Cartoonist Alison Bechdel discusses her Broadway smash, ‘Fun Home’
52 FIVE LGBTQ ASIANAMERICANS
Houston’s up-andcoming leaders
69 COALITION TRUMPS HATE
British LGBT group fights back against pinkwashed xenophobia
81 SUMMER GAYCATION
37 NEW A&M LEADER
Bobby Brooks criticizes Rick Perry
61 DIVA LOTUS BLOSSOM
Carl Han’s alter ego spins up another party benefi tting LGBT youth
HAVANA NIGHTS
Conquering Cuba’s queer-friendly capital
Book ’em, Dano, book ’em now. 85
DYNAMIC DUO
Out director again teams with longtime friend in Houston premiere
45 TEXAS’ MAMA BEARS
A Mother’s Day salute to parents of trans kids
65 PET VET
New lesbian-owned animal hospital welcomes all in the Heights
77 A CUBAN FOOD CRAWL
A little bit of Havana in Houston
86 WEDDING GUIDE
Lisa and Yvonne Trans’ speedy wedding. And Bret Detillier and Colin Riley score rave reviews.
48
‘THERE WAS SO MUCH DEATH’ Pete Rodriguez reflects on the AIDS epidemic in Houston
67 QUEER AND DISABLED
Breaking down barriers as a lesbian with cerebral palsy
79
MEXICO CITY
A new gay mecca
99 REFUSING TO HIDE
‘Anne Frank’ hits home for out actor, director
Healthysexuals CONNECT
Looking forward together
Reaching any goal is easier when you have a good plan. And a strong financial plan is built on solid financial decisions. With our tools and services, we can help you create your own road map to financial security.
Call, click, or stop by and talk to a banker today. wellsfargo.com
Houston Champagne Brunch at The Corinthian
LGBT Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour at Jumper Maybach Fine Art Gallery
OutReach United Goes Vegas at Jaguar Houston Central
Bunnies on the Bayou at the Wortham Center
LoneStar Volleyball Classic in mid-April
Urban Animal Veterinary Hospital Ribbon-Cutting and Crawfish Boil
Happy May, readers. And as you’ll see in this issue, May is busting out all over.
In this issue, writer Steven Foster visits with the talented Alison Bechdel, illustrator of the comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For. Bechdel talks about the Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical Fun Home, based on her bestselling book, which comes to Theatre Under The Stars May 16–28.
OUTSMART also celebrates Asian History Month by profi ling some of our local LGBTQ leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. And Marene Gustin reports that a new group is launching to serve this diverse population.
And speaking of Mother’s Day, Kim Hogstrom writes about a special subset of moms—the ones who love their sons and daughters—even when it turns out their sons are daughters and their daughters are sons. Unconditional love is what every son or
daughter wants to experience, and these moms know how to give it.
Also in this issue, travel and food writer Joanna O’Leary takes us to Cuba’s queerfriendly capital, Havana, and explores some of Houston’s best Cuban restaurants.
And on an internal note, last month, John Wright took the helm as the new associate editor of O UTSMART. You may have seen John’s news stories in O UTSMART over the years. He’s been covering LGBT issues in Texas for over a decade, including the last two legislative sessions from Austin.
I’m excited about the addition of John to our sta and look forward to the contributions he’ll bring to the magazine and website. Stay tuned.
Got a story idea you’d like to pitch to O UTSMART? We’d love to hear from you at editor@outsmartmagazine.com.
I hope you enjoy the issue. We had a blast putting it together for you.
-Greg Jeu
ON THE COVER
Cartoonist
Alison Bechdel (See page 30.)
Photo by M. Sharkey/ Contour by Getty Images
Design by Alex Rosa
Remembering Bart Truxillo LGBT community mourns Houston preservationist who died last month.
By Kim Hogstrom
Photos by Sarah Gish
On Wednesday, April 19, Houston’s LGBT community and indeed, Houston at large lost one of its most intriguing citizens and passionate advocates of historic preservation. Beloved Barthel “Bart” Truxillo passed away suddenly from an aneurysm at the age of 74.
Truxillo was a gracious man with a quiet but unrelenting appetite for life and love. His energy was nearly limitless, and his friendship a treasure to the many who basked in it. He will be sorely missed.
“When I moved to Houston, Bart was one the first people I met. He made me feel welcome from the start,” says Tanner Williams, president of The Diana Foundation. The foundation was launched in 1953 to raise funds for Houston’s LGBT community, and played a powerful role in the growth of numerous organizations over the years.
“Bart was just that kind of person a loving, caring man,” Williams continues. “And he was so generous in his support of the Dianas. He was always a part of our activities, and happy to host us at his Magnolia Ballroom.”
Truxillo graduated from the University of Houston in 1965 with a degree in architecture. In 1968, he bought the dilapidated 1910 Magnolia Brewery at the corner of Milam and Franklin streets downtown. At a time in Houston’s history when beautiful old buildings were normally “scraped” dissolved from sight, mind, and history Truxillo had a better idea.
He breathed life back into the brewery with an extensive restoration, created a stunning event space, and named it the Magnolia Ballroom. Truxillo then sought and received Houston’s first Historic Landmark Designation for his building. Additional his-
toric structures were eventually recognized after Truxillo teamed up with a handful of like-minded Houstonians in 1978 and founded the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Now called Preservation Houston, the agency works tirelessly to maintain the character of Houston’s historic areas and save its structures from the wrecking ball.
“When Bart started in preservation, Houston did not have a preservation ordinance, no historic districts, and no designated landmarks. It took an enormous grassroots effort to make things change. Bart was composed but fervent, [and] he and his small group made it happen,” says David Bush, acting executive director of Preservation Houston.
There are many who also credit Truxillo with saving the Houston Heights. He was originally active in Montrose, but in 1974 Truxillo was introduced to the Heights. He had never before ventured into that badly decaying community, but he soon purchased a large, run-down Victorian home on Harvard at 18th Street and started his renovation magic all over again.
Register of Historic Places. Soon after its renovation was complete, other pioneers in the Heights started renovating, and the community’s decay slowly reversed. The Heights now has three official historic districts, and the entire area is considered a highly desirable
The House that Built a Neighborhood
Once a large, rundown Victorian, Truxillo renovated a unique Heights home that featured an aviary, fish pond, and a signature Victorian turret complete with a spinning disco ball inside.
Today, Truxillo’s Heights structure his personal home for more than 40 years incorporates elements reflecting its owner. There is a large walk-out aviary off the kitchen, replete with doves and finches. A fish pond in the yard backs up to the house, and a window was installed in the basement so Truxillo’s guests could watch the fish. And the magnificent Victorian turret that rises above the roof of the home hosts a spinning disco ball inside.
The home is now listed in the National
community in which to live.
“If you live in the Heights today, it is probably due to Bart Truxillo,” states Maverick Welsh, a longtime friend of Truxillo’s and former chair of Houston’s Archaeological and Historical Commission, a 13-member allvolunteer board that issues City Certificates of Appropriateness and reviews Historic District, Landmark, Protected Landmark, and
A Man of Great Heights Bart Truxillo, who passed away in April, basically saved the Houston Heights, turning it into the charming, sought-after zip it is today.
TRIUMEQ is a once-a-day pill used to treat HIV-1. In some people, TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself. Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
APPROVED USES
TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-type 1) medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18.
TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects, including:
• Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavir-containing products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. Your pharmacist will give you a Warning Card with a list of these symptoms. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.
If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravir-containing medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get lifethreatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.
• A buildup of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take TRIUMEQ. This serious medical emergency can cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel very weak or tired; have unusual muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy/light-headed; or have a fast/irregular heartbeat.
• Serious liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. In some cases, these serious liver problems can lead to death. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
• yellow skin, or the white part of the eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark urine; light-colored stools; loss of appetite for several days or longer; nausea; pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area
• Worsening of hepatitis B virus in people who have HIV-1 infection. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. A “flare-up” is when your HBV suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without first talking to your healthcare provider, so he or she can monitor your health.
• Resistant hepatitis B virus. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant).
• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. If you’re taking TRIUMEQ and interferon, with or without ribavirin, tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C who were taking antiretroviral medicines and interferon.
Who should not take TRIUMEQ?
• Do not take TRIUMEQ if you:
• have the HLA-B*5701 gene variation
• are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ
• take dofetilide (Tikosyn®)
• have liver or kidney problems
What are other possible side effects of TRIUMEQ?
• People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ.
• When you start taking HIV-1 medicines, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking TRIUMEQ.
• Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines.
• Some HIV-1 medicines, including TRIUMEQ, may increase your risk of heart attack.
The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ include: trouble sleeping, headache, tiredness
These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRIUMEQ?
• Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your healthcare provider if you:
• have been tested and know whether or not you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701
• have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection; have kidney problems; have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes; drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ
• You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take:
• abacavir (EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®, or ZIAGEN®)
• lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, DutrebisTM , EPIVIR®, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR)
• emtricitabine (Emtriva®, Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild®, or Truvada®)
Important Safety Information continued on next page
Peter Diagnosed with HIV in 2015
Jeannette Diagnosed with HIV in 2011
Leopold Diagnosed with HIV in 2003
Garland Diagnosed with HIV in 2016
Jack Diagnosed with HIV in 2010
• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements (for example, antacids or laxatives; vitamins such as iron or calcium supplements; anti-seizure medicines; other medicines to treat HIV-1, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; metformin; methadone; or St. John’s wort). Some medicines interact with TRIUMEQ. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Important Facts about TRIUMEQ on the following pages.
Real patients with HIV-1 taking TRIUMEQ as of 2014 or later. Individual results may vary. Individuals compensated for their time by ViiV Healthcare.
(TRI-u-meck)
(TRI-u-meck)
IMPORTANT FACTS
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about TRIUMEQ and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
This is only a brief summary of important information about TRIUMEQ and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRIUMEQ
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRIUMEQ
TRIUMEQ ® may cause serious side effects, including:
TRIUMEQ ® may cause serious side effects, including:
• Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavir-containing products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card your pharmacist gives you. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.
• Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavir-containing products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card your pharmacist gives you. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.
• If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravircontaining medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.
• If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravircontaining medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.
• Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Serious liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools (bowel movements), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain on the right side.
• Serious liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools (bowel movements), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain on the right side.
You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking nucleoside analogues for a long time.
You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking nucleoside analogues for a long time.
• Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
• Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
• Resistant HBV. If you have HIV-1 and HBV, the HBV can change (mutate) while you’re on TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant).
• Resistant HBV. If you have HIV-1 and HBV, the HBV can change (mutate) while you’re on TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant).
• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus who are taking antiretroviral medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking TRIUMEQ and interferon with or without ribavirin, tell your HCP if you have any new symptoms.
• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus who are taking antiretroviral medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking TRIUMEQ and interferon with or without ribavirin, tell your HCP if you have any new symptoms.
ABOUT TRIUMEQ
ABOUT TRIUMEQ
• TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18.
• TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18.
• TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIVrelated illnesses.
• TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIVrelated illnesses.
DO NOT TAKE TRIUMEQ IF YOU
DO NOT TAKE TRIUMEQ IF YOU
• have a certain type of gene variation called the HLA-B*5701 allele. Your HCP will test you for this before prescribing treatment with TRIUMEQ.
• have a certain type of gene variation called the HLA-B*5701 allele. Your HCP will test you for this before prescribing treatment with TRIUMEQ.
• are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ. See the full Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in TRIUMEQ.
• are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ. See the full Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in TRIUMEQ.
• take dofetilide (Tikosyn ®). Taking TRIUMEQ and dofetilide (Tikosyn) can cause side effects that may be life-threatening.
• take dofetilide (Tikosyn ®). Taking TRIUMEQ and dofetilide (Tikosyn) can cause side effects that may be life-threatening.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• If you also take: abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN); lamivudine (COMBIVIR ®, DutrebisTM , EPIVIR ®, EPIVIR-HBV ®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR); emtricitabine (Atripla ®, Complera ®, Emtriva ®, Stribild ®, or Truvada ® ) abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN)
• If you also take: abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN); lamivudine (COMBIVIR ®, DutrebisTM , EPIVIR ®, EPIVIR-HBV ®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR); emtricitabine (Atripla ®, Complera ®, Emtriva ®, Stribild ®, or Truvada ® ) abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN)
BEFORE TAKING TRIUMEQ
BEFORE TAKING TRIUMEQ
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
• have been tested and know if you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701.
• have been tested and know if you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701.
• have or had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection.
• have or had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection.
• have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol.
• drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.
• are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRIUMEQ. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRIUMEQ. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider
IMPORTANT FACTS (cont’d)
MEDICINES THAT MIGHT INTERACT WITH TRIUMEQ
• antacids, laxatives, or other medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium, sucralfate (Carafate ®), or buffered medicines. TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines.
• iron or calcium supplements taken by mouth may be taken at the same time with TRIUMEQ if taken with food. Otherwise, TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines
• any other medicine to treat HIV-1, medicines used to treat hepatitis virus infections (such as interferon or ribavirin), a medicine that contains metformin, methadone, rifampin (Rifater ®, Rifamate ® , Rimactane ®, Rifadin ® ), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRIUMEQ
TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects including:
• See “What is the most important information about TRIUMEQ?” section
• Changes in liver tests.
• Changes in your immune system
• Changes in body fat
The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ are: trouble sleeping, headache, and tiredness
These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
GET MORE INFORMATION
• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist
• Go to TRIUMEQ.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved product labeling
COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, EPZICOM, TIVICAY, TRIUMEQ, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
EPIVIR-HBV is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies.
The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its products.
• Some HIV-1 medicines including TRIUMEQ may increase your risk of heart attack.
April 2016 TRM:4MG
Photos by Dalton DeHart and Edgardo Aguilar
On April 23, the Victory Fund hosted its annual Houston Champagne Brunch. Pictured are former mayor Annise Parker and Pastor Juanita Rasmus. Rasmus and her husband, Rudy, received the Annise Parker Leadership Award.
On April 1, the Human Rights Campaign held its HRC Houston 20th Anniversary Gala at the Marriott Marquis. Pictured are Michael Holloman and Britt Kornmann, recipient of the HRC Leadership Award.
On April 2, Neon Boots hosted a Celebration of Life for Jim Moore, including a balloon release.
On April 9, the Montrose Softball League Association hosted its Sunday Social at Ripcord. Pictured are members of the host teams, the Cubcakes and the Guardians.
The Miss LSVA 2017 Contest was held at South Beach on April 1. Pictured are Valerie Lucci, Erica Lucci, Crystal Gel, Ruby Roxxx, Morgan Sparkes, and Lady Byrd.
Richard Holt presents the Victory Fund Corporate Ally Award to Larry Ryan of Dow at the Victory Fund Brunch on April 23.
On April 23, the Victory Fund hosted its annual Houston Champagne Brunch at The Corinthian. Pictured are Rep. Gene Wu, Rep. Celia Israel, Jani Lopez, Council Member David Robinson, Council Member Amanda Edwards, Amber Anderson Mostyn, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, Council Member Mike Laster, Mayor Sylvester Turner, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Aisha Moodie-Mills, Bryan Hlavinka, County Attorney Vince Ryan, and Controller Chris Brown
continued from page 11
Archaeological Site designation applications.
“Working in historic preservation is thankless,” Welsh adds. “It’s exhausting to fight developers and builders. But Bart was always there, supporting us and whispering ‘Thank you you are doing the right thing’ in our ears. It is Bart and his tireless support of preservation that made the Heights the great place it is now.”
One of Truxillo’s dearest friends, Michael Kemper, will feel his loss for years to come. “I met Bart in 1974, and we’ve been close friends ever since. Bart was a quiet man, and often operated behind the scenes. He never sought the limelight. He was slight in stature, but he was passionate and forceful in nature,” Kemper explains.
“Bart was also very intelligent and incred-
ibly generous. At one time, he owned hundreds of properties in Montrose, and when he had friends who needed help with a place to stay, he would invite them to stay at one of the properties for as long as needed. When you were Bart’s friend, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you,” Kemper says, fighting back tears.
Still, he remembers his friend’s vibrant creative side with joy. “Bart was a great adventurer, loved to travel the world, and very avantgarde. I remember once attending a gala he held at the Magnolia Ballroom. It was a ‘Masks Only’ gala. When we arrived at the door, we all checked our clothing into individual plastic bags, kept our shoes on, and donned masks. I will never forget all those men and women dancing in front of the big mirrors in the ballroom with shoes and masks on, but nothing else.”
As for Truxillo’s personal life, it is as interesting as everything else about him. “Bart was
bisexual,” says Kemper, who is openly gay. “He had a life partner whom he loved, the former curator of the Bayou Bend Collection, Michael Brown, who preceded him in death in 2013.
“Following that, Bart had several guys around, but he also lived with a woman for 14 years at one point in time,” Kemper says. “I think the time in which Bart grew up, and the fact that he was Catholic, played a role in making him a very private man regarding his personal life.”
As one would hope for someone who made such a positive impact on Houston, Truxillo is interred at the historic Glenwood Cemetery in his beloved Heights. Fittingly, he will be surrounded by historic landmarks for eternity.
Rest in peace, remarkable Bart Truxillo. You are loved.
Kim Hogstrom is a frequent contributor to OUT SMART magazine.
“I Think Somebody Did Something to Him”
Search coordinator fears the worst in case of missing gay UH student.
By Megan Wadding
An Vinh Nguyen, a 27-year-old University of Houston student and a member of Houston’s LGBTQ community, has been missing since March 31.
Nguyen, who worked part-time as an optician, didn’t show up for his shift at Ella Eyes in Tomball on April 1, according to Bobby Johnson, his friend and coworker.
The night before, Nguyen had dinner at Johnson’s home in Willowbrook. Johnson said Nguyen left around 10:30 p.m. to finish a paper for school, but never arrived home.
According to news reports, the last text message from Nguyen’s cell phone was sent to an unidentified man who was in Houston on business from New York. Nguyen’s credit card and EZ Pass were last used on March 30.
Since Nguyen’s disappearance, volunteers from Texas Equusearch, a nonprofit search and rescue group, have been scouring wooded areas in northwest Harris County identified by the Harris County Sheri ’s Department.
“We’ve searched multiple areas so far, but at this point, we’ve found nothing,” Texas Equusearch’s Frank Black told OUTSMART in late April. “I’m not sure who [the sheri ’s office] is looking at, but I think somebody did something to him.”
Fliers have also been posted near gay bars in Montrose seeking information about Nguyen.
Still Missing
27-year-old UH student An Vinh Nguyen has been missing since March 31. Sheriff’s officials have been tight-lipped about their investigation.
The sheri ’s o ce did recover Nguyen’s orange 2016 Jeep Renegade and searched the vehicle for evidence, but sheri ’s o cials have been tight-lipped about their investigation and did not reveal where the vehicle was found.
A representative from the sheri ’s o ce told O UTSMART in late April that there was no new information available in the case.
The search for Nguyen has focused on a three- to five-square-mile area near FM 1960 and the Hardy Toll Road, with the command center being the Grace Family Baptist Church, according to news reports.
Black said the search party has typically consisted of 20 to 30 volunteers. He also said
sheri ’s o cials were “working very hard and long hours” on the case.
“We actually even had deputies out there searching the other day,” Black said. “They had street clothes on and were in the woods with us. It’s not very often that you find that. We want to find this guy.”
Diana Ngo, Nguyen’s friend, former boss, and owner of the Ella Eyes Memorial Park location, told OUTSMART she was in disbelief about his disappearance.
“[Nguyen] is just a very lively young man,” Ngo said. “He’s such a good guy, and very friendly, and he is really good at what he does. You don’t hear things like this. It’s a big shock.” Nguyen had worked alongside Ngo at the Memorial Park location for about a year and a half until the end of December, when he transferred to the Tomball location to work parttime due to his school schedule.
“When you’re working with people every day, you develop a close relationship,” Ngo said. “We are all concerned about him. I feel numb. I don’t even know what to say. It hasn’t been easy.” Nguyen has black hair, brown eyes, and is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.
O cials ask anyone with information about Nguyen’s whereabouts to contact the Harris County Sheri ’s O ce at 713.221.6000, or Texas EquuSearch at 281.309.9500.
Compiled by Marene Gustin
Compiled by Marene Gustin
‘Precious
Little’ . . .
The 2nd Annual Intercultural Play Reading Series is at MATCH this month, and you can hear three staged readings of new (or at least new to Houston) plays. There are Lauren Yee’s In a Word and Aditi Kapil’s immigrant story Agnes Under the Big Top, but we are most excited to hear Madeleine George’s Precious Little. It’s a play that questions how much information is too much. In light of the current Texas SB 25 a bill
that would allow doctors to with hold crucial information from pregnant women it’s a very current topic. In George’s play, the lead character, a linguist, is pregnant but learns through genetic testing that the baby may have a serious medical issue. She must also deal with her girlfriend, her faith in science, and a gorilla. Yes, a gorilla. George, an award-winning playwright and book author, who is married to fellow playwright Lisa Kron,
has written the plays Hurricane Diane, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New, and The Zero Hour. But Precious Little is perhaps one of her most fascinating plays to date one you don’t want to miss. Marene Gustin
May 11–13
( Precious Little : May 12) 2nd Annual Intercultural Play Reading Series nextiterationtheater.com
May Day
VBB Book Launch + Voices Breaking Boundaries book launch at Brazos Bookstore. vbbarts.org
Buddhist Meditation + Myokei Caine-Barrett. rothkochapel.org
Origins of the Self A thru 7 Youth art exhibition. camh.org
Eye on Houston A thru 7 Student photography. mfah.org 5
Cinco de Mayo * Contemporary and traditional Mexican folk music! milleroutdoortheatre.com
Nora's Home Gala + This year’s theme is Giving Back to the Future. norashome.org
Snow White * last night A modern retelling of the tale. catastrophictheatre.com
22nd Annual Keels & Wheels + & 7 Car and boat exhibit at the Lakewood Yacht Club. keels-wheels.com
Götterdämmerung * last day Wagner’s epic tale. houstongrandopera.org
UH-Downtown Student Exhibition * last day An exhibit of new works for art students. uhd.edu
7
Houston’s Annual Pond Tour + last day Tour backyard ponds and water features. houstonpondsociety.org
Horns and Halos * Bad gals lead you on a journey from heaven to hell . . . and back. bcpahouston.org
A Celebration of Survival * thru 30 An immersive exhibition designed to honor the heroes, victims, and survivors of the Holocaust. hmh.org
YOUTUBE; TRIANGLE - BROADWAYWORLD
Madeleine George
The author’s play will be read in Houston this month.
