JUNE 2019 by OutSmart Magazine

THE OFFICIAL 2019 HOUSTON LGBT PRIDE CELEBRATIONÂ® GUIDE Pg.132

GRAND MARSHALS MAKE DIVERSITY HISTORY

THE FRESH FACES of PRIDE MIKE WEBB, HARRISON GUY, SHANNON BALDWIN, and ALAN ROSEN Pg.67

THE OFFICIAL 2019 HOUSTON LGBT PRIDE CELEBRATIONÂ® GUIDE Pg.132

GRAND MARSHALS MAKE DIVERSITY HISTORY

THE FRESH FACES of PRIDE MIKE WEBB, HARRISON GUY, SHANNON BALDWIN, and ALAN ROSEN Pg.67

‘I AM LIFE’ CAMPAIGN

NON-BINARY ACTOR

SING AND SHOUT

Pg.114

Pg.176

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ADVOCATES PROMOTE HIV PREVENTION

AN INTERVIEW WITH ASIA KATE DILLON

GAY MEN’S CHORUS TURNS 40

PRIDE IN THE MEDIA

LOCAL STATIONS SUPPORT DIVERSITY Pg.90

HONORARY GRAND MARSHALS

HOUSTON TRANS WOMEN OF COLOR ANA ANDREA MOLINA, ATLANTIS NARCISSE, DEE DEE WATTERS, and MONICA ROBERTS Pg.84

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For almost 40 years, Legacy has been caring for the LGBTQ community.

While we have led the way with expanded services and programs for people from all walks of life, we have also stayed true to our roots: We believe neighbors should help neighbors. We believe that by doing what is right, lending a hand to one another, and speaking up for what we believe, we are making a difference.

To learn more about our comprehensive services and programs, including Adult Primary Care, Behavioral Health, HIV Testing, OB/GYN & Maternity, Prevention & Treatment, STD Screening & Treatment and Transgender Care, call (832) 548 5000 or visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org

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CELEBRATION FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 HYATT REGENCY HOUSTON PRIDE IN BUSINESS is the Chamber’s signature PRIDE event celebrating the LGBTQ business community, our members and the important role LGBTQ owned businesses play in the local economy.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PRIDE IN BUSINESS SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

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“A Jewel in the Crown of Texas.” This is what you get when you support a Texas treasure.

“What is this place and why is it in the middle of nowhere?”

We hear that a lot. It’s a long story. Almost 50 years long. It’s difficult to tell without visual aids so you will have to come see us to hear the whole story. Let it suffice to say this is what happens when a young international concert pianist with a big dream is welcomed into the small rural Texas town of Round Top. In the beginning we were tiny. We held performances on porches and the town square. Our visiting artists lodged in local homes and rehearsed on borrowed instruments. But with the kind-hearted support of our neighbors and friends we started thinking big. Today Festival Hill is an internationally respected center for performance and education. Our reputation rests upon the beauty of the Festival Hill campus and our world-famous Round Top Music Festival, which has grown from a few students to a symphony orchestra. We owe it all to our many generous friends who share our love of the arts, attend the concerts and applaud our hard work through charitable giving. We invite you to join us as a friend and supporter of this extraordinary Texas cultural achievement.

Come join us for the summer concert series, each Saturday in June and the first two Saturdays in July. Please check our website for complete event details. James Dick, Founder & Artistic Director

Round Top FesTival insTiTuTe A Non-Profit Public Foundation

248 Jaster Road, Round Top, TX 78954

(979) 249-3129 • FestivalHill.org

FEATURES

JUNE 2019

VOLUME 26 • NUMBER 5

PRIDE GRAND MARSHALS

2019 Female Grand Marshal: Harris County’s first openly lesbian African-American judge

2019 Male Grand Marshal: LGBTQ activist takes pride in his role as a community bridge-builder

2019 Ally Grand Marshal: Constable Rosen is a longtime supporter of Houston’s LGBTQ community

2019 Gender Non-Binary Grand Marshal: their life of perseverance pays off

SHANNON BALDWIN

HARRISON GUY

ALAN ROSEN

MIKE WEBB

TRANS WOMEN OF COLOR

2019 Honorary Grand Marshals Monica Roberts, Ana Andrea Molina, Atlantis Narcisse, and Dee Dee Watters

PRIDE IN THE MEDIA

Meteorologist Blake Mathews comes out in an exclusive interview

Meteorologist Frank Billingsley weathers a cancer scare with courage

News anchor Osvaldo Corral discusses his fierce support for LGBTQ inclusion

Dayna Steele trades the suburbs for big-city living

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104

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KPRC’s Derrick Shore hosts Houston’s gayest afternoon TV show

Variety-show host Frank Gonzalez promotes LGBTQ awareness at Mundo Latino Televisión

Mix 96.5’s Sarah Pepper mixes motherhood with her top-rated morning show

KPRC’s Eric Braate never shies away from a challenge

HONESTY BECOMES HIM

LIFE OF THE PARTY

A 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston commemorates four decades of music

MEDIA MARVEL

FEARLESS FRANK

DOING PARADE RIGHT The Ronje family and friends celebrate Pride in style

UNIVISION ATTENDS HOUSTON PRIDE

DRIVE-TIME DJ

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TO PRESERVE ARCHIVE

J.D. Doyle’s archive projects recognized for their historic significance

LIFE AFTER THE CAMPAIGN

A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

WING MAN

Ralph Fiennes discusses his Nureyev biopic The White Crow

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122

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132-148

“I am Life” campaign targets Houston’s black and Latino communities

Intersex and trans man named grand marshal of Beaumont Pride Fest 2019

Eureka Heights Brew Co. creates a special Pride beer

Events calendar and maps

HIV PREVENTION

150

FINDING HER EUPHORIA

Houston Dash’s Christine Nairn

176

JUDGE DREAD

Non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon stars in John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum

MO CORTEZ

154, 156, 158

A PRIDE SHOPPING SPREE

PINTS FOR PRIDE

165

172

25 queer events you just can’t miss

An interview with Murray Bartlett of Tales of the City

PRIDE ALL MONTH

Books, apparel, and more

184

THE PRODIGAL PRODIGIES RETURN Texas Music Festival’s 30th-anniversary lineup

PRIDE HOUSTON’S OFFICIAL GUIDE

187

WEDDING GUIDE A perfect fit: Cynthia Corral and Jessica Celaya

BEING MOUSE

194

MATH NERD, CRACK SHOT, AND AUTHOR S.L. Huang’s sci-fi fantasy series adds up to high adventure OutSmartMagazine.com

JUNE 2019 17

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

} Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you

have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

} Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

} BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

BVYC0102_BIKTARVY_A_8-125x10-75_OutSmart_KeepEmpowering_C1_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

} Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP EMPOWERING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0102 01/19

KEEP EMPOWERING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

5/3/19 12:48 PM

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40 UNAPOLOGETICALLY TRANS

Mixed emotions: a bittersweet Stonewall anniversary for the trans community

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outsmart Media Company Publishers Publishers of of OutSmart OutSmart Magazine Magazine 3406 Audubon Place • Houston, TX 77006 713.520.7237$27/12 • 713.522.3275 Fax subscriptions: Issues, $48/24 Issues E-mail: letters@outsmartmagazine.com Subscriptions: $30/12 Issues, $58/24 Issues Website: www.OutSmartMagazine.com E-mail: letters@outsmartmagazine.com Website: OutSmartMagazine.com O u t Sm a rt is publishe d mont hl y. E s t imate d O utSmart is published monthly. readership in readership in Houston andEstimated surrounding areas Houston and surrounding areas is 60,000. OutSmart Media is 6 0,0 0 0. Out Smar t Media Company is not Company is not responsible for claims and practices of advertisers. and views expressed herein do responsibleThe foropinions claims and practices of advertisers. not those expressed of the staff or management Thenecessarily opinions reflect and views herein do not of OutSmart. Inclusion in OutSmart does not imply sexual necessarily reflect those of the staff or management orientation. ©2019 by OutSmart Media Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without of OutSmart. Inclusion in OutSmart doespermission not imply of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited material is sexual orientation. ©2013 by OutSmart Media accepted. No manuscript returned without SASE. Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in

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June 2: BBQ & Mimosa Brunch presented by the HIV & Aging Coalition, honoring and celebrating the lives of long-term survivors. hltsad.org June 13: ActOut at the Alley Theatre presents The Three Musketeers. Precurtain event (included with ActOut ticket) 6 PM, show at 7:30 PM. INFO alleytheatre.org/actout June 15: The Houston Pride Band presents American Journey Concert, a musical review of the American journey. INFO: houstonprideband.org June 15: Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston 40th-Anniversary Celebration Join GMCH for a look back at 40 years of music and community. INFO: bcpahouston.org

June 22: Pride Houston’s LGBT Pride Celebration Festival held around City Hall, Hermann Square, and Tranquility Park, noon to 7:00 PM. The parade begins at the intersection of Milam and Walker streets at 8:00 PM. INFO: pridehouston.org

SAVE THE DATE July 21: Mint Julep is a one-ofa-kind Montrose show benefiting Legacy Community Health INFO: legacycommunityhealth.org/mintjulep Look for OutSmart 26th Annual Gayest &Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards voting beginning July 1 through August 18.

June 21: 10th Annual Rainbow on the Green, a free city-wide LGBTQ celebration presented by Discovery Green. 7–9 PM. INFO: discoverygreen. com/rainbow

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WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HERE FOR IT! Pride is about more than an event or a day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about self-care, self-love, compassion, celebration, social justice, community support, and equality.

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QUEER THINGS to DO Resolve to stay involved with the help of our weekly planner. Visit OutSmartMagazine.com

COMEDY

MORRIS MALAKOFF/THE CKP GROUP; INSET - KATYA HORNER

June 10

Gay Shame Parade

The Secret Group has billed this event as “standup comedy by gays, probable gays, and people we wish were gay.” Pair that with a pay-what-you-can ticket deal, and this gig looks even better. If you can’t make this one, there’s another one on June 24. thesecretgrouphtx.com

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June 21

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TELEVISION

THEATER

June 7

June 13

‘Tales of the City’

28 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

ActOUT at the Alley for ‘Three Musketeers’ NETFLIX

Timed to hit with Pride, Netflix is presenting a muchlonged-for sequel to the classic PBS miniseries Tales of the City. They rebuilt the iconic 28 Barbary Lane house and they seduced Laura Linney to play MaryAnn Singleton and Olympia Dukakis to come back as Anna Madrigal. Armistead Maupin’s masterpiece has been expanded for a new and more diverse LGBTQ generation. netflix.com

The ‘Tales’ Continue

A Tales of the City sequel comes to Netflix. Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis (c) return. New: Ellen Page (far right).

Three hot men in tights . . . no wonder OutSmart is sponsoring this night of swashbuckling stagecraft. So don’t forget to come early for the 6:00 pre-curtain mixer, included with your ActOUT ticket. You may get to dodge and parry with the three musketeers themselves. alleytheatre.org/actout

THEATER

June 13

Kinky Boots The smashing success of this Tonywinning musical surprised no one. Music and lyrics were by Cyndi Lauper, with the book by Harvey Fierstein. How could it be anything but a hit? It’s worth the short trip to Galveston to catch this Broadway champ in all its high-heeled splendor. thegrand.com

COMMUNITY

June 2

BBQ MIMOSA BRUNCH

This boozy brisket jam celebrates long-term HIV survivors. And there’s a definite reason to celebrate, now that HIV is no longer the automatic death sentence it once was. Do champagne and barbecue go together? Come to Neon Boots and find out. neonbootsclub.com

THEATER

June 9

‘SEX WITH STRANGERS’

This is your last time to experience Sex with Strangers—the play at Stages, that is. The New York Times hailed the show as “a twisty and timely two-character drama about lust, love, and the complex nature of identity in our digital-dominated era.” stagestheatre.com

COMEDY

THEATRE

COMMUNITY

HANNAH GADSBY

‘CHICAGO’

CARL HAN LOVE PARTY 2019

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

PEARL BAR/HRC MEET & GREET

AMERICAN JOURNEY CONCERT

June 2

What do you do for an encore after a gamechanging comedy set like Nannette? Well, if you’re Hannah Gadsby, you keep a good thing going—and this time it’s Gadsby’s Douglas. spahouston.org

June 11

Join Pearl Bar & HRC Houston on the second Tuesday of each month for a meet-and-greet. Tuesdays at Pearl Bar are steak night, and they will generously provide free HRC memberships to the early birds who purchase the first 20 steaks. tinyurl.com/y6jx929s

COMMUNITY

June 15

JUNETEENTH PARADE

Juneteenth Parade Central is at Emancipation Ave. between Wheeler and Tuam at 10 a.m., but the official celebration goes from 10 to 5 p.m. And that event isn’t the only way to celebrate Juneteeth (whose official date is the 19th)—Mayor Sylvester Turner will attend another parade in Acres Homes, and the Emancipation Park Conservancy is holding a variety of activities on several surrounding days. Check out the website for details. juneteenthfest.com

June 4

Nobody fused athleticism and eroticism like choreographer Bob Fosse. And there’s no better example of his searing, sensual choreography than the explosive hot-stepping seen in Chicago. The movie was good. The stage production is better. spahouston.org

June 8

Annual Fundraiser benefiting HATCH. All money raised will be used for the HATCH Alternative Prom. $15 admission with hors d’oeuvres reception and cash bar. Featuring Houston entertainers including Steven Tillota, Tiffany McKnight Capri, Wendy Taylor, Xavier Zuniga Garza, Isaac Reyes, Viola Degrabable Dion-Debris, Jade Mykels, Bird Oz Dupree, Tribal Lillies, and Juniper Jairala. tinyurl.com/y2puepct

June 15 The Houston Pride Band presents this sweeping review of the American musical journey with compositions from luminaries like Grundman, Ticheli, Copland, Bernstein, and even Lin-Manuel Miranda. houstonprideband.org COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

LAMBDA NEXTGEN HOUSTON HAPPY HOUR

PRIDE HOUSTON FESTIVAL AND PARADE CELEBRATION

June 18

If you’re 36 or older, just skip to the next item. This monthly happy hour is for millennials to network, mix, and mingle. The location wasn’t decided at press time, but they always pick a trendy venue. lambdanextgen.com

June 22

This is it. The biggest party of the year. The event takes place around City Hall, Hermann Square, and Tranquility Park starting at noon and going until 7 p.m. The Parade begins at the intersection of Milam and Walker at 8 p.m. Have a good time, people—you have a lot to be proud of. pridehouston.org SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF PRIDE EVENTS BEGINNING ON PAGE 165 OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 29

NEWS

High Court Rejects Anti-Trans Lawsuit Supreme Court action flashes a ray of hope for trans students. By LISA KEEN

t was a discernible ray of light flashing across an otherwise dark and stormy sea: on May 28, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to accept an appeal from a group of students challenging a public school’s policy of allowing transgender students to use the high-school restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. After weeks of escalating attacks on the rights of transgender people by the Trump administration, the Supreme Court announcement in Doe v. Boyertown felt like a victory to LGBT activists. “This is an enormous victory for transgender students across the country,” said Ria Tabacco Mar, senior staff attorney for the national ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project. The ACLU represented a coalition of LGBTQ youth groups that intervened in the lawsuit to support the Boyertown, Pennsylvania, school district’s pro-transgender policy. But it’s also a confusing development. While the Supreme Court left this protransgender student policy intact, it essentially vacated a similar ruling in 2017. In the 2017 case, the high court vacated a Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling in Gloucester v. G.G. in which the lower court ruled that Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972—which prohibits discrimination based on sex by federally funded educational institutions—also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. The Fourth Circuit ruling would have allowed a transgender student in Gloucester, Virginia, to proceed with his challenge against the school district’s policy of requiring students to use the restroom that corresponds with the gender listed on the student’s birth certificate. In the current case, the high court simply refused to hear the appeal of a Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the Boyertown school policy that allowed students to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity. In the Virginia case, said Mar, the transgender student “was asking for his school to allow him to use the same restrooms as other boys.” The Pennsylvania lawsuit was “the

“The lawsuit challenging Boyertown’s supportive school policies was a political stunt brought by an anti-LGBTQ organization whose agenda is to strip transgender people of basic legal protections. The lower courts rightly rejected that hateful agenda, and we are relieved that the Supreme Court has allowed their decisions to stand.”

—Asaf Orr

Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney for the National Center for Lesbian Rights

inverse,” she said, because it asked that “school districts be forbidden from allowing boys and girls who are trans to use the same restrooms and locker rooms as other boys and girls.” John Doe and other students challenging the pro-trans Boyertown policy argued that it violates their right to privacy and amounts to sexual harassment. “No court has accepted the notion that transgender people are a threat to others,” said Mar. “In the few challenges that have arisen to transgender-inclusive policies, courts have uniformly allowed those policies to continue. Today’s announcement from the Supreme Court reflects that consensus.” Eden Heilman, legal director for the ACLU of Virginia (which is representing the transgender student in the second round of the Gloucester case), said this Supreme Court action in the Boyertown case is a “victory for trans students because the [lower] court upheld a decision that found trans-inclusive policies do not violate anyone else’s privacy rights.” But she said the ACLU will continue to press the Virginia case “because we are asking the district court to decide schools are not only permitted, but required, to treat trans students equally under the law.” Asaf Orr, Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney for the National Center for

Lesbian Rights, also called this latest Supreme Court action a “major victory” for transgender students. “The vast majority of people in this country support equal treatment of all students, including those who are transgender,” said Orr. “The lawsuit challenging Boyertown’s supportive school policies was a political stunt brought by an anti-LGBTQ organization whose agenda is to strip transgender people of basic legal protections. The lower courts rightly rejected that hateful agenda, and we are relieved that the Supreme Court has allowed their decisions to stand.” Tuesday’s action stood in stark contrast to a long litany of attacks by the Trump administration against transgender people, including students. In May alone, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed revising regulations under the Affordable Care Act that would allow discrimination based on gender identity in health care. Earlier in the month, HHS finalized a rule that would enable healthcare providers to refuse certain services by citing personal religious and moral beliefs. And the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed a rule to allow homeless shelters receiving federal funds to turn away transgender people seeking help. © 2019 Keen News Service. All rights reserved.

NEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 30 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

NEWS

New LGBTQ Coalition Seeks to Hold Politicians Accountable Pride Forum will engage candidates on their pledges and their post-election performance. By LOURDES ZAVALETA

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s Houston heads into its next municipal election, a new LGBTQ advocacy group wants to inform citizens about where the candidates stand on the issues. Pride Forum, a collaboration of queer-led Houston organizations, formed earlier this year to engage local candidates in discussions about how their policy proposals would impact the city’s LGBTQ community. Pride Forum’s inaugural conference, which occurs June 16 at the Council on Recovery, invites City Council District C candidates to answer questions, discuss their history of involvement with the queer community, and outline their plans to address LGBTQ challenges. “We want to gauge candidates’ support or opposition to policies that matter to the LGBTQ community,” Pride Forum founder Brad Pritchett says. “And for candidates who make pledges [and then] go on to get elected, Pride Forum plans to get these folks on record and hold them accountable.” A handful of leaders from Houston’s LGBTQ community, including Fran Watson and Emmett Schelling, have helped Pritchett organize Pride Forum. So far, nine of Houston’s LGBTQ groups have committed to joining. The Faith Leaders Coalition of Houston, Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, Lambda NextGen, OutSmart magazine, Spectrum South, Transform Houston, and the Transgender Education Network of Texas will all help promote

future forums, craft questions for candidates, and provide moderators or participants to represent their organizations. “The reason Pride Forum reached out to other organizations is because we wanted to open up a larger community discussion,” Pritchett says. Pritchett notes that when singer and right-wing activist Anita Bryant brought her anti-LGBTQ bigotry to Houston in 1977, she inadvertently sparked the city’s modern LGBTQ movement by giving queer Houstonians a reason to become visible and engaged beyond the Montrose gayborhood. “For the first time, [the general public] saw how many LGBTQ folks there were in Houston,” Pritchett says. “LGBTQ people started to realize that if we banded together and did more activism, we could make Houston a place that was more welcoming to all.” Unfortunately, the Trump administration has set its sights on robbing LGBTQ people of their right to healthcare, freedom from discrimination, and even the right to serve in the military. The Texas Legislature followed a similar strategy during their last session, where LGBTQ advocates including Pritchett repeatedly testified against bills designed to allow businesses and healthcare providers to discriminate based on their “sincerely held religious beliefs.” Houston’s queer community continues to be at greater risk of suffering from anti-LGBTQ inequality because the city lacks a nondiscrimination ordinance. Pritchett believes that the next municipal election will reveal NEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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whether Houston wants a mayor and city council who are pro-LGBTQ, or who share an agenda that correlates with President Trump’s. Queer people make up approximately 4.1 percent of the total population in Texas, according to the Williams Institute. In Houston, there are nearly 100,000 individuals who identify as LGBTQ. Throughout the years, politicians have learned that the LGBTQ community can be a strong voting bloc whenever they unite for a common cause, Pritchett notes. “Our votes are powerful,” he says, “especially when we vote together.” Pride Forum aims to present three events before the November 2019 election. Following the June 16 discussion with City Council District C candidates, Pride Forum plans to host a conference with Houston mayoral candidates and also meet with other local or national candidates, depending on their availability. Each Pride Forum will be moderated by Houston’s LGBTQ leaders, and community questions will be solicited prior to each event. For questions or more information about Pride Forum, email contact@transformhouston.org, or visit the Transform Houston Facebook page.

Six pro-equality bills received a hearing for the first time. By LOURDES ZAVALETA

he death of 19 discriminatory bills this legislative session is evidence of the growing political support for the LGBTQ rights movement, according to Equality Texas. Equality Texas, a statewide political LGBTQ advocacy organization, said in a May 28 statement that it worked to shut down 20 proposed anti-LGBTQ bills with its partners and legislative allies. Nearly all of these bills were killed—including lieutenant governor Dan Patrick’s priority SB 17 legislation, also known as the “License to Discriminate” bill. The only discriminatory bill that passed was SB 1978, or the “Save Chick-Fil-A” religious

freedom bill, which creates virtually no change in Texas law because religious freedom is already protected. “LGBTQ Texans can now rest a little easier knowing that Dan Patrick and his cadre of anti-equality crusaders won’t have the opportunity to legislate discrimination again until January 2021,” Equality Texas’ interim executive director Samantha Smoot said. Equality Texas gives credit to Texas’ firstever LGBTQ caucus for being major driver of holding the line for equal rights at the Capitol. Caucus founders Mary Gonzales (D-El Paso), Celia Israel (D-Austin), Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton), Jessica Gonzalez (D-Dallas), NEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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TEXAS ACTIVIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

and Erin Zweiner (D-Driftwood) defended Texas’ queer community by pointing out the harm caused by discrimination throughout the 2019 legislative session, which ran from January 8 through May 27. “The new LGBTQ caucus in Texas is a game-changer in the fight for LGBTQ equality,” Smoot said. “For the first time, we have a whole team of strong LGBTQ voices on the floor of the House.” While SB 1978 passed, it is an “empty shell” when it comes to public policy. However, its real impact is an anti-LGBTQ “dog whistle,” Smoot says, since the bill’s intent is to advance anti-LGBTQ messages and discriminatory public policies. “Equality Texas vowed to make passing such dog-whistle bills that encourage LGBTQ discrimination unthinkable,” Smoot said. “We will continue to fight, as we have for the past 30 years, for [LGBTQ] Texans and their families until we secure full equality in the hearts and minds of our fellow Texans, and in all areas of the law.” Equality Texas noted that this session made pro-equality progress to protect LGBTQ Texans, with six bills making it to a hearing for the first time. Those bills are: • HB 517 – a ban on conversion therapy

Rep. Mary Gonzalez (center), chair of Texas’ first LGBTQ Caucus, stood before the group to lead its first press conference at the Capitol in early February. The Caucus seeks to create awareness and advocate for queer Texans by backing pro-equality legislation and eradicating anti-LGBTQ propaganda. proposed by Celia Israel (D-Austin) • HB 85 – protections for consensual sexual conduct between same-sex underage couples proposed by Mary Gonzalez (D-El Paso) • HB 3281 – elimination of the gay/trans panic defense proposed by Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) • HB 2089 – streamlining the process for changing gender markers on official documents proposed by Garnet Coleman (D-Houston)

• HB 244 – statewide nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community proposed by Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) • HB 1513 – adding gender identity to the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act proposed by Garnet Coleman (D-Houston)

For more information about Equality Texas, visit equalitytexas.org.

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LEFT OUT By SUSAN BANKSTON Illustration by BLASE DISTEFANO

That Old-Time Religion The Steeple People are at it again.

’all, we need to talk about the Steeple People. Not the regular followers of the teachings of Christ— you know, the ones who admit to being sinners but try daily to improve their own behavior and not just everyone else’s. Nope, I’m talking about those Super Deluxe Brand Christians, who practice the religion of Tsk! Tsk! Darlin’, they are making me shake so bad that I could thread a sewing machine while it’s running. Texas Republican state senator (cringing already, aren’t you?) Charles Perry of Lubbock has introduced Senate Bill 17, the “God Doesn’t Approve of You” bill. If this bill ever becomes law, when you go to see a doctor or call a plumber, or if a schoolteacher doesn’t “approve” of your child, those state license holders can simply say, “God doesn’t want me to provide you with this service,” and there would be, effectively, no recourse for you. I am a woman of faith. Even so, there are times I ask myself: Where are the lions when we really need them? “It’s not about the here-andnow,” Senator Perry said. “It’s about where we’re all going to spend our eternity.” Honey, we know where you’re going, and we’d advise you to bring a bucket and pray for rain. Last month, vice president Mike Pence was speaking at Liberty University (a place so horrid that your clothes wrinkle when you drive by it) and told that virtuously virgin student body that it’s going to get harder and harder to practice their religious beliefs. Well, Lord, that would be an 38 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

answered prayer. Pence said, “Some of the loudest voices for tolerance today have little tolerance for traditional Christian beliefs. Be ready.” Yes, gimme that old-time religion that says I can refuse to treat gay people if they get sick, own all the slaves I want, force wimmen to just shuddup, and marry my first cousin—because, hey, a little close family bonding doesn’t seem all that wrong. Christians are not being persecuted in America. Every national religious holiday we have is for Christians. The National Cathedral is Christian. Any town in Texas has more churches than dance halls (and I’m not saying that’s a good thing). No U.S. president has been anything other than Christian (present company excepted, although lots of his supporters think he is). We’re not asking the Super Deluxe Brand Christians to give up their 20 pieces of silver. All we’re asking is that they be nice to people and take a bath every so often. Also, let me be crystal-clear about one very important fact: God and Mr. Rogers love us just the way we are. Now that I have that hissy-fit out of my system, there’s more nonsense you should know about: Don’t mess with Texas, y’all, because Texas is messed up enough already. We have an entire state legislature in Austin filled with dumpster possums. Republicans in the Texas Legislature are cognizant of the high probability that even their gerrymandered districts aren’t going to get them elected in 2020. So in an overabundance of overstupidity, they have come up with some ideas. (All of these ideas have the

We Know Where He’s Going

Texas Republican state senator Charles Perry of Lubbock introduced SB 17: where is he going to spend eternity?

weight and trajectory of a turkey feather in a strong breeze, but honey, that ain’t stopping them from summoning all the intellectual stature of a toad frog and leaping over the Constitution of the United States of Damn America.) Here’s their first idea: they have introduced a bill that would make it illegal for anyone to drive more than three elderly, disabled, or poor people to the polls to vote. This would effectively stop retirement homes and churches from toting people to the polls in vans and busses. That means that the bus my 92-year-old momma takes from her retirement apartment to go vote would be illegal, but that same bus taking them to the casino is just fine. Hell, y’all, Momma says voting is a social event and they always stop for lunch at Luby’s cafeteria afterwards. We couldn’t get them to vote by mail because they all just love that carrot salad at Luby’s.

The bill would also eliminate Souls to the Polls, where black churches load up their busses and head to the polls on the last Sunday of early voting. Candidates and community organizers could no longer drive rented busses through poor neighborhoods (many of which lack public transit) to be sure everyone who wants to exercise their right to vote can get to the polls. The Texas legislators who introduced this bill are just mean and racist and don’t love Jesus, so I do not want to hear any more crap about how Christian they are. It’s June, my loves—my birthday month. Please feel free to celebrate in any way you feel is irresponsible and highly irregular. Preferably with a little glitter. Susan Bankston lives in Richmond, Texas, where she writes about her hairdresser at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc., at juanitajean.com.

want to thank Houston’s LGBTQ Community for all the support you’ve given me over the past twenty-seven years as State Representative. It’s a privilege to represent you in Austin. I promise I’ll continue ﬁghting for equality and fairness for LGBTQ Texans.”

Political advertisement paid for by the Garnet Coleman Campaign, Gloria Coleman, Treasurer.

