HOUSE BREW
Dave Sorrell’s
Gristworkz
Pg.36
Event Elementz
Pg.39
Matthew Barré’s
Bamboo Bay Rum
Pg.42
Michael’s
Cookie Jar
Pg.44
Houston’s C.C. Brooks is using hydroponic farming to expand food access and equity
Pg.30
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
DR.
Winner Best Dentist
AUSTIN FAULK
Finalist Best Dentist
JACQUELINE CLEMMER
Winner Best Dental Hygienist
MELISSA BAEZ
Finalist Dental Hygienist
22 BUNNIES ON THE BAYOU RETURNS
Vice president Brandon Rhodes discusses this year’s event
28 TROT FOR TRANS VISIBILITY
The charity run attracted over 400 participants in its third year
52 EXAMINING MASCULINITY
Andre Ramos-Woodard’s new photo exhibit at Project Row Houses
30 COVER STORY THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
Local entrepreneurs are making their mark throughout the city
54 EXHIBITING STAYING POWER
FotoFest toasts 40 years, while Archway Gallery turns 50
26 OUT AT THE RODEO
This year’s LGBTQ event saw thousands of attendees enjoying their visit to the Bluebonnet Tent
48 COMIC RELIEF
Janan Araujo-Siam’s appearance at Stand Up for SWAMP: Brunch Comedy Battles.
66 WIGGING OUT
Justice Taylor proudly served as Miss Gay Pride Houston for 2024
Our patient, a prominent attorney in his mid-50’s, Mitchell Katine who has argued before the United States Supreme Court, came to Dr. Franklin Rose looking for a more youthful appearance while still maintaining a natural look. He underwent facial and eyelid rejuvenation by Dr. Rose; and after a short interval away from work, Mr. Katine was able to return to his full responsibilities as a practicing attorney. Mr. Katine successfully won landmark legislation at the United States Supreme Court regarding LGBT rights.
A successful retirement in the future can often depend on having a solid plan now. If your money isn't working as hard as you are, it may be time to act—there are no do-overs in retirement planning. Now is the time to consider developing a strategy that can help you work toward your financial goals. I specialize in providing comprehensive, financial guidance with the goal of maximizing every remaining moment of the retirement countdown.
Allies in Hope will hold its rescheduled Walk to End HIV fundraiser on Saturday, April 18 in downtown Houston; The Montrose Center’s “Empowering Our Future” fundraising gala on April 25 will celebrate the organizations and leaders who empower our youth
Your retirement-funding plan may need a reality check to prevent cash-flow surprises down the line
CALENDAR
SCENE OUT OUT THERE WEDDING GUIDE
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The Food and Drink Issue BEYOND THE HARVEST
Houston’s C.C. Brooks is using hydroponic farming to expand food access and equity.
at the Acres Home Center for Business and Economic Development on March 26, 2026.
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Our April food and drink issue begins with a visit to an innovative hydroponic farming operation in North Houston. C.C. Brooks, Houston’s only Black and gay hydroponic farmer and the founder of The Metallic Sunflower Foundation, sees locally sourced vegetables as inseparable from the larger issue of community equity and empowerment. Brooks uses hydroponics to produce food efficiently while also promoting self-sufficiency in the city’s underserved Acres Home neighborhood. His work reminds us that food is never just about what is on the plate, but also about who has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
We also spoke with Dave Sorrell of Gristworkz, a Houston brewery that has established itself as a welcoming destination by pairing quality beer with an inclusive spirit that celebrates Houston’s diversity. Since taking over the former Local Group Brewing space, Gristworkz has expanded the typical brewery menu to include cocktails, wine, a full kitchen, and a wide array of scheduled events. Then we spotlight Event Elementz, where Greg Davis and Scott Moorman have built a successful catering and event-planning operation with
scratch-made food and meticulous attention to detail that keeps their clients returning year after year.
Our food and drink coverage continues with Matthew Barré and his Bamboo Bay Rum brand that has grown into a serious venture shaped by Barré’s Louisiana roots and time spent in Trinidad. Then Michael Savino, of Michael’s Cookie Jar, reflects on nearly two decades of building a popular Houston business known for its classic soft-baked cookies made with premium ingredients that his loyal customers have come to expect.
In community news, we visit with Bunnies on the Bayou vice president Brandon Rhodes about the political realities that shaped this year’s “Resistance in Bloom” theme. With more than 500 volunteers involved, and proceeds benefiting a wide range of local nonprofits, Bunnies remains one of the city’s most visible annual expressions of LGBTQ resilience.
Our arts coverage features queer comedian Janan Araujo-Siam, who is helping to shape a more inclusive local stand-up scene through The Den Comedy Club. Then photographer Andre Ramos-Woodard discusses his participation in Project Row Houses’ Round 60
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exhibition with his series examining masculinity, identity, and self-definition. We also mark the FotoFest Biennial 2026, with its citywide photography exhibits that celebrate 40 years of artistic engagement with global issues. And not to be outdone, Archway Gallery is also celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary as Texas’ longest-running artist-owned and -operated art gallery.
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COMMUNITY
April 5
Bunnies on the Bayou 47
Bunnies on the Bayou returns to Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Houston. The outdoor fundraising party features live DJs, entertainment, food and drinks, dancing, and sponsor booths. tinyurl.com/mrms7jm3
COMMUNITY
April 9
Houston Rockets Pride Night
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce hosts this special evening bringing together Chamber members, partners, and the LGBTQ community for a night of basketball and connection. tinyurl.com/2s9u8nxr
STAGE
Friday, April 10–Saturday, April 11
Jaboukie Young-White
at Punch Line Houston
Queer actor-comedian Jaboukie Young-White
(Only Murders in the Building, Strange World ) brings his standup show to Houston for four shows. tinyurl.com/3f8fhnuv
STAGE Saturday, April 11
Callum Scott – The Avenoir Tour
Out singer-songwriter Callum Scott brings his tour to House of Blues. Pretty Jane opens. tinyurl.com/4mtccvj7
COMMUNITY
Wednesday, April 15
Cheers and Queers
Wine Tasting
SERCA Wines hosts Cheers & Queers: Vamos! Vinos! Argentina!, a curated evening of wine tasting and networking. tinyurl.com/4xaw9na3
COMMUNITY
Thursday, April 16
Pride Houston 365
Grand Marshal Announcement
Pride Houston 365 introduces the 2026 grand-marshal winners—the leaders and advocates who will represent the 48th Annual Houston LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration. tinyurl.com/mr4be5eh
COMMUNITY
Friday, April 17–Sunday, April 19
Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market
The traditional Nutcracker Market now happens twice a year! This spring edition of the market lets shoppers explore hundreds of merchants from across the country. tinyurl.com/4jntkv47
COMMUNITY
Saturday, April 18
New Date: Allies in Hope Walk to End HIV
Hosted by Allies in Hope, formerly AIDS Foundation Houston, this annual fundraiser advances the fight against HIV and their broader mission centered on compassionate care. tinyurl.com/yc2y6ebk
STAGE
Saturday, April 18
Houston Pride Band –In Your Wildest Dreams
Join Houston Pride Band for a concert that explores the far reaches of human imagination in a genre-spanning musical voyage about the world we enter when we close our eyes. tinyurl.com/4mvpytsj
STAGE
Thursday, April 23
Out@TUTS for Monty Python’s Spamalot Theatre Under The Stars’ Out@TUTS reception for LGBTQ theatergoers and friends features light bites, drink specials, and live music. tinyurl.com/4z7d9btp
COMMUNITY
Saturday, April 25
Montrose Center’s “Empowering Our Future” Gala
With the theme of “Once Upon a Time,” this enchanting evening will celebrate the organizations and leaders who empower our youth to feel seen and supported. tinyurl.com/mtk2k2wp
STAGE
Thursday, April 30
Pride Night at Houston Grand Opera for The Barber of Seville Houston Grand Opera hosts their Pride Night that celebrates community with a 50% off BOGO ticket offer using the code BOGOPRIDE at checkout. tinyurl.com/4jp3m28b
STAGE
Thursday, May 7
Alley Theatre ActOUT for August Wilson’s Fences
Ticket holders for the May 7 performance of August Wilson’s Fences can enjoy a pre-performance mixer with music, socializing, light bites, and drinks. tinyurl.com/4rzajj7d
STAGE
Thursday, May 28
Out@TUTS for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Theatre Under The Stars’ Out@TUTS reception for LGBTQ theatergoers and friends features light bites, drink specials, and live music. tinyurl.com/4z7d9btp
COMMUNITY
Saturday, June 6
48th Annual Houston Pride 365 Festival and Parade
Pride Houston 365’s 48th Annual Pride Festival and Parade kicks off at Houston City Hall. tinyurl.com/mp9zu3p8
STAGE
Friday, June 19
Out at the Ballet for Giselle
Houston Ballet and OutSmart magazine host a special reception for LGBTQ ballet lovers and friends. Get 25% off select seats, a complimentary drink voucher, and access to the reception area before the show and during intermission. tinyurl.com/2w3jnnt5
Sp
OUT
by
EPAH held its February Dinner Meeting and Program at Puttery on February 17, 2026. Pictured are Michele Laprade, Jody Morris, Tamara Schrader, and Marcella Pennington.
On March 10, 2026, the Montrose Center hosted a floral arrangements event and a screening of “Love and Pride.” Pictured are Frankie Frankeny, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Kathy Hubbard
On March 7, 2026, the Lone Star Volleyball Association presented Miss LSVA
are
and
On March 12, 2026, the Montrose Center presented Bringin’ in the Green at the home of Chris Robertson. Pictured are Neil Giles, Meleah Jones, and Mandy Giles .
March
Bunnies on the Bayou presented the 2026 VIP Garden Party at the home of Richard Werner and Tony Bravo on March 8, 2026. Pictured are Thasia Madison, John Gray, Ryan Wilson, and Ana Sanchez.
The Montrose Softball League Association hosted the 2026 Lone Star Classic at Centennial Park in Pearland on March 15, 2026. Pictured are the Legends, who placed third in the D Division.
H o u s t o n
1 4 3 5 W e s t h e i m e r R d ( 7 1 3 ) 3 9 1 - 8 9 9 2
By GRACE YUNG, CFP
Give your plan a reality check with these simple tips.
Many people feel pretty good about their retirement plans. They’re saving something. They have accounts in place. Maybe they even check their balances occasionally. But feeling good and being truly on track are not always the same thing. For pre-retirees—and business owners, in particular—the gap between perception and reality can be significant. Income may be high, but so are taxes, lifestyle costs, and competing priorities. Business equity may represent a large portion of net worth, but it may not be liquid or predictable. And market swings, inflation, and changing tax rules can quietly shift the goalposts.
