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Retiring Legacy CEO Katy Caldwell —-Author of “Mission Possible : The story of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Dixon Osburn

We speak with the outgoing President/CEO of Legacy Community Health, Katy Caldwell. Legacy Community Health CEO Katy Caldwell is retiring after 25 years of leading the organization. Caldwell will retire from her position on December 31, Legacy said in a statement. After a nationwide search, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Hilliard Jr. has been appointed to the role. In the late 1980s, Caldwell began her journey as a volunteer at the Montrose Clinic, where she assisted people impacted by HIV and AIDS. In 1996, she became executive director of that organization (which later became Legacy). At the time of her appointment, the clinic provided care out of a converted motel building on lower Westheimer Road. Under Caldwell’s leadership, Legacy grew exponentially. It is the largest federally qualified health center in the entire Southwest, with more than 40 full-service clinics and 1,300 employees across Houston, Baytown, Deer Park, and Beaumont.

Guest: Katy Caldwell
https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/

Then, we speak with Dixon Osborn about his novel, "Mission Possible: The Story of Repeaing Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Under “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” the Pentagon discharged 2-4 service members every day for being gay. Some were subjects of witch hunts. Others faced criminal charges. Many endured harassment, assault and threats. Mission Possible takes readers behind the scenes as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network lawyers repeatedly rushed to the aid of LGBT clients and demanded justice from commanders and Congress. Repealing the ban on open service by lesbian, gay and bisexual service members was a stunning reversal of a law enacted just 17 years prior. It remains the most significant pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual legislation Congress has passed. How did it happen? C. Dixon Osburn’s Mission Possible describes the strategy that he and Michelle Benecke, co-founders of SLDN devised to overcome impossible odds. It’s a story about the politics of fear and the consequences of a government that tries to muzzle its citizens. It is also a searing, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant story of the power of coming out, building a movement, and political savvy. Mission Possible shows that overcoming the odds is both possible and essential.

GUEST: Dixon Osburn
https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Possible-Story-Repealing-Dont/dp/173748241X/ref=nodl_

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

Americans United for Separation of Church and State -- Bill Arning exhibition, Lovie Oilva

Andrew Edmonson speaks with representatives from Americans United for Separation of Church and State to discuss Proposition 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar any government entity from prohibiting or limiting religious services of a religious organization? There are no exceptions, not even for disasters or emergencies. That endangers public health and safety, both of the worshippers and of the general community. We would also discuss AU's advocacy on behalf of The Equality Act. Guests include Nancy Freedman (Trustee on the AU National Board) and Brian Silva (VP of Outreach & Engagement).

Guests: Brian Silva and Nancy Freedman
https://au.org

Then, we bring you part two of the Lovie Oliva interview.  currently has an exhibit on display at the Bill Arning Gallery in the Montrose "T I G H T R O P E : exploring the concurrences of joy + grief | pleasure + discomfort | bondage + freedom September 18 - October 25, 2021 in East Gallery.

Guest: Lovie Oilva
http://www.lovieolivia.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

Special Session Update - Q Fest Memories --Lovie Olivia exhibition -- Part 2 Alicia Long

We discuss the progress the Texas third special session in Austin. This session is especially anti-trans in scope.

Then, we discuss the memories of Q-Fest's 25 years. After 25 years, this will be the last year of Q-fest, which is ending because of the economic impact of the pandemic.

Guests: Kristian Salinas, Executive & Artistic Director and Stephanie Saint Sanchez, Shorts Programmer.
https://www.q-fest.com/

Then, we speak with artist, Love Olivia. Houston Artist, exbibition "Tight Rope" at Bill Arning Gallery in the Montrose. Lovie Olivia T I G H T R O P E :  exploring the concurrences of joy + grief | pleasure + discomfort | bondage + freedom September 18 - October 25, 2021 in East Gallery.

Guest: Love Olivia
www.lovieolivia.com

Finally, we finish our interview with author Dr. Alecia Long. Her book about "Cruising for Conspirators" about Clay Shaw, a closeted gay man, a war hero from World War 2, friend of Lee Harvey Oswald, and the only person to be prosecuted for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Guest: Dr. Alecia Long
https://uncpress.org/book/9781469662732/cruising-for-conspirators/

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

Anti-Trans Texas Legislature -- 25th Annual Q-Fest -- Author Alecia P. Long

We speak with Andrew Edmonson about the upcoming special session that Governor Greg Abbott called. We talk about the particularly anti-trans legislative priorities.

GUEST: Andrew Edmonson
https://www.equalitytexas.org/special-session-legislative-bill-tracker/

Q-Fest is Houston’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer film festival. Beginning Friday, September 24, it returns for its twenty-fifth anniversary season. The festival continues through Monday, October 4. We speak with festival organizers Kristian Salinas and Stephanie Saint Sanchez about this year's festival -- and their decision to end the festival on its twenty-fifth anniversary. 

