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HOUSTON'S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

CULTURAL CELEBRATION

A Historic Black Queer Music Festival

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Houston’s Hottest Easter Party Returns Pg.78

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

HOUSTON’S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

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FEATURES

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39 80 COVER FEATURE CULINARY CREATIVE UNLEASHING ‘BRONCO’ Country singer Orville Peck brings his tour to Houston on May 10

Chef Brandi Key helps expand a farm-to-table restaurant group

43 FARM-FRESH FARE

46 COOKING UP

48 RECORD-BREAKING

50 DESIGNER DUO

Chef Greg Montelaro’s popular steak nights bring people together

A celebrity couple tackles a showcase home renovation in the Memorial area

COMMUNITY

54 INSPIRED INTERIORS Derrick “Dax” DeCristofaro creates design and home-staging magic

78 ‘BUNNIES’ IS BACK

Bunnies on the Bayou returns to downtown Houston on Easter

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RENOVATION

Carlos Meltzer creates educational experiences around healthy eating

Interior designers Adrian Dueñas and Marcelo Saenz team up at BeDesign

56 HOUSTON’S TOP

72 GARDEN

Leading agents and lenders reflect on the current Houston housing market

POST Houston’s downtown skyfarm is becoming a vast rooftop oasis

REAL-ESTATE PROS

GREENERY

84 102 CULTURAL CELEBRATION WIGGING OUT The first Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival is April 30

Norvina is Houston’s colorful death-drop queen

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D E PA R T M E N T S NEWS & COMMENT 12 NEWS

Alexandra Billings keynotes this year’s HRC Dinner; Brian Gaither brings his activism back to Texas; Harris County resolution denounces attacks on trans kids

28 LEFT OUT 30 SMART HEALTH 34 MONEY SMART 36 AN INTERVIEW WITH...

Parents of Trans Youth founder Mandy Giles, who offers support to families in need

75 COMMUNITY

Kindred celebrates the 100-year history of Grace Lutheran Church, its parent congregation

OUT & ABOUT 20 CALENDAR 24 SCENE OUT 91 OUT THERE 92 WEDDING GUIDE 97 BAR GUIDE

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ON the COVER UNLEASHING BRONCO Orville Peck brings his new album and tour to town (Pg.80) Photography by Julia Johnson

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Greg Jeu Associate Publisher Tom Fricke Creative Director Alex Rosa Managing Editor Lourdes Zavaleta Copy Editor Howard Maple Web Editor Lourdes Zavaleta Staff Reporter Lillian Hoang Contributing Writers

Olivia Flores Alvarez, Rich Arenschieldt, Bill Arning, Susan Bankston, Connor Behrens, Jenny Block, Sam Byrd, Blase DiStefano Andrew Edmonson, Ste7en Foster, Alys Garcia Carrera, Brian Gaither, Martin Giron, Sarah Gish, DL Groover, Marene Gustin, Kim Hogstrom, James Hurst, Lisa Keen, Ryan M. Leach, Don Maines, Zachary McKenzie, David Odyssey, Joanna O’Leary, Lilly Roddy, Adriana Salazar, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Janice Stensrude, Henry V. Thiel, Terrance Turner, Megan Wadding, Brandon Wolf, Grace S. Yung Photographers/Illustrators

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May: The Travel Issue June: Official Pride Guide July: Galveston Island Issue Aug: The Music Issue For advertising information, contact your sales representative or call 713/520-7237. www.OutSmartMagazine.com

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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. The opinions and views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the staff or management of OutSmart. Inclusion in OutSmart does not imply sexual orientation. ©2022 by OutSmart Media Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited material is accepted. No

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EDITOR’S NOTE

This April edition of OUTSMART marks the magazine’s 29th year in publishing. Thanks to our readers, supporters, and family of advertisers, we continue to share the latest LGBTQ happenings in Houston and introduce you to inspiring queer movers and shakers such as Orville Peck, our April cover star.

Peck, the openly gay country artist who conceals his identity behind tasseled masks, made his mark on the music industry with his 2019 debut album, Pony. This month, he fills us in on his latest body of work, Bronco, during his chat with writer Zach McKenzie ahead of his May 10 tour stop at Houston’s White Oak Music Hall.

The Normal Anomaly Inc’s (TNA) Black Queer AF Music

Festival is another musical highlight this month. Writer Lillian Hoang speaks with TNA founder and executive director Ian L. Haddock about this empowering event, while writer David Odyssey speaks with festival headliners Durand Bernarr and Sevndeep, and writer Ryan Leach sits down with event opener and closer DJ Rocabye.

After two years, Bunnies on the Bayou is once again downtown on Easter Sunday. Writer Jenny Block previews the 43rd annual fundraising event featuring celebrity performers DJ Dan Slater and DJ Tracy Young.

Kindred, an LGBTQ-affirming ministry of the former Grace Lutheran Church, is commemorating that congregation’s 100 years in Montrose this month. Writer Neil Ellis Orts speaks with current and

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former pastors about the congregation’s queer history as Kindred prepares for an online celebration on April 24.

Elsewhere in this issue, we speak with three of our local culinary stars. Writer Sam Byrd introduces us to Dish Society’s new culinary director, Brandi Key, writer Kim Kogstrom chats with Carlos Meltzer, the Seedto-Plate Nutrition Education Instructor for Hope Farms, and writer Ryan Leach fills us in on BUDDY’S popular steak-night chef Greg Montelaro.

As Houston continues its rapid growth, home prices are at an all-time high as demand outstrips supply. To better understand this trend, writer Marene Gustin speaks with 21 top local Realtors, lenders, and builders about the state of our housing market.

Finally, with spring cleaning and home improvements on everyone’s mind, we look at interior design and home renovation through an LGBTQ lens. Jenny Block chats with Adrian Dueñas and Marcelo Saenz, the designer couple behind Houston’s BeDesign firm, while Zach McKenzie interviews out interior designer Derrick “Dax” DeCristofaro, as well as celebrity couple Jessica Aguilar and Shalita Grant, who recently completed a showcase home-renovation project in the Memorial area.

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NEWS

My Queer Texas Homecoming Returning to the Lone Star State as an out gay activist.

By BRIAN GAITHER

For most of my years as an adult, I didn’t think of Texas as a place I could live. I left El Paso in 1993 and after college promised myself I’d build a life and career as an out gay man.

At the time, Texas didn’t provide that opportunity in the way California, or states in the Northeast, did. Only after three decades, and a major U.S. Supreme Court decision in each of them — Lawrence, Obergefell, and Bostock — did I feel it was feasible for me to create in Houston the life I’d envisioned.

At the time, to be queer anywhere was to be the topic of debate among other people about what it meant to be “a homosexual” in our society. It was to hope every day for a shift in the conversation that might allow us to exist without the constant fear of being outed, fired, or worse. It was to wonder if our allies were dependable enough to help us find greater social acceptance and legal equality.

It took time, but things got better. We started to win protections against discrimination in employment and public accommodations.

The internet offered us supportive networks that made it easier to come out and be visible.

States began to recognize our committed relationships. The activism we’d learned fighting to survive the AIDS crisis quickened our political momentum. Questions about progress for LGBTQ people shifted from “whether?” to “when?” and “where next?”

In Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio (cities where non-discrimination ordinances were passed by local lawmakers) it also got better. But the state government, rather than follow the lead of the millions of Texans in those cities, intensified its ani12

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mus toward us. Time and again, legislators, statewide officeholders, and sundry public officials have invented ways to undermine and limit the rights of queer Texans. They’ve flouted decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. They’ve introduced and enacted laws that target us for discrimination. They’ve turned on our families. And they’ve preserved outdated statutes that will end our marriages and make us criminals in the very instant they can persuade the newest bench of U.S. Supreme Court justices to agree with them.

The Texas I knew three decades ago was a place that worshipped football, roughnecks, and cowboys just as much as Jesus — dirty boots and pickup trucks the universal totems of its stylized masculinity. Today it’s the same.

More here than in any other place I know, homophobia and transphobia are sustained by the misperception that boys who don’t grow into “real men” are defective. It’s still a struggle to communicate what it means to be “homosexual,” transgender, or non-binary when any public expression of our identities presents an implicit challenge to many Texans’ notion of “manliness.” For them, accepting us as equally Texan is to question the virility of the whole Lone Star State.

As a result, homophobia and transphobia in Texas run deeper than mere religious objection. Here, being queer is so foreign to the specific culture of stylized masculinity, even among the areligious, that to acknowledge our humanity would pollute the place — and every trace of us is to be erased because of how profoundly “un-Texas” we’re perceived.

This casual homophobia, endemic across Texas, is why our enemies are so busy here.

Bigots angered by progress nationally have willing pawns among the state’s Republi-

can politicians who not only need reliable primary votes from angry bigots, but who also think Texas is already under attack from leftists, who are happy for any chance to denounce whatever seems like “Californication” (California being the gendered antithesis of Texas), and who fear candidates further to the right will call their swagger a swish during campaign season.

It’s why they denounce the books which describe our lives as “pornography,” why they claim banning such books isn’t ideological, why they insist they’re protecting kids, and why they investigate loving parents whose only offense is having trans children. It’s why our allies — rational people, trained professionals, public administrators — don’t speak out on our behalf in greater numbers. It’s why we ourselves negotiate our own public (in)visibility more than necessary.

Every queer person who can live openly in Texas should be doing so. We have a right to be here, and we shouldn’t be ashamed to assert it. In whatever space we occupy, we should be talking about what it means to be a queer Texan. And those of us who are grownups have to stop making trans children fight this fight without us.

I’m back in Texas today as an out gay man, living among my family and friends, because people more courageous than I am made this possible for me. And I’m here to pay it forward, because it’s far past the time when any Texan should believe their best life can only happen somewhere else.

Texas is big enough to be our home too.

Brian Gaither, a gay activist, writer, and business professional living in Cypress, Texas, is on Twitter @briangaither.

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There’s No Stopping Us Now Alexandra Billings keynotes this year’s HRC Houston dinner.

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his year’s April 9 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner is important for many reasons, but event co-chair Heather Taylor notes two in particular: “We celebrate our commitment as a community and our tenacity to keep raising critical funds and awareness for all humans.”

Taylor, who owns and operates the Mad Hat Maven creative agency, has been putting together HRC’s 2022 dinner by working alongside event co-chair Rey Ocanas, the executive VP and director of community development banking at PNC. “There’s No Stopping Us Now” is the theme of this year’s dinner at the Marriott Marquis Downtown. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome reception and continues with a seated dinner, a live auction, and a program featuring political speakers including Mayor Sylvester Turner, awards, celebrity guest keynote speaker Alexandra Billings, and an after-party.

Billings, a 59-year-old transgender actress, is known for being the second trans woman to play a trans character on TV, and ➝

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for her roles in Transparent, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Conners. She is also recognized for her live-theater work and teaching.

Billings is also an activist for the LGBTQ community, and has won numerous awards for her work promoting equality and speaking out for AIDS causes. She has been living with HIV since 1985. Besides her GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for Transparent, she was the recipient of the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award in 2016. That award recognizes outstanding members of the LGBTQ community who live openly and freely in the public eye. During her acceptance speech, she said, “I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you’re here [looking] swell and eating the chicken, but I must tell you that we have to do something more than sit and speak and talk to our neighbors and eat great food and put on fancy clothes.”

The Human Rights Campaign’s Houston chapter has been very vocal about the onslaught of anti-trans activities in Texas and around the country in the last few years. On April 2, HRC Houston will host a noon Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at the Texas Capitol.

Last year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 25, which requires K–12 students competing in interscholastic athletics to only play on sports teams that correspond to their gender at birth. This year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—whose tweet last month (which misgendered U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine) was marked as “hateful conduct”—issued an opinion that gender-affirming health care for children should be criminalized as a form of child abuse.

Governor Abbott followed up by ordering state agencies to investigate parents whose children are receiving gender-affirming health care, and threatening punishment for agents who fail to report it. The move has prompted an outcry from several corporations doing business in the state, and has forced some families with trans children to flee Texas in order for them to receive needed medical care.

While this plays out in the courts, it is obvious that there is still much work to be done before transgender individuals finally achieve equality in Texas and around the country.

As Billings said in 2016, “We have to do something more than sit and speak and talk to our neighbors and eat great food and put on fancy clothes.”

What: HRC 2022 Houston Dinner When: April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St. Tickets: tickets.hrc.org 16

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Harris County Resolution Denounces Attacks on Trans Kids and Their Parents Rodney Ellis’ statement opposes Abbott’s child-abuse investigations.

By LOURDES ZAVALETA

One month after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott directed an attack on transgender children and their parents, Harris County doubled down on its efforts to protect these families.

On February 22, Paxton issued a 13-page nonbinding agreement stating that puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender-confirmation procedures constitute a form of child abuse. One day later, Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to begin investigating reports of parents providing gender-affirming medical care to their children as child abuse.

During a meeting on March 22, the Harris County Commissioners Court enacted a resolution that opposes Paxton and Abbott’s directive and supports the well-being of families with trans children. The resolution, authored by longtime LGBTQ ally commissioner Rodney Ellis, passed 3-2 along party lines.

“It’s our job to protect the Harris County residents, especially our children. Our transgender children in Texas are under attack,” Ellis said. “Harris County wants to [reassure] these youth that they are valued and belong in our society. No young person should have their identity targeted or attacked by state officials or anyone else.”

Nine speakers testified in support of Ellis’ resolution, while one spoke against it.

Texas Representative Jon Rosenthal, an

LGBTQ ally whose district covers parts of Northwest Houston including Cypress and Jersey Village, said he attended the meeting because his constituents are “traumatized and afraid.”

“All of the children and all of the families in Harris County need to know we have their backs and their best interests at heart,” Rosenthal said. “Adopting Commissioner Ellis’ resolution sends that message.”

Tracy Shannon, who leads the Texas chapter of the anti-LGBTQ hate group MassResistance, was the only speaker opposed to Ellis’ resolution. “Every child has a right to unbiased health care that is free from the ➝

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influence of political agendas,” Shannon said. “Unfortunately, that is not the case with the affirmation treatments, concerns over the long-term effects, no controlled trials, and the effectiveness and safety of these procedures.”

According to every major U.S. medical association, gender-affirming care for trans children is safe and medically necessary.

Research shows that these treatments also significantly lower the odds of depression and suicide among trans youth.

“We need to listen to the science, we need to listen to the doctors, we need to listen to the families who know what’s best for them and their children,” local trans activist Lou Weaver told the Commissioners Court.

Parents of Transgender Youth founder Mandy Giles, a local mother who has two trans kids, told the court that one of her children received gender-affirming care as a minor. “It saved their life,” Giles said. “Providing my child with a loving environment that includes medically necessary health care is the opposite of child abuse. We all want our children to be healthy and safe, and parents of trans kids are no different.”

Rebecca Bryant, who has a young trans daughter, says the last year has been extremely tough on her family. After fighting against a record number of anti-trans bills during the 2021 Texas Legislative Session, she now lives in fear of being separated from her child. “We are a loving home and our children are thriving and they are full of joy and mischief, and it is unthinkable that anyone believes that our child should be taken away from us,” Bryant said. “The thought of CPS knocking on our door keeps me in a state of terror, and I haven’t slept in weeks.”

Prior to the vote, Hidalgo told transgender children and their families that she stands with them. “I believe this state should be welcoming to all children—including transgender children,” she said, noting that Harris County attorney Christian Menefee pledged not to prosecute any parents of transgender children.

Ellis said he is looking beyond the resolution, and that his office is working with the County Attorney’s Office to find other ways to protect trans children and their parents.

“Resolutions do matter, which is why we did this one,” he concluded. “But we’re working with the county attorney to see what else we can come up with.”

The March 22 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting can be viewed at facebook.com/ HCPrecinct4/videos/495343315566185.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

By Adriana Salazar

QUEER THINGS to DO

For a weekly roundup o f L GB TQ , visit happenings artm www.OutS om Magazine.c

STAGE

April 11

TRIXIE & KATYA LIVE

COMMUNITY

April 17

Bunnies on the Bayou Houston is filled with LGBTQ nonprofit organizations that aim to benefit the community, but one of these groups exists just to help all of the others thrive. Going on its 43rd year, Bunnies on the Bayou is a volunteer organization that focuses on raising and distributing funds to several local charitable, educational, and cultural programs that benefit the LGBTQ community.

Over the last 10 years, Bunnies has raised over $1.2 million by hosting its popular fundraising events such as Bunnies in Heat, Snow Bunnies, and Basket Bash. After two years, their largest and most

anticipated event, Bunnies on the Bayou, returns on Easter Sunday with several exciting sponsors and performers.

Bunnies on the Bayou 43 will be held in Sesquicentennial Park downtown, with Australian DJ Dan Slater and Grammy awardwinning musician DJ Tracy Young as the headliners. The official Revelry after-party, “Jack’d Rabbit,” will be held at the Ballroom at Bayou Place.

Tickets to both 21+ events can be found at bunniesonthebayou.org/ events. tinyurl.com/mrxdpta4

ART

Thru April 6

ANDY WARHOL EXHIBIT AT UHD

The University of Houston-Downtown presents the free photo exhibit Instantaneous Beauty: Andy Warhol and the Photographic Process. tinyurl.com/yckt8ewh 20

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RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova bring their first joint tour to Houston’s Hobby Center—a hilarious event described as a mix of the drag duo’s webshow UNHhhh and a ’90s road-trip comedy. tinyurl.com/2p9cxm3d

STAGE

April 22

TIG NOTARO

The Society for the Performing Arts presents Tig Natro, an out lesbian Emmy- and Grammynominated stand-up comedian, at the Wortham Theater Center. tinyurl. com/4mv4hmtd

COMMUNITY

STAGE

April 9

April 9

The Human Rights Campaign presents their annual Houston dinner, featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Billings, at the Marriott Marquis Houston. tinyurl.com/4xwt6c3t

Pride Chorus Houston presents Spring Into Action, a musical event that explores civil-rights struggles from MLK to ACT UP and #MeToo through stories of protest, victory, and equality. tinyurl.com/mr3htnfv

HRC HOUSTON DINNER

SPRING INTO ACTION

STAGE

April 9

CHARLI XCX

Longtime LGBTQ ally Charli XCX performs songs from her new album, CRASH, live at House of Blues Houston. tinyurl.com/ycknbu2w

FESTIVAL

STAGE

ART

COMMUNITY

April 7–10

April 17–May 8

Thru April 17

April 18

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts hosts its 35th Annual Art Car Parade in downtown Houston. Presented by Team Gillman, the free four-day event for all ages features over 250 mobile masterpieces. tinyurl.com/ycysks4n

Alley Theatre presents Dead Man’s Cellphone, an off-thewall comedy directed by out Alley associate producer and casting director Brandon Weinbrenner. tinyurl.com/53nkecas

The interactive exhibition Immersive Frida showcases the art and life of openly bisexual artist Frida Khalo. tinyurl.com/4zhnajr6

The Mahogany Project, Inc. presents What’s the T in LGBTQ?, a “trans 101” webinar focused on the difference between sexual orientation, gender identity, and pronouns. tinyurl.com/y94kzdyn

ART CAR PARADE

DEAD MAN’S CELLPHONE

IMMERSIVE FRIDA

WHAT’S THE T IN LGBTQ?

FILM

COMMUNITY

April 21

April 23

ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB MOVIE: ‘MOONLIGHT’

Pride Houston presents a screening of Moonlight at Rooftop Cinema Club. Enjoy the Oscar-winning LGBTQ movie while taking in views of downtown Houston. tinyurl.com/ hhskt3fp

RESURRECTION MCC 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church holds its 50th Anniversary Gala at the Hotel ZaZa Memorial City.

Admission price includes two drink tickets, a three-course meal, dancing, entertainment, and a silent auction. tinyurl.com/mrx86sd2

STAGE

FESTIVAL

April 23

April 30

STOODIO 54

Abundantly Queer presents Stoodio 54 at the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room, with special guests Stoo and the Space Kiddettes. Throw on your best disco and ’70s glam to celebrate Stoo’s birthday. tinyurl.com/ymxbds57

BLACK QUEER AF MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Normal Anomaly presents Houston’s first Black LGBTQ music festival at Stampede Houston, featuring multiple performers, the launch of several Black queer businesses, immersive games, lots of outdoor space, and more. tinyurl.com/3ajdcazr More Queer Things to Do ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

QUEER THINGS to DO

SAVE the DATES

STAGE

May 10

ORVILLE PECK

Openly gay musician Orville Peck brings his Bronco tour to White Oak Music Hall. You won’t want to miss the masked country-music singer performing new music. tinyurl.com/yjuje56n

FESTIVAL

May 14–15

‘WE ARE ONE’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

Harmony Music presents We Are One, a new downtown Houston music and arts festival benefiting the Montrose Center. Performers include Grimes, Japanese Breakfast, and Mykkie Blanco. tinyurl.com/4ca48yju

COMMUNITY

May 15

LGBTQ VICTORY FUND BRUNCH

The LGBTQ Victory Fund presents its annual Houston Champagne Brunch at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. This event toasts LGBTQ political power and several out candidates running for office. Tickets are available on the Victory Fund’s Facebook page. tinyurl.com/2p8uj9v5

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SCENE OUT Photos by DALTON DEHART AND CREW

On February 25, 2022, George’s presented a check for proceeds from their chili cook-off to the Montrose Center. Pictured are George Konar, Jeremy Dotson, Meleah Jones, Bryan Taft, and Walter Pollpeter.

