JUNE 2022 by OutSmart Magazine

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FEATURES

146 JUNE 2022

55 PRIDE HOUSTON 365 ’

70 PRIDE HOUSTON 365

Six community heroes were chosen to lead the Houston Pride parade

Pride Month events culminating in the June 25 festival and parade

GRAND MARSHALS

121 PRIDE TREATS

Local eateries are offering Pride-themed menu items that benefit local charities

FESTIVAL GUIDE

124 AN AUTHENTIC LIFE

ABC-13’s news director Keaton Fox found the courage to come out after moving to Houston

126 129 A PRIDE MEDIA PARTNER HTX PRIDE WEEKEND Deilia Williams helped KHOU-11 become the Pride Houston 365 media partner broadcasting the local parade

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Gay-owned events company DNVRMX gets the party started with a stellar lineup of DJs and venues

81 PRIDE 2022 OutSmart spotlights local leaders from all walks of life who continue PRIDE 2022 to push the envelope forward: 87 Nancy Meyer PRIDE 93 Sunny Bryant 2022 97 100 105 109 113 117

Pastor Mak Kneebone Linda Morales Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut Barry Mandel Madeline the Person Brian Klosterboer

132 REMEMBERING FIRE ISLAND

The revealing Hulu flick debuts June 3

82 COVER STORY L ARUE LEGACY

The LaRues have created a chosen drag family worth noticing

122 PRIDE CALENDAR

Local organizations have a full schedule of Pride Month events to help you celebrate

146 WIGGING OUT

Tommie Ross has rocked the national drag scene for decades

J UJ NU EN E2 022022 2

DDEEPA PARRTTMMEENNTTSS NEWS NEWS&&COMMENT COMMENT 2222NEWS NEWS

JimJim Obergefell Obergefell speaks speaks outout about about thethe ultimate ultimate consequences consequences of overturning of overturning RoeRoe v. Wade; v. Wade; Trans Trans activist activist Emmett Emmett Schelling Schelling is named is named oneone of TIME of TIME magazine’s magazine’s ‘100‘100 Most Most Influential Influential People People of 2022’ of 2022’

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TheThe LaRue LaRue Legacy Legacy takes takes over over Houston’s Houston’s drag drag scene scene (Pg.(Pg. 82)82) Photography Photography by by Victor Victor Contreras Contreras @closeyoureyesphoto @closeyoureyesphoto Backdrop Backdrop fabric fabric by by Magpies Magpies & Peacocks & Peacocks @magpiespeacocks @magpiespeacocks Shot Shot at Ripcord at Ripcord @ripcordbar @ripcordbar

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EDITOR’S NOTE

After two years of pandemic restrictions, large gatherings have finally returned just in time for Pride Month. This year’s commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots is especially important in light of the unprecedented legislative assault on LGBTQ civil rights, with local Republican leaders pledging more hate in 2023. On the national front, the likely abortion ban could also put marriage equality on the line. Now more than ever, our annual Pride events need to demonstrate our collective power as a politically engaged community. In this June Pride edition of OutSmart, we’re honoring local community members who have consistently embodied Pride in their day-to-day lives. Our cover

stars from the LaRue Legacy have built a chosen drag family as diverse as Houston. Don’t miss writer Sam Byrd’s interview with members of this close-knit clan. We also highlight seven other out Houstonians who are making a mark on our city. Writer Marene Gustin chats with Nancy Meyer, the Houston Chronicle’s first female and lesbian publisher, while Lillian Hoang speaks with Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, the first Black trans woman elected to the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus board. Writer Kim Hogstrom sits down with Sunny Bryant, a 9-year-old trans girl who spoke out against the anti-trans bills last year, while writer Connor Behrens interviews attorney Brian Klosterboer, who helped the ACLU of Texas temporarily block Governor Abbott’s assault on

parents seeking medical care for their trans children. Hogstrom also speaks to seasoned Latina leader Linda Morales, while Jenny Block talks to out Discovery Green president Barry Mandel and bisexual TikTok sensation Madeline the Person. Pride Houston 365 copresidents Thasia Madison and Kendra Walker are featured in a chat with Marene Gustin, who also spotlights this year’s Pride parade grand marshals. Pride gatherings are happening all over town this month, so don’t miss our local Pride events calendar. Writer Ryan Leach talks to DNVRMX owners Marti Frieson and Miguel Vargas about their June 23–26 Pride party at venues including Bauhaus, POST, and RISE Rooftop. If you need a moment to

unwind from Pride, be sure to check out Joel Kim Booster’s new gay comedy Fire Island on Hulu this month. Writer Zach McKenzie interviews Booster about his nostalgic look at the iconic gay beach resort. Finally, Sam Byrd’s Wigging Out column features legendary drag entertainer Tommie Ross, the nine-time national pageant titleholder who tells us what Pride means to her. Happy Pride!

Lourdes Zavaleta Managing Editor

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NEWS

The Consequences of Overturning Roe v. Wade Jim Obergefell fears LGBTQ rights are just as endangered as abortion rights. By KIM HOGSTROM On May 2, when news broke of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s leaked Roe v. Wade draft opinion, a societal earthquake struck the nation that continues to reverberate. Alito’s draft is a blistering repudiation of the 1973 Court decision that protects abortion rights. “Roe v. Wade was egregiously wrong from the start,” he wrote in his incendiary opinion. Normally soft-spoken and unflappable, Jim Obergefell is an LGBTQ activist who is currently running for the Ohio State Legislature. He was also the plaintiff in the 2015 Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. He is now raising proverbial red flags to alert Americans about the possible consequences of an abortion ban. Obergefell is deeply concerned that marriage equality—among other civil rights—are at risk if the high court decides to overturn five decades of abortion protections. “It will be a very dark day for the rights of LGBTQ Americans if Roe falls,” Obergefell tells OutSmart. “Alito’s draft decision is supported 5 to 3 by the justices and is a clarion call for anyone who opposes marriage equality, to let them know they have like-minded friends on the Court. “This decision is bigger than taking away a woman’s right to choose, or LGBTQ marriage equality. Overturning Roe would mean removing a person’s right to bodily autonomy, as well as our right to privacy!” Obergefell emphasizes. Until now, many LGBTQ citizens were not aware of just how closely same-sex marriage is tied to Roe v. Wade. Without it, the legal foundations used to argue Obergefell v. Hodges are gone, and more than half a million LGBTQ marriages could be invalidated. Of particular concern is Alito’s reflection on the recognition of “constitutional rights” in the Court’s decision 49 years ago. “The original decision held that the abortion right, which is not mentioned in the Constitution, is part of a right to privacy, which is also not mentioned [in the Constitution],” Alito wrote. The 2003 Supreme Court ruling in Law22 22

| JUNE 2022 | JUNE 2022 |

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rence v. Texas, which struck down anti-sodomy laws nationally, was based on the concept that Americans have a right to privacy. On Friday, May 6, 2022, Alito made a public statement to the effect that he is also dubious of the high court’s ruling on workplace protections from discrimination for LGBTQ individuals. “Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination on any of five specified grounds: ‘race, color, religion, national origin and sex,’” Alito said. “Neither ‘sexual orientation’ nor ‘gender identity’ appear on that list.” In Alito’s view, the justices in 1964 could not have known that “sex discrimination” would grow to include LGBTQ people as American society evolved to recognize sexual identity. In his view, since this awareness did

not exist at the time of the decision, the decision itself is invalid today. “Alito’s argument that the court should not interpret the Constitution according to current-day societal values is extremely dangerous,” Obergefell states firmly. “By this reasoning, we would still exclude Blacks from all aspects of society because the first three words of the Constitution, ‘We the People,’ only included whites at the time it was written. Women would still be considered the property of their husbands and unable to vote. Interracial and samesex couples would be unable to lawfully commit to the person they love. “I cannot comprehend why any reasoning person, let alone the justices on our highest court, would argue that our laws must remain at a fixed point in the past,” Obergefell concludes. Perhaps Ian Mackey, an out gay Missouri state representative, summarized it best in an email to the Washington Post. “If [Alito] prevails, and the Court begins treating every individual right not explicitly mentioned in the Bill of Rights as a policy dispute, we must presume it is only a matter of time before marriage equality, and the right to engage in an intimate same-sex relationship, is once again a policy dispute. “Griswold v. Connecticut [granting the right use contraception], Loving v, Virginia [granting the right to interracial marriage], Roe v. Wade [granting a woman’s right to privacy regarding reproduction], Lawrence v. Texas [granting an adult’s right to privacy regarding sex], and Obergefell v. Hodges [granting the right to same-sex marriage] survive only together. One without the others is non-existent. “The rights of the marginalized are bonded together through these decisions to form a single thread. If one [thread] is pulled out, the entire fabric is undone,” Mackey wrote. What can citizens do? Jim Obergefell has an answer. “We can organize, and we must vote, vote, vote, vote, and vote!” More on Obergefell and his Ohio campaign is at obergefellforohio.com.

COMMUNITY Photos by Dalton DeHart and Crew

Montrose Center’s Housing Our Future Gala On May 20, the Montrose Center presented its annual Housing Our Future Gala at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Themed TV Land, this year’s celebration paid homage to “the golden gays of television,” and many guests dressed up as their favorite television characters while spending time with local LGBTQ community leaders and friends.

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NEWS

Texas Trans Leader Named One of TIME’s ‘100 Most Inﬂuential People of 2022 Emmett Schelling was honored for fighting the wave of anti-trans legislation. By LOURDES ZAVALETA ing the 2021 Legislative Session. Thanks to the combined work of Schelling, TENT, and hundreds of LGBTQ advocates, only one anti-trans school sports ban bill was passed into law. Despite multiple failed attempts during the session to pass laws that would restrict access of genderaffirming care for trans children, Governor Greg Abbott continued his attacks on trans youth by attempting to criminalize gender-affirming care as a form of child abuse. “Emmett, himself a father and a trans man, again mobilized the entire state to fight back,” Strangio said.

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A Texas transgender activist is being recognized as a part of this year’s ‘TIME 100’ list, the publication’s annual roundup of the 100 most influential people in the world. Emmett Schelling, executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), was honored by TIME on May 23 in an article written by Chase Strangio, the ACLU’s deputy director for transgender justice. “For the past five years, Texas lawmakers have made it a priority to target transgender youth, introducing dozens of anti-trans bills. Emmett Schelling has spent day and night fighting back and building love and safety for his community,” Strangio wrote. Schelling spent several months at the Capitol in Austin last year fighting against the record number of anti-trans bills filed dur-

Schelling was named the executive director of TENT in 2017. The organization is dedicated to furthering gender-diverse equality in Texas through education and networking in both public and private forums. “Overwhelmed, grateful, and confused on how I made the #TIME100 Most Influential, just to say the least,” Schelling tweeted. For more information about TENT, visit transtexas.org. To see the full TIME 100 list,visit time.com/collection/ 100-most-influential-people-2022/

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LEFT OUT By SUSAN BANKSTON

Destruction Therapy Smashing piñatas is a great way to cope these days.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: no matter how cynical I get, I just can’t keep up. Last week I found myself wondering why I don’t buy more piñatas, because right now I’d love to beat the holy crap out of something and then sit in the grass and eat candy. That’s better therapy than talking to those therapists who make you wait for an appointment. A piñata is always ready when you are. I think Costco ought to sell piñatas in bulk. You could have a dozen lined up in your living room to not only spice up your decor, but also provide a safe outlet to vent your rage in a way that doesn’t land you in front of a judge. And, as I mentioned, there’s candy afterwards. My point is that calming the hell down could help everybody right about now. For example, now we learn that as people were peacefully demonstrating in front of the White House following George Floyd’s murder, Trump seriously asked his advisors why he couldn’t order the armed guards to shoot them. Then, after seeing the stunned faces of the actual humans in the room, Trump hid his cloven hooves and clarified, “Just shoot them in the legs, or something?” Not to be outdone in the Republican ToughGuy Sweepstakes, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has decided that Texas should be able to declare war on Mexico. The newspapers reported that Abbott is considering a plan to declare illegal migration at the Texas border an “invasion,” and then invoke war powers to tackle the crisis. That would be a direct challenge to the federal government’s authority over the nation’s borders. Abbott’s plan ignores the slight problem that Texas doesn’t have an army. Or a “wellregulated militia,” for that matter. Hell, the University of Texas doesn’t even have much of a football team this year, so I wouldn’t count on any orange linemen to hold the front line along the Rio Grande. 32

JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Darlin’, we don’t even have reliable electricity in Texas, and the governor admits it. But he has the money to declare war on Mexico? “By day or night, that man ain’t bright, deep in the heart of Texas.” Hell, Abbott couldn’t even win a war against Oklahoma, because they have electricity. The next piñata I need is to help me cope with Georgia Congressvarmint Majorie Taylor Greene. She’s got less class than Beanie-Weenie Night at the bowling alley. She’s gone out and bought herself a pimpmobile—a $92,000 “campaign car” she purchased using money that supporters donated to her campaign (a significant portion of which comes from retired people who have sacrificed to support her). It’s kinda hard to figure out which model she bought, but it’s gotta be the most expensive pickup truck at any dealership in Georgia. The dealership she says she used has admitted that their most expensive truck is priced in the low $80s. So I’ve done the math for you, and devised a list of Greene’s likely add-ons

that would explain her truck’s ridiculous price tag: • An ammo storage compartment ($3,000) • A high-powered hair dryer and hairspray dispensers ($900) • A tattoo equipment cabinet ($2,000) • A fully-stocked S&M dungeon ($4,000) • Loudspeakers mounted on the roof, to enable her hate speech to be heard for a mile in every direction ($1,000) • An animated pop-up neon middle finger with “Eat This!” written on it, to flash at any vehicles passing by with a “Go, Beto!” bumper sticker ($250) Happy Pride, Sweetie Pies! Until next month, let’s all ponder the possibility that nachos are just tacos that haven’t gotten their lives together yet. Susan Bankston lives in Richmond, Texas, where she writes about her hairdresser at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc., at juanitajean.com.

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SMART HEALTH By DARYL SHORTER MD

The Power of Pride Mobilizing as a community is necessary now more than ever.

In April 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure titled “Parental Rights in Education,” also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. This law bans instruction, and even discussion, about LGBTQ+ identity in classrooms from kindergarten through third grade. For older classrooms, the law states that discussion of queer-related issues must be “age or developmentally appropriate.” Schools that violate the law may be sued by parents, opening teachers up to litigation and leaving school districts financially on the hook. While proponents of the bill may try to mask their contempt for LGBTQ+ people in language about “choice” and “parental control,” their real underlying fears and prejudice are rooted in old stereotypes that queer people “recruit” young people into our “lifestyle.” In some circles, the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation has been openly and hatefully referred to as an “anti-grooming” law, using language that suggests coercion and ‘dog-whistles’ offensive accusations of deviance and pedophilia. The attack on LGBTQ+ people is not confined to Florida. Anti-trans legislation has been proposed throughout the country. More recently, on May 16,, 2022, Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina signed into law the “Save Women’s Sports Act” that bans transgender students from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. This is particularly striking because similar measures were passed by legislatures in Indiana and Utah, but ultimately vetoed by governors in those states. These are only a couple of examples of the toxic, hate-filled, anti-LGTBQ legislation currently proposed. According to a recent statement from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), there are currently more than 320 antiLGBTQ+ bills under consideration in state legislatures across the country. The Psychological Impact of Exclusion At the center of this debate lies an important question: what does it do to the psyche of a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ when your exclusion is written and codified in the law, 34 34

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Te to K h p cu vi fo in L re a e a a in h

when the mere discussion of your identity is illegal and immoral? One may not even have to work very hard to answer this question. The elevated risk for mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can be directly linked to the presence of discrimination. Interestingly, in communities with specific nondiscrimination policies, rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth are decreased, suggesting that protections for queer people at the governmental level have an impact on one’s sense of belonging and safety in the world. What’s perhaps most infuriating is that this legislation is being introduced during a time when support of LGBTQ+ rights has grown significantly. In the 2020 American Values Atlas survey, conducted by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, 76 percent of adults reported that they favor laws that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. According to the survey, broad support of LGBTQ+ rights was seen across the spectrum of racial/ethnic and religious groups, an important observation given that some com-

munities and religions continue to be seen as staunchly anti-LGBTQ+. If the majority of Americans are in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, then why have the attacks become so pervasive? It appears that the lives and rights of LGBTQ+ persons are being used as a political wedge device. This form of dehumanization, making people into political pawns, certainly can diminish one’s sense of personhood in addition to complicating the daily existence of individuals. Pride in Action This year, LGBTQ+ Pride Month marks a time for more than just gathering and celebrating. With so many elements of our freedom under direct attack, allow Pride Month to serve as your own personal call to action. What can you do this month to more fully embody some of the core principles of Pride? Be informed. As tough as it may sometimes be to watch news and social media that feels overwhelmingly negative and divisive, it ➝

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One Medical LGBTQ+ Savvy Healthcare From Providers That Actually Care Rekha Avirah, MD, District Medical Director for One Medical in Houston, answers a few questions about LGBTQ+Healthcare provided at One Medical. Rekha Avirah, MD Tell us a little about One Medical’s approach to LGBTQ+ healthcare. Knowing that much of the LGBTQ+ community has had poor healthcare experiences in the past, our team is committed to providing culturally competent, affirmative care at every visit and creating safe, judgment-free spaces for all. We have many providers that are experts in these fields or identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community themselves. Patients are referred to transgender-friendly specialists, as needed. Trans and non-binary patients can expect to be treated with respect, compassion, and professionalism. Trans individuals can also choose to see a provider who specializes in areas like LGBTQ+ family planning, PrEP, hormone therapy, and mental health. How does One Medical create an inclusive environment for all patients? One Medical is a national, modernized primary care practice with 125+ offices in 16 markets across the country. Because we are in so many different markets around the U.S. we are committed to making One Medical a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable truly being themselves. We do this by: • Asking for gender identity, pronouns, and name; • Offering gender-neutral bathrooms whenever possible; • Featuring images in the offices of all identities; • Using pronoun pins; • Hanging posters on how to correct others when you witness misgendering; • Regularly expanding clinical training for all clinicians on gender-affirming care for all ages. There is always more to learn, but these internal measures are how we keep One Medical a safe environment for all patients. What do you think are the biggest challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces in receiving healthcare? One of the biggest challenges is rooted in accessibility to quality LGBTQ+ healthcare.

It should be easier to find healthcare in a big city, but providers here in Houston are leaning more and more towards the boutique business model. Sometimes LGBTQ+ patients can be on waitlists for months, and that is only if providers are even accepting new clients in the first place. Those who do not seek providers specifically focusing on the LGBTQ+ community face the fear of informing their doctors about their identification, adding to the general stress associated with visiting the doctor. How is One Medical working to close the LGBTQ+ Health disparity gap? One Medical cares for hundreds of trans patients across the U.S. and has many providers that focus on LGBTQ related care. One Medical also uses tools like Slack so that providers can reach hundreds of providers across the country to connect in real time with experienced experts in trans care and collaborate on care plans for their patients, while also sharing latest studies, hosting round tables on specific topics, and more. What advice would you give to someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ when seeking Healthcare? It is important to find a supportive clinician who you can engage in open and honest communication with. Avoiding routine medical care due to fear or a history of discrimination can result in negative health impacts. At One Medical we strive to understand your unique healthcare needs, which starts by understanding who you are as an individual. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Are there mental health resources available at One Medical? One Medical believes mental well-being is essential to patients’ overall health and wellness, so we have integrated mental health care with primary health care. When patients have mental health issues, it makes managing overall health more challenging. Some LGBTQ+ patients may be coping with anything from depression to substance abuse to anxiety or the impact of hormone therapy. We work with them on a plan that fits their needs and lifestyle — whether that’s lifestyle changes, medication, mental health programs, or a referral to a specialist.

