Queer Voices

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First, we speak with gay comedian /actorJason Stuart who publicly came out 30 years ago on the Geraldo show.  We discuss how this affected his career and the work he has done since then.  Then, we discuss his upcoming projects.

Guest: Jason Stuart
https://www.jasonstuart.com/

Then we speak with Kenn McLaughlin, the artistic director of Stages Theater, who bids farewell after a remarkable 25-year tenure. Listen as Ken reflects on the transformative power of theater, his vision for a trans theater in Houston, and aspirations for a renaissance of queer expression. He also invites us behind the scenes of his new thriller, ‘Switzerland’, and his journey to casting Sally Edmondson.

Lastly, immerse yourself in our exploration of theater production. Discover how actors Kelly Peters and Holland Barber beautifully portrayed the iconic friendship between Louise and Patsy in the Stages Theater production of ‘Always, Patsy Klein’. Ken shares his thoughts on the unique intimacy that Stages Theatre fostered with its audience and the moving story of how he met his husband, Brad. So, join us on this enlightening journey through comedy, theater, and LGBTQ history.

Guest: Ken McLaughlin
https://stageshouston.com/about-staff-and-board/

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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We speak with Bryan Cotton, the Founder and President of New Faces of Pride, LLC. in Houston, a new pride organization established in 2023. Their mission is to foster unity, inclusivity, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community of Houston through year-round events and fundraising initiatives. We discuss the objectives of this new organization, what it hopes to accomplish and why it was founded. This includes discussing their Parade and Festival on June 22, downtown at Wortham Theater and Fish Plaza.

Guest: Bryan Cotton
https://newfacesofpride.org/

Then, we speak with Kendra Walker from Pride Houston 365 joins us to chat about their approach to the Pride season and what is planned for 2024.  Historically, Pride Houston is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit that has organized the official Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® which includes the Houston Pride Festival® and Houston Pride Parade® every year in Montrose or downtown Houston promoting public awareness of the need for diversity and equal rights in our community as well as to commemorate and celebrate the history of the gay, lesbian, trans and queer community.  They aim to celebrate this cause not only in June but all year round.

Guest: Kendra Walker
https://pridehouston365.org

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

Co-Host Wendy Taylor has an interview with Galveston based musician and voice over artist, Ladybird.  Ladybird opened up about how her upcoming album, "A Pay to Play World," serves as her therapeutic outlet to manage chronic pain, trauma, and her interaction with luxury medical treatment in America. She shared her journey from the studio to the world through Twitch, where she's been able to build connections and express her music.

Guest: Ladybird
https://www.ladybird-uke.com/


Then, Wendy Taylor has an interview with some of Houston's Drag Kings.  We step into the vibrant, often underrepresented, sphere of drag kings with Houston's ground-breaking performers. One of our guests detailed their rise from self-taught YouTube sessions to establishing themselves as the first recognized drag king in Houston's queer scene. Another compelling narrative emerged as we discussed the creation of boot camps as a way to give back, mentor younger performers, and foster community growth. Our guests,  elved into their experiences, the hurdles they've had to overcome, and the strides they've made in creating inclusive spaces for drag kings.

Guests:  Ian Syder-Blake, Sir Debonaire and Preston Steam
https://htxqee.com/camp-and-events

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

We speak with Amanda Rose, president of Katy Pride, and their plans for this event.  Anticipate a weekend filled with advocacy, acceptance, and celebration as she unveils a sneak peek into the lineup of vendors, riveting entertainment, and the cascading events from the kick-off party at Postino Cinco Ranch to the after-party at the First Christian Church of Katy.

Guest: Amanda Rose
https://fcckaty.org/katypride/

Next, we shift gears into a world bedazzled with sequins and feathers, as David Sartie, a.k.a. Chloe Knox, takes us down a captivating journey into the realm of drag pageantry. Listen closely as David unveils how at the tender age of 15, he stepped into the spotlight of drag and how it played a pivotal role in his personal and professional trajectory. Learn about David's experiences with homophobia and the reflective role of his mother's support. Get a glimpse of his flair for fashion as he navigates through his unique drag style.

Guest: Chloe Knox
http://www.missgayamerica.com/chloe-knox.html

And finally, step into the shoes of the multifarious Hunny Marie - a socialite, realtor, and artist. Join us as we walk through the pages of her book, 'She's a Runner, She's a Trackstar: How Love Became an Anchor,' and discover how her past experiences shaped this poignant tale. Engage with her advocacy for mental health awareness and her upcoming book tour. Be sure not to miss out as Honey invites us all to her book launch on October 22nd, and shares a portal to her online world. Buckle up, beloved listeners, as this episode is an adventure you don't want to miss.

Guest: Hunny Marie
https://www.hunnymarie.com/

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

We speak with the Montrose Center's Executive Director Ann Robinson.  She will be retiring soon and we catch up with her about her 35 years at the Center and what is next.  The Montrose Center opened in 1978 as Montrose Counseling Center (MCC), after the widely successful Town Meeting I at the Astro Arena.

