AUGUST 2019

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QUEER ARTISTS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

ATTXLA, MICHAEL CHIAVONE, MELANCHOLIAAH!, AND MORE. Pg.53

THE MUSIC ISSUE

CHASING the SPOTLIGHT ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FINALIST UCHÉ NDUBIZU STEPS OFF STAGE AND DIVES INTO HIS NEXT MUSIC VENTURE. Pg.54

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FEATURES

AUGUST 2019

54

88

VOLUME 26 • NUMBER 7

52

56

78

64

54 COVER STORY

40

42

46

Uché Ndubizu embarks on a new musical journey following his American Idol appearance

Houston Bears social club to meet in New Braunfels next month

Award to Montrose Center puts LGBTQ seniors housing back on track

50-year sentence for the man who strangled Crystal McDowell in 2017

IDOL WORSHIP

DOES A BEAR FLOAT IN THE WOODS?

48

52

Compassionate vet leads a dedicated team

Attxla releases Ebb, an aquatic-themed pop album

DR. KRISTY KYLE

60

BREATHTAKING An interview with Berlin’s Terri Nunn

HYDRO-POWER

KELLETT FOUNDATION MAKES FINAL GRANTS

56

BITTERSWEET SUPERSTAR

Melancholiaah! brings edgy twist to Japanese-inspired performance art

64

68

Steven Evans’ exhibit sheds light on LGBTQ life after Stonewall

Local activist combats invisibility with his art

50 YEARS OF REVOLUTION

WES HOLLOWAY’S PERFECT BODIES

BAYTOWN WOMAN’S MURDER CASE SOLVED

58

SONG-&-DANCE MAN Michael Chiavone is crowned Mr. Gay Texas America

70

KEVIN CAHOON

Native Houstonian stars in Netflix’s Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling

72

74

78–92

95

A young gay man reexamines the Judy Garland classic

MFAH exhibition looks at the gay men who shaped fashion

Nine pages of images from Pride celebrations in Houston and Japan!

Jamie Windham and Mary Georges know all about good chemistry

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

4

AUGUST 2019

| OutSmartMagazine.com

‘ICONS OF STYLE’

PICTURES OF PRIDE

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Rating Trump: Trump comes out the loser

32 UNAPOLOGETICALLY TRANS It’s election time in H-town!

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Will the PRIDE Act make it easier for same-sex couples to access government benefits?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 98 GROOVE OUT

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ON THE COVER CHASING THE SPOTLIGHT

‘American Idol’ finalist Uché Ndubizu steps off stage and dives into his next music venture.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

W

elcome to Outsmart’s August issue.

In this annual music edition, we highlight LGBTQ Houston artists you ought to know.

Writer Omar Afra talks with this month’s cover star, American Idol Top 10 finalist Uché Ndubizu, to get the latest scoop on Ndubizu’s musical journey. Then writer Marene Gustin chats with Melancholiaah! about her Japanese-inspired performance art, while writer Lourdes Zavaleta interviews Attxla on his upcoming pop album, Ebb. Last but certainly not least, writer Don Maines catches up with song-and-dance man Michael Chiavone, who was recently crowned Mr. Gay Texas America.

This star-studded issue is also full of upcoming events. Don’t miss writer Gregg Shapiro’s interview with Terri Nunn of the band Berlin about their upcoming performance during The B-52s anniversary concert in Sugar Land this month. Later, writer Sam Byrd previews Steven Evans’ 50 Years of Revolution, an exhibit that links popular song titles

10 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

to moments of social and political change, which is on display at the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston through October 13.

There are plenty of art events to go around in August. Writer Bill Arning profiles local artist-activist Wes Holloway, a gay man in a wheelchair who combats invisibility with his art. Andrew Edmonson explores the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, exhibit The Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography, and writes that “the exhibition serves as a vivid chronicle of the seminal role that gay men played in the development of fashion photography and 20th-century fashion.”

In this year’s Pictures of Pride section, photographer Dalton DeHart shares his festive images of Houston’s 2019 Pride events and parade. Photographer Yvonne Feece-Tran takes us on a journey to Pride in Japan, and documents the cultural shifts happening in her native homeland.

After ICE raids made national news in July, it is clear that valuable members of our community are in danger of deportation.

Writer Martin Gonzalez explains how to assist

undocumented folks, and strongly suggests voting for lawmakers who support positive immigration reform. Columnist Monica Roberts weighs in on H-Town politics, and tells us which candidates we can trust with our votes in November.

Finally, writer Brandon Wolf reports that the John S. Kellett Foundation, a nonprofit that gives funds to LGBTQ organizations, recently awarded 22 grants totaling $2.1 million before closing its operations. Among the gifts, the Foundation’s grant to the Montrose Center puts the Law Harrington Senior Housing Project back on track to have its groundbreaking on August 6.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Greg Jeu

Publisher

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NEWS

Montrose Center Breaks Ground on LGBTQ-Affirming Seniors Housing $23 million 112-unit complex in Houston’s Third Ward is a first for Texas.

By LOURDES ZAVALETA

T

he Montrose Center says it will soon begin construction on Texas’ first LGBTQ-affirming living center for low-income seniors.

The project, which was first announced in September 2018, was pushed back the following month when rising construction costs forced the developer to re-evaluate plans for the facility. After securing the necessary funding stream to start building—$23 million from grants, tax credits, and community donations— the Center plans to host a groundbreaking ceremony at 2222 Cleburne Street on August 6.

“We have had amazing amounts of support from our community,” Montrose Center chief development officer Kennedy Loftin says. “So much so that the Montrose Center can now offer LGBTQ seniors an affordable place to live with their partners, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation, knowing that they will not face discrimination.”

On June 20, the Montrose Center finalized the necessary funding to start construction.

In addition to receiving $13.8 million in federal subsidies, it was also granted $5.1 million in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) funding from the City of Houston’s Department of Housing & Community Development, and a land donation valued at over $5 million.

The Center has also raised more than $5 million from community donations, and will continue to raise money for the project through its “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, co-chaired by former mayor Annise Parker and State representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston).

Designed by Smith & Company Architects, the complex will feature 112 one- and twobedroom living units, and eligible seniors ages 62 and older will pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent.

AFFORDABLE AND AFFIRMING A rendering of the Law Harrington Senior Living Center, the Montrose Center’s planned housing facility for low-income seniors at 2222 Cleburne Street.

The facility will work to alleviate the problem of LGBTQ seniors housing discrimination.

According to the national LGBTQ advocacy nonprofit SAGE, 48 percent of older same-sex couples have experienced housing discrimination, and one-third of LGBTQ seniors live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Many of them are being priced out of LGBTQaffirming neighborhoods such as Montrose.

“LGBTQ seniors are more vulnerable than their [cisgender and heterosexual] peers, and are twice as likely to age in social isolation,” Loftin says. “Many who are forced to move into the suburbs go back into the closet just to live, and in turn experience negative behavioralhealth issues. This is not something we should ask of the people who built our community.”

Located about a mile-and-a-half east of the Montrose Center in Houston’s Third Ward, the property will include a social-services depart-

ment, a geriatric primary-care clinic provided by Legacy Community Health, a group dining area, game rooms, a fitness center, a dog park, a vegetable garden, and outdoor recreational spaces.

While the Montrose Center is not yet taking applications for the housing project, folks can get updates on the facility online and in person at the SPRY Montrose Diner, a luncheon program for LGBTQ seniors held at the Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street.

Loftin says that the Center still needs about $2.5 million to fully fund the project.

To donate, visit montrosecenter.org.

What: Senior Living Center Groundbreaking Ceremony When: August 6 at 10:30 a.m. (rain or shine) Where: 2222 Cleburne Street Info: montrosecenter.org NEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 13

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

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

} Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you

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

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

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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

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

including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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

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

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Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

} Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

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} BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

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

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

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BVYC0102_BIKTARVY_A_8-125x10-75_OutSmart_KeepEmpowering_C1_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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

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

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

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP EMPOWERING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0102 01/19

KEEP EMPOWERING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

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

5/3/19 12:48 PM

NEWS

50 Years of Social Justice UH’s college of social work celebrates its golden jubilee.

By LOURDES ZAVALETA

16 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON MAGAZINE

U

nder the current Trump administration, social work is more crucial than ever before, according to Alan Dettlaff.

Dettlaff, an openly gay man, is the dean of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW). His objective, since being appointed in 2015, is to further embrace the college’s mission to prepare leaders in practice and research to address challenges and achieve sustainable social, racial, economic, and political justice.

“We’re living in a time where there are obvious social injustices happening in our society,” Dettlaff says. “As a college of social work, it is our responsibility to address those issues and bring them to the forefront of our work.”

With the implementation of a new curriculum, a strategic five-year plan, and a calendar filled with social-justice-oriented events, it is clear that Dettlaff (with the help of GCSW faculty, staff, and students) is leading the college in the right direction. According to a recent U.S. News & World Report article, the GCSW is one of the top 25 social-work programs in the nation.

That national recognition was achieved “in part due to the strong emphasis we’ve placed on social, racial, and economic justice,” Dettlaff says. “Over the years, many schools of social work, including the GCSW, have moved in a more political direction.

“I always tell our students that as social workers, we have a dual purpose,” Dettlaff adds, “not only to address the needs of our clients, but also the bigger issues in society that create the need for social workers in the first place.”

The GCSW marked a milestone when it turned 50 last year. The college will celebrate its golden anniversary with an August 17 gala at the UH Hilton Hotel that honors 50 exemplary alumni who have made a difference through their social work.

“We’re concluding our anniversary year

RECOGNIZED LEADER Alan Dettlaff has been the dean of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work since 2015. The college will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an August 17 gala honoring alumni whose social work has made a difference. with a celebration of our alumni,” Dettlaff says. “These folks were solicited through nominations from the community, and were selected because they have used their careers to make social, racial, and political justice.”

In addition to being spotlighted on social media, these 50 GCSW graduates will receive recognition at the gala. Former faculty members will also give presentations about the impact that UH’s college of social work has had throughout its history.

The GCSW was established by the Texas State Legislature in 1967 with funding of $150,000. One year later, the college opened in a World War II steel Quonset hut with seven founding faculty members, three staff, and 26 students enrolled in its first class.

The college has grown to become the nationally recognized program that it is today,

with more than 5,000 alumni. Now housed in its own four-story building on the UH main campus, the GCSW includes 24 full-time and approximately 15 adjunct faculty members.

This year’s GCSW class is the largest the school has ever seen, Dettlaff says. Current enrollment is up 42 percent over 2018, with over 500 graduate-level students and around 40 doctoral students.

“It has been an honor to lead this college,” Dettlaff says, “to help shape the new direction it has taken over the past few years, and to witness what our students achieve after they graduate.”

What: GCSW 50th-Anniversary Celebration When: August 17, 6:00 p.m.

Where: University of Houston Hilton Hotel Info: uh.edu

NEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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NEWS

Houston’s LGBTQ Immigrants Need Your Help A resource guide to assist undocumented persons who are in danger of deportation.

W

ith Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids occurring in cities across America—including several in Houston—it is imperative that we learn how to support undocumented indivuduals as best we can.

The intersection between the undocumented and LGBTQ communities has become increasingly clear. Following the death of Johana Medina Leon, a transgender woman from El Salvador who died in ICE custody earlier this summer after falling ill, there have been numerous reports of other trans immigrants being abused and assaulted in detention centers.

“Undocumented LGBTQ—and especially trans—individuals are at a higher risk of suffering from the unsafe conditions of detainment centers,” says Abraham Espinosa, assistant director of Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (FIEL), an organization that provides legal and educational resources to immigrants. Espinosa asserts that becoming an informed ally is a crucial step in protecting members of our respective communities, especially with the recent nationally reported ICE raids in mind.

Stephen Cherry, an immigration professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, states the reality of what happens after being detained mirrors a bleak history of denying marginalized communities—especially LGBTQ ones—their rights in America. “Once in detention centers, there are no protocols to protect them or to assess their conditions,” he says. “This is particularly true for [transgender immigrants] who face many of the same microaggressions and ill sentiments they faced at home.”

So what can you do to help? Below is an overview of things to know in order to act as an ally to the undocumented community, compiled by OutSmart with the assistance of LGBTQ-affirming immigration organizations.

Know Your Rights—And Theirs Whether you are documented or undocumented, you have certain constitutional rights when dealing with ICE agents. According to FIEL, this is how to assert those rights if confronted 18 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

By MARTIN GONZALEZ Photo by BEN CURTIS/AP

Undocumented LGBTQ people—especially trans women of color—are at higher risk of suffering from the unsafe conditions of detainment centers.

In this photo, Ali Djabiri, a queer refugee from the Congo, stands with a rainbow flag during a protest against their treatment by authorities. by an ICE agent: “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my Fifth Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”

“I do not give you permission to enter my home or search any of my belongings based on my Fourth Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it, that you slide under the door.”

In addition to these rights, it is important to know what other avenues are available to the undocumented community. Spencer Tilger, public-affairs manager at Immigration Equality, states that if an LGBTQ immigrant “fears violence or persecution in their country of origin,” they may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. Such was the case for Denise Chambers, a trans woman from Trinidad who was undocumented for 10 years before winning asylum with the help of Immigration Equality, an organization that offers an in-house legal team and a national network of pro-bono attorneys to LGBTQ immigrants seeking asylum. You can learn more about the asylum process on the Immigration Equality website.

Spread the Knowledge Spreading timely, accurate, and relevant information online and in person can help un-

documented immigrants avoid coming faceto-face with an ICE agent. Whether that is by posting the current location of ICE agents on social media—as the New York Times reported that 19-year-old Kaylin Garcia did when she spotted them at her Houston apartment complex—or by sharing “Know Your Rights” infographics, spreading helpful information is important.

But Espinosa notes we should avoid spreading unnecessary fear by making sure the information we are sharing is accurate.

One way to confirm whether an ICE sighting is valid is by contacting FIEL, as they have a Rapid Response Team dedicated to verifying and dealing with ICE raids. You can sign up to join their Rapid Response Team on FIEL’s Facebook page.

Use Your Power to Vote If you are able to, exercise your right to vote for local and national representatives that support positive immigration reform. As the 2020 presidential election nears, this means staying informed and advocating for candidates who aim to protect the rights of LGBTQ immigrants and reduce the power of ICE. The Washington Post has compiled a list of the current Democratic candidates’ stances on immigration policy in an article titled “Where 2020 Democrats Stand on Immigration.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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If you are unable to vote, engaging in political discourse can help reduce the stigma surrounding the undocumented community.

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Mobilize and Protect Engage as an ally by participating in activist marches and protests.

“We need to organize and march in support of immigration organizations,” says Elia Chinó, founder and executive director of Fundación Latinoamericana de Acción Social (FLAS), a local organization for immigrants at risk or affected by HIV/AIDS and other STDs. “We need to fight, and we must be united to do so.”

In addition to collaborative, organized protests, Espinosa says you can use your power as a documented citizen to help protect undocumented immigrants. If you are able to, speaking with an ICE agent before an undocumented person does can spare them the unnecessary anxiety and fear that comes with such a confrontation.

Support Organizations in the Fight, However You Can Chinó knows just how difficult it is to secure funds for nonprofits that support marginalized communities. “As a trans woman trying to provide immigrants with information and treatment for HIV/AIDS, I struggled for almost seven years with no funding at all,” she says.

Her story reflects the experiences of many nonprofits, highlighting the importance of volunteers and donations for these organizations. While monetary donations can help organizations greatly, many nonprofits also accept food and basic necessities.

By acting on the information in this article, you can establish yourself as an ally to the undocumented community and those who assist them. The following local and national organizations can also provide assistance for undocumented individuals: • Carecen (carecendc.org)

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• FIEL (fielhouston.org) • FLAS (flasinc.org) • Immigration Advocates Network (immigrationadvocates.org) • Immigration Equality (immigrationequality.org) • New York State Leadership Council (nysylc.org) • Organización Latina de Trans en Texas (latinatranstexas.org) • Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) (raicestexas.org) • United We Dream (unitedwedream.org)

20

AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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S:14.75”

Important Facts About DOVATO

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

What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection.

• Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HIV-1 and HBV infection, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone. ° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver.

What is DOVATO? DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults: who have not received antiretroviral medicines in the past,and without known resistance to the medicines dolutegravir or lamivudine. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in children.

Who should not take DOVATO? Do Not Take DOVATO if You: • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir or lamivudine.

• take dofetilide.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection.

• have kidney problems.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. ° You should not take DOVATO if you are planning to become pregnant or during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine if you are planning to become pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, you should consistently use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment with DOVATO. ©2019 ViiV Healthcare or licensor.

DLLADVT190009 June 2019 Produced in USA.

Learn more about Leo and DOVATO at DOVATO.com

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: (cont’d) • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO. ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk. ° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

• You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with DOVATO. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines.

What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO? DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO?” section.

• Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing.

• Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors.

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver problems.” You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female or very overweight (obese).

S:14.75”

SO MUCH GOES INTO WHO I AM HIV MEDICINE IS ONE PART OF IT. Reasons to ask your doctor about DOVATO: DOVATO can help you reach and then stay undetectable* with just 2 medicines in 1 pill.

That means fewer medicines† in your body while taking DOVATO

You can take it any time of day with or without food (around the same time each day)—giving you flexibility

DOVATO is a once-a-day complete treatment for adults who are new to HIV-1 medicine.

Results may vary. *Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood to very low levels (less than 50 copies per mL). † As compared with 3-drug regimens.

LEO‡ Living with HIV

What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO (cont’d)?

• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking DOVATO. • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; diarrhea; nausea; trouble sleeping; and tiredness.

These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where Can I Find More Information?

• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

• Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling.

Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

Compensated by ViiV Healthcare

‡

Could DOVATO be right for you? Ask your doctor today.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

By LOURDES ZAVALETA

QUEER THINGS to DO ALLEYTHEATRE.ORG

Resolve to stay involved with the help of our weekly planner. Visit OutSmartMagazine.com

THEATER

August 8

ActOUT at e Alley

B52S.COM

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is a plot-twist masterpiece that has thrilled mystery lovers from television, radio, and film. And you now have the chance to experience this lush mystery live onstage.

Playwright Ken Ludwig (The Three Musketeers) adapts the classic thriller that features renowned detective Hercule Poirot and a cast of characters sure to have everyone in the audience guessing just who did it.

Don’t miss your shot at being at the scene of this masterpiece crime. Before the performance, enjoy music, socializing, and complimentary cocktails and appetizers. This pre-curtain event, co-sponsored by OUTSMART magazine, starts at 6 p.m. and is free with your ticket to the Thursday-night performance. alleytheatre.org

MUSIC

August 24

e B-52’s 40th-Anniversary Tour

O

ne of the most iconic—and gayest— bands of all time visits the Greater Houston area with a concert at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre.

The B-52’s are touring the world this summer to commemorate their 40th anniversary and their decades of band memories. “Who knew that when we played our first house dance party in Athens, Georgia, in 1976 that we would still be rocking the house in 2019?” out vocalist Kate Pierson said in a statement.

Pierson isn’t the only openly LGBTQ member of the B-52’s that fans can look forward to seeing 26

AUGUST 2019

| OutSmartMagazine.com

live. Four of the five original band members were queer, and its sole straight member, Cindy Wilson, is a longtime LGBTQ ally. “I’ve got so many friends and family members and loved ones that are in the gay community in all different forms. I take my hat off and say thank you,” Wilson told OUTSMART in an interview.

Tickets to the B-52’s show are available now, and the concert will be opened by musical guests OMD and Berlin.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ y5jv67rq.

COMMUNITY

August 18

High Hole-y Daze

The Space City Sisters, a Houston group of drag-queen nuns, present High Hole-y Daze at Tony’s Corner Pocket. The comedy play is about a Catholic Mass and features religious parody performances by the Sisters and local entertainers. Organized by Sister Leia Weigh and emceed by novice Sisters Gin Tervention and Kitty Lickentwat, the event is Weigh’s novice project to qualify her to become a fully professed Sister. All proceeds benefit LGBTQ charities such as the Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star. tinyurl.com/y53s7oj3

SOCIAL

August 8

ThursGay with Blackberri

D

rink, drag, and dance at ThursGay with Blackberri at Guava Lamp. The drag show and queer party, which features a rotating cast, DJ sets, and drink specials, is held every second, third, and fourth weekend of the month through 2019. tinyurl.com/yxdcdfx4

COMMUNITY

August 1

MAYORAL CANDIDATE PRIDE FORUM

Go to Texas Southern University to find out where Houston mayoral candidates stand on LGBTQ issues. The discussion is hosted

by Pride Forum, a collaboration of queer-led Houston organizations that formed earlier this year to engage local candidates in discussions about how their policy proposals would impact the city’s LGBTQ community. tinyurl.com/y5q7sf7y

ART

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

WHO’S THAT BOY?

THE CAUCUS ENDORSEMENT MEETING

LAW HARRINGTON SENIOR LIVING CENTER GROUNDBREAKING

August 2 Austin-based artist Matthew Conaway unveils his summer solo show Who’s That Boy? at The Chrysalis in Houston. Known for his dynamic male-nude drawings, Conaway’s new collection explores themes of objectification, LGBTQ visibility, and queer culture at large. The free event is for adults only. tinyurl.com/yyng24et

August 3

August 6

As Space City heads into its next municipal election, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus plans to select candidates to endorse during a meeting at the Plumbers Local 68 Union Hall. The meeting begins promptly at 10 a.m., and eligible voters must be Caucus members for at least 30 days prior to the organization’s last regular meeting. tinyurl.com/y3hlva8v

The Montrose Center will soon begin construction on the Law Harrington Senior Living Center, Texas’ first LGBTQ-affirming housing project for low-income seniors. Join the Center at 2222 Cleburne St. for the project’s groundbreaking. tinyurl.com/y2jesodl

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

AUSTIN PRIDE

HRC MONTHLY MEET AND GREET

August 10

August 10

Austin, Texas, celebrates LGBTQ Pride with a festival and parade at Fiesta Gardens.

