June 2024

The

Rice

Queer musician Z’maji Glamouratti headlines at Discovery Green this month

The Normal Anomaly Initiative’s Ian L. Haddock wins a GLAAD Media Award in New York

The emerging Black transgender advocate uses music to change lives

Rev. Jerry Maynard works to empower those who have been marginalized

Alexis

Nonbinary NASA scientist SJ Ralston’s journey to authenticity

As

In

We

Because

You

Lauren Ashley Simmons declares victory over Shawn Thierry in the Texas House primary race; Federal agencies warn of possible terror threats for June Pride events ( pg. 22)

Weatherman Frank Billingsley is retiring after 30 years at KPRC 2; Paula Chambers raises colorectal cancer awareness across the country ( pg. 38)

David Clarke is recognized by PRWeek for his journalism advocacy work

New York artist Jacolby Satterwhite’s new exhibit; Houston Fashion Week hits the runways and party venues this month ( pg. 102)

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu

Creative Director Alex Rosa

Creative Director Alex Rosa

Copy Editors Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude

Copy Editor Howard Maple, Janice Stensrude

Contributing Writers

Contributing Writers

Olivia Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Bill Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Jenny Block, Sam Byrd, David Clarke, Dick Dace, Blase DiStefano, Andrew Edmonson, Ste7en Foster, Alys Garcia Carrera, Martin Giron, Lillian Hoang, DL Groover, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, James Hurst, Lisa Keen, Ryan M. Leach, Zachary McKenzie, David Odyssey, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Sheryl Taylor, Terrance Turner, Grace S. Yung

Olivia Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Bill Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Jenny Block, Sam Byrd, David Clarke, Dick Dace, Blase DiStefano, Andrew Edmonson, Ste7en Foster, Alys Garcia Carrera, Martin Giron, Lillian Hoang, DL Groover, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, James Hurst, Lisa Keen, Ryan M. Leach, Zachary McKenzie, David Odyssey, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Sheryl Taylor, Terrance Turner, Grace S. Yung

Photographers/Illustrators

Photographers/Illustrators

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

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

Operations Manager Michael Gurnas

Operations Manager Michael Gurnas

Sales and Marketing Dept.

Sales and Marketing Dept.

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National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863

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Welcome to the June 2024 issue of OutSmart In this Pride edition, we honor the strength, diversity, and societal contributions made by our local LGBTQ community. Marking this moment is important now more than ever amidst political attacks against queer Texans. But no matter how hard our opponents try to get in our way, our community is resilient.

This month’s cover star, Molly Cook, is just one example of our triumphs. Early last month, Cook became the first out LGBTQ Texas senator after winning a special election to serve the remaining months of Mayor John Whitmire’s open Texas Senate District 15 seat. On May 29, Cook won her primary election for the same seat and will appear on the November ballot, making her one step closer to winning a full term representing Harris County. Cook graciously made time for OutSmart during her busy campaign schedule. You won’t want to miss writer Marene Gustin’s exclusive interview with Cook, or the accompanying images shot by OutSmart photographer Frank Hernandez in his Houston-based studio. Cook’s win wasn’t the only victory we saw during the primary races. Look to our news story on Lauren Ashley Simmons, a queer woman and activist who also in May won her race for Texas House District 146 against

anti-LGBTQ Democrat Shawn Thierry. As GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis put it, Simmons’ primary runoff results prove that “voters are demanding equality.” We look forward to continuing to support Cook, Simmons, and all other pro-equality candidates this November.

Elsewhere in this issue, we sit down with beloved out Houston weatherman Frank Billingsley, who is retiring after nearly 30 years at KPRC 2. We’ll miss seeing you on air, Frank, but we wish you lots of luck with your welldeserved break.

Another media superstar we’re highlighting this month is Baytown native David Clarke in our recurring Pride in the Media section. You’ll likely recognize Clarke’s name as a frequent byline on the pages of OutSmart. Outside of his incredible reporting for us, his work as a senior communications manager for NYC Pride is being highlighted by PRWeek in the publication’s “Pride in PR” list honoring LGBTQ communications professionals. Congratulations, David!

June 6 through 11 is Houston Fashion Week (HFW), and writer David Brasher previews this year’s annual event in an interview with HFW designer and executive producer Danny Nguyen. You won’t want to miss HFW’s live music, dance shows, and the Risings Stars Competition.

Queer love has taken center stage at the MFA Houston with Jacolby Satterwhite’s “A Metta Prayer.” Writer Olivia Flores Alvares previews the new exhibition, which is on display now through November 10.

Finally, because OutSmart is the go-to source for all things Pride in Houston, we have put together a special guide to all of this month’s LGBTQ celebrations in the Greater Houston area. Two of these celebrations include this year’s two downtown Pride parades. Yes, you read that correctly, we’ll have double the festivities this year! Writer Brandon J. Wolf introduces the 2024 grand marshals of Houston’s New Faces of Pride and Pride Houston 365, who will lead the parades on June 22 and June 28, respectively.

For OutSmart, Pride doesn’t end in June. When this month concludes, we kindly remind you to continue sending us story pitches, reading our content both in print and online, and supporting our growing family of advertisers so that we can keep celebrating the LGBTQ community year round.

Happy Pride from all of us at OutSmart!

Greg Jeu Publisher

Your Support Transforms LGBTQ Stories into Change

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

By supporting the OutSmart Foundation, you invest in a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices and promotes equality through storytelling. You help produce journalism that confronts prejudice and embraces diversity.

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

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THINGS to DO QUEER

STAGE

June 3

THE BOULET BROTHERS ’

DRAGULA: SEASON 5 TOUR

You’ve watched these monsters—including Houston’s own Blackberri—battle all season long. Now you can see them live! t inyurl.com/2h7jdz76

STAGE

June 14

OUT AT THE BALLET: FOUR SEASONS

Experience the magic of Four Seasons, showcasing four choreographers with distinct styles. Highlights include Disha Zhang’s Elapse, Balanchine’s Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, and Rhoden’s captivating world premiere. The Houston Ballet hosts a pre-curtain reception for LGBTQ ballet lovers and friends. Get 25% off by using the code OUTBALLET. tinyurl.com/zpbr5b9a

STAGE

June 14 and 15

MEGAN THEE STALLION

The “Hot Girl Summer Tour” is the H-Town hottie’s first international headlining tour, and Memphis rapper GloRilla will join her at the US stops. Megan’s song “HISS” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200, setting a record for solo female rap. It’s her third No. 1 hit. tinyurl.com/MeganHTown

COMMUNITY

June 11

TRANS LEGAL AID CLINIC POP-UP

Volunteer attorneys with the Trans Legal Aid Clinic will assist in preparing the paperwork needed to update your name and/or gender marker on your identifying documents. tinyurl.com/29jczurh

COMMUNITY

June 1

MONTROSE CENTER LGBTQIA+ YOUTH PROM

Montrose Center hosts the annual LGBTQIA+ Youth Prom benefiting HATCH Youth. This year’s theme is “This Is a Safe Space.”

The youth-only event (ages 16–20) is free to attend. tinyurl.com/bdehmmfj

STAGE June 15

DANCING QUEEN DISCO

Dance the night away with the Houston Symphony at the Dancing Queen Disco following their Jones Hall performance of The Music of ABBA! tinyurl.com/3pukhvp4

June 13

ALLEY THEATRE ACTOUT FOR DIAL M FOR MURDER

The Alley Theatre hosts a reception for LGBTQ theater-goers and friends featuring cocktails and appetizers before the performance of Dial M for Murder. tinyurl.com/4te8fndj

STAGE

June 22

MICHAEL HENRY AND TIM MURRAY

Michael Henry and Tim Murray will be in Houston at Comedy Sportz doing new jokes for their fans. tinyurl.com/5n7rje66

COMMUNITY

June 8

THIS PARTY’S A DRAG! For this year’s annual fundraiser, Catastrophic Theatre invites you to embrace your Inner Queen, King, and Everything Outside Of and In Between. tinyurl.com/bdz2bh73

STAGE

June 20

LAUREN SANDERSON AT PEARL BAR

Pearl Bar presents Live Music Pride Series 2024, featuring the return of Lauren Sanderson. tinyurl.com/3npsssx6

COMMUNITY

June 28

THE BIG QUEER QUIZ

Join Grace Place for the Big Queer Quiz. This annual Pride-themed trivia night will feature fabulous prizes, delicious brews, and other fun. Proceeds benefit housinginsecure youth of all sexualities and genders. tinyurl.com/5n6vn7w8

STAGE

QUEER

July 19

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

Experience the tension and drama live onstage as Agatha Christie’s classic novel comes to life in a chic cliffside house. tinyurl.com/y3rkebj3

COMMUNITY

July 20

TRANS LEGAL AID CLINIC

Volunteer attorneys with the Trans Legal Aid Clinic will assist in preparing the paperwork needed to update your name and/or gender marker on your identifying documents. tinyurl.com/29jczurh

COMMUNITY

July 24

LE CIRQUE DU MINT JULEP

Step right up for the 22nd annual Mint Julep, presented by Legacy Community Health and Quest Diagnostics. It’s shaping up to be an extraordinary event! tinyurl.com/ms42v6rc

COMMUNITY

August 3-4

HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL ORIGAMI & ART FESTIVAL

Celebrate the art of origami. See a life-size origami dragon, learn a new skill with free workshops, and enjoy live music performances. tinyurl.com/3ud4kk7b

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Photo by Frank Xavier for OutSmart

POL.

LAUREN SIMMONS CAMPAIGN

Lauren Ashley Simmons Declares Victory over Thierry in Texas House Primary

Thierry sided with Republicans on bills opposed by the LGBTQ community.

By JASPER SCHERER, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE

State Rep. Shawn Thierry was defeated Tuesday by primary challenger Lauren Ashley Simmons, denying the Houston Democrat a fifth term after she sided with Republicans last year on a handful of bills opposed by the LGBTQ+ community.

Simmons declared victory with a doubledigit lead over Thierry. The contest was decided by Tuesday’s runoff after Simmons narrowly missed defeating Thierry outright in the March primary.

“We did it, y’all,” Simmons said in a speech at her election night watch party, where she declared victory and told supporters she “wanted to be a clear example of what you can do when you have the power of the people behind you.”

Thierry, a 54-year-old Houston attorney, had been in her own party’s crosshairs since last spring, when she voted for a measure barring gender-transitioning care for minors, and then delivered an emotional speech from the House floor explaining why she broke with her party. Thierry’s vote, and her viral remarks, prompted a spirited and well-funded challenge from Simmons, a 36-year-old labor organizer.

A number of prominent Houston Democrats lined up behind Simmons, including some of Thierry’s current and former colleagues in the Texas House — an unusually public show of repudiation from an incumbent’s own party. Thierry countered with her own slate of endorsements from Black church leaders and six of her Democratic colleagues.

Thierry also broke ranks from her party to support a GOP bill aimed at removing sexually explicit books from school libraries, a designation critics feared would be used to target LGBTQ+ literature. She also voted for a bill requiring transgender college athletes to play on teams that align with their sex assigned at birth.

Fanning the flames further, Thierry was quoted by the Houston Chronicle editorial board earlier this year appearing to dismiss Simmons’ Texas House supporters as “the gay ones.” Thierry said the quote was “taken completely out of context from a larger discussion,” but in any case, Simmons’ campaign told

the Chronicle that they received a major surge in fundraising after Thierry’s remarks were published.

The Simmons-Thierry contest emerged as a test of whether Democratic lawmakers who do not fully support LGBTQ+ causes can remain in good standing with their own party’s voters. Thierry insisted her votes reflected the will of her constituents.

Critics of Thierry’s remarks on the gender-

transitioning bill noted she ignored the fact that treatment decisions for minors could only be made by parents or legal guardians. A consensus of major medical groups has also argued that gender-transitioning care should be available to children and teens in the care of doctors, while also recommending that patients receive counseling about how the procedure could affect their fertility.

Thierry’s comments drew praise from some of her Republican colleagues, who called it a brave rebuke of what they see as a radical stance. She received a large chunk of her campaign funding from GOP donors during the primary, along with groups advocating for charter schools and school vouchers.

In her election night remarks, Simmons said her campaign overcame “big Republican money” and “corporate PACs” backing Thierry.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune. org/2024/05/23/shawn-thierry-laurensimmons-texas-house-democrats

Lauren Ashley Simmons talks with volunteers before block walking on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in the Meyerland neighborhood of Houston.

Federal Agencies Highlight Terror Threats

FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warn of possible threats to LGBTQ events.

Foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters might target LGBTQ-related events and venues as part of June’s Pride Month, federal agencies warned in a recent public announcement.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued the announcement May 10 to raise awareness of “foreign terrorist organizations (FTOS) or their supporters potential targeting of LGBTQIA+-related events and venues.”

“Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month,” the agencies wrote.

The announcement did not specify any locations or indicate the agencies were tracking any specific threats. According to the release,

By REBECCA SANTANA, ASSOCIATED PRESS

foreign terrorist groups and supporters have in the past promoted anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and targeted related events.

The release noted that June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of the attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. That was the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ community in US history, leaving 49 people dead and 53 people wounded as “Latin Night” was being celebrated at the club. Gunman Omar Mateen was killed by SWAT team members after a three-hour standoff. He had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

In June of last year, three alleged sympathizers of the Islamic State group were arrested in Vienna for attempting to attack a Pride event there, the release noted.

The release also noted possible signs to watch out for that might indicate a potential

problem, such as violent threats made online or in the mail. Potential attackers might also try to take photos of securityrelated equipment or access points at events; attempt to get into restricted areas or impersonate law enforcement personnel; or chat up staff at various venues to get information like what types of events they have upcoming and what the crowd sizes might be.

Pride Month, held in June, is a particularly important time in the LGBTQ rights movement. After starting June 28, 1970, as New York City’s first Pride march, it has evolved into a nationwide event in which cities and towns across America hold marches both to call attention to specific issues such as same-sex marriage and to celebrate.

POL. ADV. ABBIE KAMIN CAMPAIGN

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Thurs. June 6, 5 - 7 pm

Pride Happy Hour with Pride Chorus Houston and DJ Krazzy Kris

Fridays in June, 1 pm

Wellness Series : Yoga, Meditation, Qigong

Free + Open to the Public @theMoodyArts | moody.rice.edu

Prove

PRIDE

On May 9, 2024, Harris County Democratic Party hosted a discussion by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Pictured are State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, County Chair Mike Doyle, Justice Meg Poissant, Justice Meagan Hassan, Justice Bonnie Lee Goldstein, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Judge Christine Vinh Weems, Judge DaSean Jones, State Senator Molly Cook, Lillian Alexander, and Sudy Samandari

On May 11, 2024, A rally and block walk was held for Lauren Ashley Simmons with special guest Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.

are Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson, Candidate Lauren Ashley Simmons, Texas State Dist.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and Texas State Rep. Jon

Los Robles Bar & Grill held its Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5, 2024. Pictured are Guill Garza, and Servando Arellano.

Houston’s New Faces of Pride hosted a happy hour with FLAS at Bar Boheme on May 7, 2024. Pictured are representatives from Houston’s New Faces of Pride and FLAS.

Pictured

146,

Rosenthal.

On May 11, 2024, OUT for Education held its scholarship award ceremony at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Pictured are scholarship recipients.

On May 19, 2024, Victory Fund held its Victory in Houston Sunday Funday at the Corinthian. Pictured are LGBTQ elected officials from across Texas, along with local candidates Lauren Ashley Simmons, Molly Cook, and Fran Watson

On May 5, 2024, The Montrose Softball League Association CUB-EE’S held a fundraiser at Buddy’s Houston. Pictured are team members.

On May 11, 2024, Houston Grand Opera Pride Night for Sound of Music was held at The Wortham Theater Center. Pictured are members of Pride Chorus Houston.

Photos by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

The Diana Foundation held the Magnolia Brunch at the home of Josh Snellgrove with assistance by Corbin Young on May 18, 2024. Pictured are Corbin Young, Zach Landry, and Josh Snellgrove.

Molly Cook, Senate District 15, Senator-Elect was sworn in by Judge Steve Duble at Freed Park Community Center on May 16, 2024, Pictured are Molly Cook, Chloe Cook, and Judge Steve Duble.