Lazarus House hosted their 2022 Brunch before the Walk to End HIV on March 3, 2022. Pictured are members of the Lazarus House walk team.

The ERSICSS Investitures and Check Presentation to the Montrose Center was held on February 26, 2022.

Pictured are Meleah Jones, Kennedy Loftin, Alexis Nicole Whitney, Mykey Whitney, Nicki Thomsen, and Linne Girouard.

On March 8, 2022, State Representative Shawn Thierry, District 146, hosted a Women’s History Month event to honor the designation of a portion of Highway 288 as the Barbara Jordan Memorial Parkway. Pictured are Senator Boris Miles, Rosemary McGowan (Barbara Jordan’s sister), and Rep. Shawn Thierry.

On March 3, 2022, OLTT hosted a Justice for Paloma vigil at Houston City Hall. Pictured are vigil participants.

John Ross Palmer presented “Champagne,” an art exhibit celebrating champagne at The Braemar on March 10, 2022. Pictured are Katie Ellet, Dr. Michael Eisemann, George White, Linda Eisemann, Eugene White, Kelly Prohl, John Palmer, Pat Mitchell, and Laura Parkan.

On March 13, 2022, The Diana Foundation hosted its Diana Disco event at Eagle Houston. Pictured are Howard Huffstutler, Maryn Miklas, Jason Bickel, Pete Beausoleil, and Mark Wade Brown.

The City of Houston Volunteer Initiative held its awards presentation and reception at Houston City Hall on March 15, 2022. Pictured are Mayor Sylvester Turner and Dalton DeHart.

On March 17, 2022, the Alley Theatre held its ActOUT at the Alley event for Sense and Sensibility. Pictured are Glynda McGinnis, Travis Matthews, Lauren Pelletier, Tina Berry, Callie McLemore, Carol, and Alex Ramirez.

The Montrose Center presented a Bringin’ in the Green event at the home of Glenn and Justin Dickson on March 18, 2022. Pictured are the event hosts and Montrose Center staff.

A Social Work Extravaganza was held at Fegen’s Restaurant on March 21, 2022, with a book signing by Sujeeta Menon, author of I’m a Social Worker: Let’s Learn to Advocate. Pictured are Bob Kalin, Courtney Vastine, Tony Fernandez, Estella Blow, Sujeeta Menon, Eddie Anderson, Christina Arca, and Tim Huang.

Resurrection MCC presented its Fifty-Fest event celebrating the church’s 50th anniversary on March 26, 2022. Pictured are Carolyn Waters, Rudy Villarreal, Ruth Ann Warren, Rev. Troy Treash, Manuel Lara, Aileen North, and Ricardo Ponce.

24 24 APRIL APRIL APRIL 2022 2022 2022 ||| OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com

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LEFT OUT

By SUSAN BANKSTON

National Embarrassments Far-right leaders continue to make a mockery of themselves.

With the Russian threat of nuclear annihilation hanging over our heads, it’s easy to overlook our own home-grown kooks who continue to be nuttier than squirrel poop.

They’re still scampering around finding things to totally screw up because, well, what the hell anyway.

But even with Putin bumping them from the front-page news, they still manage to grab way too much attention. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio got arrested for his part in the attempted violent overthrow of the United States government. The police came to arrest him at 4:00 in the morning, because you can never be too careful when approaching someone who wants to kill anybody who ain’t white. He came to the door in his underwear, and Darlin’, those panties were not figure-flattering.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what this Proud Boy has to be proud about. According to reports, he told police that he had just gotten a job printing T-shirts, and that he didn’t have a car or a place to live. Maybe that’s because all his money went toward maintaining a private weapons arsenal. He’s discovered that the time and money spent on Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is not as romantic as it sounds.

Next we have Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who opposes extending the free school-lunch program. Yep, just make those damn first-graders get a newspaper route to pay for their lunches. Seriously, I think the reason Mitch opposes feeding hungry little children is because he’s determined to let everybody know he’s a damn sumbitch.

Then we have Idaho’s House of Representatives getting all riled up and passing a bill that would prosecute any librarian who circulated materials deemed harmful to minors. Appropriately enough, they called it House Bill 666.

(Even I could not make that one up, and hell, that’s what I do for a living.)

“I would rather my 6-year-old grandson start smoking cigarettes tomorrow than view this stuff one time at the public library or anywhere else,” said Idaho Rep. Bruce Skaug.

So, I’ve been thinking: Do we really need an Idaho? I think it’s time to ponder that question.

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Sure, they have all those potatoes, but they’re probably selling them to Russia for their vodka.

And Russia does not need any more damn vodka.

You need to look up a picture of Idaho Rep. Skaug so you can avoid him at the perverts convention. (Not that I’m saying you would go to a perverts convention, but you know, first you drink too much and then you punch in the wrong address on Google and you end up in a barn with no sheep but lotsa people looking for them. It can happen to anyone.)

I have a friend who works with librarians every day, and he says you should never mess with a librarian. “They may look like little old ladies, but they went to Shushing School and they know how to shush you in a way that makes parts of your intestines dissolve,” he says. “Plus, if you start banning their books they get meaner than ten acres of snakes covered in fire ants.” I think he’s probably right.

Runoff Election Update The Harris County Commissioners Court is four people and the County judge who decide how three billion of our tax dollars will be spent. They are in charge of our moral, ethical, and economic priorities. Ben Chou is in a runoff for Commissioner in Precinct 4, and I want you to go vote for him. It’s important.

Ben would be the first Asian and the first gay person to serve on our Commissioners

Court in Harris County. Houston is in Harris County, so it is damn-near scandalous that no gay person has ever had direct input on setting our regional priorities.

Ben is a first-generation American and the son of immigrant parents who made sure that he was born with Buffalo Bayou water running through his veins. He attended school down the road in Missouri City before graduating from Rice University and Northwestern University with degrees in law and business.

Honey, trust me when I tell you that he’s young enough to have the energy to do this job, but old enough to make mature decisions. And I know he’s so honest that you could play dice with him over the phone.

And if you live in Fort Bend County, Dexter McCoy is the man for that Precinct 4 Commissioner job, and Dr. Suleman Lalani is well qualified to be State Representative for District 76. Early voting is May 16–19, and Election Day is May 20. We’ll probably have the results sometime around the end of June. (Yeah, I’m rolling my eyes out loud over that Harris County Elections Administrator’s office.)

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

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S M A R T H E A LT H

By DARYL SHORTER, MD

Spring Cleaning Time to conquer the clutter—both physical and mental.

Cultures throughout history have practiced the tradition of spring cleaning, the annual ritual of going through our possessions to get rid of clutter and organize things.

Perhaps we should apply that same springcleaning concept to our mental health and wellness. If our bodies are temples, then our minds are also sacred spaces to be cared for and nurtured. How can we use this month as an opportunity to reset and focus on an emotional cleanse?

Inner Peace through Outer Organizing Organizing your home can work wonders for your mental state. It allows you to establish cognitive pathways and behavioral routines, which then frees up mental energy to devote to other concerns.

The old adage “A place for everything, and everything in its place” speaks directly to the practice of bringing order to a chaotic space.

It’s a goal that can contribute to a feeling of calm, and it can reduce the anxiety of not being able to find things. Properly storing items and reducing clutter throughout your space allows you to concentrate on more important things. Decluttering every week or so could even become a regular mindful and meditative practice. Plus, it feels good to complete an important task and gain that sense of accomplishment.

Start organizing by focusing on “easy” things like keys and your wallet or handbag, which can be placed on hooks or in baskets by the door. Then make it a point to get dirty clothes into a laundry hamper.

Having a specific home for items will make it much easier to locate them, especially when you’re rushing to get out the door. Consistency is critical. Once you’ve established permanent places to store your most important items, you can move on to other things that tend to collect over time.

For important papers, creating a filing system can be helpful in keeping everything organized. For example, bills and other documents you receive in the mail could go directly into a folder that keeps paperwork together and ready to handle later. Even if you don’t set 30

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aside specific days of the month to pay bills, handle correspondence, and shred unneeded paperwork, seeing that folder getting full will remind you that it’s time to take action.

Drop What No Longer Serves You In addition to the spring cleaning you give your home, cleaning up problematic behaviors can move you beyond a space of despair and the feeling that things are out of control. For example, after examining your relationship to social media, hookup apps, food, alcohol, or drugs, you may realize that you have behaviors that are working against rather than for you, and that a change (even a brief one) could allow for a mental reset.

It is important to first examine why it is necessary to consider this change in the first place. Frankly, the internal conversation is sometimes the hardest part. It can be challenging to admit the negative impact that your behavior is having on your relationships, your

job, or how you view yourself, but it’s a critical step in the process of creating meaningful change.

Most of the time, deciding to quit an activity cold-turkey for the rest of your life is not only difficult to achieve, but it can set you up for failure by infusing a covert sense of futility into the effort. Start by setting a realistic and achievable goal that is fair to yourself. Break down your main goal into smaller, more manageable goals. The idea of “one day at a time” is helpful, but if one day feels too long, reduce it to just “one hour at a time.” It is also helpful to establish a system of accountability in order to reach your goals.

Are there people or resources such as a clinician or therapist who can be asked to provide support?

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SMART HEALTH | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

would be wonderful if your own growth and development were in sync with that of close friends or family, but not everyone is running the same race or is even on the same journey.

As you examine your life and create change, people who were once close friends may not be able to understand or support the decisions you are making to improve your mental health and well-being. They may not be deliberately trying to impede your progress, but subtle negative comments or unsupportive attitudes can undermine your goals.

Imagine trying to develop new and healthier habits related to your diet or alcohol intake. Those changes can be extremely challenging, particularly when you are dealing with stress caused by your job, family, or relationships. Your friends may struggle with updating their approach to your friendship if you tell them you will no longer be joining them to eat fast-food or have drinks in a bar.

While it may be tempting to join them for a night out at the usual places, be aware that continuing to participate in old habits is a surefire way to remain stuck. Instead, you might begin by directly addressing these sorts of challenges within your relationship by inviting others to join you somewhere that’s more enjoyable and that increases your sense of accountability.

Standing firm in your decisions may become the major thrust of your emotional work. This might also extend to challenges you face in your relationship with an intimate partner. Are there ways to more directly address your concerns? If you’re stuck in a pattern or loop, then therapy—either individual or for couples—could be your next best step in cleaning things up.

Although it can be difficult to let go of people and close relationships, it is reasonable to change the nature of any relationships that no longer serve you. Remember: everyone from your “before” life won’t necessarily make it into your new one.

Spring is a time of renewal, but it isn’t the only time for re-evaluating what is and is not working. What changes can you make that will help you advance—mentally, physically, and socially—this season? While this process can begin today, consider it as just a first step in a series of steps on your journey.

Daryl Shorter, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is board certified in both general and addiction psychiatry. His clinical practice focuses on veteran care, and he lectures widely on LGBTQ mental health. Dr. Shorter can be reached at dr.darylshorter@gmail.com.

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MONEY SMART

By GRACE YUNG, CFP

Operating in One Accord Financial tips for LGBTQ newlyweds.

In 2015, when the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, many samesex couples became eligible for more than 1,000 federal protections and privileges that were previously granted only to legally married opposite-sex couples. A few of the significant benefits now available to same-sex married couples include the rights of inheritance, the ability to file joint tax returns, and access to a same-sex spouse’s employee insurance coverage.

While these benefits represent a significant step forward for the LGBTQ community, it is still essential that you and your spouse (or your soon-to-be spouse) are on the same page with regard to your finances. Otherwise, it could lead to conflicts down the road.

Getting Your House in Order Starting a new life together with someone can be exciting. But in order to build a truly successful relationship, there are several financial issues that you should consider, including: • Sharing your financial habits with each other • Building a budget together • Deciding whether or not to combine your finances • Putting essential legal documents in order • Working with an LGBTQ-affirming financial-planning professional Sharing Your Financial Habits with Each Other Tying the knot with someone means that you will be sharing many things that you once handled on your own. And even if you and your significant other absolutely adore each other, the two of you might have very different views on how to handle finances. That’s why discussing your financial habits and views about money is essential to help you see where you may have significant differences. Discussing these topics sooner rather than later is especially important in cases where one of you wants to save as much as possible while the other wants to spend lavishly on travel and entertainment.

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Building a Budget Together Budgeting is an essential component of financial success. That is because a budget can show you exactly how much money is coming in and going out of your household. A budget that reveals you are spending more than you earn is a warning sign that you will need to deal with a significant amount of credit-card debt.

Creating a budget is actually very simple.

It entails making a list of both your income generators and your expenses. So, for instance, you and your spouse may be generating income as employees or business owners, from rental property you own, from retirement or disability benefits, or from interest and dividends generated from investments.

When it comes to budgeting for expenses, you should categorize each expense as “essential” or “non-essential.” Essential expenses typically include your housing and transportation costs, food, toiletries and medications, insurance, savings for emergencies and retirement, and any student-loan payments.

Non-essential expenses, on the other hand, are those that are more wants than needs. You typically have more control over these costs, and can easily cut them out of your budget if you find that you’re spending more than you’re bringing in. Some examples of non-essential expenses would be vacations, dining and entertainment, subscriptions and memberships, and recreational vehicles or equipment.

As you work your way through creating a budget together, make sure that you prioritize where your money goes. This includes allocating funds for an emergency account, as well as building up savings for the future. The earlier

you start a savings program, the more time you will have for the funds to grow.

Deciding Whether or Not to Combine Your Finances Once you and your significant other have discussed your financial views and habits, you’ll have a better idea regarding whether or not to combine your finances. In some cases, one of you may be more detail-oriented, so it can make sense for that person to take care of bill paying and other financial tasks.

After carefully discussing the issue, you may decide to combine all of your savings and investments, and also open a joint checking account from which you pay your monthly household bills. Or you may decide to maintain separate personal savings and investment accounts while opening a joint checking account where each person contributes a set amount for day-to-day household expenses. This can give both of you the freedom to either spend or save your remaining individual funds as you see fit. It can also allow each of you to pay off any debts that were incurred individually, prior to getting married.

Some of the advantages of merging your financial life with your spouse’s can include the ability to move toward common financial goals, having more flexibility in cases where one spouse works while the other is in school or is the stay-at-home parent, and to generally keep things simple.

The drawbacks of combining finances with your partner could be feelings of financial constraint, the question of making one

spouse responsible for the other’s debt, and the potential for disagreements over financial priorities (especially regarding spending versus saving).

Putting Essential Legal Documents in Order While marriage equality made numerous benefits newly available to the LGBTQ community, it also made long-range planning more important than ever, in order to make sure that your end-of-life wishes are carried out.

For instance, all married couples (and individuals) should ideally have legal documents in place, such as wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives.

A will is a legal document that states the intentions of a deceased person concerning the distribution of their property and assets, as well as the management of their affairs following their death. It can help the surviving spouse determine where money and other assets should go. Married same-sex couples can now take advantage of the gifttax and estate-tax deduction, which allows spouses to give unlimited assets to each other—both during your lives together and after death—without the survivor incurring gift or estate taxes.

Having a will in place is not enough, though. It is also important that you have other legal documents drafted such as powers of attorney and medical directives.

A power of attorney legally authorizes a designated person to make decisions regarding another individual’s property, finances, and medical care if they are unable to do so themselves.

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Taking the Next Step Because everyone’s financial goals can differ, there is not just one plan that is right for everyone—even if you and your spouse are in total agreement about your financial priorities.

With that in mind, it is important to work with financial-planning professionals who are in tune with the LGBTQ community, so that your goals as a couple can be evaluated by advisors who are up-to-date on laws and other issues that impact the LGBTQ community.

Grace S. Yung, CFP ®, is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner with experience in helping LGBTQ individuals, domestic partners, and families plan and manage their finances since 1994. She is the managing director at Midtown Financial Group, LLC, in Houston.

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

Visit letsmake aplan.org or midtownfg.com/ lgbtqplus.10.htm.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH…

Mandy Giles The Parents of Trans Youth founder offers support to families in need.

By LOURDES ZAVALETA Photo by NEIL GILES What is your relationship to the LGBTQ community?

I have two transgender children.

What services or resources does your organization provide?

Right now, I offer presentations to parent groups. As the parent of trans kids who is not personally a part of the trans community, I know that my lane is speaking to other parents.

A lot of cisgender people don’t know much about gender diversity or the difference between gender and sexuality, so I provide them with basic gender education. I also explain the big why’s and how’s of supporting trans kids, and I offer individualized direct support for parents of trans kids who might need a little bit of extra help. I’m not a mental-health professional, I’m not a medical professional, so I can only offer them peer-to-peer support. Sometimes parents find that really helpful. I’ve also posted a lot of educational content around gender-diversity issues on my social media, where I also amplify the voices of both trans people and other advocacy and civil-rights organizations like the Transgender Education Network of Texas, ACLU of Texas, Lambda Legal, and Equality Texas.

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COURTESY

Tell me about your journey to founding Parents of Trans Youth.

Almost two years ago, I quit my job as a nonprofit fundraiser to become an advocate for transgender youth. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do or how I was going to do it, but I knew that I wanted to help other parents of trans youth and spread more awareness about supporting trans kids, both in the home and out in the world. Then the pandemic happened, and I had a lot of time to think about how I wanted Parents of Trans Youth to serve other people.

During the Texas Legislative Session in 2021, I ended up spending a lot of time in Austin fighting anti-trans bills. I testified in front of Senate and House committees opposing those bills, and I did a lot of speaking at press conferences, panels, town halls, rallies, and media interviews. That experience made me realize that parents not only love and support their trans kids, but they have to fight for their kids’ rights.

I’ve incorporated that into my messaging and my content.

That could be a new haircut or clothes as a part of a social transition, wanting to go by a different name or pronouns, or maybe they’re ready to start a medical transition like puberty blockers or hormone therapy.

As a parent, it’s a privilege to be alongside your child’s journey, and it’s also important to remember that we can only be alongside them and not in front.

You’re the president of PFLAG Houston, another organization that supports LGBTQ youth and their families.

Tell me about your role with that group.

PFLAG was a huge support to me when my kids came out, so it’s important to me to give back to the organization and help other parents. In our support groups, we share our stories—the good and the difficult—to help other parents know they’re not alone. I also really enjoy connecting with other local LGBTQ organizations and advocates for our monthly educational presentations.

What advice can you offer to a parent who might still be struggling to understand and support their trans or gender-diverse child?

You don’t have to understand everything to be supportive. As a cisgender straight person, I will never understand what it is like to be a transgender or gender-diverse person. But I can still support my kids by listening to them and giving them what they need. Also, let your child lead the way. Some parents might not be understanding, or they might struggle with the news. Others might be very supportive and get wrapped up in trying to figure it all out on the first day. A lot of the time, if they just listen, their kids will tell them exactly what they need.

What kept you motivated throughout the grueling 10 months you spent fighting anti-trans bills at the Capitol?

Community. That was something I was not expecting. This was my first foray into advocacy. I was not expecting the love, support, and camaraderie I received from the other people who were fighting the bills. I met some incredible transgender people who fight for their lives every day, and who still chose to go to the Capitol to tell their life stories over and over to people who didn’t deserve the honor of hearing those intimate details. I was able to bond with other parents of trans kids who were fighting for their children. I always say going to the Capitol is kind of like going to a funeral. You hate the reason that you’re there, but you’re really happy to see the people that showed up.

Trans kids’ access to gender-affirming health care is once again under attack. How does this make you feel as the parent of trans children?

It’s disheartening. It’s so hard for me to understand why our State leaders keep going after transgender kids just to get votes.

To use children in that way is deplorable.

It makes me sick to my stomach. The confusion and fear is palpable among families with trans kids. My kids are over 18 and I don’t even know if we’re safe, because I know other families with kids over 18 who are being investigated by CPS. Our family has been very public in speaking out, and we’re taking measures to ensure our safety. We’re terrified, but we’re not going to stop fighting.

Are there any words of encouragement you can offer to families who are

fearful right now?

To trans kids, I will say that you are loved and deserve the health care that you need.

Sometimes that’s hard to recognize and remember when politicians are telling trans kids that they don’t matter, but they are worth fighting for. To parents, I say keep on loving and affirming your children.

“AS A PARENT, IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO BE ALONGSIDE YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY, AND IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT WE CAN ONLY BE ALONGSIDE THEM AND NOT IN FRONT.”

location, which is just around the corner from our house. One of my kids worked there last summer, and it was a very affirming experience for them. Their pronouns were respected and there were other LGBTQ and gender-diverse people who were working there. It’s currently my favorite coffee shop and my quiet place to work when I need to get out of the house.

It’s clearly been a very difficult year for Texas trans youth and their loved ones.

How do you and your family unwind when you need a break?

We watch movies together. My kids get a lot of solace and life from their friend groups.

In their college communities, they each have a good group of LGBTQ friends who understand what they’re going through, to a certain extent, and they’re very supportive.

I think that’s really helpful. It fills me up to be with other parents of trans kids, getting together in relaxing settings to process our feelings.

really fun. I also have recently rediscovered my love and interest in hand embroidery. Many years ago, I used to have a little business for hand embroidery. It’s really soothing and fun to get my creativity out.

Is there anything exciting you’re working on that our readers should know about?

I have a million ideas, and I’m trying to think about how best to structure them and make them accessible to people. I’m really interested in amplifying transgender voices. Maybe that means a podcast or interviews on social media.

