appeal to our readers? Having worked at Cirque du Soleil for 17

years, I’ve been fortunate to fully embrace my true self in an environment that celebrates individuality. As an openly gay and somewhat flamboyant person, I’ve never had to hide who I am. Cirque fosters a culture of inclusion and acceptance, allowing all employees to express themselves authentically, both onstage and behind the scenes. This spirit of openness is something we strive to continue in our work and our community.

What advice would you share for someone who wants to do what you do?

My advice is to start by believing in yourself and embracing failure as part of the learning process. It’s important to set clear objectives

“CIRQUE FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE, BOTH ONSTAGE AND BEHIND THE SCENES.”

and have a vision, but without putting unrealistic expectations on yourself. Be adaptable. Life will constantly present new challenges, and your approach may need to shift. Remember, it’s a journey of self-teaching, and every experience, both good and bad, offers valuable lessons. Above all, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

Being a member of Cirque means that you spend a lot of time on the road. How do you adjust to the demands of the job?

The nomadic aspect of the lifestyle is something you have to truly embrace. Personally, I find balance by returning to my beautiful home in Tucson, Arizona,

— Fabrice Lemire, Artistic Director ➝

EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

Ana Maria Schwartz She/Her/Hers

Attorney at Law

Schwartz Immigration Law, PLLC

Principal O ice: 2417 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 (713) 337-5270

Austin O ice: 106 E. 6th St., Suite 900-123 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 322-5270

whenever I have a short break between cities. The challenge of living out of two suitcases while also grounding myself at home helps me maintain my mental well-being. Each new location presents an opportunity to adapt and integrate—something I’ve been honing since I was 16. Traveling has not only deepened my curiosity, but it’s also taught me valuable lessons about myself, helping me grow and shape who I am today.

What is something that takes place behind the scenes that would surprise people about Cirque?

One thing that might surprise people is the level of teamwork behind even the most solo moments onstage. For instance, when an artist is flying through the air, the audience may only see the performer, but there can be up to eight team members working behind the scenes to ensure everything is executed safely and flawlessly. It’s a perfect example of how Cirque du Soleil’s success is built on collaboration, precision, and a deep commitment to safety.

What’s next for you, once ECHO finishes its run?

I like to think that before ECHO ’s run concludes, I’ll be diving into a new project. The opportunity for creativity and the excitement of new challenges are what keep me motivated in this industry. I’m always looking ahead, ready to embrace the next adventure and continue pushing artistic boundaries.

Cirque is known for creating a “family” out of the many performers, musicians, and crew who help to make the magic happen. Do you have anything to share about the friendships you have made within the Cirque family?

The family atmosphere within Cirque du Soleil is something truly special. It’s nurtured across all departments, where every individual—whether performer, musician, or crew member—feels like a valued part of the community. This sense of belonging is the heart and pulse of our shows, and it’s something we continually nourish throughout our time together. In my role, I often find myself playing a bit of a “touring father figure,” which is both a privilege and a responsibility. While I strive to remain close to the cast, crew, and staff, I also recognize the importance of maintaining a level of privacy due to my responsibilities. I know how to have fun, but I prefer to do so in a more personal space, respecting the balance between connection and professionalism.

WHAT: Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO

WHEN: February 6 to March 23

WHERE: Sam Houston Race Park

INFO: cirquedusoleil.com/echo

A Houston Jeopardy! Champion

Eric Weldon-Schilling ’s childhood dream finally came true last year.

For as long as Eric WeldonSchilling can remember, he has loved trivia. That passion led to his stepping onto the Jeopardy! stage to compete on one of TV’s most iconic game shows. “I’ve been watching since I was 8 and dreaming of being on the show since I was at least 15,” he says.

Born in Kentwood, Louisiana, where he spent his childhood, Schilling’s early days were far removed from the bustling city streets of his current home in Houston.

“I first started visiting Houston when I was 18, and immediately loved it,” he says. “It was so much bigger and more diverse than where I grew up. I moved here first in 2007 with an ex, and then again by myself in 2010.”

Today, Schilling balances his role as a lead bartender and bar manager with life as a selfdescribed “old, boring married dude.” He finds joy in simple pleasures: spending time with JJ, his husband of six years, and their dogs, exploring Houston’s vibrant wine and cocktail scene, and walking the Navigation Esplanade. Museum hopping and enjoying East End festivals—especially the culturally rich Día de los Muertos celebrations—also top his list of favorite activities. But it’s his love of trivia games and Jeopardy! that truly excites him.

