Steven Kirkland, left, is vying to become the fi rst gay justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Jenifer Rene Pool, center, wants to be the fi rst transgender person elected to the Texas Legislature. Fran Watson, right, hopes to become the fi rst openly LGBTQ state senator. All three are part of a record slate of 35 LGBTQ candidates in the Lone Star State in 2018.
COVER STORIES
SHOOTING FOR SENATE
Fran Watson would be the first openly LGBTQ candidate elected to the state’s upper chamber
32
40
‘PEOPLE KNOW WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING’
Trump and Texas Legislature fuel record slate of 35 LGBTQ candidates in Texas 43 ‘KNOW YOUR BALDWIN’
Kinky Boots star Jos N. Banks on his brush with suicide and turning adversity into art 55 QUEERING THE NEW
Local theaters usher in 2018 with Durang’s Vanya and Kron’s Well
RuPaul’s Drag Race queens bring Werq the World Tour to Houston 28
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE
Steven Kirkland vies to make history— again—and shake up the Texas Supreme Court
49 DEVELOPING DIVERSITY
Lesbians Who Tech empowers queer women in a male-dominated field
Thirty years after his death, civil-rights icon James Baldwin inspires activists in Houston and beyond 36
57 ‘PREPARE FOR THE SLAYAGE’
Houston’s Jenifer Rene Pool is among fi ve trans Texans on the ballot in 2018
51 POSITIVE SPIN
SoulCycle goes beyond fi tness with inspiration and inclusion
59
KINGS AND QUEENS
Galveston Mardi Gras to feature trio of gay island leaders 63 ACCTS OF KINDNESS
Galveston Restaurant Week benefi ts HIV/AIDS nonprofi t
65
ASTROCAST 2018
What does 2018 have in store for you?
74
WEDDING GUIDE
Love without borders: Tiffany Turner and Kira Bilecky have visited 16 countries in three-and-a-half years together
76
WEDDING GUIDE
Beautifully matched: stylist Abraham Lozano and makeup artist Ivan Aguilar were designed for each other
Rich Arenschieldt, Susan Bankston, Jenny Block, Troy Carrington, Karen Derr, Andrew Edmonson, Steven Foster, David Goldberg, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, Josh Inocéncio, Ryan M. Leach, Suzie Lynde, Don Maines, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Henry V. Thiel, Megan Wadding, Lou Weaver, Brandon Wolf, Grace S. Yung
Contributing Writers Rich Arenschieldt, Susan Bankston, Aisha Bouderdaben, Troy Carrington, Kit van Cleave, Angel Curtis, Karen Derr, Steven Foster, David Goldberg, D.L. Groover, Marene Gustin, Blake Hayes, Suzie Lynde, Donalevan Maines, DavidElijah Nahmod, Neil Ellis Orts, Lilly Roddy, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Brandon Wolf, Grace S. Yung
Photographers/Illustrators
Photographers/Illustrators
Dalton DeHart, Yvonne Feece, Mark Hiebert, Manuel Lara, David Eduardo Flores Perez
OutSmart is published monthly. Estimated readership in Houston and surrounding areas is 60,000. OutSmart Media Company is not responsible for claims and practices of advertisers.
Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.”
Those eleven words, spoken by gay San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk some 40 years ago, still ring true today. And in 2018, which will undoubtedly be one of the most important election years of our lifetimes, they may be more relevant than ever.
A record 35 openly LGBTQ candidates have fi led to run for public o ce in Texas this year, which is by far the most in history. The massive, remarkably diverse Texas LGBTQ slate is part of a broader progressive uprising in response to the policies of the Republicandominated State Legislature, the Trump administration, and the GOP as a whole.
In this, our inaugural issue of the year, we profi le several local LGBTQ candidates, including Harris County state district judge Steven Kirkland, and former Houston GLBT Political Caucus presidents Fran Watson and Jenifer Rene Pool.
Coincidentally, as we were putting the issue together, news broke that Houston’s own Annise Parker would become CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the national group dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people. And speaking of gay political pioneers, don’t miss columnist Susan Bankston’s piece about former State representative Glen Maxey, who has had a front-row seat to this historic candidate fi ling period in Texas.
Elsewhere in this January issue, Lilly Roddy reveals your 2018 horoscope in her annual Astrocast, and Don Maines previews several upcoming LGBTQthemed theater o erings, including Kinky Boots. For those who have made New Year’s resolutions related to fitness, Joanna O’Leary has an inspiring piece about SoulCycle, which is much more than just a spin studio. And Marene Gustin notes that if you love seafood and parades, Galveston is the place to be in January and February.
Finally, returning to our theme for this issue, “Out for Change,” note that the deadline to register to vote in the March 6 primaries is February 5. For more info, visit VoteTexas.gov/register-to-vote.
Happy New Year!
—John Wright
ON THE COVER
OUT FOR CHANGE IN 2018
Pool, Kirkland, Watson lead record LGBTQ slate (See page 29.)
Photo by Ashkan Roayaee;
Art direction by Alex Rosa
Parker Says She’s ‘Uniquely Positioned’ to Lead Victory Fund
Former mayor discusses new role as CEO of LGBTQ political group.
By Ryan M. Leach
Former Houston mayor Annise Parker is the new president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on identifying and electing LGBTQ people to public office.
Parker is intimately familiar with the organization because her earliest campaigns for Houston City Council were supported by the Victory Fund after it was founded in 1991. The group’s backing eventually helped Parker become the first openly LGBTQ person elected mayor of a major U.S. city, in 2009.
Now, Parker is checking off another “first” as the first elected official to lead the Victory Fund. She takes over for Aisha Moodie-Mills, who announced her departure during the group’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference on December 8.
“I am uniquely positioned to understand the challenges our LGBTQ candidates face when running for office, as well as the tools and techniques necessary to succeed.” Parker told O utSmart after taking over as CEO last month..
“Openly LGBTQ people hold just 0.1 percent of all elected positions nationwide,” she said. “We remain vastly underrepresented at every level of government, and we would need to elect 21,300 more openly LGBTQ people to achieve equitable representation.”
Parker is determined to make progress toward that goal during her tenure—and the task starts immediately, as the nation moves into the 2018 congressional midterm election cycle, its first with Republican Donald Trump as president.
Parker said the Victory Fund is already working hard on its slate of endorsed candidates. They include two major races: re-electing Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, the first openly LGBTQ U.S. senator, and electing Arizona Democratic congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema to the Senate.
But major national campaigns are not the group’s sole focus.
Another Milestone
Former Houston mayor Annise Parker, shown at the Victory Fund’s Houston brunch in 2015, will be the first former elected official to serve as CEO of the organization.
“State and local races are Victory Fund’s bread and butter—and we helped elect more than 60 state and local candidates in 2017,” Parker said. “This year, we expect that number to be much greater.”
Of course, Parker’s home state of Texas will be among those with candidates supported by the Victory Fund in 2018. The Lone Star State currently has only 18 elected and appointed LGBTQ officials, out of 448 nationwide. It is a disproportionately low number based on population, but this year Texas will have a record 35 openly LGBTQ candidates on the ballot.
“We are at the very beginning of our endorsement cycle for 2018, and there are a number of Texans we are reviewing for endorsement,” Parker said. “As of now, we have endorsed one Texan—Gina Ortiz Jones for U.S. Congress—but more are on the way. Stay tuned.”
Richard Holt, a Houstonian who serves as chairman of One Victory, the group’s 501(c)(4)
arm, said 2018 will be “the most critical year in a decade” for the Victory Fund.
“We wanted a proven leader who understood the realities of running for office and holding elected office,” Holt told O utSmart. “As the first openly LGBTQ mayor of Houston, Annise was elected citywide nine times. She understands the challenges inherent in running and winning elective office, and she’s ideally positioned to help us fulfill our mission now and in the future. In short, Mayor Parker will lead a focus on the candidate.”
Parker may be the best-known Victory Fund success story from Houston, but the organization has backed many local candidates over the years, including current Harris County district attorney Kim Ogg, district judge Steven Kirkland, and City Council members Mike Laster and Robert Gallegos. In fact, the state’s openly LGBTQ officials are heavily concentrated in Harris County, and
continued on page 17
What is TRUVADA for PrEP?
TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP?
Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative.
® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.
While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.
® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?
Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:
® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP?
Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include:
® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA.
® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months.
® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away.
® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:
® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.
® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.
® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.
® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.
Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects:
® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP?
® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.
® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA.
® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.
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 TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.
(tru-VAH-dah)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP
Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP:
• You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.
• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP:
• You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.
• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
• If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.
• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including:
• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP
TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.
• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.
Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:
• Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.
• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP
• Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.
• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.
• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
IMPORTANT FACTS
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP
TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including:
• Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.
• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.
• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
• Bone problems.
Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.
These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
• Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.
• Have any other medical conditions.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-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 TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK
• Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.
• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.
• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION
• This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.
• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5
• If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.
TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
the Victory Fund’s annual Houston brunch raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization each year.
Parker, a Houston native, started out in politics as president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. A founding member of what is now known as Equality Texas, Parker was the first openly LGBTQ person elected to City Council before becoming City controller and finally mayor. Her sexual orientation regularly stole the spotlight during her campaigns. In her speech after being elected mayor in 2009, Parker joked that it was not lost on her that she was “the very first mayor of Houston to be .a graduate of Rice University.”
Her election made headlines around the world and put Parker and Houston on the map as a progressive blue dot in an otherwise red state. She plans to take some of that influence and expertise with her as she develops new,
history-making candidates across the country.
For many, Parker’s ascension to the helm of the Victory Fund comes with the disappointment that she will not be returning to the political spotlight as a 2018 candidate. But she is leaving the door open to future campaigns.
“Time will tell, but it is definitely a possibility,” she says. “I love public service—it’s exhilarating and challenging, and an opportunity to make real change in people’s lives. But Victory Fund’s mission is equally exhilarating and challenging—and holds the promise of pushing forward equality for a community that has been oppressed for almost all of history. That is surely a challenge as well, and I am thrilled to be taking it on.”
Parker said she considered running as a Democrat for Harris County judge in 2018, but opted against it after incumbent Ed Emmett, a friend of hers, announced he would seek re-election. She also considered running for statewide office, including governor.
“We have Lupe Valdez running for gover-
nor,” Parker said. “The party’s in good hands there. I may have more political races.”
Parker added that she will not be moving away from Houston, where she lives with her wife, Kathy Hubbard. Before joining the Victory Fund, she stepped down as senior vice president and chief strategy officer at BakerRipley, the Houston-based community-development nonprofit.
“The Victory Fund headquarters is here [in Washington], and I’m going to be spending a lot of time here, but my work as CEO is going to be across the country,” Parker said.
“This was an opportunity to do work I love for an organization that has been extremely supportive of me over the years. I think now more than ever, we need to refocus on electing LGBTQ candidates, because we see how easily and quickly the tremendous gains we’ve made can be reversed.”
Ryan Leach is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
On
Photos by Dalton DeHart and Edgardo Aguilar
On December 11, the Lane Lewis Agency hosted a Customer Appreciation Celebration at Plonk. Pictured are Lane Lewis, Dr. Marcus de Guzman, Jesse Diaz, Moises Lopez, and David Cartwright
On December 9, Montrose Grace Place hosted its second annual Gingerbread House Competition. Pictured are participants.
On December 1, AIDS Foundation Houston hosted a champagne reception with Greg Louganis at Hilton Post Oak. Pictured are Kevin Gilliard, Frank Billingsley, Johnny Chaillot, and Louganis.
On December 6, Legacy Community Health hosted its Holiday Schmooze at the home of Melissa and Michael Mithoff. Pictured are Melissa Mithoff, Milton Townsend, and Becca Cason Thrash
On December 4, Texas Impact Funds presented the Montrose Center with a grant of emergency holiday funds for Hurricane Harvey victims. Pictured are Alexandria Mackzum, Ron Guillard, Bryan Hlavinka, Ann Robison, and Judy Sherman
On December 3, Jim Sikorski hosted Share Your Blessings Holiday Happenings at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine. Pictured are Tim Martinez, Robyn Patschke, Sikorski, and Carlos Fuentes
December 1, AIDS Foundation Houston hosted a champagne reception with Greg Louganis at Hilton Post Oak. Pictured are Ernie Manouse and Marlene McNeese
On December 1, Legacy Community Health hosted a candlelight vigil for World AIDS Day. Pictured are Lynne Tyer and Chree Boydstun
On December 2, the Montrose Softball League Association hosted its annual social and toy drive at Guava Lamp. Pictured are Nick Alvarado, Kali Vlahos, Peter Robledo, Stephen Morales, Joseph Gomez, and Carlos Ochoa
On December 3, the Four Seasons held their 2017 Holiday at the French Alliance. Pictured are Marvin Kelly, Bill Burford, John Utsey, and Mike Hawkins
Calendar of Events
Compiled by Marene Gustin
A
‘Dissent and Desire’
Disney’s Fantasia * The fi lm classic accompanied by a live orchestra. houstonsymphony.org
ove is love, and this exhibit proves that. The exhibition is comprised of a powerful series of 48 photographs by artists Sunil Gupta and Charan Singh and companion first-person texts depicting an unprecedented portrait of LGBTQ+ lives in India today. Dissent and Desire brings into focus a discernible difference between how India and other parts of the world define gender as it exists outside of male or female. In India, non-binary genders have existed
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend + thru 6 A winter wonderland. mfah.org
Sister Strikes Again: Late Night Catechism 2 * thru 14 The sista’s back! stagestheatre.com Galveston Restaurant Week + thru 21 Dine out for Access Care of Coastal Texas. ( See page 63.) galveston.com/restaurantweek
within communities that date back thousands of years, despite the fact that anti-sodomy laws dating back to the British rule were only recently struck down in 2009, then restored after the Supreme Court reversed the ruling in 2013 in a surging wave of homophobia. As of August 24, 2017, the Supreme Court of India finally gave the LGBTQ+ community freedom to safely express their sexual orientation under a right to privacy law, but they did not overturn any
Everybody Talks about the Weather A thru 7 Solo exhibit by Pauline Boudry and Renate Lorenz. camh.org
past laws. This exhibit shows an intimate portrait of life for gays in India today. There is an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston on January 19. The museum, as always, is free. Do check it out.
— Marene Gustin
Dissent and Desire
• January 19 – April 29
• Contemporary Arts Museum
• camh.org
BOTH PHOTOS - COURTESY THE ARTISTS AND SEPIAEYE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
moving exhibit of love in India.
Sunil Gupta and Charan Singh, Sonal #1, 2015. Archival inkjet print, edition of 2, 10 x 15 inches.
PHOTO IN TRIANGLE : Lily #2
Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands * thru Feb 11
An exhibition of more than 100 works drawn from one of the most significant collections of Persian art held in private hands. mfah.org
Why: Explaining the Holocaust + Author talk. hmh.org
Head Gear A thru 21 A three-artist exhibit you’ll want to see. crafthouston.org
Breakfast Book Club + My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo. hmh.org Gamson Artist Lecture Series: Mary Weatherford A The CAMH presents artist Mary Weatherford as featured speaker. camh.org
Loving Clara Schumann * A musical fantasy. mercuryhouston.org
The Official Blues Brothers Revue * A tribute to Jake (Wayne Catania, l) and Elwood (Kieron Lafferty), pictured below. thegrand.com
The Color Purple: The Musical * last day The 2016 Tony Awardwinner for Best Musical Revival. houstonbroadway.org
Galveston Restaurant Week + thru 21 Last week to dine out for Access Care of Coastal Texas. galveston.com/restaurantweek
A Sun that Never Sets A & 13 A group exhibition at the McClain Gallery. mcclaingallery.com
Discovery Green Presents The ICE + thru 21 Outside ice-skating in Texas! discoverygreen.com
An Evening with 2CELLOS * A beautiful live duo cello performance. spahouston.org
The Oak Ridge Boys * Last night to hear this country-music group. thegrand.com
‘Miracle' * Family movie at Screen on the Green. discoverygreen.com
Dissent and Desire A thru Apr 29
A portrait of LGBTQ+ lives in India today. camh.org ( See opposite page, top ) Houston Iranian Film Festival * thru 20 Movies at the museum. mfah.org
Elektra * thru Feb 2 Strauss’ work held on HGO’s makeshift stage at the GRB. houstongrandopera.org I NFINITO Into Space A thru Feb 28 Works by artist Mariana Sammartino. serranogallery.com
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf * thru Feb 10
A beautiful, powerful piece of theater. obsidiantheater.org
The Barber of Seville * thru Feb 10 Held on HGO’s makeshift stage at the GRB. houstongrandopera.org
Tango Fire * See some of the greatest tango dancers in the world. thegrand.com
School of Rock: The Musical * thru Feb 4 Stage version of the hit film. houston.broadway.com
Komen Houston Race for the Cure + Postponed from October due to Harvey, we’re hoping for good weather so we can get out and support breast cancer awareness. ( See page 20.) komen-houston.org
Alma en venta (Soul on Sale) * thru Feb 11 A magical realist play. stagestheatre.com
The Great Society * last day LBJ’s presidential years on stage. alleytheatre.org
Ten Dollars to Hate V Join Holocaust Museum Houston for a lecture by Patricia Bernstein, author of Ten Dollars to Hate, the story of the massive Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s and the first prosecutor in the nation to successfully convict and jail Klan members. hmh.org
Calendar of Events
continued from previous page
Houston Women’s March 2018
January 20
–
Formed in January 2017 as a sister event to the national Women’s March, Houston Women March is still on the move. Through this month’s first anniversary, you can take a survey to let them know what matters to you. Take the survey at houstonwomensmarch.org; then go march from 7 a.m. to noon (location had not been finalized at press deadline). New legislative priorities will be set considering results from the survey. houstonwomensmarch.org
Komen Houston Race for the Cure
January 27 –
Postponed from October due to Harvey, let’s cross our fingers for good weather today so everyone can get out and support breast-cancer awareness. Come out and walk, run, or volunteer to help the nearly 3,000 Houstonians who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The run will follow the same downtown route that was posted in October, and if you’re already registered, you’re fine. If not, go to komen-houston.org and sign up. Let’s not forget that as hurricane recovery goes on, many of those impacted by the storm are also suffering from this cancer. komen-houston.org
Manilow Live
February 2 –
Oh my Mandy! Don’t miss Barry Manilow live in Sugar Land at the Smart Financial Centre. You’ll hear all of the great hits by this Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning artist, from “Mandy” to “Copacabana,” plus singles from his new album. Go, because he “Can’t Smile Without You.”
smartfi nancialcentre.net
Also on February 2
The Big Do
A fundrasier honoring Mattress Mack at Main Street Theater. mainstreettheater.com
By Susan Bankston
Groovy to the Max(ey)
Gay political pioneer earned front-row seat to historic filing period.