So how do you reality-check your retirement plan without getting lost in spreadsheets or complex projections?
Here are three simple—but powerful—ways to pressure-test whether you’re truly on track.
One of the most common planning mistakes is focusing on how much you’ve saved instead of what that savings is likely to do for you.
A retirement account balance is just a number. What matters is how much reliable income your assets can support once your paycheck or your business income stops. Think in terms of income, not just assets. A more useful question than “How much do I have?” is: “How much monthly or annual income can my plan realistically provide?”
For example, a $1.5 million portfolio sounds impressive. But depending on how it’s invested, how long retirement might last, and how markets behave, that portfolio might support something like $55,000 to $70,000 per year of inflationadjusted income. That could be more than enough for some households—and fall far short for others.
Now layer in other potential income sources:
• Social Security benefits
• Pensions (if applicable)
• Rental or business income
• Part-time or consulting work
• Required distributions from retirement accounts later in life
When you add these together, you start to get a clearer picture of what your lifestyle might look like in retirement.
For a quick reality check, ask yourself:
• If I stopped working in the next few years, what would my monthly income likely be?
• How does that compare to what I spend today—or expect to spend in retirement?
• Is the gap comfortable, tight, or concerning?
If you’ve never translated your savings into income, you’re missing one of the most important lenses in retirement planning.
Check Your Plan’s Real-World Risks
Most retirement plans look great on paper, especially when markets are cooperative and assumptions are optimistic. The real test is how your plan holds up when life is less tidy.
Three risks deserve special attention: Longevity Risk – People routinely underestimate how long retirement can last. For a couple retiring in their early to mid-60s, it’s not
unusual for at least one spouse to live into their late 80s or 90s. That can mean 25 to 30+ years of needing income, adjusted for inflation. A plan that works beautifully for 20 years may be strained over 30.
Ask yourself:
• Have I stress-tested my plan for a living a very long life?
• Does my strategy account for rising costs over decades, not just a few years?
Market Risk – Bad timing matters. The order in which investment returns occur—especially in the early years of retirement—can have an outsized impact on outcomes. This is sometimes called “sequence of returns” risk. Two retirees with the same average return can end up in very different places if one experiences major market declines early in retirement while taking withdrawals. A good reality-check question is: What happens to my plan if the market struggles in the first 5 to 10 years of retirement? Do I have enough flexibility, cash reserves, or income buffers to avoid selling investments at the worst possible time?
Inflation and Tax Risk – The quiet eroders, inflation and taxes, rarely make headlines in retirement planning conversations, but over long periods they can dramatically change outcomes.
Even moderate inflation can cut purchasing power in half over a 25- or 30-year retirement. And taxes—especially for higher-income households and business owners—can take a bigger bite than many people expect.
Reality-check questions here include:
• Is my plan built around after-tax spending, not just pre-tax account balances?
• Do I have strategies to manage taxes over time, not just in the first year of retirement?
Be Honest about Your Lifestyle
Many retirement shortfalls don’t come from poor investment returns—they come from unrealistic assumptions about spending and behavior. Some people assume expenses will drop dramatically in retirement. Sometimes that’s true, but often, it isn’t. ➝
— KENNETH JONES, Pharmacist
While work-related costs may decline, other expenses can rise:
• Travel and leisure
• Healthcare and insurance
• Home improvements or relocations
• Supporting adult children or aging parents
• Hobbies, second homes, or passion projects
A useful exercise is to compare three numbers: What do you spend today? What do you think you’ll spend in retirement? What does your plan actually support?
If those numbers aren’t in the same neighborhood, your plan may need adjustment. The good news is: flexibility can be your hidden superpower. A strong retirement plan isn’t just about hitting one perfect number. It’s about having options
Flexibility can show up in many ways:
• Being open to working a bit longer
• Phasing into retirement rather than stopping abruptly
• Adjusting spending in down-market years
• Choosing when and how to claim Social Security
• Deciding when to sell real estate or a business
Ask yourself:
• If my plan falls short, what levers can I
realistically pull?
• If markets disappoint or expenses rise, do I have room to adapt?
Plans with adaptability are usually far more flexible than those that rely on everything going exactly right.
If you want a simple framework to realitycheck your retirement readiness, focus on these three questions:
• How much income will my plan produce, and how does that compare to my spending?
• How does my plan hold up under real-world risks like longevity, market volatility, inflation, and taxes?
• How realistic are my lifestyle assumptions, and how much flexibility do I have if things change?
You don’t need perfect answers, but you do need honest ones.
Being “on track” for retirement is not about hitting a single magic number. It’s about having a plan that can support your lifestyle, withstand real-world risks, and adapt as life evolves—especially for pre-retirees and business owners whose finances are often more complex. A financial-planning professional can help translate account balances into income, stress-test your strategy, and identify
blind spots that aren’t obvious from a simple snapshot.
But even asking these three questions on your own can bring valuable clarity. Sometimes the most powerful planning move isn’t changing your investments. It’s changing how you measure whether your plan is working.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed here are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The opinions voiced here are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Grace S. Yung, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and the CEO & Founder of Midtown Financial Group, LLC, in Houston. Since 1994, she has helped LGBTQ individuals, domestic partners, and families plan and manage their finances with care and expertise. She is a Wealth Advisor offering securities and advisory services through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Grace can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.For more information, visit www.midtownfg.com or www.midtownfg.com/lgbtqplus.10.htm.
"My mission at Crofoot MD and Research Center as DNP, is to utilize use evidence-based, compassionate care and joint decision-making to partner with patients in achieving their health care goals and becoming or staying at the healthiest version of themselves."
• Primary Care and Chronic Disease Management
• Gender Affirming Care
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Mental Health
• General Gynecologic Care
• Weight Management
• HIV Treatment and Prevention
• Gerontology
Bunnies on the Bayou vice president Brandon Rhodes discusses this year’s event by
BRANDON WOLF
On Easter Sunday, April 5, Bunnies on the Bayou will host its 47th annual fundraising event at Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Houston. Running from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., the event invites adults 21 and up to come together to celebrate this year’s theme, “Resistance in Bloom.”
OutSmart sat down recently with Bunnies vice president Brandon Rhodes to discuss his journey with the organization, and what’s in store for this year’s highly anticipated party.
Rhodes, now 37, first attended a Bunnies event in 2017 and was moved enough to join the following year. He has served as vice president for the past four years, where his passion for operations and leadership shines. “I really love operations and supporting others to build their own talents. As vice president, I have the freedom to start new programs and help elevate others into leadership positions, whether as hosts or board members,” Rhodes explains.
He’s also hands-on with event logistics, coordinating with City officials, securing countless permits, and ensuring that the park and surrounding streets are left just as they were found. “That’s what I enjoy most—taking care of all the little things. We’re not just in the park anymore; we’ve expanded into the nearby street, which means more work to keep everything in order,” Rhodes notes.
“AT A TIME WHEN LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITIES ARE FACING UNPRECEDENTED ATTACKS ON OUR RIGHTS AND OUR FUNDING, GATHERING IN JOY IS NOT ESCAPISM—IT’S RESISTANCE.”
— Brandon Rhodes, vice president of Bunnies on the Bayou
This year’s event promises to be both festive and impactful. Organizers are preparing for about 3,000 guests, with an atmosphere described as “upbeat chill.” Attendees can look forward to Grammy Award–winning producer and global dance music icon Dave Audé and Houston’s own DJ Panda on the main stage, There will be dancing, engaging sponsor experiences, drinks, food for purchase, and moments of connection that all highlight the importance of community gathering.
“At a time when LGBTQIA+ communities are facing unprecedented attacks on our
rights, resources, and funding, gathering in joy is not escapism—it’s an act of resistance,” Rhodes says.
The current political climate has made securing corporate donations challenging. Still, the organization remains committed to supporting its beneficiaries. “We’re not going to let the political climate close us down. We’re doing everything we can to help those who need us,” Rhodes asserts.
This year’s Bunnies on the Bayou supports a variety of community causes, from healthcare to housing. The 2026 beneficiaries
Bunnies on the Bayou’s leadership team runs the annual Easter Sunday fundraiser in downtown Houston.
Bunnies on the Bayou’s new podcast explores queer Houston’s past and future.
Bunnies on the Bayou president Jacques Bourgeois has announced that the organization will launch a new podcast, HARE-itage, in midApril. Co-hosted by Bourgeois and first-year Bunny Genesis Blu, the program will celebrate Houston’s LGBTQ community by preserving local stories and inspiring future generations. It will blend intergenerational dialogue, personal reflection, and cultural memory.
Supported by a Gilead Foundation grant, the first season of the podcast will present 13 episodes covering topics ranging from the AIDS crisis and activism to the evolution of queer spaces and the power of resilience and joy. HARE-itage stands out by spotlighting both iconic community figures and everyday individuals, emphasizing the significance of small actions in shaping community.
The podcast series will be a storytelling
platform addressing intersectionality—including experiences of often-neglected non-binary and Asian members of the community. It will also focus on recent challenges like the loss of gay/straight alliances in public schools and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programs everywhere. It aims to connect generations, counter dehumanizing narratives, and emphasize safe spaces.
Rather than competing with the efforts of other Houston-area LGBTQ podcasts, HARE-itage intends to complement them. Episodes will be available in both audio and video formats on YouTube.
Bourgeois says, “Think of conversations like ‘Do you remember Heaven?’ or ‘Who built this space before us?’ or ‘Where are we going next?’ Through honest and humorous conversations, the show will highlight history and current issues, spreading hope, joy, and unity as acts of resistance—all pillars of our community’s legacy.”
are Avenue 360, Lazarus House, M.E.N. Inc, Montrose Grace Place, the Montrose Center, the Normal Anomaly Initiative, Open Gate Homeless Ministries, Pride Chorus Houston, PWA Holiday Charities, Rice University Pride, Thomas Street Patient Services, and Tony’s Place.
The success of the event is due in large part to the dedication of over 500 volunteers, coordinated by Chris Lancaster. “We couldn’t do this without them. From setup and running ticket booths and bars to selling bunny ears and shoveling ice across the park, our volunteers are the backbone of the event,” Rhodes emphasizes.
As Bunnies approaches its 50th anniversary, Rhodes envisions continued growth and increased diversity. While the event began as a pool party in Montrose mainly for cisgender gay white men, it has evolved to celebrate the entire LGBTQ community. This inclusivity is now reflected in the makeup of both attendees and leadership, making the event a true representation of the community.