GUEST: Kristian Salinas and Stephanie St. Sanchez
https://www.q-fest.com/

We speak with the author Alecia P. Long. An acclaimed new book paints a fascinating portrait of gay life in the American South in the 1950s and 1960s. The book is called "Cruising for Conspirators: How a New Orleans District Attorney Prosecuted the Kennedy Assassination as a Sex Crime." We interview the author, the distinguished Louisiana State University historian Dr. Alecia P. Long. . The acclaimed writer Gary Krist, author of Empire of Sin, has observed of the book, “In "Cruising for Conspirators,' Alecia Long offers us a fresh new perspective on an endlessly enthralling subject—the alleged conspiracy behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy. She reveals how a pervasive and institutional homophobia shaped the prosecution of the only person ever tried in the affair. This is an engrossing and important book, meticulously researched and profoundly relevant to our country’s ongoing attempts to grapple with the deep-rooted inequities of its past.”

Guest: Alecia P Long
https://uncpress.org/book/9781469662732/cruising-for-conspirators/?fbclid=IwAR2dE47A7-92uCqT5q-zeXRAkhyLfKNJAvF3MCYsOGkdbmhuY79jEsehU6M

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

Dr. Robb Kelly Addiction Expert -- Jody Randall Texas Pride Impact Funds Vice President

We speak with Dr. Rob Kelly addiction expert about the LGBT community and this disease. Robb has overcome homelessness, alcohol dependency, trauma, PTSD, and MDD and a whirlwind of events to be the "Gordon Ramsay" of the addiction treatment world. Before Robb succumbed to addiction and mental health issues, he played bass guitar at Abbey Studio with Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John. He is an accomplished musician, and the money he made helped him attend Oxford University to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology. Robb experienced a spiritual awakening on the cold streets of Manchester while homeless and in dire straights.

GUEST: Dr. Robb Kelly
https://robbkelly.com/dr-robb-kelly-phd

Then, we speak with Jody Randall, vice president of the Texas Pride Impact Funds about this organization and her activism in West Texas. Texas Pride Impact Funds exists to propel the LGBTQ+ movement in Texas by supporting nonprofits that help thousands of our citizens across the state every day. Our work strengthens community organizations and their leaders, mobilizes donors and funders, inspires giving, and actively secures our LGBTQ+ community's future for generations to come. Its Mission - Securing the future for LGBTQ+ Texans by inspiring giving and investment to expand opportunities and enrich our communities. Its Vision - Texas Pride Impact Funds, as the leading progressive LGBTQ+ community foundation, boldly supports equitable and transformational change in Texas.

GUEST: Jody Randall
https://www.txpif.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

Texas A&M University's First LGBT Exhibit --- New General Manager KPFT

We speak with Dr. Francesca Marini, Programming and Outreach Librarian at Texas A&M University, about the exhibit, "Coming Out Together to Share Our History: LGBTQIA+ Collections in College Station, Houston and Beyond". In its first large-scale collaboration with the LGBTQ community, Texas A&M’s Cushing Memorial Library and Archives highlights local queer history, including some special memorabilia from Houston. Coming Out Together to Share Our History: LGBTQIA+ Collections in College Station, Houston, and Beyond runs through December 16, and is a must-see slice of local queer history and everyday life.

GUEST: Dr. Francesca Marini
https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2021/08/texas-am-exhibit-highlights-lgbtqia-history/

Then, we speak with the new general manager of KPFT, Dr. Robert Franklin about his background and his vision for KPFT. Dr. Franklin last served as WVAS-FM station manager at Alabama State. He came to Alabama State University from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he served as Professor of Communication and General Manager of WCSU-FM, a Central State public radio station. He stands as a beacon for cooperative organizing where people work together for the greater good. His production portfolio contains examples of compelling programming, informative, in-depth interviews, and world-class documentaries designed to enlighten, educate, and inform the community. His body of work and his innumerable awards prove that he is a gifted and talented broadcast journalist who honors the ethical and honorable ways of true journalism. Recently Dr. Franklin won the Best Documentary award at the 2018 Houston Black Film Festival for his film “Rise: Mickey Leland, World Citizen” and was selected as the 2019 Educator of the Year by the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio. 