Ihave a new item to add to my list of talents and special skills: I know how to make an old gay guy happier than a tick on a fat dog. That’s a talent I’m fixing to share with you.
In 1987, Glen Maxey became the first executive director of the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas (now Equality Texas). Four years later, Maxey was the first openly gay person to be elected to the Texas Legislature, where he served six terms.
Maxey’s time in the Legislature was well spent. He earned more awards than a Miss Texas pageant participant equipped with baton-twirling skills and a pickup truck loaded with sequins and tits. He also passed more legislation than any other member of the House, mainly because, as he says, “there’s so damn much to fix in Texas.”
Maxey says he wasn’t the only queer in the Legislature, noting that some of his straight colleagues were really queer—in the heterosexual sense of the word. And according to him, he was never the only gay one. In fact, during his 12 years in Austin, he says he served with five closet cases, two of whom were Republicans (oh my!). But again, none of those other gays were out‚ and that’s what counts in baseball and LGBTQ rights.
After leaving the Legislature, Maxey became a lobbyist for the causes he cares most about, which includes electing Democrats and LGBTQ candidates to public office. He currently serves as the legislative-affairs director for the Texas Democratic Party.
Last month, “Moses” Maxey felt like he had led his people into the Promised Land when a record number of openly LGBTQ Democratic candidates filed to run for office in Texas in 2018. He gleefully approved their applications for the party while thoroughly enjoying his frontrow seat to LGBTQ history.
Christmas morning will be a letdown after this. Maxey doesn’t know exactly how many Texas LGBTQ Democrats filed to run in 2018 because candidates for local races apply to their county’s parties across the state. ( O utSmart puts
Paving the Way
Glen Maxey became Texas’ first openly LGBTQ state legislator in 1991.
the figure at 31.) “There may be a candidate in Brewster County running for tax assessor who is gay,” Maxey explains, “and we don’t know about it yet because being ‘the gay candidate’ isn’t a thing anymore.”
We have candidates that have every one of those LGBTQ initials covered, and I have even heard that some LGBTQ candidates are running on the Republican ticket. I have no idea why that would be. I mean, most of them cast a reflection in the mirror, and that’s about as welcome as an outhouse breeze in today’s Republican Party.
It did not happen overnight, but Maxey’s lifetime of tireless work recruiting and training LGBTQ candidates to become part of the political system in Texas is taking hold. It could not have happened at a better time, because Maxey is past retirement age and starting to get a tad wilted around the edges. Honey, it’s common knowledge among the clergy that he’s been bitten by rattlesnakes, beaten with a horse whip, viciously attacked by grackles, burned by one of Willie Nelson’s cigarettes, and is the only person in Texas able to brag about registering voters at a nudist swimming hole.
Okay, so I’m not sure Maxey has certificates of participation for all those things, but he says he does. And then there’s the clergy thing, so
I’m putting it in print. The good news is that he has trained a gang of candidates so plentiful that a picture of them would weigh 20 pounds.
As I write this, Maxey is in Mexico at Isla Mujeres (yeah, he gets the irony) celebrating the fact that Texas Democrats have more candidates than at any time in the past 30 years, and a record number of LGBTQ candidates.
One of Maxey’s friends who enjoys running for office called him before the filing deadline because she wanted to run for Congress against The Cuckoo of Corpus Christi, U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold (who has since announced his retirement over allegations of sexual harassment). Maxey let her know that an LGBTQ candidate, Eric Holguin, had already filed to run for that seat as a Democrat. “Yes,” Vanessa Edwards Foster replied, matter-of-factly, “but no transgender women have filed.” Well damn, doesn’t that attitude just warm your heart?
Every now and then, you live to see the fat chickens come home to roost. This makes me insanely happy.
God bless ya, Glen.
Susan Bankston lives in Richmond, Texas, where she writes about her hairdresser at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc., at juanitajean.com.
IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION
This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What Is Mytesi?
Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART.
Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).
Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:
• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection)
• Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs)
• Cough
• Flatulence (gas)
• Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down)
For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
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.
Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.
Mytesi (crofelemer):
• Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV
• Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract
• Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies
• Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest
What is Mytesi?
Enough is Enough
Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?
• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant
• There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi
• This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed
A Nursing Mother?
• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk
• If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi
• Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age?
• Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age
Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Important Safety Information
Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).
• Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you
What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.
What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.
Investors should consider a customized strategy that includes return expectations.
I
f you have money invested in stocks, you are probably aware that 2017 was a good year for the markets. But investors should never get too comfortable. If you don’t have a high tolerance for risk, this could be a good time to assess or reassess whether your expectations are in line with your portfolio.
For years, financial advisors have used various methods of determining risk tolerance. Unfortunately, these methods typically generalize investors into broad categories like aggressive, moderate, or conservative. Even if you are technically in the “right” category, you could still be outside the parameters of your risk preference. And this can affect not only short-term results, but also long-term financial outcomes.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, risk is defined as “any uncertainty with respect to your investments that has the potential to negatively affect your financial welfare.”
Oftentimes, financial advisors will try to compensate for risk by diversifying holdings. But while diversification is one way to reduce risk, investors should take things a step further by customizing risk to their needs and goals much like being fitted for a tailored suit.
Even if you customize your risk, though, categories can be overly broad. However, with a properly constructed comprehensive financial plan, it isn’t necessary to take on added risk to be successful.
The real key is to reduce risk while at the same time maximizing return that is reasonable and comfortable. Just like the engine of a car, the individual parts of your portfolio need to work together to get you where you want to go. Some investors don’t realize that not having their portfolio in line with their financial goals (both short- and long-term) can be much riskier than a falling stock market. This is why it’s in-
credibly important to get a true assessment of your tolerance for risk. For example, you may feel that you are okay with taking on more risk to attain more return. But if a roller-coaster market keeps you awake at night, it might mean that you need to pull back.
Setting expectations using risk versus average return can help you anticipate the future. Pinpointing a factor known as your “risk number” allows you to construct a portfolio that contains personalized risk. Setting your portfolio’s return expectations, versus an average return, can lead to more suitable asset allocations.
With that in mind, it is always best to work with an advisor who doesn’t just know you and your financial goals, but who also uses your risk number in combination with their experience to help you navigate toward the best combination of investments. In addition to more closely tracking risk tolerance and preference, this type of analysis can help ensure you are on track over time. For instance, a financial portfolio is never considered “static.” In other words, as your life changes, so will your monetary goals and needs.
Marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the receipt of an inheritance or other windfall, the purchase of a new home, and/or
a significant job change or promotion can all have an impact on both short- and long-term financials. This is why it’s essential to check your progress and update your risk number as needed.
The “traditional” financial-risk stereotypes have led to tolerance categories carrying less weight for many investors. To truly assess how and where your money should be invested, it can be much more meaningful to use a customized risk-number strategy.
When doing so, it can also be beneficial to discuss your financial goals with an advisor who has a focus on the LGBTQ community, and who is familiar with strategies that can best meet your particular situation. That way, in addition to investing in a manner that more closely fits your specific risk tolerance, you can be more open about who and what truly matters to you.
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 “FiveStar Wealth Manager” in the 2014 September issue of Texas Monthly. Yung can be reached at grace.yung@lpl.com.
For Your Calendar
Check out these fabulous events co-sponsored by O ut S mart and our marketing partners.
January 6–21: Galveston restaurant Week benefiting Access Care of Coastal Texas. Read our story on page 63. Galvestonrestaurantweek.com
Januar y14: Snow Bunnies 39 at Rich’s Houston, benefiting area charities. bunniesonthebayou.org
february 28: AssistHers presents decadent desserts & dancing, benefiting AssistHers at neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon. montrosecenter.org/ddd
Pictured
Brent Leafgreen, Joe Ahern, Keith Hebert, Alan Moehle, Greg Jeu, and Jim Hurst.
Shooting for Senate
Fran Watson would be first openly LGBTQ candidate elected to state’s upper chamber.
By Ryan M. Leach
Photo by Ashkan Roayaee
Eight years ago, Fran Watson fell two-and-a-half stories from a rockclimbing wall in Austin. She sustained multiple serious injuries, including two broken legs, and was housebound for weeks.
Although Watson didn’t know it at the time, the accident would start her down a path that ultimately led to her current campaign to become Texas’ first openly LGBTQ state senator. Watson is running this year as a Democrat for the District 17 seat held by Republican Joan Huffman (R-Houston).
“The recovery time was brutal,” Watson recalls of the rock-climbing accident. “I spent a lot of time laid up in bed and got very familiar with the Food Network. It was me and [chef] Giada [De Laurentiis] for a long time.
“While I was recovering, I decided that when I got back on my feet, literally, I was going to go out and get more involved in my community, and meet more people.”
Watson first reached out to the Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston, where she met the late activist and attorney Debbie Hunt, who encouraged her to join the board. Watson also struck up a friendship with prominent gay attorney Jerry Simoneaux, who would eventually become her law partner.
“I remember her wonderful smile, engaging curiosity, and excellent grasp of issues facing the LGBT community,” Simoneaux recalls. “I also remember her willingness—even then—to step up and volunteer. When I decided to run [for judge] in 2014, I asked if she would like to join my campaign as my treasurer. I knew she was interested in politics, and I thought it would be fun for her. Little did I know she would eventually end up knowing lots more important and impressive folks than I knew. I have marveled at her energy and positivity ever since.”
Watson still remembers the first Houston GLBT Political Caucus meeting she attended.
“Annise [Parker] was the mayor then, and she was talking at that meeting. I just remem-
ber people raising their hands and asking her questions and being very frank with her, and I was like, ‘This group is serious,’” Watson says. “They were really going after her, and she was holding her own.”
Unintimidated, Watson joined the Caucus board as chair for volunteer organizing, before being elected vice president. In 2016, she would make history by becoming the first black female president of the organization.
“Fran was all about producing meaningful results for LGBTQ-plus communities [that were] least being heard,” says Mike Webb, who served on the board under Watson.
“It was exciting and fulfilling working with Fran,” Webb says. “She fully embodies the type of leader we all wish and hope for in our elected officials [as she raises] the bar on what inclusivity—and putting all of our communities first—looks like.”
Humble Roots
A native Houstonian, Watson was born to a 15-year-old mother in 1977. She and her younger brother lived with their mother and grandparents in Kashmere Gardens before moving to Sharpstown when she was in third grade.
“We were a poor household,” she recalls. “I remember the lights being turned off, and my grandmother would run the bathtub at 8 p.m. and save it for the next morning so that my brother and I could have baths. They tried their best to shield that from us. By the time I was in third grade, I had changed schools three times.”
Watson’s grandmother was an elevator operator until she retired to help take care of her grandchildren. Her grandfather was a shortorder cook who had served in the Army during World War II, where he was shot six times. Day-to-day life was a challenge for the family.
Watson says her mother became addicted to drugs and died from an overdose when Watson was just 13.
“Life shifted for me after that,” she says. “I
Change
had to become more of a caretaker in the family, and my role grew.”
By 15, Watson was attending parentteacher meetings on behalf of her brother, and making sure that her grandfather made it to appointments at the VA hospital. “I missed a lot of days of school—sometimes because I didn’t go, and also because I couldn’t go.”
At 16, Watson was expelled for absenteeism. But she continued to support her family by working two jobs to make ends meet, and eventually helping her brother get into college.
“I worked at Wendy’s in Montrose and Luther’s Bar-B-Cue from about age 18 to age 22,” she says. “I was the drive-thru cashier—and everyone knows that drive-thru cashier is the hardest job.”
Watson says her bosses encouraged her to become a manager, but she lacked the necessary high school diploma. After a manager at Luther’s told her about a GED program, she began working the night shift and studying for the test during the day. She passed on her first try, and her scores were so high that a testing agent encouraged her to seek a college scholarship, which she did.
Watson graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2005, before enrolling at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
As an undergraduate, Watson met her future wife, Kim Atkins.
“I had never really thought about dating or my sexuality growing up. I guess because I was so busy,” Watson says.
The couple met while sharing their stories about being first-generation college students with high-schoolers.
“The light rail had just opened, and UH Downtown was the first and last stop, so we would try all the different restaurants together. One day she asked me if we were going to take this beyond being friends,” Watson recalls, admitting that she didn’t even realize what a romantic date involved. “I had no
Shooting for Senate
continued from previous page
clue. She asked me if I wanted to see this movie Monster about a lesbian serial killer. She was like, ‘I valeted and cleaned my car and everything. How could you not know it was a date?’”
The couple informally exchanged rings in front of the Houston Water Wall in 2004, then had a church ceremony in 2009 before being legally married in New York City in 2014.
‘Senator Huffman Is Poisonous’
Watson will face two opponents in the March 6 Democratic primary: Rita Lucido, who was the party’s nominee in 2014, and Ahmad R. Hassan, a one-time Republican who previously ran for Harris County judge in 2008.
If Watson advances to the general election in November, she will face the winner of the Republican primary race between incumbent senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and challenger Kristen Tassin, as well as Libertarian Lauren LaCount.
Watson says her campaign is centered on a simple but powerful principle: “People first.”
“That is why I am running—because I believe that we should be putting people first, and that everyone should have access to opportunities to succeed,” she says.
It is a principle Watson says has been lost in recent legislative sessions that have focused
heavily on anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, and anti-abortion legislation.
“This last session was about taking different things away from different groups of people,” Watson says. “We should be focusing on access to good public education and how we finance it. We need to redevelop the public education funding formula to help pay for schools.”
“Home ownership, expansion of Medicaid—these are the things Texans care about. When we find solutions to them, we care for all Texans, regardless of who they are.”
While Watson has proven her ability to lead the LGBTQ community in Houston, getting elected to the Texas Senate poses a much bigger challenge. The heavily gerrymandered District 17 spans parts of three counties running from Lake Jackson to Katy, and parts of West Houston. It is home to more than 800,000 people. In 2014, Huffman captured over 63 percent of the vote, compared to Lucido’s 34 percent.
Huffman serves as chair of the Senate’s powerful State Affairs committee. Although she represents areas with large LGBTQ populations, she received an “F” on Equality Texas’ 2017 legislative scorecard, voting in favor of anti-transgender bathroom bills and a “religious freedom” measure to restrict LGBTQ adoptions.
“Senator Huffman is poisonous to the LGBTQ+ community,” says Webb, who is expected to become president of the Caucus in 2018.
Watson says Huffman “follows whatever the agenda of the lieutenant governor is,” referring to the rabidly anti-LGBTQ Dan Patrick.
“As a constituent visiting her, conversations never went well,” Watson says. “I was never allowed to meet with her in her office. There are a large number of constituents that feel they are not being heard from.”
Huffman’s campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Houston has a history of turning its activists into influential leaders. Another former Caucus president, Annise Parker, went on to become mayor.
The late Barbara Jordan was the first black female state senator and the first woman to represent Texas in Congress.
When you talk to Watson, who would be only the third black female state senator, you see in her the same calling to serve. Asked about naysayers who are skeptical about her chances, she responds, “Let me tell you one thing: I’m going to win this race.”
Ryan Leach is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
LGBT REAL ESTATE
Fighting for Justice
Steven Kirkland vies to make history—again— and shake up the Texas Supreme Court.
By Andrew Edmonson
Steven Kirkland is resilient. He has overcome internalized homophobia, alcoholism, and two vicious political campaigns.
“He was a scrawny, scrappy, really bright gay boy from East Texas. You learn a lot of coping skills, or you break,” says former Houston mayor Annise Parker, one of Kirkland’s closest friends for the last three decades. “He clearly has learned coping skills, but he’s also never forgotten where he came from.
“I think that conquering his demons and being open about his struggles makes him better at his chosen profession,” Parker adds. “It makes him more compassionate and insightful. And I am really impressed by his strength.”
Kirkland made history in 2008 by becoming the first openly gay judge elected in Harris County. Now, he’s vying to become the first gay justice to serve on the nine-member Texas Supreme Court, which has been dominated by Republicans for two decades.
Kirkland was tapped by the Texas Democratic Party to run for the court’s Place 2 seat, and his political consultant for the campaign is Grant Martin, who managed Parker’s successful mayoral bids.
