CALENDAR

The Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF) takes place this month, with over 40 films and short programs. This year’s theme, Third Coast, spotlights often-overlooked talent throughout the Gulf Coast. This year’s lineup includes several films that are sure to pique the interest of LGBTQ viewers.

On November 12 at the Rice Cinema, ticket holders can see the Houston premiere of Angelo Madsen Minax’s North by Current. The transgender director takes his audience on a captivating journey into the depths of drug and alcohol addiction, trans embodiment, and domestic violence. The documentary-style film reveals the relationships of family members struggling to understand each other.

Another standout queer film, Petite Maman, will screen at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on November 17. The latest work by Céline Sciamma tells the story of two girls becoming fast friends, but whose eerie similarities yield revelations that merge past and present events.

View these films, as well as many others, at indoor and outdoor venues across the city and virtually. Filmgoers can purchase an all-access pass or tickets for individual screenings.

JR’s Bar & Grill presents the 10th annual Mr. and Miss So You Think You Can Drag pageant. Hosted by Kofi, the competition measures contestant presentations in formal wear, Q&A, and talent. The event also features performances from Mr. and Miss So You Think You Can Drag 2019 winners Leilani L. Jackson-Ross and Jermani Oz Jackson.

COMMUNITY November 4–14

Head over to MATCH in Midtown for Dayna Steele’s The Woman in the Mirror, a theater production based on the local personality’s book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. Steele will portray the story of being her mother’s caregiver after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013.

Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin will appear live in concert at the Toyota Center, with special guest Sebastián Yatra. Ricky Martin, a gay artist, came out in 2010.

COMMUNITY November 6–7

The Houston Gaymers presents Extra Life 2021, a 24-hour game-a-thon benefiting the Texas Children’s Hospital. The digital charity drive can be streamed on Twitch. For more information on the event, join the Houston Gaymers Discord server on their Facebook page.

The nation’s oldest LGBTQ organization, Houston’s Diana Foundation, hosts its annual Diana Country Dinner Weekend at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon (Saturday night dinner and dancing, with tunes by Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats) and at Brennan’s for Sunday brunch featuring New Orleans-style cuisine and jazz. Tickets to the event are $65. thedianafoundation.org

The Mahogany Project presents the Transgender Awareness Ball at Hamburger Mary’s Houston. Hosted by the legendary JRock Ebony, winners will receive cash prizes in seven pageant categories. tinyurl.com/2547t9vr

COMMUNITY November 18

The Mahogany Project and Save Our Sisters United, Inc. are teaming up to host SoulGiving at Maggiano’s Little Italy. While the community fellowship dinner is centered around Houston’s Black LGBTQ community, the event is open to all queer folks who have been vaccinated.

COMMUNITY November 20

The Organización Latina de Trans en Texas (OLTT) presents Día de Recordación Trans (Transgender Day of Remembrance) to honor victims of trans violence in 2021. OLTT’s Transgiving will also be devoted to a night of remembrance, love, and family.

The Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance virtually on its socialmedia platforms. The event will honor all trans people who lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence during 2021.

COMMUNITY November 23

The Montrose Center presents its annual Thanksgiving celebration. The drive-thru potluck provides transgender community members with a socially distant way to celebrate Thanksgiving during COVID-19. Attendees will be given pre-packaged meals, fun care bags, handwritten holiday cards, and more. tinyurl.

COMMUNITY November 26

The Ranch Houston, owned by local queer couple Tamika and Lenie Caston-Miller, hosts Ranch Lights, a nighttime holiday market with Christmas lights, art, music, and shopping.

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COMMUNITY December 3

The Montrose Center presents Out for Good at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Houston’s premiere LGBTQ annual gala features dinner and a program honoring Dina Jacobs, a legendary drag performer for 55 years. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Montrose Center’s “Give Lively” page. tinyurl.com/bs3vzvry

STAGE December 3–4

Go to the Stafford Centre to see Urban Nutcracker, an exciting twist on the holiday classic choreographed by openly gay Houston dancer and activist Harrison Guy. Tickets at houstonurbannutcracker.org.

COMMUNITY December 11

Pride Chorus Houston presents its annual Holiday Traditions at Lambert Hall, featuring holiday classics and new music.