Walley Films: Watching Artists Work * thru 17 Six years of films about artists making site-specific works at Rice. ricegallery.org
Mozart’s Requiem * Mozart the way it should be heard. mercuryhouston.org
In Darfur * thru 13 A very timely play about refugees. landingtheatre.org
Year of the Mom Celebration + Chef Aarti Paarti keynotes a dinner and talk. mhahouston.org
Intercultural Play Reading Series thru 13 * Staged play readings of new works. nextiterationtheater.com
15 9
Arlo Guthrie * The singer returns to the island with his Running Down the Road tour. thegrand.com
Wildlife Photographer of the Year A thru June 4 An exhibit celebrating the very best nature photography. hmns.org
Chris Rock * & 13 Comedy concert. smartfinancialcentre.com
Lobby Hero * thru Jun 3 New drama. 4thwalltheatreco.com (See page 20.)
16
Boniuk Library Book Club * This month’s book is The Monuments Men hmh.org
Immigrant Waves A thru 20 The work of Marco Villegas. zoyatommy.com
Gardens and Graveyard/ Plastic Planet/ NeoCortex Classroom A thru 20 Three new exhibits in Galveston. galvestonartscenter.org
21
A View from the Bridge * last day Alley Theatre’s new version of the Arthur Miller play. alleytheatre.org Atlas, Plural, Monumental A thru Aug 6 Works by artist Paul Ramírez Jonas. camh.org
25
A Better Yesterday A thru Sept 3 A showcase of three artists and their unique vision of childhood. camh.org
Ron Mueck Survey A thru Aug 13
Thirteen works by the contemporary sculptor on exhibit at MFAH. mfah.org
Game Night + Costumes, contests, and games! catastrophictheatre.com
Extremely Short Film Festival * & 20 Screenings of short films, and the festival gala Saturday night. aurorapictureshow.org
World Out Games Miami 2017 + thru 29 Human rights and culture conference and sporting event. outgames.org
Holocaust Museum Houston Gala + Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner. hmh.org
Elegant Ellington * thru 22 An evening of songs by Duke Ellington. bayoucityconcertmusicals.org
Central Asian Ikats A thru June 4 An exhibition of ikat robes and panels from the Textile Museum. mfah.org
Jethro Tull * Featuring Ian Anderson.
A Tribute to George Barris + thru Dec 31 At this exhibit to the King of Kustomizing, you can see a replica of Barris’ 1966 Batmobile and more. nmfh.org
Homelands and Histories: Photographs by Fazal Sheikh A thru Sept 4 Seventy-five photographs spanning 25 years. mfah.org
Glossy and Flat Black Squares A thru June 30 Rice Gallery’s closing exhibit by Sol LeWitt. ricegallery.org
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang * last day A high-flying car musical for the whole family. crightontheatre.org
Dancin' in the Street . . . Motown & More Revue * last day Singin’ and dancin’. milleroutdoortheatre.com
June 6–10 Something Rotten * A musical in Shakespeare’s time! thehobbycenter.org
Calendar of Events
continued from previous page
A View from the Bridge
1338-C Westheimer 713-520-5440 www.silverlustonline.com Do you have a gift yet?
Now thru May 21
–
Love Thy Neighbor
Thy Homeless Neighbor
Thy Jewish Neighbor
Thy Black Neighbor
Thy Gay Neighbor
Thy Undocumented Neighbor
Thy White Neighbor
Thy Transgender Neighbor
Thy Christian Neighbor
Thy HIV+ Neighbor
Thy Racist Neighbor
Thy Addicted Neighbor
Thy Atheist Neighbor
Thy Imprisoned Neighbor
Thy Disabled Neighbor
Thy Muslim Neighbor
The Chosen
May 11–21
–
The Alley Theatre creates a new version of the Arthur Miller play, a dark and passionate tale of a longshoreman whose life takes a strange turn when he agrees to harbor his immigrant cousins. ActOUT is May 11 and includes a free pre-curtain talk. Now in its 10th season at the Alley, ActOUT is the see-and-be-seen LGBT theater event you won’t want to miss. alleytheatre.org
11–21
Based on a novel of the same name by Chaim Potok, the play is the story of two boys, two fathers, and two very different Jewish communities set in the 1940s. This is the 50th anniversary of the book’s debut, and the issues of tolerance and understanding of different cultures is just as relevant today as it was half a century ago. You might be familiar with the 1981 movie version starring Robby Benson, but seeing it live is a wonderful treat. thelabhou.org
Lobby Hero
May 11–June 3
–
11–June 3 Thru 21
This is the Houston premiere of Kenneth Lonergan’s 2001 play about a young security guard in a high-rise who is drawn into a murder investigation along with his supervisor and two police officers. One of them is a rookie policewoman who is in over her head. 4thwalltheatreco.com
Chris Rock
May 12 & 13
–
12 & 13
Sugar Land’s new Smart Financial Centre is fast becoming the place to see the stars. This month it’s comic Chris Rock on the first leg of his Total Blackout Tour 2017. With a career spanning more than three decades, it’s hard to pick our favorite Chris Rock work, but we do love his hilarious voice work as Marty the zebra in the Madagascar franchise, and who can forget him as Rufus, the 13th apostle, in the classic Dogma ? smartfi nancialcentre.com
Comicpalooza 2017
May 12–14
–
12–14
It’s the largest pop culture festival in the state, with more than 3,000 hours of programming, gaming, and panels. And don’t forget the shopping there will be booths for comics, popular artists, and exciting games. Plus, you can bring the whole family there’s a special kids zone for the little ones. There will be a ton of guest stars including Felicia Day (Charlie from Supernatural !), Lance Henrikson, Scott Wilson, and even Freddie himself, Robert Englund. comicpalooza.com
Is Trump’s ‘Pu ery’ ‘Inactionable’?
Judge tosses suit over broken promises.
Deep in your heart you always knew this was true, but now it’s the law: U.S. District Judge Andrea Woods ruled last month that a politician’s campaign promises are worthless as a four-card flush. Or at least not actionable.
Illinois Republican Congressman Aaron Schock got himself indicted on fraud charges for using his campaign funds and government money to fund lavish trips for himself and his friends. (Schock has long been the subject of gay rumors, and on some of those trips, he was accompanied by a man he referred to as his “personal photographer.”)
Schock was a strong fiscal conservative when it came to his money, but honey, he was going through yours like a fat lady on a milkshake. He resigned from Congress when it all became public.
One of Schock’s political donors, a man by the name of Howard Foster, up and sued Schock for mail and wire fraud for soliciting campaign contributions on the basis that he was an honest politician.
Foster says that you shouldn’t be able to claim you’re honest in your campaign commercials and literature if you are not. Shenanigans like that should be against the law.
Judge Wood scratched her head and decided the following (which I am showing you pretty much in full, because you won’t believe me otherwise):
“. . . But courts reviewing communications in other contexts have long referred to campaign speech as the paradigm of unreliable puffery. Generic claims of honesty and integrity are too vague to be considered definitive representations upon which Foster, or any reasonable person, could rely. The elevated skepticism directed toward political communications only pushed Schock’s statements further into the realm of inactionable puffery.”
“Inactionable puffery” I’m gonna embroider that on a throw pillow for my bed or maybe on a frilly ladies’ hankie that I can conveniently drop at political rallies, along with a raging lather of sassy.
Whether or not Aaron Schock eventually
goes to jail, he will go down in history for setting the precedent that a candidate’s campaign promises are meaningless and, in fact, puffery.
There is no truth to the rumor that the champagne was flowing in the White House Counsel’s Office last Thursday, upon learning of Judge Wood’s decision. In addition, there has been no independent verification of this alleged quote from White House counsel Don McGahn: “Judge Wood is a brilliant jurist. The president is relieved to know that the Trump fortune will always be protected from the legal claims of 50,000 unemployed coal miners.”
Bless his heart, Trump’s campaign promises have more twists than a pretzel factory.
Stop with the Hitler Stuff
Having learned absolutely diddle-squat from the April Hitler festivities hosted by White House press secretary Sean Spicer, the very next day North Carolina Republican state representative Larry Pittman compared Abraham Lincoln to Hitler.
I am not freekin’ fooling with you. Look it up.
As a sophomore letterman in the Facebook Debating Society, Pittman dropped this jewel when a Facebook commenter reminded Pittman
that gay marriage is now the law and that Pittman should “get over it,” instead of wasting time repeatedly trying to re-introduce a bill to ban it.
Pittman’s response: “And if Hitler had won, should the world just get over it? Lincoln was the same sort [of] tyrant, and personally responsible for the deaths of over 800,000 Americans in a war that was unnecessary and unconstitutional.”
I’ve been thinking about this, and y’all, please. . . SOMEBODY HELP ME! My eyes are rolling so fast and hard that I’m screwing myself to the wall.
By the way, Pittman is the pastor of Ridgecrest Presbyterian Church, which makes me deathly afraid to ask what the Baptists think about Lincoln.
Hitler: everybody you disagree with is just like him. This divisive message is brought to you by Pettiness. Pettiness: now available at a store near you. Get yours today.
Happy May, and Hunker Down! This ain’t gonna be an easy time to be a citizen.
Susan Bankston lives in Richmond, Texas, where she writes about her hairdresser at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc., at juanitajean.com.
Bed of Lies
President Donald Trump can take comfort in knowing he probably can’t be held liable for campaign falsehoods.
Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill Would Undo Houston, HISD Protections
LGBT advocates fear floor vote on House Bill 2899.
By John Wright
An anti-transgender bathroom bill moving through the Texas House would undo nondiscrimination protections enacted by the City of Houston, the Houston Independent School District, the University of Houston, and other local entities, according to LGBT advocates.
House Bill 2899, by state representative Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton), would bar cities, school districts, and other political subdivisions of the state from enforcing laws that protect a class of people against discrimination by granting them access to multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, or showers.
Simmons is touting HB 2899 as an alternative to Senate Bill 6, the anti-trans bathroom bill championed by lieutenant governor Dan
Patrick that would expressly prohibit trans people from accessing restrooms in government buildings based on their gender identity. But LGBT advocates point out that, like SB 6, Simmons’ bill would preempt nondiscrimination laws and policies covering millions of Texas residents and students.
“Ultimately, it seems like Texas is engaged in the same process that North Carolina was engaged in after [they passed House Bill 2], which is trying to fi gure out how much discrimination is the right amount for Texas,” said Kathryn Oakley, senior legislative council for the Human Rights Campaign, referring to the 2016 anti-trans bathroom bill that cost the Tarheel State’s economy hundreds of millions of dollars.
“The truth is, the only acceptable amount of discrimination is none,” Oakley added. “There can be no compromise when it comes to these issues.”
Thanks to the repeal of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, the Bayou City has no law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. However, LGBT advocates said HB 2899 would undo former mayor Annise Parker’s LGBT-inclusive 2012 executive order prohibiting discrimination against municipal employees and at city-owned facilities. Perhaps more significantly, HB 2899 would undo HISD’s 2011 nondiscrimination policy protecting trans students. With more than
continued on page 103
The Pros and Cons of Common-Law Marriage
Same-sex couples who haven’t tied the knot can still reap financial benefits.
I
f you are living with your partner in Texas and meet certain criteria, you may be considered “married by common-law” according to the State’s definition even if you haven’t obtained a marriage license.
For that reason, it’s important to have an understanding of how this can affect your finances, both now and in the future. Last month, I gave an overview of common-law marriage and discussed the advantages and disadvantages. This month, I’ll take a deeper dive into the financial aspects.
One of the biggest financial drawbacks to common-law marriage involves inheritance issues. When one spouse passes away, there may be a battle between the surviving spouse and the deceased’s family members over assets. In this case, the deceased’s family may require a common-law spouse to prove that the common-law marriage was “real.”
One of the biggest benefits of being recognized as a married couple is the uniformity it permits when it comes to the estate-planning process primarily in terms of the unlimited marital deduction. This means that after one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse can inherit assets free of estate taxation. Without the marriage deduction, inherited assets could present a hefty tax burden for the surviving partner.
Same-sex couples in common-law marriages may also have the right to “intestate” succession from a deceased partner. This refers to inheriting assets, even without a written will in place.
Planning for Retirement
As you build a life together with your spouse or partner, you may also be building your future savings. Two of the primary retirement savings options are an employer-sponsored plan (such as a 401k), and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell, married same-sex couples can leave “rollover” IRAs to their surviving spouses. “Rollover” IRAs can be better for tax purposes than “inherited” IRAs, since they allow surviving spouses to defer withdrawing funds until age 70½ (versus having to start withdrawals right away). However, the survivor may be required to present supporting documents to verify the marriage.
When it comes to an employer-sponsored retirement account, it is recommended that you review your beneficiary designation to determine whether changes are necessary once you’re considered a married couple.
In retirement, it’s possible that you will have several different sources of income, including a company pension and/or an annuity.
One of the important rights of same-sex spouses in common-law marriages is the entitlement to employer pensions and other retirement benefits.
For the purpose of making sure a surviving spouse can continue receiving income from an annuity, married couples will oftentimes include a joint-income rider. This rider can specify that the surviving spouse will continue to receive either 100 percent of the income amount, or a certain percentage (such as 50 percent) of what was received while both spouses were alive. However, since all annuities (and the insur-
ance companies that offer them) are not created equal, it’s important that your financial advisor determines whether an insurance company will recognize a common-law marriage for the purpose of a joint-income rider.
It’s essential to make sure that you have ample sources of retirement income, and that those assets are protected from unexpected death and/or a need for long-term care.
For example, partners may want to provide for survivors by covering income shortfalls, debt obligations, or college expenses. One way you can assure your partner is protected is through life insurance. Partners/spouses named as beneficiaries can receive life-insurance proceeds free of income taxation. And while the insurance company will require the policy holder to have an “insurable interest” in the insured beneficiary at the time of policy application, it isn’t necessary for the beneficiary to be the legal spouse.
As we are living longer than ever, there’s an increasing chance that you and/or your partner will require long-term care at some point. Even if you don’t need care in a skilled-nursing facility, a majority of people over age 65 will need at least some long-term care services which can be extremely expensive.
Over the last several years, many have turned to long-term care insurance to cover this risk. If you and your partner purchase longterm care insurance coverage, you may find ➝
SPECTACLES
MONEYSMART
continued from page 24
you’re not only entitled to the same coverage offered to opposite-sex married couples, but also to discounts on the premium you pay.
In addition, some long-term care insurance carriers offer a “shared care” option that essentially creates two benefit “pools” one for each spouse or partner. Those who exhaust their own benefits can then use money from their spouse or partner’s “pool” to continue coverage.
While not all insurance companies offer shared care, some that do extend that benefit to same-sex couples. It’s important to check with a financial advisor about whether shared care is a viable strategy, and if so, which insurance carrier offers the best options and premium. In most cases, though, going with a shared-care option is more affordable than buying two stand-alone long-term care insurance policies.
Will Your Union Be Recognized by Social Security?
As you inch closer to retirement, you’ll want to be sure you know where you and your partner stand in terms of government-related benefits like Medicare and Social Security.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says it “now recognizes same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships (such as civil unions and domestic partnerships), for purposes of determining en-
GALVESTON ISLAND
titlement to Social Security benefits, Medicare entitlement, and eligibility and payment amount for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).”
According to the Social Security Handbook, if a particular state recognizes common-law marriage, SSA will also recognize it provided certain criteria have been met. If both spouses are living, statements must be provided by each, as well as by a blood relative of each. If either spouse is deceased, statements must be provided by the surviving spouse, as well as by two blood relatives of the decedent. If both spouses are deceased, a statement must be provided by a blood relative of each spouse. These statements must be made on forms that are available from Social Security offices or on the SSA website.
If you haven’t done so, notify the SSA if you get married or enter a non-marital legal relationship, because your marital status can affect your entitlement to these benefits.
For example, married couples have access to a number of Social Security benefits, including spousal retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits. In addition, if you get divorced without remarrying (and you were married for 10 years or more), you may be eligible for your ex-spouse’s Social Security retirement-income benefits.
Likewise, legally married same-sex couples in all states can get coverage under the same Medicare (or Medicaid) rules as married opposite-sex couples. This means that even if you haven’t earned the 40 “work credits” necessary to qualify for Medicare, you could be entitled to benefits based on your spouse’s work history. It’s important to note, though, that this may not be the case with a common-law marriage, so you should consult with a financial advisor who is well-versed in government-related retirement and healthcare programs.
Taking the Next Step
There are a number of ways to plan your current and future finances, and one key factor is whether you and your partner are considered to be a married couple.
If you live in a common-law marriage state such as Texas, you may be able to take advantage of various strategies available to those who are married even if you haven’t “tied the knot.” However, even if you and your partner consider yourselves married via common law, it’s wise to consult an attorney and formalize your union with a written agreement.
When seeking out financial and/or legal advisors, it’s important to identify those who have experience dealing with LGBT issues.
Grace S. Yung, CFP, is a certified financial planner practitioner with experience in helping domestic partners plan their finances since 1994. She is a principal at Midtown Financial LLC in Houston and was recognized as a “Five-Star Wealth Manager” in the 2014 September issue of Texas Monthly. Yung can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.
BRYAN COTTON
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Check out these fabulous events co-sponsored by O UT S MART and our marketing partners.
May 4-7: Lott Entertainment presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man lottentertainmentpresents.com
May 16: Out@TUTS Night presents Fun Home. Join us the first Thursday performance of each show. After the performance, mingle with the cast and listen to fabulous cabaret music with your LGBT friends at Artista. tuts.com
May 20: Houston Pride Band presents “Tapas” Bite Size Ensembles, Full of Flavor. houstonprideband.org
June 3 & 4: Montrose Center presents There’s No Place Like Home. A weekend of events presented by the Montrose Center benefitting the LGBTQ Affordable Senior Housing Center. montrosecenter.org
June 23: Rainbow on the Green is a free citywide celebration and dance party under the stars at Houston’s own downtown Discovery Green park. discoverygreen.com/rainbow
June 24: Pride Houston Festival & Parade Celebration Festival to be held around City Hall, Hermann Square, and Tranquility Park, noon–7, and the parade begins at the intersection of Milam and Walker streets at 8:30 p.m. pridehouston.org
Kris Aehlinger took O UTSMART to Montenegro.
Show Us Your OutSmart GOING OUT OF TOWN?
Take O UTSMART along. Snap a high-res pic of yourself with the magazine and send it to us. Send to: Letters@ O UTSMARTM AGAZINE COM
Jan Clark would like to congratulate her client Dr. Hilary Granson,
BIG DRAW THE BIG DRAW THE
Cartoonist Alison Bechdel discusses her Broadway smash, ʻFun Home.ʼ
By Steven Foster
Photo by Elena Seibert
Comic Book
Hero
Cartoonist and author
Alison Bechdel ‹
Psychologists and researchers often apply a matrix to films in order to measure gender equality. Places like the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media use it to inform Hollywood producers and studio heads of gender bias. Hip college papers apply it religiously. The New York Times will cite it. It goes like this:
• A movie must have at least two female characters
• Those characters must have a conversation
• That conversation can be about anything—except a man.
It’s shocking how many movies fail this litmus, called The Bechdel Test, after cartoonist Alison Bechdel. Bechdel, quoting a friend of hers, spelled out the test in a few panels of her comic strip, Dykes to Watch Out For. (In the strip, the only movie that passed this test at the time was 1979’s Alien, which is both true and hilarious, though it does assume the xenomorph wasn’t a dude.)
While no movie has been adapted (yet) from Bechdel’s graphic novel Fun Home, it’s interesting to apply the test to its creator’s most seminal work, now currently enjoying a touring production as a play:
• Fun Home has precisely four female characters—six if you count “Small Alison” and “Medium Alison,” depictions of the author as a child and college student.
• Two of these female characters do have a conversation.
But it’s the third criterion where things get dicey. When the female characters talk, their conversations are certainly about a man, even if he’s never named. It’s a man who haunts the play like a prevailing spirit. He’s a ghost that, until his exorcism in a book, haunted Bechdel.
Fun Home is basically the story of Bechdel’s life, sparked by a moment in college where she wrote a letter to her parents coming out as gay. This revelation prompted Alison’s mother to drop her own bombshell—that her father had been having gay affairs for years, and that she’d put up with it but was now asking for a divorce. Bechdel hoped this newly revealed
common bond would, at last, connect her to her emotionally distant, sometimes tyrannical father. She shared a fateful car ride with him, hoping to bring up the elephant in the front seat at the next stoplight. Or the next. Or the next. Until finally her father hijacked the moment for himself, divulging his secret and his shame and leaving Alison still untethered.
He would take away her chance to connect with him forever when, two weeks later, he was struck and killed by a truck in an almost certain suicide.
Not exactly Wicked, is it?
The book itself wasn’t exactly easy to write, either.
“It was a long process in which I never knew what I was doing,” confesses Bechdel, in a comment sure to inspire struggling authors. Today’s murky rough draft could be tomorrow’s Book of the Year. “I felt kind of lost and frustrated the whole time. I had periods of feeling very immersed in the work and like I was on the right track. But for the most part, I felt I was flailing and just making it up as I went along.”