What do you think are the most common misconceptions about gender-affirming care and what would you like for people to know? Those who are unfamiliar with trans health often mistakenly assume that all transgender people medically transition or that transitionrelated procedures are elective and cosmetic in nature, while in fact, it is life saving and has been shown to significantly improve mental health outcomes. While gender-affirming care may include hormone therapy and surgeries, it may simply involve the use of correct pronouns. Lastly, gender-affirming medical care is not haphazard. Medical professionals follow evidence-based standards of care that involve thorough assessments over many years, to meet an individual’s specific needs. As such, studies show a low prevalence of regret following genderaffirming care. How has sexual healthcare changed for the LGBTQ+ community over the last ten years? The most hopeful change is the introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment that has the potential of reducing the risk of HIV transmission. HIV is becoming viewed as more of a chronic disease than a death sentence, but there is definitely still more work to be done in underserved communities. Overall, the level of awareness on this specific topic has changed drastically over the years. Can One Medical prescribe hormonal therapies and PrEP? All of our primary care providers are qualified to prescribe and manage medications. Options and approaches may vary by location and/ or provider, so it’s best to get in touch with a provider directly to get more information if you

3300 Kirby, Ste. 1A Houston, TX. 77098 888/663-6331 Four additional offices across the Greater Houston area.

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remains critical that we arm ourselves with knowledge of the anti-LGBTQ legislation that is being proposed and passed. Perhaps one way of being informed, while also protecting your peace, is to be more deliberate about seeking out news that affects our community. Subscribe to email newsletters from organizations such as Lambda Legal or HRC that give information about the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in our national and state capitals.

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Be active. If you’re not registered to vote, do so now. If you’re already registered to vote, consider how you can get other people to vote. Perhaps you can volunteer to get others to sign up, or maybe on Election Day you can offer rides to seniors or others who may not have an easy way to get to a polling station. Given the efforts to disenfranchise so many, it’s important to remember that every single vote counts, and we should do all that we can to ensure that not only our voice is heard, but that of our entire community. Be there. Pride month offers an opportunity for the creation of community. If you’ve never been to a Pride parade before, consider attending. There is something important and powerful about visually witnessing connection and support at that magnitude. If the idea of braving the crowds and the heat fills you with dread, are there smaller venues or opportunities to participate that would feel good for you? Many LGBTQ+ organizations are arranging activities to celebrate the many beautiful segments that make up our community. Who can you gather with that supports you and makes you feel special and valued? How can you extend that same support to others? Be PROUD. This month is a time to remind ourselves that as a community, the very act of living openly, being visible, and living in our truth is an act of protest. We do this not only for ourselves, but for future generations of queer folks who come behind us. Pride Month shows people that we exist, that our lives and freedoms matter, and that we are not going anywhere. Daryl Shorter, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is board certified in both general and addiction psychiatry. His clinical practice focuses on veteran care, and he lectures widely on LGBTQ mental health. Dr. Shorter can be reached at dr.darylshorter@gmail.com.

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SMART HEALTH By DARYL SHORTER MD

Keeping Your Financial Plan on Track …even if marriage equality is derailed. With the recent volatility in the stock market and the uncertainties in the economy, tensions are running high in a number of areas—especially as the rights of women and LGBTQ citizens are also being threatened. The impact of overturning marriage equality as a constitutional right would not only impact our personal lives, but would also have a detrimental effect on our current and future financial security. With that in mind, there are some strategies that can be put in place in order to protect yourself and your spouse or partner from potential financial hardship. Protecting Assets in Any Environment The LGBTQ community has a lot to celebrate during Pride Month, given how far we have come throughout the years. But, just like everything else in life, there are no guarantees that civil-rights laws will remain the same forever. Given the potential threat to marriage equality, there are some legal and financial strategies you should consider putting in place sooner rather than later, in order to build a wall of protection around key items like owning and transferring assets, planning for death or disability, and making medical decisions if you or your partner become incapacitated. Key areas to focus on should include the proper titling of property and assets, the creation and implementation of medical and financial powers of attorney, and establishing various types of trusts, if necessary. Account Titling – When an individual who is legally married dies, his or her assets will typically transfer directly to their surviving spouse free of income and estate taxation. But the same is not true for non-spouse beneficiaries and recipients. Looking ahead to the possibility of marriage equality ending, it is essential to take precautions to protect what you have worked so hard to accumulate. One strategy is asset titling. The way that you have property and assets titled can make a big difference in terms of what happens to them upon your passing. The 38 38

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• • • • • most common forms of asset ownership are Individual, Tenancy in Common, and Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship. In the case of Individual ownership, one person or entity owns the asset or account. Upon your death, these will generally pass according to the terms of your will or trust, provided that you have either or both of these set up. Without a will or beneficiary designation, it is possible that your individual assets could pass to your next of kin—parents, siblings, or other “blood relatives”—if you and your partner are not considered a legally married couple. Therefore, having assets titled in your name only could leave your partner in a difficult financial position, and vice versa. It is important to note that accounts that have beneficiary designations—such as IRAs, retirement plans, and life insurance policies— will typically pass directly to the intended recipient. This is the case even if you have a will in place, as beneficiary designations can override a will and can also bypass the costly and time-consuming probate process. In the case of Tenancy in Common, while the account holders are alive, the assets are owned in proportion to what each person

contributed to the total. When you die, your interest will pass to whomever you have indicated in your will (if applicable) or to your heirs, as dictated by law. So this is another case where you should have a good understanding of what will happen upon your passing, as it may not be what you had intended. This is why many people instead use Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship for the titling of assets if they want property and/or funds to pass directly to another individual (or individuals) upon their death. With this form of titling, when one of the account holders dies, the assets will pass directly to the surviving account holder(s), regardless of what is stated in their will, as well as whether or not they are legally married spouses. Powers of Attorney – Another important area of concern (particularly if your marriage might not be legally recognized in the future) is to have powers of attorney for both finance and health care in place. A financial power of attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to manage your finances and property for you. These tasks could include paying bills, ➝

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making deposits and withdrawals from a bank account, and overseeing transactions in your investment account(s). A medical power of attorney is also a legal document that names an individual as your healthcare “agent,” meaning that the person has the ability to make healthcare decisions for you if you are not able to do so yourself. He or she is also responsible for ensuring that doctors and other medical personnel provide necessary and appropriate care according to your wishes. The Use of Trust(s) – In some cases, just simply having a will or beneficiary designation isn’t enough to keep property and money safe from taxes, as well as from creditors or financial predators such as friends and relatives other than spouses who are not typically given special considerations in estate-planning matters. One example of this pertains to the taxes that may be due when assets pass to an individual who is not your spouse. Depending on the situation, what the recipient actually receives after taxes are paid could be significantly less. Trusts can provide you with more control over what happens with various assets. They allow you to communicate where you want assets to go, along with how they are managed in the future and the circumstances regarding when and how funds and property are distributed. It’s Never Too Soon Even if you are not currently married or in a domestic partnership, knowing that your wishes are in place—along with a proper plan to carry them out—is an essential component of building a solid financial and retirement plan. If you and your spouse or partner don’t have these protections in place yet, it is never “too soon” to act. Likewise, it is possible that various financial, legal, and tax rulings have changed that could render your current financial or retirement strategies outdated and ineffective. Therefore, talking over your wishes with a financial professional who is also well-versed in the planning needs of the LGBTQ community is recommended. Grace S. Yung, CFP® | Managing Director of Midtown Financial Group, LLC. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA / SIPC. For more information, visit: midtownfg/ lgbtqplus.10.htm. OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 41

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

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

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

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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

including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 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. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  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.

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. 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 Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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

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

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

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0008 01/22

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HIV TREATMENT * *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/28/2021.

CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP BEING YOU. 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. ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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

Scan to see Chad’s story.

SCENE OUT Photos by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

On April 30, 2022, the Combined Arms LGBTQ Veterans & Allies Military Ball was held at the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport. The event honored Eric Alva and Danny Ingram. Pictured are Yasmin Wilkinson, Nick Tran, Brooks Ballard, Eric Alva, Danny Ingram, Roy Alvarez Jr., and Kelly Finn Stormer.

On May 7, 2022, Gulf Coast Cosmos Comic Book Co. celebrated Free Comic Book Day. Pictured are Lane Fobbs, Bobby Baham, Byron Canady, Lynn Olsommer, Aubrey Olsommer, and Desmond Jones.

Judge Kathleen Stone’s portrait was hung in the Harris County Civil Courthouse’s Probate Court 1 on May 10, 2022. Pictured are Hon. Kathleen S. Stone, Hon. Jerry Simoneaux, Leslie Kiefer Amann, Tammy Manning, Millard Johnson, and Rev. G. Todd Williams.

On May 11, 2022, Out for Education scholarship awards were presented at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Houston Downtown. Pictured are scholarship recipients.

Art League Houston presented its annual “Garden MARTY” on May 14, 2022. Pictured are Chris Scott, Jimmy Castillo, Jennie Ash, Alberto Careaga, Lesa Jackson, Eepi Chaad, and Cody Fitzsimmons.

On May 15, 2022, Victory Fund Houston hosted its 2022 Champagne Brunch at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. Pictured are Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Victory Fund president, CEO, and former Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

On May 16, 2020, Tee Up to Heal Cancer held its Harbour Golf Classic at Tour 18 Golf Club in Humble. Pictured are Aaron Keys, John Reyes, Brian Hall, and Kenneth Teusink.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber presented an LGBT Roundtable at Sesh Coworking on May 17, 2022. Pictured are Barbie Vazquez, Thomas Childress, Lorannette Lewis, Alisa Weldon, Tammi Wallace, Brian Hall, Meredith Wheeler, Erick Jones, Krystal Gilliam-Ferraz, Tracy Uptown, Kym Adams, and Daniel Zamora.

On May 18, 2022, AIDS Foundation Houston held its Walk to End HIV Celebration at Hilton Houston Plaza Medical Center Hotel. Pictured are the winners of the Corporate, Benefiting Agency, Community, and Individual awards from the Walk.

Avenue Center hosted the grand opening of its new facility on May 19, 2022. Pictured are Keith Bynum, Shannon Buggs, Reymundo Ocanas, Mary Lawler, Dr. Bobby Hillard, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Julie Sudduth, Marie Arcos, and Senator Carol Alvarado.

On May 19, 2022, the Bering Omega Asset Board presented an update on the achievements of Omega House and Avenue 360. Pictured are Tanner Williams, Dr. Gus Krucke, Lannie Bluethmann, Dr. Charlene Flash, Sandy Stacy, Jeremy Fain, and Jeff Gremillion.

TUTS and OutSmart magazine presented OUT@TUTS featuring Jersey Boys at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on May 19, 2022. Pictured are OUT@ TUTS attendees.

20th Annual Mint Julep An Afternoon at

We’re back in person because we Can-Can! SUN | JULY 17 | 2022 Doors open at 2:30pm Show begins at 3:00pm White Oak Music Hall 2915 N. Main St. Houston, TX 77009 In the tradition of Legacy’s signature summer show, Mint Julep is free to attend.

This event benefits HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention & treatment programs at Legacy.

Sponsorships for reserved seating are available at legacy.community/mintjulep

HONORING

Co-Chairs

Honorary Co-Chairs

Katy Caldwell

Tony Bravo

Sonna Alton

Domenic Cusano

Cyndy Garza Roberts

Felicia aka Scarlett St. John

Ray Purser

Mint Julep Co-founder & Ms. Mint Julep 2012

Robert Harwood Mr. Mint Julep 2012

Keith Nappier aka Shy Anne

Mint Julep Co-founder & Miss Mint Julep 2012

A c L

Avenue 360 has been providing quality, compassionate healthcare to Houston’s LGBTQ community for over 35 years. Primary Care | Gender Affirming OB/GYN Care | Dentistry | PrEP | HIV Treatment and Prevention

Call (713) 426-0027 to schedule an appointment.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

QUEER THINGS to DO For a wee kly roundup o f L GB TQ happenin gs www.Ou , visit tSmar tMagazine .com

FUNDRAISER

June 16

Equality Night Out Join the Lambda Legal Houston Leadership Committee for the organization’s annual Equality Night Out at Life HTX. Friends and supporters of the LGBTQ rights movement will gather from across the region to celebrate Lambda Legal’s corporate allies and individual advocates for equality. Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and everyone living with HIV through impact

litigation, education, and publicpolicy work. As a nonprofit organization, Lambda Legal does not charge clients for legal representation or advocacy, and receives no government funding. The group depends on contributions from supporters around the country. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor of Equality Night Out, visit the link below. For questions or more information, contact Avery Belyeu at abelyeu@lambdalegal.org or 214.302.2217. tinyurl.com/bde2tyuv

NIGHTLIFE

June 3

WILLOW PILL LIVE

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Willow Pill visits Houston for a performance at ReBar. Hosted by ONDI, the drag show features numbers by Blackberri, Norvina, Luna of the Lillies, and Willow. tinyurl.com/239y4w7c

COMMUNITY

June 4

Go to George Country Sports Bar for the bar’s annual Charity Pride Boot Camp, an outdoor workout session that doubles as a fundraiser for the Montrose Center. Bring your yoga mat, plenty of water, and (if you can) a cash donation. tinyurl.com/94nvwdv2

Celebrate the Menil Collection’s 35th birthday with an outdoor concert and refreshments on the front lawn of the Montrose art museum. Throughout the evening, Menil curators will be giving short talks about their current exhibitions. tinyurl.com/ccar2dev

CHARITY PRIDE BOOT CAMP

JUNE 2022 2022 || OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com

MENIL COLLECTION’S 35TH BIRTHDAY

COMMUNITY

June 4

June 5

Join Houston’s ROADWomen as they honor their 25th anniversary at J-Bar-M Barbeque. The group will celebrate over two decades of educating voters and helping candidates that support women, reproductive rights, LGBTQ people, and communities of color. tinyurl.com/fwjvr5xs

The Montrose Center’s Hatch Youth Prom for queer youth ages 13 to 20 returns to Numbers nightclub. This year’s celebration is themed Elegant Horror and is emceed by Blackberri, with the Space Kiddettes on the turntables. tinyurl.com/4ndw5ytw

ROADWOMEN’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

LGBTQIA+ YOUTH PROM

STAGE

June 5

LIFE, LOVE & LASHES

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alyssa Edwards comes to the Wortham Theater Center with her Life, Love & Lashes tour. tinyurl.com/3p36kwxh

COMMUNITY

STAGE

June 9

June 18

LAMBDA NEXTGEN HOUSTON HAPPY HOUR Join Lambda NextGen Houston at BUDDY’S for the organization’s June Happy Hour. Meet other young LGBTQ professionals ages 21 to 35 to connect, network, and build relationships. tinyurl.com/yfsrjws6

DRAG BRUNCH BENEFITTING PRIDE GALVESTON

Scotty’s Pub on the Bay hosts a brunch to help raise funds for Pride Galveston’s September 2022 celebration. The event features performances by Mr. Pride Galveston Brutas Dewayne Monroe, Miss Island Goddess Chachie Pedraza Van Wales, and Miss Spookums Wilhelmina Guess. tinyurl.com/2p973we6

STAGE

June 10

CHEER LIVE

Cast members of the hit Netflix show Cheer visit Houston for a performance at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Center. tinyurl.com/3p4y4b7n

CARA CONNERS: STRAIGHT FOR PAY

The Riot Comedy Show brings queer L.A.-based comedian Cara Conners to Houston to headline Straight for Pay, a late-night LGBTQ showcase. tinyurl.com/35addxrj

COMMUNITY

STAGE

June 19

June 18–19

June 25

Emancipation Park’s 150th Juneteenth Celebration is being sponsored by the Kinder Foundation. The event features several musical acts and honors the abolition of slavery in the United States. tinyurl.com/5bcy4jsj

Taylor Swift Night at White Oak Music Hall! Dance and sing along to songs from all of Swift’s albums, all night long. tinyurl.com/yzy5c7j5

DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME WITH ACCT

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is partnering with Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT) to bring Drag Queen Story Time back to the Island. tinyurl.com/42b3smra

EMANCIPATION PARK’S THE TAYLOR 150TH JUNETEENTH PARTY Calling all Swifties—it’s CELEBRATION

More Queer Things To Do ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 49

The Menil Collection As always, admission to the museum is free. 50

JUNE 2022 |

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1533 Sul Ross Street menil.org Houston, Texas

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

QUEER THINGS to DO

SAVE the DATES COMMUNITY

July 15–17

COMICPALOOZA

Comicpalooza is back at the George R. Brown Convention Center for two days. This popculture festival features celebrities, shopping, and activities that will keep you entertained. tinyurl.com/2wevf9mh

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STAGE

July 16

WERQ THE WORLD

The official RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour returns to Houston with an all-new production featuring Kameron Michaels, Rose, Vanessa Vanjie, Yvie Oddly, and every finalist from the show’s recent Season 14. tinyurl.com/2w37mmw2

Happy Pride! I'm a singer songwriter living in Austin, Texas wishing you a happy, healthy PRIDE month wherever you live! Check out these cool pride gifts in my merch store. harrietreynoldsmusic.com

STAGE

July 22

KING PRINCESS

King Princess brings new music to House of Blues Houston. The lesbian songstress’ second studio album, Hold On Baby, is set to be released later this year. tinyurl.com/2p9hfck3

Submit your events at calendar@outsmartmagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com

| JUNE 2022 51

COMMUNITY

CURBSIDE SERVICE DURING COVID

Photos by Dalton DeHart and Crew Black Queer AF Music Festival The Normal Anomaly Initiative presented Houston’s first Black LGBTQ music festival on April 30 at Stampede Houston. The groundbreaking event featured local and national performers, the launch of several Black queer businesses, immersive games, lots of outdoor space, and more.

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COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY “At Legacy Pharmacy, we take the time to listen to each patient and their concerns. It’s all about ensuring patients receive the care and medications they need to be their healthiest.” — GONZALO ESTRADA, Pharmacist

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MEET THE MARSHALS

TIME for CELEBRATION Pride Houston 365 reveals plans for its upcoming LGBTQ parade and festival. By MARENE GUSTIN | Photos by FRANK HERNANDEZ “There are so many amazing Pride Houston memories,” says Pride Houston 365 co-president Thasia Madison, “but if I can only name one, it would be the 2022 Rockets Pride Night when we unveiled our new logo. In the spirit of the butterfly, we transformed our brand in front of a diverse group of fans. When the crowd went wild, it truly made me feel so lucky to live in Houston and celebrate with our volunteers, supporters, and sponsors.” Recently rebranded as Pride Houston 365, the 44-year-old organization responsible for Houston’s annual LGBTQ parade and festival has

expanded their mission to include community-outreach events 365 days a year. The rebranding effort had been in works since October 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic. The group decided to implement the changes just in time for this month’s downtown festival and parade. This year’s festival, which features dozens of vendors and performers, takes place beginning at 1 p.m. on June 25 in front of Houston City Hall. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. that evening, and will be led by Pride Houston 365’s 2022 grand marshals— Isabel Longoria, Travis Torrence, Juliann Losey, Danielle Houston, Brandon Wolf, and Hatch Jr.—a diverse group of local LGBTQ and ally leaders being spotlighted for their advocacy efforts. Because the pandemic canceled the 2020

and ’21 Pride parades, grand marshals for those two years will join the 2022 grand marshals. So, what can you expect from this year’s celebration? “We’ve all been through so much during the last two years,” says Madison. “‘Houston, the Beat Goes On’ is our theme this year [that speaks to how our community has] resilience and will continue to persevere. The beat goes on!” “Our [local television] media partner KHOU, along with several radio stations, will be broadcasting live,” co-president Kendra Walker adds. “The registration has been overwhelming. We expect an even bigger turnout than pre-pandemic.” ➝ For more info, visit pridehouston.org. OutSmartMagazine.com

| JUNE 2022 55

MEET THE MARSHALS

“This is the honor of a lifetime! I have a ton of respect and admiration for so many of the past grand marshals like John Nechman, Mitchell Katine, Fran Watson, Gary Wood, Bryan Hlavinka, and Tammi Wallace. I am truly humbled to be a part of their legacy of steadfast and unwavering service to our community. In addition, to be elected by the people of Houston makes it even more meaningful. I am the grandson of sharecroppers from Mississippi, and the greatgreat grandson of slaves who worked on plantations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana. I’m a testament to what is possible with sheer hope, determination, ambition, and hard work. I remember a time when I imagined never being able to ever tell anyone I was gay— a time of managing pronouns and lying about my weekend activities so people wouldn’t know my sexual orientation. Now, I’m happier than ever and proud of who I am every day—not just during Pride Month.”

