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Pride 2023 Update -- Robert Gallegos for Houston mayor -- Montrose Blvd. Project

We speak with representatives from Pride 365 about the 2023 Pride events and what will be different this year.  Historically, Pride Houston is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit that has organized the official Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® every year in Montrose or downtown Houston. As of 2022, no longer will we only celebrate in June. Introducing Pride Houston 365. We will continue to strive to promote equality and inclusion through celebration and plan for numerous LGBTQIA+ events all year long to support our community. Why rebrand? Full transparency coupled with a goal of celebrating Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community year-round, raising critical funds for youth scholarships, and offering ongoing health and wellness education takes time. 

And it equals a 365 days-a-year commitment.

Guest: Lavender Lee
https://pridehouston365.org

Then, we speak with Houston's lone LGBT city Councilmember Robert Gallegos who is announced he is running for Houston mayor.  Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian. He was elected in 2013 to the Houston City Council, representing District I – an area that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport. Robert was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. He is the son of immigrants, working class parents, and proud labor union family.

Before being elected, Robert spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the community he now represents on city council. He was the founder and first president of the Eastwood/Lawndale Super Neighborhood Council and served as president of his neighborhood’s civic club (Houston Country Club Place) for over 15 years.

Guest: Robert Gallegos
https://voterobertgallegos.com

Finally, we speak with Nelson Vergel and Robert Snellgrove about the project to rebuild Montrose Boulevard with the possibility of adding historical markers to commemorate the LGBT community. The project spans a roughly 2-mile section from Allen Parkway south to I-69. It will involve a full roadway and drainage reconstruction with hard construction costs estimated at $52 million, Gauge Engineering Principal Mohammed Ali said.

Improvements will focus on improving mobility for all roadway users by widening sidewalks, making intersection crossings safer, replacing traffic signals and improving lighting.

Guests: Nelson Vergel and Robert Snellgrove
https://montrosehtx.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/

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John Whitmire for Houston mayor -- Creating Change 50th anniversary -- Diana's Foundation 75th anniversary

We speak with John Whitmire about his campaign to become Houston's next mayor.  We discuss the challenges facing the city as well as the possibility of a HERO ordinance 2.0 and about leaving the Texas Senate to take on this task.

Guest: John Whitmire
https://www.johnwhitmire.com/


Then, Andrew Edmonson speaks with Cathy Renna about the 50th anniversary of the Creating Change conference,  the conference took place in February in San Francisco. The National LGBTQ Task Force educates federal policymakers about the need for non-discrimination protections that ensure the whole person is able to advocate for themselves when discriminated against, wherever that discrimination takes place. They work with a wide range of progressive partner organizations across the country both at the state and federal level.

Guest: Cathy Renna, Director of Communications, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
https://www.thetaskforce.org

Finally, we talk about a very special 70th anniversary of the country's longest run LGBT organization, the Diana Foundation.  Founded in 1953, The Diana Foundation is focused on assisting and supporting the needs of the gay community by distributing funds to organizations that are dedicated to providing services that enhance the lives of deserving individuals in our diverse community.

Guest: Howard Huffstutler, President
https://thedianafoundation.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

"Simply Sondheim" Pride Chorus -- HIV Advocacy Day Januari Fox -- New AFH CEO

We speak Dr. David York and David Gebo about the upcoming Pride Chorus Houston concert "Simply Sondheim".  Pride Chorus Houston (PCH) was originally founded as the Montrose Singers in November of 1979. Led by founding director Andy Mills, the Houston-based men’s chorus met with early successes marked by lavish productions at the Tower Theatre, performing with as many as 80 singing members. The Montrose Singers became the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston (GMCH) and later expanded to include the Bayou City Women’s Chorus (BCWC) under the umbrella of Bayou City Performing Arts (BCPA).  They now perform as Pride Chorus Houston, a unified LGBTQ+ chorus where everyone has a safe place to make music and share a message of unity and peace. "Simply Sondheim" will take place April 1st at Resurrection MCC.