I’m just always cognizant of my status and privilege as a cis-het person, and I don’t want my voice to be the only one that is speaking in the Parents of Trans Youth organization. I’m working to figure out the best way to do that, to make sure those other voices are honored and respected.

What else do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy baking. My husband and I made chocolate-chip cookies together for a PFLAG meeting the other day, which was

Where are some of your favorite spots around town that are LGBTQ- and familyfriendly?

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For more info, visit parentsoftransyouth. com Keep up with the organization on Instagram @parentsoftransyouth and Facebook @parentsoftransyouth1.

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FOOD SPECIAL

Culinary Creative Brandi Key helps expand a popular farm-to-table restaurant group

By SAM BYRD Photos by DRAGANA HARRIS

C

hef Brandi Key has made her mark on Houston’s culinary scene, with an impressive list of former restaurants that includes Pappas Restaurants, Coppa Ristorante Italiano, Coppa Osteria, Punk’s Simple Southern Food, SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, and The Dunlavy. She currently serves as the culinary director at Dish Society, a farm-to-table restaurant chain that sources the majority of its ingredients from local growers and merchants.

But really, her passion for all things fresh and delicious began when she was just a child. “My whole family cooked. I grew up in a very small town, and so every time we had a weekend off, we visited my grandparents. We had home-cooked meals, and we sat down for dinner. That was the norm,” she recalls. “Every time I was with them, I would stand on a step stool to help make pancakes and biscuits and fry bacon.”

Key’s foodie gene was further developed by her mother, who kept a fruit and vegetable garden. Key reminisces about the thriving rows of corn, green beans, and tomatoes—fresh produce that was incorporated into the family’s daily meals. ➝

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BRANDI KEY | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“I think those two things set off my interest in food. Then the first time I went to New York City to visit my uncle, we went all over the city. I got bit by the restaurant food bug. It was the coolest thing that I had ever seen,” she remembers. “Then, as soon as I got the travel bug and got to experience other places, I realized I could make a living in the culinary world.”

She was soon immersing herself in the art of cooking by reading scores of cookbooks, dining at a variety of restaurants each week, and watching several cooking shows. When she lived and worked in California’s Napa Valley, she also spent time in San Francisco at Tante Marie Cooking School learning French cooking techniques. This was in addition to her on-the-job restaurant training, where she learned firsthand the ins and outs of restaurant management.

Through all of this experience, Key developed her signature style of cooking that has advanced far beyond her childhood days of biscuits and bacon.

“The more you expose yourself and your palate to different flavors and textures, the more you start broadening what you could cook and the better you understand how these things work together. It’s really kind of developing a mental and physical palate so that you know what things taste like before you put them together, and you understand how salt and acid interact,” she explains. “Most of my cooking is very much cerebral. There’s always a mental aspect about how each dish comes together. To me, all those little things are important. It’s all the little details that add up to 40

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“OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, WE’RE LOOKING TO OPEN UP QUITE A FEW MORE RESTAURANTS. IT’S GOING TO BE A FUN COUPLE OF YEARS.” —Brandi Key something being great.”

Key feels that working in the hospitality industry is a great equalizer in terms of erasing borders and bringing people together. Everyone needs sustenance, after all, and the dinner table is where that often happens.

“Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had were around the dinner table. So [being able to] recreate those moments for others is important, especially during COVID-19. Before, we were trucking through life and didn’t really think about social gatherings. As a human race, we all kind of went through the same experience of COVID-19 and everything shutting down.”

While those opportunities to gather were severely limited due to the pandemic, Key is seeing an uptick in business and is hopeful that she can once again provide dining experiences that make people happy.

“I think there is a huge need for having

social interactions. We are social beings.

Even the most introverted people still crave that social interaction,” she muses.

“It’s a really interesting time to be in the restaurant business because there is such a desire to be able to go out and have these experiences. I think it’s just part of who we are.”

Additionally, Key notes that her company embraces everyone as part of its open-table mentality. “We have openly gay managers. We have staff from all walks of life. We have all orientations and identities, and to me, that is the mosaic of life,” she adds. Separating people into distinct categories is no longer acceptable. “I’ve always felt like the box wasn’t big enough.

The world is bigger than ever.”

Indeed, we live in a time when our identities are limitless, just like the culinary masterworks and experiences that Key delivers through Dish Society.

This restaurant group’s expectations for the future are also boundless. “I want to do more and have more reach. For right now, we’re putting together great training and teaching programs for our staff. We want to show the respect for food and dining, and we want to help create great managers,” she says. “Over the next couple of years, we’re looking to open up quite a few more restaurants. It’s going to be a fun couple of years.”

For more on Dish Society, visit dishsociety.com.

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FOOD SPECIAL

Farm-Fresh Fare Carlos Meltzer creates educational experiences around healthy eating.

By KIM HOGSTROM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA FOR OUTSMART

T

here are a few universal elements in life that give us hope: blooming flowers, the laughter of children, the crisp air at the dawn of a new day.

And some people are so full of life that they, too, offer hope.

Houstonian Carlos Meltzer is one of those people. It surprises no one that destiny landed him in the position of Seed-toPlate Nutrition Education Instructor for Hope Farms, a local urban-agriculture showcase and training center.

Meltzer was an outstanding student throughout his years growing up in Houston— so much so that the eloquent teen’s talents landed him a full-ride scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College.

Founded in the 1920s, the prestigious school located north of New York City was originally a liberal-arts finishing school for young women, but has since become a co-ed institution. As an out gay man, the history of the college was appealing to Meltzer. ➝

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“I was absolutely thrilled,” he recalls.

“It proved to be a wonderful experience for me. I was able to practice a learning model that continued the principles of my teachers in high school. Independent work paired with small classes allowed me to see how everything is woven together. It was invaluable for what I do now.”

Armed with his college degree, Meltzer returned to his hometown to pursue his interests in early childhood education, theater arts, and (most importantly) his natural passion for food.

It was Meltzer’s good fortune in 2005 to have out celebrity-chef Monica Pope introduce him to progressive activistphilanthropists Gracie and Bob Cavnar.

Pope was helping the Cavnars launch their visionary foundation Recipe for Success, and she thought Meltzer would make a good addition.

Pope’s instincts proved correct. Meltzer has been associated with the nonprofit for 16 years now.

Recipe for Success was founded to help combat childhood obesity by changing the way kids understand food. It has proven so successful that in 2010 it captured the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama, landing the Cavnars an invitation to the White House to help design and launch Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative.

One major offshoot of the Recipe for Success agency is Hope Farms, a seven-acre working urban farm located in Houston’s Third Ward. Hope Farms grows fresh produce in the heart of an urban “food desert,” making it available to local residents at affordable prices. Classes of all sorts are also taught there: chef-driven gardening and cooking classes for kids and adults, and the agency’s Hope Farmer Training Program, which is committed to growing the ranks of skilled urban microfarmers in the Gulf Coast region.

And just what does Meltzer do as the Hope Farms nutrition instructor? He does it all.

“That’s what I like best about my job,” he exclaims. One day I am teaching children about vegetables. The next day I am

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CARLOS MELTZER | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Hope Farms is a seven-acre working urban farm in Houston’s Third Ward.

“ONE DAY I AM TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT VEGETABLES. THE NEXT DAY I AM INTERVIEWING CHEFS, AND THE DAY AFTER THAT I AM TEACHING RECEPTIVE ADULTS ABOUT URBAN FARMING. EACH DAY IS A NEW DAY, AND I LOVE THAT!” —Carlos Meltzer interviewing chefs, and the day after that I am teaching receptive adults about urban farming.

Each day is a new day, and I love that!”

Indeed, Meltzer is a very good fit for the work of Hope Farms. When pressed to identify the aspect he finds most rewarding, it takes only a moment of thought: “It is so much fun introducing the children to fresh produce from the farm. Sometimes there is a moment when a child realizes that green beans don’t just grow in a can at the store. Or a moment of sharing a new fresh vegetable with children, and they like it. Those events really keep me going—there is so much hope in them,” he smiles.

Since Meltzer spends many hours each day with these kids, how does he respond, as an openly gay professional, to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” school curriculum law? “I feel it’s most important to be myself at all times, and show the children that there isn’t any one part of a person that defines them,” Meltzer emphasizes.

“Showing them that you can be yourself and explore any type of activity, work, or studies, is the best way to help them understand that stereotypes are over, and they can be their honest selves and live life unencumbered.”

Another one of Meltzer’s favorite activities is the Hope Farms Market Stand, held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This Third Ward farmers market sells some of the freshest produce available in Houston, in addition to house-made preserves and other products from Hope Farms and its community partners.

“I am there each week sharing samples of tasty produce items from the market with guests. It’s amazing to introduce radishes, kohlrabi, rainbow carrots, and many other veggies to people who have never had them before. It’s great to lead families to new options.

Sometimes, when the kids get really excited about what they taste, we will do an impromptu harvest lesson with them,” Meltzer explains.

“It’s always a lively atmosphere, and we are seeing more new faces each week!”

When will the Hope Farms Saturday farmers market be seeing yours?

For more info, visit hopefarmshtx.org.

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FOOD SPECIAL

Cooking Up Community Greg Montelaro brings people together through his popular steak nights.

By RYAN M. LEACH

L

ocal gay chef Greg Montelaro has gotten the community sizzling over his steak nights at BUDDY’S. The Louisiana native is bringing his culinary talents to Montrose weekly, but he also has other things cooking around town.

“Christopher Barry and I have been friends for years, and I was already doing a steak night at D&T’s over in the Heights.

Christopher and I had talked about me moving my steak night over to BUDDY’S for a while, and it felt like a move I needed to make. Working with Christopher and bringing my skills back into the community and neighborhood just felt right,” Montelaro says.

“I LOVE THE EXPRESSION ON PEOPLE’S FACES AT FIRST BITE. THAT’S WHAT I COOK FOR, MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY WITH SOMETHING I’VE POURED SO MUCH OF MYSELF INTO.” —Greg Montelaro

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA FOR OUTSMART

That feeling was indeed right. From the very beginning, BUDDY’S steak nights were a hit, and they still draw sellout crowds to the local watering hole.

“I remember that first steak night—we were slammed. We were not expecting anything like the reception we got. We opened to over 70 people standing in line, and it hasn’t let up since. You know, you work really hard to put out a product that you’re proud of, and to have so many people fall in love with what you do is just, well, everything,” Montelaro says.

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Although BUDDY’S steak night is relatively new, Montelaro is no stranger to Montrose or Houston, even if he wasn’t born here.

“Almost 23 years ago, I was in Houston for business and met [my husband], Steve Dekker. Steve was so handsome—a tennis pro. He coached Zena Garrison through her French Open win. He was part of the U.S. Paddle Tennis team. He was sweet, he was kind—with the most gorgeous smile—and I was smitten. Six months later, I moved to Houston. I married Steve, and for 17 years that man was my life. He was, in all things, the better part of me.

“I lost my Steve to brain cancer in 2016.

By then Houston had become my home, and the community here was my family,” Montelaro recalls.

His journey to becoming a chef is connected to his Italian family roots. As a dual citizen of Italy, Montelaro purchased a flat in Rome before he moved to Texas, so he spent quite a bit of time there.

“My Italian grandfather had hotels and restaurants. I don’t remember ever learning how to cook—it was something you just grew up doing in my family. As a young adult, I spent time all over the world—Italy, France, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Mexico—learning everything I could about food, and the cultures from which it evolved. I love food. Or I guess, more specifically, I love the expression on people’s faces at first bite. That’s what I cook for, making people happy with something I’ve poured so much of myself into,” he says.

When not keeping things hot at BUDDY’S, Montelaro is the corporate chef for the Taylor Group, a set of high-end luxury rehab facilities. He also has several other private clients, including professional athletes.

“I love what I do. I am so lucky that I found a career that lets me do what I love to do and make other people happy doing it. I recognize that that’s a rare thing in life, and I just want to keep doing it as long as I can. I also want to be able to spend more time with my kids and grandkids,” he says.

When asked what his specialties are, Montelaro has a quick answer. “I think I’m obligated to say steak,” he laughs. “If I had to pick what I do best outside of that, it would be anything from the Creole or the Italian canon.”

When asked what his favorite thing to eat is, like a true Italian he explains the joys of pasta in all its forms.

Steak night at BUDDY’S is every Wednesday, and Monetelaro starts taking orders at 6:30 p.m. They serve ribeyes, NY strips, and filets (along with sides) for $20. For those who are not into meat, there are always a few Impossible Burgers on hand, as well as grilled shrimp and salad. You can find Montelaro on the deck cooking throughout the evening.

“The atmosphere is relaxed; people come in groups. It has basically become an easygoing midweek tradition in the neighborhood,” Montelaro notes. “We’re still slammed. We still sell out every week. Nothing’s changed there. It’s just a great night out.”

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Shalita Grant(l) and Jessica Aguilar

W

hen Jessica Aguilar and Shalita Grant put their hard hats together, magic happens! The busy Houston celebrity power couple recently completed their first local home renovation project, dubbing it the “House of Love” because the property held great sentimental value for Aguilar.

“Shalita had just purchased her home in L.A. when we met. She was renovating a few things that I helped her with,” remembers Aguilar, a women’s MMA former strawweight world champion.

“I bought my house in 2019 in a really hot area,” Grant says, picking up where Aguilar left off. “Since [people live] kind of on top of each other in L.A., having an eight-foot fence in your backyard makes it feel like another room, so I decided to renovate the backyard. It had broken concrete and three different kinds of fence material. I invested $8,000 in the backyard, and used [that money] very wisely. I sold it for $200,000 over what I initially bought it for,” explains the Netflix actress who has appeared in You, NCIS: New Orleans, and Search Party.

Having gotten their renovator’s feet wet in California, it made sense that the two would join forces yet again to work on the Houston home that Aguilar purchased from a family she was close with when her father passed away in 1989. “They found us through the church and became like grandparents to me,” Aguilar explains. “When I moved back, I wanted to move to where I had good memories and felt love.”

Aguilar had purchased the home with the

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Record-Breaking Renovation Jessica Aguilar and Shalita Grant’s Houston home remodeling project exceeded seller expectations.

By ZACH McKENZIE

COURTESY

HOME & DESIGN

intention of remodeling it for herself, and eventually her mother. But after realizing she and Grant were so interested in world travel, plans shifted. “As a kid, I had so many great memories in that home. The house was super-outdated but well taken care of, so we wanted to pour love into it and leave some good energy for the next family that comes along.”

The couple teases one another when the conversation shifts to their renovation process, complete with funny anecdotes about a “terrible” designer and contractor they initially hired. But nevertheless, Aguilar and Grant’s joy in describing the $70,000 renovation process is clear. “I picked out a beautiful blue color to paint the laundry room, and these guys I hired went behind the garage [and accidentally poured] paint all over it. I wanted to cover it up, so I painted a mountain [with] a heart and I thought it was cute,” Aguilar says, bracing for Grant’s reaction.

When Grant saw Aguilar’s masterpiece, she was in the process of making a dog run.

“I shoveled, laid down the black screen, poured mulch, looked up which bark is good for dogs. I was hauling that mulch one day and saw these giant fucking mountains.

I said, ‘Jess! What the fuck? Are you fucking high?’” she laughs.

Their four-bedroom, two-bathroom “House of Love” in the Memorial area near Dairy Ashford (originally purchased for $250,000) ended up breaking the neighborhood record for price per square foot when it sold within days for $427,500. “Hiring a good company to sell your home is hugely important. We worked with Alicia Jammer at Compass,” Aguilar notes. “She was responsive and helpful and amazing,” Grant adds. “She gave great advice, produced the marketing materials, and was just incredible.”

The couple reminisces about the dynam-

ics of working alongside a romantic partner.

“We know, as a couple, that it’s us against the problem, not us against each other,” Grant says.

The relationship skills they had learned proved vital when it came to working on home renovations. “As a couple, to be successful we have to remember: ‘This problem came into our life, so how are we going to solve it together [without blaming each other]?’”

Today, this talented pair is hard at work completing online interior-design courses while they make plans for their next project—a vacation home and wedding venue in Mexico!

“Next time I walk into the cage, I’ll be wearing my toolbelt!” Aguilar jokes about her upcoming MMA events.

The sky’s the limit for Aguilar and Grant, but their home-renovation roots will always be back at their Houston “House of Love.” “When I purchased the home, it felt good to be here.

I felt at home,” Aguilar reflects. “When we were selling and letting go of the house, it was bittersweet. We knew we had done everything with love and good vibes. We are so happy that families will use the house and enjoy all of it.”

Keep up with Jessica Aguilar and Shalita Grant on Instagram @jagatt and @shalitagrant.

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APRIL 2022

49

HOME & DESIGN

Marcelo Saenz (l) and Adrian Dueñas seated in front of a painting by Spanish artist Lisa Cabellut.

Artwork provided

by Art of the World Gallery.

A Designer Duo Adrian Dueñas and Marcelo Saenz’s local business is a one-stop shop for living an artistic lifestyle.

By JENNY BLOCK Photo by VICTOR CONTRERAS

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drian Dueñas and Marcelo Saenz are not just a married couple who have been together for 22 years.

They are also the owners and founders of a number of highly successful businesses, including Houston’s BeDesign. “We are very simply committed to each other as a couple,” Dueñas says, “and that simplicity makes our relationship unique.”

BeDesign is a design firm whose showroom features some of the most sought-after designer furniture lines in the world. It also offers nearly every design service you can imagine, from interior and exterior design, art selection and hanging to white-glove delivery service. The company sells more than design— it sells a lifestyle brilliantly modeled by its two founders.

Dueñas, BeDesign’s CEO, was born in Quito, Ecuador, and has lived in Spain, Ecuador, and throughout the U.S. Before he ultimately landed in Houston, he attended college at UC Davis, the University of New York, and the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, earning degrees in public relations and communications. As a child, Dueñas wanted to be a veterinarian because of his deep love for animals. “These days, I’m just a devoted dad to Mango, my terrier mix,” he says. ➝

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BEDESIGN | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Carlos Vega Faúndez’ artwork, provided by Art of the World Gallery, is available at BeDesign.

Saenz, BeDesign’s co-owner and lead designer, was also born in Quito to an Ecuadorian father and a Puerto Rican mother. He received his bachelor’s degree in interior design from Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial in Quito, and his master’s degree in interior design at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. But interior design was not a part of his childhood dreams. “I wanted to be a pilot and fly airplanes and travel around the world,” Saenz recalls.

“Unfortunately, being a pilot was not possible, but I have been very blessed with the opportunity to travel all around the world.”

Together, Dueñas and Saenz have built several companies, “including design firms in South America and Madrid, a marketing company, and our baby—BeDesign in Houston,” Dueñas says. “Our move to Houston came from a passion for good design, and to make our own kind of contribution to a city like ours, which is in a constant state of change and renewal. I’ve created my own role in Houston by focusing on networking, education, and being part of our community. A strong [commitment to] philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, including the arts and social needs, is very important to us and to BeDesign. It’s the least we can do for a city that has given us so much. My husband is ten years older than me, and he fought for the rights of all LGBT people in Ecuador, and against the laws [that put you in] jail for being who you truly are,” Dueñas says.

“OUR MOVE TO HOUSTON CAME FROM A PASSION FOR GOOD DESIGN, AND TO MAKE OUR OWN KIND OF CONTRIBUTION TO A CITY LIKE OURS, WHICH IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE AND RENEWAL.” —Adrian Dueñas Saenz and Dueñas are both involved with the AIDS Foundation Houston, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the Human Rights Campaign. “We also support our LGBT community in the arts. This year, we are co-chairs of the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston’s Gala and Art Auction. We support the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and we are sponsors of the Latin American Experience Gala at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston,” Dueñas says.

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As BeDesign’s lead designer, Saenz helps his sales team and clients with interior-design advice. He also curates and displays the furniture collections from the various brands they represent. His lifetime of knowledge and expertise he has gathered allows him to quickly make good decisions for the BeDesign showroom, and also help his clients do the same. (Saenz has always been the one to make things look nice by moving furniture and arranging objects as a child.)

When it comes to design, he believes that inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere—architectural details, colors and textures from nature, or even the shapes of natural elements. Exploring new trends on the internet can also be inspirational, he notes, as can the clothes people wear or the art we find all around us.

When it comes to what inspires him, Dueñas is always looking for beauty. “I get goosebumps when I see a beautiful design.

Recently in Lake Como I was able to tour four hotels designed by our brands, and the feeling of perfection is indescribable.”

Whether it’s design you’re talking about or just how you live your life, it’s a matter of how you look at the world, Saenz says. “I try to live my life in the best way possible, always enjoying good music for the soul and mind, cooking for my husband and friends, and playing with our dog. And a nice glass of wine is always welcome!”

Both men have come to appreciate how privileged they are, and how that comes with a big responsibility to look out for those who are struggling, who are not being accepted, or who are being bullied and discriminated against. “If we can all hang in there together, it can get better,” Dueñas concludes. “For those who are more fortunate, it’s a call to join forces and make a positive difference. Every time we do something really beautiful in our company, it reminds my team of how really beautiful life is.”

For more info, visit be-design.us.

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HOME & DESIGN

Inspired Interiors Derrick “Dax” DeCristofaro blends his personal style with client visions to create artistic living spaces.

COURTESY

By ZACH M c KENZIE

W

ith more than 25 years of experience under his belt, Derrick “Dax” DeCristofaro has made a name for himself in the world of interior design. The Houstonian blends his love of storytelling, his eye for the uniquely stunning, and his joy of curating experiences for his clients to execute a wide range of projects. Today, Dax is expanding his business and re-entering the world of home staging, having made national headlines with a high-profile project right here in H-Town.