Looking to the future, the greatest challenge is funding. “Everything is getting more expensive, and as we grow we’re launching even more programs,” Rhodes remarks. One initiative in development is Rescue Rabbit, which aims to provide aid during natural disasters in Houston.
Despite these challenges, Bunnies on the Bayou remains a hugely popular annual event. Rhodes mentions that when talking with people in the community, many recall volunteering or being part of a beneficiary organization in the past. “Bunnies has made a real, positive impact,” he says.
While the LGBTQ community has endured attempts at erasure, gatherings like this serve as a celebration of resilience. “We’re still here, we’re still fighting, and we gather to honor each other and find joy together. It’s about keeping that fire alive, not just for us, but for our trans siblings as well. That’s what keeps us going,” says Rhodes.
A Houston native, Rhodes identifies as bisexual and is in an open throuple relationship. His interests include collecting comic books and fragrances as well as traveling. Beyond his work with Bunnies on the Bayou, he’s also active with the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, Texas Young Active Labor Leaders, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. He cites Bayard Rustin, the gay Black activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington, as his personal hero.
WHAT: 47th annual Bunnies on the Bayou WHEN: Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 WHERE: Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Houston INFO: bunniesonthebayou.org
photos by VICTOR CONTRERAS
Out at the Rodeo returned to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 21 with its largest gathering to date, drawing LGBTQ Houstonians and allies to the Wine Garden in the Bluebonnet Tent for an afternoon that combined entertainment, visibility, and a clear sense of community.
The 2026 event marked two significant milestones for the organization: its fifth official Out at the Rodeo celebration, and 10 years since its founding in 2015. What began as a small meetup of roughly 40 people has grown into a well-established part of Rodeo season for many LGBTQ Houstonians. This year’s turnout underscored that growth. Organizers estimated that about 3,000 guests visited the tent and gathered on Bluebonnet Hill throughout the day, generating more than $10,000 in wine sales and filling the space from start to finish.
Programming throughout the afternoon reflected the event’s now-familiar mix of
celebration and community-building. Guests enjoyed the Queens of the Rodeo drag show featuring Blackberri, Adriana LaRue, Artemis Hunter, and Juecee, along with music from DJ Stephen.
Commemorative 2026 bandanas and pins added a distinct visual element to the gathering, with the bandanas—designed by local artist Angel Albarran—emerging as one of the day’s most popular details.
Eric Hulsey, president of Out at the Rodeo, reflected on this year’s event with amazement. “This was one for the books,” he told OutSmart “Looking back at where we started 10 years ago—a small meetup of maybe 40 people—to now having a dedicated tent, drag shows, City officials, Rodeo leadership, and thousands of attendees feels surreal. The continued growth was undeniable this year, with record attendance numbers and an electric crowd that packed the Wine Garden.”
Indeed, Out at the Rodeo no longer feels like a side gathering attached to the main event. It
has its own recognizable presence within the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, creating a public space for celebration where LGBTQ attendees can gather openly and be fully part of one of the city’s most iconic traditions.
Asked about the day’s highlights, Hulsey pointed first to a seemingly small detail: “The bandanas, designed by local artist Angel Albarran, were a huge hit,” he said. “Attendees were thrilled to receive and wear them throughout the day.
“And then having City Council Member Mario Castillo present our leadership team with a proclamation on behalf of the City of Houston, celebrating the fifth year of Out at the Rodeo, was a truly magical moment,” said Hulsey. “As he spoke, we looked out and saw attendees with linked arms, their faces full of pride, acceptance, and joy. For our team, it meant everything to have our hard work validated by both the city and our community.”
The proclamation did more than honor an anniversary. It situated Out at the Rodeo
within a broader civic context, recognizing its role in making the Rodeo feel more accessible and welcoming to LGBTQ residents and visitors. In that sense, the event’s growth reflects a broader shift in the way public events in Houston are being reimagined to include a wider range of communities.
Hulsey credited part of this year’s success to strong backing from sponsors and partners, including OutSmart as its media partner, which helped the organization expand its reach and sharpen the overall experience.
“The strong support from OutSmart magazine as our media partner and our amazing sponsors helped us elevate Out at the Rodeo this year by getting us out in front of new audiences and offering more programming,” he said. “It helped the organization focus less on how we can accomplish this on a tight budget and more on how we can make this the best experience for our attendees.”
Asked how this year’s attendees are reacting to the event’s growth, Hulsey emphasized the postive response he’s received. “This year, more than ever, we heard from the community about what Out at the Rodeo means to them,” he said. “The videos, posts, and attendees walking up to our leadership to share their stories have been incredibly inspiring. In a world filled with uncertainty, events like this bring hope and much-needed community love to the forefront. And that’s exactly what we witnessed.”
That may be the clearest measure of what Out at the Rodeo has become. Ten years after its founding, it is no longer simply an LGBTQ meetup during Rodeo season. It has become a regular part of Houston’s most recognizable civic spectacle, offering attendees not just a party, but a sense of belonging within an institution that carries deep cultural symbolism in Texas.
Looking ahead, Hulsey said the organization is already thinking about what comes next. “The organization continues to grow, with new events added each year that bring exciting challenges and opportunities to connect with our community. I’m thrilled to keep this momentum going as we begin planning new and exciting additions for the 2027 Rodeo season.
Keep up with Out at the Rodeo on Instagram @outrodeo.
On March 21, the Trot for Trans Visibility marked its third year, continuing to grow beyond a charity run into a broader community gathering centered on support, visibility, and practical resources for transgender and nonbinary Houstonians. Founded by Lou Weaver, the event benefits the Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas and the Triple A Alliance, two organizations that provide legal assistance, community programming, and transition-related support.
This year’s event, held at Frost Town Brewing in downtown Houston, brought together more than 30 vendors along with free breakfast, HIV/STI testing, mental-health resources, sports clubs, and other queeraffirming organizations. Emceed by Christen Coco Valentine, the program also featured performances by Casper Cain, Miss Majors, Artemis Hunter, and Mari Jane, as well as special appearances by Pride Chorus Houston and a brass ensemble from the Houston Pride
photos by NORA DAYTON
Band. State Senator Molly Cook, representing District 15, presented Trot for Trans Visibility with a certificate of recognition thatunderscored the event’s growing impact.
For Weaver, the energy of the day was unmistakable. “I think it was amazing,” he told OutSmart. “The joy and happiness was pumping through the crowd.”
More than 320 runners checked in for the event, which began and finished at Frost Town Brewing in downtown Houston.
That enthusiasm was matched by measurable growth. Weaver noted that registrations were up this year, alongside increases in volunteers, vendors, entertainers, and sponsors. “Seeing higher numbers than last year,” he said, “had me walking on clouds.” More than 320 people checked in to participate, and Weaver estimated total attendance at close to 450 with volunteers, vendors, and staff included.
He credited much of that success to months of steady planning. “Emory, Hann, Sarah, and I
met consistently throughout the process starting in August of 2025,” Weaver said. “Having extra minds coming together over months instead of weeks helped us be more strategic in our process.”
That added preparation was a sign of the event’s expanding role within Houston’s LGBTQ community. “We had more of everything—participants, vendors, volunteers, and even space at Frost,” Weaver said. “We continue to learn and grow.”
Looking ahead, Weaver sees the event as both a fundraiser and a long-term investment in community building. “This is our third one, and we don’t plan on stopping,” he said. “Not only is the Trot the major fundraiser for two trans-led orgs, it is a major part of community building within the trans, nonbinary, and the larger queer community in the Greater Houston area.”
Keep up with Trot for Trans Visibility on Instagram @trot4transhou.
Houston’s C.C. Brooks is turning hydroponic farming into a local model
by DAVID CLARKE
For CC Brooks, hydroponic farming is equally, or even more, about shifting power than just about growing food. “My number one rule and the number one thing you always hear me say is, ‘If you control the food, you control the population,’” Brooks emphasizes. “It’s that simple.”
That philosophy sits at the center of his work as Houston’s only Black and gay hydroponic farmer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Metallic Sunflower Foundation. It’s also what positions Brooks as something more than a grower. He’s truly a community builder, an educator, and a vocal advocate for equity in Houston’s food systems. Brooks’ path into agriculture wasn’t traditional. He traces it back to his time running markets at Pearl Bar, Houston’s only lesbian bar, where he began thinking more deeply about how to serve underserved communities. “I really started trying to figure out what I could do to help the masses, even if it was just feeding them or even employing them,” he explains. “Working at Pearl Bar, I learned that a lot of the trans community really didn’t have many outlets.”
“IF YOU CONTROL THE FOOD, YOU CONTROL THE POPULATION. IT’S THAT SIMPLE.”
— C.C. Brooks
C.C. Brooks, founder of The Metallic Sunflower Foundation, uses hydroponic farming to expand food access and opportunity in Houston and advance a more equitable food system.
That realization became a turning point. After learning hydroponic farming, Brooks began teaching others—and particularly members of the trans community—how to grow their own food and create sustainable income streams. “It’s a way that they can support themselves,” he notes.
Hydroponics, the method of growing plants without soil, allows Brooks to maximize both space and output. In just 750 square feet, he produces what would traditionally require acres of land. “I have 2,000 plants. That is equivalent to almost two acres,” he says. “I use 90% less water, and I can grow it faster than you can in traditional soil.”
But for Brooks, the real power of hydroponics lies in accessibility. “You can do this in your kitchen,” he explains. “This is something that’s really easy.”
That accessibility is key in neighborhoods like Acres Homes, where food access remains a persistent challenge. Brooks describes the reality of food deserts in Houston with clarity. “In Acres Home, you’d have to get in your car and drive roughly two to three miles just to get to a grocery store,” he says. “The closest grocery stores don’t have any kind of fresh produce, and then you wonder why people don’t eat well.”
His solution of localized growing systems that allow communities to feed themselves is both practical and visionary. “With all those empty lots, we can convert them into growing stations where people can actually eat from,” he says.
That work is amplified through The Metallic Sunflower Foundation, a nonprofit borne out of Brooks’ desire to create systems of mutual support and opportunity. “If I can get money and I can give it away to help people, the
impact would be tremendous,” he says. “And it has been.”
The foundation’s name reflects Brooks’ philosophy. Inspired by his background in welding and the resilience of sunflowers, it symbolizes growth, adaptability, and collective strength. “The composite flower structure of a sunflower comes together and works to create the ultimate goal of a larger plant,” he explains. “It just keeps giving.”
Throu gh the foundation, Brooks has created a model rooted in collaboration. This includes mentoring vendors, hosting community markets, and building systems where participants support one another.