This year’s theme is Boogie Wonderland, and organizers expect over 400,000 attendees. Join Houston-based groups such as the ACLU of Texas at the State Capitol to march in the parade. tinyurl.com/y2yu5kla COMMUNITY

August 17

GCSW 50TH-ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT

The University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) concludes its 50th-anniversary year with a gala at the UH Hilton Hotel. In honor of the golden jubilee, 50 GCSW alumni who have embodied the GCSW’s social-justice vision will be recognized at the event. tinyurl.com/y4vchfy9

Join the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Houston for a meet-and-greet at Pearl Bar. The monthly event occurs every second Tuesday of each month, and coincides with the bar’s weekly steak night. Free HRC memberships will be given away with the first 20 steaks purchased.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL

HOUSTON GAYMERS AT TYPHOON TEXAS

SOBER LEATHER 2019

BESO HTX

August 17

Join the Houston Gaymers, an LGBTQ gaming group, at the Typhoon Texas water park for a day full of fun in the sun. Tickets include admission, reserved parking, food, and access to a private Houston Gaymers pavilion. tinyurl.com/y3yvcaam

August 17

August 30

This annual competition recognizes members of the leather/BDSM/fetish community who are also in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. This year’s event occurs at the Montrose Center. tinyurl.com/y35ng6zz

Head over to Pearl Bar for Beso, a monthly queer Latinx party. The event’s creator, DJ Von Kiss, will be on the turntables all night, spinning Cumbias, Reggaeton, Bachata, and more. tinyurl.com/yx9n5d43

MORE QUEER THINGS TO DO ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

QUEER THINGS to DO SAVE the DATES COMMUNITY

September 4

Charity Game Night for ADCI

Drag performer Kofi hosts a charity game night for the Association for Family and Community Integrity (AFCI) at Hamburger Mary’s Houston. The event features raffles and prizes, and proceeds help AFCI provide free resources for counselors to share with the parents of LGBTQ children. Reservations are recommended, so plan now to attend and help reduce rejection of queer youth by educating their families on LGBTQ issues. tinyurl.com/y5t9ards COMEDY

September 5

Katya’s ‘Help Me, I’m Dying’ Tour RuPaul’s Drag Race star Katya brings her new tour, “Help Me, I’m Dying,” to the University of Houston Cullen Performance Hall. The live stage show is a fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling, video, and dancing. According to Katya, the tour discusses what it means to be a woman from the perspective of a drag artist who dresses up as one. Purchase a VIP ticket to meet Katya before her Houston show. tinyurl.com/yycpnqld SOCIAL

September 7

Queer Latina Discussion

Find out what it means to identify as a queer Latina at Latinas Rising. Join in on a panel discussion with other LGBTQ Latinas, including featured panelist and out Houston Fire Department captain Iris Rodriguez. tinyurl.com/yydn7ewv COMMUNITY

September 7

Zine Fest Houston

The fourth annual Zine Fest Houston occurs at Lawndale Art Center. This year’s festival features artists Erik Sultzer and Emily Halbardier of the Center for Imaginative Cartography and Research. Zine Fest Houston is a free event dedicated to promoting zines, mini-comics, and other forms of small-press, alternative, underground, and DIY media and art. It is also a grassroots attempt to build the local alternative-media scene by helping local creators network with others. tinyurl.com/y5s4opy2

Submit your events at calendar@outsmartmagazine.com 28 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL.

Houston Ballet Principal Soo Youn Cho as Myrtha in Stanton Welch’s Giselle. Photo by Claire McAdams (2018). Courtesy of Houston Ballet

ONE FREE DAY Sunday, August 25 12 PM – 5 PM Family-friendly performances & more Behind-the-scenes tours Special ticket offers

OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 29 theaterdistrictopenhouse.com

LEFT OUT

By SUSAN BANKSTON

Rating Trump

ABC/BYRON COHEN

WALT DISNEY TELEVISION VIA GETTY IMAGES/FRED WATKINS

Trump comes out the loser.

Trump or Teigen?

D

Which one did you watch?: 20/20 (with Donald Trump and George Stephanopoulos, left) or Celebrity Family Feud (with Tom Sandoval, Steve Harvey, and Chrissy Teigen)?

onald Trump’s much-hyped ABC News Special flopped in the ratings last month.

Trump got 3.9 million viewers, while Celebrity Family Feud got 6.1 million.

I guess Trump’s viewership numbers depend on what caliber of celebrities are on the Family Feud. Is it the B List or the B-minus list? The B-minus list would include celebrities who haven’t been in a movie in 10 years, haven’t recovered from a scandal yet, have been in a movie in the past five years but you don’t remember who they are—or a celebrity who has been in a movie in the past five years, has recovered from a scandal, and you know who he is but it’s still Mel Gibson.

I suggest we all offer thoughts and prayers that Steve Harvey won’t get elected as our next president. After all, he’s already out-polling Trump.

I don’t suspect it would be all that hard to beat Trump in the ratings. His supporters are generally watching either the Home

Shopping Network or bingewatching Tom Selleck commercials about reverse mortgages.

So, this month we have . . .

TV Shows Trump Would Lose in the Ratings To • Semi-Professional Monkey Bowling • Thelma Sue’s Cooking on the Hot Pavement at Noon (the episode where Thelma Sue visits a Beaumont parking lot, with special guest Guy Fieri in a Speedo).

• All-Doilies Antiques Roadshow • Bunny Farm NCIS • American Nose Pickers • Washington D.C. Lie-Off (the final round, between everybody who ever met Jeffrey Epstein.

Okay, we have to stop right here and ask if you’ve heard Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz say that sure, he had a massage at Jeffrey Epstein’s house where underage girls were paid to provide sexual massages, but here’s the deal: Dershowitz shouldn’t be judged because he kept his underwear on during the massage. Oh dear. Go sit in the

30 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

truck, Dershowitz.)

• The X-Files Remake (starring the cast of Frazier) • Frazier Remake (starring the cast of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo) • Threesome Hymn Jubilee at the Holy Mother Tabernacle of Fire • Anything with Captain Kangaroo • Willie Wonka and the Dildo Factory • Larry and His Assault Rifle vs.

Clyde and His Flame Thrower (live from Fester, Alabama) • Love It or List It or Call Your Mother (you never call your mother) • Fixer Upper Flips Every House in Waco ********************** With Republicans controlling the Senate, combined with Houston’s weather in August, I could die tonight in my sleep, go directly to hell, and wake up tomorrow without ever noticing the difference.

So the next time someone asks you, “Is it hot enough for you?” you can give them a Texas

answer: It’s . . . hot enough to melt dirt, hotter than the Houston mayor’s race, so hot we had to feed the chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hardboiled eggs, hot as high-school love, so hot that potatoes are baking in the ground, and so hot that you need pot holders to turn your steering wheel. ******************* And lastly, Republicans are outraged and clutching their pearls that we would have the gall to call their Hispanic Children’s Prison a concentration camp. It’s a concentration camp. However, if it would make them happier, we could call it a sparkling moral atrocity.

Try to celebrate August in Houston by staying tied to an air conditioner all month. See you in September!

Susan Bankston lives in Richmond, Texas, where she writes about her hairdresser at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc., at juanitajean.com.

- Create a culture of inclusion - Promote diversity and belonging - Display your inner pride, prosperity, competence & personal confidence - Own your actions - Empower positive conversations - Allow for win/win situations - Use impartial, practical knowledge to make decisions - Be a team player and team leader - Develop compassion for others - Create an atmosphere of gratitude

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 31

UNAPOLOGETICALLY TRANS

By MONICA ROBERTS

It’s Election Time . . . in H-town!

I

t has been four years since the last municipal election we held in the 713, and for those of us in the Houston TBLGQ community, that 2015 cycle was a bittersweet one.

We saw the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) go down in decisive flames, after we’d put in a lot of sweat, tears, and countless lobbying hours to pass. A deceptive transphobia-fueled right-wing repeal campaign was to blame for that defeat.

On that November 3 election night, we also witnessed native Houstonian Sylvester Turner take a step toward succeeding term-limited mayor Annise Parker and becoming our city’s second African-American mayor.

He would make that history a month later by narrowly defeating Bill King in a runoff and becoming the first black native Houstonian to be elected mayor of our city.

While HERO was unfortunately repealed, While the race for “The Horseshoe” (as we the other referendum on the ballot that night call our City Council) traditionally doesn’t sailed through without opposition. It mandatstart until after Labor Day, many folks aren’t ed four-year terms for the mayor, City Council, waiting until September to get their political and the City controller. It also changed term licks in. The August 26 filing deadline date limits to two four-year terms, instead of the is rapidly approaching, and Mayor Turner is previous three two-year ones. running for reelection against HERO-haters While Houston civic elections are supBill King, Tony Buzbee, and District D council posed to be nonpartisan, we know what time member Dwight it is and who belongs to WHILE THE CITY COUNCIL Boykins. Former what party. After the Harris County RepubRACE TRADITIONALLY DOESN T council member licans got swept out of START UNTIL AFTER LABOR DAY, Sue Lovell has also recently jumped power due to the 2018 MANY FOLKS AREN T WAITING into the race. blue tsunami, they are UNTIL SEPTEMBER TO GET Mayor Turner itching for payback. The THEIR LICKS IN does have peeps Harris County GOP disliking him for multiple reasons, including would love nothing better than to get their his skin color, so that could make this mayhands on the mayor’s chair in this state’s largoral race as tight as the 2015 one that went est city. to a runoff and was decided by the heavily The Republicans haven’t held the HousAfrican-American Fort Bend County portion ton mayor’s seat in over 40 years. Neither do of Houston. they have a majority on City Council, and that District F council member Steve Le, who probably won’t happen for them this November knocked off council member Richard Nguyen either.

“

’

’

.”

32 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

in a runoff four years ago, is not running for reelection. Surprisingly, neither is At Large 4 council member Amanda Edwards, who has decided to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn.

The council peeps who are term limited are Brenda Stardig (District A), Jerry Davis (District B), Ellen Cohen (District C), Mike Laster (District J), and Jack Christie (At Large 5) The council peeps who are running for reelection are Dave Martin (District E), Greg Travis (District G), Karla Cisneros (District H), Robert Gallegos (District I), Martha Castex-Tatum (District K), Mike Knox (At Large 1), David W. Robinson (At Large 2), and Michael Kubosh (At Large 3) For those of us in the Houston TBLGQ community, passage of HERO 2.0, as we call it, will be a non-negotiable condition for getting our support.

There are also other issues of interest to our community—like where you stand on immigration, traffic, potholes, mass transit,

gentrification, recycling (and the Solid Waste Department in general), the Prop B fight between the City and the Houston firefighters, our budget, the revenue cap, and flood control, just to name a few.

While the Houston TBLGQ community is losing council member Mike Laster due to term limits, we do have other TBLGQ community members that have stepped up to run for different City Council seats—Shelley Kennedy in District C, Isabel Texas Longoria in District H, Nick Hellyar in At Large 4, and Ashton P. Woods in At Large 5. Council member Gallegos is running for reelection.

And new council members Michael Kubosh, Dwight Boykins, and Dave Martin, we haven’t forgotten y’all voted No on HERO. We also have video receipts of your votes, and will probably be supporting your opponents. Neither have we forgotten that council members Robinson and Gallegos voted Yes for HERO back in 2015, and both men will need our support in 2019.

The HERO “No” votes by Kubosh and Boykins were particularly angering to the Houston TBLGQ community. Both men came to our Montrose community forums, heard us tearfully tell our discrimination stories, and still voted No when the time came to back up their words with deeds.

Payback is a you-know-what.

Speaking of our community, one of the highly sought-after Big Four endorsements in Houston progressive politics happens to be from the GLBT Political Caucus.

Their August 3 endorsement meeting promises to be a long, hard-fought one.

If you aren’t registered to vote in the November 5, 2019, municipal election, make sure you do so

by October 7 so you can make your voice heard.

Monica Roberts, a native Houstonian, is the founding editor of the GLAAD award-winning blog TransGriot. Her ongoing mission is to educate people on the lives of transgender people and fight for everyone’s human rights.

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MONEY SMART

By GRACE S. YUNG, CFP

Promoting Respect Will the PRIDE Act make it easier for same-sex couples to access government benefits?

F

or five decades now, since the Stonewall Riots occurred in June of 1969, June has been designated as LGBTQ Pride Month—a time when we band together for LGBTQ visibility and camaraderie with the intent of moving forward in the fight for equal rights.

That’s why the PRIDE Act of 2019, which was introduced in June, may be even more meaningful to same-sex married couples who joined their hearts years ago but are still being excluded from Medicare and Social Security benefits based on their spouses’ work record rather than just their own.

The PRIDE Act may also streamline the process of retroactively obtaining benefits that should rightfully be paid to same-sex spouses since the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was invalidated back in 2015. For instance, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Social Security Administration issued a new guidance in early 2017 that reversed its discriminatory policies toward LGBTQ couples seeking benefits.

The Administration will also compensate individuals whose claims had previously been denied before marriage equality was mandated.

How Can the PRIDE Act Benefit You? The PRIDE Act (an acronym for Promoting Respect for Individuals’ Dignity and Equality) is also officially known as “a substitute to H.R. 3299” and would essentially remove gendered language such as “husband” and “wife” from the United States tax code, and instead use more neutral and inclusive terms such as “married couple” and “spouse.”

Further, this ruling would permit legally married same-sex couples to amend their tax-filing status for income-tax returns, and do so outside of the statute of limitations. For instance, in this case, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 would be amended in order to clarify that all provisions apply to legally married same-sex couples, in the same manner as other married couples.

As an example, if married same-sex partners each filed an individual tax return for a tax year that ended prior to September 16, 2013, for which a joint tax return could have been filed for that couple “but for the fact that such holdings were not effective at the time of 34 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

filing,” the statute of limitations for changing that to a joint return will be extended.

The PRIDE Act also includes H.R. 3294, the Refund Equality Act. This legislation updates the tax code to allow same-sex couples who were married prior to the repeal of DOMA to claim the tax refunds to which they are rightfully entitled.

So even though many same-sex married couples are now filing their taxes jointly following the fall of DOMA, many have yet to receive the refunds that opposite-sex married couples have already received.

Introduced in Congress on June 18, 2019, the PRIDE Act is now in the first stage of the legislative process. So before it moves on for a House and Senate vote, it will likely have to be considered in committee. (Bills and resolutions are typically referred to committees that debate the bill prior to sending it on to the whole chamber.)

Senator Elizabeth Warren is also introducing companion Senate legislation to correct the IRS code post-U.S. v. Windsor, the landmark Supreme Court marriage-equality case.

While there is still a long way to go, the PRIDE Act would represent another big step toward true LGBTQ equality with regard to financial and tax benefits.

Still Have Questions about Benefits?

Over the past few years, there have been a multitude of legislative changes that affect the LGBTQ

community, as well as various protections and rights that relate to tax, financial, and legal issues.

Even though much of the newer legislation has been in favor of protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals and couples, laws are always complicated by a lot of “fine print.”

Because of that, it is essential to not assume anything as you put your short- and long-term financial plans into place. This is particularly important if your aim is to coordinate your personal savings and healthcare benefits with those that are offered through the government, while also ensuring that both you and your spouse can make the most of what is rightfully available to you.

With that in mind, it is important to discuss your current and long-term objectives with a knowledgeable financial advisor who is in touch with the laws and rules that pertain to the LGBTQ community. That way, you can be more assured that you are moving in the right direction with a plan that can be updated if or when new legislation is enacted in the future.

Grace S. Yung, CFP , is a certified financial planner practitioner with experience in helping domestic partners plan their finances since 1994. She is a principal at Midtown Financial Group LLC in Houston and was recognized as a “Five-Star Wealth Manager” in the September 2017 issue of Texas Monthly.

Yung can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.

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If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are receiving TROGARZO® as it is not known if TROGARZO® passes into breast milk.

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PATIENT INFORMATION What is TROGARZO? TROGARZO is a prescription medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults who: • have received several anti-HIV-1 regimens in the past, and • have HIV-1 virus that is resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and • who are failing their current antiretroviral therapy HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

It is not known if TROGARZO is safe and effective in children.

Before you receive TROGARZO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TROGARZO may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with TROGARZO. Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiretroviral medicines, including TROGARZO during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are receiving TROGARZO. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

– It is not known if TROGARZO passes into breast milk.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with TROGARZO. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How will I receive TROGARZO? • You will receive TROGARZO by your healthcare provider as an infusion given into your vein over 15 to 30 minutes. A healthcare provider will monitor you during the TROGARZO infusion and for a period of time after your infusion.

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• It is important that you receive TROGARZO every two weeks as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the schedule of your TROGARZO infusions or any of your antiretroviral medicines without talking to your healthcare provider first.

• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you stop receiving TROGARZO infusions or stop taking any other antiretroviral medicines.

What are the possible side effects of TROGARZO? TROGARZO can cause serious side effects, including: Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system might get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your health care provider right away if you start having new symptoms after receiving TROGARZO. The most common side effects of TROGARZO include: • diarrhea • nausea • dizziness • rash These are not all the possible side effects of TROGARZO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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General information about the safe and effective use of TROGARZO. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your healthcare provider for information about TROGARZO that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in TROGARZO? Active ingredient: ibalizumab-uiyk Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, and sucrose.

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On June 21, Microsoft hosted the Staging Solution’s Pride mixer at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Pictured are John Sinitiere, Kevin Nguyen, Alan Lett, Taylor DeMartino, and Anthony Ferrell.

On June 21, the annual Rainbow on the Green Pride event was held at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. Pictured are some of the performers.

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On June 29, Texas United Charities (TUC) held the “Pay It Forward” Casino Party at Neon Boots. Pictured are Melissa Flories and Margaret Thibodeaux.

On June 30, Montrose Softball League Association held (MSLA) held its closing ceremonies and player awards banquet at Elm Street Events. Pictured are Bill Samson, Leo Serrato, Jack Cole, Ken Estrella, Julie Tyree, Jesse Gutierrez (2019 Jerry Award winner), Gary Cano, Joey Garcia, and Nick Alvarado.

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August 8: ActOUT at the Alley Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Pre-curtain event (included with ActOUT ticket ) 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm. INFO: alleytheatre.org/actout August 24: Kindred Spirits Celebration Dance.

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COMMUNITY

Does a Bear Float in the Woods?

The Houston Bears social club invites members and friends to New Braunfels next month for their annual event.

By SAM BYRD Photos by BEARTUBING.COM

G

rab the sunscreen and swimsuit because Bear Tubing, an annual event hosted by the Houston Bears social club, is scheduled Sept. 26–29 in New Braunfels. Now entering its fifth year, the float trip is a two-day, three-night adventure that includes lodging, food, drinks, a river float, pool parties, and activities galore.

“Bear Tubing is a fun event in a safe environment where gay people can be themselves.

Even though it is a bear event, the group passes no judgement on anyone and has always welcomed people in and made them feel like they belong,” says Houston Bears president Tony Fernandez.

He estimates around 160 people from across the state will attend the retreat, which includes just as much fun on land as it does in the water. The first night includes a bar party at Our Lady Bar and Grill, followed by two days of sun and buns (of the hot-dog variety).

40 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Due to increased demand, Fernandez says more activities have been added to the schedule than in previous years.

“We’re going to have volleyball, badminton, kayaking, and people can hang out at the pool.

People are going to go to a brewery and winery.

There will be a tour at a small zoo. There are activities for everyone,” he notes.

Registration guarantees tube rental, Friday and Saturday pool parties with transportation between the two hotels, a vote in the Mr. Bear Tubing Contest (the group’s version of a pageant), Friday dinner, Saturday-morning breakfast, and Saturday dinner. There is an optional brunch on Sunday morning. Those who register by Sept. 1 will receive an exclusive Bear Tubing T-Shirt. Free transportation is provided between the host hotel (Gruene River Outpost Lodge), the overflow lodging at Slumber Falls Camp, and the parties.

Fernandez says, “This is the way a lot of the bear clubs get together and get to see each

other on a regular basis. Plus, there’s always the elusive chance-meeting of Mr. Right. We’ve had a lot of people who have met their significant others or started dating because of Bear Tubing.”

Vendors have been quick to see this as an opportunity to market their products to a captive audience.

“One year, we were approached by a swimsuit fashion designer. He designed 15 swim suits and we did a fashion show,” Fernandez said. This year, the event will host pop-up shops featuring leather gear and merchandise from gay outlet stores, in addition to Houston Bears apparel.

Social events that double as fundraising endeavors are hardly a rarity in the bear community. Austin Bears celebrates Austin Chill Weekend. Dallas Bears throws the Texas Bears Round-Up. And don’t forget the Renegade Bears of San Antonio and its Alamo City Bear Fest. Houston Bears has no intention of break-

ing that tradition of philanthropy.

The two charity partners that Houston Bears elected to sponsor this year, and who will receive the proceeds from Bear Tubing, are Hatch Youth and Montrose Grace Place.