The Center faced many financial burdens in its formative years, particularly because of the high cost of providing health insurance for its employees living with HIV/AIDS. In the 1990s the Center became one of the first places in Houston to offer temporary housing to gay men and transgender people. In 2013, the Center changed its name from Montrose Counseling Center to the Montrose Center, as services had evolved beyond just counseling and wanted people to feel they could come to the Center for services other than mental health. 

Today, the Montrose Center serves as a community hub, with a long, proud history of empowering LGBTQ Houston since 1978.

Guest: Ann Robinson
https://montrosecenter.org/

We get up close and personal with Kendra Walker, a dynamo businesswoman, entrepreneur, and community leader hailing from Jackson, Mississippi. Rising from her humble beginnings to the top, Kendra opens up about her dedication to self-care and how her unstoppable work ethic has catapulted her to success. Uncover more about her upcoming events in Houston, her unprecedented contributions to Pride Houston, and her tireless initiatives aimed at supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

And as we wrap up, we cast a lens onto the grim reality of Anti-LGBTQ Abuses in Uganda, providing a broader perspective on the global challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Kendra’s thoughts on this issue, and her challenges to us all to step up as active change-makers, are not to be missed. Join us as we celebrate the resilience of the Montrose Center's staff and emphasize the importance of continuous support for the LGBTQ+ community. An episode brimming with inspiring stories, insights, and calls to action, this is one you wouldn't want to miss!

Guest: Kendra Walker
https://pridehouston365.org/

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

We speak with Chris Bacon about the recent Supreme Court decision allowing businesses to discriminate against LGBT people. Can you imagine a world where businesses are legally allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation? The Supreme Court's recent ruling permitting such discrimination has sent ripples through the global LGBTQ community and beyond. We invite you to sit down with us as we unpack this ruling with Houston attorney Chris Bacon, providing a comprehensive analysis of the 303 Creative LLC versus Elenis case.

Guest:  Chris Bacon
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-476_c185.pdf


Our exploration into the 303 Creative case opens up a Pandora's box of potential consequences. With the skilled guidance of our guest Mr. Bacon, we navigate the choppy legal waters to understand the precedents set by West Virginia v. Barnett, discerning its differences with the current case. Discover how this ruling could serve as an open invitation for litigants to refuse goods and services to LGBTQ Americans, posing a stark challenge to the principle of equality. As we delve into these contentious issues, we also weave through Mr. Ingles' personal journey of self-discovery, his decision to pen his life story, and his unique perspective on the significance of the Little House and Prairie Books for the LGBTQIA Plus community.

We speak with Lee Ingalls author of "Ingalls on the Prairie: The Gene and Fern Ingalls Story".  R. Lee Ingalls is part of the famous family Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about in her series of beloved books. Lee describes himself as more of a story teller rather than an author. He often says Laura Ingalls was part of the fabric of America as it was populating and moving westward. Her life and experience didn’t differ much from most living at that time, but the remarkable act was she documented the journey. That is what Lee is doing with his new work. He is continuing the legacy Laura began by telling the life experiences of his parents.

Guest: Lee Ingalls
https://ingallsontheprairie.com/about-the-author-r-lee-ingalls/

Moving from the courts to the theater, we offer a tantalizing glimpse into Charles Busch's new play, Ibsen's Ghost. Unravel the intricacies of the story, the production process, and the creative symbiosis between Charles and the director, Carl. Lastly, we venture onto the global stage, examining the implications of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ equality and rights. We discuss the impact of discriminatory statements from world leaders, celebrate victories like the legal recognition of lesbian mothers, and mourn setbacks like the ban on queer student groups. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through the complex and often challenging world of LGBTQ rights and representation.

Guest: Charles Busch
https://www.charlesbusch.com/

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready for a powerful episode as we navigate through the resonating impact of The Laramie Project, a play that touches on the harrowing murder of Matthew Shepard, and the significant legislation that it inspired. We are joined by the play's director at Theatre Suburbia, Judy Reeves who offers us an intriguing insight into this dramatic piece. Judy details how the play uniquely employs ten actors to portray over 65 roles, and how it is not solely focused on the murder, but on the ripple effect it caused within the community of Laramie, leading to the creation of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Guest: Judy Reeves
https://web.theatresuburbia.org/season/63/show/laramie-project

This episode also welcomes the talented Charles Busch, a celebrated playwright, actor, novelist, director, portrait artist, and cabaret entertainer, who shares details of his upcoming memoir, Leading Lady. We examine the specific aspects of Judy Reeves' play, The Laramie Project, set to stage at Theatre Suburbia from September 15 through October 14. We also reflect on the invaluable role of platforms like KPFT in amplifying voices that often go unheard, and the continuous call for support from our listeners.