Molly Cook, Senate District 15, Senator-Elect was sworn in by Judge Steve Duble at Freed Park Community Center on May 16, 2024. Pictured are Austin Davis Ruiz, Executive Director of Annie’s List Ana Ramon, Molly Cook, and Judge Steve Duble

Houston Grand Opera held its Pride Night for “Sound of Music” The Wortham Theater Center on May 11, 2024. Pictured are Carlos Fernandez, Sara Fernandez, and Jamie Gonzales

SCENE OUT

Photos by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

Victory Fund held its Victory in Houston Sunday Funday at the Corinthian on April 16, 2024. Pictured are former Mayor Annise Parker, and Judge Phyllis Frye receiving the Victory Fund’s Annise Parker Leadership Award.

On May 26, 2024, The Mahogany Project and Kindred Stories held their Black Queer Book Fair & Day Party at the book sales location. Pictured are Daniel Narcisse, DeyJzah Opulent Mirage, Verniss McFarland, James Morse, Shenice Brown and Shan Randle.

EPAH held its May 2024 Dinner Meeting at Rich’s Houston on May 21, 2024. Pictured are Jack Berger, Chase Jones, Bonnie Simmons, Neal Dacke, deborah lawson, Todd Batson, and Judge Jerry Simoneaux

Mr. Tony’s Corner Pocket 2023 presented the Space City Pride FC Summer Kickoff underwear auction at Tony’s Corner Pocket on May 26, 2024 Pictured are Participants.

On May 23, 2024, The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber held its “Show Your Pride” campaign 2024 launch party at Lightnin’s Good Times. Pictured are Randall Sistrunk, Sara Sandoval, Currecia Gamble, Tammi Wallace, Office Josephine Jones, and Chandryaee Soneja.

On May 26, 2024, The NAGVA Championships XL tournament was held in Dallas. Pictured are Gold Medal winners in the Masters Division (standing): Logan Mulvaney, Justin Burris, Thain Allen, Josh New, Zach Cagle, Stanley Forbes, Daniel Mescher; (kneeling): Brian Crumby, and Ruben Canales

“

“ Accept no one’s definition of your life. DEFINE YOURSELF.

Harvey Fierstein

POL. ADV. ANN JOHNSON CAMPAIGN

POL. ADV. CHRIS HOLLINS CAMPAIGN

CITY CONTROLLER

By GRACE YUNG, CFP

Working in Retirement

Should you continue to generate an income even after you’ve retired?

While many people strive to say goodbye to the world of employment when they retire, it could actually make sense to continue working in your retirement years. Today’s world is far different from just a generation ago—starting with the fact that people are living longer. And a longer life means that you’ll need money to keep flowing in so that you can pay for the goods and services you need.

In fact, longevity is often considered one of the biggest threats to your financial security in retirement, because a longer life exposes you to all of the other monetary-related risks for a longer period of time. So having a plan in place to continue generating income is critical.

Why Consider Working in Retirement?

According to the Schroders 2024 U.S. Retirement Survey, among the top concerns facing retired Americans include:

• Inflation lessening the value of assets

• Higher than expected healthcare costs

• A stock market downturn

• Not knowing how to best generate income and/or draw down assets

• Outliving savings

Given this myriad of financial concerns, there are many reasons to work—either full- or part-time—in retirement, such as for:

• Generating extra cash

• Keeping pace with inflation

• Maintaining health insurance coverage

• Increasing savings

• Maximizing Social Security retirement benefits

• Staying active socially

Generating Extra Cash—Typically, when you are working, you are not out spending money unnecessarily. In retirement, every day is “Saturday,” which could involve more trips to the store and spending on non-essential items. In some cases, shopping might even provide a way to fight boredom.

With that in mind, working could help you put that extra time to good use, while simultaneously allowing you to generate extra cash that could be used for fun—like taking a vacation or funding a hobby—or for necessary expenses like long-term care insurance coverage for future potential needs.

Keeping Pace with Inflation—With today’s longer life expectancy, it is possible that some people could live for 20 or more years in retirement. That is positive on many levels. However, over time, prices of goods and services tend to go up. So even if you currently generate a comfortable income, chances are that you will need more—possibly much more—in the future just to keep your lifestyle on pace.

In fact, using an average inflation rate of 3.22%, you would need approximately double what you bring in now to stay on track 20 years from now. Therefore, if you currently require $4,000 per month for expenses, in 20 years you will need $8,000. Working in

Working in retirement can help you fill in that income “gap,” as well as to set some additional funds aside for the future.

Maintaining Health Insurance Coverage

If you retire before you are eligible for Medicare, working could provide you with employee benefits like health insurance coverage. If you work for a company that does not offer these benefits, the extra money that you earn at your job could go toward paying the premium for an individual policy.

This can be particularly beneficial if your spouse or partner is also not yet eligible for Medicare or their employer doesn’t offer group health insurance coverage that allows you to be enrolled.

Increasing Savings

—There are a variety of ways that working in retirement can help you to increase your savings. For instance, your employer could offer a retirement plan like a 401(k). If so, participating in this allows you to grow tax-deferred savings. Many companies also match a percentage of their employees’ retirement plan contributions. This is like receiving “free money.”

If the plan is traditional, you may also be able to deduct your contributions. Further, if you are at or above the age to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a traditional retirement plan, continuing to work could allow you to delay making these withdrawals (which are typically fully taxable).

If the employer-sponsored retirement plan is a Roth, you could make tax-free withdrawals in the future, which can give you a significant advantage if income tax rates go up in the future as they are expected to.

If you generate income from a job in retirement, you may also be able to make contributions to a Traditional and/or Roth IRA. Similar to employer-sponsored retirement plans, you may obtain a deduction for contributions to a Traditional IRA. Likewise, with an individual Roth IRA, there is no deduction on contributions, but the withdrawals may be tax-free regardless of what the then-current tax rates are.

Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits

—If you work during retirement, you may also be able to delay taking Social Security. There are several advantages to this. For instance, while Social Security can be claimed as early as age 62, the dollar amount of the benefit is less than it would be if you waited until your full retirement age (FRA).

Depending on your birth year, full retirement age for Social Security retirement benefits is between 65 and 67. The reduced benefit for filing early remains in effect for the rest of your life.

On the other hand, delaying the receipt of your Social Security can increase the dollar amount of your benefit. For every year that you wait to file beyond your full retirement age (until age 70), you essentially get a “raise” of 8%.

So, for example, if your full retirement age is 67 and your monthly Social Security benefit at that time is $2,000, waiting until age 68 can bump up the amount to $2,160 per month, and waiting until age 70 to claim would increase it to a monthly benefit of over $2,519. This increased benefit amount also continues throughout your lifetime.

It is important to note, though, that if you are collecting Social Security and have not yet reached your full retirement age, generating income through employment and other sources could make some of your benefits subject to tax.

Staying Active Socially—Working during retirement can provide you with a way to spend your time productively and socially. For instance, once you retire, it may be difficult to make new connections. Thus taking on a full- or part-time job may help you foster new social connections, as well as to find purpose. Studies have also shown that working in retirement can help to keep your mind sharp.

Should You Work in Retirement?

While working in retirement can provide financial benefits, doing so may not be right for everyone. So in order to determine what is best for you and your specific needs, it is best to discuss your situation with a financial planning professional who can walk you through various scenarios and guide you in the right direction.

A financial planner who is also familiar with the legal issues of the LGBTQ community can potentially better understand your situation and assist you in updating accordingly in the event of tax, legal, and other types of economic changes.

Grace S. Yung, CFP ®, is a Certified finanCial P lanner practitioner with experience in helping LGBTQ individuals, domestic partners, and families plan and manage their finances since 1994. She is the managing director at Midtown Financial Group, LLC, in Houston.Yung can be reached at grace. yung@lpl.com. Visit letsmake aplan.org or midtownfg.com/lgbtqplus.10.htm.

A Weathered Goodbye

Houston’s beloved weatherman Frank Billingsley reflects on nearly 30 years at KPRC 2.

By CONNOR BEHRENS | Photo by ASHKAN ROAYAEE

After nearly 30 years on the airwaves, KPRC 2’s chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley is signing off. The famed weatherman will leave KPRC 2 on June 28, marking the end of his stint that began in February 1995. OutSmart spoke with Billinglsey and asked about his legacy, the most memorable moments of his career, and what he has planned for retirement.

OutSmart: After nearly 30 years with KPRC 2, you are currently the longestrunning TV meteorologist in Houston. As you approach retirement, what does that feel like?

Frank Billingsley: Weathered! Counting my stint at ABC13 (KTRK), I’ve been here since 1989. I remember visiting in April 1987 and eating at Butera’s in Montrose and then going to Rich’s that night. I met all these really nice and handsome guys, like John Tucker, Gilbert Perez, and the late Dan Meador, who was the KHOU weekend weatherman. I thought to myself, “I need to make Houston my home. This is the Emerald City!” Somehow, I found the yellow-brick road, and I will forever be grateful to this city.

What legacy do you feel like you’re leaving behind? What do you hope people take away from watching your career?

That you can get through anything—and I mean anything. From biblical flooding to hurricanes from hell, we’ve been through it all, and we continue to survive like Cher. And that’s just weather. If you are dealing with more substantial life changes—coming out, fighting illness, finding a new road, whatever it is—I hope I’ve been a public example that the best way “out” is always “through,” as Robert Frost said. Hold your head high right next to your dignity, and own it. Never be afraid of life.

What are some of the most memorable/ striking memories that you have from your time with KPRC2? Hurricane Harvey is one I’m sure.

My first year here in 1989 was remarkable: Our first Tropical Storm Allison, Hurricanes

Chantal and Jerry, then seven degrees in December! I thought, “This is not gay brunch at Buteras anymore!” Then our 2001 Tropical Storm Allison, the Hurricane Rita traffic, Hurricane Ike, the 2011 drought/heat, Hurricane Harvey—all of them will forever be remembered. My helicopter flyovers after Ike in 2008 to Galveston’s West End are still talked about, and I have people still thanking me for that. That was true reality television: here’s your house after a hurricane, good or bad. That was being there for people and it was riveting.

What has been the most surprising part about being a weatherman in your career? What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps or pursue a career in broadcast journalism or meteorology?

Honestly, the most surprising part to me was how important it has become. We’ve always known that weather affects everyone and most people watch the news to see the weather, if nothing else. But now with social media and instant cell-phone video, we are living weather as it happens every day. And we are still fascinated by it. My advice is that there is no longer such a thing as “broadcast journalism/meteorology.” You’ll need a degree in digital, social, writing, editing, podcasting, blogging. We used to choose careers in newspapers or radio or TV, but now you better know it all and love it all because you’ll now be a media center. Period. That is the future. And I have no idea what artificial intelligence (AI) is going to bring to the equation, but as meteorologist Tim Heller told me, “AI will not replace you, but the guy who understands AI will replace you!”

Many people are likely wondering what you have planned next. Do you have any goals or aspirations for this next chapter of your life? Another book?

I love to write, and I have a few ideas, But I’ve also known a lot of writers who are writing “the book that never gets written,” so I am not promising anything. And then there is consulting, which is appealing because you can be remote. It’s something that everyone who isn’t tied to a live newscast five days a week is

“FROM BIBLICAL FLOODING TO HURRICANES FROM HELL, WE’VE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL, AND WE CONTINUE TO SURVIVE LIKE CHER.”

—Frank Billingsley

able to do. That might be nice. Honestly, I’m open to Steven Spielberg calling. We’ll just see, but I’m really looking forward to waking up to no obligations for a bit. My first real job was when I was 15 years old at Chick-Fil-A in Birmingham, Alabama—the second one in the country—which means I was their first gay employee but they just didn’t know it! And the guy who owns it and hired me, Morris Jackson, is still working!

You’ve gone beyond just weather to publicly talk about adoption, being gay, and having cancer over the decades. What has the city’s support been like? What does Houston and its people mean to you?

I never came here thinking I’d have a public microphone for more important issues than weather. I was just enthralled with Rich’s, to be honest. But as I grew older and wiser, I realized that if one has that platform and doesn’t use it, then that’s a big waste of a life. When Kevin and I got married, a lot of people heard about that on the 10 p.m. news, and more than a few of them spilled their wine. Some because they didn’t know I was gay, and others who just were so happy to hear it publicly. I won’t pretend that there wasn’t criticism, but at the end of the day, we helped people understand themselves, their friends, and their families better. As to the cancer, I had a guy leave me a message from his doctor’s office thanking me for saving his life. He went for a prostate check because of my experience and was told that if he had not come in, he would have been dead in two years. He is a big, burly Harley-riding lawyer. He was in tears. And he’s alive. That matters.

Will you and Kevin remain involved in city organizations and events? Will your annual Golf Classic event continue?

Our Golf Classic raised $416,000 last year for Legacy Community Health, and we are slated for this October 21 on two courses, so we’re shooting for half a million! I can’t imagine being in the most philanthropic city in the world and not being a part of giving back. Plus, the happiest people are the ones who help others. Period. And anyone who knows me knows I love a good party!

Paula Chambers’ Health Advocacy

Cheeky Charity, a queer-led organization, raises

awareness of colorectal cancer at Pride events.

By JASON GUTIERREZ

Paula Chambers firmly believes that an individual’s pride is directly linked to their health—especially their gut and butt health. Colorectal cancer is the second most fatal cancer in the United States. It’s also the cancer most people don’t feel comfortable talking about.

“There’s no point in being ashamed in talking about colorectal cancer. And yet, so many people are ashamed to talk about it, especially men, and even more so with men of color. As I have said many times, we all have a gut and we all have a butt,” she says. “Our community talks about needing to take pride in who we are. We also need to talk about taking pride in our health so we can be who we are fully.”

It’s Paula’s hope that during this Pride season the LGBTQ community starts prioritizing or re-prioritizing their health by taking action to put themselves first. She urges us to make regular appointments with primary-care physicians, talk about cancer screenings and STD screenings, and learn as much as possible about our genetics and how they play a pivotal role in diseases and conditions that many are not aware of.

As a 10-year, stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor, Paula has taken every lesson she has learned and channeled that energy into her role as a Hope Coordinator for Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), a nationwide patient advocacy group. Paula proudly works as a bootson-the ground champion, organizing outreach projects and participating in speaking engagements across the country. Paula emphasizes that “it’s work that must be done.”

When she reflects upon her own diagnosis, she can’t help but take a moment’s pause. In detailing her experience, she wants to make sure that people understand that not all situations are the same. Her story isn’t meant to spark fear, but rather to spark a flame of self-care and resiliency. She’s determined that no one should experience the treatment she received.

“For many years I was ignored and misdiagnosed. I believe explicit and implicit bias almost killed me,” she says. “As my symptoms worsened, I tried to be seen many, many times.

No type of screenings were offered to me. I was even told that I was drug-seeking, paranoid, and so much more.”

Paula didn’t fight back. This poor treatment reminded her of the principles she was taught growing up. She was an Army kid instilled with a deep-seated sense of respect for those in uniform and in positions of expertise. “I was told that doctors don’t always listen to Black patients, so it’s important to dress up, be respectful, and enunciate in order to be seen as a human. These types of things are hard to unlearn, but we have to,” she says.

However, Paula found that even showing the utmost respect didn’t matter to some physicians. “I had one doctor tell me, ‘Didn’t you say you are gay?’ I said Yes. He then said, ‘Well, you are going to hell anyway so it doesn’t really matter what’s wrong with you, but I can give you an antibiotic.’ After a while I just felt gaslit. I just stopped talking. No one believed me, so I held the pain in.”

And not just physical pain. Paula was suppressing an excessive amount of emotional pain as well. Talking back and questioning a doctor wasn’t something Paula ever considered or imagined herself doing, even if it meant leaving an emergency room or urgent care without receiving complete care. Until her wife, Laura, became her biggest advocate.

“During an emergency-room visit, the doctor walked in and took a look at me, then looked at my wife and looked back at me and said, ‘I don’t know what you all are doing here, but just so you know, I don’t give drugs out in the ER.’ He didn’t even say his name. He didn’t even ask why I was there. My wife took him outside of the room and yelled at him. I was in so much pain, but that encounter really changed a lot for me.”