Which restaurant is Houston’s best-kept secret?
Hoot’s Smokehouse in the East End. From brisket to shrimp!
Favorite spot for a cocktail or mocktail?
Pearl Bar. They cater to the people that don’t drink.
Favorite brunch spot? Cafe Brazil.
Favorite place to go dancing?
The Flat. Local owner who welcomes the community.
What is your go-to spot for self care?
The Highland Community Garden, a large community garden in Acres Home.
Best place to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Epiphanies Treats, a local vendor (support local!) World-famous cake in a can, and the best cakes in general.
What’s your favorite local business that you like to support?
T-Lady’s Bakehouse, also an LGBTQ bakery.
His work also sits at the intersection of food justice, public health, and economic empowerment. Brooks is currently partnering with MD Anderson’s Be Well program to grow foods that help combat chronic illnesses. “We are able to grow faster and healthier,” he says. “Hydroponic farming creates community. It creates healthy living.”
At the same time, Brooks is keenly aware of what it means to show up in spaces where he feels isolated. “I already have a target on my back because I’m the only Black hydroponic farmer,” he says. “And, I’m also the gayest when I walk into the room.”
Rather than shrink from that visibility, he leans into it. He uses his platform to challenge inequities and expand access. “If I’m here, you’re going to hear what I have to say because it needs to be talked about,” he declares.
That visibility is also about inspiration. “I want to make as much noise as possible because there’s got to be other people out there,” he says. “This could be the inspiration for them.”
Brooks envisions scaling his work into something even larger, such as communitycentered agricultural ecosystems that provide housing, employment, and food security. “I really want a huge farmland that allows me to create agro-eco housing for our trans community and other people who’ve been outcast,” he says.
Until then, he’s focused on continuing the work—one system, one plant, and one person at a time. “I’m not going to stop fighting the good fight,” Brooks says. “I’ll make a way.”
Follow The Metallic Sunflower Foundation on Instagram at @themetallicsunflowerfoundation.
At Gristworkz, Dave Sorrell has built a welcoming Houston space rooted in beer and hospitality.
by BENJAMIN LEGER
The first indication that Gristworkz might be an LGBTQ-owned brewery can be found in the names of some of its signature beers. There’s a classic amber ale called Flip Flop Cowboy. There’s a light Mexican lager called Corn Star. And, of course, there’s the fan-favorite citrusy blonde ale called Hot Boi Summer. That last one launched with a social-media photo shoot of men in speedos posing around the stainlesssteel tanks at the Gristworkz brewery on Burnett and Chapman streets.
But perhaps a better indicator is the main dining room’s large and colorful mural. It depicts the Houston skyline and two muscular Tom of Finland-inspired construction workers in overalls (one of which shows off a peach emoji tattoo on his arm).
“I wanted us to toe the line without crossing it,” says Gristworkz owner and founder Dave Sorrell about artist Floyd Mendoza’s mural.
The artwork was one of several new additions when the former Local Group Brewing reopened as Gristworkz in 2022. At the time, Sorrell had been embedded in the Houston bar and hospitality industry for a decade. He had seen a need on the local brewery scene not just for a brewpub that felt safe and inviting to the LGBTQ community, but also a place that wasn’t just for beer aficionados.
Sorrell and his husband moved to Houston from Colorado in 2012, and Sorrell worked in hospitality at places like Heights Beer Garden, Axelrad Beer Garden, and for Underbelly Hospitality. What he learned was that some breweries in the region might serve a couple of cocktails alongside their taps, others might carve out space in front for a local food truck, but it was rare to find a brewery that had robust in-house food and beverage programs.
“It’s easy to make good beer, but the hard part is to have good hospitality and a legit food service and cocktails for the friend who doesn’t drink beer,” Sorrell says. “That’s what brings people back.”
Sorrell and his partners at Distincture Hospitality were at first looking for a warehouse to build their dream from scratch. But they saw an opportunity with Local Group Brewing’s closure. The 7,500 sq.ft. space and the equipment were already there, so they brought in local chef Bobby Mierles to develop a food menu and a full-service kitchen dishing out pizzas, sandwiches, smoked wings, hummus, and a popular bánh mì.
The team developed a roster of straightforward cocktails and a curated wine list. And Sorrell, who started homebrewing as a hobby back in Colorado before getting his certification as a cicerone—basically a beer sommelier—built a selection of taps that runs the gamut of IPAs, ambers, lagers, and stouts.
“This area leans a lot more toward lagers and easier-to-drink beers, which makes sense with our climate,” Sorrell says. “I like to stick with traditional styles. Ours will taste like just really awesome beer. I’m not going to do anything crazy with weird ingredients and create an inferior beer.”
Uncomplicated and crowd-pleasing is clearly the vibe at Gristworkz. That’s why it’s become a favorite hangout of local athletic groups like the LGBTQ rugby team Space City, running clubs, and organized bike rides. Gristworkz is now a fixture for beer crawls in this neighborhood, which is also home to Bad
Astronaut Brewing Co., H-Town Brewing Co., and the juggernaut St. Arnold Brewing Company. Sorrell says it’s made for a very collaborative environment, with Gristworkz often rotating a neighbor’s beer as a guest tap.
Speaking of support, Gristworkz also hosts events for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce as well as drag shows, opera-themed karaoke nights, and a new trivia-night series. As Sorrell sees it, inclusion is the key to a successful hospitality business.
“We see people of all age groups and ethnicities,” he says. “I want people to come here and support us not just because it’s a gay space, but because you’re comfortable here. It’s very much part of our roots in hospitality—everyone gets the same treatment here. Everybody is welcome.”
For more info, visit gristworkz.com.
CITY with DAVE SORRELL
Which restaurant is Houston’s best-kept secret?
Khaosan Road Thai Cuisine
Favorite spot for a cocktail or mocktail? One Armed Scissor
Favorite brunch spot? Villa Arcos
Favorite place to go dancing? Barbarella
What is your go-to spot for self care?
KaceyK Hair Artistry
Best place to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Ripcord ;)
Here is what one client has to say: “As a professional forecaster myself, I can attest to L.A. Brown’s remarkable ability to “see” the future. She’s as insightful as she is delightful, whether she’s amazing my party guests or giving me a personal reading, L.A. is spot-on with her predictions...and she goes out a lot farther than my 10-day forecast!”
Event Elementz, a Houston-based catering and event-planning service owned by Greg Davis and Scott Moorman, has built its reputation entirely through word-of-mouth. Satisfied clients enthusiastically recommend them to others, and their dedication to quality means they have only rarely advertised.
Founded in 2014, the company has experienced exponential growth under Davis, 51, and Moorman, 55. Both men found a new home in Houston as Davis relocated from Los Angeles and Moorman moved from a small town in Ohio. The two are non-romantic business partners and housemates, living together in Spring with five dogs and four cats.
Their journey began when they met online—one seeking a roommate, the other a place to live. Both were frustrated with their jobs in the restaurant and catering industries and decided to build something new together.
Their first venture was a steak dinner for ten, which soon evolved into a Thanksgiving feast for 50. Before long, their phones never stopped ringing, and now, 12 years later, Event Elementz continues to thrive.
The business operates out of a 3,000-sq.-ft. facility—including a beautiful kitchen—just a few miles from their home. Davis and Moorman describe Event Elementz as a boutique catering firm, employing a production manager, a sous chef, and outsourcing other staff as needed. They pride themselves on crafting everything from scratch and elevating simple foods to greatness. Their culinary philosophy is straightforward: “It doesn’t have to be complicated or artsy—it just needs to be done well.”
Presentation is important to them, believing that “the eyes are the window to the taste buds.” Consistency is key. They want guests to enjoy every dish and request it again. Central to their approach is a belief that every event must be treated as a one-night-only production, where everything must be perfect the first time.
Event Elementz has become a catering business with a loyal Houston following.
by BRANDON WOLF
Event Elementz creates restaurant-quality experiences anywhere—in homes, offices, fields, tents, or even on boats. Davis and Moorman emphasize their responsibility to ensure the food both tastes great and is safe, using specialized containers to keep dishes at the correct temperature. They are handson, producing food on site rather than simply reheating pre-made dishes.
The men want their clients to feel like they can be guests at their own party. “We want them to not have to worry about lifting a finger and not have to deal with cleaning anything up at the end of the night. They can just go upstairs and go to bed.”
Many of their regular clients came from having attended a previous memorable event catered by Event Elementz—explaining why Davis and Moorman have little need for advertising.
Event Elementz handles every detail— tables, chairs, flowers, china, glassware, linens, bar, photographer, DJ, dance floor, valet, and shuttle service. Their local network within the hospitality industry enables them to fulfill any request.
What truly sets Event Elementz apart is their attention to detail and the personal touch they bring. “We call our clients by their first
Which restaurant is Houston’s best-kept secret?
JAX Burgers in Spring
Favorite spot for cocktails or mocktails?
Barcode, and Tony’s Corner Pocket.
Go-to spot for self care?
Our backyard. Playing canasta.
names and get to know their kids. And now their kids who have grown up and hiring us to do events. Or we did their 16th birthday, and now we’re having their wedding. And then we’re doing their kid’s first birthday.”
Their largest event involved nearly 2,000 guests, complete with bleachers, wiring, speakers, and tents. They have also organized intimate dinners for six to ten people, and their most challenging event was an 8-course dinner for United Bank of Scotland, pairing Gulf Coast dishes with sparkling wines.
When asked for a favorite event, they reply, “Our favorite event is the next one.” Their most requested foods include crab cakes, wings, short ribs, lamb chops, salads with scratchmade dressings, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate cake, mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, pineapple habanero shrimp, and meatballs prepared six ways. Signature dishes include chicken gumbo, short ribs, and crab cakes.
Their guiding principle: “Do what you love and the money will follow.” They draw inspiration from P.T. Barnum’s quote, “The noblest art is that of making others happy”—and also a photograph of a roller coaster in their office, reminding them that every one of a thousand details matter so guests can just enjoy the ride. For Davis and Moorman, success is about mak-
ing events look effortless and seamless.
Moorman expresses gratitude for the lessons and opportunities he’s had in his life, while Davis is humbled and blessed by his friends, family, careers, company, and team.
Davis and Moorman believe gay men have “a flair for the fabulous” and see beyond the ordinary. Despite the recent political attacks on the LGBTQ community, they remain resilient, pushing forward and striving to be their best selves.
The men are deeply involved in charity and philanthropic efforts for Houston’s LGBTQ community. “Loyalty, and backing each other, is very important, especially during these times,” they say.
