NOVEMBER 2022

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu

Creative Director Alex Rosa

Interim Managing Editor Olivia Flores Alvarez Copy Editor Howard Maple

Web Editor Olivia Flores Alvarez Staff Reporter Morgan Gage

Contributing Writers

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, Brandon Wolf, Grace S. Yung

Photographers/Illustrators

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

Operations Manager Michael Gurnas

Sales and Marketing Dept. - 713.520.7237 Jack Berger, Carrie Burt, Tom Fricke, Joanna Jackson, Gene Mikulenka

National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863

Gordon Crofoot Best Male Physician Crofoot MD Best Men’s Health Clinic Crofoot MD Best Community Health Services, Runner Up

Derek Smith Best Male Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant

Kendrick Clack Best Male Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant 3rd Place

Adam Sirico Best Male Nurse

John Chapman Best Male Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant 2nd Place

When we wake up on November 9, it will be a di erent world. Whether it will be better or worse depends on who shows up to vote on November 8.

I’m hoping it’s going to be a world where same-sex marriage and other hard-won LGBTQ civil rights are more secure. A world where trans youth aren’t subject to investigation by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services simply because they are receiving gender-a rming support.

I also hope everyone can trust and accept the election results. Democracy dies when the people counting the votes are blinded by tribal loyalties, or the losing candidates launch smear campaigns that endanger impartial election workers with physical violence

and the presence of guns.

The only solace I can fi nd in this election cycle is remembering that we’ve done this before. We’ve fought for LGBTQ rights—and won. We’ve fought for women’s rights, for transgender rights, for race-based civil rights, for voting rights, and for immigrant rights. And, to varying degrees, we’ve made progress in each one of those battles.

We know how to do this. We know how to walk blocks, organize protests, register voters, educate legislators in Austin—all of it. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.

We shouldn’t have to fi ght, but the reality of the current political climate in Texas is that we must. No matter what happens on November 8, the LGBTQ community needs to wake up on November 9 and keep moving forward.

We also need to keep celebrating and nurturing our vibrant and resilient LGBTQ community here in Houston—people like pioneering trans activist and municipal judge Phyllis Frye, who was at the forefront of the trans-equality movement in Texas and beyond. Read about her newly published biography on page 42.

Then we have Shana Ross, a local fitness trainer whose new book recounts her journey from coming out as an adopted child in conservative East Texas to fi nding her Navajo birth family.

And former beauty-pageant winner-turned-businesswoman Roneshia Ray talks about her shop, The Modern Day Queen Collection. As a Black lesbian, Ray breaks through the stereotypes as she o ers one-of-a-kind clothing fi nds while inspiring her customers to live the best lives.

Finally, our cover features the lovely and talented Sis, a Black trans actress who has been a background actor on POSE and now plays Dunaway in FX’s American Horror Story: New York City. Her character portrayals are giving voice to the many untold stories that Hollywood has ignored for decades.

Olivia Flores Alvarez Interim Managing Editor olivia@outsmartmagazine.com

QUEER THINGS to DO

Don’t kid yourself—the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker might seem to be made for children, but the Houston Ballet production features some very grown-up dancing. Choreographed by artistic director Stanton Welch, an out member of the LGBTQ community, The Nutcracker has all the expected elements: a sugar-plum fairy, scamper ing mice, an enormous Christmas tree, dozens and dozens of holiday charac ters, wonderful music and, of course, a nutcracker.

The show begins with lots of oohs

and ahhs from the audience as the entire company—from the tiniest tots just starting to study ballet to the old pros—dance across the stage. The second half of the show is handed over to the young lions of the company, with each performance featuring a different pairing of ballet soloists as Clara and the Prince.

Check out our story, A Gay Man’s Guide to The Nutcracker, an inter view with Houston Ballet first soloist Harper Watters on page 56. tinyurl.com/4zjf5xmr

TUTS’ THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS

Theatre Under the Stars brings The Secret of My Success to the stage for its regional premiere. The uproarious comedy takes on corporate America and the ever-changing defini tion of success.

Out@TUTS night (our free party with some of the cast members after the show) is November 3. Hosted by Regina Thorne-DuBois, every Out@TUTS event includes free lite bites, drink specials, and live music while you mingle with your fellow musical-theater lovers. tinyurl.com/yeapcund

FESTIVAL

10–17

HOUSTON CINEMA ARTS FESTIVAL

This year’s festival lineup includes outstanding docu mentaries, narrative films, and shorts being screened at various locations through the city. Don’t miss The Inspec tion, based on writer/director Elegance Bratton’s real-life experience. Jeremy Pope stars as a young gay Black man who joins the Marines determined to succeed in the brutal military system. tinyurl.com/3jx77mx4

STAGE Thru November 6

PHOTO BY AMITAVA

MELISSA

STAGE Thru November 11

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S THE WRECKERS

Bisexual composer Dame Ethel Smyth’s opera The Wreckers gets a rare full-scale production from the Houston Grand Opera. Smyth was open about her bisexuality and had a notable affair with author Virginia Woolf. tinyurl.com/33kf2hpm

COMMUNITY November 5

CASINO NIGHT BENEFITING THE MONTROSE CENTER

Presented by OutReach United, Casino Night gives you a chance to hit the roulette wheel and blackjack table while helping a good cause. tinyurl.com/yew3ncrc

COMEDY November 3

QUEER IMPROV JAM

Work on your comedy chops at the free Queer Improv Jam, a workshop especially for LGBTQ performers, students, and allies. Hosted by Aaron Michaels, this is a safe space for open practice, not a show. tinyurl.com/f4tmtjy

STAGE November 11

FEMININE FRIDAY BURLESQUE SHOW

The female-owned Social Beer Garden HTX presents a free burlesque show dedicated to “womenpowerment” every Friday, featuring performers Gia Vaughna, Fox Monroe, Nikki Knockout, and others. 11 p.m. tinyurl.com/5y75cz3x

COMMUNITY November 11

2022 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION PARADE

The City of Houston presents the annual Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration with a rousing parade. Marching bands, local vets, ROTC groups, supporters, and local dignitaries will all be taking part. tinyurl.com/2zdc5v2u

MUSIC November 13

RINA SAWAYAMA

The queer Japanese-British singer-songwriter infuses her catchy pop anthems with UK garage and club beats, and adds hints of nu-metal and New Jack Swing. Expect a heavy dose of new tunes from her just-released Hold the Girl. tinyurl.com/2aw2e54y

STAGE November 12

AN EVENING OF SOUL WITH PATTI LA BELLE, GLADYS KNIGHT & STEPHANIE MILLS

Few women have contributed more to the lexicon of iconic drag anthems than Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. The trio’s concert tour comes to Houston this month. tinyurl.com/2p82rwp7

STAGE November 18–December 30

ALLEY THEATRE’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This year’s production is a brandnew adaptation by artistic director Rob Melrose featuring ghosts disappearing into puffs of smoke, charming Christmas carols, and new scenes. tinyurl.com/y3nfhexr

Improv host Aaron Michaels

QUEER THINGS to DO

SAVE the DATES

DIVA ROYALE DRAG SHOW

It’s a different show every night when Diva Royale hits the stage. Celebrity drag queens impersonating Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and many others take turns enter taining while the audience enjoys a scrumptious dinner (7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays) or brunch (1:30 p.m. Sundays). Advance tickets only, and 18 years old and over, please. tinyurl.com/bddt687a

NIGHTLIFE December 11

THE FREAKSHOW: KINKY CIRCUS & ARTIST MARKET

Celebrate Halloween in December when The Freakshow takes over Numbers Night Club. There will be local aerial performers, circus acts, food, and an artisan market offering unique hand made items, fetish gear, and more. Must be 18+. tinyurl.com/5czm2epx

COMMUNITY

December 31

QUIPPIE (QUEER + HIPPIE) RISE: NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Expect the unexpected—the really unexpected—on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a vegan-infused meal, live alternative music, yoga, tarot cards, intention-setting, and conscious connections. Start 2023 off right with the proper hip mindset. tinyurl.com/42nbbjsz

Submit your events at calendar@outsmartmagazine.com

DRAG SHOW

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December

Thank You OutSmart Readers!

We’ve always believed that there is nothing more important than health. That’s why for the last 40 years, Legacy has been a dedicated health care provider for the LGBTQ+ community.

Thank you OutSmart Readers for voting Legacy Community Health:

WINNERS

Best Community Health Service Provider – Legacy Community Health

Best Female Physician – Jeannie Banh, MD

Best Female Physician Assistant (PA)/Nurse Practitioner – Maggie White, FNP-BC

Best Mental Health Therapist/Psychiatrist – Chad Lemaire, MD Best Pharmacy – Legacy Pharmacy

Favorite Female Nurse – Priscilla Presson Leading Female Fundraiser – Chree Boydstun

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINALISTS

Best Community Health Service Provider – Wellness Bar by Legacy

Best Female Mental Health Therapist/Psychologist – Betsy Vasquez

Best Female Personal Trainer – Felicia Lee-Sexton

Best Female Physician – Natalie Vanek, MD

Best Female Physician Assistant (PA)/Nurse Practitioner – Michelle DeSalvo, PA

Best Male Dentist – Alex Barrera, DDS

Best Male Dentist – John Dioquino, DDS

Best Male Eye Doctor – Scott Sawyer, MD

Best Male LGBTQ Business Person – Bobby Hilliard, MD

Best Male Physician – James Carroll, MD

Best Men’s Health Clinic – Wellness Bar by Legacy

Best Political Advocacy Group – Legacy Takes Action

Best Women’s Health Clinic – Legacy Community Health

Favorite Female Nurse – Nina Saltzman

Favorite HIV/AIDS Support Organization – Legacy Community Health

Favorite LGBTQ Benefit Event of the Year – Mint Julep

Favorite LGBTQ Social Group – AmistadesHTX

Favorite Local LGBTQ Facebook Page – AmistadesHTX

Favorite Local LGBTQ Influencer – Miguel Jacquez

Leading Male Fundraiser – Timmy Martinez

To learn more about our comprehensive services, visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org

On September 29, 2022, Alley Theatre held an ActOUT event for Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano. Pictured are Stephanie Patrisso, Chaney Tullos, Lauren Pelletier, Rob Melrose, Artistic Director, Tina Berry, Matthew Lawrence, and Glynda McGinnis.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce presented its LGBT History Month Celebration, in collaboration with The Banner Project, at Bank of America on October 27, 2022. Pictured are Banner Project honorees Larry Bagneris and Dalton DeHart.

The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus held its 13th annual Equality Brunch at the Post Oak Hotel on October 1, 2022. Pictured are Lane Lewis and Jovon Alfon B. Tyler

On October 1, 2022, the Montrose Softball League Association held its Miss MSLA contest at Neon Boots. Pictured are Raul Garcia, Alex Torres (winner), and Cody Moore

The City of Houston issued a proclamation for World Mental Health Day to C. Patrick McIlvain on October 4, 2022. Pictured are Houston City Council Member Dave Martin, Trina Stanfield, C. Patrick McIlvain, and Council Member Robert Gallegos.

On October 6, 2022, EPAH held its hOUsTon Industry Mixer at the Hilton Houston Plaza-Medical Center. Pictured are Ken Ng, Elia Chino, and Didier Piot

On October 15, 2022, the Montrose Center held its Out for Good gala honoring Linda Morales at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Pictured are Deborah Duncan, Juan Palomo, Linda Morales, and Ann Robison.

On September 29, 2022, an Out@TUTS party was held following the Ain’t Misbehavin’ Broadway show at the Hobby Center. Pictured are Kevin Pope, Regina Thorne-DuBois , and Matthew Janak

EPAH’s “One Home, Many Hearts” fundraiser for Omega House was held at the Health Museum on October 15, 2022. Pictured are Choe Hefelfinger, Brent Braveman , Todd Shell , Dr. Charlene Flash , Glenn Dickson , and David Alcorta .

SCENE OUT

Photos by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

John Palmer Art honored the 2022 Escapist artists Sola Cardoso and Ruby Fear on October 22, 2022. Pictured are Kofi, Tatiana Escallon, Ruby Fear, Sola Cardoso, AVM Hawkins, and John Ross Palmer.

On October 21, 2022, Crom Rehabilitation held a fundraiser benefiting OUT for Education. Pictured are Rae Sanchez, Amanda Khordaji, Roy Rivera, Demetria Mills, Michael Lesher, and Brandi Lira

On October 19, 2022, the Mayor’s Hispanic Heri tage Awards Ceremony was held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Pictured are U.S. Rep. Al Green , Adan Medrano, and U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia

—

Concocting ‘Unstoppable Arguments’

Lawmakers across dozens of mostly Republican-led states, such as Texas and Florida, have passed or introduced a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills this year, a CNN analysis of data gathered by the American Civil Liberties Union shows. This legislative assault has been accompa nied by incendiary discourse that demonizes LGBTQ people.

In June, for instance, members of the extremist group The Proud Boys barged into the San Lorenzo Library in California and in terrupted a Drag Queen Story Hour. One of the insults they reportedly tossed was “groomer”— a term that maligns LGBTQ people as child predators.

Mere days later, Christopher Rufo, the activist who powered the “critical race theory” panic, invited his fellow conservatives to “start using the phrase ‘trans stripper’ in lieu of ‘drag queen.’” His reason? “‘Trans stripper’ has a more lurid set of connotations and shifts the debate to sexualization. ‘Trans strippers in

Analysis by BRANDON TENSLEY, CNN

schools’ anchors an unstoppable argument.”

The following month, Florida Republican State Rep. Anthony Sabatini declared menac ingly, “Florida to groomers: Your days are num bered!” Notably, Sabatini intends to propose legislation targeting parents who bring their children to drag shows.

In March, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ then-press secretary Christina Pushaw made a claim that stunned and hor rified many LGBTQ people and their allies: “If you’re against the Anti-Grooming bill, you are probably a groomer. Or at least you don’t denounce the grooming of 4- to 8-year-old chil dren,” Pushaw tweeted, addressing opponents of the state’s Parental Rights in Education Act who refer to that legislation as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

This perversion of the term “groomer” can draw attention away from the real scourge of child abuse, often at the hands of straight predatory adults who groom their child vic tims. Together, these examples snap into focus the prevalence of today’s anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

Last week, Rep. Mike Johnson of Loui siana introduced a measure, which was cosponsored by dozens of other Republicans, that some describe as a national version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. “The Democrat [sic] Party and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young chil dren in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology,” Johnson said in a statement about the bill.

“Gender ideology” is a decades-old term that many Republican leaders have em braced in recent months that mischaracter izes gender—a social construct of norms and behaviors that doesn’t necessarily align with the sex someone was assigned at birth—as an attack on “traditional” values. Similarly heightened anxieties around gender were detectable in 2016, when so-called bathroom bills sought to block transgender and gendernonconforming people’s access to public accommodations.