UNAPOLOGETICALLY TRANS By MONICA ROBERTS

Mixed Emotions A bittersweet Stonewall anniversary for the trans community.

his month marks the 50th anniversary of a riot that changed the course of history and sparked a movement. The June 28, 1969, Stonewall riot in New York was triggered by trans, lesbian, and gay folks of color who were tired of repeated police harassment. The Greenwich Village neighborhood where the Stonewall Inn gay bar was located saw three days of violent protests in the streets. That uprising is now celebrated with parades in New York and most other cities around the world. But as this 50th anniversary approaches, we trans folks are feeling mixed emotions about Stonewall. Trans people long ago noticed the irony of our transcestors Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera being celebrated for kicking it off, even as the trans community has not received the benefits from the TBLGQ activism that has been done in their names since 1969. That’s because our biggest trans oppressors have often been the gay-andlesbian-run civil-rights organizations and trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs), rather than the white evilgelicals or the current Republican Party. The anti-trans bathroom meme didn’t start with the right wing, but with former congressman Barney Frank railing about “penises in showers” as he and the HRC tried to keep trans people out of the Employment Non-Discrimi-

JUNE 2019

OutSmartMagazine.com

nation Act. And I still haven’t forgotten the Lesbian/ Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, the proto-organization of Equality Texas, working diligently during the 1999 and 2001 Texas legislative sessions to cut transgender Texans out of the state’s Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. We trans Texans have been trying ever since to be added to the Texas hate-crimes law. Rep. Garnet Coleman has been supporting our efforts as hate crimes against transgender Texans continue to rise. It is still legal to fire a trans person from their job in 34 states, and the Trump misadministration is trying to make that even easier to do. Trump also wants to keep trans people from using homeless shelters, joining the military, and accessing medical treatment. The “trans panic” defense has only been outlawed in California, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Nevada. Because the Republican Party, evilgelicals, and the TERFs are ramping up anti-trans hatred for nefarious political gain, the violence aimed at trans people is on the rise—and black trans women are disproportionately taking the brunt of the attacks. We have lost five black trans women so far this year to anti-trans violence—four of them under age 35. One of those five is 23-year-old

Texan Muhlaysia Booker, who was laid to rest on May 28. She had survived a brutal April 12 assault in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, but was then found shot to death in far-east Dallas last month. And I can’t let you forget my trans Latina sisters Carla Pavon and Nikki Enriquez, who were murdered last year. Trans Latinas such as Roxsana Hernandez are also being abused and disrespected while in ICE custody. Carla Pavon’s case was particularly infuriating because she left Honduras to escape anti-trans violence, only to die here in the United States because of it. I must also take a moment to accentuate the positive things that have been happening in the 50 years that have elapsed since the Stonewall Riots. Trans folks are increasingly getting elected to office, and that includes the state legislatures of Colorado and Virginia. New Hampshire has two trans women serving in their statehouse. Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham, a black trans man and woman, are serving together on the Minneapolis City Council. One of the breakaway hit shows on TV last season was FX’s Pose, and it’s coming back at you for Season 2 on June 11. Pose not only features five main cast members who are trans, CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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Unapologetically Trans | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 but the writing and producing talents of Janet Mock and Our Lady J are behind the camera. We have this amazing generation of trans kids who continue to educate people about our trans lives while unapologetically living their own. And yeah, I need to pop my own collar for a moment. Last month, I became the first trans person to win the Harris County Democratic Party’s Barbara Jordan Breaking Barriers Award. I am also proud to be repping our community for this year’s Houston Pride parade, along with my fellow honorary grand marshals Dee Dee Watters, Atlantis Narcisse, and Ana Andrea Molina. But all four of us do so cognizant of our post-Stonewall history. We are all quite aware that when the Houston parade is over and the downtown street sweepers have cleaned up the last of the trash, we’ll still have much work to do to make the world better for our trans kids and the trans community we serve in various ways. Happy Pride, people.

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Financial Planning in the Face of Dementia

ver the past several decades, life expectancy has been increasing, and it is now longer than ever before. According to the Social Security Administration, an average man reaching age 65 today can expect to live until age 84, while a woman turning 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 86½. With this in mind, we need to make our assets—and in turn, our retirement income— last longer. In addition to paying for added years of living expenses, we need to remember that healthcare costs will also increase as we age. It is estimated that a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2019 will need roughly $285,000 just for healthcare expenses—and this figure doesn’t even include the costs of a long-term care need. Care can be particularly expensive for those who suffer from dementia. While those with dementia are oftentimes physically healthy, an individual can, on average, live for four to eight years after a dementia diagnosis. In some cases, they can survive for 15 to 20 years. While dementia takes a horrible toll on the affected individual, it can also take a toll on the loved ones who provide their care. Many 44 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

A caregiver’s point of view. Baby Boomers today are having to face caring for an aging loved one, and as the Boomer generation also ages, we can expect an increase in caregiver roles. Unfortunately, being a caregiver can inflict a number of physical, mental, social, emotional, and financial consequences. It can be time-consuming, and even require that the caregiver take time off from work. This, in turn, results in lost income. In addition, while most people would prefer to care for a loved one at home, “caregiver burnout” can oftentimes occur. This is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can be accompanied by a change in attitude, fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. Ultimately, an aging loved one may need to move to a skilled-nursing or assisted-living facility. And according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, the average annual cost of an assisted-living facility in the U.S. is $48,000. A skilled-nursing facility is even higher, with an average yearly cost of more than $89,000 for a semi-private room. Although there is still no way to cure dementia, there are ways to plan ahead for a potential caregiving need. And by having a good, solid financial strategy in place, it can

open up a wide range of options for both the patient and the care provider. The Cost of Being a Caregiver Caregiving can take on a number of different forms. For example, it often starts out by simply assisting a spouse or loved one with tasks such as paying bills, scheduling maintenance workers, or driving to doctor appointments. However, as the dementia progresses, it can require much more of a time commitment and financial support from the care provider. In fact, according to AARP’s Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs report, caregivers spend an average of nearly $7,000 per year caring for a cognitively or physically disabled loved one. For many caregivers, in order to cover these added costs, it is necessary to pare back on their own expenses, which can often include cutting out a retirement-savings plan. This, in turn, can cause substantial short- and long-term problems for the care provider. How to Plan Ahead and Control Costs Although most people will need some type of caregiving, there are ways to control both the CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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Money Smart | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 time and the monetary commitments while at the same time ensuring that a loved one receives the best care possible. Today’s advanced technology can provide some solutions for care providers. For instance, in addition to the Life Alert pendant (which is often perceived as being only for “old people”), devices like the Apple Watch are more stylish, can track the wearer, and even send caregivers an alert signal in case of an emergency. Many of the smartphones in use today provide tracking features that a caregiver can access to determine where their loved one is at any time. Similarly, installing in-home security monitors like the Nest camera can help caregivers ensure that their loved one is okay without having to physically be at the same location. Going this route can save a significant amount of time and worry for both the caregiver and their loved ones. In addition, depending on the policy, there are some long-term care insurance options that allow you to use the benefit for any need— including paying for monitoring services for the insured. Other time-saving strategies can include the use of InstaCart for ordering and sending groceries to a loved one’s home without having to actually go to the store. And, if a loved one with cognitive issues is no longer able to drive, relying on services like Uber Eats and Favor can ensure that food is delivered right to their door. These types of services can be particularly beneficial if an individual and their caregiver do not live close to each other. This also helps the caregiver delegate some tasks. Of course, the cost of these services can add up, but they are at least available should the caregiver need assistance with errands. Insurance Coverage for Care and Related Needs One of the better ways to plan ahead for the cost of long-term care is to purchase longterm care insurance. Today’s long-term care insurance policies will typically provide coverage for both in-home and facility-care needs. Many of these plans also offer benefits for non-professional care providers such as spouses, family, or friends. There are several types of long-term care policies available on the market today. These can include plans that pay out benefits based on either a reimbursement or an indemnity method. For instance, a reimbursement-type policy will reimburse the insured for the cost of qualified care, up to a certain daily or monthly dollar amount. Alternatively, an indemnitytype policy will provide a set dollar amount of benefits (based on the daily or monthly figure that is stipulated in the plan), regardless of

how much the insured’s care actually costs. Indemnity-type policies offer more flexibility because once one qualifies for long-term care and has satisfied the elimination period (deductible), benefits will be paid out. There is no need to take funds out of pocket first, apply for reimbursement, or wait for approval from the insurance company. Long-term care insurance plans may also include a respite-care benefit option. This means that care can be provided, and paid for, over a certain number of days or weeks in a long-term care facility while an individual’s caregiver takes a break. In addition to stand-alone long-term care insurance coverage, there are other types of “hybrid” plans that could be considered. For example, some insurance carriers offer a combination life insurance and long-term care plan that will pay out benefits if the insured requires them for care expenses. If no care is needed, a life-insurance benefit will be paid to a beneficiary upon the insured’s passing. It is important to note that in order to qualify for long-term care insurance, the insured must be in relatively good health at the time they apply for the coverage. In other words, an individual who is already showing signs of dementia may not be a good candidate for this type of insurance. Depending on the benefits that are being considered, long-term care insurance can be costly. Even so, this type of policy can end up saving tens of thousands of dollars on future care expenses. With that in mind, it could be well worth it for family members or other loved ones to assist with paying the premiums. Policies are also available that offer a discount for married couples (both same-sex and opposite-sex), as well as for domestic partners. Controlling the Cost of Future Long-Term Care Needs Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both emotionally and financially draining. With the probability that a spouse, parent, or other loved one will need long-term care in the future, it makes sense to put a plan in place now that can help ensure that they—and you— won’t have to dip into savings or other assets to pay the tab. Because there are many different options for controlling the cost of a long-term care situation, it is better to work with a financial professional who is experienced in this area, and who can suggest an appropriate plan for you. Grace S. Yung, CFP , is a certified financial planner practitioner with experience in helping domestic partners plan their finances since 1994. She is a principal at Midtown Financial Group LLC in Houston and was recognized as a “Five-Star Wealth Manager” in the September 2017 issue of Texas Monthly. Yung can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.

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A 40th Anniversary Celebration Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston commemorates four decades of music and Pride. By RICH ARENSCHIELDT | Photo by DALTON DEHART

he Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston expressed an interest, he invited me to join (GMCH) celebrates forty years the group. A year later, James (who had also of music-making with its ancreated the Bayou City Women’s Chorus) asked nual Pride Concert on Saturday me to be the GMCH assistant director.” When evening, June 15th, at 7 p.m. Knapp then left to join Denver’s Rocky Mounat Resurrection Metropolitan tain Arts Association, Clayborne became the Community Church. According to director new GMCH director. Kenneth Clayborne, “This Now in his sixth year of concerts looks back to where leading the chorus, Clayborne we started, but also says someis excited to commemorate the thing musically about where ensemble’s 40th anniversary. “To we are headed in the future.” celebrate this milestone, we are Clayborne, an estabreaching back to the group’s first lished figure in Houston’s concert from Houston’s famed choral-music scene, has been Tower Theater,” Clayborne said. conducting choirs for 33 years “We will perform a piece from and has been the GMCH directhat first show, by composer Dave tor since 2016, succeeding Faber. It’s significant in that it the group’s longtime director, was specifically commissioned Director Kenneth Clayborne James Knapp. for that occasion and sung by our “James and I were fellow music directors predecessors, The Montrose Singers. in Houston and, like many of us, I just wanted The original group was formed (as so sing, without the additional responsibility of many were) in response to a need that existed leading an ensemble. As a native Houstonian, within the community at the time. “In those I had always known about the GMCH, and days there were several men who were seeking James and I were familiar with each other something to do, away from the bar scene,” through our work in local churches. When I Clayborne said. “At that time, gay men tended 48 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

to be more isolated than they are now. Today, there are numerous LGBT artistic and social outlets for men and women, but that wasn’t always the case. Originally, these musicians wanted to be a part of an organization that satisfied them artistically and socially—a tradition that we uphold today. Even in its current form, the group maintains that special ambience—we still sing and socialize together. I think this blend of friendship and musicianship makes the chorus unique amongst Houston’s musical groups.” The group also plans its concerts collaboratively. “Designing a program is a community effort,” Clayborne said. “We have a committee that helps determine what music we perform. There are a number of things we look at when creating a concert. Our two yearly programs— one in December, and our upcoming concerts— are usually a mixture of levity and inspiration. Our June show, of course, highlights Pride, but has a few thought-provoking elements as well. We try to be cognizant of what’s happening around us. Sometimes the chorus will present a specific message or theme that relates to who “we” are, and the world in which we live. That said, our message is always in our music—the best vehicle for us to share with others. “This concert includes a few classically inspired, beautifully wrought works by LGBT composers. ‘This Is Our Time’ is an historically oriented piece by Rich Cook. It’s an anthem that encourages individuals to follow their dreams,” Clayborne said. “Its central message motivates us to stand up and be unapologetic about ourselves—a freedom that’s just as important today as it was 40 years ago. Also on the program is ‘I Am in Need of Music,’ David Brunner’s breathtakingly arranged piece about the importance of music. Additionally, there’s a lovely Pride-themed composition entitled “Color Out of Colorado,” which is a spoof on every state in the nation.” Clayborne notes that GMCH has traveled far since its humble beginnings. “We have performed at Carnegie Hall, collaborated with the Houston Symphony, and have participated in numerous events in the city for years. And still, I love what is at the core of this chorus—I love our comradery. I love it when we work on a piece of music together, especially if it’s challenging, and then during the rehearsal process, each member reaches their own ‘Aha!’ moment. This is when the group fully comprehends what we are about, and then can fully communicate that to others. I love being part of that process.” What: Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston Pride Concert When: Saturday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. Where: Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 W. 11th Street Info: bcpahouston.org

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Doing Parade Right The Ronje Family & Friends By MARENE GUSTIN

f you’re walking the downtown Pride parade route on June 22, look for the two big tents with banners reading “Ronje Family—Celebrating Diversity.” You’ll be more than welcomed, and you might even score some fried

chicken. Herman Ronje, 62, is a Texas native who moved to Houston in 1979. He’s a longtime swimming-pool guy who is a principal with Venture Pool Company, along with his ex-wife, Jane, and two of their sons. It’s very much a family affair—as is their tradition of spending the day at the Houston Pride festival and parade. “It kinda started when the kids were small,” Ronje says, “and I would take our four and all of their neighborhood friends downtown to the Thanksgiving Day parade. We all had fun, but by the time they got to high school they didn’t want to go anymore. So I asked them about going to the Pride parade, and they thought that would be cool.” Every year since 2002, Ronje has rounded up his kids (and now even some grandkids) and made a day of it. “It started off with just a couple of lawn

50 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

chairs,” he says. “But now we have tents and tables and food, and it’s family and lots of friends.” Sometimes as many as thirty people show up. And while it’s all fun and fellowship, their party is also a way to commemorate a sad chapter in Ronje’s family history. “My brother Homer was gay,” Ronje says. “He committed suicide in 1980. I know it was very hard for him back then, being gay and Hispanic. But we didn’t talk about it. My mother always claimed he was engaged, and died in a car accident. I wish I’d known then what I know now about being gay. Things might have been different for him. “I want my family and friends to know we’re all the same. That’s why we do this every year,” he says. “The last thing I want is for someone I love to be gay and afraid.” In 2015, the nighttime Pride parade moved downtown from its original Montrose route on Westheimer Road. The new downtown route runs down Lamar Street to turn on Smith and then back on Walker. The move wasn’t without controversy. “I didn’t like it at first,” admits Ronje. “But it just makes so much sense. It’s not just a neighborhood event anymore, it’s a citywide event.

Now, more people than ever can attend.” For the first few years, the family found a viewing spot near the Hyatt Regency, where they rented hotel rooms for breaks during the day. Now they have a shady spot farther down the route, closer to parking. They still like to rent a hotel room for indoor breaks. “We get here about eight in the morning,” Ronje says. That’s the first piece of advice he gives parade viewers: get there early. Even though the parade doesn’t start until 8:00 p.m., if you want a good spot you need to show up early. “And pace yourself,” he adds. “I’ve seen people wasted by 4:00 p.m., and they wind up missing the parade altogether.” Plan for anything and everything, he emphasizes. Some people spend the day at the neighboring Pride festival in front of City Hall, but for Ronje’s group it’s about making their own festival and celebrating family and diversity. “People we know always drop by,” he says. “We are happy to see them and share. We always have cold drinks, lots of fruit and sandwiches, and fried chicken from Disco Kroger,” he laughs. “That’s been a staple for years.

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Library of Congress Will Preserve Local LGBTQ Online Archive J.D. Doyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s array of archive projects recognized for their historic significance. By BRANDON WOLF

JUNE 2019

OutSmartMagazine.com

QUEER COLLECTOR

J.D. Doyle (pictured) has an impressive assortment of LGBTQ artifacts, and his collection of queer music recordings may be one of the most comprehensive in the world.

he digital projects of Houstonian J.D. Doyle have been selected by the United States Library of Congress as part of their efforts to preserve LGBTQ history. In a message from the Washington D.C. library, Doyle was told: “The United States Library of Congress has selected your website for inclusion in the historic collection of Internet materials related to the LGBTQ+ Studies Web Archive. We consider your website to be an important part of this collection and the historical record.” Doyle says the news came to him out of the blue. “I really didn’t see this coming. I’m excited and honored.” Doyle’s websites were nominated by Meg Metcalf, a librarian for the library’s Women’s, Gender & LGBTQ+ Studies department. Metcalf says: “As a researcher myself, I have found J.D. Doyle’s archive an absolute treasure. I refer researchers to his various sites regularly, as in many cases they are the only online access points for certain primary sources of LGBTQ+ history. And I use it myself often, most recently

DIGITAL DOYLE

After nearly two decades of gathering, digitizing, and sharing history online, J.D.’s websites consitute one of the largest LGBTQ history efforts in the nation.

to access the digitized copies of Vice Versa. I know researchers who have spent hundreds of dollars and traveled hundreds of miles to access copies of Vice Versa. To be honest, I cried a little when I realized that he had digitized the entire run. That’s just how important it is.” The Library of Congress believes online archives are important because they capture

information that could otherwise be lost. Many of today’s newly created documents and images are “born digital” and never printed on paper, so the library is committed to acquiring, cataloging, and preserving digital materials for future researchers to access. The library will collect content from Doyle’s websites at regular intervals over time. ➝

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This collection will be available for viewing at Library of Congress facilities, and could also be included in the library’s public-access website that is available to researchers around the world. Doyle’s impressive array of archive websites includes Houston LGBT History, The Texas Obituary Project, Houston We Have History (the Banner Project), Queer Music Heritage, Female Impersonation, QMH101 (queer music lesson plan), Out Radio, Audio File, Queer Music Heritage Blog, Video Channel, and his daily Facebook history outreach project. After nearly two decades of gathering, digitizing, and sharing history online, Doyle’s websites constitute one of the largest LGBTQ history efforts in the nation. Doyle also has an impressive physical collection of LGBTQ history. His collection of queer music recordings is probably the most comprehensive in the world, and he has amassed an amazing collection of preStonewall drag memorabilia. During that era, drag existed largely as “female impersonation revues” in straight nightclubs. Many dragshow photos, posters, and videos are digitized and can be viewed and heard on his Female Impersonation website. Doyle has organized a board of directors who are entrusted with preserving his archives for future generations. Board members include activists Eric Liston, Sara Fernandez, and Jack Valinski. The Houston LGBT History website is easily navigated, and includes information on nearly every aspect of local LGBTQ history. Among its offerings is a year-by-year display of photos from every Pride parade in the past 40 years. Doyle has also digitized and posted nearly every issue of the This Week in Texas (TWT) magazine. Doyle works tirelessly to locate, digitize, and post information from a wide variety of sources, including local, state, and national publications. His Texas Obituary Project has over 5,000 entries, and has helped countless people find information about friends and relatives lost to the AIDS epidemic. His websites also serve as a magnet for information held by others who are happy to see their memorabilia given a permanent online home. Doyle was honored for his achievements in 2014 when he was elected Male Grand Marshal for that year’s Pride parade. He continues to serve on Pride Houston’s advisory committee comprised of former parade marshals. J.D. Doyle Archives: www.jddoylearchives.org Library of Congress LGBTQ+ Web Studies Archive: www.loc.gov/rr/main/lgbtq/ lgbtqgeneralguide/digitalcollections.html

MOVIES

Wing Man Ralph Fiennes discusses his Nureyev biopic The White Crow. By LAWRENCE FERBER Photo by LARRY HORICKS

alph Fiennes didn’t need a magic spell to bring gay ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev back to life. Instead, the actor/director relied on the talents of Ukrainian dancer-turned-actor Oleg Ivenko in dramatizing a pivotal chapter in Nureyev’s life: the months leading up to his 1961 defection from the Soviet Union at age 23 while he performed with the Kirov Ballet Company in Paris, had affairs with both men and women, and pissed off his oppressive KGB minders. Although famously arrogant, rude, and even abusive, the supremely talented and trailblazing dancer worked in London and Paris for three decades before he died from AIDS complications in 1993. Inspired by Julie Kavanagh’s biography Rudolf Nureyev: The Life, produced by Gabrielle Tana (Philomena) and written for the screen by David Hare (The Hours), The White Crow is Fiennes’ third outing as director. He also appears on-screen as Nureyev’s mentor and instructor, Alexander Pushkin. Fiennes sat down for a one-on-one chat at Manhattan’s Langham Hotel to discuss the film—and how he’ll feel if J.K. Rowling retcons his character Lord Voldemort as gay.

Lawrence Ferber: You focus on a very specific chapter in Nureyev’s life. Did you consider dramatizing other periods as well?

Ralph Fiennes: Nope, it was always very clear to me. Even when I was initially given the first 58 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

five chapters of Kavanagh’s biography that she sent me 20 years ago before it was published, it hit me as a great possibility for a film. His life is interesting, but it was always clear to me that was the story I wanted to tell.

he was totally curious about the whole Western lifestyle and flouted all the rules. David and I believe he wasn’t originally planning to defect. He was just hungry for all these things unavailable in Russia.

You don’t shy away from Nureyev’s arrogance and, frankly, his bitchiness.

Although we see Nureyev with male lovers, sometimes naked, it’s typically an after-thefact sort of situation. Did you consider going even further in explicitly depicting his sex life?

I get really maddened by this sort of anxiety that audiences won’t like somebody if they have a ‘nasty’ side. I don’t think you can take on Nureyev [without revealing that] he was like this. David Hare and I loved embracing this arrogance and narcissism—I call it his jagged edges. I love it when sales agents say the distributors get anxious when he’s rude to the character Clara! There’s a purity to him. He’s totally uncompromising about who he is. That’s what I was drawn to—the will to realize himself, and nothing else matters, other people don’t matter. Just the dance. You present Nureyev’s queer sexuality as a matter of fact, and not a point of big discussion or angst. But was his sexuality considered a threat to the Russians? I think the Russians were paranoid about his total interest in Western lifestyle. When he got to Paris, they were reluctant for him to go. He showed himself to be highly individual and difficult. He disobeyed all the curfew rules, went to cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants, went to see other shows. They were just on his case— maybe about his sexuality, but they could see

It was a bit of a head-scratcher, because the Nureyev we know was clearly very promiscuous and embraced his gay libido without any constraint. Could I have shown more actual sex? Possibly. I suppose I just thought it’s there, and there’s only so much I can get into the film.

You’ve played gay characters before, notably butler Bernard Lafferty to Susan Sarandon’s Doris Duke in the 2006 biopic Bernard and Doris. But have you envisioned any other roles as queer, even if they weren’t necessarily written that way? Did I imagine if roles I played were gay? That’s a good question. The character from The English Patient was meant to be gay, but he wasn’t in the script. Sorry! [Laughs] I’ve always been interested in what I thought was the subliminal gayness in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, my directorial debut. I think Tullus Aufidius’ language is definitely homoerotic. It might not be conscious, but I remember shooting a scene with Jessica Chastain as my wife. He’s lying there and not responding to her, and I don’t ➝

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directorial debut. I think Tullus Aufidius’ language is definitely homoerotic. It might not be conscious, but I remember shooting a scene with Jessica Chastain as my wife. He’s lying there and not responding to her, and I don’t know if that’s because he’s gay or just a man whose sexual drive for his wife has slightly gone. I’m musing.

You first made a major blip on Hollywood’s radar by playing Nazi Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List. Did you get offered a lot of villain roles after that?

I went to Quiz Show right after Schindler’s List. I tended to get offered intellectual villains or f--ked-up intellectuals or weird, cold, dry people filled with moral ambiguity. I suppose it must be something [people see in me], because they had a rundown of J.Lo’s films in The Guardian newspaper and they said about Maid in Manhattan, “One of her more successful films, only let down by the fact that Ralph Fiennes, as her love interest, comes across like a serial killer.” [Laughs]

J.K. Rowling loves retconning her Harry Potter characters, and we now know that Dumbledore is gay and had a thing with Grindelwald. Would you buy it if she also retconned Lord

Voldemort as gay, with a thing for the teenaged Harry Potter? There’s a YouTube video that adds a romantic song to one of the characters’ meetings, after all!

Well, all these things are possible. If she said that about Voldemort, I would go “OK, I can buy that theory.” I wasn’t playing it at the time, though. I had the line “I can touch you now…” [Laughs] Does anyone realize what the undercurrent of this line could be? [Laughs] I was definitely aware.

We’ll see you as M again in the next James Bond film, which is to be Daniel Craig’s last outing. Would you like to continue on as M with whomever they cast next?

I would, yes. I wonder where they’re going to take the franchise, because Daniel has been iconic and successful as Bond.

I keep thinking a “008” film would be amazing, since they could totally go clean-slate with ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. I agree.

Who would you love to see become 008?

Certainly, there’s the big question—a person of color, or a woman. Idris Elba has come up as a very persuasive 008, 007, whatever. But I

Behind the Camera

Fiennes brings gay ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev back to life through the talents of Oleg Ivenko. haven’t thought about it much.

Although it seems like quite a few of your characters die, or are based on real people, are there any you would love to reprise in a sequel?

I suppose I thought for a while that it would be fun to play Mr. Gustav again, from The Grand Budapest Hotel. Or my Maid in Manhattan character, who is a serial killer. That would surprise people!

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60 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

COMMUNITY Photos by DALTON DEHART and EDGARDO AGUILAR

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On May 1, Legacy Community Health held an evening of sips, tips, and shopping at Tenenbaum Jewelers. Pictured are Tim Martinez, Chloe Rushing, Renita Cooksey, Karla Mills, and Cody Dolan.

On May 25, Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) celebrated Blake Weisser’s 100th birthday at the Montose Center. Pictured are (back row): Arden Eversmeyer, Dick Graves, Irv Smith, Pat Rickey, Gail Rickey, Center row: Norma Graves, Rosemary Cloud, (front row): Jane Smith, Jane Gay, and Blake Weisser.

On May 4, The Diana Foundation held its book unveiling celebration at the Westin Houston Memorial City. Pictured are Dan Maxwell, John Heinzerling, Tanner Williams, and Brandon Wolf.

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MAY 2019

| OutSmartMagazine.com

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Important Facts About DOVATO

This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and treatment. What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection. • Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HIV-1 and HBV infection, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone. ° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver. What is DOVATO? DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults: who have not received antiretroviral medicines in the past,and without known resistance to the medicines dolutegravir or lamivudine. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in children. Who should not take DOVATO? Do Not Take DOVATO if You: • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir or lamivudine. • take dofetilide. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection. • have kidney problems. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. ° You should not take DOVATO if you are planning to become pregnant or during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine if you are planning to become pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, you should consistently use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment with DOVATO.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: (cont’d) • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO. ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk. ° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with DOVATO. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines. What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO? DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO?” section. • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing. • Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver problems.” You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female or very overweight (obese).

Learn more about Alphonso and DOVATO at DOVATO.com

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SO MUCH GOES INTO WHO I AM HIV MEDICINE SHOULD BE THE LEAST OF IT. Reasons to ask your doctor about DOVATO: DOVATO can help you reach and then stay undetectable* with just 2 medicines in 1 pill. That means fewer medicines† in your body while taking DOVATO You can take it any time of day with or without food (around the same time each day)—giving you flexibility DOVATO is a once-a-day complete treatment for adults who are new to HIV-1 medicine. Results may vary. *Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood to very low levels (less than 50 copies per mL). † As compared with 3-drug regimens.

ALPHONSO‡ Living with HIV

What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO (cont’d)? • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking DOVATO. • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; diarrhea; nausea; trouble sleeping; and tiredness. These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Where Can I Find More Information? • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling. Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

Compensated by ViiV Healthcare

‡

Could DOVATO be right for you? Ask your doctor today.

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An introduction to OutSmart’s June issue

ride Month is finally here, and this

Grand Marshals—transgender women of color Ana

year’s LGBTQ celebration marks

Andrea Molina, Atlantis Narcisse, Dee Dee Watters,

the 50th anniversary of the

and Monica Roberts—start on page 68.

Stonewall Riots in New York City. Pride Houston pays homage to the

seminal event that kicked off the Gay Rights Movement, along with other landmark events of 1969, by naming the city’s 41st annual parade “Summer of ’69.”

Pride Houston’s official guide to the Houston LGBT Pride Celebration can be found on pages ®

132–148. We’d also like to point out that this year’s Pride grand marshals (our June cover stars) are the most diverse in Pride Houston’s history. Queer activist Harrison Guy is the first African-American man to be named Male Grand Marshal, and GLBT Political Caucus president Mike Webb is the firstever Gender Non-Binary Grand Marshal. Profi le stories on Guy and Webb, along with Female Grand Marshal Shannon Baldwin, Ally Grand Marshal Alan Rosen, and pieces on this year’s Honorary

ILLUSTRATION IMAGES BY DIANA DAVIES

OUTSMART launches a new series this month called Pride in the Media, an ongoing collection of articles profi ling local LGBTQ media personalities and ally representatives of queer-affirming news outlets. We kick off this new series by highlighting eight Houston reporters who are pushing for queer visibility and acceptance. And don’t miss this month’s articles on the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston turning 40, the Houston Health Department’s first-ever HIV prevention campaign that reaches out to African-Americans and Latinos, a collection of Pride items for purchase, and more. We hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we loved writing them. Lastly, from the OUTSMART staff to all of our

Ha ppy Pride!

readers, advertisers, and friends . . .

OutSmartMagazine.com

JUNE 2019 67

Pride Houston’s 2019 Female Grand Marshal

SHANNON BALDWIN Harris County’s first openly lesbian African-American judge. By BRANDON WOLF Photo by ASHKAN ROAYEE

hannon Baldwin, 49, is Houston’s 2019 Female Pride Grand Marshal. After pursuing career opportunities in Atlanta for years, the native Houstonian eventually returned to her hometown. “Nothing is better than being in your hometown—and being celebrated in your hometown,” she says. Part of the reason she moved away was a feeling of not belonging. But that has all changed.

Growing Up in Houston

Baldwin and two younger siblings were raised in the ’70s by a single mother who worked for the local phone company. “My mother ran the gamut. She began as an operator, worked installing phones and climbing poles, and eventually moved into management.” Her father, who worked in the chemical-engineering field, became a part of her life again after college. Baldwin attended Berry Elementary School, Kirby and Cunningham middle schools, and began high school at North Shore before transferring to Barbara Jordan High School. At North Shore, Baldwin had played basketball, volleyball, and ran track. Although the Barbara Jordan magnet school had no sports and was entirely academic, Baldwin did join the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) drill team for three years. “I had a teacher who was very instrumental in steering me toward political science. She saw my potential, and took an interest and encouraged me.”

Gaining a Law Degree

After high school, Baldwin went into the Army 68 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Reserves, reporting for basic training at the Fort Dix Army post in New Jersey. Baldwin liked serving her country, as well as the military discipline and the traditions surrounding military uniforms. At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, Baldwin majored in law enforcement and police science, and eventually took a part-time job as a prison security guard. “I never felt so small in my life. I can still see [those hallways filled with prisoners in their cells]. I felt so helpless in such a big system.” Baldwin’s college ROTC involvement consumed most of her extracurricular activity, but she did join the Delta Sigma Theta sorority that was founded in 1913 at Howard University. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. But Baldwin knew she really wanted to go to law school, so she enrolled at the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, graduating with honors three years later. During her third year of law school, Baldwin began serving as a prosecutor in a district misdemeanor court. She continued to serve there for another year after graduation before opening her own law firm that specialized in criminal, family, and entertainment law.