Unopposed in the Democratic primary, Kirkland will face Republican Jimmy Blacklock in the general election. Blacklock serves as general counsel for governor Greg Abbott, who appointed Blacklock to the Place 2 seat after justice Don Willett was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Texas Supreme Court burst into the consciousness of many LGBTQ Texans in the summer of 2017 when it issued a controversial decision in Pidgeon v. Turner. In 2015, the court had refused to hear the case, which stemmed from Mayor Parker’s 2013 decision
to extend benefits to the same-sex spouses of City employees.
But this year, in an unusual—and highly political—move, the court reversed itself, agreeing to hear the case after a furious letterwriting campaign from social conservatives and additional pressure from Abbott, lieutenant governor Dan Patrick, and attorney general Ken Paxton. On June 30, the state’s highest court held unanimously that same-sex couples are not necessarily entitled to government employment benefits. The decision appeared to contradict the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.
“I’ve been troubled by Texas Supreme Court decisions for a while,” Kirkland says. “The Pidgeon v. Turner decision was the latest and most blatant political decision that they made—and the one that they made the least amount of effort to hide.
“[The Texas Supreme Court] has a systematic approach to limiting access when people need relief,” Kirkland adds. “But when it comes to their political cronies, access to the court is suddenly bigger. The grossest example of that is the Pidgeon case.”
Running on His Record
Kirkland’s quest to widen the circle of citizens who are able to access justice has defined his judicial career and his community activism. In the early 2000s, as a municipal judge for the City of Houston, he developed and implemented the innovative Homeless Recovery Court, the first of its kind in Texas, which allows people who are working through programs at homeless shelters to clear up delinquent traffic tickets and other Class C misdemeanor warrants by performing community service.
He has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations advocating for affordable hous-
ing, historic preservation, and support for those struggling with addiction. In 1991, he co-founded the nonprofit Avenue CDC to preserve historic architecture and create affordable housing.
“Steve is a natural leader: he thinks strategically, he speaks eloquently about our work, and he is able to inspire others to action,” says Mary Lawler, executive director of Avenue CDC. “His legal background and skills were incredibly important to us as a startup organization. And he volunteered countless hours helping out in all aspects of the organization: strategic planning, fundraising, program oversight, and more.”
Kirkland, who currently presides over Harris County’s 334th Civil District Court, has 27 years of experience as an attorney, and 12 years of judicial experience. In the Houston Bar Association’s 2016 Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire, 71 percent rated him as well qualified or qualified. In 2012, he won a glowing endorsement from the Houston Chronicle, whose editorial board said, “We offer our emphatic endorsement to Steven Kirkland,” while praising him as “a highly qualified, deserving candidate.”
Conquering His Demons
Born in Abilene in 1960, Kirkland was raised by his truck-driver father and a mother who worked for H&R Block before opening her own tax-preparation business. He was accepted to Rice University to study computer science, and became the first in his family to attend college, eventually majoring in history.
Rice also opened the door for him to explore his sexuality. “Rice was where I learned that there was a vocabulary to describe it,” he recalls. “My experiments with both men and women happened at Rice, and they were
Photo by Ashkan Roayaee
Fighting For Justice
continued from previous page
lubricated with alcohol. By the time I graduated, I was a full-blown alcoholic.”
He went on to be arrested several times for public intoxication and driving while intoxicated. “I had to get my triggers under control,” Kirkland told O utSmart in 2009. “Being gay was a trigger for the disease. I had to get a grip on my sexuality before I could get a grip on my alcoholism.”
After he got sober on May 17, 1984, Kirkland’s life began to fall into place. He met his husband, Mark Parthie, with whom he shares an art-filled home in Houston’s historic Sixth Ward that is on the National Register. Working as a paralegal at Texaco, he put himself t hrough law school, graduating cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center in 1990. He then landed a position as an environmental litigator at Texaco.
“He is open about his past addiction and his recovery,” says Angela Pisecco, secretary of the board of trustees of the Council on Recovery, a Houston nonprofit that helps individuals and families whose lives have been affected by addiction. “That, of course, helps reduce the shame and the stigma in our community, making him a very valuable ambassador to the Council on Recovery.”
In 1991 and 1995, Kirkland managed
Parker’s first two campaigns for City Council. He played Henry Higgins to her introverted Eliza Doolittle, teaching Parker how to work a room at political events.
“He stepped up to help me,” Parker remembers. “I was not a natural candidate, and he spent a lot of time with me doing affirmations.”’
They formed a very close bond. “We own property together, and we vacation together. He is my best friend,” Parker says. “But we rag on him mercilessly so that he doesn’t get the big head.”
‘He’s in It to Win It’
Parker anticipates that Kirkland could be in for another tough fight in his battle for a place on the Texas Supreme Court. No Democrat has won a statewide election in Texas for more than two decades.
“It’s an uphill race,” Parker says. “If voters give him a chance, if they look at his record, he should do fine. He goes into it with a lot of political experience, knowing what a difficult challenge it will be. He’s in it to win it.”
Kirkland says he has been heartened by recent progressive victories fueled by the backlash against the Trump administration. Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman, a 26-year-
old lesbian, won a seat in the Oklahoma Senate by beating out a Republican in a conservative Tulsa district.
That same month, Danica Roem made history in Virginia as the first openly transgender candidate elected to a state legislature, by defeating a GOP incumbent who billed himself as the state’s “chief homophobe.”
In the wake of U.S. senator-elect Doug Jones’ stunning upset of Republican Roy Moore in Alabama last month, the political world suddenly seems full of possibilities for Democrats.
“We’ve been told for years that Texas is a red state; it’s a non-voting state,” Kirkland says. “At some point, people are going to get mad enough to start voting.
“If you don’t run, you’ve lost already,” Kirkland adds, passionately. “And if you don’t fight, nothing ever changes. The battle is worth fighting, regardless of whether I win or not.”
Andrew Edmonson has served as chairman of the Houston Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and on the boards of Body Positive, Halloween Magic, and the American Marketing Association’s Houston chapter.
Dr. Marshall Stein
Dr. Ned Stein
Transformative Moment
Houston’s Jenifer Rene Pool among five trans Texans on ballot in 2018.
By Lourdes Zavaleta
by Ashkan Roayaee
As a child, Jenifer Rene Pool was picked on mercilessly. She was small in stature, and relied on thick eyeglasses due to poor eyesight.
“Classmates would grab my glasses and throw them around to each other,” the Houston transgender activist recalls.
“I hate bullies. Everyone should be treated fairly,” Pool adds. “This is the premise of our national Constitution, and for the most part, the Constitution of the State of Texas. It is why I have decided to run for State representative in 2018.”
In 2016, Pool was the first openly trans person to win a party primary in Texas, becoming the Democratic nominee for a Harris County commissioner’s seat before losing in the general election. This year, she is among five openly trans Texans running for office, which is by far the most ever.
In November, six trans candidates across the U.S. recorded historic victories, including Virginia’s Danica Roem, who became the first openly trans person elected to a state legislature.
Daye Pope, organizing director of the Trans Victory Fund, a national politicalaction committee, says those victories are “sparking a movement.”
“2017 showed us that trans people can run, and win—and we will continue to make that happen,” Pope tells O utSmart
In Texas, the increase in trans candidates is being fueled largely by attacks from the state’s Legislature, according Jess Herbst, mayor of New Hope in Collin County.
“The bathroom bill awakened the rise of trans politicians,” Herbst says. “More trans people are out today, and this has made us the subject of political attacks. But we have also become more understood and supported. This made us want our voices to be heard.”
According to UCLA’s Williams Institute, there are more than 125,000 trans adults living in Texas, or 0.66 percent of the state’s population. However, Herbst is this state’s only openly trans elected official.
She became mayor in May 2016, and received “overwhelming support” when she came out in January 2017. With her term
expiring in May 2018, she plans to run for reelection.
“It’s important that there is visibility for society to see and understand what it means to be transgender today,” Herbst says, adding that a victory by a trans candidate in Texas would prove that “simply being transgender isn’t automatically going to bar someone from holding office.”
Vanessa Edwards Foster, cofounder and president of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC), is running as a Democrat for the Congressional District 27 seat held by U.S. representative Blake Farenthold (R-Corpus Christi), who announced his retirement last month amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
In Texas House District 94, Democrat Finnigan Jones is running for the seat held by incumbent State representative Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) who is rabidly anti-LGBTQ and authored legislation in 2017 that would have defined “sex” as the “physical condition of being male or female.”
Jones is the co-founder and executive
Photo
Dylan Forbis
Vanessa Foster Jess Herbst Finnigan Jones
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director of Trans-Cendence, a Fort Worthbased nonprofit that supports and provides resources for trans people. He hopes his campaign will show trans youth that they can one day run for office, too.
“We need more role models in this community for our younger generation to believe in and learn from,” Jones says, adding that if he wins, it would give the community a voice in the legislative process. “That will be vital going forward to defeat discrimination in our society.”
In Texas House District 29, Dylan Wilde Forbis is running for the seat held by incumbent State representative Edward Thompson (R-Pearland), another bathroom-bill supporter. Forbis leads Queers with Careers and Trans Living Anthology, two LGBTQ support g roups that allow queer people to share their testimonies.
He notes that Kimberly Shappley has been fighting to get the Pearland Independent School District to allow her trans daughter, Kai, to use girls’ restrooms.
“Her daughter, just like all students, deserves a place to receive a fair education and equitable place to grow into a nice young
adult,” Forbis says. “My win would be a footnote on the decades-long fight for transgender rights, and there is a long way to go.”
Pool, meanwhile, will face attorney Adam Milasincic in the March 6 Democratic primary in Texas House District 138. The winner will take on incumbent Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston), a bathroom-bill supporter who received a grade of “F” on Equality Texas’ 2017 Legislative Scorecard. Pool says she is running in part because Bohac had no Democratic opponent in 2016.
“When someone runs for office, it is important that they be challenged on their stances,” Pool says. “They need to answer questions. They can’t just be allowed to coast.”
If Pool wins the primary, she will face an uphill battle against Bohac, who captured 66 percent of the vote in 2014, the last time he had a Democratic opponent. The district covers the Bear Creek, Spring Branch, Cy-Fair, and Katy communities of west and northwest Houston.
Bohac did not respond to a request for comment.
“This is a winnable election, but I’ve got to make it past primaries,” Pool says. “I’m focused in on March 6. I think winning [the primary]
will make a difference, and more organizations will want to help.”
Pool came out in 1994 and went on to serve as the first trans president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. She ran three times for City Council, earning more votes with each successive campaign. In 2016, she defeated Erik Hassan in the Democratic primary for Precinct 3 on the Commissioners Court, capturing 78 percent of the vote. She lost to Republican Steve Radack, 58 percent to 42 percent, in the general election.
Pool believes the current Legislature has let the people of Texas down. Texas is ranked 41st in education and 32nd in quality of life. If she wins, Pool says she will fight for a higher minimum wage, access to healthcare, public education, and LGBTQ rights. She says she wants to work for “average Texans” who do not benefit from being represented by wealthy, privileged cisgender men.
“Right now, Austin is broken,” Pool says. “I think I’ve got the super-glue to fix it.”
Lourdes Zavaleta is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
Cooke Kelsey
Shannon Baldwin
Charles Spain
Lupe Valdez
Beau Miller
George Arnold
Jason Cox
Jerry Simoneaux
Jim Kovach
Jeffrey Payne
‘People Know We Have to Do Something’
Trump, Texas Legislature fuel record slate of 35 LGBTQ candidates in Texas.
By Brandon Wolf
With equality under attack by the Trump administration and the Texas Legislature, LGBTQ candidates across the state are lining up to fight back.
A record 35 openly LGBTQ people will run for public office in Texas in 2018, according to an extensive review by O utSmart. That’s roughly twice as many as in any previous election cycle in the state’s history.
The unprecedented field of LGBTQ candidates includes two for governor, one for Texas Supreme Court, two for Texas Senate, eight for Texas House, seven for U.S. Congress, and 12 for various judicial seats.
Eighteen of the LGBTQ candidates are female, and 15 are male. Five are transgender, three are African-American, and at least nine are Hispanic. Six are incumbents who are among the state’s 18 current LGBTQ elected and appointed officials.
“I think for many, the motivation to run is in sync with the adage, ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,’” says Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy group. “We have recently been witnessing a continuous assault on our rights and freedoms. It is only by raising our voices and securing our ‘place at the table’ that we can ensure our constitutional rights to equal protection under the law are preserved.”
All but four of the LGBTQ candidates in Texas are running as Democrats. Kerry Douglas McKennon is running for lieutenant governor as a Libertarian. Republican Shannon McClendon is challenging anti-LGBTQ incumbent State senator Donna Campbell (RNew Braunfels) in the District 25 Republican primary. Republican Mauro Garza is running for the Congressional District 21 seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio). And New Hope mayor Jess Herbst, the state’s only trans elected official, is seeking re-election in a nonpartisan race.
Frances Valdez, president of the Houston
GLBT Political Caucus, says she’s zexcited to see new energy flowing into the political process.
“People know we have to do something,” Valdez says. “Last year, people thought there was no way that Trump could be elected. Now, they realize they have to get involved, or else that portion of the electorate that is closed-minded and conservative will remain in power.”
Mark Phariss, who was a plaintiff in one of the federal lawsuits challenging Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage, is running for state senator in District 8. Incumbent Van Taylor (Plano) is running for Congress, and the Republican candidates vying to replace him include Angela Paxton, the wife of attorney general Ken Paxton, who bitterly fought against Phariss’ lawsuit in court.
“I’m absolutely gay. There is no way to hide that,” Phariss told the Dallas Morning News. “But I’m running as a Texan, and I will absolutely represent every constituent in my district if I win. So even those who vote against me—even those who vote against me if I’m gay—I will want to listen to them and represent them.”
One gay candidate for governor, Democrat Jeffrey Payne, became the subject of national media attention due in part to his status as the owner of a leather bar in Dallas. Then an out lesbian Democrat, longtime Dallas County sheriff Lupe Valdez, joined Payne in the governor’s race.
“The fact that in the State of Texas, a gay man and a lesbian can seek the highest office in the state is amazing, and shows how far we have come as a society,” Payne said in response to Valdez’s announcement. “This is a proud moment in Texas history, as far as I see it.”
The gubernatorial race is one of at least two in which openly LGBTQ canidates will face each other in the Democratic primary. The other is Congressional District 27, where gay candidate Eric Holguin and trans woman
Vanessa Edwards Foster are among a slew of Democrats who have filed to run for the seat being vacated by U.S.representative Blake Farenthold (R-Corpus Christi).
Despite the record number of out contenders, some candidates chose to not be publicly identified as members of the LGBTQ community.
“This time around, I’m not running that kind of race, so I don’t have a place for the gay agenda, and I don’t want to participate,” one county-level candidate wrote in response to an inquiry from O utSmart. “In a year and a half, I may be running for another office, and we can talk then.”
Another LGBTQ candidate running in a conservative area said he was honored by the offer to be featured in OutSmart
“However, I’m not sure if I want to address that issue publicly, because I haven’t totally addressed it privately,” the candidate wrote.
Twelve of the state’s openly LGBTQ candidates, or more than one-third of the total, are from Harris County.
“I haven’t felt this excited about change since 2008, when I dropped everything to work on the first Obama campaign,” says Cooke Kelsey, who is running for judge in Harris County’s 113th District. “Annise Parker opened the door for us, and I’m honored to have her endorsement. But as recent cases show, our issues are still front and center. We owe it to ourselves to keep running and help bring Texas into the modern era.”
Below is a complete list of known openly LGBTQ candidates in Texas, including the office sought and the person’s city of residence.
• Jeffrey Payne, Governor, Dallas
• Lupe Valdez, Governor, Dallas
• Kerry Douglas McKennon, Lieutenant Governor, Petersburg
• Lorie Burch, U.S. Representative, District 3, Plano
Continued on page 87
YOUR BODY. YOUR HEALTH. YOUR CHOICES. YOUR LIFE. The chance to end the spread of HIV is here. The choice to take action is yours. PrEP is an FDA-approved medication that, taken once daily, significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV from a positive sexual partner. PrEP does not protect against other STDs, so practice safer sex and use condoms along with PrEP. It’s your life. Own it.
‘Know Your Baldwin’
Thirty years after his death, civil-rights icon
James Baldwin inspires activists in Houston and beyond.
By Andrew Edmonson
“We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression, and denial of my humanity, and right to exist.” —James Baldwin
James Baldwin is back with a vengeance. In the last decade of his life, some critics dismissed the work of the great American novelist, essayist, and chronicler of the civil-rights movement as out of touch and irrelevant. Thirty years after his death, his writing has been hailed by a new generation of artists and activists as profoundly relevant and as fresh as tomorrow.
Ta-Nehisi Coates, who won the National Book Award for his best-selling Between the World and Me, has acknowledged Baldwin as a seminal influence. Celebrities like Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Janelle Monáe, and Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o have appeared in a series of videos encouraging viewers to read his works and “know your Baldwin.”
In 2016, director Raoul Peck unveiled I Am Not Your Negro, a stunning documentary delving deeply and eloquently into Baldwin’s life and work—and the great gay artist’s continued relevance in the Black Lives Matter era of Ferguson and Philando Castile shootings.
I Am Not Your Negro was nominated for a 2017 Academy Award for best documentary. A. O. Scott, a critic for the New York Times, pronounced the film “life altering.”
“You would be hard-pressed to find a movie that speaks to the present moment with more clarity and force, insisting on uncomfortable truths and drawing stark lessons from the shadows of history,” Scott wrote.