According to UC Berkeley philosopher Judith Butler, what the anti-gender

Homophobic language and scare tactics take center stage in GOP talking points.

ideology movement calls “gender” is a fiction—a phantasm. “It’s not really what people in gender studies mean by gender. [Right-wing extremists are] imagining something that will destroy civilization or the family as we know it. So [they give the term] ‘gender’ enormous power that it doesn’t have.”

Butler, the author of the 1990 book Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity, explained that most people who work on gender—or ways of thinking about biology, culture, or society—hold to a more interactive model of the world.

“Society affects our biology, our physiology, the environments that we’re brought up in. And what we absorb or fail to absorb from those environments affects who we are,” they said. “When we’re talking about gender identity, it has a psychic and social dimension that’s not determined by biology.”

University of Southern California criticalstudies professor madison moore expressed similar sentiments earlier this year, as attacks on drag performers appeared to spike in cities across the country.

“If you’re a more conservative-minded person, then you likely have a specific idea of what it means to be in your body and how to live your life,” they told CNN. “Some conservatives see drag as ‘indoctrination.’ I would say that it’s just showing that there are more options. You don’t actually have to be confined to the little box you were assigned at birth.

“If we think about the states denying the healthcare rights of transgender youth or gender-nonconforming youth, including mental-health care, that’s hurting children. It’s hurting children who are trying to move out of the despair of being subjected to a set of social expectations that are just not acceptable to

them. Those kids are suffering.”

Or as Emmett Schelling, executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas, bluntly put it regarding Texas Governor Greg Abbott describing gender-affirming care for transgender youth as child abuse: “The state’s leadership has said, ‘We would rather see dead children [than] happy, loved, supported, thriving trans kids that are alive and well.’”

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

“THE STATE’S LEADERSHIP HAS SAID, ‘WE WOULD RATHER SEE DEAD CHILDREN THAN HAPPY, LOVED, SUPPORTED, THRIVING TRANS KIDS THAT ARE ALIVE AND WELL.’”

—Emmett Schelling

By DARYL SHORTER MD

Home for the Holidays?

For many, the holiday season rep resents a time of “peace, love, and joy.” People travel to hometowns small and large for elaborate family feasts—and way too much dessert. However, for some LG BTQ people, the holidays can be a time of considerable stress and disconnection, particularly when attempting to engage with family members. With proper preparation, even the toughest situations can be handled in a way that preserves mental health and wellness, reduces anxiety, and promotes overall health.

Make a Plan

If visiting family members who are not accept ing of your LGBTQ identity and/or lifestyle or who may have a history of other kinds of toxic behavior), develop a strategy for your “rules of engagement.” This could mean visit ing relatives at a particular time of the day or month, or limiting the number of days in your trip. For example, a morning or afternoon visit may be easier than a late-evening visit or overnight trip, since it suggests a lighter, more casual tone.

Establishing with your hosts that you will be there for a pre-specified amount of time can allow you to more easily retreat, if necessary. You can always extend the visit if things are going well.

Sandwich visits with family between time with friends or other support persons to pro vide opportunities for decompression, and to remind you of who you are if you start seeing old family behavior patterns and roles emerging.

Finally, if there are particular relatives for whom you need to be on guard, it is alright to limit contact and prioritize your own wellbeing. Based on the particulars of your family, create a “visit agenda” that works for you.

Choose Your Battles

Sometimes family members like to bait their queer-identified relatives so they can argue about politics or religion. These conversa tions are not usually intended to promote a

free exchange of ideas, but rather are meant to reestablish power dynamics within a family structure and further shame LGBTQ people.

While some family members or friends may have a genuine desire to better know or understand you, engaging in a back-and-forth dinner debate with a hostile relative is not something you have to suffer through just because you’d like to make it to the second course. It is completely acceptable to excuse yourself from the conversation, from the room, or from the gathering altogether. But before giving up on them, try politely telling your family, “Let’s keep it about the holidays,” or simply switch to a more neutral topic.

Keep in mind that you can always engage a curious individual in a tough conversation without the additional eyes and ears of your entire family present. If they’re really interest ed in having a true discussion, you can move it to a time and scenario that feels safe—and not when you’re under stress.

Have an Exit Strategy

Sometimes, despite our best hopes and inten

tions, family gatherings can go way off the rails. Part of our strategy for continued growth and development is giving ourselves permission to no longer be victimized by the negativity and abuse of those who don’t always know how best to love us. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel under attack, it’s alright to excuse yourself and end the visit early.

If you are scheduled to spend the night in a family member’s home but suspect that you may need to make a hasty exit, make advance arrangements for an alternative place to stay, just in case. Take extra cash, should you need to get a last-minute hotel room. Keep your phone charged. The more thought you can give to how you might leave a tense situation, the more it can help to reduce overall anxiety and dread about a family visit. Remember that you don’t need to be trapped in a situation where you must suffer abuse.

LGBTQ people have historically been forced to create meaningful connections with many different kinds of people in order

Family stress can be minimized if you plan ahead.

to survive. Keep in mind that “family” is defined in many different ways, and that you can find a community of people who understand and are around to support, uplift, and empower you when biological family is not available, or where relationships are toxic and no longer serve you.

With that in mind, here are some other considerations for managing the holiday season:

nuture Your Support System

Stay in contact with friends, and reach out if needed. People can often feel like they are being a burden, or they may worry that their friends are tired of hearing about the same old family drama. Expressing appreciation to friends for lending a kind ear goes a long way in helping to keep lines of communication open.

Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Self

Focusing on one or two specific, attainable health goals for the season can help to provide some structure without the guilt. Perhaps you strive to gain only a few pounds, since cookies and cakes seem to be on every table at work and among family. Be sure to get plenty of sleep. Watch out for excessive alcohol and/or drug use. Remember that exercise, meditation, and water are your friends. If you’re taking medications, be sure to remain adherent to your regimen and have refills available so you don’t run out while traveling during the holidays.

volunteering Helps Others— and Yourself

Consider volunteering or doing outreach in the community. There are many organizations that are looking for people to serve. If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness or disconnection, being of service to others can create feelings of connection and may provide an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who are interested in helping others.

Even during the holiday season, we can find ways to take care of ourselves in the midst of the swirl and find the peace, love, and joy that we all seek.

Daryl Shorter, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is board certified in both general and addiction psychiatry. His clinical practice focuses on veteran care, and he lectures widely on LGBTQ mental health. Dr. Shorter can be reached at dr.darylshorter@gmail.com.

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 first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-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 effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

James R Vanya

By GRACE YUNG, CFP

Dealing with High Medical Bills

Some tips to prevent healthcare expenses from piling up.

If you’ve had any medi cal issues—even those that aren’t considered “serious”—you may have racked up a considerable amount of debt. It doesn’t take long for medical bills to spiral out of control.

Medical debt is the leading cause of bank ruptcy in the United States. In some cases, people forgo getting the health care that they need because of the high cost. But this can be dangerous to your well-being, and pos sibly even to your life. So it’s essential to have strategies in place to help prevent hospital and doctor bills from piling up, as well as a strategy for chipping away at medical debt that you may already have.

Medical Debt and Retirement Savings

Even a small amount of medical debt could negatively impact your retirement savings. In fact, the more money you have going toward paying down these bills, the less you’ll have available to save or invest for the future.

Studies show that nearly 1 in 5 Americans have medical debt in collections. This means that millions of consumers are (or have been) unable to pay for various types of care. Fur ther, more than half of debtors have medical expenses as a part of their bankruptcy filings.

Medical Debt Strategies

There are ways that you can plan ahead for potential healthcare costs in the future. While some of these require an up-front expenditure, it can be well worth it if you’re able to reduce or eliminate future expenses. These strategies include obtaining health insurance coverage, starting or adding to an emergency fund, and always checking your medical bills closely.

Certainly, one of the best ways to avoid high healthcare expenses is to have health insurance coverage. If you or your partner work for an employer that provides coverage to its workers, a Health Savings Account (HSA) may be included in the benefits package. This type of account allows you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses—including specific services not cov ered by your insurance policy. The cost of your

health insurance deductibles and/or copay ments is also a qualified HSA expense.

Unfortunately, not all companies include domestic-partner coverage in their benefits packages. So if you or your same-sex partner aren’t covered, it may be necessary to purchase a stand-alone health insurance policy.

The same holds true if you are an indepen dent contractor or self-employed. A good place to start is the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. There are numerous plans offered, many with low premi ums and deductibles.

Another option to help cushion the blow of high medical costs is to start or add to an emergency fund. This refers to money you put in a savings account or other “safe” financial vehicle that you can easily access in an emer gency.

By having an emergency fund in place, you could avoid the need to use other sav ings or high-interest credit cards to pay your healthcare costs. Ideally, you should have the equivalent of six months of living expenses in an emergency account. But when you’re just getting started, any amount is better than nothing at all.

You may also find that there are expensive

errors on the medical bills you receive. These could include being double-billed, or charged for items that are supposed to be covered by your insurance. So make sure that you check those bills closely before you make any pay ments.

If you already have a sizable amount of medical debt, you may be able to reduce the amount you owe—or even have it forgiven. Some of the best strategies for doing so can include:

Negotiating medical bills – Many people are not aware that they can negotiate some of their medical bills. For instance, you could reach out to a hospital’s billing department and ask for a discount. You could also use a healthcare cost-comparison tool like Health care Bluebook to find comparable rates for the care you received. This can help you to determine if you were overcharged—and if so, give you a good reason to contact the pro vider and ask for a billing adjustment.

Consolidating debt with a personal loan –You might be able to borrow funds at a lower interest rate to pay off any higher-interest medical debt. Doing so could not only reduce the amount of your total monthly outlay, but also allow you to make just one convenient

payment each month. Depending on where you received your healthcare ser vices, you may also qualify for financial aid. For instance, the Affordable Care Act requires nonprofit hospitals to offer fi nancial assistance and discounted care to low-income patients, as well as interestfree payment plans.

Borrowing money from your retire ment plan – Although it isn’t recommend ed, if you have no other options standing between you and a mountain of medical debt, you could consider borrowing funds from an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k), if you’re a participant in one. But pay attention to the interest rate charged on the loan. In addition, if you do not repay this type of loan from a retire ment account, the unpaid funds could be considered as a taxable withdrawal.

STUDIES

Getting Your Debt on the Right Track Juggling large medical bills and health care-related debt can be challenging, so it can help to talk over your situation with a financial professional who can assist you with a plan to move forward.

In addition, working with a profes sional who is also LGBTQ-friendly can better ensure that your plan is in line with the most up-to-date legislation regarding benefits for same-sex couples and other related issues.

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

AIDS Foundation Houston’s Lifesaving Work Continues

By KIM HOGSTROM

On December 2, AIDS Foundation Houston will hold their annual luncheon in The Ballroom at Bayou Place to commemorate their 40 years of fearless, trailblazing service in the battle to end HIV/AIDS.

Luncheon attendees can expect to hobnob with well-known local leaders and favorite personalities. Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse will MC, and the event’s special guest will be countertenor John Holiday, one of the opera world’s rising stars. Holiday’s vocal style bridges many genres and has been called “a thing of astonishing beauty” by The New Yorker

Michael Mizwa, this year’s honoree for the event, was a natural choice. The dedicated Houstonian arrived at AFH in 1988, and spent the next 17 years in various leadership roles— outreach coordinator, director of education, vice president of community affairs and, ultimately, chief executive officer.

In 2004, Mizwa joined Baylor College of Medicine to create the BCM International Pediatric AIDS initiative and its affiliated network of children’s clinics. In 2015, he became the Texas Children’s Hospital director of global health, further expanding the scope of available resources to address pediatric AIDS worldwide.

“In 2004, when we entered Botswana, we found a country about the size of Texas with 40 percent of its population infected with HIV. This year, we have eliminated any transmis sions from mother to child. It has nearly disap peared in pediatrics now,” Mizwa says.

One of this year’s luncheon co-chairs was AFH’s chief executive officer for eight years prior to Mizwa. Often described as a “blaz ing ray of sunshine,” Sara Speer Selber joined AFH as CEO in 1993, when the agency had a $1 million operating budget with a deficit of $300,000. Seven years later, AFH operated on an annual budget of $6 million, with a $1 mil lion cash reserve and $6 million in real-estate assets. Still, Selber is quick to credit Miswa with AFH’s record of success.

“Mike is the reason we were able to meet

so many of our objectives,” she notes. “He provided us with leadership and vision at every step of the way. Because he is the honoree this year, the luncheon is a sort of reunion for us. Many people from the early days of AFH are coming back to Houston to attend.”

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. was founded as a nonprofit in 1982, the same year that the virus was officially identified. It was the first AIDS service organization in Texas, and remains a national leader to this day. The agency’s goal is to create a community where

HIV is stigma-free and rare, and people have equitable access to care.

The AFH luncheon is a natural comple ment to World AIDS Day on December 1, the official day of commemoration dedicated to the 25 million people who have been lost to the disease. The day is a reminder that the fight is not over, even though great strides have been made.

Young Houstonians sometimes comment, “We’ve made great headway eliminating AIDS, so what’s the point of dredging up pain with an official day? Is AIDS even still a thing?”

Yes, it’s still “a thing.” Houston ranks 11th in the nation for new HIV transmissions nationally, and more than a quarter of those patients will present with AIDS. Today, about 29,640 citizens are living with HIV in the greater Houston area.

Mizwa has a simple message for those young people who dismiss the threat of AIDS. “No matter which sexually transmit ted disease we are addressing—gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or HIV—I have had the same message for 30 years: ‘Latex is your friend,’” he says, referring to the need for condoms and safe-sex practices.

“AIDS is indeed still a thing,” emphasizes John Huckaby, AFH’s current chief execu tive officer. “One out of four new cases that we see are in youth from 13 to 24 years of age. We are addressing this through outreach and social media to help young people get the message.”

Huckaby’s commitment to AFH’s mission is striking. “Our logo has a flame burning in it because a flame requires energy, ac tion, and produces light—some of the same elements we need to achieve our objectives at AFH. We have always been, and remain, a beacon of hope. And we are here until it’s over,” he concludes.

What: AIDS Foundation Houston’s World AIDS Day Houston Luncheon When: Noon, December 2

Where: The Ballroom at Bayou Place

Info: worldaidsdayhouston.org

World AIDS Day event honors Michael Mizwa and AFH’s 40 years of service.

“ONE OUT OF FOUR NEW CASES THAT WE SEE ARE IN YOUTH FROM 13 TO 24 YEARS OF AGE.”

—Michael Mizwa

Michael Mizwa COURTESY

The Out Physician Fighting Monkeypox

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, 49, is the queer physician and activist at the forefront of the fight against the monkeypox outbreak that has been loom ing large for many gay, bi sexual, and queer men who have sex with men. In July, Daskalakis was selected by President Biden to serve as the deputy coordinator of the White House National Monkeypox Response team.