Back Home to Houston

In 1999, Baldwin moved to Taylor, Texas, near Abilene, to work in the district attorney’s office as a prosecutor. “It was a small town, and I went into culture shock. I was the only African-American in the courthouse,” she says. A year later, she returned to big-city life in Houston and set up her own law firm that practiced criminal and family law. Houston also made it easier to practice her Islamic faith as part of the city’s large Muslim population.

Baldwin came out in 1995. “It was traumatic,” she says. “In hindsight, I knew I was gay but didn’t start to accept it until my late 30s.” Although her family took the news well, “Parents always have to have a grieving period for the life they had hoped for us.” Baldwin now has a foster daughter named Miracle, whom she plans to adopt. “She has lived with me since she was six days old. She is now 21 months.”

The Harris County Courts’ Blue Wave

In 2016, Baldwin made the decision to run for office as a judge in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law, after several people urged her to run. “I hadn’t quite considered it. I was trying to grow a practice and brand myself here.” But Baldwin had become frustrated with the Republican judges that were then in the majority. “I knew I could be a better judge—and be fair. It was a really big decision to make, and you have to speak truth and be all in. If you lose, there is a target on your back at the courthouse. I had to have the mindset that I would win.” On November 6, 2016, the Harris County judicial system was swept by the Democrats. All 55 Republican candidates lost, and Harris County now had a majority-blue court system. “It was very surreal. It’s one thing to run, and another to win. It was like a dream,” Baldwin says. Baldwin and several other judicial candidates held their election watch-party at The Address. “Every time results were posted, people were clapping. The numbers were huge. Harris County really came out in numbers, screaming for change.” By the end of the evening, the Democrats completely controlled the county courthouse, ending decades of Republican domination. ➝

“I KNEW I COULD BE A BETTER JUDGE— AND BE FAIR. IT WAS A REALLY BIG DECISION TO MAKE, I HAD TO HAVE THE MINDSET THAT I WOULD WIN.” — Shannon Baldwin

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 69

SHANNON BALDWIN | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“I was floating through the party that night, trying to grasp the enormity of it.” During the campaign, Baldwin became one of the “Houston 19” group of female AfricanAmerican judicial candidates. “We didn’t realize at first that we were all running, until we kept running into each other at candidate meetings. But we knew that there was an African-American female voting trend across the U.S.” “Black women reached out to their mothers, sisters, aunts, and cousins. We never had a lot of money, but we had growing support.” After taking note of a group picture showing all of the black female judges running in Atlanta, the Houston women pitched the “Houston 19” photo idea to Harris County Democratic Party chairperson Lillie Schechter, who then hired an aide to work exclusively with AfricanAmerican women. The now-iconic photo was taken on a Saturday morning in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law building at Texas Southern University. Everyone was told to wear black-andwhite wardrobe accessories. “It took about two hours to get everyone together and posed.” The

70 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

photo became a huge hit on Twitter, with the hashtag #Houston19. When all 19 women won, the photo trended even higher. “The first day of work, I walked around a lot just to see all the other women in their courtrooms. And then I noticed they were looking in my window, or coming in to sit for a while. It was so much to take in.” “When my name is announced as I enter the courtroom, I always smile,” Baldwin admits. After 20 years on the other side of the bench, she is in her element in the judge’s seat. Baldwin has a staff of five, whom she loves. “They all reflect the openness and understanding that we want to project. There is a ‘new normal’ in the Harris County Courts these days.” The court system’s new Democratic majority ended a lawsuit begun by their Republican predecessors to prevent the bail-bond system from being reformed. “Poor people were in jail for excessive amounts of time, awaiting trial. They lost their jobs, houses, and families. Now, most people are released on personal recognizance for lower-level misdemeanors.” Baldwin says that she watches the faces of the defendants who appear before her.

“African-American women definitely look more relaxed when they see me. And quite often, they come up during a recess and tell me how proud they feel, seeing me on the bench.”

Becoming a Houston Pride Marshal

Baldwin says that when she agreed to let a friend nominate her for this year’s female Pride marshal, she only knew that it was an “important” LGBTQ community tradition. “My supporters told me what to do—when and where to show up.” This year’s marshal announcement event occurred on Baldwin’s birthday. Since she had to travel out of town and miss the announcement, she made a video that could be shown to the crowd in case she won. Baldwin followed the announcement event on Facebook Live, and admits that it was yet another surreal moment when she won. “It was really the icing on the cake,” she says. Commenting on all of the other African-American marshals who were elected this year, Baldwin says, “I never realized the true impact of diversity until that night. It’s a great sense of not being alone and actually belonging.”

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Pride Houston’s 2019 Male Grand Marshal

HARRISON GUY LGBTQ activist takes pride in his role as a community bridge-builder. By BRANDON WOLF | Photo by ASHKAN ROAYEE

arrison Guy, Houston Pride’s 2019 Male Grand Marshal, has lived a life built around community involvement. “I was raised to give back to my community, and to take on leadership roles. Community has been the cornerstone of my life,” he says. The 42-year-old is being honored this month for his involvement in Houston’s LGBTQ community. Guy is now the first black male grand marshal in the 41-year history of Houston’s Pride celebrations.

Early Years

Guy was born in La Marque, Texas, in 1976. He has two sisters and two brothers, and his young mother’s parents adopted and raised Guy and his older sister. “They were incredible parents,” Guy says. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” Guy attended La Marque public schools from kindergarten through his senior year. “School, for me, was about creative things. I was involved in numerous performance activities—theater, choir, marching band,” he recalls. He played the trumpet and tuba in the band, and admits that he would love to join Houston’s Pride Band. “But I’m so busy as it is.” Guy says that he knew he was gay early on—and so did others, so he never really had to “come out.” “My family was very supportive. They didn’t make me feel different,” he says, giving credit to his grandmother. “She was a strong woman and a great humanitarian—always looking out for other people.” Guy says his relationship with his birth mother and his other two siblings was a good one. “Mother wasn’t always present, but she was always there emotionally.” His maternal grandfather worked in the Houston shipyards, and his grandmother was a cook and domestic worker. “I grew up in a very communal environment. We were taught to see the good in everyone,” he says. 72 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Guy can claim another “first” besides his 2019 Houston Pride title. As his high school’s class president during his senior year, he convinced the school that they should add a homecoming-king election to the annual fall event. He was then elected as the first homecoming king, and that contest is now a tradition at the school. A more sobering tradition at La Marque High School was the segregated senior dances—one for whites and one for blacks. Guy worked to combine the two events into one. “We’d been in school together for 12 years, and for one night of our senior year they were separating us,” he remembers. Changing this long-standing racist custom taught Guy how one person’s voice can make a difference.

Wider Horizons

Guy enrolled at Prairie View A&M in 1995, majoring in music with the goal of becoming a band teacher. Since he was already showing a talent for modern dance, his college mentor suggested he go to New York City to study dance. Following that, he continued his dance studies in Chicago and Dallas. Guy finally decided to settle down in Houston in 2001, teaching dance in various Houston Independent School District schools. He is a founding member of the Exclamation Dance Company, where he danced for five years. He also danced with Dance Fusion before starting his Urban Souls Dance Company in 2004. He now teaches dance at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Guy enjoyed going to Houston’s popular black gay clubs Uptown/Downtown, Rascals, and Bartini. “Some black clubs were only open on Saturdays, so I partied there but went to mainstream bars on the other days.” He recalls that some of those mainstream clubs still had racist edges, even in the new millennium. “We could get past the door, but sometimes the service was bad for blacks. When it became really

obvious, we had to call out some bartenders.”

Becoming an Activist

Guy entered the Houston LGBTQ activist scene in 2005 as an analyst and program developer for an HIV-prevention agency that did outreach work among black gay men. The project was headed by Joseph Gathe, a doctor whose work with Houston’s LGBTQ community goes back to the worst days of the AIDS epidemic. When that project closed down due to a funding loss, Guy went to work with Splash, the Houston black gay-pride celebration. “Blacks didn’t feel recognized or included in the celebration by the larger community, so Splash emerged to fill the gap. It will be 24 years old this year,” he says. In 2005, Guy joined the Houston chapter of Delta Phi Upsilon, a fraternity for black males. The following year he met Adrian Homer, a special-education teacher, through the fraternity. They became engaged in 2016 and were married in the University of Houston campus chapel. From 2008 to 2016, Guy managed the business office at Houston Baptist University. He then joined the University of Houston’s administrative staff, working in finance.

Taking on Leadership Roles

“I was working the black gay activist space, but when Houston City Council member Jolanda Jones came to speak to our fraternity, we asked her how we could do more. She suggested joining the Houston GLBT Political Caucus—she felt it was the perfect place to learn politics. We all joined.” In 2016, Guy was nominated to be a member of Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. The board was created as a response to the Pulse nightclub massacre, and has 49 members (signifying the number of lives lost in the Orlando tragedy). Guy had been learning about electoral politics in the GLBT Political Caucus,➝

“THE COMMUNITY IS GRAPPLING WITH DIVERSITY AND MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. CHANGE IS HARD, BUT CHANGE IS GOOD.” — Harrison Guy

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 73

HARRISON GUY | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

and now he was able to learn about a wide range of community issues. He first served as chairperson of the board’s communications committee, and then co-chaired the board with Melanie Pang. This year he became the board’s chairperson. “It’s a pretty big commitment,” he says. “But it’s the most diverse group of people I’ve ever worked with, so we get lots of great ideas put forth.” In 2016, Guy spoke at the first-anniversary rally to commemorate the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Activist Brian Riedel approached him afterwards and asked if he knew about Charles Law, a black gay activist in Houston in the 1970s and ’80s. Riedel mentioned an archive recording of Law speaking at the 1979 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, and told Guy that he sounded a lot like Law. Guy found the recording online and was “blown away” by Law’s rousing speech that touched on racism and classism within the LGBTQ community. “He was so far ahead of his time, and so truthful,” Guy says. The speech prompted Guy to honor Law’s memory by founding the Charles Law Community Archive at the Gregory School. The project

will document Houston’s black LGBTQ history, and has begun to receive historic material from Houston’s black LGBTQ community. “When stories are unspoken, people are invisible. Black LGBTQs have always been in the community, but no one sees them,” Guy says. “The new archive will be a bridge of awareness for the community.” Guy is now working through Gatekeepers (a nonprofit he founded last year as “a hub for black social activity and activism”) to establish an LGBTQ historical marker in Montrose. The plaque will describe the importance of the 1920s neighborhood to the evolution of Houston’s LGBTQ community. He is grateful that he can use the mayor’s advisory board as a launching pad for such community heritage projects. Most recently, Guy facilitated a panel discussion with Pete Buttigieg when the gay presidential candidate was in town for a public fundraising event. Buttigieg met with black LGBTQ leaders to discuss issues that concern black LGBTQ voters.

Making Pride History

Guy is proud to be the first black male elected

as a Houston Pride grand marshal. “When Fran Watson won in 2016, I did some research on how many black females had been a marshal. I looked for black male marshals, and could find none. I thought I had to be missing something.” After he was nominated, people confirmed that he would be the first black male marshal if he won. Guy says he was truly surprised when his name was announced as the winner. “I was so pleased that all the hard work of so many people in so many communities—even the straight black community—paid off.” As usual, he is looking to use this honor to build bridges. Of the strong African-American showing in this year’s Pride marshals lineup, Guy notes that “it’s a signal of what happens when we allow diversity to happen.” Looking ahead, Guy says he wants to see young people being honored as Pride marshals. “We’ve never had a young marshal, and they feel left out. They are part of our community, too. Intergenerational bridges are important. The community is grappling with diversity and moving in the right direction. Change is hard, but change is good.”

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5/16/19 12:17 PM

Pride Houston’s 2019 Ally Grand Marshal

ALAN ROSEN Constable Rosen is a longtime supporter of Houston’s LGBTQ community. By BRANDON WOLF | Photo by ASHKAN ROAYEE

lan Rosen, Houston’s 2019 Ally Pride Marshal, says he is an optimist. “I wake up happy in the morning with a purpose in life. I try to find the best in people, and I am a believer in second chances. Yes, I’ve had setbacks in life, but they have made me who I am,” Rosen says. He thinks people need to laugh more every day. At 51 years of age, Rosen’s optimism is still strong. He administers one of the largest and most diverse constable precincts in the nation, and works to make his office reflect the nearly one million citizens he serves in Harris County’s Constable Precinct 1. That precinct includes Houston’s LGBTQ community, which he has long been an advocate for.

A Native Houstonian

Rosen was born in 1968 at Methodist Hospital. He has an older brother and younger sister, and his father died at the age of 38 from leukemia when Rosen was only 9. He says it was traumatic, but “I had a strong mother, and it shaped me into who I am today.” Rosen has always had a diverse group of friends, many of whom are still his closest confidantes. His maternal grandfather owned 46 toy stores throughout Texas, operating under the names Playhouse Toys, Toy Maker, and Game Player. “I had a Lionel train set that was over the top—it took up nearly a whole room.” The toy stores were a family affair, and at age 14 Rosen started working summers loading trucks in the warehouse before advancing through inventory, buying, and sales. “It was a good idea for me to buy, since I knew what kids my age wanted.” The business was eventually sold in the mid-1980s. After the sale, Rosen’s mother started a beauty-supply company. “I began to meet a lot of LGBTQ [clients] through her business,” he remembers. 76 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Growing up, Rosen attended Kolter Elementary and Fondren Middle School. He then started at Bellaire High School, but graduated from Westbury High. Rosen played high-school sports with a passion—football, baseball, swimming, golf, and racquetball. “If there was a sport, I played it,” he says. “My mom had a lot of games to go to!” Rosen enrolled at the University of Houston and graduated with a criminal-justice degree. “I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, and felt that understanding law enforcement should be a part of that education.” In his youth, he had always had a lot of older friends who were lawenforcement officers. In 1990, Rosen began working as a deputy in the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, in charge of maintaining peace and order in the county jail. When Houston banker Paul Broussard was murdered in 1991 while walking back to his car from a Montrose nightclub, Rosen volunteered to patrol that area to help prevent another tragedy. In 1992, Rosen began what would be a series of businesses that included a reverseosmosis water-processing venture, several real-estate holdings, and a specialty chemical company. Rosen also joined the local law-enforcement reserves part-time and was commissioned by the State of Texas, serving without remuneration. In 1995, Rosen married a girl he had known since he was 13. They now have three children—a 20-year-old daughter studying at the University of Alabama, and 17-year-old twins.

Thriving on Diversity

In 2012, Rosen’s predecessor, Precinct 1 constable Jack Abercia, retired from his position. It was a natural fit for Rosen to run for office since he had always been connected to law enforcement and politics. His father-in-law, Richard Schechter, served as the U.S. ambas-

sador to the Bahamas under President Clinton. His wife’s cousin, Lillie Schechter, currently chairs the Harris County Democratic Party. “I ran against eight other candidates,” Rosen says. “I had a good story and business experience. I have the compassion, and I love to interact with people in different communities.” Rosen was able to communicate that message, and voters found him to be the best choice. Rosen says his watch-party on election night was a very happy event. “All kinds of people came together from all walks of life, religious faiths, races, and sexual orientations.” In 2016, Rosen won re-election for another four years. He will run again in 2020. Rosen oversees the nation’s second-largest constable’s office. “It’s the most diverse constable precinct in Harris County—from River Oaks mansions to the most impoverished areas, and all in between. It’s a melting pot that makes Houston so great.” The precinct runs from Bellaire in the south up to West University and River Oaks, then farther north through Spring Branch and almost up to Intercontinental Airport, over to Kashmere Gardens on the east, and including all of downtown and Midtown. The Precinct 1 office services more than 850,00 people, and Rosen manages 563 employees. “I brought a diverse group of people into the office, and it mirrors the community it serves.” The office has jurisdiction both in Houston and in Harris County’s unincorporated areas. They handle robberies, DWI arrests, assaults, sexual assaults and serving mentalhealth and juvenile warrants. Rosen’s office also provides bailiffs for Justice of the Peace courts, and is responsible for security in the downtown courthouses. Additionally, the office handles environmental investigations, animal-cruelty reports, Internet crimes against children, and human trafficking. ➝

“I BROUGHT A DIVERSE GROUP OF PEOPLE INTO THE OFFICE, AND IT MIRRORS THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.” — Alan Rosen

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The work fascinates Rosen. “I have a very compassionate side,” he says. “I like to study people and the human condition.” Rosen especially enjoys the communityoutreach part of his job. He sponsors an annual teen leadership summit for 900 at-risk juveniles. “We want to keep them from falling into the juvenile or criminal systems,” he says. The teens tell Rosen first-hand what they don’t like about law enforcement. They ask questions, and he provides straight answers. “If we don’t change the narrative with kids, they will continue disliking law enforcement and not bonding with us. We want to break down barriers.” The office is constantly working on new programs, such as the new rape-prevention classes that teach women—and men—how to defend themselves. One such class for the LGBTQ community is now offered at the Montrose Center.

A Sea-Change in Law Enforcement

Rosen has seen an amazing evolution in Houston law enforcement agencies since he was a teenager. “The kind of stuff that could occur

back then would not be even close to tolerated today. There is a whole new crop of police, across the board.” He credits better education of law-enforcement personnel with the changes. In order to work in his office, recruits must complete a minimum of 32 hours of lawenforcement classroom work. Precinct 1 was the first to deploy body cameras on all officers. Supervisors also audit officers to see how they are relating to the community, and Rosen requires his officers to have at least two interactions with the public per hour. Rosen has many openly LGBTQ employees, and his office was the first to have a Latino assistant chief and a female African-American lieutenant. “It’s sad that we still have to have firsts,” he says, but he is determined to make his group truly reflective of the communities it serves. The only nightclubs Rosen allows his officers to work are the LGBTQ clubs. They are visible outside the clubs during peak hours in order to ward off potential anti-gay assaults. During the annual Pride parade, Rosen brings out two high-water rescue vehicles that

the crowds love. In addition, scores of his supporters march with the Precinct 1 group. “We have lots of fun celebrating equality.” he says. Rosen also opens his house once each year for a political fundraiser benefiting the Houston GLBT Political Caucus.

The Honor of Being an Ally Marshal

Rosen says he felt very excited when he won— not so much for himself, but for the statement it will make. “I want people to know that law enforcement stands with the Houston LGBTQ community and that they have an ally in me, personally and professionally. I purposely wanted to be there at the announcement party in my uniform. Precinct 1 is determined to help change the image of local law enforcement.” And with Rosen, what you see is what you get. “I’m exactly who I am. The community can turn to me with any problem, and I will do everything I can to solve it,” he says. Rosen is the second law-enforcement officer to be elected a Houston Pride ally grand marshal. Jack Abercia, his predecessor as Harris County’s Precinct 1 constable, was named a Pride marshal in 1996.

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Pride Houston’s 2019 Gender Non-Binary Grand Marshal

MIKE WEBB Their life of perseverance pays off. By BRANDON WOLF | Photo by ASHKAN ROAYEE

ike Webb has seen a Webb first attended Mike Webb uses the lot in just 32 years of St. Mary’s Catholic School gender non-binary living—the trauma of in the Third Ward. Then pronouns they, domestic abuse, the came Key Middle School their, and them. loneliness of alienfor two years. When ation, and the sting Webb wrote a love letter of racism. But these to another 7th-grade challenges have also been the catalyst for selfmale student, word got around and Webb was examination, discovery, and empowerment. jumped and pushed down a stairway. “I got to a As the first recipient of Pride Houston’s point where I was scared every day, and knew I new Gender Non-Binary Grand Marshal had to transfer out.” award, Webb contemplates this honor with a Key Middle’s instructors felt there wasn’t laugh: “I’m a queer freaking out.” enough challenge for Webb, and suggested they apply to Chinquapin Preparatory School near the Houston Ship Channel in Highlands. The Growing Up in Houston school provides high-quality college-prepaWebb was born in Houston in 1987 to young ratory education to able and motivated youth parents—a mother who was 19 and a father from underserved families. who was 20. They had met at Yates High Webb attended grades 8 through 12 there, School in the Third Ward, and both went on to living with other male students in the campus join the military before divorcing when Webb dorm. “I was a weird kid, skipping physical was in the first grade. Although Webb’s father education and hiding under a desk to read didn’t complete high school, Webb’s mother Harry Potter,” Webb remembers. went on to earn two master’s degrees in liberal While at Chinquapin, Webb was editor of arts and psychology. the school newspaper, a student government Webb recalls a father who was “wellrepresentative, and eventually a dorm captain meaning, but he had to face a ton of challenges for the middle-school students, supervising including an addiction to alcohol and drugs.” their daily routine and resolving any conflicts Webb has a younger brother, and they were that arose. often forced to see their mother abused physiWebb was especially interested in social cally and emotionally. movements, observing that “politics can help Webb’s mother always had “at least two people who don’t have a voice.” After coming full-time jobs” in order to ensure the boys out to close friends and the school adminiscould attend a private school, “because she tration, Webb wrote an op-ed for the school knew the systemic obstacles we would have paper, using anonymous quotes from LGBTQ to overcome in order to be successful.” Webb students who described the anti-gay encounremembers how they would catch the bus after ters they had endured at the school. The article school to spend time with their grandmother prompted officials to investigate their policies until Mom could pick them up, usually after 10 and make changes. Webb saw how that effort p.m. “For the most part, my brother and I knew had created change, which sparked a deep we had to take care of each other, no matter interest in becoming a political activist. what.” 80 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Moving Out West

Webb chose to leave Houston and attend Reed College in Portland, Oregon. “I didn’t grow up in an accepting family. At church, I would routinely hear anti-gay rhetoric. Going to college outside Houston made me independent from that. Reed was a safe place for LGBTQ students. I’d been fighting intolerance all my life, so I wanted to be somewhere that I didn’t have to [do that anymore]. Everyone at Reed seemed to know I was gay when I arrived. Word got around, and that made it so easy to be out.” Webb earned a degree in political science, feeling that government is the primary way to change lives. “Reed had genderless bathrooms in 2005—but my blackness was not equally accepted,” they remember. Webb’s faculty mentor suggested a transfer to the historically black Howard University in Washington D.C. “He felt I needed to be reminded of my strengths.” Webb fell in love with Washington, “and with myself as a black person.” Webb secured a part-time internship with Houston congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, worked in the Howard bookstore, and had a full-time student course load. Webb then returned to Reed for their senior year and graduated.

Gravitating to Public Service

Webb moved back to Washington after college to begin working as a legal aide at a boutique law firm focusing on family law. They stayed on in D.C. for three more years, hoping to get a job on the Hill. Although that opportunity never materialized, Webb was able to begin building a professional network. Then in 2010, a job opened in Mayor Annise Parker’s administration for a VISTA volunteer. “I was very motivated, because I wanted to ➝

“MANY PEOPLE FEEL STRONGLY CONNECTED TO ONE GENDER, BUT I’M NOT CONNECTED TO EITHER. BEING NONBINARY CAN TRANSLATE INTO DIFFERENT THINGS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE.” — Mike Webb

Color Wheel Umbrella by Streamline Imagined at the Contemporary Arts Museum store OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 81

MIKE WEBB | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

have an impact and felt I could. This was right at the time I learned I was living with HIV, and it made me very serious about doing something meaningful. I helped 200 kids to better prepare for college—something that never would have happened without the program.” Webb found returning to Houston exciting. “When I left Houston I was not empowered, but it was exciting to return and re-experience my life.” After the year with VISTA, Legacy Community Health offered Webb a job in its public-health group. “It’s the longest job I’ve ever held—five years. I loved the culture there, and seeing lives changed in front of my eyes.” In 2016, Webb went to work as an aide to Texas state senator Sylvia Garcia. The job was based in Houston, but Webb lived in Austin during the legislative session and traveled home to serve on the board of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. When Garcia became a U.S. congresswoman, Webb began working for Harris County commissioner Rodney Ellis. In 2018, Webb became president of the Caucus, and won a second term this year.

Accepting a Non-Binary Identity

Coming to grips with being non-binary took

time for Webb. “It was a part of myself I never accepted. Mentally and emotionally, I wasn’t a man. To simplify, I don’t identify with any gender in binary (male and female) terms. I am somewhere on that spectrum. Many people feel strongly connected to one [gender, but] I’m not connected to either. Being non-binary can translate into different things for different people.” At first, Webb sort of shrugged off their feelings about gender, thinking “I’m just weird.” But that changed when they listened to Landon Richie, a young trans man, testify against the Texas bathroom bill two years ago. “He was so powerful and inspirational. Being non-binary was a part of myself I never accepted. But I thought if Landon can fight for his targeted community, I need to accept myself. I already have so many layers that I have to fight for—why add one more?” But after self-reflection, and being around people who were fighting to allow transgender people to be who they are, Webb felt that “I need to be an advocate for myself.” Webb says that even if people don’t understand the non-binary concept, they can still be respectful. “I feel more free when I’m not referred to as male or female. Pronouns are important—it’s like coming out of the closet

again. I just ask that people remember the moment they finally learned to love themselves as LGBTQ. That’s how it feels for me to be nonbinary. It’s a final step of freedom.”

History in the Making

Webb is aware that being Houston’s first gender non-binary Pride marshal is historic. Just hearing that Pride Houston was considering a new non-binary mashal category nearly brought Webb to tears. “One of largest LGBTQ organizations in the South is recognizing nonbinaries. How powerful is that!” Webb felt very validated when they won this year’s new marshal title. “I like to think of the intersectional coalition that voted for me. It pierced right through the progressive bubbles we operate in.” Webb also thanks Becca ColtMeier (also a 2019 non-binary nominee) for paving the way. Webb is happy to be part of “a great team of marshals,” and is also impressed by this year’s African-American representation. Webb has not always felt accepted and loved within many of the community’s sub-groups. “This is first time in my life I feel accepted. It appears that the tide is turning.”

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Local Trans Women of Color are 2019’s

HONORARY GRAND MARSHALS Their selection honors the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. By BRANDON WOLF Photos by ASHKAN ROAYEE

his year’s honorary Pride marshals are four Houston trans women of color who have been making a difference in the lives of other local trans women of color: Ana Andrea Molina, Atlantis Narcisse, Dee Dee Watters, and Monica Roberts. By choosing to honor these four Houstonians, the committee of former Pride marshals pays tribute to the trans women of color who are credited with initiating the Stonewall Inn civil-rights rebellion in 1969: Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie. This year’s “Summer of ’69” Pride theme looks back 50 years to three seminal events from the 1960s—Stonewall, the NASA moon landing, and Woodstock. ➝

84 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

HONORING THE TRANS WOMEN OF STONEWALL

Houston trans women of color Monica Roberts, Ana Andrea Molina, Atlantis Narcisse, and Dee Dee Watters. OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 85

HONORARY GRAND MARSHALS | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Ana Andrea Molina Ana Andrea Molina remembers feeling different by age 5, relating more to feminine personality traits. She especially enjoyed imitating the great Latina singers who made her feel the intensity of their passion. One day, Molina’s mother discovered that Molina was dressed in her sister’s clothes, and hit her. Molina went to church every Sunday to ask God for forgiveness. Then at age 18, after two suicide attempts, Molina left the closet. She had given up asking God to change her, and wondered if there was a pill that could do the job. Talking with her mother did not resolve the issue, so Molina left home. Molina says that she grew up thinking of trans women as sex workers. Alone and without a job, she learned how to work the streets. “Life was very hard, and that is why many of us talk about the [desperate situations] from which we came,” she says. But neither the danger nor the violence could stop her, now that she had found her true self. In 2015, tired of racism and transphobia, she organized, Organización Latina de Trans en Texas (OLTT), a non-profit empowerment and leadership group for Latinas. She expected 15 women at the first meeting, but 50 showed up. In 2017, Molina traveled to Austin to fight against SB6 (the “bathroom bill”) and SB4 (the bill banning sanctuary cities in Texas). She introduced herself to the legislators as “an undocumented transgender immigrant woman.” Also that year, Molina secured funding to 86 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

establish Casa Anandrea, the first safe-space for trans, queer, and intersex people of color. “It is a shelter for homeless people who would otherwise be on the streets or living with domestic violence—regardless of immigration status, race, language, or HIV status. It is an inclusive space, receiving those who need it.” The refuge is still open, and although Molina says that resources are running low, she refuses to accept “closed” as an option. Molina says, “This house has served refugees emigrating from their countries who are released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers.” She has helped 21 trans women of color coming out of the detention centers, and has worked with 16 others to legally change their name and gender markers, all at no cost to them. Molina believes that local law-enforcement officers contribute to the system of oppression that criminalizes and deports undocumented persons. “The community should not forget that the system of oppression works in many ways, including [against] members of our community.” Of her selection as an honorary marshal, Molina says, “I feel proud and privileged that after 50 years, trans women of color are back in front of the march for pride! I am continuing to follow their legacy.” Molina’s message to trans youth of color: “History continues to be written, so be a part of it and write the chapter that corresponds to your history. Do not be afraid—you have nothing to lose, and much to win. Do not be afraid of success. If Sylvia and Marsha and Ana Andrea could do it, then you can also do it.”

“TO CELEBRATE THE TRANS PIONEERS THAT PLAYED MAJOR PARTS IN THE WHOLE GAY MOVEMENT, BEGINNING AT STONEWALL, SENDS A BIGGER MESSAGE THAN WE COULD EVER TRULY MEASURE.” — Atlantis Narcisse

Atlantis Narcisse “I didn’t know for the longest time that I was trans,” Atlantis Narcisse admits. “I knew merely that I was a woman. During my upbringing, trans was not a word that was used throughout my community—we were women. As persons of color and trans, we conformed and blended into society as much as we could, because of stigma and for safety.” Coming out as trans was a bit different for Narcisse. “I was also raising a son, and I didn’t want anything about me to subject my child to being bullied or teased.” Then one day her son asked her, “When are you going to be happy?” During that conversation, we agreed that once he had graduated from high school, I would transition into my life.” Narcisse is a mentor to countless trans people. She works at the Montrose Center, helping trans people navigate available resources and services and learn how to advocate for themselves. She has a personal mission to help trans people get their legal names and gender markers changed. She has formed Save Our Sisters United to provide a safe space for trans women of color and assist them without stigma or judgment. Reflecting on her selection as an honorary marshal, Narcisse says, “It’s kind of surreal, but I think it is exactly what is needed in society, as well as throughout our diverse LGBTQ+ communities. I am sure it will hit me more when the parade occurs, but to celebrate the trans pioneers that played major parts in the whole gay movement, [beginning] at Stonewall, sends a bigger message than we could ever truly measure.“ ➝

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Her message to trans youth of color is: “You alone own your visibility, and should never feel bad about simply wanting to live and enjoy life.”