At 8 p.m. on January 15, I Am Not Your Negro comes to Houston Public Media’s Channel 8 as part of the Independent Lens documentary series.
Freedom Fighter
James Baldwin is shown above at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, and below alongside his two close friends, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., during the recording of The Negro and the American Promise, which aired in 1963.
Finding His Voice
Born into poverty in Harlem on August 2, 1924, Baldwin was the eldest of nine children and spent much of his youth caring for his siblings. He showed an early gift for writing. From ages 14 to 16, he served as a youth minister at a Pentecostal church, drawing large crowds and developing a prophetic public voice that would prove invaluable as a civil-rights advocate in the 1960s. Demoralized by the country’s constant and oppressive racism in the 1940s, he moved to France in 1948, where he would spend much of the rest of his life.
When a journalist asked him if being born poor, black, and gay had made him feel disadvantaged, Baldwin replied, “No, I thought I had hit the jackpot. It was so outrageous, you had to find a way to use it.”
And use it he did. In the 1950s, he began to
‹ produce the great works that would define his legacy. His novel Giovanni’s Room, a candid and complex examination of a homosexual relationship between two white men in Paris, was published in 1956, a decade before the gay-liberation movement started to heat up. Nobody Knows My Name: More Notes of a Native Son hit bestseller lists in 1961 by selling more than a million copies. He also created two plays: The Amen Corner (1954), and Blues for Mister Charlie (1964), loosely based on the murder of Emmett Till, an inflection point in the struggle for civil rights in the 1950s.
Speaking Painful Truths to Power
In 1963, Baldwin published his magnum opus, The Fire Next Time, one of the decade’s most important books about race relations.
“There is something wild in the beauty of ➝
‘Know Your Baldwin’ continued from previous page
Baldwin’s sentences and the cool of his tone— something improbable, too, this meeting of Henry James, the Bible, and Harlem,” observed the American novelist and essayist Darryl Pinkney.
In 1963, Baldwin landed on the cover of Time magazine and soon became an ubiquitous presence as a public intellectual on American television throughout the 1960s, eloquently describing for white America the pernicious effects of racism and passionately making the case for the need for racial justice.
He frequently spoke painful truths to power, and in doing so, infuriated prominent figures ranging from Robert Kennedy to J. Edgar Hoover. The potency of his witness was so strong that the FBI maintained a 1,884-page case file on Baldwin, characterizing him as a national security threat and “a well-known pervert” for his open homosexuality.
‘Unapologetically
Black and Gay’
In 1979, Baldwin began work on Remember This House, his personal meditation on the lives and deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers, who were all close friends. Although the manuscript remained unfinished at the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, it provided the springboard for Raoul Peck’s documentary.
Using passages from Remember This House, as well as letters and notes written by Baldwin in the 1970s, Peck enlisted actor Samuel L. Jackson to bring Baldwin’s prose to life with his rich, resonant voice.
“James Baldwin was one of the first authors ever where I felt not only at home, but [that] he was speaking directly to me,” Peck observed in an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air. “He gave me, very early on, the instruments I needed to understand and to even deconstruct the world around me.”
Baldwin’s writing and his life also speak to Houston activist Brandon Mack. “James Baldwin was unapologetically black and gay during a time when the world wanted him to be apologetic and silent about his race and sexuality,” Mack says. “His vocal challenges to society’s negative views and injustices against black people, while also fully remaining proud of all of his identities, is one of the reasons why he is an inspiration.
“I draw a lot of strength from his words and works as I carry out my activism work,” Mack adds. “If he could do the work during a time where society was even less accepting of black and gay people, then I can do the work today, even as we still face anti-blackness and homophobia within society.”
Andrew Edmonson has written about the arts for the Houston Chronicle , OutSmart, Houston Ballet News , and the Houston Voice
Randy Mitchmore, DDS
Developing Diversity
Lesbians Who Tech empowers queer women in a male-dominated field.
By Jenny Block
Houstonian Veronica Diaz first learned about Lesbians Who Tech while she was unemployed in Austin in 2016. “One of the recruiters that I met at a networking event invited me to an all-day, female-driven, queerfriendly TechUP event,” Diaz explains. “Doesn’t all of that sound amazing? Who wouldn’t want to go to that?”
Diaz, who has been a web developer for over a decade, says she’s often the only female on a team. “So I was super stoked when I arrived at Austin’s Atlassian office filled with other female techies,” she says.
Lesbians Who Tech (LWT) defines itself as a “community of queer women in or around tech (and the people who love them).” In other words, it is a space where LGBTQ women in the tech world can find support and resources, as well as a social home base. Founded by Leanne Pittsford in 2014, the group now boasts more than 30,000 members in over 35 chapters worldwide.
Within a few months of joining LWT in Austin, Diaz was named a recipient of the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship, named for the late LGBTQ-rights pioneer. “The award paid for half of my tuition and allowed me to attend UT Austin’s full-stack Coding Boot Camp,” she says. “I am forever grateful for Lesbians Who Tech and Edie Windsor. It was then that I decided to pay it forward and bring Lesbians Who Tech to my hometown of Houston. I mean, it’s the fourth-largest city. We’ve got to have some lesbian techies.”
The Houston chapter of Lesbians Who Tech, which formally launched a few years ago, is looking to expand in 2018. “We’ve added several new leaders, and plan to have a Houston
meetup every month,” Diaz says.
The group’s gatherings alternate between purely social and partly informational. The December event was a résumé review hosted at PROS, a tech company with offices in downtown Houston. The social meetups are generally held at Pearl Bar.
“We are here to be an inclusive and supportive space for the queer and trans woman in the tech field,” Diaz says. “Many of us work with or near developers but don’t actually code, so don’t be scared by the ‘tech’ in Lesbians Who Tech.”
Three of the Houston chapter’s leaders— Carrie Newhouse, Kim Watson, and Allie Glenney—work at PROS. After launching an LGBTQ employee-resource group called PRIDE@ PROS in 2017, they began looking for ways to be active in the community. In December, they attended a Lesbians Who Tech Summit in New York City.
“Houston had just been devastated by Harvey a couple of weeks before,” Newhouse says. “There was a hackathon focused on developing Harvey reliefs apps, and the summit organizers made a donation to the [Montrose Center’s] Hurricane Harvey LGBTQ Disaster Relief Fund. The summit was incredibly activismfocused, and it was amazing to see that focus
‹ directed toward our own city.”
Members of Lesbians Who Tech-Houston, shown at their December gathering, are part of a national network that includes more than 30,000 people and over 35 chapters. The next Houston meeting takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on January 24 at Pearl Bar.
When they returned to Houston, they were inspired to get involved locally and contacted Diaz to see how they could help.
“Our members run the gamut of the LGBTQIAA and ally spectrum—all ages and backgrounds,” Newhouse says. “Many of us are surrounded by cis men in our day jobs. It’s really nice to walk into an LWT meeting and immediately feel seen or understood. Nobody has to come out at an LWT meeting. There is a baseline understanding of your experience, and at the same time, there is so much we can learn from each other.
“There are relatively few of us, especially in non-tech hub cities, so coming together as a group is super-important,” she adds. “If you work to move this mission forward, we want you on our team. We are gathering more voices in more rooms so we can actively make change in our communities and our companies.”
Lesbians Who Tech hosts Houston gatherings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next event will be a happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. on January 24 at Pearl Bar.
Jenny Block is a frequent contributor to OutSmart magazine.
Code Breakers
we can improve your medical care. Find out what to do when you have a problem or complaint and learn how you can be involved in planning HIV services. We will wrap up with a networking lunch.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
LOCATION:
Montrose Center 401 Branard St 1st Floor, Room 107 Houston, TX 77006
Positive Spin
SoulCycle goes beyond fitness with inspiration and inclusion.
By Joanna O’Leary
As I neared the middle of my life journey, and more specifically at the beginning of 2017, I found myself astray in a dark forest.
Not literally, of course, but I felt a bit lost. Well, more than a bit. I was struggling with tremendous anxiety due to some health issues, and the awful political climate didn’t help. I woke up more often than not wondering if I had it in me to accomplish the bare minimum required by work, relationships, and life in general. A little self-doubt is normal, and can even be healthy, but what I was experiencing was rapidly eroding my normally upbeat attitude and preventing me from accomplishing all those goals I had so excitedly outlined for t he New Year.
Ironically, I saw the proverbial light at
the end of the tunnel in a pitch-black room while riding a bike to nowhere at the River Oaks branch of SoulCycle. It was a Sunday afternoon, and shortly after I nervously took my place in the fourth row, instructor Pinij NaLampoon, perhaps noticing I was fumbling awkwardly, approached and offered to help me set up my bike. He then welcomed me as a new rider to the entire pack, who responded by giving me an unsolicited round of applause. During the half-dozen songs and drills that followed, he made a point of encouraging me and helping me to refine my technique. This has continued through every class I have t aken with NaLampoon, up to and including my 100th ride. A consummate gym rat, I have always loved a good workout, but at SoulCycle, every sweat session is buttressed with mes-
sages of positivity, sincere fellowship, and camaraderie. Simply put, it is so much more than a spin class.
My experience is hardly unique, as evidenced by SoulCycle’s astronomical popularity and the alacrity with which it has gained a foothold in the Houston fitness market. Founded in 2006 by Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, a lesbian couple who met on “the best blind date ever,” SoulCycle started as a handful of studios across the New York tri-state area, but now boasts dozens of locations nationwide. Even seasoned biking enthusiasts will quickly see that SoulCycle sessions are not your typical spin classes. Instructors lead participants through a series of sprints and slow climbs coupled with challenging choreography, all set to the beat of music in a room lit only by
Cycling with Soul
Pinij NaLampoon is among the instructors who lead riders through a series of sprints and climbs, coupled with challenging choreography, all set to the beat of music in a room lit only by candles.
Tough as Leather
Kinky Boots star Jos N. Banks on his brush with suicide and turning adversity into art.
By Don Maines
Asemicolon tattooed on the wrist of Kinky Boots star Jos N. Banks reminds him that his suicide attempt while in high school was not the end of his story.
Surviving that “very dark moment,” he says, heralded the beginning of his new lease on life. Banks’ experiences, both good and bad, are often reflected in his art. “A lot of times, my art directly stems from something in my own life, and that allows me to see my purpose,” he says.
Banks plays Lola, the drag queen who helps revive a failing shoe factory in the touring production of Kinky Boots that comes to Jones Hall in Houston, January 19–21. He sings, dances, and even fights with boxing gloves—all without tucking. “I don’t have to,” Banks says. “I wear three different types of underwear, plus I have on dance tights, so there’s a lot going on down there. I’m good.”
If Banks didn’t like the fit, he could always change it, since costume design is among the many talents of this Chicago-based “professional visual/performing artist and model.” Banks ended his student days at Millikin University (in Decatur, Illinois) after two years rather than become pigeonholed into just one area of the fine arts. “They also told me I wasn’t marketable,” he says. “It was one of those ‘joke’s on them’ situations. I moved to Chicago and have worked ever since.”
In practically no time, while pounding the pavement to a casting call for a TV series, Banks got detoured right around the corner, to a tryout for a music video by the band Rise Against. “I was late to my audition, so I walked down to [the music video tryouts],” he explains. “A guy had me sit and just talk to him. ‘Was I gay or not?’ ‘What was it like coming out?’ Literally the next day they called me for a featured role.”
for the band’s “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” release called for Banks to perform a scene almost identical to his own suicide attempt several years prior. “I looked over the bridge, down into traffic, and I thought, ‘Wait a minute. I’ve been here before,’” he says. “It’s funny how life and God line up. [The producers] did not know that had happened to me.”
‹
It Gets Better Jos N. Banks starred in a music video for Rise Against’s “Make It Stop,” which has been viewed more than 27 million times on YouTube and became part of an LGBTQ suicideprevention campaign.
for Best Video with a Message at the 2011 Video Music Awards (losing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”). It has been viewed more than 27 million times on YouTube.
In the video, after Banks’ character avoids killing himself, we see his bright future in the form of a billboard that says, “Joshua Banks for Congressman.”
“I love it when my mother calls me Joshua, but it seems very formal to me,” says the actor. “I wanted to have a cool stage name, so I chose
Coincidentally, says Banks, the video continued on
Rise Against partnered with the “It Gets Better” campaign to utilize the “Make It Stop” video to help prevent suicides among LGBTQ teenagers. “Make It Stop” was also nominated
Queering the New Year
Local theaters usher in 2018 with Durang’s
Vanya and Kron’s Well.
By Don Maines
Two Houston theaters will ring in the New Year with shows from LGBTQ playwrights.
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, the popular Tony Award-winning comedy by Christopher Durang, comes to Pasadena Little Theatre January 26 through February 11. And Well, an inventive memory play by Lisa Kron— who won a Tony Award for penning the book and lyrics to Alison Bechdel’s autobiographical Fun Home—comes to Studio 101 from January 18 through February 3.
The biggest hit of Durang’s long career, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, was performed at the Alley Theatre in 2014, and at several Houston-area community theaters since then. Revis Bell, an openly gay native Houstonian, saw the show at Theatre Southwest, where his friend and fellow gay thespian Jay Menchaca directed a much-lauded production in 2015. “I thought, ‘Oh, this will be great for us,’” Bell says. “The lead role of Vanya was played by (out actor) David Hyde Pierce on Broadway. You don’t find many lead characters who are gay—especially older gay characters. They always play the side roles, like Jack on Will and Grace.”
Bell snapped up the rights to Vanya for the 63rd season of Pasadena Little Theatre, Houston’s oldest community theater in continuous operation. “It promises to be very entertaining,” he says.
Vanya is a 50-something gay bachelor who lives a snug but uneventful life with his adopted spinster sister, Sonia, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. However, their imperious movie-star sister, Masha, sweeps in and threatens to upset their quaint little apple cart by selling the family homestead.
“She is accompanied by her 20-something boy toy,” Menchaca recalls. “I cast an actor who is incredibly beautiful and even-more-so well-hung. I put him in barely nothing, and let’s just say you could see his religion.”
At Pasadena Little Theatre, Bell has en-
trusted the role of Spike to handsome Edward Waddell, who played all eight male characters in that theater’s fall production of the Eric Overmeyer play On the Verge; or, The Geography of Yearning
Houston actor Steve Walker will play Vanya. “He is mild-mannered, even with his dry sense of humor,” Bell says. “However, at the very end he blows up with one of the most beautiful monologues ever.”
Kron’s play Well is being presented by Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company, which is dedicated to promoting women in theater, according to artistic director Jennifer Decker. “The production steps into the mind of Tony Award-winning playwright Lisa Kron with a thoughtful and funny examination of how our relationships with our community, family, and friends are reflected in our health,” Decker says.
Director Bree Bridger admits it’s “not a well-made play.” “Like life, it loses its place, comes together only to fall apart again, and has a broad scope,” Bridger says. “As the carefully crafted narrative unravels, we find what it takes to get a group of different people in any setting to improve their mutual well-being.”
Kron played herself in the 2004 off-Broadway production of Well, and again in 2006 on
Boy Problems
Vanya is a gay bachelor in his 50s who lives an uneventful life until his movie-star sister, Masha, sweeps in with her hunky partner, Spike, shown in Theatre Southwest’s 2015 production.
Broadway, where she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play.
Mildred’s Umbrella plans to transform Studio 101 at Spring Street Studios, in the heart of the Washington Avenue Arts District, into the lovely home where Kron grew up in Lansing, Michigan.
Noting the difficulty of describing the play and its subject matter, Bridger says, “Finding wellness in our lives and our community is more complicated than a self-help book, an online op-ed, or an inspirational hashtag can cover.”
Kron, who won a 2000 GLAAD Media Award for her autobiographical play 2.5 Minute Ride, is married to playwright Madeleine George, whose play The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence was a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the same year that Fun Home was nominated. The winner was The Flick by Annie Baker.
For more details on the two productions, visit pasadenalittletheatre.org or mildreds umbrella.com.
Don Maines is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
‘Prepare for the Slayage’
RuPaul’s Drag Race queens bring Werq the World Tour to Houston.
By Lourdes Zavaleta
Following a 16-city European tour and a run of 13 sold-out North American shows, the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race finally bring their Werq the World Tour to Houston on February 7.
Season 2 star Shangela Laquifa Wadley, a Texas native who is part of the tour, tells O utSmart that fans of the show have never seen anything quite like Werq the World. “Prepare for the slayage,” says Wadley, who will soon compete for the crown again in All Stars 3. “I hope y’all pin your weaves in tight, because my goal is to snatch everyone in the building bald.”
Hosted by Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, the show will feature performances by some of the series’ most unforgettable stars, including Wadley, Kim Chi, Detox, Latrice Royale, Peppermint, Valentina, and season 7 winner Violet Chachki.
The Houston show, originally set for the Wortham Center in October, was rescheduled and moved to Jones Hall following Tropical Storm Harvey in August.
Wadley says that with each extension of the tour, visual and mechanical components are modified and expanded to maximize the audience experience. Following the European tour, producers enhanced technical aspects of the show and doubled the number of backup dancers. “I want everybody who’s excited to get super-excited,” Wadley says. “This is a full-on production.”
The tour has been on pause since the end of November, and the Houston show will take place just days before the queens embark on a swing through Latin America.
Produced by Voss Events in collaboration with VH1 and World of Wonder, the tour’s shows are being held in larger venues and on stages with JumboTron screens, giving performances a concert-style feel.