By RYAN M. LEACH COURTESY

Although progress is being made in containing the virus, Daskalakis notes that there is still work to do even as we proceed with cautious optimism. “This is not the time to pull back on the gas pedal. We have seen so much momentum and positive change. If you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated. And if you have already received your first shot, then make sure to get your second shot. I think of it this way: if you are watching Star Trek and their ship is getting attacked, do they put their forcefield up to level 5 or level 10? They put it up to 10. Getting only one monkeypox shot is like putting your forcefield up to only 5. So get that second shot.”

In Texas, access to the vaccine has varied from region to region. Early on, Houstonians were experiencing long delays and fumbles as both the City and County health departments scrambled to respond. Many of those services

have improved, in large part due to the work of Daskalakis.

The good doctor has dedicated his career to fighting infectious diseases. He attended NYU for medical school and then completed his postgraduate medical training at Har vard Medical School in 2003 before earning a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2012. And just a year later, he was largely credited with halting New York City’s meningitis outbreak. During his time with the New York City Department of Health and the New York City

Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, the City recorded the lowest rates of HIV transmission in history.

Daskalakis also brings his unapologeti cally queer identity to the table. While some conservative news outlets have mocked him for his numerous tattoos or “high-fashion harnesses by Zana Bayne,” the queer com munity most impacted by the outbreak finds comfort in knowing that one of their own is fighting alongside them to help prevent further spread.

“I lead with my work. Monkeypox is

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is a key player in the fight against the virus.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis

not the first outbreak I have worked on. My work on HIV, meningitis, and COVID stands on its own,” Daskalakis notes. “But my identity is another part of why I am able to do what I love to do. Everyone’s hero is someone else’s villain. I want to make sure I am the right people’s hero. Also, my skin is like a pachyderm, and as long as I am doing the right thing for my community and public health, all the rest is noise.”

Recent national trends show a deceleration in new monkeypox cases as behavioral changes and vaccinations have proven to be effective. But there are still significant concerns related to equitable access to the vaccines. Black and Latino men who have sex with men represent both the largest increase in infections and the lowest rates of vaccination, while white LGBTQ men have had the greatest access to the vaccines.

Daskalakis is working to close this access gap. “We are really intentionally trying to do equity work, and we’ve launched a couple of equity interventions. There are large ones—the best example being Black Pride in Atlanta, where 4,000 vaccines were distributed and 70 percent of the recipients

were people of color. We have also done smaller interventions as well, which are just as important—for example, going to medium-sized events or even a bar to do vaccines.”

Because the White House has initiated this vaccine program, Daskalakis, along with the program’s director, Bob Fenton Jr., have the ability to look out over all of the agencies that work on this response. One of their strategies involves “flex funding” to redirect existing grants from programs like the Ryan White Foundation to fight monkeypox.

Then there is the practical side of public health that Daskalakis can relate to as a queer man. In Houston, some of the early barriers to vaccines were related to stigma. You could only receive a vaccination if you were either on PrEP, had experienced an STI in recent months, or had been in close contact with an infected person. These requirements were put in place due to the initial vaccine shortages, but it contributed to a harmful narrative that was all too familiar in the queer community. Daskalakis has helped to address this through his work.

“We’ve heard so much from people who are concerned about getting the vaccine on the

forearm, because it leaves a very identifiable mark. People are concerned this could reveal their gender identity or sexual orientation. We heard this [concern and are now] working with the CDC and FDA to change where the vaccination can be administered. Now people can receive the shot on the upper part of their back or shoulder, in a place that is more discreet,” Daskalakis explains.

Most recently, the national monkeypox vaccine strategy shifted to a pre-exposure prophylaxis model, thereby removing a stigma by increasing the number of people eligible for vaccines. This addressed the problem that closeted men had with standing in a vaccine line that could reveal to others that they were eligible for the vaccine because they reported having sex with other men.

There is still much to do, but things are moving in the right direction. And as we have learned from COVID, things don’t always go as fast as we might want them to. Daskalakis says the same applies with monkeypox. “This is a long game, not a short game.”

For more information, search on Houston Health Dept. Monkeypox.

From Pagent Queen to CEO

By ZACH M c KENZIE

As a former beauty-pageant queen, Roneshia Ray knows how it feels to wear a crown. The influential native Hous tonian has made her mark on pageant stages across the country—and on countless lives through her advocacy work. Ray, whose accolades include Miss North America International and Miss Black Texas, to name a few, is also the proud owner of The Modern Day Queen Collection, a boutique located in Upper Kirby filled with unique pieces and one-of-a-kind finds.

Viewing her shop as more than just a place to find stylish clothes, Ray also passes out metaphorical crowns to all the “queens” who shop at her store, inspiring them to live their best, most confident lives.

“I had just given up my title as Miss Black America and I knew I wanted to stay in the fashion-pageant industry, but I didn’t neces sarily know how,” Ray explains. “I had a closet full of gowns and cocktail dresses, and girls would come to me to rent the gowns. That’s how The Modern Day Queen Collection got started.”

Soon after establishing her brand, Ray saw an opportunity to expand outside of the pag eant world. “Pageants aren’t just gowns. People need interview outfits and everyday wear,” she says. “We transitioned into ready-to-wear in the last four years, and it’s really just kind of taken off from there.”

The world of fashion merchandising has always been of interest to Ray, but she started from square one when she decided to open her collection, literally pounding the pavement to make her dreams come true. “I took a flight to LA on a whim. I had one vendor, and I was hop ing that with that one vendor I could find the rest that I was looking for. I walked 48 blocks

and almost 28,000 steps to find the vendors that I needed for my company.” Her determina tion and people skills paid off. “Once I found them, I built really great relationships and they would send me items that I felt matched my brand.”

The boutique boasts some unique finds, along with designs created by Ray herself, in cluding dresses, tops, and rompers. “The Mod ern Day Queen Collection is for the queen who is never afraid to be overdressed or stand out in a room,” she says. “Most of the things that we have in the store are extra! It may be just an exaggerated sleeve or fringes, but there’s always something special about the pieces that we choose to put in the store and online.”

The entrepreneur also makes giving back to her community a priority. “We do pop-ups where we open the store to different organiza tions for a shopping night out. We did one with a breast cancer awareness organization called SurviveHER, for example. They rented out the shop at no charge, hosted an informational event, and then customers were able to shop. We always try to give at least 5 to 10 percent of our proceeds [from those events] back to the organization, as well.”

As a Black lesbian business owner, the impact of Ray’s position is not lost on her. She describes her style as a mix between Diana Ross and the badass fictional TV character Olivia Pope, from the ABC show Scandal. “I

always say I’m a triple minority. My secret weapon, however, is that I can identify across a spectrum of so many things. I know a lot of Black business owners like me who are the first in their family to ever own any type of business. It’s hard, but there’s a sense of pride in knowing that we’re breaking generational curses. We are also setting the example for the younger members of our family,” she notes, thinking of her young nieces and neph ews. “If they ever want to own a business but are scared to do so, they shouldn’t be, because their aunt has already done it!”

While Ray wants to make sure her cus tomers walk out of her shop feeling fabulous on the outside, it’s all about the confidence within that motivates her to push the needle even further with her brand. “I absolutely love when people come to the store and they think, ‘Oh, I’ll have to hide this’ or ‘This doesn’t look good on me.’ Then they end up trying on something different that they’d never thought they would’ve and they love it,” she says. “I want people to leave The Modern Day Queen Collection feeling confident, and that they can be that girl or guy on the street—or that queen on the street—that they imagined in their head who’s absolutely fabulous.”

Learn more about The Modern Day Queen Collection at shopmdqc.com.

Boutique owner Roneshia Ray transforms clients with more than just clothing.

COURTESY

The Banner Project’s Newest LGBTQ Heroes

By RYAN M. LEACH

October was LGBTQ History month, and the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrated with The Banner Project, a largescale visual depiction of significant moments and people in Houston’s LGBTQ community. The Banner Project un veiled two new banners this year to recognize legendary photographer Dalton DeHart and Houston Pride parade founder Larry Bagneris.

“When I began taking photos in 1989, I never expected my photos to become such a valuable community [history archive]. I just loved taking photos, and that love and passion sort of took over my life,” DeHart admits. “I have never taken photos for myself; it has always been for others. It is the people that mo tivate me to do what I do. My greatest desire is that people see in the photos the passion with which I take them.”

Sara Fernandez, along with Houston historian JD Doyle and graphic designer Kirk Baxter, form the team that’s responsible for curating The Banner Project. DeHart is also a contributor, in addition to now becoming a banner subject. Together, this tireless team provides Houston’s LGBTQ community with something unique as well as educational. Houston has some of the richest (and probably most underrated) queer history in the country. At the start of the modern-day LGBTQ civilrights movement, Houston was considered one of the nation’s few hubs of LGBTQ life. It con tinues to trailblaze, and The Banner Project captures that.

“I saw a couple of exhibits in New York and was impressed with the visual displays,” Fernandez explains. “I wanted to have some thing like that for Houston. When the Creating Change Conference announced it would be in Houston [in 2014] I saw the perfect oppor tunity to create a display of Houston LGBT history. I was inspired by [a Rice University history archive called] the Houston Area Rain bow Collective History, and the passion for history that several members of that project had. Many people participated in creating the

initial display. It was a massive project for our graphic designer, Kirk Baxter, and done in six weeks’ time.”

“Houston’s GLBT history is incredibly unique,” notes Baxter, “and the city was in strumental in helping the movement progress nationwide. There are other history projects throughout the country, but I don’t believe oth ers use the banner concept. I felt an obligation to give back to the community and those who had blazed a trail before me.”

Deciding on the subject matter and design of a banner is typically not a quick process, according to Doyle. “Generally, Sara and I come

up with the ideas and it may take a while for the final banner to come to be—often a couple of years. We discuss the worthiness of the subject and how it fits into the entire project, with an extra [emphasis on depicting Houston’s] diversity.”

DeHart and Bagneris are obvious choices for the new banners. Bageneris is responsible for organizing the first Houston Pride parade in the late ’70s. He now resides primarily in New Orleans, but returns to Houston annu ally for the June parades.

“I want to once again thank my adopted hometown of Houston for honoring my work

Two new history banners recognize Houston’s own Dalton DeHart and Larry Bagneris.

43 years ago—and in doing so, honoring the hundreds of volunteers who supported my vision for the Pride parade, Pride Week, and the Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus,” says Bagneris.

DeHart still lives near Greenway Plaza and is well known for always showing up wherever the LGBTQ action is. He started the Dalton DeHart Photographic Founda tion with the goal of preserving Houston’s LGBTQ history in photographs for future generations.

On view Nov 12–Dec 18

Mark Ponder

Gilbert The Classic Cremain Paintings

at the Creating Change Conference, 2014

“The Foundation was formed in 2015 to preserve LGBTQ history and provide people with the ability to see the photos and download them. Thanks to donations from individuals and foundations, the digitizing project is making it possible to view online more than 300,000 images that I captured on film before I began using digital cam eras,” says DeHart.

Most of the Houston history banners can be viewed online, and donations are always welcome to help The Banner Project maintain and display their growing banner collection at future events throughout the community.

“It is a pop-up exhibit of LGBT history from the 1930s until 2010, showcasing our people, events, and organizations,” Doyle notes. “I do not know what other cities have. The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber has been a huge help in getting the word out this year, but donations are always welcome to allow for ongoing banner production and supplies.”

To view The Banner Project online, visit HoustonWeHaveHistory.com.

Bill Arning Exhibitions

By MARENE GUSTIN

Meteorologist Pat Cavlin had just joined KHOU-TV (the local CBS affiliate) in March of this year when he was asked to be the station’s face for the 2022 Pride Month.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal, but it was very nice [that they asked me],” the 30-year-old weatherman recalls. “But then a friend pointed out that that would have been unheard of in this business 20 or 30 years ago. I guess I’m lucky—I’ve never had any issues with being gay in television.”

Working in television news was never on Cavlin’s radar growing up. The New York na tive was mainly a theater kid, but also an avid sky watcher.

“As a very young kid, I watched the Weather Channel in Brooklyn,” he says. “I loved snowstorms!”

With his family’s encouragement, Cavlin attended SUNY Oswego for a bachelor’s degree in meteorology. He was thinking of doing research and getting an advanced degree, but his college RA, noting his charisma and charm, thought he’d be great on camera and suggested he try out for the campus television station. Despite his theater background, he says he didn’t want to be “one of those weather guys putting smiley faces on sun cutouts.”

But he auditioned anyway, and found his true calling—one that was actually a lot more scientific than he had imagined.

Cavlin spent the next four years in college predicting the weather on the campus TV and radio stations. He also went on storm-chasing trips and saw his first tornado in Bennington, Kansas, chased the largest tornado on record in El Reno, Oklahoma, and witnessed one of the most well-photographed supercell thun derstorms in Booker, Texas. His passion for meteorology is obvious as he describes those three amazing adventures.

And so far, Cavlin is very happy with the weather in Houston.

“I miss the cooler weather,” he says of New York, “but it’s better here than in Florida, where it was the same weather all year long. The summer here was long, but at least you have seasons here.”

Cavlin left a station in Fort Meyers, Florida, to take his KHOU job—just missing the biggest Florida weather story in decades.

“I talk to my friends back in Florida, and it’s just depressing,” he says of the aftermath of Category 4 Hurricane Ian that slammed Florida back in September. “I really believe you are exactly where you are meant to be. Had I still been in Florida, Ian would have been the biggest story of my career, but then I would have been living with the brutal aftermath. The national weather crews got to go home after the storm, but the local news people are still there dealing with the devastation.”

Before arriving in Florida, Cavlin worked at News 12 Long Island, his hometown station. He has also been a volunteer EMT, and spent some time working at a station in Macon, Georgia—an experience that he calls “charac ter building.”

“One of the things I love about Hous ton is just living somewhere there is a gay scene,” he says. Although he hasn’t gotten too involved in LGBTQ activities beyond attending some Pride events, Cavlin is anxious to learn more about his new home town. He has explored Houston both on his bike along park trails and from an airplane, since he’s had his pilot’s license since 2015.

Although he’s still feeling his way around the city, there’s one thing about Houston that he learned early on: “If you like Tex-Mex,” he laughs, “this is the spot for you!” He’s already discovered upscale Hugo Ortega’s upscale Mexican spot Xochi downtown, and he’s eager to check out more of the local culinary scene.

But Cavlin is sure that his new televi sion home is where he’s meant to be. “I love the people at KHOU,” he says. “And not just my co-workers. Even the bosses are great. You know what I really love about them? It’s just how encouraging they are to everyone.”

Watch Pat Cavlin on KHOU-TV on Saturdays at 6 and 10 p.m., and on Sundays at 5:30 and 10 p.m.

It’s Clear Skies Ahead KHOU-TV meteorologist Pat Cavlin has a real passion for the weather.

Pat Cavlin COURTESY

A Legal Eagle Fighting for Equality

By SAM BYRD | Photo by ALEX ROSA

Phyllis Frye has never been afraid of a fight. Her name has been synony mous with the transgender com munity’s determination to include the T in LGBTQ, and her rise to legal prominence has been nothing short of historic. Known as “the grandmother of the nation’s legal and political transgender community,” Frye possesses a soft side marked by love and caring despite her ag gressiveness in the courtroom and in politics.