Guests: Dr. David York and David Gebo
https://www.pridechorus.org/events/simply-sondheim

Then we speak with Januari Fox about the upcoming HIV Advocacy Day in Austin.  Since the 81st Legislative Session, groups have organized a statewide lobby day known as HIV Advocacy Day. The Texas HIV Advocacy Day is a day to meet with state policymakers to discuss some of the most important issues to the HIV community, including HIV treatment and prevention, HIV education, reproductive justice, HIV criminalization, and funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The date will be Monday March 27th.

Guest: Januari Fox
https://www.phntx.org/event/hiv-advocacy-day-at-capitol-2023/

Finally we speak with the new CEO of AIDS Foundation Houston, Jeffrey Campbell. We discuss the history of the organization and the future of what's ahead.  Utilizing the skills of leadership, public speaking and program management, Jeffrey has spent almost two decades working to end the HIV epidemic. His work spans from the non-profit sector to public health with both woven into the fabric of the Black church. Jeffrey has also integrated this work with LGBTQ advocacy work with a significant focus on dismantling the stigma that targets Black queer people in the Black community.

Guest: Jeffrey Campbell
https://www.afhouston.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

Avenue 360 "Pets in the Park" -- Book of Mary -- Stages Theater " The Bride"

We speak with Dr. Charlene Flash, President CEO of Avenue 360 talks about the organization and the upcoming Pets in the Park event. Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, a 501 (c)3 organization, is a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven clinics in the Houston region providing primary, behavioral health, and dental care to medically underserved communities. Previously, the organization was known as Houston Area Community Services (HACS), founded in 1998 to treat those living with AIDS. Several years ago, HACS partnered with Bering Omega (Omega House), which provided hospice care to people living with HIV/AIDS, to form Avenue 360. The mission of Avenue 360 is to provide high quality and caring services to promote healthy people and communities.   Pet Pics in the Park, hosted by Chris Christopher Properties. With Honorary Chair Ed Holmstrom, this special event will be held on March 25th from 10 am – 2 pm, and photos with your pet will be taken by Houston’s #1 Pet Photographer, Jill Garrett. Proceeds from the event will go towards Omega House hospice services, where compassionate hospice care is provided to men and women with HIV/AIDS. 

Guest: Dr. Charlene Flash/Christopher Cerda
https://petpicsinthepark.org

Then, we speak with Mary Hooper about her autobiographical show, "Book of Mary". The Book of Mary (It Costs a Lot to Be Real), is an autobiographical one-woman show, written by and starring Houston’s own Mary Hooper, and directed by Ted Swindley, founder of Houston’s STAGES theatre and author of the popular musical, Always…Patsy Cline. It’s a raucous ride: from her Beaumont beginnings as a shy child of deaf parents, her timely escape to the gay neighborhood of Montrose in the 70s and 80s, to her adventures onstage in Houston’s way off Broadway theatre scene. Both funny and poignant, The Book of Mary is a love letter to the diva in us all.

Guest: Mary Hooper
https://matchouston.org/events/2023/book-mary

Finally, we speak with Denise Fennel about "The Bride" currently in production at Stages Theater. Beloved fan-favorite known for her role as Sister in Late Nite Catechism, Denise Fennell returns to Stages for an all-new, hysterical comedy showcase. With less than two hours until her wedding, a bride of a certain age begins to question the meaning of love, life, and the ritual of marriage. Drawing inspiration from her own life and the advice of the audience, The Bride will lead to the decision of a lifetime: Will she or won’t she?

Guest: Denise Fennel
https://stageshouston.com/event/denise-fennells-the-bride-or-does-this-dress-make-me-look-married/

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

Q Patrol Houston -- Bringin' in the Green -- "Cowboy Bob" at the Alley Theatre

We speak with Jon Garrison who is researching anti LGBT violence in the 90's and how the community responded with local protection groups such as Q Patrol here in Houston.  Our own Glenn Holt, past president of Q Patrol, interviews Jon about his work.