Dee Dee Watters Dee Dee Watters knew she was trans at a young age, but didn’t know what to call it. When she finally heard the word “trans” in high school, it made sense to her. She came out at 16. Watters has been very involved in Houston’s LGBTQ community. She has participated in the annual Transgender Day of Resources and Healthy Living, and on multiple conference discussion panels. She also works to create more spaces for trans women of color. Regarding her selection as an honorary, Pride marshal, Watters says, “It’s absolutely amazing. I never thought I’d have the honor of being an honorary grand marshal. I’m pleased and excited—just wait until you see me at the parade!” Watters has this message for trans youth of color: “As you navigate through life, be true to yourself and know that sometimes in life you have to go through something in order to get somewhere! The important thing is knowing where you’re going.”

Monica Roberts Monica Roberts says that by age 5 she realized she was “different,” but didn’t attach a name to it until the much-publicized sex change of tennis player Renée Richards in 1976. In April 1994, Roberts transitioned. She was working as a Continental Airlines gate 88 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

agent at the time, and after preliminary counseling at the Rosenberg Clinic in Galveston, she came to work presenting as a female for the first time. Roberts recalls the drama that ensued during that first week: “It took years to pass. And right-wing women tried to get me banned from the women’s bathroom, but failed.” Two more airline employees transitioned after seeing her lead the way. Roberts says she had no intention of becoming an activist until a local organization published a series of articles about 100 out and proud trans people in 1997. Frustrated that the series failed to include a single AfricanAmerican trans female, Roberts went to the next Gender Pac Lobby Day in June 1998 and quickly become involved in trans advocacy with the help of activists Phyllis Frye and Sarah de Palma, who mentored and inspired her. In 1999, she had her name changed and also worked to include trans people in the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D HAVE THE HONOR OF BEING AN HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL. I’M PLEASED AND EXCITED—JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE ME AT THE PARADE!” — Dee Dee Watters

For most of the 2000s, Roberts lived in Louisville, Kentucky, working with their local equality campaign and serving on the board of Southern Comfort, the largest trans conference in the country. She returned to Houston in 2010, and within a week was attending the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit at Rice University. Roberts formed a national coalition to take on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in the days before that group officially advocated for including trans people in the (still unpassed) federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act

(ENDA). In 2007, she was part of a trans lobbying day at the Capitol in Washington D.C. that included a meeting with then-senator Barack Obama. “I believe that is why he was

able to understand trans issues so well,” she says. Roberts co-chaired the Creating Change Conference held in Houston in 2014, which is still the group’s best-attended conference. Roberts recalls receiving a shout-out from trans actress Laverne Cox during her keynote speech. Roberts says her proudest moment was helping pass HERO (the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance) in 2015. She was also asked to join Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board that year. In 2006, Roberts founded the popular web blog TransGriot, which she is proud to say has been active for “13 years and counting.” She is the winner of the 2018 GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) media award for Outstanding Blog after being nominated four times for the award. She is also the recipient of numerous local and national human-rights awards. As for her selection as one of the four honorary Pride marshals, Roberts says, “I feel honored to be selected. The four of us combined are doing a lot of work in different lanes.” Roberts would like to tell trans youth of color that “black trans people are also black people. You don’t turn in your black card when you identify as trans. Know that you are loved, wanted, needed, and necessary. We need people to speak truth to power on a wide range of issues. Lobby and educate—make clear that we are part of the diverse mosaic of life, and that you will be respected.”

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Eight local broadcasters point their stations to LGBTQ visibility and acceptance. Queer-specific media outlets aren’t the only ones celebrating Pride this month—interestingly enough, so are many of Houston’s news stations. To confirm this, we’d like to introduce you to eight reporters who represent five LGBTQ-affirming local channels. First, we have KHOU’s BLAKE MATHEWS, a meteorologist who comes out in an exclusive interview. Next is KPRC’s chief meteorologist FRANK BILLINGSLEY, who weathered a cancer scare with courage. Then, Univision’s news anchor OSVALDO CORRAL leads the Spanish television station into its first-ever Houston Pride appearance. We also feature radio and television star DAYNA STEELE, who discusses life after her run for Congress. KPRC’s DERRICK SHORE chats about hosting Houston Life, which he dubs “the city’s gayest afternoon TV show.” Then, Mundo Latino Televisión’s FRANK GONZALEZ talks about being the openly gay host of Houston’s most popular variety show. Don’t miss our story on Mix 96.5 radio host SARAH PEPPER, who is mixing motherhood with her top-rated morning show. Finally, KPRC weather executive producer ERIC BRAATE recalls the life-changing event that inspired him to propose to his husband. Pride in the Media is an ongoing series on local LGBTQ media personalities and ally representatives of queer-affirming media outlets. 90 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Honesty Becomes Him Meteorologist Blake Mathews comes out in an exclusive interview. By KIM HOGSTROM

he OutSmart team is very pleased to include Blake Mathews, the weekend meteorologist for KHOU 11 News in Houston, in their celebration of Pride in the Media. Mathews has chosen this moment to introduce himself to the public as the happy and personable gay man that he is. Blake Matthews grew up near The Woodlands and knew from a young age that he wanted to be a meteorologist. He was always fascinated by weather, and the Texas Gulf Coast never failed to fuel that boyhood interest. “It’s easier to understand the crazy weather events thrown at you as a Houston meteorologist when you’ve grown up in the Houston area. I was here for just about every modern weather incident. From the 1989 arctic outbreak to the 1994 floods, the ’97 ice storm, Tropical Storm Allison, the 2004 Christmas snowstorm, the

miserable 2011 drought, and Hurricanes Rita and Ike—I’m exhausted just thinking about them all!” he states with smile. Mathews attended the broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University. After graduation, he eventually landed a job at WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida. Of course, Jacksonville is very similar to Houston in regard to its weather, so Mathews reported on more than his share of Florida hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, and heat. The position also provided him with national media exposure while doing live reports from the coasts of Mississippi and Florida during Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Karen. Those segments aired in major markets across the nation. “I succeeded in Jacksonville because the climate there was very much like my hometown,” he recalls with gratitude. “I must add that the beach in Jacksonville was nice, and being close to Orlando was entertaining, but I am so happy to be back. There’s just no place like home.” When Mathews joined Houston’s KHOU team in 2016, he was not living life as a fully out gay man. Having grown up as a religious conservative, he was still wrestling with who he was. “Being gay haunted me for a long time,” Mathews explained. “I understood the unconditional love Jesus extended to all, so I couldn’t understand how I would be sent to hell for being gay—something I had no control over and played no role in determining. I could not reconcile it.” This confusion caused Mathews to resist

being authentic with others, and his defiance carried a hefty a price tag. “I am a thinker, and when I reflect back on it now, I realize I alienated a lot of people and relationships over time. I was not true to my religious or conservative convictions, and I was not true to myself, either. I was not true to anyone, because I displeased myself,” Mathews states with sadness in his voice. Before the weatherman decided to come out publicly during this OutSmart interview, he discussed it with his news director at Channel 11. Historically, KHOU has been deeply committed to supporting diversity and inclusion, so we suspected that Mathews’ proposed announcement would be no exception. “When I sat down one-on-one with our news director, I told her I needed to share a secret, and then I explained that I was gay. She smiled and said, ‘Your secret is not that big a secret,’” Mathews recalls, laughing. “They knew it, but I didn’t! “She said I was a part of the KHOU family, and like all members of our family, the very first thing KHOU wanted for me was to be happy and fulfilled. She told me not to worry, that nothing at work would change,” Mathews says. Securing a position as a meteorologist in his hometown means Mathews is now living his dream. So what’s next for him? “I would like to enter a relationship [where I can] share the ‘burdens of life.’ I want to have a family, meet a mortgage, and get up early to take the children to soccer practice,” he muses. “I am 33 years old now. It’s time.” Until then, you might find Mathews traveling to exotic lands, working out in a gym or, in his most peaceful moments, playing with his beloved dogs Winston Oliver and Chop Suey. “I love dogs. Sometimes I wonder if we humans deserve these wonderful creatures. Talk about unconditional love—who provides more of it than our dogs? Is it really a coincidence that ‘God’ spelled backward is ‘dog’?” Mathews concludes with a laugh. “I truly doubt it.” OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 91

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Media Marvel Frank Billingsley weathers a cancer scare with courage. By KIM HOGSTROM Photo by ASHKAN ROAYEE

t is difficult to find anyone in Houston who doesn’t like Frank Billingsley. The handsome, funny, authentic, and decidedly human chief meteorologist for KPRC Channel 2 has been holding viewers’ hands through dire local weather events for nearly three decades. Somehow, Billingsley’s calm, kind manner has sustained us each time. Recently, the popular weatherman also became a published author. Billingsley, who was adopted as a baby, wrote Swabbed and Found to describe his extensive search for his biological family. That search was not an easy journey for 92

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Billingsley, but one would never suspect that from his sunny, warm personality. He was born in Arkansas in 1960 and adopted almost immediately by a wonderful Alabama couple who enveloped the youngster in love, humor, and compassion. And when Billingsley realized he was gay, he was concerned about the impact that would have on his caring parents. “Typical of an adopted child, I was busy being the best all-around boy I could be, so my parents would never doubt their decision to pick me,” Billingsley says. “Being gay added a difficult element to the dynamic of adoption. People who don’t understand that being gay is biological, and not a choice, sometimes turn to parenting as

an explanation. I didn’t want my parents to go through that. I think that’s why I didn’t come out until I was 27 years old. It was to protect them.” Frank Billingsley has been a hero of Houston’s LGBTQ community since the 1980s. He has been out for years—long before other LGBTQ Houston media personalities. He entered a very public relationship with the love of his life, Kevin Gilliard, in 1995. The handsome couple wed in New York City in 2012. “Kevin and I like to think we put the ‘Man’ in Manhattan,” Billingsley says with a laugh. Unbeknownst to Billingsley, KPRC had plans to celebrate the happy event during a live news broadcast. KPRC news anchor

Dominique Sachse, a dear friend of Billingsley’s, congratulated the couple on the night of their wedding as the station flashed photos of the grooms on the screen and the newsroom cheered. It was a bold act of recognition and inclusion unheard of in Houston at the time. Did his fans abandon him after the wedding? Some did. Billingsley lost 500 Facebook friends overnight—before gaining 5,000 more during the next week. What many don’t know is that Billingsley had to summon his winning brand of humanity and courage recently after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last August. Asymptomatic at the time, the cancer was detected after a routine PSA test revealed prostate-specific antigen protein in his blood. His PSA reading of 25 was nearly “off the charts” for someone so young. (A reading of 4 is enough to trigger alarm and further medical tests.) “I had to wait a week to find out if the cancer had spread to the pelvic area or bones. Given such a high PSA, my urologist cautioned me to prepare for that. I was terrified,” Billingsley recalls.

“It had been seven years since my last PSA test. During the week’s wait, I realized I had to warn other men and encourage them not to overlook it like I did. It’s a simple blood test, and early detection of any cancer is the key to surviving,” he stated firmly. As that horrible week of waiting dragged on, Billingsley made a decision that would alter the trajectory of his journey. “During those wide-awake early-morning hours of worrying, I decided to go public regardless of my test results. I felt morally compelled to use my platform to warn others. “I went on-air and announced my cancer without knowing its extent. As it turned out, Dr. Naomi Halas, a Rice University [professor] who pioneered the use of gold nanoparticles to treat prostate cancer (called AuroLase therapy) saw me on TV and soon got in touch. As it turned out later, my bone scans came back negative, but the implication of my prostate was extensive.” AuroLase therapy, nicknamed “the gold standard” of cancer treatment, is a two-part process. Patients are infused intravenously with a solution containing gold nanoparticles

on the first day, and sent home to allow the nanoparticles to disperse and find the cancer. When the patient comes back the next day, laser light is applied where the nanoparticles have collected in the greatest numbers and density. Doctors remove the cancerous areas by heating up the nanoparticles to make the gold vibrate, which destroys the disease. The use of about $6.50 worth of gold can be enough to save a life. “Gold is a safe material, and it has been used in humans for hundreds of years. Think about all of the people who have gold fillings in their teeth for their whole life,” Canfield said. “I was patient number 3 in Houston’s test study, and number 29 in the U.S.A. The treatment is still in trials, and mine occurred in late November 2018,” Billingsley said. “Did it work? My February follow-up revealed my PSA had dropped from 25 to 0.1 and there was no sign of cancer on the MRI or in the biopsy! While I went on TV [in order] to help others, it turned out to help me. I honestly think the treatment saved my life.” Billingsley concluded with his warm smile. “Now it must save others.”

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Univision Attends Houston Pride for the First Time News anchor Osvaldo Corral discusses his fierce support for LGBTQ inclusion. By LOURDES ZAVALETA

ouston’s local media outlets are not afraid to show off their Pride. Every June, television stations such as KHOU, and radio broadcasts like KRBE, put up rainbow-colored booths and hand out free swag at Space City’s annual LGBTQ celebration. That collection of stations supporting Houston’s LGBTQ community will grow this year as KXLN-TV, the Spanish news outlet

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also known as Univision, participates in Houston Pride on June 22. “Univision will be at Houston’s Pride festival this year,” Univision news anchor Osvaldo Corral says. “This is a big deal for us, because we have never been before.” Along with being the face of Noticias 45 Houston, Corral serves as the Houston chair of Orgullo. That national Univision employee group (whose name means “pride” in Spanish) provides professional development for all LGBTQ and ally employees throughout the

country. “There are about 100 people who work at Univision Houston, and seven of us are members of Orgullo,” Corral says. “I wanted to [be a part of the group] because I believe that LGBTQ people should be respected and have the same rights as anyone else.” Univision has protections for LGBTQ employees, Corral says, and the station always pushes for more inclusion and diversity. In his own newscast, which airs at 11:30 a.m. on channel 45 and on Facebook Live, Corral ➝

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uses his spotlight to further highlight LGBTQ issues. “I’m very respected in the Latino community,” says Corral, who has won a Lone Star Emmy for Best News Anchor. “I know that people care about what I say. That’s why, when debates about LGBTQ equality come up, I always defend it. Thanks to my job, I have a voice to change the hearts and minds of people.” For a 2013 news segment, Corral interviewed several religious leaders in Houston to question their views on same-sex marriage. Corral spoke with the heads of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist congregations about the controversial topic. “My story was not biased, but I did have some [hard-hitting questions] for the religious leaders who opposed gay marriage,” Corral says. “I asked them, ‘Did Jesus ever explicitly say anything to condemn gay people?’ The answer is no. “When I brought up the fact that Jesus did condemn people who divorce and get remarried, and that [it was hypocritical for religious leaders to perform those second marriages], the leaders got very upset,” Corral added. Corral says he is just as forceful when responding to anti-LGBTQ comments during the

“WHEN DEBATES ABOUT LGBTQ EQUALITY COME UP, I ALWAYS DEFEND IT. THANKS TO MY JOB, I HAVE A VOICE TO CHANGE THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF PEOPLE.” — Osvaldo Corral

Noticias 45 Facebook Live stream. Univision became the first news station in Houston to air a broadcast live on television and social media simultaneously in May 2017. While Noticias 45 takes a commercial break on television, Facebook Live viewers can interact with Corral and co-host Laura Sierra by typing messages to them in the comments section.

When Noticias 45 reported that the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston named 42 priests who were facing “credible claims” of child abuse, a viewer commented “[That happens] because all homos are perverted.” Corral refuted that statement by responding that in his 17 years of working in news, the majority of sexual-abuse cases did not involve LGBTQ culprits. “Sometimes viewers [critique me] for defending the LGBTQ community,” Corral says, “but I have gay friends, and they are very respectful people. I am passionate about the topic, and as a journalist, it is my job to report the truth.” After attending Houston Pride on June 22, Univision will be present at other LGBTQ events in Houston. On June 24, the station will host a watch party for the debut of El Corazón Nunca Se Equivoca, the first telenovela that will star a gay couple in a leading role. More details on the screening will be announced online in early to mid-June. For more information about Univision, visit univision.com/local/houston-kxln. Keep up with Osvaldo Corral by following him online at facebook.com/osvaldo.corral.

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Life after the Campaign Dayna Steele trades the suburbs for big-city living. By MARENE GUSTIN

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ayna Steele shows up for lunch in her signature jeans, western boots, and a replica of the “Mine” T-shirt with a downwardpointing arrow that Leslie Jones wore on Saturday Night Live while commenting on abortion-rights bills. The former queen of the rock-and-roll airwaves in Houston ran for Congress last year in her 36th Congressional District. It is, and was, a deep-red district. She lost. “I ran in a district I wasn’t likely to win,” she says, “but someone had to do it. The campaign turned my neighbors against me. I knew there was racism in Southeast Texas, but I had no idea how bad it was. I can’t tell you the number of times I heard ‘I was a Democrat until they elected a black man.’” Her views on women’s rights and LGBTQ equality didn’t go over well, either. “I got pregnant at fifty,” she says. “I had a miscarriage a week later, but to this day I don’t know what I would have decided. But I know I didn’t need somebody making that decision for me. I didn’t need Dan Patrick sitting in my living room telling me what to do with my body.” Steele, who has an openly gay son, has been a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community and is open about the current crop of anti-gay laws and trans murders. “We have to speak up,” Steele says. “It’s gotten too crazy. It’s gotten dangerous. There are people telling me the campaign is over and I need to shut up, and then there are those who say I’m not doing enough. I don’t know exactly where this next chapter of my life is leading. I’m just coming out of that campaign stupor. But I’ve got my statement-T’s,” she says,

proudly pointing to her T-shirt, “and I don’t have to be PC anymore. I can kick people off my social media for being ignorant and mean.” Younger candidates have approached her for advice, which she freely gives. Along with her husband, Charlie Justiz, Steele has donated to some of those candidates’ campaigns. She plans to write a book about her experiences on the campaign trail, but says it’s still too soon to relive it. What she has done this summer is republish the book that started her writing and motivational-speaking careers 11 years ago. Rock to the Top offers advice on how to succeed like a rock star, and her new edition has an added chapter on social media and an afterword by Sammy Hagar. “That’s really all I want to do right now,” she says. “Write books, travel, and golf.” Acting on what she describes as a “welldeserved midlife crisis,” the couple is selling their Seabrook home of 27 years and moving into a high-rise apartment in downtown Houston. A mobile home in Palm Springs

“I DON’T HAVE TO BE PC ANYMORE. I CAN KICK PEOPLE OFF MY SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BEING IGNORANT AND MEAN.” — Dayna Steele

will become what she calls their golf lair, and while son Dack is on the road stage-managing a Broadway musical tour, they are subsidizing his New York City rent. “People ask me where I live now, and I say Houston, Palm Springs, and New York,” she laughs. The Palm Springs “trailer park” is next to a golf course and has a landscaped pool and

a weekly wine club. While in New York, they visit friends and see musicals. The couple invested in the award-winning production Come from Away as well as a new musical called Chasing Rainbows, about Judy Garland’s early career. All in all, Steele is still going full speed ahead, even if she has altered course a bit. When asked about running for office again, she doesn’t give a definitive answer but does mention that she’s moving into Sheila Jackson Lee’s district. “And I think she’s got that district covered.” As lunch ends, she whips a piece of paper out of her purse, unfolds it into a sign that says “Hi Anne” in block letters, and runs to the bar, getting the bartender and waiter to hold it up. They laugh as she snaps a photo on her phone. “I do this every day,” she says, “and email it to my friend Anne.” That would be Anne McClain, who is currently onboard the International Space Station. From astronauts to rock stars and politicians, Steele knows everyone.

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in the

Life of the Party Derrick Shore hosts Houston’s gayest afternoon TV show. By DON MAINES

errick Shore cuts a queer eye to the TV camera and casts an impish grin. There is no mistaking the joy he feels as co-host of Houston Life, airing weekdays at 1 p.m. on KPRC Channel 2. “They don’t call it ‘GayPRC’ for nothing,” he tells OUTSMART. “We are the gayest TV station in town.” And that gleam in his eyes? That mischievous smile? Shore says, “I am looking out in Television Land to give a nod and a wink and say, ‘I can tell you’re thinking exactly what I’m thinking.’” 100

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About now, Shore must be thinking that the smartest thing he’s ever done was to flee Los Angeles three summers ago to move to Houston and jump out of an airplane to debut the afternoon TV program that inspires viewers to “Live your best Houston life.” The show, which is co-hosted by Courtney Zavala, is a charming mix of local food, booze, fashion, and culture, with smooth transitions to more serious subjects. For example, on a recent episode Shore sampled three rosé wines before nimbly segueing into a heartfelt segment about Memorial Day events that honor fallen soldiers and their families.

“Both Courtney and I come from a hardnews background,” says Shore, so balancing weighty issues with lighthearted topics isn’t much of a problem. “It’s tricky, but I’m always searching for the authentic and getting to the heart of what’s real,” says Shore. “Life is too short. There is no time for b.s.” From “day one” of his tenure at Channel 2, “I never felt any need to lie or sneak around for other people. I am kind of an open book,” says Shore. “It is really, really cool to work at a station that recognizes how diversity makes us stronger. Our staff members, from manage-

ment on, are younger, older, gay, straight, all different races and backgrounds. I appreciate being a Houstonian. When people tell me they are closeted because of social pressures and say, ‘But you are living around people who are different,’ I tell them, ‘First of all, I believe that people are way more open than you give them credit for, and second, I know exactly what it’s like’” to grow up in a staunchly conservative environment. Shore was raised “big-time Mormon” in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I was never convinced that any of it was true,” he says of Mormon doctrine that treats gay people with contempt. “From as far back as I can remember, I knew I was gay, so the messages I heard—which were nothing but negative—were never deeply ingrained into me. I didn’t think I was a bad person, and I still don’t. So when they lumped bestiality, pedophilia, and the acts of murderers and rapists in with homosexuals, it never calculated. I developed a sense of skepticism and critical thinking; I learned to question authority. Not only did I not buy into it, I considered it a damaged belief

“IT’S TRICKY, BUT I’M ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE AUTHENTIC AND GETTING TO THE HEART OF WHAT’S REAL. LIFE IS TOO SHORT. THERE IS NO TIME FOR B.S.” — Derrick Shore

system, and I am happy that I stepped away from it.” As soon as Shore graduated from high school, he accepted a reporting job in Los Angeles, where he came out for all the world to see. “I had never traveled outside of the United States,” he says. “I knew only English-speaking

white Mormons in my same socioeconomic class. But as a journalist, you are exposed to all kinds of people. I have been on six of the seven continents; I have toured 36 countries.” Just as Shore turned 21, he moved into West Hollywood, cementing the “culture shock” he felt by leaving the Beehive State. For some 17 years, he worked as a reporter and video producer (and even won an Emmy Award) before jetting to Houston for several days of auditioning for Houston Life. Reflecting on how he landed the job, he says, “It’s funny. I thought, ‘Do they know what they’re getting into?’” He certainly surprised Dixie Longate, the “Tupperware Lady” drag performer, when he mentioned on-air that the night before, his date had laughed so hard at Dixie’s performance that Shore thought the man would have a heart attack or stroke. “It really caught her off guard,” says Shore. “It gave her pause. She said, ‘I can’t believe you referenced your date as a “he.” In Houston! Some kid is going to see that and realize they are not alone.’”

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A Man of Inﬂuence Variety-show host Frank Gonzalez promotes LGBTQ awareness at Mundo Latino Televisión. By DON MAINES Photo by GARY HUFHAM

o subject is too timely for The Frank Gonzalez Show, which Mundo Latino Televisión hails as the most popular Spanish-language TV variety show in Houston. “And it’s hosted by a gay man!” crows Gonzalez, who programs the format of “entretenimiento, noticias, cultura, farándula, deportes y los más relevante” with a personal flair. For example, the show’s most-watched episode since debuting last October spotlighted transgender issues. It included the executive 104

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director of Organización Latina de Trans en Texas (OLTT) speaking about the rights and plights of transgender Latina women in Houston. “We got very positive feedback,” said Gonzalez, a longtime fixture at some of the gayest and greatest events throughout Texas. However, Gonzalez sparked viewer backlash when he interviewed a gay minister on the program, which is broadcast on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 21.4. “It was so controversial,” says the dapper host. “There was a lot of really bad feedback,

with people telling me I was going to burn in hell. Somebody asked, ‘How could you?’ I guess they saw me wearing a suit, so it didn’t occur to them that I am gay.” Fortunately, Gonzalez’s boss, Ernesto Maldonado, is supportive. “I’m a crazy Democrat and he is a very determined Republican, but he is like a father to me—a protector,” says Gonzalez, who was recruited to create and host the show based on his public profile as a pageantry aficionado. Last year, he directed the stage production of an international beauty event that originated in Houston, and he coached a 15-year-old first-time contestant who won the crown of Miss Teen Houston Latina. On July 6, Gonzalez will host Belleza Mundo Latino 2019, a televised pageant for men, women, and children, with $1,000 prizes in each category of competition. “It’s really cool. There hasn’t been a local pageant televised here in a very long time,” he says. The Frank Gonzalez Show sometimes tackles hard-news issues, from politics to crime. Democrat Christina Morales campaigned on the show before winning a special election in March to replace state senator Carol Alvarado in House District 45, which represents Houston’s East End. The sister of Josue Flores appealed to viewers for information in the unsolved murder of the 11-year-old boy who was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant on May 17, 2016. Many LGBTQ viewers will recognize Gonzalez from his years as a community health worker, testing people for sexually transmitted diseases in nightclubs, bath houses, homeless shelters, food pantries, drug recovery centers, and halfway houses. “I was always working in clubs until three or four in the morning,” says Gonzalez, whose employers have included AIDS Foundation Houston, St. Hope Foundation, Avenue 360 Hope and Wellness, and others. Last summer, he began a day job in the AIDS Foundation’s prevention and programs department. Then in May, he became a pharmaceutical rep for the AIDS Health Care Foundation. He devotes Tuesday and Thursday evenings to The Frank Gonzalez Show. “I also spend two hours a night on social media, answering every single message I get,” says Gonzalez. His Facebook account is @ElShowDeFrankGonzalez. Tickets to live tapings of the show can be obtained from the TV station.

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Drive-Time DJ Sarah Pepper mixes motherhood with her top-rated morning show. By KIM HOGSTROM

or 11 years now, Sarah Pepper has been helping her radio audience endure the horrors of Houston’s morning rush hours. There’s little question why the on-air personality at several top top stations has been her listeners’ first choice to help launch their new day. Pepper is energy, honesty, and charisma incarnate. A morning drive-time DJ is not the job for a chill Austin-esque sort, or a phlegmatic personality. Pepper has been successful largely because she is a blazing beam of sunshine in Houston’s pre-dawn hours—sort of an on-air shot of espresso for sleepy morning commuters. Pepper grew up in Evansville, Indiana, in a single-parent household with two siblings. Never once does Pepper recall hearing her mom complain as she struggled to put all three children through private school. Her mother provided the model for Pepper’s own energy, good temper, and work ethic. Following graduation from high school, Pepper studied at Ball State University’s Department of Communications in Muncie, Indiana, where David Letterman is an alumnus. Pepper worked every job she could secure, including several waitressing jobs, to put herself through. In 2008, she was offered a position at a radio station in Houston. She snapped it up and never looked back. “I love Houston and Houstonians. The city is so welcoming, and the people are so accepting. It is a great city for anyone in the LGBTQ community. It is a great place for all people. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she states.

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Her latest on-air gig is at Mix 96.5 KHMX’s The Morning Mix, which airs Monday through Friday starting at 5:30 a.m. In early April of this year, she took a leave of absence to rest and recover from a severe respiratory infection. That was followed by the early arrival of her baby girl, Parker Drew Pepper. As a self-identified sexually non-conforming woman (“I am not a fan of labels,” she says), there is no wife or husband in Pepper’s foreseeable future. More important to this radio personality is her new baby that now commands all of her time. “While I was still pregnant, a girlfriend and I had lunch. She had children already, and explained a mother’s love to me like this: ‘When you have a baby, you’ll find that your heart now lives on the outside of your body.’ My friend was so very right,” Pepper says. Still, her journey to motherhood was not easy. Pepper wanted to be a mom, but time was flying by. In her late 20s, the avid child advocate started to meet with adoption agencies and foster-care providers. She decided on a medically assisted pregnancy using in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, a woman’s

harvested egg is fertilized outside her body with donor sperm and then returned to the uterus by a trained physician. “I decided to do IVF because I [had always] felt that I wanted to be a mother. I figured I would be married and have children by age 35. That is not the way things panned out,” Pepper stated. In 2015, she had her first IVF implant. The attempt failed, but she then became pregnant on her second try. Fifteen weeks later the mom-to-be miscarried, and it devastated her. While deeply personal losses such as this are normally private events, Pepper’s natural honesty compelled her to share the journey with her listeners. In less than a week, she heard from thousands of them—men and women—who had been through similar trials and losses. Each message gave her courage and cheered her on. Collectively, they inspired her to keep trying. It took nearly three years, but in 2018, she was finally pregnant again. Pepper kept her listeners fully informed all along her rocky road to motherhood. Many of those listeners have become her close friends. What did she learn from it all? “I’ve always

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loved my mother, but this has made me love her ten time more!” she states, laughing. “I have done some difficult things in my life, but being pregnant has been the hardest thing by far. It’s a whole new level of tired— and a new level of chronic back pain. I understand that there is joy, too, but I have a new respect for any woman who has ever carried and delivered a child. “You women are rock stars!” she tells her radio audience. “You all are my heroes! They should erect statues to every one of you. And the men, too—so are the men who have helped with it all! “And another thing,” Pepper continued, “you store owners who have ‘Expectant Mom’ parking spaces in front of your locations, a lot of people don’t realize how hard those extra steps can be. I promise, you store owners will have my business for life!” As young Parker Pepper approaches her second month of life, we look forward to the on-air return of Sarah Pepper. The date has not yet been determined, but Pepper’s listeners can be sure that they will all share in the next leg of her journey through motherhood. By all accounts, it will be a great one.

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A Force to Be Reckoned With KPRC’s Eric Braate never shies away from a challenge.

By KIM HOGSTROM

hen Eric Braate secured his position as a weather executive producer for KPRC Channel 2 in December 2006, he was venturing into his second career—one that fit the handsome meteorologist like one of his well-tailored suits. As an avid triathlon athlete, Braate thrives under pressure, lives by the clock, and loves a challenge. Anyone who has worked in a TV newsroom knows that there is no better description of the profession than that.