The many facets of Frye’s life and times can now be better understood thanks to an authorized biography written by Michael G. Long and Shea Tuttle, with an introduction by Shannon Minter and published by Texas A&M University Press. Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Rights is a 268-page tour de force that examines Frye’s sexual ity and gender, as well as her struggles and triumphs in bringing transgender issues to the forefront of public thought.

“The name of the book includes ‘The Fight,’ and I won. If you read it through to the end, you’ll see that I won,” Frye says.

And fight, she did. Frye has fought for nearly every job, relationship, and professional recognition in her life—battles that are spelled out in full detail, including several expletives to punctuate the less-than-easy road she has traveled. Though the road was rocky, she quickly paved a smoother path for those who followed her example of tireless activism.

Though Frye is a well-known attorney, her entry into law school was more a matter of cir cumstance rather than choice. Trained in the military and a double graduate of Texas A&M University’s engineering programs, Frye was content to live a life working in the oil and gas industry. However, her fondness for dressing in women’s clothing and Christian proselytiz ing during work hours (despite her male-pre senting body at the time) proved too much for her employers and coworkers. She was usually relegated to menial work and eventually forced out of several jobs.

And that is what led to her second career in the courtroom.

“I became a lawyer by accident,” Frye admits. “Once I started to transition in 1976, I had been pretty much not only fired, but black

balled by the Houston engineering community because they weren’t going to put up with this queer person who was a guy and was becom ing a woman. Because I had an honorable discharge from the military and had access to the G.I. Bill, I thought I could earn a master’s in business administration because [it would buy me some time while I was unemployed]. And probably, in those classes there would be some young engineering manager types who will get to know me as a person instead of ‘a thing,’ and I might be able to land a job.”

Frye enrolled at the University of Hous ton just as the school was introducing a joint MBA-JD program. In Frye’s eyes, that program would buy her even more time to lean on the G.I. Bill for income. Plus, she knew a lawyer could fight back and address the injustices that trans people were constantly facing at the time.

“I thought that if I become a lawyer, maybe I could sue [the people who were] just making my life miserable. That’s the reason—and the only reason—that I went to law school,” she adds with a sly grin.

An excerpt from page 96 of the book succinctly captures Frye’s early battles and subsequent successes in raising awareness of transgender equality issues:

While finishing law school, Phyllis felt a deep sense of accomplishment. First, she had been accepted to law school despite the fears of some professors and admin istrators. And then, during her course of study, she had overcome resistance to her use of women’s bathrooms, lobbied City Council for the repeal of the anticross-dressing ordinance, helped inject transgender issues into the 1979 Na tional March for Lesbian and Gay Rights, joined in marches and rallies where she constantly raised the issue of transgen der rights, won her first court fight for a transgender woman, battled the bigotry of the district attorney’s office, formed friendships with judges and attorneys, silenced the Christian Legal Society, and raised her grades. Perhaps most impor tantly, she had grown confident in her identity as a transgender woman.

Frye’s story is one of persecution, pushback, and eventual victory. She’s also the first to tell people that her success was partially due to the friendship and love of her partner for 48 years, Trish, who passed away in 2020 from a brain tumor.

“I had a wonderful companion and wife named Trish, to whom the book is dedi cated. I could not have done this without her support. Whenever I would be down, she would console me. Whenever I was confused as to what to do next, I would con sult with her. During those periods of time when I could not get work, her income was our sole and only income. We were terrified her employer would find out that she was married to me and she would lose her job. But that persistence and self-pride is what people will find out by reading the book,” Frye explains.

One of Frye’s lasting accomplishments was the International Conference on Trans gender Law & Employment Policy, a series of conferences from 1992 to 1996.

“This was the beginning of the national legal and political movement of the trans gender community. We had lawyers and judges come and speak at the conferences. And we had, at first, a few transgender law yers who were not out. But as time went on, others started going to law school. [I educated and inspired] a lot of the people who came to the conferences about things they could do as non-lawyers to generally raise hell where they lived. It just grew and grew and grew,” she emphasizes.

Hell raiser or groundbreaker? The book suggests Frye is a little bit of both—or at least enough to earn the attention of Annise Parker, another Houston-centric LGBTQ icon who was the city’s first openly lesbian mayor.

Parker and Frye had a long-standing relationship in local activism, so, given Frye’s work in the legal field, it was not a head-scratcher for Parker to invite Frye to become a municipal judge. Frye willingly accepted the position as an associate judge in the Houston Municipal Courts, which made her the first openly transgender judge in the world.

Phyllis Frye , Houston’s first transgender lawyer and judge, reflects on her life and legacy.

“I THOUGHT THAT IF I BECOME A LAWYER, MAYBE I COULD SUE THE PEOPLE WHO WERE JUST MAKING MY LIFE MISERABLE.”

—Phyllis Frye

Frye mentions that most of her cases involved traffic disputes, but one of the highlights of her job was to marry couples—and especially LGBTQ couples after marriage equality became the law of the land.

“When same-sex marriage became legal, I performed a lot of same-sex mar riages. I would meet gay couples who had been together for a long time, and they would say they would like to get married but couldn’t afford a huge ceremony. I would tell them they should get married in a courthouse, for the legal protections. They would come to my office with a marriage license, and I’d marry them so that each person would be protected by law. I did a lot of those, and that was very satisfying.”

After a career that has stretched well into her seventies, the tireless judge is ey ing her retirement from the bench.

“I am stepping down from the bench because 12 years is enough. I’m going to be 75, for goodness’ sake! I am enjoying my life.”

She does have plans for life after her career—such as continuing to advocate for the transgender community, and espe cially for those entering their senior years.

“Most transgender people don’t have surgery below the waist. It’s expensive as hell, and most can’t afford it. That’s okay when they’re young, but when they start getting old and looking at hospitalization or nursing homes or hospice, it’s different. They appear one way above the sheets, and they appear another way below the sheets. The people who work with their catheters, bathe them, or change their gowns—they’ll start misgendering the patients. It is a microaggression,” Frye notes.

“Transgender elderly people need to be treated with respect for their gender. They don’t need to be constantly reminded, by people who use the wrong pronouns, of where they came from. That’s something that’s going to be a long-term goal. Every time I get paid to speak, I always bring up the issue of transgender elderly people,” she says.

As Frye dives into retirement in Janu ary 2023, one thing will always remain true: she has unquestionably lived her truth, and was a driving force to make sure there was a T in LGBTQ.

Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Right s is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Drawn to the Art

Mark Ponder ’s pencil-on-paper work reveals the ‘non-normative’ side of life.

By SAM BYRD

The curious machina tions of queer artist Mark Ponder’s mind are on full display this month at Bill Arning Exhibitions in Montrose. Titled Non-Normative, the exhibit showcases 32 hyper-realistic and introspective graphiteon-paper drawings that have coursed through Ponder’s imagination in recent years.

“These drawings are emotional journal ing, so to speak. ‘Non-normative’ is a word that my therapist taught me. It’s a word that gave me empowerment with feeling weird and not normal,” Ponder says. “The draw ings were created over three years. They’re more or less like meditations. I’m basically reflecting and processing things, and then my hands just kind of stayed busy with the pencil during the thought process.”

Ponder describes this collection as a way of getting ideas off of his chest. “By drawing, I can acknowledge my inner thoughts and write it down. And once I do that, the idea is no longer in my head, and then I can revisit that idea from a more objective point of view.”

Images of wrestlers, fun-house mirrors, and a cheer team are all part of the collec tion—one that art curator Bill Arning is more than excited to show.

“I’ve been a fan of Mark Ponder, and over the years I’ve bought a lot of his pieces from shows. He’s such a unique art maker, and he is focused on autobiographical drawings that have a lot of dark under belly—psychological overtones of these things that he uncovered from his sex life and psychotherapy. They are absolutely fascinating to me, and I really cannot think of another artist who’s quite as dedicated to that way of working. He plumbs his interior depths in a way that is funny, surreal— sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. But then, we also start looking at his take on gender roles, who he is, and what his process is. It’s a gallows humor,” Arning muses.

Three years might seem like a long time to create a show, but not when you learn that a few of the drawings took him 150 hours to create. For Ponder, a teacher at Kinder High School for the Performing Arts, it was something that helped him get through the brunt of the pandemic by staying focused on his own journey of selfdiscovery.

“You’ll see cartoons, karate, cheerlead ing, sister dynamics, and family memories. The collection is like a web that has a linear

narrative,” Ponder says.

One obvious star in the collection is a se ries of mirrors. “I was discussing the concept of reflection, and having a warped reality and reflection of myself. I’ve drawn reflections of mirrors, as well as fun-house-mirror reflec tions of people,” he adds. “There was a part of me that was latching on to an image that made sense to me as I was processing this conver sation of, ‘Is your reality real, or is it work? Do you have blinders on if you don’t say it?’ It became a symbol that I sat with for a couple of months for each drawing.”

Ponder started creating art professionally just over a decade ago, but his artistic gene has been expressing itself since he was a child. He studied graphic design at Lamar University in Beaumont before earning a master’s degree in studio arts from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Escaping from Port Arthur, Texas, the small town where Ponder grew up, was some what liberating for him. “I needed to get an education outside of that little insular bubble. Carbondale is a super-progressive college city—as in, the city hosted topless parades!” Ponder notes. “And the art was a lot more nutritious. They would have lots of discussions about ‘Why do you do this in the first place? Why are you going to commit 30 years of your life to this?’ Those kinds of conversations get

you to connect with yourself and your inspira tion.”

It’s that kind of forward thinking that convinced Arning to showcase Ponder’s work in Houston. “I really love artists who are not afraid to offend people. A lot of the galleries in this city try to [avoid art] that could upset someone. I’m the opposite. I love upsetting people, and Ponder is the type of artist that I love to support. Commercial galleries tend to be wary of drawings, because you can never sell a large drawing for as much money as a large painting. Painting is just a more lucrative form. But [my clients] are likely to get fully behind Ponder’s work because it is such an authentic expression of his unique sensibility.”

It begs the age-old question: Can shocking images rise to the level of thought-provoking art? Arning argues that Ponder’s drawings can.

“Thought provoking? Definitely. Shock ing? Occasionally,” Arning concludes. “I don’t think people would describe them as ‘shock ing’ as much as ‘visually aggressive.’”

What: Non-Normative – pencil-on-paper drawing exhibit by artist Mark Ponder

Where: Bill Arning Exhibitions, 604 West Alabama

When: Nov. 11–Dec. 18, Thursdays thru Sundays noon–6 p.m. Info: billarning.com

Non-normative, graphite on paper. 9 x 12, 2022

Empowering Trans Adults

By LILLIAN HOANG

Transgender Awareness Week and the Transgender Day of Remem brance are annual November observances that memorialize victims of anti-trans violence and educate people on trans issues— including, for example, what it’s like to be trans and disabled.

Trans adults are more likely to report suf fering from a disability, compared to cisgender men and women, according to a new study by Rice University researcher Madeline SmithJohnson. The study determined that trans adults have a 27 percent chance of having at least one disability at age 20, and a 39 percent chance at age 55—nearly twice the rate of their cis counterparts at both ages.

The disabilities in the study were defined as having serious difficulty walking, climb ing stairs, dressing, bathing, running errands alone, concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

Smith-Johnson, the nonbinary researcher who helmed the study, was interested in the experiences of LGBTQ elders because they provide insight into the LGBTQ community’s future.

“I’m hopeful that by exposing health disparities associated with being queer, across the lifespan, we can learn more about how to build longevity, well-being, and resilience in this community,” says Smith-Johnson, who uses they/them pronouns.

Learn more about Smith-Johnson’s study in the Q&A below.

Why did you conduct this study? I’m interested in the link between a person’s social environment and their health. We know that lifelong experiences of stress and victimization can have long-lasting impacts on a person’s body. But we also know that social support and community, or “finding your people,” can act as a buffer against some of the most pervasive hate and discrimination. It took me most of my young adulthood to find

my people. I’m hopeful that by exposing health disparities associated with being queer, across the lifespan, we can learn more about how to build longevity, well-being, and resilience in this community. But I can’t continue to study these topics unless we have inclusive questions about gender identity and sexual orientation in national surveys.

How did your own experiences contribute to the article?

As a queer person, I know the daily wearand-tear of living in a society that penalizes anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender. As a researcher, I’m tired of LGBTQ+ lives and stories being invisible in many of the conversa tions around health and well-being happening in the United States. More and more popula tion health data are finding health disparities among trans people, especially nonbinary folks. We don’t really know why. As a nonbi nary person, I’m committed to documenting these health disparities. Even though it’s

difficult and depressing, I believe that we hold systems of oppression to account by sounding the alarm about the harm done to our community, while also building queer joy in the face of that harm. This article sounds the alarm. But it’s up to individual communi ties to continue building change.

I understand you used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Could you tell me how you used that data to determine your findings?

BRFSS is one of the largest health surveys in the United States. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced a set of questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, but left it up to individual states to [decide about] asking these ques tions. Since 2014, 43 states have asked about sexual orientation and gender identity. I take all these survey responses and pool them together to get a “snapshot” of health in the trans community in these particular states. I predict a person’s likelihood of reporting at least one disability.

Now, we know that on average in the US, trans people tend to have higher rates of poverty, lower rates of employment and higher education, and are more likely to be current smokers. All these things can impact the likelihood of disability in a population. If we held race, marital status, socioeconomic status, and health behaviors like smoking constant [for transgender and cisgender people], we still see higher rates of disabil ity among transgender adults, compared to cisgender men and women.

What were your most interesting findings?

The most interesting finding is that there is no evidence that transgender disadvantage is leveling out in older age groups. And there’s no evidence that transgender disadvantage

Rice University study advocates for wellness reforms to support trans adults, who disproportionately suffer from disabilities.

Madeline Smith-Johnson

is simply about the wear-and-tear of getting old. Even though cisgender men and women also experience increasing rates of disabili ty at older ages, the levels of disability in the transgender population continue to outpace them—both in young and older groups.

Could you expand on how age is impor tant to this study?

I wanted to investigate these two possi bilities: do we see disparities in disability among younger trans groups, or among older trans people? I did not expect to find disparities at all ages. This tells us that there are probably multiple mecha nisms driving disparities in disability by gender identity. The trans population starts off young adulthood with already-elevated levels of disability—higher than cisgender men and women. As the population moves through middle adulthood and older adult hood, the gap only widens. This is incred ibly concerning!

What other findings stood out to you?

I also think these findings are significant because of the particular kind of disability captured in the data. These functional limitations—having difficulty dressing,

bathing, running errands, etc.—don’t tell us everything we need to know about how a per son is really doing. For example, a transgender person who is well connected in their com munity, with a large social network to rely on, might be able to overcome these limitations with the help of others. By contrast, a trans gender person with the same self-reported dis ability, but without these connections, is likely much more limited in their day-to-day life because of the lack of assistance from others.