“The first indication that I was drawn to 54

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beautiful things and people was when I was 11 years old,” Dax says. “I grew up in Miami Beach, right off the Venetian Causeway, and I had access to international culture.” The designer explains how his family and upbringing inspired his love of art and beauty. “Our home was modern and mid-century, and there were a lot of influences that fascinated me.

There was a museum called Villa Vizcaya that was close to my house, and I’d play there all the time. James Deering, who built it, had lots of lavish parties. He was never married, and even though [his sexuality was never disclosed], he helped me identify my own sexuality.”

Dax explains that his foray into interior

design work came later in life. “I started as a professional equestrian, riding dressage.

I graduated from Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre with a degree in equestrian studies, and then I moved to Texas. I worked for an architect parttime to make money, and learned a lot of technical aspects from that job.” Once he determined interior design was where he could combine all of his interests in a single profession, Dax split his time between Texas and New York to attend the Parsons School of Design to get his degree in interior design.

Having learned from some of the best in the field, this self-described introvert applied those lessons back home in Houston. “While working for the architect, I started doing small residential projects and eventually started my own business, DAX Design Studio. Two things that some very prominent designers taught me early on was that I needed a clear point of view so people could recognize my work visually, and that I needed to know my worth,” he says. “My personal style is a narrative approach, meaning I’m here to tell a story through design. [Good design can] either tell people who you are or who you want to be.”

The designer sees himself as being highly intuitive in the way he blends his own creativity with his clients’ vision for a space. “There’s always an initial meeting to determine chemistry, expectations, and budget. You get a vibe [when you first meet], and I’ve made it a rule to not work with mean, angry, difficult people,” he says unapologetically and with laughter. “I like

working with nice, open people. After the initial meeting, I get to know them, their lifestyle, and how they live.”

Clients can rest assured that their time will be valued throughout the decisionmaking process. “Most people think they want their project done all at once, but once they get into it, they like that it’s a process. I speak very frankly—this is what you get.

I hope people appreciate it in the long run.”

“Most of my inspiration comes from what clients tell me about themselves, because if I listen, they’ll tell me everything,” he continues. “It’s then my job to dissect and create from that. I pull inspiration from ev-

erything, but I like to buy, procure, and curate good furniture, good art, and good pieces.”

Having just completed a design project for a 30,000-square-foot plastic-surgery center in Clear Lake, Dax reflects on some of his favorite projects. “The projects that are still in my heart are the ones where people give me the freedom to be creative. Their best thinking allowed them to get to where they are, and if they allow me to do my best thinking, we might get somewhere they never expected to go.”

Business is booming for Dax, and the art lover is expanding his company in a big way.

“I just re-launched my home staging business under the blanket of Dax Design Studio,” he

says joyfully. “I was just hired to do the Houston ‘Darth Vader House,’ and was featured in several national publications.”

As for his advice to the next generation of interior designers, Dax encourages them to drop all of their hesitations and go for it. “I’m of that age where I remember that gay men [were expected to be] interior designers, hair dressers, or florists. Today, you can be whatever you want to be,” he muses. “Trust your gut instincts. Knowledge is power, but in the design industry, experience is the best teacher.”

For more info, visit daxdesignstudio.com.

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REAL ESTATE

Houston’s Top real-estate pros Local agents, lenders, and builders reflect on the state of the industry in 2022.

By MARENE GUSTIN Predicting the real-estate market in Texas is only slightly less chancy than predicting the weather, but all signs point to another banner year that should be just shy of last year’s record.

According to Zillow, the online real-estate marketplace company, “2021 marked the hottest housing market in U.S. history by some measures, including Zillow’s Home Value Index (despite the ongoing pandemic). While we may not see those records broken in 2022, Zillow economists expect the incredibly strong price growth and sales volume to continue.

Zillow also predicts a continuation of the “Sun Belt surge,” which in 2021 saw Austin have the largest growth in home values. The top destinations for long-distance moves should continue to be in the Sun Belt this year, and that includes sunny Houston and its surrounding areas.

This is all good news for sellers but bad news for buyers, as prices do not look to be going down any time soon and the available inventory is still low.

We’ve asked some of Houston’s top Realtors and brokers to share their insights on market trends, and if they believe Houston is experiencing a housing “bubble.”

BROOKS BALLARD, ENGEL & VOLKERS

engelvoelkers.com I see real estate continuing to be a solid part of everyone’s long-term stable investments, especially in Texas and the Greater Houston metro area, because we still have affordable options for new homes. The areas that will continue to grow will be both the metroplexes and the rural areas with opportunities for farm and ranch property, as people have seen land as an option since the pandemic. This is a cultural trend that we are seeing in Texas as people move from dense urban areas like California and New York looking for more living space.

The Texas economy will continue to be strong and will fuel the real-estate industry.

We have seen our business continually grow in double digits. I love living in Houston because of its diversity and business opportunities. We have one of the best cultural centers in the country, with the renowned Houston Theater District, so many fine dining options, and the Houston Polo Club, just to name a few.

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CARI MIDDAUGH, AMCAP MORTGAGE myamcap.com

We have absolutely been in a bubble for a while now, and with the disparity between supply and demand, I don’t see that changing.

Very recently there has been a very slight decrease in pricing in some markets, due to mortgage rates rising. But no, I really don’t see prices drastically changing much this year.

It’s definitely going to be a difficult year for buyers. We already know that the Fed is raising rates more than once throughout the year. This, of course, directly affects all of us in many ways, but especially when dealing with housing purchases and sales. It is a seller’s market, but those sellers are going to be buyers, as well.

The high points for me every year, and with every transaction, is taking my clients smoothly and on time from contract to closing, in order to make the largest and one of the most important purchases of their lives—especially over the last couple of years, when it was an even more difficult decision than in the past.

I’m the lender who is available 24/7 for my clients, and they become friends because of the trust that I build.

CHARLES DEAN KALEB RYLE, AMERICA’S BEST LENDING Americasbestlending.com It’s just an ultra-competitive sellers’ market.

The high demand for residential properties, due to all-time-low interest rates postpandemic, will equalize throughout the year as interest rates continue to rise. In times like these, buyers (and especially first-timers) need a solid team of industry professionals negotiating for their best interests.

Non-Qualified Mortgages will be big.

I’m seeing the market opening up for bank statement, DSCR, and 1099 loans that don’t necessarily conform with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans give access to more money for more borrowers. With rates stabilizing in the 4 percent range, demand for real estate will likely follow suit. Professionally, I have planned, focused growth for my business throughout 2022, and look forward to adjusting based on market conditions.

CODY GRIZZOFFI, NRL MORTGAGE

nrlmortgage.com/lo/cody-grizzoffi With so much turmoil in the world, everything is up in the air and has been very different since January, compared to the previous two years we have experienced. The market constantly changes at any given time, and mortgage rates, gas, materials, food, etc. have been on the rise and are expected to continue rising.

There is an estimated nationwide housing shortage of nearly 3 million homes. With the increased demand for housing, along with the continual increase in construction costs, the price of houses will keep rising.

For anyone thinking they will wait to buy later when prices go down, remember that even if the prices stay the same, the same $400,000 house could end up costing you more than $200 extra per month if mortgage rates go up by just 1 percent.

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REAL-ESTATE ROUND UP | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

long career track record of getting people into homes. In this market, a local lender helps a lot when a seller sees the potential buyer’s approval letter. They want to know there is an actual person that is handling the deal, as opposed to an unknown online lender.

DAVID BATAGOWER, BAYOU CITY PROPERTY GROUP AT COMPASS compass.com

The desirability of the Heights and surrounding pockets remains very strong, which comes as no surprise!

It has really become an epicenter for great food, drinks, and entertainment, indoors and outdoors, and a sense of community with many areas being extremely walkable. We have also seen very steady interest in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Montrose, and the Medical Center. Lastly, we are also seeing very rapid development and interest in pockets 10 to 15 minutes from downtown that have new construction opportunities in the sub-$400K price point.

There’s no doubt that 2021 was one of the most challenging years to be a buyer in many of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods. With

a strategic approach that we adapt to current market circumstances (and a strong dose of perseverance!) we are truly grateful that we could help several of our buyers “make it home by the holidays” in 2021!

Be open, and don’t be discouraged! There are opportunities out there. We had had some of our greatest wins in 2021 with our buyers who were open to emerging areas or doing some light renovating and updating.

DOUG SMITH, HAWTHORNE CAPITAL

hawthornecapital.com Without a crystal ball it is hard to say, but I am very bullish on the rural realestate market. The demand will continue to grow, and Hawthorne Capital has had no shortage of willing investors in our company and willing buyers who are looking for their own special rural retreat.

Owning property has historically been a very solid investment, regardless of whether it is inside or outside of town. First-time homebuyers can still find opportunities comparable to what they will spend on rent, and then quickly start receiving the tax breaks and

other benefits of property ownership. In addition, they will ultimately be investing in their own future as they pay down the mortgage and the property appreciates.

For us, rural real estate opportunities of around 10 to 15 acres within a 60-minute drive of Houston are smoking-hot. We sold over $15 million of those ranchettes last year alone. The pandemic has served to make folks want to own a place of their own where they can get away from the city. The interest is strong to create a weekend retreat, a place to put an RV or mobile home, have a few animals, and even become self-sustaining with gardens of home-grown vegetables.

ED SABO, SABO CUSTOM BUILDERS

sabocustombuilders.com I don’t think Houston is in a bubble. People are moving here, and the job situation is good. I have not seen significant price drops on houses, so I think Houston is good now.

There might be some buying opportunities for first-time buyers if the economy ➝

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slows down some. However, it is challenging, and you may have to adjust your desired area to match your budget.

Areas inside the 610 loop have always performed well. In addition, some premium areas like Montrose, the Heights, the Washington Corridor, and EaDo have always been hot market areas. I live in the Heights in a bungalow. It is cozy, and I love the walkable neighborhood. I also love the neighbors, the history, restaurants, and the entire vibe of the neighborhood. We have great local businesses here, as well.

From COVID-19 to supply-chain issues to the wars overseas, I don’t know what to expect—except to expect the unexpected!

Mark A Chupik Houston Area Realtor

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Real-estate experts don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, but with historically low inventory and high demand, I don’t see the real-estate market in Houston slowing down any time soon.

We may see a slight slowdown with inflation and rising interest rates, but likely not enough for prices to go down.

Cash is queen! To win in this current market, you need at least enough cash for a 10 percent down payment and to potentially cover the difference between the appraisal value and the sales price.

Alternatively, you can look into all-cash offers. Redfin partners with Homeward to enable our buyers to make all-cash offers.

My husband and I purchased a home on the Near Northside (which he has dubbed NeNo). We chose to buy here because it’s an affordable, growing, diverse area in the center of Houston! But Katy, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land will continue to be super-hot. These areas offer affordable single-family homes and highly rated schools, which are the driving factors for many buyers.

JEREMY FAIN, GREENWOOD KING

Jfaingreenwoodking.com I live in Upper Kirby because it’s in the middle of everything! You can actually walk to shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s kind of like, for a moment, you’re not even in Houston. ➝

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TOM EICKLEBERRY Broker - PRIDE St. Realty 713.201.5257 tomsellshomes2000@yahoo.com

If a house goes on the market right now, it’s going to be hot no matter what area you’re in!

With everything happening overseas right now, the market is a bit questionable.

It seems that the U.S. is moving ahead as planned at the moment, so I think the market will stay extremely strong. I honestly think this is the new norm. Houston has always been a very consistent and healthy market, so this is just reinforcement that Houston is a great place to put your money in real estate.

My advice to first-time buyers is to just go for it. Write as strong of a contract as you can, and make sure that you have a great agent who knows how to navigate and craft extremely compelling offers.

I love getting to work with so many diverse and unique clients who offer a different outlook and perspective in many different areas of life.

KAREN DERR, KAREN DERR REALTORS

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PROPERTIES

karenderrrealtors.com A bubble? I don’t know about a bubble, but last summer there was a small slump where I had buyers get their purchase under contract without a bidding war. I would expect some starts and stops this year, with world events coming into play.

Jump in and follow your buyer-agent’s advice. You’ll get a home eventually. If you’re totally opposed to the list price, don’t bother to bid on it in the first week.

It’s not for you. Also, if you’re just wrecked by the process of chasing “new on the market” homes, start stalking the listings that are above your price range but getting long on their “days on the market.” Just because the original price of a home didn’t spur a bidding war doesn’t mean it’s not a good buy at some price. Don’t wait for a price reduction—get your agent to gather intel, and when she feels a reduction is imminent, make a reasonable offer.

People have come to really appreciate rural land and country properties, with their breathing room and extra space to get away from the city. Although I’m an inner-looper at heart, about eight years ago we bought an acreage spread in the country equidistant between LaGrange, Smithville, and Round Top. It’s so quiet, and the natural beauty is good for my soul.

Plus, my whole family is crazy about animals. We have room for families who live on the property and tons of pets. ➝

LET'S FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS. Spring is here to remind us how beautiful change can truly be. If you’re looking to change the place you rest your head at night, I’m here to make sure you don’t lose any sleep over it.

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Brooks Ballard, President 309 Gray St . Suite 108 . Houston . TX 77002 +1 713-522-7474 . houston@evrealestate.com Online . houston.evrealestate.com ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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REAL-ESTATE ROUND UP | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

LEEROY SMITH III,

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE GARY GREENE garygreene.com

I live in the Washington Corridor, and I can go on and on about this area. It feels like the main artery of the inner loop, and you can easily get to the Galleria, Montrose, the Heights, or Midtown within a few minutes. There is always some type of event happening in this area! ​People love the suburbs for a multitude of reasons, so my hottest areas this year will probably be Katy and Pearland.

With that said, I do most of my real-estate activities inside the loop so there will be a good mix for me this year.

My advice for first-time home buyers is simply to be patient and believe in the process. Obviously, that is easier said than done, but a good Realtor will secure a home for their clients. It might not be the first home that they are interested in, but if expectations are set up front, the buyer will be satisfied. I​ do not consider this current market a bubble. A bubble insinuates that something will burst.

What’s happening right now is a severe lack of inventory. Once more people list their homes, which the data has shown to be happening currently, we’ll see more of a “market correction” than a bubble bursting. I see prices lowering next year.

LYN SULLIVAN, ALAMO TITLE COMPANY alamotitle.com

I wish I did have a crystal ball, but what I know for certain is that agents, title companies, and real-estate related industries have to continue to reinvent themselves in order to meet the customer’s ever-evolving needs. How we did business pre-pandemic is not the way we do business today, and we are constantly providing new services that enhance the closing process.

It’s hard to imagine that prices would decrease, considering inflation and the rising costs of home-related products and services. Houston still has a huge number of new residents relocating from other cities and states, and that will likely keep the demand very high. ➝

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Most of the homes in Houston have historically had some annual appreciation, and we have definitely seen greater appreciation over the last few years. We do not anticipate that housing prices will go down this year, but sellers need to note that buyers are a bit more selective on what they are willing to pay a premium on.

Some buyers are choosing to save up a bit more money to afford a home that they can stay in for a longer period of time.

Before you make an offer, be ready with a current pre-approval letter and an experienced Realtor who can assist you in moving quickly, lining up your inspectors, and giving you advice so you can meet the contractual timelines. An experienced Realtor can also guide you in making a more attractive offer! It might make sense to purchase a home that is a bit newer so that there are potentially fewer immediate out-of-pocket expenditures. With inflated home prices, appraisal contingencies are being waived. Having additional cash on hand to make up for an appraisal shortage may be necessary in order to be approved for your loan and move forward.

I think we’ll be seeing fewer days on the market for most properties, frustrated buyers, and happy sellers for the rest of the year.

MARK CHUPIK,

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We close transactions on properties throughout Harris and surrounding counties. I think most of my Realtor clients show property primarily inside the loop and close-in Memorial. However, most will show property in other areas that the purchaser may want to consider. One of my clients is an agent who lives in Katy, but who sold property from EaDo to The Woodlands and Galveston last year.

Unlike other parts of the country, Houston is not in a bubble. Housing prices continue to stay positive, and don’t appear to be going down drasti- ➝

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cally any time in the near future.

The best advice I have for first-time buyers is to get pre-approved for your loan. With low inventory and increasing interest rates, a pre-approval will allow you to act quickly when you find that special home.

I think the hottest areas in Houston are Montrose and around downtown, Midtown, EaDo, and the Heights.

Construction in these areas is constant and varied, offering an inventory that is ever-changing. My husband and I live in North Montrose. The neighborhood is convenient to both airports, shopping, great restaurants, museums, nightlife, and an incredible recreational area on Allen Parkway with bike paths, jogging trails, beautiful parks, and art installations. Many new projects are underway or planned for Montrose, allowing this neighborhood to be one of the hottest and most desired in Houston.

Sales will slow slightly due to inventory restrictions and rising interest rates, but will still be stronger than 2021, and many new inventory options will become available later this year.

PAUL GOMBERG,

COLDWELL BANKER UNITED getnewkeys.com

This isn’t a bubble, so housing prices won’t be going down this year. Low housing inventory in many price points means that sellers receive multiple offers. On the MLS system, it can appear that some houses have a downward price trend. An example is a house that sold in 2020 for $375,000. That buyer turns around a year later and puts it back on the market for $750,000 with minimal upgrades. As they market the house, they lower the price three times down to $600,000. A buyer buys it for $580,000 and thinks they got a great deal, but the seller is dissatisfied that they didn’t hit a home run by doubling their investment. But the fact is that the home sold in a little over a year for about $200,000 more than its 2020 price. Housing prices are up, and they are staying there.

This year should be stronger for housing than 2021. One caveat is if that sick, desperate dictator in Russia starts hurling nukes around and we end up in World War III, all bets are off.

SCOTT BROWN,

TOM EICKLEBERRY,

TOM SCHWENK,

greenwoodking.com There are only hot areas these days! Prices are definitely high, but we keep selling them anyway (unless something is priced incorrectly). Buyers are still willing to pay over the asking price to get the house they want.

Buyers need to have everything pulled together and ready to go with regard to financing. Proof of funds is now required to even make an offer. We are actually writing contracts to take to showings, ready to write checks! If you like the house, chances are someone else will like it, too!

Even the best crystal ball can’t help with predictions right now. Inflation, mortgage rates, war, COVID, fuel prices— who knows where this all ends up? But so far, the market is still very brisk.

pridestreetrealty.com This market is not a bubble; the driving force is demand.

Americans want to own homes, and they also have the income to purchase a home. The prices will not be going down as long as the demand is so high.

Buy the ugly house in the best neighborhood, and make it your own. These homes are often passed over because of the need for updating.

But that can be done over time. The field of buyers will be smaller, and the chances of getting a price reduction are better there.

In 2022 I see a small pullback and a quick ‘catch your breath,’ moment. The pullback will be small. Price increases will come less often.

Modest inventory gains will be seen, but it will still be a very hot real-estate market.

There’s a real desire to own a home and stop renting—that striving for equity and growth is the American experience. Homeownership is the best financial decision most of us ever make in our lifetimes.

I live in West Houston. The home prices are affordable in older neighborhoods with strong pride in homeownership and a growing LGBTQ consumer base and rates of homeownership.

tomsgalvestonrealestate.com Galveston is always hot!

The community is diverse and welcoming, and there’s so much to see, do, and enjoy. The Gulf Coast lifestyle has so much to offer. People don’t want to sit in traffic just to buy groceries or go to a restaurant. They want to walk to a farmer’s market or to the beach. Walkable and bikeable cities are hot, and all of Galveston is walkable.

The real-estate market in Galveston is strong, so we’ve seen higher prices and low inventory. It is not a bubble, but rather a case of Galveston and Houston catching up to other parts of the country. I think prices will stabilize this year. We may no longer be considered a bargain for home buyers, but the cost of living remains more affordable here than most other states. And there are so many other lifestyle benefits for people choosing to buy in Galveston.

Change is the only constant. Galveston has always attracted creative and entrepreneurial people who are also very resilient. From its earliest days, Galvestonians bounce back after whatever life throws at them, and make their community stronger. Whatever comes next, I know Galvestonians will adjust and thrive. ➝

GREENWOOD KING

PRIDE STREET REALTY

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VJ TRAMONTE, JOE TRAMONTE REALTY

tramonterealty.com I can only speak for Galveston, where home prices may not rise as steeply, but the housing market will not slow down any time soon. Anything within a couple of blocks of the Seawall will continue to be hot! Downtown Galveston and Midtown will also start trending, as will other hot spots. Any type of brand-new construction—especially tiny homes—will also be hot. When looking to buy, keep your good credit score intact. Stay positive, and do not give up looking. Remember, this will probably not be the only home that you own for the rest of your life, so it does not have to be perfect.

I see more sales and activity this year than I did in 2021. Working with firsttime homebuyers is my favorite. Seeing my clients make sound purchases and walk away from the closing table with a smile makes me very happy.

THOMAS PHILLIPS, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

t-phillips.kw.com I predict another recordbreaking year for the Houston market, especially with the record oil prices.

Right now, homes only last a day or two on the market, with multiple offers. I live in a neighborhood called Cottage Grove that’s Heights-adjacent. We love it because of the easy access to the bike path and close proximity to everything inside the loop.

Over the past year, I more than doubled my production, and I was a featured cover agent for the Texas edition of Top Agent Magazine.

