Brandon Mack leads the Caucus into the midterms Pg.22
ALEJANDRA SALINAS AND ELIZABETH HADAWAY ON LAW, MARRIAGE, AND CITY HALL Pg.32
Kathy Hubbard and Annise Parker Pg.36
Sydney Mack and Racquel Simone Pg.40
David Alviar, Stanley Lewis, and Jesse Thompson Pg.42
Harrison Guy’s new exhibit at Project Row Houses Pg.30
Out
Three
Harrison
The
Maria
The
MFAH
SCAN THE CODE TO RECEIVE THE CAUCUS CARD ENDORSEMENT MAILER.
EARLY VOTING: FEBRUARY 17-27, 2026
ELECTION DAY: MARCH 3RD
VISIT HARRISVOTES.COM FOR POLLING LOCATION INFORMATION.
U.S. SENATE
U.S. Senator - James Talarico
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District 8 - Laura Jones
District 9 - Earnest Clayton, Jr.
District 14 - Konstantinos Vogiatzis
District 18 - Christian Dashuan Menefee
District 29 - Sylvia Garcia
District 38 - Marvalette Hunter
GOVERNOR
Governor - Gina Hinojosa
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Lieutenant Governor - Marcos Isaias Vélez
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Attorney General - Nathan Johnson
COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Comptroller of Public
Accounts - Sarah Eckhardt
SUPREME COURT
Chief Justice - Maggie Ellis
Justice, Place 7 - Kristen Hawkins
STATE SENATOR
District 11 - Cameron A. Rollwitz
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
District 26 - Elizabeth “Eliz” Markowitz
District 126 - Stefanie Bord
District 131 - Staci Childs
District 139 - Charlene Ward Johnson
District 142 - Danyahel (Danny) Norris
District 144 - Emmanuel Guerrero
District 149 - Darlene Breaux
COURT OF APPEALS
Chief Justice, 14th Court of AppealsSarah Beth Landau
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7William Demond
HARRIS COUNTY CIVIL DISTRICT JUDGE
157th Judicial District - Tanya Garrison
234th Judicial District - Lauren Reeder
270th Judicial District - Dedra Davis
281st Judicial District - Christine Weems
315th Judicial District - Leah Shapiro
HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL
DISTRICT JUDGE
183rd Judicial District - Katie Wilson
209th Judicial District - Brian Edward Warren
232nd Judicial District - Josh Hill
HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE
Harris County Judge - Annise Parker
HARRIS COUNTY CIVIL COURT AT LAW
Judge, Civil Court at Law No. 2 - Jim F. Kovach
HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW
Judge, Criminal Court at Law No. 7 - Andrew A. Wright
Judge, Criminal Court at Law No. 14 - James Hu
HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE COURT
Judge, Probate Court No. 4 - James S. Horwitz
HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY
Harris County Attorney - Abbie Kamin
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK
Harris County District Clerk - Pernell Davis
HARRIS COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE
Position 5, At Large - Erica Davis
HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Precinct 2, Place 2 - Dolores Lozano
Precinct 5, Place 2 - Davis Mendoza Darusman
Precinct 7, Place 2 - Markia Bordeaux
DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CHAIR
Precinct 53 - Noelle McSherry
Precinct 407 - Patricia (Pati) Limón de Rodriguez
DR.
Winner Best Dentist
AUSTIN
Finalist Best Dentist
JACQUELINE CLEMMER
Winner Best Dental Hygienist
MELISSA BAEZ
Finalist Dental Hygienist
Pride Chorus Houston takes the stage on Feb. 21 for a Broadway tribute to love and connection
for
Brandon Mack has been elected president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus; June World Cup preparations are keeping LGBTQ businesses and community groups busy ( pg. 24 )
Whatever happens in our
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MARCH 2026
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Our February issue focuses on love in its many forms, even as voices of hate intensify at the state and federal level. Across these pages, you’ll find stories rooted in commitment, resilience, and care for our community.
We begin with news of Brandon Mack becoming president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. Brandon has played a big role in shaping the Caucus’s screening and endorsement process with an emphasis on transparency and member participation. The Caucus recently announced 44 endorsements for this month’s 2026 primaries, with early voting February 17–27 and Election Day on March 3. The political stakes are high for LGBTQ Houstonians, and especially for trans youth throughout Texas.
Our ongoing Out for Change series profiles Davis Mendoza Darusman, who is running for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2. Darusman is campaigning on a more humane and practical approach to tenant protections, debt collection, and the severe policies that often criminalize poverty.
As Houston gears up for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup this summer, LGBTQ-facing organizations and businesses are preparing to have a visible role in the festivities—including
plans for a Pride House downtown space to welcome visiting fans. Pride Houston 365 is moving this year’s Pride parade and festival to Saturday, June 6, to avoid overlapping with the many late-June World Cup events downtown.
Our Black History Month feature profiles artist and activist Harrison Guy, whose art installation at Project Row Houses pays tribute to Row Houses co-founder James Bettison and other Black voices lost to the AIDS epidemic. Guy also previews his provocative new Urban Souls Dance Company performance piece entitled Truth Be Told at the Hobby Center on Feb. 26 and 27.
In this month’s Love Issue , we spotlight Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas and her wife, Elizabeth Hadaway, with an exclusive photo shoot for our cover. The high-profile attorneys at Susman Godfrey LLP describe their relationship as one built on professional respect and shared purpose.
We also visit with Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard, whose decades-long partnership and careers in the public eye helped normalize queer family life in Houston and beyond. Then writer Alex Mendoza takes us to LesbianLand, a growing sapphic community with both an online and a real-world presence nationwide. And finally, Houston throuple Stanley Lewis,
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Your suppor t empowers the LGBTQ communit y through essential journalism, helping OutSmar t Media thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Your tax- deductible contribution expands our newsroom, compensates dedicated journalists , and invests in the latest media technology. It also funds internships for future writers commit ted to social justice.
David Alviar, and Jesse Thompson share their story of building commitment based on communication and care—and always in ways that feel honest and sustainable.
In arts news, we preview the Menil’s exhibit of Robert Rauschenberg’s fabricbased works from the 1970s, and also MFAH’s exhibit of highlights from the collections of top fashion designers. Both shows remind us how LGBTQ visionaries can show us new ways of seeing the world.
As always, we thank our writers and photographers, whose work is essential in telling Houston’s LGBTQ stories. And our readers, advertisers, and donors who keep this magazine and the OutSmart Foundation thriving also deserve special recognition. If you believe community-driven journalism is vital in these troubled times, please consider donating to the OutSmart Foundation for LGBTQ News and Media.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ongoing
Frida: The Making of an Icon
The groundbreaking new exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts
Houston explores the worldwide influence of Frida Kahlo’s art. On view through May 17. tinyurl.com/5fnp28vt
STAGE
Thursday, February 5
Alley Theatre ActOUT for Real Women Have Curves Ticket holders for the February 5 performance can enjoy a pre-performance mixer with music, socializing, light bites, and drinks. tinyurl.com/4rzajj7d
STAGE
Thursday, February 5
Matteo Lane: We Gotta Catch Up!
Multi-talented comedian Matteo Lane brings his unique blend of standup comedy, musical prowess, and artistic versatility to Houston. tinyurl.com/5xywexrs
STAGE
Thursday, February 26
Houston Ballet’s Sylvia
Sylvia, the story of three heroines on their own path to love, features choreography by Stanton Welch AM and music by Leo Delibes. Through March 8. tinyurl.com/3vxfr2fx
COMMUNITY
Friday, February 6
Somos LOUD Lotería Night
Somos LOUD Houston celebrates National Condom Day with an evening of lotería featuring performances by Kayla Monroe, Alexis Nicole Whitney, and Angela Mercy. tinyurl.com/3sawu3dp
COMMUNITY
Saturday, February 7
LGBTQ Self-Defense Fundamentals
Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu teaches the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu, a style of self defense that is practical for every body type. All skill levels welcome on the first and third Saturdays of each month. tinyurl.com/2s44t8fa
STAGE
Saturday, February 7
Houston Grand Opera LGBTQ Night for Hansel and Gretel Join HGO’s LGBTQ social group for a pre-performance mixer with complimentary cocktails in a private event space with special photo opportunities. tinyurl.com/2n3c8npa
COMMUNITY
Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 2026 Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit This free two-day event convenes more than two dozen LGBTQ organizations and hundreds of community members to develop a unified queer agenda that addresses wellness, safety, equity, and belonging. tinyurl.com/ypyxmcmd
COMMUNITY
Saturday, February 14
Free Weddings at Unity of Houston
Free wedding ceremonies for all committed couples will be performed by Unity-licensed officiants on Valentine’s Day. tinyurl.com/2v6wuswm
COMMUNITY
Thursday, February 19
Pink Pony Pearl Gets Heated Out at the Rodeo’s Pink Pony Pearl, a one-of-a-kind queer night at Pearl Bar, returns to celebrate all things
Heated Rivalry tinyurl.com/rnd6rmy7
STAGE
Saturday, February 21
Pride Chorus Houston: A Broadway Love Story
The Chorus brings favorite Broadway tunes to life with an original story about queer dating, desire, and finding connection.
tinyurl.com/4kddfvsb
STAGE
Thursday, February 26
Out@TUTS for Million Dollar Quartet Theatre Under The Stars’ Out @TUTS reception for LGBTQ theatergoers and friends features light bites, drink specials, and live music. tinyurl.com/4z7d9btp
COMMUNITY
Sunday, March 8
The Annual Walk to End HIV
For 37 years, Allies in Hope has hosted the Walk to End HIV, uniting individuals, families, businesses, and community partners in the shared mission to end the HIV epidemic in Greater Houston. tinyurl.com/3kepf5uz
COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 21
Third Annual Trot for Trans Visibility
Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with these 5K and 10K fun runs, as well as a family-friendly 1K. Proceeds benefit Trans Legal Aid Clinic Texas and Triple A Alliance. tinyurl.com/45zcptpf
COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 21
Out at the Rodeo 2026
Join LGBTQ rodeo lovers in celebrating community while enjoying Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo events, live music, and heart-pounding carnival rides. tinyurl.com/3jxuwdx5
STAGE
Friday, March 27
COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 21
73rd Diana Awards
The Diana Foundation hosts its 73rd Annual Awards Gala, a celebration of laughter, legacy, and LGBTQ excellence. The event brings together friends, community leaders, and Diana members for an unforgettable evening of glamour, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun. Musical guests for the 73rd Diana Awards include Tony & The Kiki, Janan, and Sister Helen Holy. tinyurl.com/429xj8ak
Grant and Ash: A Twink and a Redhead
Grant and Ash, the self-described “iconic duo” known as A Twink and a Redhead, bring their show to White Oak Music Hall. tinyurl.com/2p9nvjcz
By GRACE YUNG, CFP
For high-income earners, taxes are often one of the largest annual expenses—and one of the most important areas for proactive planning. As income increases, marginal tax rates rise, deductions phase out, and additional surtaxes may apply. Without intentional planning, a growing share of earnings can be lost to taxes each year.