What she made up as she went along was
a bestselling book with an almost Tennessee Williams-like setup, with a time-traveling, sexually charged, psychologically complex plot, and an almost elegiac tone. It’s not the kind of book you read and immediately think, “Musical!”
But that’s precisely what happened.
Fun Home first strikes the reader as an almost unadaptable book of memoirs, like the Cloud Atlas or, closer, The Watchmen. But when audiences experience Fun Home as a musical (which they’ll have the chance to do this month at TUTS), the of course-ness of it all comes crashing in, and you realize nothing but a musical could express it, nothing but a musical expound on its subject matter, nothing else but a musical could be it. The songs in Fun Home are soaring, but wrenching. Whimsical, yet desperately wounded. Lyrical and longing. This isn’t some regurgitation of a Disney cartoon turned into a live-action song-anddance number, it’s an entirely different kind of theater experience.
“I don’t know how they figured that out,” Bechdel says of the play’s life and success as, of all things, a musical. “But to me, a musical completely captures that feeling of the book. I mean, it’s such a sad story. But it ends on this very hopeful, exciting note.”
She remembers when she was first invited to see it. It’s one thing to write about your life. It’s another thing entirely to see it played out before you. Was she a little nervous? More like scared.
“I was,” Bechdel admits, laughing. She’s funnier than you’d think—much more Dykes to Watch Out For than someone who’d just written the equivalent of a Eugene O’Neill comic book about her life.
“[I was scared] for a number of reasons,” she says. “First, if it was going to be bad, that would be awful. I felt everyone was looking at me to see what my reaction would be, and that was very stressful. It was hard to even have my own fun, spontaneous experience knowing how closely I ➝
Almost Touching
A silhouette of Bechdel and her father from the memoir Fun Home
continued from previous page
was being scrutinized. But that was sort of an amazing thing about this production. They didn’t have to care about my feelings. They could have done anything with that material, but Lisa [Kron, book and lyrics] and Jeanine [Tesori, music] and Sam [Gold, director] just took great care with it in the fact that it was about these real people, and they wanted it to be true to the real story in a way that they didn’t technically need to.”
That faithfulness paid off. Big-time.
The play debuted off-Broadway at The Public before moving to Broadway and receiving the kind of reviews producers pray for. Awards followed, including five out of 12 Tonys for which the show was nominated, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Tesori and Kron were the first female writing team to win a Tony for Best Original Score. Kron also won for Best Book, lead actor Michael Cerveris won for Best Leading Actor, and Gold won for Best Direction. The touring production isn’t slouching on its predecessor’s success either. Gold directed it himself, making the delicate transition from theater-in-the-round to the more common proscenium staging (read: The show travels well).
“I have seen a couple of the shows—in Cleveland, in San Francisco, and in Los Ange-
les,” Bechdel says. “I have a funny relationship to this play, you know? It’s not just that it’s my book. It’s that it’s my life, and that gives it an extra layer of meaning. I am connected to this production more than if it was just some random book that got turned into a vehicle— fiction, as opposed to real life.”
The play features a series of firsts that have earned Fun Home a place in the Broadway canon. It’s the first Broadway play to have a lesbian as its protagonist, and the first Broadway play to win a prize for a female writing team. And it’s probably the only play you’ll ever see where an 11-year-old croons a song of spiritual
awakening upon seeing her first butch lesbian. It’s one of many emotionally wrenching moments, and Bechdel has her own, but we’re not going to give it away.
“It’s almost hard to talk about any of this stuff with any kind of freshness because I’ve really gotten kind of inured to it in a way,” she says. “But the first bunch of times that I experienced it, it was magical. Everything feels so much more meaningful, and these characters are bigger than life. The dramatic resolution is so powerful. The moment when the father asks the college-aged daughter to go for a ride and the college-aged daughter doesn’t really respond to him and [SPOILER]. That moment? I mean, that’s the moment in the show that hits me. It’s different than it used to be, but the first moment I saw it, I just started crying. Because that’s what I really wanted—I wanted to connect with my father.”
And that’s where Fun Home strikes its universal through-line. Gay plays are nothing new on Broadway, but the boards have been extremely lesbian-phobic, except for The Color Purple and Hedwig, both of which seem like consolation prizes. But in Fun Home, sexuality is front and center. There’s even an anthem to sexual dawning, “Changing My Major.” But Fun Home doesn’t succeed because it’s a let’slook-at-lesbians chamber piece.
“A lot of it is . . . timing?” surmises Bechdel. “You know, when you’ve gotten, as a culture, ➝
Invisble Ink
A self-portrait by the artist.
able to hear queer people’s stories in a way that we couldn’t, even 10 or 15 years ago. People who aren’t gay or lesbian are able to see a story about a queer person, and it may be interesting to them in a way that it didn’t used to. I think the whole shift in the political landscape—of gay marriage, all that stuff—just created a very ripe moment where this story just sort of fit the bill.”
that binds and takes up the slack, makes it rein-tight, and then, somehow, snaps it loose. It’s a tricky, fantastic bit of theater.
she says. “It’s called The Secret to Superhuman Strength. It’s about fitness. It’s about exercise and mortality and the body.”
She’s also resurrected Dykes
It’s a modest viewpoint, to be sure. There’s a powerful magic at work in Fun Home, an alchemy in which the play becomes a looking glass, or Rorschach of one’s own relationship with one’s parents. Where Mom and Dad aren’t simply structures or parental units but agents. Agents of hurt, of self-interest, of pity. They’re strange, and they’re strangers. They’re in your house, but they’re aliens. You’re related, but you don’t relate. Fun Home takes the tie
“I feel like maybe the people who see it are moved by it,” Bechdel demurs. “A lot of people who’d seen it would come up to me and say My family is just like that! But then they would go on to describe a very different situation. I think it was the realness of the situation, that a family secret was uncovered. So many families have these secrets or think they have these secrets, and they’re very oppressive, they’re very limiting to everyone in the family system, and there’s something very freeing about seeing secrets exploded. It’s like a cautionary tale, I guess, of what the cost of oppression is.”
Bechdel’s writing another memoir now. It’s her third. But after a second one centering on her mother, she’s decided to not focus on the family.
“Nope! I’m going to give my family a break,”
“I was very happy to be done with it for a long time, but recently, ever since the last election, I’ve really been missing that outlet. I’ve drawn a couple of recent episodes and brought a few characters out of retirement for a few Trump episodes.”
At this moment, however, Bechdel is enjoying having been named Vermont’s Cartoonist Laureate, a position she was awarded a few days before we spoke. It sounds like a cushy gig, but what do I know? I mean, it could be an honor with incredible pressure, filled with weighty moments. So I ask her: What, exactly, does a cartoonist laureate do?
“There’s not any specific duties that I’m aware of,” Bechdel confesses. “But I guess I’m going to speak up for comics as a way of telling stories.”
Maybe cartoonist laureates do that. Maybe they do something more obvious. Bechdel has an idea.
“They rest on their laurels,” she laughs.
Steven Foster is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
‘Black-Sheep Miss America’ Kate Shindle Stars in ‘Fun Home’
Life is a cabaret, old chum. But in a new, groundbreaking musical coming to Houston this month, children play in caskets and sing “Come to the Fun Home,” not the cabaret.
Fun Home is set in Bechdel Funeral Home, a restored Victorian manse where out cartoonist Alison Bechdel looks back on her formative years as the daughter of a closeted gay pedophile who was adept at creating the illusion of normalcy.
“But would an ideal husband and father have sex with teenage boys?” asks Bechdel, whose stage character unravels the mysteries of her childhood at three different ages.
In the show’s national tour, former Miss America Kate Shindle portrays Bechdel as an adult.
“Yeah, it’s pretty funny about Kate,” Bechdel told the New York Times last year. “She’s a former Miss America, I’m a former Miss America— what are the chances?!” (The newspaper felt obliged to explain that Bechdel was joking.)
The Broadway show closed last year, on the day before Erin O’Flaherty, Miss America’s first openly gay contestant, competed in the 2016 finals as Miss Missouri.
In 40-year-old Shindle’s own memoir, Being Miss America (2014, University of Texas Press),
the singer/actress/longtime AIDS activist and LGBT ally (who is currently president of Actors’ Equity) admits that her outspokenness about progressive causes often puts her at odds with the suits in Atlantic City who run the granddaddy of all beauty pageants.
“I never planned to be a black-sheep Miss
America,” laments Shindle.
However, as soon as Shindle saw Fun Home on Broadway, she set out to nab the role for the production’s national tour.
“By the time I left the theater,” she told the New York Times, “I just thought, ‘Oh, that’s mine. I’m going to go get that.’” —Donalevan Maines
JOAN MARCUS
Funny Girl
Kate Shindle as “Alison” in Fun Home.
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Bobby Brooks Criticizes Rick Perry for Refusing to Meet with Him
Gay TAMU leader says Energy secretary bullied him, but isn’t interested in improving campus.
By John Wright
Houston native Bobby Brooks officially became Texas A&M University’s first openly gay student body president on April 21.
Three days before, Brooks spoke with O UTSMART about the controversy involving former Texas governor Rick Perry’s March 22 letter that accused Brooks of stealing the election.
Robert McIntosh, the son of a prominent GOP fundraiser who supported Donald Trump, won the popular vote but was disqualified for failing to file an expense report.
Perry’s letter made national headlines, with many observers expressing shock that a presidential cabinet member would meddle in a student election at his alma mater.
Brooks responded by inviting the new federal energy secretary to meet with him—either in College Station or Washington.
As of press time, Perry hadn’t commented on Brooks’ invitation.
Brooks, a junior studying economics, was born in Houston, but moved to Belton at age two. “Basically, all of my family lives in Houston,” he says. “Houston is very important to me.”
Below are a few highlights from our conversation with Brooks.
John Wright: Have you heard back from Secretary Perry?
Bobby Brooks: I haven’t heard any response from him. I’m still hopeful to meet with him, because I do think that he expressed a hopefully sincere interest in improving the campus climate and working toward making things better. If those interests are still there, I’m not
one to turn that opportunity down. So I haven’t heard anything, but I’m still holding out hope.”
It’s been nearly a month. Assuming he doesn’t respond, what does that say about his motives?
Perhaps it reaffirms what my original thought was—that he was too busy for college elections. It’s a little curious that he decides not to take the invitation to actually improve things. I will say I’m a little disappointed that he would throw out negative words so quickly, but then not try to actually fix things. I hope that I’ll be able to work with him to make the campus better.
What has the last month been like, since your victory and the media firestorm over Perry’s letter? Have you experienced a lot of backlash?
I will say there’s something liberating about having everyone hate you from the beginning, because then you can just keep your head down and get work done, and not have to worry about disappointing everyone. [Laughs] No, I’m thankful for the national attention at the beginning, because it made me go through a very tough time. Being bullied by someone with the status of Rick Perry really makes you reevaluate what your goals are.
There’s just this respect that’s now had for the leadership on campus. We were put under the spotlight, and we’re moving through it, regardless. We’re not here for the glory, or for any kind of attention. I’ve certainly received quite a bit of hate mail and dirty comments on social media, and a lot of hatred from people that I might have otherwise looked up to. That was a challenge in and of itself, but now that
Proud Aggie
Bobby Brooks, Texas A&M’s first openly gay student body president, says he’s “disappointed” that former Texas governor and current federal Energy scretary Rick Perry hasn’t accepted an invitation to meet with him.
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POWER SHOW YOUR
Take care of what matters most—you. GENVOYA is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for people who are either new to treatment or people whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with GENVOYA.
(jen-VOY-uh)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GENVOYA
GENVOYA® may cause serious side effects, including:
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• Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; light-colored bowel movements (stools); loss of appetite; nausea; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness in the right side of your stomach area.
• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. GENVOYA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking GENVOYA. Do not stop taking GENVOYA without rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time.
ABOUT GENVOYA
• GENVOYA is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older and weigh at least 77 lbs who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. GENVOYA can also be used to replace current HIV-1 medicines for some people who have an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/mL of virus in their blood), and have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months and have never failed HIV-1 treatment, and whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain other requirements.
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I’ve come through that, it’s this good place I’m in. I can only work to improve things and make things better.
But you’ve also received a lot of support, right?
There’s been plenty of support—not only a generous outpouring of support from the LGBTQ community, but from people that just want to watch things get done at Texas A&M, that want to watch hard work happen, that want to watch our values stay in place. That’s what has been amazing. We’re now in this period of just hard work and silence. I’m extremely content, because [all of the hatred has] definitely made me a lot surer of myself, and what my vision is.
Your opponent, Robert McIntosh, has hired an attorney. Are you worried about him challenging your victory in court?
I’ve got no comment in that direction. We’re moving along. I’ve been sworn in as student body president. I’m getting work done. That’s all I’m ever going to be able to do, regardless of any ongoing litigation. That doesn’t change my goals or plans.
Speaking of your plans, one of your platform planks was increasing inclusion and
diversity on campus. Does that apply specifically to LGBTQ issues?
I’m worried that people may only view me as an LGBTQ activist, and nothing else, someone that’s not going to advocate for issues of students of color, you name it. But in terms of LGBTQ policies, it’s just honestly getting those stories shared, because LGBTQ people are in a very interesting situation, where sometimes their existence is denied. There are other minorities, religious minorities or ethnic minorities, where people accept their existence and are hateful based on an acceptance of that. But then there are people that just legitimately do not comprehend that LGBTQ people exist, or what makes them the way they are.
I most certainly am going to work hard for all minority groups. My advocacy for LGBTQ students is never going to die. That’s something I’m very proud to do, and I’m be glad to have a conversation with anyone on this campus about it, any day. But at the end of the day, that’s something that’s just one of many cogs of making this campus a better place. If we can move forward through all types of hatred and bigotry, then we can really help a lot of groups out on the same front.
Texas A&M has repeatedly appeared on the Princeton Review ’s list of least LGBTfriendly schools. Does the “Closet Station” nickname for College Station still apply?
Obviously, the “Closet Station” stereotype is very real within the [LGBTQ] community for this town. But regarding the Princeton ranking, we’re no longer on that list. We’re not going to get anywhere by comparing ourselves to other schools. The fact is, we need to acknowledge there’s a problem on campus, regardless of whether we’re above or below other universities on the list. Even the best university in the nation still has issues with accepting LGBTQ students.
You’ve talked publicly about struggling with your sexual orientation in high school. What’s your advice to young LGBTQ people who may be going through that now?
I would say that your potential to cause change grows every day. And the weight that your voice carries as an LGBTQ youth grows every day. It doesn’t have to be today that you tell the whole world about yourself, if you’re not comfortable with that and if you’re not ready for that. But there will be a tomorrow where I want to be there with you and work to create change. I’m so excited for the future.
And what does your future hold?
My goal has always been to enact change in this world and make it a better place. I want to work in global development and diplomacy. I want to go to graduate school to get some more knowledge under my belt. I’m interested in a ➝
DALTON PATRICIO
JOE ROSS
BOBBY BROOKS . . . continued from previous page
few programs that focus on economic development in developing countries, because I want to improve human rights in those countries. Human rights usually improve after economic development occurs.
I’ve got very vague plans for the future right now, but my heart will know what’s right when the time comes. I haven’t ruled out public office in the future. I think that’s a great opportunity to serve—especially in the State of Texas, because we need good leaders.
So it’s possible that you could become the second Aggie to serve as Texas governor? I’d have big footsteps to follow. Governor Perry served 16 years. I’ll do 17.
Cole Manders, outgoing commandant at Texas A&M University at Galveston, says
he came out as gay to friends about three years ago. But until recently, the maritime academy’s highest-ranking cadet didn’t make his sexual orientation a “very public or prevalent” part of his life.
But then in March, Texas A&M University in College Station elected Bobby Brooks as student body president. “I was encouraged by the support that he received,” Manders told O UTSMART. “I’m sure Bobby’s story helped a lot of people. I thought, you know, maybe I can touch a few people, too.”
In early April, Manders read a letter from Kayla Moore, the wife of Alabama’s antigay former chief justice Roy Moore, opposing the nomination of Col. Kristin Goodwin, an out lesbian, as the commandant of the U.S. Air Force Academy. In the letter, picked up by media outlets in Manders’ home state of Alabama, Kayla Moore railed against same-sex relationships as “unnatural” and “incompatible with the basic structure of civil society.”
“After I read that, I thought back to when I was in high school, and how degrading it would have been [to read a letter like that] before I came out, when I was struggling with it,” Manders recalls. “I was provoked by Kayla Moore and encouraged by Bobby Brooks.” Manders penned a column responding to Moore that was published by AL.com, one of the state’s leading news websites. “During my darkest times of depression and anxiety, as a result of being Mrs. Moore’s unnatural and uncivil beast of society, I sought peace in learning about my strengths and what I had to offer,” Manders wrote, adding that because LGBT people are often forced to suppress their feelings, they learn “emotional intelligence.”
“With my days in command limited, I sit back and reflect on the year, and I am proud to [recall] the accomplishments we’ve made and the progress we’ve seen as a result of the tireless dedication all cadet leaders have exemplified here at the Academy,” Manders wrote. “In fact, I truly believe my sexual orientation is the single-biggest contributing factor to my success.”
Manders was set to step down as commandant April 29, after spending the last year as “master of the ship” overseeing the school’s 600 cadets. He was appointed to the position last spring by a panel of 10 university leaders, some of whom knew he was gay.
CENTRAL CAD
After graduation, Manders plans to become a third mate on a commercial vessel—but also hopes to eventually enter politics. As for the response he’s received on campus since coming out publicly, he says it’s been mostly positive. “The only issue I’ve heard of has just been gossip or comments made off the cuff—and even then, they were very petty, very trivial, and really never bothered me,” Manders says. “It’s just so nice to see cadets in a very machismo environment, so to speak, show that public support for someone who is very different from them.” John Wright
MAGNAN
Don’t Mess with Texas’ Mama Bears
A Mother’s Day salute to parents who fight for their trans kids.
By Kim Hogstrom
by Eric Edward Schell
“Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mom taught me.” —Lady Gaga
With Mother’s Day on the horizon, O UTSMART decided to recognize a special subset of moms—the ones who love their sons and daughters even when it turns out that their sons are daughters, and their daughters are sons. These mothers with trans kids provide them with unconditional love that doesn’t pale with that news. There is a growing legion of these remarkable women, some of whom refer to themselves as “Mama Bears.” They’re quickly becoming a force of nature.
Texas Moms Organize
An assembly of mothers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is tackling the issue of trans kids head-on. Melissa Ballard, a mom with a trans child, founded Dallas-Fort Worth Trans Kids and Families (DFWTKF) with 20 people in 2015. Today, the group boasts of more than 200 official members, another 100 unofficially, and 200 more who are children.
DFWTKF members recently appeared before the Texas Senate in Austin to testify against Senate Bill 6, which would prohibit transgender people from using restrooms based of their gender identity in government buildings—essentially banning them from public spaces. (At the time of this writing, SB6 had not passed.)
Additionally, the Trump administration recently reversed Obama-administration guidance directing public schools to allow
trans students to use facilities based on their gender identity.
Aware of these multi-pronged threats to their children, DFWTKF organizes, writes to politicians, places calls, marches, and speaks with the media to advance recognition of their kids’ humanity. They are demanding to be heard and understood. “We all want the same thing. We want our children to be valued, safe, and accepted,” Ballard says.
Ballard launched DFWTKF with a single motto: “You are not alone.”
“I learned how helpful it is to be with others who are on the journey,” she says. “Statistics say that 1.4 percent of the population is transgender, but we think it is a larger portion than that. Right now, one in 134 American teens identifies as trans. Society hasn’t acknowledged or understood this, but we are here to make that change.”
Nancy and Lily
From the beginning, Houstonian Nancy Sims says her child was a miracle. Sims had been told she could not have children, so when she returned home from the hospital with her newborn, Sims was feeling blessed—a feeling that
continues to this day.
Thirteen years later, on an ordinary evening, Sims was cleaning up after dinner when her teen said: “Please sit down, Mom. There is something I have to tell you. I’m a girl.”
“I just kept cleaning,” says Sims. “I didn’t hear her. It took a couple of minutes to get my full attention. Then Lily said: ‘I’m a girl, Mom! I have to tell you I’m a girl!’ When I finally heard her, my very first thought was, ‘Oh my gosh, my child is in danger.’”
Sims, a highly regarded college professor and communications specialist, has also spent her entire life as a cisgender advocate for the LGBTQ community. “I knew about the abuse and violence that trans people suffer, and I knew the trans suicide rate—about 40 percent. I thought, ‘That is not going to happen to my child. Not my daughter,’” remembers Sims.
The trans suicide rate dropped slightly in 2016, and another encouraging statistic also emerged: among trans kids who are accepted by family and friends, the suicide rate plummets to that of the general population.
“Lily and I went to counseling throughout her transition, which was great for both of us. It’s been difficult, but I am a person of deep ➝
Photos
The Mother Lode
Trans teen Lily Pando (r) says support from her mother, longtime LGBT ally Nancy Sims, has enabled her to become an advocate. Pando serves on Mayor Sylvester Turner’s LGBTQ Task Force.
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faith, and I know God wants me to love my child unconditionally. Nothing else will do,” Sims says.
Now 16, Sims’ daughter, Lily Pando, is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community. She was invited to sit on Houston mayor Sylvester Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board as its only teen. Lily also speaks to high school students regularly. “My mom’s support plays a big role,” Lily says. “Her love allows me to be out and visible, which is how the trans community can really make a difference.”
“I am so proud of my daughter—her courage, her intelligence, and her willingness to speak out,” adds Sims. “My daughter really is a miracle. I landed the ‘daughter lottery’ with Lily Pando.”
Kimberly and Kai
Pearland resident Kimberly Shappley was an evangelical Christian and a straight-ticket Republican Tea Party member when she gave birth to Joseph six years ago. It was the beginning of a journey that changed her life.
Kai was only three when she announced she was a girl. The adjustment to this information wasn’t easy for either Kim or her daughter.