Hatch Youth is Houston’s oldest currently active social group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. It is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ adolescents, ages 13–20, to become responsible citizens and positive contributors to society. ​Montrose Grace Place’s goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable homeless youth of all sexualities and genders, providing nourishment, healthy relationships, and hope for the future.

Fernandez says that while their name is Houston Bears, the group welcomes everyone—people who are bears, people who admire bears, people who are dating bears, otters, wolves, etc., as well as women.

“There’s no strict definition of what a bear is. It could be somebody who is thin and hairy, or someone who is chubby. We’re trying to get people into it who you wouldn’t consider to be the stereotype of a traditional gay person,” Fernandez says. “We’re trying to make sure people realize it’s a safe space for anyone to come, have fun, and make money for charities.”

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Bear Tubing takes place Thursday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 29 on the Comal River and other destinations. Festivities commence at Gruene Outpost River Lodge, 1273 River Terrace, New Braunfels. Registration is available online at beartubing.com/registration or in person the day of the event. $115 to $135 for the event. Day passes on Saturday are $80.

Houston Bears members receive a $20 discount.

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 41

Kellett died in January 2018 at the age of 90.

After his death, the board determined there were not enough funds to operate the foundation in perpetuity. They chose to give one final round of grants that would help organizations achieve a significant transformation that they would otherwise not be capable of undertaking.

Riedel says that the grants are gamechangers for the long run. “What kind of story will the Houston LGBTQ community be able to tell [when we celebrate] Stonewall 100, as a result of these grants?”

The final Kellett Foundation grants were awarded to a variety of organizations that deal with such issues as LGBTQ youth, gender equality, addiction, historic preservation, and the arts:

Association for Family & Community Integrity (AFCI) COMMUNITY

Houston Philanthropist John Steven Kellett His foundation’s award to the Montrose Center puts LGBTQ seniors housing back on track.

By BRANDON WOLF

T

he John S. Kellett Foundation has announced the award of 22 grants totaling $2.1 million—the final round of grants for the foundation as it closes operations. Dr. Brian Riedel, board president, says that the board was “delighted” with the grant applications submitted. “We asked the community what it needs, and it told us what is important,” Riedel says.

The foundation received 35 applications and accepted 22 of them. “The others did not really reflect the foundation’s mission,” Riedel says. The foundation supports “education about, gaining equal rights for, and elimination of discrimination against the LGBTQ community.” The foundation puts a special focus on organizations that are often passed over by traditional funding sources.

The window for grant applications was open from November 1, 2018, through Feb42 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

A professional web designer will create a new website and educational resources for the group. AFCI will begin to appear at the top of web searches seeking information about coming out. AFCI works to educate families during the coming-out process, with the goal of reducing the number of LGBTQ youth who are rejected by their families and often become homeless.

Bering Memorial Open Gate Homeless Youth

The program serves 18- to 30-year-old homeless young adults (with an emphasis on LGBTQ clients), providing Sunday home-cooked family-style meals, hygiene packs, clothing, and haircuts. Efforts are made to help them get jobs and into housing. This grant will allow Bering to expand their current services.

Dalton DeHart Photographic Foundation ruary 28, 2019. The applications received were assigned to the foundation’s six board members for review. Once the final decisions were made, the board determined the amount of each grant. Everything was complete by the end of April, and the winners were informed in May. “Every winner was jubilant, expressing deep gratitude,” Riedel added.

Among the grant winners is the Montrose Center’s new Law Harrington Senior Housing Project. Kennedy Loftin, chief development officer for the Montrose Center, says that the grant represents the second-largest community gift to the housing project. Increasing construction costs had sidelined the project, which was originally scheduled to break ground last year. The Kellett grant has put it back on track, and groundbreaking is set for August 6.

The foundation was established in 1992 by John Steven Kellett, a retired Exxon executive.

Dalton DeHart, our community’s photographer, started using digital equipment in 2004. The grant will pay for scanning 350,000 pre-digital negatives dating from 1989 through 2004, and housing the images online where they can be easily searched.

DiverseWorks

The Louisiana component of Nick Vaughan and Jake Margolin’s 50 States project will be sponsored by DiverseWorks through their grant, in addition to other LGBTQ performance-art projects such as a gender non-binary pageant event.

Gatekeepers

The organization’s African-American LGBTQ archive project (the Charles Law Community Archive at the African American Library at the Gregory School) will receive funds for operating costs and resources. The archive was ➝ launched in early 2019.

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JOHN STEVEN KELLETT | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Gender Infinity

Founded 10 years ago, this organization provides a safe space for transgender youth and their families. Each year it organizes an annual conference. Their grant will allow the group to finally hire a part-time executive director.

Houston Transgender Unity Committee

The number of prominent guest speakers at the annual Transgender Unity Banquet will be increased in order to boost attendance and scholarship income.

JD Doyle Archives

Operating expenses will be covered for JD Doyle’s nationally recognized and ever-expanding array of LGBTQ history websites.

Lambda Center Houston

Urgently needed repairs will be made to the center’s sinking foundation and leaking roof.

The center serves the Houston-area LGBTQ community with support groups for those challenged by various forms of addiction.

Lambda Legal

This national legal advocacy group received a grant to continue their work of protecting LGBTQ Americans through court suits, especially in cases involving recent legislation that allows discrimination based on so-called ‘religious freedom.’ In Texas, the organization is fighting for a lesbian couple’s right to be foster parents through the Marouf v. Azar case.

Lesbians Over Age Fifty

A professional website designer will be hired to build a web presence for the organization that will increase its outreach to Harris County lesbians. The membership application,

organization newsletter, and events calendar will be available online.

Old Lesbian Oral History Project

Some of the costs of transcribing interviews done in the Houston area will be paid for by this grant, making it possible to complete other timeconsuming archiving tasks. The project will then be able to focus on identifying and interviewing additional lesbian women (over age 70), documenting and preserving their life stories.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Houston

This grant will help the organization with their operating expenses. The Houston chapter is actively working to help families of transgender and gender non-binary individuals. Their operating costs have increased after opening four satellite meeting locations in Katy, Clear Lake, Pearland, and northwest Houston.

QFest

Houston’s annual LGBTQ film festival will be able to build up its administrative foundation with their grant. Priorities include web design, development, volunteer coordination, box office management, and hiring a publicist (who is already lining up interviews with filmmakers).

The Houston Intersex Society

a documentary about the gender-correction transition of Texas attorney DJ Healey, who underwent the process in her fifties. “Trans visibility is the key to trans acceptance,” Healey says.

The Montrose Center’s Law Harrington Senior Housing Project

This elder-living facility will allow Houston’s low-income LGBTQ residents to fully embrace their biographies. The grant moves the project back on track, with groundbreaking set for August 6 at 2222 Cleburne Street.

The Montrose Center Non-Profit Incubator

One of the most important things that the Montrose Center does is to help new and/ or struggling organizations grow by offering them space to hold regular meetings. The grant will allow the center to build a non-profit incubator, which will be named after John Kellett. The award will, in effect, incubate the new incubator.

Thunderclap Productions

This group stages little-known and underperformed theater works. Their grant will fund the launch of a new series that will produce one LGBTQ work each year. The series will be named after John Kellett.

This organization exists to serve the largely invisible and stigmatized community of individuals born with a sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical gender definition of female or male. Their grant will help cover the costs of organizing Intersex Awareness Day, a Pride parade contingent, and travel expenses for speakers.

Transgender Education Network

The Learning Curve

Texas Transgender Non-Discrimination Summit

This grant will help fund the completion of

The network provides outreach and education on trans issues to Texas medical students and professionals, attorneys, school districts, and anyone else interested in gaining a more educated and compassionate approach to the trans community. This grant will help them expand current activities.

This group works with educational institutions across Texas to implement policy changes regarding their trans personnel and student bodies. Operating “on a shoestring” for the past 11 years, their grant will allow them to undertake “real planning.”

unMASKulinity

This “audience interactive” film by educator Brian Ellison explores the origins of misconceptions about black masculinity. The grant will allow Ellison to publicize and facilitate screenings of the film, helping viewers to reconceptualize African-American masculinity so that it is more inclusive of the full range of human emotion.

Brian Ellison

JD Healey

44 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Dalton DeHart

Further information about the Kellett Foundation and this final round of grants is available at www.kellettfoundation.org

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COMMUNITY

Crystal McDowell’s children, Madden (c) and Maui (r), are living with Crystal’s former girlfriend, Mandy Avalos (l), who plans to adopt the youngsters.

COURTESY MANDY AVALOS

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Baytown Woman’s Murder Case Is Solved 50-year sentence for the man who strangled Crystal McDowell in 2017.

A

By DON MAINES

disappointingly light prison sentence for their loved one’s killer seems like a drop in the bucket to the family of Crystal Seratte McDowell, a bisexual blonde beauty whose ex-husband caused her to vanish on the morning of August 25, 2017, as Hurricane

46 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Harvey barreled toward Houston.

Steven McDowell was convicted this summer of first-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison for strangling Crystal to death, a crime he didn’t confess to until two weeks after dumping her body in the marshy woods of Chambers County.

When the sentence was announced, Crystal’s uncle, Jeff Walters, shouted “He deserves worse!” from the courtroom’s crowded gallery, as other relatives and friends gasped. They believe Crystal’s killer should have faced the death penalty or life in prison for capital murder.

“So many things in the investigation and the prosecution of this case don’t make any sense,” Walters, who is gay, tells OutSmart. “They were handled wrong from the beginning.”

Throughout the trial (whose venue was changed to Galveston at Steven’s request), a number of witnesses referenced Walters as “Uncle Jeff,” a beloved fixture in Crystal’s life.

However, Walters says, “In two years, the district attorney’s office never interviewed me.” Many in the courtroom felt that a public feud between Walters and the sheriff of Chambers County, regarding his department’s slow response to investigating the case, kept the DA, Cheryl Lieck, from calling Walters to testify. It was a tactical mistake that she would later regret at trial when Lieck was blindsided by testimony from the defendant.

Crystal’s family members also blasted Chambers County for not immediately removing the couple’s two young children from Steven’s custody, when evidence pointed directly to him as the killer. Moreover, Steven had threatened to kill the children (along with himself) if Crystal didn’t leave her new boyfriend and come back to him. The couple’s young daughter, Maui, was only five when she saw Steven strangle Crystal, who tried to say “Help” as she turned her head to Maui. “But I couldn’t hear her. She looked at me sadly,” the child testified. Steven warned Maui to go to her room and not tell anyone what happened, including her brother.

High-School Friends Today, the kids are alright as Maui and her brother, Madden, now 10, were placed with Crystal’s former girlfriend, Mandy Avalos, as their conservator.

“I am going to adopt them as soon as I can get the paperwork signed,” says Avalos. “It’s almost like they have always been mine. Crystal always referred to them as ‘our babies.’”

Avalos, who now lives with the children in Las Vegas, met Crystal when they were seniors at rival high schools in Baytown. “We were girlfriends for eight and a half years,” sometimes dancing the night away at South Beach in Montrose.

On the morning that Crystal was killed, Avalos awoke with a start, sensing that something was wrong with Crystal, even though she was some 1,500 miles away. Avalos called and texted Crystal throughout the day, but Crystal didn’t reply because she was dead.

HAPPIER TIMES

COURTESY MANDY AVALOS

Mandy Avalos (l) and Crystal McDowell were girlfriends for eight and half years.

“Instantly, I tried to book a flight to Houston, but all flights were canceled due to the hurricane,” said Avalos. “I am not one to sound the alarm, but I knew something was wrong.”

Five days later, Avalos was able to fly to Houston and travel to the scene of the crime, where Steven invited her into his home and allowed her to visit the children.

Crystal’s black dress in the washer, indicating that she had been home recently.

Also, Crystal’s handbag and purse were there.

Frustrated with the sheriff’s department and Houston TV stations who weren’t pursuing the story, Walters and Crystal’s boyfriend posted a $15,000 reward and turned to social media, which resulted in a tip that Crystal’s Mercedes was found parked at a Motel 6 in Mont Belvieu with its doors unlocked and keys in the ignition, as if the killer hoped that it would be stolen.

Social media also piqued the interest of Ashleigh Banfield, who hosts a true-crime talk show on HSN, a news channel that is owned by CNN. Walters says, “Someone from her office called and asked me if I would cooperate with them, and I said, ‘Anything to help find Crystal, because nobody here seems interested.’ Right before the interview started, she told me that the Chambers County sheriff would be on with us. I told him that it took the family to find Crystal’s car, and that’s when he got upset.”

Special reports by 48 Hours on CBS and 20/20 on ABC fueled the feud between Walters and the sheriff, who told the TV reporters that Walters was a suspect in Crystal’s disappearance.

The Trial Crystal’s family endured almost two years of waiting before the trial of Steven McDowell began in June. Immediately, their spirits were tested when Lieck described to the jury that Crystal was a doomed soul whose parents named her after their drug of choice, crystal methamphetamine.

“That isn’t true. She was named by her grandmothers,” says Walters.

Further, the court let Steven read aloud to the jury a string of lewd text messages which Crystal supposedly sent to her lovers while still married to him. The texts were unverified and should have been deemed inadmissible by the rules of evidence.

“Everything Steven said was a lie,” said Avalos, including his claim that, on the morning of August 25, he and Crystal had made love in the master bedroom and that he had accidentally “hugged her to death.”

At the next break, the DA dashed into the hall outside the courtroom to find Walters and ask him if he would testify. She had specifically indicted Steven for “strangling” Crystal and wasn’t prepared for his attempt to beat the rap by claiming that she died in a different manner. Lieck needed Walters’ inside knowledge of Crystal’s life with Steven to convince the jury they couldn’t believe anything Steven said.

“If just one juror believes his story, we’re cooked,” Lieck later explained to NBC’s Dateline.

The DA returned to the courtroom and ripped into Steven’s testimony, destroying his credibility with a fare-thee-well. With her confidence restored, she decided she didn’t need Walters’ testimony after all.

LEFT - COURTESY JEFF WALTERS; RIGHT- BAYTOWNSUN.COM

The Search for Crystal Meanwhile, Crystal’s family in Baytown grew increasingly frustrated at the lack of interest the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department seemed to show in searching for Crystal.

It wasn’t her ex-husband or her boyfriend, The Aftermath but Walters who reported that Crystal was In the aftermath of the trial, Walters says, he missing, phoning from a motel near Waco is happy that his niece’s children seem safe where he was fleeing the onset of Hurricane and sound with Avalos.

Harvey with his elderly aunt and her disabled “I was upset at first because they were son. However, when he was unable to contact being taken away from their family,” he says.

Crystal, Walters returned to Baytown, frantic “But apparently they are adapting really well, to stop Steven from carrying out his threats to and I am thankful that Mandy is prokill himself and the children. viding a place for them.”

On Saturday, August 26, the Avalos is happy that a 50-year senday after Crystal went missing, tence means Steven McDowell won’t be Walters and two other relatives eligible for parole for at least 25 years. confronted Steven at his home “I’m okay with that, because the kids in Mont Belvieu, in Chambers will be grown. I feel like the DA was County. Although Steven and very passionate and she did an amazing Crystal were divorced, she had job, and I will forever be grateful to her been living there, along with the and her team. The whole time, I was children, while her townhome in taking notes and recording Steven and Baytown was being renovated. forwarding them to the DA’s office.

Steven claimed that Crystal Steven thought that he was fooling me, hadn’t come home for a week, but but I was fooling him the whole time.”

Maui confided to “Uncle Jeff” PUBLIC FEUD that she had hugged her mother Jeff Walters (l), Crystal McDowell’s uncle, had a prolonged dispute with the Don Maines is a regular contributor for the last time the day before. In Chambers County Sheriff’s Office regarding the department’s slow response to investigating the murder case of Crystal McDowell. to OutSmart magazine. addition, a sheriff’s deputy saw OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 47

BUSINESS

Dr. Kristy Kyle Compassionate vet leads a dedicated team.

By JENNY BLOCK

“Berdie,” a red goldendoodle, gets her six-month checkup with Dr. Kyle.

Bayou City Veterinary Hospital offers full-service animal care.

T

o see Dr. Kristy Kyle now, you’d think being a veterinarian was her dream from the start. But her journey to becoming a vet was not a typical one.

She actually started as an undergrad student with plans to become a physician. But while she was in school, she says, “I really enjoyed philosophy, and ended up majoring in philosophy and biology.”

After her undergraduate studies, she

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completed a master’s degree in philosophy and then began working as a content developer for what she describes as “the emerging world of computer-based job training.” But when her soon-to-be wife recognized how much Kyle was missing her connection with biology and medicine, she suggested that Kyle think about a career in veterinary medicine. And so her path to pet medicine began.

Kyle’s first job out of vet school was at a

large practice here in Houston. “We had a great team of docs that worked a typical day practice, but we also shared after-hours, weekend, and emergency duties.” They saw a wide variety of cases and, as a young vet, Kyle says she often found herself drawing not only on her medical knowledge and training, “but also my creativity and problem-solving skills, and my ability to communicate with people and gain their trust in order to help the pets in my care.”

The practice allowed her a great deal of freedom that gave Kyle the confidence to ultimately start her own business. In 2012, she and Dr. Brenda Flores took the leap and opened Bayou City Veterinary Hospital. Kyle says their intention was to provide “exceptional care for pets, establishing relationships of trust with our clients, and building a workplace where our staff could find security and professional fulfillment in their careers.”

Bayou City serves an incredibly wide range of animals—small animals and exotics with a focus on preventive care and wellness, as well as offering wellness care for dogs and cats of any age. Kyle explains that their goal is to create a wellness plan that draws on the best recommendations from the world of veterinary medicine, tailored to the unique needs and lifestyles of the individual pet.

Kyle and her practice also provide extensive dental care—a big focus in Kyle’s work, and something pet owners all too often overlook.

“Oral health is exceptionally important,” Kyle explains. They also provide internal-medicine diagnoses and treatment, and they have digital radiography and ultrasonography on-site. ➝

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DR. KRISTY KYLE | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Their surgical suite is available for elective procedures like spays and neuters, as well as more extensive soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures. They even maintain a full in-house laboratory so that urgent lab-work results can be available to them without an overnight wait.

Even in-house acupuncture therapy is offered for older patients struggling with arthritis and limited mobility. “We ensure that they are able to live pain-free,” Kyle says. Even the pharmacy is in-house at Bayou City so that they can provide medications immediately as needed.

“But by far the most important thing we do is to connect with people and work with them to keep their pets healthy and happy!”

Clients of Bayou City say they love the practice. What Kyle says she hears most often is that the people at the practice truly care about them and their pets. “Clients can tell instantly if you’re burned out, bored, or angry, and the pets can feel it, too. The people I work with every day do this work because they genuinely love animals and want the best for them.

Clients can sense that genuine spirit of care and concern.”

Bayou City began as a simple two-doctor practice “squeezed into a tiny little space between Molina’s and T-Mobile on Washington Avenue.” But it wasn’t long before they realized that they needed a larger location to keep up with their growth and continue to provide the level of care that they expected of themselves.

When Molina’s closed next door, they realized their opportunity had arrived. So they tripled their space and expanded their team.

Renovation began in the spring of 2018, and by August it was complete. They now have six vets and an extensive support staff. “It was a huge leap that enabled us to expand our services to our community and continue to grow, especially as our neighborhood continues its explosive growth and development.”

If Kyle could share just one thing with pet owners, she would say, “Anyone who has made the commitment to take care of a pet [knows] how quickly we humans can fall in love with furry paws or feathers or little twitchy noses or claws and scales. I wish that [everyone could remember] that the veterinary community is passionate about the health of all companion animals. We study and work and continue our education so that we can be advocates for companion animals, and so that we can be excellent teachers for our pet parents.”

Kyle also reminds us that vets are the best source of information for pet owners, not the internet. “We are deeply committed to helping your pet be as happy and healthy as possible!”

50 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Fresh out of dental surgery, 23-year-old chihuahua “Luke” is comforted by Dr. Kyle at Bayou City Veterinary Hospital.

Luke is one of the clinic’s oldest patients.

As for Kyle’s favorite part of the job, she says her days are neither predictable nor boring, and she loves having the opportunity to meet her neighbors and their pets and connect with them. “By building those relationships, I’m much better able to provide excellent veterinary care to my patients.” Without that kind of relationship, Kyle explains, it can be much more difficult to advocate on behalf of the pet.

“I’m a veterinarian, but I work primarily with people. Without that connection, my ability to help the pet is hindered.” Kyle says the worst part of the job is trying to gain the trust of someone whose previous veterinary experience has left them filled with skepticism.

Most people naturally assume that dealing with euthanasia and death is the worst part of a vet’s job. “Absolutely, losing a pet is difficult at best, and can be devastating, Kyle explains, “but when we are able to come alongside a grieving family and help them provide their pet with a dignified, painless, loving death, we provide that family with the foundation they need to start to heal from their grief.”

On the other hand, when a death is unexpected or tragic and they don’t have that chance, Kyle says she can still find ways to help them grieve. “I’m actually incredibly grateful

to be in a career where I can be of help to people in these really difficult moments of loss.”

Kyle and her wife have been together for over seventeen years now. The pair has lived in the Heights since 2007, and Kyle says they love their neighborhood. They were married in central Texas in 2006. “We also had the amazing privilege of legally marrying in the San Francisco courthouse in June of 2008.”

They have an eight-year-old son, three cats, and until very recently, two sixteen-year-old grandma chihuahuas. “One of our chis died this summer, and her absence has made our house a lot more empty.”