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“I’ve completed over 30 marathons now!” he states proudly. “I’ve also completed three Ironman triathlons—a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon, back-to-back. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.” So just what is a weather executive producer, you ask? “I report the weather, but I also fill in, when necessary, in other positions. Wherever I am needed. I’m sort of a utility player,” Braate says with a laugh. When he originally graduated from college in Michigan, Braate held a degree in chemical engineering. Personable and hard-working, he was quickly offered a position with GE in Idaho. ➝

“I was an engineer for six years there, and spent a lot of time in a plant or an office. As the days wore on, it became evident to me that I was not made for corporate America. I decided I needed a change, so I sold my house, quit my job, and returned to college to earn a master’s degree in meteorology. It was a bold move, but I don’t regret it for a second!” he says, flashing a smile. In 2006, when Braate assumed his position at KPRC, he was already in love with his adopted city. Houston offered all sorts of opportunities for an active athlete, plus a yearround climate in which to enjoy them. He also loved Houston’s food, its people, its diversity, and his friends at Channel 2. What Braate did not know at the time was that he’d find the love of his life in Houston, as well. He wasn’t even looking when he met his husbandto-be, Huy Nguyen. “On our first date, we ate sushi together,” Braate says, smiling at the memory. “I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight, but it was ‘like’ at first sight. I was not in an emotional place for a committed relationship at that point. I was lucky that Huy gave me the time and space to

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THREE’S COMPANY

Eric Braate (r) with his husband, Huy Nguyen. They share a home with their rescue dog, Pickle. get there. Today, we are in a strong, healthy, happy marriage. I am so fortunate.” In 2014, life handed Braate an unexpected challenge. While training for a triathlon, he was running along a quiet road when a truck hit him and broke his neck in two places. “In the emergency room that day, I vowed to battle back and cross the finish line in 2015. I kept that promise. Traversing that finish line

was a moment I’ll never forget!” he exclaims. When and where did Braate and Nguyen tie the knot? The two married in New York City in October of 2014—back when New York was one of the few states where gay marriage was legal. “My neck injury caused me to think about Huy’s well-being and the future. There was no legal way in Texas at the time to make sure he would be OK if something happened to me. We were sitting in my doctor’s waiting room during a checkup on my injury when I said, ‘You know, we should get married.’ Huy smiled and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ So we flew to New York, and we did,” Braate recalls. Today, the couple has no definite plans for a family, but they absolutely dote on their dog, Pickle—“The sweetest little dog in the world,” says Braate. Pickle is a terrier-mix rescue dog who is 18 years old, going deaf, and is having trouble navigating stairs these days. When Pickle finally crosses the rainbow bridge, the couple will be heartbroken. Lost. With so much love to give, we are guessing there will be new family members in the future for this couple, be they two-legged or four.

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HIV Prevention Campaign Targets Houston’s Black and Latino Communities ‘I am Life’ ambassadors advocate for prevention and treatment. By LOURDES ZAVALETA, Photos by GILBREATH COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

ueer people of color are contracting HIV at alarming rates in Space City, but the Houston Health Department has a new plan to change that. Over 1,000 Houstonians were diagnosed with HIV in 2017, and three out of five of them were LGBTQ African-Americans and Latinos, according to the latest HIV Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those most at risk of acquiring HIV are black and Latino men who have sex with men, and transgender people of color ages 13 to 34. To combat one of the city’s top health epidemics, the Houston Health Department (HHD) has launched its first-ever campaign that reaches out directly to LGBTQ AfricanAmericans and Latinos. The I am Life campaign will engage with those most affected by HIV and inform them about prevention and 114 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

treatment options. “This campaign isn’t your typical HIV public-service announcement. Instead, [we are reaching out in a way that’s] hopeful, positive, and empowering,” says Marlene McNeese, an assistant director with the Houston Health Department’s Division of Disease Prevention and Control. “[The City of Houston] was ready to promote something different. I hope our community is ready for this as well.” I am Life’s advertisements are colorful, chic, and uplifting. With funding provided by CDC’s Project PrIDE Initiative, Gilbreath Communications is the advertising agency chosen

to develop and design the campaign across social-media platforms that include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube—in addition to the houstoniamlife.com website. I am Life features 21 ambassadors from Houston’s queer community who are students, activists, social-media influencers, healthcare professionals, and more. These individuals share their personal stories about improving their sexual health and encouraging their peers to take PrEP (a prescription drug taken daily by those who are vulnerable to HIV) or to use treatment as prevention if they already have the virus. In the coming weeks, the fresh faces of I am Life will be displayed on Houston billboards, television announcements, discussion panels, and radio broadcasts. OutSmart spoke to six of the I am Life ambassadors to learn more about why they are advocates for HIV treatment and prevention.

HARPER WATTERS Ballet dancer and social-media star

Harper Watters left home at 14 to pursue a career in ballet. Twelve years later, Watters is in his tenth season at the Houston Ballet, where he currently performs as a soloist. Watters, 26, is also a YouTube sensation and social-media star with over 150,000 followers. Watters says he joined the I am Life campaign to further benefit the communities he speaks for. “I believe the work I do off stage should be as valuable as the work I do on stage,” Watters says. “I [already] use my position as a classical dancer and my influence on social media to empower by example. Participating in [I am Life] felt like the right fit for me.” As an openly gay African-American male, Watters believes it is important to advocate for the issues that LGBTQ people of color face. “HIV affects my community with the largest numbers,” Watters notes, “but that doesn’t mean we can’t change that.” In the past, there have been many misconceptions about taking PrEP to prevent HIV infections. Watters is hopeful that the I am Life campaign can shift the discussion about HIV prevention and treatment into a positive light. “Because of the stigmas [surrounding PrEP], it’s easy to be negligent about your sex life and not educate yourself about being healthy,” Watters says. “I am Life shows that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and the person you love.” Watters hopes that as an I am Life ambassador, he can promote health and encourage people to be their authentic selves. “I dance my best when I feel my best, and my health plays an important role in that,” Watters says. “[Through this campaign], I want to show my generation and people younger than me that they don’t have to sacrifice any part of who they are to achieve their dreams.”

ARMANDO VILLEGAS Research coordinator

Armando Villegas, an openly gay man, says he was “very closeted” while growing up in Houston’s Gulfgate area. “I didn’t know anything about LGBT culture,” Villegas, 29, recalls. “Latino circles are very small. For most of us, what is available to us in our communities is all we know. I never learned anything about being gay, safe sex, or STIs in the place where I grew up.” Villegas joined the I am Life campaign to spread awareness about queer issues in communities that rarely discuss them. He is impressed that the City of Houston is pushing ideas about HIV prevention and treatment into neighborhoods that are being affected by the virus. “The I am Life campaign is major,” Villegas says. “This is Houston’s firstever call to action about PrEP. Many Latinos don’t know what PrEP is, or where to obtain it. Some physicians don’t even know what the drug is. This campaign is going to change so many lives.” Outside of being an I am Life ambassador, Villegas works even more directly

on HIV prevention as a research coordinator at the Crofoot Research Center, a Houston-based medical practice for those seeking disease treatment. Villegas is currently researching a new formula for PrEP that will cause fewer side effects. Gordon E. Crofoot has practiced internal medicine with special attention to HIV/AIDS for over three decades. Villegas, who has worked for six years under Dr. Crofoot, says that he has witnessed many lives that were changed because of HIV prevention and treatment. “I have met dying people who were able to take medicine and recover their lives,” Villegas says. “It’s so amazing to see those people benefit after taking the responsibility to seek treatment.” When Villegas came out to Crofoot, his boss thanked him for his honesty and bravery. Villegas’ family also embraced him when he told them that he was gay. As a queer person who can now be his authentic self, Villegas hopes to encourage others to be out and healthy in their relationships. “Live healthy to live longer by being real with yourself and responsible to others,” Villegas says. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 115

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ISAAC “ISSY” JOSEPH Author and part-time home health nurse

Isaac “Issy” Joseph was in denial about his HIV status until October 2014, when he had to be rushed to the emergency room with symptoms of AIDS. “All of the signs were there, but I didn’t want to know,” Joseph, 28, recalls. “I thought if I had HIV, life would be over for me.” Before getting tested, Joseph, an openly gay black man, had been living with HIV for nearly two years. Within three months of beginning treatment for the virus, he became undetectable— meaning he can no longer transmit HIV to his sexual partners.

MA’JANAE CHAMBERS

PrEP outreach specialist Ma’Janae Chambers is among several transgender I am Life ambassadors. Chambers, a 32-year-old black trans woman, was a perfect fit for the campaign because of her already-established experience as an advocate for HIV prevention through her work as a PrEP outreach specialist for AIDS Foundation Houston. Chambers says her mission as an I am Life ambassador is to raise awareness about PrEP among other trans individuals who are unaware of the drug or have misconceptions about it. “Trans people should all be on PrEP as a precaution,” Chambers tells OutSmart. “I don’t want HIV prevention to be just an MSM or a cisgender thing.” Trans people, especially trans 116 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

women of color, are more at risk of facing violence. Chambers says that because of this, trans folks should always protect themselves—including their sexual well-being. “You never know who you’re going to come across, so stay protected,” Chambers says. “You can avoid HIV 99.9 percent of the time if you’re on PrEP. And if you use condoms, you can also prevent a number of other [sexually transmitted diseases].” Some trans people believe that taking PrEP negatively affects their hormones, but Chambers says that is false. Chambers has been on PrEP for three years, and her hormones have never been harmed by taking the drug. “PrEP and your hormones can work hand-in-hand,” Chambers says. “So [to trans people] I say: get tested, get on PrEP, use condoms, get treatment, and live your life to the fullest.” “HIV prevention will save your life,” Chambers adds. “It saved mine.”

“The medication works,” Joseph says. “As an ambassador, it’s super-important for me to let people know that [an HIV diagnosis] is not the endgame. Instead, it is a chance to start over.” After Joseph learned about the misconceptions of being HIV-positive, he began to educate others through activism. Joseph now works as an author and a part-time in-home nurse. In 2017, he released his first book, The Epidemic: Living with HIV in the 21st Century, a collection of stories that explore different HIV-related issues such as pregnancy, teenage HIV, and being black and HIVpositive. “I just want everyone to know that people with HIV are just regular people,” Joseph says. “HIV is not what you think. It isn’t that big, scary demon that it once was. I hope I can continue to share that through this campaign.” Although Joseph is HIV-positive, his partner does not have HIV. “This is why prevention is so important,” Joseph says. “If you have a healthy, active sex life, PrEP is something that you want to be on,” he adds. “Go get tested and start treatment. It’s your key to survival.” ➝

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‘I AM LIFE’ AMBASSADORS | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

JONATAN GIOIA HIV research associate

After he moved to Houston from Buenos Aires two years ago to do HIV/AIDS medical research, Dr. Jonatan Gioia dated a person who was HIV-positive. “[The man I dated] helped me reaffirm that a person is more than his or her status,” Gioia, 30, says, “and how important it was for him to take his medication daily to stay undetectable.” Gioia, who identifies as a gay man, joined the I am Life campaign because he is a queer activist with a scientific background who can use facts to advocate for the importance of PrEP and HIV treatment in preventing new infections.

JOELLE CHEATEM Freelance political consultant “There are approximately 1,000 new HIV transmissions each year,” Gioia says, “but living with HIV isn’t a death sentence anymore. There is treatment for HIV, and [we can now prevent new infections]. For me, spreading this message is what the campaign is about.” Gioia says that LGBTQ people, specifically trans women of color, do not always have access to healthcare because of poverty, discrimination, lack of transportation, and more. In response to this, Gioia is working on a new way to take PrEP, a drug that is currently available only as a pill that must be taken daily. “I am working on creating an injectable version of PrEP that could be taken as a shot every two months,” Gioia says. “I’m hoping that this will tackle the barriers that many LGBTQ people face when trying to get healthcare.” Gioia believes that doctors should work as educators in the communities that they serve. “I’m so excited to be a part of this campaign,” Gioia says. “I really think that it is going to help Houstonians be healthier, safer, and more responsible.” 118 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Joelle Cheatem began his LGBTQ advocacy over a decade ago as an employee at True Colors, Inc., a nonprofit organization for queer youth in Hartford, Connecticut. Cheatem, a 26-year-old bisexual Afro-Latino man, moved to Houston a year ago and now serves the city’s LGBTQ community. As an I am Life ambassador, Cheatem says he will use his voice to ensure that all Houstonians have the means to access HIV prevention and treatment. “I used to help take kids off of the streets of Hartford after they were kicked out of their homes for being LGBT,” Cheatem says. “This is sort of a continuation of that work. I want to make sure that people in Houston are properly taken care of, especially when it comes to healthcare.” Outside of the I am Life campaign,

Cheatem works as a political consultant who travels across the country helping candidates succeed. He is currently the field director for Houston City Council candidate Ashton Woods, an openly gay man who founded Black Lives Matter Houston. “Ashton is awesome,” Cheatem says. “He really captures what it means to be from Houston. You can look forward to his City Council race this year.” Cheatem says he hopes that I am Life helps reduce the negative stigma surrounding HIV, and that folks will become more sexpositive. “The topics [in the I am Life campaign] can be sensitive to a lot of people,” Cheatem says. “However, Houston keeps seeing more cases of HIV. We’re working to put a positive, human face on HIV prevention so that the numbers shift in the opposite direction.” ➝

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AKIL JONES Intensive-care nurse

Akil Jones heard about PrEP for the first time about five years ago when his doctor recommended he take it. “I didn’t even know it existed or was an option,” Jones, 32, recalls. “Most doctors didn’t talk about or prescribe PrEP back then, and some still don’t. Thankfully, my doctor knew the importance of it.” Jones, a black man who identifies as gay, says he hopes the I am Life campaign inspires people to seek education about HIV prevention and treatment. As an ambassador, he wants to inspire others to get the help that they need. “I want people who look like me—and who may not think PrEP is for them—to realize their self-worth and understand that they are worth saving,” Jones says.

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As an intensive-care nurse, Jones says he has encountered several HIV-positive folks. Many of these individuals were near death, but some were able to become stable again through treatment. “HIV is something that is totally preventable now,” Jones says. “You don’t have to get HIV. But if you do contract it, you can reduce the risk of transmitting it to others by taking medication.” Jones says that I am Life will soon take over Houston with ads that will be seen on busses, in the malls, and more. “I hope the campaign encourages people to take care of themselves by seeing a doctor, getting tested, and seeking treatment,” Jones says. “I want to see the rates of HIV in the city drop.” For more information about I am Life, visit houstoniamlife.com. Find the campaign on social media by typing “Houston I am Life” in the search bar.

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Mo Cortez Named Grand Marshal of Beaumont Pride Fest 2019 Intersex and trans man honored for his advocacy work. By LOURDES ZAVALETA Photo courtesy of PFLAG BEAUMONT

aximo “Mo” Cortez publicly opened up about being born intersex during an LGBTQ discussion panel in 2012. “I wouldn’t ‘come out’ as intersex until a friend of mine invited me to speak on [that] panel,” Cortez, 35, recalls. “For whatever reason, the parents in attendance at that event were upset hearing about my story.” Following the event, Cortez, an intersexbodied transgender man, co-founded The Houston Intersex Society (THIS) with intersex advocate Koomah. While THIS was initially created to be a social support group for people who were born intersex, over time it morphed into an organization that advocates for intersex people in Houston and beyond. Cortez continued his LGBTQ activism in 2014 when he testified before the Houston City Council and then Mayor Annise Parker, urging them to pass the Houston Equal Rights 122 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Ordinance (HERO) to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression, in addition to more than a dozen other characteristics. Cortez says he got serious about being an advocate for queer issues after the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. In 2017, Cortez introduced SB 1342 with a coalition of Latinx people, including Koomah and state senator Sylvia Garcia. The proposed bill would have prevented nonconsensual genital surgeries on minors with intersex traits, but it died in committee. “I am a subject-matter expert on my life experiences as an intersex-bodied trans man,” Cortez says. “I know first-hand how the state violates the rights and bodies of these two marginalized communities, and I want to be the person I needed growing up. I invest in these communities. Together we are better, and divided we fall.” In addition to being a leader in THIS, Cortez is the former interim vice-chair of the

Transgender Education Network of Texas, a board member of Queers with Careers, a founding member of Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, and a member of PFLAG Beaumont. He also was named Mr. OLTT for 2018. Because of his work to strengthen and empower Texas’ LGBTQ community, PFLAG Beaumont has named Cortez the 2019 Grand Marshal of its Beaumont Pride Fest, which is set for Saturday, June 8. “Mo works tirelessly for all marginalized communities, and like so many grassroots advocates, his work is in the trenches,” PFLAG Beaumont education chair Payshunz Nagashima says. “This is the work that creates real change in people’s lives, and is often not noticed by the larger community. “I want all of Beaumont to meet Mo Cortez, get familiar with his work, and support what he is doing for all of us.” When Cortez was born intersex in 1984, ➝

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OUT, LOUD, AND PROUD

Mo Cortez is shown in front of Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago advocating for kids who were born intersex. His protest sign reads “The children cannot give consent, no more genital mutilation.”

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doctors insisted on performing surgery to make his genitalia appear more distinctly female, but his parents fought their suggestions. Five years later, an anonymous person informed Child Protective Services that Cortez’ mother was raising a boy as a girl. The mother was then pressured to go through with Cortez’ surgery. As an 18-year-old, Cortez discovered that he was born with an intersex condition while looking at his medical records. Although he faced many challenges while growing up in a conservative Mexican and Mormon household in San Angelo, Texas, Cortez found his true gender identity and began living as a trans man in 2014. Cortez is now a prominent advocate for both the intersex and the transgender communities. He says he one day hopes to live in a world where nonconsensual gender surgeries are no longer performed on intersex children of indeterminate gender. “My ultimate dream is to help found a specialty clinic in the Texas Medical Center that will serve as a center of excellence for intersex and trans patients, with [intersex and trans] staff serving as advisors,” Cortez says. Cortez will be honored on June 8 at this year’s Beaumont Pride Fest. The LGBTQ celebration begins at noon with a march through downtown Beaumont. A free street fair and festival will begin at 12:30 p.m., and outdoor festivities are open to people of all ages. For more information about Beaumont Pride Fest, visit pflagbmt.org.

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PINTS for PRIDE Eureka Heights Brew Co. creates a special Pride beer. By RYAN M. LEACH

n St. Patrick’s Day, we drink green beer. When the Astros take home the World Series, we drink glitter beer. And during Pride, we drink lavender beer . . .or at least we will be this year. The local team of award-winning brewers at Eureka Heights Brew Co. is issuing a special Pride edition of their popular cream ale just in time for this month’s Pride celebration. The gold-medal beer will be rebranded as “Lavender Bunny” throughout the month, and one dollar from every pint sold at participating bars will be donated to Pride Houston, Inc. to support the Pride festival and parade. ➝

126 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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PINTS FOR PRIDE | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

You can visit any one of the growing number of bars that will have Lavender Bunny on tap during Pride weekend, including Conservatory, Flying Saucer (downtown and in Sugar Land), Finn Hall, Axelrad, Burger Joint, Hay Merchant, Pearl Bar, Raven Tower, Sideout Volleybar, NOBI, Pastry War, Tongue Cut Sparrow, Nightengale Room, and The Roastery. “We wanted to create a special beer for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, which [will be observed during this year’s] Pride weekend here in Houston. Lavender Bunny is a version of Buckle Bunny beer, with a lavender hue. Lavender is a color historically linked to the LGBTQ community, and we thought this would be an awesome way to celebrate this historic occasion and our diverse community,” said Rob Eichenlaub, co-founder and duct-tape master at Eureka Heights.

The color lavender can also be understood as the result of mixing pink with blue, the traditional colors of the gender binary. In this context, lavender is a subversive combination of the two that can symbolize a blurring of gender distinctions. The National LGBT Bar Association is also known as Lavender Law. Many colleges and universities sponsor a Lavender Graduation, event so that LGBTQ students can celebrate their identities and achievements. The study of LGBTQ terminology is known as “lavender linguistics.” Anti-gay political phrases were also popular, including the 1950s Lavender Scare (during the McCarthy era) and the 1970s Lavender Menace (during the rise of feminism). The Lavender Revolution was another name for the gay-rights movement that began with the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

The Lavender Legacy

Although many local businesses show their support for the LGBTQ community during Houston’s annual Pride celebration, few go to the lengths that Eureka Heights has gone to. Their Lavender Bunny beer is part of the brewery’s annual Pints for Pride campaign that will

Lavender does indeed have special historic significance for the LGBTQ community. Before today’s rainbow-flag colors were adopted, lavender had been closely associated with the LGBTQ community as far back as the 1920s.

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raise money for Pride Houston, Inc. “Pints for Pride was something we thought of to help show support for our LGBTQ friends and family. The 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots is a great year to start this annual fundraiser.” says Liah Crumbly, the brewery’s publicist. Eureka Heights Brew Company, located on 18th Street in the Heights, has a fully functioning tap room and a rotating roster of food trucks. There is fun for the whole family on event nights that range from trivia contests to sports broadcasts. Customers will also enjoy the brewery’s portrait of legendary actress Betty White, who is the patron saint of Eureka Heights. Brent Davis, the brewery’s Ambassador of Buzz, sums it up: “We celebrate the diversity of everyone in Houston. This is our home. We are very community-minded. In the process of making a fun beer, if we can also help someone out then we’re all for it.” Eureka Heights Brew Co. 941 W. 18th St. eurekaheights.com

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Finding Her Euphoria Dash midfielder Christine Nairn By MARENE GUSTIN Photo by WILF THORNE

ouston Dash midfielder Christine Nairn isn’t normal. In December of 2017 she wrote on her blog, Finding Euphoria: I am done with living a life that is acceptable to someone else’s standards of “normal.” As a female, it is not “normal” to prioritize your life around a sport. I do. It is not “normal” to only live in an area for 6 months because you have to go to your next season. I do. It is not “normal” to miss holidays with the family because you are playing soccer. I do. It is not “normal” to be gay. I am. It’s not “normal” to not know what you want to do with your life. I don’t. The list goes on and on, but it shouldn’t matter because what even is normal? ➝

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MIKE LAWRENCE

CHRISTINE NAIRN | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

ON THE FIELD

Dash midfielder Christine Nairn (above) came out to inspire others to accept their own identities.

soccer. All three went on to play in college, too. If anything, the 28-year-old soccer star’s She went to Penn State and had a successful accomplishments are way above normal. The soccer career, scoring 34 five-foot-six blonde is a goals and becoming a finalbundle of energy on the “HOUSTON IS VERY ist for the Hermann Trophy field, and a laid-back writer, in her senior year. clothing designer, and DIFFERENT FROM Nairn turned pro in coffee drinker off the field. 2013, the opening year of Besides her day job and her THE EAST COAST, the National Women’s Socwriting, she also designs WHERE I GREW UP, cer League. She has tallied activewear that she sells on 33 goals and played over her blog. BUT I LOVE IT. THE 10,000 minutes. She also “I am currently single,” played for the U.S. national she says, “but I’m a pretty GIRLS ARE VERY team. Her brothers went private person. I decided SUPPORTIVE, AND on to other careers, but to come out because if I says they love that she can help people find their THE COACH REALLY she turned pro. euphoria, then I’m willing “When I played in D.C., to be out. I think a lot of CHALLENGES ME.” they came to every game, people, including profes— Christine Nairn and I think they have the sional athletes, are strugjerseys of all the teams I’ve gling with who they are. But played for,” she says. I don’t want to be just gay, or just an athlete. I In February of this year, the Orlando want to be a well-rounded person, I want to be Pride traded her to the Houston Dash for a a good girlfriend, friend, daughter, and sister.” 2019 international roster spot and the Dash’s It was Nairn’s two older brothers, Kevin natural third- and fourth-round picks in the and T.J., who got her interested in soccer. Born 2020 draft. Nairn says the trade was a mutual in Annapolis, Maryland, growing up she wantdecision. ed to do everything they did, and they played 152 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

“Houston is very different from the East Coast, where I grew up,” she says, “but I love it. The girls are very supportive, and the coach really challenges me.” Nairn shares an apartment with Houston Dash goalkeeper Bianca Henninger, who is the same age. “I’ve known her from soccer camps since we were 16,” she says. “So it’s really nice to have her here. Plus, she has the best restaurant recommendations! So far, it’s been great barbeque and Tex-Mex, but we don’t discriminate against any type of food.” She hasn’t seen much of the city yet, and likes to lay low when she’s not playing or practicing. Although you’re most likely to find her curled up at a coffee shop with a good book, she does hope to take in some Pride events this month. Currently she’s reading Game of Thrones—and yes, she tuned in for the show’s now-famous final episode. “It was kind of a big buildup for nothing,” Nairn says. “But it was okay.” What she’s really more intent on is capturing her own Iron Throne. “This team is such a special group of players,” she says. “I really think we can go far this season. I’m just happy to be in Houston with this team.”

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Grab a copy of We Are Everywhere and flip back through time. The history book captures the Queer Liberation Movement through photographs, featuring over 300 images from more than 70 photographers to showcase the activism in the decades preceding and following Stonewall. Read up on all things queer in The Queeriodic Table. The book plays on the periodic table to honor all aspects of LGBTQ life, including a glossary of current lingo and definitions and a timeline of queer culture from 1000 BC to the present. These adorable keychains, patches, and pins are available now at the Contemporary Art Museum Houston. (camh.org) 154 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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WALK THIS WAY Footwear brands drop their Pride collections. By LOURDES ZAVALETA put a queer twist on one of its classic 1. Adidas models for LGBTQ Pride. The Continental 80, a retro sneaker which is typically entirely off-white, now sees rainbow running across its side panels, on its tongue’s iconic trefoil logo, and on the shoe’s insole where “love unites” is written. This shoe is part of the Adidas 2019 Pride Pack, which is slated to hit select retailers and online in June.

a queer-owned family 2. NerdyKeppie, business, sells LGBTQ themed clothing

year-round on its website. The Transgender Pride Rose Pattern Martin Boots are just one of the brand’s hundreds of queer designs, which range from Genderfluid Pride Flag Skirts to Pansexual Pride Flag Duffel Bags. NerdyKeppie has an abundance of unique items for sale, so the’re sure to have something for everyone.

Pride line includes the Rainbow Sk83. Vans’ Hi V Platform, which combines the brand’s

legendary lace-up high top featuring a double hook-and-loop closures with its sturdy canvas and suede uppers. These skate shoes have reinforced toe caps to withstand repeated wear, padded collars for support and flexibility, signature rubber waffle outsoles, and platform rainbow sidewalls.

you’re searching for Pride-themed 4. Ifworkout gear, Under Armour’s new launch may be exactly what you need. The collection features the UA HOVR SLK EVO x Pride running shoe, which has a rainbow spectrum on its sole and Under Armour logo. But wait, there’s more—all proceeds from this collection go to Athlete Ally, an organization that seeks to make sports more inclusive for LGBTQ athletes.

has celebrated Pride every year 5. Converse since its first rainbow-colored collection

4. 156 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

debuted in June 2014. The Chuck 70 Pride High Tops make history as the brand’s firstever sneakers inspired by the transgender flag, which is light blue, pink, and white. These shoes come in four main colorways (gray, white, blue, and silver glitter) with transgender colors placed on their laces, tongues, insoles, and outsoles.

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Commodities LGBTQ apparel, books, and drinks galore. By LOURDES ZAVALETA has traded in its classic blue shopping 1. IKEA bag this month for a more colorful option. The limited-edition Rainbow IKEA Kvanting tote is on sale in IKEA stores across America all month long to celebrate LGBTQ Pride. All proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest LGBTQ organization. IKEA will also fly a Pride flag front of its stores on June 1.

Light will sell rainbow-colored alu2. Bud minum bottles in bars nationwide through

June 30. The brewing company prides itself on standing in support of the LGBTQ community since the ’80s. In two decades of partnering with GLAAD, Bud Light hasn’t let the queer community down. Proceeds from the sales will benefit GLAAD.

Poodle’s Pride socks are on sale 3. Gumball now at the Contemporary Arts Museum

Houston. Make a statement—literally and figuratively—with designs as unique as you are. A majority of Gumball Poodle’s socks are rainbow colored, but a Transgender Pride-themed option is also available.

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children’s picture book to tell the tale of Stonewall’s role in the Queer Liberation Movement. Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution is a children’s book written by openly gay third-grade teacher Rob Sanders, who shares queer history with his students through his LGBTQ-themed picture books.

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Photos by DALTON DEHART and EDGARDO AGUILAR

On May 1, The Houston GLBT Caucus presented a community training seminar on confronting implicit bias within the LGBTQ community at the Montrose Center. Pictured are Rachel Schneider, Jude Feng, Brandi Holmes, Jessica Davenport, Mike Webb, and Clint McManus.

At The Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019 on May 19, Katy Caldwell received the Annise Parker Leadership Award. Pictured are Annise Parker and Katy Caldwell.

At The Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019, congressman Al Green presented Annise Parker with a certificate of special recognition to Victory Fund Houston in honor of its service to the community.

Photos by DALTON DEHART and EDGARDO AGUILAR

The Red Dinner 4 scholarship fundraiser was held at the UH Alumni Center on May 18. Pictured are Kevin Hamby, Carson Jones, Katie Sowers, Dominique Sachse, Jessica Zyrie, and Brian Waddle.

Retreat Away From the Stresses of Everyday Life

T On May 20, The Montrose Softball League Association (MSLA) played at Houston Sportsplex. Pictured are members of the Toros D team hosted by Croker Bar after the game.