Guest: Jon Garrison
https://www.houstonlgbthistory.org/misc-q-patrol.html

Then we have a discussion with the Montrose Center's fundraiser "31st annual Bringin' In the Green" which is taking place in Montrose on March 10th.  Don't miss one of LGBTQ Houston's favorite and longest running events!  With an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction of luxury items, you don't want to miss this St. Patrick's Day / Mardi Gras party!

Ticket sales and sponsorships benefit rapid rehousing services for local LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness. Services include in-depth case management and assistance with rent, furniture and utilities for safe, stable housing.

Guest: Hunny Phillips
https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-montrose-center/bringin-in-the-green-2023?fbclid=IwAR0RZyHD_TbTDEfZgj-OQuEKdaxRyM81th4EOXcgtGKTKvLQL1T-Sl4Y72U

And finally, we speak with set designer for Alley Theater production of "Cowboy Bob" about the show and the work that went into the show.  You wouldn’t look twice at Peggy Jo. She’s a good daughter, always tips, plays by the rules – but when she dons a fake mustache, sunglasses, and ten-gallon hat, she becomes “Cowboy Bob”- the slickest bank robber Texas has ever known. Inspired by actual events, this world-premiere musical tells the story of one of the FBI’s most unusual suspects through the eyes of a chain-restaurant waitress desperate to buck her flavorless life and awaken to all that’s possible. With a genre-bending score that shifts from country to punk to folk and indie rock, Cowboy Bob – co-authored by Galveston’s own Molly Beach Murphy – is a defiant rejection of the status quo, inviting audiences to take life by the reins, join the heist, and let it ride. "Cowboy Bob" is playing from March 3-26th

Guest: Diggle
https://www.alleytheatre.org/plays/cowboy-bob-2/

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

LGBT Historian University of Houston -- Growing up lesbian 60-70's memoir

We speak with Joyce Gabiola, LGBT History Research Collections Librarian at the University of Houston. The LGBT History Research Collection includes personal papers, organizational records, publications, and library collections that preserve and promote the collective understanding of Houston’s and the region’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities and service organizations. Materials document the communities’ cultural, social, and political activism, and the personal experiences of community members. UH Libraries is an active member of Houston ARCH, the Houston Area Rainbow Collective History organization.

Guest: Joyce Gabiola
https://libraries.uh.edu/locations/special-collections/lgbt/

Then, we speak with author Patricia Grayhall about her memoir "Making the Rounds". In this unflinching and riveting coming-of-age memoir, Patricia Grayhall chronicles her journey from believing she is the only lesbian in Arizona to dipping her toes into dating in San Francisco, attending medical school in Salt Lake City as one of only five women in a class of one hundred, and completing an internship as the only woman in her cohort in Boston. Battling sexism in a male-dominated profession, she plunges into a life that is never boring—and certainly never without passion.

​Guest: Patricia Grayhall
https://www.patriciagrayhall.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

Community Activist Ian Haddock -- Stages production "Cullud Wattah" -- Legendary DJ JD Arnold

First we speak with LGBT community activist Ian Haddock about the Normal Anomaly Initiative and his work in the community.  The Normal Anomaly Initiative began in 2016 in Houston as a blog to tell the stories of people at the margins. Throughout the span of 3 years, the Founder, Ian L. Haddock, had the organization working with Huffington Post, Unites States Conference on HIV/ AIDS (USCHA) and Prime Video. As the platform grew, the Founder had amassed a team of nontraditional activists that began to expand the trajectory in which the group was going. And we discuss the Black Queer AF event happening May 3-7th.

Guest: Ian Haddock
https://www.normalanomaly.org/bqaf/

Then we speak to the director of the Stages Theatre production of "Cullud Wattah". After appearing at The Public to widespread acclaim, this gorgeous, emotional play makes one of its first appearances outside of New York at Stages. Winner of the 2021  Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, cullud wattah follows three generations of Black women living through the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan. It’s been 936 days since Flint has had clean water. Marion, a third-generation General Motors employee, is consumed by layoffs at the engine plant.