Davis has performed drag for charity events for over 21 years as Marcia Mink Anne Gill, inspired by the late Houston drag artist Crystal Rae Lee Love. He is also Empress 25 in The Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc.
Every Wednesday, Event Elementz hosts a Happy Hour buffet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ripcord, displaying their culinary skills and continuing their tradition of hospitality and community engagement.
For more info, visit eventelementz.com.
Best way to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Snickers bars, ice cream, and Girl Scout cookies.
Favorite local business to support? Small businesses. Mom-and-pop businesses. A fabulous ice cream place in Spring called
“WE JUST WANTED TO BE HONEST ABOUT THE PRODUCT WE WERE MAKING, AND TO MAKE IT WITH OUR HANDS.”
—Matthew Barré
Houston entrepreneur Matthew Barré brings his personal touch to Bamboo Bay Rum.
by DAVID CLARKE
For Houston–based entrepreneur Matthew Barré, rum isn’t just a product. It’s a full-circle story rooted in geography, memory, and craft.
“I grew up right outside of New Orleans, but spent a lot of time traveling growing up,” Barré says. “Between my grandfather’s house in West St. John Parish, Louisiana—which is primarily sugarcane and swamps—and New Orleans being a hospitality town, I’ve always had an awareness of the products that came out of sugarcane.”
That early proximity to sugarcane and the culture surrounding it didn’t immediately translate into a business idea. “I didn’t imagine that one day I’d make a rum brand out of this,” he reveals. “It was later in life that that came about.”
The turning point came unexpectedly, through a career move far removed from distilling. While working in oil and gas, Barré accepted a three-year assignment in Trinidad, an experience that quietly laid the foundation for Bamboo Bay Rum.
“I went down to Trinidad not knowing anything about the culture and never having been to the Caribbean,” he recalls. “Then, one day sitting by the pool, my upstairs neighbor and I jokingly said, ‘We should make rum.’”
What began as a casual idea among friends evolved into something far more tangible. “Fast-forward to us both ending up back in Houston in 2017. Then, in 2020, we started working on the project.”
The name Bamboo Bay is a nod to those Trinidadian origins. “Bamboo Bay is actu-
with Matthew Barré
Which restaurant is Houston’s best-kept secret?
Mimo—delicious spot for Italian food.
Favorite spot for a cocktail or mocktail?
One Armed Scissor, a small but mighty downtown spot with a some great rum!
Best place to satisfy your sweet tooth?
MACARON by Patisse
What is your go-to spot for self care?
Blossom Massage on Durham Drive
Favorite brunch spot?
Better Luck Tomorrow
What’s your favorite local business you like to support?
Montrose Grocer—good wine and snacks with an occasional jazz night.
ally the name of the apartment complex that we lived in in Trinidad,” Barré explains. “It doesn’t exist anywhere in the world on a map,” but the image it evokes stuck—a tropical escape made for sipping rum.
Today, Barré runs the business largely on his own, balancing a full-time career in oil and gas with the realities of building a spirits brand from scratch. “Monday through Thursday is oil and gas stuff. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is usually rum production,” he says.
That schedule reflects not just ambition, but the necessity of bringing the brand to life. “Do I give up my current career to become a rum producer, or do I keep making a paycheck?” he candidly asked himself. “The paycheck won.”
Still, what sets Bamboo Bay Rum apart isn’t scale—it’s intention. From the beginning, Barré has prioritized transparency and
craftsmanship in an industry often dominated by mass production and additives.
“We wanted to be transparent about what’s in the bottle,” he says. “We just wanted to be honest about the product we were making, and to make it with our hands.”
That philosophy extends to sourcing. After navigating the complexities of the US sugar market, Barré partnered with a small Louisiana mill to secure molasses, the foundational ingredient in rum.
“We want to use the stuff with the most flavor in it,” he explains. “It’s all the leftovers, and it’s how rum was originally made. That’s what we wanted to stick with.”
The process itself is deeply hands-on. “It takes me about eight days to make a batch,” Barré says, describing fermentation, distillation, and refinement stages that transform molasses into a finished spirit.
Like many craft ventures launched during the pandemic, Bamboo Bay Rum was built through trial and error. “We made a lot of bad rum in order to find the way to make good rum,” he says.
That persistence has paid off. “Seeing it on bar shelves and people going, ‘Oh, look, what’s this brand?’ And knowing people are coming back to buy it has been really rewarding.”
As a gay entrepreneur, Barré’s identity is part of his story, but not the defining lens through which he operates. Instead, his focus remains on building a sustainable business in a challenging and evolving market. “Bar profit margins are going down, so they’re less interested in buying something that’s more expensive,” he notes.
Even so, Barré is optimistic about what’s next. With 27 barrels currently aging, he’s preparing to introduce his own aged rum—a natural expansion that marks a new phase for the brand.
For now, Bamboo Bay Rum can be found at select Houston retailers, including Houston Wine Merchant and Longhorn Liquors. But for Barré, the real goal isn’t just distribution. It’s connection.
“I wanted to make a rum that was good for sipping,” he says. “If I couldn’t make a sipping rum, I didn’t want to put it in a bottle.”
Whether enjoyed neat, in a classic daiquiri, or as part of a more elaborate cocktail, Bamboo Bay Rum is ultimately an invitation to slow down, taste carefully, and appreciate the craft behind the glass.
From sugarcane fields to Caribbean coastlines to Houston distillation runs, every bottle carries the imprint of a journey that was never supposed to happen, but somehow makes perfect sense.
Keep up with Bamboo Bay Rum on Instagram at @bamboobayrum.
Nearly 20 years after founding Michael’s Cookie Jar, pastry chef Michael Savino proves that classic recipes endure.
by CONNOR BEHRENS
At Michael’s Cookie Jar, customers are greeted with an array of handcrafted cookies, including chocolate chip, M&M, and peanut butter.
Behind it all is pastry chef Michael Savino, who says baking is about creating connections.
“To me, cookies are about comfort, memories, good feelings, and friendships,” he says.
Founded by Savino in 2006, Michael’s Cookie Jar has since become a fan favorite in the city, opening several locations and satisfying Houstonians’ sweet tooth. But Savino, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and then spent 13 years in high-end kitchens with Four Seasons Hotels, didn’t always expect to own his own cookie shops. In fact, he almost wasn’t a professional pastry chef.
“My first career was in TV and radio production,” he says. “It did not go so well. I was too young. I was directionless. It just wasn’t working out, so I had to stop and reassess.”
Savino worked several odd jobs until he landed a role at a bakery. He quickly realized he could have a career as a pastry chef.
“I was really very practical about it,” he says. “I liked it enough to want to do it for a living.”
Fast forward to today, and Savino says he’s doing what he was meant to do. As for his business, not much has changed. While the look and reach of the cookie shops have evolved, the product remains the same: two-ounce, softbaked cookies.
“We focus on classic flavors,” Savino says. “You’ll never go broke selling a good chocolate chip cookie. It will never go out of style.”
It’s that kind of nostalgia that plays a central role in the business, Savino says. Over the years, he has watched generations of customers grow up.
“I’ve seen kids grow up and go to college,” he says. “They keep coming back. To me, that’s just amazing. That’s why I focus on the classic flavors, because it’s what people remember. It’s comforting.”
Taste is also a key factor in the success of the cookie stores, Savino says. His products always use real ingredients and the same recipes to ensure consistent flavor.
with CHEF MICHAEL SAVINO
Which restaurant is Houston’s best-kept secret?
The Spaghetti Western on Shepherd. Ask for Greg, Jennifer or Diane!
What is your go-to spot for self care?
John Aaron Massage & Wellness
Favorite brunch spot?
CasaEma
What’s your favorite local business you like to support?
Craft Pita Restaurant and Mostly Chocolate & Catering
Best place to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Hmm, Michael’s Cookie Jar!
“Whatever you think the cookies should taste like, when you eat them, there’s no discrepancy there,” he says. “They match your expectations. I think that’s what keeps people coming back. Reliability.
Because we all know about our favorite restaurant or favorite bakery. All of a sudden, you start noticing that it doesn’t quite taste the way it used to, and more than likely, they’re trying to cut costs. They are using cheaper ingredients, or maybe the business has new owners, and they’ve made a lot of changes. Honestly, our chocolate chip cookie has been the same recipe for 20 years.”
The ingredients are so important that Savino never skims on items like butter, eggs, or chocolate, even when prices rise.
“When butter goes through the roof, or eggs, or vanilla, or chocolate chips, which they all have, we don’t sub them out with something else,” he says. “We just keep using the good ingredients.”
Looking ahead, growth remains part of the vision. Savino hopes to expand with smaller locations across the Houston area, particularly in family-oriented neighborhoods, and is exploring the idea of offering baking classes.
“I feel like baking is a great way to connect with people,” he says. “In this crazy world we live in, I think people enjoy stepping away from their digital devices for a minute—using their five senses, their hands, talking to other human beings, and creating something that makes them feel good when they’re done.”
As for other cookie businesses such as Tiff’s Treats and Crumbl, Savino says there’s room for everyone in the city.
“There’s a lot of competition now,” he says. “It’s great, because Houston is a huge city, and I think there’s plenty of room for all of us to have our time in the spotlight and serve an audience.”
For more information, go to michaelscookiejar.com
“STAND-UP IS AN ART FORM, SO I’M PERFORMING IT LIKE A PIECE OF ART FOR PEOPLE.”
— Janan Araujo-Siam
by ALEX MENDOZA
by LENEE LOVE
Among the individuals paving the way for queer representation in the comedy scene is Janan Araujo-Siam, a lesbian Palestinian American comedian and co-owner of The Den Comedy Club. She recently won OutSmart ’s Gayest & Greatest Best Female Comedian award in 2025.
“It was awesome. Someone reached out to me to open for a famous person as a result, so it was really cool,” says Janan.
In sectors of the entertainment industry where many lesser-known voices are overlooked, Janan is motivated to create spaces where people can be themselves. She is accomplishing that goal with The Den Comedy Club. “I do want to have a safe and inclusive space for performers to come to. If the club is owned by a brown queer female, it’s probably not going to be the place where you feel nervous to be yourself,” Janan explains.
Not only is Janan a comedian and an entrepreneur, but she also has over 10 years of yoga instruction experience under her belt, which helped her be comfortable standing in front of others. Her comedy work is extensive, as illustrated on her website and various social media platforms. Janan focuses on using laughter as a bridge between people and increasing perceptions of comedy as an artform. Within
spaces where people have strikingly different opinions, laughter can be a stepping stone for mutual understanding—especially in a maledominated field such as comedy. High-pressure situations where a heckler may interrupt a person’s set can best exemplify how to turn a moment of hostility into one of potential openmindedness.