My advice is to first have a pre-approval from a lender. The pre-approval is a more official step than a pre-qualification, with the lender verifying your financial information and credit history. Be patient with the process—you will be submitting several offers before winning one. Don’t get discouraged. Your offer needs to have a shorter inspection period and higher option and earnest-money amounts. Don’t get into a bidding war and then have the home not meet the appraisal. It doesn’t make sense to overpay for the home, because you will not recoup the cost of paying over the appraised amount.

TODD RUSSO, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE GARY GREENE toddrusso.com We are seeing a lot of growth in the Cypress/ Northwest areas. Masterplanned communities such as Bridgeland and Towne Lake continue to offer new homes in a variety of styles, sizes, and prices. There are also new community developments along the Grand Parkway and 290.

I am a resident of Fairfield in the Cypress area, and have been since 2007. There’s been tremendous growth in the Northwest and Cypress areas in the last 15 years, and it continues to grow. The main reason that I chose this area was for the Cy-Fair School District and the amenities that Cypress has to offer. With 290 and the Grand Parkway, we are also close to Katy, The Woodlands, and we can easily get into the city.

In this market, you must be ready to act quickly! Be ready to tour homes and possibly make an offer on the same day that a home goes live on the market.

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FOOD SPECIAL

Rooftop Garden Greenery R. Aaron Flores helps unveil POST Houston’s new skyfarm.

By CONNOR BEHRENS Photo by VICTOR CONTRERAS

W

hile the tops of many downtown Houston buildings consist of vast expanses of concrete and cooling towers, the new POST Houston entertainment complex is offering a change of scenery with its sprawling rooftop farm, all part of a regenerative agriculture project.

Skyfarm is the latest addition to POST Houston, a hub for entertainment, food, and co-working space located in the redeveloped downtown post office building. Created by the Blackwood Land Educational Institute, the sustainable organic farm aims to combat flooding by reducing stormwater runoff into the neighboring Buffalo Bayou, as well as reduce the urban heat-island effect while creating acres of habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

“I think that we have an imperative right now to act against climate change, and this is one way of doing that,” Blackwood Creative team member R. Aaron Flores says.

“We need to have a much closer relationship to food than we do now.”

Flores, who has been a part of Blackwood for about a year and a half, has closely worked with POST Houston to get the farm up and running. Flores believes Houston is a natural fit for these kinds of agriculture projects.

“Houston in the last couple years has had a lot of people take up the mantle of local and sustainable agriculture,” he says.

“Houston is also a very development-friendly city. We still have a lot of space inside and outside the city to utilize.

“The overarching idea for the skyfarm is to educate the public on regenerative agriculture, a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems.

The hope is that this downtown garden will educate more of the public on sustainable food concepts,” Flores says.

“What we’ve shown is that it’s possible to take an existing building and retrofit it and adapt it to our 21st- and 22nd-century imperatives. Having this farm in the middle

of Houston just allows us to have more educational reach and begin to illustrate concepts to the public. We have a duty to try and ‘rewild’ as much of our urban space as we can, so that we are emitting less carbon and sequestering as much carbon as we can in the soil.

“THE OVERARCHING IDEA FOR THE SKYFARM IS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, A CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION APPROACH TO FOOD AND FARMING SYSTEMS. THE HOPE IS THAT THIS DOWNTOWN GARDEN WILL EDUCATE MORE OF THE PUBLIC ON SUSTAINABLE FOOD CONCEPTS.” —R. Aaron Flores

“While a one-acre farm can only do so much to offset the carbon footprint of Houston, Blackwood wants the city to become a model of what other metropolitan areas can do with agriculture. For example, one benefit of the skyfarm is that it will help cut down on foodmiles by growing the food that many of the local vendors downstairs in the POST complex will use,” Flores says.

Food-miles is the distance that produce is transported from the field to the consumer, and is an important factor in evaluating the environmental impact and carbon footprint of our food.

“We already are supplying produce to some of the POST vendors, and there are more vendors coming in,” he says. “Once we have our first crop [harvested], we will be providing more food to vendors there, showing people that the food-miles are zero. We are also going to start a farmer’s market. By keeping all the food within this vast downtown complex, the carbon footprint can be significantly decreased.

“This is a great way to show people that if you were to buy a piece of produce that was grown in [a farm on top of the building you are shopping in], then the food-miles are only going to be the distance back to your house,” he says.

Currently, Blackwood is almost ready to have the garden fully operational and selfsustaining. The last step in getting the garden ready was creating a unique rooftop soil.

“This is still an emerging field, so we had a lot to research,” Flores admits. “We know that only a special, lightweight rooftop soil composition makes this viable. It’s this very interesting type of soil that is 40 percent expanded shale. Shale is the same composition as clay, and clay is wonderful to farm in—30 percent compost, 20 percent peat moss, and 10 percent perlite. That is a very unique composition.”

People should be eating the food produced on the POST rooftop by this summer, and Flores says he hopes it allows people to have a deeper understanding of food.

“I hope that this helps start a conversation with the public,” he says. “People can now know where their food comes from. It is possible to know the people who are growing your food.”

Going forward, Flores, who identifies as pansexual, wants the public to know that the image of the modern farmer is changing, and anyone—no matter their identity or religion—can find their green thumb and become invested in agriculture.

“While farming in the U.S. has historically been a very straight white thing, there’s increasing diversity in agriculture,” he notes.

“There are certainly havens across the Houston area where all people are welcome.”

For more info, visit blackwoodland.org.

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COMMUNITY

Love Remains Kindred celebrates 100 years in Montrose.

By NEIL ELLIS ORTS

Elders and Ancestors Now located at the corner of Waugh and Missouri Street, just blocks from their original site, the stone building that Kindred now occupies was built in 1949 when Rev. Nathaniel Kern pastored the growing Lutheran congregation. Church members persevered through the changes that many mainline congregations saw in the last century, having their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s and then regrouping as people moved to the suburbs. Along with those changes at Grace was the transformation of Montrose into the “gayborhood” of Houston.

As religious queer folk started attending Grace, attitudes about homosexuality changed among the membership. Rev. Kris Franke Hill (Grace’s pastor from 1991 to 2000) believes that transformation began when Rev. Harold Deal became the pastor in the late 1970s. He arrived at Grace with typically stereotyped beliefs about queer folk, but his eyes were opened when several members started coming out to him. As his understanding changed, he became more supportive of LGBTQ issues. Every pastor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA FOR OUTSMART

O

ne hundred years ago, the Hyde Park community in Montrose was on the edge of Houston. That’s where Rev. John T. Gillison developed Grace Lutheran Church in 1922. Church members met for the first two decades on the corner of Westheimer and Waugh—most recently the site of Hay Market restaurant (whose building was formerly the longtime home of the lesbian bar Chances).

In 2016, Grace went through a reorganization and name change, and it’s now known as Kindred. It remains a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and proudly counts those first 94 years in Montrose as an important part of its history.

Rev. Dellagiacoma

since that time has been a reliable advocate of Houston’s queer community.

Rev. Ashley Dellagiacoma, pastor of Kindred since the name change, tells the story of a woman who visited them a few years ago. She introduced herself as the daughter of Rev. Kern from the 1950s. Rev. Dellagiacoma told her about the LGBTQ outreach work that Kindred was doing in the neighborhood, particularly their work with homeless youth and queerrights advocacy. “She said her dad would be so happy to hear about the vibrant justice-oriented things we are doing,” Rev. Dellagiacoma recalls. “As organizations grow, you always wonder if who you are is who your elders and ancestors imagined you would become. To hear that affirmation was a beautiful moment.”

‘Reconciling in Christ’ Congregations American church denominations all have their

“code words” to identify their LGBTQaffirming congregations. ELCA Lutherans refer to “Reconciling in Christ” (or RIC) congregations, which are supported by the national Reconciling Works organization. That program offers resources and guidance to any ELCA congregation that commits to extending a public welcome to the queer community.

Grace became an RIC congregation while Rev. Franke Hill was the pastor, but she is quick to note that the work started with the two pastors who preceded her.

When she arrived, there were already several LGBTQ members who were out in the congregation, even though it wasn’t much discussed. It was Karen O’Maila, the music director at the time, who first suggested that Grace should become an RIC congregation, and Rev. Franke Hill agreed it was ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com

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good idea. After they carefully approached different groups in the congregation to explain what the RIC designation would mean, voting to approve the designation was not a terribly controversial decision.

“Becoming ‘Reconciling in Christ’ was just putting a name on who Grace already was,” Rev. Franke Hill notes.

Also under Rev. Franke Hill, Grace held its first same-sex union blessing in the days before same-sex marriages were legal. After a member couple requested it, church leaders again talked to different groups in the congregation to build a consensus that it was the right thing to do. It was also done under the radar of the bishop’s office. “I thought it was better to ask for forgiveness than for permission,” Rev. Franke Hill admits. A month after the wedding, the bishop found out about it and had questions, but he ultimately did not bring any disciplinary action against the congregation.

That spirit of “ecclesiastical disobedience” came to the forefront again when in 2008 Grace called Rev. Lura Groen, who identified as queer. At the time, the ELCA did not allow for the ordination of openly queer pastors, and Grace was in danger of losing its affiliation with the denomination. (The ELCA eventually allowed for the ordination of queer pastors following decisions made at their 2009 Churchwide Assembly.) Rev. Groen remembers that particular moment in this way: “Grace was so bold and so clear that if rules were unjust, they didn’t have to follow them. If the right pastor for them was not a pastor that was acceptable to the ELCA for the particular reason of queerness, then they were still going to call the right pastor.”

Montrose Grace Place Before calling Rev. Groen, the congregation had already started talking about developing a focused ministry that would lead to more direct engagement with their Montrose neighborhood. Barbara Carroll was on the Mission Discernment Team at the time, and the conversation kept circling around the homeless. She felt a particular connection to that outreach work since she had been homeless as a 16-year-old, and had spent time as a resident of Covenant House.

This was the first step in establishing Montrose Grace Place (MGP), an independent nonprofit organization that is still housed at Kindred.

With the arrival of Rev. Groen, the work continued with intentional conver-

the work would be seen by the youth as a possible career, and not just a fast-food gig. They will also launch a food trailer and café within Kindred. MGP has received a grant to help fund this new social enterprise. Money will be available for a part-time case manager who will serve the youth by linking them to such things as housing, child care, and health care.

It’s not just youth whose lives are changed

by MGP. Carroll says the establishment of MGP redirected her own life. She was working in the banking industry and not feeling it was right for her. One night, after an evening with the MGP kids, she felt a different fulfillment. She eventually quit her job, went back to school, and is now a licensed clinical social worker specializing in work with adolescents and their families.

sations with community leaders as they tried to bring a tighter focus to their ministry. Both Rev. Groen and Carroll cite a meeting with Eva Thibaudeau, who at the time was with the Coalition for the Homeless. “We asked her if there was a group of people who were falling through the cracks,” Carroll remembers. “She said, ‘As a matter of fact, there is a group; it’s homeless LGBT youth.’”

After finding their focus, however, there was still work to be done. “Then there was a feeling that was so strong that they were ready to throw open the doors and order pizza the next week,” Rev. Groen recalls. “And I was the one who said, Whoa, if we’re going to do this, let’s do it right. Churches do this wrong all the time.” They took another year of study and conversations with neighborhood and community leaders. “I think that has a lot to do with the success of Montrose Grace Place,” Rev. Groen continues. “It meant the neighborhood really felt like we were taking things seriously and we had responded to what we had heard [from them], and they were invited into the process of creating it.”

Kinnon Falk is a current member of Kindred and serves on the MGP board. He talks excitedly about new projects under the MGP banner. In the next few months, they will begin a culinary training program for the youth. “We had a connection to food. Kindred is a dinner church. Grace Place has a connection with the family meals they serve. Montrose is a restaurant-dense neighborhood, so it seems like a good fit,” Falk says.

This program will focus on training with and for higher-end restaurants. The hope is that

A Place of Welcome When Grace became Kindred, it was more than a name change. They restructured their worship by meeting on Sunday evenings rather than in the mornings. They removed all the pews from the nave, and they now gather around tables for dinner as part of their liturgy.

The thing that has remained, however, is the effort to provide a radical welcome to all people.

Falk and his wife came to Grace just before its transition to Kindred, after having been in Houston for a year without finding a church that felt right to them. They loved the socialjustice emphasis, especially among the local queer community that they had always felt strongly about. He says, “It’s an incredibly unique community that, to me, feels warm and loving and inviting.”

Carroll echoes the sentiment. “It’s a holy place, it’s a healing place,” she says. “It’s a place that just absolutely enveloped me during a time in my life when I needed it.”

A neighbor to Kindred, known to the congregation as Kris Hyde Park, participates in programs and has sometimes led them. “I love that the homeless are so welcome,” he says. “For the church to just welcome them in is amazing.

They get arrested and fined if they take a leak on the street, but no one will open their door so they can use the restroom.”

When asked about the church’s current demographics, Rev. Dellagiacoma says “We’ve got young professionals and folks who just got their housing vouchers and folks who are retired and folks who are drag queens at the local bar.” She laughs and concludes, “It is a great smorgasbord of humanity.”

Kindred will host an online celebration of its 100th anniversary on April 24 at 4:00 p.m. For registration and a link for sharing memories, visit the Facebook event page at facebook.com/events/534899324589995.

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COMMUNITY

Bunnies Is Back Div Kumar and DJ Dan Slater preview Bunnies on the Bayou 43.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DALTON DEHART

By JENNY BLOCK

A

COURTESY

fter almost three years, Bunnies on the Bayou is finally back in full force at downtown Houston’s Sesquicentennial Park on April 17, with national entertainers DJ Tracy Young and DJ Dan Slater headlining this year’s event.

“We are back, bigger and better!” says Bunnies president Div Kumar. “The community is ready to get back to a sense of normalcy. Our beneficiaries, many of whom depend on the funding they receive from Bunnies, are also ready for us to be back.”

The local LGBTQ nonprofit was founded in 1979 to raise and distribute funds to other queer organizations. Every Easter Sunday, the group hosts its main fundraising event—Bunnies on the Bayou, the largest cocktail party in Texas.

“Bunnies on the Bayou started as a party in someone’s garage to help

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gather soup cans during the height of the HIV pandemic,” Kumar says. “That was in 1979. In 2019, the last time we were able to have Bunnies, we raised and donated $175,000 back to the community. We sure have come a long way.”

In the last 10 years alone, Bunnies has raised more than $1.5 million to assist local nonprofits—groups that provide critical healthcare services, support life-changing educational opportunities, and engage in community-outreach programs.

Div Kumar

DJ Tracy Young DJ Tracy Young—a producer, remixer, and composer, is the first woman and the first lesbian to be nominated and win the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording. She has “officially remixed” for over 100 artists, including 14 remixes exclusively for Madonna. She’s also had over 60 #1 hits on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Chart since 2000. She is now living in Miami and does weekly residencies at

Liquid, Club Space, Mansion Nightclub, and Cameo.

Young’s remix work for Madonna was instrumental in advancing her career in the mid-’90s. Madonna and Young’s most notable collaboration is the anthemic “I Rise,” which won a GRAMMY in 2020. Last year, the Recording Academy announced Young’s second nomination in the same category for “Constant Craving” with k.d. lang.

DJ Dan Slater DJ Dan Slater is an Australian DJ and producer from Sydney who is currently based in Miami. While he was a student in Australia, he learned to DJ in Sydney at the DJ Warehouse. “After many setbacks and rejections, being persistent paid off and here I am in the U.S., DJing at some of the most incredibly special events around the world.”

Slater has always had a special connection with Houston, so when he was asked to perform at Bunnies, he said yes without hesitation. “Bunnies is very important be-

TRAVIS LANE

cause it brings the community together and raises funds and promotes awareness of human rights in the Houston LGBT community. It makes me feel good to be part of such a great cause.”

A Volunteer Effort The charity funding provided

by Bunnies on the Bayou would not be possible without its devoted member volunteers.

Kumar’s volunteer journey with Bunnies on the Bayou began when he moved to Houston from D.C. in 2016 and started looking for ways to get to know the local community. He is currently a manager in data and analytics for a Houston-based Fortune 200 company.

“I attended a host-recruitment event and found that the mission and goals of Bunnies on the Bayou really resonated with me. We are a diverse group of individuals who are truly passionate about helping causes that impact the LGBTQIA+ community.

We have been actively trying to grow the organization by expanding our brand all over the state, and even nationally. Many of our attendees visit from neighboring states,” Kumar notes.

His volunteer work has also allowed him to gain new skills, positive experiences, and meaningful connections. “It has

helped me improve my sense of purpose and personal accomplishment.”

Kumar says his organization is aware that this year’s event will reflect the “new normal” of a world still dealing with COVID. “Our event will be held outdoors and, although not required, we strongly encourage our attendees to be vaccinated. We will follow all local guidelines to ensure the safety of our attendees.”

But the Bunnies organizers are happy to make the necessary accommodations, because coming back is imperative. Why? Well, “queer joy” is a big factor for Kumar.

“I grew up not being comfortable in my own skin, in a culture that still doesn’t accept homosexuality. It was hard for me to just take pride and joy in who I was.

Organizations and events like Bunnies helped me discover that inner joy, and I’ve learned to be proud and live my life my own way.”

As for the future of Bunnies, Kumar hopes it will become “a model organization for other LGBTQ nonprofits all over the country, so that they can continue to support the organizations that need our help.”

What: Bunnies on the Bayou When: Sunday, April 17, 1:00–6:00 p.m.

Where: Sesquicentennial Park at the Wortham Theater Center Tickets (general admission and VIP): bunniesonthebayou.org

DJ Dan Slater

To volunteer, visit bunniesonthebayou. org/volunteer/.

Individual Sponsorships are available for the Garden area.

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Unleashing Bronco Orville Peck talks his vulnerable sophomore album before bringing the new tunes to Houston.

By ZACH McKENZIE Photo by JULIA JOHNSON

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COVER FEATURE

S

tanding in front of bright stage lights in a dive bar filled with drunkards and despondent cowgirls (including queer comedienne Margaret Cho), Orville Peck sings “I don’t want you to be afraid / Let me see you cry” to a tattooed, teary-eyed cowboy. This scene from “C’mon Baby, Cry,” the first music video from Peck’s new album, Bronco, lays the foundation for the rest of the collection. It’s a celebration of Peck’s evolution as an artist, his embrace of personal and musical vulnerability, and his strength in moving on from the past and onto the metaphorical glitter-filled dance floor—much like the literal one in the final scenes of the video.

Ready to unleash Bronco and take his show on the road, the multi-talented artist will be stopping in Houston on May 10 to perform at White Oak Music Hall. He can’t wait to return to the Lone Star State, and reveals that he’s particularly excited to make a stop in Houston. “Last time I was in Texas, we had an after-party on some weird satellite tower—it felt very Friday Night Lights!” he laughs. “We were on some weird water tower or something and I can’t remember how we even got there, but it was very fun.”

Peck notes that Houston’s unique Gulf Coast location is what makes it so appealing to him. “The thing I love about Texas is that every region is so different. I love Houston because it’s swampy and it feels like Louisiana vibes. I love Houston, and I just think it has a very unique vibe that the rest of Texas definitely doesn’t have. It feels like its own place.”

Reminiscing about his previous works, he refers back to his 2019 debut album. “Pony was kind of a frightened confession, I suppose. I was still very nervous and trying to be vulnerable, when I had never been vulnerable in the art I made.” The singer, who dons intricate face masks with long tassels that veil much of his face when in public, explains how his 2020 EP, Show Pony, was another step toward gaining the self-confidence he’d sought for so long. “I built on my confidence with that album, but I was still nervous and worried what people would think at that point. I had built a fan base, so there were lots of expectations for that album.”

The release of his latest project coincides with a release of his artistic anxieties and hesitations. “With Bronco, I didn’t care what people thought of it. It was incredibly cathartic for me to write it at the time I wrote it.” Listing country legends such as Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton among his musical influences, it’s no wonder Peck followed their lead, dropped all of his defenses, and submitted to letting his heart lead his creative process. “I wrote from a place of total vulnerability, with no pretense or worry about what it should sound like or how it would be received.”

Bronco is being released in three chapters, leading up to when the entire album drops on April 8. Peck hints at his latest musical inspirations throughout the album, ex-

pertly walking a fine line and not devolving into what the artist refers to as “wedding-band throwback music.”

“Musically, my inspiration was ’60s and ’70s country and rock, like California country, and psychedelia music like The Mamas & The Papas and Jefferson Airplane,” the masked singer says. “I was listening to a lot of Beach Boys and exotica-tiki music. I like to take inspiration and evolve it to my own sound.”

The artist, who collaborated with country icon Shania Twain on 2020’s “Legends Never Die,” is twostepping into new territory with the creative direction of his music videos. “I do all of them with my good friend Austin Peters,” he says. “I have a very specific vision with everything I do, and I have my hands in all areas of it. With my previous albums, I worked with different directors and people. [The aesthetic was very much me], but I would hand over the [creative] reins to other people, because I thought that’s what I had to do and I wasn’t as secure in taking charge.”

Finding the right creative collaborator was key for Peck, who had five music videos for his new album in the can at the time of this interview. “I wanted to work with a director I get along with, who understands the project creatively and can collaborate with me. It’s been a beautiful thing working with Austin because we work so well together that we are finishing each other’s sentences!”