As for the future, Kyle hopes that Bayou City Veterinary Hospital continues to be a trusted, engaged, and valued part of their neighborhood and the larger Houston community of pet lovers. “I want our employees to always find work that brings them satisfaction, knowing that they are part of a team dedicated to the health and welfare of pets, and the support and education of pet owners. I want Bayou City to be a place of warmth and joy and integrity, always.”

For more information about Bayou City Veterinary Hospital, visit bayoucityvets.com

Gus Kenworthy and Birdie Silver Medal Freestyle Skier & His Nulo Dog

fueled by love Learn more at nulo.com/love

Attxla releases Ebb, an aquatic-themed pop album. ot every local artist can say they’ve had a numberone hit song on the iTunes charts. But Attxla isn’t your average Houston-based artist.

The openly gay singersongwriter and producer went viral in Germany earlier this year after he wrote the words and sang on “Unity” with international artists Salkin and Finn Schaller. His song “Roots,” with the U.K. DJ duo Unknown Brain, also garnered two million streams on YouTube, and over one million listened on Spotify. These artists were eager to collaborate with Attxla after discovering his tracks with DJ MAVEN online, where he’s uploaded his music since 2013.

Originally from Port Arthur (home of legendary artists Janis Joplin and UGK), Attxla, also known as Attila Mosely, has been writing, recording, and generating tracks since he was 12 years old. Following four years of working as a professional music producer for other artists, Attxla, now 23, will release his own debut album, Ebb, on August 23.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Attxla says.

“I’ve worked on my first record for about three years. In the process of making my own music, I was producing [other artists’] records, and some of the songs that were supposed to be on my debut album ended up on theirs.”

Attxla says that it’s been difficult to take off his producer hat to view his music through an artist’s lens during the creation of Ebb. While working on tracks, “I tend to think, ‘Who would this song sound good for, and what if I customized it to their voice?’” he admits.

In addition to joining forces with Salkin, Schaller, MAVEN, and Unknown Brain, Attxla produced several albums for Houston-area artists at his in-home studio. Most recently, he worked on creating gender non-binary performer Wade in the Sonic Joy’s 2018 release Sexspells, and queer-femme artist Stoo’s Supersuit, which dropped in July.

“I started producing out of necessity,” Attxla says. “I couldn’t find what I wanted to hear anywhere else. When other people found my stuff and liked it, I started working with them.

But I always advise the artists I work with to take their work to someone for mixing and mastering, because I’m not a vocal engineer.”

Attxla’s biggest musical influences are producers Baths, SOPHIE, Pharrell, Flume, Arca, and Jon Bellion. He says he also loves the 52 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

By LOURDES ZAVALETA Photo by TRAVIS GAMBLE and MATTHEW JANIK at The Underground Design Studio work of Houston’s own John Allen Stephens, who worked closely with Attxla to produce, record, and mix Ebb at Stephens’ Third Coast Recording Co. studio in the East End. “John has done for me what I’ve done for other artists,” Attxla says, adding that Stephens has been a real mentor to him. “He really expanded on all of the visions I’ve had for this record. Honestly, he’s been the most instrumental part of this process.”

Ebb is a 10-track pop album, and features song collaborations by Houston artists Lyta, Kenner Wells, and Nate Drop. The record has an aquatic theme (its title refers to the incoming and outgoing “ebb and flow” phases of a shore’s tide) and tells the story of Attxla’s life over the past two years.

Track one of the album is Attxla’s single “Choose Him,” a slow-burning jam that poetically describes not being your crush’s first choice. Other songs, like his latest release “Feel It,” reveal Attxla’s descent to the bottom of a figurative ocean, where nothing can be found but death and isolation. “I’m not going to lie, the album is a bit depressing,” Attxla laughs.

“I’d describe it as ‘hurt, but hopeful.’”

Whether Attxla’s album is as melancholy as he suggests, it’s sure to be a smash hit. His dynamic beats and smooth vocals are perfect for sad bops to cry-dance to.

Following the August 23 release of Ebb, Attxla plans to host a release party later in the month. More info on the event will be available at outsmartmagazine.com.

Learn more about Attxla at facebook.com/attxla

A LOOK AT HOUSTON’S THRIVING LGBTQ ARTISTS Better make some room, Austin, because Space City is proving to be the nation’s next Texas-based music capital. Houston has a wide array of concert venues (from orchestral performances at Jones Hall to big-name pop concerts at the Toyota Center and intimate outdoor rock concerts at Axelrad), and our local musicians are as unique as the spots they perform in.

This August issue of OutSmart gives you a glimpse of four LGBTQ Houston artists you ought to know: singer-songwriter and producer Attxla, our own Mr. Gay Texas America Michael Chiavone (who just won the 2019 Dallas pageant by showcasing his powerful vocals and dancing skills), the Japanese-influenced performer Melancholiaah!, and the 2019 American Idol Top-10 finalist Uché Ndubizu.

You can also learn more about a Contemporary Art Museum of Houston exhibition by Steven Evans, If I Can’t Dance, It’s Not My Revolution!, that connects post-Stonewall music to queer activism. Finally, get to know Terri Nunn from the new-wave group Berlin, who visits Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre on August 24.

OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 53

After scoring big on American Idol, Uché Ndubizu embarks on his new musical journey.

By OMAR AFRA Photo by JAY RUSOVICH

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ouston’s richness is largely built on the talent and tenacity brought to the city by its ever-growing population of immigrants and newbies. The story of Uché Ndubizu, a brilliant young Nigerian bisexual performer, is both quintessentially Houston and totally unique.

Ndubizu moved to Houston in his late teens with a dream to take his talents into the stratosphere. After spending summers in Nigeria honing his dancing chops, he cut his teeth performing with the acclaimed wedding band Drywater, as well as a who’s-who of the best performance talent nationwide. His vocal and dancing talent eventually wows the judges on American Idol so much that Katy Perry fell to the ground in convulsions when Ndubizu performed Bruno Mars’ “Finesse.”After finishing that show in the Top 10, Ndubizu is now poised to take his unique talents well beyond Houston.

I sat down with Ndubizu recently to find out more about his career.

Omar Afra: You have had a crash-course in international celebrity. What are some of the best and worst parts about the entertainment industry that you have seen?

Uché Ndubizu: The majority of it is pretty badass. The fact that I’m even in this position is ridiculous. I’ve dreamt of this for so long.

You never know how (or if) it will happen for you, so for me to be blessed enough to be able to live my best life like this, I’m just like,Whoa.

It’s also really great meeting my tribe when I’m out and about. I remember I was at this club one night, and this squad of people came up to me like freaking out. They were fans, and I was just like, “Dude! What do y’all wanna drink? I’m gonna get y’all a round—come chill with me and my people tonight.” We had the best night ever!

I guess the downside is [having to see] so many opinions of you, and especially now that people can comment some hateful stuff and it comes straight to my phone. It sucks. I try to hold my tongue, not respond, and just remember that I’m loved, God loves me, and I’m just out here doing my thing trying to make every single one of my dreams come true. Some people just can’t handle that.

Almost overnight, your life was turned upside down in the best way possible. Is it overwhelming?

Yes. After my first episode aired on ABC,

my phone [was swamped with] calls and text messages. Legit madness.

It’s 2007. A nascent 13-year-old Uche is discovering his own music. What is he listening to and being inspired by?

I had really simple tastes in music at 13. I liked whatever they put on the radio. I lived for popular music, through and through. I was listening to, like, D4L’s “Laffy Taffy” and anything T-Pain or Chris Brown. The Disney kids were my jam growing up as well. Everything Timbaland, Chris Brown, and Kanye West. I still remember the “Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)” dance.

We had some bomb-ass music in 2007. I’m not even gonna lie—my little Zune was slappin’.

Is there a dissonance between what people see of you on American Idol and where you are headed next, musically?

Yes. I think people only got to see a super-edited, filtered, PG kid-friendly “cut for time” version of me. I was definitely on my best behavior on that show because, I mean, I wasn’t trying to scare the children or get fined or something.

With my music this time around, I just want to be myself fully. I’m gonna tell some secrets, talk about my fears. I’m gonna be unapologetic, and confidently own all of who I am. No filter. I hate having to filter myself.

One thing that distinguishes you from the other Idol contestants is your effortless dancing. Where does this ability come from?

I’m Nigerian. Dance is a major part of our culture, and how we commune with one another. I would visit Nigeria every summer when I was a kid, and my family back there would teach me moves. They would coach me and help me get better. Every year I got better and better.

I started doing some dance competitions and winning. It’s cool to look back at how this all started—nostalgia. [Laughs]

Outside of music, what art forms inspire and inform your performances?

I’m very into clothing. Clothes are definitely an art form for me. If you noticed, I tried to let the energy of the song I was singing dictate the outfit I’d be wearing. For example, for my performance of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” I literally wore diamonds. I like for my outfit to feel like the song. I got along very well with the costume crew! I would have hour-long convos with them about my concept for whatever song was next.

They told me it was a lot of fun to dress me

because I like trying new wild and different options. I can’t even look at my closet the same anymore after being spoiled like that. I remember finding that giant black fur jacket that I wore for “Play That Funky Music” at a thrift shop, almost a year before I was even thinking of auditioning. I was like, “I must have this. If I’m ever on a TV show, I’m going to wear this jacket.” I can’t wait to get my coins all the way up, because to dress how I like to dress ain’t cheap. I’m extra af, and I like for my clothes to reflect that.

OK, be honest—when was the last time you cried, and why?

Crying? Tears? What are those? I don’t like emotions. [Laughs] Um, I honestly can’t remember, dude. Probably during some terrible show on Netflix. I really get into TV shows.

In this hyper-politicized time in history, do you feel pressure to make your political stances known? Is there pressure on all artists to be activists these days?

I think there is a time and a place for everything. In my personal life, I’m very tactful when it comes to sensitive issues, I think it’s my psychology degree coming out a bit. I will change the subject like that if a topic is brought up and I don’t feel the room is ready for that level of real. I don’t have conversations of that magnitude until I know someone well—until I’ve figured out that the person I’m talking to is level-headed enough to hold an intelligent conversation about it. If not, I’m a pretty good conversationalist and there are a plethora of other things we could talk about that won’t end up killing the vibe. [And as for other artists and public figures], it just depends on the artist.

People are passionate about different things.

Some people aren’t passionate about political issues, so why would they talk about them? I’m only going to talk about things that I am 1000 percent passionate about. If I’m passionate about it, then idgaf.

Tell us about where you go next.

Well, I’m [about] to fly out to Seattle for a show with the Top 10. Then I fly to L.A. to work with a new producer on some fire-ass, long-awaited new music. I’ve been working with some legends on this next project. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it. Y’all can get some sneak peeks on Instagram at instagram.com/uchesings.

Follow me, homie!

Omar Afra is a freelance journalist covering art, music and entertainment in Houston.

OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 55

T he

Musuic I ss e Melancholiaah! brings an edgy twist to Japanese-inspired performance art.

By MARENE GUSTIN Photo by THE MELANCHOLIAAH! PROJECT 56

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ouston’s 21-year-old Melancholiaah! is an idol.

Seriously. In Japanese pop culture, an idol (or aidoru) is a young performer whose image is marketed through acting, modeling, and variety shows. In 2004, Melancholiaah! started going to U.S. idol events at Japanese pop-culture conventions in the (yes, animée conventions host singing competitions for idols) where she perfected her performance art and storytelling. She likens the idol events to the American beauty-pageant circuit. In 2008, one of her videos went viral in Japan.

“I’d always been into Japanese culture, J-pop music, and animée,” she says. “But I wondered if they’d really like seeing just a white girl singing in Japanese onstage.”

Apparently, they did like it. But the viral video had some unlikely effects, like many things on the internet. It attracted sexual comments and made her feel objectified.

“Idols shouldn’t be sexualized,” says the blonde, self-identifying lesbian. The experience left her with negative feelings, which led to her interest in menhera, a dark and nonconformist style of Japanese art and fashion that encourages mental-health awareness. Some of Melancholiaah!’s music, while upbeat musically in the J-pop style, has lyrics that are also dark. Hence, her stage name.

“I think it’s important to be out about mental-health issues, and singing about it is one way of getting the message out,” she says. The artist recently released a single from her upcoming album, let’s meet at the end of the world, that you can check out on YouTube. Prior to the EP’s October 20 debut, Melancholiaah! is looking to perform more in local venues.

Melancholiaah! is actually very upbeat and almost bubbly in person, despite the dark subject matter of her music. She says she’s very happy enjoying time with her partner of five months, as well as making her music. Among her likes, she lists Donald Duck, flowers, photos of the sky, and spicy food.

Asked about her favorite spicy dish, she beams about the miso ramen at Airis Poke & Ramen. “It’s a neighborhood spot near me,” she says. “And I just love the dish. I have ulcers,” she explains, “so I really shouldn’t eat it. But it’s so spicy and so good.” (It’s made of pork broth, seasoned egg, fish cake, bamboo shoots, sweet corn, green onion, dried seaweed, and spicy miso.) “Whenever I’m feeling down, it’s my go-to dish!”

Learn more about Melancholiaah! at melancholiaah.club

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 57

Song-and-dance man is crowned Mr. Gay Texas America.

By DON MAINES

Chiavone performing for the Mr. Gay Texas America pageant. ouston native Michael Chiavone is the new Mr. Gay Texas America, crowned July 15 at the Rose Room in Dallas.

In talent, the popular songbird at Montrose clubs was able to “stand out above the crowd” with “Stand Out,” the song from A Goofy Movie that Chiavone, who is 28, began performing as a seventh-grader in Spring.

At karaoke shows and talent competitions, “Stand Out” was a winner then, and it’s a winner now, baby.

“You can ask people who knew me at age 12, and they will tell you that I wore that song out,” says Chiavone (pronounced sha-VON-ee). “It has always been my dream to bring that song to life onstage. It took a lot of time and a lot of money and a lot of help from a lot of people.”

To channel Powerline, the fictional pop heartthrob in A Goofy Movie, Chiavone and friends brought to life “something from my own brain” by combining costumes, crazy hair, a video backdrop, and backup dancers to move Chiavone “to the front of the line” in the lineup of 20 contestants.

“A lot of people didn’t know I could dance,” he says.

At Klein High School, where he graduated in 2009, Chiavone was a standout in drama, 60 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

speech and debate, and choir.

He was nominated twice at the Tommy Tune Awards, for Best Supporting Actor as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Best Choreography for his work on Bye Bye Birdie.

He spent two years as a musical-theater major at Oklahoma City University before the bright lights of Manhattan beckoned in 2011 with the role of Damon, a goth kid in Kissless at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Five years ago, Chiavone shined in the title role of The Who’s Tommy for SRO Productions in the Heights, but when pay at local theaters couldn’t keep up with his bills, Chiavone started taking day jobs. However, he missed performing, so he entered Pride Superstar two years ago, placing second in the finals after singing “Faith” by George Michael and “Here’s Where I Stand” from the movie Camp.

That brought him to the attention of Houston club owners who began hiring him as an entertainer, including his current weekly gigs as host of Sunday Funday Karaoke at Guava Lamp and Magic Mic on Thursdays at Barcode Houston.

Returning from Dallas, Chiavone per-

formed his winning talent number to open the July 22 semifinals of Dessie’s Drag Race at Rich’s.

“I will bring it with me to new places that I go, but I gotta keep things fresh, too,” he says. “I have a lot of other things I want to perform, and a whole list of male/female duets on my phone that will be fun to perform with the new Miss Gay Texas America,” who is Edna Anderson of Brownsville.

Miss Gay Houston, Chloe Knox, was named Most Beautiful at the state pageant.

Mykey Whitney, who was first alternate to Mr. Gay Houston, was second alternate to Chiavone for the 2020 Mr. Gay Texas America title.

Chiavone won four of the five categories in the state pageant, including interview, creative presentation, onstage question-and-answer, and Chiavone red-carpet formal wear. The cranberry tuxedo he wore “is in my closet,” he says. “I never feel more attractive than when I am wearing a suit.”

Offstage, he says, “I usually wear black tennis shoes, jean shorts, a black T-shirt, and a black cap turned backwards—always turned backwards.”

When Chiavone sings live, some fan-favorites include his renditions of Valerie and Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, and Como La Flor

by Selena.

“In college, I had to learn to sing in Italian, German, and Spanish,” he says.

Chiavone will hold the state title for about a year before competing at Mr. Gay America, to be held sometime in 2020 at the Rose Room in Dallas.

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 61

An interview with Berlin’s Terri Nunn

By GREGG SHAPIRO | Photo by AP PHOTO/MARK DAVIS

In 1982, when Berlin’s debut album Pleasure Victim was rereleased on Geffen Records, pop music was in a state of flux. The homophobic and racially motivated 1979 Disco Demolition pushed dance music off the radio, paving the way for rock-and-roll hair bands to take over. At the same time, the U.K.’s newwave bands, including The Human League, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode, subversively made dance beats and synthesizers cool again.

Berlin’s controversial first minor hit single “Sex (I’m A…)” from Pleasure Victim effortlessly combined the energy of new wave and disco. By the time the group’s big hit single “No More Words” arrived on the airwaves, dance music for the masses was becoming acceptable again. A couple of years later, Berlin would have its greatest triumph with the track “Take My Breath Away” from the 1986 Tom Cruise movie Top Gun. Lead vocalist Terri Nunn, who has been there throughout Berlin’s nearly 40-year existence, was kind enough to answer a few questions before the band embarked on a summer concert tour.

Gregg Shapiro: Before you became a musician known for dance-oriented music, you played Jeannie in the 1978 disco movie Thank God It’s Friday, alongside Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger, and the late Donna Summer. Is there a special memory from making that movie that you’d like to share?

Terri Nunn: I think the most special thing is that it was the film debut of Donna Summer. She was getting some recognition for the music, but this was her on the screen.

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The amazing thing is that Giorgio Moroder, to me, was just wow! I couldn’t believe the sound that he was getting. I got to meet him on the set. The movie was produced by Neil Bogart at Casablanca Records. I met Giorgio and I was speechless and excited. He was so not interested in me at all. To him, I was just a stupid little 18-year-old actress. A few years later, to have an Oscar with “Take My Breath Away,” the song that we created together—who could have known? It wasn’t on my radar yet! I wanted to make music, but I wasn’t even close to that. He had no idea that later on he would be creating “Take My Breath Away” with me. He has said numerous times that he feels it’s his greatest work.

I’m so glad you mentioned Giorgio, because I think the Berlin song “Sex (I’m A…)” was the best song that Giorgio Moroder never wrote.

[Big laugh] You know why it sounds like a Giorgio Moroder song? I’ll “out” us. (This isn’t an exclusive, because we’ve copped to it before.)

We took his bass line from “I Feel Love” and inverted it. So, it’s going up instead of down. We started with that groove, which we took from him, and changed it a little bit and built on that.

Did he ever comment on it?

Oh, yeah! We told him right away. We were on our hands and knees begging him to work with us on the second album. We had no money yet, but we managed to snag him for the song “No More Words.” That was exactly the time he got the Top Gun soundtrack. It was literally being in the right place at the right time, because we had no name [recognition] yet. Nobody knew

who we were because we hadn’t had a hit yet.

Thank you for mentioning Top Gun. Kenny Loggins is said to be rerecording “Danger Zone” for the Top Gun sequel. Have you and Berlin been invited back to contribute to the soundtrack?

We are in talks. I hadn’t heard anything about Kenny. They haven’t decided, I think, because the music is the last thing to go on a movie. I think they’re still shooting it. Of course, we’d love to be part of it. If I could be a part of it with Giorgio, even better!

Back to “Sex (I’m A…)” for a moment. I was thinking about how the line “Am I bi” was a daring lyric to include in a song in 1982. Do you remember the reaction that that line received?

The entire song received such a strong reaction. We were banned in certain states. A couple of states in the South wouldn’t play the record or [allow] us to play live there. They thought it was awful and blasphemous, and we were the devil’s children. I actually heard that said. [Laughs] Now you look at that and it’s nothing!

Yes, it’s so tame by comparison.

At the time, that had never been said in a song.

I think people were up in arms because they’d never heard a woman talk that way, even though women talk that way to each other all the time—about our fantasies, about how we feel, about how guys are, and all that. But it had never been put to music.

Because dance music has been a central com-

ponent of Berlin’s music as recently as 2013’s Animal album, and the queer community has a fondness for that style of music, are you aware of your LGBTQ following?

Oh, yes! We get invited to do Prides quite often. Of anything we do, that’s one of my favorite shows to do. What could be more fun than a Pride? There was one in South Carolina that was really rough. There were so many protestors, people with signs outside. It was like, “Dude, really? What year are we in?” [Pride festivals are] so much more of an accepted concert experience for people that this [kind of protest] is really unusual now. It’s a wonderful gathering of people. It’s both the most outrageous and the safest musical experience with people that I’ve ever had. When we get asked to do a Pride, we’re there!

Berlin is on tour this summer with the B-52s.

What are you most looking forward to about that concert tour?

Two things. Getting to play a lot of cities that we have not played. We’re doing 32 cities— headlining, and on tour with them. We’re going into places we haven’t been in a while. I’m looking forward to that. The B-52s are, for me, one of the greatest bands. Kate, with her beehive hairdo! They’re like Devo and Pink Floyd— bands that are so unique. They never sounded like anyone else to begin with. There’s no way to place them in any time frame because they were completely their own animal in the time frame they were in. Therefore it never ages. It’s just this music that is amazing forever. I’m so honored to have a chance to get to do a bunch of shows with them this year.

According to the Berlin website, a new album, Transcendance, is scheduled to be released this year. What can you tell me about it?