Jones Hall will allow audience members to watch Werq the World from the comfort of their seats, with great views from anywhere in the theater. This will be a new experience for Hous-
ton Drag Race fans who may be accustomed to crowding around South Beach’s small stage at 1 a.m. when a Drag Race queen visits the city.
The Werq the World Tour, which features talent from five different seasons of the show, might even top War on the Catwalk, a season 9 reunion tour that stopped in Houston in September.
Wadley says Werq the World participants were selected based on live-performance ability and how well they interact with fans. “We selected queens who love to entertain,” Wadley says. “We also kept in mind queens who love their fans and are really in touch with [them]. This is a great opportunity for the girls to get in front of their fans in a different way.”
The set list for Werq the World includes Kim Chi lip-syncing to Korean pop in animéinspired clothing and makeup, Valentina Salsa dancing in traditional Mexican garb, and Violet Chachki doing her burlesque act.
Cakes for a Cause
Shangela and other Drag Race queens will donate a portion of proceeds from the show to the Montrose Center’s Hurricane Harvey LGBTQ Relief Fund.
Wadley says the performers empathize with Houston fans who were affected by Harvey, and they plan to make a donation to the Montrose Center’s LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Brandon Voss, the show’s producer, has even promised to match his cast’s donations to the Center. “As important as it is to keep Houston in our thoughts, there is a call to action here. We want to be involved,” Wadley says.
“Houston loves entertainment,” she adds. “I mean, it’s the home of Beyoncé. We can’t be anything less than super-fabulous.”
What: Rupaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour When: February 7, 9 p.m.
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Street Tickets: http://vossevents.com
Lourdes Zavaleta is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
Kings and Queens
Galveston Mardi Gras to feature trio of gay island leaders.
By Marene Gustin
Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration, the third-largest in the nation, is always a gay old time. This year, that will be true in another sense— with three openly gay participants playing prominent roles.
Frank Billingsley, chief meteorologist at KPRC-TV in Houston, will serve as grand marshal for the Krewe of Gambrinus’ annual nighttime parade that kicks off two weeks of festivities on Saturday, February 3. The parade typically draws about 300,000 people.
Billingsley previously served as grand marshal of the Krewe of Aquarius’ daytime parade in 2012, and rides on a float in the Momus Parade every year. “Parades are definitely my fa-
vorite part [of Mardi Gras], whether watching them and begging for beads or tossing them to everyone watching,” says Billingsley, who also served as grand marshal of the Houston Pride
‹ parade in 2013. “Kevin Gilliard, my husband, and I have a house in the historical district. We’ve been island weekenders since 2003 and love the food, the parties, the celebrations, and, mostly, the people.”
Meanwhile, island Realtor J. Roy Hall was recently crowned king for the Krewe of Gambrinus, and fellow Realtor Eric Gage was appointed public-relations director for the Krewe. “Having Frank as the grand marshal will be wonderful,” says Hall, who has lived in Galveston since 2003. “I’ve known Frank and Kevin since before they were married. And Eric is also a float captain this year. I believe I’m the first openly gay person to be named king, and I’m very proud of that fact.”
The Krewe, a nonprofit with more than ➝
‘Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler’ The Krewe of Gambrinus’ annual nighttime parade, set for February 3, typically draws 300,000 people.
Billingsley Gage Hall
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Kings and Queens
continued from previous page
300 members, has been hosting family-friendly Mardi Gras parades on Seawall Boulevard since 1989. Throughout the year, the Krewe supports tourism, underprivileged children, and the elderly with events like Mardi Gras parties at area nursing homes, and the Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa program.
“The Krewe of Gambrinus is celebrating its 29th Mardi Gras this year, and we would like to invite all to join us as we light up the night with this year’s theme, ‘Toys on Parade,’” Gage says.
Hall has been with the Krewe since 2006, and on the royal court for the last four years. Last year, he found the baby Jesus in his piece of king cake, thus making him King Gambrinus XXIX. His queen is Dee Stanforth Labuzan, a Galveston native. But the court has several other functions in addition to waving at the crowd from the parade float.
“As king, I lead the Krewe through all of the functions leading up to the parade,” Hall says. They include the Jester Circle dinner and dance, the Den Party sneak-preview of the floats, the Coronation Ball (January 27 and 28), and the Yaga Pre-Parade Party. And Hall says it’s not always easy work.
“The royal train weighs 79 pounds,” he says. “It’s pretty heavy.”
Hall, a past-president of the Galveston Association of Realtors, was named the island’s Realtor of the Year in 2009, and has sat on the boards of several professional groups. In add ition to the Krewe of Gambrinus, he is active in the Elks Lodge #126, the Galveston County Chamber of Commerce, Galveston Historical Foundation, and Mariner House Council. He married his partner of 14 years, Jesse Parra, last July in Galveston. They honeymooned in Hawaii and now enjoy the island life when they aren’t traveling.
This year will be Galveston’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration. The first was in 1867, and they continued until World War II, when the festivities became private events for four decades before being revived island-wide by George P. Mitchell in 1985.
This year, Galveston Mardi Gras is expected to draw more than 350,000 people from across the state and beyond. There will be more than 30 concerts, parades, balcony parties, and balls, and an estimated three million beads will be thrown from parade floats.
So if you want to celebrate one last time before giving up partying for Lent, head to the island in early February and laissez les bon temps rouler!
For a complete list of Galveston Mardi Gras events, visit mardigrasgalveston.com.
Marene Gustin is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean things are slowing down—at least not in Galveston.
The island is gearing up to party hard at Mardi Gras in February (see story on page 59). But first, foodies will flock to the annual Galveston Restaurant Week, which actually spans two weeks from January 6 to the 21st. Galveston.com & Company launched Galveston Restaurant Week seven years ago to boost tourism during an otherwise slow month, and to promote participating eateries. A portion of the proceeds from the event’s discounted, fixed-price menus will go to Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), a nonprofit that provides HIV/AIDS services in Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties.
“Our team has worked with the staff and clients of Access Care of Coastal Texas for years,” says Jim Cordell, vice president and chief creative officer of Galveston.com & Company. “It’s a wonderful service for those people in our community living with HIV or AIDS. The money donated by participating Restaurant Week eateries helps to provide healthy, nutritious meals for ACCT clients throughout the year.”
While proceeds from Galveston Restaurant Week will be used to fund Access Care’s meals program, the agency also offers free HIV testing, prevention counseling, health education and risk reduction, clothing, financial aid, housing and medication assistance, transportation, and volunteer services.
“We also have a free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program,” says Mark White, ACCT’s executive director. “And we also partner with the University of Texas Medical Branch here on the island, as well as the county health department, for services.”
Access Care of Coastal Texas was founded 37 years ago by a group of friends who banded together to help one another through the AIDS crisis. Coincidentally, 37 restaurants are participating in Galveston Restaurant Week in 2018.
“Last year, there were 35 participating
Sea of Savings
During Galveston Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy discounted prices on baked oysters at Gaido’s (clockwise from top left), a signature dish at Gumbo Diner, or the crab-stuffed tilapia at Fisherman’s Wharf.
restaurants, and they raised $3,500 for ACCT,” White says. “We’ve been the charity recipient for several years now, and we are very appreciative of the support. Plus, the community really seems to enjoy the event.”
And what’s not to enjoy? Diners can nosh on fresh Gulf seafood, sushi, steaks, pizza, Tex-Mex, and more. Seafood parlors, cafés on The Strand, and even some of the major tourist hotel restaurants are included.
“Galveston Restaurant Week is a simple and effective way for us to support our local community,” says Paul Schultz, vice president for hospitality at Landry’s, Inc. “We are thrilled to have nearly a dozen of our locations participate this year and help support the mission of Access Care of Coastal Texas.”
In addition to the Landry’s locations, participating eateries include longtime Galveston favorites such Gaido’s, Gumbo Diner, and Saltwater Grill. For a complete list, visit Galveston.com.
“The food in Galveston is just great,” says Houstonian Jennifer Olin, whose family has a vacation home on the island. “I think we’ve eaten at every restaurant on the list. Since we listed our house on Airbnb, I always let my guests know when something special is happening around town. Galveston Restaurant Week is one of those special events that our
guests really enjoy. I leave a list of our favorite restaurants and encourage them to try as many as possible. Even if folks are looking for an inexpensive weekend away, they can have a fabulous meal for so little money that it’s like an added bonus to their weekend fun.”
On top of all that, Galveston Restaurant Week diners who snap photos of their favorite dishes, drinks, or chefs and upload them to Galevston.com or Instagram (with the hashtag #GalvRW18) will be eligible to win a $500 grand prize. But the real prize is helping a worthy nonprofit group while enjoying the special prices.
“For such a small town, it’s amazing the number of quality restaurants we have here,” White says. “And the money they raise goes a long way toward helping us.”
No tickets are required for Galveston Restaurant Week, although reservations are suggested for the fixed-price menus. Two- and three-course dinners will be priced between $20 and $35; the two-course lunches, breakfasts, and brunches will cost between $10 and $20.
Galveston Restaurant Week is sponsored by O utSmart, Gordon Food Service, Prestige Oysters, Inc., and Houstonia magazine.
Marene Gustin is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
ASTROCAST 2018
What does 2018 have in store for you?
by Lilly Roddy
Lots of highs and lows are in store for 2018, especially in the latter half of the year. Not only do we have our usual three Mercury retrograde periods, but Mars and Venus will both go retrograde in the latter half of the year. To minimize the problems associated with these retrogrades, you might want to plan your more important activities for the first half of the year.
Mars is our initiator, and Venus is our commitment planet. When they are retrograde, it’s best to focus on past activities and possibly renewing those events. Partners from former relationships can also show up under this retrograde. Venus and Mars in retrograde will have the most impact on the fi xed signs of Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus. Mars is retrograde June through September, and Venus is retrograde September through December.
We also have two planets changing signs: Saturn will be moving into Capricorn, and Uranus into Taurus. These planetary sign changes are expressed as big shifts in attitude among the general population, moving toward more realistic and practical outlooks.
With the outer planets in earth and water signs this year, we can expect less conflict and divisiveness. However, politics do heat up in February, and that could be a big turning point for the U.S. This is the year of solutions, as disruptiveness dissipates.
Lilly Roddy has been an astrologer for the last 34 years. She counsels individuals in personal, business, and nancial matters, as well as lectures on astrology. Her original interest in astrology, like most people’s, was to come to a better understanding of who she was and how to make the most of her life. She continues to study all areas of astrology and metaphysics to expand her base of knowledge. Roddy’s approach is to bring together a mental, physical, and spiritual combination that has real application in the world. Roddy can be contacted at 713.529.5842 or lillycath@aol.com.
ARIES
M ARCH 21–APRIL 19
Those born under the sign of Aries are moving into a time of rebuilding and focusing on goals for the future. You will be feeling more decisive than ever.
Career activity is especially active. You will be taking on new responsibilities, looking for a promotion, or possibly starting your own business. Because of external conditions, the need for change is very strong. Conditions around your workplace have to improve—otherwise, you will be looking for some other place to ply your trade. You could easily become the agent of needed change for the company where you are presently employed. You are tapping into new and different resources and can open up a whole new path for yourself.
Relationships are under review during this time. For some of your relationships, you are looking to confirm the commitment as well as set new goals for the future. The relationships that don’t live up to your expectations will need to be improved or eliminated. Business relationships will get the most scrutiny throughout 2018; they will enjoy the clearest boundaries you’ve ever had in any type of relationship. In your existing romantic relationship, you are looking to renew the partnership, not bring it to an end. In any new romantic relationship, you will want to take it to the next level. Your financial picture is better this year, even though you are handling your finances conservatively. You will find it easier to borrow money for homes and businesses. This is also a very good year for you to attend classes or lectures to improve your existing skills. Since this is going to be a busy year, be sure and establish priorities so you will know what to do first.
TAURUS
April 20–May 20
Taureans are in for some big shifts and changes over the next seven years as Uranus, the planet of reinvention, enters your sign. During 2018, Uranus will be affecting those born in the first three days of the sign and those who have planets in the early degrees of Taurus. You may initially feel trapped or bored, but that is only an indication that you need to reinvent yourself. This will affect every aspect of your life—romance, career, and friendships. Uranus opens your mind to new ideas, points of view, and toward living a freer and less judgmental life.
Your community organizations and friends may cause you some stress from June through September. You may need to step up and defend your point of view. Some friends may prove to be really irritating, and you may have to draw a line in the sand. This can also be a time where you feel restless, don’t sleep as well, and overreact to normal situations. Exercise, meditation, or working in your garden will help you feel more centered.
GEMINI
May 21–June 21
Geminis will be more frequently finding a use for the Geminian gift for adaptability this year. Financially, you will be working on getting rid of debt, following a budget, and making safe and sound investments in your future. You are going to be much more aware of how you use and spend your money on a daily basis. You may even feel that you have less money, but in truth you are more conscious of what’s going on, and managing it much better. There could be some struggle over family money, or problems with probating a will.
Romantic relationships will require more care this year. You will want to know that you and your partner are working on the same general goals for the future. Differing financial values or money problems can be an indication that the two of you need to establish a meeting of the minds. In some serious cases, this can also represent a time where therapy might be a path toward a positive solution.
This is going to be a more social year for you that will draw in many new people, enhance your existing relationships, and open doors for career activities. Educational opportunities will also show up in 2018. Travel can be especially rewarding in the first half of the year.
Relationships will enter a period of testing and reevaluation from September through December. Some relationships will be stronger because of an increased sense of trust, while other relationships will come to an end.
Your self-confidence strengthens throughout the year. You will find it easier to trust yourself in the decisions you make.
Work is busy this year, and potentially hectic. There’s a lot of updating going on in your office or work environment. This is an excellent year for educational classes that improve your work skills. You will be needing a more creative outlet for your career— and for your personal expression as well. Spiritually, you have been opening up more and more. You may be looking for a belief system or religion that allows you the freedom of your own beliefs. You may find that you are drawn to new ways of eating, exercise, and becoming centered. Don’t let the needs of others compromise your desire to remain healthy.
Pay attention to your boundaries and put yourself first.
CANCER
JUNE
22–JULY 22
Relationships and long-term plans, including career evaluation, are your main focus this year. There is also a shift going on with your friends and your community associations. This is the year that you will examine how you generate your relationships. You will be looking more closely at your responsibility for the patterns you see in relationships that you have formed over the years. This will improve your clarity and help you maintain those relationships in a more conscious way. With all of your relationships, this year is a good time to make sure that everyone involved is working on the same goals. This applies in both personal and business spheres, but particularly with close friends. Throughout this time of evaluation, you may also find that some relationships are not working for you, and you will invest less time in those relationships. Overall, it is a good time for all long-term commitments, especially during the first half of the year.
This year you will also be interested in expanding your friendship base and finding something within your community that stimulates your inner activist. This energy is enhanced because your desire to be more social is also increasing. In any organization in which you get involved, you will want to be part of the action and not just a member of the audience.
Your creativity is especially strong in 2018. You may want to further your education, do some traveling, work on your memoirs, or start your own YouTube channel. Pay close attention to your finances from June through September. Overall, you are ready to make some decisions and move forward this year!
LEO
JULY 23–AUGUST 22
Starting this year, and over the next few years, you are going to take your career in a whole new direction. For some of you, this is a time when you may be starting your own business, developing some innovative software or apps, or simply finding your passion. If you’re older, this could be a time of letting go of lifelong responsibilities and seeking out your desires. No matter your profession, even i f you’re a stay-at-home mom, you will be looking for something to stimulate your cranial activity.
Property and real estate are also important this year. You are certainly working on making your home a more comfortable place. That might include moving and/ or purchasing a new home or some acreage. 2018 is a good year to heal past family schisms.
You are feeling more hopeful and optimistic about your future. This is also a good year for you to travel to visit family members, to interact more with your children, or to get involved with a local community organization.
You are also interested in rejuvenating your relationship and possibly adding a date night to your routine. Relationship problems can easily surface from June through September if you are not giving enough attention to your partner.
VIRGO
AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22
With Virgo being an earth sign, and the outer planets currently in earth and water signs, this should be a much better year for the Virgoans.
You are entering a creative cycle that will last about two years. If you have been looking for more personal fulfillment in your life, this year holds the possibility for you to express latent or forgotten talents. Since 2011, you have been looking for some sort of outlet that really resonates with your soul.
If you are a writer, teacher, or disseminator of information, this can be an excellent time for you to develop an Internet presence, expand your own education, write your autobiography, and/or connect with people from different cultures. Your writing and communication skills are very strong during the entire year.
Along with this, your problem-solving and reasoning skills are also functioning better than usual. You will also feel more like sharing your knowledge and information with others. This is an excellent time for you to move into a mentoring role, spend more time with your children or grandchildren, and even turn your hobby into a new career.
2018 is the year to pay more attention to your health and exercise routines. The demands of work can add a lot of stress to your life, and having a healthy outlet to relieve stress will yield good results. Get a checkup and start your year off right. 2018 is going to be a busy year!
In relationships, you will want to be more connected and more in tune with your partner. This can also be a time of personal awakening. You may see traits and aspects of your partner that you’ve been unaware of up until now. You are letting go of some of the obligations that you felt were essential in previous relationships. In a strong relationship, this is a way to get to know your partner better. For unstable relationships, the issues may be harder to overcome.
Use the creative energies this year to help you solve issues that have seemed unsolvable!
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 23
This is the beginning of a two-year rebuilding period. Since 2008, you’ve been going through a multitude of changes in all areas of your life, but especially focused on career and relationship stability.