While taxes cannot be eliminated entirely, strategic, forward-looking planning can help reduce taxable income, improve tax efficiency, and support long-term financial goals. As we move fully into 2026, it is also important to recognize that some 2025 planning opportunities remain open, while others have closed. Understanding what can still be done—and what now applies only to 2026—is key.
Below are several tax planning strategies high-income earners should consider for 2026, along with reminders about remaining 2025 contribution deductions, where applicable.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans remain one of the most powerful tools for reducing current taxable income while saving for the future.
For 2026, the IRS has increased elective deferral limits to:
• 401(k), 403(b), and most 457(b) plans: up to $24,500
• Catch-up contributions (ages 50+): up to $8,000
• Enhanced catch-up (ages 60–63, if allowed by the plan): up to $11,250
These higher limits allow eligible participants to defer a meaningful portion of income into tax-advantaged accounts. Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable income dollar-for-dollar, which can be especially valuable for those in higher marginal tax brackets.
It is also important to note a SECURE 2.0 change now in effect: certain higher-income employees (generally those earning more than $150,000 in prior-year FICA wages) may be required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis, rather than pre-tax. While Roth contributions do not reduce current taxable income, they may support
long-term tax diversification by providing taxfree income in retirement.
Some executives and highly compensated employees have access to nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans. These plans allow participants to defer a portion of salary, bonuses, or other compensation into future years—often into retirement.
Deferred compensation can be particularly effective during peak earning years, when income is high and marginal tax rates are elevated. By shifting income into lower-income years, participants may smooth taxable income over time.
However, NQDC plans come with important considerations. Elections are typically irrevocable, funds are subject to the employer’s credit risk, and access to assets is limited. Because of these trade-offs, deferred compensation decisions should be coordinated carefully with retirement planning, cash-flow needs, and broader tax strategies.
For individuals enrolled in a qualifying highdeductible health plan (HDHP), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a rare combination of tax benefits: deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
For 2026, HSA contribution limits are:
• $4,400 for self-only coverage
• $8,750 for family coverage
• $1,000 catch-up for individuals age 55 and older
• Importantly, HSA contributions for 2025 can still be made until the taxfiling deadline in 2026, provided the individual was HSA-eligible during 2025. This allows taxpayers to reduce 2025 taxable income while also contributing toward 2026 limits separately.
Many high-income earners choose to pay current medical expenses out of pocket and allow HSA balances to grow over time. Used this way, HSAs can serve as a supplemental long-term planning tool for healthcare costs in retirement.
For 2026, IRA contribution limits are:
• $7,500 for traditional and Roth IRAs
• $1,100 added catch-up contribution for individuals age 50 and older
While many high earners are limited—or completely phased out—from deducting traditional IRA contributions or making direct Roth IRA contributions, planning opportunities may still exist. Strategies such as “back door” Roth IRAs or spousal IRAs can be appropriate in certain circumstances, depending on income, tax filing status, and other retirement savings. It is also worth noting that 2025 IRA contributions can still be made until the 2026 tax filing deadline, offering a final opportunity to reduce 2025 taxable income or build tax-advantaged savings before focusing fully on 2026 contributions.
Equity compensation is a powerful wealthbuilding tool, but it can also create significant tax exposure if not managed carefully. Common forms of equity compensation include:
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), typically taxed as ordinary income when they vest
• Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and
Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), each with distinct tax rules
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs), which may offer discounted purchase prices.
Because equity compensation often results in income “bunching,” it can push earners into higher tax brackets or trigger additional surtaxes. Coordinating vesting schedules, exercise decisions, and stock sales with retirement contributions, charitable giving, and estimated tax payments can help manage taxable income more effectively.
For high-income earners, equity planning is rarely a one-time decision. It requires ongoing coordination as compensation, tax laws, and market conditions evolve.
Charitable giving can be both personally meaningful and tax-efficient when structured thoughtfully. Contributions to qualified public charities may be deductible up to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI), subject to IRS rules. Strategies such as donor-advised funds, or gifting appreciated securities, may allow individuals to support charitable causes while potentially reducing capital gains taxes and improving deduction efficiency.
In addition, tax-aware investment strategies—including asset location and tax-loss harvesting, when appropriate—can help improve after-tax outcomes over time. While these strategies do not eliminate taxes, they may help reduce the drag that taxes can have on long-term portfolio growth.
For high-income earners, effective tax planning is rarely about a single strategy. It involves coordinating income sources, benefits, investments, equity compensation, and charitable-giving goals across multiple tax years, while remaining adaptable as tax rules continue to evolve.
The opinions voiced here are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Grace S. Yung, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and the CEO & Founder of Midtown Financial Group, LLC, in Houston. Since 1994, she has helped LGBTQ individuals, domestic partners, and families plan and manage their finances with care and expertise. She is a Wealth Advisor offering securities and advisory services through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Grace can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.For more information, visit www.midtownfg.com or www.midtownfg. com/lgbtqplus.10.htm.
Alejandra Salinas’ reception as the newly elected Houston City Council member for At-Large Position 4 at the Julia Ideson Building and her swearing-in at City Hall were held on January 6, 2026. Pictured are Octavio Salinas, Elizabeth Hadaway, Council Member Alejandra Salinas, and Mayor John Whitmire.
On January 11, 2026, The Diana Foundation held its 73rd Diana Awards Kickoff Start Your Engines soiree at Park Square One Condominiums.
Pictured are Dale Mitchell, Gianna Ramirez , Marc Matejowsky, David Dupre, and KM Cooper.
by DALTON DEHART AND CREW
On January 9, 2026, John Ross Palmer presented The Top Houston Artists that Exhibited at Braemar artist show. Pictured are Blakely Bering, Rosita Remus, Darlene Abdouch, John Ross Palmer, and Jack Babin
On January 15, 2026, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber held its 3rd Thursday Breakfast with Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare. Pictured are Council Member Mario Castillo and District Attorney Sean Teare.
row, l-r), Andrew Wilson, Ana Sanchez , Necole Moore, and Paulina Mwamba
— KENNETH JONES, Pharmacist
Brandon Mack takes the helm of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus in a pivotal year.
by BRANDON WOLF
Brandon Mack, 42, has been elected president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus for the upcoming year. In a recent interview with OutSmart, Mack discussed his path to leadership and his vision for the organization.
Born in Houston and raised in Lake Jackson, Mack returned to Houston to attend Rice University, where he double-majored in sociology and political science. He later worked in Rice’s admissions office for 13 years and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Houston.
Mack’s activism began before the fight for Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) in 2014 and 2015, but that pivotal moment led him to the Caucus, where he quickly became involved.
After a year as a member, he joined the board, overseeing volunteers and then serving as screening chair for the past decade. He has guided the endorsement process, ensuring it has remained transparent and inclusive. He highlights the importance of member participation, which gives the organization’s endorsements significant weight in local politics.
For Mack, the Caucus’ endorsement process is essential not only for its openness, but also for the accountability it demands from candidates. He is passionate about making sure intersectional issues are part of the conversation, reflecting the community’s diversity in race, gender, socioeconomic status, and a variety of other factors.
“Every person brings their identities and perspectives to the table, directly engaging with candidates,” Mack says. “It’s vital for voices from across the spectrum to be heard in the electoral process, which is why I remain committed to our screening and endorsement work.”
The Caucus recently released their endorsements for the 2026 primary races, and 44
candidates made the cut. Early voting is February 17–27 and Election Day is March 3.
“We are proud to endorse these candidates who support equality and who we feel will use their respective positions to support the LGBTQ+ community,” says Mack. “We look forward to continued relationships with all candidates who support the LGBTQ+ community and will reopen our endorsement process for the November general election in June.”
Mack ran for president this year to ensure the Caucus continues its progress, specifically on anti-racism initiatives. He wants the organization to be a welcoming space for all members of the LGBTQ community, and to remain a strong political force in a critical election year.
Mack’s three main goals as president are expanding educational programming for the community, increasing advocacy at all levels of government, and fostering more commu-
nity building. He believes informed voters are empowered voters and that the Caucus must ensure that its members have a seat at the table so they are not left out of important conversations.
“Making this space as welcoming as possible is a priority,” Mack notes, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and engagement to strengthen the community’s voice and impact.
Mack identifies the current federal government as a major threat due to widespread misunderstandings of LGBTQ+ identities, resulting in harmful policies. He stresses the need to elect leaders who will protect and advocate for the community.
State-level threats also loom large, especially following a legislative session that was damaging to the LGBTQ (and particularly trans) community. Mack is grateful for supportive local and county governments but believes there is more progress to be made.
Mack encourages visibility as a tool for change, saying, “When we are visible, people see our humanity, which makes dehumanization more difficult.” He hopes his own example as a Black openly LGBTQ leader inspires others to be visible and proud of their identities.
“If you value and care about me, you need to also value and care about those who are like me,” he says, advocating for solidarity across the LGBTQ community.
The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus has
been a political voice for the community for decades, and this year marks its 50th anniversary. Mack recalls its history of rallying the community and its influence in local politics, noting that membership and participation are vital for representing the community’s diverse interests.
Members can volunteer at polls, engage in advocacy days, and meet directly with elected officials to present community concerns and ideas. Mack emphasizes that elected officials are public servants—“elected employees”—who must answer to the community.
“It’s a great time to be president because
I am hopeful for the future,” Mack says. He feels the weight of the Caucus’s history, but is optimistic about the opportunities and challenges ahead. “If previous leaders overcame adversity, so can we,” he adds.
Longtime community activist Deborah Moncrief Bell speaks highly of Mack’s abilities. “I was so impressed with Brandon’s skills during meetings from the time I first met him. He has such a passion and commitment to our community. His leadership will serve the Caucus well.”
Mack describes himself as a survivor, having battled cancer three times and having faced racism and homophobia as a Black LGBTQ person in Texas. He hopes that his persistence in the face of adversity can provide a “possibility model” for others as they deal with their own challenges.
He draws inspiration from history, and he especially admires the Black gay author and activist James Baldwin, who said, “Freedom is not something that anybody can be given; freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be.” Mack plans to lead the Caucus with that spirit in the year ahead.
For more information, visit pac.thecaucus.org
Pride celebrations, LGBTQ businesses, and community groups prepare for the global spotlight in June.
by BRANDON WOLF
As anticipation mounts worldwide for the 2026 FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Men’s World Cup, Houston is proudly preparing to join 15 other host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The soccer tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, bringing the excitement of international soccer directly to Houston’s doorstep.
This edition of the World Cup is historic, featuring an expanded roster of 48 teams and a total of 104 matches. Houston’s NRG Stadium is scheduled to host seven of these games, taking place on June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, and July 4. The city expects a vibrant influx of fans and visitors, with teams and supporters traveling from Germany, Curacao, Portugal, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and several other nations, depending on playoff outcomes.
In tandem with the World Cup, Houston’s LGBTQ Pride parade and festival will see significant schedule adjustments in 2026. Traditionally held on the last Saturday of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots, this year’s Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m., with the festival occurring earlier that same day.