Things got worse before they would get better for Paula. She was in pain beyond belief. Her body fighting to function and

her spirit fighting to survive, Paula was starting to lose a battle she didn’t even know she was fighting. It was 58 days after the two were married in New York that they rushed to a Harris County emergency room. It was here that Paula was finally diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Her case was reviewed by an area-wide cancer tumor board. It was evident that surgery was needed. A baseball-sized tumor was removed along with 36 lymph nodes. Since then, Paula’s cancer has been in remission.

A lot has changed since that lifechanging day in the emergency room. Paula learned a lot about herself and the obstacles faced by countless others. Her first-hand experience with prejudice and discrimination while seeking medical care still makes her heart skip a beat.

Paula became a larger-than-life Fight CRC advocate in 2019. Committed to opening doors and breaking down barriers, Paula advocates on behalf of LGBTQ people to physicians and encourages the queer community to be their own healthcare advocates.

“The stigma around talking about our butts is huge—what it means to our sense of masculinity, femininity, why some think it’s a sin, and why it’s wrong to just talk about

—Paula Chambers

it. These are the obstacles that continuous talk and outreach will break down,” she says. “And that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to talk and talk about it. We need to talk about our parts. People don’t like to talk about their parts, but they matter and can need vital care.”

During this year’s Houston Pride 365 and Houston’s New Faces of Pride festivities, Paula

can be found working in conjunction with a new queer-led organization, Cheeky Charity, to bring colorectal cancer awareness to the LGBTQ community, regardless of age and gender. Cheeky Charity is part of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. Through grant funding, Cheeky Charity will be attending various Pride events across the country, working with local ambassadors to help increase the conversation around “butt stuff,” resources for screenings, as well as education on all things related to colorectal cancer.

“The landscape of advocacy can seem scary if you let it be,” Paula says, “but we are all advocates. We can encourage each other. I have seen community in action and what it looks like when we support one another and fight for what’s right. We are fighting for our health. We are fighting for our right to have equal health care. I look back at grassroots advocacy groups in the queer community that taught us how to fight—how to to stand up for one another. They encouraged us to vote, they believed in us. We cannot stop now. The LGBTQ+ community cannot go back. We have come too far. I have hope. I hope that every Pride festival, every speaking engagement will change lives and perspectives.”

For more info, cheekycharity.org

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without fi rst 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. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

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

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated by Gilead.

#1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. NOW THERE’S

MORE TO LOVE.

BIKTARVY® is now approved for more people than ever before.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

*Note: This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

Scan to learn more about the latest BIKTARVY update.

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

PRIDE ALL MONTH LONG

Dive into the vibrant spectrum of the Greater Houston area’s LGBTQ Pride festivities with OutSmart ’s 2024 calendar of events! In addition to the two downtown parades on June 22 and June 29, there will be fundraising parties, a Fun Run, Pride Nights at Houston Astros and

COMMUNITY

June 1

PRIDE

BINGO AND DRAG SHOW

First Christian Church Katy presents its annual Celebrate Pride Bingo event, benefiting the Transparent Closet clothing store. tinyurl.com/2vpz5aej

COMMUNITY

June 1

BRAZORIA COUNTY PRIDE FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION

Brazoria County Pride hosts a celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity at the 2024 Pride Event! Featuring Miss Gay America 2024, Miss Dessie Love-Blake, Miss Chevelle Brooks, and more. tinyurl.com/3m78xu4w

COMMUNITY

June 1

FAMILIES WITH PRIDE

This exciting family-friendly event is dedicated to LGBTQ children, families, and allies as part of Houston’s Pride Month festivities. Plus, don’t miss the Proud Puppy Party showcasing Houston’s proudest four-legged babies! tinyurl.com/3chjmvxu

STAGE

June 6

PRIDE NIGHT AT MAIN

STREET THEATER

Main Street Theater hosts a pre-show LGBTQ Happy Hour and post-show entertainment for Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy Taking Steps. tinyurl.com/4m56esn3

Houston Dash games, theater events, and even a library reading. Whether you’re a seasoned activist, a dedicated arts supporter, or a curious newcomer to Houston’s LGBTQ community, there’s something for everyone as we come together to amplify queer voices and advocate for equality during Pride Month!

COMMUNITY

June 8

For this year’s annual fundraiser, the Catastrophic Theatre invites you to embrace your Inner Queen, King, and Everything Outside Of and In Between. tinyurl.com/bdz2bh73

COMMUNITY

June 8

BEHOLD ALL THE DWELLERS UPON EARTH READING

Houston Public Library’s Summer Reading for Grownups series celebrates Pride Month by hosting a conversation with local author John Merullo. tinyurl.com/332zj9vd

COMMUNITY

June 9

PRIDE

5K FUN RUN AND PRIDE MARKET

Lace up those running shoes and show your support for the LGBTQ community, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a good time. The run starts and ends at Frost Town Brewing. tinyurl.com/np3mzvrj

COMMUNITY

June 9 WE ARE

Trans Men Empowerment presents their Pride event featuring a live DJ, drag performances, onsite HIV testing, and more. tinyurl.com/2c9kjrk3

SPORTS

June 15

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE HOUSTON DASH

Celebrate Pride with the Houston Dash as they take on Angel City FC at Shell Energy Stadium. tinyurl.com/pridedash

COMMUNITY

June 15

LATINX PRIDE FUNDRAISER

Winnie’s Real Deal hosts a Latinx Pride fundraiser benefiting Out for Education, with hosts Adriana LaRue and DJ Rosez. tinyurl.com/2afj83st

For more Pride 2024 events, please visit our online calendar at tinyurl.com/ prideOSM2024 or scan the code: ➝

COMMUNITY

June 22

HOUSTON’S NEW FACES OF PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

This year’s theme, Rainbow Revolution, is about celebrating progress, embracing change, and igniting a spirit of unity. The festival at Houston City Hall starts at noon, and the parade kicks off at 7:30 p.m. tinyurl.com/38ta7f6s

STAGE

June 22

PLANET PINK!

DNVRMX presents the official New Faces of Pride after-party at POST HTX, featuring guest DJ, producer, and remixer GSP (Greece) as well as Houston’s own Marti Frieson. tinyurl.com/38fyshh4

COMMUNITY

June 23

PRIDE BRUNCH 2024

Houston’s New Faces of Pride presents the 6th Annual Pride Brunch and Montrose Center Fundraiser. Music by DJ Chad Guidry, and drag performances on the hour by Sinema LaRue and Lucy Paradisco. tinyurl.com/59fu6ehe

SPORTS

June 25

PRIDE NIGHT

AT THE HOUSTON ASTROS

Cheer on our hometown team and celebrate Pride with the Astros as they take on the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. tinyurl. com/astrospride

COMMUNITY

June 25

DINE WITH PRIDE

Join Pride Houston 365 at Via 313 for Dine with Pride. Meet the Pride Houston 365 team, enjoy music by DJs, and snag some free swag and event tickets. tinyurl.com/yvzju2dz

COMMUNITY

June 28

RAINBOW ON THE GREEN

Discovery Green’s annual family-friendly Pride celebration returns to the downtown park with an evening of performances by Houston’s own Z’maji Glamouratti and the Lone Star Discoteq. tinyurl.com/yf5u3wh5

SPORTS

June 29

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE HOUSTON DYNAMO

Celebrate and support Pride with the Houston Dynamo as they face off against Charlotte FC at Shell Energy Stadium. tinyurl.com/pridedynamo

COMMUNITY

June 29

LYRIC MARKET PRIDE BRUNCH

Lyric Market hosts a pre-parade Pride Brunch with specialty cocktails and decor, a DJ, and food specials outdoors on the Lyric Center plaza. tinyurl.com/ybud32vz

COMMUNITY

June 29

2024 HOUSTON PRIDE 365 FESTIVAL AND PARADE

The 46th Annual Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration® Festival and Parade’s theme is You Won’t Break Our Pride. The festival will take place downtown at Houston City Hall starting at 11:30 a.m., and the parade begins at 7:30 p.m. tinyurl.com/3c3a5sx5

For more Pride 2024 events, please visit our online calendar at tinyurl.com/prideOSM2024.

June is Pride Month, our annual celebration honoring the LGBTQ community and commemorating the 1969 New York City Stonewall Riots that sparked the modern-day LGBTQ rights movement. Although often observed through parades and parties, Pride is more than a month of festivities; it is a powerful reminder of the progress queer people have made and the work that must still be done in the pursuit of equality.

In this Pride edition of OutSmart, we’re showcasing local trailblazers who continue to push our community forward. First, meet Senator Molly Cook, an emergency-room nurse and grassroots organizer who just shattered the rainbow ceiling and became the state’s first out LGBTQ senator. Then get to know Ian L. Haddock, an activist for the Black queer community whose recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show won a GLAAD Media Award. We also spotlight Rev. Dr. Jerry

Maynard and his mission to empower others through a queer faith-based lens. The organizers of Rice PRIDE tell us about their first Pride parade on campus amidst the legislative attacks on LGBTQ students, while DJ Amarji King fills us in on using her music to create safe spaces for trans women. Finally, SJ Ralston, a nonbinary NASA scientist, dishes about his Mars research, and Z’maji Glamouratti gets ready to headline Discovery Green’s annual Rainbow on the Green celebration.

Elsewhere in this issue, we introduce you to this year’s Pride parade grand marshals who will lead the downtown parades sponsored by Houston’s New Faces of Pride and Pride Houston 365 on June 22 and June 29, respectively. And if those celebrations aren’t enough Pride for you, don’t miss OutSmart ’s two-page calendar of Pride Month events throughout the Greater Houston area.

Happy Pride!

MC HERSTORIC WIN

MOLLY COOK MAKES HISTORY AS OUR FIRST OPENLY LGBTQ TEXAS SENATOR.

By

MARENE GUSTIN

Photo by FRANK XAVIER

Molly Cook, a 32-year-old emergency room nurse and community organizer, has made history as the first openly LGBTQ member of the Texas Senate. A sixth-generation Texan, Cook’s achievement marks a significant milestone for representation in the Texas Legislature.

“Today, we get to celebrate our fantastic, well-deserved, historic win,” Sen. Cook said the morning of May 29 after securing her Democratic primary win in Texas State District 15, a seat that has been blue for decades. “Winning

a Texas Senate seat is a big deal, and it tastes extra-sweet because it is borne of sheer grit, determination, and teamwork. We have organized for years, stayed true to our values, and built momentum that extends beyond this election. Thank you to the team, donors, voters, and volunteers. Let’s take a moment to root ourselves in gratitude and bask in our community—and let’s get to work.”

Cook is the incumbent senator after having won the special election on May 4 to fill the remainder of John Whitmire’s term. The longtime senator resigned in December of 2023 after winning the Houston Mayor’s seat. Now that

“TODAY, WE GET TO CELEBRATE OUR FANTASTIC, WELLDESERVED, HISTORIC WIN. WINNING A TEXAS SENATE SEAT IS A BIG DEAL, AND IT TASTES EXTRA-SWEET BECAUSE IT IS BORNE OF SHEER GRIT, DETERMINATION, AND TEAMWORK.”

— Senator Molly Cook

Sen. Cook is the Democratic candidate for the November general election, she will most likely spend the next four years in Austin.

A native Houstonian with a bachelor’s degree from UT in Austin and a graduate degree in nursing and public health from Johns Hopkins University, she plays the harp, practices yoga, and has a senior Chihuahua. And she’s a grassroots specialist. Cook volunteered with Fair for Houston, a group that helped pass Prop. B to restructure the Houston-Galveston Area Council Board, and also worked on Beto O’Rourke’s gubernatorial campaign. She joined Stop TxDOT I-45 (a grassroots organization promoting equitable, sustainable transportation in Houston, Harris County, and Texas) to fight TxDOT’s planned expansion of I-45. Her many responsibilities as a volunteer included implementing communication and advocacy strategies, developing volunteer management systems, coordinating phone banks and door-knocking, disseminating information to the public, advocating through interviews with the media, running the bi-weekly general meetings, training and on-boarding new members, and event planning. She also frequently delivered public comments before Houston City Council, Harris County Commissioner’s Court, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the Texas Transportation Commission, and the Texas Legislature.

“My favorite part of working with Stop TxDOT 1-45 was the opportunity to grow relationships with community members, advocacy organizations, and elected officials,” she says.

That experience served her well when

she ran for the senate seat the first time against Whitmire, who had already announced his run for mayor of Houston, in 2022. She lost that race by 58 percent to 42 percent—the biggest opponent Whitmire had faced in decades. When the open seat came up for the Democratic primary election on March 5 of this year, she placed second in a six-candidate field to State Representative Jarvis Johnson with 21 percent of the vote to his 36 percent. Jarvis blamed low voter turnout for his loss in the special election.

Houston’s spring storm season has not slowed her down. After being sworn in by Judge Steve Duble at 5:30 p.m. on May 16 to fill Whitmire’s unexpired term, a rare derecho blew through Houston with torrential rains and straight-line winds

up to 100 miles per hour, wreaking havoc on the Heights and downtown, causing power outages to almost a million customers, downing power lines and trees, and causing seven deaths.

“It was a whirlwind first few hours,” Cook said of her first day as a state senator.

And on the afternoon of the Democratic runoff, another freak thunderstorm blew in, shutting down power to hundreds of thousands and closing one election site early. She still won the race, drawing 50.2 percent of the vote to Johnson’s 49.8 percent. But with a low turnout of just 18,782 voters, she won by less than 80 votes. Still, it was an historic win for the LGBTQ community.

“Senator Molly Cook’s win last night in the primary runoff was not just a win for her campaign, but a win for our entire community,” said Austin Davis Ruiz, president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. “She first

made herstory earlier this month by becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Texas Senate, and we know she is going to be a champion for all communities in Austin. In a time when we’re seeing increased attacks on the LGBTQ+ community—specifically, on the trans community—this win is a reaffirmation that LGBTQ+ Texans matter; that we are powerful. As a community, we will continue fighting against draconian laws that seek to limit our rights and that seek to legislate us from existence. But let us be clear: we are not going anywhere. We want to congratulate Senator Cook on a hard-fought campaign, and we look forward to supporting her re-election campaign come November.”

Keep up with Molly Cook on Instagram @mollyfortexas.

Senator Cook’s swearing-in ceremony by Judge Steve Duble at Freed Park Community Center

Molly Cook and friends in the Humble area on the first day of early voting

Molly Cook with two of her supporters

Molly Cook with the founders of the Texas Democratic Women, Harris County Metro Area chapter

THE POWER OF VISION

Winning a GLAAD Media Award has expanded Ian L. Haddock ’s impact.

By DAVID CLARKE | Photo by FRANK XAVIER

Activist Ian L. Haddock is a product of the University of Houston’s Graduate School of Social Work and serves as the founder and executive director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative.

Having been homeless as an LGBTQ youth, he brings a unique perspective to his crucial advocacy work. That perspective caught the eye of GLAAD this year, and helped earn him and The Normal Anomaly Initiative a prestigious GLAAD Media Award.

“For World AIDS Day, The Jennifer Hudson Show had me on with Dafina Ward from Southern AIDS Coalition to talk about the importance of advocacy around HIV as it relates to any demographic,” says Haddock. His appearance on the talk show served to highlight his advocacy and support for the Black queer community. This powerful segment won the Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode Award at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards event last month

“The Normal Anomaly started in 2016 as a blog site,” explains Haddock “Then in 2018, we started moving towards a nonprofit organization, and we were fiscally sponsored by the Montrose Center.” The first grant that Normal Anomaly received was from the Southern AIDS Coalition. With support like this coming in, the initiative was empowered to better center Black queer-plus persons to overcome

barriers and end stigma and problematic narratives surrounding them.

While they were planning their World AIDS Day episode, the team at The Jennifer Hudson Show reached out to Haddock to see if he and The Normal Anomaly Initiative would be a fit for what they were developing. “We had the conversation, and we had another conversation, and another conversation,” Haddock recalls, “and they ended up saying, ‘Hey, we want you on the show, along with Dafina.’ When they announced that I would be on the show with Dafina, it was like this homecoming of sorts where we could definitely vibe and synergize around the work.” And the rest, as they say, is history!