It’s the first album since 1985 with the original band members John Crawford and David Diamond. That came out of nowhere. That reunion with them happened a couple of years ago. John was getting a divorce, and at the same time David’s partner left him. They were together eight years, and John was with his wife for more than 20. We basically held on to each other. I had been through a divorce. What we always did was create musically together.

We started doing that for fun, and then the songs got written and then record labels got interested. The songs were recorded, and then it was an album. [Laughs] And now it’s coming out August 2! I’m as shocked as you are. I had no idea it was coming.

What: The B-52’s with OMD and Berlin When: August 24 at 7:30 p.m.

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 63

JACQUELINE ANDRADE

ARTS

50 Years of Revolution: A Playlist of Emotions Steven Evans’ exhibit sheds light on LGBTQ life after Stonewall.

By SAM BYRD

F

resh on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) continues displaying art inspired by the revolt widely considered to be the genesis of the modern-day queer-rights movement. The new exhibit, entitled Steven Evans: If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!, is on display in the museum’s Nina and Michael Zilkha Gallery through Sunday, October 13.

Evans, whose career spans more than three decades, creates pieces that explore con-

64 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

nections between music, language, memory, identity, and collectivity. The CAMH exhibit offers two distinct sections that work in concert to reveal the ways popular song titles can be linked to moments of social and political change.

The first area consists of three lavendercolored walls, with one song from each year since the Stonewall uprising to create what Evans refers to as “concrete poetry.” Evans’ creation uses a bold typeface rendered in black latex and adhesive vinyl to grab the viewer’s attention.

A plaque inside the viewing space explains the reasoning behind a few of the song choices.

Titles and lyrics from Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out,” The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men,” k.d. lang’s “Constant Craving,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” and Sly and the Family Stone’s “Stand!” provide “evidence of the ways that recording artists support progressive sexual politics affecting queers, women, and other marginalized groups. Whether they are heard on the radio or on dance floors, these songs encourage hope, energy, and perseverance in turbulent times.”

EMILY PEACOCK

NEON MEMORIES

Artist Steven Evans is shown installing his neon artwork at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

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The songs’ vertical positioning reflects the artist’s emotional response to the tunes.

For example, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” a reflection on the AIDS crisis, is placed near the floor while Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” a song about inner beauty and self-love, nearly touches the ceiling.

Evans worked on the piece for nearly three years, using the Stonewall 50th anniversary as an organizing element after finding out that the show was scheduled for this summer.

“The songs are part of the collective consciousness, but they also have personal meanings to the viewer or listener—associations that might remind them of a love affair, a bad breakup, or something personal,” Evans says. “It’s a balance of history and memory, collective and individual, public and private.

Looking at Stonewall, and all the changes that have come through that movement over the years, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to respond in that way.”

The other half of the display is a dimly lit room with ten neon light fixtures similarly inspired by song titles. The lights shine in blue, red, white, yellow, and orange tones to make the colors pop.

“They stand alone, and the viewer experiences one at a time. It’s less of a history and more of a personal memory with these songs,” Evans explains. “They are iconic songs like ‘Don’t You Want Me,’ ‘Got to Be Real,’ ‘Relax,’ ‘There’s a Light that Never Goes Out,’ and ‘It’s Raining Men.’” “For the neon works, I was thinking a lot about bars that might have neon signs or advertising displayed in some way. I was thinking about bringing this inner light to the song. The neon pieces are more sculptural and glow, and as a viewer you become drawn to them because of the light—almost like a moth to a flame,” he said.

While the song titles are familiar, the exhibit’s title requires a history refresher lesson to understand. Evans explains that the title is a derivation of a quote from Emma Goldman, an early 20th-century political figure. Her statement, “If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution,” touches upon the idea that revolutions are to make life better so that people can express joy.

“For me, that was resonant in terms of using dance music for subject matter, and also thinking about my own history growing up and being closeted as a young man and still feeling that my behavior needed to be policed because

we were not allowed to express joy,” he says. “[That is not as much of a problem today], but if you grew up at a particular time, you internalized it because of fear. You didn’t express that joy, because being LGBTQ might bring bad consequences. I wanted a revolution so that we can all be who we are.”

To see the museum’s entire lower floor filled with Evans’ work speaks to the importance of its meaning. It’s even more impressive considering that the art nearly didn’t happen.

“The ‘It’s Raining Men’ piece was my first one. I was never really satisfied with it.

I took off from 2001 until 2012. I didn’t make anything. I only thought about work I might make someday,” he recalls. “When I began making art again, it was in response to a personal crisis, and trying to work my way out of that by accessing my creativity. That’s when I returned to the neon songs and they really began flowing.”

The exhibit’s pieces are tied together by the universal language of music, and they can be understood in a myriad of ways depending on the eye (and ear) of the beholder. “[This art is] based around issues of identity and memories of history. I come at it from the experience of a gay man, but the work is made for everyone,” Evans says. “The song titles [speak to everyone]. It tells a particular story in one reading, but it has an openness to it that works for everybody.”

Steven Evans: If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution! is on display through Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Boulevard. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Closed Mondays. For information, call 713284-8250 or visit camh.org. Admission is free.

OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 65

COMMUNITY

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 67

ARTS

Wes Holloway’s Perfect Bodies Local activist combats invisibility with his art.

By BILL ARNING Photo by MARK S. McCRAY

If you regularly attend art events in Houston, you have probably seen Wes Holloway with his perpetually smiling face, often pink-colored hair, and his huge, technically advanced wheelchair. He is a community activist and organizer for Houston artists, disabled people, and (most crucially) the disabled artists and young people he teaches. His studio door at Sabine Street Studios is usually open (when he is not in intense art-production mode) and visitors often quiz him about his sexual and romantic life in ways that one would not normally do on 68 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

a first encounter. That’s because the art in his studio makes it clear that this is an unguarded human being who wants to combat the invisibility of disabled sexuality.

Holloway’s work looks directly at what it means to be a sexual gay man in a wheelchair.

He explains that because he has been under constant medical scrutiny since his late teens, he has very little sense of what is private and off-limits for questioning. And that is a very good thing for his art. Since we, as a culture, have a huge blind spot in terms of how differently abled bodies express sexuality (prefer-

ring to think that mental and physical desire are absent from their lives), Holloway is on a mission to make visible his life as a horny young queer fellow in Houston.

Photos reveal that Holloway was a dreamy young Texan before he lost the use of his body in a diving accident. He explains that since he was so young when he became disabled, he never for a second considered not pursuing his dreams to become an artist. When asked if his coming into art-making or coming out as a gay man came first, he explains that the two types of blossoming were wrapped up together.

The artist has regained enough use of his hands to paint and draw beautifully—with his somewhat wobbly and woozy painted lines giving his work an extra-seductive feeling.

It is impossible to visit his studio without being fully aware that Holloway likes to surround himself with collages, drawings, and paintings of intensely fleshy, naked men. Pondering the gay-male obsessions with the body beautiful, he muses, “As a man with a flawed body myself, I ask What is perfection? What is truly beautiful?”

His three-dimensional collage-based works will sometimes contain hidden, pornographic titillations mixed in with images of surgery and physical therapy (often deliberately confused, leaving inquisitive viewers to wonder if the hands we see are trying to get the subject off or are helping him walk). One of Holloway’s most moving pieces overlays his written musings about disability with movie star Christopher Reeves’ writings about his post-accident life with paralysis. Holloway’s larger paintings depict surgeries presented in a hyper-sexualized way, with one painting that shows how to stop bleeding in a way that looks like the moment before a first kiss. Holloway may skin a painting with a fragile veil of colored translucent plastic and let the skin fray with time—a metaphor for the intrusions his body requires to stay comfortable and healthy.

Differently abled queer folks have recently received a lot of attention in other forums— from the lesbian comedian Hannah Gadsby’s

coming-out and being on the autism spectrum, to writer Ryan O’Connell’s Netflix series about trying to get laid and finding love with cerebral palsy, to Ryan Haddad’s one-man show Hi, Are You Single? that also explores sex and dating with cerebral palsy.

When asked about his dating life, Holloway’s usual smile grows bigger as he recalls his encounters with guys who are interested in getting to know him romantically. If they arrive with a list of requirements for what sex must be, they will likely be disappointed. But if they are willing to freely explore what their two particular bodies can do, everyone leaves satisfied and happy.

After all, any sex that is not at its heart exploratory and free-form might not be worth having.

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ARTS

Kevin Cahoon IMDB

Native Houstonian stars in Netflix’s Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

K

evin Cahoon is there when the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling do Sin City in the third season of the award-winning comedy-drama series GLOW. What happens in Vegas, circa 1986, begins streaming August 9 on Netflix, but we’ve already seen the preview trailer with Cahoon “in a blonde wig and a coffin toward the end,” the former Houstonian says.

And is that Cahoon disguised as Liza Minnelli in a nightclub scene? Hmmm.

The gay actor’s career has careened from the Astrodome, where he was billed (at age 6) as “The World’s Youngest Rodeo Clown,” to Hollywood, where (at age 13) he won the Teen Male Vocalist Grand Championship on TV’s Star Search, to Broadway and Off-Broadway, where he performed once a week as the replacement for John Cameron Mitchell in the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

In July, Cahoon came home to Houston from New York City to direct Matilda the Musical at the JET-PAC, a training academy for dance, acting, and vocal performance in Webster, across the way from NASA. In fact, the Johnson Space Center was the setting for a Jeté Society Honor in 2011, when Cahoon was feted by the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, where he directed six shows.

On GLOW, Cahoon plays Bobby Barnes, a

70 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

single gay father who meets the lady wrestlers when they flee Los Angeles and arrive in Vegas to perform at a nightclub managed by a former showgirl played by Oscar winner Geena Davis.

“There’s nothing bigger than a live show in Vegas,” the wrestlers are told.

“My character is a celebrity impersonator,” says Cahoon. “I’ve never done female impersonation, so I tried to learn really quick. You will know them all; I was very familiar with all of them. There were plenty of talk shows and performances on YouTube to study. I learned that their breathing was very informative.”

Cahoon has been a fan of GLOW since its buzzy debut on Netflix in 2017 as an homage to an actual 1980s women’s wrestling troupe that originated in Los Angeles but moved to Vegas.

“It has a rabid fan base,” he says. “It’s fantastic and thrilling. It’s everything.”

The show’s creative wrestling scenes won this year’s award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series from the Screen Actors Guild, which also nominated GLOW for best cast and best female actor (Alison Brie).

It is nominated in five categories at the 71st Emmy Awards that will be announced in September.

Cahoon grew up in Dobbins, near Conroe, and began acting at the age of 10, performing at Theatre Under The Stars, Stages Repertory

By DON MAINES Theatre, Main Street Theater, and Houston Grand Opera. He has had roles in culturally significant Houston productions such as the Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse musical Chaplin, a scandalous staging of Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You, and a show about Mama Ninfa at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

That musical, by the late Frank M. Young and Jim Bernhardt, featured Cahoon as Gino Laurenzo, the youngest son of Mama Ninfa.

Next, Cahoon majored in acting at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Montrose, before earning a bachelor of fine arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts at Circle in the Square in the Big Apple.

“All of my stuff is in New York,” he says, “but I am such a nomad.”

On Broadway, Cahoon played the roles of Ed the Hyena in The Lion King, George in The Wedding Singer, and the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

His debut album, Doll, from his band, Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy, won the Out Music Award for Outstanding Debut Recording, a Citation of Merit from Billboard magazine’s World Songwriters Awards, and the Pabst Blue Ribbon Live & Local Award for New York City.

Cahoon has appeared in a number of television series and films by Disney, Gus Van Sant, Woody Allen, and others.

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MOVIES

ALLSTAR/MGM

TIMELESS TALE

L. Frank Baum’s children’s story speaks to the political turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II.

Eighty Years of The Wizard of Oz A young gay man reexamines the Judy Garland classic.

By JEFFRY FAIRCLOTH

T

his year marks the 80th anniversary of the classic American film The Wizard of Oz. As a young gay man, I have loved this movie, and Judy Garland, since childhood. I remember my grandfather driving me to the video store, over and over, to rent it when I was four years old.

Even though I’ve probably seen the film a hundred times, viewing it more recently has revealed things I hadn’t noticed as a child.

I guess getting older does that. However, I also think it is because this masterpiece of American cinema is similar to a fine wine that seems to get better with age. In recognition of this year’s milestone Oz anniversary, I share these insights as a tribute to a film that means so much to me, and has helped to shape my gay identity.

One thing that makes The Wizard of Oz

72 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

perfect is its use of themes that touch on universal human experiences. This is most obvious in the song “Over the Rainbow,” considered one of the greatest American songs ever written. We can all relate to the human emotions it captures—the feelings of hope and the longing to achieve our dreams. It can even touch our deepest feelings about existence and life after death.

What a lot of people don’t know is that the lyrics to this beloved American song were written by Yip Harburg, a liberal man who was considered a socialist. Such information provides context to the inspiration of the song and the entire film. The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939 during the Great Depression and the turmoil caused by the rise of Adolf Hitler and the German Nazis. The Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II was only 2 years away. There

was enormous fear and uncertainty about the future, and this simple song captured the fears and longings for a happier place where bluebirds fly in peace and rainbows fill the sky instead of military aircrafts that drop bombs on populations below.

Beyond this historical context to the song and the movie, such longings are universal. We all want a better world for ourselves and others in 2019 just as much as people did in 1939.

The economic angst of the Great Depression is reflected throughout the film. The Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City? Those are symbolic of economic systems. Since the film is based on American writer L. Frank Baum’s books, the economic system symbolized is capitalism. In this way, The Wizard of Oz is both critical and appreciative of the capitalist economic system.

The Wizard himself could be viewed as

the leader of a corporation or business. He instructs Dorothy and her friends that if their wishes are to be fulfilled, they must first do his bidding. “Bring me the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West,” he tells them. Only then will they be rewarded. Is this not like the employer/employee relationship? You do your job and then you get compensated.

But while the Wizard is the grantor of wishes and livelihoods, he isn’t everything.

Dorothy and company do as they are told.

They go to the castle of the Wicked Witch and acquire the broomstick, only to discover that sometimes the Wizard—symbolic of the economic elite—does not keep promises, and that sometimes the promises are an illusion the elite use to consolidate power by spinning a fantasy to the underclass.

Yet, these critiques of capitalism never go so far as to imply that it should be completely opposed. Ultimately, Dorothy and her companions appreciate the things the Wizard can do, while learning that they must find the power within themselves, individually and collectively, to rein in the unchecked excesses of those at the top. Power must be held accountable. As such, The Wizard of Oz embraces capitalism while warning that it must be regulated by “We the People,” who should oversee the economy and ensure it meets the needs of everyone and not just the privileged. This reflects the historical reality of the 1930s, when president Franklin D. Roosevelt, with his New Deal policies, reined in capitalism’s excesses that caused the Great Depression. Such symbolism still resonates just as much in 2019 in this uniquely American way.

Further symbolic lessons are illustrated by the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. Specifically, I am reminded of an essay by Friedrich Nietzsche, “On the Uses and Disadvantages of History for Life,” in which he argues that there are three perspectives for interpreting history: monumental, antiquarian, and critical.

A monumental outlook on history is biased toward seeing the greatness of the past and is often intertwined with patriotism—for example, the concept of American exceptionalism and Ronald Reagan referring to America as the “shining city on a hill.” This monumental viewpoint is in contrast to the critical perspective. Not everything has been great, according to those with a critical outlook. For example, some may say America is an exceptional country, but to others America has done terrible things and must be criticized. Look no further than the history of American racism to grasp the critical perspective. Lastly, there is the antiquarian mindset. The antiquarians have soft spots for all history, good or bad. For antiquarians, tradition is everything. ➝ CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

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ARTS

John Dyer, Selena, 1992, chromogenic print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Texas Monthly and the artist. © 1992 John Dyer, All Rights Reserved

‘Icons of Style’ MFAH exhibition looks at the gay men who shaped fashion and fashion photography.

T

he Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, has unveiled its latest summer blockbuster, Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography, which continues through September 22. The exhibition’s trove of 200 ravishing images of trendsetters—from silent-film siren Gloria Swanson to Diana Ross to Beyoncé and beyond—is sure to captivate a wide audience.

The Museum’s press release states that the exhibition “traces fashion photography’s trajectory from niche industry to powerful cultural force, and its gradual recognition as 74 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

By ANDREW EDMONSON an art form.” The exhibition also serves as a vivid chronicle of the seminal role that gay men played in the development of fashion photography and 20th-century fashion.

Icons traces the arc of fashion photography’s development from queer pioneers in the early twentieth century like Baron Adolf De Meyer and Cecil Beaton to contemporary masters such as Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts.

Integrated throughout the exhibition are stunning pieces from the MFAH Costume Institute—works by the some of the greatest gay and bisexual designers of the last century, including Charles James (1906–1978), Yves

Saint-Laurent (1936–2008) for the House of Dior, Ossie Clark (1942–1966), Calvin Klein (born 1942), and Gianni Versace (1946–1997).

The exhibition opens with several beautiful works in the Pictorialist style by Baron Adolf De Meyer (1868–1946), considered to be the Annie Leibovitz of early 20th-century America. He served as Vogue’s first staff photographer from 1913 to 1921 before returning to Paris to work for Harper’s Bazaar until 1931.

De Meyer shot the glitterati of the era, from silent-film stars Mary Pickford and Lillian Gish to actor John Barrymore to King George V and Queen Mary of the United Kingdom. British

photographer and theatrical designer Cecil Beaton praised De Meyer as “the Debussy of the camera.” Some critics have hailed him as the father of modern fashion photography.

His 1913 portrait of the fashion plate Rita de Acosta Lydig showcases the strengths of his work, highlighting the socialite’s lovely profile and sensuous back, elegantly attired in a black-and-white gown. Also noteworthy is a 1925 image of the young Coco Chanel, whom he met by chance in 1923 and whom he praised for “her brilliant mind—precise and accurate, absolutely original.”

Cecil Beaton (1904–1980) makes the first of several exhibition appearances with a blackand-white print from 1928 titled “Debutantes– Baba Beaton, Wanda Baillie Hamilton, and Lady Bridget Boulet.” Shot while he was still in his early twenties, the meticulously staged, highly theatrical portrait of three British society beauties captures the spirit of the Bright Young Things, the bohemian aristocrats in 1920s London whose exploits captivated the tabloid press of the day.

Beaton was friends with the Russian émigré George Hoyningen-Huené (1900– 1968), one of the great fashion photographers of the 1920s and 1930s who went on to become a celebrated Hollywood portraitist. He is represented in the second gallery by his iconic image “Bathing Suits by Izod, Paris 1930,” featuring two sleek divers, one male and one female, seen from behind, looking off into a gray middle distance. Although the picture seems to be set at a beach, it was actually shot on the roof of Vogue’s Paris studio. The male model was Hoyningen-Huené’s hunky assistant, Horst P. Horst (1906–1999), who was also his apprentice and lover.

Just four years later, Horst would rise to become one of the most prestigious fashion photographers of his era, thanks in part to the entrée made by Hoyningen-Huené at Vogue’s Paris offices. Horst is represented by several works in the exhibition, including the quintessential image “The Mainbocher Corset, Paris 1939.” In this celebrated photo, a blonde model is seen from behind, her back sensuously enveloped in the titular corset with the ties draped across the bottom half of the shot. The image is erotic and cerebral, imbued with a surreal mystery.

During the making of the photo, the German photographer was anything but cerebral as he prepared to flee the impending Nazi invasion. “It was created by emotion,” Horst recalled of the famous image. “It was the last photo I took in Paris before the war. I left the studio at 4:00 a.m., went back to the house, picked up my bags, and caught the 7:00 a.m. train to Le Havre to board the Normandie. The photograph is peculiar for me. While I was taking it, I was thinking of all that I was leaving behind.”

George Hoyningen-Huene, Bathing Suits by Izod, Paris, 1930, gelatin silver print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, museum purchase funded by the Geoffrey and Barbara Koslov Family, the Manfred Heiting Collection. © Condé Nast

Irving Penn, Harlequin Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, 1950, platinum-palladium print, the Art Institute of Chicago, gift of Irving Penn. © Condé Nast

Another aspect of Horst’s artistry is featured in his archetypal 1942 portrait of the German film star Marlene Dietrich, spectacularly attired in a black suit and wide-brimmed hat, and brilliantly lit from below as she leaned over a chair, radiating a cool Teutonic beauty.

Writing Horst’s obituary in 1999, Cathy Horyn of the New York Times observed, “The people he knew, the clothes he photographed,

conjure up a world where elegance and manners still mattered, and indeed Horst was himself a specimen of prewar savoir-faire, with blond hair and a trim, muscular body. His settings were often highly stylized, and he preferred to work in a studio where he could use artificial light to impose an unreality on his subjects, elevating them to a glamorous ideal.”

A high point of the show is Cecil Beaton’s 1948 technicolor image “Charles James Ball Gowns, New York 1948.” In this work, the talents of two gay tastemakers at the top of their respective forms converge. The tableaux vivant features eight models in an array of different positions that seem casual, yet were deliberately staged to showcase the varied shapes of the ball gowns by the Anglo-American couturier. One of the most influential designers of the 20th century, James was renowned for the revolutionary mathematical and scientific construction of his evening gowns. (Don’t miss the magnificent 1947 teal gown by James, positioned dramatically at the entrance to the exhibition.)

