Queer Voices

Send us Fan Mail

Big Queer Picture Show -- History of Pride in Houston

We speak with Michael Robinson and Kyle Ferguson about the Big Queer Picture Show. The Big Queer Picture Show hosts monthly screenings of queer films in different venues across Houston to connect audiences to the larger historical and contemporary significance of queer cinema. This month the film will be "Neptune Frost" playing this weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts.

GUEST: Michael Robinson and Kyle Ferguson
https://www.thebigqueerpictureshow.org/ 

 Then, in time for Pride JD Doyle and Jack Valanski discuss the history of Pride in Houston. From its beginnings in Montrose, switching to nighttime and finally moving downtown. We discuss the role of pride in our community.

GUESTS: JD Doyle and Jack Valinski 
http://houstonlgbthistory.org/houston-pride.html

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

Rainbow on the Green -- Monica Roberts Resource Center

We speak with Barry Mandel about Rainbow on the Green, the large pride event held downtown at Discovery Green. Discovery Green presents its annual citywide LGBTQ celebration with electrifying entertainment. This year, Rainbow on the Green presented by Legacy Community Health will honor the courageous families who have spoken out against legislation meant to deny medical treatment to trans-gender children. The line-up features award-winning local drag queens, Houston’s own powerhouse vocalist Christina Wells, a veteran of America’s Got Talent, and as the headliner, iconic vocal group, The Kinsey Sicks. Known as "America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet" their original music and parodies performed a cappella has entertained and inspired millions around the world for decades. Award-winning local drag queens, Angelina DM Trailz, Serena, and Hu'Nee Bee! Special recognition and an award will be given to an activist in the LGBTQ community. Three-time Emmy winner and KPRC’s Houston Life host, Derrick Shore, will be the evening’s emcee and DJ Joe Ross will keep the party spinning. 

GUEST: Barry Mandel
https://www.discoverygreen.com/rainbowonthegreen

 Then, we speak with activist Jevon Martin about his mission to establish the Monica Roberts Resource Center. Monica Roberts, the late transgender journalist and groundbreaking advocate, did what most major news outlets and law enforcement fail to do: accurately document the history and lives of trans people throughout the country. After her death in 2020, New York activist Jevon Martin partnered with other LGBTQ advocates to create a resource center in her honor.  “Losing her was like losing our history,” says Martin, a Black trans man who oversees Princess Janae Place, a New York nonprofit designed to help trans folk transition from homelessness to independent living. “This resource center is gonna carry her legacy. It’s important to know the people that paved the road that you’re walking on.” The Monica Roberts Resource Center (MRRC) will honor trans Pride with its first-ever celebration at 6 p.m. on June 24 at Maceo’s, a local events venue owned by a lesbian couple. The free Pride event will include an awards ceremony to recognize trans individuals and business owners in Houston for their service and advocacy.  

GUESTS: Jevon Martin
https://monicarobertsresourcecenter.godaddysites.com/?fbclid=IwAR1RVNZQ9RwYncg5Q_L8Dl6VzmwH6V_wHx1kF9cuSmhbWvwSagmoDnJtZMs

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

Texas State Senate candidate -- Ernie Manouse Pride Special

We speak with Josh Tutt, a candidate for Texas State Senate. He is running against a notoriously anti-LGBT state senator to challenge her in the general election for Texas State Senate district 18. We discuss what motivates him to take on this election and run for office. Josh is a seventh generation Texan and attended Texas A&M University.

GUEST: Josh Tutt
https://tuttfortexas.com/  

We speak with TV personality Ernie Manouse about his work and an upcoming Pride special, "True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories,Our Songs". Celebrate Pride Month with music from Indigo Girls, Billy Gilman, Morgxn, Peppermint, Jujubee, Alexis Michelle, Trey Pearson, Breanna Sinclairé, André de Shields and more along with real-life stories of hope hosted by Jeopardy champion Amy Schneider.

e
https://video.houstonpbs.org/show/true-colors-lgbtq-our-stories-our-songs/

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

Rebranding Pride Houston to Pride 365 -- Pride Chorus Houston Concert

We speak Heather Jones Taylor and Andrea Simonton about the rebranding of Pride into Pride 365. We discuss the process that went into this rebrand and we discuss Heathers activism in the community. As the owner of a marketing firm and LGBT owned business, we learn how she got started and what motivates her.

GUEST: Heather J. Taylor and Andrea Simonton
https://madhatmaven.com/

Then, we speak with the president and artistic director of the Pride Chorus Houston about their upcoming concert for Pride entitled "Pride: A Concert Event". Celebrate Pride month with your favorite LGBTQ+ chorus! They’ll be singing all the gayest hits for quite the party! Featuring beloved gay anthems and the music of notable queer artists, this concert is a celebration of PRIDE like only Pride Chorus Houston can do! The concert will take place: Saturday, June 11, 2022 fron 8:00 PM 10:00 PM at The Emery/Weiner School (9825 Stella Link Road Houston, TX, 77025)

GUESTS: Matt Leslie, president and Matthew Jones, artistic director
https://www.pridechorus.org/events/pride-concert-2022

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

Out Professionals Houston -- Pride 365 Presidents

We speak with representatives from the Out Professionals. The newly formed LGBT networking organization that has chapters around the country. Listen to find out what sets it apart from other professional organizations and their launch event. 

GUEST: Charlie Conard and Pete Beausoliel
https://www.outprofessionals.org/

Then we speak with the co presidents of Pride 365. We talk about the rebranding process and what is expected for 2022. Pride Houston is now Pride Houston 365. 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.

GUESTS: Thasia Madison and 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

2022 Honorary Grand Marshal Brandon Wolf -- Community Activist Brian Keever

We speak with the 2022 Houston pride honorary grand marshal, Brandon Wolf. We discuss his body of work and activsm over 45 years in Houston. Over the years, Brandon has written several articles for OutSmart magazine.