Kerry-Ann Morrison, the president of Pride Houston 365, explains that City officials determined they would not have sufficient emergency and police resources to ensure the safety of both the World Cup matches and the Pride Parade, both extremely large events which would have overlapped. As a result, organizers chose to move the Pride celebrations to the first Saturday in June. “Our top priority is ensuring everyone feels safe while celebrating, especially given the current environment,” Morrison emphasizes.
The 2026 Pride festival will include two performance stages—one featuring main-
stream entertainers and another highlighting emerging local artists. Food trucks will remain open later this year, allowing festivalgoers to dine before the parade begins.
Despite the date change, Morrison reports strong enthusiasm, noting that the number of vendors and parade contingents registering is undiminished. Additionally, Pride Houston 365 is currently in the planning stage to offer a smaller, possibly indoor, festival in the Montrose area during late June to honor Stonewall’s legacy.
To support LGBTQ visitors, Pride Houston 365 is developing a comprehensive online directory with over 300 resources tailored for out-of-town guests. The list will include restaurants, bars, healthcare services, and mental health resources to help visitors access what they need during their stay.
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is playing a significant role in World Cup preparations. Tammi Wallace, the president and CEO of the Chamber, serves on
the FIFA World Cup Houston Host Committee’s Inclusion Working Group. The Chamber is also partnering with the Harris County Houston Sports Authority and their Buy Houston-By Houston vendor program to connect LGBTQ and allied-owned businesses with World Cup opportunities.
Last spring, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, attended a Chamber breakfast meeting to speak with business leaders about ways they can engage and benefit from the event. “It was one of our best-attended breakfasts,” Wallace recalls. “We’re committed to ensuring LGBTQ+ and allied-owned businesses are included in World Cup opportunities.”
The Chamber is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. “We founded the Chamber to secure a seat at the table, and having that seat ensures our voice is heard,” Wallace states. To further support LGBTQ visitors, the Chamber plans to launch a special web page listing LGBTQ-friendly restaurants and bars in order to help guests find welcoming spaces during their World Cup stay. ➝
The Montrose Center and Space City Pride Football Club are teaming up to be the Houston host organization of Pride House International for the World Cup, introducing a Pride House Houston 26. According to Dan Cato of the Montrose Center, Pride House will serve as a central hub for all LGBTQ fans, athletes, and allies, offering a safe space to watch matches and connect throughout the tournament. The Pride House will also be a featured topic at this month’s Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit.
Space City Pride’s president, Stephen Olson, says the Pride House will host a variety of activities including watch parties, social gatherings, pick-up soccer games, clinics, and panel discussions focused on LGBTQ inclusion and visibility in sports. More details about these events will be released in the coming weeks and months.
The nonprofit Space City Pride Football Club was established to create a welcoming environment where individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities can enjoy soccer without fear of discrimination. The club’s mission is to break down stereotypes by demonstrating that LGBTQ individuals can excel as athletes and to educate the broader community through competition,
coaching, and inclusive sporting events. It is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association.
Juliana Wathen, owner of Cosmo Cool Concepts and a member of the LGBTQ Chamber, is a destination-management professional who manages a staff of 80. She has been managing corporate events for over 30 years. Walthen worked with the Houston Sports Authority in planning the draw party that was held last December at Little Woodrow’s, where the names of the teams that would be coming to Houston were drawn from a bowl.
Walthen is confident that the World Cup will be a wonderful opportunity for showing civic and business leaders what Houston can do and making them want to bring their conferences and sporting events here.
Cosmo is currently bidding to organize events at the World Cup Fan Fest, which will run for 34 days in the EaDo area just east of the convention center and ballpark. “It’s going to be a bigger footprint than the State Fair in Texas, and it’s going to be huge. There will be musical entertainment, hospitality tents, activations, and giveaways. The matches will also be aired. It is free to the public to attend, and there will be diverse food and beverage
options to choose from,” Wathen explains.
Cosmo is actively recruiting part-time workers to help staff events during the World Cup. “We pay $30 an hour, with a 4-hour minimum,” says Wathen. Anyone interested can connect through the Cosmo website.
Cosmo is a full-service provider for events, both in hotels and off-site. “We can provide their transportation, whether it’s picking them up at the airport or taking them to the stadium on game day or taking them to an off-site dinner. We can provide entertainment, staffing, lights, sound, video, decor, catering, and gift items. We also provide translators in several languages, and we do tours.”
Wathen predicts that watch parties will begin popping up as the World Cup nears. Many establishments will also be looking for additional performers during this busy time. Side trips to NASA and Galveston will be popular, as will shopping at the Galleria and Uptown Park. “It’s all the way down to the Uber drivers and the taco trucks on the corner. There are opportunities for everybody. Think of it as seven Super Bowls in four weeks.”
WHAT: FIFA World Cup 2026
WHEN: June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, and July 4
WHERE: NRG Stadium INFO: fifa.com
Government should treat every person with dignity, fairness, and respect. The services provided by the District Clerk’s Office, including court records, passports, marriages, name changes, and family matters, affect every community in Harris County.
I want the LGBTQIA+ community to know that I respect you, value you, and am sincere about earning your trust.
I am committed to equal access, equal treatment, and protecting privacy in sensitive matters.
As the only candidate who is both a licensed attorney and a former Harris County judge, and the only one who has led a large county department, I bring the experience and steady leadership this office requires.
Out candidate Davis Mendoza Darusman seeks a Justice of the Peace seat in Precinct 5.
by BRANDON WOLF
Davis Mendoza Darusman, 28 years old, is running for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2. He aims to bring fresh ideas and compassion to the seat currently held by Republican Bob Wolfe.
Born in California to immigrant parents, Darusman has lived in the Houston area since the age of 8. He graduated from the University of Houston (UH) with degrees in corporate and organizational communications. As student body vice-president in his senior year, he advocated for better campus life.
Open about his pansexual identity, Darusman is proud to have been endorsed by the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus in the 2026 Democratic primary election.
“These courts are at the front line of marriage equality in Texas. After a judge in Waco refused to perform same-sex weddings—and was protected by the Texas Supreme Court—it became clear how important it is to have an LGBTQ+ member or ally in office, someone who will stand up for equality so all couples can marry without fear or discrimination,” he says.
Darusman invites everyone to join his campaign—whether through phone banking, texting, canvassing, graphic design, fundraising, or making a donation—believing that community involvement makes a difference. While Democrats have held this seat only once since 2016, Darusman believes the seat can be flipped this year. He expresses gratitude for the endorsements that have set him apart from his primary opponent.
Precinct 5, with 1.3 million residents from the Galleria to Katy and south of 290, has two justices holding Places 1 and 2. Both seats are currently held by Republicans.
“Justice of the Peace courts are often called the people’s court—the most accessible in Texas, with a history stretching back before statehood. In these tough times, with rising rents and costs, these courts are often the first and sometimes only governmental experience for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Darusman explains.
He notes that most cases involve traffic violations, evictions, and debt collection, and that working-class Houstonians in West Harris County often lack the support programs that are available elsewhere across the county. He is committed to connecting those in need with resources.
Darusman highlights Precinct 5’s high eviction rates and the lack of programs for eviction prevention or pro-bono legal aid. If elected, he promises to open the court to legal support and relief for those facing eviction.
With one in three Harris County residents having debt in collections, Darusman criticizes the use of private companies for debt collection, which adds up to 30% in fees. He proposes bringing debt collection in-house to make it fairer and more affordable.
Unpaid traffic tickets can result in arrest warrants, even for those unable to pay. Darusman opposes these harsh penalties, unlike his primary opponent.
Harris County is home to the nation’s second-largest immigrant community—and a major ICE presence, Darusman notes. As a result, undocumented residents may be afraid to come to court and thus lose eviction cases by default. He wants the court to be a place of understanding, not fear.
Darusman pledges to donate all wedding
ceremony fees he collects during court hours to nonprofits and local services instead of keeping them, as some judges currently do. He believes taxpayer-funded work time should benefit the community.
He is the only candidate committed to expanding virtual court access, reducing debt collection fees, and supporting eviction prevention. “These aren’t radical ideas—they’re compassionate, sensible reforms that put people first,” Darusman says.
As a student leader at UH, Darusman focused on improving life for others by launching programs like Cougar Pack, which provided secure transportation to parking lots, reduced prices in the food court, and eliminated styrofoam (which causes significant environmental problems) on campus.
Darusman’s connection to Houston’s LGBTQ community is deep, and he serves as president of the University of Houston LGBTQ Alumni Association. After the statemandated closure of the university’s LGBTQ Resource Center, the alumni network stepped up to support LGBTQ students with scholarships and aid.
Professionally, Darusman leads Houston Unscripted Productions, recognized twice by OutSmart ’s Gayest & Greatest Awards for its LGBTQ event videography. He also produced
a pilot for Panning for Love, an LGBTQ reality dating show.
He is a co-founder of the Queens of Houston coalition, partnering with groups like the Montrose Center and the Mahogany Project to share resources and host community events.
Darusman has inspired creative community acts such as Pride Chalk on the Sidewalk at the intersection of the now-destroyed rainbow crosswalk in Montrose, and banners on the Highway 59 bridges promoting LGBTQ visibility.
At the heart of Darusman’s campaign is a belief in love. He wants to lead with dignity and compassion, creating programs that support vulnerable residents and show that government can care. He believes compassion and fairness should be the foundation of our courts.
Atlantis Narcisse, Chief Executive Director of Save Our Sisters United, Inc., has endorsed Davis by saying that “he truly understands Houston’s roots and is here to serve, not just to climb the political ladder.”
Jovon Tyler, former president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, adds, “He’s the right candidate for the right time!”
For more information, visit davisforjustice.com.
Harrison Guy pays homage to Project Row Houses co-founder James Bettison.
by MARTIN GIRON
photos by ALEX BARBER
Harrison Guy has worn many hats throughout his career as an artist and activist . The founder and artistic director of Urban Souls Dance Company was the first Black male grand marshal for a Houston Pride parade. He has served as chair of Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, and he’s now the director of art and culture for the Fifth Ward Cultural Arts District. The evolution of his commitment to community storytelling has led Guy to join Project Row Houses’ Round 59, an exhibit that features a collective of artists with installations that honor their individual experiences alongside the spirit of Houston’s historic Third Ward.
Guy’s installation is titled Bettison’s Benediction: For Choir Boys, Church Queens, and Those Whose Sundays Stopped Too Soon, and honors James Bettison’s life as one of “The Magnificent Seven” founders of Project Row Houses. Located in art house 2517, the installation features four different rooms that provide a space for visitors to learn about queer Black stories in the Houston community and honor those we have lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Guy, 49, says his work at Project Row Houses has been a dream decades in the making.
“I’ve always said if I had the opportunity to work with Project Row Houses, I want to do something around HIV in the Black community,” Guy explains. “When they invited me to participate, I had recently learned of Bettison and how he lived with AIDS. I wanted to address the erasure of his story, and I thought providing a space for
others to learn about him was the perfect overlap with my original idea to honor those lost to HIV and AIDS.”