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TRAVIS TORRENCE MALE-IDENTIFYING GRAND MARSHAL 41, He/Him

Known for: His work as a lawyer, philanthropist, and community organizer who has dedicated his life to promoting justice, equity, and inclusion for the LGBTQ community in all its diversity. He’s also on the board of directors for both the Alley Theatre and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and is recognized for wearing bold plaid or striped suits. Favorite cause: The Victory Fund Dream to change the world: Ending prejudice and hate, and enhancing inclusion, equity, and belonging. Ultimate life goal: In the words of Maya Angelou, to be “a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” Favorite hashtag: #travistrill (trill being the Southern urban term for “true and real”)

VIRTUAL COOKING SCHOOL SERIES To celebrate Pride Month, Central Market is hosting a series of virtual Cooking School classes featuring the stories and recipes of notable LGBTQ chefs.

Joe Yonan Thursday, June 9, 2022 | 6–7:30 PM

Menu Asparagus with Crispy Ginger & Garlic / Ceci e Pepe / No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

Eric Kim Friday, June 17, 2022 | 6–7:30 PM

Menu Cheesy corn and Ranch Pizza with Black Pepper-Honey / Gochujang Chocolate Lava Cakes

Virginia Willis Thursday, June 23, 2022 | 6–7:30 PM

Menu Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Chèvre Cheese & Spinach / Tomato & Walnut Salad / Peaches & Cream with Almond Cookies

MEET THE MARSHALS

JULIANN LOSEY NON-BINARY/ NON-CONFORMING GRAND MARSHAL 32, They/Them

Known for: Being the gender and sexuality education program manager at the University of Houston’s LGBTQ Resource Center, where they help plan and facilitate events, host allyship education workshops, and advise students. They value being a co-conspirator for other marginalized identities and uplifting intersectional identities and voices through the Resource Center. Favorite cause: The Mahogany Project, and Save Our Sisters United Inc. Dream to change the world: To spread the embracing of gender joy and the joy of self-expression. Ultimate life goal: To do their part to increase inclusion and a sense of belonging wherever they are. Favorite hashtag: #blacktranslivesmatter

“It’s been surreal. This process has made me feel so incredibly grateful for the community and the support systems that I’ve had along the way. The South has the largest LGBTQ population in the country, and Houston is the largest city in the South, and this is the greatest honor that I could receive from the community I love so much. It’s truly phenomenal. I am specifically grateful to the city of Houston and the University of Houston for being so welcoming and supportive, and I can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you all.”

JUNE 2022 |

OutSmartMagazine.com

MEET THE MARSHALS

ISABEL LONGORIA FEMALE-IDENTIFYING GRAND MARSHAL 33, She/Her

Known for: Voting, and a dark sense of humor. A former City Council candidate, Longoria is completing her term as Harris County’s elections administrator. She plans to continue working as a policy and public-affairs consultant and speaker. Favorite cause: The Moody Park Halloween Festival Dream to change the world: A free and fair country for all Ultimate life mission: To be happy Favorite hashtag: #HarrisVotes

“This is a full-circle moment in my life. From being a five-year-old watching a Pride parade when it was in Montrose, to being a teenager there with my friends in front of Chances, to the years as a young professional walking in parades with the organizations I worked for, to now being recognized and leading the parade, it just shows that Houston is a place where you can be you, unapologetically.”

JUNE 2022 |

OutSmartMagazine.com

MEET THE MARSHALS

DANIELLE HOUSTON ALLY GRAND MARSHAL 42, She/Her

Known for: Advocating with and for communities impacted by the HIV epidemic. Houston has a psychology degree from Boston University and a public-health degree from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She joined Gilead Sciences in 2017 to become a community liaison. As a treatment advocate and public health specialist with expertise in epidemiology, it is her responsibility to advance health literacy by educating both her peers and the local community. Favorite cause: Women’s reproductive rights Dream to change the world: Racial, gender, sexual, and health equity Ultimate life mission: To travel the world having adventures while enjoying good people, good food, and sharing joy. Favorite hashtag: #BGM (Black Girl Magic) and #FOE (Family Over Everything)

“Being recognized in my hometown by the communities that have made me who I am almost seems too good to be true. I am excited, humbled, and motivated to continue to do the work, to serve our communities, and represent Houston Pride to the best of my abilities. This vote puts HIV advocacy at the forefront of Houston Pride!”

JUNE 2022 |

OutSmartMagazine.com

MEET THE MARSHALS

BRANDON WOLF HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL 74, He/Him

Known for: Researching and co-authoring the history of The Diana Foundation, frequent writer for OutSmart, photographer, community activist, and a co-founder of the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum. Favorite cause: Hatch Jr. Dream to change the world: Full acceptance of the LGBTQ community throughout the world Ultimate life mission: To leave behind a robust history of the LGBTQ community. Favorite Hashtag: #understandinggay

“Being a Houston Pride marshal is the highest honor that our community bestows, and I’m very humbled that I’ve been selected for my 45 years of activism in the community. For me, Pride is our community’s opportunity to show the rest of the world that we don’t accept their negative stereotypes. Instead, we define who we are, and we are proud of who we are. It’s a time of celebrating who we are and enjoying those from outside the LGBTQ community who want to celebrate with us. With the current regressive legislation being passed in many conservative states—including the war being waged on transgender youth by the Texas governor—it’s more important than ever to be united and show that we stand for full equality.”

JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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MEET THE MARSHALS

“Hatch Jr. is amazing. When I first started going, it helped me to meet other queer kids, and it gave me a safe space to figure out who I am. It’s good for everyone to know they’re not alone, and Hatch Jr. did that for me. It showed me that there are other queer kids, even though I didn’t know them at the time. I think that when you’re with other people like yourself, sometimes it’s easier because they just get it. You don’t have to explain everything. It’s obviously challenging being a queer kid today, and it makes a huge difference to be with others who are dealing with the same things.”

HATCH JR. Montrose Center’s drop-in youth support group represented by “Hatchling”

MAX 11, He/They

HONORARY TRENDSETTER Since its launch in 2018, the Montrose Center’s Hatch Jr. program, which serves LGBTQ youth ages 7 to 12, has impacted more than 150 families. That number is growing rapidly as more local families seek support in response to the latest political attacks that restrict their access to health care, education, and participation in school sports. One such family is that of 11-year-old Max, who shares his thoughts on participating in Hatch Jr.: Time attending the program: Three years Favorite Hatch Jr. activity: The small-group discussions where we talk about problems related to living in Texas as a queer kid. When I grow up: I want to be a musician and play in a band. I play kaval (a type of flute), guitar, and bass guitar.

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Visit bit.ly/hnenroll or email HN-Info@LoneStar.edu

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COMMUNITY Photos by Dalton DeHart and Crew

Space City Rugby Games On May 14, Space City Rugby, Houston’s only LGBTQ and inclusive rugby team, went head to head with Dallas’ Lost Souls and the New Orleans’ Crescent City Rougaroux at Rice University. Following the games, all of the teams celebrated at Tony’s Corner Pocket.

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Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

PRIDE HOUSTON 365 PRESENTS The Official 2022 Houston Pride LGBT+ Celebration® Festival and Parade

PROGRESS begins with a small group of people who refuse to give up.

70 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

1 May 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

This year’s theme “Houston the Beat Goes On” highlights the resilience of the LGBTQ community in Houston throughout history. As the thirdlargest celebration in the nation, we raise critical funds for grants and youth scholarships, including the Monica Roberts Scholarship Fund.

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

FESTIVAL DO’S AND DON’TS DO 1

Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer and wear comfortable clothing/shoes.

DON’T 1

No large or oversized bags or weapons. Security will be checking bags before entering the festival. Fanny pack and drawstring size bags are OK.

Plan ahead. Purchase your festival tickets now and familiarize yourself with the festival/parade maps. The parade is free for everyone to attend and does not require a ticket.

Drugs and smoking are completely prohibited.

Empty, clear bottles will be allowed onto festival and parade grounds to be filled with water.

Pets will not be allowed to join the festivities.

Bring your friends and get ready to celebrate the community and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Cash will not be accepted for any purchases. Purchases can be made via Credit Card, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App or PayPal.

5 72 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

No outside food or drinks allowed.

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

FESTIVAL DO’S AND DON’TS DO 1

Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer and wear comfortable clothing/shoes.

DON’T 1

No large or oversized bags or weapons. Security will be checking bags before entering the festival. Fanny pack and drawstring size bags are OK.

Plan ahead. Purchase your festival tickets now and familiarize yourself with the festival/parade maps. The parade is free for everyone to attend and does not require a ticket.

Drugs and smoking are completely prohibited.

Empty, clear bottles will be allowed onto festival and parade grounds to be filled with water.

Pets will not be allowed to join the festivities.

Bring your friends and get ready to celebrate the community and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Cash will not be accepted for any purchases. Purchases can be made via Credit Card, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App or PayPal.

5 72 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

No outside food or drinks allowed.

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

FESTIVAL LINE UP 2 CeCe Peniston OPENER

3 DJ Panda FESTIVAL DJ

4 DJ Uri FESTIVAL DJ

5 DJ Rocabye PARADE DJ

6 Marium Echo

Coi Leray HEADLINER

FESTIVAL PERFORMER

7 Angelina DM Trailz HOST OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 | 73

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

CELEBRATION CELEBRATION EVENTS

Get Tickets PrideHouston365.org Get Tickets PrideHouston365.org

EVENTS

Free Event

Free Event Official Pride Market Official Pride Market x Karbach Brawl x Karbach Brawl

Sun, June 5, 5, Sun, June 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM PM 11:00 AM - 6:00

Soaked | Official

Soaked | Official Pride Pool Party Pride PoolSat, Party June 18 2:00 – 8:00 Sat,PM June 18 PM

2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Rock the Runway® 2022 | Official Pride Fashion Show Rock the Runway® June 23 2022 | OfficialThu, Pride 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Fashion Show

Thu, June 23 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Houston Pride LGBT+ June Celebration® 2022 | Tickets (Official) Sat, June 25

Houston 12:00 PridePM LGBT+ – 10:00 PM June Celebration® 2022 | Tickets (Official)

Sat, |June 25 OutSmartMagazine.com 5 May 2022 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM 74 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

5 May 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Free Event

FreeRock Event

the Cognac

Rock the Cognac ft. NYAK ft. NYAK 11 Sat,Sat, JuneJune 11 12:00 – PM 7:00 PM 12:00 PM –PM 7:00

Pride Bar Pride Bar Crawl

Sat,Crawl June 18 4:00 PM June – 11:5918 PM Sat,

4:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Eden® 2022 | Official Pride Girl+ Party 21+ 2022 | Eden® Fri, Official June 24, 9PM - Girl+ Pride Sat, Jun 25 2AM CDT

Party 21+

Fri, June 24, 9PM Sat, Jun 25 2AM CDT Rich’s at Rise - The Official Houston Pride Afterparty Sat, June 25 Rich’s at AM Rise - The 9:00 PM–3:00 CDT

Official Houston Pride Afterparty

Sat, June 25 9:00 PM–3:00 AM CDT

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

FESTIVAL MAP Download the Houston Pride LGBT+ Celebration® Festival and Parade maps and stay up-to-date with all things Pride.

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 | 75

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

PARADE MAP The parade is always free for everyone and welcome to all.

76 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS PLATINUM

GOLD

OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 | 77

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

SILVER, BRONZE, & COMMUNITY SILVER HP, Inc. MD Anderson Rebar c/o Jeff Harmon Entertainment The Houston Rockets Nyak Cognac Walgreens AHF Walmart Buddy’s OutSmart Magazine Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

BRONZE BASF Chevron Cadence Bank Verizon Greystar

COMMUNITY The Flava Team Rooftop Cinema Crawl With Us JR’s Karbach Brewery Belle Station Rise Rooftop Larneka Lavalais Ben & Jerry’s Neon Boots

9 May 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com 78 | JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Mad Hat Maven is the proud Marketing and PR Agency of Record for Pride Houston 365

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

OutSmartMagazine.com | May 2022 OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE10 2022 |

Special section presented by Pride Houston 365

JUNE 2022

OutSmartMagazine.com

OutSmartMagazine.com | May 2022

PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022

une is Pride Month, when we pay homage to the seminal event that sparked the nation’s LGBTQ-rights movement. Queer Americans have won several equality battles since the Stonewall Riots in 1969, but the fight for total equality is far from over. In this Pride edition of OutSmart, we’re honoring local leaders from all walks of life who continue to push the envelope forward. From showstopping entertainers to groundbreaking activists and change makers, these Houstonians will make you feel proud of the strides being made to advance Houston’s LGBTQ community.

From the performingarts field, we introduce you to the LaRue Legacy—a tight-knit family of drag artists who prove we’re at our strongest when we work

together—and TikTok sensation Madeline the Person, who inspires her followers to live their best lives.

LGBTQ people can accomplish anything they set their minds to while making history in the process, and three Houstonians are showing us just how it’s done. Nancy Meyer is the Houston Chronicle’s first female and lesbian publisher, Black trans activist Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri has accepted a key Black trans leadership position, and pastor Mak Kneebone pioneers LGBTQ religious acceptance in suburban Houston. With LGBTQ civil liberties under attack, two queer locals are on the front lines defending our human rights. Sunny Bryant, a 9-year-old transgender girl, has garnered national attention for speaking out against the anti-trans legislation in Texas. And attorney Brian Klosterboer

helped the ACLU of Texas file a lawsuit that temporarily blocked child-abuse investigations of parents who affirm their trans children.

Some of Houston’s most seasoned LGBTQ activists continue giving back to the community. Linda Morales spearheaded several local advocacy organizations and is now helping mold the next generation of Latina leaders, while Discovery Green president Barry Mandel continues to apply the nonprofit development skills he learned during the 1980s AIDS crisis in Houston. Elsewhere in our Pride Month issue, check out the eateries offering limited-edition Pride treats that support worthy causes. And don’t miss our Pride event guide on page 122 featuring over a dozen local celebrations. Happy Pride!

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PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE

2022 2022 2022

LaRue family members Adriana (l-r, clockwise), Reign, Persephone, Gia, Laisha, Adelina, and Luna of the Lillies photographed at Ripcord Houston. 82

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COVER FEATURE

LaRUE LEGACY The LaRues have created a chosen drag family worth noticing. By SAM BYRD Photos by VICTOR CONTRERAS

or the LGBTQ community, it is commonly understood that there’s the family you are born into, and then there’s the family you choose. For drag performers, that idea takes on a whole new meaning as they start to create a drag family. As Laisha LaRue built her chosen family, she kept a keen eye on the performers who she felt were worthy of the LaRue name—or, as they call themselves, the LaRue Legacy. Totaling 11 members, Laisha describes the group as being over-the-top showgirls. And she knows what she’s talking about. Ever since she found the bright lights of the stage, she knew drag was something she wanted to do. “I feel like I always liked the spotlight. I liked entertaining, making people laugh, and making people feel what I am feeling. It is about connecting with people and getting them to feel the same vibe,” she says. That energy is what attracted others to her tribe. She welcomed her first daughter in 2012, and the rest has been history. Yet, she’s been careful in the way that she has expanded her crew, because building a drag family is more than just increasing the quantity. It also requires attention to the quality of each family member to make sure that the LaRue name remains among the most prestigious in the Houston area. “To me, when you see a potential daughter, you also have to make sure that we talk and click and have a connection. If you don’t have that spark, it’s not going to work,” she adds. She is slow to engage with potential new members as she watches them with a careful eye. “I don’t choose them randomly. Everyone has a special place in my heart, and they all have a different meaning. They represent themselves, but they also represent the family. I am so proud of each of them and what they offer,” Laisha says. With nearly a dozen members in the LaRue Legacy who are spread as far as Chicago and Las Vegas, the connections can get stretched. But Laisha makes it a point to keep everyone connected and in touch with each other via a group chat, so that each daughter knows what is happening with the other family members. Being a member of the LaRue Legacy is an honor because Laisha has made a name for herself in the drag world—thanks to both her performances and her sewing skills. In fact, her work as a seamstress has become a hallmark of the Houston drag scene. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com

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LaRUE LEGACY | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“I make pretty much everything that I wear. Whenever we have a LaRue Takeover, I make sure we all have the same fabric and the same look. It is coordinated so that we look cohesive,” she explains. But it is not just sparkles and glitter for LaRue. Sometimes being a mother to a drag family requires being the disciplinarian who wrangles her children together. “All families have issues. They are not perfect. We will not always agree. But we make sure that we come together. At the end of the day, you must talk. Communication is key. I always make sure that I talk to both Person A and Person B so that we do not have any misunderstandings. But at the end of the day, we love each other, and that is what makes us who we are.”

“I FEEL LIKE PRIDE MONTH IS MORE THAN JUST BEING PROUD OF WHO I AM. WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY. WE ALL IDENTIFY DIFFERENTLY, AND WE CAN BE THE FAMILY THAT HELPS EACH OTHER. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE ALL NEED HELP, BUT WE ARE ALL UNITED AS A FAMILY, AND WE ALL HAVE EACH OTHER’S BACK.”

As we have gotten to know the story of Laisha LaRue and the LaRue Legacy, OUTSMART thought it would be fun to learn more about some of the other LaRue family members. They’re classy, sassy, and oftentimes brassy. Read on to find out just how tight their family bonds are.

Laisha LaRue, 34

Pronouns: I like to be addressed as the person I am in the moment. So He/Him as a boy, and She/Her as Laisha. What makes you proud of the LaRue Legacy? I am such a very proud mother! I am very proud to say that all of us bring an absolutely different aspect to the family and we all complete each other. Being a LaRue is not just becoming a performer and getting onstage. We’re a family, and we are so proud to be representing Layla LaRue, one of the most important and influential names in the industry. We have been under her wing, and when she gave us her blessing she said, “Do not embarrass me!” And here we are, working hard to be the best we can!

Luna of the Lilies

, 27, but only 7 in drag Pronouns: She/Her Number of years in the LaRue Legacy: Almost a year What does it mean to you personally to be a member of the LaRue Legacy? It means [being able] to shape our craft into perfection and represent the city of Houston that we dominate. What makes you proud of the LaRue Legacy? To know how much of a family it actually is. Dinners, trips, fights—it’s all like a real family. We all support and help each other achieve our own personal goals.

—Laisha LaRue

Adriana LaRue, 30 Through it all, the LaRue Legacy is a microcosm of the many different facets of the LGBTQ community. “I feel like Pride Month is more than just being proud of who I am. We have so many people in the LGBTQ community. We all identify differently, and we can be the family that helps each other. There are times when we all need help, but we are all united as a family, and we all have each other’s back.” Keep up with the LaRues on Instagram @officiallarue.

Pronouns: She/Her Number of years in the LaRue Legacy: 5 What makes you proud of the LaRue Legacy? I’m most proud of all of us. We each have something different that we bring to the table. We are all unique, and when you combine it all you get a powerhouse! Anything else to add? We’re not going anywhere! LaRue Legacy is taking over!