The rebuilding process is going to start at the very foundations of your life. You may be considering moving or remodeling during 2018. There is also hierarchical change taking place within your family. The younger family members are taking on more of the traditions associated with family gatherings and holidays. Older family members are reassessing their own roles as they consider new career options or possibly retiring.
Libras born in the latter third of the sign are still going through a massive cleanout and downsizing. You will experience the rebuilding phase more markedly in the latter part of 2018 and into 2019.
For all Librans, this year is a time of reassessing and resetting your personal boundaries on multiple issues. At work, you will not be picking up after others as you have in the past. You will not go unappreciated or unnoticed in 2018. Otherwise, you are already working on your résumé.
Your current relationships, both business and personal, are also being reevaluated. With your romantic partner, you are looking to set new goals and directions to revitalize the relationship. With business relationships, you’re looking for the work to be distributed equally. You don’t want to feel as if you’re having to run the show alone. If your partners don’t respond, you may be looking for greener pastures. Pay attention to your boundaries, and don’t let yourself get overworked or used up.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24–NOVEMBER 21
This is going to be an especially busy year for Scorpios. Jupiter—the planet of growth, expansion, travel, continuing education, and optimism—has a very positive impact on you! The last time Jupiter was in Scorpio was from October 2005 through the end of 2006.
You are going to want your relationships, both personal and in business, to be more dynamic and more interesting! Relationships that are too restrictive may have you searching for greener pastures. If you’re single, there will be more opportunities to meet new people!
You are going to feel like being more socially active. This can be put to use by generating more business contacts, expanding your group of friends, or getting involved in community organizations.
This year, from September 16 through December 2, Venus will be retrograde in your sign. Venus has to do with our value systems, our commitments to ourselves and others, and what we desire most in life. This will be a very introspective period for you. With this aspect, you’re more likely to look at where you have been and not where you’re going. Any problems in relationships will likely show up at this time, so that you have the opportunity to address the issue and move on. This would also be an excellent time for you to review your investments, but not necessarily make any changes until after December 2.
With the eclipses that occur in January, this is an excellent time for you to promote your business, to consider moving, or shifting your whole career direction. This is a busy year. Enjoy yourself!
N OVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21
Finances will be one of your biggest focuses in 2018. This is an excellent year for you to review your investments, your salary, or the fees you charge others. This could be a good time to review your spending and put yourself on a budget. At work, you will want to be appreciated for what you know rather than just what you’re willing to do for your boss or customers. If you find that you are not respected, you may be looking elsewhere for a place to work where you are valued. This can also be a good year to turn a hobby into a moneymaking enterprise. You put some of your talents on the back burner when you were younger, because you didn’t see a way they could generate income. Now’s the time to take those ideas out of storage and find a practical use for them.
2018 will also find you upgrading your health and dietary regimens. You are particularly interested in new ideas and approaches to your health. This can also be a time when you are revamping your working conditions. You may be putting in new wireless systems that prepare your business to attract and serve a different clientele.
Home and family issues continue to demand attention. You may be feeling lonely and missing aspects of the family life of your past. This can also be a time when family secrets are revealed, and you find that some of your beliefs are invalid and/or based on false assumptions. This will increase your drive to get at the truth.
Toward the end of 2018, your overall energies get better, and you will begin to take action on your ideas.
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CAPRICORN
DECEMBER
22–JANUARY 19
This is a very significant year for Capricorns. Saturn, your ruling planet, enters its home sign, where it will hang around for approximately the next two and a half years. The last time Saturn moved through Capricorn was from 1988 through early 1991. Initially, you are going through a period of reevaluation to determine the future usefulness of everything and everyone in your life. You will expect people to be more mature and keep their commitments. If they don’t, you will not find time for them in your life.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18
T he two primary areas that will be the most active this year are your career and your home and family. You are looking to reinvent yourself in both areas.
With your career, this is an excellent time for self-promotion, starting your own business, expanding your education, or publishing your book. Over the last couple of years, you have been working on making what you do more personally satisfying. You could easily find yourself more connected to social media and stepping up your high-tech skills.
2018 is also a significant year for you to review and set new career aspirations. If you are younger, you will feel that you really need to step up your game and make something of your life. If you’re older, you may be putting less emphasis on your career and looking for activities that are more personally satisfying. Overall, you’re trying to make the best use of your resources, time, love, and money and get the most back on your investments.
For those Capricorns born in the last 10 days of the sign, your cleanout and overhaul is on a much larger scale. You are cutting ties with your past and exploring new ways to bring that spark back into your life.
Relationships are going through a period of review as well. This would be a good year to take your relationship to the next level, or possibly renew your vows. Relationships that don’t serve a purpose may not have a place in your life.
You are more creative and inventive this year. This will give you more original solutions and help as you push forward on your path.
This is also a more social year for you. You can easily connect your career goals with business groups and professional associations. You can make friends and do more networking. If you are looking for a mentor or looking to mentor others, you can also make a lot of connections in this area of your life.
With Mars, the planet of action, going retrograde in your sign from June through September, you will want to start your projects before June. Then June through September can be a time to review your strategy and determine how well you’re accomplishing your goals.
Mars remains in your sign through the middle of November. You will find that you’re not sleeping as well, and you may need to exercise more to burn off some energy. Venus, planet of love and money, goes retrograde in your career sector from September through early December. This is a good time to review your salary, the trust you have in work relationships, and what you spend your money on.
Get your projects started from January through June so you have time to review them with the Mars and Venus retrogrades in the last half of the year.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20
2018 is a year of opportunities for Pisceans. The planets are in a positive position for you over the next couple of years. During this period, it will be easier to get things done.
This is an especially good year to improve and/or supplement your education. You are mentally more receptive to new ideas. This can be an especially creative time if you are an artist or writer. The first half of 2018 is best for travel and studying abroad. You are interested in diversifying your cultural views.
Professional business groups can be especially beneficial in 2018 and 2019. It is a particularly good time for you to take on leadership roles. Over the past few years, you disconnected yourself from friends and groups that had outlived their usefulness. You will be very selective about where you invest your time and support. Pay attention to your boundaries, so you don’t take on too much. If the organization isn’t fulfilling your expectations, pick up your blocks and go home.
You’ll also find that it’s easier for you to communicate your ideas. You are feeling freer to speak up, even when your views push the boundaries. This is an additional circumstance that helps you open up to new ideas and new points of view, but in a daily process. It will be easier for you to work with electronic devices and social media. You will change your daily habits so that your life is freer and you have fewer obligations.
With Neptune, your ruling planet, journeying through Pisces until March 2025, your journey of self-discovery continues. As you let go of past beliefs, it becomes easier to live in your own truth. n
“As
Love without Borders
Tiffany Turner and Kira Bilecky have visited 16 countries in three-and-a-half years together.
Written in Stone Kira Bilecky, left, and Tiffany Turner were married at the Bell Tower on 34th Street, which features a wine-cellar-inspired ballroom and a stone courtyard.
By Henry V. Thiel
Tiffany Shay Turner says she met Kira Marie Bilecky at a friend’s painting class at the H.E.B. in Montrose, where they were both attempting to create their first masterpieces. Bilecki, meanwhile, says they met at a mutual friend’s birthday party.
But it doesn’t really matter who is right, because Bilecky was seeing someone at the time and Turner was on a sabbatical from dating. That meant they would just be friends for the next 11 months.
“Our first date was really not a first date—to Tiffany, at least,” says the 31-year-old Bilecky, who works as a logistics and customer-service manager at Shell. “She still calls it our ‘date non-date.’” Bilecky asked Turner if she wanted to grab dinner, and since they were already friends, she suggested hot dogs. As soon as she realized that hot dogs were not great first-date material, she threw in a concert featuring an acoustic duo at a local venue.
what she knew I’d love. It went nothing like she planned, and she rolled with it perfectly.”
Turner says she knew Bilecky was the one when she met her family and got to see her in her “natural habitat.”
“Kira lights up when she’s around her family, and I knew I wanted to be a part of who she calls family,” Turner says.
After they ran barefoot to the car, Bilecky opened the door for Turner and kissed her in the pouring rain. “It was a movie-worthy moment, and completely magical,” Turner says.
“I knew Tiffany was the one when I found out that she could keep up with my desire to travel, and my style of exploration traveling,” Bilecky says. “We’ve visited 16 countries in just three-and-a-half years.”
tional father/daughter dances because her dad was not a part of her life growing up. When Bilecky’s father found this out, he asked Turner if he could dance with both brides. After Bilecky joined her dad for the dance (where he whispered in her ear that she couldn’t have chosen a better spouse), he opened his arms wide and invited Turner to join them. “The image of him, with his arms opened wide and a smile on his face, is exactly what it is supposed to feel like to dance with your dad on your wedding day,” Turner says.
Bilecky describes the 37-year-old Turner, an HES manager at Chevron, as extremely kind and giving, with a vibrant, approachable glow. “That’s pretty opposite to my outwardly stern disposition—which lured Tiffany in quickly,” Bilecky jokes.
They continued to see each other until it dawned on Turner that Bilecky was asking her out more than a normal friend would. Even though Turner had to admit to herself that she was attracted to Bilecky and they were really connecting, her biggest question was how they would transition from friends to something more. Bilecky soon showed her by planning a real first date to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple where they attended an outdoor sunset meditation. But as soon as they settled in, the wind picked up and the sky turned from a warm orange to a threatening dark-blue. After they ran barefoot to the car, Bilecky opened the door for Turner and kissed her in the pouring rain. “It was a movie-worthy moment, and completely magical,” Turner says. “Kira doesn’t usually appear vulnerable in front of people, and this date focused on
While attending an opening party for the renovated Buffalo Bayou Park, with the downtown Houston skyline in the background, Bilecky got down on one knee and asked Turner if she would marry her. Bilecky says her exact words are hard to recall because she was so nervous, but Turner’s response was memorable: “Are you f--ing serious?! . . . Yes!”
A few days later, Turner added another member to their family, Minnie, knowing that the canine “fur baby” would make a perfect prop for Turner’s own proposal to Bilecky a few months later, with Christmas lights as a backdrop.
Bilecky and Turner decided to wed at the Bell Tower on 34th Street in Houston, which is close to their home and convenient for family and friends coming from all over the world. They wanted a venue with both indoor and outdoor elements, in case the weather didn’t cooperate. The Bell Tower has a beautiful wine-cellar-inspired ballroom and is connected to a stone courtyard featuring trees adorned with twinkling lights. They tied the knot in October 2016, with Bilecky’s brother, Raul, as the officiant.
Turner had planned to sit out the tradi-
After the wedding, the couple realized they had not said the words “I do” because they had crafted an original script and kept the ceremony simple. Wine is one of their shared passions, so they chose to have a wine ceremony with Gibran’s quote to guide them: “Love one another, but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.”
Part of the ceremony required them to pour red wine into each other’s glasses, which was a nail-biter since they did it while wearing white wedding gowns. Thankfully the gowns came through unscathed.
They also broke with tradition by having both of Bilecky’s parents give her away, while Turner’s sister gave her away. They decided to forgo bridesmaids in favor of asking family members to form the bridal party. All three wedding speeches—one from each of the brides, and one from a former roommate—included references to the Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson, even though Bilecky has still never seen an episode of the show.
The couple honeymooned in South Africa and Mozambique, where they fell in love with penguins and South African wines. They currently reside in the Heights, and are awaiting a visit from the stork.
Henry V. Thiel is a frequent contributor to OutSmart magazine. He loves weddings.
Beautifully Matched
Stylist Abraham Lozano and makeup artist Ivan Aguilar were designed for each other.
By Henry V. Thiel
Abraham Lozano and Ivan Aguilar met the modern way, via a dating website in October 2012. Lozano says he quickly realized they were compatible “because all we talked about was food and shopping, and because I couldn’t think about anything else but him.”
Both men were born in Mexico and raised in Houston. Lozano, 33, is a well-known stylist who discovered his passion for hair and skin while studying business administration in college. Following his heart, he enrolled in cosmetology school. He found happiness and a new career, and has become known for his chic and modern hair designs.
Aguilar, 29, began his career in his late teens after discovering his ability to enhance women’s beauty by doing makeup for friends. Today, he is a veritable celebrity in the Latino community—an in-demand makeup artist known for his contouring and corrective services. His live videos with makeup tips and trends are seen in most Latin American countries.
As a styling team, Lozano and Aguilar have worked with a multitude of celebrities, includ-
ing Ms. Universe Alicia Machado, Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, and former professional wrestler Summer Rae. Together, they own Makeup by Diego, a studio in Houston’s EaDo district.
Both Lozano and Aguilar enjoy doing romantic things such as getting surprise tickets to a Pink Martini concert, followed by a dinner for two.
“But the most romantic thing ever,” Lozano says, “was when Ivan proposed to me on Christmas Eve, just three months after we met, with a beautiful diamond ring while we were sitting in his car in a parking lot.”
Lozano’s immediate answer was “yes.” Then and there, they pledged to build a life together, vowing that despite any differences, they would never let each other go.
“We didn’t just fall in love with each other,” Aguilar says. “We walked into love with each other. We chose each step along the way and are proud to show the world that ‘love is love,’ and that everyone is free to choose who you love.”
They were married by judge Fredericka Phillips in her downtown courtroom in
July 2017. They spent the next five months planning an intimate wedding reception for their family and friends at Hotel Zaza. Their goal was to make sure the event reflected their personalities.
They chose the 11th-floor ballroom for its amazing views of downtown Houston, and decorated each table with centerpieces overflowing with hundreds of roses from the Mansion of the Flowers.
While the grooms dressed, guests were served champagne cocktails that had been created especially for the evening, while a live saxophonist played smooth jazz in the background.
Aguilar says an unforgettable moment came seconds before the couple entered the reception. “To calm our nerves, we chugged a few shots of straight whiskey. Instead of feeling relaxed, we both wanted to throw up,” he says.
When Lozano and Aguilar walked in, dressed in pink tuxedos, they were greeted with a standing ovation, cheers, and applause. As they walked to the dance floor, a magical cloud of dry-ice fog enveloped them as they began their first dance to Beyoncé’s “At Last.”
Not Just Cosmetic Ivan Aguilar, left, and Abraham Lozano have found plenty in common beyond their careers, from food and shopping to a passion for romance.
“It was all very emotional,” Aguilar says. “I couldn’t hold back my tears. I cried like a baby.”
Their mothers soon joined them on the dance floor for “Me Cambiaste la Vida” by Rio Roma.
Guests were served a three-course dinner featuring green pozole soup, braised short ribs accompanied by grilled asparagus and au gratin potatoes, and a four-tiered cake with layers of walnut, vanilla, coconut, and strawberry, all decorated with sugar flowers.
Between bites and sips, the guests hit the dance floor as the DJ played their favorite salsa, cumbia, and ’90s pop music. They all danced the traditional sea-snake dance, or “Vibora de la Mar.”
For the evening’s finale, the couple arranged for a 30-minute drag show featuring Latino impersonators. “Drag is part of our culture,” Aguilar says, “and our guests loved the singing, dancing, and every shake and shimmy.”
“The evening was intense,” Lozano adds, “but we were so happy at the same time because it was our night.”
The couple currently resides in a cozy EaDo townhome, and will honeymoon this month in their favorite “foodie capital,” New York City.
Henry V. Thiel is a frequent contributor to OutSmart magazine. He loves New York City in the spring.
Experience Understanding
▼ Daryl Metcalfe
(The Huffi ngton Post, 12.5.17, Sebastian Murdock)
During a [December 5] meeting [chaired by Republican state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County], Democratic state Rep. Matt Bradford of Montgomery County was discussing a bill on land use when he gently—and very briefly— laid a hand on Metcalfe’s arm.
“Representative Bradford,” Metcalfe said after being touched. “Look, I’m a heterosexual. I have a wife, I love my wife. I don’t like men, as you might. But stop touching me all the time.”
Surprised by the reaction, Bradford began laughing—as did several of their colleagues.
Metcalfe continued: “It’s like, keep your hands to yourself. Like, if you want to touch somebody, you have people on your side of the aisle that might like it. I don’t.”
Bradford ceded his time to talk about the bill after the outburst, saying, “I don’t know where we go from here.”
“I’m like the suburban Dem, with a wife and four kids himself,” Bradford [told Hu Post]. “Not that [my sexuality] matters, but [openly gay Democratic Rep. Brian] Sims and I were laughing about it.”
Jeremy Slater
( Pink News, 12.5.17, Nick Duffy)
The showrunner of the Fox TV series The Exorcist has told fans who were upset about a gay kiss exactly where they can go. The Fox show, which recently returned for a second season, is a successor to the 1973 horror fi lm. A recent episode of the show confi rmed that one of the main characters, former priest Father Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels), is bisexual. The character was shown kissing a man, provoking an angry response from some of the show’s fans who did not realize the character’s sexuality. But asked about the backlash, showrunner Jeremy Slater had a rather direct and profane response. Speaking to Sci-Fi Bulletin, he said: “I saw a couple of homophobes on Twitter and my response is, ‘Good. F**k you. I’m glad you didn’t like it, I’m glad it ruined the show for you. .’ This is 2017 and we still have people throwing temper tantrums on line because they don’t want to see gay characters. I think it’s the last gasp of a certain breed of dinosaur that’s on the way out, and let them kick and scream as they go.” Mr. Slater emphasized that most fans reacted positively to the kiss.