COMMUNITY

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Doing Parade Right The Ronje Family & Friends By MARENE GUSTIN

H-Town Shows Out

Now, more people than ever can attend.” For chairs,” he says. “But now we have tents and the first few years, the family found a viewing tables and food, and it’s family and lots of spot near the Hyatt Regency, where they rented friends.” Sometimes as many as thirty people hotel rooms for breaks during the day. Now show up. And while it’s all fun and fellowship, “Ronje Family—Celebrating Diverthey have a shady spot farther down the route, their party is also a way to commemorate a sad sity.” You’ll be more than welcomed, CALENDAR closer to parking. They still like to rent a hotel chapter in Ronje’s family history. and you might even score some fried room for indoor breaks. “My brother Homer was gay,” Ronje says. chicken. “We get here about eight in the morning,” “He committed suicide in 1980. I know it was Herman Ronje, 62, is a Texas native who Ronje says. That’s the first piece of advice he very hard for him back then, being gay and moved to Houston in 1979. He’s a longtime gives parade viewers: get there early. Even Hispanic. But we didn’t talk about it. My mothswimming-pool guy who is a principal with though the parade doesn’t start until 8:00 p.m., er always claimed he was engaged, and died Venture Pool Company, along with his ex-wife, if you want a good spot you need to show up in a car accident. I wish I’d known then what I Jane, and two of their sons. It’s very much a early. know now about being gay. Things might have family affair—as is their tradition of spendCompiled by STEVEN FOSTER AND LOURDES ZAVALETA “And pace yourself,” he adds. “I’ve seen been different for him. ing the day at the Houston Pride festival and Photos by DALTON DEHART people wasted by 4:00 p.m., and they wind up “I want my family and friends to know parade. missing the parade altogether.” we’re all the same. That’s why we do this every “It kinda started when the kids were Plan for anything and everything, he year,” he says. “The last thing I want is for small,” Ronje says, “and I would take our four ride Month is upon us once again, and this year marks the 50th anniversary emphasizes. Some people spend the day at someone I love to be gay and afraid.” and all of their neighborhood friends downthe 1969 Riots, so Pride manyparade of our queer heroes kickedPride off the the neighboring festival in front of City In 2015, thewhen nighttime moved town to the Thanksgiving Dayof parade. We allStonewall modern LGBTQ equality movement that has propelled us to where we are to-it’s about making Hall, but for Ronje’s group downtown from its original Montrose route on had fun, but by the time they got to high school their own festival and celebrating Westheimer Road. The new downtown route they didn’t want to go anymore. So I asked day. The Pride Month events on these pages are sure to keep us busy celebrating family and diversity. runsin down Lamar Street to turn on Smith and Houston them about going to the Pride parade, and they throughout the city June. Try to stay cool, because keeps it hot! ➝ “People we know always drop by,” he says. then back on Walker. thought that would be cool.” “We are happy to see them and share. We The move wasn’t without controversy. “I Every year since 2002, Ronje has rounded always have cold drinks, lots of fruit and sanddidn’t like it at first,” admits Ronje. “But it just up his kids (and now even some grandkids) and wiches, and fried chicken from Disco Kroger,” makes so much sense. It’s not just a neighbormade a day of it. he laughs. “That’s been a staple for years. hood event anymore, it’s a citywide event. “It started off with just a couple of lawn

you’re walking the downtown Pride Just a few offthe thousands of downtown parade onthe June parade-goers eagerlyroute awaiting start22, look for the two big tents banners reading of Space City’s annual LGBTQwith Pride parade.

Pride All Month Long 25 queer events you just can’t miss.

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Pride Calendar | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE June 1

R eel Pride

Official Pride Event In partnership with QUEER HIPPO IFF, Reel Pride celebrates LGBTQIA+ pride and community on film, showcasing works by Houston LGBTQIA+ filmmakers. Noon–7 pm at The Rec Room. recroomarts.org

June 4

Trans Support Galveston Pride Meeting

A light discussion on the pressures of being publicly proud during the month of June, and who trans persons can turn to for advocacy when they cannot be vocal about their identity. tinyurl.com/y3vhm3l8

June 6

Light at Night

Pride SuperStar S13 Competition Finale

Official Pride Event Houston’s LGBTQIA+ talent showcase is featuring all acts hoping for a shot at the $2,500 grand prize. Hosted by Angelina DM Trailz. 8–10:30 pm at Rich’s. facebook.com/richshouston

June 7

Pride Galveston Beach Bash Weekend

First day of the Pride roll-out in our sister city to the south! Bring your Speedo or bikini, and don’t forget your sunscreen! pridegalveston.com

June 7 & 8

Rumba with Pride Official Pride LatinX Night

Official Pride Event It’s a LatinX night for all at Houston’s longstanding Latino dance club and music-video bar. Show up ready to merengue, salsa, or mambo! 9 pm–2 am at Club Crystal. facebook.com/clubcrystalhouston

June 12

Grand Marshal R eception

Official Pride Event It’ll be a night of good food and good company as the 2019 grand marshals are honored. 6–8 pm at Hamburger Mary’s.

The colors of the rainbow illuminated last year’s nighttime Pride parade. This colorful chandelier will also light up the 2019 Pride parade.

nonconforming, asexual, intersex, and beyond. After hors d’ourvres and an open wine bar, get ready for a night filled with fantastic food, delicious drinks, amazing music, and high-flying fun. tinyurl.com/y44wpylz

June 15

Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston 40th Anniversary Celebration

Join GMCH for a look back at 40 years of music and community at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church. bcpahouston.org

June 15

Baewatch X Salvation

Official Pride Event Pride Houston and LOC Nation Entertainment present the official pool party of the Houston LGBT Pride Celebration. Hosted by Trinity Newman, the entertainment will feature DJ Joe Gauthreaux, Khia, and DJ Rockabye. VIP ticket packages include use of a daybed, upper cabana, or private lower cabana and more. 2–8 pm at Clé Houston. baewatchxsalvation.eventbrite.com

hamburgermarys.com/houston

June 15

June 14

Official Pride Event Houston’s premier gay and queer malethemed event benefiting Pride Houston, featuring DJs Alex Lo and Ron Zisman. General-admission tickets start at $30, VIP

Genderless Cocktail Party

Official Pride Event Join Houston in celebrating the full spectrum of gender expressions—trans, gender166 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Apollo | Wonderland

tickets at $60. VIP includes access to the VIP mezzanine and patio, the main floor, three premium drinks, VIP bathrooms, and more. The theme is futuristic/apocalyptic space travel, the colors are silver, gray, and black, and the dress code is “less is more,” if that tells you anything. 9 pm—2 am at White Oak Music Hall.

tinyurl.com/yxojn8la

June 15

The American Journey Concert

The Houston Pride Band wraps up their 2018–2019 season with this musical trip through time. It’s a look at American history as seen through the eyes of various composers who have created evocative music for the journey. Featured will be the music of Grundman, Ticheli, Copland, Bernstein, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, at MATCH. tinyurl.com/y5o5kj2u

June 15

Hardy & Nance Pride Art Show

Coinciding with their Third Saturday Open Studios, Hardy & Nance will feature art by everyone who answered their call for entries. The art in the show makes a positive statement against discrimination and violence, promoting dignity and equality within the community. And you don’t need to be a member of the LGBTQ community to participate! tinyurl.com/yxw228hc

June 15 and June 21

Pride Country VoiCe ComPetition

Semi-finals on June 15 at 10 pm, and the finals are on June 21 at 10:30 pm. Country singers compete for a top prize of $500. Hosted by Dina Jacobs, Wendy Taylor, and Steven Tillota at Neon Boots. neonbootsclub.com

June 17

Skate Sober

Official Pride Event Looking for a family-friendly outing during this Pride season? Go to Lockwood Skating Palace for an evening of old-school tunes and classic roller skating! 6–10 pm. pridehouston.org

June 20

r oCk the runway

Official Pride Event It’s time for Houston models and designers to Rock the Runway. Featuring haute styles, the latest fashions in ladies’ evening wear, and plenty of avant-garde statements. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary unless you want the Rock the Runway VIP experience. VIP reception is 7–8 pm, and doors open at 8 at The Garage HTX.

SIG

pridehouston.org

June 21

eden | Pride Girl + Party

Official Pride Event A party dedicated to the strong women of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community, with Houston’s hottest DJs playing fresh tunes at “Houston’s Best Women’s Bar.” $10 donation at the door. 9 pm–2 am at Pearl Bar. pearlhouston.com

June 21–23

Pride Street FeStiVal

Eagle Houston presents its annual PRIDE Street Festival with DJs JD Arnold, Jason Hilbert, Jimmy Skinner, and Matt Consola. The street in front of the bar will be closed off Friday–Sunday. Food trucks, vendors, games, and a drag show hosted by Terry Kofi Ray. houstoneagle.com

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June 29

houSton daSh lGbt Pride niGht

Houston’s professional women’s soccer team, the Houston Dash, hosts the Portland Thorns in a league match starting at 7:30 pm. “Y’all Means All” T-shirts for all fans at Dynamo Stadium. houstondashsoccer.com

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Pride Calendar | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE June 21

This is the outdoor summer extravaganza where the crowd is always cool, the entertainment is always spot-on, and the good-time vibe is contagious. Of course, the winner of the Pride Superstar competition will be on the bill, as will the hot Bollywood dancers. An army of drag queens will rev up the crowd, and this year they’ll be sporting eco-fashions from local Mexican artist Yahaira DeHill, whose designs are made from recycled plastic, recycled paper, and repurposed household items. But we’re really psyched about all the celebrities (drag versions, of course) that will be showing up to strut their stuff. Tina Turner (Roxanne Collins) will be taking us river-deep and mountain-high, Beyonce (Mya Jackson) will thrill the gay beyhive, Janet Jackson (Janet Andrews) will exert her crowd control, Jennifer Lopez (Linda Crawford) will put the D in diva, and Leilani Jackson Ross will channel the hot stuff of Donna Summer. It’s a good thing this bash is held outdoors—otherwise, the roof would blow off.

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Local Mexican artist Yahaira DeHill designs fashions made from recycled plastic, recycled paper, and repurposed household items. See her at Rainbow on the Green on June 21.

June 22

Drag Queen Story Hour

Brazos Bookstore was the first Houston host for the now-beloved Drag Queen Story Hour. This Pride Week, drag queens return for this family-friendly, fun, and fantastic storytime for people of all ages! 10:30 am at Brazos Bookstore. tinyurl.com/y2glvt6w

June 22

2019 HouSton PriDe FeStival

Noon–7 pm, followed by the parade at 8, this big event is admission-free and open to the public.

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June 22

PriDe at el Big BaD

This bi-level booze bar is hosting a Pride extravaganza of their own. Go for the food, but stay for their tangy takes on margaritas: Strawberry Infused, Blueberry Jalapeno & Cilantro, Pineapple Hibiscus, and the Champ #3, winner of the Houston Press Best Margarita contest. 4–10 pm. tinyurl.com/yxg2cquj

CONTINUED ON PAGE 171

TOM SCHWENK Owner / Broker 2019 Inductee Texas Real Estate Hall of Fame Landmarks Commission Chair Talk to Tom! 713-857-2309

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2019 Houston Pride Parade

Our nighttime Pride Parade is (literally) one of the coolest in the nation. The celebration

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June 22

official Pride after-Party

Keep the spirit of Pride flying high by grabbing a nightcap at the downtown dance mecca. 9 pm–3 am at Rich’s Houston.

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official closing Party – tea dance

The Houston LGBT Pride Celebration may be over, but the party doesn’t end downtown. Wrap things up with the official closing party at Eagle Houston’s block party. 4–11 pm. pridehouston.org

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ever loved about Michael to life in the most vivid and honest way. I spoke with him shortly before the June series debut.

Gregg Shapiro: Murray, what was it about the character of Michael “Mouse” Tolliver in Tales of the City that made you want to portray him?

Murray Bartlett (left) and Laura Linney star in the Netflix return of Tales of the City this month.

Q & A

BEING MOUSE An interview with Murray Bartlett of ‘Tales of the City.’ By GREGG SHAPIRO

| Photos by ALISON COHN ROSA/NETFLIX

recent internet meme featured Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling bemoaning the difficulty of killing off so many characters, with Game of Thrones series author George R.R. Martin calling her “adorable” in response. Gay writer Armistead Maupin has more in common with Rowling and Martin than you might expect. Maupin, like Rowling and Martin, is the author of a popular book series. In Maupin’s case, it’s the beloved, queer Tales of The City series that began in 1978 and concluded in 2014. Like Rowling and Martin, Maupin populated his books with a wide assortment of characters (some loveable and some despicable), and has also killed off some of those characters. Maupin’s Tales of the City books have also made the leap from the page to the screen. In 1993, PBS launched their Tales of the City series starring Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal, the legendary trans landlord 172 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

of 28 Barbary Lane, and Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton, the naïve young woman from Ohio who was forever changed when she relocated to San Francisco. While the groundbreaking PBS series was well-received by critics and fans of the books, boosting the careers of both Linney and Dukakis, the raciness of the material didn’t sit well with conservatives controlling the PBS purse strings. More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City aired on Showtime in 1998 and 2001, respectively, with Linney and Dukakis among the few actors reprising their roles. This month, Netflix presents the return of the series, with Linney and Dukakis once again starring. It opens with the occasion of Anna’s 90th birthday, and brings both old and new characters together for the reunion. Handsome, out Australian actor Murray Bartlett is the third actor to play Michael “Mouse” Tolliver, and he is sensational in that role. He effortlessly brings everything we’ve

Murray Bartlett: I love the Tales of the City books. I have a huge affection for all of the characters, including Michael, from the ’90s. I guess what I love about him, particularly now, is that he has been through a lot. He went through the AIDS crisis and thought he was going to die, and he lost a lot of the people that he loved. He faced his own mortality. He went through a hugely challenging and transformative time, and he’s managed to keep this beautiful kind of buoyant spirit that he has— this boyish spirit. I really love that about him. It’s difficult to do that. I think a lot of people become cynical and jaded. He’s definitely come through a little damaged [laughs] and he’s definitely got some baggage, but that buoyant spirit is still intact, and I really love that.

What does being part of such a beloved series, including the earlier productions on PBS and Showtime, mean to you?

I have such a personal connection to the series. I think for many of us that saw it in the beginning, or came to the books in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond, they really struck a chord that wasn’t being struck—these LGBTQ characters finding family and living a wonderful, joyful life with all the trials and tribulations of their everyday lives. Fully fleshed-out, real characters that were experiencing joy and pain. A trans character like Anna Madrigal, who was not a tragic figure. She’s a wise, benevolent, compassionate, wonderfully inspiring woman. I think it was groundbreaking at the time, and I think it’s still groundbreaking in that we’re still kind of at the beginning of [nuanced] LGBTQ representation on television and on film. It feels like such a privilege to be part of that wave, and being part of this beautiful world that Armistead created that is so compassionate and human and full of love. I feel like we need more of that in the world—always, and especially now.

Did you have an opportunity to meet and talk with Armistead during the Netflix production?

Yes, absolutely! I had done this show, Looking, for HBO a few years ago, and we were shooting in San Francisco. Tales of the City was very much a kind of mascot. The first night we arrived, I and a few of the other actors watched [an earlier version of] Tales of the City. We met ➝

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MURRAY BARTLETT | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

AGE GAP

Bartlett’s character, Michael, is in a relationship with Ben (left), a man much younger than he is. The couple’s dynamic shows the complexities of trying to understand a partner who grew up in a different generation.

up with Armistead a few times. He became like our godfather. He was very sweet and generous. I had a little bit of a connection with him. He came and spent time with us on our Tales of the City set. He’s the spirit of his books. He’s the personification of that—a beautiful, compassionate, wonderful man. It was great for all of us to have him on set.

What were the challenges and rewards of stepping into the role of Michael, aka “Mouse”—a role played by two other actors in previous iterations of the series?

I didn’t really think about that too much. Before we started, I went back and read all of the books. I tried to let Mouse jump off the page and let Armistead give me Mouse through the books. [Laughs] I think maybe one of the reasons I didn’t give it much thought is that two decades have gone in between. A lot has happened. Mouse still has the same spirit, he’s still essentially the same guy, but he’s transformed in terms of all the stuff he’s gone through. I felt like (as happens after a couple of decades) you are a kind of reformed character in a lot of ways. I felt like I didn’t have to be too concerned about what had come before, but just go back to the books and get the essence of him and run with it.

What was it like to work with Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis?

Just, you know, magical. [Laughs] Complete joy, and very surreal. Especially initially, because I think I’d seen Olympia in things before, particularly Moonstruck. But I don’t think I’d seen Laura before I watched Tales of the City. 174 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

I have a strong association with those women and those characters in Tales of the City, so it was very surreal being on set the first few times with them. They are those characters to me. I was a little nervous, because I admire them so much and they’re such fantastic actors. You want to bring your best. So there’s a little bit of nerves that come with that. But they’re so gracious and so lovely. The scene starts, and you just go for the ride. They’re so wonderful to work with, and those strong associations of those characters just kicked in for me.

In the new version of Tales of the City, Michael is in a relationship with Ben (Charlie Barnett), a man much younger than he is. This age difference comes up repeatedly, but never more so than during the scene at a dinner party thrown by Michael’s ex, Harrison (Matthew Risch), where Ben is given a gay history lesson. As a gay man yourself, how did that scene make you feel?

I haven’t seen the show yet, but I love that episode. I think it’s so beautifully written, mostly because it throws out the two perspectives of the older and younger generation, and then does such a beautiful job of not letting you take sides. You agree and disagree with both. [Laughs] I think that that is a beautiful way to approach a fiery issue and conversation—to show both perspectives and let people make up their own minds. It also shows how complex it is. I feel like I understand where the older generation comes from, but I also understand where the younger generation comes from. They both have really good points, and they both need to listen to each other because they

have a lot to learn from each other. All the stuff that the older generation went through was epic. It’s very important for younger queer people to understand what has come before. The older perspective comes from a place that is worth understanding. Likewise, the younger generation is moving forward in terms of gender identity and second-gender identity and sexual identity, and how we can express ourselves. Riding a wave into, hopefully, more openness has enormous value. We’re at a very delicate stage of navigating through that, and we need to be very sensitive. The older generation, at least in that episode, can tend to gloss over that a little bit. I love the way the writer and our team did such a beautiful job of straddling those two perspectives, allowing you to see both of them without telling you what to think about it

You mentioned the HBO series Looking, in which you played Dom. Like Tales of the City, Looking was also set in San Francisco. Can you please say something about what that city means to you?

I adore San Francisco. I came to San Francisco from Australia for the first time in the ’90s for a visit. I think it was 1994. The guy I was staying with had the first season of Tales of the City on VHS [laughs] and he let me watch them. I fell in love with the first season, which was completely intertwined with my initial impressions of San Francisco. I recognized a lot of the elements of Tales of the City in San Francisco, in terms of community and the sense of family and a sense of belonging—a place where people could come and find those things. Apart from that, there’s the fact that it’s just a gorgeous city! [Laughs] I was there recently, and everywhere you turn there’s a beautiful view. There’s something about the spirit of San Francisco. This latest iteration of Tales of the City addresses this new generation, with the techie wave coming in. One of the beautiful things about San Francisco that I loved is this incredible diversity of expression—all these wonderful characters and people. But a lot of those people aren’t millionaires, and they can’t afford to live there anymore. It’s this interesting thing that San Francisco is going through now. How much of the old spirit can stay alive in this new, expensive phase?

In Tales of the City, Michael had Mary Ann, and in Looking, Dom had Doris. Do you have a female best friend like Mary Ann or Doris in your life? Yes, absolutely! I have several.

READ OUT By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

‘The Stonewall Riots’ Coming out in the streets.

o anybody else, that tchotchke would be worthless. To you, though, it oozes with memories, and you keep it because it represents special people, remarkable times, or things you hold in your heart. One glance, and you instantly recall something you want to remember. So it is with Gayle E. Pitman’s The Stonewall Riots, which takes a look at 50 objects that recall a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history in a way that children can relate to. Using photographs, matchbook covers, clothing, and other ephemera, author Gayle E. Pitman turns the Stonewall Rebellion into something relatable for its intended audience—because, as you know, kids are big on keeping mementos and special objects. Pitman notes that written accounts of history can get “complicated—especially if that story differs depending on who tells it.” That’s what happened in at least part of the tale of gay liberation: few records were kept, newspapers were mostly silent, and key players have died. Even so, she says, there are enough objects to tell a story. She begins with a basic history of Greenwich Village in New York City, and the Jefferson Livery Stable, which housed horses long before it became Bonnie’s Stonewall Inn, and Author Gayle E. then just the Stonewall Inn. There’s Pitman a possibility, says Pitman, that the word “Stonewall” might have been “a coded welcome message to lesbians.” Back then, being gay or lesbian meant almost certain persecution, but a gay man named Harry Hay and three of his friends knew that the best way to work against discrimination was to organize. They started The Mattachine Society in 1950, and Pitman includes a photo of one of their early meetings. Five years later, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon started the Daughters of Bilitis, an organization for lesbians.

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But still the discrimination continued, and “in 1966, resistance was in the air.” AfricanAmericans had been fighting for civil rights for “quite some time,” and antiwar protests were just starting to organize. Small uprisings had been staged on behalf of LGBTQ people in California, while in New York City, LGBTQ individuals were getting pretty tired of police harassment, Mafia shake-downs, and raids on their hangouts. And on June 28, 1969, their simmering anger boiled over. Through the stories she tells about the book’s 50 selected items, Pitman explains the events surrounding the night of the riot. She also draws a few threads between then and now, but she’s careful not to be too hasty in filling in historical blanks. Those unknowns will leave kids hanging a bit, but the gaps can heighten the excitement and outrage about what happened. While this is a book for children ages 10 and up, it’s also for anyone under the age of 55 who wouldn’t remember news of the Stonewall riots firsthand. For that audience, reading The Stonewall Riots is absolutely worthwhile. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old, and she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

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OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 175

Dillon embraced a non-binary gender identity after playing the groundbreaking nonbinary character Taylor Mason in Showtime’s delicious Billions, set in the world of high finance. Dillon also portrayed Brandy Epps in Orange Is the New Black. Here Dillon speaks with OutSmart about joining Wick World.

Keanu came up with the role of The Adjudicator. How did the character evolve once you got cast?

Both Keanu and Chad had a vision for this character as someone who could walk into a room and unsettle anyone—including people who you don’t think can be unsettled, like Ian McShane’s Winston, and John Wick, in particular. [The Adjudicator needed to be] a character who could also give a deeper glimpse into the world of John Wick and the High Table. It’s really fun to be a new character in an existing franchise, and take people deeper into that world.

Alas, you don’t get to do any physical ass-kicking yourself in this installment. Disappointed? While the role of The Adjudicator doesn’t pick up arms in this film, they use something else— a quiet intensity and power and confidence that was really fun for me to play.

MOVIES

Judge Dread Non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon stars in John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum By LAWRENCE FERBER | Photo by EVAN AGOSTINI

sia Kate Dillon isn’t a judgmental person, which makes their latest role as The Adjudicator something of a stretch. “I really try hard to not assume anything about anyone,” says the non-binary, pansexual-identified actor, “unless I’m in a conversation with that person and they have space to tell me who they are—how they identify or what they’re interested in. I like to let other people tell me who they are.” The same cannot be said for Dillon’s Adjudicator character in John Wick: Chapter

176 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

3—Parabellum, the Keanu Reeves-led action franchise about legendary former assassin Wick (Reeves), who is forced back into a dangerous underworld of murder, betrayals, and strict rules enforced by a powerful international assassins’ guild, the High Table. Directed by former stuntman and martial artist Chad Stahelski (who doubled for Reeves in The Matrix films), the series is beloved for its relentless action, its evolving, inventive world-building (which includes Dillon’s enforcer of violent High Table judgment) and its co-stars Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, and Anjelica Huston.

You have a great cringe-inducing scene with Laurence Fishburne’s character, The Bowery King, who lords over flocks of rooftop pigeons. I’ve got to ask: was there a lot of pigeon-pooping going on?

It’s funny, I don’t think so. The pigeons are professional birds, very well trained, incredible to work with. Incredible costars.

One element of the John Wick universe is a switchboard through which people order assassinations, and I believe that I spotted at least one trans person on the switchboard. The Wick films are getting very queer with representation, aren’t they?

Totally. I was a fan of the first two, and one of the things I appreciated was the diversity. There are so many kinds of people—all sizes, colors, sexualities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds. It feels like a more accurate reflection of the world than a lot of media are willing to portray, and this film adds gender diversity with my character. I think if you’re making art and don’t have queer, trans, and people of color in your project, you’re not accurately representing the world.

Do you find that filmmakers are writing more roles to incorporate and represent non-binary and transgender identities today? Scripts are coming my way, and more nonbinary and transgender characters are being written, but I’m just one example of what

a non-binary identity can look like. I think there’s an idea of a non-binary identity that is predominantly white-bodied and androgynous. Someone born female and wearing pants on a red carpet is held up as someone who should be admired, but someone [who is] born male, particularly a person of color, who wears a dress on the carpet is still going to be ridiculed. Some of these people receive death threats—people I know. We’ve made a tremendous amount of progress, and the long arc of history [bends toward] justice, but we have to keep fighting for justice and visibility for people on the margins.

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Whose life story would you love to portray?

The first name to come to mind is Mary Martin, who means something to me in particular because she starred in a version of Peter Pan that was live-action-to-tape that I watched over and over as a kid. I’d be fascinated to learn more about her life and play her.

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I hear you’re working on your first music project. Can you share some details?

I’ve been a singer my whole life, and the time feels right to put my own music out. I found a producer I’m excited to work with, and the sound will be an amalgamation of all the music I love, going back to soul, the blues, and rock and roll.

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Although you’re not a judgmental person, would you come to a conclusion or two about someone wearing a MAGA hat?

We’re certainly living in a time in this country where the hateful rhetoric that’s coming from 45’s administration is having severe and very real consequences for people who have been historically marginalized and disenfranchised. So I would keep my distance, because “safety first!”

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GROOVE OUT By GREGG SHAPIRO

Stonewall 50 Soundtrack Tyson Meade, Scissor Sisters, Christine and the Queens, The Drums, Meow Meow, and more.

Rev Your Engines

Tyson Meade’s recent solo album, Robbing the Nuclear Family, has more components than we would have expected.

ooking for just the right soundtrack for your observance of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots? Consider any or all of the following albums by LGBTQ artists to provide the music for your queer ears. If you only know punk belter Tyson Meade from his time as front man of the purr-fect ’90s alt-rock band Chainsaw Kittens, then you only know part of the story. Meade’s four solo albums, beginning with 1996’s Motorcycle Childhood, are all worthy of your attention. His amazing new release Robbing the Nuclear Family (Shaking Shanghai), with an incredible cover image that must be seen, has all the components we’ve come to expect from Meade, and then some. “He’s the Candy” (from which the album’s title is drawn) will kick your sweet ass into next week. The daring musical diversion of “Tentatively Ahmed” pays off in a big way, lifting listeners out of their seats and on to their already dancing feet. “Tiniest of Guys (Troy’s Theme)” lightens the mood in every way imaginable, while “Daphne Come Out” takes a more serious tone. “Motorcycle Boy #3” will rev more than a few listeners’ engines. Jonny Pierce of The Drums has come a long way since 2005. At that time, he was a member of the short-lived electro-pop act Elkland, releasing one album on Columbia Records. A few years later, Pierce and other Elkland members regrouped as The Drums. Brutalism (Anti-), the fifth full-length album under The Drums moniker, finds Pierce on his own. The nine songs maintain The Drums’ love of synth-beats and keyboards, and the bliss feels gayer and more intimate than ever, even in the face of struggle. Whether or not you choose to pay close attention to his lyrics (which you should), Pierce still wants

180 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

you up and dancing on songs such as “Body Chemistry,” “Pretty Cloud,” “Blip of Joy,” and “626 Bedford Avenue.” Pierce also gives you a chance to catch your breath on “Nervous” and “I Wanna Go Back.” In 2016, after completing and releasing the final part to the ambitious and taxing three-album The Family Tree song cycle, gay singer/songwriter Ben Cooper (of Electric President fame), aka Radical Face, busied himself with various projects, including relocating from Florida to California and going into therapy. The result is the new Radical Face album Therapy (Bear Machine), featuring some exciting new musical experimentation that is best exemplified in the stunning songs “Better Days,” “Guilt,” and “Doubt.” Be forewarned: this is not an easy listen. It’s essentially a musical psychotherapy session, as in the case of the powerful “Personal Giants” and “Dead Ends.” Nevertheless, you can feel the healing beginning. When out singer/songwriter John Ashfield isn’t releasing solo records (check out 2007’s Love Is Blue), he’s busy fronting San Francisco’s The Bobbleheads. The quartet’s new album Myths and Fables (Poppop) is significant in that it’s the first time the entire band lineup consists of gay members, including Pat Ennis on bass, Rob Harford on guitar and vocals, and Rob Jacobs on drums and percussion. The electric rock of “Until You Touch It” would fit in well on the latest Bob Mould album, Sunshine Rock. Other highlights include “Anne Murray Centre” and the chewy bubblegum pop of “Listen You Know,” “Like Oxygen,” “Afternoon,” and “Joey.” All-female supergroup trios are all the rage. Have you heard the albums by case/lang/veirs (Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs), Pistol Annies (Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley) or I’m With Her (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan)? If not, you should. You also can’t go wrong with the two-thirds-queer trio boygenius (Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers) and its self-titled six-song EP (on Matador). In fact, the only thing wrong is that there simply isn’t enough of it—the very embodiment of “always leave them wanting more.” With so few songs it’s difficult to pick favorites, so let’s just say that you should listen to “Bite the Hand,” “Me & My Dog,” “Souvenir,” “Stay Down,” “Salt in the Wound,” and “Ketchum, ID” repeatedly, because too much of a good thing is never enough. For those who have been uncomplainingly awaiting the day that out Broadway singer/actor Max Von Essen releases his debut album, your patience has been rewarded. Call Me Old Fashioned · The Broadway

Standard (LML Music), co-produced by Von Essen and Billy Stritch (who also plays piano on the album), is here! Drawing on jukebox bio-musicals such as Jersey Boys and The Boy from Oz , as well as more traditional fare including Evita, My Fair Lady, She Loves Me, and An American in Paris, Von Essen succeeds in making each and every one of the songs his own. Thomas Lauderdale has gallons of talent. Not limiting himself to his role as leader and primary songwriter of original material for Pink Martini, openly gay Lauderdale has also made a name for himself through his collaborations with others, including gay writer Tom Spanbauer. On Hotel Amour (Heinz), Lauderdale teams up with international cabaret chanteuse Meow Meow for a set of intercontinental tunes. Upping the queer quotient, Rufus Wainwright provides duet vocals on “À quoi ça sert l’amour,” while other musical guests can be heard on “Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo” (The von Trapps), “Sans Toi” (the late Michel Legrand), and “Mausi, süß warst Du heute Nacht” (Barry Humphries). Pansexual freakpop diva Héloïse Létissier sure took her time releasing the second Christine and the Queens album, Chris (Because Music), but after one listen you’ll agree that it was worth the threeplus-year wait. Working her Frenglish vibe to its most exotic yet accessible degree, Létissier borrows liberally from the 1980s, synthesizing it through an exciting 21st-century lens. You’ll want to slip on your dancing shoes for the religious experience of “Doesn’t Matter,” the tush-shaking touché of “Girlfriend,” the come-on of “Comme Si,” the frustration of “Damn (What Must a Woman Do),” and the affordable thrill of “5 Dollars.” In the liner notes for This World Is Too ___ for You (Thesis & Instinct), lesbian polymath Emily Wells wrote, “These songs are about the human being interacting with the natural world.” A queer musical statement on the climate crisis, the 10 tracks balance experimentation with accessibility. Even if this is not your usual cup of herbal tea, it’s well worth drinking in “Hymn for the New World,” “Eulogy for the Lucky,” “Stay Up,” “Misconceptions on Forever,” and “Remind Me to Remember.” Here’s something on which many LGBTQ people can probably agree: Scissor Sisters should have been bigger than they were. Led by sizzling-hot ex-go-go boy Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters’ cutting-edge approach to queer dance pop was as refreshing as it was razor-sharp on its eponymous 2004 debut album, newly reissued as a half-mastered vinyl LP (complete with an Abbey Road Studios certificate). Far from being one-trick ponies, Scissor Sisters turned Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” into a certified dance anthem, added extra glitter to glam on the anti-drug “Return to Oz,” added “Filthy/ Gorgeous” to the lexicon, and ultimately did Elton John better than Elton himself on originals including “Mary,” “Take Your Mama,” “Music Is the Victim,” and “Better Luck.” If there is any justice in the world, a Scissor Sisters revival is just around the corner.