Growing up, Schilling was inspired by evenings spent watching the show with his grandmother. In high school, he was captain of his Quiz Bowl team for three years, all the while hoping and praying his dream of appearing on Jeopardy! would one day come true.

“No matter what else was going on in my life, I always tried to find a way to watch the show as close to every day as possible,” he says.“I’ve always been good at trivia and have a good memory, especially for facts and information. The real challenge was actually getting onto the show, which is notoriously difficult.”

Years of dedication finally paid off when he earned his spot. From the first moment he stepped onto the famous stage set, Schilling says he was overcome with emotion and shock.

“When Ken Jennings came out to say hello during rehearsal, I nearly fainted,” he says.

by CONNOR BEHRENS

Schilling found the filming process both thrilling and intense. He remembers how surprisingly small the studio felt, and how quickly each episode was filmed, with breaks lasting only as long as a commercial.

A standout moment came after his big win.

“We immediately broke for lunch, and I was trying to process what just happened,” he says. “Our phones were off, so I couldn’t even text my husband or our best friend, who were in the audience. It was surreal hearing everyone call me champion.”

Schilling’s Jeopardy! journey came to an end after a nail-biting Final Jeopardy round about Super Bowl history.

“I saw the category and I think I audibly cursed,” he says. “I always knew it would probably be sports that knocked me out.”

Still, his performance left a mark, and there’s a chance he could return for a Second Chance or a Champions Tournament.

“That’s really up to the producers,” he says. “I certainly would love a chance to go back to Los Angeles and compete on the show again in any capacity. It was a great experience.”

Schilling is also proud to have represented the LGBTQ community on national TV, and he

also hopes he made Houston viewers proud.

“It was really an honor,” he says. “I don’t know to what degree I represented the community since I don’t think many viewers would have realized that I am gay, and it never came up in the interviews. But I hope I was a good representative—not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but also for Houston and for other neurodivergent people like me who live with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.”

Schilling wasn’t all that surprised when he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder after he was 30.

“People on the spectrum tend to have very specific and intense interests,” he says. “And trivia was always one of mine. Like to the point that anyone who has ever known anything about me knows that one thing. I’m sure it’s helped in the sense that I have always had a curious mind and loved reading and knowing things. I’ve always had a good memory.”

Looking ahead, Schilling’s focus remains firmly on his Jeopardy! pastime. “My whole life has been focused on Jeopardy!,” he says. “I’ll keep watching every day, until either it ends or I do. I will always count this opportunity as probably the greatest experience of my life.”

Love, Laughter, and Hammers

Lori Hood and Heather J. Taylor ’s serendipitous connection

By DAVID CLARKE

by DALTON D E HART

For Lori Hood, 63, and Heather J. Taylor, 58, love arrived at the perfect time. “No one should ever give up,” says Lori. “We found each other in my early 60s and Heather’s late 50s.” The couple, who met at the 2022 Victory Fund Champagne Brunch, quickly realized they had something special. “When I saw Heather on stage, keeping a room of 700 engaged and laughing,” Lori recalls, “I turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to marry her.’” Today, they share a home in Houston’s River Oaks area, nestled close to its border with Montrose.

Their love story began with a chance seating arrangement and a clever plan. “Lori stood up right in front of me and said she wanted to volunteer,” Heather laughs. “I had no idea she was interested.”

A mutual friend helped confirm they were both single, and soon enough a simple offer of a hammer—part of Lori’s downsizing effort—

led to a six-hour conversation. “She asked if I needed any hammers, and I thought, ‘Sure, you can never have too many,’” Heather recalls. “Little did I know, that would be the start of something amazing.”

The hammers became a running joke between them, a symbol of their serendipitous connection. “I never thought I’d find love through home-improvement tools,” Lori adds with a smile

Their connection was undeniable, and within a few months, their relationship blossomed. “Our first official date was at a political fundraiser for Lesley Briones,” Lori shares. “Heather got to meet my friends and clients, and later, we had a relaxed dinner.”

Despite thinking she was just making a new friend, Heather soon realized Lori’s intentions when a follow-up invite to Backstreet Cafe came just minutes after they had parted ways. “I remember thinking, ‘Is she trying to tell me something?’” Heather says. “And it turned out, she was.”