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 Proud Publisher Nancy Meyer makes history as the new head of the Houston Chronicle. By MARENE GUSTIN

On January 10, Nancy Meyer made journalism history when she became the Houston Chronicle’s first female and first lesbian publisher. Her new job is a perfect fit for someone whose family had a lifetime love of newspapers. “My father was a voracious newspaper reader, with four newspapers coming to our home—the New York Times, Newark Star Ledger, New Brunswick Home News, and the Hillsborough Beacon,” the 58-year-old recalls about her upbringing in New Jersey. “I majored in communication studies and wrote a few articles for my college newspaper. But writing under a deadline took away the enjoyment of writing, so I moved to the business side. As I tell our staff regularly, no matter your role or position, you help support the role that strong journalism plays in our community. That remains our core mission.” Meyer brings three decades of newspaper experience to the Chronicle, including her years as publisher of the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Hartford Courant. Between 2016 and 2018, she was president of the Bergen Record of New Jersey, part of Gannett’s USA Today network. She was president of the Miami Herald for less than a year when she was recruited by Hearst for

the Chronicle job. Her hiring is somewhat of a homecoming for Meyer, as she was the advertising director at two Hearst papers between 1997 and 2006: the Times Union of Albany, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Being a lesbian journalist hasn’t really been a problem in today’s newspaper business. “I can’t remember a specific obstacle, but I think sometimes these challenges can be nuanced,” she says. “For example, I learned how to play golf because it was easy to see relationships and business [deals are made] on the golf course, and it was predominantly my male colleagues playing. But I also arranged spa days for our female clients. I think of the lyrics in the play Hamilton: ‘I want to be in the room where it happens.’ Leaders need to pay

attention to these nuances and ensure they bring unique voices to the forefront. Invite them into the room. “This was also a strong reason for my return to Hearst. When I first joined Hearst in my early thirties, my publisher at the time took me to lunch and asked me directly if I had a partner. The newspaper publishing world is a small place, and I said yes. He said, ‘I hope she knows she is now part of the Times Union/ Hearst family, and [I also hope] you both feel welcomed.’ From that moment, bringing my unique leadership perspective as a woman who is part of the LGBTQ+ community was a strong differentiator. He welcomed me professionally, and also held his hand out and welcomed me personally.”➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 87

NANCY MEYER | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Although Meyer also has a strong background in digital media, she doesn’t see the demise of print anytime soon. “I see this as a both/and, not an either/or,” Meyer explains. “More than half of Houston households receive a Houston Chronicle product delivered to their home every week. The Houston Chronicle, the Conroe Courier, La Voz, and twelve unique weekly titles are handdelivered to over one million households. Print remains a vitally important product for our audience. And we are aggressively investing in our digital future, houstonchronicle.com, chron.com, HC app, the E-Newspaper (an electronic replica of the newspaper) as well as social media. We will be where our audience prefers to read us. It’s not the platform, but the journalism that should matter.” More importantly, she feels that the Chronicle’s brand of journalism is on point. “I sound like a commercial,” she admits, “but the Houston Chronicle is woven into the fabric of our Houston community. We have been the storytellers of this great community for over 121 years—a trusted voice, respected, debated, a convener of civic conversation. We are a watchdog, holding those in positions of power accountable. I want to maintain strong journalism that our community can depend upon. Today’s audiences expect more—more digitally, more breaking news, and more local news. I

“THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE IS WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF OUR HOUSTON COMMUNITY. WE HAVE BEEN THE STORYTELLERS OF THIS GREAT COMMUNITY FOR OVER 121 YEARS— A TRUSTED VOICE, RESPECTED, DEEBATED, A CONVENER OF CIVIC CONVERSATION.” —Nancy Meyer would expect you will see expansion around these key areas. In addition, it is so vitally important to ensure our diverse communities see themselves in the Houston Chronicle, houstonchronicle.com, and chron.com. Rebuilding and strengthening our community connections is a priority. And just as important, ensuring we have great talent and that the culture within our organization is supportive—one where our employees can thrive professionally and personally.” Meyer and her wife, Melissa Macri, have settled into Houston life just fine, although they are still house-hunting. “We have been spending a lot of time doing weekend open houses,” Meyer says. “We love

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exploring all the unique neighborhoods of Houston. We spent a day in Galveston, attended my first women’s MLS Dash match, and got to see a production at The Alley. The adventure of a new city is invigorating. The restaurant scene here has so many choices. While I’ve tried some great food, I’ve really enjoyed Ouisie’s Table. Since I’m not from the South, enjoying some Southern comfort food has been great. I also just tried Kiran’s wonderful Indian flavors. I’m checking things off the Chronicle’s famed Alison Cook’s Top 100.” The couple has also been enjoying long walks in Tanglewood and Memorial Park with their adorable Cocker Spaniel, Daisy. She has found Houston very dogfriendly, although she’s still looking for the perfect groomer. They also love to read, play golf, cook, and entertain. And she does plan to be involved in the community here.

“I typically give it six months to get grounded in my role, and then I start to get involved in community and business organizations,” Meyer says. “Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community will be a priority.”

For more info, visit houstonchronicle.com.

IN HOUSTON, WE DON’T BULLY OUR TRANSGENDER NEIGHBORS. I join leaders across the State of Texas in condemning the actions of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton as they attack transgender Texans and their families. In Houston, we don’t bully our transgender neighbors. We watch them make history like Municipal Judge Phyllis Frye. The stigma the governor and attorney general work to create is part of the reason the late TransGriot journalist and activist Monica Roberts had so many stories of violence faced by trans women of color to report. As a matter of law and policy, I will continue to listen to Houstonians like Lou Weaver, a queer, transgender man and a leader in Houston’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, and other Houston leaders committed to an inclusive city. To the parents of transgender children who are enduring the politics of a race to the bottom by the governor and the attorney general, know this: I will stand with you against transphobic smears because I am your Mayor.” POL. ADV. SYLVESTER TURNER CAMPAIGN

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A Radiant Activist Sunny Bryant used her voice to help defeat a wave of anti-trans bills last year. By KIM HOGSTROM

ith her bright and shining personality, Sunny Bryant has a name that couldn’t be more fitting. At just 9 years old, the Houston transgender girl is a beacon of light for the local LGBTQ community and beyond. In the five years since she began her transition, the third-grader has become a force of nature. She has traveled to Austin six times to publicly address the wave of conservative legislative attacks on trans rights. Last year, she went viral for speaking out against the record number of bills filed during the 2021 Legislative Session. “Hi, my name is Sunny Bryant, and I am kind of famous now,” she told legislators at the Capitol in October. “Not for something great like winning a spelling bee or mutton-busting at the Houston rodeo, but for being myself—publicly. Something I never wanted to do. Something most kids don’t have to think about.” “I should be in school today,” she continued. “My first visit to the State Capitol should have been on a school field trip, not to defend my right to exist. But if I do not show up, you won’t get to see the

real story. I think you need more trans people in your lives. Every time I meet new trans kids or adults, my heart grows. Don’t be a grinch, let your hearts grow.” Thanks to Sunny and hundreds of other advocates, dozens of bills targeting the LGBTQ community—particularly trans children— failed. Only HB 25, which prohibits trans students from joining school sports teams that align with their gender identity, was signed into law. Despite multiple failed attempts during the Legislative Session, Republicans continued attempting to ban trans youth from having access to safe, life-saving, and gender-affirming medical care such as puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy. In February, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a 13-page nonbinding agreement stating

that gender-affirming medical care, which is typically only prescribed for trans teens, constitutes a form of child abuse. Shortly after, Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to begin investigating reports of parents providing gender-affirming medical care to their children. With the help of her parents and LGBTQ organizations like Equality Texas and the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), Sunny continued to advocate for herself, her family, and other trans youth. She was soon recognized by U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston), who honored Sunny and her family by inviting them to be her virtual guests at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address in March. One month later, the Bryants were invited to the White House to ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 93

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SUNNY BRYANT | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

participate in Biden’s Easter Egg Roll. “I’m so proud of her,” Sunny’s mother, Rebekah, says. “She’s so resilient. I don’t know that she realizes the impact she has and the power she holds in her teeny-tiny little body and voice. It’s part of why we allowed her to start testifying.” Rebekah explains that she first visited the Capitol to testify a few times by herself before she and her husband decided Sunny was ready to speak in public. “Every time I went, she begged to go with me,” Rebekah recalls. “We didn’t know if we wanted her to have that exposure. Those videos are permanent, and they’re going to be out there forever. “When she first spoke at the Capitol, I was terrified for her,” Rebekah continues. “But she knocked it out of the park. She was so good. She had all of these Republicans smiling ear-to-ear because she’s funny and knows exactly who she is. After that, [I realized] she could do it and make an impact. She’s a natural.” Sunny was 4 years old when she first became vocal about experiencing gender dysphoria, Rebekah remembers. “The first time it came up, I was buckling Sunny into the car seat when she said, ‘Why did you make me a boy? I wanted to

be a girl.’ I replied ‘me and daddy didn’t have a choice, it wasn’t up to us.’ I didn’t think much more about it.” Chet was also unconcerned. “He figured she was in some sort of phase.” Neither parent had yet considered that their child might be a trans girl. “Sunny persisted in her declarations, and we both grew anxious but Chet had the most

difficulty,” Rebekah says, noting that Chet grew up in the conservative deep South. “He is a wonderful, loving father with the best interests of his child at heart, and he soon grew to embrace his daughter. Today, he could not be prouder of Sunny.” The Bryants are looking forward to celebrating Pride Month as a family this year by riding on a friend’s float in Houston’s annual Pride parade on June 25. Sunny’s school will also fly a Pride flag for the second year in a row. “Last June, the school put the Progress Pride flag up for the first time, and Sunny said ‘Oh my God, that’s my flag!’ because she was so excited to see her colors represented,” Rebekah says. “I show my Pride year round, so it’s not just about June, but it is a fun month [with] opportunities for people who may not feel seen to [experience being] represented everywhere.” Sunny and her younger brother, Bodhi, love to roller skate. Sunny also enjoys playing softball, tennis, and soccer, and she hopes to try rock climbing soon. Her favorite subjects in school are math and Spanish, and she serves as one of her school’s “anti-bully” leaders. As for her future goals, Sunny is actually considering two different career paths. “I want to be someone who helps people and kids like me in the LGBTQ family—or a park ranger.”

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 Loving Leadership Pastor Mak Kneebone is at the helm of a queer-affirming congregation in Spring. By NEIL ELLIS ORTS

rowing up Roman Catholic and being assigned female at birth, one won’t find many role models for becoming a clergyperson. The path towards a vocation in a pulpit can be, shall we say, not straight. But that’s where the story of Mak Kneebone, pastor of Plymouth United Church in Spring, begins. Growing up in Michigan, first in Detroit and then in more rural areas, he knew he didn’t fit in, but didn’t have the language to explain it. In college, he used the label “lesbian” to describe himself for a while, and found a community, but he still felt out of step. There were few resources for dealing with what he was feeling. “Saying ‘I’m not actually a woman’ didn’t get met with great applause,” Kneebone admits. Having a strong religious impulse and finding so little support for his queerness in the early 1980s, Kneebone switched religious traditions. “I went into the Pentecostal church, where I became ashamed of everything about myself and became an ‘ex-gay,’” he says. For ten years, he was involved in that tradition, teaching and leading small groups. It was not a sustainable situation. “I couldn’t manage it; I couldn’t pretend anymore,” he says. “I knew I needed to explore and discover how God actually made me.” He came out again, and found himself shunned by the community he’d served all those years. He left with a new conviction. “I decided I knew two things. I knew I wasn’t heteronormative, and I knew that God loved me.” He just had to figure out how those things worked together. Kneebone had a close friend in Chicago who he trusted, so he moved there to begin really addressing his gender identity. He found a therapist there who listened to him and agreed that he was not a woman and also that he had a calling to ministry. “That was really profoundly moving to me that somebody else could reflect back to me something that I knew about myself,” he says.➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 97

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This is where he began his “intellectual and emotional transitioning.” He began thinking about how to move in the world as a man. He had reservations. “I began to look around me and see what it meant to be a man in terms of societal norms,” he recalls. “I didn’t like what I saw. The toxic masculinity was more off-putting than it ever had been before.” One way Kneebone explored his new path was to start reading about the feminine divine, specifically noting the book When the Drummers Were Women by Layne Redmond. This, he notes ironically, helped him into his emerging masculine identity. “The more I read about the goddess and the more I fell in love with her, the more I realized I was a man,” he says with a smile. Even as he entered Chicago Theological Seminary, Kneebone still had lingering concerns about presenting as a man. “One of my concerns was being just one of the guys around the clergy table. It took me a while, and more therapy, for me to realize I would never be one of the guys around the clergy table,” he says, laughing. “I was never going to be acting like that or be read like that. I was always going to be one of the queer people around the clergy table.”

“THERE ARE JUST SO MANY VARIATIONS OF HUMANS, AND THERE’S NO REASON WHY WE CAN’T ALL BE TOGETHER IN ONE SPACE AND LOVE EACH OTHER.” —Mak Kneebone He started his pastoral career in Indiana with an American Baptist congregation. But since he had attended a seminary affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Kneebone started looking for opportunities within that denomination. He saw an opening at Plymouth United Church in Spring, and he liked how they described themselves. He thought, “Well, that’s a great description of a church, but I don’t know if the church is really like that, especially in Texas. But I’m going to find out.” He put in his paperwork for their consideration, and they called him for an interview. “They ended up, every step of the way, being who they said they were,” he notes. Everyone agreed they belonged together as pastor and congregation. It’s been over five years since Kneebone

left the extreme cold of the Midwest for the extreme heat of southeast Texas, and his enthusiasm for serving this congregation is still evident. When he left Indiana, he had to temporarily stop his testosterone treatment and other plans for medical transition until he got established with new medical teams and insurance in Texas. When everything aligned for him to get top surgery, they were enthusiastically supportive, helping him with meals after surgery and being available to reach high shelves during his recovery. For many queer Houstonians, venturing “outside the Loop” means entering unwelcoming communities, but Kneebone emphasizes that is not his experience in Spring. “We say who we are, and we are who we say,” he concludes. “That’s our goal. We’re not perfect, but it’s our goal to be open and affirming, to be inclusive of people with mental-health challenges and conditions, to be inclusive of people with disabilities. There are just so many variations in humans, and there’s no reason why we can’t all be together in one space and love each other.” For more information, visit plymouthunited.org.

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hortly after moving to Houston from Austin in 1978, Uvalde native Linda Morales began exploring her new community through the local women’s and LGBTQ-rights movements. Although the Latina lesbian woman found friends and kinship in both activist circles, she noticed something was missing—a focus on her Hispanic heritage. This was brought to a head when a popular gay bar in Montrose held a racist event. “The advertising for this ‘Best Wetback’ contest said that whoever won would get a book on speaking ‘Englich’ and swimming lessons,” Morales recalls. “The event was sponsored by people who were supposed to be my brothers in the fight against discrimination. It was hard to ignore, so I organized a protest,” she contin100

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ues. “For some weeks, they said ‘she doesn’t get satire’ and my name was mud, but eventually they apologized. They came around.” The incident made Morales, 66, realize that there was much to be done to defend the rights of LGBTQ Latinos, so she left her job as a television specialist for UT Health’s Dr. Duke Health Report and began to organize. Many great efforts were birthed as a result of her decision, such as Gay and Lesbian Hispanics Unidos (GLHU), an educational and social organization that spearheaded Amigos Voluntarios en Educación de Salud (AVES), an HIV-AIDS committee that became one of the primary AIDS-education organizations in Houston. Morales was also a founding member of the Latino Lesbian Gay Organization (LLEGO) focusing on health, immigration, and political issues. She also served as the president of Mexican American Democrats, which en-

dorsed candidates and worked to get the Latino vote to the polls. “I have done lots of activism, all based on who I am,” Morales explains. “I am Latina, I am lesbian, and I am a woman. These encompassed much of it. In these areas there is a lot of discrimination—discrimination against women, against Hispanics, and against lesbians and gays. It requires attention, even now, if we are to ever rise above its damage to human potential.” In 1989, the Texas Human Rights Foundation challenged Texas’ homosexual-conduct law, and Morales agreed to be the lead plaintiff. Though the law was not overturned, it paved the way for legal challenges that followed—including the landmark Lawrence v. Texas case that overturned sodomy laws nationwide. As she reflects on her achievements, Morales says there’s one that stands out the most. In April, the Houston LGBTQ+ Political ➝

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Caucus honored Morales with an award during its We Are One honors ceremony. “It was a recognition of the years of fighting to take the homosexual conduct law off the books. The way that they honored me was very beautiful.” Today, Morales is the organizing coordinator for the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation/AFL-CIO, where she focuses on building union capacity and political power to improve workers’ lives. She also works with Latinos for Equity Advancement and Diversity (LEAD) and is a “madrina,” or godmother, of Young Latinas for Lina, a new political-action committee to help re-elect Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “I’m no longer a young Latina,” Morales laughs, “But I have the knowledge and I want to be able to pass it on. A group of us realized we weren’t mentoring a lot of the young and upcoming Latinas in politics. We found some young [women who] wanted to form this group, and they see Lina as the face of young Latinas. We knew they needed some mentoring on how to form a PAC and run political campaigns, so we’ve been giving them the tools and the resources to be able to do that.” Morales lives in North Houston’s

“I AM LATINA, I AM LESBIAN, AND I AM A WOMAN. IN THESE AREAS THERE IS A LOT OF DISCRIMINATION— DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, AGAINST HISPANICS, AND AGAINST LESBIANS AND GAYS. IT REQUIRES ATTENTION, EVEN NOW, IF WE ARE TO EVER RISE ABOVE ITS DAMAGE TO HUMAN POTENTIAL.” —Linda Morales Lindale neighborhood with her spouse, Esther. When the couple isn’t participating in political events together, they enjoy spending time outdoors. “She loves flowers, so while she works the garden, I’ll mow the lawn,” Morales says. With Pride Month in full swing, Morales is looking forward to the upcoming Pride celebration on June 25. “Esther and I like the festival. It’s a great opportunity to see people

that you haven’t seen in a while, maybe since the last festival. Pride is a celebration and recognition of being ourselves—myself. It’s the freedom to love who we choose. For me, that’s Esther.” Noted LGBTQ activist Deborah Moncrief Bell has called Morales a friend for 35 years. The women share a passion for justice as well as their memories of laughter, mutual support, and advocacy work. “I have always admired Linda. She is fierce and powerful, but she is also diplomatic and measured—qualities that I never seemed to have developed,” Bell states, laughing. “Because Linda is a blend of intelligence, deep dedication, and diplomacy, she is very effective at acting as a bridge between men and women, whites and Latinos, labor and management. She is remarkable,” Bell notes. When did Morales come out? “I think I was always out. I knew from a very young age that I gravitated to women. My mom always knew, too. It was not a big issue for us, except when I stood up against the anti-homosexual law in Texas. She said, ‘I know you are a lesbian, but do you have to tell the whole world?’ I said, ‘Mom, it’s not the whole world, it’s only Texas!’” Morales concluded with a smile and a gleam in her eye.