“I come from a large Southern family. My church and family were big elements in our
lives. In my evangelical bubble, I knew nothing about transgender people. Nothing,” Shappley states.
“Then I read about conversion therapy, so I tried to change Kai. There were a lot of spankings and time-outs during this period. I tried to modify her behavior for a year. It was hell for both of us,” Shappley remembers.
One evening, Shappley overheard her child praying out loud. Kai was asking God to take
A Mother’s Love Kimberly
says she
and
“Joseph” home to be with Jesus and to never bring him back.
“It was just awful,” Shappley says. “I heard my child praying for her own death. I decided I would rather have a trans child than a dead child, so I dug in and read everything I could to help me understand.”
Shappley let Kai transition at age four. In response, she lost about 98 percent of her family and friends. “In reality, Kai never tran-
KAREN DERR
Shappley
was shunned by family
friends for supporting her trans daughter, Kai, but the LGBT community has filled the void.
sitioned,” Shappley explains. “Kai has always been Kai. It was me who changed, me who transitioned.”
Today, Shappley reports that her daughter has bloomed into an outgoing, happy, funny child, and the warmth and compassion of the LGBTQ community filled the void left by her absent friends and family. She still identifies as a deeply dedicated Christian, but wonders how her prior beliefs could have drifted so far from the love and acceptance modeled by Jesus.
But is she still a Republican? “No. Even Republicans don’t want to be Republican anymore,” Shappley says, laughing out loud.
Attorney Phyllis Randolph Frye
O UTSMART spoke with Houston attorney and longtime trans activist Phyllis Frye about trans kids and the legal process that goes along with transitioning.
Frye helps kids as young as five wade through the courts to obtain name and gendermarker changes, and one question she often hears is, “Maybe my kid is in a ‘trans phase.’ What if they change their mind?”
“That’s the beauty of the court order— it can be reversed easily, unlike surgery. Surgery goes in one direction only,” Frye says. “However, I have taken trans kids through the courts for more than 20 years now, and no child has ever gone back. Being trans is not a phase!”
What can we all do to help? “Parents need to come out as the parents of trans kids to everyone they know. They need to join their local PFLAG, Equality Texas, and the ACLU. Each should give their state politicians, their U.S. congressperson, and both senators a polite but firm earful. And each parent should get everyone they know to do the same,” Frye says.
Kim Hogstrom is a frequent contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
“There Was So Much
Death”
Pete Rodriguez reflects on the AIDS epidemic in Houston for the oH Project.
By Brandon Wolf
Pete Rodriguez was working as an emergency-room nurse at Fort Worth’s John Paul Smith Hospital in 1985, when a gay man came in and said he had AIDS.
The staff, following procedure, put on gowns, masks, gloves, and shoe covers—and placed the patient in an isolation room.
Much had changed since 1983, when Rodriguez unknowingly encountered his first AIDS patient—an infant who was emaciated and barely responsive. He assumed it was a case of child neglect. There were needles, there was blood—but no special precautions.
After HIV was identified in 1984, heightened safety measures became standard in emergency rooms. But the pathology of the virus remained a mystery until 1987.
“I knew the basics about it. And looking back on it, there wasn’t that much to know,” Rodriguez recalled. “There weren’t that many medications. You just kind of knew how the virus worked in the body, and how [it was transmitted]. But as far as how to treat it, 1987 was the very beginning.”
Rodriguez’s experiences are now part of an oral history collection called The oH Project, a grassroots effort made possible by Legacy Community Health, the Montrose Center, the John Steven Kellett Foundation, Rice University’s Woodson Research Center, and other individual donors.
Started in 2015, The oH Project has a goal of documenting Houston’s AIDS crisis in 100 oral histories. To date, 29 interviews have been recorded.
As a participant, Rodriguez said his interview experience was cathartic and allowed him to shed a lot of tears in the days after his oH Project interview.
“So many memories I had forgotten came back to me,” he said, likening his situation to post-traumatic stress disorder. “We didn’t have time to grieve back then. There was always another patient to attend to.”
Then and Now Pete Rodriguez, who worked at Park Plaza Hospital during the height of the AIDS epidemic, went on to serve as director of the Thomas Street Clinic.
On the Front Lines
In 1987, Rodriguez moved to Houston and took a position as a nurse manager at Park Plaza Hospital’s AIDS unit. The hospital had two floors— a total of 60 beds—devoted to AIDS care.
“There was so little we could do for the patients sometimes, except to make them comfortable,” he said. “We would give a lot of pain medication. The goal was to keep the patient out of pain and not in a state of worry—not in a state of stress.”
Rodriguez recalled that the unit kept a log of patients’ deaths, and they had to purchase a new book after the first one filled up.
“There was so much death,” he said. “I remember one of the worst days was when we had 14 patients in other units waiting to get to our unit, but our unit was full. And again, they were so sick.”
Because HIV breaks down a patient’s immune system, infections that had been previously unknown in young men became major threats. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a deadly cancer, left purplish lesions all over patients’ bodies.
Rodriguez remembers one patient with advanced KS. The lesions started at his feet and
moved up, leaving his legs looking “like eggplants.” The patient could only watch as the KS advanced to his rib cage. Once it reached there, his lung capacity would be compromised.
“And, like so many patients, he had a picture of himself when he was healthy [that he kept] by his bedside,” Rodriguez said. “No matter how many times you went in that room, you’d look at that picture and look at him. It was such a shock—such a [feeling of] ‘What’s this all about?’”
Gay Men and AIDS
Because the majority of AIDS patients were gay men, and many of the nurses were also gay, bonds of friendship often developed. Some nurses were HIV-positive, which further increased the depth of those bonds. Rodriguez said the nurses became very territorial about their patients, and balked at reassignments away from the hospital’s AIDS unit.
AIDS was a cruel disease, by any measure. The fact that it was largely affecting the gay male community created scenarios never seen before by hospital personnel. Many gay patients had sophisticated tastes, an appreciation for the arts, and a keen sense of style. ➝
“THERE
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AQUARIUM
Rodriguez recalls that Park Plaza patients were often “quite grand.” It was not uncommon to see Persian carpets and artwork in their rooms. One patient even had the drapes from his home installed.
Another patient who was a former Tiffany & Co. employee had boxes of little diamond bracelets and rings. Due to the effects of medication, he kept dropping them on the floor. Rodriguez told him he could only keep one or two in his room, due to liability concerns. The patient was shattered when his “pretty things” were taken to a safe place.
Park Plaza was a private hospital, and life there was different than at county hospitals like Ben Taub. At one time, patients could even smoke in their rooms, but an order eventually came down and ended that. The staff couldn’t imagine denying patients something that brought them pleasure, so nurses would wheel their patients outside when they wanted to light up.
The patient rooms were arranged in circular pods that surrounded each floor’s central lobby. Someone donated a grand piano for the eighth-floor lobby, and local pianists often provided entertainment.
“One time they had a six-foot-four drag queen dressed like Mae West who came on the unit on Valentine’s Day,” Rodriguez said. “All the other units [looked on in disbelief, saying] ‘Oh my God, look at that.’”
A Life Dedicated to HIV Care
Rodriguez particularly remembers the mothers of AIDS patients. “They seemed resigned to the fact of what was happening,” he said. “They were so tired, and yet they were still taking care of their babies.”
In 1992, Rodriguez took a job in the AIDS
unit at Ben Taub. He recalls one mother who flew in from Atlanta to be with her son. After arriving, she said she had to deal with her son’s landlord and work on his car insurance papers.
‘What you need to do now is just sit by his bed. He will be gone very soon, probably within hours,’” Rodriguez told the patient’s mother. “And when it finally hit her, [it was] as if I had slapped her, and she broke down. She says, ‘I can’t.’ I said, ‘You have to—just go sit by the bed.’ And she did, and he died.”
Sometimes patients had no family members or loved ones to visit them. The doctors often asked Rodriguez to help his patients understand their conditions.
“It’s okay. You put up a good fight,” Rodriguez would tell them, sometimes in Spanish.
In 1997, Rodriguez left active nursing and began working on grants and programs at Thomas Street Clinic. In 2017, he became a full-time HIV clinical consultant for the federal government’s Health Resources & Services Administration.
Rodriguez was especially passionate as he reflected on the battle for marriage equality: “Those gay couples back then, one [would be] caring for his sick partner until the last breath, knowing that he could be the next person in that bed. And many times, they were. So to just tell gay people they don’t deserve marriage, after seeing that, was such an affront.”
Rodriguez said The oH Project is important because “the people who suffered so much need to be remembered and respected.”
This oral history was facilitated by Lynn Schwartzenburg, a member of The oH Project team. A full transcript of Rodriguez’s interview can be read at https://scholarship.rice.edu/ handle/1911/93779.
Brandon Wolf is a frequent contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
For the third consecutive year, OUTSMART is celebrating Asian History Month by honoring local LGBTQ leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community.
Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and UCLA’s Williams Institute, more than 10,000 API people in greater Houston identify as LGBTQ. But despite their large numbers, queer API people still experience widespread discrimination, including from within the LGBT community, and youth frequently face rejection from conservative parents.
Houston currently has no active group specifically for API people who identify as LGBTQ, but as Marene Gustin reports on page 58, local advocates are working to change that.
FIVE LGBTQ
LEADING HOUSTON ASIAN-AMERICANS
By Marene Gustin
Kim Hogstrom
Megan Wadding
John Wright
O UTSMART ’s previous Asian History Month honorees were Dr. Terrence Chang, Jasmine Dao, J. Feng, William Fu, Marcus de Guzman, Carl Han, L.K. Hight, Paul Huynh, Lakshmi Kennar, Becca Keo-Meier, Koomah, Rafferty Laredo, Veronica Mahal Leon, Kevin Nguyen, Nicholas Nguyen, Phuc Nguyen, Eesha Pandit, Yvonne (Feece) Tran, and Grace S. Yung.
NELVIN JOSEPH ADRIATICO
Like many Americans, Nelvin Joseph Adriatico was outraged by the viral video of Dr. David Dao being forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight in Chicago last month.
But as a leader in Houston’s Asian-American community, Adriatico viewed the incident through a different lens.
“I can promise you that if it was an African-American who was dragged like that, everybody would be screaming. But the Asian community, you’re not hearing them speaking up,” says Adriatico, who serves as principal and managing partner of CORE Realty in Sugar Land.
“I don’t know if it’s fear, or maybe that’s just our culture, but we need to speak out,” Adriatico adds. “I think we need to voice [our anger], because that could be my father.”
As president of the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association of Houston (APAHA) the 25-year-old nonprofit that serves as a hub for other local groups Adriatico says his chief goal is uniting the city’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
“We’re stronger as one voice,” he says. “We become more visible, and I think that’s very crucial, especially when you’re dealing with the political aspect. My message is always, ‘You’re not Filipino, you’re not Chinese. In this country, we are all Asian-Americans.’”
In addition to leading APAHA, Adriatico serves as co-chair of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Advisory Council on International Communities, a board member for Houston ISD’s Asian Advisory Council, president of the Houston Royal Oaks Lions Club Foundation, and public-policy chair for the Asian Real Estate Association of America, among other leadership roles.
Now, he’s strongly considering a run for public office. If he wins, Adriatico would
become one of Texas’ first Filipino elected officials and the State’s first openly LGBT Asian-American elected official.
“I’m increasing the acceptance that being gay and being Asian is okay,” he says. “It’s not supposed to be an issue at all. When you do service for the community, you do service because this is what you love to do.”
But Adriatico wasn’t always so comfortable with his sexual orientation. Born and raised Catholic in the Philippines, he struggled to come to terms with being gay after immigrating to the U.S. in his early 20s.
“I tried my hardest to resist the temptation, got married, raised a family so you don’t end up in hell,” he says. “I even thought of becoming a priest growing up. That’s why I became an altar boy just to be closer to God, because I thought that would make me better.”
After coming out in 2003, Adriatico a longtime business banker opened a spa and a mortgage company in Montrose. In 2015, he launched CORE Realty, which specializes in commercial transactions and has since grown to 13 employees.
Also in 2015, Adriatico married his business partner, Avinash Shyam Thadhani, in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony that was featured in both O UTSMART and The Advocate
Adriatico says his message to young LGBTQ Asian-Americans is simple.
“It starts from within,” he says. “If you’re ashamed of yourself, other people are going to be ashamed of you, too.
“WE HAVE TO LIVE BY EXAMPLE,” HE ADDS. “ YOU NEED TO ACCEPT W HO YOU ARE, FIRST AS AN A SIAN—YOU HAVE BROWN SKIN, YOU’RE NOT W HITE. SECOND, YOU’RE GAY—DEAL W ITH IT. BECAUSE I PROMISE YOU, THE PEOPLE YOU DEAL W ITH ON A DAILY BASIS, THEY W ILL ACCEPT YOU.”
JUSTIN CONCEPCION
Justin Concepcion says LGBTQ AsianAmericans sometimes face more discrimination for being Asian in the LGBT community than for being LGBTQ in the Asian-American community.
He points to the prevalence of profiles on gay dating apps that say things like “No Asians.”
“Especially when people are behind a keyboard or behind a phone, it’s much easier to say, ‘No ching-chong-ching-chong-ching,’ and then block you or whatever,” Concepcion says. “People don’t realize that there’s a problem. They defend it.”
Concepcion, a Houston native whose parents hail from the Philippines, is a PR guru who broke into politics when he headed up social media for former Mayor Annise Parker’s historic 2009 campaign.
Following Parker’s victory, Concepcion managed the city’s social-media accounts. He later went to work for Harris County, before joining Democratic Houston state senator Boris Miles’ staff as communications director in January.
In 2015, Concepcion served on the candidate-screening committee of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, prior to the election in which the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance was overwhelmingly repealed by voters.
He draws a connection between discrimination against minorities within the LGBT community and HERO’s defeat at the polls.
“We have to live by example,” he adds. “You need to accept who you are, first as an Asian you have brown skin, you’re not white. Second, you’re gay deal with it. Because I promise you, the people you deal with on a daily basis, they will accept you.” —John Wright
“I think the LGBT community needs to start making more inroads with the AfricanAmerican community and with the Latino community. We have to all understand that we’re in this fight together,” he says. “We do need to find other ways, because the old ways aren’t going to work anymore.”
After graduating from the University of
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Houston with a degree in public relations, Concepcion spent a few years working for PR firms, but never “found [his] groove.”
Having always been interested in politics, he began volunteering for Parker’s campaign before being hired a short time later.
“I was one of those ‘sidelines’ people you watched it, you complained about it, and you wanted to do more, but I didn’t do anything about it,” Concepcion says. “This was the first time I said, ‘I’m going to do something about this.’”
“For Senator Miles, he works for the people who probably don’t think they have a voice anymore,” he says. “I have to work extra-hard to make sure their voices are heard, that they have a way out. If they think the State’s not listening, or government’s not listening, we’ll be sure to speak for them.” —John Wright
JEANIE LOW
Concepcion spoke to OUTSMART in the of midst of the grueling legislative session, where Miles and other Democrats were working to defeat more than 20 anti-LGBT bills.
well rested look.Dr.Barrios added volume to patient’s upper & lower cheeks and chin to reverse the signs of aging. •
“You do have to sort of separate yourself,” Concepcion says. “You don’t want these bills to get to you, as much as many of them do hurt.
“It is hard to listen to all the testimony, but you work through it because we know that we’ll do everything we can do to fight it,” he adds. “I’m very thankful to work for someone who’s going to fight these bills.”
Wrinkles • Rosacea • Facial Sagging Acne (active & scars) • Face & Leg Veins Laser Hair Removal
As a soft-spoken, gracious woman, one would not suspect the powerful, positive impact that Jeanie Low has on the emotional health of LGBTQ kids and their families. Low, a licensed clinical social-work su- SKIN REN
Concepcion says he’s always worked for strong leaders and strives to exceed their expectations. But he says it’s also about the constituents they represent.
pervisor whose parents hailed from China, has experience in an array of professional settings, including the Harris County Psychiatric Center, the Children’s Assessment Center, ESCAPE Family Resource Center, and the Houston Area Women’s Center.
Low has also worked for nine years in private practice. By applying her extensive education and experience, plus a healthy dose of compassion, she employs a particular technique. Low combines theatrical arts with a form of treatment called experiential psychodrama (or guided drama) to examine problems and issues affecting people’s lives.
“It is very intense therapy. It brings what is in the mind forward and out, through the use of theater arts,” she explains.
Low has also established a specialty in her professional journey working with LGBTQ teens in a summer camp called This Side of the Rainbow. The camp offers therapeutic resources to LGBTQ kids, as well as educational opportunities for the wider community.
“While it’s nice to think about how lovely things might be ‘somewhere over the rainbow,’ we are committed to helping make things better for LGBTQ youth on this side of the rainbow,” Low explains.
The weeklong day camp will run from July 24 to July 29 this year, with five days dedicated to the kids and one day to both kids and families. Activities focus on self-examination, as
well as thought-provoking exercises to promote self-esteem and resilience.
Low and two of her professional teammates will facilitate This Side of the Rainbow. Michael Lesher is a licensed school counselor who is launching his licensed professional counselor internship this summer under the supervision of Michael DeVoll, who is also working with This Side of the Rainbow. DeVoll is a licensed professional counselor supervisor with 10 years of experience counseling in schools, in addition to 20 years of experience working with LGBTQ youth and adults in both community and clinical settings.
Do Low and her colleagues witness changes in the kids and families who attend the camp?
“Oh yes,” Low states, “particularly the trans kids and families. Sometimes we start the week with parents using incorrect pronouns to reference their teens. By the end of the week, that changes. It’s wonderful. I am so blessed to be a part of it.”
As an Asian-American gay woman, Low laments how few Asian-American kids and parents she sees in her practice.
“I was fortunate,” she says. “I grew up in an accepting environment. It has never been an issue for me. However, in the Asian community at large, there is a tendency to handle things privately, within the family. They
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don’t always reach outside for information or help.”
Is being a gay woman an asset when working with LGBTQ kids? “It really doesn’t come up,” Low says. “Sometimes, over the course of the week, I may mention it, but the camp is about the kids. It is all about them. It is not about me.”
For more information or to sign up for This Side of the Rainbow, visit thissideofthe rainbow.org. —Kim Hogstrom
MELANIE PANG
Melanie Pang is a busy woman.
Pang is co-chair of Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. In 2016, she won the President’s Award for Distinguished Community Service from the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, and was named O UTSMART ’s Most Valuable Volunteer. In 2015, she was named the National Association of Social Workers Houston chapter’s Social Worker of the Year. And, she works full time as the data and program-evaluation manager at the Salvation Army.
“That basically means I go around asking a lot of questions,” she explains. It’s all about talking to the clients to see how the organization can better meet their needs. She was previously a caseworker in Montrose.
“Social work is about being a mirror for people,” Pang says. “It’s not about what you think they need, but what they really need.”
Pang recently spoke to a group of middleschool students that was composed of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). She says she was able to connect with them over their similar journeys trying to please their immigrant parents, and the well-intentioned paths that parents so often choose for their children.
“I think it helped them connect to the feeling of being outside of the mainstream, and wanting to be accepted by family and friends as an LGBTQ person,” she says. “Just like other
Americans, I think AAPI families have norms and traditions that can be hard to live outside of, especially if your parents’ journeys are also rooted in struggle and they just want your life to be easier than theirs.”
Pang is a member of Leadership Houston’s Class of XXXIII and graduated from University of Houston with an undergraduate degree in communications and a graduate degree in social work. The daughter of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, she was born and raised in the Houston area. She knows how privileged she is to have the support of her family, her friends, her fiancé, and her coworkers.
“Not everyone is so fortunate to have that support and to have a flexible work schedule that allows them to volunteer and be so active,” Pang says. “I guess I do tend to keep myself quite busy!”
As if her schedule wasn’t full enough, after feeling sad about the outcome of the November election, she sent out an e-mail survey asking about activism. That led to the creation of a newsletter for those who are looking for ways to be more engaged. “It has volunteer opportunities, and lets readers learn how to organize and what they can get engaged in,” she says. (You can sign up for her newsletter at preparingforaction.org.)
And she may be even busier in the not-toodistant future. Pang will graduate this June from the New Leaders Council, a nonprofit that trains progressive Millennials in the skills to run for office and manage campaigns. Could politics be in her future?
“It’s too early to say,” she says with a smile. Whatever the next chapter in Pang’s life brings, you can bet she’ll keep making a difference. —Marene Gustin
NAUSHABA PATEL
When Naushaba Patel was 10, her parents moved from Karachi, Pakistan, to the United States, hoping to give their two daughters a chance at a better education.
“My parents have always instilled in me the notion that education, more than anything else, gives you the power to fight for freedom and independence,” says Patel. “So they were ➝
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willing to make the enormous sacrifice of leaving everything behind and moving to a place with totally different norms, customs, religious practices, and culture for the betterment of our academic lives.”
Patel, 25, spent her undergraduate years at Emory University and Rice University, and then earned a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University. After graduate school, Patel backpacked through Europe and Asia before moving back to Houston about a year ago. She immediately got involved with the Lesbian Health Initiative at the Montrose Center, where she now works as a women’s health education and outreach specialist.
“Society often does not develop structures with women in mind, especially minority women. This leads to the well-researched healthcare disparities faced specifically by women who lie at many minority intersections,” says Patel. “The ability to work to help correct these disparities, both in the physicaland mental-health arenas, is a life dream.”
Patel says one of her main goals and passions is to help foster an environment where people can live authentically.
“[I would like] to help reduce the barriers
that prevent vulnerable populations from living their fullest and most authentic lives,” says Patel. “I am fortunate to be getting to do [this] via my work. Identifying with many different identities—Pakistani, queer, lesbian, immigrant, gender queer, Muslim—has given Patel a unique perspective.