Haddock’s inspiration and goal for his advocacy comes from a desire to amplify the stories of those with marginalized identities. “I wanted to tell the stories of Black LGBT people,” he says. “GLAAD does a great job of amplifying stories, but we’re talking almost ten years ago when it wasn’t mainstream to talk about Black and LGBTQ issues.” However, Haddock didn’t want to tell stories from a place of sharing news, or ones that were centered on hopelessness and despair. “I wanted to tell our stories of joy, excitement, advancement, courage, and bravery,” he emphasizes.

With that as a guiding principle, The Normal Anomaly Initiative utilized their blog, expanded into digital video formats, filmed

PSAs, and created content that can be found on streaming platforms like Prime Video. “In order to really make the impact that I wanted to, we had to change narratives, and that narrative change is a lot more actionable work,” says Haddock. “I have a team of eight people and we do direct services, advocacy, capacity building, research, and training across the Southern region and across the nation.”

Haddock’s love for writing and his keen ability to identify those who are deserving of being uplifted ensures the work of The Normal Anomaly Initiative achieves its goals. Yet, the roots of this organization go even deeper. “I don’t have an academic background. I don’t have a formal education,” he says. Haddock came out at a young age and endured homelessness because of that. “I don’t share that to be like, ‘Oh, that’s so sad’” he explains, “but it was the Black LGBTQ community that I found that really was able to curate, cultivate, and coach me to become who I am today. They were the family that I found and the family that chose me.”

Haddock has since reconnected with his biological family, but the embrace he received from the LGBTQ community at large, especially the Black LGBTQ community, planted the seeds that grew into The Normal Anomaly Initiative and its GLAAD Media Award.

Ian L. Haddock (l ) with Jennifer Hudson and Dafina Ward (r), executive director of the Southern AIDS Coalition, after winning the GLAAD Media Award.

(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for GLAAD)

The Normal Anomaly Initiative team at the Black Queer AF Music Festival. (l-r) James Drake, Brutas Dewayne, Ian L. Haddock, Joey Jackson-Streeter, Joelle Espeut, and Jordan Edwards. (Photo by Pisces 310 Photography) ➝

“I WANTED TO TELL OUR STORIES OF JOY, EXCITEMENT, ADVANCEMENT, COURAGE, AND BRAVERY.”

—Ian L. Haddock

“Winning the GLAAD award is really a testament to what community can do when community is able to lead,” Haddock says. “Although The Normal Anomaly is a small organization, we are a premier organization. When I talk about it, I’m talking about the fact that there are generations of queer people before me. There are generations of people who decided to defy the odds and to defy what people consider normal. Generations of anomalies that pushed against policy, religiosity and spirituality, that pushed against their parents, school systems, and really pushed to find a way that created the trail that I get to re-blaze.”

Winning a GLAAD Media Award gives The Normal Anomaly Initiative a larger platform and more notoriety, and this isn’t lost on Haddock. “What’s next is we’re going to end HIV. What’s next is we’re going to eliminate barriers for marginalized people. What’s next is The Normal Anomaly needs to be in each city, each country, and each continent,” Haddock emphasizes. “As a church queen would say, ‘All these things shall be added.’ So, whatever the things are—the accolades and uplifting of the platform, agreements, money, and all that—all these things shall be added.”

For Haddock, the additions keep coming because of the generous support The Normal Anomaly Initiative receives. “The Gilead Compass Initiative is doing some incredible work, and their embracing of what The Normal Anomaly is doing has really transformed us,”

Haddock says. “They are our first and longest funder. Their financial investment and their investment in our human capital and our humanity is essential.” Other entities that Haddock points out as doing the work and helping uplift the work of The Normal Anomaly Initiative include OutSmart magazine and The Truth Project.

Accolades like the GLAAD Media Award and recognition from other outside organizations also allow Haddock to, as he puts it, sit in his gift. “As a self-professed church queen, when I was little, I always knew that I had vision,” Haddock recalls. His friends pointed out that he always had big dreams and was a big thinker. That is what Haddock means by having vision. “I never really had language for that until I started really being able to sit in that gift and just say, ‘This is what I want to do. This is what I want to create.’”

That confidence is what gives Haddock the tenacity to reach his goals. “The tools come to me. The tools are attracted to me,” he notes. “The people that I need to know come into my area, or I go into theirs. I’ll figure this out because I want to do it. And that is a testament to just sitting in your gift. I’ve grown up a little bit, but for better or worse, I’m the same as I was when I started: a normal anomaly.”

For more info, visit normalanomaly.org. Keep up with Ian L. Haddock on Instagram @ianlhaddock.

DO IT

ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

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

PREACHING SELF-LOVE FOR ALL

Queer faith leader Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard empowers the marginalized.

By CONNOR BEHRENS

If you listen to Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard preaching, it quickly becomes apparent why he is referred to as “The People’s Priest.”

With a passion for pastoral care and spirituality, the openly queer priest has dedicated himself to people from all walks of life because, as he says, we are all God’s children.

“The gift of radical self-love, dynamic courage, and audacious defiance are what our churches need and what society needs,” he says. “I am here to make sure we do not forget our prophetic rage and that we are sacred beings who deserve a special seat at the table—or the table is going to be flipped!”

According to Maynard’s website, he “strives to offer healing medicine at the intersections of church and society through pastoral care and public witness.” With a doctorate in new theology from the New Theology School and a master’s degree in contextual ministry from Northwind Theological Seminary, Maynard uses his background to facilitate both online and in-person training in faith-based social action for different organizations.

The Houston-based priest, who identifies as a two-spirit person—someone who has both a masculine and a feminine spirit—has felt a calling to God since his early days in elementary school.

“I was raised in a fairly devout MexicanAmerican Roman Catholic household with a single mother who took us to church very faithfully,” he says. “I would describe our faith life as very pious with a strong devotion to the sacraments and a dedicated sense of community, which we had in both the church and our family as a whole. I first felt a call to be a priest when I was in second grade. At the time, I was learning about the eucharist (or holy communion) and just thought it was a beautiful idea. There was a moment in class where I distinctly remember saying to myself, ‘I could do that!’ So my call to ordained ministry really began with

a love for the sacraments, with particular love for the eucharist.”

It was not until he was older that Maynard, whose pronouns are he/they, realized this call to spiritual action could help marginalized communities who were negatively impacted by church and society.

“I now strive to show up in such a way that suddenly the lines between sanctuary, streets, and screens begin to be erased, thus democratizing the sacred,” he explains. “I love how

Black queer author James Baldwin put it when he said, ‘I conceive of God as a means of liberation and not a means to control others.’ This is the ethos of my ministry, and I do this through counseling folks who are deconstructing and reconstructing their faith or offering a safe and encouraging space for folks who are struggling with gender or sexual identity. I visit people in their homes to celebrate mass or other sacraments with families, very much in the fashion of the

early church. A significant portion of my ministry is that of being very publicly honest about my own journey of faith, particularly as an openly queer faith leader, with a strong emphasis that you can blend faith and doubt, sex and spirit, rage and hope.”

Maynard believes it is imperative that we open up God’s love to all types of people because everyone is worthy. He also posts his teachings online and offers virtual

training sessions so that more people can become empowered.

“I choose to refer to my ministry as ‘The People’s Priest’ because it makes it clear to myself and others that this ministry is for, with, and by the people. This ministry is not for the rich and powerful. This ministry is meant to be horizontal and align with those on the underside of life. This is why I often do not serve as a priest in a congregational setting.

My work usually takes me to homes, gay bars, coffee shops, Bunnies on the Bayou, encampments of unhoused folk—and let us not forget the screens, via YouTube and other digital platforms. Accessibility is the name of the game. At some point, digital tech and other forms of media will become the standard.”

Maynard hopes that anyone who hears his sermons and teachings will realize they deserve a life full of light, love, and God.

“God delights in them, and so do I,” he says. “Be not afraid! Show up to life, and life will show up for you. In these social systems we live in, it can be challenging to find a reason to get out of bed, especially when houses of worship are actively condemning you even before you have opened your eyes. With all my heart, I want you to know that you are enough of a reason to get out of bed. The church has lied to you and has manipulated you into thinking you are worthless, but the truth is that God says otherwise! God says you are very good. So rise up and demand the love you deserve from church and society. You are sacred!”

For more information on Rev. Maynard, visit thepeoplespriest.org.

UNWAVERING PRIDE

Rice University ’s first campus parade ignites hope amidst challenges.

By CONNOR BEHRENS | Photos by RICE UNIVERSITY

Rice University recently hosted their first-ever Pride Parade event on campus, offering students and faculty outreach opportunities and activities amidst a time where antiLGBTQ legislation is passing across the state.

Organized by the Rice PRIDE group, the inaugural parade took place in April and included poster-making, speeches by organizers and giveaway items such as pins and tie-dyed shirts. After the gathering, the crowd marched between Lovett Hall and Baker College as a way to recognize and celebrate the queer people who have been a part of the college’s history. Rice PRIDE also held a Gayla event at

the Martel College commons where students, faculty, staff, and organizations that make contributions to the queer community were recognized.

While June is traditionally Pride Month, Rice PRIDE co-president Paige Fastnow says that student leaders decided on April 8–14 as Pride Week on campus since most Rice students return to their respective parts of the world during the summer.

“A lot of queer undergrads spend their summers away from campus and Houston,” Fastnow says. “I personally come from a rural area, where even though I’m out to my family, I don’t get many opportunities to find my pride. Other students are in the closet at home, and going to queer events in June can be a real risk.

Because of that, we didn’t want to keep our student body waiting until June for Pride events they might not be able to attend.”

Fastnow, who identifies as a transgender woman, says the event was a way for those in the LGBTQ community to feel represented and heard in a time where so much anti-gay legislation is being passed throughout Texas, such as Senate Bill 17, which effectively prevents public higher education institutions from receiving state funding if Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) programs, including LGBTQ centers, are not dissolved.

“Celebrating Pride matters more than ever when actions like SB 17 are directly designed to limit the ability we all have to

Rice PRIDE members at their inaugural Pride parade in April

in a warehouse space called The Lab in Houston’s historically Black Eighth Ward. When Maddie learns that their warehouse and neighborhood is to be destroyed for a new green hyperway out to the suburbs, she joins a Black-led movement fighting for their community.

But The Free People’s Village isn’t just a dystopian story about racial justice and climate action. It’s also a love story and a tale of queer awakening through the eyes of Maddie, who is leaving behind a strict Catholic upbringing and embracing her queerness, all while getting closer to the band’s lead guitarist. It is also about becoming resilient when your dreams of making the world a better place are crushed and you can only pick yourself up and try again.

overjoyed to be welcomed by my peers.”

Going forward, Fastnow says the Rice PRIDE group will continue to build out their resources for LGBTQ youth and next year will offer up even more.

ary tone. The cover was designed by Egyptian artist Ganzeer, who Kern met at a local festival and recognized him as the activist and street artist who gained notoriety during the Egyptian revolution in 2011 before being forced into exile. Now based in Houston, Ganzeer was able to produce a cover design—including a dust jacket that unfolds into a protest poster—recalling the street art he produced during the Egyptian revolution.

port each other,” Fastnow says. “One of the things we wanted to emphasize at our event was that Pride celebrations have always been political, and specifically, that the act of being proud of who you are is necessary in the face of antagonistic legislation. We don’t just want to celebrate in order to ignore the fact that our community is under attack; we want to celebrate because we need hope in the face of the world around us. Especially as students lose protections at their colleges and universities, it’s more important than ever for them to see that they’re not alone.”

staff felt hopeful about the future and were reminded about the joy and pride we’re all advocating for.

Kern hopes that writing about climate change and social justice will help people confront those vital issues. “I don’t want to leave people in a place of despair, even though this book deals a lot with grief. But it’s about coming out of grief and moving forward. I hope people are inspired to take action—or even just [find ways] to cope better.”

about a trans man dealing with the difficulty he had faced when sheltering with neighbors after a devastating hurricane, someone from the Red Cross in Wyoming contacted Kern to say they had been inspired to rewrite their disaster-response policies to be more transinclusive—proof that Kern’s voice is making a difference.

Looking ahead, Kern is already working on their next book, and it’s a departure from previous climate-fiction novels. This new story takes place in Eastern Europe in 1647 and is a historical-fiction plot that follows a group of traveling queer Jews as they navigate religion, racism, and capitalism. But Kern’s signature style—including elements of climate change and social justice—will still be evident throughout the book.

For anyone who attended the April events, Fastnow hopes students and

And take action they do. After reading Kern’s first novel Depart, Depart!, a story

“We wanted our underrepresented community members, especially trans students, to know that there is hope, that they will get to a place of joy and love and happiness, and that there are people all around them who are willing to show up for them and, sometimes literally, cheer them on. As a transgender woman and a drag queen, I’m not usually understood, let alone celebrated or loved, when I enter a room. The parade was amazing to me, because it gave my community the space to celebrate, and I know I’m not the only student who felt

Kern hopes to inspire further activism among readers of The Free People’s Village. The book’s cover art a red background with graphic characters suggesting war propaganda—should inspire readers with its revolution-

WHAT: Sim Kern book launch event and discussion WHEN: September 12 at 6:30 pm WHERE: Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet

INFO: www.brazosbookstore.com

“Each year, Pride Week at Rice gets bigger and better,” Fastnow says. “We piloted some workshops this year, and we plan to expand them. Many queer students end up coming out in college, and a lot of them very quickly find themselves isolated and unsupported by their families. We want to make events that can get those students as much practical support as possible. We also want to connect our programming with the Houston queer community even more. For example, this year we were delighted to have Teresa LaRue, Phoebe Seymour, Dynasty Banks, and Hugh Dandy join our campus for our spring drag show, separate from our student-performer show. Our student body loved seeing them so much. We received so much positive feedback from that event, and we can’t wait to bring it back next year, bigger and better than ever.”

For more information, visit pride.rice.edu.

Keep up with Kim Kern on Instagram @sim_bookstagrams_badly

BRINGING BALLROOM TO BOILERROOM

DJ Amarji King uses music to create safe spaces.

By IAN L. HADDOCK

Amarji King (She/Her/Hers) is a DJ blowing up across the South. She has been creating a lane all by herself with her fresh perspective on music and the engaging way she mixes on her turntable. Music has been her great connection between culture and movement because it creates a palatable mix of messaging and activism.

As we celebrate the rich expressions of joy in our community during Pride Month, we sat down with Amarji to talk about her work in ballroom and the DJ booth. During this interview, she shared some of her biggest accomplishments and greatest inspirations for her work.

Ian: Tell me a little bit about who Amarji was before you became an amazing DJ across the South.

Amarji: I was a choral singer studying opera! I’ve always been an artist and have loved music, but as I reached college, I realized I wanted to contribute to music in the form of dance music (rather than opera, as I initially thought). I like to think it was a fantastic choice.

So you wanted to bring dance music as your contribution. Is that what inspired you to become a DJ?

I’ve always seen DJs as an extension of the community they represent. When I was growing up, I never saw Southern Black trans DJs, which is why I never saw Black trans women when I went out. I saw a need for representation, so I filled in the gap.

Representation definitely matters. How has being a DJ been a radical form of advocacy?

I’ve been the first trans DJ in many of the spaces and lineups that I’ve been in. Being the first in these spaces created opportunities in the city for other queer artists to be seen. Advocacy, for me, looks like making once-inaccessible spaces accessible to others. I pray that there’s a time when I’m not the first in most spaces, but until that time comes, I try to represent trans DJs the best that I can—not just for my success, but for my sisters’ success.

You’ve performed on some massive and impressive stages. How was it performing at SXSW and Boilerroom?

SXSW has been a fun experience! I grew up wanting to go to SXSW but was never old enough. I feel fortunate that the first year I was even old enough to attend, I went as an artist. Boilerroom was actually one of the highlights of my career as a DJ thus far. I think any DJ can say that an opportunity to perform at a Boilerroom event is one of the most nerve-racking experiences ever. I took the responsibility of representing Southern ballroom culture very seriously, and to this

“TRANS SISTERHOOD HAS SAVED MY LIFE, AND I WAS ABLE TO ACCESS IT THROUGH BALLROOM. ” Amarji King

day, I think it’s the best set I’ve ever done.

With June being Pride Month, what does this celebration represent for you?