“Yelling in someone’s face about how wrong they are does not do anything. It will never change someone’s mind. If you can get that person to laugh first, there’s a much bigger chance of getting them to be open to hearing a different perspective, or slowly over time let their walls down,” Janan explains.
Not only is comedy a useful tactic for deescalation, but it also attests to the talent of the performer and further cements stand-up comedy as an orchestrated performance. Despite the unpredictability of certain audiences, comedians use their craft to handle certain situations—not that different from visual artists and musicians performing a live set.
“Stand-up is an artform, so I’m performing it like a piece of art for people,” she says.
On April 17, Janan will be participating in Stand Up for SWAMP: Brunch Comedy Battles at Bad Astronaut. SWAMP, an acronym for the Southwest Alternate Media Project, is a Texas-based media arts organization dedicated to independent filmmakers, local
artists, and community-based storytelling.
In collaboration with Brunch Comedy Show, a Houston-based live comedy platform, SWAMP is hosting a fundraiser event in which comedy, community, and culture are brought together in a dynamic, audience-driven experience designed to support creatives of every generation.
The showcase will highlight emerging Houston talent while advancing SWAMP’s mission to expand media education and creative opportunities. The inclusion of comedy within SWAMP’s mission enhances the perception of stand-up comedy as an artform, further inspiring local comedians to take part in a setting that is dedicated to supporting them. “SWAMP’s brunch comedy show is a good opportunity for comedians,” Janan says.
The event will kick off at 5:45 p.m. with a red carpet hosted by Lydia Arleen (Love Is Blind, Season 5 ). The show will begin at 7 p.m.after opening remarks by Houston-based comedian, actor, and entertainer Haha Cinto.
Keep up with Janan on Instagram @myfriendjanan.
WHAT: Stand Up for SWAMP: Brunch Comedy Battles
WHEN: April 17, 2026
WHERE: Bad Astronaut, 1519 Fulton St. INFO: swamp.org
Photos by DALTON DEHART and CREW
For more photo galleries, please
The Diana Foundation hosted its 73rd awards show and celebration, with the theme “Shift Into Fabulous” at The Motorclub.
The evening’s presenters included Diana Foundation president Tanner Williams, Kevin Hamby, Dale Mitchell, Gianna Christina Ramirez, Craig McLemore, KM Cooper, Lane Lewis, Matthew Moncivais, Lindsay Konlande, and Corbin Young. Entertainment was provided by Tony & The Kiki, Janan AraujoSiam, and Helen Holy.
The highlight of the evening came with the awards presentation. Jeremy Ronquillo was honored with the Diana Foundation’s highest member honor, the Golden Bow Award.
“JUST BECAUSE I AM BLACK AND JUST BECAUSE I’M QUEER DOESN’T MEAN I HAVE TO PRESENT MYSELF IN ANY PARTICULAR WAY. I CAN DEFINE MY OWN IDEAS OF MASCULINITY WITHIN MYSELF.”
—Andre Ramos-Woodard
by OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ | photos by ALEX BARBER
Houston-based photographer Andre Ramos-Woodard is among the seven artists participating in Project Row Houses’ Round 60 exhibit entitled “Rooted in Perception .” The images include newly commissioned works by FotoFest Biennial 2026. A gay man, the 32-year-old Ramos-Woodard describes himself as “an emerging artist,” with much of his work discussing race, gender, and sexuality. OutSmart magazine spoke with Ramos-Woodard about his latest exhibit, including a signature work, Heroes
Olivia Flores Alvarez: Heroes is an especially impactful piece. Tell us about that image.
Andre Ramos-Woodard: The body of work is about masculinity and the things that have inspired me to be the man that I am today, but also fighting back against the typical aspects of masculinity.
I grew up loving anime and cartoon characters. These fantastical characters inspired me to be courageous and confident. I wanted to bring what I saw in anime and cartoon characters into myself. And so, in Heroes, I’ve covered myself with these characters that I aspire to be.
In Heroes, you have a balaclava on. Why cover up your face?
I wanted people to see themselves in the image. I wanted to be a stand-in for humanity, or at least manhood in some way, rather than just be Andre. And so I covered my face so that other people can hopefully see themselves in it without having to attach a face, a specific person, to that image.
The piece is part of Round 60 at Project Row Houses, but it is also a new commission for FotoFest.
Correct. I met Stephen Evans, the director of FotoFest, in Singapore when I won a photography festival over there. He commissioned me to make a body of work about anything that I wanted to, as long as it was new and current. I had been wanting to make a body of work that was tangentially about queerness and about manhood. This is the result.
How has the reaction to your Project Row Houses exhibit been?
Overwhelmingly positive, to my surprise. I think I have a little bit of imposter syndrome. (laughs) The response has been positive, and I’m happy about that. I also want to represent queerness in a positive way. I’m hoping I’ve done that.
What do you think our readers need to know about you to make sense of your work and your mission?
I think your readers need to know that I’m still learning a lot about who I am and who I want to be in life. I’m uncovering more about the world around me, and as I uncover more about the world, it in turn shapes who I am and how I define myself. I hope people will come to the work with an open mind and understand that as much as I’m trying to define and redefine masculinity, I’m also trying to figure out masculinity. I want people to come to my work with open arms, an open mind, and an open heart.
How does race step into this conversation?
Being Black and queer, those are things that are inescapable for me. Thinking about masculinity and how I was raised, there are ingrained stereotypes that have to do with the way that specifically Black men are “supposed
to” carry themselves. Growing up, I never really fit those stereotypes. I’m not the most stoic, not the most masculine person. I never really fit these stereotypes growing up. And so, in the work, I am critiquing these aesthetics and critiquing these ideologies of what a Black man is supposed to be. My work is absolutely about that: just because I am Black and just because I’m queer, doesn’t mean I have to present myself in any particular way. I can be masculine, or I can define my own ideas of masculinity within myself. And so that’s what I’m doing in the work.
Looking at your installation as part of Project Row Houses’ Round 60, what does this exhibit allow you to say?
This really allows me to say that I can define myself; I can be whoever I want to be, for whatever reason I want to be. I think in prior work I had been focusing more specifically on a marginalized or communal experience. But this work is really driven by how I want to define myself. And so I think that I’m really trying to say that I can be whatever I want to be in this work. That’s so wonderful.
WHAT: Round 60: Rooted in Perception WHERE: Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman WHEN: Through May 31, 2026 INFO: projectrowhouses.org.
For the FotoFest Biennial 2026 , executive director Steven Evans reflects on 40 years of photography.
by OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ
Impressive as they are, the numbers only hint at the enormity of FotoFest Biennial 2026. The festival features hundreds of artists from around the world, includes 85 participating spaces across Houston and the surrounding area, dozens of related events, and draws on the previous 20 biennials. Steven Evans, FotoFest’s executive director and a gay man with an extensive history of queer activism, spoke with OutSmart about the festival.
In putting together the city-wide event, Evans saw a unique opportunity to embrace all of the topics that have been covered since FotoFest’s beginning. “We saw that we had the potential to celebrate a double anniversary, because it’s the anniversary of 20 biennials and it’s the 40th anniversary of the organization’s first biennial. I felt like this was a good time to look back at the different themes and the different kinds of topics that FotoFest has embraced.”
Along with an incredible amount of work, Evans tells us there’s been both joy and pride in the process. “There’s the joy of encountering new artists and new art that, as an organization, you can embrace and bring to public attention,” he says. “There’s also some pride. When you look back, you see the strength of the subjects that we’ve covered. I think in recent years there’s been recognition among larger cultural institutions that they need to acknowledge society’s thorny issues. Honestly, it’s largely a relatively recent thing for most larger institutions, and yet it’s something FotoFest has been doing all along.”
Evans and his staff look for photographers who have found a new way to talk about something. Those discoveries are exciting, even when an artist brings attention to something that doesn’t show the best of humanity. In a sense, the artists are also activists in bringing issues to the public.
“I’m thinking very specifically right now of work from India from 2018 that’s about the fact that some rural hospitals in India employ only Dalits (formerly the “Untouchables”) to work with cadavers,” says Evans. “The caste system was officially abolished, but the traditionally higher caste doctors don’t want to
touch dead bodies.”
When viewers see that the caste system in India is still alive, though unofficially, it’s a small step for them to consider the legacy of the United States’ Jim Crow system. Those connections are possible in many of FotoFest’s groundbreaking exhibits.
C. Rose Smith contributed images from her series Scenes of Self: Redressing Patriarchy, which addresses that very issue. Smith places herself, a black queer artist, within antebellum spaces. In each image, Smith is wearing only a man’s white cotton dress shirt, a nod to American slavery’s cotton trade.
“THERE’S THE JOY OF ENCOUNTERING NEW ARTISTS AND NEW ART THAT, AS AN ORGANIZATION, YOU CAN EMBRACE AND BRING TO PUBLIC ATTENTION.”
—Steven Evans
Steven Evans, FotoFest’s executive director
The dress shirt is “a seemingly conservative and benign garment traditionally associated with business, professionalism, and white male respectability,” Smith explains. “By extracting this garment from its conventional context and placing it on my own Black queer body, I reconfigure its meaning. I expose its roots in systems of exploitation. The antebellum homes in which I photograph myself are not merely backdrops, but active sites of memory—monuments to a violent past that I reclaim.”
The FotoFest staff and volunteers started working on this Biennial some three years ago. Participants often create work about the current political situation worldwide. But the thing is, the world has changed dramatically in the last three years. Work started then has a chance to change and grow before being presented in this Biennial. While some artists, like Smith, address historic issues, others discuss current events.
“We had the situation in Ukraine get worse. Now we’ve had the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Evans says.
Other situations that have changed include Latin American-U.S. relations.
“There’s a piece in a previous biennial by Anna Teresa Fernandez. She’s a cultural activist. There’s a video where she painted the border wall between California and Mexico. And she paints it baby-blues so that it matches the sky, and then it visually disappears. Of course, it’s still there. But her painting is, you know, showing a metaphor for what it could be—what it should be.”
Another artist, Shona Illingworth, who was in the most recent previous biennial in 2024, focuses on the militarization of the sky and atmosphere. “She’s an advocate for atmospheric rights—that humans should be free from the threat of surveillance or violence from above. That’s exciting, and it’s important work.”