We need more studies and more community engagement to begin to examine what kinds of support folks need in their day-to-day lives.

What are the social implications of the study?

There are implications at every level of society. First, we need LGBTQ+ competent care in all healthcare systems in the United States. There are high levels of healthcare avoidance in the transgender community. Experiences of discrimination from medical professionals can lead trans people to avoid healthcare. At the same time, medical schools offer almost no training in how to competently care for LGBTQ+ populations. We need to see the healthcare system begin to train individual professionals in how to reach out to and care

for transgender adults.

Second, we need legislation at the federal level that includes gender identity as a pro tected identity class. This means that service providers would not be able to discriminate against transgender people in healthcare, housing, employment, social services, etc., based on their gender identity. Note that this includes eliminating religious-refusal exemp tions in [the current] nondiscrimination laws. It might seem like housing, income, and em ployment are separate from someone’s disabil ity status. Actually, decades of social-science research has found that the most fundamental factors impacting health are not [the access to] healthcare, but actually having the resources to live well. This means that providing access to education, employment, and a safe place to live are the most fundamental changes a society can make to try to begin to shift health disparities.

Third, we need communities to organize on behalf of their trans neighbors. Social isola tion is detrimental to health. Social support is key to continuing to flourish despite func tional limitations.

Read Madeline Smith-Johnson’s full study at tinyurl.com/358y7hfx.

Claiming Space for Black Trans Women

By DAVID CLARKE | Photo by ALEX WEBSTER

Sis may just be the queen of mani festing her own destiny. Watching Barney & Friends on TV as a young child convinced the Houston native to be a performer. “I just remember thinking, ‘I want to be a part of that. I want to be in that world, and with this purple dinosaur,” she recalls.

Sis may not have performed with Barney, but she has made her dreams of being part of the television world come true. This year, audiences can see her as Dunaway on FX’s American Horror Story: New York City

Sis has climbed professional ladders rung by rung since leaving Houston. From being a background character on the third season of Ryan Murphy’s POSE and a guest on The Last O.G. to being a featured Horror Story character on AHS: NYC, Sis has put in the work and the sweat equity to get to where she is today. “I’ve gotten to move up [as I learned] how acting on TV works,” she says. “I got to see what it’s like to just exist in the background, then to come in one day and do a role, and then to come in and actually be a part of the story.”

Sis got her start performing on professional stages in Houston and as Ado Annie on the 2021–22 national tour of the 2019 Broadway revival of Oklahoma!. Being on POSE was a huge step in her career, but taking background work on the show wasn’t something her agents were thrilled for her to do. “I told myself before moving to New York in 2019 that all I want is to be on POSE,” Sis remembers. “I did it, and I didn’t care if it was background. I didn’t care what it was. I just wanted to be on POSE, and so that dream came true.”

POSE also gave her a chance to embrace and affirm her identity. “I think it is the best door-opening experience I’ll ever have,” she says. “This was my first time being on a set, and my first-ever TV director was Janet Mock. So all I know in my life is having a black trans woman as a television director.”

Her early work on the POSE set proved to be invaluable because of the praise and advice she got from fellow cast members. In a heart felt moment, Dominique Jackson told her, “I’ve

watched you as you’ve been filming with us, and you got it. You’re a star! You need to keep going, because you got it.”

Having actual trans actors portraying trans characters on POSE has helped put the lives of trans people into mainstream society’s consciousness. The casting of Sis as Dunaway on American Horror Story illustrates the progress that Hollywood has made in both the story lines and the casting of trans people after POSE

“We’re getting to the point in the world where human beings are so specific that [a show’s characters] are being written [to spotlight] these specific personalities, and I think that was the blessing of American Horror Story,” Sis explains. “Even with Oklahoma!, I really got to bring authenticity to these charac ters and these people, because we’re finally get ting to see that they actually did exist, and they actually do exist—and not solely on the fringes or in the background. These people have story lines because they have story lines in the real world. The beauty of it and the affirmations of it is that this dark-skinned, plus-size Black trans woman does exist, and has existed. So now I’m getting the opportunity to do that and be confident, sexual, and authentic—to be

somebody that people enjoy watching on TV or onstage.”

Sis wants people to take away one thing about her appearance on Horror Story: “Black trans women exist and are here, presently, with and among everyone. I’m a Black trans woman. I’m a Black woman. I’m a straight Black woman. And my character Dunaway is real—not this idealized mother of all people who is here to serve and help liberate. She’s just this woman, period.”

When the cameras stop rolling or the cur tain comes down, Sis actively works to en sure greater equity and access for all. “Every time I [advanced professionally], I wanted to make sure that I was able to give back and uplift the communities [whose shoulders] I was standing on,” she notes. “That’s why my organizations—Thee Open House Project and The Next Generation Project—and my advocacy within entertainment spaces—af fect the personal work that I’m doing in mak ing sure that we have someone that people can look up to, to connect with, and create an equitable lane to get others to where we are.”

Follow Sis on Instagram at @ucancallmesis

Sis gives voice to untold stories through her character portrayals.

Sis on the Pose set

JOE MURRAY

“PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO TRICK US INTO THINKING THAT PEOPLE LIKE ME SHOULDN’T OR DON’T EXIST, BUT WE DO.” —Sis

In Search of Herself

By ZACH M c KENZIE Photo by ALEX ROSA

Discovering she was adopted at the age of 7 was just the begin ning of a journey of self-discov ery for Shana Ross. The author, whose full-time career has made her a titan in the Houston fitness scene, is celebrating the debut of her memoir, Tribeless: Discover ing the Truth about Nature vs. Nurture as One Woman Finds Her Birth Mother. On page after page, Ross weaves pivotal moments of her life to create a tapestry that provides hope to people in various stages within the adoption system. It’s a story of the resilience of the queer community, and a call for everyone to lean into the unknown and pursue their ambitions before it’s too late.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I thought I would write a book one day. I just didn’t think it would be my life story!” Ross says with a grin. “I really felt that there were many things I could share that could end up helping a lot of different people—not just those who are adopted.”

While recounting the parts of her life that she wanted to feature in her book, Ross paints a picture of a typical East Texas upbring ing—church on Sundays, riding horses with her father who served in World War II, and a community that had conservatism ingrained in its fabric. Regarding certain memories that paint her family in a less flattering light, Ross knew she couldn’t sugarcoat her truth. “The hardest thing was recounting the story [of my coming out], because I had a pretty tumultuous upbringing,” she admits.

That’s a bit of an understatement, as the stories she shares reveal just how dangerous coming out to non-affirming families can be. “I had to tell my story, my truth,” she says. Ross didn’t allow her relationship with her adoptive parents, which ebbed and flowed throughout her life, to alter the narrative. “I wanted my parents to be seen not as monsters, but as people struggling with their own things.”

Houston in the 1980s is the nostalgic set ting for much of the book, as Ross writes fondly of her time hanging out at Babylon and dancing at The Parade. “I was in Houston during the

onslaught of HIV/AIDS, and I worked in the community a lot. We all felt hopeless; we felt helpless. There was so much going on, and the community was so close, so tight-knit,” she recalls. “In some communities, you would say ‘Montrose’ and you would get a sneer, because it was known as ‘the gay ghetto.’ But there was such a community, because we were all we had. The bar scene was like a big backyard barbe cue—everybody was family, everybody was a part of it. I loved it, I absolutely loved growing up during that time,” she adds. “I miss that sense of community that we had back in the ’80s.”

Toward the latter part of her memoir, the fitness guru details the years-long, emotion ally taxing process of ultimately deciding to search for her birth family. “The whole thing was terrifying, because there were so many questions. The main one in my head was, ‘What if my birth mother was raped? What if I’m a product of rape?’ The thought of bringing that up to her and having her face that all over again was horrifying,” Ross says. “When I decided to move forward, there was a whole other list of fears, like ‘What if she rejects me?’ I had to come to terms that it was a possibility. And that happens many times. People will go to find their birth families, and they’re completely rejected. I had to figure out if I was going to be able to handle that.”

It isn’t much of a spoiler to say that Ross ultimately did find her birth family— members of a Navajo tribe— and that she met her sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, a stubborn half-brother, and her beloved mother who fondly refers to Ross as “my baby girl.”

“I knew that I had to [find my family] because there was a whole culture that I had been taken from. I felt the need to know that and to get in touch with it. The last six years of learning about it have been some of the most

amazing years of my life. Feeling that pres ence has made an enormous difference in how I view myself, and how I live my life.

“It still sometimes feels like a dream that I can just pick up the phone and talk with my mother, and she hears my voice,” Ross adds. “My sister will call and say, ‘Sis ter, I love you so much. I can’t wait until we see you again.’ That kind of love, affirma tion, and support is very different from how I grew up. I crave it, I really crave it.”

Today, Ross resides in Houston with her wife of 35 years, Mary Beth, and visits her birth tribe in Arizona frequently. With her newfound sense of self and a connection to her birth family (as well as a reconciliation with her adoptive family), Ross looks to the future with a fresh outlook on life. She urges others who wish to seek out their birth families to do so with an open heart and mind. “With all of the DNA companies that are out there, you’re going to find people. It’s almost impossible not to if anyone in your family has ever done a DNA test, so you have to be very clear [in your own mind] that you can handle potential rejection.”

Hoping the book sparks conversation among the various communities in which Ross finds herself, she also hopes to be a source of guidance for others. “We all need to know where we come from. I think it makes us better people to understand that. Even if it’s not so good, it still helps to know who the ances tors are,” she concludes.

“It helps us understand ourselves better—and in the process, to be able to relate to those around us in a kinder, more gentle way.”

Tribeless: Discov ering the Truth about Nature vs Nurture as One Woman Finds Her Birth Mother is available on Amazon and anywhere books are sold.

Author Shana Ross finds her birth family, who are members of the Navajo tribe.

“I’VE ALWAYS ENJOYED WRITING, AND I THOUGHT I WOULD WRITE A BOOK ONE DAY. I JUST DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD BE MY LIFE STORY!”

—Shana Ross

A Gay Man’s Guide to The Nutcracker

By JENNY BLOCK

Photo by MITAVA SARKAR

Houston Ballet first soloist Harp er Watters has been a dancer ever since he could leap across the living room as a child. And he has also been inspired by The Nutcracker ballet since those childhood days in New Hampshire.

“I choreographed a one-man version of The Nutcracker, taking props from around the house. I took the Christmas tree skirt from the attic and made it a dress, and I would turn the lights off and just have the spotlight from the chandelier in my living room.”

His parents soon gifted him a VHS tape of The Nutcracker (the movie starring Macaulay Caulkin) that saw a lot of use. “It could be the hottest day of summer, and I would still watch The Nutcracker—especially the snow scene.”

While Watters was dancing at a local dance studio as a kid, he was finally cast in a Nutcracker production. “And I’ve been doing it ever since,” he says. That includes 26 shows in two years at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts—and at least 35 times each year during the 12 years he’s been with the Houston Ballet.

And though he was cast in smaller parts at first, he says, “I’m really lucky. For the past five or six years, I have danced the Prince. I kind of graduated each time from different roles.”

As Houston Ballet’s only Black first soloist in 20 years, Watters has worked with the very best choreographers and has performed across the US and the world, including in Guatemala, Canada, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Here are five fun facts about Stanton Welch’s Nutcracker production at the Hous ton Ballet, which premiered in 2016:

• Over 70,000 people see the show each year.

• The Christmas tree grows to 39 feet tall.

• 75 pounds of faux snow covers the stage.

• 450 sq. ft. of synthetic rat hair and more than 4,000 yards of netting are used.

• The show includes 61 adult dancers and over 300 young dancers; 95 musicians rotate in the orchestra pit throughout the run; 36 stage hands, 16 dressers, 6 hair/makeup crew members, 3 costume maintenance supervisors, and a laundry manager all work behind the scenes.

We caught up with Watters ahead of the November 25 Nutcracker opening at down town’s Wortham Center to find out more about the production and his role in it.

Jenny Block: Do you continue to enjoy dancing in Nutcracker year after year?

Harper Watters: I do. It’s a fantastic oppor tunity to check in with your technique, to check in with your dancing, to see how you

First soloist Harper Watters ’ fresh take on the classic show.

can revisit something to improve on it, [and decide] what you want to focus on this time.

Each year, there’s a newfound confidence I find with it.

How have things changed at Houston Ballet when it comes to The Nutcracker?

When I first joined Houston Ballet, we had Ben Stevenson’s version, which is a real classic. It’s really traditional. And when the Stanton Welch production debuted, they really turned up the glam. They really turned up the effects and the drama and the production values.

Just like the dancers, audiences return to The Nutcracker year after year. Why do you think that is?

I feel like The Nutcracker is the Disney classic of the ballet world. It’s like The Lion King. It’s like The Little Mermaid. It’s the magic. People have a connection to it being on a holiday. It’s a tradition. I think it’s really nostalgic, as well.

How do you keep that magic going year after year, and show after show? It’s really about hearing stories of audience

members and the children, and seeing how they respond to it. Ninety percent of the time, it’s someone’s first time ever coming to the ballet. Knowing that is what motivates me to keep up the magic and to not just go into autopilot. Also, these young girls and boys are really going for it! Knowing that they are makes it so that we want to, as well.

Many of the dancers, including you, dance numerous roles in a single performance of the show. How on earth do you do that?

I feel like the skill of memorization and repetition is really important. And it just starts from how we start our day. If you’ve ever watched a ballet class, you see the teacher just kind of giving the combination [of dance moves], and you have about 30 seconds to pick it up. It’s really built into our daily lives to just start memorizing—to have this repetition. Nutcracker is extremely iconic, and Stanton has made these moves that are so musical that you can turn the music on and it just happens.

Are there any comical moments in this particular production?

Instead of the traditional Mother Ginger, Stanton has interpreted it in a new way [with

a character] called “French”—a French man who is coming to eat, and all the Houston Ballet School students are chefs who frantically prepare his meal for him. [The comedy] begins when they present him with escargot and it’s just not to his liking. And it ends with the man frantically chasing after the ambassador frog with a fork and knife. So it’s a really comical number!

To those who say ballet in general, and perhaps The Nutcracker in particular, is not for them, what do you say?

I feel like ballet is “the minority” of the arts world. It’s the underrepresented, underappreciated one. But it is thought-provoking, and it is art. And I would encourage people to come and enjoy it and support it and be open-minded to it. It’s like a warm hug. I would be hard-pressed to believe they wouldn’t enjoy it, or at least enjoy parts of it, because Houston Ballet is just that good.

What: Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker When: November 25 to December 27

Where: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. Info: Call 713-227-2787 or visit houstonballet.org.