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G. CAROL SMITH 1942-2019

arol Smith went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2019 at Panola Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Carthage, Texas. Services for Carol were on February 23rd under the direction of Crawford A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson. Born in Dekalb to Haskel and Juanita Smith on September 6, 1942. She was the middle child of six children. Carol was predeceased by her parents, sister, two brothers and nephew. She leaves behind nieces, nephews and her companion Raquel. On October 31, 2016 Carol was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. On April 2, 2018 Carol left Houston to move in with family in Minden. Carol graduated from Henderson High School in 1961. Carol moved to Houston in the early 70’s to the Montrose area where she met Raquel Cedillo, her companion since April of 1973. Carol was a licensed barber and a licensed massage therapist. After graduating from Heights Barber College, she worked at the River Oaks Barbershop for two years on West Gray before it

For the last 38 years Carol had a ADclosed. thriving business at the Avalon Barbershop where she had cut clients hair for three generations. Carol enjoyed reading, a good cup of coffee, watching tennis tournaments, movies, outings to the museum, sushi, fine dining and fine wine. Carol was a compassionate, caring, kind, thoughtful person with strong values and integrity, affectionately known as Carrie, she will be missed by all — especially her smile. In lieu of customary remembrance donations to the Alzheimer’s Association can be made.

A tribute video is available to view at www.emkenlinton.com.

Gregg Shapiro is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine. OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 2019 181

COMMUNITY

Photos by DALTON DEHART and EDGARDO AGUILAR

On May 20, The Montrose Softball League Association (MSLA) played at Houston Sportsplex. Pictured are members of the Toros D team hosted by Croker Bar after the game.

At The Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019, congressman Al Green presented Annise Parker with a certificate of special recognition to Victory Fund Houston in honor of its service to the community.

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HCG Clomid Peptide Therapy On May 25, Houston SaberCats Rugby held Pride Night at AVEVA Stadium. Pictured are Alice Curtis and Venita Howard-Curtis.

At The Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019 on May 19, Katy Caldwell received the Annise Parker Leadership Award. Pictured are Annise Parker and Katy Caldwell.

On May 23, the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston held a community conversation about Mary’s Bar and its bartops artwork curated by Gulf Coast Archives and Museum (GCAM) and displayed at the museum’s Stonewall 50 Exhibition. Pictured are Dalton DeHart, Judy Reeves, Dean Daderko, Carmon Brian Keever, and Marc Cohen.

The Red Dinner 4 scholarship fundraiser was held at the UH Alumni Center on May 18. Pictured are the featured speakers Katie Sowers, Jessica Zyrie, and Carson Jones.

The Art League of Houston held its annual Montrose Art Party (MARTY) on May 17. pictured are Jeremy Lejeune, Glynda McGinnis, Bobby Bass, Eddie Shannon, Sandy Valdivia, and Nicolle Lamere.

Out for Education held its annual scholarship presentation and celebration at the Alley Theatre on May 18. Pictured are Sallie Wyatt-Woodell and Cindy Cuellar.

• Decreased Body Fat • Increased Muscle Mass • Increased Libido & Sexual Performance • Increased Energy & Metabolism • Increased Mood/Well-Being On May 25, Houston SaberCats Rugby held Pride Night at AVEVA Stadium. Pictured are Audrey Blank, Kevin Pope, Matthew Janak, Davin Hutcheson, Caitie Blank, and Dalton DeHart.

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The Red Dinner 4 scholarship fundraiser was held at the UH Alumni Center on May 18. Pictured are Kevin Hamby, Carson Jones, Katie Sowers, Dominique Sachse, Jessica Zyrie, and Brian Waddle.

@ways2well

On May 2, the City of Houston Health Department launched the I am Life Campaign at LifeTX. Pictured are Marlene McNeese and Robert Ross.

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 183

MUSIC

Kenneth Broberg

The Prodigal Prodigies Return Texas Music Festival’s 30th-anniversary lineup. By RICH ARENSCHIELDT Photo by RALPH LAUER

ummertime in Houston: most of the city’s professional orchestral musicians flee to cooler climes, leaving behind 93 heat-resistant young musicians to perform in the Texas Music Festival (TMF), which celebrates its 30th anniversary in June with a month-long series of concerts. The festival is anchored around four blockbuster Saturday-evening symphonic concerts, but there are 30 smaller events scattered throughout the month. Audiences will hear high-quality recitals, chamber music, and plenty of Beethoven to celebrate his 250th birthday. TMF has been a proving ground for young musicians on the cusp of their professional

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careers. The players (or “orchestral fellows”) were chosen from 390 applicants in 22 countries to participate in the TMF Orchestral Institute. The one-month residency that TMC supports enables the 93-member ensemble to perform with world-class conductors and soloists. Additionally, there is a Young Artist Competition open to all players, with the winner being invited to appear with Germany’s Akademisches Orchester in Leipzig’s famed Gewandhaus concert hall in addition to an appearance (with the TMF orchestra) at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion during the following year’s festival. The 30th-anniversary opening concert will be June 7 at the UH Moores Opera House.

The program begins with two fanfares: Aaron Copeland’s famous “Fanfare for the Common Man,” paired with composer Joan Tower’s evocative “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman,” commissioned by the Houston Symphony in 1986. Pianist (and Van Cliburn competition silver-medalist) Kenny Broberg performs Rachmaninov’s fiendishly lush “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” and the evening concludes with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Arabian Nightsinspired tone poem, “Scheherazade.” The second orchestral concert on Saturday, June 15, is equally hefty. Disney fans, Wagnerians, and opera lovers will all be sated with a program of works by Strauss, Wagner, and Dukas. Entitled “Cinematic Splendor,” the

JEFF GRASS BATON

evening will feature TMF alum Ernesto Tovar Torres (on loan from the Philadelphia Orchestra) as French-horn soloist in Richard Strauss’ heroic Concerto No. 1. Heroines are equally represented (in orchestral form) with Wagner’s epic depiction of sisterhood in “Ride of the Valkyries.” Lovers of Disney’s Fantasia will remember the Stokowski arrangement of Bach’s emblematic “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” and Dukas’ whimsical “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” The evening closes with Strauss’s underperformed “Fantasy on Die Frau ohne Schatten” (The Woman without a Shadow), a densely orchestrated synopsis of Strauss’ dramatically complex opera. Homages to the fantastical continue in week three of TMF with Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, his monument to opiuminduced, unrequited love. This work, often credited as one of the first from the Romantic era, possesses colorful imagery: passionate dreams, the lovely countryside, and a harp-laden ball. Soon thereafter, events take a macabre turn. As the (loosely autobiographical) music progresses, Berlioz is poisoned with opium, beheaded by a guillotine (listen for the drum rolls depicting his head bouncing off the scaffold) and damned to hell amidst all manner of

Franz Anton Krager conducts

witches, ghouls, and goblins. Composer Berlioz was wildly infatuated with actress Harriet Smithson, who spurned his affections and refused his numerous, ardent proposals of marriage. Exasperated, she eventually agreed to meet the lovesick composer. Things did not go well. At the meeting, Berlioz drank a lethal dose of opium in front of her. An hysterical Harriet hastily agreed to marry Hector, who then drank an antidote to the opium (concealed in his other pocket). In true French fashion, they married, separated, and were eventually buried together—events

all memorialized within his bizarre and captivating music. The concluding week of the festival ends with a single, weighty work: Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 6, conducted by Josep CaballéDomenech, music director of Germany’s Staatskapelle Halle, among others. What: The 30th Annual Texas Music Festival When: June 4-29 Where: The Moores School of Music, UH Main Campus. Cullen Blvd. near I-45, Entrance 16. Info: tmf.uh.edu or call 713.743.3388

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WEDDING GUIDE

A WEDDING TOAST Jessica Celaya (l) and Cynthia Corral

A PERFECT FIT Cynthia Corral & Jessica Celaya By HENRY V. THIEL Photos by CHUCK NGUYEN

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 187

WEDDING GUIDE

Dr. Cynthia Corral, 35, is a dentist at Bayou City Smiles. But her very first job after graduating from high school in 2001 was at the Gap store in Deerbrook Mall. And, as fate would have it, it was that very same year, in that very same Gap, where Corral would meet her future wife, Jessica Celaya, 34. “Jessica walked into the Gap, and our lives were forever changed.” Celaya was shopping for jeans, and Corral said she was more than happy to help her to find the perfect fit. “On that fateful day, little did I know she would weave herself into the fabric of my life.” Celaya, who was a 17-year-old high-school senior at the time, continued to shop (or, according to Corral, to stalk her) at that Gap for months. One day, Celaya gave Corral her number under the pretense of wanting to get a heads-up about upcoming sales. “I immediately called her,” Corral says, “And we went on a first date to Starbucks.” They’ve been drinking coffee and shopping together ever since. After graduating from Argosy University in Atlanta, Celaya is now an executive assistant at Asset Management Company. Corral earned her degree in Houston at the University of Texas School of Dentistry, and the pair now lives in Houston. 188

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WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? Email us at letters@outsmartmagazine.com

WEDDING GUIDE

Celaya describes her attraction to Corral as “love at first sight.” I was smitten and only had eyes for Cynthia as far back as 2002,” she says. As most people in relationships do, she admits they’ve had their ups and downs. “But one thing remains to this day: I love her with all my heart, my love grows stronger each day,

and I can’t imagine my life without her.” Corral says that her realization that Celaya was the one came to her in a flash while she was driving to Celaya’s parent’s house in 2004 to pick her up for a date. “My realization was that I was completely head-over-heels in love with Jessica. I had fallen deeply in love.” At

that moment, she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. “I also knew I couldn’t let her get away.” So that summer, she purchased a promise ring, set up a picnic at Eleanor Tinsley Park, and “made a promise of love and commitment that continues to endure.” Corral says Celaya “gave the ring a really close look and then looked me in the eyes, threw her arms over my shoulders, and said, ‘Yes, baby! Of course!’” Celaya’s sisters then met them at Chez Nous (Celaya’s favorite restaurant in her hometown of Humble) to celebrate the engagement. The two were married in Midtown on October 20, 2018, by officiant Leslie Bonnie in the outdoor courtyard of Brennan’s restaurant. Music was performed by a string trio, and both women were escorted down the aisle by their fathers to exchange vows that they had written. One unique component of their big day was having two caricature artists there to create custom caricature portraits of their guests. The traditional Christian ceremony included ➝

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WEDDING GUIDE

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favorite Bible verses from the book of Psalms. After the ceremony, they each wanted to have their own individual father/daughter dances, so Celaya danced with her dad to “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones, her dad’s favorite group. Corral danced with her dad to “Mi Niña” by her dad’s favorite artist, José José. They chose “Never My Love” by The Association for their first dance. Corral and Celaya are expecting a baby in November, so they decided to take a combined honey/baby-moon this month to the Cayman Islands. “We have made it a tradition to go to Cancún every year since our first trip in 2004. However, we had to change our honey/baby-moon destination due to the potential risk of Zika virus.” The love between the two is obvious as they speak about one another in glowing terms. Celaya describes Corral “as a magnetic woman with a heart of gold. She’s hilarious, spontaneous, determined, loyal,

and very easy on the eyes. She loves with her whole heart, and is one of the most generous people I know.” Corral’s feelings about Celaya portray an equal enchantment. Corral describes Celaya as “a stronghearted truth-seeker, and a true believer in following your own path of personal and spiritual growth. She is a great listener, extremely intuitive, and has a genuine understanding for others. She is also gorgeously stunning, with a flawless complexion and bright emerald eyes—truly beautiful. I have a trophy wife! This year, I can officially say that I have been with Jessica for half my life as we celebrate 18 years together.”

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READ OUT

S. L. Huang: Math Nerd, Crack Shot, Author Sci-fi fantasy series adds up to high adventure. By MARENE GUSTIN

as Russel is a badass. The dudes below me, however, did not know I breathed superhuman knowledge of velocities and forces. They only saw me fire a shot that would have killed a man if it had been an inch over—and all a foot from my own backup like a goddamned maniac. The lead character in Russel, the sciencefiction fantasy series by S. L. Huang, is a crime fighter (and sometimes-criminal), math genius, and weapons expert who was first introduced in Zero Sum Game. And she’s about to continue her story in Null Set, coming in July from Tor Books. Even though Huang (a self-described genderqueer author who’s not picky about her pronouns) is also a Massachusetts Institute of Technology math graduate, a former stuntwoman, and armorer, Russel is not her alter ego. “I hope I’m nicer than she is!” laughs Huang. “I hope I don’t kill as many people as she does. She’s angrier than I am, and more violent. 194 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Sometimes I struggle with her voice.” While Russel is dark, Huang can best be described as bubbly. Huang also doesn’t cuss as much as her character, whose use of ‘f--k’ is rivaled only by her use of bullets. Huang, who is half Chinese, grew up in New Jersey “when it was The Sopranos-cool,” she says, “not like Jersey Shores.” She prefers to remain “a person of mystery” when it comes to her age, but readily admits she was a geek growing up as a kid. She loved school, always had her nose in a book, and delighted at solving math problems. She took algebra in the sixth grade, if that tells you anything (and it should). “The pure mathematics is what I love,” Huang says, before admitting she can’t figure out the tip at a restaurant. “Don’t ask me!” Her passion was useless theoretical math—the kind of advanced studies that could only lead to graduate school and teaching. “So, like anyone else who graduates from an engineering school,” she says with a twinkle in her voice, “I headed to Hollywood to become a stuntwoman.”

Granted, she did have a minor degree in theater arts from MIT and had always studied martial arts, but it was still a drastic career move. Luckily she found work as a stuntwoman on Battlestar Galactica, the “nerd nirvana” of sci-fi shows. “They said they hired me because I was still using my MIT e-mail, so they thought that I must be smart and would show up on time,” she says. She did—for ten years as a stuntwoman and gun expert (shooting being another hobby that she turned into a career). Writing fantasy stories was also a pastime that panned out, although she says the first novel she wrote at 19 will never see the light of day. She finished the first Cas Russel book, Zero Sum Game, while working on set. “People would ask me what the book was about, and I’d say ‘guns and math,’” says Huang. Other books followed, which she self-published. When she beat cancer, she decided to take her publishing money and move to Tokyo for several years to study Japanese and continue writing. That was where she decided, two years ago, that she was genderqueer.

“I guess, on some level, I always knew,” she says, “but I didn’t have the vocabulary to describe it before.” Like a Facebook relationship post, she says her love life is “complicated.” She recently moved back to the U.S. to live outside of Chicago. Since Tor Books picked up her Russel series, she’s been writing full-time and promoting the books. As for the titles, yes, they are math terms. “A null set is an empty set in math,” she says. “At the end of Zero Sum Game, we find Cas is missing her identity, so her identity is a null set.” In the new book, Cas struggles to find out who she really is while trying to stop a Los Angeles crime wave that she herself set in motion.

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Null Set by S. L. Huang Tor Books July 7, 2019

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.

“As a sci-fi/fantasy geek, I grew up reading everything, and the idea of memory loss was tossed around casually,” she says. “But I think it’s horrifying! So I wanted to explore that in this book—how awful it is to have your memory taken away.” And what about gender identity? “In my head, Cas isn’t really woke,” Huang says. “While [another character named] Arthur is definitely gay, Cas is ‘gray ace.’ She doesn’t really care about others—not even her friends, really. In future books, her asexuality will be explored more.”

midtownhouston.com OutSmartMagazine.com

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QUEER QUOTES Compiled by BLASE DISTEFANO

Fran Drescher (Funny Women of a Certain Age, 3/23/19, Showtime)

Re: not knowing her ex-husband was gay during their marriage. I have no gaydar, because, honestly, the handwriting was on the wall. Shortly after we were married, we both agreed to give each other one free pass, should the celebrity of our dreams want to have sex with us. He picked Cher. And I picked Bruce Jenner. . . . Meanwhile [after they were happily divorced], neither of us has anyone. Watch, we’ll end up back together. And should we ever want to have sex, we only have to hire one guy.

No Gaydar? Fran Drescher (seen here in the Showtime special Funny Women of a Certain Age): who was the celebrity of her sexual fantasy?

Andy Cohen (GLAAD Media Awards, 5/4/19)

To be gay today is something that I am so thankful for, but it’s a fight that’s not over and it’s a fight that I’m committed to, even more so now that I’m a father. When Benjamin was born three months ago, I looked into his eyes and I saw that there was no hate, no bias, no bigotry . . . just love. That’s how we come into this world, and that’s how, hopefully one day, we will all live in it. Just Love Andy Cohen (seen here on the set of his Bravo show Watch What Happens Live): Happy Father’s Day! 196 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

MCKINNON - SCREEN GRAB/NBC; LEAR - ERIC MCCANDLESS/ABC; DRESCHER - JENNIFER WALKOWIAK/SHOWTIME; COHEN - CHARLES SYKES/BRAVO

Into Ladies or Not? Kate McKinnon, who is “into ladies,” played a character who is not really into them in a recent Saturday Night Live sketch.

Kate McKinnon

(Saturday Night Live, 5/18/19)

I ain’t really into ladies, but if nothing else is open, I’ll eat at Taco Bell. You smell what I’m saying?

4 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH

Norman Lear (Variety, 6/29/15, Tim Gray)

Re: Writer-producer Norman Lear reflected on the Supreme Court’s marriage-equality ruling in June of 2015. Lear created TV’s first sympathetic gay character, a pal of Archie’s on All in the Family in 1971. In ’75, Lear’s Hot L Baltimore had the first gay couple as series regulars.

Tim Gray: Are you surprised it’s taken 40 years for the Supreme Court to address same-sex couples? Norman Lear: It’s taken the entire Judeo-Christian ethic 2,000 years to get to this point! So, in that sense, 40 years doesn’t seem so long. But it’s too long in terms of seeing that justice will

be done. Do I think All in the Family changed things or made a big difference? I would be some kind of fool to think my little half-hours did something more. But the show called attention to what people were thinking; it got the conversation rolling. TV program-practices people would say, “The American public is not ready for this.” The person who tells you “no” is reporting to somebody, who’s reporting to somebody, who’s reporting to somebody else. But American audiences are a common-sense group. We understood that people are wise enough to know that this is in a piece of entertainment.

Your bumper sticker says “Just A nother Version of You.” I’m very proud of that. It says it all. We’ve become a culture or a nation that takes itself far too seriously. We believe we’re God’s chosen. Well, God’s chosen is the entire human species and every other species. We are simply versions of each other. Is He One of God’s Chosen? Norman Lear, who is now 97 years old, is pictured here on the set of the recent All in the Family and The Jeffersons Live in Front of a Studio Audience. Was he just as liberal four years ago?

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 197

OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

Sunday, May 19

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OUT THERE

Wednesday, May 8

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly Brewing Up Business event at Balani Custom Clothiers. Balani’s president, Christian Boehm, was a spotlight guest that evening. The shop is an inaugural member of the 3-year-old Chamber.

Saturday, May 11

Executive & Professional Association of Houston (EPAH) members gathered at various locations for a Progressive Dinner.

200 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

OUT THERE

Saturday, May 18

The University of Houston Alumni Center was packed with queer folks and allies for the UH Red Dinner 4. Out guest speakers Carson Jones, Katie Sowers, and Jessica Zyrie brought down the house with their inspiring stories. Proceeds from the event went to UH LGBTQ student scholarships and emergency support for those who encounter financial hardships due to their sexuality or gender orientation.

Saturday, May 4

A crowd of supporters turned out for presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg’s Campaign Fundraiser at Chapman & Kirby in EaDo. Following his campaign speech, the 37-year-old openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, had a meet-and-greet session with supporters. OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 019 201

OUT THERE

Thursday, May 2

Dozens gathered at Life HTX in Montrose for the launch of I am Life, the Houston Health Department’s first-ever HIV-prevention campaign that reaches out directly to LGBTQ African-Americans and Latinos. 202 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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BAR & CLUB GUIDE

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BACCO WINE GARDEN Enjoy light snacks, a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail in one of their cozy rooms or outdoor patios. 3611 Montrose Blvd. • 346.444.5275 • baccowinebars.com

BLUR Multi-level dance club featuring an upstairs lounge and balconies. Ladies enjoy Wet and Wild Wed., 18-year-olds welcome Thurs., Latin night on Sun. Happy hour 8–10pm; free cover before 11pm. 710 Pacific St. blurbar.com. CLUB CRYSTAL Find many of Inergy’s former staff and décor at this two-room Latin/hip-hop club. Sunday evening drag shows rule the roost. 6680 Southwest Frwy, next to Colorado 713.278.2582 • crystaltheclub.com. CROCKER BAR This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot also offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and extended happy-hour prices throughout the week. 2312 Crocker • 713.529.3355. GEORGE Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar. Sports Saturdays and Sundays start at 3pm with dart and pool tournaments. 617 Fairview • 713.528.8102. GUAVA LAMP This trendy and friendly video and cruise bar gets busy during happy hour and stays busy ‘til closing. Karaoke on Wed. and Sun. 570 Waugh Dr. • 713.524.3359 • guavalamphouston.com HAMBURGER MARY’S Since 1972, Mary has served up amazing food and stellar shows! With the best drag talent in the city, it’s been voted “Best Drag Show Bar,” “Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community,” “Best Hamburger,” “Best Brunch,” “Friendliest Staff,” and “Best Place to Celebrate” by our readers. Be sure to try the famous Mac & Cheese Balls, or grab a leg glass (as seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race)! Reservations recommended for shows. 2409 Grant St., 713.677.0674 • hamburgermarys.com EAGLE Part of the Eagle worldwide family, it’s the definitive home to the man’s man. Leather, Bear or Jock, you’ll find them here. Voted “Best Community Bar,” “Best Men’s Bar,” “Best Place to Show Your Leather,” “Best Happy Hour,” and “Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings” by our readers. Eagle has multiple

levels and patios, along with DJs and male dancers—and it’s the place to watch sports. Noon–2am every day, 611 Hyde Park Blvd., 713.523.BIRD • houstoneagle.com JR’S BAR & GRILL This Montrose standard offers drag and strip shows throughout the week, karaoke Thurs. and Sun., plus pool tables and male dancers. 808 Pacific St. • 713.521.2519 jrsbarandgrill.com LA GRANJA DISCO Y CANTINA Houston’s newest gay disco. Great drink prices, house DJs nightly. Open at 3pm until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays. 5505 Pinemont • 713.518.6753 lagranjadisco.com MICHAEL’S OUTPOST Jerry Atwood, Clay Howell, Neil Massey, Steve Wheaton, and Roger Woest take turns at the keys at this comfortable neighborhood piano bar. 1419 Richmond Ave. • 713.520.8446 NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON Houston’s only LGBTQ country dancehall opens Wednesday–Sunday. Wednesday features Steak Night and Bingo. Free dance classes on Thursdays, and karaoke. 11410 Hempstead Hwy 713.677.0828 • neonbootsclub.com PEARL BAR This LGBT-friendly lounge in the Washington corridor features daily highlights like open mic night, steak night, and drink specials. 4216 Washington • pearlhouston.com RICH’S HOUSTON Houston’s most iconic and largest LGBT dance club, with multiple levels featuring a video/show bar and a private VIP lounge. No cover before 10:30 p.m. 2401 San Jacinto • 281.846.668 • richsnightclub.com THE RIPCORD This multi-roomed leather bar boasts a busy patio, especially on the weekends. The Forge shop located inside the club. Saturday nights with DJ Tad Dvorak. 715 Fairview Ave • 713.521.2792 RUDYARD’S The eclectic British pub is known for its craft beers as well as for the burgers. Most weekends you’ll find up-and-coming local bands rocking the house. 2010 Waugh Dr. • 713.521.0521 • rudyardspub.com TONY’S CORNER POCKET This comfortable club has one of the friendliest bar staffs in town. Amateur dance contest each Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 11pm. Opens daily at noon. 817 W. Dallas • 713.571.7870 tonyscornerpocketbar.com VIVIANA’S Happening weekend-only gay dance club with Latin DJs, singers, talent shows & Sunday strippers. 4624 Dacoma • 713.681.4104

Behind the Bar What are you best known for? My gingerness!

What is the best and worst holiday to work? Why? Best: Day before Christmas Eve when people are ready to lose the family. Worst: Cinco de Mayo, when they are usually trashed before they get here.

Biggest tip from one customer? $90

Who are the hardest customers to please?

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What is your favorite shot to make? To drink?

Favorite to make: Vegas Bomb with Crown Royal, Malibu Rum and Peach or Raspberry Schnapps Favorite to drink: Jack & Coke

Where is your favorite place to drink when not on-duty? What is a current bar drink trend you’d like to see end? I wouldn’t mind if Long Island Iced Teas went away!

RUMORS BEAUMONT Now open in the old Orleans Street Pub location. Drag shows with Dessie Love-Blake, Lady Shamu, Kara Dion and more. 650 Orleans • 713.539.5183 rumorsbeaumont.com

BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION HALO VIDEO BAR The only LGBT dance club in Bryan/College station, this sleek spot is open Thurs.–Sat. smack in the middle of Aggieland. 121 North Main • 979.823.6174 • halobcs.com

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION The bar features daily drink specials and the weekend is filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and a Sunday Tea Dance. 1706 23rd St. • 409.621.1808

I am currently in nursing school

Do you have any pets?

10pm-2am Othe UTSMART’s Bar at Guide is the RIPCORD best place to advertise your bar! letters@outsmartmagazine.com

Two rescue pit bulls – Dixie and Beau.

What is the best part about working at this bar?

Right here, The Eagle!

BEAUMONT

If you weren’t a bartender… what career would you choose?

HAPPY, HARD & DEEP BAR NONE! SATURDAYS

The people I get to work with. This team is amazing!