WHAT: Global Visions – FotoFest at 40 WHEN: Through May 10, 2026 WHERE: Various locations in and around Houston
INFO: fotofest.org
As
Archway Gallery turns 50,
director Harold Joiner reflects on its continued success.
by OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ
Archway Gallery, the longestrunning artist-owned and -operated gallery in the state, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. That’s a milestone for a commercial gallery, and a true cause for celebration for an artist-run collaborative.
Artist Harold Joiner, a member of Archway Gallery for more than 13 years, is currently the gallery director. During March, the gallery opened the exhibit Homecoming at the Jung Center to celebrate the golden anniversary.
This month, the exhibit Fifty Forward can be seen at Archway.
Aptly titled, Homecoming is a return to the space where Archway held its first exhibit—the Jung Center.
“That’s where Archway Gallery began,” says Joiner, an openly gay man. “Fifty years ago, a group of young artists wanted to be in control of the presentation and sale of their works. They didn’t want to be involved in the traditional gallery model. And so they talked and decided to start a gallery. They looked around for a space and found Jung.
“The March opening reception for the Homecoming had a big crowd. It was really great. That exhibit featured one work by all 34 of our members, plus a group of works by former members, some of whom are founders. A couple of those founding members were there on opening night.”
That Homecoming exhibit continues through April 14 at the Jung Center.
“During April, we’ll have an exhibition at Archway, titled 50 Forward,” says Joiner. “That will include one work by each of our 34 member artists, plus a large wall of self-por-
traits created by each of our artists. The idea is that the exhibition is focused on where we are now, and looking ahead to the next 50 years.”
A part of the gallery’s long success is its emphasis on encouraging its artists to create what moves them, rather than the commercial galleries’ emphasis on what they believe will be the hottest sellers According to Joiner, that freedom to explore new ideas, use unexpected styles, and address unfamiliar topics is crucial to expand an artist’s repertoire.
Archway’s ownership structure provides more flexibility, both in the financial operation of the gallery and in the recruitment and stability of tenure of its artists, he says. “It’s very important that the artist has complete freedom. They can do whatever they want to. Part of the gallery’s mission is to sell, yes, but we’re also there to provide an opportunity for the artists making and showing their work, which is just as important as selling it.”
It was that freedom that attracted printmaker and tapestry artist Blaine Davis. “I had come to the realization that I couldn’t just keep making prints that were going to go in the pile under my bed,” he says. “I needed to get serious about selling more of my work. Selling pieces on a regular basis, though—and having had a
“LOCAL
—Harold Joiner, director of Archway Gallery
solo show in the gallery—certainly have given me more confidence in myself and my work. I enjoy the people and being around other artists.”
There’s a finite number of artists that Archway can accommodate, providing each with space in the regular group exhibits and a solo show every three years or so. Community artists are invited to apply for membership when a member artist leaves the group.
Joiner says, “Archway has grown in stature
within the community, in terms of recognition and the breadth and artistic depth of its offerings. Local art is vital to the soul of any community, and Archway’s artists are all local artists living in the Greater Houston area.”
Archway Gallery has been voted Best Art Gallery several times by OutSmart readers in the Gayest & Greatest Readers Choice Awards.
“Archway’s art offerings are diverse, covering all genres of art and practically all artistic media. It is one of the gallery’s strongest points,” says Joiner. “The artists stay at the gallery for long periods of time because of the connection they feel to each other and to the gallery.”
The gallery’s membership has always been diverse, as well, having made its home in Montrose for most of its 50 years. And it has always had LGBTQ artists among its membership. Along with monthly art exhibits, the gallery routinely hosts local performing arts and writers’ groups. And there’s an annual juried show that invites submissions from all Houston artists.
“We’re very connected to the community and to nonprofit organizations,” Joiner says.
For info, visit archwaygallery.com
A chance pickleball game led Hannah and Cortney Corpus to become lifelong teammates.
by DAVID CLARKE
Hannah and Cortney Corpus’ love story begins, fittingly, with a little competition.
“We met playing pickleball,” Hannah recalls. “We were actually playing against each other in a tournament. And that’s how we first met. And I thought she had really great legs. So I told her immediately that she had good legs.”
Cortney, however, didn’t quite realize what was happening. “I thought she was just being friendly,” she admits. “That was her very subtle way of hitting on me, and I didn’t catch the cues.”
What started as a shared sport quickly evolved into something more. As they continued playing in tournaments and training together, their paths crossed more frequently. Their tight-knit circle of competitive players got smaller as their skills got better—which naturally brought them closer together.
For Cortney, Hannah’s athleticism stood out immediately. “She was super athletic, and she was pretty fast.”
And for Hannah, the connection deepened just as quickly. “I just wanted to play a tournament with Cortney. I also just thought she was very, very kind and very nice.”
While their chemistry was building, Hannah was navigating something more personal behind the scenes. “I had not come out yet,” she explains. “I actually did not come out until I started dating Cortney.”
So when Hannah decidedly and unapologetically made the first move, it marked a turning point for both of them. Their first date was playful, competitive, and perfectly aligned with who they are. “We went to PopStroke in Katy,” Hannah says. “We played a little puttputt and it was super sweet, cute—like a typical first date.”
“It was super fun,” Cortney adds. “It was what a first date should be: super playful, fun, nothing too serious.”
That ease and joy carried forward quickly. They made their relationship official in early October 2023, and within months, both knew they had found something lasting.
“For me, probably within the first month I knew,” Hannah says. “We aligned a lot on our values and our goals in life.”
Cortney took a slightly more measured approach, but not by much. “I was the ‘let’s take it slow’ kind of gal,” she says with a chuckle. “But probably about three to four months in, I was like, ‘This is it. This is my life, and I’m choosing it.’”
Although the couple had initially agreed that Cortney would propose, Hannah had other plans. “I am a control freak,” she admits with a laugh. “I wanted it to be perfect.”
So, with just 12 hours of planning, Hannah orchestrated a proposal at the airport as they picked up their dream dog, a Bernedoodle. The moment was as heartfelt as it was unexpected. The puppy arrived with a note: “My other mama has a question for you.”
“I was so confused,” Cortney remembers. “And I looked at Hannah and she was on one knee with the ring, shaking, and I said, ‘Oh my goodness! Yes, absolutely!’”
“So we proposed to each other within two weeks,” Hannah says. It perfectly captured the mutual, intentional, and deeply-rootedin-showing-up-for-one-another spirit of their relationship.
On March 14, 2026, the couple said “I do” at The Homestead in Willis, Texas.
“It was absolutely perfect,” Hannah says. “Like a 20 out of 10.”
“It was a fairy tale,” Cortney adds.
The day was filled with personal touches that reflected both their love story and the life they’ve built together. Hannah’s 7-year-old son played a central role, walking her down the aisle and serving as ring bearer.
Their shared love of golf also made its way into the celebration. “We had a golf seating chart where everybody had to take their ball off the tee,” Cortney explains.
Their equal parts grounded and spontaneous dynamic would ultimately define not just their relationship, but their path to marriage. ➝
Not to be outdone, Cortney planned her own proposal just weeks later during an engagement photo shoot in Laguna Beach. With flowers, candles, and a bit of behind-thescenes coordination with the photographer, she surprised Hannah in return.
But perhaps the most memorable mo -
ments came on the dance floor. “My favorite part was our dances,” Hannah says. The couple took weekly dance lessons leading up to the wedding, culminating in a choreographed first dance to “10x Better” by Marielle Kraft. “It was really acoustic, and it was really geared towards us.”
And they didn’t stop there. A surprise dance performance to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Where Them Girls At” brought the energy all the way up. “We came out in these sweatpants and oversized T-shirts, and we killed that dance,” Hannah beams with pride. “The dance floor was popping the whole time,” she adds, crediting DJ Joe Fig, owner of J&A Entertainment, with keeping the celebration alive from start to finish.
The couple was intentional about assembling a team of vendors who not only delivered excellence but also supported their relationship authentically.
Florist Jaelynn Solomon, of Urban Rubbish, helped bring their vision to life. “We went over the top with florals. She made our dream come true,” Hannah says.
Photographer Rachel Driskell, a longtime collaborator and friend, captured the day with remarkable immediacy. “She edits her photos during dinner,” Hannah explains. “She puts about 30 or 40 sneak-peeks on the bar so your guests can go ahead and see the photos.”
The catering team at The Homestead ensured guests were cared for at every turn. “You barely put a drink down, and your next drink was there waiting for you,” Hannah says. “The service was top-notch.”
And for the finishing touches, a trusted network of creatives, including makeup artist Preslee Clark Artistry and hairstylist Sam Styles helped the couple feel their best.
At its core, Hannah and Cortney’s wedding was a joyful reflection of their individual and combined drives, as well as their deep support of one another.
“My favorite thing about Cortney is how sweet she is,” Hannah says. “She’s a genuinely really nice, happy human all the time.”
Cortney, in turn, admires Hannah’s resilience. “A lot of people aren’t okay with Hannah’s lifestyle and the choices she’s made, but yet she is still just doing her. We would not be here today if she didn’t do that.”
Hannah and Cortney have built something both grounded and electric. Theirs is a partnership defined by courage, playfulness, and a shared commitment to choosing each other, every single day.
Photos by DALTON DEHART and CREW
THE MONTROSE CENTER
“BRINGIN’ IN THE GREEN” 2026
MARCH 12, 2026
The 34th annual “Bringin’ in the Green” celebration once again brought together Houston’s philanthropic community for a festive evening in support of the Montrose Center. Hosted at the home of Chris Robinson, alongside committee members Luis Adame, Paul Brockman, and Scott Greenwood, the St. Patrick’s Dayinspired gathering blended celebration with purpose. Guests enjoyed an open bar and gourmet hors d’oeuvres while mingling throughout the evening, while a luxury silent auction featuring high-end items added to the event’s festive energy. Dressed in vibrant shades of green, attendees fully embraced the spirit of the occasion and its shared goal: supporting the Montrose Center’s vital LGBTQ programs and services. By the end of the night, the generosity of donors and guests had helped raise $59,624 for the organization.
by KEVIN CASEY
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
Aries season continues for most of this month with a potent lineup of planets in your sign, and it reaches full screech on April 17 with five planets and the New Moon in Aries! The New Moon on the 17th opens doors of new opportunities, and your ruling planet Mars pushes you through those doors. You’re definitely the warrior of the zodiac, and it would seem with this cosmic pileup in your sign that you’re preparing for battle. But the reality is you’re dropping your armor. Even you mighty Aries can tire of fighting and slashing your way through life, desperately trying to prove yourself to others. Your power-move this month is your vulnerability, and your power mantra is, “What you see is what you get, take it or leave it.”