 When her sister, Ainee, seeks justice and restitution for lead poisoning, her plan reveals the toxic entanglements between the city and its most powerful industry, forcing their family to confront the past-present-future cost of survival. As lead seeps into their home and their bodies, corrosive memories and secrets rise among them. Will this family ever be able to filter out the truth?

"Cullud Wattah" plays February 10th-March 31st.

Guest: Rachel Dickson
https://stageshouston.com/event/cullud-wattah/

Finally, we speak with Legendary Houston DJ JD Arnold who is finishing up his career after several decades of filling dance floors.  JD recently spun his final set at the place where it all started Numbers nightclub.  We talk about his career and what's next for this influential man.

Guest: JD Arnold
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uTxgxdl2qIzuDrV66UNXs

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

Nick Hellyar Houston City Council Candidate -- Louis Minor Central Texas LGBT County Commissioner

We speak with Nick Hellyar, LGBT candidate for Houston City Council at large position 2 about his work in the community and his vision for Houston.  Growing up in Houston, Nick is the product of HISD schools.  Nick got his first taste of public service while working at Houston City Hall for former District I City Council Member James Rodriguez. It was at City Hall where he found mentorship and inspiration from dedicated leaders like Anne Clutterbuck, Sue Lovell and Mayor Annise Parker. After working for the people of Houston, Nick went on to manage State Representative Carol Alvarado’s campaign and became Representative Alvarado’s District Director in her Houston office.

Guest: Nick Hellyar
https://www.nickhellyar.com

Then we speak with Louis Minor. Born and raised in Belton, Texas, to a large Mexican American family, Louie has fond memories of childhood. Every occasion was a reason to cook and celebrate. The Army took Louie around the country and the world. Like many Killeen residents, Louie found opportunities in Killeen that made this community the perfect place to establish roots. Louie is honored to be the first Latino on the Commissioners Court and the first openly- gay elected official in the county. Louie looks forward to serving Bell County as Bell County Commissioner Precinct 4.

Guest: Louis Minor
https://louieminor.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

Creating Change San Francisco -- Houston actor Joel Sandel

We speak about the LGBTQ Task Force's Creating Change to be held February 17-23rd in San Francisco. We speak with Cathy Renna, Communications Director for the Task Force about the conference and the work of the Task Force. The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. They’re building a future where everyone is free to be themselves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That’s why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you.

Guest: Cathy Renna
https://www.thetaskforce.org

We speak with local actor Joel Sandel and his role in the show "Almost Maine".  "Almost, Maine" is a play by John Cariani, comprising nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine. It premiered at the Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine in 2004, where it broke box office records and garnered critical acclaim. The play was published by Dramatists Play Service in 2007 and has since become one of the most popular plays in the United States with nearly 100 professional productions and over 5000 community, university, and high school productions to date. It has become one of the most frequently produced plays in North American high schools. It has also received over twenty international productions and has been translated into over a dozen languages. "Almost, Maine" plays at MATCH from February 8-12th.

Guest: Joel Sandel
https://matchouston.org/events/2023/almost-maine

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

"This Is Not Me" Trans Iranian Film -- Christina Wells, Houstonian in Chicago touring production

First, we speak with the director ofThis Is Not Me, a documentary about the lives of Shervin and Saman, two transgender youth coming of age in Iran. Iran is the only country in that West Asian region to recognize trans people — any other LGBQ+ identity is banned. Yet Shervin and Saman still face severe social constraints and — despite having loving and supportive parents — are forced to live covert lives, shy away from their neighbors, and even consider emigration in order to live openly as they truly are. As they pursue gender realignment options available in Iran, This Is Not Me offers a detailed depiction of the legal and social labyrinth that promises a slim aperture for freedom.

Guest: Michael Buening, Director of Performing Arts and Culture, Asia Society
https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/30th-festival-films-iran-screening-not-me

Then, we speak with Houstonian Christina Wells, currently starring in the national tour of the musical Chicago as Matron Mamma Morton.  After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…Chicago. Chicago is playing Jan 31st - Feb. 12th at the Hobby Center.

Guest: Christina Wells
https://christinawells.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/