In my opinion, Pride Month is about celebrating the organizations, creators, community centers, patrons, etc. that are queer yearround. I see it as an opportunity for people to be recognized for their contributions to queer liberation. I’ve seen organizations that struggle year-round get shoutouts from prominent news outlets, and suddenly business is booming. That is the power of the media spotlight, and is something I wish could happen year-round.

With all your gigs across the South, you still find time for other cultural activities in the community, including the ballroom scene. Why is the ballroom scene so important to you?

As a trans woman, the ballroom scene has been about finding community. Before ballroom, I had no idea where to begin hormone therapy, medical care, get legal advice, and all kinds of things that aren’t a simple Google search away. Trans sisterhood has saved my life, and I was able to access it through ballroom.

You are doing incredible work, and your visibility matters. We are better for your existence. What more can we expect from you?

I’ve seen my life and the lives of my sisters completely change because of the work that we do in the city. I know there are so many other people to educate and so many other goals that I have for myself that I can accomplish. The work never stops, but I think knowing that people’s lives are changing because of what we do will always push me.

Keep up with Amarji King on Instagram @amarji_king.

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

Nonbinary NASA scientist SJ Ralston ’s journey to authenticity.

By CONNOR BEHRENS

Photo by A. PANDEY

Silas “SJ” Ralston always felt different growing up. Decades later, the nonbinary NASA researcher is a fully out and open scientist who stresses the importance of living an authentic life.

“I think I have known I was different in some way from as young as 4 or 5 years old,” they explain. “It wasn’t until I was 25 in graduate school, and sort of more socially isolated than I’d ever been in my life, that I was able to really sit down and think about what was going on internally rather than how other people perceived me. My life has become so much easier and so much more worth living after I stopped trying to define myself by what I was, and started trying to define myself by what I wanted.”

Ralston became fascinated with science at a young age, and it helped steer their career path as a researcher.

“I think I have just always been sort of ravenously curious about the world around me,” they recall. “Like many kids, I got obsessed with dinosaurs, outer space, and rocks. I was very fortunate to have a family and a school system that was really supportive, encouraging me to look into things and giving me stuff to do that really encouraged my curiosity. I had an uncle who was a marine biologist by training, but also a great collector of interesting science facts. He just sort of offhandedly mentioned to me that the largest volcano in the solar system was on Mars. At that point I was gone. There was no getting me back after that. It’s kind of been Mars ever since.”

Ralston is now a Mars research scientist on the Jacobs-JETS II contract, working within the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Their main focus is researching the aqueous conditions of ancient Mars through laboratory experiments on Mars analog materials.

Even though Ralston ended up working at NASA, they still didn’t feel satisfied with their

life. They knew they had to come to terms with their gender identity in order to live a free and full life. However, in order to live a genuine life, they had to be open and transparent with family, friends, and colleagues.

“I asked myself, ‘Why am I hiding?’” they recall. “The answer to that question was that I was afraid of being judged, and I decided that that wasn’t a good enough reason. When I first came out at work, I didn’t come all the way out. I was kind of terrified about what the reaction would be. I felt It was kind of a ticking time bomb until someone noticed that something was going on with my transition. So I came out to a couple of my co-workers as a trans man because I thought that would be easier for them to understand and grasp. They were actually extremely supportive and sort of rallied the whole community to help make the process as painless as possible for me. It was really encouraging. I didn’t come all the way out as nonbinary for a couple more years after that.”

Ralston, whose pronouns are they/them, feels lucky to be in a position where they can be honest about their gender identity. They hope their story positively empowers others to do the same.

“I THINK TRANSITIONING REALLY ENABLED ME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I ACTUALLY WANTED FROM MY LIFE AND WHAT I ENJOYED DOING AND WHAT MADE ME HAPPY.”

— SJ Ralston

“About a year into my transition, my mother said something to me that I will remember for the rest of my life. She said, ‘It’s like something has been chewing on your leg for the last 15 years and you finally got rid of it.’ I think that’s a pretty apt description. I had gotten so used to being in pain all the time that I’d stopped noticing that I was in pain—until suddenly I found a way to not be in pain anymore. That revealed to me how much of my mental and emotional bandwidth was being used to insulate myself from existing in my body, my name, and my gender. I think transitioning really enabled me

to think about what I actually wanted from my life and what I enjoyed doing and what made me happy.”

Ralston adds that while their journey has been positive, that’s not always the case with everyone in the LGBTQ community. Much more work needs to be done so everyone can be free.

“For me personally, I don’t think we have yet lived up to the very first Pride—the Stonewall Uprisings—which were begun by trans and gender-nonconforming women of color. I think that the queer community has made some great strides, but we have also not done a great job of helping and lifting up the people who started the queer liberation movement and the people who are most impacted by queerphobia. I think we have to stand with those people and fight for their rights the way that they have fought for ours. I think we have to dedicate ourselves to dismantling the systems that enable the kind of discrimination and marginalization that our community has faced for its entire existence in this country. I think that that’s what we have to keep in mind as we find ways to work with each other and support each other.”

For more info, visit nasa.gov/lgbtq-pride.

UNITY THROUGH MUSIC

Queer musician Z’maji Glamouratti to headline Pride event downtown at Discovery Green.

By CONNOR BEHRENS | Photo by MOYE

Music gave queer singer

Z’maji Glamouratti a creative outlet to express himself and feel loved growing up, and the native Houstonian says he hopes to impart the same experience to those who attend an upcoming Pride event at Discovery Green.

“Music has taught and raised me, especially regarding coming to a place of self-acceptance,” Glamouratti says. “When I sing, I’m being my most fully realized self. I never feel more real and more alive than when I’m singing. It’s beyond passion; it’s like my very existence. I know that sounds heavy, but it’s actually true.”

Along with his Lone Star Discoteq band, Glamouratti will perform at the annual Rainbow on the Green event on June 28. The family-friendly Pride event will also include pop star impersonators. Admission is free and open to the public.

For those unfamiliar with Glamouratti’s music, the musician says it’s an eclectic mix of all that has come before him, featuring influences of disco house, soul, Cumbia, gospel, and more. Disco is his favorite genre, as it makes him feel truly alive.

“My favorite music of all time is ‘70s disco,” he says. “There’s something so freeing about that genre of music. It’s a sonic liberation that you can hear and feel. It reflects the mentality of the time. I feel that maybe it speaks to me because I had felt so trapped most of my life. It’s shaped my sound to the point where now I’m carrying the energy of that music with me, as well as preserving it so I can pass it on to future generations. I hope that freedom can live on and be a beacon of light for the next little bright-eyed boy that needs to be made free.”

Recently, Glamouratti made a splash performing his single “Everywhere” on Houston Life last summer. Growing up in Houston, it was a full-circle moment for him.

“Having my first solo television experience in my hometown on a show called

Houston Life felt like vindication for staying in Houston and believing in this town,” he says. “Many artists run away to other cities looking for their break, abandoning our local music scene. But if we keep running, we’ll never build a place where artists can thrive. I am proud of being a Houstonian, so it was truly an honor. The song ‘Everywhere’ was a track produced by John Allen Stephens that I connected with so intensely I wrote the song in mere minutes. I know it may sound weird, but usually the track tells me what it’s saying, and this track screamed these lyrics at me. Sometimes the track just inspires and creates a story in my mind.”

“MUSIC HAS TAUGHT AND RAISED ME, ESPECIALLY REGARDING COMING TO A PLACE OF SELF-ACCEPTANCE. WHEN I SING, I’M BEING MY MOST FULLY REALIZED SELF. I NEVER FEEL MORE REAL AND ALIVE THAN WHEN I’M SINGING. IT’S BEYOND PASSION—IT’S LIKE MY VERY EXISTENCE.”

—Z’maji Glamouratti

Fans who attend the Rainbow on the Green event can expect songs from Glamouratti’s discography, as well as covers of classic anthems. The 41-year-old queer singer says he feels honored to perform at an event that will bring groups of the city together in harmony.

“It’s such a blessing to do this type of event. I’m so excited to headline this year as I’ve been able to put in some fun, crowd-pleasing moments. All in attendance can expect music,

dancing, and an abundant supply of whimsical drag queens, as well as my band performing reimagined disco and house classics.”

Glamouratti describes the Discovery Green event as a celebration in the truest sense, and he hopes people walk away feeling love for both themselves and those around them.

‘”I hope, as always, that people feel joy. That’s all I want to spread through my music. I’ve experienced it from other artists and I want to be that for others. The world is rough, so we as artists create the works that help people cope. I believe joy is my literal default, so when I grab a mic and get on any stage, my ultimate goal is the transference of that joy. I pray that my joy is infectious and it inspires bravery to embrace living authentically.”

Glamouratti finds that Pride Month is more important than ever because queer people have been made to feel ashamed of their very existence in today’s political climate.

“It’s not just parties and cheeky fun,” he says. “It’s our chance to boldly declare the reality of our lives and to model self-acceptance for younger generations so they can grow up being proud instead of having to recover from self-hatred.”

Going forward, Glamouratti is gearing up to release a solo EP titled “Heartbeat,” while also working on an as-yet-unnamed EP with his band.

“Along with those projects, my ultimate goal is to be content in this journey of being an artist. Don’t get me wrong,” he says, “I dream of doing the big flashy artist things, too. “That being said, whether I reach No. 1 on Billboard or remain a mostly obscure indie dance artist, contentment is the goal—no matter the outcome.”

You can follow Glamouratti on Instagram @zglamouratti

WHAT: Rainbow on the Green (Discovery Green’s annual family-friendly Pride celebration)

WHEN: Friday, June 28

WHERE: Discovery Green

INFO: discoverygreen.com/rainbow

MEET THE GRAND MARSHALS OF HOUSTON’S NEW FACES OF PRIDE

Houston’s New Faces of Pride honors LGBTQ community leaders at their first festival and parade.

By BRANDON J. WOLF

Houston’s New Faces of Pride will host their Pride parade on Saturday, June 22, in downtown Houston. Headliners for the afternoon Pride festival are Billy Gilman, Lauren Sanderson, and Chris Housman. The full afternoon festival schedule is at newfacesofpride. org/festival-line-up.

This year’s theme, “Rainbow Revolution,” is all about celebrating progress, embracing change, and igniting the spirit of unity. All are invited to join in making this day a spectacular showcase for Houston’s vibrant LGBTQ community.

Bryan Cotton, president of the organization, says, “Houston’s New Faces of Pride is dedicated to celebrating and supporting local nonprofits,

businesses, and individuals in our community. We look forward to seeing everyone from all over the city at the festival and parade on June 22—and the official After Party at Post Houston featuring DJ Marti Frieson, with DNVRMX.”

Grand marshals for the parade were selected by a Houston’s New Faces of Pride committee to honor their years of dedication and service to Houston’s LGBTQ community.

WHAT: Houston’s New Faces of Pride downtown parade

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 7:30–10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby Street

INFO: tinyurl.com/38ta7f6s

Houston’s New Faces of Pride 2024 MALE-IDENTIFYING GRAND MARSHAL

“AS A PERSON WHO PUTS MY HEAD DOWN AND DOES THE WORK, I FOCUS ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE—AND NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WILL BRING ME INFLUENCE OR POPULARITY. BEING A GRAND MARSHAL WILL ALLOW ME TO STAND FOR THE COMMUNITIES I PASSIONATELY SERVE. WE ALL NEED THE VISIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO DO OUR PART TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.”

IAN L. HADDOCK

36, He/They/Any pronouns used respectfully

Known for:

Haddock is founder and executive director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative. He previously worked in local, county, regional, and national organizations to seek forward mobility of queer people of color. He is a contributing columnist for Outsmart and has written for The Grio, Logo/NewNowNext, Houston Chronicle, and The Statesman He received a GLAAD Media Award for an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Haddock received the Living Legend award from Houston Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Black History Maker from United Black Ellument at the Resource Center in Dallas, Trailblazer of the Year from the African American State of Emergency Task Force, Emerging Leader of the Year from the National African American Gay Leadership Conference (NAESM), the Hometown Hero Award from the Carolyn Taylor Lee Foundation, the 40 Un-

der 40 Public Health Catalyst award from the Boston Congress of Public Health (publisher of the Harvard Public Health Review Journal ), and the Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Award from the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus.

Advocacy:

Sitting on the Texas Pride Impact Funds Board of Directors, Haddock advocates for more resources for organization in rural communities and/or serving queer people of color. Across the South, he helps create systems and structures for economic ecosystems for communities with the least resources.

Haddock believes queer joy is necessary, and he helps create spaces like the Black Queer Advancement Festival that gives a significant platform to Black queer artists and spaces that center on the Black LGBTQ+ community. Believing that the world we desire starts with us, he works with elected officials, policymak-

ers and policy implementers for a more just society. As a writer, he tells stories of often overlooked people to ensure their narratives are documented. Haddock feels he still has a lot to learn, grow, and be, and is driven by his passion for change.

Favorite cause: Ending the HIV epidemic.

Dream to change the world:

To one day realize we are all “normal anomalies” and embrace our differences as beautiful things, knowing we are much more alike than different.

Ultimate life mission:

To work himself out of a job (and not have to do work he doesn’t like to be successful).

Favorite hashtag: #BlackQueerAF

“BEING NAMED A GRAND MARSHAL IS A SIGNIFICANT HONOR THAT ACKNOWLEDGES YOUR PAST EFFORTS AND EMPOWERS YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR WORK WITH RENEWED ENERGY AND CONFIDENCE WHILE BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER ACTIVISTS. IT ALLOWS YOU TO ADDRESS BROADER AUDIENCES AND ENGAGE WITH MEDIA, POLICYMAKERS, AND THE PUBLIC. LEADING A PRIDE EVENT UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF CELEBRATING THE ONGOING JOURNEY TOWARD FULL EQUALITY, JUSTICE, AND ACCEPTANCE.”

IRIS RODRIGUEZ

Known For:

Rodriguez was born in Mexico and raised in Houston by a single mother as one of eight siblings, living in a household of laughter, love, hard work, and the belief that all people are equal and deserving of respect. She gives full credit to her mother, Marie Dolores Belmont, for giving her the passion and drive to live a life of service.

Working as a bartender at Kindred Spirits, she spent most of the 1980s serving drinks to members of the LGBTQ community. She witnessed bar raids, the first AIDS blood drive, and many LGBTQ+ Political Caucus events. She has served on multiple committees of the Kindred Spirits Foundation, Inc. and has been an active board member for over ten years. She is the first Hispanic female in the Houston Fire Department, serving for three decades and presently

ranked as a captain. Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, she is a veteran of three wars and one humanitarian conflict. She is an artist and a world traveler. She played in the original Montrose Softball League and the Houston Women’s Softball League. She competed in the 911 Games “Guns and Hoses” benefiting Texas Special Olympics, where she was undefeated in this Police Department vs. Fire Department boxing tournament. She has run Houston marathons and competed in adventure racing. On her off time, she can be found sporting a tool belt and remodeling her 120-year-old home. She is proud to identify as a gay/lesbian member of Houston’s LGBTQ community.

Advocacy:

Policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in workplaces, schools, and public services; mental-health support within the

LGBTQ community; educating others about LGBTQ issues and the importance of inclusivity; empowering LGBTQ youth and providing them with role models, support systems, and safe spaces to express their identities.

Favorite Causes:

Women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and human rights.

Dream to Change the World:

Show up, engage, listen—then do something positive to bring about change.

Ultimate Life Mission:

Live life with optimism and happiness, and advocate for positivity.

Favorite Hashtag: #loveislove

Rocky Hollub

Victor Lopez

“IT’S TRULY AN HONOR TO BE RECOGNIZED. I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL WAYS WE CAN COMBAT TRANSPHOBIA AND HOMOPHOBIA, OR ANY KIND OF BIGOTRY, IS THROUGH VISIBILITY. PEOPLE ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY TO HATE SOMEONE THEY KNOW. MY PERSONAL BELIEF IN VISIBILITY ALIGNS WITH THE GOALS OF PRIDE: CELEBRATE WHO WE ARE, COMBAT STIGMA, AND SHOW THE WORLD THAT IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT.”