The Exorcist, didn’t hold back in his response to homophobic remarks about a kiss between two of the show’s characters (inset). ‹
“F**k You” Jeremy Slater, showrunner of the Fox TV series
Queer Quotes
Compiled by Blase DiStefano
Homophobic, Transphobic, Racist, Sexist, Xenophobic Republican state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (l) was suspiciously freaked out by being barely touched by another man, in this case Democratic state Rep. Matt Bradford (c). Metcalfe’s rant came out of the blue and shocked the female colleague at far right, who then covered her face, from either embarrassment or laughter (inset). Gasps and laughter were audible throughout the room.
▼Brian Sims (Pennsylvania’s fi rst openly gay legislator) responds on Facebook: Holy #$^%, this is real! On the same day that the Pa. House Republicans are trying to fast track the most anti-trans bill in the country, their head bigot, PA State Representative Daryl Metcalfe, disrupted a State Government Committee meeting this morning - about a land use bill! - to loudly declare his heterosexuality! You can’t make this stuff up! The most homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, xenophobic member of our government is using legislative time, and tax payer dollars, to interrupt a meeting to announce his sexual orientation.
THIS is what dealing with Republicans in Pennsylvania has become. THIS is why they’re attacking our youngest and most vulnerable members of the LGBT community. THIS is what a broken moral compass, combined with gerrymandered, false leadership, looks like.
Martha Stewart
(Between the Lines News, 12.4.17, Chris Azzopardi)
Chris Azzopardi: Martha Stewart Weddings magazine famously introduced samesex couples into its pages in 2009, with Jeremy Hooper and Andrew Shulman sharing their vows with family and friends in Litchfi eld, Connecticut. Why was it important to be at the forefront of marriage equality in that way, and what did that moment mean to you?
Martha Stewart: I believe in “all men are created equal.” I think I go back to the 1860s, and before! ( Laughs) And I don’t think any compromise is necessary. I think it’s absolutely a fact that all men are created equal, and so I just treated people like equals my entire life. Equals in every single way, no matter what their proclivity is or what their sexuality is, or their color or their race. It doesn’t matter to me.
Compromise Unnecessary
Martha Stewart was at the forefront of marriage equality in 2009.
By Gregg Shapiro
‘Battle of the Sexes’
No love lost.
Battle of the Sexes, about the famed Astrodome tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973, is that rare movie that successfully combines biography, sports, and queer subject matter for a thoroughly entertaining and educating experience. First and foremost, credit goes to co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Oscar-winner for Little Miss Sunshine ). Even though we know the outcome (King walloped Riggs, the selfdescribed “male chauvinist pig”), the movie manages to make their historic match feel fresh and exhilarating.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy ( Slumdog Millionaire ) also deserves his due, even with some of the liberties he took in glamorizing the story for the big screen. The fact that it’s handled with large doses of humor and sensitivity prevents Battle of the Sexes from feeling as misogynistic and hopeless as, say, the 2016 presidential election.
Battle of the Sexes begins in 1972, when King (Emma Stone) was a reigning U.S. tennis champion and the most successful women’s tennis player of all time. Even Richard Nixon took time out from his Watergate scheming to call her and congratulate her on her triumph. Regardless of her successes, King was paid far below what she was worth. When King and World Tennis Magazine publisher Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman) joined forces to confront tennis promoter Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman), little did they realize what they would be setting into motion. In addition to founding the Women’s Tennis Association, they were also able to secure a corporate sponsorship (Virginia Slims cigarettes, ironically) and stand up for themselves against the men who were determined to keep them subservient.
The focus on the personal lives of King and Riggs is what truly gives Battle of the Sexes its emotional artillery. The buffoonish Riggs (Steve Carell), long past his tennis glory days, is stuck in an office job in a company run by the wealthy father of his second (and third) wife, Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue). He’s a gambling addict, and doesn’t seem too concerned that even
Counterclockwise from top: Billie Jean King (Emma Stone, l) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) arm wrestle for publicity; Ted (Alan Cumming, l) and Henry (Wallace Langham) give some queer perspective; and Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough) and King (Stone) share some sexual tension in the fi lm Battle of the Sexes ‹
though he’s a loving father, his marriage is on the rocks. Seeing King on TV only exacerbates the situation, leading him to return to tennis by challenging stuffy Australian tennis pro Margaret Court (Jessica McNamee), whom he trounces and humiliates.
King’s story is the heart of the fi lm. Married to tennis promoter Larry King (Austin Stowell), who was by her side throughout her meteoric rise, Billie Jean confronts her same-sex attraction when she meets L.A.-based hairdresser Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough). The sexual tension of their first meeting, and the intimacy they soon explore, is a reminder of how different things were for queer people more than 40
years ago. Stone’s performance is breathtaking, culminating in a moving locker-room breakdown scene. The gay Greek chorus of tennis courtiers Ted (Alan Cumming) and Henry (Wallace Langham) provides additional queer perspective and wisdom.
Blu-ray+DVD+digital bonus features include three featurettes “Raw Footage: Billie Jean’s Grand Entrance,” “Reigniting the Rivalry,” and “Billie Jean King: In Her Own Words,” as well as image galleries. Fox Searchlight (foxsearch light.com).
Gregg Shapiro is a regular contributor to OUTSMART magazine.
Hail to the King
candles. All sessions even include a workout segment for arms. While the standard session lasts 45 minutes, longer classes are also available.
Although these features certainly differentiate SoulCycle from standard spin, what renders the ride most compelling is the individual attention from the instructors, as well as the inspirational and practical motivational strategies. Hence, the “soul” component and the most delightful paradox of your experience: you leave exhausted, but simultaneously energized and ready to take on the challenges of the day.
From the beginning, a major pillar of the brand was its emphasis on community—and this spirit of inclusiveness manifests itself loudly and proudly. As SoulCycle devotee Ricky Saavedra puts it, “SoulCycle is a commun ity of yes It’s a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.”
Unsurprisingly, SoulCycle has become a second home for many LGBTQ Houstonians who are among the studio’s members, instructors, and employees. “What drew me to Soul?” ponders team member Alberto Lopez, who immigrated from Mexico and now lives with his partner in Houston. “Everyone is welcome here. I tell people, ‘It doesn’t matter if you’re not in great shape. We’ll help you. You belong. We want you.’”
In June, SoulCycle riders and staff constructed an elaborate flat for the Houston Pride parade. Team member Peru Flores recalls riding on the float as a particularly meaningful moment for him. Born in Cuzco, Flores joined SoulCycle in New York City, and his passion for the company led him to accept a transfer to H-town. When he’s not on the bike, he leads the Career Offenders, an up-andcoming comedy troupe.
Many riders not only gain spiritual satisfaction, but are also inspired to become instructors. A case in point is Austin Cope, who found himself “hooked” after his first class in New York. He eventually completed the intense training required to lead riders from the podium. Cope explains his love affair with SoulCycle: “For me, as a gay man, it’s been the coolest and most inspiring place to work and grow. With everything going on in the world, SoulCycle can be a place where you just disconnect from the noise and have a safe space for 45 minutes or an hour to not only work out, but mentally decompress. Or, do the complete opposite: work your s--t out and cry and be angry and let things go. Regardless of who you are or what you’re going through, it’s a shared human experience that’s elevated by a workout.”
Joanna O’Leary is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
By Gregg Shapiro
The Year Was 1977
Disco fever.
It was the year that one-hit wonder Debby Boone spent 10 weeks in the number-one spot on the Billboard charts with her syrupy-sweet hit single “You Light Up My Life.” 1977 was also the last time that rock, disco, and punk could be described as peacefully co-existing. Three albums from that transitional year have been reissued in fancy and fantastic expanded box sets to commemorate the 40th anniversary of each.
In some ways, with their involvement in the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees simultaneously celebrated disco while forever changing their own creative history. Prior to SNF, the Bee Gees (Gibb brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice) were an Australian pop trio who owed a considerable debt to The Beatles. This is especially true of the first chapter of their career during the mid- to late-1960s. For a variety of personal and professional reasons, the Bee Gees were more or less absent from stateside radio until 1975 and the release of Main Course, successfully launching their second R&B-influenced chapter with a trio of hits “Jive Talking,” “Nights on Broadway,” and “Fanny (Be Tender with My Love).” The follow-up album, 1976’s Children of the World, was particularly momentous because of the straightforward disco tune “You Should Be Dancing,” which would soon resurface in Saturday Night Fever
If you can’t decide which is more essential, the movie or the soundtrack, Saturday Night Fever: Super Deluxe (Capitol/UMe) solves that problem for you. Included in the attractively packaged box set are two versions of the soundtrack. The first is the double LP set, restoring the music to its original vinyl setting. The double CD compresses the entire soundtrack onto one disc and includes a second disc of Serban Ghenea mixes of “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing.”
There is also a Blu-ray disc containing the director’s cut of the film. Directed by John Badham, it was the movie that earned John Travolta his first Oscar nomination and showed off his dancing skills (as well as his assets in black briefs and tight polyester pants). Considering that disco was born in gay clubs and continued to thrive there long after various backlashes (including Chicago’s humiliating 1979 “Disco Demolition” event), Saturday Night Fever was shockingly homophobic. Producer Robert Stigwood was a gay man, but that didn’t prevent antigay remarks (including one aimed at David Bowie) from making its way into the film. Additional goodies include a movie poster, stills, a “story behind the movie” booklet, and
a turntable mat with the Saturday Night Fever logo. Mirror balls are sold separately.
Like the Bee Gees, Queen was a band that had distinctive periods in its career, from progenitors of British prog and metal to rock operetta and glam and eventually to pure pop, even incorporating elements of dance music. Queen already had substantial hits under its low-slung, jewel-encrusted belt, including “Killer Queen,” “Bohemian Rhap-
sody,” and “Somebody to Love,” when it released News of the World in 1977.
The robotic monster on the album cover is a perfect illustration of the force Queen would unleash with the album. News of the World: 40th-Anniversary Edition (Hollywood Records), features a “new pure-analogue cut” of the vinyl LP, three CDs (including the 2011 Bob Ludwig master), an 11-track disc of “Raw Sessions,” as well as a 19-track bonus disc and the DVD documentary The American Dream. The album opens with the semi-linked tracks “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” Queen probably didn’t realize the way these songs would become ingrained in contemporary culture. “Sheer Heart Attack” (also the name of the band’s 1974 album) came close to capturing the punk spirit of the time. “All Dead, All Dead,” “Spread Your Wings,” and “My Melancholy Blues” fit well into Queen’s trademark blend of rock and theater, whereas “Get Down, Make Love” hinted at an experimental side.
The handsomely assembled Queen package also includes marvelous ephemera such as a reproduction of the original Elektra Records press kit (including 8x10 pics), three posters, stickers, an “all-access” laminate, and a 60-page book. Sadly, the gay Mercury’s untimely passing in 1991 silenced one of the greatest voices and most magnetic personalities that rock music has ever seen or heard.
Back in the mid- to late-’70s in the burgeoning world of punk rock, it was not uncommon for bands to put out albums in close succession. Talking Heads, Blondie, The Clash, and Elvis Costello are a few good examples. So are the Ramones, whose debut album was released in 1976, followed soon after by two albums in 1977. Leave Home: 40th-Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Sire/Rhino), the first of the Ramones’ two 1977 albums, has been reissued in a deluxe limited-edition package. The set includes Ed Stasium’s remastered stereo version and a 40thanniversary mix of the original album on both 180gram vinyl and CD. It includes Ramones standards such as “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment,” “Oh, Oh I Love Her So,” “Glad to See You Go,” “Pinhead,” “I Remember You,” “Swallow My Pride,” and “Suzy Is a Headbanger.” A second disc features the Sundragon Rough Mixes and 14 bonus tracks, while the third disc boasts a 1977 concert recorded live at New York’s CBGB club.
Gregg Shapiro is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
‘True Sex’
The lives of trans men at the turn of the 20th century.
One of These Things First
Steven Gaines
For years, Steven Gaines suffered from nervous tics, obsessions, and compulsions. This was humiliating, but a dawning knowledge that he was a “homo” was much more distressing. It was downright disgraceful, in fact, and so Gaines cut himself badly, and ended up in a hospital with a referral to a regional psychiatric facility. On a late winter day in 1962, at the age of 15, Gaines entered Payne Whitney. He was scared, but it was something he’d asked for, knowing that he was trading one shame (homosexuality) for another (being a “mental patient”) but hoping that it might stop his obsessions with counting, and with other boys. Beginning in a lady’s garment store, author Gaines takes readers back in time so precisely and so vividly that you can almost smell 18th Avenue, Brooklyn. There’s a distinct feeling of Hollywood movie to that; in fact, Gaines includes bits of his film-fan childhood as plot, but that nostalgia has a flip-side: the shame and need that a 1960s-era gay adolescent might experience comes through the earliest part of the story, sharp, clear, and squirming; the latter half of this book is more lighthearted, but still discomforting. So why read it? Because it’s irresistible and compelling. Because it’s triumphant. Because One of These Things First, now in paperback, is an enormously good memoir. Delphinium Books (delphiniumbooks .com). Terri Schlichenmeyer
Always be yourself. Pretty much since grade school, that’s what you’ve been told. Take a breath, and you do you. People like you the way you are. You don’t have to try to be someone you’re not. Always be yourself although, as you’ll see in True Sex by Emily Skidmore, that may well have caused gossip a century ago.
In 1902, women in the United States could not legally vote. Many couldn’t hold property or get credit, and joining the military was likewise forbidden. None of that was a concern to Harry Gorman, though: well-traveled, adventuresome, and married, Gorman lived in Buffalo, New York, where he was known as a good man.
Except that Gorman was anatomically a woman.
That surely came as a surprise to doctors, jailers, and undertakers who discovered the secrets of Gorman and men like him. But Skidmore says that the opposite is true of everyday folks, as evidenced by articles in many small-
‹
True Sex: The Lives of Trans Men at the Turn of the 20th Century by Emily Skidmore 2017
New York University Press (nyupress.org)
253 pages
$27
town newspapers: locals often knew the “true sex” of trans men in their midst, and didn’t much seem to care.
Skidmore reveals that many trans men in the late 1800s and early 1900s married, perhaps to cement their appearance as “good men” in their towns. Once discovered, they were often known in the press as “female husbands” because the term “lesbians” hadn’t taken hold yet and at that time, women were largely believed to be asexual or unable to be passionate. So even though small-town Americans may have been titillated, they weren’t quite as naïve as we might think they were.
Perhaps because the science of sexology was still in its infancy and words were lacking, many of the men explained their actions as a way to make a living, or because it was more comfortable to dress and live as a man. Some didn’t explain at all, while others said
they lived as men to take advantage of the rights that men had, and in order to avoid embarrassing their new wives. In many cases that Skidmore found, those reasons didn’t matter to neighbors. However, intolerance was never far away.
When one considers the pre-Stonewall attitudes toward LGBT individuals, it’s quite eye-opening to know that tolerance was practiced well before discrimination was. It gives you more respect for your elders and yet, as you’ll see in True Sex, laissez-faire attitudes weren’t widespread. Using the tales garnered from newspaper accounts of the day, author Emily Skidmore shows how small-town residents around the turn of the last century viewed trans men and at the same time, the women who loved women. Not only are those stories fascinating, but they contain a certain quaintness that belies what can be read between the lines. The newspapers indeed had a lot to say, but there was an equal amount that they didn’t say, and that readers, Skidmore believes, surely implicitly understood.
This book veers off into the scholarly now and then; even so, it’s readable by anyone who’s interested in this history. If that’s you, True Sex is a book you’ll want for yourself.
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 Emily Skidmore
Jos N. Banks. Jos is a big part of me now.” The pseudonym’s “downside,” he says, is that some people assume it refers to the JoS. A. Banks men’s clothing store.
As Lola, Banks wears costumes by Tony Award winner Gregg Barnes, but he does his own makeup before each performance. “It helps me, because I am putting Lola on,” he says.
In the 2005 British movie on which the 2013 musical is based, Lola arm-wrestles Don, the macho foreman of the factory that makes the drag queens’ boots in the title of the show. “Broadway is more glitz and glamour, so instead of arm-wrestling, Lola and Don duke it out onstage,” Banks says. “We even have an actual boxing ring.”
What Don doesn’t know is that Lola was trained to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee by her father, who was a professional boxer.
To prepare himself for the boxing scene, Banks says, “I watched a lot of YouTube videos of Muhammed Ali. I watched his stance.”
To perform the show’s eleventh-hour ballad, “Hold Me in Your Heart,” Banks studied Whitney Houston’s performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
“Ironically, I have never really done drag,” Banks says. “I love the craft and the talent. I’m a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race But out of respect, I didn’t want to do it until I could do it in a big way. How much bigger can you get than a Broadway show?”
Kinky Boots was the biggest hit of the 2012–13 Broadway season, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and buoyant show tunes by Grammy Award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who won the Tony for Best Score. The show also won Best Musical and Best Choreography for its openly gay director Jerry Mitchell, Leading Actor in a Musical for Billy Porter as Lola, in addition to awards for Orchestrations and Sound Design. Among its other accolades is the 2014 Grammy for Best Musical Album.
Kinky Boots is the third national tour for Banks, following his performance as Harpo in The Color Purple and Hud in Hair, which played Austin in 2014. “I’m thrilled to get back to Texas,” he says. “I loved Austin. Everybody was so sweet, and the barbecue was the bomb.”
Information about Project Semicolon (written as Project ;) and how it fosters suicide prevention through greater access to mentalhealth services can be found at projectsemi colon.com.
What: Kinky Boots, presented by Society for the Performing Arts
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Street
When: January 19–21
Tickets: SPAHouston.org or 713.227.4772.