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2022 2022 2022 Community Changemaker Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut breaks barriers for Black trans leadership. By LILLIAN HOANG Photo by PISCES310

ounded in 1975, the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus is the South’s oldest pro-equality civil rights organization. Despite its lengthy history, no Black woman of the trans experience had been elected to serve on its board until Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut won her seat in 2022. “What I’d like to see is more Black trans women getting involved in our political system, because we are the changemakers,” Espeut says. “Black trans women continue to be the leaders of every social revolution and social movement, and I hope seeing me on the board will activate more Black trans women in our community.” Espeut was nervous when she was first offered the opportunity to become a part of the board because she had never seen herself represented and didn’t think it was a possibility. But after working on projects with The Caucus, she came to admire its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the local LGBTQ community. Caucus president Jovon Tyler describes Espeut as a passionate person who deeply cares for the unseen, overlooked, and underserved members of the queer community. “Her nomination and election to the board

was significant not just because she is the first Black transgender woman to serve on our board, but because she brings the voice of those who often don’t know they have a political voice worth hearing,” he says. Espeut was nominated for her activism and heavy involvement in Houston’s LGBTQ community. She has highlighted issues that impact trans women as a writer for the local queer publications TransGriot and Spectrum South. As the director of programming at The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. (TNA), Houston’s only Black queer community center, she oversees several ancillary programs such as P.O.W.R. (Positives Organizing Wellness and Resilience), which was created to empower people living with HIV; the Transgender Ally Collective, a group of local queer organizations partnering to support Black trans women; and Project Liberate, a program designed to help Black entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. She has also worked with AIDS United, GLAAD, the Gilead COMPASS Initiative, and more. An Army brat born in Würzburg, Germany, Espeut has lived around the world. She considers Houston her second home and Los Angeles her first. She earned a degree in fashion design from Brooks College in Long Beach. During her time working on the production management ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com 2022 OutSmartMagazine.com| |JUNE JUNE 2022105 105

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JOELLE BAYAA-UZURI ESPEUT | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

side of fashion with popular brands like Baby Phat and American Apparel, she was always prepared to work as long as necessary to get the job done. She also treated everyone equally—from the housekeepers to the company president—because she saw the value of everyone and every role. “My experience as a marginalized Black trans woman and knowing that communication and relationships are important is what helped propel me,” she says. However, she lost her passion for fashion after years of enduring discrimination while climbing the corporate ladder. She rarely saw other Black people—let alone Black trans women—in leadership positions. And the more time she spent in the field, the more hostile the workplace became. Once during a board meeting (which consisted of mostly white men, apart from herself and her boss), the owner of the company she was working for barraged her with questions about production and then criticized her tattoos, her nails, her tennis shoes, and her gender expression. “Look at the way you look!” she remembers him saying. “It was a humiliating experience, and

no one had my back,” she recalls. “I don’t get the opportunity in those spaces to staunchly defend myself. Otherwise, I’m playing into stereotypes of Black trans women.” Another time, a senior manager told her boss that he felt uncomfortable working with her and wanted to replace her with “a lessexperienced white woman,” assuming she would do a better job than Espeut as production manager. He also tried to demote her to an entry-level position. “After continuously hitting a glass ceiling, I sought to pivot both my career and my personal life to one that centered my own life and lived experience as a Black trans woman and uplifted the Black trans community—specifically Black trans women,” she says. After over a decade in the fashion industry, she realized she wanted to become an activist who highlighted the varying lives of Black trans women. Now the director of programming at TNA and a board member of The Caucus, she does just that. “Working with TNA and the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus gives me the opportunity to work and lead the efforts of liberation by uplifting, protecting, and advocating for Black trans women such as myself,” she says. Ian L. Haddock, TNA’s founder and execu-

tive director, is honored to not only be Espeut’s colleague, but also her friend. “What is most amazing about Joelle is that she truly embodies the hope for the future,” he says. “From her leadership at work to her powerful mentoring of community members, her mind is an incredible gift.” Espeut is eager to continue working at TNA and The Caucus. Both organizations will be coming out to support this month’s local Pride events, which Espeut is excited about more than ever. “We are getting back to our roots, as far as it being a celebration of community and not just a cash grab for cis-het corporations,” she says. She’ll be participating in a trans Pride event at the Monica Roberts Resource Center on June 24, and urges everyone to celebrate Pride while centering the queer community’s most marginalized members, such as Black trans women, gender-nonconforming nonbinary folk, queer disabled people, and queer fat people. “It’s important that we continue to center the most marginalized persons, because that’s the only way we’ll find liberation and freedom in our queer community,” she says. For more info, visit www.thecaucus.org.

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 Pride in the Park Barry Mandel creates safe spaces for all at Discovery Green. By JENNY BLOCK

hese days, gay Houstonian Barry Mandel, 63, is both the president and the park director at downtown’s Discovery Green. But it’s not the first time he has served his city and its LGBTQ community. He has, in fact, committed the majority of his life to public service. Mandel’s activism started in the same way it did for so many LGBTQ leaders—in the early 1980s as AIDS first reared its ugly head. He decided to join the AIDS Foundation Houston board and start fundraising. “A fundraiser in those days consisted of a coffee can being passed around at Mary’s and other gay bars in town,” Mandel recalls. In 1985, then mayor Kathy Whitmire and a group of City Council members passed the City’s first equal-rights ordinance. “A group of religious leaders collected enough petition signatures to take the issue to the voters, and we lost 3 to 1,” Mandel explains. “Those same religious leaders organized a group to run against Whitmire and those Council members who supported the ordinance, and they called themselves The Straight Slate. I couldn’t sit by and let them win, so I went to work for Kathy and helped re-elect her and all of those Council members.” Mandel has served as president of the Houston Downtown Alliance and as the executive director of the Theater District Association. In addition, he has served as a board member or volunteer with Casa de Esperanza, The NAMES Project, Houston Challenge Foundation, Houston’s Police Review Committee, United Way, Houston Food Bank, and AIDS Foundation Houston. He is a graduate of Leadership Houston’s Class VII and the American Leadership Forum’s Class XX. Currently, he serves as a board member for Holocaust Museum Houston and the Undies for Everyone program, as well as a director on the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. Mandel was working at Legacy Community Health as COO and capital-campaign director during the construction of their building on California Street when a headhunter approached him about becoming president of ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 109

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Discovery Green. “I told her I didn’t know a thing about running a park.” She called him again two weeks later and said, “They keep bringing your name up. You should at least talk to them.” Because construction on the park had begun after Mandel left his position running the Downtown Alliance to go to Legacy, he had never even been to the park. “I told her to let me go see it and I would let her know. We went to visit the park on Easter Sunday in 2010, and I was overwhelmed with how beautiful and active it was.” He quickly agreed to talk to the park’s board, and he’s been at the helm ever since. The park’s mission statement states that Discovery Green is to provide “an uncommonly beautiful, urban green space in the heart of Houston that serves as a village green for our city, a source of health and happiness for our citizens, and a window into the incredible diversity of arts and traditions that enrich life in Houston.” But, Mandel admits, “We really didn’t have something LGBTQIA+ focused. So in 2011, we came up with ‘Rainbow on the Green’ to take place the night before the Pride parade.” This year will mark the first large-scale, in-person Rainbow on the Green event

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“MY LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY IS PART OF THE FABRIC OF HOUSTON. RAINBOW ON THE GREEN HELPS START THE COMMUNITY’S [ANNUAL PRIDE] CELEBRATION THAT CULMINATES IN SHOWING OUR PRIDE AS WE MARCH.” —Barry Mandel since the pandemic. “Last year’s Rainbow on the Green was promoted mostly virtually, with just a small number of people watching in-person,” Mandel says. “This year, we’re honoring a young activist in Houston.” Kinsey Sicks Dragapella will be performing a family-friendly version of their act. “They call themselves ‘America’s Favorite Dragapella Beauty Shop Quartet.’ They perform original music and lyrics, as well as parodies of wellknown songs. Their work, while extremely comedic, is often highly politically charged,” Mandel notes. Christina Wells, who gained notoriety on America’s Got Talent, will also per-

form, as will a number of Houston’s top drag artists. “As always, it will be free and fun!” Mandel realizes it’s important for him to be a part of Rainbow on the Green “because representation matters. My LGBTQIA+ community is part of the fabric of Houston. Rainbow on the Green helps start the community’s [annual Pride] celebration that culminates in showing our Pride as we march.” he adds. It might surprise people to know that Anthony Rapp, of Rent and Star Trek fame, was on hand for the inauguration of Rainbow on the Green in 2011. During his performance that day, the New York legislature announced the passage of same-sex marriage in New York. “He was able to go onstage and make that announcement,” Mandel recalls with a smile. “The crowd went wild.” Four years later, in 2015, as Rainbow on the Green was being set up for that evening’s concert, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. As for the future, Mandel is enthusiastic about the potential for both Rainbow on the Green and Discovery Green. “We will continue to highlight the incredible talents of our community for the entire city to see, share, and enjoy.” For more info, visit discoverygreen.com.

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 Singing Sensation Madeline the Person lives her best life by following her musical aspirations. By JENNY BLOCK

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ueer Houston singer Madeline the Person is the definition of a phenomenon. Just last year, the 20-year-old went viral on TikTok, where she now has over 800,000 followers. Since then, she’s gone on to open for several tours, release multiple songs, and drop her latest single, “Mean.” The recent high-school graduate originally wanted to be a doctor like her mother. Then she decided to study songwriting at Berklee College of Music, but she pivoted from those plans when her music career began to take off. “I pulled out when I got my record deal with Warner right after graduating high school. That’s when I realized the singing thing could be realistic and I didn’t want to do anything else.” She has been interested in music for as long as she can remember. “I grew up in a very musical family, so I was surrounded by it since I was born. My dad was obsessed with sound equipment, my mom played classical piano, and my brother played guitar.” Madeline and her brother wanted to be just like their mom, so they started piano lessons when they were 4. “I was obsessed with the Disney Channel and the singers that came from it, like Demi and Miley. I was really shy about singing when I was younger, but I started lessons when I was 7 and started coming out of my shell.” ➝

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MADELINE THE PERSON | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

She knew music was her “thing” because she simply could not stop making it. “As a kid, I would sing every second—on the toilet, in the car, in public, during dinner. Like, I was annoying! I couldn’t stop. It just naturally took shape as I grew up, and I realized that I can make really lovely pieces of art to connect with people.” Madeline was in choir and musical theater growing up, and she started writing songs when she was 10. “Just me and my guitar in my bedroom, trying to get my feelings out in the only way that felt right.” She started posting videos of herself singing covers on Instagram soon after, just for her friends and family to see. “When I saw that people other than my family and friends were interested in my videos, I started posting more and more.” Fast-forward to the thick of the pandemic. “I was super-bored and had just met my manager, Leslie. She suggested I put some of my videos on TikTok, so I did. It was one of the best decisions of my entire life. It changed my world completely.” Soon after that, she began talking to record labels and ultimately making the decision to work with Warner Records. “I have never really had much experience performing my original songs live, and everything started coming together during the

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pandemic, so it was only pretty recently that I started performing for people,” she explains. “Opening for The Aces was such a surreal experience. I hope to perform for the rest of my life!” Madeline says her “kid self” would freak out about her music now. “I think about this a lot, just because I know that younger me would just be over the moon. I have moments where I check in with myself and remind myself that ‘We’re really doing it!’” It means absolutely everything to Madeline that people connect with her way of expressing herself through music. “The reason I share my music is because I want people to have a safe space for their really hard emotions. The fact that people share their stories and are encouraged to be more themselves with my music is all that I have ever dreamed of.” She just released the first single from her upcoming third EP. “The song is called “MEAN!” and it has been so, so exciting watching it take on a life of its own on TikTok. I’m so excited to release a couple more singles, and then finally my third-chapter EP! I have a few festivals that I’m performing at this summer, which is so exciting—I’ve never played or even been to a festival before! All superexciting things.”

Madeline, who identifies as bisexual, says that “a huge chunk” of her friends are in the LGBTQ community. “I’ve found a home with the community ever since I came out in middle school. My first big performance as Madeline the Person was at a Pride festival. That was so special to me.” Madeline is inspired by her music because it reminds her that she has been embraced by so many strangers simply because she’s sharing some difficult emotions. “It’s so beautiful and so human to put your feelings in a song and share with people that way. It gives me hope for the future that more people can really grow into themselves and speak up about their personal stories. Everyone just wants to feel safe to be themselves, so I have hope that if I keep sharing who I am, it will inspire more people to be exactly who they are.” And as for her musical career dreams, she zeroes in on just a few: “I would love to write with Finneas someday, headline Coachella, and sing with Joni Mitchell. Those are definitely on my vision board!” Keep up with Madeline the Person on TikTok @madelinetheperson.

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 2022 Rights DefendingPRIDE Our Human Attorney Brian Klosterboer protects underserved Texans. By CONNOR BEHRENS

hile Pride Month is a time for celebration, attorney Brian Klosterboer hopes the LGBTQ community is reminded that the fight for equality is far from over. “We’ve come so far, but it’s important to remember that there’s still more work to be done, particularly alongside the trans community,” he says. “I do hope it’s not just celebrating [this month], because we are facing such tremendous attacks on multiple fronts. We need to support each other, defend the rights that we’ve won, and push forward for more justice.” Klosterboer, a staff attorney who joined the Texas ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in 2018, focuses on LGBTQ rights and represents Texas students and families who face discrimination based on gender, race, and religion in public schools across the state. As a member of the ACLU of Texas’ Smart Justice team, Klosterboer, who is openly gay, also engages in impact litigation and advocacy to transform Texas’ criminal-justice system, end police violence against Black and Latinx communities, and defend the rights of protesters across the state. “Helping people in need was always an option for me,” he notes. “I have always been passionate about human rights. I just want to do my best to give back and improve the rights of all of us.” The trans community has been Klosterboer’s main focus for the last four years as that community faces serious

trouble in Texas. “I feel like things have gotten even worse in the last six years, and it pains me to say that because I love Texas,” he says. “It feels like we are facing crisis after crisis. It unfortunately feels like the state’s leaders are obsessed with attacking transgender Texans, obsessed with attacking abortions, obsessed with attacking migrants, and just treating people inhumanely. They are playing politics with the lives of people. It’s not right. It’s a difficult and bleak time, but I am glad I can help fight back.” 2021 was the deadliest year on record for transgender and gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. At least 50 trans and gender-

nonconforming people were killed this year alone, per a report by the LGBTQ advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign (HRC). That is the highest number of deaths since the organization began recording fatal violence in 2013. While more people seem to understand and accept the trans community, Klosterboer says that acceptance is under attack, and there are a lot of politicians who are playing politics with the lives of transgender youth. Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate gender-affirming care for transgender children as possible child abuse. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 117

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“Accusing the parents of trans youth of engaging in child abuse is one of the cruelest things you can accuse a parent of,” Klosterboer says. “They are just providing their kids with the best possible health care. Thankfully, we at the ACLU of Texas filed suit, and we blocked those attacks and investigations from continuing. We are continuing to fight to ensure that loving families are not separated simply [because parents are] providing their kids with essential medical care. We are also fighting to ensure that there are no criminal penalties and no one has to report anyone.” Klosterboer emphasizes how important it is for the public to stand up and peacefully protest against these transphobic attacks, now more than ever. He hopes that is a prominent theme at this year’s Pride celebrations. “One thing that’s important for people to understand is that this is not just an attack on trans youth. This is a much broader attack,

“HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED WAS ALWAYS AN OPTION FOR ME. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. I JUST WANT TO DO MY BEST TO GIVE BACK AND IMPROVE THE RIGHTS OF ALL OF US.” —Brian Klosterboer

and it affects the rights of all of us. We have a fundamental right to be who we are, love who we love, control our own bodies, and make our own decisions.” While many things for the gay community have gotten better, there’s still much work to be done, and Klosterboer has hope that the young-

er generation will help continue that fight. “I think everyone has a role to play in the fights that we are in currently,” he says. “I have seen in recent months people stepping up all over the country and here in Texas. I think that’s what it’ll take, ultimately, for us to prevail in some of these issues. Especially during Pride Month, we need everyone to get involved and step up.” Particularly in Houston, Klosterboer has witnessed younger people in the gay community stand up for what they believe in and immerse themselves in these important issues. “People in the Houston area are so politically active,” he says. “It gives me hope for Texas as a whole, because a lot of change starts here in Harris County. Young people are so aware and engaged with the issues. I think everyone realizes that we need full and equal dignity for everyone.” For more on the ACLU of Texas, visit aclutx.org. To access resources for transgender youth, visit txtranskids.org

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 Taste the Rainbow By JOANNA O’LEARY

This June, I’m going to eat my feelings—but in a good way. Pride Month presents some unique (and most importantly, delicious) opportunities to show support for the LGBTQ community by partaking in the limitededition treats offered at several local eateries. AXELRAD

Belly up to the bar for a good cause this month at Axelrad, which will be pouring patrons a Frozen Coconut Limeade with 20 percent of sales going to the Montrose Center. The frosty beverage is made with coconut rum, fresh lime juice, and cream of coconut. Two sizes are available: 9 ounces for $7.50 and 16 ounces for $12.50.

MICHAEL’S COOKIE JAR

This gay-owned and -operated cookie emporium is once again baking up some festive Pride Sugar Cookies ($2 to $3). The artfully frosted shortbread confections (smiley faces! hearts!) are ideal fare for intimate tea parties, as well as lovely takehome favors at larger Pride gatherings. Michael’s will be donating 10% of all proceeds from the cookie sales to the Montrose Center Hatch Youth Program.

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Wrap your taste buds in a warm, starchy embrace with one of Hugs and Donuts’ special Pride Donuts. For around $2.50 each, you get a fresh donut glazed in pearl-white frosting and adorned with playful rainbow streaks. Pick up a flirty dozen for your co-workers, but since these donuts are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, be sure to “test” one or two before returning to the office.

Get in the Pride spirit with some spirits from the Houston Cider Company, which recently debuted its Prider Cider. This piquant floral raspberry and lemon brew is the perfect addition to your gay-as-a-picnic basket. Six-packs can be purchased online for $12.

DESSERT GALLERY

Dessert Gallery is improving on the usual rainbow-colored layer cake in the best way possible. Owner and baker extraordinaire Sara Brook has constructed a gorgeous dessert comprising alternating layers of French vanilla and confetti cake welded together with whimsical layers of rainbow buttercream. This Slice of Pride Cake is, as the name suggests, only available by the slice ($9.95) during the month of June. Sharing is encouraged, but by no means mandatory.

EUREKA HEIGHTS BREWERY

Pride is all about the purple rabbits at Eureka, which since 2018 has released a “Lavender Bunny” Pride Month brew made from lavender and butterfly pea flower. Part of the proceeds from the $16 six-packs will benefit the Montrose Center.

DUMPLING DUDEZ

The beloved engineersturned-dumpling-masters Mike and Chih are offering tasty boxes of a dozen Rainbow-Colored Pride Dumplings for $25. They’re also hosting a series of classes where participants can make their own rainbow-colored dumplings. The Dudez are donating a portion of class proceeds to Hatch, which supports Houston’s LGBTQ teens. OutSmartMagazine.com

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PRIDE 2022 PRIDE 2022 PRIDE ALL MONTH LONG Over a dozen local celebrations that you won’t want to miss. Pride is back in full force with gatherings new and old happening all over the city. Houston is pulling out all the stops this year, and OutSmart has you covered with details about more than a dozen local events in this guide.

June 12

June 18

The Dash home-field contest against the Portland Thorns will also be the team’s annual Pride Night at PNC Stadium. The first 2,000 fans to arrive will receive a Dash Pride-themed hat. Additional programming will include a pregame panel discussion and recognition of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Hardy & Nance Studios’ annual Pride Art Show is a free event featuring 2D and 3D artwork that promotes dignity and equality through positive forms of expression. The submission deadline is June 2. tinyurl.com/45fxm6n8

Dash Pride Night

June 4

Pride, Love Wins

Evny Events by Anvy presents Pride, Love Wins, a two-day event at Homewood Suites Houston Northwest Cy-Fair. The LGBTQ celebration includes a pool party, vendors, food, DJs, and the crowning of the Envy Pride king and queen. tinyurl.com/rp4vnejc

June 18

June 11

Pride Chorus Houston

Pride Chorus Houston presents its summer concert at Emery/Weiner School. The LGBTQ choir’s performance will be Pride-themed and full of classic gay anthems. tinyurl.com/2zd46vzc 122

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Pride Bike Ride Parade

Join Pride Bike Ride Houston, a local LGBTQ cycling group, for a social ride around the Montrose neighborhood. The starting point is Eagle Houston, and all types of non-motorized vehicles are welcome. tinyurl.com/3ua3tuhx

Pride Art Show at Hardy & Nance Studios

June 18

Pride Bar Crawl

Meet at BUDDY’S Houston for the start of a Pride Bar Crawl. Tickets start at $10 and come with two free drinks, waived covers at all participating venues, a souvenir mug, and access to an after-party. Proceeds from the crawl benefit The Trevor Project. tinyurl.com/3wuez6zc ➝

ternational DJs. Tickets to all of the events are available on DNVRMX’s Eventbrite page. tinyurl.com/m8fz8spy

June 25

Kinky Circus

Numbers nightclub presents Kinky Circus, a Pride party featuring burlesque performers and local vendors. Costumes, gear, or any outfit that showcases your personality is encouraged.