Being categorized within a genre that doesn’t necessarily scream “gay rights,” Peck explains that his sexuality was never a deterrent in his quest for country-music stardom. “I would love to say it was a difficult journey, but it truly wasn’t. I have always been out, I’ve always been myself. I played in bands before this project, and as a working musician and actor I’ve always been openly gay,” the artist explains. “My only agenda with this project was that I challenged myself to make really authentic art, because I’m not someone who is easily truly vulnerable and able to show the most embarrassing parts of myself.

I think that rings true for gay people, because I think we carry a lot of shame.”

Peck deduces that his process as a songwriter, combined with his foray into a newfound emotional openness, turned out to be a match made in heaven. “To me, writing about men goes hand-in-hand with being vulnerable and authentic. I didn’t think I was flipping a script, I just thought that opening up about my sadness and disappointment in love [would challenge me to be] vulnerable. Of course, now I recognize how important the impact of [being a gay country singer] is, and I take on the responsibility proudly and happily.”

The deep-voiced crooner anticipates this tour will be a mixed bag of emotions. “I will always love [my previous albums], so we will probably play a lot of those songs. It’s the first time in over three years that we’re playing a lot of new music, and I’m so excited. The songs are so incredibly personal to me that I can’t wait to play them live,” he says.

“I’ll probably get pretty emotional when I play them, because a lot of the songs hit close to home. It’s been about a year since I recorded the album, and I get really emotional performing them. I feel like I’ll get choked up a lot.” ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com

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ORVILLE PECK | CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“I THINK I TRY TO REALLY EXPOSE MYSELF ON THIS ALBUM. AT SOME POINTS IT EVEN FEELS MORTIFYING, TO AN EXTENT. BUT THAT’S AN IMPORTANT PLACE TO GO TO IN THE PURSUIT OF AUTHENTICITY, WHICH IS MY MAIN FOCUS IN MY PERSONAL AND MUSICAL LIFE.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORDON NICHOLAS

—Orville Peck

Along with some brand-new tunes, fans can also look forward to seeing a different physical side of Peck. “The whole spirit of Bronco is about me breaking free from a lot of negative things in my personal life, like depression, anxiety, and certain relationships. I felt like it was time for the look [of my masks] to also evolve slightly, because I believe in evolving as an artist.” The artist breaks out in boisterous laughter as he recalls the initial fan response to the new look of his masks. “[My team and I] were all laughing because my new masks reveal my ears, and we were joking that it was like I was doing Victorian-era porn.

It was so salacious to people online that I would dare to show my ears!”

His entire touring team is more like a chosen family for Peck—a concept many queer folks are familiar with.

These tightknit relationships come in handy when the rhinestone cowboy finds himself on long trips away from home. “My band and my crew are all so close. We are a big family of best friends and spend a lot of time with each other. We love to do things in the towns we are in together. We like to drink beer and laugh. It’s a

lot like summer camp. I just try to kill time by being super-present and off my phone.”

The gift of Bronco is one that Peck is excited to share with his fans. Just as he pleads with the character in the “C’mon Baby, Cry” music video to emotionally free himself and cry, Peck hopes his new album will allow listeners to embrace any emotions they might be harboring as well.

“I would’ve never said this before this album, but I hope people feel inspired to open up and be themselves, show themselves, and be proud of themselves, for better or worse.

I think I try to really expose myself on this album. At some points it even feels mortifying, to an extent.

But that’s an important place to go to in the pursuit of authenticity, which is my main focus in my personal and musical life.

I want people to be inspired and embarrassed with me.”

What: Orville Peck’s Bronco Tour When: 7 p.m. on May 10 Where: White Oak Music Hall, 2915 N Main St. Tickets: whiteoakmusichall.com OutSmartMagazine.com

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BLACK QUEER AF

Houston’s First Black LGBTQ Music Festival Founder Ian L. Haddock previews the April 30 event.

By LILLIAN HOANG | Photo by PISCES 310 A groundbreaking new music festival is coming to Houston this month.

Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival—the first of its kind in Space City—takes place at Stampede Houston on April 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. Organized

by The Normal Anomaly Initiative (TNA), the event features a full lineup of Black entertainers as well as the launch of 14 local Black businesses.

“As a Black, queer-led nonprofit, we are committed to providing authentic and safe spaces for our community to not only celebrate, but also to contribute to the culture,” says TNA founder and executive director Ian L. Haddock, adding that his organization’s festival will “bring together communities, creatives, corporations, and changemakers from Houston and beyond to engage in conversations and connections that will further empower our Black-queer-plus ecosystem.”

Haddock expects around 2,000 people to attend the festival, which is half of Stampede’s maximum occupancy limit. TNA will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 safety guidelines by checking temperatures at the venue’s entrance and recommending that attendees get vaccinated before the event. The organization will also host a COVID-19 prevention town hall on the day before the event.

Kicked off by local drag performer Porsche Paris, the Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival will be hosted by several local and national entertainers, including Krystal Smith, a local woman of trans experience and entertainer; Khaos Talks, a vlogger from New York City; and Brandon Sanders, a promoter from Miami.

The event’s musical acts include local and regional entertainers such as ShaunWes, Tré Ward, Vockah Redu, and Sissy Nobby, and national entertainers such as SevnDeep, Durand Bernarr, and Dawn Richard from Danity Kane.

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event are a part of TNA’s Project Liberate, a six-month program designed to help Black entrepreneurs learn how to develop and launch their businesses.

At the start of the festival, attendees will get to take part in different attractions on the first floor, including a mechanical bull, axe throwing, pool tables, and more. They can also interact with several immersive installations by Project Liberate participants.

While the organization and the festival focus on the needs of Black queer folk, Haddock wanted to make sure all are included and welcomed at the event. “I’ve been waiting for a moment that was created by us and for us, but didn’t exclude anybody,” he adds.

TNA will give free tickets to the festival to anyone who joins TNA’s biweekly sex-ed classes. The event will provide HIV testing sites, PrEP referrals, Lyft codes to anyone who does not want to drive, and more.

Due to grants and fundraisers, TNA will also be able to host the Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival in 2023 and 2024.

Haddock says the event is important because it is “a party with a purpose” and pays homage to Houston’s LGBTQ history.

“The first gay Pride week here in Houston in the ’70s was full of events. Some were celebratory, and some were the start of political movements. We endeavor to merge those two worlds—celebration and advancement,” Haddock concludes.

What: Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival When: April 30, 3–7 p.m.

Where: Stampede Houston, 11925-B Eastex Fwy. Tickets: normalanomaly.org/BQAF $25–$75 (use code “Presale” for $10 off) Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival is sponsored by ViiV Healthcare accelerate Initiative, Gilead COMPASS Initiative, Impulse Group Houston, COVID-19 Prevention Network, Legacy Community Health, AIDS Foundation Houston, and OutSmart Magazine.

BLACK QUEER AF

Performing with Purpose Sevndeep is intentional with his sex-positive artistry.

By DAVID ODYSSEY

COURTESY

F

or the generation that watched music videos before the morning school bus and then raced home for afternoon TRL (Total Request Live), the dancing of Sevndeep feels like a welcome return to glory. Onstage, Sevn and his dancers whip it with the hard precision of Britney Spears, while his cavernous, seductive vocals evoke Ludacris and Lil’ Kim. “I like to think of my stage of coming out right now as what Kim would do,” Sevn explains when asked about his professed idol. “They wanted her to feel bad for her sexuality. When I was growing up, they didn’t want you to talk about queer sex, or queer anything. Now I do it as Kim would do it: This is me, take me for who I am, this is how it’s going to be.”

Outside of his music-video education, Sevn cultivated his talents in dance class while growing up in Virginia. “My dad signed me up when he knew I was going to be magical.” His music and videos now blend a vast array of influences, from Busta Rhymes to classic jazz choreography. “I added all the things I loved to my art, and I knew there’d be somebody that would connect with it.”

Sevn has kept his rigorous work ethic consistent as he pursues his craft in L.A., Atlanta, and now New York City. If his live performances are to be tight, his videos must be perfect. “Everyone wants to be an artist these days, and I don’t think they know what it is to put in the work. There’s not a lot of true intention behind what I see. I know, with what I do, there’s always intention: I’m doing this for a purpose

and a reason.” Videos like “Break My Back” are made with months of love, planning, and saving.

“The money I would get for work, I’d invest.

This isn’t my vacation money; I’m putting it into my creativity.”

With a consistent style and rigor behind all of his work, Sevn is now interested in expanding his audience. This spring, he was a standout on the OUT series Hot Haus, in which the reality-TV legend Tiffany Pollard gathered a crew of queer sex symbols together in one house. “I told myself that if I ever did reality TV it would be something positive that would push the conversation,” he says. “I wanted something

that had a purpose. It’s about showing sex workers in a positive light.”

With his recent exposure from Hot Haus and new opportunities to meet audiences on the road at events like The Normal Anomaly’s Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival, Sevn’s fiercest obstacles are his own high standards.

“I don’t want to be ‘the next’ anyone. I’m the first and last Sevn. No one can do what I do, and the only person I want to be competing with is myself. That’ll be the most challenging thing.”

Keep up with Sevndeep on Instagram @officialsevndeep.

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BLACK QUEER AF

Unbounded Artist Durand Bernarr doesn’t let labels limit his identity or his music.

By DAVID ODYSSEY Photo by LAQUANN DAWSON

F

or most of his life, Durand Bernarr had been too entrenched in his musical identity to put any thought into his sexual definition. “For the longest, I’ve just been me,” Bernarr says. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything. Other people had their own interpretation of who I was. I didn’t know until I heard other people call me these things.”

Tiny, wiry, and possessing the bombastic energy of a Ren & Stimpy character, Bernarr stands out. And once the camera is filming, whether for TikTok or the BET reality series The Next Big Thing, it’s on as this young virtuoso slides between vocal registers and genres within seconds. In Bernarr’s view, there’s no need to label the indelible.

Describing himself as “everybody’s favorite cousin,” Bernarr grew up in a family and community centered on one thing: music. His mother taught piano and voice, and led worship at their church in Cleveland. His father engineered sound for Earth, Wind & Fire, along with Jay Z, Jill Scott, Whitney Houston,

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and other legends. Bernarr has been tinkering with music since he was ten (by “pressing Record on the cassette tape”) and performing live since he was 16. He struck out on his own when he released a 2009 compilation on YouTube featuring vivid interpretations of Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, and other pop icons.

In 2010, Bernarr released an EP of Erykah Badu covers, and was soon welcomed to join her tour as a vocalist—a gig that’s still delivering. Since his casting on 2019’s Next Best Thing and his debut album DUR& in 2020, Bernarr has claimed his own distinctive voice, displaying not only vocal grace but a comedian’s deftness at making fun of himself. “I take a comedic approach, because there are certain vocal things that tickle me, so I know that’s going to translate to other people. And because I’ve been carving out my lane and [the ways that] I’m inspired, I’ve been seeing other people test that out.” Observing men of all gender definitions playing with their vocal registers has been a particular delight for Bernarr.

As his audience has developed, and as he participates in festivals like The Normal Anomaly’s Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival and D.C.’s Honey Groove, he’s come to understand the meaning of claiming queerness. “I’ve been myself from the jump,” he notes, “but there are others that need to say ‘This is what I am.’ They want to represent for what it is they believe in. The word queer is a broad enough umbrella [term that I can] be a part of. [It’s] not confining me to just one thing.”

Bernarr promises a set in Houston that will “clear your skin and lower your cholesterol.” This far into a heavy pandemic, he’s pursuing an upbeat sound as he cuts his new album and tours around the country all summer. “I want to move, I want to dance; I don’t want to create sad, vibey music. I need something else.”

Keep up with Durand Bernarr on Instagram @durandbernarr.

BLACK QUEER AF

Meaningful Mixes DJ Rocabye unites listeners through her versatile tracks.

COURTESY

By RYAN M. LEACH

DJ Rocabye will be opening and closing The Normal Anomaly’s Black Queer+ Advancement Music Festival with her popular mixes and mash-ups that are sure to get the vibe right.

Rocabye, 47, says she is known for her mixes that combine different styles of music in unexpected and exciting ways.

“I am known for my versatile style and my mixing.

I can take an R&B song and mix it with a pop song. Or a country song and mix it with hip hop. So basically I can play to audiences of all types,” she says.

Originally from Indianapolis, Rocabye always had a love for music. Luckily, she made an early connection with a local radio DJ who helped show her the ropes. She has been spinning since 2005, and moved to Houston in 2011.

“What I love about what I do is connecting people to music. I like introducing them to new songs, and with my mixes I can also bring back old songs that remind people of a time in their lives they may have forgotten about.

Music has the ability to bring different cultures of people together in a way that nothing else can,” she emphasizes.

Because her music can elevate some of the happiest days in people’s lives, she has found a great deal of success DJing on the wedding circuit.

DJ Rocabye doesn’t spin in clubs as much anymore, but she is the resident DJ for The Normal Anomaly and is excited to be providing music throughout their upcoming festival. Her goal is to elevate the experience for all festival attendees. This Black Queer AF Music Festival is the first of its kind in Houston, and DJ Rocabye promises to make it special.

Keep up with DJ Rocabye on Facebook at facebook.com/djrocabye1.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Lesbian Love in Three Acts Robin Reagler debuts her latest collection of poetry.

By ANDREW EDMONSON

For some, the COVID-19 pandemic created only chaos and confusion.

For others, it revealed what was essential—with stark clarity.

For Houston writer Robin Reagler, it spurred the realization that she must leave her position as executive director of the highly regarded nonprofit Writers In The Schools (WITS) and devote herself single-mindedly to creating poetry.

For 22 years, she had helped WITS come to national prominence. Then in 2018, she took on another leadership role as the board of trustees chair for the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). Her work at WITS had been rewarding, but all-consuming. With the death of her parents and the realization that she was moving closer to the milestone of her 60th birthday, she recognized the need to focus more intently on her art.

The last two years have yielded two volumes of highly personal, deeply moving poetry, rich with powerful imagery and redolent with feeling.

In the spring of 2021, Reagler, 59, released Into The The, her first book-length collection of poetry. It was praised by queer Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown and won the Best Book Award from U.K.-based Backlash Press.

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important about our human condition,” observed Gretchen Heffernan, publisher of Backlash Press.

Her second volume of poetry, Night Is This Anyway (Lilly Press), debuted at the end of March, arriving just in time for this month’s observance of National Poetry Month. A press release describes the book as “a play of lesbian love in three acts.”

Acclaimed Houston artist Rachel Hecker created an abstract image entitled Burn for the book’s cover.

Calling the writing “gorgeous” and “fierce,” poet Meredith Stricker observed, “Night Is This Anyway spills over with ‘an ocean of music.’ The forcefield throughout these poems is Eros—the strange attractors of planets, people, and story in ‘erotic communication.’”

“The book is chronological in a certain way,” Reagler says. “The first act is really about a kind of euphoria of discovering my sexuality that comes at the beginning. It’s followed by a period in which it is very difficult, which was my experience. You hear people say, ‘You don’t come out once. You have to come out every day of your life.’

Just because you figure out

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ROSA FOR OUTSMART

“A poem is a vehicle that takes you on a journey. It can take you anywhere, into anything, into language itself.”

—Robin Reagler

you’re queer doesn’t make being in a relationship any easier. Being in a relationship is work—truly a labor of love.

“The third part is the more joyous, harmonious part of being in love that happens later in life.”

Reagler opens with an epigraph from the book Tender Buttons by the great lesbian novelist and poet Gertrude Stein: “In the morning there is meaning, in the evening there is feeling.” The works range in tone from playful to rueful to erotic. In the poem Queer Theory, she humorously evokes two lesbian lovers being pursued by Godzilla— an apt metaphor for an era in which LGBTQ people and relationships seem increasingly under attack.

Reagler was born in 1962, the oldest child in the only Jewish family in Wynne, Arkansas, a small town in the Bible Belt.

Growing up in the 1970s, she felt like an outsider. “I had no role model, as far as I knew, in terms of gay or lesbian or anything,” she recalls. “There was so much repression in the whole community.”

A turning point came at age 13 when she was given a journal by her mother, which spurred the first steps of creative selfexpression through language—a passion that has come to define her life. “My mother didn’t really know what was up with me,” Reagler admits, “but she thought that if I could write about it, it would make things better.”

“I was drawn to certain things without knowing why,” she adds. “As I was getting dressed in my bedroom as a teenager, my mom was watching The Today Show a couple of rooms down in the house. I heard the voice of Jodie Foster, and I ran out to see. ‘Who is that?’ I was so interested in her, but I didn’t know why. Gertrude Stein was another one. I was so interested in her.

I didn’t really have a sense of why until later in my life.”

At age 20, she came out while completing her MFA at the University of Iowa’s famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop. “In a world of writers, it would be a lot more embarrassing to say something homophobic than to say, ‘I’m queer,’” she observes wryly.

“Lots of writers are gay, so [coming out] was almost nothing.”

In the mid-1980s, she moved to New York City and began teaching high school.

“I remember going to the ACT UP protests, and I remember police wearing

and had many friends who were queer, we didn’t know people who’d had babies.”

She and Chamberlain connected with a lesbian couple in Pasadena who had had children, invited them over to dinner, and introduced them to their son. “And they told us about everything that they did, and that’s how we found out how to [create a family]. I wanted to have a blog so that people who were interested in having a family would read it and say, ‘We can do this, too.’ The blog brought to us a world of women who were interested in starting families and having children.”

In 2009, Nickelodeon selected it as the best Houston parenting blog. “It was a great experiLesbian Desire ence,” she says of the period in which she

By Robin Reagler maintained the blog. “There are still people

today who get in touch.”

My old mouth, my new mouth Now, with her 16- and 18-year-old children, They both want to meet her Reagler lives in the Heights, co-parents with And although she might expel Chamberlain, and shops around her third book Words filled with philosophy of poetry to potential publishers. She has also There would be otherables begun teaching at Houston Community College.

Of this I am quite sure “It’s a very new adventure, and I’ve enjoyed I am talking about an economy it,” she says of her new HCC gig. “I love my stuOf erotic communication I am dents and I love the teaching. I’m at Northline, Talking about an unforgiveable and years ago I taught at a middle school in Attraction, the double helix that area. My students are earnest and serious, Made up of women entwined and want to do big things with their lives. I feel With bodies more naked each grateful to be a small part of it.

Night I am talking more than should “The experience that people my age had The landscape is thrumming as teenagers is very different from what I I am music see young people today going through. Many Somebody has spilled sugar on young people today wonder: ‘What is my sexuThe sidewalk where a new day ality?’ They move through something fluid, Begins by lunching on sunrise and it can even change.

And I (he/she/they) dictate “For me, I didn’t feel that there were any A love letter to a woman choices in terms of sexuality. There was a A beautiful woman who reads tunnel that I was hurtling through, and I Constantly who longs for love secretly didn’t feel like anyone was there with me. I’m Who pretends not to know glad that things have changed, and that young I’m here people have the opportunity to discover who they are. “I don’t think [today’s youth] can understand the secrecy surrounding sexuality] that I experienced as a young person. self-expression in our country.”

“The ‘night’ part of the title of my book She moved to Houston in 1990 to comNight Is This Anyway is about the kind of plete a PhD in the University of Houston’s carefulness [surrounding] my sexuality that acclaimed Creative Writing Program. She was lived at night. I didn’t go around holding expected to stay long enough to complete her hands with women 30 years ago. I would have degree and move on, but she ultimately ended been scared. up building a life and a family in Houston.

“It’s good to remember where we came In the mid-2000s, with her then-wife Marcia Chamberlain, she created the blog The Oth- from and where we started. It’s good to celebrate the good things.” er Mother: Letters from the Outpost of Lesbian Parenting. “The process of deciding to have a For more on Night Is This Anyway, family and have children was very isolating,” visit amazon.com she says. “Even though we lived in a huge city rubber gloves,” she states. “Some of those protests were scary. I can remember taking the bus several times from New York to D.C. to see the AIDS Quilt.

“I feel like protest was a big part of my life. It’s a way of being American, and saying what you want to say. The protest gets on TV or in the news, and it’s at the heart of being an American citizen,” she notes. “Even when our children were little, we started taking them to protests when they were babies. We took them to the Women’s March. It’s a critical form of

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OUT THERE Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

33RD ANNUAL AIDS WALK HOUSTON March 6, 2022

Hosted by AIDS Foundation Houston and beginning downtown at Sam Houston Park, funds raised from the 33rd annual AIDS Walk Houston went to local HIV/ AIDS service organizations that provide services to almost 30,000 Houstonians impacted by the virus. Following the Walk to End HIV, Ovations Night Club hosted “Come Walk with Caring Cabaret,” a cabaret show benefiting AIDS Foundation Houston and Lazarus House.

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WEDDING GUIDE Algin (l) and Miguel Adap-Garcia

HEALTHCARE HUSBANDS Registered nurses Algin and Miguel Adap-Garcia married 10 years after meeting at work in the emergency room.

By JENNY BLOCK | Photos by THE COPPER COLLECTIVE Thirteen years ago, Algin Aieveen Adap-Garcia, 34, and Miguel Adap-Garcia, 37, met in an emergency room where they were both working as registered nurses. The meeting may have been by chance, but the result was most certainly true love. “We started out as best friends and would hang out and go on trips together. We realized later that we were soulmates and meant for each other,” Algin says.

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It was love at first sight that day in the emergency room for Miguel. “I remember seeing Algin at work across the hall, and was completely enamored with his smile and energy,” Miguel recalls.

Algin was born in the Philippines and emigrated to Houston with his family in 2006.