MEGHAN FAIRBANKS

Known For:

Meghan Fairbanks is a late-blooming transgender woman who came out at age 47. Lived in Houston most of her life. Day job working in information technology for an energy management company. Finds ways to be involved in the LGBTQ community, with a particular focus on the trans community. Founder of Trans & GenderQueer Houston (TGQH), a social group for trans and gender-nonconforming folks to show up, be themselves, and find community. TGQH was named as a finalist Favorite LGBTQ Social Group in the 2023 OutSmart Gayest & Greatest awards. Board member of the Transgender Foundation of America (TFA Houston) and member of Houston Transgender Unity Committee. Secretary of Harris County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission and a member of their advocacy and communications committees. Member of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus who is involved in candidate screen-

ings, the Rules and Administration Committee, and recently volunteered to assist with the Fundraising Committee.

She is also known for “being everywhere.” Shows up to as many activities as she reasonably can. Traveled to Austin numerous times during the last legislative session and has testified before the legislature, the Department of Family and Protective Services, the State Board of Education, and local school boards. Often seen in the crowd at protests and demonstrations. Shares her knowledge of navigating these spaces and does what she can to empower siblings in the community.

Her awards include being the 2022 recipient of the Horizon Award from the Houston Transgender Unity Committee, the 2023 OutSmart Gayest & Greatest winner for Most Valuable Female Trans Community Volunteer, a finalist for both Most Prominent Female LGBTQ Activist and Most Prominent Female Trans Activist,

and the 2023 recipient of the Monica Roberts Transgender Activist of the Year award from Equality Texas.

Advocacy:

Will continue to be active in all of the organizations in which she is currently involved, with one more on the horizon. She foresees continuing attacks coming from the Texas Legislature during their next session in 2025, so she plans on traveling to Austin as much as possible to combat these attacks. She will support the efforts of the many advocacy organizations who work on the community’s behalf and will also work to empower and mobilize folks who want to get involved both in Houston and Austin.

Favorite Cause: Transgender rights

Dream to Change the World:

The normalization of the idea that “some people are just trans, and that’s okay.”

Ultimate Life Mission:

The starfish parable: she may not be able to help everyone, but she wants to try and help as many folks as she can.

Favorite Hashtag: #TransRightsAreHumanRights

“THE MEMBERS OF RICE PRIDE FEEL INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO HAVE OUR WORK FORMALLY RECOGNIZED. THIS RECOGNITION EMPOWERS US TO CONTINUE THE WORK WE DO. STANDING UP TO DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES LIKE TEXAS SENATE BILL 17 CAN FEEL LIKE AN INSURMOUNTABLE TASK, GIVEN HOW THE LEGISLATION IS DESIGNED TO KEEP QUEER PEOPLE FROM LIVING FULFILLING LIVES. HOWEVER, THE RESPONSE WE HAVE GOTTEN MOTIVATES US TO CONTINUE OUR ACTIVIST EFFORTS TO FOSTER SAFE SPACES AND COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE AT RICE, IN TEXAS, AND BEYOND.”

Houston’s New Faces of Pride 2024 ORGANIZATION GRAND MARSHAL

RICE PRIDE

REPRESENTED BY JORGE LUIS ARNEZ GONZALES AND COLE HOLLADAY, THE RICE PRIDE CO-PRESIDENTS DURING THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

Rice Pride: 45 (founded during the 1979–1980 academic year) Gonzales: 22, He/Him/His | Holladay: 21, They/Them

Known For:

Rice PRIDE is Rice University’s undergraduate student organization for LGBTQ students, known for creating a variety of community events ranging from outreach initiatives with organizations such as Legacy Community Health to events celebrating queer joy and culture—including drag shows, formals, and now a Pride parade around campus. Recently we have been known for providing honorary membership to students from public colleges and universities negatively impacted by Texas Senate Bill 17. Through an honorary membership, any student from a public college or university can access resources offered through Rice PRIDE’s Queer Resource Center and attend any events organized by Rice PRIDE.

Advocacy:

Intersectionality has been a top priority in Rice PRIDE’s agenda, especially since Rice PRIDE has historically been considered a predominantly white space among members of the Rice community. The organization works to ensure collaboration with other organizations on campus such as the Black Student Association, such that they can foster spaces that highlight the nature of intersectional issues within the queer community. Additionally, when organizing events where nonprofit organizations are invited to the table to engage with members of the Rice community, they work to ensure invitations are extended to nonprofit organizations like The Normal Anomaly Initiative to further connect students with intersecting identities. Most recently, they organized an interfaith event where people from multiple faiths and

denominations could talk about their experiences being both queer and an active member of their faith.

Favorite

Cause:

Rice PRIDE’s initiative that opened its doors through an honorary membership program to students from public colleges and universities affected by Senate Bill 17 showed the power students can have in impacting the wider community. It showed how Rice PRIDE could use their privilege as an organization at a private institution like Rice (where the effect of SB17 was minimal) to stand up against bigoted and unsubstantiated legislative policy. It was fulfilling to observe the power that students can have when they organize to fight for queer equality.

Dream to Change the World:

To continue leveraging community engagement and grassroots efforts to fight for equality for the queer community at Rice, in Houston, and beyond. Whether it is by standing up to harmful policy or by creating community-building events, Rice PRIDE hopes to foster spaces where they uphold queer equality and queer joy.

Ultimate Mission:

To create a space and environment at Rice, and in Houston and beyond, where they are able to achieve liberation for their community, ensuring that they address intersectional issues and achieve equality for all.

Favorite Hashtag: #lovewins

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“AS A LONGTIME ALLY OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, IT IS MY SUPREME HONOR TO BE SELECTED AS A GRAND MARSHAL FOR THE NEW FACES OF PRIDE PARADE. BEING HONORED AS A GRAND MARSHAL WILL ASSIST ME IN HIGHLIGHTING THE WORK OF PROMINENT CAUSES THAT SEEK TO ELIMINATE INVIDIOUS DISCRIMINATION AND CREATE EQUALITY.”

Houston’s New Faces of Pride 2024 HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN

76, He/Him

Known For:

Congressman Green is known for being the congressional member who first (and now annually) sponsored the original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Advocacy:

As a member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Green has advocated and voted for legislation beneficial to the LGBTQ community. He is the co-sponsor of the Equality Act, the LGBT Data Inclusion Act, the International Human Rights Defense Act, and the LGBT Pride Act. He has cosigned a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services supporting gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Green has supported the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion and Economic Justice Act, which includes the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act. He voted for the Equality Act H.R.5, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a wide variety of areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system.

He has also introduced H. Res. 746, the original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2021, which for the first time included language acknowledging the experiences of LGBTQ people and their experiences with intimate-partner violence.

He has advocated for and supported legislation to provide safe and secure housing for

LGBTQ youth. As such, he introduced H.R. 166, the Fair Lending for All Act, explicitly adding protections for LGBTQ persons against discrimination in finance, including home loans.

He has also introduced H.R. 8269, the Parity, Accountability, and Transparency in Housing Data Act of 2022 (PATH Data Act of 2022), which would improve the collection of housing data with respect to gender identity and sexual orientation. Green plans to continue this work by winning reelection to Congress and continuing the fight for equality.

Favorite Cause:

The establishment of a Department of Reconciliation, with a Secretary of Reconciliation who reports directly to the U.S. President and whose mission will be the elimination of all forms of invidious discrimination.

Dream to Change the World: Eliminate all forms of invidious discrimination.

Ultimate Life Mission: To live in a world free of invidious discrimination.

Favorite Hashtag: #RepAlGreen

MEET THE PRIDE HOUSTON 365 GRAND MARSHALS

Pride Houston 365 celebrates LGBTQ community leaders at their 2024 festival and parade.

By BRANDON J. WOLF

Pride Houston 365 will hold its premiere Pride Month event— their downtown Pride parade—on Saturday, June 29. The sensational K. Michelle will be the headliner for the afternoon Pride Festival, and the full lineup of festival performers is at tinyurl.com/PrideH365. The evening parade is free for everyone to enjoy, and begins at 7:30 p.m.

Grand marshals for the parade were selected this past spring. The male-identifying, female-identifying, gender non-binary / gender non-conforming, and ally marshals were chosen by community vote. The honorary and trendsetter marshals were chosen by a committee of previoius Houston Pride marshals.

A reception honoring this year’s Pride Houston 365 marshals will be held at Kiki Houston, 2409 Grant Street in the Montrose area, on Sunday, June 16, at 4:00 p.m. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring lite bites

and a cash bar.

Congratulations to Pride Houston 365’s 2024 grand marshals as they are honored for their ongoing dedication and service to Houston’s LGBTQ community.

WHAT: The 46th Annual Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration: Festival & Parade WHEN: Saturday, June 29 (Parade is 7:30–10:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby Street INFO: pridehouston365.org

Pride Houston 365’s

2024 MALE-IDENTIFYING GRAND MARSHAL

KEVIN DAPREE ANDERSON

49, He/Him

“BEING NAMED AS A 2024 PRIDE HOUSTON 365 GRAND MARSHAL IS SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE THE COMMUNITY COLLECTIVELY VOTED TO [RECOGNIZE] MY VALUE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MY CONTRIBUTION. IT IS AN ABSOLUTE HONOR, AND IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO CONTINUE MY ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND RESOURCES TO A CITY-WIDE AUDIENCE.”

Known For:

Anderson is known in the community for creating brave spaces that center art and healing, with heART&SOUL and The T.R.U.T.H. Project, Inc. being his bestknown platforms.

In 2009, he created heART&SOUL, one of the longest-running queer-centered open mics in the country. This multidisciplinary artistic space has been a launching pad for many local and national artists of all disciplines, and continues to provide a platform for emerging storytellers.

Established in 2013, The T.R.U.T.H. Project (TTP) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and mobilize queer communities of color and allies through cultural arts and resources that promote mental, emotional, and sexual health. Created through a traumainformed lens, The T.R.U.T.H. Project fills the void of limited programming and

support for queer communities of color and their allies. TTP has made possible a brave space where individuals can express themselves and seek support that often proves to be life-transforming or even life-saving. The T.R.U.T.H. Project is honored to be the first Black queer-founded and -led organization in Houston that is a certified trauma-informed care organization.

Advocacy:

Since the inception of heART&SOUL, Anderson has created intersectional space for local judges, and district representatives to engage with the community and raise awareness regarding LGBTQ rights and the importance of the queer vote and voice.

Within The T.R.U.T.H. Project, he has curated programs and community discussions that raise visibility and knowledge, and increase access for queer people of color, people of color living with HIV, and allies. He intends

to continue to lead efforts to eradicate stigma and center braver spaces for queer communities to thrive through his community efforts and intentional mentorship.

Favorite Cause:

Advocating for greater wellness, mental and sexual health awareness and resources.

Dream to Change the World:

Waking to a day where all queer folk are living a life that is stigma-free, and where reaching their best potential comes as easily as water being poured from a spout.

Ultimate Life Mission:

To curate queer joy where all feel welcomed and are provided tools to ensure that the joy continues to flourish.

Favorite Hashtags:

#representationmatters; #blackqueerjoy

Pride Houston 365’s 2024 FEMALE-IDENTIFYING GRAND MARSHAL

JOELLE BAYAAUZURI ESPEUT

38, She/Her/Hers

“BEING NAMED GRAND MARSHAL HOLDS SO MUCH MEANING TO ME. CURRENT PRIDE CELEBRATIONS ARE ONLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE UNAPOLOGETIC ACTIVISM OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON AND COUNTLESS OTHER BLACK TRANS WOMEN WHO OFTENTIMES GO UNNAMED AND FORGOTTEN. I WANT TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE VISIBILITY AND REPRESENTATION OF BLACK TRANS WOMEN AND THE LEGACY OF BLACK TRANS LIBERATION.”

Known For:

Espeut works with The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. as a program director. The Normal Anomaly eliminates barriers and creates new norms for Black LGBTQ+ people. She is also a board member of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, where she helps to increase Black trans representation and visibility within political spaces.

Advocacy:

Espeut’s work centers on uplifting Black LGBTQ+ people; helping to co-create, curate, and build spaces of Black queer and trans joy. The narrative and stories of Black queer and trans people are typically ones of trauma, pain, and injustice.

Her work centers on hope, joy, and the expansive belief that community is the answer.

Favorite Causes:

Those that impact Black trans women, economic justice, and gender and racial justice.

Dream to Change the World: That we can co-create spaces that center joy and liberation— spaces that have a place for vulnerability, transparency, grace, and growth.

Ultimate Life Mission: To normalize the identity and existence of Black trans women.

Favorite Hashtags: #HotGirlCityGirlIcyGirlMaterialGirl; #YourMansFirstChoice

Pride Houston 365’s 2024 GENDER NON-BINARY/ GENDER NON-CONFORMING GRAND MARSHAL

ODYSSEY OAKENGROVE

“I BELIEVE IN GIVING US OUR FLOWERS WHILE WE’RE STILL ALIVE. BEING RECOGNIZED BY MY COMMUNITY IN SUCH A PUBLIC WAY IS HUMBLING AND REWARDING. I AM GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE LOUD AND ACTIVE IN CALLING FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL PEOPLE, BUT NOW I KNOW THAT I AM BEING HEARD.”

Known For:

Oakengrove’s gift is being loud. Their role in the community came about through protests for equity in Houston, especially when it comes to protecting and equipping our children with the best chances for success in the world. They support organizations that call for humanity and liberation, and amplify Black and brown organizers such as Brandon Mack and Sarahy Garcia. Oakengrove wouldn’t be the activist they are today without the mentorship of these organizers.

This outspokenness led to Oakengrove being invited to join the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus advisory committee and subsequently being elected to the board of trustees.

Advocacy: One of their most frequent tactics to call for awareness is to remind people at abortionrights rallies that “it’s not just women.”

As a trans-masculine person who can be pregnant, Oakengrove needs the right to choose what is best for their reproductive healthcare. Having people refer to “wom-

en’s rights” makes them and others like them invisible. They think it is important to educate other queer people and allies on how language is impactful, and what consistently seeking justice for all looks like.

Dream to Change the World: Riding a moose as a war steed into battle.

Ultimate Life Mission: Contentment, joy, and safety for everyone.

Favorite Hashtag: #FreePalestine

2024

Pride Houston 365’s

2024 ALLY GRAND MARSHAL

COMMISSIONER LESLEY BRIONES

43, She/Her/Ella

“AS AN ALLY, I AM DEEPLY HONORED TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR MY WORK WITH THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT MY THREE YOUNG DAUGHTERS GROW UP IN A WORLD FREE OF DISCRIMINATION WHERE THEY CAN BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES. LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY WAS A CENTRAL ISSUE FOR ME LONG BEFORE I THOUGHT ABOUT

RUNNING FOR OFFICE. I FIND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT SOME STATE LEADERS WANT TO TAKE US BACKWARDS, AND I WILL USE MY PLATFORM TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF LGBTQIA+ TEXANS.”

Known For:

When Briones took office as Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner in 2023, her responsibility as an ally and advocate became more important than ever. She says that now she has the privilege of taking concerted action to create change. In June 2023, she presented and passed a resolution that created the county’s LGBTQIA+ Commission, the first of its kind for Harris County. The group will partner with Commissioners Court to make actionable recommendations to improve public health, safety, and economic opportunities for the LGBTQ community. With appointees like Meghan Fairbanks and Diamond Stylz, this commission comprises community leaders who are already advocating for change.

Briones is extremely proud of leading the historic appointment of Dr. Cody Pyke to the Harris Health System Board of Trustees, the first openly transgender and nonbinary individual to serve on the nine-member board of one of the largest safety-net health systems in the nation.

Advocacy:

While all LGBTQ people face systemic barriers, Briones knows there are specific obstacles for LGBTQ people of color, Black LGBTQ people, and for the transgender and nonbinary communities. Intersectionality is an integral part of how she advocates for the community. In her policy- and decision-making, she is always considering compounding factors to ensure that equitable progress for all is delivered.

Favorite Causes:

Briones is deeply committed to a range of justice-based movements and bringing all of those issues to the Commissioners Court. She is most proud to have carved out a unique role in advocating for the LGBTQ community, which was previously very subdued at the county level.

Dream to Change the World:

Briones deeply believes everyone’s equality is inextricably linked. Her dream is to continue building an inclusive Harris County where everyone has the freedom to be their full, authentic selves.

Ultimate Life Mission:

To advance opportunity and justice for all people.