By the 1980s, gay photographers such as Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts broke new ground in making male sexuality commercially appealing. Weber’s iconic 1982 image “Tom Hintnaus for Calvin Klein, Santorini, Greece,” features the stunningly buff and tan Brazilian OutSmartMagazine.com | JULY 2019 75

ICONS OF STYLE | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Olympic pole-vaulter in Calvin Klein underwear, evoking the perfection of a Greek god.

When the huge image was displayed in Times Square, it stopped traffic.

Malcolm Daniel, the Gus and Lyndall Wortham curator of photography at the MFAH, offers an interesting analysis of the synergies needed to produce such a powerful image.

“Many of the photographs in this exhibition resulted from a complex collaboration between the designer and the photographer, not to mention the model and the client—a balancing act meant to simultaneously display the fashion, express a unique pictorial vision, and entice the viewer to become a consumer,” he observed.

“Some images have become iconic because of their subject’s fame, some because of their groundbreaking fashion, some because of the photographer’s novel approach to the medium.

And in the very best, all of that came together,” he commented.

One section of the exhibition is devoted to the emergence and influence of the late-1980s “supermodel,” and the photographers who

helped power their rise to fame.

One of the most affecting images of the exhibition is Herb Ritts’ “Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood 1989.” It showcases a bevvy of the supermodels from that era nude, cradling themselves lovingly in each other’s arms as they peer out of the frame.

“You knew you were going to look gorgeous,” model Cindy Crawford told a reporter at the time. “The way Herb Ritts photographed you was the way you wanted the world to see you.”

Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography was organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and was curated

by Paul Martineau, associate curator of photographs at the Getty Museum. This presentation has been adapted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibition is on view through September 22, 2019.

Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, August 1955, gelatin silver print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Karen Kelsey Duddlesten in honor of Anne Wilkes Tucker on the occasion of her retirement. © The Richard Avedon Foundation

Andrew Edmonson has written about the arts for the Houston Chronicle, OutSmart, the Houston Voice, and Houston Ballet News.

He won the Award of Special Merit from the Texas Chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.

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OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

78 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

OUT THERE

Saturday, June 22

Downtown Houston was buzzing—with over 700,000 in attendance—for Space City’s annual LGBTQ festival and parade. Houston Pride 2019 was themed “Summer of ‘69” in honor of the 50th anniversaries of the Stonewall Riots, the Woodstock Festival, and the Moon Landing. This year’s celebration included performances by Uché, Young M.A, Dorian Electra, and Plastique Tiara.

➽

For more event photos, please visit TinyURL.com/OSMPhotos OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 79

OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

Friday, June 21

Pride Houston hosted Eden, a party dedicated to LGBTQ women, at Pearl Bar. The event featured Space City’s hottest DJs, drink specials, and tons of dancing.

Proceeds from the event went to keeping Houston’s Pride celebration free and open to all.

Thursday, June 20 Dozens attended Rock the Runway, an LGBTQ Pride fashion show, at Sharespace Houston.

Houston models and designers showcased the latest in queer fashion, including haute styles, the latest in ladies’ evening wear, and pleanty of avant-garde statements.

80 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

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OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

Friday, June 21

Hundreds gathered at Discovery Green for the park’s annual LGBTQ summer celebration, Rainbow on the Green.

An army of drag queens revved up the crowd, sporting eco-fashions by local Mexican artist Yahaira DeHill, whose designs are made from recycled items.

The queens also did spot-on celebrity impersonations of Tina Turner, Beyoncé, and Janet Jackson.

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OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

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Pride Houston wrapped up its 2019 LGBTQ celebration with The Tea Dance at Eagle Houston. The official closing ceremony featured a performance by DJ Matt Consola, owner of the nation’s largest LGBTQ dance label, Swishcraft.

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Microsoft embraced LGBTQ employees with a Pride Mixer at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The social event, which featured performances by Drag Houston, was a production by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Employees at Microsoft (GLEAM), the company’s national resource group for queer employees.

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THE WIZARD OF OZ | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73

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According to Nietzsche, all three historical perspectives must be valued, but each has pitfalls when taken to the extreme. Those who lean antiquarian can get stuck in the past, unable to see the necessity of change; they may become history’s hoarders. If left unchecked, the critical perspective runs the risk of seeing only the negative in everything. While those with this outlook are future-facing, they may be in danger of throwing the baby out with the bath water. Not everything in life is bad, and some things from the past are worth preserving. The monumental viewpoint, if it becomes extreme, can end up not being so monumental after all, causing important criticism to be discarded. The best thing to do is to incorporate all three historical perspectives holistically, creating a balanced view of history. Each one of us is drawn toward one of these perspectives over the others, but as collective human beings, our varying outlooks balance each other out.

Nietzsche’s three historical perspectives are manifested in the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. The Lion symbolizes monumental history. He wants to be the great king of the forest, but he suffers from cowardice. On his own, he is unable to achieve his true greatness; a pursuit

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that is often motivated not by genuine bravery, but by fear. Consider those who today chant “Make America Great Again” and are led by a strongman leader. Is this a genuine pursuit of greatness or a fear of some unknown?

The Scarecrow is a metaphor for the critical perspective. He seeks brains and he is the one that keeps the group moving forward, particularly when Dorothy is whisked away by the flying monkeys to the Witch’s castle.

Consider his problem: his head is made of straw. It is as if he gets lost in his own mind.

Yet, the Scarecrow’s brains come to fruition when he is among the Lion and the Tin Man.

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When balanced with the others, he is at his sharpest. Of the three, the Scarecrow is the most emphasized in the film. Before leaving Oz, Dorothy states to everyone that she will miss Scarecrow most of all. Thus, the critical perspective carries us into the future.

Then there is the Tin Man. After Dorothy, he is my favorite character. The Tin Man likewise embodies the antiquarian outlook, the perspective I am the most aligned with.

The Tin Man is a sentimental old soul. But look at what sometimes happens to him: he gets rusted solid and is unable to move, just like an antiquarian who can get so stuck in the past that the need for change goes unacknowledged.

It is only when all three characters meet each other down the Yellow Brick Road that the Scarecrow finds his brains, the Tin Man gets his heart, and the Lion acquires his courage. It takes all three: monumental (Lion), antiquarian (Tin Man) and critical (Scarecrow).

As the protagonist of the film, Dorothy exemplifies holistically integrating all three perspectives, and it is only after she accomplishes this feat that she finds her inner self and understands what “home” really is. It is significant that the film emphasizes her as its heroine. The Wizard of Oz was released only 19 years after women gained the right to vote all across the United States. Thus, Dorothy is a strong symbol of feminism. Nothing reveals this better than when she opens the door of her black-and-white home and walks into a future filled with vibrant technicolor. It is as if the film is saying the future belongs to women. And throughout her journey, Dorothy learns that she has the ability within herself to become empowered.

Everyone knows The Wizard of Oz has influenced the lived experiences of LGBTQ people. It certainly has enormous resonance with me as a gay man. Would there have been a rainbow flag if it had not been for The Wizard of Oz? I am inclined to think not. It will always be one of the LGBTQ community’s greatest inspirational films. But what really makes The Wizard of Oz a masterpiece is that while it has symbolism unique to the American context and the LGBTQ community, its themes transcend and resonate with people from diverse lived human experiences.

The Wizard of Oz was nominated for a 1939 Academy Award for Best Picture. It ultimately lost to Gone with the Wind, which came out the same year. Yet, I dare say it has aged better than Gone with the Wind. A hundred years from now, although future generations may still be discussing Gone with the Wind and its revisionist take on the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, I think it may become as forgotten as so many other classics. The Wizard of Oz, though, will live on, because what it stirs in the human spirit is timeless.

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TRAVEL

Tokyo Rainbow

Pride 2019 Annual celebration contrasts with slow government progress on LGBTQ civil rights.

J

By YVONNE K. TRAN Photo and video assistants: LISA TRAN and ANNIE HOANG

apan is having a remarkable year of progress toward LGBTQ equality and social awareness. According to a recent survey, 1 in 11 people identify as LGBT, but 65 percent of those respondents had not told anyone about their sexuality, for fear of a negative reaction. Without any civil-rights protections in place, many closeted citizens fear losing jobs, housing, and upsetting family members.

But with the recent wave of news articles, demonstrations, documentaries, and out characters in popular television shows, Japan’s LGBTQ+ communities cannot be ignored any longer. Visibility in society and through social media is making an impact as artists and actors come out and share their stories. Some local governments have started issuing same-sex partnership certificates. In February, thirteen same-sex couples sued the government for marriage equality. In April, the first transgender person was elected to a prefectural assembly. In June, the first samesex marriage bill was introduced in parliament—shortly after Taiwan became the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage. A major victory just occurred on July 22, when openly gay lawmaker Taiga Ishikawa was elected to the Upper House. Ishikawa has been actively campaigning on recognizing same-sex marriages and LGBT rights. A cultural shift is taking place, and this generation will create change.

In Japanese, “Aru ga mama o hokoro!” means “Be proud of who you are!” The Tokyo Rainbow Pride organization simply and joyously announced “I Have Pride” as its theme for 2019. The city came out in full force with festival attendance reaching 200,000—the highest ever recorded. Over 10,000 people marched in the 3-kilometer parade route through the bustling streets of Shibuya Ward.

Countless spectators lined the streets from Harajuku to Shibuya to watch the fearless displays of love and diversity. Attendees included numerous foreigners and ally organizations from around the globe, including Amnesty International and other human-rights groups.

Japanese Pride organizations from several regions also came to participate and show their support.

88 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Tokyo Rainbow Pride banners and flags waved in the bright sunshine, and creative LGBTQ window displays lined the streets. People of all ages were enjoying the perfect weekend weather. Many eagerly set out early to attend the Pride Festival, meet up with their friends in the parade staging area, or find perfect viewing spots along the parade route. It was heartwarming to see so many LGBTQ families and allies with children in attendance. Babies, kids, and pets were everywhere in a truly family-friendly environment.

as they walked the streets. Various religious leaders­—including priests, monks, Buddhists, and even a man dressed as Jesus—waved in solidarity. Marching bands and groups of traditional musicians played as marchers danced along. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

We met a lovely French family consisting of a man with his partner and his mother. It was their first time attending Tokyo Rainbow Pride, although they had attended Pride events in France and several other cities in Europe.

When we asked them what their organization was about, the son replied, “We are with Le Refuge. It is a French organization that takes care of young LGBT people from ages 15 to 25.

A couple of employees and multiple volunteers provide psychological assistance, and help the youth go back to school and find jobs. Le Refuge accommodates around 10,000 young people a year, [but we must turn away] three times that many.”

For this momentous 25th anniversary year of the Tokyo Pride parade, Tokyo Rainbow Pride organizers invited anyone who wanted to march to assemble in the staging area one hour prior to the start of the procession. This section of the park was packed with both eager LGBTQ marchers and spirited allies. Media partner BuzzFeed Japan not only offered social-media coverage of the big event, but also collected statements written by people living throughout Japan who could not travel to the celebration. Printed signs with those sentiments were carried down the parade route on behalf of those citizens. It was both a touching tribute and an inclusive way of encouraging widespread participation.

We also met a gay couple from Spain who cut short their vacation in Hakone to head back to Tokyo as soon as they learned that Rainbow Pride was taking place. “We didn’t want to miss the chance to see it. This is our first day in Tokyo, as we were in Kyoto this week. The timing worked out perfectly!”

Tokyo Rainbow Pride organizers kept the parade moving steadily for hours. Seas of participants in matching colored shirts marched while waving to the crowds and shouting “Happy Pride!” Flags representing different LGBTQI groups were carried between the parade floats. Activists held up signs while shooting videos on cell phones. Couples walked hand in hand. Several families with children were also marching in the parade. Mixed-race couples walked proudly with messages written on their T-shirts. Drag queens with incredible outfits and wigs posed for photos and vogued

The Two-Day Pride Festival

Each year, the sprawling Yoyogi Park turns into the headquarters for the two-day Tokyo Rainbow Pride Festival. There is no charge to attend, and organizers have volunteers stationed at all park entrances handing out maps, event schedules, and Pride guides. This was easily the friendliest and most well-organized Pride festival I have ever attended. The official Pride guide was packed with detailed resources and an excellent written history of the last 30 years of the Japanese LGBTQI movement. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 89

TOKYO RAINBOW PRIDE 2019 | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

One of the most popular booths contained a neon rainbow coffin for guests to lie down inside, take a deep breath, and close their eyes for a moment of healing meditation. Some guests even chose to hold a bouquet of flowers.

The coffin lid would then be carefully closed for a minute of silent prayer. Once the lid was reopened, a photo would be taken to symbolize the participant’s rebirth. This process intrigued many festival-goers, and provided a way for guests to leave past selves or old wounds behind.

Many corporate sponsors, non-profit organizations, student groups, political-action groups, and food vendors occupied the 278 festival booths. Several Japanese airline companies, travel websites, and hotels displayed their support, with groups of employees and allies both marching in the parade and running booths at the festival. All Nippon Airways (ANA) had a large group of marchers with all kinds of supportive signs. Japan Airlines (JAL) had a big interactive booth set up with photoops and travel information.

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At the Rakuten booth, three volunteers asked festival-goers to take part in a poll: What current LGBTQ issue do you think needs more support? Participants placed red-dot stickers on a poster board next to their most important issue. Among the issues listed were life insurance for same-sex partners, home mortgage loans for all couples, housing support, more LGBTQ-related media coverage, support for LGBTQ financial planning, LGBTQ-friendly job search tools, insurance coverage for gender transitioning, and LGBTQ-friendly hotel services and amenities. Booth visitors were having open, honest conversations about which issues they were currently facing. ➝

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Dentsu’s LGBT Rainbow Research booth was packed with current statistics from their many studies and polls taken in 2019. One display showed that over 78% of Japanese citizens would vote in favor of marriage equality. The display included a giant rainbow wedding cake with a 78% cake topper. People waited in line to take photos with delightful props inside a colorful rainbow. A shiny golden throne was placed on a platform where visitors could strike a pose.

The Tokyo Rainbow Pride events calendar was also packed with every type of gathering you could imagine. There were parties and family-friendly events such as activists networking, Youth & Family Pride, Dyke Weekend, an LGBTQI family picnic, medical and mental-health meetings, an international film festival, educational lectures, sports events, book clubs, art exhibitions, club events, talk shows, hiking groups, yoga in the park, parenting workshops, and more.

People of all ages gleefully took turns creating fun memories. Inside this area were additional facts and figures next to a thoughtful rainbow-colored “action wall.” This section highlighted moments of activism and the change-makers who were working toward equality. Not only was this display visually interesting, it highlighted the many concerns that LGBTQ people in Japan must face without having laws in place to protect them. It successfully accomplished its intended educational purpose, and was certainly one of our favorite stops in the festival.

The festival’s main stage had a non-stop lineup of musicians, live performances, and DJs. The headliner group m-flo created the first official Tokyo Rainbow Pride song, No Question, that was remixed by Mitsunori Ikeda. The mainstage lineup included Kiyotaka, Gaysha Gals, DoGaluuu, Lydia, Lyla Boops, and many more groups that provided the joyful soundtrack throughout the festival. We had a fabulous time wandering around the festival area, taking photographs and meeting people.

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Held in late April, Tokyo Rainbow Pride is Japan’s largest LGBTQ event, followed by Osaka’s Kansai Rainbow Festa (held in October), Sapporo Rainbow Pride (held in September), and Fukuoka City’s Kyushu Rainbow Pride (held in November). The Tokyo event took place during the national Golden Week holiday break that was extended to ten days this year.

The additional time off made festivities much more accessible to LGBTQI residents across the nation.

I look forward to the day when Japanese LGBTQI citizens obtain equal marriage rights, when all Pride parade marchers can finally take off their masks and stop hiding behind signs, and when more people can give their full names to press reporters. Japan needs to follow Taiwan’s progressive example, and implement change.

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94 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

WEDDING GUIDE

By JENNY BLOCK | Photos by GRACEFUL WISHES PHOTOGRAPHY

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER

Mary Georges (l) and Jami Windham were married in a historic downtown Houston theater.

Mary Georges and Jami Windham know all about good chemistry. ➝

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WEDDING GUIDE

A

At first glance, you might not think that a forensic analyst and a theater teacher would be a match made in heaven. But the love story of Mary Georges, 27, and Jami Windham, 31, just goes to show what a wild and wonderful thing that love really is. Mary is a forensic analyst in the biology section at Houston Forensic Science Center, and Jami is a theater teacher at Kingwood Park High School.

Mary, a Texas native, graduated from the University of Houston Downtown, and Jami has degrees from Louisiana Tech University and the University of South Carolina. For the past four and a half years they have lived together here in Houston.

The couple met on OkCupid, and Mary says that after a couple of days talking to Jami, she told a friend that she was going to “make this girl ask me out.” So she mentioned she wanted to see the movie Lucy starring Scarlet Johansson. “Jami took the bait. We met for coffee and a movie. We didn’t want the night to end, so we had dinner and then talked forever in my car.”

Mary says it’s not that she remembers a specific moment when she knew Jami was the one. She just knew that she wanted “to wake up to her every day for the rest of my life.” Jami echoes that sentiment, adding, “Communication is very important to us as a couple, so we often spoke about what we wanted our futures to be like. I wanted to carry a child, but due to some medical and personal issues, that ended up not being an option for us. We decided that adoption would be the best option in the future.

We went through some difficult times together in those doctors’ offices and hospital rooms, and coming out on the other side of those moments, I knew I didn’t want anyone else by my side more than her.”

Jami proposed to Mary at her own 30thbirthday party, with all of their friends and family there. “I admitted that there are many things in life I have feared, but with her by my side I wasn’t afraid anymore.” A few weeks

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later, when Jami’s engagement ring arrived, Mary proposed to Jami in their living room, “barefoot in a circle of Christmas lights—I made my proposal just as special.”

Mary explains that she designed her engagement ring, so she knew it was coming but she didn’t know when. “She took time from her own birthday party to propose to me! I wasn’t expecting that, and literally everyone there knew but me. She made it so special when she proposed to me. She deserved to have that butterfly moment too, and I wanted to give that to her.”

The two were married on March 16, 2019, almost exactly a year after their dual proposals. Mary’s cousin Amanda officiated. “We’re

not religious people, and we wanted to be married by someone who loves us. We got married at Prohibition dinner theater. We had our first anniversary there, and I knew I wanted to get married there as soon as I sat down. The theater is gorgeous, and we both have a love for the stage,” Mary says. Jami describes their wedding as “a great mix of theatricality and glamour, with a little science thrown in—our unity ceremony [involved creating] a chemical reaction that Mary came up with. It really represented us as a couple.”

Jami says having Mary’s cousin Mandy as their officiant was one of her favorite parts of the ceremony. “Mandy said it best: ‘It’s not just one moment, it’s not even this moment. It’s a

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

Best Wedding Event Live Music

million little ones that are kind of woven in those bigger ones. It’s these everyday moments that fuse together into your experience. Love is like that—it comes from humble beginnings, and through the combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings are shaped into something extraordinary.’” Interestingly, the two had what they call “flag girls” instead of flower girls. “Our little cousins passed out Pride flags that my aunt made for our introduction as wives,” Mary explains.

Jami says they really wanted the ceremony to be a true reflection of themselves, so they left out a lot of what she calls “pomp and circumstance.” For example, instead of walking in to Pachelbel’s “Canon” or something similar, they chose to walk down the grand staircase to an acoustic version of their song, “Rather Be,” before walking down the aisle with their fathers. Mary says they also left out printed items like menus and name cards because they wanted to be “more environmentally friendly and more relaxed.”

The two didn’t specifically go looking for LGBTQ vendors, but were thrilled to find “very excited and supportive allies.”

They were especially pleased with the venue they chose. “Prohibition was amazing. The coordinator, Eliana, made sure our vision was executed perfectly. They handled everything.

We just brought the cake and flowers,” Mary explains. The cake was created by Kelly Q Cakes, and Oh So Elegant Events provided the flowers. Jami’s dress was a creation of Weddings by Debbie, and Mary used Anomalie, an online service that creates custom gowns.

Jami and Mary were both surprised by how easy the planning was for them. “We are generally laid back and didn’t have a lot of must-haves,” Mary explains. Jami admits that she was amused by how many of their acquaintances wanted to see their “gay wedding.”

The pair honeymooned in London and Paris. “These are places I had always wanted to go to, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my favorite person,” Mary says. If their photos are any indication, the trip was just as magical as the two had hoped.

Mary describes her bride as “one of the most patient and loving people I have ever met. Anywhere she is feels like home to me.”

And Jami loves that Mary is so unapologetically herself. “She taught me what it means to be proud of who you are. Thanks to her, we [walked] together in the Houston Pride parade! I am so proud to be her wife, and I can’t thank her enough for our amazing life together.”

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Y

ou have to admit that it’s more than a little strange to watch the third season of Netflix’s Stranger Things while the strangest thing of all is living in the White House.

Plus, the evil-Russians subplot frankly hits a bit close to home, if you know what I mean.

Nevertheless, the 1980s-set series always has good period tunes, and the various-artists compilation Stranger Things 3: Music from the Netflix Original Series (Netflix/ Legacy) is proof. While it doesn’t have any of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein’s marvelous Tangerine Dream-esque score, you will find ’80s chestnuts by “Weird Al” Yankovic (“My Bologna”), Teena Marie (“Lovergirl”), Howard Jones (“Things Can Only Get Better”), and Wham! (“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”).

Wham!’s George Michael isn’t the only queer Brit represented here. The song “Never Ending Story,” written by Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey, and covered by cast members Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Gabriella Pizzolo (Suzie), was originally performed by out singer Limahl.