He received his associate degree in nursing from San Jacinto College and his bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston. Miguel, a

native Houstonian, received his associate degree in nursing from North Harris College and his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University.

They both earned their doctorates in nurse anesthesia at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, and are now certified registered nurse anesthetists. Miguel works for MD Anderson Cancer Center and Algin works for Northwest Anesthesiology and Pain Services, a private anesthesia group.

The couple currently lives in EaDo with their two rescue dogs—Lucky, a 15-year-old Boston Terrier, and Pierce, a Labrador/Jack Russell mix who is just over a year old.

Algin says he knew from the start that Miguel loved him unconditionally. But then they decided to move to New Orleans for their advanced nursing degrees. “That’s when I realized we are partners for life. I’ve always felt his love and support throughout any life changes.”

Miguel realized they were meant for each other when talk of family came up. “I think I knew he was the man I wanted to marry

CATER ING CAKE S EVE NTS 832.439.0224

when I saw how much family meant to him, and when we would casually talk about starting a family one day.”

It was Algin who ultimately proposed in 2017. The couple had been together for nine years at that point, and during a trip to Hawaii Algin planned a surprise for Miguel at the Four Seasons Resort in Maui as the sun set and a ukulele was playing.

“I remember being blindfolded, and then seeing Algin standing under a plumeria tree overlooking the ocean,” Miguel explains with a smile. “I was speechless and brought to tears when he asked me to spend our lives together as one. I ugly-cried as I exclaimed, ‘Yes!’ It was the most romantic and beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me.”

“Miguel is one of the most loving, caring, and personable people you’ll ever meet,” Algin adds. “He has inspired me to become a better person, and has given me courage when I need it the most. Miguel makes me very happy, loved, and supported every day.”

And the feeling is mutual for Miguel. “Algin is someone who I know I can be my most authentic self with, and not feel ashamed or embarrassed. He is also such an incredible fur-dad to our two boys, Lucky and Pierce.”

The two were married in La Jolla, California, on October 18, 2019. “One of our best friends, Roxy, officiated our ceremony. It was very important to us that the person who would officiate knew and loved us as family,” Algin says. Guests laughed and cried, and the couple could feel the love all around them.

“I was filled with such warmth and joy seeing my future husband walk past our closest friends and family members,” Miguel remembers. Their ceremony included cultural hallmarks that were important to them, including the traditional Filipino Barong outfits they wore and the mariachi band that serenaded them. “We learned very

Best Wedding Cake Bakery and Best Wedding/ Event Catering Firm

Chef David Alcorta

davidalcorta.net david@davidalcorta.net quickly there wasn’t a template for a same-sex marriage. We made it our own, [but included traditional elements] like having our mothers walk us down the aisle,” he adds.

And much to everyone’s delight, the newlyweds surprised their guests at the reception with a choreographed ballroom dance that included lifts and splits.

Planning a destination wedding was challenging, in that it required a number of mini-trips in order to meet with vendors. “We also didn’t have many references to pull from, as far as planning the wedding,” Miguel says, noting that they had never actually attended a same-sex wedding. “We wanted the day to represent us, and who we were. We looked at details like table numbers being in both Spanish and Filipino, and our signature cocktail—a pineapple jalapeño margarita—was sweet and spicy, just like us!”

For their honeymoon, the couple embarked on a European cruise through Italy, Greece, and Spain. “We were able to visit and experience different places like Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, Santorini, and Barcelona. We had always wanted to go to Europe, and neither of us had ever been,” Miguel says. “We both enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. And, of course, trying all the food!”

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

Financial security isn’t just about money. It’s a safety net for the ones you love.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX ACCOMMODATIONS/HOTELS

CATERING SERVICES

Hilton Plaza Medical Center

David Alcorta Catering

6633 Travis........................................................... 7 13/557- 0740

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

ACCOUNTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS/ CPAS

CBD PRODUCTS

230 Westcott, Ste 210................................... 7 13/ 784 -3030

1138 W 20th St .....................................................713/661-0091

ADOPTION/FOSTER

CHURCHES/SPIRITUAL CENTERS

11500 NW Fwy #465.......................................832- 620 -7204

1440 Harold ................................................beringchurch.org

Gary Gritz, CPA

Vanguard Youth Society

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Hydroshack Hydroponics

Bering Church

Resurrection MCC

Round Top Festival Hill

................................................................................. FestivalHill.org Society For The Performing Arts

SPAHouston.org ................................................7 13/227-47 72 Stages Theatre

Theatre Under The Stars

HEALTH CARE-/HIV/COVID TESTING

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

Tony’s Corner Pocket

817 W. Dallas.......................................................832/722-7658 White Oak Music Hall

Ashkan Media

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

Mat Hat Maven Creative

5501 Main ..............................................................713/528-0527

FINANCIAL PLANNING/BANKS

OutSmart Magazine

3406 Audubon ....................................................7 13/520 -72 37

newportac.com................................................281/808-8630

Aidshelp.org ........................................................713/623-6796

APARTMENTS/HOUSING

Bering Connect

Newport A/C & Heating

AIDS Foundation Houston

.................................................LegacyCommunityHealth.org

Diana Foundation

2205 Fannin ......................................................7 13/659-4998

EPAH

www.jaofit.com .............................................832-649-8422

Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

13645 Murphy Rd .......................................... 832/752-5805

Felicia Lee-Sexton Fitness Coaching

Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD Greater Houston Eye Consultants Humble ..................................................................... 281/454-2056 Clear Lake...................................................................281/484-1186

FUNERAL/MORTUARY SERVICES

HEALTH CARE–OPTOMETRISTS

Durham Heights Apartments

.......................................................... .TheDianaFoundation.org

Bill Arning Exhibitions

604 W. Alabama ....................billarningexhibitions.com The Menil Collection

HEALTH CARE-HIV/STD TESTING

FITNESS CLUBS/PERSONAL TRAINING

............................................................BunniesOnTheBayou.org

ART/ART GALLERIES

Avenue 360

Avenue360.org ..................................................7 13/426-0027

Dawson at Stratford Apartments

DurhamHeightsApartments.com...........7 13/84 3 -7081

James R. Vanya/New York Life

3355 Alabama, Ste 180 ................................ 7 13/355-9833 9999 Bellaire Blvd Ste. 8D ........................936-298-6565

........................................................................713-526-1017, ext.20

419 Stratford......................................................3 46/388-8457

Grace Yung/Midtown Financial

Richard Dickson/Galene Financial

1700 W Loop S, Ste 255.................................7 13/489-4322

SignatureCare Emergency Centers

Bunnies on the Bayou

CoHousing Houston

cohousinghouston.com .......................... 8 3 2 / 9 0 0 -2 9 1 9

Montrose Emergency Room 24 Hour ER

3209 Montrose Blvd .......................................281/709-2897 1925 TC Jester ...................................................832/850-4338 1014 Wirt Rd ........................................................ 832/924-0312 Additional locations......................................ercare24.com

fa.ml.com/elias-contreras........................2 8 1/5 8 8 -7 1 1 4

COMMUNITY/NONPROFIT

HEALTH CARE-EMERGENCY CENTERS

Elias Contreras/Merrill Lynch

Trinity Episcopal Church

1015 Holman St........................ www.trinitymidtown.org

Houston Health Department/COVID

houstontx.gov.................................................. 832-393-4220

1110 W. Gray St., #101 ........................................7 13/242-1436

thebroughtoninvestmentgroup.com..........7 13/337-4500

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Houston Health Department/HIV

.......................................................................houstoniamlife.com

Broughton Investment Group

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

1805 W. Alabama .......................ststephenshouston.org

Montrose DDS/Austin T. Faulk, DDS

620 W Alabama ................................................ 7 13/529-4364

............................................................. whiteoakmusichall.com

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

Montrose DDS/Samuel A. Carrell, DDS

620 W Alabama ................................................ 7 13/529-4364

StagesTheatre.com .........................................7 13-527-0123

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

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

LifeSmiles by Randy Mitchmore, DDS

1722 W. Alabama .............................................. 7 13/592-9300

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

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

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

ASTROLOGER

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

Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus

Club Houston

John Aaron Online Fitness

Dignity Memorial

Jovon Tyler...........................................................7 13/562-0004 Leslie Bonnie ......................................................281/203-7830

Legacy Community Health

HEALTH CARE–OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Boutique Eye Care/Juliet Farmer, OD

1806 Westheimer, Ste. A ............................. 713/528-2010 Eye Gallery

......................................................................................7 13/529 -5842

KPFT Radio

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

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING

1806B Westheimer ........................................... 713/523-1279 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Ste 110 .........................7 13/622-7470

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI)

11804 Hempstead ..............................................7 13/957-3672

520 Waugh Dr.....................................................7 13/352-0974

Lilly Roddy Astrology

deborah Lawson

401 Branard.......................................................lhihouston.org

Gonzalez Olivieri LLC

lesbiansoverage50.org................................713/907-5378

Katine & Nechman LLP

..............................................................................ThePetPatrol.org

....................................................................................... 713/478-2618 gonzalezolivierillc.com ................................ 7 13/4 81-3040 1834 Southmore.................................................7 13/808-1001 The Miller Law Firm Adam H. Miller & Nichole Nech

TexasBulldogLaw.com .................................... 713/572-3333 Jessica Rodriquez-Wahlquist

5300 Memorial Ste 270 .................................7 13/ 751-2 392 Walker Kirkpatrick

..........................................................................................7 13/552-1117 James S. Walker ....................... Walkertexaslawyer.com Eric Kirkpatrick ...................................Kirkpatricklaw.com

AUCTION HOUSES Gallery Auctions

galleryauctions.com.......................................281-931- 0100

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS Active Auto

6427 Washington ............................................7 1 3 / 8 6 1 - 1 0 0 0 Eurocar-Werk

Lesbians Over Age Fifty (L.O.A.F.) Pet Patrol

Fountains & Statuary

Hydroshack Hydroponics

1138 W 20th St .....................................................7 13/661-0091 Joshua’s Native Plants & Antiques

502 W. 18th St ..................................................... 7 13/862-7444

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast

GLASS SERVICES

..........LegacyCommunityHealth.org/services/pharmacy/

Ryan White Planning Council

3804 Bissonnet ..................................................713/661-0091

540 Waugh Drive ............................................832/649-3142

..................................................................ppgulfcoast.org/lgbtq rwpcHouston.org ............................................713-572-3724 The Woodlands PRIDE

Lone Star Glass

GROCERY STORE H-E-B

..........................................................thewoodlandstxpride.org

Multiple locations ......................................................heb.com

COMPUTERS/INTERNET/IT SERVICES

HAIR/NAIL/MAKE-UP SALONS

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

515 Westheimer ..............................................7 1 3 /5 24 -7 8 5 8

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHT LIFE

HEALTH CARE - CHIROPRACTORS

Copy.com

Alley Theatre

615 Texas Ave ................................................alleytheatre.org George Country Sports Bar

617 Fairview ........................................................713/528-8102 Houston Eagle

611 Hyde Park.........................................HoustonEagle.com

NU-Cuts Hair Salon

The Sports & Wellness Doc/Alexia McClerkin, DC

2636 S Loop W .................................................. 832/844-1754

HEALTH CARE–COUNSELING/THERAPY

Connections Wellness/Dr. Tracy Carlson

MyConnectionsWellness.com ..............888/580-5995 D. “Woodja” Flanigan, MS, LPA

5103 Gulfton Dr ................................................7 1 3 - 6 6 1 - 6 4 2 8

2600 SW Fwy, Ste 409 .................................7 13/589-9804

716 Fairview...................................................... 7 1 3 / 5 2 2 - 3 6 0 2

La Granja Disco Y Cantina

......................................................................................7 13/524-9525

Midtown Houston

3131 Eastside St, Ste 4 ....................................281/610-8190

Miller Outdoor Theatre

230 Westcott, Ste 210....................................7 13/869-7400

Tech Auto Maintenance

37 Waugh Dr. ...................................................... 7 13/863 -824 4

AUTOMOTIVE SALES Fred Haas Toyota World

FredHaasToyota.com ..................................832 / 76 4 -8914 Planet Ford

20403 I-45 Spring TX 77388 ................... 866/879 -9328 Planet Lincoln

204031 I-45 Spring TX 77388 ..................888/242-5059

808 Pacific ............................................................ 713/521-2519 5505 Pinemont Dr ............................................713/518-6753

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

Dessert Gallery

DessertGallery.com .......................................7 13 -52 2-9999

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Jeffrey Myles/JM Professional Services

4545 Post Oak Pl #370 ................................. 7 13-203-0495

Papi’s

401 Branard..........................................................7 13/529-0037

Pearl Bar

230 Westcott, Ste 210....................................7 13/869-7400

...................................................................outandproudlive.com

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

davidalcorta.net .............................................832 /4 39 - 02 24

Dr. Barry F. Gritz, MD

Out & Proud Live

11410 Hempstead Rd.....................................832/582-5022

HoustonFCU.org .......................................... 866/OUR-HFCU David Alcorta Catering

Dr. Daniel Garza, MD

....................................................................................... 7 13/447-2164

570 Waugh Dr .....................................................713/524-3559

BAKERIES/CUSTOM CAKES

Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMFT, RN

Neon Boots

BANKING/FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Houston Federal Credit Union

HEALTH CARE/PHARMACIES

Avita Pharmacy

............................................................ AvitaPharmacy.com/HIV

JR’s/Santa Fe

Ryan Automotive

Montrose Eye Care/ Paul Lovero, OD

ReBar

202 Tuam ...............................................................346/227-8613 Ripcord

715 Fairview St .................................................... 713/521-2792 Round Top Festival Institute

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

Cheryl Rhode

The Montrose Center Christine Wysong

HEALTH CARE–DENTISTS Bayou City Smiles/Marcus de Guzman, DDS

2313 Edwards St., Ste. 150 ..............................7 13/518-1411 Bayou City Smiles/Cynthia Corral, DDS

2313 Edwards St., Ste 150................................7 13/518-1411 Cory Logan, DDS

530 Waugh Dr. .................................................. 7 13/942-8598

Legacy Pharmacy

Scott Read Pharmacy

HEALTH CARE–PHYSICIANS

Octavio Barrios, MD

507 West Gray ....................................................7 13/942-7546 7106 Spencer Highway ................................281/542-9400 Gordon Crofoot, MD/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230........................................7 13/526-0005 Abel Flores, MD/Village Medical

4543 Post Oak Pl...............................................7 13/ 7 9 7-1 0 8 7 M. Sandra Scurria, MD

6565 West Loop South, Ste 300 ..............281/661-5901 Derek Smith, AGPCNP-BC/Crofoot MD

3701 Kirby, Ste.1230........................................7 13/526-0005 Maggie White,MPH FNP-BC AAHIVS/ Wellness Bar by Legacy

120 Westheimer .................................................7 13/814-3730

HEALTH CARE–SERVICES AIDS Foundation Houston

afhouston.org.....................................................7 13/623-6796 AIDS Healthcare Foundation

......................................................................................... HIVcare.org Avenue 360

Avenue360.org ..................................................7 13/426-0027 Harris County Public Health

Publichealth.harriscountytx.gov ......... 7 13/439-6293 Houston Health Department

................................................................................... houstontx.gov Legacy Community Health

LegacyCommunityHealth.org ...............832/548 5000 Ryan White Planning Council

RWPCHouston.org .......................................... 7 13/572-3784 St. Hope Foundation

offeringhope.org ...............................................7 13/7 78-1300

HEALTH CARE–SKIN CARE Beatniks Beard Supply

beatniksbeardsupply.com........................7 13/239-0868

ADVERTISERS INDEX Heights Dermatology/Alpesh Desai, MD

2120 Ashland...................................................... 713/864-2650 Moore Unique Dermatology & Spa

2525 W. Bellfort Ave suite 10.......................713-741-3376 SkinCeuticals/Skin Lab

2800 Kirby, Ste. B21 .......................................713/559-9300 Skin Renaissance Laser/Octavio Barrios, MD

507 West Gray ....................................................713/942-7546

HEALTH CARE-WEIGHT LOSS

Alexia McClerkin, MD /Beauty & Wellness Doc

beautyandwellnessdoc.com .................. 832/844-1754 Dr. B-Fit / Octavio Barrios, MD

517 West Gray .....................................................713/942-7546

HOME FURNISHINGS/ACCESSORIES

coda

355 W. 19th ............................................................ 713/864-4411

HOME BUILDERS

SABO Custom Builders

Sabocustombuilders.com............................713/344-1241

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Jacob Medina

Jacob-medina.co..............................................713/242-8934 Jean Quila Interior Design

.....................................................................................832/366-1044

INSURANCE AGENCIES/AGENTS Lane Lewis/Farmers Insurance

2200 North Loop W, Ste 136 .....................713/688-8669 Patrick Torma/Goosehead Insurance

3420 Rusk, Ste. 22 ............................................281/723-1294

INVESTMENTS Doug Smith/Hawthorne Funds

1210 West Clay, Ste. G ............... HawthorneFunds.com

JEWELERS Silverlust

1338-C Westheimer .....................................7 13/52 0 - 5 4 4 0 Tenenbaum Jewelers

4310 Westheimer .................TenenbaumJewelers.com Zadok Jewelers

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tomsgalvestonrealestate.com ...............7 13/857-2309

Yvonne Feece Photography

1702 W Gray St Ste 200 .................................832/2 2 1-7628

DaltonDehart.com...........................................7 13/62 2-2 202 yvonnefeece.com ........................................... 8 32 /8 76 -105 3

PLUMBING

H-Town Emergency Plumbers

.....................................................................................8 32 /3 18 - 0390 In The Loop Plumbing Services

....................................................................................3 4 6/2 5 3 - 4 4 4 4

813 Richmond .....................................................7 13/52 2-2365

621 Richmond .................................................... 7 13/2 24 - 8808

DessertGallery.com .......................................7 13-52 2-9999

2daypostcards.com

Copy.com

The Residences at the Allen

ResidencesattheAllen.com...................... 2 8 1/9 4 0 - 080 1

REAL ESTATE –HOME BUILDERS

SABO Custom Builders

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REAL ESTATE–MORTGAGE/TITLE Chicago Title –Inner Loop

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Brooks Ballard/Engel & Volkers

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Does advertising work?

IT JUST DID. Get listed on this page. Call 713/520-7237 for details.

PHOTOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION

PHOTOGRAPHIC FOUNDATION

Our Legacy Through The Lens

Paul Gomberg/The Rock Star Real Estate Group Richard Hill

RichardHill.com ............................................... 713/863-9494 Houston Association of Realtors

har.com .................................................................. 7 13/62 9 -1900 Thomas Phillips/City Side Properties Exp Realty

....................................................................................8 32 /305 -78 4 8

The Urban Vet/Dr. Eric Cagle

15103 Mason Rd Suite A-1 ............................832/803-9177

Vergi 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Hospital

3201 Kirby Drive ................................................7 13/9 42- 685 7

West Alabama Animal Clinic

WEDDING VENUES

Galveston Railroad Museum

3201 Kirby Dr ........................................................7 13/6 7 7- 4 3 3 7

Midtown Veterinary Hospital

2030 W. Alabama ............................................. 713/528-0818

yvonnefeece.com ........................................... 832/876-1053

Tom Eickleberry/Pride Street Realty

Jeremy Fain/Greenwood King Properties

8921 Katy Freeway ..........................................713/932-9589

9330 Broadway, #416 ..................................832/ 736-9903 Pizza Birra Vino 544 Waugh Dr ...................................................832/581-3664

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Karen Derr/Karen Derr Realty

PEST CONTROL SERVICES & TRAPPING

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Pho 518!

Dalton DeHart Photography

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93’ Til

1601 W Main St ................................................. 281/846 -6405

WEDDING SERVICES/PHOTO/VIDEO

Mark A. Chupik /Pinnacle Realty Advisors

Galveston Railroad Museum

4720 Washington ............................................713/343-9909

3215 Westheimer...............................................713/522-1934 Niko Niko’s 2520 Montrose...................................................7 13/528-4976

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Bayou City Veterinary Hospital

Giacomo’s cibo e vino

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Scott Brown/Greenwood King

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PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES

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Dessert Gallery

.......................................................................................7 13/86 1-1000

pinnacleRA.com ............................................7 1 3 / 5 3 5 - 0 3 0 9

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Eugene’s

David Alcorta Catering

bayoucitypropertygroup.com................ 713/523-8609

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Andy’s All Star Pest Control

Galveston Tourism

..................................................................... visitgalveston.com

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...............................................................................NeftVodka.com

galvestonrrmuseum.org ...........................409/765-5700

Concierge Travel, Inc

4920 Mimosa ......................................................... 7 13/661-2117

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309 Gray.................................................................. 7 13/52 2-7474

MUSEUMS

TRAVEL/TRAVEL AGENCIES

Janet Friedman/J Friedman Mortgage

JFriedmanLoans.com ....................................7 13 -785 - 5626

LIQUOR/WINE & SPIRITS

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8788 Hammerly ................................................7 13/993-6486 Urban Eats 3414 Washington Ave ....................feasturbaneats.com

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

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REAL ESTATE – FOR SALE

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Dessert Gallery

1985 Welch St .....................................................713/807-8883

4229 Bellaire Blvd............................................7 13/52 9 -26 30

Shoot the Moon

8155 Longpoint Rd ..........................................281/888-4801

WEDDING SERVICES/BAKERS

REAL ESTATE -ARCHITECTS Morningside Architects

Riva’s Italian Restaurant

1117 Missouri St ................................................. 7 13/529-3450

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1201-F Westheimer............................................7 13/52 8 -120 1

REAL ESTATE–REALTORS

Spec’s Wine Spirits & Finer Foods

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE/WINE BARS

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FIX Vodka

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3423 White Oak ................................................ 713/893-5002

.................................................................................... FixVodka.com

Marthaturner.com .............................................7 13/520-1981 Andy Weber/Sotheby’s International Realty

ACME Oyster House

....................................................................................8 32 / 75 4 - 6024

Dripping Springs

Martha Turner Properties

POOLS & POOL SERVICES

LEATHER GOODS

...................................................... drippingspringsvodka.com

VJ Tramonte/Joe Tramonte Realty

1802 Broadway/Galveston ........................409/ 765 -9837

1177 W. Loop South, Ste 1200.....................7 13/885 -4 419

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U-Plumb-It Plumbing Supply

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Dalton DeHart Photography

Todd Russo/Gary Greene

Debbie Levine/Greenwood King Properties Lynette Lew/Better Homes and Gardens

LynetteLew.com...............................................7 13/5 82-2 202 Jose Ocque/Gary Greene-Post Oak Park

1177 W. Loop South, Ste 1200..................... 713/301-1136 Redfin Realtors

4000 Washington Ave #303 ....................8 32 /52 9 -2 98 3

PRESERVING YEARS OF HOUSTON LGBTQ HISTORY! Help us fund the digitalization and cataloging of more than a million community photos by making a donation.