GUEST: Dr. Robert Franklin
https://kpft.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

LGBTQ+ Discussion at the Rothko Chapel -- Remembering Houston LGBTQ advocate Frank Campisi -- LGBTQ persons of color you should know

We speak with folks from the Rothko Chapel regarding the moderated conversation, "The Struggle for Equality: LGBTQIA+ Rights, Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility Series" The conversation will be on the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US with JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs at Human Rights Campaign and Adri Perez, Policy & Advocacy Strategist at ACLU of Texas. JoDee Winterhof will address national LGBTQIA+ issues and initiatives, followed by Adri Perez who will focus on the state of Texas. A moderated conversation with Q&A will be facilitated by Rev. Troy Treash, Senior Pastor at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

GUEST: Ashley Clemmer
http://rothkochapel.org/experience/events/event/the-struggle-for-equality-lgbtqia-rights?fbclid=IwAR0wyBk5LVDuK5dsbvzUKzN2rtmZ-Bp_oMfnlSV9mAmjj0DKN7Wg-F2hIxc

Then, we speak to Parker Witt about the recent passing of Houston LGBT philanthropist Frank Campisi. He discuss Frank's life, his work in Houston including the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We discuss his activism and hear some funny stories that Frank liked to tell.

GUEST: Parker Witt
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/frank-campisi-10284819?fbclid=IwAR0wyBk5LVDuK5dsbvzUKzN2rtmZ-Bp_oMfnlSV9mAmjj0DKN7Wg-F2hIxc

Finally, Matthew Williams interviews Brandon Mack about the people of color you should know in the LGBT community.  We discuss the following LGBTQ people of color you should know:  Margaret Chung, Dr. Amy Shioshi, Ernestine Eckstein, Marielle Franco and Marsha P. Johnson.  Please listen to the interview to hear more about these folks.

GUEST; Brandon Mack

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

Ian Haddock, Queer People of Color's response to COVID -- Annise Parker talks record number of LGBTQ people elected to office

We speak with Ian Haddock about the queer people of color's response in the times of COVID. Ian L. Haddock is the Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. With a wealth of knowledge in the public health field and community activist work, Ian uses a healing justice and harm reduction lens to tackle the multiplicity of traumas that are felt at the intersections of Black and Queer. As an esteemed writer, national activist, and community builder, Ian finds resolve in liberation for all people. 

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

Then, we speak with Annise Parker, the president and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and Victory Institute about the record number of openly LGBTQ candidates elected to office. There are 986 known* out LGBTQ elected officials in the United States – a 17 percent increase in the past year – according to LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Out for America 2021 report, which was released today. While a large increase, LGBTQ people hold just 0.19 percent of elected positions in the United States, despite making up at least 5.6 percent** of the U.S. adult population. Americans must elect 28,116 more LGBTQ people to public office for LGBTQ people to achieve equitable representation (serving in 5.6 percent of elected positions).

GUEST: Annise Parker
https://outforamerica.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

Transgender Healthcare in Houston -- Gov. Abbott's anti-trans executive order's effect on families


We speak with Lou Weaver about the state of Transgender healthcare in Houston. We discuss the current state of healthcare and the options available in the community. We also discuss what can be done to improve this important service to the transgender community going forward.

GUEST: Lou Weaver
https://www.facesoffreedom.org/lou-weaver/

Then, we speak with Aaron Richie, the father of two transgender children about the anti-trans executive order by the Texas governor. We discuss the harm this order would cause as well the work that was done to fight this legislation in the regular session of the state legislature. We discuss what effect this would have on transgender families across the state

GUEST: Aaron Richie
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/A-state-agency-has-declared-gender-affirming-16380866.php?fbclid=IwAR2H0yBXAQlsFbO-xVhotEKvlNp3SJHuC_gM8zQSVe40PslsOh7K9snzcZA

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

LGBTQ Life in El Paso TX -- “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters". co-creator

We speak with the executive director of the Borderland Rainbow Center about the LGBTQ life in far West Texas. In October of 2015, Dr. Brenda Risch began co-facilitating a support group for the families of transgender youth. When she realized the hosting agency was going to close its doors, she was motivated to develop more resources for LGBTQ people and their families. She launched an LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment to find out what form these resources should take. The findings showed that almost no needs of the LGBTQ+ community were being met. Therefore, she formed a coalition of interested people and launched a campaign to found the Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC). We will speak about the work she does to help the community in El Paso.

GUEST: Dr. Brenda Risch
https://www.borderlandrainbow.org/

We speak with Rosalynde LeBlanc about the work, “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters". In 1989, after a series of devastating personal and professional losses, legendary dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones turned his grief into what would become one of his greatest artistic achievements: the ballet “D-Man in the Waters.” The process by which Jones and his company crafted the ballet, including the pain that fueled it, take center stage in Rosalynde LeBlanc and Tom Hurwitz’s remarkable documentary, “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters,". Rosalynde is interviewed about how this work was created.

GUEST: Rosalynde LeBlanc
https://www.indiewire.com/2021/06/can-you-bring-it-trailer-bill-t-jones-ballet-1234646698/?fbclid=IwAR0xGQPUQAwl3HmehJC83XeatDVFn34o_lrZaE77H1uZ-95MSK3Un0gnpW4

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/