The Elton John biopic Rocketman opened in theaters less than a year after the Oscarwinning Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody.

While both movies have things in common— the queerness of the lead characters, the U.K. and period settings, as well as director Dexter Fletcher—there are also considerable differences. First, actor Taron Egerton, who plays Elton John in Rocketman, does his own singing.

Also, Rocketman takes unexpected liberties in its storytelling approach. While it includes

straightforward concert-style musical performances, it also features musical numbers out of the Hollywood movie-musical handbook. You’ll find all of it on Rocketman: Music From the Motion Picture (Virgin/Interscope). Additionally, the soundtrack contains the new song “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” a duet performed by Elton John and Taron Egerton.

Like it or not, the jukebox musical is here to stay. Far from a new (or inventive) concept (see 1977’s Beatlemania), the proliferation of jukebox musicals in the 21st century is probably cause for concern, especially for anyone who loves musical theater.

Imitations of music legend Cher are also nothing new. Drag queens have been impersonating Cher for eons—some lip-synching, some singing in their own voices. With a book by gay playwright Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), as well as costumes by gay fashion designer Bob Mackie (who received a Tony for his work), The Cher Show: Original Broadway Cast Recording (Warner Brothers) features three actresses, each taking turns recreating Cher’s distinctive voice. The actresses portray various stages of Cher’s lengthy career: Micaela Diamond represents the “Babe” portion, Teal Wicks plays her in the “Lady” segment, and Stephanie J. Block is the “Star.” An additional camp element comes from Tonynominated stage actress Emily Skinner in the dual roles of Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, and TV legend Lucille Ball.

Gregg Shapiro is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.

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C

asual button-down, or an elegant suit? Jeans or khakis? Shoes or sandals? Whatever the event, your closet’s got you covered, packed with every outfit you’ll ever need. But what’s your style? What makes you confident? How do you know what to wear for the occasion? Read Naturally Tan by Tan France and see what fits.

As a young boy growing up in South Yorkshire, England, Tan France was no shrinking violet. He was “weirdly worldly wise” and “definitely the cockiest one of the family.” He also knew what he wanted, and didn’t rest until he got it. Even then, he knew that he liked boys better than girls.

That discovery didn’t make his childhood breezy, though; France was Pakistani in a predominantly white area, and he grew up with the hum of racism in the background. He was bullied, but he says he still “managed to make things work.”

It helped that his grandfather owned a denim factory and taught France to sew; it was there that he learned the importance of fashion. But that wasn’t yet a career.

From age 16 to 27, France held more than 30 jobs, most of which he abandoned with little-to-no notice.

He came to realize that he wanted to Author Tan France be an entrepreneur, and everything coalesced after a vacation in Salt Lake City—and after falling in love with a cowboy. By then, France had spotted an opportunity with a line of modest swimwear, and his brand shot to success literally overnight. Unprepared, France and his new man worked around the clock to accommodate customers as they tried to grow the business.

Eventually the stress became too much, and France stepped back.

Naturally Tan: A Memoir • by Tan France • 2019 • St. Martin’s Press (.com) • 288 pages • $27.99

He was not really looking for anything new when he received a call, while on vacation, from someone who told him about an opportunity with Netflix and Queer Eye, a job he never dreamed of and was convinced that he’d never land. He wanted it, and he didn’t. He needed prodding, until he “begrudgingly” auditioned.

At its outset, Naturally Tan feels like just another gay memoir: stating that he always knew he was gay, author Tan France seems a bit stiff, as though his story needs to stretch and twist before it hits its stride. Once it takes that next leap, though, it’s got you.

Like virtually all other gay memoirs, France goes on to tell a story of a childhood of dawning, of bullying, and of learning more about himself, but the uniqueness lies in the cultural differences in which he was raised: he writes of being a Muslim Pakistani in a white world, and how this fit with his gayness and his passion for fashion. Between this and the advice he doles out with impunity, France freely admits that he does snark well. That’s entertaining, especially since he appears to be rather nice about it.

In the end, this is a fun book from a star’seye view, complete with useful fashion tips for any reader, gay or otherwise. Pick up a copy of Naturally Tan and see if it doesn’t suit you.

Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old, and she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.

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QUEER QUOTES Compiled by BLASE DISTEFANO

George Takei (AARP Bulletin, July/August 2019)

[The late ’60s] was a painful time for you. Why? I saw these young men and women campaigning for what was called gay liberation, and giving up everything—their jobs, careers, and families—to campaign for equality for us. It was very difficult for me. Here I was, campaigning for civil rights or the peace movement during the Vietnam War, but I was silent on the one issue that was organic to me, that was very personal. During that period, I was weighted down by that sense of guilt and not participating.

When did you come out?

It wasn’t until the California legislature passed the marriage-equality bill in 2005. It was a thrilling moment! We partnered with the Human Rights Campaign and I went on a nationwide speaking tour.

That’s when I felt like I was a whole person.

Late Bloomer?

George Takei (seen here on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2016): what about gay liberation?

WINNER BEST BRUNCH

Rudyard Kipling (The New Yorker, 7/8/19, Charles McGrath)

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Lad or Lass?

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102 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Wolcott Balestier was an enterprising and ambitious agent. Kipling loved Balestier, and their friendship, if it wasn’t overtly sexual, had erotic overtones. Balestier died suddenly at the age of 29. Kipling, who was visiting India, raced back to London, and scarcely a week after he returned, he married Balestier’s younger sister.

Kipling, for their honeymoon, rewrote a love poem that he had intended for her brother, changing the pronouns and addressing her as “Dear Lass,” instead of “Dear Lad.”

Lil Nas X

(TheHuffingtonPost.com, 7/17/19, Curtis M. Wong)

L

il Nas X’s chart-topping smash “Old Town Road” has officially set a new precedent for LGBTQ artists in mainstream music.

The crossover hit featuring Billy Ray Cyrus is spending its 15th week in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, which measures the most commercially successful songs in the U.S. [At press time, it had tied the chart record for longest streak at No. 1.]

However, as Billboard reported, “Old Town Road” now holds the distinction of being the longest-leading No. 1 hit by an openly queer artist in Hot 100 history.

The track dethrones Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” which topped the chart for 14 weeks 22 years ago.

As far as his decision to open up about his own sexuality, [Lil Nas X said in a BBC interview], “It’s something I was considering never doing, ever. Taking [it] to the grave. But I don’t want to live my entire life—especially how I got to where I’m at—not doing what I want to do.”

Queer Rapper Lil Nas X (seen here on Showtime’s Desus & Mero): his “Old Town Road” sets a record in the history of Billboard’s Hot 100.

Karla Jay (The Gay and Lesbian Review, May/June 2019)

Karla Jay, the first woman chair of the Gay Liberation Front, is a lesbian organizer, writer, and educator whose activism goes back to the period immediately following the Stonewall Riots. he fact that lesbians and gay men can marry [in the U.S.] is our biggest achievement, and these legal unions bring with them over 1,300 rights and protections that should not be ignored. Though I do not believe in the institution, I am married myself and have urged some older lesbian couples I know to get married, because I don’t want to see the survivor evicted from a rent-controlled apartment if the leaseholder dies first. Above everything else, I want to be able to take care of the person I love if I am no longer there for her, and leaving a huge legal mess will not make a political point.

As much as we could, we created an anti-marriage ceremony, with only four people in attendance plus the city clerk, at a spot in a park where the dog had relieved himself, followed by blueberry pie with two plastic brides.

LIL NAS X - JOJO WHILDEN/SHOWTIME; JAY (TOP) - JILL POSENER; JAY (BOTTOM) - BARNARD.EDU; TAKEI - SCOTT KOWALCHYK/CBS

T

Approved & Disapproved Top: Jay’s publisher-approved photo.

Bottom: “My publisher rejected this author photo as ‘too butch,’” says Jay. Both photos were taken in the late 1990s.

OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST 2019 103

OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

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SPORTS BAR

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

HOUSTON BACCO WINE GARDEN Enjoy light snacks, a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail in one of their cozy rooms or outdoor patios. 3611 Montrose Blvd. • 346.444.5275 • baccowinebars.com BARCODE Houston’s newest bar with happy hours from 11am to 8pm daily, this new neighborhood watering hole is a great place to see drag shows and strippers Tuesdays—Saturdays and karaoke Sundays & Mondays. 817 Fairview St. 713.526.2625 • barcodehouston.net BLUR Multi-level dance club featuring an upstairs lounge and balconies. Ladies enjoy Wet and Wild Wed., 18-year-olds welcome Thurs., Latin night on Sun. Happy hour 8–10pm; free cover before 11pm. 710 Pacific St. blurbar.com.

CLUB CRYSTAL Find many of Inergy’s former staff and décor at this two-room Latin/hip-hop club. Sunday evening drag shows rule the roost. 6680 Southwest Frwy, next to Colorado 713.278.2582 • crystaltheclub.com.

CROCKER BAR This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot also offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and extended happy-hour prices throughout the week. 2312 Crocker • 713.529.3355.

GEORGE Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar. Sports Saturdays and Sundays start at 3pm with dart and pool tournaments. 617 Fairview • 713.528.8102.

GUAVA LAMP This trendy and friendly video and cruise bar gets busy during happy hour and stays busy ‘til closing. Karaoke on Wed. and Sun. 570 Waugh Dr. • 713.524.3359 • guavalamphouston.com

SUPPORT

•

EDUCATION

•

ADVOCACY

Where Everyone is Welcome!

Helpline: 713-46P-FLAG www.pflaghouston.org

106 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S Since 1972, Mary has served up amazing food and stellar shows! With the best drag talent in the city, it’s been voted “Best Drag Show Bar,” “Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community,” “Best Hamburger,” “Best Brunch,” “Friendliest Staff,” and “Best Place to Celebrate” by our readers. Be sure to try the famous Mac & Cheese Balls, or grab a leg glass (as seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race)!

Reservations recommended for shows.

2409 Grant St., 713.677.0674 • hamburgermarys.com EAGLE Part of the Eagle worldwide family, it’s the definitive home to the man’s man. Leather, Bear or Jock, you’ll find them here. Voted “Best Community Bar,” “Best Men’s Bar,” “Best Place to Show Your Leather,” “Best Happy Hour,” and “Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings” by our readers. Eagle has multiple

levels and patios, along with DJs and male dancers—and it’s the place to watch sports.

Noon–2am every day, 611 Hyde Park Blvd., 713.523.BIRD • houstoneagle.com JR’S BAR & GRILL This Montrose standard offers drag and strip shows throughout the week, karaoke Thurs. and Sun., plus pool tables and male dancers.

808 Pacific St. • 713.521.2519 jrsbarandgrill.com LA GRANJA DISCO Y CANTINA Houston’s newest gay disco. Great drink prices, house DJs nightly. Open at 3pm until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays. 5505 Pinemont • 713.518.6753 lagranjadisco.com MICHAEL’S OUTPOST Jerry Atwood, Clay Howell, Neil Massey, Steve Wheaton, and Roger Woest take turns at the keys at this comfortable neighborhood piano bar. 1419 Richmond Ave. • 713.520.8446 NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON Houston’s only LGBTQ country dancehall opens Wednesday–Sunday. Wednesday features Steak Night and Bingo. Free dance classes on Thursdays, and karaoke. 11410 Hempstead Hwy 713.677.0828 • neonbootsclub.com PEARL BAR This LGBT-friendly lounge in the Washington corridor features daily highlights like open mic night, steak night, and drink specials.

4216 Washington • pearlhouston.com RICH’S HOUSTON Houston’s most iconic and largest LGBT dance club, with multiple levels featuring a video/show bar and a private VIP lounge.

No cover before 10:30 p.m. 2401 San Jacinto • 281.846.668 • richsnightclub.com THE RIPCORD This multi-roomed leather bar boasts a busy patio, especially on the weekends. The Forge shop located inside the club. Saturday nights with DJ Tad Dvorak. 715 Fairview Ave • 713.521.2792 RUDYARD’S The eclectic British pub is known for its craft beers as well as for the burgers. Most weekends you’ll find up-and-coming local bands rocking the house. 2010 Waugh Dr. • 713.521.0521 • rudyardspub.com TONY’S CORNER POCKET This comfortable club has one of the friendliest bar staffs in town. Amateur dance contest each Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 11pm. Opens daily at noon. 817 W. Dallas • 713.571.7870 • tonyscornerpocketbar.com VIVIANA’S Happening weekend-only gay dance club with Latin DJs, singers, talent shows & Sunday strippers.

4624 Dacoma • 713.681.4104

Behind the Bar

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

Houston’s Hottest Male Amateur Strip Contest Headquarters!

What is the best and worst holiday to work? Why?

Best: Gay Pride—it has the best energy, tons of smiles, and skin!

Worst: Fourth of July—I get stuck inside and can’t see the fireworks!

817 W. Dallas 713.571.7870 Voted the Best Place to Watch Male Dancers Tues. and Thurs, – Sunday Nights

Nightly Specials – Call for Details

Cold Beverages & Hot Guys!

Houston’s most iconic and largest LGBTQ dance club

Biggest tip from one customer?

NO COVER BEFORE 10:30pm

I had a customer pay for one of my UH college courses with a $1,150 tip.

Who are the hardest customers to please?

JOSH “TEENY” TRAVIS

TONY’S CORNER POCKET Shif ts: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights

What is your favorite shot to make? To drink?

Women throwing bachelorette parties!

If you weren’t a bartender, what career would you choose?

I’d be the best damn usedcar salesman around!

Favorite to make: White Gummy Bears with Ciroc Pineapple, Ciroc Red Berry, a splash of peach schnapps, and a splash of Sprite.

Favorite to drink: Crown Royal Apple, straight up.

Do you have any pets?

Where is your favorite place to drink when not on duty?

What is the best part about working at this bar?

Darwin’s Pub, for karaoke.

What is a current bar drink trend you’d like to see end?

[Sarcastically] “I love making Bloody Marys!”

BEAUMONT RUMORS BEAUMONT Now open in the old Orleans Street Pub location. Drag shows with Dessie Love-Blake, Lady Shamu, Kara Dion and more. 650 Orleans • 713.539.5183 rumorsbeaumont.com

BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION HALO VIDEO BAR The only LGBT dance club in Bryan/College station, this sleek spot is open Thurs.–Sat. smack in the middle of Aggieland. 121 North Main • 979.823.6174 • halobcs.com

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION The bar features daily drink specials and the weekend is filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and a Sunday Tea Dance. 1706 23rd St. • 409.621.1808

2401 San Jacinto • Houston, TX • RichsNightclub.com

I have joint custody of a 145-pound pit bull named Pop Tart.

Working with my sisters!

This is the friendliest place on earth!

ROBERT’S LAFITTE The Island institution features a private patio with swimming pool. On Sat. and Sun. nights, the Ladies of Lafitte show takes the stage.

2501 Avenue Q (at 25th) • 409.765.9092 RUMORS BEACH BAR Drink specials every night and daily daydrinking specials starting at noon.

Great drag shows Fri. – Sun. and karaoke Sun. – Thurs. at 8pm. Sun. Drag Bingo. 3102 Seawall Blvd. • 409.497.4617 • rumorsbeachbar.com

SPRING RANCH HILL SALOON With its two pool tables, 52-inch plasma televisions, and large dance floor, this popular northside spot also offers DJs Thurs.– Sat. 24704 I-45N Suite 103 • 281.298.9035 • ranchhill.com.

THE ROOM BAR AND LOUNGE This bar and video lounge has a laid-back atmosphere. DJs several nights a week. 4915 FM 2920 • 281.907.6866 • roombarspring.com

If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, that’s ours.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Hundreds of meetings a week in your area.

Call (713) 686-6300 or visit www.aahouston.org For general information visit: www.aa.org OutSmartMagazine.com

| AUGUST 2019

107

ADVERTISERS INDEX ACCOMMODATIONS/HOTELS

CAMPGROUNDS

La Granja Disco Y Cantina

Rainbow Ranch

825 Usener.....................................832/906-8728

Rainbowranch.net......................... 888/875-7596

5505 Pinemont Dr..........................713/518-6753

Elan Memorial Park

CARPET/FLOORING

Visitlakecharles.org/greattimes.... .800/456-7952

Le Méridien Houston Downtown

2840 E. Sam Houston Pkwy S...... 281/998-3200

Carpet World

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

L’Emerson Corporate Lodging

CATERING SERVICES

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

Sunflower Retreat

2305 Dunlavy................................832/788-1586

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

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

2401 San Jacinto................. RichsNIghtClub.com

Elan Heights

920 Westcott................................... 713/861-6900 1121 Walker.....................................346/330-3453 ...........................................................Lemerson.net 713 & 715 17th, Galveston.............832/867-2518

ACCOUNTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS/ CPAS Gary Gritz, CPA

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

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Lake Charles

Midtown Houston

Capitol Beverage

David Alcorta Catering

Jim Benton of Houston Catering

Miller Outdoor Theatre Pearl Bar

Rich’s Houston

Rainbow on the Green

2811 Eastman................................. 713/802-2860

.............................. discoverygreen.com/rainbow

CHURCHES/SPIRITUAL CENTERS

248 Jaster Rd...................................979/249-3129

Bering United Methodist

Round Top Festival Institute

Society For The Performing Arts

Ashkan Media

1440 Harold................................... beringumc.org

Mat Hat Maven Creative

401 Branard St................................ 832/971-0364

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

Resurrection MCC

OutSmart Magazine

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

Thearesouthwest.org.....................713/661-9505

St Paul’s United Methodist Church

Theatre Under The Stars

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

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Living Mosaic Church

5501 Main........................................713/528-0527 St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

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

StagesTheatre.com......................... 713-527-0123 Theatre Southwest

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

The Compound Antique Show

Dr. Daniel Garza, MD

3131 Eastside St, Ste 4...............15281/610-8190 Jeffrey Myles/JM Professional Services

........................................................... 713/447-2164 The Montrose Center

401 Branard.................................... 713/529-0037 Psynergy Psychological Associates

Dr. Catherine Boswell, Psychologist Victoria Jones, MEd, MA, LPC-S Psynergypsych.com.......................713/724-7050 Robert Snellgrove, LMSW-ACP

4617 Montrose, Ste C206.............. 713/522-7014 Christine Wysong

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

HEALTH CARE–DENTISTS

Bayou City Smiles/Marcus de Guzman, DDS

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

2313 Edwards St., Ste 150............ 713/518-1411 BRSH Dental/Melicia K Tjoa, DDS

2800 Kirby Dr., Ste.A 226.............713/660-0966 Cory Logan, DDS

530 Waugh Dr................................ 713/942-8598 LifeSmiles by Randy Mitchmore, DDS

2550 S. State Hwy 237....Roundtopcompound.com

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

CLEANING SERVICES

817 W. Dallas...................................832/722-7658

Orthotexsmiles.com.......................281/937-2540

ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

........................................................... 832/252-1961

The Z Firm / Poppi Melera

EMPLOYMENT/STAFF RECRUITING

1006 Missouri................................713/529-4364

5216 Montrose........................................camh.org

COMMUNITY/NONPROFIT

www.zfirm-us.cm...........................713-877-8583

1006 Missouri................................713/529-4364

....................................................... aarp.org/pride

Stuart Estate Sales

ESTATE SALES

1006 Missouri................................. 713/529-4364

Newport Air

newportair.net ..............................281/808-8630

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Foto Relevance

616 Hawthorne...................... fotorelevance.com Museum of Fine Arts

www.mfah.org............................Mfah.org/royals The Menil Collection

1533 Sul Ross St..................................... .menil.org

ASTROLOGER

Lilly Roddy Astrology

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

1805 W. Alabama........... ststephenshouston.org Dexter’s Five Star Service/Bob Samora

AARP

Bering Connect

StuartEstates.com.......................... 832/652-4805

Diana Foundation

FERTILITY/GYNECOLOGY

...............................................713-526-1017, ext.20 .......................................TheDianaFoundation.org EPAH

...................................................................EPAH.org Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

HoustonLGBTChamber.com.........832-510-3002 Harris County Sheriff’s Office

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

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

...........................................................281/768-4731

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

Charles Hunter/Hayes Hunter PC

Gonzalez Olivieri LLC

gonzalezolivierillc.com..................713/481-3040 Guide To Good Divorce

GuideToGoodDivorce.com............ 713/932-7177 Katine & Nechman LLP

1834 Southmore.............................713/808-1001 The Perdue Law Firm

3730 Kirby Dr Ste 777....................832/303-3410 Dwane Todd Law Firm

405 Main St., Ste 602.................... 713/965-0658 Parker Waichman Lawfirm ................................................ YourLawyer.com

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS Ryan Automotive

716 Fairview...................................713/522-3602 Fred Haas Toyota World

20400 I-45 North, Spring TX........ 832-764-8913 Tech Auto Maintenance

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

AUTOMOTIVE SALES Alfa Romeo of Clear Lake

15695 Gulf Freeway......................281/310-8300 Central Houston Cadillac

2520 Main St....................................832/981-7590

Houston GLBT Political Caucus KPFT Radio

kpft.org............................................ 713-526-4000

Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI)

401 Branard................................... lhihouston.org MyGayHouston.com

.............................. MyGayHouston.com/discover Pet Patrol

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

............................................ ppgulfcoast.org/lgbtq Ryan White Planning Council