Info@DaltonDeHart.com I P.O. Box 22641 I Houston, TX 77277

www.DaltonDeHart.com OutSmartMagazine.com OutSmartMagazine.com | | APRIL APRIL 2022 2022 95 95

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BAR GUIDE

HOUSTON 2.0 Montrose’s newest dance club is open Thursday through Sunday and features a daily Happy Hour from 7 to 10 p.m.

2320 Crocker St, Houston TX 77006 Barcode With the longest daily Happy Hours in Montrose from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., this neighborhood watering hole is a popular spot. Drag shows occur Wednesday through Sunday, and the bar hosts karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays.

817 Fairview, Houston TX 77006 Blur Bar This multi-level dance club features an upstairs lounge and balconies, with weekly events including Travesura Thursdays and Latin Saturdays.

710 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006 BUDDY’S “EveryBUDDY’S welcome” at this modern LGBTQ bar with “events as diverse as Houston.” The bar features cocktails, beer, karaoke, pool, DJ’s, and more.

2409 Grant St STE A, Houston TX 77006 Club Crystal With roots going back to the iconic club Inergy, Club Crystal is Houston’s original LGBTQ Latino nightclub. Find some of Ingegy’s décor (and former staff members) at this two-room Latin/ hip-hop club.

6680 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77036 Crocker Bar This comfortably remodeled Montrose nightspot offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and extended Happy Hour prices throughout the week.

2312 Crocker, Houston TX 77006 Houston Eagle As part of the worldwide Eagle family, Eagle Houston is the definitive home of the man’s man. Leather, bear, or jock,

you’ll find them all here. This neighborhood bar has multiple levels and outdoor decks, and regularly features DJs and male dancers.

611 Hyde Blvd., Houston TX 77006 George Country Sports Bar Regulars rule at this comfortable neighborhood sports bar with dart boards and pool tables. Sports fans can watch games on televisions (inside as well as outside on the newly renovated patio), and Steak Night with chef Michele Free is on Thursday nights.

617 Fairview St, Houston TX 77006 Hamburger Mary’s Houston New location opening soon.

JR’s Bar & Grill This Montrose standard offers drag shows Sunday through Thursday, karaoke on Wednesdays, and daily Happy Hour on a spacious New Orleans-style courtyard patio.

808 Pacific St, Houston TX 77006

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

Nightly Specials – Call for Details

Cold Beverages & Hot Guys!

Houston’s Hottest Male Amateur Strip Contest Headquarters!

Voted the Best Place to Watch Male Dancers

817 W. Dallas 713.571.7870 Tues. and Thurs, – Sunday Nights

KIKI Coming soon.

La Granja Disco y Cantina One of Houston’s favorite Latin LGBTQ bars, La Granja Disco y Cantina is open Wednesday through Sunday and features daily Happy Hour prices, DJs, drag shows, and karaoke nights.

5505 Pinemont Dr, Houston TX 77092 Michael’s Outpost The only piano bar in Montrose offers great drinks, award-winning drag shows, and a roundup of talented musicians taking turns on the keys seven nights a week.

1419 Richmond Ave, Houston TX 77006 Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon Houston’s only LGBTQ country dance hall is open Wednesdays through Sundays and hosts dance classes, steak nights, bingo, and karaoke.

11410 Hempstead Hwy, Houston TX 77092

THURSDAY Bites & Bingo FRIDAY Trivia then Rotating Weekly Drag Shows SATURDAY Brunch, ReBarlesque then Joe Ross

FOOD, COCK TAILS, NIGHTLIFE 202 TUAM STREET HOUSTON, TE XAS 7 7006

SUNDAY Brunch then Sunday Service

Where the Tops Hang Out!

2312 Crocker St. OutSmartMagazine.com

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APRIL 2022

97

BAR GUIDE

Papi’s Houston’s newest Latin LGBTQ club offers dancing, drag, and game shows all week long. Visit Papi’s and experience the spicy side of Montrose!

570 Waugh Dr, Houston TX 77019 Pearl Bar Houston’s only lesbian bar—one of just 21 left in the nation—is home to a wide variety of events including weekly drag-king shows, nationally known LGBTQ DJs, and a queer farmers market on the patio.

4216 Washington, Houston TX 77007 ReBar This full-service venue offers distinctive food with Southern flair, a popular patio, multiple bars, VIP bottle-service areas, a large dance floor, and some of Houston’s most acclaimed resident DJs. 202 Tuam St, Houston TX 77006 RIPCORD Since 1982, this leather bar has been a fixture in Houston’s LGBTQ community.

It’s where the wild, the weird, and the kinky gather on a nightly basis and everyone is embraced for who they are—no pretense, no gatekeeping, just pure camaraderie and debauchery.

715 Fairview, Houston TX 77006

BAR NONE! OutSmart’s Bar Guide is the best place to advertise your bar! letters@outsmartmagazine.com

Tony’s Corner Pocket If you love a friendly bar staff, sexy male dancers, and entertaining showgirls, Tony’s Corner Pocket is the perfect spot. The bar is open seven days a week and hosts shows like Tornado Tuesdays, Wepa Wednesdays, and Sassy Saturdays.

817 W. Dallas, Houston TX 77019 Viviana’s Nite Club This weekend-only LGBTQ Latin dance club is home to a variety of DJs, singers, talent shows, and Sunday strippers.

4624 Dacoma St, Houston TX 77092

GALVESTON 23rd St. Station Piano Bar The piano bar features daily drink specials and weekends are filled with pulsing music, hot dancers, drag shows, and piano tunes.

1706 23rd St, Galveston TX 77550 Robert’s Lafitte Texas’ oldest bar has been open for over half a century, and is home to Galveston’s original drag show.

2501 Avenue Q, Galveston TX 77550 Rumors Beach Bar Located at the historic Seawall Boulevard on 31st Street, this Galveston spot offers dancing, food, drinks, drag, and a wide variety of themed nights.

3102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX 77550 HUNTSVILLE Ranch Hill Saloon The first (and only) LGBTQ bar in Montgomery County offers DJs, dancing, drink specials, and drag shows.

1000 12th St, Huntsville TX 77340 SPRING The Room This bar and video lounge has a laid-back atmosphere and features daily drink specials, karaoke, free pool, drag shows, and live DJs several nights a week.

4915 FM 2920 #148, Spring TX 77388 COLLEGE STATION Halo The only LGBTQ dance club in Bryan/College Station is this sleek spot located smack in the middle of Aggieland.

121 North Main Street, Bryan TX 77803

Know of a bar or club we’re missing, or that needs a listing updated? Let us know at feedback@outsmartmagazine.com.

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APRIL 2022 99

SIGN OUT

By LILLY RODDY

A Boost of Energy Aries season motivates us to get active.

This is a good month to act on your new projects! We have a Mercury retrograde coming up from May 3 through June 11 (in Gemini and Taurus), so plan ahead. This is going to be an active month, especially in the last two weeks.

Our New Moon on April 1 in Aries will provide the boost of energy we need to step into spring. We will be feeling more independent and ready to move forward.

The Full Moon on April 16 in Libra reminds us of our relationships and obligations to others. We are trying to find a balance between our need for self-care and our partnerships with others.

Good days this month are April 2, 7, 8, 17, 27, and 30. Days to stay flexible are April 4, 10, 12, 18 and the 24th. This month we see Jupiter, our planet of travel and foreign affairs, coming into contact with Neptune, our planet of compassion and spiritual matters. This energy has been building for the last month and will be very strong around the 12th. We will need to open our minds and hearts during this time. The weather could be more volatile during that period.

SEBASTIAN GOMEZ DE LA TORRE

Aries, inspired by dancer Willi Ninja

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Happy Birthday to you Aries folks out there! This is your time of personal endings and beginnings. It’s a very good month to review your choices from last year and determine the goals you are going to set this year. This is an especially good time to focus on yourself. You are reviewing your friendships and business associations this month, looking for more mature and reliable people to pal around with. In the latter half of the month, you are more aware of finances, debt, and investments. You may be looking at upgrading your skill set or exploring other sources of income. It’s important to pace yourself toward the end of the month. You will need more time to yourself.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

You are still feeling the pressure of career, long-term planning, and decisions about your future goals. Business associates and friends have been sharing their points of view with you. You are eliminating activities that don’t really offer a return on your investment. You are also exploring future options with your partner. This can be a time of commitment or recommitment. You are clear about your choices. Your energy levels may wane a bit, particularly after midmonth.

You will want more time to yourself to explore your creativity and spirituality. Keep your schedule flexible so you don’t feel trapped. You will get a burst of energy at the end of the month!

GEMINI (May 21–June 21)

This continues to be a busy time for the Twins! Most of the activity is taking place in the career, social, and friend100 APRIL 2022

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ship sectors of your horoscope. Early April is a good time to improve your skills and find new areas of study. You are slowly getting clearer about your career direction. This entire year is very good for exploring new career options.

The latter part of April is a better time for business alliances and connecting with friends. This should be a positive time for improving your relationships. If you are single, this is a good month to meet new folks. Your magnetism and charm is stronger this year. By the end of the month, you will need some time for yourself!

CANCER (June 22–July 22)

You have a lot on your plate this month as you try to get organized. You continue to work hard on ridding yourself of debt that is limiting your choices, and you are ready to make the necessary sacrifices! You are also in a more creative time for sharing your ideas and views with those around you. This is a good month for a class—either as a student or the teacher! This is a very good month for improving your presence on the social-media platforms. You are also ready to take a leadership role as you work on improving your life. In late April you are looking to connect with social organizations and friends that you have avoided during the pandemic. Keep your agenda more flexible in the last half of the month.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

As the month begins, relationships and commitments are still your main topics. You are reevaluating your commitments to see if they are still viable. If they aren’t, you’ll be working to improve them or find other options. Career activ-

ity is very strong, particularly in the last half of the month.

This could be a good month to start something on your own, look for a new career path, or consider retirement.

You are certainly looking for something that sparks your interest and your passion. Restrictive jobs and relationships will be very irritating this month. You should pay attention to your finances this month, as you’ll be tempted to spend money on things you like.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.22)

You are still working on improving your diet and exercise programs, and your motivation will be strong through midmonth. If you can establish some good habits in early April, they will become a natural part of your routine.

Relationships need some TLC, and it’s an excellent time to go on a trip, start a project together, or just have more fun.

Your impulse-spending is strong this month, so think twice about purchases. Business relationships should improve in April. If you are single, this whole month is good for dating, but your charm is especially strong in late April. In the latter half of the month you are open to new ideas and points of view. This is a great time to take a class or just improve what you already do!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23)

Relationships are always important to you Librans, and this month those partnerships are even more important.

For some, this is the time to strengthen those bonds. If there are problems, they will come to the surface so they can be addressed. Relationships are very important this whole year, but especially in the summer. If you are single

They can be very self-focused about doing things their own way. For some, this is a time of turning your hobbies into something more substantial. You are looking to improve your work environment, and it’s also a great time to upgrade your internet or your electronic devices. You are and alsolooking, more motivated to live a heathier with more this is a very good month tolife find potential exercise and Health fresherand food.

In theroutines latter part of thetomonth, partners. fitness continue remain yourstrong, relationship sector is midmonth. very active.This Thisisisalso a good time especially after a great to renew bondsyour or, ifcreative you areurges single, outyour and monththose to explore or to to be enjoy about!

But beimaginative sure you make some time for the yourself. children’s impulses.

Toward end of the month you’ll be looking for ways to reduce debt and make better use(Oct. of your resources.

SCORPIO 24–Nov. 21) Home and family take the lead this month. On a mundane level, this can be a time to do some SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21)remodeling or possibly to relocate.

You are going through a downsizing of things You are continuing to work on making your home a youmore havecomfortable been collecting your entire life.mean On a deeper place, which could doing major upgrades even relocating. needget your level, this canorindicate changes Your in thefamily familymay as you advice more in than ever.

Youon seem to have more of a voice what goes there.

Don’tthe be best afraidperto on things, even they adon’t to acknowledge stepspective in and take charge.

Youifhave clearwant agenda and just it. things In the second half of the month, arediet looking want to be peaceful.

The healthyou and sectorto have morechart fun and stepactive away this frommonth. work and demands. of your is very Youfamily may want to This would be a tai great to take amore class!plant-based You are adjustdo some hot yoga, chi,time or consider ing your for the workand environproducts in workplace your diet. You will“new neednormal” more peace quiet ment.since Relationships are the main in the last half of at work, some co-workers canfocus be really annoying. theforget month. you some are involved, is aand good some Don’t to Ifhave fun—allthis work notime play for makes If you are single, this is a good time to be looking.

Janebonding. a dull girl!

You are seeking resolution with an increasingly difficult relationship.

during March as you attempt to put some order back into your life. This month, your home is the best place to retreat to. Family needs and demands can feel overwhelming, even if you manage them well. There may be no “best” solution for those shifts in the family, so choose what works for you so you don’t have anythings. resentments your choices.

In the more important You mayabout be holding back verbally latter partletting of the month, youget areout looking to have to avoid your anger of hand.

Moremore than fun. ever,If you have children, this isthis a great an adventure. your home is a retreat monthtime andfor throughout 2022.They You can help feel to more childlike.

You willallbeinmaking someof may be you looking relocate or remodel, the interest improvements to your workcomfortable environment this You month. making your nest a more place. are in a more creative place by mid-April. This is a much better time for self-promotion.

Later in the month CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) you are reworking your routines, improving your have officebeen environment, The last couple of months crazy forand the updating Sea Goats.

You areready busytothis month!

Asyour the social-media month opens,outreach. you are finally make some decisions and move forward. Your confidence level should be strong, especially(Dec. early in22–Jan. the month.

CAPRICORN 19)Debt and future security of activity month, and of it is taking is There still a ishota lot topic for yourthis horoscope.

Youmost will definitely be placeaction inside on of you!

You continue to review taking this area of your life over theyour nextfinances month and reduce debt. youryou spending need totobe a half.

If you areAllinofdebt, will bewill working getjustified yourselfso youIfcan OKextra aboutresources, your finances.

Home family places are free. youfeel have you will beand exploring topics month.

You are wanting to and spend more timeYou at tobig invest andthis create a safer future for you your family. home bonding family this members. is a good time for need some time with to yourself monthThis in order to maintain upgrading furnishings thethrough walls. You will yoga, need your sanity. You may be and ablepainting to find this some more freedom from your work your in early April as renew meditation, or binge-watching favorite TV you show.

At the your before you start to geta very at the endmore of end of energies the month, family and having safe busy nest become the month.This Youcould are speaking outtime more about how things important. be a great foroften a family adventure impacting you. In late April you are looking for something orare reunion. that really catches your interest so you can have more fun!

For the last couple of months, you have been working on (Nov.22–Dec.21) yourSAGITTARIUS finances, investments, and debt. As March begins, As the month opens, continue to focus on getting you are making choicesyou about what you are going to do activities. may be withmore yourcontrol money.over Youday-to-day will have lots of smallYou chores to do eliminating some responsibilities so you can focus on

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It’sAQUARIUS going to be a(Jan. busy 20–Feb. month for 18) the Water Bearers, with Mars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22–Dec.21)

With Saturn (ouradventure, planet of career) your sign through (planet of action, safety,visiting and confrontation) visitendsign of the you are exploring, initiatingtheyour foryear, the next 40 days or so.reviewing, You will beand feeling ing your plans for the future. You are setting some personal

strong, confident, and not very patient. You will have your say this month, and you won’t be waiting for anyone to give you permission to speak. You may also have a harder time getting restful sleep. Exercise is always suggested when Mars is around. This can help burn off some of the excess energy you are experiencing. This is a great month to initiate a health boundaries about how open you are to others. You have little program! Relationships may be more edgy as you say whattolerance for immature people. With finances, this is a good ever comes to mind without much filtering. Be careful about month to focus on talents that serve others. This is also a being accident-prone fromhobbies the 19thand through the 26th.

This great month to enjoy your find more time for is also a good month to explore your creative skills and them. If you are an artist, this is a super month to promoteturn that side continue to speak your mind whatinto youado!

Byhustle. the endYou of April, you are connecting with at the end the family. month You as you to get your daily activities homeofand willattempt want to do some redecorating—a organized trend we’vemore seenefficiently. since January that is especially strong this month. Focus on the family members you like, and don’t

worry about the rest.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

This is a big year for the Mermaids and Mermen! There are all kinds of(Feb. opportunities an improved position at work, PISCES 19–Mar.for20) better relationships, and socialand activity, This month continuesmore to be friends busy, productive, full ofand finding your place the world.

Piscesare is aattracting very mutable opportunities.

Yourinpersonal energies good energy, so you tend to You adapt your environment people and prospects! willtobe more prepared torather act onthan impose your demands on it. This is a great year these options after midmonth.

Nevertheless, youfor stillschool, need travel, a law degree, international politics, blogging, time forgetting yourself, despite the desires of others.

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For more astro-insight, log on For more astro-insight, log on to lillyroddyshow.com. to lillyroddyshow.com.

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OutSmartMagazine.com || APRIL 2022 OutSmartMagazine.com MARCH 2022101 81 OutSmartMagazine.com | MARCH 2022 81

WIGGING OUT

By SAM BYRD

Introducing Norvina

How did you learn to death-drop?

I learned on a hotel bed right before going out with a group of friends in Austin, just because I wanted to have a party trick. When I’m about to do it, it’s no thoughts—just action.

If it’s rainbowcolored, located in Montrose, and dancing with wild abandon—including several death drops—chances are it’s Norvina Dubois.

Formerly known as Roofie, this performer embraces technicolor makeup and outfits. And if that isn’t enough of a treat for the eyes, her energy level is through the ceiling. Read on for more about this high-octane performer.

What’s the secret to a good death-drop?

A dry floor. If you know, you know.

Pronouns?

He/Him out of drag. She/Her in drag.

What do you do in your down time?

I try to spend as much time at home as possible, so I mostly hang out with my drag family and we watch movies, play video games or board games, and hang out with my cats.

When is your drag birthday?

January 2016 How did you come up with your stage name?

I started drag when I was 18, and at that point in my life, I had experienced so much trauma that I didn’t really care what happened in my life. I could only equate that feeling to being numb or unaware, so that’s how I chose “Roofie.” Now I’ve matured, and I realize that this name wasn’t indicative of the professional queen that I want to be. I no longer have those harsh feelings about reality, so that’s why I’ve decided to change my name to Norvina.

How have your family and friends reacted to your life as a drag performer?

My family was accepting from the start, so I’m fortunate to never have struggled with the acceptance of family—or at least the ones who matter.

What’s on your bucket list?

To perform onstage for (or with) Billie Eilish or Rico Nasty. (I’ve already performed with Charli XCX!) What’s your most embarrassing moment on stage?

Before I knew about bobby pins, I was performing in the shortest two-inch pussycat wig,

This death-drop queen is Houston’s most colorful performer.

To chest plate or not to chest plate, that is the question.

It depends on the temperature outside. Lately it’s been so hot that I’ve been feeding my supermodel fantasy.

Follow Norvina on Instagram and Twitter @norvinadubois.

and it fell off mid-performance, revealing my hair that was significantly longer than the wig itself. Ever since then, I haven’t gone onstage without at least a thousand bobby pins in my head.

What drew you to such colorful makeup and costumes?

I feel like if I enter the stage with every color on, it’s hard to ignore me. I think drag is all about having fun, and what’s more fun than wearing every single color when you hit the stage?

What’s next for you?

I was recently promoted to assistant show director of Hamburger Mary’s Houston, and I would love to take my drag to a national level this year by performing in as many cities as possible.

What would you like your legacy to be?

To prove that you can 100 percent be yourself, wear what you want to wear, look how you want to look, and be successful in this city.

Where can people see you perform?

Mondays at Michael’s Outpost, Tuesdays at JR’s Bar & Grill, and all weekend at Hamburger Mary’s.

Anything else?

I would like to thank everyone [who has] embraced my name change. They understand and respect why I decided it was time for a change.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTTY KIRBY

102

APRIL 2022

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