Don Maines is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
Photos by Dalton DeHart & Edgardo Aguilar
• John Duncan, U.S. Representative, District 6, Arlington
• Mary Wilson, U.S. Representative, District 21, Austin
• Mauro Garza , U.S. Representative, District 21, San Antonio
• Gina Ortiz Jones, U.S. Representative, District 23, San Antonio
• Eric Holguin, U.S. Representative, District 27, Corpus Christi
• Vanessa Edwards Foster, U.S. Representative, District 27, Houston
• Steve Kirkland, Justice, Texas Supreme Court, Place 2, Houston
• Charles Spain, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 4, Houston
• Mark Phariss, State Senator, District 8
• Fran Watson, State Senator, District 17, Houston
• Shannon McClendon, State Senator, District 25, Dripping Springs
• Dylan Forbis, State Representative, District 29, Pearland
• Candace Aylor, State Representative, District 47, Austin
• Celia Israel, State Representative, District 50, Austin (incumbent)
• Mary Gonzalez, State Representative, District 75, El Paso (incumbent)
• Armando Gamboa, State Representative, District 81, Odessa
• Finnigan Jones, State Representative, District 94, Arlington
• Jessica Gonzalez, State Representative, District 104, Dallas
• Jenifer Pool, State Representative, District 138, Houston
• Cooke Kelsey, District Judge, 113th Judicial District, Houston
• Tonya Parker, District Judge, 116th Judicial District, Dallas (incumbent)
• Beau Miller, District Judge, 190th Judicial District, Houston
• George Arnold, District Judge, 281st Judicial District, Houston
• James Kovach, Judge, Harris County Civil Court-at-Law No. 2, Houston
Why give your money to a business that does not support diversity?
Whether you’re looking for the butcher, the baker, or the candlestick maker, OUTSMART can help you find equality-minded businesses that appreciate you and provide vital community support.
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.
taking this process a lot more seriously than you have in past yearly cycles. Career goals and career advancement are especially significant this month, and for the entire year. You are moving forward, but you are being extra-cautious with each step. Toward the middle of the month, finances become the lead item on the menu. This month is a good time to get your financial matters in order and try to free yourself from debt.
AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18). As 2018 begins, you are taking a break from all of the holiday activities and retreating to a place of sanity. Although your career area continues to be very active through the end of the month, you are pacing yourself and may feel more comfortable working behind the scenes. This is an excellent month for yoga or tai chi. As we approach the end of the month, you move out of the retreat phase and your energy levels return. The eclipse on the 31st activates relationships, so there could be a new person coming into your life if you
are single. If you are involved, there may be new work and social opportunities for your partner. You are going to be more social this year.
PISCES (February 19–March 20). December and January are always more socially active times for you, and this year is no exception. You may want to take a leadership position if you’re involved in a community or business organization. You feel that you can add some order and help them accomplish things more easily. The organization will also provide you with a level of support for your own projects. But you will be very choosy about which organization you select. By midmonth, you need some time to yourself even though the activity in your career sector gets very busy after the 27th. It may be hard to find time for yourself. Having a workout at the gym or going for a run may be a very positive way to channel this dynamic energy so your anger doesn’t get the best of you.
To see what the new year has in store for you, see page 65. For more astro-insight, log on to lillyroddy.com.
Houstons
Bar & C luB Guide
HOUSTON
BAYOU CITY BAR
Montrose’s #1 party bar featuring DJs, drag shows, non-stop dancing and a great patio. Proudly serving food from Hamburger Mary’s. • WednesdaySaturday 9p-2a, Sunday 2p-2a, 2409 Grant St • 713.522 • 2867
BLUR
Multi-level dance club featuring an upstairs lounge and balconies. Ladies enjoy Wet and Wild Wed., 18-year-olds welcome Thurs., Latin night on Sun. Happy hour 8–10pm; free cover before 11pm. 710 Pacific St. • blurbar.com.
CLUB 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
Find many of Inergy’s former staff and décor at this two-room Latin/hip-hop club. Sunday evening drag shows rule the roost. 6680 Southwest Frwy, next to Colorado 713.278.2582 • crystaltheclub.com.
CROCKER BAR
This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot also offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and extended happy-hour prices throughout the week. 2312 Crocker • 713.529.3355.
F BAR
This boutique nightclub offers elegance without arrogance and features a stage, dance floor, VIP area, glass-encased quiet bar, and attractive patio. Tues. and Sun. drag. 202 Tuam St. • fbarhouston.com 713.522.3227.
GEORGE
Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar. Sports Saturdays and Sundays start at 3pm with dart and pool tournaments. 617 Fairview • 713.528.8102.
GUAVA LAMP
This trendy and friendly video and cruise bar gets busy during happy hour and stays busy ‘til closing. Karaoke on Wed. and Sun. 570 Waugh Dr. • 713.524.3359 guavalamphouston.com.
Part of the Eagle worldwide family, it’s the definitive home to the man’s man - leather, bear, jock or muscle, you’ll find them here! DJs every night, multiple patios and a leather/accessories shop inside the bar. Noon-2am every day, 611 Hyde Park, 713.523.BIRD
JR’S BAR & GRILL
This Montrose standard offers drag and strip shows throughout the week, karaoke Thurs. and Sun., plus pool tables and male dancers. 808 Pacific St. • 713.521.2519 jr sbarandgrill.com.
MICHAEL’S OUTPOST
Jerry Atwood, Clay Howell, Neil Massey, Steve Wheaton, and Roger Woest take turns at the keys at this comfortable neighborhood piano bar. 1419 Richmond Ave. • 713.520.8446.
NEON BOOTS
DANCEHALL & SALOON
Houston’s only LGBTQ country dancehall opens Wednesday–Sunday. Wednesday features Steak Night and Bingo. Free dance classes on Thursdays and Karaoke. 11410 Hempstead Hwy 713.677.0828 • neonbootsclub.com.
PEARL BAR
This LGBT-friendly lounge in the Washington corridor features daily highlights like open mic night, steak night, and drink specials. 4216 Washington • pearlhouston.com.
RICH’S HOUSTON
THE RIPCORD
RUDYARD’S
BEHIND the BAR
With JORGE RUIZ, Neon Boots Wednesday through Sunday Shifts
What is your favorite shot to make? To drink?
Favorite Shot To Make: Piano Man with Deep Eddy Vodka. It’s a shot inspired by one of my regulars. He always sings karaoke and one of the songs he sings is “Piano Man.” To Drink: Jameson with a pickle back.
What is a current bar drink trend you’d like to see end? Mexican Candy Drink
If you weren’t a bartender… what career would you choose? Fashion… I’ve always had a passion for the industry in its entirety.
Who are the hardest customers to please? The ones who don’t know what they want to drink. We all know them. “Surprise Me” is their drink order.
Houston’s most iconic and largest LGBT dance club, with multiple levels featuring a video/show bar and a private VIP lounge. No cover before 10:30 p.m. 2401 San Jacinto • 281.846.6685 richsnightclub.com.
This multi-roomed leather bar boasts a busy patio, especially on the weekends. The Black Hawk Leather shop located inside the club. 715 Fairview Ave 713.521.2792.
The eclectic British pub is known for its craft beers as well as for the burgers. Most weekends you’ll find up-and-coming local bands rocking the house. 2010 Waugh Dr. • 713.521.0521 • rudyardspub.com.
SOUTH BEACH
This mega-dance club is a frequent winner of OutSmart‘s Gayest and Greatest awards. No cover before 11pm. 810 Pacific St. • 713.529.SOBE • sobehouston.com.
TC’S SHOWBAR
With the longest daily happy hours in Montrose (8am–10pm), this neighborhood watering hole is very popular. Drag shows Wednesday–Sunday. Karaoke Monday & Wednesday. 817 Fairview • 713.526.2625 • tcsshowbar.com.
TONY’S CORNER POCKET
This comfortable club has one of the friendliest bar staffs in town. Amateur dance contest each Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 11pm. Opens daily at noon. 817 W. Dallas • 713.571.7870 tonyscornerpocketbar.com.
VIVIANA’S
Happening weekend-only gay dance club with Latin DJs, singers, talent shows & Sunday strippers. 4624 Dacoma • 713.681.4104.
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. 121 North Main • 979.823.6174 • halobcs.com.
GALVESTON
23RD ST. STATION
The bar features daily drink specials and the weekend is filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and a Sunday Tea Dance. 1706 23rd St. • 409.621.1808.
ROBERT’S LAFITTE
The Island institution features a private patio with swimming pool. On Sat. and Sun. nights, the Ladies of Lafitte show takes the stage. 2501 Avenue Q (at 25th) • 409.765.9092.
SPRING
RANCH HILL SALOON
With its two pool tables, 52-inch plasma televisions, and large dance floor, this p opular northside spot also offers DJs Thursday–Saturday. 247041 I-45N Suite 103 • 281.298.9035 • ranchhill.com.
THE ROOM BAR AND LOUNGE
This bar and video lounge has a laid-back atmosphere including daily drink specials, karaoke, free pool, drag shows, and live DJs several nights a week. 4915 FM 2920 • 281.907.6866 • roombarspring.com.
WHAT THE DUCK SHOW! Wednesdays, 8:30pm
There’s always something going on at: TONY’S CORNER POCKET 817 W. Dallas • 713/571-7870
Houston’s Hottest Male Amateur Strip Contest Headquarters!
Nightly Specials – Call for Details Cold Beverages & Hot Guys!
Happy New Year!
January should be an eventful month.
January is a busy month with all of those New Year’s resolutions. This month we have two Full Moons, one New Moon, and an eclipse, making for an eventful month for all of us! The second and third weeks of the month are the most active. • There is a Full Supermoon on January 1 that is going to be a big wake-up call for our country and society. The New Moon is on the 16th in Capricorn. We will be looking to bring integrity to our values. Finally, on the 31st there is a Full Supermoon eclipse in Leo. We see ourselves as we are, and not how we want to be seen.
ARIES (March 21–April 19). Career focus and social obligations are the important directions for this month. You’re in a strong period of review to determine the path you’re going to follow this year. This can be a good month to look for a better position or start your own company. Business associations and friends can be especially supportive in the latter half of the month. Don’t be surprised that you will be ready to hit the ground running as 2018 starts. You will feel very comfortable about making decisions in January.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20). January is a very dynamic month for relationships! If you are single, this is an excellent time to be meeting new people for friendships and possible romance. If you’re in an existing relationship, you’re feeling more positive about your commitment. This is a good month for travel, especially if it’s associated with business. In the latter half of the month, you are more focused on your career and business obligations. The eclipse on the 31st will be a big stimulant for your career. It’s easy to spend money this month, even after the holidays. Keep a watchful eye on your bank balance.
GE MINI (May 21–June 21). Trust, shared resources, and personal intimacy are what you are concentrating on as the new year begins. With finances, this is a time of looking at your investments, developing a budget, and cleaning up your financial picture. By midmonth your attitude lightens up some, but you are still keeping a more serious and somber tone. In relationships, you want to make sure that you and your partner agree on goals and directions. It’s best to be real here, and not try to make everyone happy. At the end of the month, your relationship will need some attention.
C ANCER (June 22–July 22). Relationships are
going to be a big focus for you all year. This month starts that process as you begin to evaluate and reestablish long-term goals for those partnerships. Some of your relationships have come to an end, and it’s time to move on. This applies to both personal and business partnerships. Long-term security will be uppermost in your mind all year. Finances take over your focus by midmonth. This would be a great time to free yourself from those financial limitations. And lastly, the beginning of the year is an excellent time for you to get out and exercise to improve your health.
LE O (July 23–August 22). You’re starting the month by getting things in order and putting everything in its place. One of the places you will focus your attention is at work. You will want to improve your work environment, computer systems, and even how your desk is arranged. This is also an excellent month for you to start any kind of exercise or health regimen. By the middle of the month your attention has shifted to relationships. This would be an excellent time to renew or fortify your existing boundaries by getting out of town for a weekend. Your family has been very demanding, and your patience with them is running out. This is just another good reason to find some time to get away from your routines.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22). Your creativity and communication skills are lining up for January. This may be the month that you take a hobby you enjoy and turn it into a moneymaking proposition. January is also an excellent month for trying to promote yourself or your business. By mid-January, we are back into our routines and trying to include those creative projects that we worked on earlier in the month. Near the end of the month, you will be putting a lot of extra attention into your home. Some of you may move, while others are doing remodeling or redecorating. It may be very hard to be patient around your family this month. Taking a nice walk may be much better than yelling at someone.
LI BRA (September 23–October 23). Family, career foundations, and your home are all highlighted this month. With your home, you may be considering moving or remodeling. You will want your nest to be a more comfortable and less problematic place. There are some big changes taking place in your family, and it may be your time to step up and take on more of a
parental leadership role. You may have to be very direct and honest instead of being as polite as you would like to be. By the middle of the month, you are ready for a break from all the responsibility. Being around children (or being more childlike) can really lighten up your mood. This is also a good month to make some investments or start a savings plan.
SCORPIO (October 24–November 21). January continues to be another busy month for you. Your energy level is very strong, but it may still be very easy for you to become exhausted. This is a great month to meet people for business, socializing, or both. This is also a good month to get away with your partner for a romantic retreat. If you are single, this is a great time to meet people, as you are feeling more positive about yourself. You’re also working on time management and generally trying to simplify your life. In the latter part of the month, you’re focusing your intentions more on your home and family. You will also need some time for a retreat from all the activity, so you can get re-centered.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21). Finances, investments, and making better use of your personal resources are all on the menu this month. You’re wanting to cut back on services or expenses that you don’t need. Because you are more boundary-conscious, it will also be easier to say no to people. You are in a bit of a retreat time. By midmonth, you are feeling lighter and less pressured. Your communication skills improve as you connect more to your natural rhythms. You will get a big boost of energy at the end of the month that will carry you through mid-March. You will have more courage to initiate new projects, especially for self-promotion. This is also an excellent time to begin any new exercise or health plan.
C APRICORN (December 22–January 19). Happy birthday to the Capricorns! This is your personal yearly cycle when you reflect on your goals and accomplishments from the previous year. You are also ready to create new aims and aspirations for 2018. You’re
On November 30, LifeHTX hosted a VIP reception with Greg Louganis for World AIDS Day. Pictured are (first row, left to right) Joe Fuentes, Jessica Rossman, Greg Louganis, Camille Zamora, Johnny Chaillot , and Kelly Young ; and (second row, left to right) Jeff Gremillion, Troy Brooks, and Liam Bonner
On December 2, Bayou City Performing Arts presented A Carols’ Christmas, A Modern Retelling of a Classic Story at MATCH. Pictured are Huy Truong , Cody McLaughlin, Jordan WeaverLee, Jared Boudreaux, Steven Cochran, and (front center) Lyn Nee Apken
On December 1, Legacy Community Health hosted a candlelight vigil for World AIDS Day. PIctured are Carmon Brian Keever, Katy Caldwell, Ann Robison, and Sara Selber
On December 2, the HIV & Aging Coalition hosted its 2017 Christmas Party at the Montrose Center. Pictured are (from left) Denis Kelly, Fred Reninger, Tana Pradia, and Bruce Turner
December
On December 8, Discovery Green
On December 10, the Executive & Professional Association of Houston hosted a Holiday Party at the home of Steve Netemeyer and Ned Gizinski. Pictured are Cynthia Corral, Jessica Celaya, Jody Morris, Cindy Cuellar, Carlos Reyes, and Michele Laprade.
On December 2,
Leadership
are
, Eileen
and
On December 2, Ovations hosted ‘Caring Cabaret Finds a Home’, benefiting Tony’s Place. Pictured are (back row) Bill McDugald, Roger Woest , Paul Shaw, and Justin Haynes ; and (front row) Michelle Harris, Lucas Rountree, Al Amado, Alyssa Kelly, MaDonna Land, and Tony Shelton
hosted Rainbow on ICE. Pictured are Joe Ross, Michelle Levins, Derrick Shore, and Floyd Willis
Annie’s List hosted Celebrating
2017 at 8th Wonder Brewery. Pictured
Rita Lucido, Abby Kamin, James Canup, Anne Sung
Olson,
Diane Mosier
On December 12, John Patrick hosted a Holiday Open House at Antiques & Interiors at the Pavilion. Pictured are Kelly Gale Amen, Jacob Edelson, Melissa Bondy, Sandra Zilker, John de la Cruz , and Patrick Palmer
On December 7, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2017 Holiday Party at East West Bank. Pictured are AJ Mistretta, Deborah Lawson, Roy Alvarez Jr. , Tammi Wallace, Gary Wood, Corey Allen, and Tiffany Tosh
On December 5, Bubba McNeely hosted his 2017 Christmas Party at the home of Mark Lowry. Pictured are performers.
On
6, Legacy Community Health hosted its Holiday Schmooze at the home of Melissa and Michael Mithopp. Pictured are Bob Burress, Bryan Hlavinka, Tom Seymour, Katy Caldwell, Larry Wood, and Rand Key
Photos by Dalton DeHart and Edgardo Aguilar
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON 2018
LIVING THE
VISION
with LAVERNE COX
Join us for a luncheon with keynote speaker Laverne Cox as we honor her along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and Karen Winston, LCSW. Through their lives and work, these individuals embody the College’s vision of achieving social, racial, economic, and political justice, local to global. Proceeds will fund scholarships for social work students.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The Post Oak at Uptown Houston 1600 West Loop South Noon-1:30pm
RSVP at uh.edu/socialwork
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER Bobbi & Vic Samuels Spirit of Social Work Award