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

COMPUTERS/INTERNET/IT SERVICES Copy.com

1201-F Westheimer........................... 713/528-120

CORPORATE/LIFECOACHES

David Alcorta Catering

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

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

1700 W Loop S, Ste 255................ 713/489-4322 Grace Yung/Midtown Financial

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

FITNESS CLUBS/PERSONAL TRAINERS

Club Houston

2205 Fannin ................................... 713/659-4998 FIT

Fithouston.com.............................. 713/529-1515

FOOD/SPECIALTY & SPIRITS

DASH Handmaid Vodka

......................................................dashvodka.com Deep Eddy Vodka

..............................................deepeddyvodka.com Dripping Springs

................................... drippingspringsvodka.com

HAIR/NAIL/MAKE-UP SALONS

Orthotex/Dr. Zane Haider, DMD MS

Montrose Dental Group/Samuel A. Carrell, DDS

Montrose Dental Group/Austin T. Faulk, DDS Montrose Dental Group/Bruce W. Smith, DDS

HEALTH CARE/COLON/RECTAL CARE

Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists

7400 Fannin St., Set 1295..............832/932-1720

HEALTH CARE-ORTHODONTISTS

Orthotex/Dr. Zane Haider, DMD, MS

Orthotexsmiles.com.......................281/937-2540 2540 FM 2920, Spring....................281/937-2540 11942 Barker Cypress, Cypress....281/937-2540

HEALTH CARE-EMERGENCY CENTERS

SignatureCare Emergency Centers

1007 Westheimer............................281/709-2897 1925 TC Jester.................................832/850-4338 1014 Wirt Rd.....................................832/924-0312 Additional locations.......................ercare24.com

HEALTH CARE-FOOT/ ANKLE SPECIALISTS Sole Aesthetic/Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow

Soleaesthetictx.com.....................713/666-9934

HEALTH CARE-HIV/STD TESTING

Avenue 360

Avenue360.org................................713/426-0027 Legacy Community Health

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

HEALTH CARE–OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Houston Eye Associates/Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD

5420 Dashwood, Ste 101............... 713/668-9118

HEALTH CARE–OPTOMETRISTS

Boutique Eye Care

Green Apple Salon

2502 Woodhead.............................713/528-2010

NU-Cuts Hair Salon

2055 Westheimer.......................... 713/520-6600

Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen Live

HEALTH - AGE MANAGEMENT

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

Bacco Wine Garden & Spirits

4011 Richmond Ave........................713/621-8200

Alley Theatre

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

..........................................................galveston.com

604 W. Alabama.............................713/520-1484

Richard Dickson/Galene Financial

719 W. Gray St.............................. 713/5212-0500

Toyota of Alvin

BAKERIES/CUSTOM CAKES

FINANCIAL PLANNING/BANKS

Bryan Cotton/Mass Mutual

Three Greenway Plaza.................. 281/960-0447

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHT LIFE

Planet Lincoln

Acadian Bakers

Houstonfertilitysolutions.com..... 713/771-9771

East End Barber

3611 Montrose Blvd......................346/444-5275

3506 FM 528 Alvin,Tx.77511 ....... 281/968-2266

The Cooper Institute

1318 Telephone Rd................. EastEndBarber.net

BusinessAsATool.com....................713/936-3814

Ticketmaster.com .........................800/745-3000

20403 I-45 North Spring, TX...... 888/242-5059

Aspire Fertility

AspireFertility.com.........................713/425-3003

Action Coach

Helfman Jeep

7720 Katy Fwy................................. 713/213-6941

Tony’s Corner Pocket

Galveston Island Convention

515 Westheimer............................ 713/524-7858 Share Wellness & MediSpa/Dr. John Share

HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY

Eye Contact Eye Gallery

Eye To Eye

432 W. 19th..................................... 713/864-8822 Montrose Eye Care/ Dr. Paul Lovero

D. “Woodja” Flanigan, MS, LPA

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

George Country Sports Bar

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

617 Fairview ...................................713/528-8102

4317 Montrose, Ste. 2....................713/529-3937

Houston Dash

Champion Counseling/ Yvonne Champion, LCSW, CGP

Houston Eagle

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, RN

.......................................HoustonDashSoccer.com

ChampionCounseling.com........ 832/6543-5168

611 Hyde Park........................HoustonEagle.com

3131 Eastside St., Ste. 435...........713/524-9525

JR’s/Santa Fe

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

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

Dr. Barry F. Gritz, MD

108 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

Want to have your business listed here?

Spectacles on Montrose

HEALTH CARE/PHARMACIES

Avita Pharmacy

AvitaPharmacy.com...................... 713/489-4362 Legacy Pharmacy

LegacyCommunityHealth.org/services/pharmacy/

ADVERTISERS INDEX HEALTH-PHYSICAL THERAPY

Crom Rehabilitation/Dr. Roy Rivera

Cromrehab.com..............................713/868-2766

INSURANCE AGENCIES/AGENTS Lane Lewis/Farmers Insurance

2200 North Loop W, Ste 136....... 713/688-8669 Patrick Torma/Goosehead Insurance

HEALTH CARE–PHYSICIANS

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

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

JEWELERS

Octavio Barrios, MD

Gordon Crofoot, MD/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230...................... 713/526-0005 Abel Flores, MD/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230.................... 713/526-0005 M. Sandra Scurria, MD

6565 West Loop South, Ste 300... 281/661-5901 Derek Smith, AGPCNP-BC/Crofoot MD

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

Tim Anthony/Anthony Upton Properties

AnthonyUptonProperties.com.... 713/528-0050 Brooks Ballard/Engel & Volkers

309 Gray........................................... 713/522-7474 David Bowers/The House Company/Galveston

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

Tina Burgos/Inverness Realty Group

Silverlust

TinaSellsHouston.com................... 713/562-3149

Tenenbaum Jewelers

4310 Westheimer............................713/629-7444

350 W. 19th St.,Ste. D......................713/862-1101 Jeremy Fain/Greenwood King Properties

LANDSCAPING/GARDENING

...........................................................713/677-4337

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

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

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

Circa Real Estate

Joshua’s Native Plants & Antiques

Karen Derr/Karen Derr Realty

LIFE COACHING

Compass.com.................................. 832/512-2180

seEQmore

Ed Melchor/Sotheby’s

HEALTH CARE–PRODUCTS

Ryan Fugate, RMT

Avicenna’s Ultra-Premium CBD Tinctures

..................................................avicenna-labs.com

HEALTH CARE/PLASTIC SURGEONS

West Ave Plastic Surgery/Forrest Roth, MD

westaveplasticsurgery.com......... 713/559-9300

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Andy’s All Star Pest Control

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

PET SERVICES& SUPPLIES

The Dog House Pet Salon

HEALTH CARE–SERVICES

6434 Washington.........................713/820-6140 5917 Richmond.................TheDogHousePS.com

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

........................................................nulo.com/love

GAINSWave Treatment for ED

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

Harris County Public Health

..................................................... ThePetPatrol.org

Avenue 360

practice.gainswave.com/stevenfein... 281/487-0812 Publichealth.harriscountytx.gov..713/439-6293

St. Hope Foundation

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

...........................................................713/486-2736

HEALTH CARE–SKIN CARE

Martha Turner Properties

Marthaturner.com.......................... 713/520-1981

WEDDING SERVICES/CATERERS David Alcorta Catering

t.phillips@kw.com........................ 832/305-7848 Wadeknight.com............................ 713/582-0264

Alexander Webb/Coldwell Banker

2 Greenway Plaza, Ste 150.......... .832/306-7078 Debbie Levine/Greenwood King Properties

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program

West Alabama Animal Clinic

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dalton DeHart Photography

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

Yvonne Feece Photography

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

Houston Camera Exchange

Dannypleason.com........................832/661-1502

Tom Schwenk/Tom’s Galveston Real Estate

Tomsgalvestonrealestate.com......713-857-2309 VJ Tramonte/Joe Tramonte Realty

1802 Broadway/Galveston........... 409/765-9837 B. Kent Turner/Coldwell Banker

..........................................................479/363-6586

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

RELOCATIONS SPECIALISTS

MERelocation.com........................ 713/344-0035

2202 W Alabama St........................713/677-0391

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

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

HEALTH CARE-WEIGHT LOSS CLINICS

Colina Homes

Sandcastle Homes/Mike Taylor

SandcastleHouston.com.............. 281/543-6360

HOME FURNISHINGS/ACCESSORIES

Cantoni

PRINTING/COPY CENTERS

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

PSYCHIC READERS

Readings by LA

readingbyLA.com...........................832/856-2188

RADIO STATIONS

Channel Q/95.7 HD2

9889 Westheimer............................cantoni.com

.................................................................Radio.com

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

REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL

coda

Fountains and Statuary

Presidium/Westpark Houston Investors LP

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

presidiumRE.com...........................713/955-3773

4091 Westheimer...........................832/397-5130

REAL ESTATE–MORTGAGE/TITLE

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

HOME REMODELING/RENOVATIONS

Luria Construction

LuriaConstruction.com................ 713/828-2155

INTERIOR DESIGN CENTERS

Dream by MJS Interiors

5120 Woodway Dr., Ste. 4020......713/999-1222

Bacco Wine Garden & Spirits

Bollo Houston Wood Fired Pizza

Free Grillin’/Chef Michele

Copy.com

Colinahomes.com. ....................... 281/463-0355

604 W.Alabama..............................713/520-1484

POLITICIANS

HOME BUILDERS

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

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE/WINE BARS

Dessert Gallery

Shelley Kennedy for City Council District C

Chicago Title –Inner Loop

3700 Buffalo Speedway.................713/418-7000 Keith Russell/Republic State Mortgage

2121 Sage Road, Ste 140................713/299-4981

...........................................................832/419-0165 Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino

3215 Westheimer............................ 713/522-1934 Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

2616 Louisiana................................832/360-1710 Hamburger Mary’s

2409 Grant.......................................713/677-0674 Jenni’s Noodle House

3111 S. Shepherd.............................713/523-7600 602 E. 20th St. ................................713/862-3344 2027 Post Oak Blvd........................713/621-4200 3773 Richmond...............................713/714-8258 Melange Restaurant

311 West Gray. Ste. B................... .832/491-0455 Niko Niko’s

2520 Montrose................................713/528-4976 Niko Niko’s

1040 W. Sam Houston Prkwy. N..832/981-4976

Darker Side DJs

darkersidedjs.com..........................281/542-3555 eventsmithco.com......................... 281/736-3636 Harmony Strings String Quartet

....................................www.harmonystrings.com

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WHO believe IN

EQUALITY. Thank You for supporting our advertisers!

Get listed on this page.

Call 713/520-7237 for details.

Pizza Birra Vino

544 Waugh Dr................................ 832/581-3664 P. King Authentic Chinese

37001 S. Shepherd........................ 832/491-0266 Raising Cane’s

REAL ESTATE–REALTORS

1902 Westheimer........................... 713/528-9020

pogirealty.com............................... 832/570-5726

1117 Missouri St.............................. 713/529-3450

Jared Anthony Cox/Pogi Realty

Bradley David Entertainment

Acadian Bakers

Venture Pools

..................................... KennedyForHouston.com

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

Event Smith Wedding Planning

M E Relocation

POOLS & POOL SERVICES

Dr. B-Fit/ Octavio Barrios, MD

janddproductions.com................. 409/457-9935

Yvonne Feece-Tran Photography

Andy Weber/John Daugherty Realtors

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SignOut | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 112 change in your career, and perhaps even contemplate retirement. For some, this can be the time you start your own business, especially after the 8th. You may be ready for the most important commitment—the one you make to yourself! Long-term finances are at the core of what is driving you. You are looking at investments, living within a budget, and planning for a comfortable future. Your relationship partners will need more reassurance. Remember that a kind word can do wonders. In the latter half of the month, you are ready to take some time for yourself. You may want to get out of town and step away from your routines. The beach or a lake would offer you that opportunity for reflection!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Relationships are in the spotlight as the month begins. If you are involved, the first half of August is a great time to renew those romantic bonds. If you are single, this is a great time to meet new people for potential relationships. You have a glow about you that will attract people to you.

This also impacts business relationships and close friendships. In business, this can be a time to make sure everyone is on track. Your partners are more congenial, and they have new ideas to bring to the table. At home, you are looking for ways to reduce your household chores. Some of

you are considering relocating and lessening your responsibilities with home ownership. In the latter half of the month, you are improving your financial picture, taking care of debt, and looking for ways to make better use of what you have. Relationships will need a great deal of intimacy and trust during the second half of the month.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) As the month begins, you are improving your work conditions, learning to be more efficient with your time, and improving your health routines. Your co-workers are more easily agitated by their surroundings, and they’ll feel free to express that irritation. You may not have much patience for whining, so you may need to retreat to a quieter, calmer place. You have had less patience with your co-workers throughout 2019, but it’s especially obvious this month. Take on a leadership role and improve the conditions, or find a place to withdraw to! In the second half of the month, relationships are in the limelight. If you are single, you are interested in connecting with someone who has the same spiritual approach to life. You are looking for a deeper connection than before. If you are involved, this is a good time to renew your bonds and find that sense of peace that only a good partnership can give you!

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OutSmartMagazine.com | AUGUST OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com || AUGUST AUGUST2019 2019 2019 111 65 111 10/21/14 11:29 AM

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By LILLY RODDY Illustration by JANIEWHATEVA

We Get a Break . . . and maybe buy a new car?

T

his month we will be getting a break from the intensity of the last three months, although we’ll pick up on that again toward the end of the year. The other major influence is Mercury, our communicator and organizer, which will be fully direct on August 8. On that day we can start new projects, purchase a new phone, or buy a car!

Our next Mercury retrograde will be October 27 through November 25. We will be looking to be more playful and have more fun in the first half of the month. In the second half we’ll be working on improving our work environment, health, and self-care.

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

This is a very creative month for you as you look to expand your horizons. Your inner child wants to come out and play this month. This is a good month for vacations, spending time with your children, or getting together with your friends! In the last half of the month, you are back to your routines.

You will be organizing your workspace and making better use of your time. The last half of August is also better for your diet and exercise regimen. Career and family demands have been really strong for the last couple of months, but in late August it will be easier to get clear about what you are (and are not) willing to do. New career opportunities open up after mid-August!

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The Taureans are a restless bunch, looking for new opportunities to enhance their passions. Home and family demands are strong, especially in the first half of the month. You will not be as patient as you normally are. Some of you are remodeling, while others are looking to relocate. There may be some power struggles within the family that you’ll need to confront. This can also be a great time to invite your friends and entertain in your home. You are feeling less stressed in the last half of the month, when you’ll want to take time for yourself.

You are looking for new interests and possible new career directions as well. This is a good month to act on those feelings!

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GEMINI (May 21–June 21) With your ruler, Mercury, direct in August, you are feeling more lighthearted and playful. This month you are taking care of errands that you have been putting off. You seem to have more courage and self-confidence, and that allows you to get more done. Relationships with siblings can be more tense as you rearrange your family’s power structure. In the latter half of the month, you are putting a lot of time and effort into making your home a more comfortable place. You will also need more of a creative outlet in your work—otherwise, you may feel bored and sluggish.

Relationships continue to be positive. If you are single, this can be a very good time to meet new folks!

CANCER (June 22–July 22 With the last three months being so demanding, you have not been able to step back and gain some perspective. You will be doing that this month. This is a time to assess your resources, improve your skills, and look for ways to improve your finances. You are trying to make better use of what you have. It may be very easy to spend money, especially in the first half of August. In the latter half you are more organized, and are putting new ideas and plans into play. Late August is also good for writing, working on a video production, or teaching. Long-term goals for your relationships are going through a period of reevaluation, which can make your relationships (both romantic and business) feel safer and more secure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

In the first half of the month, you are in a time of rest and retreat. You will want time for meditation, yoga, or just to be left alone. You are not feeling as adaptive or as tolerant as you normally are. Your psychic receptors are turned up very high, so crowds may be very unappealing. In the last half of the month, you are back from your retreat and ready to move forward with newfound energy. You will be busy, and you may find that each task you finish leads to another one right behind it. Pace yourself. The last half of the month will bring your health issues into focus, so this is a super time for any type of exercise

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LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Happy Birthday to the Lions and Lionesses! This is your personal yearly cycle when you take a look back at what you did last year, and look forward to what you are going to do this year. You are particularly energetic and active with Mars, planet of action and confrontations, traveling through Leo until midmonth. This is the time to start all of your new projects. You are feeling strong and confident, and are ready to challenge any naysayers! You may also lose your temper more easily, and it may be harder to get a restful night’s sleep. In the latter half of the month, you are focused on finances. This can be a very good time to seek a pay raise, increase fees for your services, or just expect to be treated better. Expect some new career directions and opportunities as you look for new and interesting places to work! or health regimen. You are looking for a greater spiritual connection with your partner, or a future partner. Late August can be a great time for you and your partner to get away for some rest and retreat!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23) You continue to be in a busy, active, and social time. Career activity has been super-strong over the last three months.

You should see some of that calming down, especially after Mercury is direct on the 8th. The first half of the month is good for business promotions, business associations, community projects, and having some fun with your friends. You are ready to take on a leadership role in group activities. Your self-confidence will attract supportive people who can help you with your aspirations. By midmonth, you are ready for a break from all the action. The last half of August is better for writing, nature retreats, meditation, past-life regressions, and finding your spiritual center. Your psychic energy is very strong toward the end of the month. Choose your companions carefully, as you are more sensitive to the harsh realities around you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)

Career is the focus for you as the month begins. You are already engaged, but with Mercury direct on August 8, it’s the right time to move forward. You have strong visibility, and you will make an impact on those around you, whether you’re aware of it or not. This is the time for you to step up and take a leadership role. Your relationships need some remodeling. Partnerships that are restrictive and boring will need to

be addressed. On the other hand, this can be a great time to rediscover the spark in your relationship. In the latter half of August, you focus in on community groups as you consider taking on a leadership role.

This can also be a great time to connect with friends, expand your social arena, or get involved in a group that satisfies your need to make a difference.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) As the month begins, you are in a more relaxed, playful, and expansive time. This is a super time for a vacation, signing up for college, or relocating to a new country. You are feeling more hopeful about the future and the impact you can make on it. After August 8, this is an exceptional month for meeting new people for possible relationships. You seem to have a glow around you that people are drawn to, and this magnetism remains strong through December.

In the latter half of the month, your career becomes the main focus, and you are ready to start and promote new projects or take on a leadership role where you currently work. Your confidence will draw supporters to you. You are looking to make changes in your work life, in order to add more fun and interest to your social life!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Capricorns are finally getting a break from all the intensity of the last three months.

You are the one putting most of that pressure on yourself! At work, there are major changes going on, most of which you have no control over. This has made you question your current path, consider a total CONTINUED ON PAGE 111

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SCENE OUT Photos by DALTON DEHART & EDGARDO AGUILAR

On June 21, the annual Rainbow on the Green event was held at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. Pictured are Laura Childress, Barry Mandel, and District Attorney Kim Ogg.

Mayor Sylvester Turner declared June 25 as “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Day” at a reception for the LGBTQ Advisory Board at City Hall. Pictured are Rick Dickson, Tammi Wallace, Brandon Mack, Lo Roberts, Harrison Guy, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dee Dee Watters, Krystal Gilliam, Mike Webb, Fran Watson, and Jacques Bourgeois.

On June 26, an introduction to serving as a special commissioner in Harris County at the civil courthouse.

Pictured are Judge George Barnstone, Judge Lesley Briones, Judge Jim F. Kovach, Judge LaShawn Williams, David Wall, Don C. Griffin Jr., and Don Strickland.

On June 27, a fundraiser for the This Side of the Rainbow LGBTQ Teen Camp (with Fresh Arts) was held at Bar Boheme. Pictured are Jeanie Low, Michael Devoll, Melissa Chambers, Gary Gee, Charlotte Fields, Jan Golden, Amy Gready, John Flanagan, and Mark Shirey.

On June 28, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber held Pride in Business at Hyatt Regency Houston. Pictured are Council Member Robert Gallegos, Ray Purser, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Council Member Karla Cisneros, and Tammi Wallace.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber held Pride Night with the Houston Dash on June 29. Pictured are Roy Alvarez Jr., Dalton DeHart, Jay Adelberg, Jason Rocha, and Tiffany Tosh.

On July 7, B.B. Lemon restaurant sponsored a beach bash and drag brunch benefit for the Montrose Center.

Pictured are Emily Hanley, Benjamin Berg, Chuck Brown, Gary Wood, Meleah Jones, and Charlie Huynh.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber held its “Brewing Up Business” event at Amegy Bank on July 10. Pictured are Jonathan Marrs, Catherine Duyka-Morse, Dave Stevenson, Tammi Wallace, and Robert Hahn.

On July 20, the Houston Gay Kickball group held its registration at JR’s Bar and Grill. Pictured are Cameron Johnson, Mario Martinez, Elizabeth Lockwood, Gilbert Vargas, Joseph Morales, Ann Molinaro, Michael Koch, Paolo Miguel Nangcas, and Charles Huck.

On June 17, a celebration was held for Judge Fran Watson at Guava Lamp after she was sworn in as an associate municipal-court judge. Pictured are District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, Judge Fran Watson, and GLBT Caucus Vice President John Humphries.

114 AUGUST 2019 | OutSmartMagazine.com

On July 18, candiate Shelley Kennedy for Houston City Council C held a fundraiser at Bacco Wine Garden.

Pictured are Ashton P. Woods, Denise Lewis, Aaron Rublein, Jack Schaffer, Shelley Kennedy, Roxy Blackburn, and Corey Brayton.

On July 13, Round Top Music Insitute’s closing-night concert featured the Texas Festival Orchestra with its internationally renowned pianist and founder, James Dick.

Pictured are James Dick with musicians and supporters.

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