“In queer spaces, I can add perspective on what it feels like to be an immigrant or Pakistani or Muslim. In Asian-American spaces, I can voice what it feels like to Pakistani or Muslim or queer,” she says.
Patel also hopes to improve access to health services for queer women and trans men, with a specific focus on creating an inclusive, intersectional, and non-judgmental space.
“My intersectional background has thrust me into a space of always being an activist for one group or another, always challenging people’s limited stereotypes of people they haven’t been exposed to,” she says.
Having lived in Pakistan, Guatemala, and the United States—in addition to backpacking
through 17 countries—Patel says she loves the diversity of Houston.
“The presence of a large amount of immigrants in Houston really helps me not feel so ‘other’ in the U.S.,” says Patel. “I can go to the Mahatma Gandhi District and reminisce about Pakistan, and can also come to the Montrose area to reconnect with my more alternaqueer and hipster identities. And of course, I’m working to build a better bridge between those communities in Houston.”
As a queer Muslim, Patel says she was deeply and uniquely affected by the Pulse nightclub massacre.
“My body physically hurt for days after,” says Patel. “My queer side felt hatred towards my Muslim side for the homophobia that does exist in many Muslim-majority countries, and my Muslim side wanted to keep reminding the queer community that I exist and that Islam is a beautiful and peaceful religion. Islamophobia is often a response to pain or fear, and not to the reality of the religion itself.”
“IN QUEER SPACES, I CAN ADD PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE AN IMMIGRANT OR PAKISTANI OR MUSLIM. IN ASIANAMERICAN SPACES, I CAN VOICE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE PAKISTANI OR MUSLIM OR QUEER.” ■
—Megan Wadding
Houston Gets New Group for LGBT Asian-Americans
Collective to launch during regional summit here in May.
By Marene Gustin
The fastest-growing ethnic group in the Houston area is the Asian population, according to a report by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. This mirrors national population trends. Locally, the Asian-American community accounts for slightly more than six percent of Harris County’s population, but that figure grows significantly when you include surrounding areas such as Sugar Land.
As for the number of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who identify as LGBTQ, it’s hard to say.
“The community here isn’t very organized,” says J. Feng, a math teacher and advocate for LGBTQ issues. “Other cities with
high Asian populations have multiple organizations, and often very specific ones Chinese-American transgender people, Filipino lesbians. But here, we don’t really even have one group.”
Feng believes this has to do with a distinctly Southern perspective about race and family. He says it’s easier to be Asian-American and out when you’re young and move to a big city, away from parents and relatives.
“What we want to create is a group that’s inclusive of all AAPI queer folks, one that addresses the Southern issues and the demographics of the city,” Feng says.
Last year, Feng started to seriously work on creating such an organization along with a core group of activists including Anna Garza, Eesha Pandit, Koomah, and Luis Keiichi Hight. The
group is called Collective of Houston Asian Americans, or CHAA. They have started out small, mostly hosting events in private homes with 10 to 15 people.
But CHAA is about to have a coming-out party. “A mutual friend connected us with the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA),” Feng says. “They were interested in Houston, and we were interested in having the kind of support and training they could offer.”
So this year’s NQAPIA Southern Regional Summit will be held in west Houston at the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Westbelt, in the heart of Houston’s Chinatown district, from May 5 through 7. CHAA is co-hosting the event with financial support from the OCA Greater Houston Chapter.
According to NQAPIA, the summit is “focused on addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ API organizations almost all of which are volunteer-run and have no staff as well as the needs of local LGBTQ API activists in the greater Houston area.”
Feng is hoping for a good turnout, although he’s more interested in quality than quantity.
“I’m okay with being a small group, and I’m okay with being a big group,” he says. “I just want to be able to offer quality events and help the community.”
For more about CHAA, visit facebook.com/ chaa.houston.
Feng
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Diva Lotus Blossom Shares the Love
Carl Han’s alter ego spins up another party benefitting LGBT youth.
By Donalevan Maines
“In the pond, nothing’s more beautiful than lotus, the flower of the dawn.”
—Vietnamese folk poem
An elegant lotus blossom, the national flower of Vietnam, adorns the poster for this month’s 13th annual Carl Han’s Love Party in Montrose. “It’s a personal thing for me,” explains Han, who emigrated from Vietnam in 1975 at age nine. The image pays homage to Han’s alter ego, Diva Lotus Blossom (aka DLB).
DLB is part of the shtick that helps to make the jolly Han so fascinating to his many friends and fans. Viewing the world through the eyes of DLB, Han takes a heightened, often-humorous interest in what happens around him an almost childlike wonder in simple things that too many of us might take for granted.
Han explains that his character bloomed in order to temper his temper. “In the summer of 2005, I had a big fight with my mother, and I decided I would never let that happen again,” he recalls. “I created Diva Lotus Blossom, and I say to myself, ‘I am calm as a lotus blossom in the morning mists of Vietnam.’ [Then] I repeat it to myself. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”
“DLB is his [running] joke,” says Chris Kerr, the clinical director at the Montrose Center, which operates Hatch Youth, the beneficiary of the Love Party. “He believes if you take yourself too seriously, you can never enjoy life.”
The mission of Hatch Youth is to empower youth, ages 13–20, who identify as “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and allied (LGBTQIA),” per the center’s website at MontroseCenter. org. The group is dedicated to helping those youth “become positive contributors to society by providing a safe social environment, offering role models and peer support, and spon-
13 and Counting
Carl Han (l) and his best friend, Gary Giddings, launched the Love Party in 2005 as a gift to the LGBT community.
soring educational and community-outreach opportunities.”
Hatch Youth was formed in 1987, but didn’t become part of the Montrose Center until about 10 years ago, says Kerr.
The Love Party began two years earlier as a gift to the LGBT community from Han and his best friend and roommate, “Big Papa” Gary Giddings. The format of food, music, and a drag show is basically the same every year, says Kerr, who’s attended all of them.
In 2007, the event became a fundraiser for the annual Hatch Prom for Houston-area LGBTIQA youth ages 13–20. The theme of this year’s prom, set for Thursday, June 1, at Numbers, is “Dystopian Society.”
”We encourage the youth to wear a costume, come in drag, gown, tuxedo, or whatever they’re comfortable wearing—as long as it’s legal,” says Kennedy Loftin, chief development officer at the Montrose Center.
Han deejays at the Hatch Prom with a sound system that he provides, and he makes
sure the music is what the youngsters want to hear. “I meet with kids on the prom committee, and they pick their favorite songs. Then my job is to get the clean version of those songs,” says Han. “If, out of a hundred kids, maybe only five like country and western, I ask for countryand-western picks, too, and I encourage everyone to get on the dance floor and support each other.”
Is consideration for others where DLB’s infamous “Charm School” comes in? Han laughs. “Yes, I created the DLB Charm School to let friends know when they do something that upsets me. When there is an infraction, I tell them, ‘You go to Charm School for that.’ We live in an age where people are so easily misunderstood, so easily tempted to state their point of view, so easily upset. So Charm School puts things right. It’s fun and all, but in a way it’s also important.”
Han and Giddings cover all expenses of the Love Party, with every penny that’s raised going to Hatch Youth, including tips from the ➝
DIVA LOTUS BLOSSOM SHARES
continued from previous page
entertainers who donate their time. “We do not deduct expenses,” says Han, adding that while admission to the Love Party is a suggested $10 donation, “we don’t turn anyone down.”
After all, Han realizes, “Most of us struggle. We are all quite similar. That is why I created the Fabulous Broke Life (FBL),” in which DLB compares weekly prices at different grocery stores and reports his findings on social media.
“All of us are in the same boat,” he says.
The 13th annual Carl Han’s Love Party will be from 6:45 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at F Bar.
The Love Party will include performances by Marsha Mellow, Tribal Lilies, Evita Longoria, Jade Mykels, Misty Valdez, Tiffany McKnight Capri, Marilyn Summers, Chloe T Crawford, Ivana Cupcak, Bubbles Dumaine, Luna Mystique Devereaux, and Alexye’us Paris.
The Hatch Prom on June 1 is free for LGBTQIA youth up to age 20. Those 21 and over are invited to purchase tickets for $25 at the door. Admission to an adult VIP reception is $50, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Donalevan Maines is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
Presented by
The Vet Your Pet Will Beg to Visit
New lesbian-owned animal hospital welcomes all in the Heights.
By Marene Gustin
by Dalton DeHart
Not to be mistaken for the legendary downtown street skaters from the ’80s, Urban Animal is a new animal hospital in the Heights where diversity is not only desired, it’s expected.
Urban Animal Veterinary Hospital was created to celebrate the uniqueness and dignity of every client and patient. “I want everyone—gay, straight, in a wheelchair, or walking in on two or four legs—to feel dignified and respected,” says owner Hilary Granson.
As a gender-nonconforming person, Dr. Granson knows what it feels like to be judged by looks rather than talent. The native New Yorker worked in the business world until she realized it was getting harder to find new jobs, and the work she did find just wasn’t that fulfilling.
“I was deprived of pets growing up,” Granson recalls. “They didn’t allow animals where we lived, so all I had was a small parakeet. But I loved animals, and when I was thinking of a career change, I decided on veterinary medicine.
“Initially, it was about parrots not getting the right care. I even did an avian internship,” she adds. But now she treats all kinds of pets, from cats and dogs to birds and lizards.
After graduating from Cornell University in 2007, she spent some time in Chicago and North Carolina before deciding that she’d had enough snow and would rather live in a city with warm weather and a good economy. “So I made a leap of faith and came to Houston,” Granson says. Apparently, that’s worked out pretty well. After working for several popular veterinary practices here, she made the decision to open her own hospital to practice medicine her own way. That means state-of-the-art medicine, care and compassion for all animals, and dignity and respect for all humans.
When the hospital opened on April 4 with a ribbon-cutting and crawfish boil, visitors found a new neighborhood practice where their pets could be treated based on breed, age,
personality, and lifestyle. They also found that Granson offered the latest in pain management, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, a heated surgery table, oxygen CCU cages, separate ventilated isolation examination and treatment rooms for animals with infectious diseases, and separate entrances for cats and dogs. The cat side even has feline pheromones pumped into the ventilation system to keep kitty relaxed.
“Veterinary medicine is a lot like pediatrics,” Granson says. “It’s a terrible feeling for a child or a pet to go to a doctor and not understand what is going on, and to be terrified by the experience. That’s why we take time with our patients and give them treats during the exam.”
She says the greatest compliment she has gotten so far was from a client who told her that every time she walks her dog past the facility, the dog tries to go inside. That’s quite a ringing endorsement when a pet actually wants to visit the vet.
And on top of all of that, the gay-owned and -operated hospital (with over half of the staff being LGBT) is not only LGBT-friendly, but also involved in the community. That’s something that Granson feels very strongly about, particularly in the current political climate. But she wants everyone to feel welcome at Urban Animal.
Pet Shop Boys (and Girls)
Members of the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce joined Dr. Hilary Granson (gray lab coat), owner of the new Urban Animal Veterinary Hospital, last month to welcome the LGBT-owned, seven-day-aweek animal hospital to the neighborhood. ‹
Since she had the facility built from the ground up, she also thought it was important that both the building and the parking lot be ADA-compliant. “You can park, have room to get out of the car with a wheelchair, roll into the building, and have access to every room and office,” she says proudly.
Granson, who is single and lives near the hospital with her two parrots, a cat, and a dog, enjoys the lifestyle in Houston. Her hobbies include motorcycles and shooting—but only for target practice, not hunting. “I could never shoot Bambi,” she says. “I am a carnivore, but I can’t kill an animal that I might wind up helping.” Clearly, human doctors don’t have to face that dilemma.
“Houston has everything that New York has—sushi, theater, concerts. You might have to look for it, but it’s all here.”
And now, the city has a welcoming, stateof-the-art animal hospital for all of the medical needs of our urban pet companions.
Urban Animal Veterinary Hospital
1327 Yale Street
Houston, Texas 77008
713.863.0088
urbananimalveterinary.com
Marene Gustin is a regular contributor to OUT SMART magazine.
Photo
Being Queer and Disabled
Breaking down barriers as a lesbian with cerebral palsy.
By Natalie Mink
For the most part, the LGBT community has been welcoming of the fact that I have a disability. However, most of the people I meet—platonic or otherwise—have no experience relating to someone with cerebral palsy. I can always tell when someone is trying to ask about it, but they don’t want to seem rude. They use phrases like “I don’t mean to cause offense, but. . .” Somehow, they think it’s okay to ask inappropriate questions after starting their question that way.
Let’s say I’m on a date with a woman who has no prior experience with disabled people. My cerebral palsy is now the elephant in the room. I understand that most people aren’t well-versed in dating someone with a disability, but if I were able-bodied, I suspect they would not be nearly as interested in my sex life and “how things work.”
Being queer and disabled gives you two sides of a coin that you really can’t spend. I mentioned this in my January O UTSMART article “Finding Self-Love” while recalling my mother’s response when I came out as a lesbian: “It’s hard enough being disabled. . . now you’re gay.” Believe me, this wasn’t the path I chose for myself. Dating is horrible. I’m just going to be honest: especially in this technological age, your entire dating life can be comprised of screen names and URLs. It’s hard enough to find someone with similar interests, let alone telling them that you have a disability. But this issue goes far beyond the realm of dating. Now that I’m out of college, and out of my comfort zone, it’s been hard to meet new people in Houston. This is a difficult city for those of us who don’t drive, and it’s scary trying to be my authentic self around strangers.
Some people who accept my disability have yet to accept my lesbianism. It hurts when people accept one part of you, but then totally disregard the other.
I just want to put it out there that I am not broken, and there is nothing about me that needs to be “fixed.” When I was at the gym the other day, this guy comes up to me to say he wanted to “lay his hands on me, so that I may be healed.” He probably had good intentions, but that didn’t make what he did okay. You should never assume that someone you know nothing about needs to be healed.
When I was still in college, we had an evangelical preacher on campus who liked to tell me I was going to hell because of my disability. Then he figured out I was gay, thanks to one of my shirts that said “Keep calm and kiss girls.” He actually lost his cool and started calling me out in front of people. “You’re a homosexual cripple! You must be healed of all your afflictions! God must hate you.” Regardless of what your religious views are, that’s just not cool to say to someone.
When I was still young and closeted, I worried about all of this. How are people going to see me? Will they only see my disability when they look at me? The truth is that some people
‹
Natalie Mink says she’s a member of two communities, and sometimes one takes more explaining than the other.
do. All you can do is be as forthcoming as possible about your own struggles, and hope that you can educate people who may not have a grasp of what having a disability entails. And if they start off being hostile and making you uneasy, you can always say, “I’m not comfortable discussing this with you. There’s information about that on the Internet.” That’s the beauty of the Internet—it has everything!
I’m part of two completely different communities, and sometimes one takes more explaining than the other. They’re both part of what makes me unique. If someone seems willing to hear your story, share it with them. The world can be a scary place, but through communication and understanding, we are all united. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt that fear is the one universal emotion. We all have it—fear of the unknown, fear of seeing differences in others, and sometimes even the fear of knowledge. The way I see it, you can either live your life in fear, or decide to help those around you gain a better understanding of the world.
Natalie Mink is a native Houstonian, an active member of the LGBT community, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Staying Strong
Intersectionality Trumps Hate
British LGBT group fights back against pinkwashed xenophobia.
By Josh Inocéncio
After the Pulse massacre, then-candidate Donald Trump announced he was an ally to the LGBT community and pledged to vanquish “Islamic radicalism” by closing our borders to Muslim refugees. As with many divide-and-conquer strategies in U.S. history, Trump sought—and still seeks— to exploit the fears of LGBT folk by crafting a false narrative that Muslim immigrants are putting them in danger of hate crimes.
Across the pond, the government of British prime minister Theresa May peddles a similar narrative to LGBT Brits as she seeks to undercut the UK’s refugee influx. One prominent British LGBT coalition, however, has resurrected a 1980s protest movement to thwart May’s claims. In 1980s Britain, amidst thenprime minister Margaret Thatcher’s crackdown on striking Welsh coal miners, a group of LGBT Londoners reached out to the miners by forming the group “Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.” (The striking miners’ episode formed the basis for the Stephen Beresford’s 2014 film Pride, which won a Cannes Film Festival award that year.)
Now, in the wake of Europe’s ongoing immigrant crisis, a similar LGBT coalition calling itself “Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants” has emerged, paying homage to the ’80s partnership as they seek to protect immigrants seeking refuge in the UK. Last month, I caught up with Morten Thaysen, a representative of Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation.
Josh Inocéncio: How does the historical legacy of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners inform your group’s mission?
Morten Thaysen: LGSMiners stood in solidarity with mining communities against state repression and media demonization. We see very strong similarities to the situation in Thatcher’s Britain. Attacks on migrant communities are escalating, and we think the story of solidarity between communities from the
1980s is a very important story to tell and build on today.
In your group’s vision, how does being queer relate to “smashing borders”?
It’s been 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalized in the United Kingdom, but the British government still deems itself as fit to decide who is considered legal and illegal in our society—who is granted the right to live here, and those not afforded that privilege. Instead of raiding our LGBT+ venues and harassing queer people on the streets, the government is now engaged in the mass deportation of migrants in the UK seeking refuge—many of whom are LGBT. Officers might no longer be busting through the doors of underground [gay] bars, but they [are now] entering homes and communities, snatching people from their beds in the dead of night and forcing them into handcuffs to deport them to places where their lives might be in danger.
What specific government policies inspired the inception of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants, and how did you form the group?
The group was formed just as the refugee “crisis” was hitting the front pages across Europe. At the same time, Theresa May (who was then the home secretary, not the prime minister) was driving a campaign of hate against migrants in the UK, declaring that she wanted to create a “hostile environment” for migrants. She was (and is still) succeeding. We have experienced the far right in Europe increasingly
Building Bridges “Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants” seeks to protect immigrants seeking refuge in the United Kingdom. ‹
using “gay rights” as a weapon against migrants. The argument would be made over and over that closed borders were needed to protect us against homophobic foreigners. Co-opting decades of LGBT+ campaigning and activism and using it as a racist and xenophobic tool is completely unacceptable.
What are some strategies you’ve used to convey your message, and which ones have been the most effective?
We’ve used many different strategies over the past year and a half, from glitter-bombing corporate headquarters to burning fake money on a sacrificial fire. Our most recent events and actions have probably also been our most successful. One of them was at the Peckham Pride event, and the other one was when we joined forces with the Plane Stupid and End Deportations activist groups to blockade a massdeportation charter flight at Stansted Airport, exposing the brutal practice of charter flights to the British public.
Tell us more about Peckham Pride and why you chose that LGBT event for your demonstration march.
This year’s Peckham Pride was a huge success, with hundreds of people marching through central Peckham to celebrate migrant and queer communities, and to show resistance to immigration raids. Peckham is home to a lot of migrant communities—for instance, people from Nigeria and Ghana—and is a really amazing and vibrant part of London. But the government is targeting those communities right ➝
continued from previous page
now with immigration raids on shops and houses in an attempt to deport as many people as possible. Peckham Pride is a celebration of the people of Peckham and the resistance that we put up against government repression.
How has your movement shifted since the Brexit vote?
The UK is changing very rapidly right now, in a scary way. We’ve scaled up our actions as a response to that. I think our occupation at Stansted Airport was a bit of light in the dark for many people, on the morning that Theresa May [began the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union by invoking] Article 50.
What is your response to detractors who say allowing immigrants in from Muslimmajority nations only increases violence against LGBT Brits?
That is a claim based solely in Islamophobia, and it has no basis in the actual lived experience of LGBT+ people in the UK. Hate crimes are on the rise in the UK, both against Muslims and against LGBT+ people, and the people committing those hate crimes are all too often the very same people accusing Muslim communities of homophobia. No community is free of homophobia (or any other prejudice), but using this form of social-justice language to attack other minorities is unacceptable.
Are you aware of any U.S. chapters of Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants? If not, how would U.S. LGBT activists go about forming one?
I don’t think there is a U.S. chapter. If anyone is interested, get in touch with us. Under Trump, it’s more important for people from different minority communities to come together and fight against repression [through intersectional coalitions].
In terms of defending immigrants, and in particular those from Muslim-majority nations, what else would you like our readers in Texas to know?
I’d say the most important first step is to reach out to communities under attack. Speak to them, organize with them, and form a powerful opposition to Trump and his policies. Solidarity is powerful, cooperation is powerful, and creativity is powerful. We need all of this to survive the coming years.
To find out more about Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/lgsmigrants. To inquire about forming a U.S. chapter, email Morten Thaysen at lgsmigrants@gmail.com.
Josh Inocéncio is a frequent contributor to OUTSMART magazine, a playwright, and a freelance writer.
THANK YOU, HOUSTON
brunch speakers:
Victory Fund thanks our sponsors, guests and Houston’s LGBTQ community for another successful Victory Fund Houston Champagne Brunch. Together, we’re breaking barriers for LGBTQ candidates across the country. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY)
Governor Kate Brown (OR)
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Havana Nights
Conquering Cuba’s queer-friendly capital.
When President Barack Obama lifted decades-old regulations that made it prohibitively difficult for Americans to travel to Cuba, there was much rejoicing among the jet set. For years, our European counterparts have been able to journey unhampered to Havana to enjoy its storied colonial neighborhoods, charming paladars, and souped-up classic cars. Finally, it’s once again our turn.
But before you buy your tickets, you need to know about some minor restrictions on travel to Cuba. While the “official” motivation for your trip needs to fall under one of 12 categories, let it be noted that one of these categories is simply “support for the Cuban people.” This intrepid reporter cited “journalistic activity” as her motivation, and was not once asked to show any documentation supporting this claim. Many other travelers have reported similar experiences. You will also need a visa, which can be easily purchased via an online agency. (Depending on which airline you fly, you can sometimes purchase a visa at your point of departure.)