Favorite Hashtag: #UWONTBREAKMYSOUL

SARA FERNANDEZ

“THIS GRAND MARSHAL HONOR SIGNIFIES THAT WHAT I HAVE WORKED ON IS MEANINGFUL. IT GIVES ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND MY

Known For:

Her work with PFLAG (pflaghouston.org) by helping with their programs, newsletter, and Pride parade float, and by staffing events and doing outreach. She has also recorded and broadcast the monthly programs and some parents’ stories on Public Access TV.

As a result of her work, Fernandez was invited to join two organizations. The first was Association for Family and Community Integrity (AFCI), a Houstonbased organization with a mission to reduce rejection of LGBTQ youth by educating families and communities. This evolved into creating a website (understandinggay.org) with information to help people understand and accept their LGBTQ family members and friends.

The second invitation was to join Houston Area Rainbow Collective History (Houston ARCH). She worked with

ARCH members to develop a series of banners depicting Houston LGBTQ history for the 2014 Creating Change Conference, held in Houston. The project started with 27 banners and now has 50 that travel to events as a pop-up museum.

Advocacy:

Fernandez has attended state conferences for teachers, counselors and social workers to hand out resources and speak about supporting LGBTQ youth. She has encountered people who need to talk, staff that are supportive of their students, staff who are afraid of being accused of turning a child gay, and some who avoid her in order to not be ”tainted.” Unfortunately, “Don’t Say Gay” has had an influence and people are less willing to speak.

Favorite Cause: What moves her most are human rights, following the Golden Rule.

Dream to Change the World:

Fernandez’s dream was to change the world by providing stories and information. She now says that she was naïve but has nevertheless seen her work—in unity with others— make a positive difference. Because the world is always evolving— there are births and deaths, people moving through the stages of life, social changes and challenges—we are never finished working to make a better world.

Ultimate Life Mission:

Fernandez says that while some people seem to know what they want to be and what their goals are, she has wandered through life. Her constant is to work to understand herself, to be a better human being and pay attention to what needs to be done.

Favorite hashtag: #PFLAGNational

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Pride Houston 365’s

2024 HONORARY GRAND MARSHAL

C. PATRICK McILVAIN

74, He/Him/His

“BEING SELECTED AS AN HONORARY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY MY PEERS OF MY LIFE AS A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER, AND ORGANIZER. FOR ME, IT MEANS THAT I HAVE BEEN HEARD AND FELT BY MANY PEOPLE. IT GRANTS ME A MORE VISIBLE PUBLIC PLATFORM THIS YEAR TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS—A CONVERSATION THAT IS LONG OVERDUE.”

Known For:

Being a longtime community volunteer and advocate, a founding member of Montrose Sports Association, a longtime volunteer for Pride Houston 365, a member of the original “Team [Annise] Parker,” and the founding director of The Walk for Mental Health Awareness (also known as The Walk Houston).

Advocacy:

McIlvain adds to our community conversation by living with the challenges of having a mental illness diagnosis. He shares his personal experiences, including the discrimination that he has endured from many in the heterosexual community for being a gay male.

The discrimination for being honest and open about his mental illness includes discrimination even from within his LGBTQ community. But he keeps walking forward, one step at a time. It is positive, forward progress.

Favorite Cause:

McIlvain’s most important cause is talking—out in the bright sunlight of the day—about living with a mental illness. He feels that we all must do what we can to let people know that it is a very good thing to talk about mental illness, and how it does not define them. The Walk Houston, now known as ”Our Journey to Mental Health,” will be hosting a public social event every October 10, which is celebrated as World Mental Health Day.

Dream to Change the World:

To dramatically reduce the personal and social stigma that is still so yoked to those who talk about mental illness.

McIlvain believes that just saying “mental health” is sugarcoating the real truth. But every time someone says the words “mental illness” in public, we take a chip out of the stigma that has been with us for over 5,000 years.

Ultimate Life Mission:

To totally eradicate all of the stigma that is still attached to having and living with a mental illness.

Favorite Hashtags:

#PositivePublicDialogue; #EndTheIndifference; #TakingMyDignityBack

“TO

Pride Houston 365’s 2024 TRENDSETTER GRAND MARSHAL

OLIVIA JULIANNA

21, She/Her/Hers

SEE THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IN HOUSTON COME TOGETHER SO LOVINGLY INSPIRES HOPE. IT IS A REMINDER THAT WE ARE NOT IN THIS FIGHT ALONE, AND THAT MULTIPLE GENERATIONS ARE WORKING TO MAKE THINGS MORE EQUITABLE AND JUST. I HOPE TO CONTINUE TO USE MY PLATFORM TO HIGHLIGHT THE INTERSECTION OF ABORTION ACCESS AND

THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS HOW THE ATTACKS AGAINST OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHER MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES ARE LINKED TOGETHER. OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE ATTACKING THE COMMUNITY, AND THEY MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.”

Known For:

Abortion activism, electoral politics activism, and her social-media presence focusing on politics and activism. She has over 1 million followers across the platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, writing as @0liviajulianna.

Advocacy:

Fighting for LGBTQ rights within the electoral system by working to elect politicians who are representative of the community and who are fighters for our rights.

Favorite Cause:

Texas! Everything about Texas! Whether it be fighting to restore abortion access, protect public education, enshrine LGBTQ rights, or uplift the working class,

Julianna’s main purpose in life is to make Texas the beacon of hope and change that her great-grandparents believed in when they immigrated here from Mexico. She believes that it’s possible, and it will happen in her lifetime.

Dream to Change the World:

That reproductive autonomy will be definite for every individual across the globe, that healthcare will be guaranteed, that autonomy is enshrined in every facet of government, and that freedom over our own bodies prevails.

Ultimate Life Mission:

To uphold her family and her culture. When her great-grandparents moved to Texas in the 1920s, they were farmers in the Houston area. Barabra Jordan once said, “I get from the soil and the spirit of Texas the feeling that I, as an individual, can accomplish whatever I want, and that there are no limits.”

Julianna feels the seeds of her own American dream were planted in the Texas soil by her great-grandparents and watered by generations of activists, fighters, and icons. Every time she has accomplished something important or personally significant—whether it be meeting the president of the United States, doing a roundtable about reproductive healthcare access at the White House, or traveling the country to meet governors and elected officials to fight for our rights—she knows that this is the hope her ancestors had. Her mission is to make them proud and to never lose sight of who she is or where she came from, and to bring them with her everywhere she goes in spirit and in love.

Favorite Hashtag: # MyBodyMyChoice

Stellar Storyteller

David Clarke is recognized by PRWeek for his work and advocacy.

by ZACHARY McKENZIE

Everyone has a unique story to tell, and Baytown native David Clarke is devoted to making sure they get told. Clarke works as the deputy press secretary for New York City Public Schools after years of cutting his teeth as a writer in Houston. This Pride Month, he will be recognized for his work in PRWeek’s “Pride in PR” list and will continue advocating for his community to make workplaces, and life, better for people who identify as LGBTQ.

“When I was teaching special education in Baytown, I was also writing for BroadwayWorld Houston as the site’s sole contributor. I got to meet a lot of publicists, and I realized it was a really cool job,” says Clarke, who reviewed shows at Theatre Under The Stars, Houston Grand Opera, and more. Drawing inspiration from one of his favorite television characters, press secretary C. J. Gregg on NBC’s The West Wing, the educator kept the career option in his back pocket. “I didn’t know I could go to school for communications to be a press secretary. That was something I discovered later in life.”

Having transitioned to teaching 7th-grade writing, Clarke continued to hone his craft, writing roughly seven articles per week for BroadwayWorld. His work eventually caught the eye of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. “My reviews of Houston Grand Opera had been seen by their publicity team,” he says. Hoping for a job offer, Clarke accepted an invitation to meet, résumé in hand. “The first question I was asked was if I had ever thought about living and working in New York City, and I responded, ‘Only my whole life! It’s been like a lifelong dream!’”

As a PR and communications professional, Clarke has served as senior communications manager for NYC Pride | Heritage of Pride, Inc., audience engagement specialist for The WNET Group, communications manager for Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, publicity manager for National Sawdust, and publicity assistant for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

“Starting on March 13, 2024, I began work-

ing as deputy press secretary for New York City Public Schools,” he explains. “I, along with a communications team of publicists, social media professionals, and marketers, help tell the story of the nation’s largest school district. We have roughly 1.1 million students enrolled across about 1,800 campuses. I do a lot of communications and outreach around school safety, high-school sports, and other beats as well.”

Considering the magnitude of the school district, Clarke knows there will never be a dull day in the office. “It’s a different type of outreach than I had been doing, which was mostly

focused on performing arts and events. This is such a big school district, and because there’s always so much happening in New York, there’s always something interesting and exciting to cover.”

His handiwork is being recognized by PRWeek—an acknowledgment that he doesn’t take lightly. “It’s a huge honor, and I couldn’t be more excited to be recognized for the work I do in publicity by PRWeek. It really highlights the work we do, as openly gay and queer publicists, to make sure other people’s stories are told in positive ways.”

Clarke’s visibility and volunteerism

Jacolby Satterwhite Focuses on Queer Love

MFAH showcases the New York artist’s immersive multimedia exhibit.

By OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ | Photo by FRANK HERNANDEZ

Queer love takes center stage in a big way at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) with Jacolby Satterwhite: A Metta Prayer, now on view through November.

The exhibit features huge looped-video projections on the walls of Cullinan Hall, one of the museum’s most expansive galleries.

“I can’t lay claim to bringing this project to Houston,” says Alison de Lima Greene, the curator of modern and contemporary art at MFAH. “All of that credit goes to museum director Gary Tinterow. The moment he saw the Satterwhite exhibit in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, he said, “A Metta Prayer has to come to Houston. And Jacolby was incredibly generous. He had just come off of a busy time and we were asking him to do

another big project.”

The word metta is an ancient Pali term that means loving-kindness, goodwill, and an active interest in others. In Buddhism, metta prayers begin with the words May I, May you, May we, May your The purpose is to allow and affirm an idea or activity rather than to limit it.

Satterwhite paired his images—which include two men tenderly kissing, individuals dancing, and figures based on motion-captured movement—with hypnotic music. Text is superimposed on some of the images, such as “I know men. You know men. We know men.”

Originally from South Carolina and now based in Brooklyn, Satterwhite employs a visual language in his recent works that comes out of gaming. This use of gaming images seems natural; at 11 years old, he was diag-

nosed with cancer and he played a lot of video games while in the hospital. Later, he added a steady diet of music videos—Janet Jackson was a favorite—to his viewing habits.

The running-man trope often seen in video games—where a character runs through an endless landscape, often fighting enemies or overcoming obstacles—figures heavily in the digital images that Satterwhite created for his Houston exhibition.

“I’ve never played a video game beyond Pong—not even Pac-Man,” laughs Greene. “Now we have a whole generation of artists who got their visual education from video games. Jacolby inserted himself into the typical runner video and turned it from ‘Let’s shoot everything we can’ into a cel-

ebration not of violence, but of love.”

Satterwhite’s exhibit opened on May 18, a day when hundreds of thousands of Houstonians were without electrical power following a vicious storm. Downed trees and piles of debris lined many of the city’s streets. Still, hundreds of viewers crowded into Cullinan Hall to watch Satterwhite in an opening-night performance that echoed images seen in the videos. He danced, chanted, and vogued to live music by a cellist while projections were seen overhead on the gallery’s immense walls. Many of those in attendance would be returning to homes without electricity.

Add to that the fact that LGBTQ communities and communities of color are under increasing attack by certain political factions as the presidential election nears— and that the Supreme Court is seemingly veering off course—and it’s a challenging and uncertain time for many people.

We asked Greene if art becomes more important during a time of adversity.

“I think it does,” she says. “Especially with Jacolby Satterwhite’s message of accepting love. In a hard time, art is all the more important.”

Coming from New York, a deeply blue state, to Texas, an emphatically red state, Satterwhite was aware of the social tension that exists throughout the country. He had worked in Houston before, with exhibits at both the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum.

“Still, there’s been so much escalating,” says Greene.

Satterwhite admitted he was apprehensive when he came to Houston to begin work at MFAH. That feeling was lessened a bit when he and Greene encountered a multi-ethnic, multicultural group of school children visiting the museum.

“Everything that we mean when we say Houston is a diverse city, it was standing right there in front of him,” she says, smiling. “I could see him release breath.”

MFAH staff, Greene and Satterwhite know there will be some visitors who object to the Metta Prayer exhibit

“Every time someone walks into an exhibit, I say, ‘Give it time,’” says Greene. “There will be people who take offense at images of queer love. I’m not here to point a finger. I just hope that people say, ‘This is my personal view. I will let others express their own views.’

Jacolby Satterwhite’s live performance at the MFAH for the opening of the Metta Prayer exhibition.

Art cannot do social change; art can create a meeting ground out of which social change may come.

“We’ve often thought about what this museum can mean to our city,” continues Greene. “Different galleries address different audiences. There’s the Islamic gallery where people can see that heritage and perhaps overcome Islamophobia. And now we have Jacolby Satterwhite in Cullinan Hall centering on queer subject matter.”

And perhaps offering an opportunity to overcome homophobia.

WHAT: Jacolby Satterwhite: A Metta Prayer WHEN: Now through November 10

WHERE: MFAH, Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street

TICKETS: mfah.org

A Houston Fashion Frenzy

HFW: The Experience brings international designers, rising stars, and entertainment to Houston.

By DAVID BRASHER

Houstonians are busy preparing for Houston Fashion Week (HFW), one of the most exciting events of the year. Dubbed ”HoustonFW: The Experience” this year, it’s sure to showcase some of the most exciting looks in current fashion. The week’s entertainment lineup will include live music, dance shows, and the Rising Stars Competition.

HFW gives designers, models, and entertainers a platform to highlight their creativity and innovation on an international stage. HFW’s designer and executive producer, Danny Nguyen, believes that this year’s fashion week will be like no other.

“What makes Houston Fashion Week dif-

ferent this year is the epic scale and proportion of this year’s fashion experience,” says Nguyen. “The audiences should come expecting to be wowed! Not only do we have five days of runway shows with both national and international designers, but we also have five days of post-Fashion Week events and two days of post-post-Fashion Week events. That’s two weeks of fashion frenzy in the City of Houston, which is our intended goal.”

With diversity as one of HFW’s goals, designers showcasing their looks include Giannina Azar, a Dominican-Lebanese designer who is the official designer for Miss Dominican Republic. Erik Rosete is a high-end streetwear designer from Los Angeles who is known for his work with charities such as the AIDS

Healthcare Foundation and his fashion line Mister Triple X. He has headlined major fashion weeks globally.

HFW creators believe representation in every form matters. Communications director Oscar Alfaro points out that diversity can even be seen by the event’s organizer, designer Danny Nguyen. “As a Vietnamese American designer,” states Alfaro, “Danny’s leadership is a great reflection of HFW’s inclusivity and representation, in that it mirrors the diversity of our great city and the strength of our fashion community.”

One of the most exciting aspects of HFW is the Rising Stars Competition, a celebration of up-and-coming designers that showcases some of the nation’s most talented

young designers. HFW provides these designers with mentorship and opportunities to network with industry professionals. competition will be evaluated by a panel esteemed industry experts, and the highlight is the grand prize: a chance to present at New York Fashion Week—an invaluable opportunity for a young designer.

But it isn’t just the multiple fashion shows and the Rising Stars Competition that make HFW noteworthy. The Welcome Party and shopping opportunities will open to the public, and throughout the week there will be dinners, meet-and-greets, and after parties. One of the week’s special events will be happening on Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Montrose nightclub South Beach, which is partnering with HFW to host the Sunday Brunch Experience as part of the official platform of events. Featured guest Erik Rosette will there to meet and greet the LGBTQ commu-

Use one of the photos and crop/background change as needed.

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nity. This event will also include a Sunday Brunch Drag Show featuring Tommie Ross, Roxanne Collins, Jazelle Barbie, Chloe Knox, and Randy Boss.

HFW’s associate producer, Rodney Vernon, sees HFW as an opportunity to show the best that Houston has to offer. “Houston is a huge, diverse city. “We should have a fashion week that rivals New York and L.A. This is going to put Houston on the fashion map. What organizers Danny and Oscar have planned is just incredible.”