After nearly three years together, Lori and Heather decided to make it official. “We were sitting on our back balcony one evening, and the conversation naturally turned to marriage,” Lori says. “Neither of us wanted to fall into traditional gender roles, so we both said, ‘Will you marry me?’ at the same time.”

Heather adds, “It was perfect because it felt so mutual, so us.”

On September 14, 2024, Lori and Heather tied the knot at Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Museum District. With location-specific details coordinated by Megan Roper, the event went off without a hitch.

“Megan was phenomenal,” Heather says. “She made sure every detail was perfect, from the tables to the timeline.” Heather, with help from Lori’s daughter Kathleen McClung, took on the role of wedding planner. “With my background in PR and events, I figured we could handle it ourselves.”

The couple’s special day was filled with personal touches and meaningful details. Lori

Photos

Lori Hood (l) and Heather J. Taylor

wore a stunning gown from Danny Nguyen Couture, while Heather opted for a customtailored suit by Sumissura. Lori’s daughters, Kathleen and Lauryn McClung, served as maids of honor and walked their mother down the aisle. Heather was escorted by close friends Mike Holloman and Frank E. Crump, symbolizing their parents’ presence. The bridal party was a large and lively group, featuring Ava Donaldson as flower girl and Clint Smith, who was humorously dubbed the “Lord of the Rings.”

Photographers Charlie Ewing III and Dalton DeHart captured every heartfelt moment, while videographer Jim Coulter documented the festivities. Heather took charge of the floral arrangements, with help from Jenny Block and Robin Brown, ensuring the venue was filled with elegant touches. “Flowers have always been important to me, so I wanted to make sure they reflected our personalities,” Heather shares. The ceremony was officiated by longtime friend Bryan Cotton, who has been an important part of their journey.

Among the standout moments was the mother-daughter dance. “It was a poignant celebration of love and resilience,” Lori shares, reflecting on her journey as a cancer survivor and the deep bond she shares with her daughters. “They watched me go through so much, and seeing me happy with Heather meant the

world to them.”

Heather adds, “Lori’s daughters are amazing, and they’ve embraced me with so much love.”

Heather’s trademark humor kept the celebration lively. “Whenever something didn’t go as planned, she cracked a joke and kept things moving,” Lori laughs. From dancing down the aisle post-ceremony to the heartfelt speeches given by loved ones, the day was filled with joy and laughter.

In a touching tribute, the couple honored their late friend Susan Serry—who played a pivotal role in their love story—by displaying her photo alongside those of their parents. “Susan was the back channel that brought us together,” Heather says. “We wanted to make sure she was with us in spirit.”

Another deeply personal touch at their wedding was placing tiny hammers on each

table to serve as a lighthearted reminder of how their love story began. “Seeing everyone with those little hammers made us smile all night,” Lori says.

Looking back, both Lori and Heather agree that their wedding surpassed all expectations. “It was chaotic, hilarious, and deeply meaningful all at once,” Lori reflects. “Meeting Heather’s Miami family, watching our friends become fast friends—it was everything we could have hoped for.”

Heather echoes the sentiment, adding, “We didn’t just get married—we brought our whole community together.”

“It truly felt like a family affair,” Lori says. “We are beyond grateful for everyone who made our day unforgettable.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLIE HORSE PHOTOS

BUNNIES ON THE BAYOU PRESENTS SNOW BUNNIES NOVEMBER 30, 2024

Bunnies on the Bayou hosted Snow Bunnies, its first fundraiser of 2025, at Rich’s Houston.

The festive crowd grooved to music by DJ Johnny Vibe and were treated to sensational performances by Blackberri, Adriana LaRue, Mari Jane, and Glamstar.

All net proceeds from the event went to support the work of Bunnies on the Bayou, a nonprofit organization serving the Greater Houston LGBTQ community since

SCAN THE CODE TO VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERIES ONLINE!

1979. Best known for its annual Easter Sunday mega-party in downtown Houston, the organization raises essential funds for 12 local LGBTQ nonprofits that provide critical services such as healthcare access, youth and senior support, and advocacy for equity and inclusion.

Photos by DALTON DE HART and CREW

Photos

Photos by

DALTON DE HART and CREW

Rocky Hollub

Victor Lopez

SCAN THE CODE TO VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERIES ONLINE!