Unsinkable Talent

By RYAN M. LEACH

Photo by AARON JAY YOUNG

New York City is abuzz about Tita nique, the off-Broadway musical parody of the 1997 movie Titanic The show is also a love letter to Celine Dion, whose contribution to the soundtrack of the block buster movie, “My Heart Will Go On,” is equally as famous as the diva herself. A hit show about a hit movie featuring a hit song (and songstress) seems like a hat on a hat on a hat of hits. It has been so successful that it has extended its run multiple times and is now moving to a larger venue.

This titanic-sized feat for any off-Broad way show in the Big Apple can all be traced back to Houston’s homegrown, multi-talented Tye Blue, who co-authored and directed Titanique. “The show’s success has been a great surprise, but also expected. Because of the response to the many iterations of the show when it was in development, we knew that people would like it if we could get a proper re hearsal and some publicity,” says Blue, reflect ing on the long journey to getting Titanique on the stage.

Blue, 42, was born in Richmond, southwest

of Houston. Eventually he moved to Needville with his family, where he attended Needville High School. An active kid in student organi zations like speech, debate, and theater, Blue focused primarily on playing the saxophone. After graduating, he attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston to study music with a focus on saxophone.

But a seed had been planted just before he left for Massachusetts when he saw a profes sional production of The Phantom of the Opera in San Antonio—his first introduction to the theater beyond what he had experienced at Needville High—and it made an impression that would change his life. He decided to dou ble-major in sax and voice, and was accepted into the Berklee program after auditioning.

“I had never sung, but I knew I could carry a tune,” says Blue. I started singing in Boston, and was getting more traction as a singer than as a saxophone player. I was cast in a singer showcase during my first semester. I felt drawn to musical theater, and I pivoted from being an instrumentalist to a vocalist.”

Eventually, he left Berklee to matriculate in the musical theater program at Sam Hous

ton State University, where he earned his degree. He also started to develop as a direc tor while working on his acting and vocal talents, and he directed a handful of mainstage shows before graduating. Blue eventu ally landed a role at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, where he made a connection with Adam Lambert while performing as his understudy. Lambert (pre-American Idol fame) encouraged Blue to come to Los Angeles, where Lambert would connect Blue with his manager. Blue did just that, and eventually landed roles in international tours of Hair and Rent.

“It became obvious to me that I needed to move to New York, so I moved there and acted for a while,” Blue explains. “I went to an audition for [director] Stafford Arima and got far along, but I eventually got cut be cause I couldn’t dance. When I was leaving, he sent his casting director running after me. He told me I didn’t get the job but asked if I would be interested in an assistant director position, because—stupid me—I had listed all of my directing credits on my acting résumé. It turned out to be a happy

Houston-born Tye Blue on Titanique, his off-Broadway musical parody of Titanic.

accident, though, because it started me on a trajectory of directing commercial projects. I did about fifteen productions under Arima for about four years, and realized how ful filling it was to utilize all of the tools in my toolbox—the planning, the design, manage ment, leadership, staging, choreography. I was able to synthesize a bunch of random skills, so it was very eye-opening.”

By now it was 2009, and Blue’s stepdad had passed away, so he decided that he needed to come back to Houston to help his family deal with the fallout from the loss. It was during this time that Blue began a chapter in Houston’s booming gay night life scene. He was a valuable asset to club owners because he could create, stage, and market shows, as well as handle the talent and design. Blue had a regular gig hosting Dreamgirls at the former F Bar, and created a space for queer-oriented performance to thrive. Blue’s influence carries on today as Houston has continued to grow in that respect.

“I had a lot of really great times in Hous ton, hosting and recording. I started an opera. It was a great, fruitful chapter,” says Blue. “But I had unfinished business in LA. I moved back and started creating and direct ing parodies at a supper club. I directed six or seven musicals that picked up a lot of steam. I started to develop the relationships that I have now, which helped foster the idea of Titanique.”

He wanted to produce Titanique at the same venue where he had found success with other productions, but they were not interested. Blue sat on the idea for two years, and eventually decided to enlist some

friends (and eventual Titanique co-authors) Constantine Rousouli and Marla Mindelle.

“I told them, ‘I don’t care, I am taking out a new credit card and I am producing it. Let’s start writing!’ I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I knew on some level that I needed to do it,” Blue recalls.

His instincts were correct. The trio developed the show, and Titanique had its first public performance in 2017 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. The show continued to hold performances in small venues in LA and New York over the next couple of years. Each perfor mance would build on the last, and eventually attracted the attention of producers. They finalized a deal to produce the show in late 2019, and by January 2020 they were touring venues in New York after holding a week of casting auditions.

But soon it became evident that things were not going to work out when COVID-19 hit and the theater industry went dark for the next few years. Titanique appeared to be coulé

Blue saw the writing on the wall as the

world shut down, so he sold everything he had in Los Angeles and moved around the country while he waited for his industry to come back. And it did.

Titanique would eventually set sail in New York in June 2022, after several false starts due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions. After it had launched in the Asylum Theatre off-Broadway, Blue’s next challenge would be attracting a post-pandemic audience. “I’ll be honest: that first month of shows was a little scary. I would show up and there were entire rows empty and I’m thinking, we can’t survive with four empty rows in here. I know the producers had a moment of doubt because we didn’t kick off great with sales.

“Then certain people started posting about it—like [the popular podcast] Las Culturistas They raved so hard on us multiple times. That was a big moment. Then the New York Times put out something that I thought was a little backhanded, but essentially good press,” says Blue.

He also credits the cast and an amazing PR team for attracting audiences. One event, held on a boat on the Chelsea Piers, contributed to growing interest in the show. It also helped that Frankie Grande, a cast member, has a famous sister, Ariana, who gave the show a shout-out after attending.

But a show’s success ultimately hinges on the quality of the show itself, and Titanique is brimming with talent. Aside from being co-authors, Rousouli and Mindelle are also the stars of the show as Jack and Celine Dion, respectively. (That’s right, Celine Dion is a character who hosts the show, and Mindelle’s portrayal of the pop star and her vocals is second to none.)

“We are very fortunate that Marla is a very versatile actress, and her comedic timing is unparalleled,” Blue notes. “She was in my parody of The Devil Wears Prada and Troop Beverly Hills. I was already aware of the mindblowing skill set she has as a comedian and singer. I never had any hesitation about her ability to play the Celine Dion character.”

Titanique has been extended through February 2023, and if it manages to find a home and an audience beyond that, Blue would be thrilled.

“This has been a long journey,” he says. “I almost quit many times. There have been a lot of twists and turns. There have been moments where I felt burned out, and moments where I felt hopeful. I know for sure that this project is successful, because it is the culmination of so many skills I’ve gleaned for 25 years. I never want to lose sight of the fact that everything has led to this.”

To experience the comedy genius of Titanique in New York City, buy your tickets at titaniquemusical.com.

The cast of Titanique

“I TOLD THEM, ‘I DON’T CARE, I AM TAKING OUT A NEW CREDIT CARD AND I AM PRODUCING IT. LET’S START WRITING!’” —Tye Blue

Life in Stereo

By DAVID CLARKE

T.J. Newton, currently appearing in the regional premiere of The Secret of My Success at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), was born with microtia and had been deaf in his left ear until recently, when he underwent surgery to receive a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA). On September 16, the soon-to-be 30-year-old’s new hearing aid was activated and T.J. got to experience the cacophony and joy of our noisy world in stereo for the first time in his life.

“When the pandemic hit and masks came

on, it severely affected how I, and so many hard-of-hearing individuals, lived every day,” Newton recalls. “All of a sudden, my one and only working ear was working twice as hard to hear people talking. When the masks began to come off, I noticed my hearing didn’t get any better.” This is what prompted him to see a doctor and eventually get this life-changing surgery.

“I got my hearing aid a week before we started rehearsal [for The Secret of My Success], so this entire process has been overwhelming,” he states. “In the rehearsal studio, it’s been amazing because I can hear

in surround-sound for the first time. Also, hearing music at the theater or even at a movie has been such a wonderful, joyous, and overwhelming experience.”

The biggest change Newton has noticed in his hearing is the volume of sounds. “Ev erything sounds very loud, and I’m able to pick out things in music that I haven’t heard before,” he explains. “Listening to an orches tra, I’m hearing different instruments that I wasn’t fully aware of, and if a piano is on my left side, I can pick that up much stronger than I could before.”

Recent headlines surrounding Ha destown on Broadway revealed how the theater industry is struggling to be fully inclusive of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. “As a whole, the theater is not as accessible as it should be,” Newton emphasizes. “I will say that Theatre Under the Stars’ incredible program, The River, makes theater acces sible for kids of all ages and disabilities. This is a hill I’m so happy to die on. Theater should be for everyone, and to be at a theater that celebrates that makes me extremely proud to be here.”

As a queer-identifying artist of color with a hearing disability, Newton recognizes the platform his professional experiences offer him, and this fuels his activism. He looks for ward to coming back to Houston and doing a show with the kids for The River program. Also, he has successfully created the Insta gram show Kiki’s Closet. “Right now, there are 40 episodes out,” he says. “I’ve inter viewed 112 guests, and the majority of them are people of color because the main purpose of the show is to celebrate diversity.” His 41st episode will feature some of his The Secret of

Actor T.J. Newton on hearing everything for the first time.

My Success colleagues discussing diversity and inclusion in theater, and also focus on the new musical they are working on.

Newton appreciates that TUTS is truly fostering diversity and inclusion in their audiences. “They make sure that ticket prices are accessible for everyone,” he says. And as an artist, he sees how TUTS is also committed to fostering onstage diversity. “Getting to come to TUTS, where they pri oritize diversity, has been so wonderful as

a person of color,” he adds. “I’ve felt so safe in this space, not only working here last season, but also working here during The Secret of My Success. It’s a beautifully diverse company of performers, both onstage and backstage.”

After performing in last season’s produc tion of Sister Act, Newton is enjoying his role in developing a new musical. “Having the writers here has been so wonderful because we’ve gotten the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, could we try it this way?’ or ‘How about this

line?’” he explains. “Having those changes incorporated and just being able to have a con versation, whether the changes work or not, is hugely beneficial and very rare.”

The Secret of My Success is based on a 1987 Michael J. Fox film by the same title. “It’s a wonderful, campy, silly musical about fighting for your dreams,” he says. “In a post-pandemic world, we’ve changed the [definition of] what success is. We’ve acknowledged that success is more than money. Maybe success is falling in love, or more family time—and this show celebrates that.”

Newton is also excited to finally experi ence an Out@TUTS event. “Because of CO VID restrictions, our [Sister Act] cast wasn’t allowed to go, but this year we are allowed to go,” he says. “I love the queer community in Houston. It’s wonderful. So I’m excited to celebrate musical theater with the queer com munity here.

“My heart’s color today is a bright blue,” Newton concludes, “because the sun is out and I’m just feeling a lot of joy and happiness this week.”

Follow T.J. Newton on Instagram @tjnewtonnyc.

T.J. Newton (l) in The Secret of My Success and backstage at the Hobby Center.

OUT THERE

OUTSMART’S 25TH ANNUAL GAYEST & GREATEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

October 26. 2022

Hundreds of Gayest & Greatest winners, finalists, and friends attended the celebration at South Beach last month, and many of the winners enjoyed showing off their awards. Thanks go to our event sponsors Bayou City Smiles, Legacy Community Health, and South Beach!

Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

OUT THERE

Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

OUT THERE

OUTSMART’S 25TH ANNUAL GAYEST & GREATEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

October 26, 2022

Some 350 people attended the Awards celebration at South Beach, and it was a lively party! Performances by Barry Mii Dandy (winner of Best New Drag King), Hu’Nee B, and host Violet S’Arbleu, along with beats by DJ Mel Frausto and scrumptious tacos and sweets by David Alcorta, kept the crowd going. We were thrilled to see so many of our readers, community leaders, and advertising partners!

Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

OUT THERE

THE 41ST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN FANTASY BALL Saturday, October 22, 2022

The 41st Annual Halloween Fantasy Ball got an early jump on celebrating ghosts and goblins at ReBar. More than 600 guests kicked off Halloween week with striking (and revealing) costumes. Hosted by several LGBTQ influencers and community members, the Ball featured music by DJ Chad Guidry.

Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

WEDDING GUIDE

NEWSWORTHY NEWLYWEDS

By RYAN M. LEACH | Photos by HEATHER GLENN

TV news reporters Steven Romo, 38, and Stephen Morgan, 33, didn’t know they were going to meet on that fateful night in 2018 when their respective news stations sent them to cover a candidate concession speech at a Mexican restaurant in Houston. The two briefly spoke during the event before going their separate ways, and then connected online a few times through Instagram. In hindsight, the biggest story to develop out of that particular assignment was that by October 8, 2022, the two men would be married, living in New York, and contemplating dog parentage.

Their first date didn’t come any time soon after their meet-cute at the electionnight party. “It took two years (and ensuing breakups) for our friendly DMs to finally turn flirtatious,” Romo recalls. ‘We set a coffee date on November 1, 2020, and figured out pretty quickly that we were a good fit.”

During the early days of their relationship, Morgan was a reporter (and eventually a

meteorologist) at Houston’s FOX 26. Romo was with ABC 13.

Then in August, 2021, the couple decided to move to New York City together to pursue different career opportunities. Morgan had secured a dream job with FOX Weather when it launched. And although Romo had a big opportunity in Houston when he was offered ABC 13’s morning anchor position, he opted to take a big leap of faith and move with Morgan to the Big Apple.

“I’d spent my entire adult life working toward my career goals,” Romo notes, “so it was a surprise to just about everyone when I decided to pass on that opportunity and roll the dice in New York, even though I did not have any clear job prospects lined up. I was lucky enough to get hired as a freelance anchor at NBC News, and they made me a full-time New York-based correspondent this summer.”

“Without a doubt, Steven quitting his Houston career that he’d chased for more than a decade to move with me to New York City will always take the cake as being the most ro-

mantic thing he has ever done for me. I mean, come on! Who does that?” says Morgan.

The two men got engaged the same weekend they were looking for an apartment in Manhattan. Romo proposed to Morgan with two rings he had gotten before the move. He had planned to wait until they had dated for at least a year, but he only held out for eight months before deciding he had to pop the question.

“We were walking down Sixth Avenue, and as we leaned against some huge concrete planters, I pulled out the rings and asked him if he’d marry me,” says Romo.

“I was so surprised that for a brief second I was speechless,” Morgan admits. “I even put my hand over my mouth. I finally said, ‘Yes I will!’ We kissed, took a quick selfie, and then walked to Sean’s Pub in Midtown to grab a drink.”

The story of their engagement and eventual marriage has garnered national attention following last month’s story in People magazine. The story reported that both

How Steven Romo and Stephen Morgan became “The Stev/phens.”

Steven Romo (l) and Stephen Morgan

men came out as gay at the same time they announced their engagement on Instagram. Although the Instagram post may have been their public coming-out, the two men had been living openly among friends and family long before that.