June 21

Astros Pride Night

The Houston Astros host their second annual Pride Night at Minute Maid Park when they play the New York Mets. The celebration includes a Happy Hour and special pregame ceremonies. tinyurl.com/4bn3wfz9

June 22

Pride in Business

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts its Pride in Business Celebration to highlight the importance of LGBTQ- and ally-owned businesses in the Houston economy. Sponsor opportunities are available to promote your company. tinyurl.com/2s3we7yh

June 24

Rainbow on the Green

Discovery Green’s Rainbow on the Green is back in person this year with performances by award-winning local drag queens, America’s Got Talent finalist Christina Wells, and headliners The Kinsey Sicks. Presented by Legacy Community Health, the event will also honor courageous families in Houston who spoke out against the legislation banning medical treatment for trans teens. tinyurl.com/ybb2hsvk

June 25

Pride Run

Houston’s annual LGBTQ-themed run in Hennessy Park features 5K and 10K race options. The entry fee includes a Pride Run shirt, a unicorn dust pouch, a race bib, a medal, a beverage at the finish line, and post-party access. tinyurl.com/yc6etm6k

June 24–26

Eagle Houston’s Pride Block Party June 23–27

DNVRMX Presents: HTX Pride Weekend ’22

This five-day community celebration features parties across the city and 13 in-

Eagle Houston presents a three-day Pride block party in Montrose. The event is sponsored by EFFEN Vodka, Dirty Disco, and Jim Beam and features a full lineup of Pride festivities, with tunes by Billboard DJs Jimmy Skinner, Zema, and Joe Ross. tinyurl.com/2p9x5reh

Local Features Event Coverage Gift Guides

June 25

Pride Houston 365’s Annual Pride Celebration

The Pride Houston 365 celebration returns to downtown Houston with a festival and parade in front of City Hall. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now. tinyurl.com/ycktfcfn

YOUR GO TO PRIDE MONTH NEWS SOURCE

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PRIDE IN THE MEDIA

Living an Authentic Life Keaton Fox found the courage to come out publicly with the support of ABC 13. By ZACH McKENZIE Photo by JOHN GLASER

An innate curiosity, years of hard work, and a deep desire to connect with the people in his community landed Keaton Fox his role as ABC 13’s news director. Having worked his way up from humble career beginnings, Fox now finds himself bringing breaking news into the homes of countless Houstonians. The storyteller credits the Bayou City with helping him advance to unexpected career highs and become comfortable living an authentic and exhilarating life. “When I was in third grade, I really wanted to be a meteorologist,” the 36-year-old explains. “I loved the weather, and one of the local TV meteorologists came to my school to talk and I got to ask him a question. I asked him what I had to study to be a meteorologist, and he said lots and lots of math. That’s when I said ‘no more’ to my dreams of meteorology, and I focused on journalism from that point on.” “After college, I got my first reporting gig in Wichita Falls, Texas,” the Norman, Oklahoma native recalls. “It taught me so many things. It wasn’t a crazy breaking-news market like Houston is. I really had to go and find stories.” That conservative Texas town also kept Fox in the closet. “I wasn’t out when I lived in Wichita Falls. I didn’t come out until about two years ago,” he explains. “There are a host of reasons why I waited so long, but it wasn’t until I landed at KTRK that I felt that I could do it in a way that felt authentic to who I was and what I believed in. Working in Texas means there are no protections that would save me from being

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SCOTT MORROW

fired just for being gay. Working in a small market in Texas made me nervous about being perceived as too gay for my audience. There are still no protections [in Texas] that would keep me from being fired, and you can be in that position anywhere, not just the media.” Houston provided the safe space he needed to live an authentic life. “There are a hundred different variables that lead someone to ultimately come out. For me, it was Houston,” the proud dog-dad explains. A far cry from his days in North Texas, Fox finally found harmony in his personal and professional life. “I felt comfortable at work, and I realized there were no risks to coming out. It was time to do it. It was a really great feeling because nobody cared. It sounds anticlimactic, but that’s what I wanted. The Houston gay community is fantastic. It’s been super-welcoming and has greeted me with open arms.” The contagiously friendly journalist enjoys being in a role that allows him to have the creative freedom he’s always strived for. “There’s no such thing as a typical work day, and that’s by design. I don’t like to sit in an office all day. There are opportunities to get out in the community to meet and interact with people. I get in the booth and produce

to keep in touch with all aspects of what we do. It’s important for us as a news organization to tell the stories that matter, and you can’t do that in an office. You have to get out in the community, talk to people, and find out what’s keeping them up at night.” His extroverted personality certainly comes in handy for achieving that goal. “I’m naturally curious and naturally social. I will go to dinner by myself and strike up a conversation with the waiter and ask them the craziest thing they’ve ever seen in their restaurant. Getting them to answer is the challenge, and then you get interesting stories. I can start up a conversation with anybody.”

One such chance conversation led to an epic investigative reporting opportunity. “I was at City Hall and a guy was sitting alone on a bench. He wound up telling me he got fired because he was a whistleblower who complained about the City not properly testing chlorine levels in the water. He knew they were faking the tests, so he told his boss about it and ended up being fired. He led me to this amazing story, and it only happened because I’m that annoying person who talks to strangers.” Fox is only scratching the surface of his career’s potential. He may not know what his next step is, but that’s just how he likes it. “Houston has been an unusual ride for me, but such a fantastic one,” he says. “I’m no longer trying to plan the path ahead, I’m just letting it happen. I’m making smart decisions along the way, but I came here and started working in digital and eventually took the top job in the newsroom. I didn’t plan or expect any of this. It’s led to a lovely experience I never could have scripted. I learned I have to let go of control and just let it happen, and amazing things follow. It’s led me to amazing things, and I’m going to continue to let it happen.” For more info, visit abc13.com/about/ newsteam/keaton-fox.

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PRIDE IN THE MEDIA

Partnering with Pride Deilia Williams helped KHOU 11 become the media sponsor of this year’s LGBTQ celebration. By LILLIAN HOANG

A self-proclaimed nerd for television, Deilia Williams uplifts the local LGBTQ community as a director of marketing at KHOU 11. Most recently, the out bisexual wife and mother helped KHOU 11 become Pride Houston 365’s official media sponsor and successfully pitched a documentary on Houston’s LGBTQ community for Pride Month. “At the end of the pitch, I basically said KHOU 11 is different from other TV stations. We don’t change our logo for a month, cover a parade, and that’s it. We are not just gay for a day. We’re not just gay for the week or the month. We’re gay all year,” she says. Williams is also proud of KHOU 11’s commitment to the larger Houston community. The station has supported city-wide efforts through food drives and partnerships with local nonprofits such as Wreath Across America - Houston, a project dedicated to honoring veterans for their service, and Books Between Kids, a literacy campaign created to collect books for struggling children. “When we say we stand for Houston, those aren’t empty words. That’s a commitment, and we live by it every single day, with everything we do, and that’s impressive as hell because that doesn’t happen in a lot of TV stations.” While she is now an out, proud bisexual woman living her best life, this wasn’t always the case. Growing up in South Carolina during the ’90s as a bisexual teenager came with hardship. She remembers when a rumor broke out at her high school that she liked her best friend, another girl. Although it wasn’t true, her friend stopped talking to her. Like many Gen Xers, Williams says the 126

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TV was her babysitter and one of the only constants in her life. TV was also her window to the world and ignited her dreams of becoming an actress. But her family struggled financially, so she knew there was no way for her to move to Hollywood. She decided to get a degree in radio and TV. “If I wasn’t going to be on the TV, I had to have something to do with it.” Williams graduated with an associate degree in radio and television broadcasting from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina, and has moved around the country for television work ever since. At KHOU 11, Williams manages the

relationship between the viewer and the station. “My job is 99 percent problem-solving, studying audience research, learning about our community and what’s important to them, and then finding the best way to deliver that information to them,” she says. She considers herself to be a scrappy professional who has fought her way up in a male-dominated business. She once worked for a station where she had only four female colleagues among her 40 co-workers. She also remembers attending a meeting at another company where four male executives

shared with her what they thought women ages 25 to 54 wanted, only to miss the mark. “I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I’m in [that demographic], and that’s exactly what I don’t want,’” she recalls with a laugh. Gender disparity has improved in TV throughout the years, and Williams is partly to thank for that. Following in the footsteps of the female marketing director who hired her as a commercial producer when she graduated college, Williams has employed and supported countless other qualified women. “I’m all about empowering other women in the workplace because we need it. We’re not done yet.” But she struggled with being supportive early on in her career. At one point, she felt like she had to prove herself to the men in the room. Based on the classes she took and the self-help books she read on women in management, Williams felt like she had to talk and act like a man to advance in her career. “A lot of the info back then on how a woman gets ahead in life said you have to

“KHOU 11 IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TV STATIONS. WE DON’T CHANGE OUR LOGO FOR A MONTH, COVER A PARADE, AND THAT’S IT. WE ARE NOT JUST GAY FOR A DAY. WE’RE NOT JUST GAY FOR THE WEEK OR THE MONTH. WE’RE GAY ALL YEAR.” —Deilia Williams

come in and put your stuff on the table, you have to lean in and remove words like ‘I feel’ and ‘I think’ because men don’t use ‘I feel,’ ‘I think,’ but women do.” As director of marketing, she manages KHOU 11’s marketing priorities and goals. Due to her initial “think like a man, act like a man” mentality, she entered many rooms with “something to prove” rather than with an open mind. “I know better now, but I think that’s an ex-

ample of how that early way of doing business can backfire.” Williams said KHOU 11’s commitment to the community freed her from the limiting mindset. It also inspired her to come out at age 45 to her co-workers and then to her kids, who accepted her with teenage indifference. Now her kids have fun trying to identify who would be her type if she were single. Williams hopes to inspire better media coverage of the LGBTQ community by highlighting the issues it faces at KHOU 11. “I don’t want to be flippant and say we can change the world, but the changes that we make right here and right now will resonate,” she says. Williams and her husband eventually plan to return to New Mexico, but she wants to help Houston’s LGBTQ community and beyond during her stay. “While I’m here, I wanna do the best I can do. I wanna be the best I can be, and I feel like this is the first time in my life that I am.” For more info, visit khou.com.

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Elevating the Game This year’s HTX PRIDE Weekend is bigger and better than ever. By RYAN M. LEACH

Gay-owned event production company Denver Max is brining HTX PRIDE Weekend back to Houston June 23–26. Owners Marti Frieson, 32, and Miguel Vargas, 38, say the multi-day, multivenue event will be the biggest one yet and will finally give LGBTQ Houston the Pride nightlife events it deserves. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com |

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“We have four different venues this year. One is Bauhaus Houston, which we consider our ‘home base’ here in Houston because of our regularly occurring events there. The second venue is POST, and we’re going to be the first producers to host an LGBTQ party there. The architecture is incredible. You have to see it for yourself. Next, Rise Rooftop—a huge venue above downtown with a multimillion dollar retractable roof. And finally, Sunset Houston, another rooftop with the best views of the city. The name speaks for itself,” Frieson says. Both men have a lot of experience producing events like this. Vargas used to work with huge names in the Latin music industry like Kumbia Kings and Alicia Villarreal’s Grupo Límite. Frieson started out DJing and fell in love with the industry. Both were inspired to cultivate their talents and help grow Houston’s nightlife scene. “Being involved in the nightlife and enjoying going out in other cities while traveling, we felt as though Houston had a lot more potential. We saw that all the other major cities like New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco had very successful full Pride weekends with circuit/electronic-based music. We thought that we could take Houston to that level,” says Vargas.

The duo learned a lot from their 2021 Pride-weekend event, which should help them make 2022 even more special. “We spent the years leading up to our first full Houston Pride weekend in 2021 working with the newest venues and cultivating relationships with the talent as well as with our patrons. We listened, and felt like we delivered a Pride celebration our city deserved. We learned a lot from that, so this year we’re turning things up a notch,” says Frieson. “HTX Pride Weekend 2022 will be our largest production to date! We’ve selected the best international DJ/producers on the scene right now. We are flying in hot professional dancers. And the cherry on top is that we are collaborating with two of the biggest party brands in the world, Papa and WE Party, to assist us in delivering a weekend that people won’t forget—both for Houstonians and the hundreds of visitors we’re expecting from around the nation,” says Vargas. Denver Max has been producing events since its inception in 2017 here in Houston. They have expanded across the Americas, producing events in Houston, Mexico, and most recently in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival. “We regularly collaborate with our partners all over the U.S. and Mexico, so I don’t see what’s stopping us from going anywhere

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else on the globe. But we will never forget that Houston is our home and will always be our main focus,” says Frieson. The men also believe that giving back to the LGBTQ community is an important part of Denver Max’s mission, which is why they plan to bring HTX PRIDE back again in 2023. “As gay men, we wanted to provide an environment for us and our peers where we can dance, have fun, and sing to the music the way that we want to. We are proud to be working with venues that accept and embrace our guests,” Frieson notes. “We’re proud to have the most diverse set of team members, and talent that encompasses the full spectrum of the LGBTQ community. This is what’s important to us, and PRIDE is the epitome of that. Everyone is always welcome—gay, straight, girls, guys, drags. None of that matters as long as you come to dance, meet new people, and enjoy your life.” More info on social-media platforms @DNVRMX What: Denver Max’s HTX PRIDE Weekend When: June 23–26 Where: Bauhaus Houston, POST, Rise Rooftop, and Sunset Houston Tickets: tinyurl.com/2p8wczxj

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Capturing His Experience Joel Kim Booster’s new film Fire Island mirrors his own queer journey. By ZACH McKENZIE Photo by 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS On the surface, a film titled after the hedonistic wonderland of Fire Island Pines wouldn’t elicit hope for much substance or nuance. But Joel Kim Booster’s film about the iconic queer New York resort destination defies predictable assumptions by offering a look at the experiences of marginalized queer folks who flock to the island. Taking on topics such as body image, race, drug use, wealth, sexuality, and love, to name a few, Booster’s Fire Island, which debuts June 3 on Hulu, is packed with heart and plenty of laughs throughout its nearly two-hour run time. Directed by Andrew Ahn and starring Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, Matt Rogers, and other out stars, the film has drawn comparisons to Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. Booster offers a brief synopsis saying, “It’s a movie about two best friends and their extended chosen family heading to Fire Island to experience love and wonder and fun.” Writing, producing, and starring in the film wasn’t just a job for Booster, but a celebration of years of hard work. “It was the culmination of everything I’ve ever wanted to do in this industry. My background is in playwriting, and for many years my goal was to write on the next

The Wire,” he explains. “It’s so funny that I sort of found my way into comedy haphazardly and accidentally. It sort of led full-circle back to this place.” Originally sold as a series on the nowdefunct short-form mobile streaming platform Quibi, Fire Island eventually found its new home at Hulu. “The secret was to not make [the film] super didactic in the way it talks about a lot of the issues,” Booster says. “It’s a comedy, first and foremost, and the timing of it all was really helpful in getting it made. Bowen’s star was rising, and I think people were really excited to see him in this role. Happiest Season had just come out and had done really well for Hulu, and I started to get some name recognition from Sunnyside. I think it was a confluence of all of these factors coming together and making it the perfect moment to sell this movie.” Aware of the pressure to create a film that the queer community would embrace, Booster, an official multi-hyphenate, explains that his relationship with Ahn helped keep him focused. “I think for any creator that comes from a marginalized community that isn’t represented often, that pressure is ever-present. It’s the specter that looms over everything we do.

I would be freaking out about something or trying to predict what the response to the movie would be, and Andrew would put his hand on my shoulder and say, ‘Joel, we can’t write this movie for Twitter.’ Booster reflects on the impact of being one of the few queer Asian leading actors in a major studio film by saying, “Bowen and I, and others in the film, are so different, even though we may check the same demographic boxes [for] some producers. I hope this film proves that there’s such a breadth of experience within the gay community and Asian community. I hope that people see how wide and far-reaching these kinds of stories can be [when they’re] told by people like us.” The entire cast and filming process made the experience one that Booster won’t soon forget. “I feel like I spoiled myself for all future projects,” he says laughing. “Having [friends like] Bowen and Matt there was obviously very special, but even the people that were new to my life like Conrad, Tomás Matos, and Zane Phillips—we really hit a home run with casting. Although the film grabs viewers’ heartstrings and doesn’t let go, it’s also packed with laugh-out-loud moments. “One of the happiest moments I had on set, and one of the times I laughed the hardest while filming, was the Heads Up game,” Booster recalls. “Watching Tomás and Matt [impersonate] Marissa Tomei for what was probably several hours—there’s so much footage from that day, and I hope we can release it as its own featurette. It was a moment where we all started to gel with each other, and it was a really special moment. I turned to Andrew and said, ‘Man, I think we’re making something really good and special here.’ I love that scene so much.” Booster admits that Fire Island isn’t an all-encompassing story, and he doesn’t expect everyone to relate to it. Still, he hopes fans will feel empowered. “I’m not trying to represent a universal gay experience in this movie. I’m trying to represent a very specific experience, which is mine and Bowen’s. [The film is] about our friendship, and so much of what happens in the movie and the things that are discussed are ripped from the headlines of our friendship. If people see themselves represented in that experience, then I’m so thankful and glad. And if people don’t, that’s OK too. I genuinely hope that this movie is a success, and that people watch this movie and are inspired to tell their own stories.” For more info, visit hulu.com.