HOUSTON LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

SUMMIT 2025: A DAY OF CONNECTION AND VISION JANUARY 11, 2025

On Saturday, January 11, the Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit at the Montrose Center united community members and allies for a transformative day of education, inspiration, and connection. The event featured panels, workshops, and moments of celebration, all aimed at fostering dialogue and building a more inclusive future.

The day began with a Welcome and Opening Plenary moderated by Montrose Center CEO Avery Belyeu. Esteemed panelists, including historian Brian Riedel, Judge Phyllis Frye, archivist Joyce Gabiola, and photographer Dalton DeHart, reflected on community achievements and envisioned a brighter future.

Breakout sessions addressed topics such as civil rights, marriage equality, and gender-affirming care, featuring experts from the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and Equality Texas. Attendees also enjoyed a shared lunch and a captivating drag performance by Artemis Hunter, celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and resilience. The summit concluded with “Community Voice –Real Talk,” a closing session for sharing experiences and actionable ideas. The 2025 Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit was a testament to the community’s strength and commitment to equality, inclusion, and collective care.

Photos by

DALTON DE HART and CREW

Luxurious Lodging

Hotel Saint Augustine brings a cozy touch of class to Montrose.

by ZACHARY M C KENZIE

Location photos by JULIE SOEFER

An upscale hotel and cultural oasis that perfectly blends art, Houston swag, and hospitality has opened in the heart of Montrose adjacent to The Menil Collection. Hotel Saint Augustine, a concept by Bunkhouse Hotels, is a love letter to the city, with intentional design features meant to make guests feel right at home. Whether visiting for the day and enjoying craft cocktails in the Augustine Lounge, or opting for an extended stay in one of the 71 suites and guest rooms, everyone is welcome to make memories at Houston’s newest hotel. With outdoor bridges and sidewalks connecting the five small two-story buildings, guests are immersed in nature throughout their stay. Complete with a listening room that’s perfect for unwinding or starting the day off on a high note, a circular pool that is heated and chilled for year-round enjoyment, and rooms featuring unique contemporary velvet bed frames, fully stocked mini bars, private patios, large bathtubs, and more, the hotel is truly one of a kind.

“We didn’t want to put the same exact hotel in every single city that we have concepts in,” says hotel general manager Omar Abreu. “The team designed it with the community in mind.” The out hospitality professional and Miami native moved to Houston in November 2023 to help bring Hotel Saint Augustine to life. “I was most recently in Lexington, Kentucky, working for a lifestyle boutique hotel, and the opportunity to move to Houston presented itself. The vision for the concept and the history of the neighborhood really attracted me to this position and the city.”

Nestled in the heart of Houston’s gayborhood, the hotel is a conveniently short distance from local haunts such as Michael’s Outpost and other Montrose bars that cater to the LGBTQ community. “Hotel Saint Augustine is warm, inviting, and welcoming, which is really important to us. The lounge feels like a living room and is open to the public—it’s a place where anybody can come meet their friends, enjoy a drink, and even grab breakfast,” says Abreu. “We’ve had a great reception from the local neighbors that live in this area, and one of

the things that we hear often is that Houston really needed something like this. We’re very proud to be here.”

Inclusivity is a principle that guides Abreu and the entire Saint Augustine team. “We really want to emphasize that everybody— people from all walks of life—is welcome in this space,” the 42-year-old explains. One way the hotel accomplishes this is through the aptly named Petite Queen, the hotel’s smallest room that features all of the hotel’s luxurious accommodations at a more attainable price point. “This is perfect for artists and travelers who want a luxurious experience, but don’t necessarily need as much space as one of our larger suites.”

Guests looking for more space might consider the Premier King Suite, featuring a king bed, separate seating area, screened-in porch or outdoor terrace, and more. Luxury also awaits in the Atelier King Suite, which includes a parlor with wet bar, upgraded bathroom, and a screened-in porch or terrace. Additional room sizes are available, and accommodations for every type of traveler or

The Augustine Lounge & Listening Room

staycationer await.

Room service, custom-designed robes, and luxurious bath amenities are all offered to guests at this museumarea hotel. “Our proximity to the Museum District, and especially the Menil campus, is really unique,” Abreu says. “Also, guests will enjoy staying in a great location that isn’t affected by traffic congestion like other neighborhoods in the city.”