Guest: Charles Busch
https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Lady-Memoir-Most-Unusual/dp/1637744145

We wrap up our episode with a heartwarming conversation with the acclaimed actor, Bryan Batt, known for his Broadway productions. Bryan offers a sneak peek into his role in the forthcoming show, Pay the Writer, as well as his experience filming during the pandemic and the film's upcoming release in New York City. We also share personal anecdotes about the late comedian Joan Rivers, a theater history enthusiast and the value of humor in navigating adversity. Brian offers some pearls of wisdom for the younger members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we discuss the significance of queer voices in the play Pay the Writer. Prepare to swim in a sea of theater, history, and community.

Guest: Bryan Batt
https://paythewriterplay.com

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make history and inspire a community? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Harrison Guy, the first Black male grand marshal in the history of Houston's Pride celebrations. We dive into Guy's passion for the arts, his transformative journey to Rwanda, and how it influenced his artistic language and the creation of the Urban Souls Dance Company. We also venture into his newest production, Black Butterfly, which tells powerful stories from the LGBTQ community, based loosely on his own experiences.

Guest: Harrison Homer-Guy
http://urbansouls.org

Imagine being on the forefront of organizing events that embody Pride, art, and culture. That's exactly what our guest, Michael Greco, has done. From his role as a Grand Marshal in the Houston Gay Pride Parade to his upcoming Black Butterfly production and the Art of Black Pride exhibition, Greco is a force to be reckoned with. We also explore the humorous and yet profound Stages Repertory Theatre productions, 'The Legend of George McBride' and 'Drag Wonderettes' that challenge identity and gender norms, adding a refreshing take on classic narratives.

Guest: Michael Greco
https://stageshouston.com

Our journey does not stop there. We delve into the beautiful and evocative world of poetry, with works by Essex Hemphill, Pat Parker, and Aaron Shurin. Exploring themes of love, identity, and oppression, we see how these poets use their craft not only as a therapeutic tool but also as a powerful advocacy platform for LGBTQ rights. From National Poetry Month to Tokyo Rainbow Pride's return post-COVID, we traverse the significant narratives and challenges faced by the queer community worldwide. So, buckle up and join us as we amplify these inspiring and vital queer voices in our community.

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

Embark on an enchanted journey with us as we spotlight the glitz, glamour, and behind-the-scenes of the wedding planning industry with the innovative Shaun Gray of Shaun Gray Events. Passionate about celebrating love in all its diversity, Sean peels back the curtain on his trailblazing approach, leveraging social media to redefine what a 'dream wedding' can look like. Discover how he is shattering the traditional mold and using platforms like TikTok to spotlight love stories that color outside the lines.

Guest: Shaun Gray
https://www.shaungrayevents.com


This episode also illuminates the vibrant world of Houston-based artist, Max Xandaux. With a creative spirit that knows no bounds, Max offers an intimate glimpse into her new EP, Candy Lady, interweaving personal narratives and her unshakeable connection to Star Wars. Hear the tale of her journey as a trans individual, and be inspired as she courageously blazes her path in the music industry.

Guest: Max Xandaux
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN-dFmugDIz0Y80ad2_2RbA

Finally, we're not shying away from the hard-hitting issues. We're taking a magnifying glass to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights and gender-affirming care, analyzing recent legal developments and their rippling effects on the community. Join us as we welcome two new voices to our team, Wendy Taylor and Joel Tatum, ready to inject fresh perspectives into these critical conversations. Don't miss this captivating episode of Queer Voices, your gateway to the beautiful tapestry of diversity, creativity, and equality.

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Send us Fan Mail

Cameron Samuels 2023 Trendsetter Grand Marshal -- Queer Podcasters -- Actor/Writer Brett Cullum

We speak with with Cameron Samuels, 2023 trendsetter Grand Marshal. For Cameron Samuels, the courageous teen who battled Katy Independent School District in a 2021 dispute involving the district’s homophobic internet search filters and book bans, being recognized with the Human Rights Campaign’s Trailblazer Award in April was a moment of resolution.

Guest: Cameron Samuels
https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2023/06/trailblazing-teenager/

Then we speak with fellow queer podcasters who are doing the work in the community. They include Tiffany Scales, Wendy Taylor and Joel Tatum.  Joel and Wendy produce "That Little Gay Talkshow" and Tiffany performs in the community.  They may be joining the Queer Voices collective.

Guests: Tiffany Scales, Wendy Taylor and Joel Tatum
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-lil-gay-talk-show/id1445946892

Finally, we speak with Brett Cullum, actor and writer for "Broadway World" and will be covering the Houston Theater scene. Brett Cullum has been part of the Houston and Memphis Theatre scenes for several decades now. He's been seen on community theatre and professional stages in several cities including Playhouse 1960, Theatre Suburbia, Stages, the Alley Theatre, Theatre Memphis, Circuit Playhouse, and Playhouse on the Square. Brett has been a movie critic and blogger as well for DVD Verdict.com where he published over 1,000 reviews of feature films. He has been a reviewer for Broadway World for the last five years!

Guest: Brett Cullum
https://www.broadwayworld.com/houston/contact-local.cfm

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/