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OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com | | JUNE JUNE2022 2022 135 135

WEDDING GUIDE

Kamah Asha (l) and Kelsey Lovelle

A SHARED PASSION Kamah Asha and Kelsey Lovelle fell in love while working toward degrees in social work. By RYAN M. LEACH | Photos by EVOKE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

Kelsey and Kamah Asha Lovelle have a lot in common. They both attended Southeastern Louisiana University. They both received bachelor’s degrees in social work. They both attended the University of Houston School of Social Work, where they earned their master’s degrees. And on October 10, 2021, at Shirley Acres in Spring, Texas, they began sharing the same last name—Lovelle. “We met at Southeastern Louisiana University in Mrs. Magee’s social-work human behavior course. Kelsey sat one row over and one seat in front of me, the perfect spot to watch them with intrigue for the next few months. Kelsey was completely unaware that I existed. Finally, on the last day of class, April 22, we hung out in the campus library cafe 136

JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

and finally exchanged numbers,” says Kamah Asha. From that point on, the couple began developing a relationship that would eventually take them from Louisiana to Texas to begin their careers after earning their master’s degrees. Kelsey is the supervisor of volunteer services at the Houston Food Bank. Kamah Asha has continued on with her education and is pursuing specialized education in traumainformed expressive arts therapy. They currently live in central northwest Houston, where you can usually find them in the Heights, Midtown, or Montrose neighborhoods exploring art walks, the Chocolate Bar, or any neighborhood that has walking trails to explore. “We love the theater, so we are so glad Houston is a major stop for all the Broadway

tours. We are both foodies and love to explore food trucks, dive bars, and hole-inthe-wall restaurants like the Truck Yard and Chilosos. Kelsey also accompanies me on my tours of Houston’s garden centers and plant shops,” says Kamah Asha. Their engagement was a romantic moment that involved a fun scavenger hunt crafted by Kelsey—and ending with a surprise ring from Kamah Asha. “Kelsey put together a scavenger hunt around our college campus taking me to the place where we met, the place where we hung out every day, the spot of our first kiss, various spots where our friendship and then relationship blossomed, and then finally to the place where we spent so much time falling in love—a garden called Tinsley’s Garden where Kelsey proposed. It turned out to be a double proposal because I had been carrying a ring with me for weeks waiting for the perfect moment, and that was it! I think we can both agree it was the most romantic thing we’ve ever done for each other,” says Kamah Asha. Kelsey, who uses they/them pronouns, remembers fondly the moment that they knew Kamah Asha was the one. “I was driving home from Houston for spring break and listening to a specific song, and it just hit me right then and there that I

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wanted to marry her.” Kamah Asha, on the other hand, came to this realization over time. “I don’t remember an exact moment. I just began to realize that Kelsey had become my best friend, and then suddenly I was falling in love with my best friend. And then there were so many signs and confirmations that the relationship was meant to be. We were so blessed every step of the way, and I realized that one day I wanted to be Kelsey’s wife and never be without them,” she says. The couple had their ceremony in a garden in Shirley Acres in Spring, Texas. It was their dream location—an all-inclusive wedding and event venue that even provides a coordinator at the site during the wedding. “They have two bridal suites and a bed-and-breakfast house on the grounds where we were able to stay the night before and the night of the wedding, which gave us the opportunity to have our entire bridal party with us. It is such a magical place. The bumble bees and butterflies were present in the garden throughout our ceremony. I knew it was where we were meant to get married when I walked around the garden and stood on the altar and burst into joyful tears. My ‘hopes and dreams’ checklist was completely checked off,” recalls Kamah Asha. When Kamah Asha walked down the aisle, the music she chose was a surprise for Kelsey. It was the song that was playing when they kissed for the first time—“A

Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Kelsey carried their grandfather’s antique pocket watch and wore his signature cologne. Family memories played a big role in their special day. “The soil we spread around the Magnolia tree was soil dug from various family members’ yards, such as Kelsey’s godparents, Amy and Jeff Hayden, and Kamah Asha’s grandparent’s house. It represented our foundation from which the tree will now grow from our constant nurturing. The magnolia itself represents heritage, longevity, perseverance, and steadfastness,” Kamah Asha explains. “Our wedding was very unique in that we twisted old traditions to fit us and let it still have meaning for us. We also made new traditions,” Kelsey adds. After the nuptials, the couple honeymooned all over North Carolina. They visited the Biltmore mansion in Asheville and watched a Broadway show in Greenville. They also took a nice hike up Grandfather Mountain, where they enjoyed the changing colors of the leaves. Kamah Asha had one last surprise for Kelsey in the end. “I purchased a plot of land in Ireland in both of our names so that it would help conservation efforts. And [owning land in Ireland gives us the title of] Lord and Lady Lovelle!” Attention, Houston: we have a new royal couple among us.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX ACCOUNTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS/ CPAS

CATERING SERVICES

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

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

A D O P T I O N/F O S T E R

CBD PRODU C T S

Gary Gritz, CPA

Vanguard Youth Society

David Alcorta Catering

Hydroshack Hydroponics

11500 NW Fwy #465.......................................832-620-7204

1138 W 20th St .....................................................713/661-0091

A DV E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G

C H U R C H E S /S P I R I T U A L C E N T E R S

Ashkan Media

Bering Church

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

1440 Harold ................................................beringchurch.org

Mat Hat Maven Creative

Resurrection MCC

madhatmaven.com ......................................832/460-6263

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

OutSmart Magazine

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

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

5501 Main ..............................................................713/528-0527

Society For The Performing Arts

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

Montrose DDS/Austin T. Faulk, DDS

507

StagesTheatre.com .........................................713-527-0123

215 Westheimer ................................................. 713/942-0101

Polish Dentistry/Daniella Farias, DDS

Theatre Under The Stars

HEALTH CARE-/HIV/COVID TESTING

517

.......................................................................houstoniamlife.com

Houston Health Department/HIV

Houston Health Department/COVID

235

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

Tony’s Corner Pocket

817 W. Dallas.......................................................832/722-7658 White Oak Music Hall

............................................................. whiteoakmusichall.com

houstontx.gov.................................................. 832-393-4220

1110 W. Gray St., #101 ........................................713/242-1436

130

Richard Dickson/Galene Financial

3209 Montrose Blvd .......................................281/709-2897 1925 TC Jester ...................................................832/850-4338 1014 Wirt Rd ........................................................ 832/924-0312 Additional locations......................................ercare24.com

thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com..........713/337-4500

SignatureCare Emergency Centers

3200 SW Freeway Ste 1800 ........................210/425-2130

COMMUNIT Y/NONPROFIT

888-A Avenue D, Katy......................................281/391-6137

newportac.com................................................281/808-8630

Aidshelp.org ........................................................713/623-6796

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

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

APARTMENTS/HOUSING

Bering Connect

F I T N E S S C L U B S/ P E R S O N A L T R A I N I N G

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Newport A/C & Heating

Dawson at Stratford Apartments

419 Stratford......................................................346/388-8457

ART/ART GALLERIES

1015 Holman St........................ www.trinitymidtown.org AIDS Foundation Houston

........................................................................713-526-1017, ext.20 Bunnies on the Bayou

............................................................BunniesOnTheBayou.org Diana Foundation

Bill Arning Exhibitions

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

The Menil Collection

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

604 W. Alabama ....................billarningexhibitions.com 1533 Sul Ross ...............................................................menil.org

EPAH

Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

AS TROLOGER

HoustonLGBTChamber.com.....................832/510-3002

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

.................................................................................... hcsojobs.com

AT TORNE YS/LEGAL SERVICES

................................................................................... thecaucus.org

Lilly Roddy Astrology

The Fealy Law Firm, PC / Vicky Fealy

Houston-bankruptcy-attorney.com ... 713/526-5220

deborah Lawson

lawsonlegal.net ................................................. 713/478-2618

Gonzalez Olivieri LLC

gonzalezolivierillc.com ................................ 713/481-3040 Katine & Nechman LLP

1834 Southmore.................................................713/808-1001 Walker Kirkpatrick

Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus KPFT Radio

kpft.org..................................................................713-526-4000 Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI)

401 Branard.......................................................lhihouston.org Lesbians Over Age Fifty (L.O.A.F.)

lesbiansoverage50.org................................713/907-5378 Pet Patrol

..............................................................................ThePetPatrol.org Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast

Monalisa Maldonado/Equitable Advisors

Shane Theriot/Edward Jones

Grace Yung/Midtown Financial

Club Houston

2205 Fannin ......................................................713/659-4998 John Aaron Online Fitness

floorcoveringsinternational.com ....... 832/280-6646

342

Montrose Eye Care/ Paul Lovero, OD

711

G A R DE N I N G /L A N D S C A PI N G

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

HEALTH CARE/PHARMACIES

1138 W 20th St .....................................................713/661-0091 Joshua’s Native Plants & Antiques

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

G L A S S SE R V ICE S Lone Star Glass

H-E-B

Multiple locations ......................................................heb.com

H A I R /N A I L /M A K E - U P S A L O N S NU-Cuts Hair Salon

EDUCATION

Eurocar-Werk

HN-Info@LoneStar.edu..................................lonestar.edu

Ryan Automotive

E L EC TR ICA L SE R V ICE S

716 Fairview...................................................... 713/522-3602 Tech Auto Maintenance

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

Lone Star College North

Chipman’s Services

......................................................................................713/376-0323

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHT LIFE

AU T O M O T I V E S A L E S

Alley Theatre

Fred Haas Toyota World

615 Texas Ave ................................................alleytheatre.org

FredHaasToyota.com ..................................832/764-8914

Colette Houston

Planet Ford

1319 Cypress Creek Pkwy Ste 190........832/754-6024

Planet Lincoln

DNVRMX.com ....................................................281/883-6546

20403 I-45 Spring TX 77388 ................... 866/879-9328 204031 I-45 Spring TX 77388 ..................888/242-5059

B A N K I N G /F I N A N C I A L I N S T I T U T I O N S Houston Federal Credit Union

HoustonFCU.org .......................................... 866/OUR-HFCU

BAKERIES/CUSTOM CAKES David Alcorta Catering

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

DNVRMX PRIDE PARTY

941 W. 18th ...........................................EurekaHeights.com Houston Cider Co.

1125 W Cavalcade ............................HoustonCiderTx.com 138 138

| JUNE 2022 | JUNE 2022 |

Dr. Daniel Garza, MD

3131 Eastside St, Ste 4 ....................................281/610-8190 Dr. Barry F. Gritz, MD

230 Westcott, Ste 210....................................713/869-7400 Jeffrey Myles/JM Professional Services

....................................................................................... 713/447-2164 Cheryl Rhode

4545 Post Oak Pl #370 ................................. 713-203-0495 The Montrose Center

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

Out & Proud Live

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

Pearl Bar

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

ReBar

620 W Alabama ................................................ 713/529-4364

202 Tuam ...............................................................346/227-8613

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Legacy Pharmacy

241

Scott Read Pharmacy

..........LegacyCommunityHealth.org/services/pharmacy/ 540 Waugh Drive ............................................832/649-3142

HEALTH CARE–PHYSICIANS

Octavio Barrios, MD

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

Rya

Gal

gal

Gordon Crofoot, MD/Crofoot MD

One Medical

........

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

Pur

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, RN

......................................................................................713/524-9525

Miller Outdoor Theatre

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

Spe

........

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

...................................................................outandproudlive.com

Eureka Heights Brewery

FIX

........

Derek Smith, AGPCNP-BC/Crofoot MD

Midtown Houston

B E V E R AG E S

LIQ

Maggie White,MPH FNP-BC AAHIVS/ Wellness Bar by Legacy

D. “Woodja” Flanigan, MS, LPA

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

HEALTH CARE–DENTISTS

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

Sir

And

JR’s/Santa Fe

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

6565 West Loop South, Ste 300 ..............281/661-5901

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

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

Zad

MyConnectionsWellness.com ..............888/580-5995

Harriet Reynolds – Singer Songwriter

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

Ten

431

3300 Kirby, Ste. 1A ..........................................888/663-6331

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

.....................................................................Harrietreynolds.com

Avita Pharmacy

............................................................ AvitaPharmacy.com/HIV

133

HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY

Discount Video

730 Hwy 6 South .............................................281/728-4509

Eye Gallery

Hydroshack Hydroponics

11804 Hempstead ..............................................713/957-3672

Connections Wellness/Dr. Tracy Carlson

5103 Gulfton Dr ................................................7 13 -661-642 8

Boutique Eye Care/Juliet Farmer, OD

Fountains & Statuary

Active Auto

6427 Washington ............................................713/861-1000

Silv

Copy.com

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS

JEW

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

515 Westheimer ..............................................7 13/524-7858

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

Dou

1210

1806 Westheimer, Ste. A ............................. 713/528-2010

Floor Coverings International

GROCE RY S TOR E

galleryauctions.com.......................................281-931-0100

INV

F L O O R C OV E R I N G S

The Woodlands PRIDE

COMPUTERS/INTERNET/IT SERVICES

Pat

342

180

Ryan White Planning Council

Gallery Auctions

Lan

220

HEALTH CARE–OPTOMETRISTS

13645 Murphy Rd .......................................... 832/752-5805

The Office of Sam Trey Yates

..........................................................thewoodlandstxpride.org

HEALTH CARE–OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

INS

Felicia Lee-Sexton Fitness Coaching

Facet Seven Fitness

3804 Bissonnet ..................................................713/661-0091

2900 Weslayan St Suite 350 ....................713/ 932-7177

Legacy Community Health

................................................................facetsevenfitness.com

www.jaofit.com .............................................832-649-8422

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

AU C T I O N H O U S E S

HEALTH CARE-HIV/STD TESTING

Avenue 360

EKL

Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD Greater Houston Eye Consultants Humble ..................................................................... 281/454-2056 Clear Lake...................................................................281/484-1186

..........................................................................................713/552-1117 James S. Walker ....................... Walkertexaslawyer.com Eric Kirkpatrick ...................................Kirkpatricklaw.com

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

cod

Broughton Investment Group

Montrose Emergency Room 24 Hour ER

1700 W Loop S, Ste 255.................................713/489-4322

PromoPrintGroup.com .................................713/234-7006

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

Blis

355

FI N A N C I A L PL A N N I N G /B A N K S

Trinity Episcopal Church

PromoPrint Group

Dr.

HEALTH CARE-EMERGENCY CENTERS

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

A DV E R T I S I N G P R O M O T I O N A L P R O D U C T S

Ski

620 W Alabama ................................................ 713/529-4364

Christine Wysong

M. Sandra Scurria, MD

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

Bay

120 Westheimer .................................................713/814-3730

472

HEALTH CARE–SERVICES

Mid

AIDS Foundation Houston

afhouston.org.....................................................713/623-6796 AIDS Healthcare Foundation

......................................................................................... HIVcare.org Avenue 360

Mid

The

262

Ver

892

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

203

Harris County Public Health

Publichealth.harriscountytx.gov ......... 713/439-6293 Houston Health Department

................................................................................... houstontx.gov Legacy Community Health

Bayou City Smiles/Marcus de Guzman, DDS

LegacyCommunityHealth.org ...............832/548 5000

Bayou City Smiles/Cynthia Corral, DDS

RWPCHouston.org .......................................... 713/572-3784

Cory Logan, DDS

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

LifeSmiles by Randy Mitchmore, DDS

HEALTH CARE–SKIN CARE

Montrose DDS/Samuel A. Carrell, DDS

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

Ryan White Planning Council

St. Hope Foundation

Dal

Iris

Yvo

yvo

In T

Heights Dermatology/Alpesh Desai, MD

........

SkinCeuticals/Skin Lab

........

2800 Kirby, Ste. B21 .......................................713/559-9300

ADVERTISERS INDEX

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

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

U-Plumb-It Plumbing Supply

Andy Weber/Sotheby’s International Realty

101

HEALTH CARE-WEIGHT LOSS

POOLS & POOL SERVICES

1177 W. Loop South, Ste 1200.....................713/885-4419

...................................................................HoustonDynamo.com

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

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

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE/WINE BARS

....................................................................milb.com/sugar-land

4306 Yoakum .......................................................346/867-1156

STORAGE

Skin Renaissance Laser/Octavio Barrios, MD

Dr. B-Fit / Octavio Barrios, MD

HOME FURNISHINGS/ACCESSORIES Bliss on 19th

235 W.19th ...................................................blisson19th.com

coda

355 W. 19th ............................................................ 713/864-4411 EKLEKTIC Interiors

1300 Shepherd ................................................ 832/804-6300

897 38 312 om

org

TRAVEL/TRAVEL AGENCIES 4920 Mimosa ......................................................... 713/661-2117

Houston Cider Co.

..................................................................... visitgalveston.com

Greymark Construction

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

Greymarkconstruction.com ......................713/722-7226

INVESTMENTS

REAL ESTATE–MORTGAGE/TITLE

Doug Smith/Hawthorne Funds

1210 West Clay, Ste. G ............... HawthorneFunds.com

Tenenbaum Jewelers

4310 Westheimer .................TenenbaumJewelers.com Zadok Jewelers

Janet Friedman/J Friedman Mortgage

JFriedmanLoans.com ....................................713-785-5626 Chicago Title –Inner Loop

3700 Buffalo Speedway ................................713/418-7000 Cody Grizzoffi/NRL Mortgage

Codygrizzoffi.com............................................. 832-541-1103 Cari Middaugh/AmCap Mortgage

myamcap.com/cari-middaugh/............ 281/450-2235 Lyn Sullivan /Alamo Title

4265 San Felipe, Ste 520 .............................713/228-0801

Montrose Forge

REAL ESTATE–REALTORS

Sir Rat Leather and Gear LLC

309 Gray.................................................................. 713/522-7474

711 Fairview .................................................sirratleather.com

LIQUOR/WINE & SPIRITS

Brooks Ballard/Engel & Volkers

David Batagower/Compass Realty

bayoucitypropertygroup.com................ 713/523-8609 Scott Brown/Greenwood King

FIX Vodka

.......................................................................................713/861-1000

Spec’s Wine Spirits & Finer Foods

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

.................................................................................... FixVodka.com 2410 Smith ................................................... specsonline.com

MASSAGE THERAPISTS Ryan Fugate, RMT

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

David Bowers/The House Company/Galveston

Mike Copenhaver/Remax Metro

Tom Eickleberry/Pride Street Realty

Rockedwards.com ...........................................713/409-1729 Jeremy Fain/Greenwood King Properties

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS Pure For Men

PEST CONTROL SERVICES & TRAPPING

har.com .................................................................. 713/629-1900

2625 Louisiana St. Ste D100 ...................713/903-2364 Vergi 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Hospital

org

8921 Katy Freeway ..........................................713/932-9589

027

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

West Alabama Animal Clinic

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jose Ocque/Gary Greene-Post Oak Park

1177 W. Loop South, Ste 1200..................... 713/301-1136 Thomas Phillips/City Side Properties Exp Realty

MET Plumbing

Our Legacy Through The Lens

Danny Pleason/Martha Turner/Sotheby’s Redfin Realtors

Yvonne Feece Photography

...................................................................................... 832-221-7628

PHOTOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION

dannypleason.com .........................................832/661-1502

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

In The Loop Plumbing Services

PHOTOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION

...............................................................Houstonsabercats.com

....................................................................................832/305-7848

15103 Mason Rd Suite A-1 ............................832/803-9177

....................................................................................346/253-4444

HoustonSabercats

Get listed on this page. Call 713/520-7237 or email Marketing@OutSmartMagazine.com

Lynette Lew/Better Homes and Gardens

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

SweetSpiritPhotos

PLUMBING

KhansRugs.com ........................................... 713/960-82002

DOES ADVERTISING WORK? IT JUST DID.

Debbie Levine/Greenwood King Properties

........................................................................................713/416-3931

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

Khan’s Rug Washing

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

3201 Kirby Drive ................................................713/942-6857

Iris In Bloom

SweetSpirit.photos...........................................713/376-3771

RUG SERVICES

Yvonne Feece-Tran Photography

Houston Association of Realtors

4000 Washington Ave #303 ....................832/529-2983

IrisInBloom.net ................................................ 281/819-0006

2600 Travis Ste 104 ...........................................713/360-7113 Shoot the Moon 8155 Longpoint Rd ..........................................281/888-4801 Urban Eats 3414 Washington Ave ....................feasturbaneats.com

Dalton DeHart Photography

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

Richard Hill

Dalton DeHart Photography

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

Sable Gate Winery

WEDDING SERVICES/PHOTO/VIDEO

Paul Gomberg/The Rock Star Real Estate Group

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES

The Urban Vet/Dr. Eric Cagle

Pho 518!