LGBT travelers should also note that although Cuba (and especially Havana) boasts a vibrant LGBTQ community and is generally welcoming, the country is still somewhat behind other nations with regard to widespread acceptance. Public displays of affection, especially in rural areas, may draw unwanted attention. But safe, fun spaces do exist—and here are some of our favorites.
Class and history converge at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which has been the place to stay in Havana for the past 80 years. Those into stargazing should take the hotel’s free historical tour, in which a guide shares anecdotes about celebrity guests (including Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, and Mickey Mantle) and points out the rooms they stayed in. Notably absent from this list are Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who opted to stay at a more
modern resort when they visited the island last year. Big mistake, Kimye.
Even if you don’t stay at the Hotel Nacional, you can take advantage of their back-terrace bar for an evening drink and a look at the hotel’s posh retro décor. As the sun sets, an army of waiters ferries mojitos back and forth to couples and mixed groups of Europeans lounging on comfy garden furniture. For the best view (and equally diligent service), take a short stroll farther down the lawn to sit at a table overlooking the ocean. Although the dress code is casual, you’ll feel more in the mood swathed in pastel linen and sporting a fedora or cartwheel hat.
Then continue your evening tour at some of the city’s trendiest watering holes, clubs, and cafés. Recently highlighted by the New York Times, mYXto is a small, sleek bar that distinguishes itself from Havana’s other gay-friendly venues with its diverse spirits list—most welcome for those craving a change from Cuba’s ubiquitous rum—as well as decent nibbles like seafood tapas.
One step into Havana’s Sia Kara Cafe and you’d swear you’re in the heart of hipster Montrose rather than a communist capital. The airy, open bar and restaurant, whose walls are lined with pieces from local artists and blackand-white historical photographs, is filled
during the day with fashionistas and business types lunching on ceviche. At night, tourists mingle (in a good way) while sipping rum cocktails under the glowing chandelier or in a side nook that’s cordoned off with men’s neckties (because, why not?).
Despite what some online reviewers might have you believe, Cabaret Las Vegas is not technically the only gay club in Havana, but its enormous popularity testifies to the consistently high quality of the drag performances. The mostly young crowd starts to really pack the club around midnight, so arrive earlier to reserve a table if you want to avoid standing. If you turn into a pumpkin at midnight, other just-as-fabulous fun can be found at Tropicana, which hosts nightly entertainment starting around 10 p.m. To call what transpires there just a “show” is an understatement—the dizzying extravaganza of light, sound, and over-the-top costumed singers and dancers verges on sensory overload, in a good way. I have never seen so many feathers outside a chicken coop. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during the high tourist season.
Finally, while Havana nights are heavenly, the daylight hours hold opportunities for more low-key cultural pursuits. The capital is very walkable, and a stroll through the Old ➝
Story and photo by Joanna O’Leary
Hot for Havana Cuba boasts a vibrant LGBTQ community, from the gay-friendly luxe Hotel Nacional de Cuba to Sia Kara Café (pictured).
continued from previous page
Havana quarter enables you to stumble upon charming architecture and mom-and-pop joints—which, by the way, serve far better food than the government-owned restaurants. Both the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are worth visiting, the latter especially for its collection of works by Cuban artists. Or if you’re feeling lazy, just keep it simple and grab a cold drink, a book, and head to Malecón (a five-mile boardwalk affectionately deemed “Cuba’s couch”) to people-watch.
Joanna O’Leary is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine and a freelance food and travel writer based in Houston. Her exploits are chronicled on brideyoleary.com.
A Cuban Food Crawl
A little bit of Havana in Houston.
By Joanna O’Leary
With relaxed travel restrictions and direct flights from Houston on multiple airlines, traveling to Havana has never been easier. But if you’re still waiting for that visa to arrive and craving Cuban food now, there’s no need to despair. Here’s a delicious guide to some of the establishments serving authentic Cuban fare in Houston. As one of the few restaurants to endure in the ever-changing culinary landscape that is Rice Village, El Meson offers some excellent Cuban-inflected dishes (although it is primarily known for its Spanish cuisine). My favorite is the Nachos Cubanos’ blue corn chips individually layered with sweet plantains and black beans, then smothered in melted Chihuahua cheese and jalapeños. Every loaded wedge is a dense collaboration of sweet and spicy starches. While the nachos are technically an appetizer, there’s no law against doubling your order for an entrée portion.
Although “fast food” usually conjures up images of tasteless, chemical-laden garbage, the type vended at any of El Rey Taqueria’s four locations is quite the opposite. Their hotand-ready Cuban specials are made from scratch ingredients, which becomes readily apparent one bite into their succulent ropa vieja, a Cuban culinary staple composed of shredded beef heavily seasoned with cumin and garlic, then stewed in a rich tomato broth and paired with white rice, plantains, and tortillas. The Havana Plate, strips of lean pork in a lemon sauce with grilled onions and peppers, contrasts tart, botanical flavors with savory porcine notes. It’s terrific as a light lunch. If you’re feeling slightly more ambitious, I suggest El Rey’s Cuban Burrito, which riffs on the traditional Tex-Mex version
via the inclusion of sautéed plantains along with rice, beans, sour cream, and your choice of pork, beef, or chicken.
If you’re waiting for that visa to arrive and craving Cuban food now, there’s no need to despair.
Being one of the oldest Cuban restaurants in Houston, Café Piquet has a solid menu of Havana highlights including some lessmainstream options like Higado à la Italiana, beef liver with peppers and onions, and Yucca con Mojo tender cassava logs ensconced in a garlic sauce (a must-order for garlic-lovers). Their Filete Cardinal, a pangasius (similar to catfish) filet with and ham and cheese stuffing that is deepfried and doused in sautéed onion and cream, is a singular show-stopper found nowhere else in town.
Or try chasing down The Cuban Spot food truck for their amazing Cuban sandwiches. In addition to featuring thick strata of pork, ham, cheese, and pickles, they also get credit for being made with perhaps the most supple pan Cubano in the city. A side of tostones is a must for this sammie, as well as The Cuban Spot’s second-most-popular offering: the Frita, a burger made from a combination of chorizo, pork, and beef topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, potato
sticks, and a mayo-based special house sauce.
For the most extensive selection of authentic Cuban fare, head to Rincon Crillo Cuban Cuisine, whose no-frills strip-mall façade belies an interior dining room filled with diehard regulars attaining gustatory nirvana. Such bliss in a modest setting is due to the restaurant’s well-executed Cuban classics and appetizers like Yucca Rellena, fried yucca stuffed with cheese, and ham croquettes. Standout entrées include the Fricassée de Pollo, large chunks of white-meat chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato broth, and the Picadillo à Caballo, ground meat seasoned with cumin, oregano, and bay, and crowned with two fried eggs. Rincon Crillo is also one of the few joints in Houston serving traditional Cuban desserts; try the Pudín Diplomatico, a moist, very sweet coconut bread pudding, or a crispy turnover filled with guava and tangy cream cheese. No room? Take a dozen to go for breakfast the next morning.
Joanna O’Leary is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine and a freelance food and travel writer based in Houston. Her exploits are chronicled on brideyoleary.com.
Cuban Slide
A sandwich from The Cuban Spot, just one of several spots in Houston to get your Cuban-food groove on.
Weekending in Mexico City
A new gay mecca.
By Josh Watkins
With a history that dates back to the 14th century, visitors find it hard to believe that Mexico City is so full of cosmopolitan, youthful energy. The classic European architecture forms a striking contrast with the capital city’s mirror-like skyscrapers, and the signs of an exceptional standard of living are everywhere. If there is one way to describe the locals, it would be lifeloving. Being so affordable and accessible—especially from Texas—Mexico City is making a name for itself with its impeccable arts and food scenes. Curiosity might attract you to visit initially, but it’s the romance of the city that will keep you coming back.
Despite being the largest city in North America—and one of the largest in the world— a weekend trip can provide an impressive glimpse into the wonders of Mexico City. If you suspect that LGBT individuals and couples might be uncomfortable here, rest assured that throughout our three-day trip, my partner and I observed more gay couples in public than we regularly do in the United States. There were many instances where we actually felt safer being publicly affectionate than we ever have in Austin or Houston. So if safety is a concern, you’ll have few worries in Mexico City.
My favorite way to travel is by seeing life through the eyes of the locals. Personally, I think that visiting cafés and residential neighborhoods is the best way to do this. Over the weekend, we stopped by El Chiquitito Café in La Condesa and Quentin Café in La Roma.
La Condesa is referred to as the city’s young, artsy neighborhood. The buildings are remarkably colorful and historic. We stopped by El Chiquitito Café for coffee, and the latte I ordered completely matched the charm and charisma of this café.
La Roma is a neighborhood so well preserved that it almost felt like we had stepped back in time. The buildings are beautifully colored and maintained, revealing a rich Eu-
ropean history. We grabbed an evening latte at Quentin Café, which is a very modern little space with the friendliest of baristas! The romance of La Roma seemed to be infectious as young couples—gay and straight—cozied up around the main square.
For shopping, we ventured to the higherend neighborhood of Polanco. Because the U.S. dollar is doing so well against the peso, the prices were surprisingly cheap in the upscale shops. The El Palacio de Hierro shopping center reminded us of Houston’s Galleria—if it were run by Balenciaga, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, and Alexander Wang. Seriously.
For our nightlife experience, we went to the Zona Rosa, the city’s official gayborhood. On Saturday night, we were in the mood to dance. The first tree-lined street we encountered was overflowing with LGBT men, women, and drag queens—sort of like a mini-Pride festival. Everyone was more shamelessly open than we usually see in the United States.
Our first stop was Drrama by 42, a low-key club that was nonetheless packed to the brim. This bar seemed more like a spot to socialize than dance, so we headed a few doors down to Pussy Bar. Fair warning: this is not a lesbian bar. Pussy Bar was on fire—meaning that hundreds of beautiful people were dancing the night away. After warming up, we decided to move on to Boy Bar, the “it” bar that offers the full club experience: a dark room with tranceinducing music, a dance floor with house mu-
Salty and Sweet Mexico City’s vibrantly tasteful food scene, colorful nightlife, and rich history make it a mustvisit destination for LGBT friends and couples alike. ‹
sic, and a dive-bar option that played typical Mexican and American pop songs. Boy Bar gave us the Queer as Folk fantasy that most can only dream of. Even though we were exhausted from dancing all night and indulging in too much mezcal, this was one of the most thrilling club experiences we’ve ever had.
Our big culinary experience for the weekend was Quintonil—which was ranked as the 12th-best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Since we had to make reservations for this meal two months in advance, we were obviously excited! Hidden on a quiet street in Polanco, Quintonil gave us the best four-hour meal of our lives. The 10-course tasting menu was a steal at 1,326 pesos ($70), and the Tamarind-Mezcal Margarita will change your life. Other than Quintonil, we mostly stuck to street food—elotes (traditional Mexican corn), al pastor tacos, tripa tacos, tamales, and tortas.
Before heading to the airport, we grabbed breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien Condesa, a Parisian/Mexican café where we ordered omelettes, a concha (traditional Mexican pastry), and lattes. As we enjoyed our breakfast, we reflected on our weekend in this sprawling, culturally rich metropolis filled with energetic life.
If you haven’t been to Mexico City yet, go.
Josh Watkins is a frequent contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
QUALITY DENTISTRY
Summer Gaycation
Book ‘em, Dano, book ‘em now.
By Marene Gustin
Forget the staycation this year. Why not a gaycation? Whether by land or sea, a vacation cruise can meet all your needs. Just think of all the food, fun, sunshine, and scenery you’ll enjoy as you’re being pampered. But remember to do your research first.
The Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2017 (SpartacusWorld.com) ranks the most gayfriendly places in the world to visit. As in past years, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia rank at the bottom of the barrel, while Sweden and the United Kingdom are listed as the most LGBT-welcoming countries. But you needn’t go anywhere near that far afield to find a perfect vacation spot.
Jesse Garza of Galveston Cruises suggests checking out cruises departing from the Port of Galveston, right down the road. Although a passport is not required if you leave and return to a U.S. port, Garza highly recommends that you travel with one.
“We have a list of special events and Journey Cruises coming up in the next year and a half,” he says. Current ships that depart from the Port of Galveston include Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, which departs every Sunday and returns the following Sunday; the Carnival Breeze, departing every Sunday and returning the following Sunday; the Freedom, departing every Saturday and returning the following Saturday; and the Valor, which features both four- and five-day cruises. And there are two more ships that will eventually depart from Galveston: Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, coming this fall, and the Carnival Vista , coming in the fall of 2018.
Port of Call
Several splashy cruises leave from Galveston and go just about everywhere ‹
You can also book now for Gay Galveston Cruises’ 2018 Mardi Gras Cruise, departing February 9 and returning on the 14th on the Vision of the Seas. The cruise visits Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Caribbean Cruises’ brand-new Summit is piloted by the first American female captain.
Kim Gustavsson, owner of Concierge Travel, Inc., in Houston, is a leader in LGBT travel, booking tours and even designing its own land tours and smallship cruises specifically for gay and lesbian travelers. One of the company’s tour highlights is the annual Pineapple Point Weekend this June.
“It’s like a reunion for our clients to see each other again, although it is open for anyone,” says Gustavsson. He calls the male-only three-day weekend one of the best gay getaways of the year.
Nestled in the heart of gay-friendly Fort Lauderdale, the Pineapple Point Guesthouse &
Resort is the lap of luxury, featuring six buildings, a gym, massage studios, pools (including a clothing-optional pool), an evening happy hour, and bikes so you can pedal to the nearby gay bars, seafood restaurants, and white-sand beaches.
If you need more excitement than play in your vacay, Gustavsson suggests the November Journey into Africa tour, with lush accommodations and a four-night safari in the bush.
Maggie Beaumier, director of strategic marketing at Olivia, is excited about the lesbian travel company’s 45th anniversary. “We offer full charter cruises, resorts, and land adventures,” she says. There’s a 45th-anniversary Caribbean cruise with a brand-new ship, the Summit, piloted by the first American female captain.
And you can beat the Houston heat this June with Olivia’s Alaskan cruise, featuring amazing scenery and special guests like ➝
comic duo Kathy and Mo, author Dorothy Allison ( Bastard out of Carolina), and DJ Wildfire.
And if you’re taking your family with you, check out R Family Vacations, founded in 2003, which creates cruises specifically for LGBT parents and their children.
According to Community Marketing & Insights, gay travel generates $65 billion pink dollars for the industry in America alone. That’s quite a large niche market, so it’s no wonder more and more travel companies are putting together tours and cruises specifically targeted to the LGBTQ community. There’s a magazine for this industry, an international organization (the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association), websites, newsletters, and television and social-media advertisements all touting gay travel.
So whether you’re traveling alone and looking for fun, vacationing with your significant other, honeymooning, or enjoying a group of friends far from home, the best way to enjoy your vacation is to find a gay travel agency that can meet your specific needs. Then you just need to pack the bags and say bon voyage!
Marene Gustin is a regular contributor to OUT SMART magazine.
M IDTOWN V ETERINARY H OSPITAL
Your Neighborhood Pet Care Solution
AGED TO PERFECTION
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to the island’s architectural history through public tours of ten privately owned historic homes.
Dynamic Duo
Out director again teams with longtime friend in Houston premiere.
By Donalevan Maines
Frightened women and a forlorn man seek shelter at a bed and breakfast run by a single mother in the Houston premiere of When We Were Young and Unafraid, which plays May 27–June 17 at Theatre Southwest.
Sarah Treem’s 2014 feminist drama is set in the early 1970s, which is 20 years before the play’s out director, Bob Maddox, met the show’s leading lady, Lisa Schofield, in 1991. The stage partnership they launched that year is still going strong.
“We became instant friends, like we had known each other all our lives,” says Schofield, who’s married and lives in Willis. “Bob and I have directed each other many, many times, and onstage, we’ve been married, divorced, brother and sister, friends, lovers, and everything in between.”
Most recently, the pair squared off as Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn in Doubt, A Parable by John Patrick Shanley, with Maddox portraying a middle-aged priest whom the nun accuses of sexual misconduct with an altar boy.
Audience members are left to decide for themselves whether the nun’s allegation is true. At the first rehearsal, Maddox says, “I told everyone, ‘I’m not going to tell anyone what I think until the play closes.’”
In contrast, upon being cast as Agnes in When We Were Young and Unafraid, Schofield allowed that she thinks her character is a lesbian, although the author never spells it out. “The story takes place in the ’70s, and I suspect she doesn’t know she’s a lesbian—or it would not have occurred to her,” says Schofield.
The small cast’s only out character is Hannah, a lesbian who is militantly misandrous (meaning the opposite of misogynystic). When Hannah arrives at the bed and breakfast, she tells Agnes this is merely a stop on her way to a commune where she’ll enjoy bare-breasted rituals with fellow man-haters. “My character finds that pretty funny. It is not something she would ever do,” says Schofield.
Among other guests, Mary Anne is fleeing her abusive husband, while Paul’s wife has
kicked him out. “She thought he was boring,” explains Maddox. “Well, he is kind of boring.”
Agnes’ teenage daughter, Penny, soaks in how the adults around her react as the drumbeat of America’s feminist revolution grows louder. Outside her tiny world, women and their supporters mobilize states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and U.S. Supreme Court justices weigh arguments over the issue of abortion in Roe v. Wade. The Violence Against Women Act won’t become federal law until 1994.
“The play deals with how all the people we encounter in life influence us to some extent,” says Maddox. “Some people will call it a women’s play. I think of it more as a people’s play.”
In addition to Schofield and Miriam Okafor as Hannah, the cast includes Jenna Morris as Mary Anne, Austin Heps as Paul, and Rachel Watkins as Penny.
Maddox grew up in Ohio, where he started acting in high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and theater at Kent State University. He also studied acting at Florida State University.
A position at The Gap brought Maddox to Houston 34 years ago. “I’ve lived all over town,” he says.
The past 17 years, Maddox has taught theater at Alief Taylor High School, where he’ll retire at the end of this semester. “Hopefully, I will be doing more theater, and I will get
around more,” he says.
A resident of west Houston, Maddox says he’s mainly stayed close to home, directing and acting “an average of one thing a year” both at Theatre Southwest and Country Playhouse, now called Queensbury Theatre.
He’s played Vanya in Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, Yvan in Art, and Barney in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, as well as George in both Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Same Time, Next Year (opposite Schofield in each).
Of those, he said, Vanya is a favorite character. “He was very ‘out,’” Maddox says, recalling the role that out Tony Award-winner David Hyde Pierce created in 2012 and performed on Broadway in 2013.
The show’s denouement featured an impassioned monologue by Vanya. “That was wonderful,” Maddox says. “Everything he talked about, I know all those things. The biggest thing was that life’s gotten too complicated.”
Maddox’s directing credits include Master Class, A Streetcar Named Desire, Equus, Bent, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Hurlyburly, The Philadelphia Story, and the musicals Mame and Curtains
Donalevan Maines played Tom Wingfield opposite Lisa Schofield as his mother in a 2013 production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.
Stage Marriage
Bob Maddox, the out director of When We Were Young and Unafraid, and Lisa Schofield, the show’s leading lady, have been working together since 1991.
How to Plan a Wedding in Three Weeks
Yvonne and Lisa Tran were in a hurry to protect themselves after Donald Trump’s victory.
Speed Wedding Yvonne (l) and Lisa Tran wed almost as fast as they fell in love.
By Henry V. Thiel
In January 2005, Lisa Tran walked into her fi rst committee meeting at Pride Houston as a volunteer, hoping to meet some new friends in the community. Little did she know that she would meet the love of her life, Yvonne Feece.
“Although we were friends for many months, we both knew within the fi rst week of dating that the other was ‘the one,’” says Feece, who now goes by Yvonne Tran.
They originally planned their wedding with 150 guests in the fall of 2018— but then Donald Trump’s victory last November threw a wrench in their plans.
task, given that they originally wanted to invite extended family and out-of-town friends. They sent out their wedding invitations via text message.
“We planned our wedding in less than three weeks,” Yvonne says. “We were so touched by those that attended our special day, particularly since they were given little notice.”
Both attended the University of Houston
male cab driver before, and she was very sweet and quite the character. She told us all about the neighborhood we were headed to—the streets and the brownstones. About halfway to our destination, while stopped at a tra c light, she shut o the meter.
“I am beyond thrilled to marry into such a wonderful family, and I am proud to take Lisa’s last name.”
“After the 2016 presidential election, we were concerned that Trump would roll back the rights of the LGBT community, so we decided to get married as soon as possible,” Yvonne says. “After years of being denied the 1,200-plus rights that legally married citizens were already receiving, we knew that we could not a ord to lose this opportunity to protect ourselves. Our future and family was much too important to leave to chance.”
In moving up the wedding, the couple had to condense their guest list to 36—a di cult
and consider themselves native Houstonians, even though they each moved here when they were 10.
It was on a weekend trip to New York City last spring that Lisa proposed to Yvonne. After sharing a romantic French brunch, they snagged an appointment at an artist’s studio to pick out their rings.
“We jumped into a cab to go to Brooklyn,” Lisa says. “And to our surprise, our cabbie was an older Jewish woman. We had never had a fe-
“Everything just fell into place on that gorgeous day,” she adds. “We arrived at the artist’s studio and began to try rings on. Within 20 to 30 minutes we had picked out our favorites, and our engagement became a reality. It was all very exciting for us. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening out and about, just the two of us.”
On December 11, 2016, Houston Judge Jerry Simoneaux o ciated their wedding at Masra ’s Restaurant on Post Oak.
“We would like to thank our amazing LGBT-friendly vendors,” says Lisa, listing Seventh Ray Films, M&M Photography, culinary artist Sean Elliot Lewis, hair and makeup artist Bonnie Swan, and SimpleRegistry.com.
The couple say the big day flew by faster than they could have imagined.
Lisa’s favorite moment was when Yvonne said, “I do!, I do!, I do!” Yvonne’s favorite ➝
WEDDING GUIDE
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moment was watching Lisa walk down the aisle with her father.