Project Row Houses serves as a platform for artists to enrich and socially engage with Houston’s Third Ward community, providing supportive programs, art exhibits, and local development activities with the goal of preserving the neighborhood’s rich culture and history. In line with PRH’s mission, Guy’s installation serves as an important reminder that queer Black stories are also a part of this history.
The space includes an AIDS memorial wall to which visitors can add names via QR code, as well as an educational timeline highlighting Black voices throughout the AIDS epidemic. Guy curated the space with artistic contributions from Keda Sharber, Michael Donte, Shawn Artis, LaToya Smith, Danny Russo, Ella Williams, Edgar Guajardo, Jacques Stratton, and John Nicklos to create an artistic
vehicle for people to learn about the nuances of an often-erased time in queer Black history.
“The memorial wall is beautiful, and I want people visiting to know that hard topics can be addressed beautifully,” Guy says. “You don’t have to choose silence because something is negative or sad. I want others to feel inspiration and pride in what they learn here, knowing that queer people are a part of almost every story.”
With National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day falling on February 7, followed by “HIV Is Not a Crime” Awareness Day on February 28, Bettison’s Benediction exists as a timely opportunity for Houstonians to learn about the overlooked legacies of Black gay men whose creativity has shaped our local and global cultures. Through his previous work with the Donald R. Watkins Memorial Foundation, Guy recalls how working in HIV programming shaped the inspiration for his art.
“ The foundation was one of the first Black HIV agencies, and working there showed me that this is a community issue with a community problem to solve,” Guy says. “ I learned how you have to have this multipronged approach to get people the knowledge they need, and so doing this installation feels like I’m coming home to the work I did 20 years ago.”
Not long after finishing his work in HIV programming, Guy went on to found Urban Souls Dance Company (USDC) in 2004 with the goal of cultivating a community of dancers that could tell powerful Black stories through the art of movement. For Guy, remaining authentic and honest in his storytelling was crucial in carving out a space for local dancers to express these experiences where one did not previously exist.
“ I’m originally from La Marque, so moving to Houston and finding dancers to be a part of USDC was a bit of a challenge at first,” Guy recalls. “ I was unmovable in being a Black choreographer doing Black queer work, and I think that isolated us from a lot of audiences and potential partners. It felt lonely at times, but we’ve made a lot of progress in the past 20 years.”
Through the creation of USDC, Guy began choreographing pieces that told the stories of Black community members including Barbara Jordan, Larry Bagneris, and Mickey Leland. Guy explains that in order to share these stories authentically, he began learning about Houston and its Black history in a process he describes as “ becoming a student of the city.”
“ I’m not from here, and there are so many Black figures in Houston whose stories have been erased, so I wanted to make sure I got it right,” Guy says. “ Whether I’m teaching people that Houston’s first Pride parade was organized by a Black man, or stories about the Fourth Ward community paving their own streets, or about the nuances of Barbara Jordan, the common thread is that people need to know these stories, and they can get lost if we’re not telling them.”
With Bettison’s life in mind, Guy felt inspired to not only curate the installation for Project Row Houses, but create a piece for USDC’s upcoming performance titled Truth Be Told. There are five pieces in total as part of the two-night performance, with several pieces being choreographed by Guy and USDC executive director Walter Hull. The performances will premiere at the Hobby Center on February 26 and February 27 as a part of USDC’s annual Black History Month appearances.
For Choir Boys is the section of the upcoming Truth Be Told performance set that will function as an extension of the Row Houses installation, which ends on February
15. Guy says the piece will offer a new artistic medium and perspective to the story that will give audiences a different experience from just seeing the exhibit.
“ I love humanizing these stories, because who else can dance about our local people?” Guy points out. “ Houston can be very humble, but its greatest asset is its people. Their stories are important, they’re fabulous, and they show you that who you are and where you’re from is enough.”
The experiences of Black queer people and Black women have become foundational to the work that Guy, Project Row Houses, and Urban Souls Dance Company pour out into the Greater Houston community. Being uncompromising when sharing these experiences in rooms that artists are rarely in is something Guy learned is crucial through
his earlier work with the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, and even more so in the current political atmosphere.
“ I have very few critiques of the city, but Houston can be very polite when it comes to racism,” Guy says. “ It prefers good press over having the hard conversations out loud, but it’s more important now than ever to be having these conversations and sharing these stories. The truth is we’re creating community. When you make space safe for the least of us, you make it safe for everyone, right?”
Keep up with Guy on Instagram @mrharrisonguy. Learn more about Project Row Houses at projectrowhouses. org. Stay up to date with Urban Souls Dance Company at urbansouls.org.
by DAVID CLARKE
photos by KAYLA GRIFFITH
For Alejandra Salinas and Elizabeth Hadaway, love didn’t begin with a grand gesture. It started with five-minute car rides through downtown Houston.
“So we met at work. We were both lawyer associates at Susman Godfrey,” Salinas recalls. “And Elizabeth came in and was just tremendously hard working.”
In the pre-COVID days, long nights at the office were routine. Salinas would walk home alone late at night, something Hadaway found unsettling. “So she thought she would offer me a ride home at night,” Salinas says. “Those five minutes, where she would drive me from the office to my apartment, became the best parts of our days.”
Over six months, those brief conversations grew into something deeper. “We just fell in love over those five-minute conversations that we just both treasured so much,” Salinas says. “We got together, and the rest is history.”
That relationship was rooted first in professional admiration. “From the very beginning, there was a deep admiration of one another professionally,” Hadaway explains. “That actually came first. And that deep respect for one another, I would say, is the foundation. Then our romantic relationship got built on top of that.”
Today, Salinas and Hadaway are both partners at Susman Godfrey LLP, one of the nation’s top litigation firms, and they are widely recognized as one of Houston’s leading queer power couples. But for them, power is inseparable from purpose.
“I remember our first date talking about how both of us, when we grew up, would often,
Alejandra Salinas and Elizabeth Hadaway celebrate with supporters at Pearl Side Peace during her 2025 runoff election night watch party, where early returns signaled her victory in the Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 race.
in our prayers and in our reflections, talk about how we can make a positive impact on this world,” Salinas says. “I think it was part of how we fell in love with one another.”
That shared commitment shows up in their legal work and beyond. “Both of us have really tried to do everything possible to elevate minority lawyers and make sure that they feel supported at the firm, and that they can rise in their careers,” Salinas says, describing efforts to create “the new POC Female LGBTQ+ Club” within a historically white-male dominated profession. Their impactful and sometimes pro bono work has included cases involving discrimi-
natory school policies, election interference, bail reform, and a First Amendment challenge involving racial discrimination against children. “We currently represent a father in a First Amendment challenge after he became a victim of retaliation for standing up against racial discrimination against his children in a school district,” Hadaway adds.
Their partnership was tested, and strengthened, during Salinas’ successful campaign for Houston City Council. “It was awesome. I could not be prouder of Alejandra,” Hadaway admits. “I think it is an incredibly brave thing to run for public office, and even braver to do so in these times and to do so as an out lesbian.”
For Salinas, watching her wife balance law practice, home life, IVF, and campaign work was transformative. “Every day on this campaign, I fell more in love with her, and I just grew more respectful of her,” she reveals. “An activist said, ‘Your wife is the greatest blockwalker we’ve ever seen,’ because she brings excellence to everything she does.”
Visibility has become a defining part of their public life. “At a time where our community is under attack, this campaign was a good reminder of the importance of being visible and doing it in a joyful way,” Salinas says. “Just by being ourselves and by showing up, we can make somebody else’s day or life just a little bit easier.”
Hadaway agrees. “Visibility matters. It matters to show up, and it matters to speak up,” she says. “If we can give other folks a feeling of safety, even for a little bit, or inspiration to stand up or become more politically involved, that is a win.” ➝
“VISIBILITY MATTERS. IT MATTERS TO SHOW UP, AND IT MATTERS TO SPEAK UP.”
—Elizabeth Hadaway
At home, their relationship is sustained by intention and simplicity. “We cherish that,” Hadaway says of their quiet nights together. “A Friday night sitting with our puppies on the couch next to each other is very valuable.”
Asked what they’ve learned from one another as leaders, the admiration flows easily. “My wife is a CEO type,” Hadaway says, praising Salinas’s ability to listen, synthesize, and execute.
Salinas, in turn, describes Hadaway as “the smartest person I know” and “the most empathetic and kind person I know.”
Moreover, Salinas offers a lesson learned through her lived experience. “In a relationship, you both can be stars on your own, but together you should be better. You can be better versions of yourselves.”
In a city and in a moment that needs examples of courage rooted in care, Alejandra Salinas and Elizabeth Hadaway are showing Houston what queer love, leadership, and partnership can look like when it’s created with intention.
Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard celebrate 35 years of romance, politics, and the long game.
by BENJAMIN LEGER
photos by DALTON DEHART
Asking your significant other to pick up something from the grocery store might seem like a typical domestic task. But for Kathy Hubbard, it was more complicated. It’s not that she couldn’t trust her spouse to get everything on their list. “She will get stopped by so many people who want to talk to her,” Hubbard explains. Plus, a simple grocery store run often required a security detail.
Hubbard’s wife is Annise Parker, who was elected to three terms as Houston’s mayor, from 2010 to 2016, and before that served on City Council and as city controller. Hubbard has been at her side through all of it, first as Parker’s life partner in the 1990s, and then as wife when they married in 2014.
Public service put them in the spotlight as a prominent lesbian couple in a very conservative state—and Parker as the first out lesbian mayor of a major U.S. city. But they used the opportunity to normalize their relationship in the public eye. They were a committed couple; they were raising children together; they were a family like any other in Houston.
As Hubbard would often say, “We weren’t just out of the closet, we were out on the front lawn.”
Their first meeting was a brief one during a Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus gathering in 1990. Parker was the Caucus president, establishing herself in Houston’s civic landscape. She was also running the former queerfocused bookstore Inklings in Montrose. Hubbard had just started a tax consulting business and was active in local women’s organizations.
Hubbard later went by Inklings to ask if Parker needed help with taxes. Hubbard admits to hiding a crush then, but she was also serious about growing her business. Parker, perhaps playing hard to get, said she already had someone handling the shop’s books. But she divulged that she had just broken up with her then-girlfriend and was in the midst of moving out. Could Hubbard help with her personal finances instead? Hubbard had a better idea: she had a truck. Maybe she could help Parker move?
“I wasn’t stalking her,” Hubbard clarifies with a laugh. “She says I didn’t let her get out of the driveway. Whenever she needed a friend or helping hand, I was there. We started going to parties together, but she made it really clear that she was not wanting to jump into a relationship right away.”
Still, they both saw the signs of romance, and within three months they were dating. They moved in together six months later.
Parker’s political pursuits continued to grow, though it all felt organic, knowing how they first connected. It also helped that their civic interests didn’t really intersect.
“We were busy people already,” Parker says. “We had our own businesses, and we were involved in different organizations. We each had our own spheres of influence.”
The night of Parker’s first big electoral win—a City Council seat in 1997—organizers asked them how they wanted to be introduced on stage. “Life partners” was Parker’s splitsecond response, and it made sense.
“Partner sounded like a business partner,” Hubbard says.