“It was about a month after we got engaged that we decided to share the news on social media,” Morgan explains. “Taking that step became increasingly important because I had several friends [tell me that] they were happy for Steven and me, but would “keep it a secret.” They assumed we wanted it kept under wraps, which was not the case. That felt weird. We were so happy to talk about our engagement, and didn’t care who knew. But the unique burden of [trying to hide your sexuality] weighs on everyone differently. There’s no formula for coming out; it should be done whenever [you feel] the time is right. I’m so lucky I got to share that moment with Steven.”

“We didn’t know the announcement would get as much attention as it did,” Romo adds. “I didn’t view it as a coming-out post as much as I considered it an engagement announcement. I’d been out to my family and friends for years. For many LGBTQ+ people, there isn’t just one coming-out. It’s constant. I come out at least once every couple of weeks while meeting new people who assume I’m straight. So the focus on the coming-out part of that post surprised me a bit. The response was overwhelming and positive, though. I was grateful for all the kind messages— which helped drown out the hateful ones.”

Their October, 2022 wedding ceremony at White Rock Lake in Dallas included several friends and family members. Since both men had experienced rocky relationships with their parents regarding being gay, it was

especially meaningful to Morgan when his father blessed their marriage.

“After our first kiss, our officiant introduced us as “The Stev/phens,” so that was memorable,” Morgan says. “During the reception, we had our sisters give toasts. They were our best ladies because they’re also our best friends. My sister, Robbie Voss, had me in tears. My dad, Bob Morgan, gave the blessing before everyone ate. It still doesn’t feel real that my dad blessed our marriage—a gay marriage! It’s been quite the journey for my family.”

“So many of the wedding traditions we’re familiar with are rooted in heteronormativity. We didn’t want to emulate a straight couple,” Romo emphasizes. “We wanted to do what felt right to us. So no one gave us away; no one threw a bouquet. We didn’t have a bridal march. Stephen and I approached the altar from either side. After the vows and ring exchange, we exited together down the center aisle together. We also had both men and women in each wedding party. We couldn’t decide who would deliver their vows first, so we played Rock, Paper, Scissors after we got to the altar to figure it out.”

“There was so much that went into making our wedding so special, and we wanted the ceremony to highlight the love that Steven and I fought for, and finally found,” Morgan adds. “Steven’s vows were beautiful. They were written so well that it reminded me of our first date we had in Houston. The honesty and vulnerability were on display. He was funny, so thoughtful, and elegantly authentic. I married the best person ever!”

Now living in New York, the men are building their careers in the city that never sleeps. They have nine nieces and nephews between the two of them, and they all love getting together as they consider becoming parents of a dog at some point down the line. For now, though, they are enjoying their first year in the Big Apple as newsworthy newlyweds.

WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY?

Email us at letters@outsmartmagazine.com

STILL SEEING CLIENTS THROUGH

HOUSTON 2.0

Montrose’s newest dance club is open Thursday through Sunday and features a daily Happy Hour from 7 to 10 p.m. 2320 Crocker St, Houston TX 77006

Barcode

With the longest daily Happy Hours in Montrose from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., this neighborhood watering hole is a popu lar spot. Drag shows occur Wednesday through Sunday, and the bar hosts karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays. 817 Fairview, Houston TX 77006

Blur Bar

This multi-level dance club features an upstairs lounge and balconies, with weekly events including Travesura Thursdays and Latin Saturdays. 710 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006

BUDDY’S

“EveryBUDDY’S welcome” at this modern LGBTQ bar with “events as diverse as Houston.” The bar features cocktails, beer, karaoke, pool, DJ’s, and more. 2409 Grant St STE A, Houston TX 77006

Club Crystal

With roots going back to the iconic club Inergy, Club Crystal is Houston’s original LGBTQ Latino nightclub. Find some of Ingegy’s décor (and former staff members) at this two-room Latin/hip-hop club.

6680 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77036

Club Geminis

The newest LGBTQ club in Southeast Houston, where couples are welcome. Friday-night super show with Rosselyn D Montiel. $3 shots. No cover, free parking.

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Crocker Bar

This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and extended Happy Hour prices throughout the week.

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Eagle Houston

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George Country Sports Bar

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617 Fairview St, Houston TX 77006

Hamburger Mary’s Houston

This drag-queen themed downtown restaurant serves up the best in entertainment, delicious food, and gloriously yummy drinks.

1008 Prarie St., Houston TX 77006

JR’s Bar & Grill

Proudly serving Montrose for 40 years, JR’s Bar & Grill offers drag Sunday through Thursday, karaoke Wednesday through Sunday, and daily Happy Hour specials on a spacious New Orleansstyle courtyard patio. 808 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006

KIKI

Coming soon.

La Granja Disco y Cantina

One of Houston’s favorite Latin LGBTQ bars, La Granja Disco y Cantina is open Wednesday through Sunday and features daily Happy Hour prices, DJs, drag shows, and karaoke nights. 5505 Pinemont Dr, Houston TX 77092

Michael’s Outpost

The only piano bar in Montrose offers great drinks, award-winning drag shows, and a roundup of talented musicians taking turns on the keys seven nights a week. 1419 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77006

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon

Houston’s only LGBTQ country dance hall is open Wednesdays through Sun days and hosts dance classes, steak nights, bingo, and karaoke. 11410 Hempstead Hwy, Houston TX 77092

to

Papi’s

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

Pearl Bar

in an LGBTQ bar? Be real, be humble, and

Desired super-power?

Gotta be the power

Viviana’s Nite Club

I

Theme song? The “Peanuts” theme song from Charlie Brown.

This weekend-only LGBTQ Latin dance club is home to a variety of DJs, singers, talent shows, and Sunday strippers.

4624 Dacoma St, Houston TX 77092

GALVESTON

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

ReBar

This full-service venue offers distinctive food with Southern flair, a popular patio, multiple bars, VIP bottle-service areas, a large dance floor, and some of Houston’s most acclaimed resident DJs. 202 Tuam St, Houston TX 77006

Sabroso Patio Bar and Restaurant

Northwest Houston’s newest LGBTQ destination, serving delicious food and cocktails in a beautiful patio setting. 5503 Pinemont Dr, Houston TX 77092

South Beach

Montrose’s favorite dance club has re-opened to rave reviews. South Beach’s state-of-the-art sound, laser light show, and world-class DJs make the club a must-visit destination. 810 Pacific Street, Houston TX 77006

RIPCORD

Since 1982, this leather bar has been a fixture in Houston’s LGBTQ community. It’s where the wild, the weird, and the kinky gather on a nightly basis—no pretense, no gatekeeping, just pure camaraderie and debauchery. 715 Fairview, Houston TX 77006

Tony’s Corner Pocket

If you love a friendly bar staff, sexy male dancers, and entertaining showgirls, Tony’s Corner Pocket is the perfect spot. The bar is open seven days a week and hosts shows like Tornado Tuesdays, Wepa Wednesdays, and Sassy Saturdays. 817 W. Dallas, Houston TX 77019

23rd St. Station Piano Bar

This upscale piano bar with an extensive martini menu offers daily drink specials. Happy Hour prices from 4 to 7pm and live entertainment every evening. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Weekends include a fullservice outside garden patio bar. 1706 23rd Street Galveston 77550

Robert’s Lafitte

Texas’ oldest bar has been open for over half a century, and is home to Galveston’s original drag show. 2501 Avenue Q, Galveston TX 77550

Rumors Beach Bar

Located at the historic Seawall Boulevard on 31st Street, this Galveston spot offers dancing, food, drinks, drag, and a wide variety of themed nights.

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HUNTSVILLE Ranch Hill Saloon

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1000 12th St, Huntsville TX 77340

SPRING The Room

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COLLEGE STATION

Halo

The only LGBTQ dance club in Bryan/College Station is this sleek spot located smack in the middle of Aggieland. 121 North Main Street, Bryan TX 77803

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Broughton Investment Group thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com 713/337-4500 Richard Dickson/Galene Financial 520 Post Oak Ste 780 .....................................713/489-4322

Shane Theriot/Edward Jones 888-A Avenue D, Katy 281/391-6137 Grace Yung/Midtown Financial 3355 Alabama, Ste 180 713/355-9833

FITNESS CLUBS/PERSONAL TRAINING Club Houston 2205 Fannin 713/659-4998 John Aaron Online Fitness www.jaofit.com ............................................. 832-649-8422 Facet Seven Fitness .facetsevenfitness.com SPENGA-Chris Lucas houstonmontrose.spenga.com 713-588-2315

FLOOR COVERINGS Floor Coverings International floorcoveringsinternational.com 832/280-6646

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING Fountains & Statuary 11804 Hempstead ..............................................713/957-3672 Hydroshack Hydroponics 1138 W 20th St 713/661-0091

Joshua’s Native Plants & Antiques 502 W. 18th St 713/862-7444

GLASS SERVICES Lone Star Glass 3804 Bissonnet 713/661-0091

GROCERY STORE H-E-B Multiple locations heb.com

HAIR/NAIL/MAKE-UP SALONS NU-Cuts Hair Salon 515 Westheimer 713/524-7858

HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY

AJANA Therapy & Clinical Services www.ajanatherapy.com 832-387-5735

D. “Woodja” Flanigan, MS, LPA 2600 SW Fwy, Ste 409 713/589-9804

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, RN

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

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, RN RelationshipTherapistRN.com 713/823-4001

Dr. Daniel Garza, MD 3131 Eastside St, Ste 4 281/610-8190

Dr. Barry F. Gritz, MD 230 Westcott, Ste 210 713/869-7400 Shane Hennesey, Med, LPC-S www.thestressdojo.com 281-726-3027

Jeffrey Myles/JM Professional Services

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

Cheryl Rhode 4545 Post Oak Pl #370 713-203-0495

The Montrose Center 401 Branard 713/529-0037

Matt Trietsch Matt-Trietsch.com 512/591-8510 Christine Wysong 230 Westcott, Ste 210 713/869-7400

HEALTH CARE–DENTISTS

Bayou City Smiles/Marcus de Guzman, DDS 2313 Edwards St., Ste. 150 713/518-1411

Bayou City Smiles/Cynthia Corral, DDS 2313 Edwards St., Ste 150 713/518-1411

Cory Logan, DDS 530 Waugh Dr. 713/942-8598

LifeSmiles by Randy Mitchmore, DDS 1722 W. Alabama 713/592-9300

Montrose DDS/Samuel A. Carrell, DDS 620 W Alabama ................................................ 713/529-4364

Montrose DDS/Austin T. Faulk, DDS 620 W Alabama 713/529-4364

HEALTH CARE-/HIV/COVID TESTING

Houston Health Department/HIV houstoniamlife.com Houston Health Department/COVID houstontx.gov 832-393-4220

HEALTH CARE-EMERGENCY CENTERS

Montrose Emergency Room 24 Hour ER 1110 W. Gray St., #101 713/242-1436

SignatureCare Emergency Centers 3209 Montrose Blvd 281/709-2897 1925 TC Jester 832/850-4338

HEALTH CARE-HIV/STD TESTING Avenue 360 Avenue360.org 713/426-0027

Legacy Community Health

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

HEALTH CARE–OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD

Greater Houston Eye Consultants Humble 281/454-2056 Clear Lake 281/484-1186

HEALTH CARE–OPTOMETRISTS

Boutique Eye Care/Juliet Farmer, OD 1806 Westheimer, Ste. A ............................. 713/528-2010 Eye Gallery 1806B Westheimer ........................................... 713/523-1279 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Ste 110 713/622-7470

Montrose Eye Care/ Paul Lovero, OD 520 Waugh Dr 713/352-0974

HEALTH CARE/PHARMACIES

Avita Pharmacy

AvitaPharmacy.com/HIV Legacy Pharmacy LegacyCommunityHealth.org/services/pharmacy/ Scott Read Pharmacy 540 Waugh Drive

........................................... .832/649-3142

HEALTH CARE–PHYSICIANS

Octavio Barrios, MD 507 West Gray 713/942-7546 7106 Spencer Highway 281/542-9400

Gordon Crofoot, MD/Crofoot MD 3701 Kirby, Ste.1230 713/526-0005 M. Sandra Scurria, MD 6565 West Loop South, Ste 300 281/661-5901

Derek Smith, AGPCNP-BC/Crofoot MD 3701 Kirby, Ste.1230 713/526-0005

Maggie White,MPH FNP-BC AAHIVS/ Wellness Bar by Legacy 120 Westheimer 713/814-3730

HEALTH CARE–SERVICES

AIDS Foundation Houston afhouston.org 713/623-6796

AIDS Healthcare Foundation HIVcare.org Avenue 360 Avenue360.org 713/426-0027

Harris County Public Health Publichealth.harriscountytx.gov ......... 713/439-6293

Houston Health Department houstontx.gov

Legacy Community Health LegacyCommunityHealth.org 832/548 5000

Ryan White Planning Council RWPCHouston.org 713/572-3784

St. Hope Foundation offeringhope.org 713/778-1300

HEALTH CARE–SKIN CARE

Face Foundrie 5152 Buffalo Speedway 832/530-4203

Heights Dermatology/Alpesh Desai, MD

2120 Ashland 713/864-2650

Houston Dermatology Specialists houstondermatologyspecialists.com .... 713/487-8233

SkinCeuticals/Skin Lab 2800 Kirby, Ste. B21 713/559-9300

Skin Renaissance Laser/Octavio Barrios, MD 507 West Gray 713/942-7546

HEALTH CARE-WEIGHT LOSS Dr. B-Fit / Octavio Barrios, MD 517 West Gray 713/942-7546

HOME FURNISHINGS/ACCESSORIES

Bliss on 19th 235 W.19th blisson19th.com

Eclectic Home EclecticHome.ws 713/869-1414

Eklektik Interiors 1300 Shepherd .832/804-6300

HOME BUILDERS

Noble Contractors noblecontractor.com 832/370-7091

INSURANCE AGENCIES/AGENTS

Lane Lewis/Farmers Insurance 2200 North Loop W, Ste 136 713/688-8669

Patrick Torma/Goosehead Insurance 3420 Rusk, Ste. 22 281/723-1294

INVESTMENTS

Doug Smith/Hawthorne Funds 1210 West Clay, Ste. G HawthorneFunds.com

LIFE COACH

My Habits Coach-Nathan Herrington www.myhabitscoach.com

JEWELERS

Silverlust 1338-C Westheimer .....................................713/520-5440

Tenenbaum Jewelers 4310 Westheimer .TenenbaumJewelers.com

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

LEATHER GOODS

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

Sir Rat Leather and Gear LLC 711 Fairview sirratleather.com

LIQUOR/WINE & SPIRITS

Spec’s Wine Spirits & Finer Foods 2410 Smith specsonline.com

MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Ryan Fugate, RMT RyanMassageWorks.com........................... 713/269-7926

Afton Macione, LMT AftonLMT.com 832/731-4909

PEST CONTROL SERVICES & TRAPPING

Andy’s All Star Pest Control 713/732-7742

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES

Bayou City Veterinary Hospital 4720 Washington ............................................ 713/343-9909