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
For most of this month, you have your “Do Not Disturb” sign out. All of the fiery, brash Aries energy consuming most of this month really isn’t your style. Don’t worry, your time is coming. Taurus season officially begins on April 19, but before we get there, the cosmos is tasking you with some inner housekeeping. Mars in Aries has you looking at any anger you’ve stuffed, while Mercury in Aries draws attention to the ways you avoid speaking your truth. The New Moon in Aries on the 17th says it’s time to get real about your feelings with no apologies, and Saturn in Aries is your permission slip to disengage from the expectations of others.
GEMINI (May 21–June 21)
If you’ve been ignoring your inner voice, it’s time to stop. Otherwise, the cosmos is going to give you a serious wake-up call. The New Moon in Aries on April
Aries season continues this month, reaching its peak on April 17 with the New Moon in Aries. I’ve always believed that the Aries New Moon is the most potent New Moon of the year. The astrological new year always begins when the sun moves into Aries, which is typically around March 19, 20, or 21. Astrologically speaking, this is the first New Moon of the new year, and New Moons are symbolic of new beginnings. Earth-centered and some magical spiritualities see the New Moon as the perfect time to set new intentions, make new wishes, and perform rituals. Because this is technically the first New Moon of the year, it carries extra power. This New Moon on the 17th joins Saturn, Neptune, Mars, Mercury, and Chiron in Aries. Aries is a fire sign, meaning this month could definitely get hot and spicy, not to mention impulsive. Numerous feathers are likely to be ruffled. After this cosmic commotion in Aries, Taurus season will begin on April 19, acting as a much-needed sedative by bringing things back down to earth.
17 has a very nonconformist vibe to it, so you have to be willing to go against the grain this month. This is about following the dictates of your psychic vibe, even if it makes you unpopular with certain people. This isn’t about isolation. That’s impossible—you’re a social creature. But what it does mean is it’s time to choose your “tribe” more wisely. With Saturn, Mars, and Mercury lined up in Aries, you’re thinking about a long-term vision for your life, and it’s time to surround yourself with others who have a common vision.
CANCER (June 22–July 22)
You’re at the beginning of a two-and-a-half-year process that will challenge you to break from the known and leap into the unknown. This is a lot to ask of such a security-conscious sign. You’re facing a period of transition over the next couple of years that will bring significant change to career or home, and for some of you, it could be both. This month, it’s about career. You’ve got laser focus when it comes to your career, and with Mars in Aries this month, woe betide anyone who tries to interfere. When Mercury moves into Aries on the 14th, you’ll have no problem speaking your mind or asking for what you want—like a raise or a promotion. From April 19 to April 24, the sun joins Venus in Taurus, morphing you from a homebody into a social butterfly. Now that’s a change of pace for you!
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Mind expansion is at the top of your to-do list this month. You’re looking to broaden your understanding of life. Saturn in Aries has turned you Leos into the zodiac’s deep thinkers and philosophers for the next two and a half years. Your relationship experiences over the
past five years have you reconsidering your beliefs and philosophies about life. Foreign cultures and foreign travel could hold the keys to a spiritual awakening, so book that trip you’ve been thinking about. With so many planets in fiery Aries, you’ll be tempted to lock horns with others. Avoid getting pulled into power struggles, and resist the urge to defend your new beliefs and philosophical about-face.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept.22)
I know messy and dirty isn’t your vibe, but it’s cleanup time this month. The New Moon in Aries on the 17th puts you in purge mode, and this purge is part of a larger plan of rebirth and transformation taking place in your life. This isn’t just heady, woo-woo spiritual talk, this is about the need for real, tangible change in your life. Hiding your true feelings for fear that it will ruffle others’ feathers is on its way out. Mercury in Aries has you speaking the truth, while Mars in Aries gives you the courage to clean out and let go of the people, places, and things that are holding you back. The Buddhists talk about getting off the Wheel of Suffering. Sweet Virgoans, this is your moment to do just that.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)
Relationships are the bane of your existence. You’re built for partnerships of all kinds. Things could start out a little rocky in the relationship department, but as the month progresses, things can only get better. Five planets in Aries, including the New Moon on the 17th, land right in your relationship box. New Moons are about new beginnings, so if you’re single and looking for love, this could be your lucky month. Existing relationships may need a few small repairs. Commitments,
contracts, proposals, engagements, and weddings are also highlighted at this time. All you entrepreneurial Librans could see an influx of new clients and customers. This month proves what you already know: two are better than one.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)
Taking care of your physical and mental health is a must this month. This cosmic traffic jam of planets in Aries puts a special emphasis on work and health. If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, your body is likely to let you know it needs some care and rest. Taking a break can be difficult for you because you’re relentless and success-driven when it comes to work, and you’re here to get the job done, come hell or high water. The New Moon on the 17th has you rethinking diet and exercise. Mars moves into Aries on April 10, and this is when the fireworks begin. There’s potential for conflict and disagreements at work. Any co-worker who tries to cross you or throw you under the bus will think better of it next time. Some people have to learn the hard way.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)
Two Lady Gaga songs come to mind when I think of Sagittarians this month: “Just Dance” and “Love Game.” Your to-do list this month is right up your free-spirited alley. Wherever Mars and the sun are hanging out is where you’ll be putting most of your energy, and when
Mars joins the sun in Aries on April 9, you’ll be directing your energy toward fun, sex, love affairs, romance, creativity, and play. Mercury’s move into Aries on the 14th brings invitations to parties and social events. All this play and fun could seem shallow and frivolous on the surface, but the deeper lesson here is about being in the moment. Wringing your hands about the future has never been a good look for you!
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
You’ll go into observer mode this month. All this brash, impulsive Aries energy is just too much for you, so you’ll back away and focus on your home. Venus is in Taurus for most of the month, so you’ll splurge on something really nice for your living space. Home improvements or a major remodel wouldn’t be out of the question. Your family could also be a source of craziness. You’ll have to walk a tightrope so as not to get pulled into the latest family drama. The New Moon in Aries on the 17th could stir some deep emotions about the past. The deeper spiritual significance of this month is about going with the flow. Allow situations to unfold naturally instead of intervening and controlling the situation.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
This potent lineup of planets in Aries electrifies that wild and brilliant brain of yours. You’re the braniac of the zodiac, and you love to think. You’ll let calls go to voice mail because you don’t want your thinking
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disturbed. This super-charged brain of yours is great when you need to write, study, or learn, but it can just as easily be your undoing if you don’t know how to tame it. This month you need a project, a class, even a book— anything that helps you keep your mind focused. Big daddy Saturn is lurking around in Aries looking to play mind games. If he knocks at the door and you let him in, he’ll try to convince you that you’re a fraud, a fake, an impostor. Swipe left and keep it moving.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
The main attractions this month revolve around your prosperity and self-worth. A lot of people poo-poo the power of positive thinking. Some call it pie-in-thesky thinking, or even toxic positivity. You’re the most otherworldly and spiritual sign in the zodiac. When you encounter an obstacle, you have the ability to swim under, around, or over it. This month, the power of positive thinking is the most potent tool in your supernatural toolkit. “Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle” is your power thought this month. If you’ve hit a rough patch, know that it won’t last forever. Setbacks are magically transformed into lessons learned. You haven’t been forgotten, and the angels haven’t lost your file. You’ve given generously in the past, and now it’s your turn to receive.
Connect with Kevin at popastrologyreadings .com or on @p0pastrology.
by SAM BYRD | photo by ALEX ROSA
Justice Taylor’s mouth may be loud and boisterously funny, but underneath that ample bosom beats a heart of gold that is rooted in kindness and philanthropy. Justice has helped support countless charities. Most recently, she was Miss Gay Pride Houston in 2024 and gladly represented the nonprofit Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star (ERSCISS) to raise money for Grace Place and the Montrose Center. Read on to find out more about what makes this queen tick.
Pronouns? He/Him
Hometown? Gadsden, Alabama
Drag birthday?
July 8
Story behind your stage name? Taylor is from my drag mother Trinity the Tuck, and Justice was on the back of an adult video box.
Do you have a drag family?
My drag family is the #HausOfTaylor. Trinity the Tuck is my mother who got her name from the famous father figure Bob Taylor. We pride ourselves on being very well rounded in our skill set, along with compassion to help others.
What got you interested in drag?
My best friend got me started, and after my first show I was put in cast at a bar called 3 Dollar in Alabama. It went from just fun to being my passion.
Describe your performing persona. I try to convey my authentic self both in and out of drag, so anyone I come in contact with knows how much I appreciate them. Being authentic is the best gift you can give, so it stays top of mind for me.
What’s on your bucket list?
I want to eventually be part of our New York office team in the company I work for.
Have you ever pulled an April Fool’s prank, or had one pulled on you?
Yes! As a server, I trained the new hires. One time on April Fools, I had one “drain the coffee maker hot water spout.” It’s hooked up to a water line so after 15 minutes she finally figured it out.
Most memorable moment as a performer?
Giving up my title as Miss Gay Pride Houston. We worked so hard, and at the step-down I was beyond blessed to see so many supporting me. As someone newer to Houston, I felt the love of the community and those who are out non-stop, making a difference every week.
Most embarrassing moment onstage?
I don’t really get embarrassed, but one time I was performing at Barcode, and I was out in the crowd and didn’t see the guy standing right behind me, so my foot hit his and I fell. Not just fell—I looked like the cartoon coyote when he fell from the sky through the clouds! I left my body-print dent in the wood floor that night.
Ultimate goal as a performer?
I want to make sure everyone I come in contact with feels included. I distribute show flyers even when I’m not in them, when I can, as I want all shows to be successful. I do this everywhere I have lived because there is no unity without community.
Thoughts about the legislation restricting drag performances?
Drag is not a crime. It must be a horrible life to wake up and only think of things that have nothing to do with you. Drag isn’t hurting anyone, and it’s used to inspire. Why stop that? Someone has to give hope to those who are being raised by parents that live with judgmental blinders on.
Describe your aesthetic.
I am pageant-meets-club-kid. I like being able to do whatever I am feeling at that moment. It shocks others with my looks, and they are surprised I did it.
Your must-have clothing accessory or prop? I am obsessed with big hoop earrings of all kinds. I have a lot of drag jewelry, but hoops are the most comfortable.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
That I’m actually a lot nicer than I look. I am a very confident person, and sometimes that comes across as being a bitch when I’m really showing my love through having a kiki.
Any advice for up-and-coming performers? Be appreciative of every opportunity. The best way to be seen is to be seen. Support everything you can, even if it’s a share or a like on a post.