The couple’s next big label: Mayor and First Lady. Hubbard says she was apprehensive about the title and the responsibilities that came with it. But she credits former First Ladies Andrea White and Elyse Lanier for welcoming her into the fold with a series of introductory events that helped her feel like an equal in a world of straight political couples.
Parker and Hubbard made an agreement: Hubbard would attend events and appearances where a spouse was expected. She got involved with Houston causes that interested her, such as environmental issues or LGBTQ awareness. But they tried to keep politics off the table when they were at home.
“Once we adopted kids,” Hubbard says, “all our time at home became about them.”
“WE WERE ALWAYS CONSCIOUS THAT WE WERE RECOGNIZABLE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THAT WE NEEDED TO BE ROLE MODELS.”
—Annise Parker
Starting a family happened unexpectedly at first. Jovan was a gay teenager Parker had met at several LGBTQ events who was living on the streets at the time. They were sympathetic to his situation and took him in—at first temporarily in 1994, though it soon became permanent.
Between Parker’s tenure on the City Council and her 2003 election as city controller, they adopted two young sisters. About five years later, they adopted another daughter. ➝
Only after they had formed a family did the idea of marriage become more meaningful. Parker and Hubbard marked their 23rd anniversary with a Palm Springs wedding in 2014.
“Because we had been together so long and had raised kids together, we didn’t think it would matter,” Parker says. “I thought it’s just a piece of paper, but it had a profound effect. Having that piece of paper where the state says you are in a relationship, it really mattered.”
Their children are now in their 30s and 40s and have provided them with seven grandchildren, ranging in age from one month to eight years.
When they aren’t busy spoiling the grandkids, the couple makes time to travel together. Last year was a trip to Yellowstone. A few years ago they hit a bucket-list item by visiting the Galápagos Islands.
“WE WEREN’T JUST OUT OF THE CLOSET, WE WERE OUT ON THE FRONT LAWN.”
—Kathy Hubbard
While Hubbard is now retired, Parker is currently a candidate for Harris County judge and is busy campaigning ahead of the March election. Despite the return to politics, they describe themselves as homebodies who are happiest when they can read or work on hobbies like sewing and gardening. They still come together at the end of a busy day for dinner and discussion.
Parker’s secret to a long relationship? A sense of humor and good communication. And Hubbard’s? Treating each other with respect.
In It for the Long Haul
Looking back on 35 years together, they especially appreciate what their legacy and struggles mean for the LGBTQ community. They worry about the future for queer people, and both acknowledge the backtracking that seems to be taking place in America, especially with conservatives targeting trans youth. If anything, they hope the longevity of their out-and-proud relationship can serve as an example of resilience.
“We were always conscious that we were recognizable in the community, and that we needed to be role models,” Parker says. “The world has shifted completely from what it was when we started. And it’s nice to know that we both have been part of creating that change.”
Sydney Mack
and Racquel Simone started
LesbianLand to create a nationwide sapphic community.
by ALEX MENDOZA | couple photo by NYCOLE KNOXX
At the center of LesbianLand, a name garnering tens of thousands of followers online, is one goal: “to make queer folks feel seen, entertained, and held.” Sydney Mack and Racquel Simone are the Houston-based couple that started it all.
“We met through a mutual friend and basically just slowly started hanging out and going on trips together, and whatnot,” Sydney explains. “And on one of those trips, we got even closer than we thought we would ever get.”
Before starting LesbianLand together, Sydney and Racquel were far from unfamiliar with the public eye. “Racquel started posting TikToks of us that kept going viral. So then we were like, Okay, well let’s start a couple’s page. And we grew from there,” says Sydney.
The couple have since hosted dating shows such as Pop It or Top It, a sapphic spin on a concept commonly associated with heterosexual relationship content online, and Matchmaking with AI, where singles test whether AI has the power to supplement dating apps. They have also organized events in Houston (and recently one in Los Angeles), collaborating with other lesbian social groups to create a sapphic community transcending state lines. That event was a particular highlight for Les-
bianLand as it accrued over 700 RSVPs.
It is no wonder LesbianLand has become a huge success. With the brand turning a year old soon, it is a testament to the need for sapphic spaces not only in Houston but all over the United States.
Luckily, Sydney and Racquel are a match in every way possible, with their personal endeavors meshing together to create a harmonious balance, not only in their relationship but as business partners.
“I grew up in pageants and doing singing and acting,” Racquel says. “After that, I actually started two companies—a swimwear line (Destination Swimwear) and a production company (Feed the Soul Productions).”
Sydney, however, has a more technical background. “When we met, I had a 9-to-5— and I still have a 9-to-5. I originally was in IT a few years ago, and now I’m on the HR side of things. I also have my real estate license.”
The combination works very well for the couple, as they are attuned to what the other’s strengths are while working together on projects they know are fulfilling to one another and their community.
“I’m very tech-savvy, so I definitely handle most of that and the finances,” explains Sydney. “Racquel has a very extroverted per -
sonality so she takes care of the face-to-face partnerships we have, such as communication with photographers, videographers, venue managers, and stuff like that. We’re both involved in all sides of the business, but those are our strong points so we try to split the work that way. We’re just two busy women, and content creation and LesbianLand has definitely taken over. We hope it takes over more so that can be our primary job.”
Among their other goals is the aspiration to have their own bar, and they believe traveling and creating even more connections within the United States will get them there.
So far, LesbianLand has had a huge impact on Houston’s sapphic community as well as others around the country, accumulating almost 13 thousand followers on TikTok and 24 thousand on Instagram. Sydney and Racquel are aware of their popularity, and use it as their motivation to create more events.
“There’s so many people of color and so many queer people in Houston, and they are just dying for community and wanting more creative and intimate events. We’re providing that for the community,” says Racquel.
For more info, visit welcometolesbianland.com
“THERE’S SO MANY PEOPLE OF COLOR AND SO MANY QUEER PEOPLE IN HOUSTON, AND THEY ARE JUST DYING FOR COMMUNITY AND WANTING MORE CREATIVE AND INTIMATE EVENTS. WE’RE PROVIDING THAT FOR THE COMMUNITY.”
— Racquel Simone
A Houston throuple is quietly expanding how love and partnership can look.
by DAVID CLARKE
For Stanley Lewis, David Alviar, and Jesse Thompson, love didn’t arrive with a dramatic declaration or a neatly defined starting line. Instead, it evolved organically with a level of intention that feels both deeply personal and quietly radical. As a Houston-based throuple, the three men offer a poignant and powerful counterpoint to the idea that love must follow a single binary script to be real, lasting, or fulfilling.
Stanley and David’s story began years before Jesse entered the picture. “David and I met in college. We were both at UT and on the rowing team there,” Stanley says. “We’ve been together for 11 years.” Their relationship weathered breakups, reconciliations, and moves, eventually landing them in Houston.
Jesse entered their orbit during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I met them at the gym, but separately,” Jesse explains. “When I met Stanley, I actually thought David was dating someone else at the gym.” What followed was a year-and-a-half of friendship that included traveling together, sharing meals, and building trust—all before anything romantic entered the equation.
“Then, four years ago, it shifted,” Stanley recalls. “We went from being friends to being like, ‘I think we’re dating Jessie.’” There was no formal proclamation or grand gesture to mark the transition. “I don’t know if there’s a line in the sand,” David says. What mattered wasn’t labeling the relationship, but recognizing what already felt true.
Despite the common assumptions people have, this throuple is anything but unstructured or unintentional. “We just talk about freaking everything,” Stanley says.
Jesse agrees, noting that if there’s miscommunication between Stanley and David, he’s there as a third party who can mediate.
David adds that navigating life’s larger challenges together, from layoffs to building a cabin in West Texas, has reinforced a shared belief that they can problem-solve anything. Each man brings something distinct to the relationship. Stanley describes himself as
“flighty,” while David sees him as “energetic and bouncy.” Jesse and David, by contrast, are “grounded and very good at decision making,” Stanley asserts.
Their differences don’t divide them, and they tend to balance one another. “We crosspollinate little interests,” David explains. “It’s okay if people have separate interests. In relationships, you enable your partner to do what they really want.”
“MY FAMILY TOOK US COMING OUT AS A THROUPLE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THEY TOOK ME COMING OUT AS BEING GAY.”
— Stanley Lewis
That sense of balance has reshaped how they think about love itself. “Disney lied to us about finding this perfect person, and they’re going to be your everything,” David points out. “It’s really hard to put all that expectation on someone.” Being in a throuple, he adds, allows support to be shared rather than concentrated. This is something that became especially clear when his mother passed away recently. “They’re rotating, going up to Montana to be with me during that,” David says, reflecting on the depth of care they provide one another.
For Jesse, the biggest adjustment has been logistical rather than emotional. “The world is really set up for pairs of two,” he says, pointing to everything from hotel and Airbnb bookings to plus-one invitations.
Even so, the structure of their relationship has proven flexible rather than fragile. “We all have our couple relationships, too,” David notes. “It’s not two and one. The triangle is complete.”
Visibility has played an unexpected role in their journey. David jokes that they’ve “weaponized it,” sharing their relationship openly to invite conversation rather than deflect it.
From seemingly conservative West Texas couples to yacht club members decades their senior, the response has largely been curiosity and acceptance.
Stanley was especially surprised. “My family took us coming out as a throuple so much better than they took me coming out as being gay,” he says.
Challenges do arise, including moments of jealousy, but they’re addressed head-on. “You have to talk about it,” Stanley asserts. “There’s times where I say, ‘I know it’s irrational. I know it doesn’t make sense. But this is how I’m currently feeling.’”
Moreover, Jesse emphasizes the role of time in building shared history, while David offers a guiding philosophy: “Understanding someone is an action that involves discomfort.” In the quieter moments, love shows up in small, deliberate ways such as Jesse’s homemade pasta, Stanley’s meticulously tended houseplants, and the trio’s intentional end-ofday couch cuddles. “I try to make them laugh every day,” Stanley adds with a beaming smile. Commitment, for them, isn’t defined by a marriage license. “That piece of paper doesn’t mean jack shit to me,” Stanley states. Instead, it’s about showing up and helping one another make dreams tangible.
“If someone tells you they want to hike the Appalachian Trail, how do you make that happen for them?” David asks. “That’s what commitment looks like to me.”
Looking ahead, they hope everyone can gain a broader understanding of what love can look like. “There’s not just one way to do something,” Stanley says.
“There are more complex, more supportive structures,” David adds. “It doesn’t have to just be the same legal structures that we grew up with.”
“Don’t let somebody else’s definition of a relationship be the only script that you’re going after,” Jesse agrees.
For Stanley, David, and Jesse, love isn’t about defying norms. It’s about intentionally choosing one another every day, in a way that feels honest, sustainable, and deeply human.
by MARTIN GIRON
Photos by ALANA CAMPBELL
For Urban Souls Dance Company, expressing the Black experience through dance is fundamental to their mission in cultivating a community that understands racial inequity, fosters healing, and addresses injustice honestly. Set to premiere at the Hobby Center on February 26 and 27, USDC’s upcoming performance piece titled Truth Be Told will share a variety of Black stories through modern forms of dance and artistic expression.