9330 Broadway, #416 ..................................832/736-9903

David Alcorta Catering

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

William J Finnorn/Martha Turner Sotheby’s

RichardHill.com ............................................... 713/863-9494

Midtown Veterinary Hospital

1601 W Main St ................................................. 281/846-6405

WEDDING SERVICES/CATERERS

William.Finnorn@sir.com ..........................832/221-7628

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

4720 Washington ............................................713/343-9909

93’ Til

Galveston Tourism

3201 Kirby Dr ........................................................713/677-4337

......................................................................................713-446-8810

MidtownVetHospital.com..........................713-528-4900

Rock Edwards/Rock Edwards & Associates

Andy’s All Star Pest Control

Bayou City Veterinary Hospital

1125 W Cavalcade ............................HoustonCiderTx.com Niko Niko’s 2520 Montrose...................................................713/528-4976

Karen Derr/Karen Derr Realty

galvestonrrmuseum.org ...........................409/765-5700

.............................................................................PureForMen.com

Concierge Travel, Inc

350 W. 19th ..........................................................713/360-6204

SPORTS

Mr. McKinney’s Historic Houston Tours

MisterMcKinney.com ....................................713/364-8674

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

46 00

Galveston Railroad Museum

Giacomo’s cibo e vino

mikecopenhaver@remax.net ................ 713/528-4963

TomSellsHoustonHomes.com...................713/201-5257

TOURS

Harold’s In the Heights

SABO Custom Builders

MUSEUMS

Free Grillin’/Chef Michele

KHOU/Channel 11

3215 Westheimer...............................................713/522-1934

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

3423 White Oak ................................................ 713/893-5002

5718 Westheimer.......................................................khoucom

Sabocustombuilders.com............................713/344-1241

Lane Lewis/Farmers Insurance

LEATHER GOODS

901

TELEVISION STATIONS

Eugene’s

......................................................................................832/419-0165

79 70

331

Dessert Gallery

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

REAL ESTATE –HOME CONSTRUCTION

REAL ESTATE -ARCHITECTS

4495 Katy Fwy .................................................. 281-728-4509

4229 Bellaire Blvd............................................713/529-2630

1801 Post Oak Blvd, Ste. 100............................Zadok.com

cy/

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

Morningstar Storage The Heights

813 Richmond .....................................................713/522-2365

INSURANCE AGENCIES/AGENTS

Silverlust

HIV

Copy.com

Chapultepec Lupita

Sugar Land Space Cowboys

WorthHP.com.....................................................713/660-0025

1338-C Westheimer .....................................7 13/520-5440

974

621 Richmond .................................................... 713/224-8808

Candente Tex-Mex Grill

Houston Dash & Dynamo

1985 Welch St .....................................................713/807-8883

JEWELERS

6 6

PRINTING/COPY CENTERS

2daypostcards.com

Christopher Williams/Gary Greene-Post Oak

Houston Astros

.......................................................................HoustonAstros.com

Morningside Architects

Worth Home Products

Patrick Torma/Goosehead Insurance

027

Venture Pools

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

Richard Ray/Douglas Elliman

Todd Russo/Gary Greene

Tom Schwenk/Tom’s Galveston Real Estate LeeRoy Smith/GaryGreene

1702 W Gray St Ste 200 .................................832/221-7628 VJ Tramonte/Joe Tramonte Realty

1802 Broadway/Galveston ........................409/765-9837 Martha Turner Properties

Marthaturner.com .............................................713/520-1981 Jessica Wahlquist/NAN Properties/Christie’s

......................................................................................972/971-6742

PRESERVING YEARS OF HOUSTON LGBTQ HISTORY! Help us fund the digitalization and cataloging of more than a million community photos by making a donation. Info@DaltonDeHart.com I P.O. Box 22641 I Houston, TX 77277

www.DaltonDeHart.com OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 | 139 OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 139

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10 DAYS FREE

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FUN FOR EVERY NEW GUY

BAR GUIDE

HOUSTON 2.0 Montrose’s newest dance club is open Thursday through Sunday and features a daily Happy Hour from 7 to 10 p.m. 2320 Crocker St, Houston TX 77006 Barcode With the longest daily Happy Hours in Montrose from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., this neighborhood watering hole is a popular spot. Drag shows occur Wednesday through Sunday, and the bar hosts karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays. 817 Fairview, Houston TX 77006 Blur Bar This multi-level dance club features an upstairs lounge and balconies, with weekly events including Travesura Thursdays and Latin Saturdays. 710 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006 BUDDY’S “EveryBUDDY’S welcome” at this modern LGBTQ bar with “events as diverse as Houston.” The bar features cocktails, beer, karaoke, pool, DJ’s, and more. 2409 Grant St STE A, Houston TX 77006 Club Crystal With roots going back to the iconic club Inergy, Club Crystal is Houston’s original LGBTQ Latino nightclub. Find some of Ingegy’s décor (and former staff members) at this two-room Latin/ hip-hop club. 6680 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77036 Crocker Bar This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and extended Happy Hour prices throughout the week. 2312 Crocker, Houston TX 77006

DJs and male dancers. 611 Hyde Blvd., Houston TX 77006 George Country Sports Bar Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar with dart boards and pool tables. Sports fans can watch games on televisions (inside as well as outside on the newly renovated patio), and Steak Night with chef Michele Free is on Thursday nights. 617 Fairview St, Houston TX 77006 Hamburger Mary’s Houston This drag-queen themed restaurant serves up the best in entertainment, delicious food, and gloriously yummy drinks. 1008 Prarie St., Houston TX 77006 JR’s Bar & Grill Proudly serving Montrose for 40 years, JR’s Bar & Grill offers drag Sunday through Thursday, karaoke Wednesday through Sunday, and daily Happy Hour specials on a spacious New Orleansstyle courtyard patio. 808 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006 KIKI Coming soon. La Granja Disco y Cantina One of Houston’s favorite Latin LGBTQ bars, La Granja Disco y Cantina is open Wednesday through Sunday and features daily Happy Hour prices, DJs, drag shows, and karaoke nights. 5505 Pinemont Dr, Houston TX 77092 Michael’s Outpost The only piano bar in Montrose offers great drinks, award-winning drag shows, and a roundup of talented musicians taking turns on the keys seven nights a week. 1419 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77006

There’s always something going on at TONY’S CORNER POCKET!

Nightly Specials – Call for Details

Cold Beverages & Hot Guys!

Houston Eagle As part of the worldwide Eagle family, Eagle Houston is the definitive home of the man’s man. Leather, bear, or jock, you’ll find them all here. This neighborhood bar has multiple levels and outdoor decks, and regularly features

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon Houston’s only LGBTQ country dance hall is open Wednesdays through Sundays and hosts dance classes, steak nights, bingo, and karaoke. 11410 Hempstead Hwy, Houston TX 77092

Houston’s Hottest Male Amateur Strip Contest Headquarters!

Voted the Best Place to Watch Male Dancers

817 W. Dallas 713.571.7870 Tues. and Thurs, – Sunday Nights OutSmartMagazine.com | JUNE 2022 141

Most people know me for my Blue Balls Shot, which is a blueberry vodka mix. What is the best and worst holiday to work? Best holiday: I’m going to count Pride as a holiday, so Pride and Halloween are the best because people are in great spirits. Worst holiday: New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day, when all of the amateurs are out! Biggest tip from one customer? $500 during a big party when a major

BAR

Where the Tops Hang Out! All Vodka Drinks

SPORTS BAR

$ 50

617 Fairview • Houston, Texas • 713.528.8102 2312 Crocker St. HOURS: Mon-Sat 7am–2am • Sunday 12pm–2am

JANUARY 2021

OutSmartMagazine.com

Take PRIDE in yourself Take PRIDE in friends Take PRIDE in family Take PRIDE in your word Take PRIDE in your works

DISCOUNT VIDEO STORE & MORE

Gay-operated business, supporting the community CLEAN & FRIENDLY SERVICE TOYS, LUBES, ENHANCEMENTS, CLOTHES, DVD’S PRIVATE CLUB MORE LARGE SCREENS

of Italy, then Greece, maybe France, and the UK. Best advice to a new bartender in an LGBTQ bar? Be real, be humble, and smile. BARRemember GUIDE that everyone is welcome! Desired super-power? Gotta be the power of flight—in my dreams, I fly! Theme song? The “Peanuts” theme song from Charlie Brown.

Papi’s Houston’s newest Latin LGBTQ club GUIDE offers dancing, drag, and game shows all week long. Visit Papi’s and experience the spicy side of Montrose! 570 Waugh Dr, Houston TX 77019

Pearl Bar Houston’s only lesbian bar—one of just 21 left in the nation—is home to a wide variety of events including weekly drag-king shows, nationally known LGBTQ DJs, and a queer farmers market on the patio. 4216 Washington, Houston TX 77007

GALVESTON

23rd St. Station Piano Bar The piano bar features daily drink specials and weekends are filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and piano tunes. 1706 23rd St, Galveston TX 77550 Robert’s Lafitte Texas’ oldest bar has been open for over half a century, and is home to Galveston’s original drag show. 2501 Avenue Q, Galveston TX 77550

There’s always something going on at TONY’S CORNER POCKET! Rumors Beach Bar ReBar Located at the historic Seawall BouleHouston’s Hottest This full-service venue offers vard on 31st Street, this Galveston spot Male Amateur distinctive food with Southern flair, offers dancing, food, drinks, Contest drag, and Strip Headquarters! a popular patio, multiple bars, VIP a wide variety of themed nights. bottle-service areas, a large dance 3102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX 77550 817 W. Dallas floor, and some of Houston’s most 713.571.7870 acclaimed resident DJs. HUNTSVILLE Voted the Best Nightly Specials – Call for Details PlaceTXto77006 Watch Male Dancers 202 Tuam St, Houston Tues. and Thurs, – Sunday Nights Cold Beverages & Hot Guys! Ranch Hill Saloon RIPCORD The first (and only) LGBTQ bar in Since 1982, this leather bar has been a Montgomery County offers DJs, dancfixture in Houston’s LGBTQ community. ing, drink specials, and drag shows. It’s where the wild, the weird, and the 1000 12th St, kinky gather on a nightly basis and Huntsville TX 77340 everyone is embraced for who they are—no pretense, no gatekeeping, just SPRING pure camaraderie and debauchery. 715 Fairview, Houston TX 77006 The Room This bar and video lounge has a Tony’s Corner Pocket laid-back atmosphere and features If you love a friendly bar staff, sexy daily drink specials, karaoke, male dancers, and entertaining free pool, drag shows, and showgirls, Tony’s Corner Pocket is the live DJs several nights a week. perfect spot. The bar is open seven 4915 FM 2920 #148, days a week and hosts shows like Spring TX 77388 Tornado Tuesdays, Wepa Wednesdays, and Sassy Saturdays. COLLEGE STATION 817 W. Dallas, Houston TX 77019 Halo Viviana’s Nite Club The only LGBTQ dance club in This weekend-only LGBTQ Latin Bryan/College Station is this sleek dance club is home to a variety of spot located smack in the middle DJs, singers, talent shows, and of Aggieland. Sunday strippers. 121 North Main Street, 4624 Dacoma St, Houston TX 77092 Bryan TX 77803

730 HWY 6 SOUTH

(BETWEEN I-10 & MEMORIAL) OPEN DAILY 8:30 a.m. – midnight 142

JUNE 2022 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Know of a bar or club we’re missing, or that needs a listing updated? Let us know at feedback@outsmartmagazine.com.

MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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We have immediate openings for experienced advertising executives at OutSmart Media Company. Salary, commissions, and benefits. A creative, fun environment.

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COMPUTER SERVICES Stay COVID-19 Safe

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ryan

r.m.t., n.m.t., II reiki t.

Right now is the perfect opportunity TO BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE TO BE COMPASSIONATE TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Thank you again to my OutSmart readers for voting me Best Astrologer for all of these years.”

TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO THOSE YOU LOVE AND TRULY APPRECIATE Voted BEST ASTROLOGER by OutSmart Readers

LILLY RODDY

2021

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JUNE 2022 143

SIGN OUT By LILLY RODDY

Rethinking Our Options Expect time to renew your thoughts during Gemini Season.

Gemini, inspired by filmmaker sisters Lana and Lily Wachowski

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

SEBASTIAN GOMEZ DE LA TORRE

This is a very busy month for you Rams! There are many more opportunities for work, relationships, travel, and increasing your education. You get a big energetic boost that helps with courage, stepping outside your comfort zone, and improved consciousness about health. You are more open and communicative and are getting your routines in order. By midmonth, you begin to shift your focus to home and family. This could be a great time for a family reunion or a celebration with friends. You may also be considering relocating because of a better job opportunity that requires more travel.

GEMINI (May 21–June 21)

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

CANCER (June 22–July 22)

You are communicating more this month about your desires and long-term plans. Your career activity continues to be strong as you push yourself to achieve your goals. This is the time to take a leadership role or consider doing something on your own. Relationships are better, as there is a sense of compromise in the air. The beginning of the month is an excellent time to negotiate contracts, expand your client base, and renew your connection with your romantic partner. If you are single, this is a good time to be more social, as your magnetism is much stronger. You are having to balance this with a need to have more time to yourself. Choose your company carefully, especially in late June. Next month, you get a boost of energy to move forward. 144 144 JUNE JUNE2022 2022 | | OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com

This has been a very hard last couple of months. The planets have been bunching up in the sky, and that always increases the tension. Thankfully, we should get some breathing space in the first half of the month. Mercury will be “stationary direct” on June 3, but wait until it’s fully direct on the 11th to start new projects. We are in a period of rethinking our career choices, and that energy continues through October. We will also be having renewed thoughts of hope and compassion for our planet through December of this year. The sun enters Cancer on the Summer Solstice, June 21. Mercury is traveling through Taurus as the month begins, but enters Gemini on the 14th. Venus travels through Taurus for most of the month, then enters Gemini on the 22nd. Mars continues its active path through its home sign of Aries. People in the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) will be more active and take life more personally. Jupiter remains in Aries, Saturn in Aquarius, Uranus in Taurus, Neptune in Pisces, and Pluto in Capricorn. As we finish the Mercury retrograde on the 11th, we won’t experience any more delays. Come September 1, we enter a very long retrograde cycle lasting until February 18, so get what you need started before we reach September.

This is your annual cycle of renewal and looking back on accomplishments while looking forward to what you will do next. It’s a great time to connect with friends, business groups, and social organizations, as they can expand your support and help you achieve your goals. Career becomes even more important as you continue to push forward. You are reviewing your skills and finances in the latter part of June. You are exploring ways to expand your outreach at work to alleviate debt. You are also continuing to work on improving your health routines for the rest of this year.

This month is a mixed bag for you Crustaceans. One part of you will need more time to yourself for reflection to gather your inner forces. Career activity is expanding, along with different opportunities. This energy will be active until October. This month, you are definitely looking to make some career changes. Your temper will be shorter, and you take life too personally! This can also be a great time for exercise, changing your diet, and being more of your real self. Your connection to friends and your former social life is all in a state of change. COVID certainly had an impact on that, but you are being more selective overall. You are looking for friends and associates who share your point of view. You may be drawn to community activities by the end of the month.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You should be feeling more active and ready to make some changes in your life to adjust to the new normal. Work structures are changing as you adjust to working at home while reconnecting with routines that require office time. Some of you may be considering living off the grid entirely. This month is good for travel, expanding your education, or increasing your presence on social media. Relationships are still in a period of adjustment as you explore new goals and ways to renew the partnership. Your loyalty is strong, so it’s natural for you to hold on rather than just letting go. By the end of the month, you will need some private time for yourself for renewal and self-care.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.22)

Your career is highlighted this month. After the 11th is a great time to reach out to new clients or customers and expand your sales. It can also be a good time to look for a better position. You are considering being your own boss. That energy gets a lot stronger at the end of the year. Finances should be more fluid this month. You may want to consider new investments and new ways to do what you do better. Better eating habits can help you get rid of the COVID fat. You will need a new plan instead of trying to revive the old

one. You are very open to new ways to view the world and the way it operates. Adapting to change is one of Virgo’s superpowers! Friends can be very helpful with advice and support.

to improve health and exercise routines. Even with Mercury retrograde until the 11th, this is a good time to get back into it. This is a better time for writing, blogging, and TikToking, which can be very helpful for your career!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)

This will certainly be a busy month for you Libras. Your relationship energies are being stirred up. If you are in a partnership, this is a great time for renewal and redefining boundaries. If you are single and looking, this is a very good time to meet new people. However, if you are unhappy, this same energy can have you looking at alternatives. You will have to give more time to this area of your life. This is true in business relationships that may need some TLC! Career activity is also strong. You may want to take more of a leadership role and consider alternatives. If you are older, cutting back to a more reasonable schedule is tempting. People can seem angrier this month! You don’t need to be the depository for their negative emotions, so avoid them if you can.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)

You are more social this month and are more active with work and friends. You are wanting to break out of your old routines and focus on things you really like to do. With work, this is a great time to expand your base, improve your skills, and update your work area. Your relationships need some attention. You are looking for more communicative relationships that foster freedom of expression. Relationships that are too restrictive may not survive. If you are single, you are ready for a partnership! As with many other signs, you could be feeling motivated

This month you are more concerned with your resources and how to make better use of them. With work, you are wanting more freedom to set your own schedule. You may also be replacing old equipment and updating your electronics. You may be able to expand your hobby into a side job or even a new profession. Your kids will need more of your time, as they are pushing your boundaries. Your relationship energies improve by midmonth, and continue to improve well into next month. If you are single, people are more attracted to you. You may be looking into alternative investments or updating your portfolio. And last but not least, you’re also looking to have a fun month!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Relationships are the main topic this month. If things are good, this is a great time to renew your commitment. If things aren’t going so well, this opens the doors to improved communications—even if the outcome is not remaining together. If you are single and interested, this is a good time to consider a partner. You are clearer than ever about your boundaries. Home and family is also a strong theme this month. Some of you are doing home repairs, and others are considering relocating or looking for a vacation home. Family does demand your attention! Disagreements can be plentiful, as everyone wants their own way. You need to step in and be the boss. Communications improve at work,

making it easier to move things along.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

In the larger view, you Aquarians are working to improve your priorities, create better boundaries, and build on your financial security. This can be a time to start your own business that will allow greater freedom of choice in your life. Life is busier than usual this month. There are lots of small jobs that need your immediate attention. You are more direct in your communications, and others may see this as a lack of patience on your part. Both are true! You will want to have more order at home and in the office. You are looking to work with less effort. This can be a more creative time to enjoy hobbies—if you can fit it into your schedule.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You Pisceans have been reviewing your religious and spiritual beliefs over the past year. You may be wanting a stronger connection with your spiritual center as you question your own views. On a more mundane front, you are making your home a more comfortable place. This may include redecorating and updating appliances. You are also feeling more connected to your family. This can be a good time for a family reunion or having dinner together more often. (This can be your chosen family, and not necessarily your birth family!) Money can come and go easily this month, so watch your impulse spending. In the latter half of June, you are wanting to have more fun and less work! For more astro-insight, lillyroddyshow.com.

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WIGGING OUT By SAM BYRD

They Call Her Miss Ross Tommie Ross has rocked the national drag scene for over 40 years.

Who are your idols? My drag idols are the iconic legends I first saw at The Copa in Houston: Donna Day, Naomi Sims, Hot Chocolate, and Tasha Kohl. What advice would you give to up-and-coming performers? Always respect yourself.

Who’s the boss? Tommie Ross. This nine-time national pageant titleholder is the epitome of elegance and grace. She originally started her drag career under the moniker “Ross” because she performed Diana Ross songs exclusively. Then she entered her first pageant and was told—incorrectly—that she needed a first name to compete. Since “Tommie” is her birth name, it was a no-brainer. She became Tommie Ross, and now—accidental or not—it’s a name no one will ever forget. Pronouns? She/Her Hometown? Houston Inner avatar? She is a fearless, God-fearing and unapologetic Black female figure. Drag birth date? Halloween 1978 How did you get started in drag? On that Halloween night at The Cove disco, I started performing a medley by The Supremes on the dance floor. People stopped dancing to watch me, and the rest is history. What does Pride Month mean to you? Pride Month is merely the reminder of how we should live and be throughout the year. It’s a reminder of all the sacrifices that have been made so we can unapologetically be ourselves, hold our heads high, and remain unashamed. What did you feel when you were recognized by Pride Houston 365 in 2020 as a grand marshal? It still is unbelievable that I am the very first Black trans woman voted to be the femaleidentifying grand marshal for Houston. I am filled with so much pride and humbleness.

Discuss your pageant history. I won my first national Miss Gay USofA in 1988 in Indianapolis. My win made the 5 o’clock world news because people came [from all over] with picket signs to try to stop the pageant, not realizing they gave the pageant more attention. Talk about your drag family. I have lots of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Two of my daughters who might be known are BeBe Zahara Benet, the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Dominique Tyra A. Ross Jackson, a.k.a. “Electra” for the TV show Pose. What illusions do you perform? Diana Ross definitely started my career and has gained me much respect in the community. All of my national titles were won doing Diana Ross as a character. Other illusions include Sade, Whitney Houston, Jody Watley, and Erykah Badu. Where can people see you perform? Hamburger Mary’s Houston. What would you want the world to know about Houston’s drag scene? Any type of drag can be found here in Houston on any given night. There is something for everyone’s tastes. What would you want the world to know about our LGBTQ communities during Pride Month? Don’t just tolerate us for the month of June. Get to know us, and you will learn to love and respect us.

Follow Tommie Ross on Facebook at facebook.com/tommieross4ever. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA FOR OUTSMART

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Beauty doesn’t have a shape, size, or color. Beauty is about being you! Avita wants to empower everyone to discover, love, and care for your whole self, inside and out. You are beautiful, so BE YOU. Avita, a provider of expert, affirming pharmacy care, partnered with award winning Brooklyn based street artist Jason Naylor to bring BEYOUTIFUL to life. Avita will be taking the BEYOUTIFUL campaign to Prides across the country in 2022. We hope to see you there!

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Barry Mandel