“We walked down the aisle to the song that was playing when Yvonne professed her love to me,” Lisa says. Other favorite moments included the moving speeches and toasts from family and friends.
“It meant the world to us to have our nieces and nephew in the wedding,” Lisa says. “We had a couple of our nieces walk down together and give flowers to each of our moms. The other niece and nephew gave our rings to Jerry.”
Yvonne walked herself down the aisle because her father “doesn’t believe in her lifestyle,” according to Lisa. Yvonne then proclaimed: “I am beyond thrilled to marry into such a wonderful family, and I am proud to take Lisa’s last name. I am gaining incredible parents, brothers and sisters, many cousins, and a large, tight-knit family.”
Lisa, 38, and Yvonne, 39, recently moved to Sugar Land after living in the Heights. Lisa works in the corporate world, and Yvonne is a successful photographer.
The brides plan a relaxing honeymoon vacation later this year or early next year.
Henry V. Thiel is a frequent contributor to OUTSMART magazine. He loves weddings.
Love on the Big Screen
Bret Detillier and Colin Riley score rave reviews for their movie-themed reception at the Heights Theater.
By Henry V. Thiel
After meeting in 1999 at a mutual friend’s party in Dallas, Bret Detillier and Colin Riley crossed paths two more times before they finally went out on their first date. “I was dating someone else at the time,” confesses Riley, “but was immediately taken by Bret’s dark eyes and mustachioed smile.”
They saw each other again in the fall of 2002, at the same mutual friend’s 50th birthday party. “I had been single for about a year and a half. It took me a while, but I worked up the courage to approach Bret and strike up a conversation. We spoke for about 10 or 15 minutes before Bret was whisked away by our friend,” Riley recalls with disappointment. “We never resumed our conversation that night, and I assumed he wasn’t interested.
“I found out later that he lived in Houston, and was just out of a year-long relationship. Finally in March of 2003, we both attended the Texas Bear Round-Up. I walked into the Dallas
Eagle, and there he was,” Riley says. “A good friend reintroduced us. This time Bret asked for my phone number. He called the next day, and we went out that very night. The third time was the charm!”
After a year of long-distance dating, Riley moved down to Houston, and in with Detillier.
“Twelve years later, we had just finished dinner and were washing dishes. I looked at him and thought, I would be happy to wash dishes with this man for the rest of my life. So I asked him to marry me, right then and there. With such an unconventional setting, I’m not sure he thought I was serious at first, but he did say yes!”
In 2011, same-sex marriage was only legal in a few states. Riley and Detillier thought about getting married in Vancouver, Canada, but the prospect quickly turned very expensive, and it seemed that very few, if any, of their loved ones would be able to join them. Then marriages became legal in New York.
“New York was perfect!” states Colin. “I had lived there during my 20s and early 30s, and Bret and I have visited many times as a couple.”
So they rented a tiny boathouse on the lake in Central Park. “It only cost $25 for two hours!” remembers Detillier, still in awe. “We arrived a couple of days early so we could obtain our marriage license and catch a couple of Broadway shows.”
“Then, on October 8, 2011, we were married in front of 22 friends and family that had travelled from eight states to be there with us,” shares Riley. “It was truly an amazing thing to experience something you never thought would happen in your lifetime.”
A month after returning to Texas, the newlyweds held a reception at the Heights Theater, which was then being managed by a gay couple. In keeping with the theater theme, they created a movie poster and called the event I Do, I Do. The theater even played along and put their names on the marquee. More than 120 friends and family attended.
“We debated whether or not we should have a gift registry,” confesses Detillier. “Several of our straight friends and family members demanded that we do so. Upon registering at Macy’s, the associate exclaimed excitedly, ‘Oh my God! You’re our first gay marriage!’ She was thrilled. So were we!
“We used Absolutely Divine Catering, a gay-owned catering company that we found through friends at Resurrection Community Church,” says Detillier. They hired a DJ that had spun for many years at the Montrose Mining Company, and rented tables and chairs from A Finer Event.
“Our wedding cake was baked by the gayfriendly Alphorn Bakery,” adds Riley. “We had great food and music! For the vast majority ➝
Tying the Knot
Bret Detillier (l) and Colin Riley were married on a boathouse on the lake in New York City’s Central Park.
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WEDDING GUIDE
continued from previous page
of our guests, it was the first gay wedding event they had ever attended. We continue to receive raves about our wedding reception.
“Both Bret and I were raised Catholic,” says Riley. “Bret still attends Mass, and since [having a priest o ciate at our wedding] was out of the question, he was insistent that we at least have a Christian minister. The beauty of a same-sex wedding is that there are no hardand-fast traditions, and that gives you the freedom to create and customize your own event. For our ceremony, we co-wrote our vows that we both recited. In addition, we decided that we wanted to combine both a Native American blessing with a reading from the New Testament.” The couple also included two secular poems: “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson, and “To Be One with Each Other” by George Eliot.
Since the guys had a destination wedding, they remained in New York for several days to celebrate with friends. “We had the best honeymoon ever!” adds Detillier.
Henry V. Thiel is a principal with The Epicurean Publicist. He loves bears.
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Couldn’t Find the Right Guy?
Alia Shawkat at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards. INSET: Shawkat (circa 2004) in Arrested Development
Alia Shawkat
( Out, 5/17, Kurt Osenlund)
Kurt Osenlund: How do you feel in the current climate, moving forward as a queer artist?
Alia Shawkat: I co-wrote and star in a new film called Duck Butter, which opens later this year. I love that it was written for a man and a woman, but we couldn’t find the right guy, so now it happens to star two women [as lovers]. I used to be less outspoken. But as a woman, and Arab-American, and a member of the LGBTQ community [Shawkat identifies as bisexual], I have to use whatever voice I have. There’s no more delicacy in being quiet.
Caitlyn Jenner
(ABC's 20/20 with Diane Sawyer via The Huffington Post, 4/22/17, Noah Michelson)
“Here’s the deal breaker with the Republican Party,” Jenner said. “And the deal breaker is, ‘You mess with my community . . . you don’t give us equality and a fair shot, I’m coming after you.’” And that apparently includes President Donald Trump, for whom Jenner voted in 2016, but hasn’t seen since an inauguration party. She has since called him out for rescinding protections for transgender students. “He wanted me to come play golf with him,” Jenner said. “At that time, I thought it was a pretty good idea, but since Title IX—it’s not a good idea and so I won’t be playing golf with him. . . . Would I meet with him privately on this issue? Absolutely.”
MEDIA PARTNER
Dates
What about Trump? Caitlyn Jenner on ABC’s Good Morning America last month.
Queer Quotes
Compiled by Blase DiStefano
Ricky Martin
(CBS Sunday Morning, 4/16/17, Tracy Smith)
Tracy Smith: [Your career] all began with a six-year-old and a wooden spoon.
Ricky Martin: I would grab a wooden spoon and perform in the balcony of my grandparents’ house. I always needed to perform, some way, somehow.
You needed it.
I needed it, I needed it. Actually, I became an altar boy to be on stage.
‹
Altar Boy?
Singer Ricky Martin performs during the 67th Sanremo Song Festival this past February in Sanremo, Italy.
Ellen DeGeneres
( The Ellen DeGeneres Show, 4/14/17)
When I was younger, I had so many fi rst dates that were just horrible. And then one day I fi gured out why: I was dating men.
First
Ellen DeGeneres on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2016.
By Gregg Shapiro
Open to Interpretation
2 Cellos, Karen Mason, Los Straitjackets, and more.
CDom Kelly
Everything Is Just Enough
The album is a pop-folk exploration that shimmers with reflectiveness and emotional honesty. Confronting one’s demons can have a positive side, as Kelly demonstrates by weaving a golden thread of liberation throughout the album, offering hope in an all-too-frequent world of despair. MPress Records (mpressrecords .com). Troy Carrington
Goldfrapp
Silver Eye
This follow-up to the prolific duo’s 2013 album Tales of Us teems with images of the natural world: man metamorphosing into beast “ascending the moonlit hills” in “Tigerman,” “the silver eye” of the moon in “Systemagic,” the “mountains with eyes” of Everything Is Never Enough,” and the stars reflected in dark water in “Zodiac Black.” Mute Records (mute.com). Suzie Lynde
roatian string duo 2 Cellos first came to our attention with its rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” Since making its major-label debut in 2011, the pair has applied their classical-crossover shtick to songs by Nine Inch Nails, U2, Sting, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Kings of Leon, AC/DC, Coldplay, Radiohead, Muse, and even The Magnetic Fields, to name a few. On Score (Portrait), 2 Cellos turns its attention to the music of the silver screen and the work of legendary film composers such as Henry Mancini (“Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s ), Ennio Morricone ( Cinema Paradiso ), Francis Lai ( Love Story ), Nino Rota (“Love Theme” from The Godfather), James Horner (“My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic ), John Williams (“Main Theme” from Schindler’s List ), and Vangelis (“Titles” from Chariots of Fire ), among others, with a pleasing (albeit safe) outcome.
Broadway actress and award-winning cabaret goddess Karen Mason returns with It’s About Time (Zevely), her first new studio album in nearly 10 years. A gifted chanteuse deserving of wide renown, Mason’s unparalleled interpretative skills are on full display here. The primary focus of the album’s 14 tracks (including two bonus cuts) is Broadway musicals. “Finding Wonderland” is from the Frank Wildhorn musical Wonderland (in which Mason appeared as the Queen of Hearts). She puts a fresh bloom on “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (from Gypsy ), and the “Somewhere/Impossible Dream” medley (from West Side Story and Man of La Mancha, respectively) is a powerful pairing. Songs from musicals by composers not especially known for their Broadway work, such as Burt Bacharach and Hal David (“A House Is Not a Home” from Promises, Promises ) and Alan & Marilyn Bergman (“Fifty Percent” from Ballroom ), are also given their due. Gay fans are also sure to love the trio of Judy
Garland songs (“Over the Rainbow,” “The Man that Got Away,” and “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart”), as well as the title tune, a same-sex wedding anthem cowritten by Mason’s husband, Paul Rolnick. Los Straitjackets, the Mexican wrestling mask-wearing band from Nashville, pays homage to living legend Nick Lowe on What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Los Straitjackets (Yep Roc). What’s more, the 13 selections are instrumental surf-rock renditions of both familiar and lesser-known tunes from Lowe’s impressive catalog. It may take you a minute, but you’ll surely recognize “Cruel to Be Kind,” “Heart of the City,” “Shake and Pop,” “Half a Boy and Half a Man,” and, of course, “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” the song referenced in the album’s title. Also worth mentioning are “I Live on a Battlefield” and “Lately I’ve Let Things Slide.” Winner of the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, Jazzmeia Horn makes her album debut on A Social Call (Concord). Touching on scat-singing, gospel, soul, and, of course, jazz, Horn blows her way into our consciousness. She pays homage to Betty Carter (the title tune and “Tight”) and combines tunes in unexpected ways to create outstanding medleys, as with “Lift Every Voice and Sing/Moanin’” and “Afro-Blue/Eye See You/Wade in the Water.” She also leaves her mark on contemporary statement-making R&B standards, including “People Make the World Go Round” and “I’m Going Down.” A Social Call is a welcome introduction.
A “nostalgic musical stroll through the golden age of Italian popular song,” the 11-track various-artists compilation Vintage Italia (Putumayo) is as delicious as your favorite bowl of pasta and sauce. Drawn from deep within Italian music’s vaults, songs such as “Bocccuccia di Rosa” performed by Fred Buscaglione, Renzo Abore’s rendition of “Ba . . . Ba . . . Baciami Piccina” (which some might rec-
ognize from Rosemary Clooney’s “Botch-a-Me” version), Flo Sandon’s “T’ho Voluto Bene (Non Dimenticar),” “Musetto” sung by Nicola Argiliano, and “Picocolissima Serenata” by Jula de Palma will have you seeing visions of Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni zooming through the streets of Rome on a Vespa. The addition of newer recordings such as Pink Martini’s version of “Ninna Nanna” and Quadro Nuevo’s cover of “Roma Nun Fa la Stupida Stasera” only add to the festive atmosphere.
A couple of vocal duos team up for tributes. Burke Beautiful: The Songs of Johnny Burke (Harbinger) by Sharon Paige and Keith Ingham features 16 compositions with lyrics by Johnny Burke and music by James Van Heusen (“But Beautiful,” “Swinging on a Star” and “Like Someone in Love”), Duke Ellington (“One Hundred Dreams from Now”), and Bob Haggart (“What’s New?”), as well as Burke himself (“He Makes Me Feel I’m Lovely”). In honor of Ella Fitzgerald’s centennial, Comes Love: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass (River Lily) by Patrice Williamson and Jon Wheatley celebrates Fitzgerald (and her collaboration with guitarist Pass) on songs including “Lush Life,” “One Note Samba,” “By Myself,” “You Turned the Tables on Me,” and “Why Don’t You Do Right?,” as well as the title number.
Gregg Shapiro is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
‘This Is How It Always Is’
The secret life of a transgender child.
No One Can Pronounce My Name
Rakesh Satyal
A community of IndianAmericans has settled into lives that straddle the divide between Eastern and Western cultures. For some, America is an alienating place where coworkers can’t pronounce your name. Harit, an Indian immigrant in his mid-40s, lives with his mother who can no longer function after the death of Harit’s sister. In an attempt to keep both himself and his mother sane, he dresses up in a sari every night to pass himself off as his sister. Meanwhile, Ranjana has just seen her only child off to college. Worried that her husband has begun an affair, she seeks solace by writing romance novels in secret. When Harit and Ranjana meet, they begin a friendship that brings to light their own passions and fears. Picador (picadorusa.com). — Suzie Lynde
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool Peter Turner
This is the story of a young theater actor’s relationship with Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame. Beginning in the late ’70s, Peter Turner recalls his relationship with the hot-tempered Grahame 20-odd years his senior through sojourns in England, New York, and Los Angeles. When she falls ill and refuses hospital treatment, Turner makes her stay with his family. But her health gets worse. What follows is a bond that celebrates the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and brings it down to earth. Soon to be a major motion picture starring Annette Bening. Picador (picadorusa.com). Troy Carrington
You must not tell. You cannot breathe a word to anyone who doesn’t already know. That Which Cannot Be Spoken must remain buried, put away, frozen, lips sealed, in the closet. You cannot tell because, as in the new novel This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel, secrets change everything.
In the beginning was Roosevelt, known to his loved ones as Roo. Not long after he was born, Ben entered the family. Then the twin boys Orion and Rigel arrived. So Rosie Walsh, still hoping for a girl baby, did everything the Talmud recommended she do next. Months later, she and her husband, Penn, welcomed . . . Claude.
But that was okay. Another boy in their raucous, rowdy family of boys was fine, and Rosie and Penn loved them all. They were happy in their big, rambling, farmhouse just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Rosie loved her job. Penn worked on his novel. And Claude dreamed of being a girl. It started when Rosie told
‹
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie
Frankel
2017
Flatiron Books (us.macmillan.com)
329 pages
$25.99/$26.99 Canada
Claude (as most parents do) that he could “be anything” he wanted to be someday. Claude was three years old and loved to dress up; it didn’t seem odd to let him wear dresses at home. But soon, home wasn’t enough, and Claude tantrumed until he was allowed to wear dresses to preschool, though he was told that he’d have to use the nurse’s station bathroom, and that his teacher was “not happy.”
Still, Rosie and Penn were willing to do what it took to make Claude feel secure. While wearing his dresses and pink accessories, he was a confident child; without them, he was sullen and sad. None of his classmates minded his clothing. His brothers never gave it a second thought. Claude was simply Claude until he asked his parents to call him Poppy.
And that was fine, too. Especially when the family moved to another state where it was easier to keep quiet
until it wasn’t. Until Poppy started growing up. Then the world became a vicious place, and the secret-keeping couldn’t last forever.
So here’s the thing: once you’ve started reading This Is How It Always Is, you might as well just clear your schedule. Cancel all appointments. You won’t want to do anything but read, so just give in. Blame it on the book.
Part of the appeal, I think, is in the way that author Laurie Frankel writes: no putting on airs, no try-to-impress-you words, nothing uppity. Her characters are normal people with everyday lives who are trying to maintain that normalcy, and Frankel writes like they might talk with down-toearth matter-of-factness and a fast dash of humor that wends its way through a serious topic. Even if you’ve read about transgender children before, you’ll find Frankel’s voice to be captivating.
One more thing: be sure to read the author’s afternotes, which brings the novel full-circle and will make you smile. But don’t peek; instead, start This Is How It Always Is from the beginning and savor it properly. This enjoyable read will make you want to tell everyone.
Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old, and she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books.
Author Laurie Frankel
Refusing to Hide
‘Anne Frank’ hits home for out actor, director.
By Donalevan Maines
by L. Robert Westeen
If Mr. Düssel seems a little “light in his loafers” in Queensbury Theatre’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank, it’s because veteran out thespian Ron Jones plays him that way. “The script never says he’s gay, but I just have an inkling he was,” explains Jones. “I play him a little fey.”
Mr. Düssel is the German dentist whose character squeezes into an Amsterdam attic with two Jewish families who are hiding from the Nazis in Wendy Kesselman’s new adaptation of the Holocaust theater classic, which is based on the autobiographical book The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
Although Mr. Düssel is married to a Catholic woman, Jones feels his instincts were confirmed prior to rehearsal when he read a magazine article about a closeted Jewish husband and his wife who fled Poland to escape Nazi persecution. “When they got to America, the man told his wife he was gay and had been having sex with men their entire marriage. But he was in love with her and she was in love with him, so they stayed married for 65 years.”
“It hit me pretty hard. I was weak, tired, and sometimes sick and nauseous, but I told my doctor, ‘I don’t want to be a recluse for six months,’” he explains. “He told me to go out and do things that make me happy, so I directed Whistle Down the Wind with 54 actors and 31 children.” (The rarely performed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical played last fall as the first fully professional production at Queensbury Theatre, formerly a community theater called Country Playhouse. Its new name was unveiled in 2015 along with a $7 million multilevel, 21,000-square-foot theater near City Centre in west Houston.)
Outcasts?
Ron Jones (l) and Artemis Postolos star in The Diary of Anne Frank at Queensbury Theatre. L. Robert Westeen, out playwright-in-residence at the theater, directs this production of Anne Frank ‹
Next, Jones lured beloved Houston actress Marietta Marich out of retirement to play opposite her daughter, Allison Marich, under his direction in John Patrick Shanley’s Outside Mullingar at Queensbury. “At first she told me no, because she didn’t think she could remember lines. I told her, ‘You said that 10 years ago. You’re doing this,’” he recalls. Marich had made her last stage appearance in 1996, in the musical James Joyce’s The Dead, which Jones directed at Main Street Theater.
“I don’t introduce myself as, ‘Hello, I’m gay,’ but if someone asks, I say, ‘What planet are you from?’”
The Queensbury production is directed by L. Robert Westeen, whose friends call him “Lonnie.” He and his husband, Jase, were married on the theater’s main stage on October 3, 2015. “Now that I am playwrightin-residence for Queensbury Theatre and also directing at the theater, I am constantly reminded of our special day and everyone who was a part of that day,” he says.
The play itself hits home with Westeen in “multiple ways,” he says. “One, the aspect of hiding, which is the most obvious,” Westeen says. “There’s a point where we as gay men are all hiding, fearing the outside world and the repercussions that would come from coming out.
Would we become outcasts? Hated? Something less than human, in the eyes of those we love and society? Two, as gay men we have a part in the Holocaust, right along with the Frank family. We were persecuted, killed, and experimented on. The Nazis thought homosexuality was a disease that could be cured with humiliation and hard work. They prosecuted gay men under Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code. The Holocaust is where the symbol of the pink triangle comes from. It was our Star of David attached to our clothing in the concentration camps.”
Jones doesn’t exactly feel his director’s pain when it comes to “hiding” as a gay man.
“I have never felt ostracized,” he explains. “I taught for 36 years, in public school and college, and never had a single problem. The same thing in my personal life—my friends and family have always been tremendously supportive. I guess I’ve just been lucky. I’m proud of who I am. I don’t introduce myself as, ‘Hello, I’m gay,’ but if someone asks, I say, ‘What planet are you from?’”
Jones also declined to go into hiding last year when he was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo six months of chemotherapy.
Jones says he worried that his cancer treatments might affect his ability to memorize lines, so he turned down a leading role in favor of playing Mr. Düssel.
The original dramatization Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1956, and the production won the Tony Award for Best Play.
The 1959 film version, with the late Ed Wynn as Mr. Düssel, won three Academy Awards, including the first of two Oscars for Shelley Winters as Best Supporting Actress. That Oscar statuette is on display at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
Queensbury and the production team are working closely with the Holocaust Museum Houston as an educational resource, planning joint events that will coincide with the run of the play.
What: The Diary of Anne Frank
When: May 5–20
Where: Queensbury Theatre, 12777 Queensbury Lane
Details: queensburytheatre.org or 713.467.4497
Donalevan Maines is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
Photo
More than 3,000 people attended Bunnies on the Bayou 38 on Fish Plaza at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston on April 16. Bunnies president David Goldberg said it was a record turnout for the Easter Sunday cocktail party benefitting LGBT organizations. The group will dole out checks to its 16 beneficiaries at a party in May.
For more info, visit BunniesOn TheBayou.org.