As USDC’s founder and artistic director, Harrison Guy, 49, explains that Truth Be Told is a multifaceted performance piece that encourages audiences to engage with the stories of abolitionist Sojourner Truth, Houston’s Project Row Houses co-founder James Bettison, and recently retired ABC13 news anchor Melanie Lawson. Other pieces will showcase the stories of Black butlers during the civil-rights movement, the music that helped Generation X survive an epidemic, and a piece titled For Choir Boys, which is dedicated to gay Black men whose lives were celebrated in the church but whose deaths were clouded by the stigma of AIDS.
“I want people to trust us to tell these stories truthfully,” Guy says. “There is a difference between making people feel like they’re watching something beyond them and watching something that feels eye-to-eye. ‘Eye-to-eye’ is how we want our art to resonate with people.”
With its five dance pieces, the entire show will last about an hour and a half.
Truth Be Told is the newest iteration of the contemporary dance concerts that USDC creates each year in honor of Black History Month—a recognition month that has its 100th anniversary this year.
You can find out more about Urban Souls Dance Company at urbansouls.org.
WHAT: Truth Be Told
WHEN: February 26 and 27
WHERE: The Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St.
INFO: thehobbycenter.org
DUNIA BARUANI
For some dancers, Urban Souls Dance Company represents an entirely new place to call home.
Dunia Baruani, 23 and a native of Burundi, has been a member of USDC for over a decade now, and describes the experience thus far as “magical.”
“It means so much to me that I can bring the audience with me on this journey of understanding the emotions in these stories,” Baruani says. “I have grown so much with Urban Soles because we all have different perspectives and still lift each other up, so I’ve gotten to a place where I can say I’m proud of myself.”
Having immigrated from Burundi to Houston in 2010, Baruani came into the USDC audition with a background in West African dance and belly dancing. He recalls that after joining the troupe, one of the first stories he got to portray was that of USDC’s artistic director. “It was a piece called Montrose, and I got to
play a younger gay Black man by the name of Harrison Guy. Ever since then, I’ve kept up with him and all of his classes. Anything that Harrison thought I could do, I did.”
Regarding the creation of Truth Be Told, Baruani describes the process of storytelling as complex. “It’s not always a completely sad or happy story,” he says. “I want the audience to feel like they’re dancing with us so they can really understand the feelings that we are working so hard to portray.”
Since joining the team, Burauni has cultivated strong foundations in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and modern styles of dance, which he hopes will help him achieve his dream of dancing for The Lion King on Broadway. “I would love to tour in general, and The Lion King is such a dream of mine. I want to be ready for whenever that opportunity may come.”
Keep up with Dunia Barauni on Instagram @itsdunia3
ANIYA WINGATE
Aniya Wingate, 23, is no stranger to mixing her artistry with advocacy. As the titular figure in the upcoming documentary Raising Aniya, Wingate has found herself in spaces where she gets to mix her love of dance with her passion for justice— something she says was first cultivated through Urban Souls Dance Company.
“I had started dancing when I was around 3 years old, and I really started training with codified forms of dance when I was about 7,” Wingate recalls. “Before joining the youth program at USDC, though, no one had ever sat me down and questioned me and challenged me about issues pertaining to the Black community. At the age of 11, we were having conversations about police brutality, civil rights, racial discrimination, and discrimination toward queer people.”
Wingate attributes these early lessons as formative for how she approaches her choreography and storytelling. After being displaced by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Wingate shares that personal interest in environmental injustices toward the Black community, mixed with her experiences with Urban Soles, led to a director placing her journey as the center of a documentary.
“Director John Fiege was originally just shooting footage of dancers performing in front of chemical plants,” Wingate says. “Years later, he learned through Harrison Guy and Walter Hull that I had been displaced, and John reached back out with the idea. The entire filming process started when I was around 15 years old and ended when I was around 19, so he could really see the impact of environmental inequity and how I was navigating it.”
As Raising Aniya circulates at film festivals, Wingate has continued to push her art in a political direction with the creation of her show Caution: Roses Die Here and a short film titled Shoulders Deep, which has been used by the NAACP and other organizations to teach children about climate change and environmental injustice. Wingate hopes to further her education so she can teach dance at the college level, and she notes that Truth Be Told represents a form of storytelling she intends to keep with her moving forward.
The titular section of the performance for Truth Be Told is about Sojourner Truth’s speech Ain’t I a Woman? “When I think of the audacity of people to question her rights as a Black woman, those are the feelings that I think will resonate with people,” Wingate explains. “Not everyone can do a triple pirouette, but that feeling of anger, that feeling of constantly being in a fight with people that are meant to be taking care of us—as a Black woman, sharing that story is so powerful. The residue of that conversation is still happening today.”
Keep up with Wingate on Instagram @anayathegreat.
The Menil Collection celebrates the artist’s centennial with a rare look at his fabric-based works from the 1970s.
by OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ | visitor photos by LAUREN MAREK
Michelle White, the Menil Collection’s senior curator, was especially excited to organize the exhibit Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s. Now on display until March 1, it marks the 100th birthday anniversary of artist Robert Rauschenberg.
Dozens of museums around the world have mounted Rauschenberg shows to mark this anniversary, but White felt she had a unique angle: his fabric work.
“Anyone who thinks that they know Rauschenberg will be surprised by this exhibit,” she says.
“It was exciting to think about what I could do that hasn’t been done with an artist who’s long been considered one of the most important of the 20th century. What facet of his work hasn’t been explored? That’s really how I came to look at the fabric work, which is a part of his work that hasn’t really received a lot of attention. This is the first museum exhibition to focus on the fabric.”
Rauschenberg, who was gay, had deep roots in Texas and a longtime relationship with the Menil Collection. He was born in Port Arthur, a small city some 90 miles from Houston. He briefly attended the University of Texas, and later returned to Texas frequently for exhibitions of his work.
Houston philanthropists and art collectors Dominique and John de Menil had a decadeslong relationship with Rauschenberg, and the founding director of the Menil Collection, Walter Hopps, was also a Rauschenberg fan.
“The Menil’s patronage began in the 1960s,” White says. “Before Walter Hopps came to the Menil, he curated Rauchenberg’s big retrospective at the National Gallery in the late 1970s. When he came to the Menil, he brought his love of Rauschenberg with him and did three more exhibitions. The current
exhibit is the fourth major Rauschenberg exhibition the Menil has mounted in its 40-year history.”
But this Rauschenberg exhibit, White says, is different from all of the other ones previously seen at the Menil. “Up until this point in his career, he had worked a lot with found materials. New York City was his palette, and he used everything from taxidermy goats to soiled quilts to old tires. That was a defining feature of his work. That’s how Rauschen-
berg became well-known. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about the show. He uses everything from soiled rags to crimson silk from India, chiffons, and sheers. I was really excited to jump into looking at this part of his work. It offered so many opportunities to me as a historian and scholar to think through its importance.”
The Fabric Works of the 1970s exhibit is made up of Rauschenberg’s work from 1973 to 1976, a time when he was quite prolific. The artist was in his 50s, and at mid-career he was already quite important.
“As you walk through the show, you can see how Rauschenberg is using fabric, and how much he understands how cloth works, how it hangs, how it moves through the air,” White says. “He’s essentially using pieces of fabric to create abstract works of art. What I love about this work is that he’s certainly thinking about notions of beauty because they can be quite stunning. This show will be unexpected. Everything will be a revelation. This is a very different side of the artist.”
One element of Rauschenberg’s brilliance, according to White, is his refusal to adhere to binary ideas. “He wanted to create art that was between sculpture and painting. He wanted to add to the gap between art and life. He was always trying to find that ambiguity. These works very much operated in that space in between.
“What could be more from everyday life than a piece of fabric? We’re wearing it right now. We were born swaddled in it. Rauschenberg really recognized that fabric is one of the most powerful substances from everyday life that you can use.”
WHAT: Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s WHERE: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross WHEN: Through March 1, 2026 INFO: menil.org
“THIS IS THE FIRST MUSEUM EXHIBITION TO FOCUS ON THE FABRIC.”
— Michelle White, the Menil Collection’s senior curator
MFAH partners with the Louvre for a unique exhibition.
by OLIVIA FLORES ALVAREZ
One of the most popular pieces in the Louvre Couture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston exhibit is made from more than 650 yards of light-blue tulle. Instead of the paintings or sculptures usually seen in the MFAH galleries, it’s a stunning—and voluminous—highfashion gown by Giambattista Valli.
“This is a very different kind of show from anything previously seen at the MFAH,” says Cindi Strauss, curator of modern and contemporary decorative arts and design.
Created in collaboration with the Louvre Museum in Paris, Louvre Couture is comprised of 36 fashion ensembles installed throughout the MFAH’s Beck and Kinder Buildings. Each is paired with a masterwork from the MFAH collection so as to mirror styles, shapes, and colors.
The four-tiered Valli ball gown is seen in the American gallery with a series of
portraits of women in ball gowns every bit as ethereal as Valli’s couture creation. Nearby is a Tiffany peacock vase, echoing the dress’s light-blue color.
“The Valli gown absolutely references the spirit of the artwork that surrounds it,” says Strauss.
The abundance of tulle is a Valli signature. And though there are 600 meters of it, Valli still managed to show a bit of skin with a peekaboo opening on the chest.
Another outstanding ensemble is a Jeremy Scott design from the 2012–2013 Moschino ready-to-wear line. That ready-to-wear tag is decidedly misleading; the dress is architectural in scope. Made of brown silk and adorned with beads, sequins, and what seem to be drawer pulls and keyholes on the bodice, the Scott dress features a wide skirt reminiscent of a chest of drawers. It stands near an American high chest of drawers employing the same elements.
In the museum’s Dutch gallery, Strauss
and co-curator Christine Gervais paired a John Galliano for Christian Dior ensemble with a multi-tiered Delftware tulipiere. The cream-colored gown has a white underskirt adorned with blue designs, clearly referencing the famed blue-and-white Delftware ceramics for which the Dutch are so well known.
Works by LGBTQ designers are certainly front and center in this exhibition, even though sexuality was not a focus for the curators in assembling it.
Along with Galliano, who is gay, several other designers seen in the exhibit are also associated with the LGBTQ community. Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Gianni Versace, Thom Brown, Yves Saint Laurent, and Karl Lagerfeld are among them, while others like Giambattista Valli are not members of the LGBTQ community but explore gender fluidity in their work.
Asked about any must-see ensembles, Strauss says, laughing, “That’s a hard list to make. I would say the Giambattista Valli tulle
gown in the American gallery is not to be missed. And for Houston audiences specifically, there’s a coat that Beyoncé wore for her British Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot.”
Another highlight is the haute couture sculptural coat by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli, covered with Swarovski rhinestones, sequins, crystal-mesh, and vintage jewels. An enormous round collar frames the face, with large cylindrical sleeves that stand out away from the coat’s body.
For the best experience during your MFAH visit, be sure to pick up a map of all 36 fashion installations. You can also take advantage of free admission on Thursdays and the late viewing hours (until 9 p.m.) on Thursdays and Fridays.