Celebrated Houston chef and restaurateur Aaron Bludorn is the mastermind behind Perseid, the hotel’s restaurant. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served at Perseid, which, according to the hotel’s website, “offers a take on the quintessential neighborhood bistro through the lens of the Gulf Coast.”

“The opportunity to work with Bunkhouse on a gamechanging project like Hotel Saint Augustine was just too good to pass up,” says Bludorn. “We aim to further elevate the guest experience with a true neighborhood bistro that locals will also frequent, and we especially hope the LGBTQ community that made Montrose the storied neighborhood it is will use the hotel and restaurant like it’s an extension of their own living room. We can’t wait to welcome you with open arms.”

Favorite brunch spot?

Perseid

Best-kept secret in town?

Grand Prize Bar

Favorite spot for a cocktail or mocktail?

Augustine Lounge

Best place to celebrate a birthday?

Abreu encourages guests to come explore the hotel, eat and drink, and book a stay. “To have this space where I get a chance to work with a diverse team and meet people from the neighborhood and guests from different backgrounds is such an honor,” he says. “For me, personally, as an out person, creating a place for the community where they can come to feel safe and have a great time with their friends is very special.”

Marigold Club

Favorite place to go dancing?

Neon Boots

Dancehall & Saloon

Favorite place to catch a drag show?

Michael’s Outpost

For more info, visit bunkhousehotels.com/ hotel-saint-augustine

Perseid, chef Aaron Bludorn’s hotel restaurant

Hotel Saint Augustine’s courtyard area

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA

Omar Abreu’s Favorite Spots in Houston

Omar Abreu , the hotel’s general manager

By LILLY RODDY

Navigating Cosmic Chaos

February is a time for Aquarius reflection.

We remain in our retrograde pattern through the middle of April. Mars will be going stationary direct on the 23rd and is not back up to speed until the middle of March. However, Venus, our planet of love, money, and commitment, goes retrograde at the end of February, and we review our commitments from the past. Just to add to the confusion, Mercury will also be retrograde in March! Slow down and take your time. Things that are being started

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

As the month opens for you Rams, it’s a busy time of connecting with friends, expanding your outreach to new areas, and making plans for different pursuits in your life. With your ruler, Mars, retrograde, you are busy reexamining your life and the choices that brought you to this moment. You may feel that you have to defend yourself, especially in family matters. In the latter half of the month, you are in a rest-andretreat mode. You are more sensitized to your environment, and things that you would normally ignore bother you more. This would be a good time to take some mental-health days. You will get more done if you do things you enjoy first, and then move on to the more demanding things. It may be a good time to get away to the beach, the lake, or the mountains.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

This month your career, long-term security issues, and a possible relocation are in the spotlight. Some of you will be considering starting something on your own. Your industry is changing, and you may even choose a totally different path. If you are older, you may be cutting back and working on a better home/work balance. Some of you will want to exit society and live off the grid! Your tolerance and patience are at a very low ebb. There are also shifts within your family of origin. You may need to step in and take a greater role in the family hierarchy. You are reviewing your activity with business or social organizations. If they aren’t living up to your expectations, you may move on. Personal freedom of choice remains a significant element in your life. Demanding people and situations will push you away. Make sure you have plenty of space.

GEMINI (May 21–June 21)

This is an especially busy month for you, especially in your career, where there may be a total shift in direction. With your career, this is a time to take a leadership role, consider doing something on your own, or

now may not come to fruition. The month starts off with the sun in Aquarius, but enters Pisces on the 18th. Mercury also travels through Aquarius and Pisces this month. Venus starts off in Pisces but quickly enters Aries on the 4th. Because Venus will be going retrograde, she will be in Aries from February 4 through May 10. This will be a time to review all of your commitments. Mars remains in Cancer, the nation’s birth sign, through the middle of April. This can create some anger and volatility in our country.

if you are older, stepping back. You are paying more attention to your boundaries and how much you are appreciated for what you do! Soon, the planet Uranus will enter your sign for the first time in 84 years. This can be a time when you reinvent yourself, go back to school, move to another country, get rid of demanding people, and look for a whole new social group of friends. You may be more restless than usual, and it may be harder to make decisions as you consider all your options.