ROBERT’S LAFITTE The Island institution features a private patio with swimming pool. On Sat. and Sun. nights, the Ladies of Lafitte show takes the stage. 2501 Avenue Q (at 25th) • 409.765.9092 RUMORS BEACH BAR Drink specials every night and daily day drinking specials starting at noon. Great drag shows Fri. – Sun. and karaoke Sun. – Thurs. at 8pm. Sun. Drag Bingo. 3102 Seawall Blvd. • 409.497.4617 • rumorsbeachbar.com

SPRING RANCH HILL SALOON With its two pool tables, 52-inch plasma televisions, and large dance floor, this popular northside spot also offers DJs Thurs.– Sat. 24704 I-45N Suite 103 • 281.298.9035 • ranchhill.com. THE ROOM BAR AND LOUNGE This bar and video lounge has a laid-back atmosphere. DJs several nights a week. 4915 FM 2920 • 281.907.6866 • roombarspring.com

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Hundreds of meetings a week in your area. Call (713) 686-6300 or visit www.aahouston.org For general information visit: www.aa.org OutSmartMagazine.com |

JUNE 2019

205

ADVERTISERS INDEX ACCOMMODATIONS/HOTELS

David Alcorta Catering

La Granja Disco Y Cantina

Elan Heights

davidalcorta.net............................. 832/439-0224

Elan Memorial Park

DessertGallery.com.......................713-522-9999

Visitlakecharles.org/greattimes.... .800/456-7952

CAMPGROUNDS

............................................Midtownhouston.com

825 Usener.....................................832/906-8728 920 Westcott................................... 713/861-6900 Le Méridien Houston Downtown

1121 Walker.....................................346/330-3453 L’Emerson Corporate Lodging

...........................................................Lemerson.net

Dessert Gallery

5505 Pinemont Dr..........................713/518-6753 Lake Charles

Midtown Houston

Rainbow Ranch

Rainbowranch.net......................... 888/875-7596

CARPET/FLOORING

Miller Outdoor Theatre

MillerOutdoorTheatre.com...........281/373-3386 Pearl Bar

Carpet World

713 & 715 17th, Galveston.............832/867-2518

2840 E. Sam Houston Pkwy S...... 281/998-3200

4216 Washington................... PearlHouston.com

ACCOUNTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS/ CPAS

CATERING SERVICES

2401 San Jacinto................. RichsNIghtClub.com

230 Westcott, Ste 210...................713/784-3030

2305 Dunlavy................................832/788-1586

.............................. discoverygreen.com/rainbow

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

davidalcorta.net............................. 832/439-0224

248 Jaster Rd...................................979/249-3129

Sunflower Retreat

Gary Gritz, CPA

Ashkan Media

Rainbow on the Green

Capitol Beverage

David Alcorta Catering

Jim Benton of Houston Catering

.................................................. Ashkanmedia.com

2811 Eastman................................. 713/802-2860

OutSmart Magazine

CHURCHES/SPIRITUAL CENTERS

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

1440 Harold................................... beringumc.org

3406 Audubon................................713/520-7237 Newport Air

newportair.net ..............................281/808-8630

ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

5216 Montrose........................................camh.org Foto Relevance

616 Hawthorne...................... fotorelevance.com Museum of Fine Arts

www.mfah.org............................Mfah.org/royals The Menil Collection

1533 Sul Ross St..................................... .menil.org

ASTROLOGER

Lilly Roddy Astrology

...........................................................713/529-5842

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Bering United Methodist

Katine & Nechman LLP

1834 Southmore.............................713/808-1001 The Perdue Law Firm

3730 Kirby Dr Ste 777....................832/303-3410 Dwane Todd Law Firm

405 Main St., Ste 602.................... 713/965-0658

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS Beckwith’s Car Care

1919 FM 1960, Bypass Rd. E.,Humble281/540-2000 Master Car Care & Collision

Stages Theatre

StagesTheatre.com......................... 713-527-0123 Theatre Southwest

Thearesouthwest.org.....................713/661-9505

Resurrection MCC

The Compound Antique Show Tony’s Corner Pocket

St Paul’s United Methodist Church

5501 Main........................................713/528-0527 St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

1805 W. Alabama........... ststephenshouston.org

CLEANING SERVICES

Dexter’s Five Star Service/Bob Samora

800 Bagby, Suite 200...................... tuts.com/out

Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

HoustonLGBTChamber.com.........832-510-3002 Harris County Sheriff’s Office

...........................................................hcsojobs.com Houston GLBT Political Caucus

.......................................................... thecaucus.org KPFT Radio

Aspire Fertility

The Cooper Institute

Houstonfertilitysolutions.com..... 713/771-9771

FINANCIAL PLANNING/BANKS

Bryan Cotton/Mass Mutual

Three Greenway Plaza.................. 281/960-0447 Richard Dickson/Galene Financial

1700 W Loop S, Ste 255................ 713/489-4322 Grace Yung/Midtown Financial

3355 Alabama, Ste 180..................713/355-9833

FITNESS CLUBS/PERSONAL TRAINERS

Club Houston FIT

401 Branard................................... lhihouston.org

Fithouston.com.............................. 713/529-1515

MyGayHouston.com

FOOD/SPECIALTY & SPIRITS

DASH Handmaid Vodka

......................................................dashvodka.com Deep Eddy Vodka

............................................ ppgulfcoast.org/lgbtq

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast

..............................................deepeddyvodka.com

RMS Auto Care

Ryan White Planning Council

................................... drippingspringsvodka.com

rwpcHouston.org .......................... 713-572-3724

Ryan Automotive

716 Fairview...................................713/522-3602 Fred Haas Toyota World

20400 I-45 North, Spring TX........ 832-764-8913 Tech Auto Maintenance

37 Waugh Dr................................... 713/863-8244

AUTOMOTIVE SALES Alfa Romeo of Clear Lake

15695 Gulf Freeway......................281/310-8300 Central Houston Cadillac

2520 Main St....................................832/981-7590 Helfman Jeep

7720 Katy Fwy................................. 713/213-6941 Planet Lincoln

20403 I-45 North Spring, TX...... 888/242-5059 Toyota of Alvin

3506 FM 528 Alvin,Tx.77511 ....... 281/968-2266

BAKERIES/CUSTOM CAKES

Acadian Bakers

604 W. Alabama.............................713/520-1484

Dripping Springs

HAIR/NAIL/MAKE-UP SALONS

East End Barber

COMPUTERS/INTERNET/IT SERVICES

1318 Telephone Rd................. EastEndBarber.net

1201-F Westheimer......................... 713/528-1201

719 W. Gray St.............................. 713/5212-0500

Copy.com

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHT LIFE 615 Texas Ave..............................alleytheatre.org Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen Live

Ticketmaster.com .........................800/745-3000 Bacco Wine Garden & Spirits

3611 Montrose Blvd......................346/444-5275

LifeSmiles by Randy Mitchmore, DDS

Orthotex/Dr. Zane Haider, DMD MS

Montrose Dental Group/Samuel A. Carrell, DDS

Montrose Dental Group/Austin T. Faulk, DDS Montrose Dental Group/Bruce W. Smith, DDS

HEALTH CARE/COLON/RECTAL CARE

Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists

7400 Fannin St., Set 1295..............832/932-1720

HEALTH CARE-ORTHODONTISTS

Orthotex/Dr. Zane Haider, DMD, MS

Orthotexsmiles.com.......................281/937-2540 2540 FM 2920, Spring....................281/937-2540 11942 Barker Cypress, Cypress....281/937-2540

HEALTH CARE-EMERGENCY CENTERS

SignatureCare Emergency Centers

1007 Westheimer............................281/709-2897 1925 TC Jester.................................832/850-4338 1014 Wirt Rd.....................................832/924-0312 Additional locations.......................ercare24.com

HEALTH CARE-FOOT/ ANKLE SPECIALISTS Sole Aesthetic/Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow

Soleaesthetictx.com.....................713/666-9934

HEALTH CARE-HIV/STD TESTING

Avenue 360

Avenue360.org................................713/426-0027 Legacy Community Health

...............................LegacyCommunityHealth.org

HEALTH CARE–OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Houston Eye Associates/Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD

5420 Dashwood, Ste 101............... 713/668-9118

HEALTH CARE–OPTOMETRISTS

Boutique Eye Care

Green Apple Salon

2502 Woodhead.............................713/528-2010

NU-Cuts Hair Salon

2055 Westheimer.......................... 713/520-6600

HEALTH - AGE MANAGEMENT

1806B Westheimer.........................713/523-1279 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Ste 110.......... 713/622-7470

515 Westheimer............................ 713/524-7858

Alley Theatre

Cory Logan, DDS

530 Waugh Dr................................ 713/942-8598

1006 Missouri................................. 713/529-4364

2305 Yale St.................................... 713/862-6630 1759 Westheimer............................713/529-5855

BRSH Dental/Melicia K Tjoa, DDS

2800 Kirby Dr., Ste.A 226.............713/660-0966

ESTATE SALES

Stuart Estate Sales

Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI)

..................................................... ThePetPatrol.org

Bayou City Smiles/ Cynthia Corral, DDS

2313 Edwards St., Ste 150............ 713/518-1411

1006 Missouri................................713/529-4364

2205 Fannin ................................... 713/659-4998

Pet Patrol

2313 Edwards St., Ste. 150............. 713/518-1411

www.zfirm-us.cm...........................713-877-8583

kpft.org............................................ 713-526-4000

.............................. MyGayHouston.com/discover

HEALTH CARE–DENTISTS

Bayou City Smiles/Marcus de Guzman, DDS

1006 Missouri................................713/529-4364

AspireFertility.com.........................713/425-3003

EPAH

Christine Wysong

230 Westcott, Ste 210..................713/869-7400

EMPLOYMENT/STAFF RECRUITING

The Z Firm / Poppi Melera

....................................................... aarp.org/pride Diana Foundation

Robert Snellgrove, LMSW-ACP

4617 Montrose, Ste C206.............. 713/522-7014

Orthotexsmiles.com.......................281/937-2540

FERTILITY/GYNECOLOGY

Bering Connect

Psynergy Psychological Associates

Dr. Catherine Boswell, Psychologist Victoria Jones, MEd, MA, LPC-S Psynergypsych.com.......................713/724-7050

817 W. Dallas...................................832/722-7658

StuartEstates.com.......................... 832/652-4805

...............................................713-526-1017, ext.20

The Montrose Center

401 Branard.................................... 713/529-0037

1722 W. Alabama........................... 713/592-9300

COMMUNITY/NONPROFIT AARP

Jeffrey Myles/JM Professional Services

........................................................... 713/447-2164

2550 S. State Hwy 237....Roundtopcompound.com

........................................................... 832/252-1961

Gonzalez Olivieri LLC

Guide To Good Divorce

SPAHouston.org..............................713/227-4772

2025 W 11th..................................... 713/861-9149

...................................................................EPAH.org

GuideToGoodDivorce.com............ 713/932-7177

Society For The Performing Arts

Theatre Under The Stars

Charles Hunter/Hayes Hunter PC

gonzalezolivierillc.com..................713/481-3040

Round Top Festival Institute

Living Mosaic Church

401 Branard St................................ 832/971-0364

.......................................TheDianaFoundation.org

...........................................................281/768-4731

Rich’s Houston

Dr. Daniel Garza, MD

3131 Eastside St, Ste 4...............15281/610-8190

Share Wellness & MediSpa/Dr. John Share

4011 Richmond Ave........................713/621-8200

HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY

Eye Contact Eye Gallery

Eye To Eye

432 W. 19th..................................... 713/864-8822 Montrose Eye Care/ Dr. Paul Lovero

..........................................................galveston.com

D. “Woodja” Flanigan, MS, LPA

520 Waugh Dr.................................713/352-0974

2600 SW Fwy, Ste 409.................. 713/589-9804

George Country Sports Bar

Champion Counseling/ Yvonne Champion, LCSW, CGP

4317 Montrose, Ste. 2....................713/529-3937

Galveston Island Convention

617 Fairview ...................................713/528-8102 Houston Dash

ChampionCounseling.com........ 832/6543-5168

Houston Eagle

3131 Eastside St., Ste. 435...........713/524-9525

.......................................HoustonDashSoccer.com 611 Hyde Park........................HoustonEagle.com JR’s/Santa Fe

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, RN Dr. Barry F. Gritz, MD

230 Westcott, Ste 210................... 713/869-7400

808 Pacific....................................... 713/521-2519

206 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Want to have your business listed here?

Spectacles on Montrose

HEALTH CARE/PHARMACIES

Avita Pharmacy

AvitaPharmacy.com...................... 713/489-4362 Legacy Pharmacy

LegacyCommunityHealth.org/services/pharmacy/

ADVERTISERS INDEX HEALTH-PHYSICAL THERAPY

Crom Rehabilitation/Dr. Roy Rivera

Cromrehab.com..............................713/868-2766

INSURANCE AGENCIES/AGENTS

Keith Russell/Republic State Mortgage

Lane Lewis/Farmers Insurance

2121 Sage Road, Ste 140................713/299-4981

2200 North Loop W, Ste 136....... 713/688-8669

REAL ESTATE–REALTORS

HEALTH CARE–PHYSICIANS

Patrick Torma/Goosehead Insurance

3420 Rusk, Ste. 22..........................281/723-1294

Jared Anthony Cox/Pogi Realty

507 West Gray.................................713/942-7546 7106 Spencer Highway................. 281/542-9400

JEWELERS

Tim Anthony/Anthony Upton Properties

Octavio Barrios, MD

Gordon Crofoot, MD/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230...................... 713/526-0005 Abel Flores, MD/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230.................... 713/526-0005 M. Sandra Scurria, MD

6565 West Loop South, Ste 300... 281/661-5901 Derek Smith, AGPCNP-BC/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230...................... 713/526-0005

Silverlust

1338-C Westheimer..................... 713/520-5440 Tenenbaum Jewelers

4310 Westheimer............................713/629-7444

LANDSCAPING/GARDENING

pogirealty.com............................... 832/570-5726

AnthonyUptonProperties.com.... 713/528-0050 Brooks Ballard/Engel & Volkers

309 Gray........................................... 713/522-7474 David Bowers/The House Company/Galveston

David@DavidBowers.com..........409/763-2800

Tina Burgos/Inverness Realty Group

Joshua’s Native Plants & Antiques

TinaSellsHouston.com................... 713/562-3149

LIFE COACHING

350 W. 19th St.,Ste. D......................713/862-1101

502 W. 18th St.................................713/862-7444 seEQmore

Circa Real Estate

Jeremy Fain/Greenwood King Properties

The Classic Houston

5922 Washington............theclassichouston.com Urban Eats

3414 Washington Ave.........feasturbaneats.com

TELEPHONES/CELL/WIRELESS Premier Wireless

12220 Murphy................................ 281/575-8500

TRAVEL/TRAVEL AGENCIES Aquafest

Aquafestcruises.com.....................800/592-9058 Concierge Travel, Inc

4920 Mimosa....................................713/661-2117 Lake Charles

Visitlakecharles.org/greattimes.. 800/456-7952

Maggie White,MPH FNP-BC AAHIVS/ Gordon Crofoot

seEQmore.com................................ 832/495-1441

...........................................................713/677-4337

WEDDING SERVICES/BAKERS

MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Karen Derr/Karen Derr Realty

Acadian Bakers

HEALTH CARE–PRODUCTS

Ryan Fugate, RMT

3701 Kirby Dr., Ste.1230............... 713/526-0005 Pure for Men

PureforMen.com.............................855/415-7873 Avicenna’s Ultra-Premium CBD Tinctures

RyanMassageWorks.com..............713/269-7926

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Andy’s All Star Pest Control

..................................................avicenna-labs.com

........................................................... 713/732-7742

HEALTH CARE/PLASTIC SURGEONS

PET SERVICES& SUPPLIES

West Ave Plastic Surgery/Forrest Roth, MD

westaveplasticsurgery.com......... 713/559-9300

HEALTH CARE–SERVICES

Legacy Community Health

LegacyCommunityHealth.org..... 832/548 5000 Ryan White Planning Council

RWPCHouston.org.........................713/572-3784 St. Hope Foundation

offeringhope.org.............................713/778-1300 UT Hearts

PHOTOGRAPHERS

...........................................................713/942-6857

Debbie Levine/Greenwood King Properties

Yvonne Feece-Tran Photography

redunlocked.com........................... 832/654-3293

yvonnefeece.com...........................832/876-1053

Tom Schwenk/Tom’s Galveston Real Estate

WEDDING SERVICES/SERVICES

VJ Tramonte/Joe Tramonte Realty

204 Marshall St. #5........................713/487-6076

Calvin Upton/Anthony Upton Properties

darkersidedjs.com..........................281/542-3555

Andy Weber/John Daugherty Realtors

eventsmithco.com......................... 281/736-3636

Houston Camera Exchange

Tomsgalvestonrealestate.com......713-857-2309

U-Plumb-It Plumbing Supply

1802 Broadway/Galveston........... 409/765-9837

Village Plumbing & Appliance

AnthonyUptonProperties.com.... 713/528-0050

POOLS & POOL SERVICES

Venture Pools

........................................................... 713/447-9201

520 Post Oak................................... 713/724-4306

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE/WINE BARS

5585 Weslayan St......................... .713/349-8346

garnetcoleman.com ......................713/520-5355

HEALTH CARE-WEIGHT LOSS CLINICS

districtj@houstontx.gov...............832-393-3004

Colina Homes

Sandcastle Homes/Mike Taylor

SandcastleHouston.com.............. 281/543-6360

HOME FURNISHINGS/ACCESSORIES

Ellen Cohen, Mayor Pro Tem

Garnet Coleman Mike Laster

Mayor Sylvester Turner

.....................................www.SylvesterTurner.com Shelley Kennedy for City Council District C

..................................... KennedyForHouston.com Tony Buzbee for Mayor

................................... TonyBuzbeeForMayor.com

PRINTING/COPY CENTERS

Copy.com

Bacco Wine Garden & Spirits

Bollo Houston Wood Fired Pizza

2202 W Alabama St........................713/677-0391 Dessert Gallery

DessertGallery.com.......................713-522-9999 Free Grillin’/Chef Michele

...........................................................832/419-0165 Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino

3215 Westheimer............................ 713/522-1934 Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

2616 Louisiana................................832/360-1710 Hamburger Mary’s

2409 Grant.......................................713/677-0674 Jenni’s Noodle House

Readings by LA

3111 S. Shepherd.............................713/523-7600 602 E. 20th St. ................................713/862-3344 2027 Post Oak Blvd........................713/621-4200 3773 Richmond...............................713/714-8258

RADIO STATIONS

311 West Gray. Ste. B................... .832/491-0455

4091 Westheimer...........................832/397-5130

.................................................................Radio.com

2520 Montrose................................713/528-4976

HOME REMODELING/RENOVATIONS

REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL

1040 W. Sam Houston Prkwy. N..832/981-4976

presidiumRE.com...........................713/955-3773

37001 S. Shepherd........................ 832/491-0266

REAL ESTATE–MORTGAGE/TITLE

1902 Westheimer........................... 713/528-9020

3700 Buffalo Speedway.................713/418-7000

1117 Missouri St.............................. 713/529-3450

Cantoni

9889 Westheimer............................cantoni.com

coda

355 W 19th.......................................713/864-4411 Fountains and Statuary

11804 Hempstead Rd.....................713/957-3672 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Luria Construction

LuriaConstruction.com................ 713/828-2155

INTERIOR DESIGN CENTERS

Dream by MJS Interiors

5120 Woodway Dr., Ste. 4020......713/999-1222

1201-F Westheimer......................... 713/528-1201

PSYCHIC READERS

readingbyLA.com...........................832/856-2188 Channel Q/95.7 HD2

Presidium/Westpark Houston Investors LP

Chicago Title –Inner Loop

DaltonDehart.com..........................713/622-2202 janddproductions.com................. 409/457-9935

Bradley David Entertainment

Darker Side DJs

Event Smith Wedding Planning

Harmony Strings String Quartet

....................................www.harmonystrings.com

Acadian Bakers

3611 Montrose Blvd.................... 346/444-5275

Colinahomes.com. ....................... 281/463-0355

WEDDING SERVICES/PHOTO/VIDEO

Red & Co. Real Estate

Dannypleason.com........................832/661-1502

districtc@houstontx.gov ............. 832/393-3004

HOME BUILDERS

.......................................................... 832/771-8030

PHOTOGRAPHY

yvonnefeece.com...........................832/876-1053

HEALTH CARE/VEIN CENTERS

517 West Gray.................................713/942-7546

WEDDING SERVICES/OFFICIANTS

Judge Kelli Johnson – Officiant

J&D Productions

604 W.Alabama..............................713/520-1484

Dr. B-Fit/ Octavio Barrios, MD

2811 Eastman................................. 713/802-2860

Danny Pleason/Martha Turner

POLITICIANS

Vein Center Houston

davidalcorta.net............................. 832/439-0224 Jim Benton of Houston Catering

Yvonne Feece Photography

5403 Kirby...........................713/224-DRIP(3747)

507 West Gray.................................713/942-7546

WEDDING SERVICES/CATERERS David Alcorta Catering

Dalton DeHart Photography

2120 Ashland.................................. 713/864-2650

Skin Renaissance Laser/Octavio Barrios, MD

DessertGallery.com.......................713-522-9999

LynetteLew.com..............................713/582-2202

1424 Montrose................................ 713-942-2277

7435 Highway 6., Ste. B................ 832/324-9700

Dessert Gallery

DaltonDehart.com..........................713/622-2202

HEALTH CARE–SKIN CARE

Sienna Dermatology

David Alcorta Catering

davidalcorta.net............................. 832/439-0224

Lynette Lew/Better Homes and Gardens

Dalton DeHart Photography

PLUMBING

Share Wellness & MediSpa/Dr. John Share

Wadeknight.com............................ 713/582-0264

Alexander Webb/Coldwell Banker

2030 W. Alabama...........................713/528-0818

Ways2Well

4011 Richmond Ave........................713/621-8200

t.phillips@kw.com........................ 832/305-7848

2 Greenway Plaza, Ste 150.......... .832/306-7078

...........................................................713/486-2736

Heights Dermatology/Alpesh Desai, MD

Martha Turner Properties

Wade Knight / Martha Turner

5900 Richmond Ave.......................713/789-6901

Ways2well.com.............................. 800/321-0864

edmelchor.com............................... 713/851-0912

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program

West Alabama Animal Clinic

604 W. Alabama.............................713/520-1484

Ed Melchor/Sotheby’s

Marthaturner.com.......................... 713/520-1981

Snapus.org.......................................713/862-3863

Houston Health Department

Compass.com..................................832/331-5218

Thomas Phillips/KW Memorial

Harris County Public Health

.....................................................PensHouston.org

Ellen Kranz/Compass

Midtown Veterinary Hospital

........................................................nulo.com/love MidtownVetHospital.com............ 713-528-4900

Publichealth.harriscountytx.gov..713/439-6293

Clayton Katz/Compass

Compass.com.................................. 832/512-2180

NULO Pet Food

Avenue 360

Avenue360.org................................713/426-0027

karenderr.com................................713/875-7050

Melange Restaurant Niko Niko’s Niko Niko’s

NURTURE your LOCAL

BUSINESSES

WHO believe IN

EQUALITY. Thank You for supporting our advertisers!

Get listed on this page. Call 713/520-7237 for details.

P. King Authentic Chinese Raising Cane’s

Riva’s Italian Restaurant

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2019 207

MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS

“Sip, Swirl, Swallow!” Micheline R. Ramos, Wine lover

Fully Furnished Corporate Apartments

Wine Garden & Spirits

www.LEmerson.net

Join Now us forhiring fun and a glass of wine bartenders, or yourand favorite holiday spirit! cooks cocktail servers

CHURCHES

SUN. 10:00 AM: Worship Service WED. 7:00 PM: Bible Study 401 Branard : Houston, 77006

COMPUTER SERVICES

Plain Talk Gary Joseph Owner

PC Home ech

In-Home In-Home Computer Computer Services Services

is anBlvd. indoor/outdoor 3611 Bacco Montrose | (346) wine 444-5275 and spirits bar featuring 2 large outdoor patios and cozy rooms inside to enjoy your favorite wine, cheese plates, pizzas, sandwiches and more. We are looking to hire friendly faces. Bartenders should have some knowledge of wine. Cocktail and food servers deliver food and beverages in main building as well as Carriage House and outdoor patios. Cooks should be able to make food such as pizza, salad, sandwiches as well as cook specialty items on certain nights and days such as lobster, steak or work our Sunday Brunch.

832.496.9246 www.pchometech.com

Bacco Wine Garden & Spirits 3611 Montrose Blvd.

Apply in person Monday through Friday 4pm -7pm

CONSTRUCTION

Raising Caneʼs Now Hiring

Apply online at

EMPLOYMENT

Advertising Sales Executives Successful candidates must be organized, self-motivated, energetic, outgoing, creative and goal-oriented. Previous experience in advertising and marketing sales preferred. Salary+Commission, health benefits program included. See the OUTSMART website for more details. Email resume to: Employment @

OutSmartMagazine.com Attn: Greg Jeu, Publisher. JUNE 2019

OutSmartMagazine.com

1111 45th Street • $192,000 2/2 Built 2015, 2 story 1,176 sq ft Double pane windows Very low flood insurance. 2107 Ave M 1/2 • $99,500 Circa 1887. Two story Victorian, 500 sq ft each floor. Needs total restoration. Across from Bryan Museum. 7700 Seawall #109 • $199,000 Breakers Condominiums 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Beachfront/ocean view 1923 Ave M • $649,500 Circa 1886 High Victorian 4/2.5/1 plus pool & apt.

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SignOut | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 210 Toward the end of June, you need more understanding and connection from partners and close friends. You are more outspoken next month!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Relationships, personal responsibilities, and focusing on your priorities are on your agenda for June. As the month begins, you are focused on improving your work conditions and environment. You are already speaking out more about what’s bothering you. This can reach a fever pitch in the third week of June. Keep your options open, as you will be pushed toward some decisions. This will directly impact your partnerships. Those that aren’t working may not last through the end of the month. You are also looking for more inspiration and creative activity. For some, this can be the time to start your own business and make that difficult commitment to yourself. You can do it!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

This is a huge time of change for you. You are reexamining your core motivations for who you are, what drives you in your career, and what expectations you have for yourself and your relationships. You are letting go of a lot

of old programming and wondering what to put in its place. For some, this could be the time to retire. For others, this is a time to revitalize yourself and finally do the things you really want to do. You are making more time for yourself by rearranging your work and personal routines. You are in a visionary time when you seek to satisfy your inner child, and not everyone else!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Family responsibilities, your lack of emotional centeredness, and the need for a retreat are all coming together in June. You will have to do some juggling! You are more involved with your neighborhood this month. Some of you are thinking about the history you’ve had with your family, so it could be a great time for a family reunion—or a time to let go of the negative past, release your guilt, and move on. This continues to be a good time to promote yourself and your career, despite your lack of clarity about a long-term agenda. You will need more time to yourself in the first half of the month. Be careful that you don’t overload your schedule in June. You are more relaxed and playful toward the end of the month!

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SIGN OUT By LILLY RODDY Illustration by JANIEWHATEVA

Express Yourself But don’t overcommit to activities, and stay aware!

une is going to be very active, especially in the latter half of the month. This is an especially active time for the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. June 18 and 19 are very edgy days. This will be a decision-oriented time for most of us! Summer begins on June 21 at 10:54 a.m. as the sun enters Cancer. Mercury enters Cancer on the 4th, Venus enters Gemini on the 8th, and Mars continues his journey through Cancer. The New Moon on the 3rd will stimulate you to express your deeper thoughts. This continues with the Full Moon on the 17th, as you feel freer to express yourself. It will be easier to overcommit to activities this month, especially around the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Stay aware this month!

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) As the month starts, you are focused on increasing your resources, getting your daily routine more organized, and improving your surroundings at home. You will want to start a plan to reduce your debt and obligations this month. You are better at gathering data and making more sense of that information. This is also a great month to market your talents and look for a better-paying position. Toward the middle of the month, your attention turns to home and family. This can be a great time for a family reunion—or maybe some therapy sessions to deal with your familial demons. There are lots of demands placed on you and your time this month. Keep your boundaries handy.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is a big year for the Taureans! You are feeling the need to find some passion in your life and your job as you try to reinvent who you are and what you do! You are 210

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definitely focusing on your intellectual skills and resources as the month begins. This is a very good month to promote your ideas and skills, publish some of your work, or go back to school. You are speaking to people more directly this month. You may not be the stable Taurean that we all rely on! Your relationships need some attention this month. A short vacation could really help your mood!

CANCER (June 22–July 22) This is a mixed month for your energy levels. You will vacillate between needing to retreat and needing to act on your needs and desires. You are much more in touch with the animal side of your nature this month. You may appear to be on guard and skeptical about the intent of those you meet with. This is the month to put yourself first. If you don’t, you will find your resentments increasing. This is also a good month to focus on health and exercise, which will definitely help to release tension. Relationships could be tested, especially in the third week of June. Difficult relationships may not last. Generate some conversation around this area of your life so you’ll have a release valve. You are in a more decisive mood for the whole month. Act in your own best interest.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You are in a more social phase during the first half of June. This is a great time to connect with friends or a business group that supports your career and generates more contacts. Career activity is pushing you to find something that stimulates your interests so you don’t feel so bored and trapped at work. This can be a great time to continue your education, travel, or spend more time with your children to renew that playful side of your personality. As the month ends, you will feel the need to make some time for yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is a busy month for you, with your social, career, and educational areas all being stimulated! This is a great time to promote

GEMINI (May 21–June 21) June is your personal yearly cycle when you look back on last year and look forward to next year’s adventures. Your sign continues to be very busy and active. There are lots of new directions and avenues for you to follow this year. This should be an excellent time for renewing your relationship bonds—or if you are single, for meeting someone new! By midmonth, you are beginning to focus on finances and new investments. In your career, you are looking for something that really draws you in. You may feel very unfocused about your profession in the early part of the month. Take some time to get clear about what you really want!

your services, expand your footprint on social media, or look for new and more inspiring career goals. This is also a great time to further your education, publish your work, or expand your information resources. Friends and business associates can be very helpful and supportive in assisting you and offering new options and perspectives. You are open to these new ideas! If you have children, you will need to spend more time with them. They need your guidance and wisdom.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23) Your career area is definitely in the spotlight this month as you try to take more of a leadership role. You may also find that you are not getting along with your bosses. If you feel that they are holding you back, this could be the time to start your own business—or at least find ways to gain more control over your decisions at work. You will have less patience, and may not come across as that “balanced” Libra you like to be! The third week of the month will be an intense one, with lots of demands being placed on you from all sides. Your reasoning skills are working well, but you are not as willing to compromise. If you have the time, it’s a great idea to get away from your daily routine and look at things from a better viewpoint.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21) Personal relationships and reinventing your-

self are on your list of priorities for June. You are renewing your existing bonds and bringing your views about relationships into the 21st century. Business and personal partnerships that are too restrictive or demanding will not last. This could also be a time when your partner is looking for work that is more interesting. You are more open in your conversations with those you’re intimate with. This is also a good time for therapy. Financially, you are looking at making better investments and getting your money to go farther. This is a good time for you to be teaching, publishing your work, and maybe taking a short vacation to remind yourself why you do what you do!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You are paying attention to your work and exercise routines, your relationships, and your finances this month. You remain in an optimistic period of growth through November, which is good for most any activity that you put your mind to. Your ability to attract people for both business and personal connections continues to be very strong. In romance, this is great time to meet new people and explore your options. You won’t have time for partnerships that limit you in any way. You continue to pay attention to your finances as you focus on your long-term career goal of becoming your own boss. CONTINUED ON PAGE 209

SHELLEY KENNEDY

CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C

WISHING US ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY

PRIDE

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KENNEDY PEOPLE HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C Paid for by Shelley Kennedy for City Council. Shaun Mcdade Nelson Treasurer.

SCENE OUT Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

On April 30, Lambda NextGen held a Happy Hour at FM Kitchen & Bar. Pictured are Mark Bailes, Chris Cantu, Nicholas Bryan Guidry, Eric Hulsey, Jeffrey Huynh, Ryan MacMillan, Mia Mundy, and James Spear.

The Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association held its monthly luncheon at Churrascos on May 2. Pictured are Lee Arellano, Barbara Radnofsky, Barry Baumgarden, Jane Fewox, and Steven Duble.

Houston Splash Weekend 2019 held the Welcome to Splash event at Chapman & Kirby on April 19. Pictured are Barry Barnes, Amber David, Jarvis Calhoun, John Humphries, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, Mike Webb, Jason Black, and Gregg Malone.

On May 11, The T.R.U.T.H. Project performed Hear Me. Pictured here (from l-r): BelleAime Robinson, Erica Nicole, Jordan Okeke, Jacques Davis, Cassidy Lapp, Myles Keys, Destyne Miller, Brittany Jones, Jayda Winters, Founder/CEO Kevin Anderson, Sean Bracher, Atara Romero-Wilson, Jarrin Sanders, Ayriah Barr, Glenda Monya, board member Dr. Monique Lee, and Ava Marshall.

On May 4, Lazarus House held its ‘80s Night Fiesta Fundraiser at Joystix Classic Games and Pingballs. Pictured are Danielle Sampey and Melissa Serra.

Out for Education held its scholarship presentation and celebration at the Alley Theatre on May 18. Pictured are scholarship recipients.

The Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019 was held at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston on May 19. Pictured are elected officals.

Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019 on May 19. Pictured are Heather J. Taylor, Bryan Cotton, and Vince Pryor. Cotton accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of MassMutual Greater Houston.

Round Top Festival Institute held a media day on May 21. Pictured are Matthew Kent Everett, James Dick, Fernando Shannonhouse, and Hugh Shannonhouse.

On May 19, The Krewe of Olympus held an underwriting kickoff party at JR’s. Pictured are Bruce Reeves, King Olympus XLIX (David Gandy), Michael Parks, and Grace Harvey.

Victory Fund Champagne Brunch 2019 on May 19. Pictured are Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker, Jani Lopez, Bryan Hlavinka, and Richard Holt. Lopez and Hlavinka received the Distinguished Service Award.

The Harris County Democratic Party held the Johnson Rayburn Richards luncheon at the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 24. Pictured here: Mayor Sylvester Turner with Monica Roberts, who received the Barbara Jordan Award.

212 JUNE 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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