WHAT: Louvre Couture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
WHEN: Through March 15, 2026
WHERE: MFAH, 1001 Bissonnet INFO: mfah.org
Ms Mykie spotlights fat queer bodies with bold, glamorous mixed-media art.
by CONNOR BEHRENS
Ms Mykie is dismantling heteronormative ideas of beauty and sexuality, showcasing queer bodies through bold visual art in Queerdos!
Recently debuting Queerdos! at the Third Annual Mix-MATCH: A Mixed Arts Festival—a free, one-day celebration of Houston’s creative community—both Ms Mykie’s drag and art work focuses on breaking down restrictive ideas around beauty, sex, gender, and identity.
“I really want to express my own journey of self-love by radically showing large bodies being glamorous and provocative,” they say. “All while having a laugh, being joyful and radiant, and pushing boundaries around what is sexy— and who gets to be sexy.”
Art has always been central to Ms Mykie’s life. A Houston native from the suburbs of Spring, they grew up as a chubby, effeminate queer kid who didn’t quite fit the mold. Popularity was never guaranteed, but imagination always was. As a young “queerling,” they found refuge in drawing magical girls and comic book heroines, pouring their inner world onto paper when the outer one felt unwelcoming.
“I’ve always had a strong imagination and a deep need to express myself,” they say. “As I got older, my talents grew stronger, and my need to make sense of the world became imperative. Art is what keeps me sane, sober, and joyful amid all the chaos.”
The inspiration behind Queerdos! is an amalgamation of who Ms Mykie is and who they aspire to be.
“It’s a vibrant explosion of queer identity and love,” they say. “I want to explore queer bodies and the ways we love—our kinks and our resilience. I want to show queer joy: trauma-free exuberance that tells a story of light and laughter.”
Visually, Queerdos! is a mixed-media collection rooted primarily in acrylics and
Ms Mykie is a Houston-based drag artist and visual creator behind Queerdos!, celebrating fat queer bodies and challenging beauty norms.
bursting with color. Ms Mykie also introduces sculpture into the series, marking an exciting new chapter in their artistic practice.
“My Queerdos! represent all people, and the bright, electric colors help convey a world of prismatic queerness,” they say. “There’s a big nod to burlesque and drag—feathers and sparkles—as well as to queer life and how we seek and find our lovers: the joy of cruising and the dichotomy of fetish.”
The fusion of drag and visual art came naturally, even if it took time to fully realize.
Ms Mykie had long used friends and “magical girls” as muses, but a few years ago began sketching costume ideas for their own drag
persona. Suddenly, everything clicked. The characters grew bigger, louder, and queerer. Once paint entered the mix, the evolution felt inevitable—like all the pieces had finally found each other.
For Ms Mykie, queer art and media are not optional—they are survival.
“It’s our story,” they say. “So much queer media is written for us, not by us. Our creativity, bodies, and sexuality are taken and fed back to us. I want to reclaim the queer experience for queer artists—to make art for us and by us.”
Ultimately, their work is about increasing the visibility of queer creation within media.
“Visibility is life or death for marginalized communities,” they say. “It is vital to see all of ourselves in media. Being loud, big, and queer. Fat queer people are sexy. We exist and are desirable. We take up space. Our existence is our resistance.”
Keep up with Ms Mykie on Instagram @ ms.mykie
BUNNIES ON THE BAYOU PRESENTS WINTER BUNNIES
JANUARY 17 AND 18, 2026
Winter Bunnies kicked off Bunnies on the Bayou’s 47th year at South Beach Houston with a packed dance floor as resident DJ Joe Ross warmed up the room and headliner Tony Moran pushed the energy higher with a set that kept the crowd moving. Hosted by Blackberri, the night also featured performances by Adriana LaRue,
Anita Refill, and Diamond Dior Davenport. This year’s beneficiary organizations were announced—Avenue 360, Houston Pride Band, Lazarus House, MEN Inc., Montrose Center, Grace Place, The Normal Anomaly, Open Gate Ministries, Pride Chorus Houston, PWA Holiday Charities, Rice University Pride, Thomas Street Clinic, and Tony’s Place.
Bunnies on the Bayou has been serving Greater Houston’s LGBTQ community since 1979 by raising critical funds through its iconic Easter Sunday party. Proceeds from that annual celebration support the selected beneficiaries who work year-round for better healthcare access, LGBTQ youth support, and political advocacy in Greater Houston.
and Carrie Lorensen let their relationship slowly take shape on its own terms.
Some love stories announce themselves loudly. Others unfold quietly, patiently, and with extraordinary intention.
For Natalie Ferguson and Carrie Lorensen, theirs began not with sparks or sweeping gestures, but with shared creativity, fandom, and friendship, years before their romance entered the conversation.
“We met on the internet. We’re both gamers,” Carrie explains. “We were both playing World of Warcraft at the time. But more importantly, we were both engaged in the World of Warcraft fan content world.” In 2009, Natalie, an artist, was creating illustrations, while Carrie, a writer, was crafting fan fiction. “We actually met on a forum where she was drawing spicy art, and I was writing spicy fan fiction. And that’s how we met.”
At the time, neither imagined the connection would eventually grow into a life partnership. Instead, what formed was something arguably more enduring—trust. “Immediately, we were best friends,” Natalie says. “Immediately, there was a closeness there that was just very natural and very easy.”
That closeness carried them through more than a decade of friendship and across geography, relationships, and personal growth all before the world slowed down enough for them to finally see what had been there all along.
Skipping over the usual romantic beats is what makes their story so resonant. “We were friends until 2020,” Carrie recalls. When the pandemic hit, their already-close bond deepened further. They began spending quarantined weekends together, carefully navigating early COVID precautions while creating a shared rhythm that felt increasingly intimate.
“Our pandemic weekends were probably our first dates—just those romantic-ish hangs that we were having,” Carrie recalls. “We would just spend the whole weekend playing video games together and watching The Untamed.”
For Natalie, the realization there was something more wasn’t dramatic. It was clarifying. “It was just that thought of looking forward in life and thinking about who you wanted to have by your side,” she says. “There is a freedom in being able to define your relationships that you want, however you want and without the parameters or labels of what’s expected.”
That freedom, particularly meaningful as Natalie grew into her queerness and asexuality, allowed their partnership to take shape on
its own terms. “A life partner is going to be my best friend who loves the same nerdy gay shit that I do,” she admits. “And I can talk to her about things that I would literally not talk to anybody else about.”
True to form, their engagement was also not staged or performative. It was practical, timely, and completely them.
“We had gone to the 70th birthday of a friend of ours, and this was right after the 2024 election,” Carrie explains. “Everything felt very doom-and-gloom.” The conversation turned serious in the most mundane setting imaginable. The couple was driving down Braeswood Boulevard, eating leftover cake, and heading out to check a humane cat trap that Natalie had set for her rescue work.
“We were like, ‘When we get married, our cake is going to be awesome,’” Carrie remem-
bers. “And then I was like, ‘Well, do you actually want to get married?’”
Natalie’s response was simple. “I just said Yeah.”
“There was no archway or candles,” Natalie laughs. “We were on Braeswood, going to check a cat trap and eating dry birthday cake.”
The couple legally married at the courthouse on January 17, 2025, which was followed by a larger celebration on November 9 in Montrose. For that celebration, the venue was non-negotiable.
“We had it at AvantGarden,” Carrie says. “Being in Montrose was obviously something that was really cool.”
“It’s somewhere that I practically grew up in as a young person, and it’s very queerfriendly,” Natalie adds. “It just felt right for us.”
They intentionally designed the evening to feel less like a traditional ceremony and more like a party rooted in community. The cocktail hour came before the ceremony, where their guests were greeted personally by the couple.
“We were there from the beginning, hugging people as they were coming in,” Carrie explains. “We really wanted to make sure that while it was our wedding, everybody felt like they were having a good time.”
The ceremony itself was short, thoughtful, and deeply personal, and it became one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
“The same judge who married us in the courthouse also did our ceremony,” Natalie shares about Harris County judge Fransheneka “Fran” Watson. “She’s a queer woman herself. That made it really special.”
Readings ranged from the biblical Song of Solomon to E.E. Cummings, The Amber Spyglass, and Darwin’s reflections on marriage. Their vows balanced humor and sincerity. Natalie surprised herself by crying first, and Carrie had the entire audience laughing.
“I promise not to take for granted the black card that has so generously been bestowed upon me by our friends and family,” Carrie joked, “even though I am so very, very white.”
Food was central to their celebration—not just in quality, but also in meaning. Catering was provided by Kindred Kitchen, a sister organization of Montrose Grace Place.
“It was nice knowing that our money was going toward something that was really beneficial to this group that we already cared about,” Natalie says.
The menu reflected both Houston and Alaska, featuring dishes tied to neighborhoods and hometowns, including king crab bisque and smoked salmon shipped from Juneau.
Dessert came courtesy of Dolly’s Sweet Sensations, with a celestial-themed cake and a dessert bar featuring their favorite sweets.
Looking back, both women agree the celebration exceeded expectations.
“I had a better time at our wedding than I thought I was going to,” Carrie admits. “At the end of the night, I was so sad it was over.”
Natalie agrees. “The planning process was super easy. No bridezilla stories. It was very fun.”
In the end, their wedding reflected the same values that shaped their relationship, which are intention, honesty, humor, and care for community. Free from spectacle and scripts, their wedding was a space intentionally filled with people who mattered and who celebrated their love exactly as it exists.
The Normal Anomaly Initiative hosted its third annual gala and awards dinner, honoring Black LGBTQ leadership across the Southern United States. The event, held at the Bell Tower on 34th and hosted by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia, brought together hundreds of leaders, community members, and allies who gathered to commemorate World AIDS
Day and celebrate the holiday season. Guests arrived in their most expressive looks, turning the evening into both a celebration and a moment of collective reflection.
This year’s honorees spoke to the breadth and impact of Black LGBTQ leadership in the region. Ronald Matters received the Engaged Excellence Award, Diamond Stylz was recognized with the Viable Visibility Award, and Dr. Laron Nelson was honored with the Legendary Service Award. Regi “Syca’Ru” Stevenson received the Emerging Resistance
Award, while the Monumental Impact Award was presented to the Gilead Compass Initiative for its ongoing contributions to healthcare equity and advocacy.
This annual gala serves a vital purpose by raising thousands of dollars in support of The Normal Anomaly Initiative’s work. Proceeds will help fund the organization’s ongoing programs, including a new initiative launching this spring that will provide transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
OutSmart’s Bar Guide is now on your phone! Scan here to check out our directory of LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
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Galveston, Huntsville, Whether you’re a covered with this LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
on your phone! directory of around Houston, Galveston, Huntsville, Whether you’re a covered with this LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
now on your phone! directory of around Houston, Galveston, Huntsville, Whether you’re a covered with this LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
on your phone! directory of around Houston, Galveston, Huntsville, Whether you’re a covered with this LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
is now on your phone! our directory of and around Houston, Galveston, Huntsville, Whether you’re a you covered with this LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
LGBTQ bars and clubs in and around Houston, including your favorites in Galveston, Huntsville, Spring, and College Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we’ve got you covered with this updated guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
spaces.