CANCER (June 22–July 22)

Mars, planet of action, self-defense, and our expression of anger and survival continues his retrograde path through your sign. You may be more restless than usual, quicker to anger, and taking life very personally, as we all should. Mars will be active in your sign through the middle of April. This is a very good time to take care of anything that you have been putting off. This is also the perfect time to restart your exercise and health programs. This can also be a time when you are more accident prone since we are rushing ahead with Mars. Slowing down can help! This is a very good month to extend your education, follow up on your personal interests, or explore other countries and cultures as you continue to widen your view and perspective. You are making plans for the future, especially around your career and home.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Partnerships, both business and personal, are under scrutiny this month. On the personal level, this is about you understanding your need to improve your partnerships and not repeat toxic relationships. This can be a very good time for therapy for both of you. Difficult partnerships may come to an end, and good ones may need to be renegotiated. You are a lot more responsive and may not hold back on how you really feel. You are also continuing to work on your finances and reducing your debts. This is a good month to

review your investments and consider possible refinancing. You may also be reviewing your career path as well. You have been wanting to break the routine and do something that connects you with your passion. You will be more decisive after mid-April.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept.22)

Health, exercise, improving the work environment, and making your efforts more efficient are all active this month. This can be a time to consider improving your social media, devices, and how you want to be portrayed. In the latter part of the month, you are more relationship focused. This can be a very good time for commitments, renewals, and fixing what is not working. You may also need to be clearer about your boundaries and needs, and not hoping your partner will guess what is going on inside of you. Partnership problems must be addressed if you are going to move forward or bring what you have to an end. There are big career shifts slowly starting to occur. You may be looking at doing something on your own, taking a leadership role or, if you are older, cutting back. This is a good time to connect with old friends from the past!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)

It’s a mixed bag for you this month. You are looking for more fun and ways to express your creative nature. You may be considering having children, including your children more in your daily life, and being more childlike in your own expressions. There could also be some control issues with your children, or you may just be letting your own inner child out of the box! Health and work routines are still under scrutiny. You may be redoing your workspace and making things work more efficiently. This is also an excellent time for a visit to the doctor for a checkup. Relationship reviews are coming up as we move into spring. You will be looking to set new goals for your partnerships. And finally, career activity is very strong as you review where you are and if you are going to stay there. Your patience there

is very low. Be careful not to act unless you are really ready to leave! Make some plans for your future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)

This continues to be a time of shifts and changes in your family. This has been building since mid-October 2024, but now you may feel that you have to respond to the changes to bring some stability to the situation. This can be a time of old people passing on, shifts in the family hierarchy, hidden secrets being exposed, and a possible relocation. This is a very good time for therapy and any type of detoxing activity. Health and work environments are still important, and they get more important in the latter half of the month. You are looking for ways to express your creative side. You may even be thinking about turning a hobby into something that brings in income. Take your time with your decisions, as conditions may not be suitable for you to act until after mid-April.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Clearing up communications, improving your daily life, and getting toxic folks out of your life are all on the menu this month. You may be exploring new habits and methods to change your responsibility or approach. You are continuing to be more responsive and responsible to your family. If you have older relatives and family, you may need to step in and take more control of the situation. This can also be a time of home repair, moving, and downsizing. You may feel that your needs

are ignored or not valued. You are improving your boundaries so that you aren’t the only one contributing to the betterment of the home and family. You are looking for more fun activities after midmonth. You are looking to make some changes in your relationship patterns over the next couple of months. You are wanting more fun and more spontaneity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

This month you are working on getting your daily life in order, setting better boundaries, and using your time and energy wisely. You are certainly not as patient with others, and you may be very short with your comments. Relationships continue to be busy and overly active with retrograde Mars here until mid-April. This can be a good time to connect with lovers from the past. In a current relationship, this can be a time for renewing bonds and exploring new directions and goals to be put into place after April. If you are having difficulty in a relationship, you will need to get it resolved or you will not be able to move forward. You are reviewing your values, what and who is important to you, and ways to enhance your own value. You may be seeking a raise or increasing your fees.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Happy Birthday to the Aquarians! This annual cycle is even more important than ever. You are looking to make major changes in your life on every level. You are being more direct with others in your life and coming

to terms with your own sense of personal power. This is a time when you let go of past motives, reasons, and fears so that you can move forward. This month, you are feeling the pinch of finances and the higher cost of living. You may be looking at cutting back and setting a budget. You may need more time to yourself as you go through this release process, as this can create an identity crisis. You may not be sure of who you are, and who you are becoming. Therapy, or confiding in a friend, can be very helpful and soothing.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

This is more of a rest-and-retreat month for you. Although you are plenty busy with lots of activity, your psychic ability is getting stronger—and that may make it harder to be around those you don’t care for. This is a great time for a getaway or a trip to a spiritual retreat. This can also be a super time for a reading or a past-life regression. By midmonth, you are ready to jump back into present reality. Career and long-term security are still strong on your topics list. This is a very good time to consider options, but it will be best to wait until mid-April to make your decisions. A part of you wants to have more fun and avoid some of the demands of others. And you may also be looking at moving, downsizing, or getting away from the noise of the city. Take your time, as you won’t be ready to decide until April!