OutReach
United Goes Vegas at Jaguar
Houston Central March 25, 2017
Photos by Dalton DeHart & Edgardo Aguilar
VICTORY FUND CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH AT THE CORINTHIAN
About 440 people attended the annual Victory Fund Champagne Brunch at The Corinthian in downtown Houston on April 23. The event raised more than $240,000 for openly LGBT local and national candidates, according to co-chair Bryan Hlavinka. Speakers included New York congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and Oregon governor Kate Brown.
by Dalton DeHart & Edgardo Aguilar
RED DINNER II AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
been cut off by
About 255 people attended the second annual Red Dinner at the University of Houston on April 8. The dinner raised $41,795 for UH’s LGBTQ Alumni Association, up from $900 in its first year. Pennsylvania state representative Brian Sims, the keynote speaker, also hosted a reception at the Guava Lamp and brunch at the Eagle. Proceeds will go toward emergency assistance for LGBTQ students who’ve been cut off by their families, as well as a scholarship fund.
Photos
200,000 students, HISD is the seventh-largest school district in the nation.
Both HISD o cials and current Houston mayor Sylvester Turner have come out against HB 2899.
“This legislation fulfills no useful purpose, and would only harm: harm cities’ ability to self-regulate, harm the reputation of the State, and harm the transgender men, women, and children who live here,” Turner said in written testimony opposing the bill. “The passage of the HB 2899 would send a loud and clear message: Texas is not a welcoming place.”
Turner submitted his testimony to the House Committee on State A airs, which held a hearing on HB 2899 in the early-morning hours of April 20. As of press time, the committee hadn’t voted on the bill but LGBT advocates feared HB 2899, which has the backing of governor Greg Abbott, would eventually make its way to the House floor.
“It’s urgent right now that people pay attention,” said Kathy Miller, president of the proLGBT Texas Freedom Network. “We’re hearing from highly placed and powerful House members that they are eager to find some kind of compromise on bathroom legislation, so that far-right members of the Legislature can
go back to their districts and say they voted in support of at least one discriminatory measure.”
“We have five weeks left in our legislative session to defeat these bills,” Miller added. “We hope everyone in Texas and across the country will help us do that.”
HB 2899 is one of at least three anti-LGBT proposals out of roughly two dozen filed in the 85th Legislature that pose a significant threat of becoming law, according to Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas. Both SB 892 and HB 3859 would allow adoption and foster-care agencies to discriminate against LGBT people such as by refusing to place children with same-sex couples if they have religious objections. And SB 522 would allow county clerks to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and instead refer them elsewhere if the clerks have religious objections.
lion in annual tourism losses, and more than 35,600 full-time jobs associated with leisure travel and conventions. Last fall, a study from the Texas Association of Business the state’s chamber of commerce found that anti-LGBT legislation could cost the state up to $8.5 billion over three years.
“It’s urgent right now that people pay attention,” said Kathy Miller, president of the pro-LGBT Texas Freedom Network.
Rebecca Robertson, legal and policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, suggested that if anti-LGBT legislation passes, it would also land the state in court. Robertson said Republican lawmakers behind the bills have “a shocking disregard for our Constitution and for the fundamental freedoms that define American democracy.
In April, San Antonio tourism o cials released a study showing that if anti-LGBT legislation passes, it could cost Texas $3.3 bil-
“Many of the two dozen anti-LGBT bills are utterly inconsistent with federal civil rights laws that bar discrimination on the basis of sex,” Robertson said. “Others blatantly ignore the principle embodied in the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. And still others would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by creating special rights that allow people who adhere to favored religious beliefs to impose those beliefs on others who may not share them.”
HILLARY CLINTON AT ANNIE’S LIST LUNCHEON
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke April 7 in Houston at a luncheon hosted by Annie’s List, the Texasbased organization that works to elect progressive women. More than 2,500 people attended the luncheon at the Marriott Marquis Downtown, donating nearly $1 million in advance of the event, according to Annie’s List.
Sam Houston Hotel 1117 Prairie St. ...............................832/200-8800
Water’s Edge Venue 901 Nasa Parkway .........................281/291-9900
publishing in our 24th year, OutSmart magazine can be found at more than 350 locations in Houston and Galveston.
OutSmart Marketplace
HOUSTON PRIDE RIDERS
A new LGBT motorcycle riding group is being put together for those in the Houston area who like to get out and ride! I’d love to have group rides/social gatherings every month, possible fund raiser rides for the community, etc.. All motorcycle types welcome - From Harley’s to Hayabusa’s, crotch rockets and cruisers - all are welcome. All rider experiences welcome! Please contact jasonmwilson@sbcglobal.net or look for Houston Pride Riders on Facebook.
side of your personality. Your relationships need some attention. You will want to find some time to renew those connections, especially in the latter half of the month. Disagreements could occur if you don’t take the time. You will need some time for yourself during the last week of May. Plan ahead!
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19). Home and family life is still the focus, as it has been for the last three months. This month you will reach some conclusions and make decisions that will put some order back into that part of your life. You may be looking to move and possibly remodel. There are some new career opportunities that may even involve relocating. Personally, you are detoxing your system and getting rid of things that no longer interest you. You are much more real in your relationships, so you may seem inflexible to others. Coworkers could have more drama than usual. Continue to make time for health and exercise in your life as a positive outlet for some of the stress at work.
AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18). You have been open and communicative about your needs, and about getting your life more
organized. You have been reviewing your own habits and daily schedule during the retrograde period. That has given you more time to consider just how you want your daily schedule to work. You may have had more contact with siblings or people from your childhood. Feeling at home is very important for you. You will have plenty of ideas about how to make your nest more comfortable. Toward the end of the month, you are looking for some fun and relaxing activities.
PISCES (February 19–March 20). Money and financial planning continue to be important for you during the entire month. You have been looking for ways to improve your situation. For some, this is a time to take a leadership role at work, or to become a leader by starting your own business. This will be clearer after May 12. There is extra energy, especially after midmonth. Connecting with friends and family will be more important as the month progresses. Make sure you take some time for yourself during the last week of May!
Read Lilly Roddy’s 2017 yearly forecast at Out Smartm agazine.cOm . For more astro-insight, log on to lillyroddy.com.
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BAR & C LUB GUIDE
Houston 13 ENTERTAINMENT
This comfortable club located in the Heights is a convenient alternate to inner-Montrose haunts. Patrons journey past the comfy seating and romantic lighting to find a spacious patio where they sometimes fire up the barbecue grill. 1537 N. Shepherd • 713.426.1313.
BAYOU CITY BAR & GRILL
This always-fun party bar opens daily (7am-2am Mon.–Sat., 11am–2am Sun.), serving fantastic food (11am–9pm) daily. Fifty-cent wing specials on Tuesday and Thursday pack the house. “Let Us Entertain You” with our Sunday drag performances. Party promotions nightly. 2409 Grant St. • 713.522.2867 • bayoucitybar.com.
BLUR
This multi-level dance club features a patio upstairs lounge and balconies that overlook Pacific St. Ladies enjoy Wet and Wild Wed., 18-year-olds are welcome on Thurs., resident DJ Lorenzo spins Wed.–Sat. nights, DJ Pollo spins Karumba Latin night on Sun. Happy hour 8–10pm; free cover before 11pm. 710 Pacific St. • blurbar.com.
CLUB 2020
Located downtown, this urban club features Clubbers Friday with male and female dancers. Its 6,400 square feet also offers theater-sized viewing screens and VIP rooms. 2020 Leeland • 713.227. 9667 • club2020houston.com.
CLUB CRYSTAL
If you miss the now-closed Inergy, you’ll find many of its former staff, management, and décor at this two-room Latin/ hip-hop club. Sunday evening drag shows rule the roost. 6680 Southwest Frwy, next to Colorado • 713.278.2582 • crystaltheclub.com.
CROCKER BAR
Resident DJ Johnny spins on Fri. and Sat. nights at this comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot that also offers
karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and extended happy-hour prices throughout the week. 2312 Crocker • 713.529.3355.
F BAR
Award-winning DJs spin nightly at this “boutique nightclub” that offers elegance without arrogance and features a stage, dance floor, VIP area, glass-encased quiet bar, and attractive patio. Tues. and Sun. drag shows feature frequent special guests. 202 Tuam St. • fbarhouston.com • 713.522.3227.
GEORGE
Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar, just like most other neighborhood sports bars in town. Sports Saturdays and Sundays start at 3pm with dart and pool tournaments. 617 Fairview • 713.528.8102.
GUAVA LAMP
This trendy and friendly video and cruise bar gets busy during happy hour and stays busy ‘til closing. Karaoke on Wed. and Sun., sometimes offering prizes, always packs the place. 570 Waugh Dr. • 713.524.3359 • guavalamphouston.com.
HAMBURGER MARY’S
The iconic franchise just opened in Montrose (11am–2am, Tuesday–Sunday) with lunch and dinner service complete with a full bar. Check the website for weekly show schedules and performers. Tuesday nights are Charity Drag Bingo. Bubbalicious hosts Dining with the Divas on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sunday brunch. 2409 Grant St. • 713.677.0674 • hamburgermarys.com/houston.
HOUSTON EAGLE
Part of the Eagle worldwide family, originating in 1970, this neighborhood watering spot is the place to cruise and dance and was recently voted Houston’s Favorite Gay Bar. Featuring DJs on the weekends and the birthplace of the hit remix team Dirty Disco. Multiple patios. Featuring a 29-degree pour and 12 beers on tap. The inside leather shop is open the same hours as the bar. M–F 4 pm-2am, Sat. & Sun. noon–2am. 611 Hyde Park Blvd. • houstoneagle.com.
Behind the Bar
WHO: David Cunningham
WHERE: George • 617 Fairview • 713.528.8102
WHAT’S UP: Our community’s local sports bar with two outdoor decks, two pool tables, darts, and the best country juke box this side of Nashville! The staff is friendly, and the beer and cocktails are cold. Cheer on your favorite local sports team on the big screen TVs.
JR’S BAR & GRILL
With house emcee Kofi, O UT S MART ’s Gayest and Greatest reigning drag champion, this Montrose standard offers drag and strip shows throughout the week, karaoke Thurs. and Sun., plus pool tables, male dancers, and award-winning cocktails. 808 Pacific St. • jrsbarandgrill.com • 713.521.2519.
MICHAEL’S OUTPOST
Jerry Atwood, Clay Howell, Neil Massey, Steve Wheaton, and Roger Woest take turns at the keys at this comfortable neighborhood piano bar. 1419 Richmond Ave. • 713.520.8446.
NEON BOOTS
DANCEHALL & SALOON
Houston’s only LGBT country dancehall is located in the historic Esquire Ballroom and opens Wednesday–Sunday. The new outside patio and stage are open. Wednesday features Steak Night and Bingo. Free dance classes on Thursdays and Karaoke. Saturday night the dance floor fills with the best C&W . . . check their website for all specials, events and times. 11410 Hempstead Hwy • neonbootsclub. com • 713.677.0828.
PEARL BAR
This LGBT-friendly lounge is open under “familiar” management in the Washington corridor. Daily highlights range from open mic night to steak night to appearances by DJ Kittie and DJ Ben Phoenix from KRBE. Drink specials and more. 4216 Washington • pearlhouston.com.
RICH’S HOUSTON
Houston’s most iconic and largest LGBT dance club, with multiple levels featuring a video/show bar and a private VIP lounge. Originally built to be the Studio 54 of the South, Rich’s boasts world-renowned DJs and entertainers. No cover before 10:30 p.m. 2401 San Jacinto • 281.846.6685 • richsnightclub.com.
THE RIPCORD
This well-kept, multi-roomed leather bar for men and their friends boasts a busy patio, especially on the weekends. The Black Hawk Leather shop is located inside the club, providing BDSM essentials. 715 Fairview Ave. • 713.521.2792.
RUDYARD’S
The eclectic British pub is known for its craft beers as well as for the burgers. Most weekends you’ll find up-and-coming local bands rocking the house. 2010 Waugh Dr. • rudyardspub.com • 713.521.0521.
SOUTH BEACH
This mega-dance club is a frequent winner of O UT S MART ‘s Gayest and Greatest awards, with DJ Eddie E spinning on Fri., and DJ Joe Ross playing pop & dance
music videos on Sat. No cover before 11pm. 810 Pacific St. • sobehouston.com • 713.529.SOBE.
TC’S SHOWBAR
With the longest daily happy hours in Montrose (8am–10pm), it’s no wonder this neighborhood watering hole is so popular. Owner Tim Pugh says TC’s has built quite a reputation as the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions. Other big draws are the drag shows Wednesday–Sunday and karaoke Monday & Wednesday. 817 Fairview • 713.526.2625 • tcsshowbar.com.
TONY’S CORNER POCKET
This comfortable club located close to downtown has one of the friendliest bar staffs in town, both inside & outside at its patio bar. The raised stage where local charities perform also features an amateur dance contest each Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 11pm. Opens daily at noon. 817 W. Dallas • 713.571.7870 • tonyscorner pocketbar.com.
VIVIANA’S
This club, in a new location, appeals to fans of Latino music and drag alike. 4624 Dacoma • 713.681.4104.
Beaumont
ORLEANS STREET PUB AND PATIO
The place to hang for food, fun, and booze in a newly renovated pub, in good weather or bad. Open every night from 7pm–2am. 650 Orleans • 409.835.4243.
Bryan/College Station
HALO VIDEO BAR
The only LGBT dance club in Bryan/ College station, this sleek spot is open Thurs.–Sat. Smack in the middle of Aggieland, “our venue is always packed with the hotties,” the owners promise. 121 North Main • 979.823.6174 • halobcs.com.
Galveston
23RD ST. STATION
A new face on the Island bar scene is here. The bar features a neighborhood-bar feel with octane. Drink specials daily and the weekend is filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and a Sunday Tea Dance. 1706 23rd St. • 409.621.1808.
ROBERT’S LAFITTE
A neighborhood bar, the Island institution attracts a colorful crowd of regulars and travelers. The private patio includes a swimming pool. On Sat. and Sun. nights, the Ladies of Lafitte show takes the stage. 2501 Avenue Q (at 25th) • 409.765.9092.
Spring
RANCH HILL SALOON
With its two pool tables, 52-inch plasma televisions, and large dance floor, this popular northside spot also offers DJs Thursday–Saturday. 247041 I-45N Suite 103 • 281.298.9035 • ranchhill.com.
THE ROOM BAR AND LOUNGE
One of only two LGBT hangouts in North Houston/Spring, this bar and video lounge has a laidback atmosphere where everyone is welcome and everyone is friendly to each other. The Room Bar and Lounge offers something for everyone, including daily drink specials, karaoke, free pool, drag shows, and live DJs several nights a week. 4915 FM 2920 • roombarspring.com • 281.907.6866. ■
By Lilly Roddy
Interstellar Planetary Lineup
There are planets in every sign. Start multitasking!
May opens with Mercury, our communicator, going direct on May 9. You can start any new projects, buy a new phone or car, and start making real plans! The Full Moon on the 10th will keep us aware of how we utilize our resources. The New Moon on the 25th should initiate more dialogue and communications with those around you. • Good days this month are the 9th, 12th, 19th, 28th, 30th, and 31st. Days with more tension are the 3rd, 10th, 11th, 25th, and 29th. • The sun starts the month in Taurus but eventually enters Gemini on the 20th. Mercury begins the month in Aries but also enters Taurus on the 15th. Otherwise, Venus is in Aries, Mars in Gemini, Jupiter in Libra, Saturn in Sagittarius, Uranus in Aries, Neptune in Pisces, and Pluto in Capricorn. With the planets in so many signs, it’s easy to overburden our multitasking skills!
ARIES (March 21–April 19). As the month opens, you are being pulled in several directions and are unsure of the path to follow. First, Venus (romance and money) was retrograde in your sign, and now Mercury (communication and electronics) is retrograde in your sign. With this Mercury retrograde, you are clear about what you don’t want. You can be clearing up past issues and bringing some things to a close. After May 9th, it’s full steam ahead. Opportunities should be opening up for you in all areas of your life, and relationships are much more positive. If you are single, this is a good time to meet someone new!
TAURUS (April 20–May 20). Happy Birthday to the Taureans! This is your personal yearly cycle when you get to review the past year and make some new plans for this year. In the beginning of the month, you are more sensitive and may need more time to yourself. After the 15th, you are ready to get back to your routines. Money and finances are very
active this month. You may be looking at future investments, or ways to make better use of your own skills. Work will be especially busy in the last half of the month. Watch your boundaries.
GEMINI (May 21–June 21). Mars (planet of action, initiation, and short tempers) will be traveling through your sign for the whole month. After your ruler, Mercury, goes direct on the 9th, you are ready to take action. This is a good time to take some risks, express your discontent, and stick up for yourself. You are ready to get your health regimen back on track. Friends are especially important to you. This is also a good time to join a community group or participate in a project to help others.
CANCER (June 22–July 22). Career and longterm security continue to be the major themes for you this month. Although you have had a lot of good ideas, you have been sluggish about doing something about them. This is a lot easier after May 9. You continue to be busy, but you’re easily pulled in several directions at the same time. Remember the person you need to satisfy is you, and not everyone else. This is a good month for writing on your blog or doing some publishing. By the end of the month, you will need some time for R&R.
LEO (July 23–August 22). This is a busy month for you. Your career sector is especially active this month. You can easily take on a leadership role in your current position or possibly look for other opportunities, especially after May 9. In the latter half of the month, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with community organizations and/or to increase your circle of friends. This is a good month for you to travel, work on your novel, or teach some classes. Relationships are more positive if you are involved. If you are single, this is a good time to meet new people!
VIRGO (August 23–September 22). You have a philosophical bent this month, with ideas and views about how to fix and repair everything.
And, of course, you are right! Getting your finances in order can be your path to freedom, and people are willing to help! Career is even more important after mid month. You are ready to start some new projects that really spark your interest. Pay attention on the 10th, 11th, and 12th, as you will need some time for yourself. Relationships can be foggy if you aren’t clear about what your needs are. Your home repairs continue.
LIBRA (September 23–October 23). Relationships continue to be the main focus throughout May. You are much more verbal about your boundaries. This isn’t just about your romantic partner—it’s also about your family’s expectations for you, and how you are treated at work. Trust becomes more than just an idea. After midmonth, you are taking life a bit lighter. This could be an excellent time to get away, take a class, or find some mind-expanding things to do. Enjoy your break, as your hectic path returns in June.
SCORPIO (October 24–November 21). You have been doing a lot of housecleaning in all areas of your life. On the work front, you have been remaking your schedule and adapting it to reflect more of who you are. You are also making more time for you, via better eating and more exercise. Long-term financial planning remains big on your list this entire year. You will be especially aware of this energy in the last week of May. You are more socially active, especially in the last half of the month. The last half of May is also a very good time to renew those romantic bonds if you are involved, and a good time to be looking if you are not!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21). You continue to be in a creative and playful mood, even though you are serious about what you are doing. Taking some classes on your favorite topic, spending more time with Mother Nature, or connecting more with your children are all good ways to connect to that playful
On March 25, OutReach United hosted OutReach Goes Vegas at Jaguar Houston Central. Pictured are Gary Wood, Bryant Johnson, Bob Briddick , Carol Wyatt-Woodell, Sallie Wyatt-Woodell, Jack Berger, and Tim Stokes
On April 15, the LoneStar Volleyball Classic held its Awards Dinner at the Crowne Plaza River Oaks. Pictured are Travis Ochoa, Brian Crumby, Gary Grier, and Rick Talley. Grier was presented with the 2017 LSVA Casey Richardson Spirit to Serve Award.
On April 6, the Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association held a CLE luncheon on gerrymandering at Theo’s Restaurant. Pictured are Dinesh Singhal, Chad Dunn, Kent Rutter, Judy Dougherty, Steven Duble, Judge Julia Maldonado, and Judge Jim Evans
On March 25, Frye, Oaks, Benavidez & O’Neil presented a GLBTI Law School seminar for the Trump-Pence Era at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church. Pictured are Daniel O’Neil, Salvador Benavidez , Phyllis Frye, Tracie Jackson, and Angela Oaks
On March 13, Bunnies on the Bayou hosted the Bunnies Basket Bash at Guava Lamp. Pictured are Ronny Adriansyah, Luis Morales Lopez , Kimberly Taylor, and Barry Austin
On April 11, Let’s Talk Sex: The Millennial Takeover was held at the Ensemble Theatre. Pictured are Graham Maio, Venita Ray, Levi Says, Marnina L. Ross-Miller, Nathan Maxey, and Ian Haddock .
On March 30, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its March Happy Hour at Jumper Maybach’s Fine Art Gallery. Pictured are David Sanford, Domingo Barrios, Gary Wood, Tammi Wallace, leuan Lopez , deborah lawson, James Spear, Jumper (Ben Workman) Maybach, Tiffany Tosh, and Scott French
On April 1, the Human Rights Campaign held its HRC Houston 20th Anniversary Gala, presented by BBVA Compass, at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Pictured are Ian Barrett , John Wazel Political Equality Award recipient Monica Roberts, and Lou Weaver
On April 22, the Montrose Softball League Association hosted its MSLA Contest at Rich’s. Pictured are Cookie Galore, Tess Tickles, Sasha Frost, Miss MSLA 2017– Nikki LaQuinta, Jessica Foxx , Brieanna Cracker, and Carnitas
On April 9, the National Leather AssociationHouston hosted an awards presentation during Spring Iniquity at Ripcord. Pictured are (back) Loyd Powell, Jim Benton, Wes Lavergne, Jr., Judy Reeves, George Tresch, and Robert Conn ; and (front) Ryan (Ripcord), Orlin Cullever, Robert Helms, Mike Joseph, and Jason Huff-
On March 28, Lambda NextGen Houston hosted its March Happy Hour at Archway Gallery. Pictured are Shawn Kuehn, Andrea Wilkinson, Catherine Wyatt , Guillermo Flores, Alan Prewitt , and Christin Dietze
On April 23, the Victory Fund hosted its annual Houston Champagne Brunch at The Corinthian. Pictured are brunch co-chair Jani Lopez ; Victory Fund president & CEO Aisha Moodie-Mills ; honorary brunch chair Amber Anderson Mostyn ; Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney; Governor Kate Brown ; co-chair Bryan Hlavinka ; and Texas A&M Student Body President Bobby Brooks