What is your favorite shot to make? To drink?
I like to make Lemondrops and Starf--kers—a tasty Crown Royal and Red Bull shot!
Where is your favorite place to drink when not on duty?
I’m a non-drinker, so you can usually find me out riding my bike. What is a current bar drink trend you’d like to see end?
Please end the Mexican Candy Shots (tequila, watermelon liqueur, and hot sauce).
What are you best known for?
I’ve been with Mark DeLange, the owner of the Eagle, for 10 years since he opened. Most people know me for my Blue Balls Shot, which is a blueberry vodka mix. What is the best and worst holiday to work?
restaurant, lounge & boutique day / night life experience.
Best holiday: I’m going to count Pride as a holiday, so Pride and Halloween are the best because people are in great spirits. Worst holiday: New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day, when all of the amateurs are out!
Biggest tip from one customer?
$500 during a big party when a major
by KEVIN CASEY
The Aquarius new moon and solar eclipse on Feb. 17 puts intentions on fast-forward.
The moon will be new on Tuesday, February 17, in the airy sign of Aquarius. New moons occur every month when the sun and moon are in the same sign at the exact same degree; in astrology this is known as a conjunction. For this particular new moon, both the sun and moon will be conjunct at 28 degrees
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
It’s all about being a team player, and that’s not really your strong suit, Aries, unless of course you’re the one in charge. There’s a cosmic change of plans this month, and being a team player will be easier than you think. Your fairy godmother and guardian angel will be played by Venus and Mercury, both of which are in the dreamy sign of Pisces. This dynamic duo will help smooth out some of your rougher edges when it comes to communicating and working with others. Actually, you’re just very direct and that doesn’t always go over well with some of our more sensitive signs. Playing nice will actually play in your favor this month; friends, work associates, and your social network can open new doors and opportunities.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
While others may call it a rut, you Taureans call it your safe space. In astrology, you belong to the fixed modality, meaning you’re a sign that’s loyal and dependable but not big on change. This is your call to adventure, and that adventure involves your career and your overwhelming need for security. You know you’ve got to make a move in your career, but the very thought of that brings up your security issues. Forget that fearful voice that tells you your current situation is the best you can do. If a new opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to take it. If an opportunity hasn’t presented itself, just remain open to change.
GEMINI (May 21–June 21)
of Aquarius. New moons are symbolic of new beginnings, so it’s the perfect time to set new intentions and make new wishes. This new moon is special because it’s also a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses can only occur on a new moon when the moon is between the sun and the Earth, partially or totally blocking out the light of the sun. You can think of a solar eclipse as a more dramatic and hyped-up new moon, and it has the potential to bring about great change in our lives. If we’ve been dragging our feet and not making necessary changes, a solar eclipse can come along and give us a push we may not like but we know we need. These changes can continue to occur as much as six months after the eclipse. This is quite a special day; not only do we have the solar eclipse, but also the beginning of the Lunar New Year (Horse), Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and Ramadan beginning at sundown. Find your sign below to see how this first solar eclipse of the year affects you.
You Geminis need a distraction—a break from your brain and the grind. Planning a trip or a vacation is a great option to break up the monotony. This solar eclipse lands in your foreign travel box, so if you need to update your passport, now is the time to do it. You’re looking for new adventures and a change of scenery. The song “Roam” by the B52s goes on your playlist this month. Learning and education are also linked to this new moon, and that’s right up your cosmic alley; you love new information. If you’ve been thinking about taking a class or going back to school, start putting that plan into action. Basically, we’re trying to keep boredom at bay. Boredom is the worst for you Geminis. It brings out your evil twin that stirs up drama for the sake of entertainment.
CANCER (June 22–July 22)
This is your game-changer moment. No more hiding out or retreating into your infamous shell. You get lonely, and what you really want is a deep connection with another. You crave intimacy but you sabotage yourself when you shut down and withdraw. Even worse are the times you open up to the wrong person. Just awful! The solar eclipse this month opens a door that can begin to change all that, but you have to walk through that door. You have a deep, sensitive, and emotional nature; it’s how the Universe intended you to be. Trust that others can handle your depth and emotional honesty. And those who can’t? Well, starting today, that’s a thing of the past.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
You Leos are the star of the zodiac, but this month you’ll have to share the spotlight, because the solar eclipse highlights relationships. You’re naturally charismatic, and taking center stage is second nature, but if you share the stage and the spotlight this month, your interactions with others will go so much smoother—especially at work. Love is also in the air. New moons are about new beginnings, and yes, this means you could meet someone new. You’re such a warm, generous, and gregarious sign that loves to share those gifts with someone special. You’re built for partnerships. Sure, you can fly solo, but when you do, everything just seems to get so much harder.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept.22)
The solar eclipse highlights your health and your work— an interesting combination. Your emotional nature and your health have always gone hand in hand. If you’re upset about something, your body definitely lets you know. I’m sure you already know that your digestive system is super-sensitive, so keeping your anxiety under control is a must. Otherwise, you risk having all kinds of stomach and digestive issues—and with a to-do list like yours, you have no time for that. In the work department, you finally get some much-deserved recognition for a job well done.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)
You agonize over making decisions. You want so badly to make the perfect decision, the one that will be the most fair to everyone involved. You’re the relationship sign that thinks in terms of “we” instead of “me.” Forget about all of that this month, Librans. Trying to be fair and make everyone happy has left you exhausted, and worst of all, no one is happy. It’s time to focus on you. Let others sort out their own problems and find their own happiness. You need some fun and pleasure, and I’ll leave it to you as to how you go about getting that fun and pleasure.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)
In the early 2000s, feng shui was all the rage in the New Age community. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of placement, and the gist of the philosophy is about arranging our living space in such a way that it promotes peace, balance, and flow in our lives. You Scorpios are having your feng shui moment. You thrive on solitude and this is your hibernation month, so look around your living space and make sure you have it exactly the way you want it—especially the bedroom, since this room is a reflection of your subconscious mind and your emotional outlook. Some of you Scorpios will be looking around for a new abode.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)
Communication is key this month. If you don’t want an honest answer, then don’t ask a Sagittarian for their
opinion, because they will give it to you straight with no chaser. This is a very electric and erratic solar eclipse, so the chances of putting your foot squarely in your mouth are higher than usual. Many moons ago, a wise friend gave me some sage advice that I’ll pass on to all you Sagittarians: before you speak—especially in a heated conversation—ask yourself these three questions: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said now? It will save you some sleepless nights tossing and turning, regretting what you said.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
Back in 1986, the Pet Shop Boys sang “Let’s Make Lots of Money.” That song goes on your playlist this month. Solar eclipses are about change, while new moons are about new beginnings. All of this lands right in your money box, so look for new opportunities to make more money. This happens in the sign of Aquarius, so expect the unexpected—like a promotion, a bonus, or even a gift you weren’t counting on. You’ve always been a shrewd money maker while also being a professional worrywart. You worry you’ll never have enough money, so just this month take a page out of the Sagittarian rule book and have fun enjoying your money. Believe me, Capricorns will always make some more.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
You Aquarians have arrived: a solar eclipse in Aquarius means you’re in the spotlight. Last month, you were
clearing out some of the emotional and psychological clutter that had been holding you back. Now you’re ready for new beginnings. In a sense, you’re building a new you, one that is based on who you are today. It can be a little scary at first because the Universe has taken the handrails away—not to punish you or make things hard, but to get you to trust yourself and your instincts. This isn’t about what others want for you. This is about you stepping out and announcing what you want, and then going for it. Any guilt trips that others may present to you will be marked Null and Void.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
You’ll take a pass on the social invitations this month as you choose to spend some quiet time alone. You aren’t trying to be distant or aloof, you just need some time to recharge. Other signs have a difficult time with this alone time, but you Pisceans are right at home. The solar eclipse lands right in the part of your chart that deals with karma, the past, and surrender. New beginnings are around the corner, but first you have to do a purge. You can start with drawers and closets, getting rid of things you don’t use or no longer serve a purpose in your life. Believe it or not, this clearing out process can act as a spiritual ritual. You are putting the Universe on notice that you’re clearing space to make way for the new.
Connect with Kevin at popastrologyreadings .com or on @p0pastrology.
by SAM BYRD | photo by ALEX ROSA
Maria Maria: all the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word—repeated twice. The double-monikered performer hails from the Third Ward, but audiences would swear she’s living the life of a movie star every time she steps on a stage. This young and talented ingénue has the stamina of the Energizer Bunny as she switches on a dime between a power ballad and an up-tempo dance number, complete with costume changes. Read on for more about this pint-sized star.
Pronouns? She/Her, but just be respectful and I’ll do the same.
Hometown? Houston
Drag birthday?
I’m a Halloween baby, but I also did drag in high school when the opportunity presented itself for projects. Who doesn’t love getting extra points for creativity!
Story behind your stage name?
My stage name comes from West Side Story I recall a friend from high school competing for region band, and she got to play music from West Side Story. They played “Maria,” which trickled into me watching it and hearing how someone could be enamored with someone’s name. Plus, it’s similar to my actual name.
Describe your outfit.
I made my outfit. It’s authentic and true to my brand: Afro, Latina, and unique.
Describe your performing persona. Maria is the type of entertainer who works for the dollar. She’s always wearing something handmade, and always giving high energy and fun during her performances, alongside a sense of care.
What’s on your bucket list?
To perform for Drag Race Vegas Live. Also, I want to be able to perform worldwide. I want to be able to show the world my Godgiven talent.
Any Valentine’s Day plans? No plans as of right now, but if anyone would like, I do accept gifts in the form of cash.
Visit our
Any thoughts about Black History Month? Personally, as an Afro Latinx person, I always fall under one category more than the other, but I’ve learned to educate myself on history and understand why some things are the way they are, to preserve the history and grow from it. I have accepted who I am as a person and love every inch of myself because I understand I’m unique—as well as genetically engineered to succeed, as I come from the land where kings, doctors, scholars, and explorers have originated from. I have learned that in this life I have control of what my story becomes. Learning to stand proud in one’s culture and to understand its rich history is what makes Black History Month important. It reminds us of the many people who stood in the face of adversity simply because they were born different. In these times when we are no longer learning from the same history books, it’s important to remind ourselves of where we came from and who we came from.
What was your most memorable moment as a performer?
I performed for Houston Pride, which was one of the catalysts that initiated my drag journey.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
The time I got onstage and, in mid-number, my wig decided to start flying off my head. I grabbed it so quick and just looked at the bartender as I slowly slid it back on my head. But I still finished that seven-minute mix!
Ultimate goal as a performer?
To work full time and be a worldwide phenomenon. I love drag, and I want to showcase that love not just to Texas and not just to America, but to the world. I want to hit every stage I can perform on to showcase my love for drag.
Advice for up-and-coming performers? Quit.
Who is your favorite drag character from the media, and why?
Mother RuPaul herself. The woman was doing things before Drag Race. That’s the life I want to live, going out and convincing the world you’re a star because you just simply are.