Midtown Veterinary Hospital MidtownVetHospital.com 713-528-4900

The Urban Vet/Dr. Eric Cagle 2625 Louisiana St. Ste D100 713/903-2364

Vergi 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Hospital 8921 Katy Freeway 713/932-9589

West Alabama Animal Clinic 2030 W. Alabama ............................................. 713/528-0818

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dalton DeHart Photography DaltonDehart.com 713/622-2202

Yvonne Feece Photography yvonnefeece.com 832/876-1053

PLUMBING

In The Loop Plumbing Services 346/253-4444

MET Plumbing ...................................................................................... 832-221-7628 U-Plumb-It Plumbing Supply 1424 Montrose 713-942-2277

POOLS & POOL SERVICES Venture Pools 713/447-9201

PRINTING/COPY CENTERS 2daypostcards.com 621 Richmond 713/224-8808

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

REAL ESTATE–MORTGAGE/TITLE

Janet Friedman/J Friedman Mortgage JFriedmanLoans.com 713-785-5626

Chicago Title –Inner Loop 3700 Buffalo Speedway 713/418-7000

Cody Grizzoffi/NRL Mortgage Codygrizzoffi.com............................................. 832-541-1103

Cari Middaugh/AmCap Mortgage myamcap.com/cari-middaugh/ 281/450-2235

Lyn Sullivan /Alamo Title 4265 San Felipe, Ste 520 713/228-0801

Patriot Title www.patriottitletx.com .............................. 713/864-5335

REAL ESTATE–REALTORS

Brooks Ballard/Engel & Volkers 309 Gray 713/522-7474

David Batagower/Compass Realty bayoucitypropertygroup.com 713/523-8609

Scott Brown/Greenwood King ....................................................................................... 713/861-1000

David Bowers/The House Company/Galveston David@DavidBowers.com 409/763-2800

Mike Copenhaver/Remax Metro mikecopenhaver@remax.net 713/528-4963

Karen Derr/Karen Derr Realty karenderr.com 713/875-7050

Tom Eickleberry/Pride Street Realty TomSellsHoustonHomes.com 713/201-5257

Rock Edwards/Rock Edwards & Associates Rockedwards.com 713/409-1729

Jeremy Fain/Greenwood King Properties 3201 Kirby Dr ........................................................ 713/677-4337

William J Finnorn/Martha Turner Sotheby’s William.Finnorn@sir.com 832/221-7628

Paul Gomberg/The Rock Star Real Estate Group 713-446-8810

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

Houston Association of Realtors har.com 713/629-1900

Debbie Levine/Sotheby’s International Realty sothebysrealty.com .....................................713/942-6857

Lynette Lew/Better Homes and Gardens LynetteLew.com. 713/582-2202

Thomas Phillips/City Side Properties Exp Realty

832/305-7848

Danny Pleason/Martha Turner/Sotheby’s dannypleason.com 832/661-1502

Redfin Realtors 4000 Washington Ave #303 832/529-2983

Todd Russo/Gary Greene 15103 Mason Rd Suite A-1 832/803-9177

Tom Schwenk/Tom’s Galveston Real Estate Tomsgalvestonrealestate.com .713/857-2309

LeeRoy Smith/GaryGreene 1702 W Gray St Ste 200 ................................. 832/221-7628

VJ Tramonte/Joe Tramonte Realty 1802 Broadway/Galveston 409/765-9837

Martha Turner Properties Marthaturner.com 713/520-1981

Andy Weber/Sotheby’s International Realty 520 Post Oak 713/724-4306

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE/WINE BARS Chapultepec Lupita 813 Richmond

713/522-2365

Dessert Gallery DessertGallery.com 713-522-9999

Eugene’s 1985 Welch St 713/807-8883 Free Grillin’/Chef Michele ...................................................................................... 832/419-0165

Giacomo’s cibo e vino 3215 Westheimer 713/522-1934

Harold’s In the Heights 350 W. 19th 713/360-6204

Niko Niko’s 2520 Montrose 713/528-4976 93’ Til 1601 W Main St ................................................. 281/846-6405 Pho 518! 9330 Broadway, #416 832/736-9903

Riva’s Italian Restaurant 1117 Missouri St 713/529-3450 Sable Gate Winery 2600 Travis Ste 104 .713/360-7113 Tacos Doña Lena 8788 Hammerly 713/993-6486

Urban Eats 3414 Washington Ave feasturbaneats.com

SPECIALTY RETAIL

Phoenicia Specialty Foods phoeniciafoods.com 832/360-2222

STORAGE Morningstar Storage The Heights 4495 Katy Fwy 281-728-4509

TATTOO/BODY WORK Electric Chair 8722 Richmond 713/780-3500

TELEVISION STATIONS KHOU/Channel 11 5718 Westheimer khoucom

TOURS

Mr. McKinney’s Historic Houston Tours MisterMcKinney.com .................................... 713/364-8674

PHOTOGRAPHIC

TRAVEL/TRAVEL AGENCIES

Concierge Travel, Inc 4920 Mimosa 713/661-2117

Galveston Tourism

NURTURE

IN

DOES ADVERTISING WORK? IT JUST DID. Get listed on this page. Call 713/520-7237 or email Marketing@OutSmartMagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION

By LILLY RODDY

Mars Retrograde Brings Mixed Energies

Plan ahead during this unsettled Scorpio season.

General Information:

This month is a mixed bag of energies, as we are under the influence of Mars retrograde until early February. Mars—our initiator, confronter, and driver of competi tion—doesn’t do so well in retrograde. We will be more challenged and address others more directly while Mars is so active. The lunar eclipse on November 8 impacts the fixed signs— Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Information will come to light that may have been hidden. For your holiday activities, make sure you plan ahead and have a Plan B! The Sun enters Sagittarius on the 22nd, while Venus and Mercury enter Sagittarius on the 16th and 17th.

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You may feel off your game with Mars, your ruler, retrograde until early February. You will be reviewing decisions from the past year, and you may even change some of them. This may also cause you to doubt your abilities and effectiveness. Be careful of people who only criticize without offering solutions or praise. You also want greater reassurance from your partner or close friends. The lunar eclipse on the 8th could activate those feelings for you. Pace yourself this month—there will be delays. The latter part of the month is better for relaxing and stepping away from your routines.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

This is going to be an active month for you with the lunar eclipse occurring in your sign. The planets are also active in your relationship sector, so pay more attention there. If you are having difficulty in a partnership, this will bring those issues to the surface to be resolved. If you are doing well in your romantic or business relationships, you may still want to make sure that both of you are moving in the same direction. Career energies are active again as you look into future possibilities. Finances become more important later in the month. You will want to rid yourself of debt, and possibly even put yourself on a budget. Friends can be very supportive and happy to help you this month!

GEMINI (May 21–June 21)

This continues to be a busy and active month as Mars, the planet of safety, anger, and impatience, is in your sign until March 25th. You will have a lot of energy to put into projects that you have been avoiding. As you become more direct with others, you may have problems with the people you are closest to. This is a very good time for planning, but not a good time to push forward on your career goals. In early November you are improving your work and health habits, and making sure your workspace is comfortable and up-to-date. Relationships will be in the spotlight later in the month, when spending more time together will just seem natural. In difficult partnerships, confrontations can occur as you seek a resolution. You will need more time to yourself this month!

CANCER (June 22–July 22)

You are in a playful and creative mode as the month begins, so indulge yourself in hobbies or activities that give you the most pleasure. Because of the pandemic, your social groups and friendships have all shifted. There should be some new energy there with the lunar eclipse on the 8th. Health and work habits are under review later in the month, when you will be strongly motivated to improve. You may be considering new electronics or home-office updates. There could be internet problems, and delays in receiving mail or packages. You will need some time to yourself for meditation, or just relaxing on a patio. Whip up

a holiday treat that you enjoyed as a child, since you are in a nostalgic mood for the holidays!

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Home and family is the focus as the month begins. This could be a time of changes in the family hierarchy, especially with the lunar eclipse on the 8th acting as a trigger. You may also be considering moving, downsizing, or doing some repairs on your home, as well as reviewing your current career path and perhaps starting your own business, retiring, or just cutting back. Boundaries and decisions about your future are becoming clearer. All of your relationships are being reviewed, and you are expecting more of those around you. This is also a time for setting new goals that can rejuvenate your relationships.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.22)

Your career sector is very active with Mars retrograde in that area. You will be rethinking your career choices and have less patience with recurring problems. You may need some “personal space” to deal with this. Old clients or customers may begin to show up, and you may even have more contact with people from your youthful days. Communications are better as the month begins—a good time for blogging or promot ing your services on social media. Home and family take on more significance later in the month, and

SEBASTIAN GOMEZ DE LA TORRE

Scorpio, inspired by drag artist RuPaul

there could be changes in your family hierarchy. This has been strong for the last two months, and will continue through mid-December. Pace yourself later in November, when you will need more time for rest and recovery.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)

Improving your financial position through better investments and expanding your skill set is the focus as the month opens. The lunar eclipse on the 8th occurs in this financial area, which will prompt you to act on your ideas. Consider this as a time for research, and hold off on committing to any action until all the facts are in. Consult several sources before you decide on the best way forward for you. You are more to the point with your communications later in November. You may feel more challenged, and your responses may surprise others. This is a great time to take off and reconnect with your partner. Even in business alliances, you will want reassurance that everyone is pulling in the same direction. And during all of this, finding some time for yourself would be good for your soul.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)

This is your personal yearly cycle when the sun comes back to its same position as when you were born. Prior to our birthday, we are in an introspective time of looking back. Then we experience a sense of rebirth, or setting sail for new lands. This year is especially significant with the lunar eclipse occurring in your sign on the 8th. This can be a time of doors opening and different options being presented. You experienced

some of this in April and May. These eclipses are having an impact on your relationships. And all the while, you are trying to make your home a more comfortable place. You may be even busier at the end of the month. Pay attention to your boundaries.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Your energies are working at the extremes this month. One part of you needs some time to rest, while the other part is keeping you overly busy. The current Mars retrograde is traveling through your relationship sector. You become more sensitive to your environment as you take time to retreat. You will not want a lot of demanding people around you at this time. Later in the month, you will feel more in control and ready to take action. This Mars activity pushes you to do everything right now—quite the contrast to that rest-and-retreat time! You are also improving your office and looking at potential new hires. You will feel better about where you are headed as we move toward February of 2023. A stabilizing factor is on the way!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your social connections are being realigned, and you may even reconnect with associates from your past. They are stimulating you to invent a better version of yourself. Work can be problematic, as there are lots of small fires to put out. This may keep you from focusing on your long-term plans. Pay more attention to health and diet plans. This is an excellent time to resume a workout program. You will be ready for a retreat later in November—a great time to focus on your health, safety, and happiness! You are still very conscious of your financial situation as you look at global

recession trends. You become more confident as we get closer to the new year.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

You are focusing on career and long-term plans as you improve your boundaries, redefine responsibilities, and set new relationship goals. The eclipse cycle is occurring in your career and home/family sectors, which is opening new doors and making you consider alternatives that you would have ignored before. You may also be doing some remodeling or moving, and changes in your family hierarchy could be a factor. If you have children, they could also be very busy and self-absorbed! You may reconnect with organizations from your past. This is the time to have some fun!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Your sign is at the apex of the intensity that we are all going through. Family issues are surfacing as newly revealed information changes the dynamics. Old anger issues could resurface, and you have been trying to figure out whether to stay or run! You may be looking at relocating “off the grid” as you look at your financial situation. You will slowly begin to feel more comfortable about making decisions rather than avoiding the issues. Toward the end of November, you become more focused on your long-term career and personal plans! This is a restless period, so make sure you take time for yourself—which Pisceans need this month more than anyone!

For more astro-insight, lillyroddyshow.com.

Meet the Heavyweight Champ!

Now entering the ring: Mistress Isabelle Brooks .

By SAM BYRD | Photo by VICTOR CONTRERAS

Mistress Isabelle Brooks is the plus-sized diva with a plus-sized attitude to match. And she’s not afraid of a little blush and makeup to go with that head-boss stature. She’s the dancing diva with the disco fever, and there’s not a whole lot that can slow her down. Not even a broken ankle in 2019 could keep this lady from slaying the stage.

Pronouns?

Out of drag: He/Him/His; in drag: She/Her/Hers.

Hometown?

I’m born and raised in Houston.

Drag birthday?

I’ve been doing drag since I was about 16 years old, so somewhere around eight years. However, I consider my 18th birthday on July 14, 2016, to be my drag birthday. It’s simpler to remem ber, and it’s when I actually started viewing drag as a career.

What got you interested in drag?

I remember when I was about 14, I saw GIFs of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 on Tumblr. I instantly fell in love with not only the show but also the art of drag itself. It combined so many of my interests into one big self-expression, and I remember it being so magical to me.

Describe your drag persona.

I like to describe my style as over-the-top traditional drag with a modern twist. You can come to any of my shows, any night of the week, and you can expect to see big hair, glamorous outfits, and performances that captivate and entertain an audience. My drag is carrying the legacy and magic of what inspired me as a young person in this community. Unfortu nately, “old school” drag is a dying art form, and it’s up to this next generation to continue [that old-school tradition].

What got you into wig making?

Hair has always been a passion of mine, and

before drag, I envisioned a career as a hair stylist. My love for hair led me to styling all my drag wigs, and queens would always ask me, “Girl, who did that hair?” Once it caught on, and through word of mouth, I was doing hair for queens all over. At the beginning stages of my drag career, it was something I would mainly do just for myself and a select handful of performers. Then in December 2019, I broke my ankle and the pandemic happened, so I had to find a way to take care of myself financially. I started hustling and pushing out wigs to queens all over the world.

You’re nicknamed The Heavyweight Champ on Instagram. Tell us more. One day I was performing, and the show host introduced me as “The Heavyweight Champ.” It stuck with me, and truly spoke to my spirit. I always come through swing ing. Anything I do, I give 100 percent.

If I fall, I’m going to get right back up and try again. Anything I do, I will always come out on top. To me, that’s what being The Heavyweight Champ means.

#TeamPopSong or #TeamBallad?

Definitely #TeamBallad. I think it’s a lost art in both the music industry and for drag entertainers. Everyone wants to break their spine death-dropping, but it takes a special queen to truly captivate an audience with a ballad.

Marry, Shag, Kill: Batman, Superman, Kool-Aid Man?

Shag Batman, marry Superman, and kill the Kool-Aid Man because he’s obnoxious to me!

Where can fans see you perform?

I am a show director at JR’s on Monday nights for Where The Boys Are. I’m at South Beach on Wednesdays for Mil lennial Dolls. Last, but certainly not least, I am one of the original cast mem bers at Hamburger Mary’s, where you can find me every weekend.

Follow Mistress Isabelle Brooks on Instagram

@MistressIsabelleBrooks and @WigsByMistress and on Facebeook

@TheMistressIsabelle.

James Carroll, MD

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Madeine Marie Aponte Lopez, MD is an emergency medicine doctor at Montrose Emergency Room 24 Hour ER.