GUEST: Brandon Wolf
https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2022/05/pride-houston-365-announces-2022-grand-marshals/

Then, we speak with Brian Keever about his work in the community and activism throughout the years in Houston. Brian Keever moved to Houston from North Carolina. He landed in Montrose, where the gay scene was white-hot and people like him were liberated, free to be themselves. “There were maybe 40 bars here in the early ’80s. … There were drag bars, leather bars, dyke bars—you name it, if there was a type, there was a bar for it,” Keever laughs. “You knew holding your other half’s arm was probably not a good thing to do in La Porte, or Pasadena, or places like that. But down here in Montrose, you could get away with it.” Keever cobbled together a living by working in a florist shop and entertaining in drag under his stage name, Damita Jo. “I like to say I was a professional homosexual,” he jokes today.

GUEST: Brian Keever
https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/02/hiv-aids-houston-history

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

Supreme Court threat to LGBT rights -- Loss of a Houston icon Crystal Rae Lee Love

We speak with ACLU staff attorney Brian Klosterboer about the threat to LGBT rights coming the Supreme Court with the recent opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. The ACLU of Texas is dedicated to securing and defending constitutional and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Texans. LGBTQ Texans lack the most basic protections against discrimination under state law. Many LGBTQ Texans — including especially vulnerable groups like LGBTQ Texans of color, transgender Texans, and LGBTQ Texas youth — face workplace discrimination, housing discrimination, health care discrimination, bullying, and violence because of their identity. We are committed to securing protections for these vulnerable groups by fighting for LGBTQ equality in Texas schools, courts, city council chambers, and at the state legislature.

GUEST: Brian Klosterboer
https://www.aclutx.org/

Then, we talk about the life and times of Crystal Rae Lee Love aka Rusty Mueller who recently succumbed to cancer. We reflect on the loss to the community and the body of work by two people that knew and worked with Rusty. A memorial is planned for Saturday June 18th 2pm at Neon Boots.

GUEST: Scott Fluhr-Kenyon and Michael Clayton 

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

Montrose Center's Housing Our Future Gala -- Record Breaking Bunnies on the Bayou

We speak with the Chief Development Officer Kennedy Loftin about the upcoming Montrose Center gala Housing Our Future. Housing Our Future Gala to provide help, hope, and a second chance to LGBTQ youth in Houston who are experiencing homelessness. The rental assistance program sets up each youth in their own apartment. Participants receive case management personalized to their needs, including accessing transportation, mental health and substance use services, life skills training, and motivation and support to overcome challenges.

GUEST: Kennedy Loftin
https://www.montrosecenter.org/hof2022/  

Then we speak with the president of Bunnies on the Bayou about their recent event. Bunnies on the Bayou, Inc. is a 501(c)3, all volunteer organization dedicated to the raising and distributing of funds for various charitable, educational and cultural programs that seek to improve the quality of life and promote education and awareness of human rights for individuals in the Houston LGBT community. The organization raises money through a series of social events throughout the year, and culminates every Easter Sunday at Bunnies on the Bayou, the largest outdoor cocktail party in Texas.

GUEST: Div Kumar
https://bunniesonthebayou.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

Alley Theater "Dead Man's Cellphone" -- Lesbian activist Ginny Berson

We speak with Todd Waite about the Alley Theater's production of "Dead Man's Cellphone". An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative comedy by MacArthur “Genius” Sarah Ruhl (The Clean House). An off-the-wall play about the odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world. 

GUEST: Todd Waite
https://www.alleytheatre.org/plays/production-detail/dead-mans-cell-phone

Then, we speak with Ginny Z Berson. Ginny Z Berson is a long-time political activist driven by a longing for justice. She was a member of The Furies-- a radical lesbian feminist separatist collective in Washington, D.C. that lived and worked collectively to develop lesbian feminist political thought and philosophy. The group produced a newspaper, The Furies, that had a significant impact on women’s groups in the U.S. Ginny was a contributor and member of the editorial staff. Ginny and her partner, the musician Meg Christian, were the initial driving force behind the creation of Olivia Records, the national women’s record company. Olivia produced records by Meg, Cris Williamson, BeBe K’Roche, Linda Tillery, Teresa Trull, Mary Watkins, a poetry album by Pat Parker and Judy Grahn, and Lesbian Concentrate—a “lesbianthology” in response to a rising wave of homophobia. 

GUEST: Ginny Berson
https://www.ginnyzberson.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

Black Queer AF Festival -- Annise Parker LGBTQ Victory Fund

We speak with Ian Haddock, the executive of the Normal Anomaly Initative Inc.about the organization and its up coming Black Queer AF Music Festival . The festival is a music festival that meets all of Black, queerness in Houston. An innovative event that includes immersive games and recreations, lots of outside space, the launch of 14 businesses in our Project Liberate program, and a full list of local, national, and celebrity entertainment, this community event is the epitome of partying with a purpose. This event is sponsored by Viiv Healthcare Accelerate Initiative, Gilead Compass Initiative, Impulse Group Houston, COVID Prevention Network, Legacy Community Health Services, and AIDS Foundation Houston.

GUEST: Ian Haddock
https://www.normalanomaly.org/

Then, we speak with the President and CEO of the lgbtq Victory Fund Annise Parker about the organization and its upcoming fundraiser the Houston Champagne Brunch. LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped elect thousands of LGBTQ people to positions at all levels of government. These LGBTQ voices have made significant contributions to advancing equality for LGBTQ Americans – from passing non-discrimination laws to defeating amendments to ban marriage equality.

GUEST: Annise Parker
https://victoryfund.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/