For more info, visit lillyroddyshow.com.

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Made for Roasting

Marsha Mellow keeps it real, both with drag and life.

By SAM BYRD | Photo by ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ

Question: What’s spongy, smooth, and is enjoyed after a good roast?

Answer: Marsha Mellow, your friendly (yet truthful) neighborhood drag queen. The host with the most knows how to stir the hot-chocolate pot with her quick wit and sharp tongue. Just like her name suggests, she always does so with a sugary sweet finish that leaves the audience wondering if she delivered an insult or a compliment. The world may never know. Read more about why she leaves the audience screaming “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!”

Pronouns?

I don’t really give a shit about pronouns. If someone wants to be called something, cool—it doesn’t cost me anything to respect it. It’s not like it affects my life. As for me? I’ve been called he, I’ve been called she, but let’s be real: I mostly get called “bitch!” So yeah, let’s just roll with bitch.

Inner Avatar?

My inner avatar? A disco ball with claws—sparkly, dangerous, and always reflecting light back at the haters.

Hometown?

Houston, Texas—where everything is bigger, including the personalities.

Drag birthday?

February 4, 1995. It’s been 30 years of doing what I love, connecting with people, and growing along the way. I’m just grateful to still be here, doing what I’m passionate about.

Is there a story behind your stage name?

Some guy barged into my office one day and said, “You’re gonna be Marsha Mellow.” No discussion, no debate. It just stuck. Sure, I could’ve been Kirsti Alexander or Candy Warhol, but let’s face it, Marsha had the edge. And now, after 30 years of hearing “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha” nonstop, I guess I’m stuck with it.

Tell us about the outfit you’re wearing. The outfit? It’s fine, but let’s talk about the real star—the jewelry. I’m rocking emeralds, which I love. They were a birthday gift from my bestie, Dessie Love-Blake. It’s one of those gifts that says “You’re a badass” without actually saying it. I’ve always been an Elphaba—green, bold, and a little wicked.

Most memorable moment as a performer?

A guy once told me I saved his life after we spent a night talking during a show. He was planning to kill himself but changed his mind. That hit me hard. Drag is fun, but moments like that remind you it can also mean something.

Thoughts about the legislation restricting drag performances?

It’s stupid and a waste of time. Drag isn’t hurting anyone. If anything, it’s making the world a little brighter, and anyone trying to legislate against it is just proving they’re miserable assholes.

Share with our readers about the books you have published, or will soon publish. In 2020, I released my first book, As Is. Now, I’m finishing Unapologetically Yours: The Marsha Mellow Chronicles—part memoir, part chaos, and entirely me. It’s a mix of wild stories, raw honesty, and lessons learned over 30 years in drag. It’s not just about drag. It’s about life, and owning who you are unapologetically.

Marry, Shag, Kill: The PineSol Lady, Mr. Clean, and Mrs. Buttersworth Marry Mrs. Buttersworth; she’s sweet. Shag Mr. Clean; he’s ripped. Kill the PineSol Lady. Sorry, but someone’s gotta go.

Where and when do you normally perform?

Every Friday night, I host Showgirls at Rich’s. Seating starts at 8:00, and showtime is at 8:30, featuring an incredible rotating cast that never disappoints!

What have you learned from drag that you use in your everyday life?

Resilience. No matter what life throws at you, just pick up the pieces, slap on some glitter, and keep going. Drag has taught me to adapt, improvise, and always find humor in the chaos.

What advice would you share with your younger self?

Listen, kid, stop trying to fit into boxes that other people made. You’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s a good thing. Lean into what makes you different, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to make a little noise.

Follow Marsha Mellow on TikTok at @steventilotta, Instagram at @marsha_mellow_diaries, and Facebook at facebook.com/tilotta.