HFW is June 6–11, with runway shows June 7–9. For more information, including a list of events, and to get tickets, please visit houstonfw.org.

Danny Nguyen, HFW’s executive producer

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

PRIDE HOUSTON 365 INTRODUCES ITS 2024 PARADE GRAND MARSHALS MAY 5, 2024

Pride Houston 365 celebrated “Cinco de Mayo with Pride” at Axelrad Beer Hall by announcing the 2024 Pride Houston 365 Parade Grand Marshals. Honorees include Kevin Anderson, Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, Odyssey Oakengrove, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Olivia Julianna, Sara Fernandez, and C. Patrick McIlvain. The 46th Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration Festival & Parade kicks off on Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m.

OUT FOR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY

MAY 5, 2024

Out for Education hosted its Scholarship Award Ceremony, during which nearly 20 organizations, non-profit foundations, and individuals presented checks to dozens of LGBTQ students from across the Houston area. Out for Education, one of the nation’s largest funders of scholarships for LGBTQ students, has been investing in the future of Houston’s LGBTQ community since 1999. In that time, they’ve provided over $2 million in scholarship funding.

DALTON DE HART

WEDDING GUIDE

A Sedona Ceremony

Stephanie Bradley (l) and Katie Harrington

Katie Harrington and Stephanie Bradley recall their magical wedding day.

Katie Harrington, 34-year-old native of Houston’s Memorial area, and Stephanie Bradley, 33, originally from Yoakum, Texas, will be celebrating their third wedding anniversary in September. The young couple has been together for almost a decade and are preparing for another major milestone: motherhood.

They met in Houston when Katie was in her second year of law school and Stephanie was in her first year of medical school. “In a roundabout way, we ended up running in the same circles,” says Stephanie. “Over the course of probably four years, we would see each other at parties and stuff.”

Katie made the first move after seeing

By DAVID CLARKE

Stephanie appear on a mutual friend’s Instagram story. “I sent a text saying, ‘Oh my God, how is Stephanie Bradley doing?’ And then Stephanie responded with ‘We were just talking about you. Let’s grab drinks soon.’” While Katie interpreted Stephanie’s response as a move, Stephanie was thinking it would just be drinks with a friend.

“We went to Lei Low in the Heights because it has great tiki drinks and dark lighting. It’s a mood,” Katie recalls. “We ended up talking for the first time in a very long time, and more than we had ever talked before.”

For their first date, Stephanie—then “a poor medical student living on loans”—invited Katie to dine with her at Caracol because her

aunt and uncle had given her a gift card to the restaurant. “I got my Ford Focus really washed up and cleaned, then I picked her up for a date,” says Stephanie. “We valeted, we ordered, and when we paid, I just slipped my gift card in there with my credit card. I was hoping she wouldn’t notice.”

When it comes to what they like most about each other, the two women appreciate their differences. “Because we’re so different,” Stephanie explains, “I feel like we always have something to talk about, and I think that makes things very fun and exciting.”

“I love the intellectual depth of conversations we can get into on a daily basis,”

adds Katie. “We have such super-different perspectives, so it’s cool to talk about things, hear things you haven’t thought of, and challenge each other.”

Marriage was something the couple started talking about in Stephanie’s last year of residency. The proposal feels ripped from a movie script. “We were in Tromsø, Norway, and we were out in the fjords,” says Stephanie. “We had pulled over into a lake area to see if we could see the Northern Lights, and we actually saw them!”

The pair was on a sightseeing tour, and Katie kept making excuses to go back to the van. Eventually, the tour guide told Stephanie that he wanted to take family photos of them at a spot up a hill from where they were. That creeped Stephanie out, but she agreed because Katie was up for the adventure.

“When we got up there, Katie turned to me, and he hit a button. He had strung Christmas lights all in the woods and there were little candles. Katie got on one knee, and I blacked out,” says Stephanie. “I can’t tell you anything she said because I was so caught off guard, but it was by far one of the most

romantic moments of my life.”

“We got married in Sedona, Arizona, on September 18, 2021,” says Katie. The couple included Obergefell v. Hodges in their ceremony with a reading of a passage from that SCOTUS marriage-equality ruling. They even had images of Ruth Bader Ginsberg printed on their cocktail napkins at their reception. And the way they highlighted the special bond between Katie’s dad and Stephanie stands out as something truly unique. “In just this beautiful blend, Wade, Stephanie’s uncle, walked her halfway down the aisle,” says Katie, “and then she stopped and waited. Then my dad and I walked down the aisle, and we stopped to pick Stephanie up. And my dad, arm in arm, walked both of us down the aisle.”

“I honestly think it was more than what I could have ever imagined,” says Stephanie. “I think the people who helped us pull it off were just so good at what they did, and they did a phenomenal job executing a fairy tale.” Those accolades belong to Sam at Revel Wedding Co., photographer Daniel Kim, Enchantment Resort, Lux Florist, the hair and make-up team at HVH Faces, Freja Creative for their invita-

tions, and The Details Duo for signage.

Now the couple is happily working with Heather Hoff, MD, at the LGBTQ-friendly Aspire Houston Fertility Institute. “We ended up going through the process of trying to do IUI,” says Katie. “We did four of them. They didn’t work, and each time was just very mentally tough.”

“We’ve moved on now. We’re starting the IVF process, and we did an egg retrieval about a month ago,” adds Stephanie. “I think we’ve both grown an empathy for people who struggle with infertility or are on their own childbearing journey.”

The couple learned a lot through the process, and are very excited at recently finding out they have four embryos. “The next step for us is the implantation, which, again, is like IUI, where it might not work the first or second time,” says Stephanie. “Luckily, I think we both feel confident we have enough embryos that, hopefully, we’ll be able to have a successful implantation soon.”

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

OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone!

Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.

OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.

OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.

ReBar

VICTORY IN HOUSTON SUNDAY FUNDAY 2024

MAY 19, 2024

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund hosted the Victory in Houston Sunday Funday 2024 at the Corinthian in downtown Houston. Local queen Persephone hosted the event, which featured multiple guest speakers from the Houston political arena and beyond. Phyllis Frye was presented with the Annise Parker Leadership Award in honor of her decades of work on trans issues.

DALTON DE HART and CREW

By LILLY RODDY

Navigating a Dynamic Month

Jupiter in Gemini sparks communication.

OARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Your energy level continues to be strong as the month begins, making this a good month to set new goals. You are responding more intuitively and are more communicative in the first half of the month. You have a lot of new ideas about how to keep your life interesting and connect with others who share your interests. With your finances, you are reviewing ways to increase your base and eliminate debt. In the latter half of the month, your interest shifts to home and family. This can be a good time for relocating, home improvement, family gatherings, and taking care of issues dealing with parents and other older relatives. You are paying more attention to your boundaries and are not letting others waste your time.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

This continues to be a very busy time for Taureans. You may have reached some decisions—or a point of no return. You are ready to take action on the 8th. This activity level continues through the middle of next month. You are ready to invest in your own ideas and plans. You are not very patient during this time and are likely to take life much more personally. This can be a great time to improve your health routines and pay more attention to yourself. You are looking for increased financial security. This is an excellent month to make better use of social media for business and social networking. You are still reviewing your career path this month. You are more than ready to make changes there!

GEMINI (May 21–June 21)

Jupiter, planet of expanded education, travel, and social networking, has entered your sign and will be here for the next year. This is the time for big ideas! This is also your natural annual birthday cycle—the time to review last year’s progress and set new goals for the year ahead. This is an excellent time to upgrade your skills, go back to school, or finally go after the degree you

ur activity level remains strong through the first half of June, but we begin to slow down in the last 10 days of the month. Jupiter, our planet of growth and expansion, has entered Gemini, our sign of data, information, and communications, where it will remain for the next year. Our day-to-day lives are busier. There is improved communication and more ways to simplify our lives. Jupiter in Gemini has the strongest impact on the mutable signs of Pisces, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Gemini. Active days this month are the 2nd, 4th, 14th, 21st, 26th, and the 29th. Days to avoid stress are the 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 16th, and the 17th. The sun enters Cancer, the first day of summer, on the 20th at 3:51 p.m. Mercury, our planet of communication, travels through Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer this month. Venus, our planet of desire and resources, makes her way through Gemini and Cancer. Mars, our planet of action and self-protection, remains active in Aries before eventually entering Taurus.

want. You are also interested in travel and foreign business. You are the best sign for multi-faceted behavior and can handle several things at once. You are closing the door on some activities that don’t serve you, and separating from people who are too immature. Career energies continue to improve, as you are able to get closer to what you really want to do.

CANCER (June 22–July 22)

As the month begins, you Moon Kids are in a time of rest and retreat. You are wanting and needing more time to yourself for contemplation and rest. This may cause conflict as your career sector continues to push you forward with new ideas that keep you busy—maybe too busy. You are wanting to look at your options before you decide. Your patience is not at its best, but that does calm down some toward the middle of the month. Your area of groups and friends is more active in the middle of the month. The latter part of the month is better for writing, podcasting, and increasing your presence on social media. You are clearer about what your needs are, and you don’t try to make others happy by denying your own requirements.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

There is a mixed bag of activity for you this month. You have been in a planning mode and getting ready to launch some new activities in your life. Career becomes much more active after the 8th. You may take on a leadership role, start something on your own, and have more troubles with bosses. You are more direct and less patient with others, expecting them to take better care of themselves. This is a very powerful time with partnerships. If things are positive, you are in a time of renewal. If you are having problems, they have to be purged before you move forward. With new partnerships, this is the time to go for your dreams. You are ready for a break from all the activity in late June, when you will need more time for yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept.22)

This month, your career sector is very active and likely to continue being active until next year. This should be a time of new opportunities, being more public, writing/podcasting, expanding your education, and making a bigger impact on your world. You should have plenty of energy and generally feel more optimistic about where your life is headed. For some, this can be a time to relocate for work or a new career position. Relationships need some renewal. You need to make sure you and your partner are pushing toward the same intentions. Difficult partnerships will have to find some resolution, or they may not move forward. Mentally, this is a time of expanding your point of view and seeing your place in the world. You may feel more responsible and call out the injustices you see.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)

As the month begins, you are ready to have some fun and break out of your routines. This is a much better time for vacation, travel out of the country, and pursuing an expanded view of your reality. You may feel more tied into spiritual traditions and may study them during this time. In the latter part of the month, you are reconnecting to your career drive and are ready to put new ideas into action. Relationships are still dicey, but you are having to work out the problems before you can go on. This is a great time for renewing bonds by getting away from routines that keep you locked into your own loop. Exercise and health may take on a life of their own, especially later in the month. You want your workspace to be comfortable and free of incidental problems that break your concentration.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)

Life continues to be an interesting ride for you this month. You are looking to renew your interest

in your work and your relationships. You want to immediately eliminate anything that makes you feel restricted or denied. Relationships need some of your focus. This can be a great time to renew old bonds. Or if you are single, this is a better time to connect with others. Co-workers can seem more disagreeable as the month starts, but that calms down in the middle of the month. You are more open to investments, refinancing, and reducing your debt this month. This stays active all year. This can be a great time to look into foreign investments or currencies. Toward the end of the month is a better time for writing, travel, taking a class, and stepping away from your routines.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Relationships are going to be a big theme this year. If you are in a relationship, this should be a better time. This includes all partnerships, from business to close friends and romantic partners. Your partner will have more opportunity and may be busier than usual. If you are single and interested, this is an excellent time to meet new people. This is also a great time for networking and marketing. People will be more willing to hear what you have to say. You are improving your work environment through newer and better equipment. This can also be a very good time to improve diet and exercise. Home life

continues to be a work in progress. This can be a time of home repair, relocating, downsizing, dealing with older parents and relatives, and taking on a leadership role in the family. Your stability increases.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your inner child is yearning to break free from the demands and expectations that have fueled your inner drive for success. You are wanting to remain productive, but you want to have more enjoyment in what you do! This is a great time to move your hobbies into a money-making phase. You are looking for more freedom to express your creativity. Family may continue to be a pain until the middle of the month. This is also an excellent month to improve your office space with better devices. In the latter part of the month, partnerships become the topic du jour. For single folk, this is a great time to meet new people for business or romantic partnerships. Ongoing partnerships need some time for renewal to get back on track. In the background, you are looking for new resources!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

For those of you born in the early days of the sign, this is a time of clearing, letting go of the past, and getting the negative energy out of your life. This can be a good time for major cleaning and some therapy. The rest of you can feel this need for transformation coming! You

are becoming more real and direct. People closest to you easily notice the change. Family and home concerns are still holding your focus. This can be a time for repair, relocation, or a shift in family power dynamics through death. You want more freedom in your life and fewer demands. You are also working through any financial problems, as it is easier to stick to a budget at this time. Your inner child needs some attention, so be sure and take some time to play!

PISCES

(Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Career, boundaries, learning how to say No, and making time for yourself continue to lead the topics this month. You are more outspoken and direct, which may appear strange to others. Family responsibilities dominate the month. You may have more family gatherings, want to fix up the old home, and need to deal with aging family members. You are expecting others to help so you don’t do this alone. It continues to be easy to spend money, and impulse control may be lacking. This eases up toward the middle of the month. You revise your routines this month to make that part of your life function more efficiently. In the latter part of the month, you are also looking to have more fun. This can be a great time to be with your children or just to let your own inner child out!

For more info, visit lillyroddyshow.com.

Inspirational Diva

Alexis Nicole Whitney proves drag is more than a visual art form.

By SAM BYRD

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of losing her vision can stop Alexis Nicole Whitney from setting her well-heeled foot on the stage and commanding the room. The diva lost her eyesight early in her drag career, but she never let that stand in the way of her dream to become one of the best in the business. Now, as a title holder and inspirational leader, she’s a dominating figure, fundraiser and friend to the community. Learn more about her below.

Pronouns? She/Her

Inner Avatar?

Jessica Rabbit and Wonder Woman

Hometown? San Antonio

Drag birthday? Halloween 1993

June is Pride Month. What does Pride mean to you?

Don’t ever be afraid of who you are. Be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Are you going to have a hot-girl summer? Yes, of course!

What got you interested in drag? The thought of being able to be a woman and being able to be myself. And, of course, the men I attract.

Describe your performing persona. Emotional, strong and inspiring.

Any titles or pageants under your belt?

Empress 36 of ERSICSS.inc, All American Goddess At Large 2017, and Girl of Montrose 2019. I just stepped down as Mother of Montrose, and I’m the reigning Miss Gay Texas USofA 2023.

What’s on your bucket list?

To win the title of Miss Gay USofA At Large and to go to the UK to find my new husband.

What is your favorite hangout spot?

Tony’s Corner Pocket, with the boys.

Follow Alexis Nicole Whitney on Facebook at facebook.com/ alexisnicolewhitney and on Instagram at @alexisvalerio69.

Most memorable moment as a performer? When I was crowned Miss Gay Texas USofA At Large.

What’s your ultimate goal as a performer?

To inspire others to never give up, and to believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Thoughts about legislation prohibiting drag performances?

I think it’s not right. Drag is not a crime. It’s just people trying to make a living.

Let us know about your drag family. #ItsAWhitneyThing. Well, most people call me the matriarch of the Whitney name, but in reality, I was given the name from my drag mother Shanté Whitney. I’m not only a proud drag daughter but a drag mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Advice for up-and-coming performers?

Stay true to yourself, don’t ever change for anyone, don’t ever be fake, and follow your dreams. If you can believe, you will achieve.

Where and when do you normally perform?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights at Tony’s Corner Pocket.

What is your secret talent?

I can make things disappear.

Do you have any catch phrases that you often use?

“Tha Fk?” and “¡Siega per no pendeja!” (Blind but not dumb)

Have you ever had a defining moment in your life? If so, share more. When I went into a coma for two weeks and woke up blind.

THE MUSIC OF ABBA

JUNE 15 • 2:30 & 7:30 PM •

HOBBY CENTER

Mamma Mia! Celebrate the iconic pop supergroup like never before when a cappella sensation Rajaton joins the Houston Symphony for all your favorite ABBA songs: “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” and so much more.

Join us after the 7:30 p.m. show for a pride-filled Dancing Queen Disco, hosted by local Drag artists!

SPECIAL OFFER Buy any two Summer Sounds concerts and get your Dancing Queen Disco ticket free!