Queer Voices

Send us Fan Mail

The LGBTQ Task Force interim communications director Cathy Renna

We speak with Cathy Renna, interim communications director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Cathy Renna joins the National LGBTQ Task Force as Interim Communications Director but is no stranger to the organization and its incredible staff. As a longtime supporter and contractor on projects over the years and a regular presence at Creating Change, she has been part of the Task Force’s extended family for decades. The first real media training she ever attended was in fact at Creating Change in the early 90’s, a new activist finding her way as a volunteer at the then glaad chapter in Washington, D.C. She has stayed close to the Task Force ever since.

Renna is a veteran in the communications industry, and currently serves as the Principal of Target Cue. Since her time at GLAAD in the 1990’s and early aughts, Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications, playing a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting the LGBTQ community, from the beating death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 to the fight for marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. She most recently worked with the team that coordinated historic coverage for WorldPride/Stonewall 50, working with NYC Pride.

After leaving her position at GLAAD as National News Media Director, Cathy joined Fenton Communications, where she served as its New York office Media Director from 2004 to 2006 and worked with clients ranging from MoveOn.org to the American Lung Association to Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai.

She went on to found Renna Communications and then co-founded Target Cue in 2013. In her near 30 years of media relations and activism experience, Cathy has garnered placements in every major media outlet in the U.S. and internationally, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, BBC, The Guardian and the Washington Post. She continues to be a sought after spokesperson for LGBTQ+ issues, and has appeared on the O’Reilly Factor, CNN, MSNBC, and Good Morning America.

Renna lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her partner Karen and their ornery but lovable cat Winston. She is the proud Mom of Rosemary, just starting high school and living in Houston, TX, where she is a budding artist and part of the local LGBTQ community, helped start a GSA in her middle school and attends the HATCH program at the Montrose Center.

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves 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

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

Election 2020

We discuss the results of election 2020 and its impact on LGBT community.

Guests: Jack Valinski, Bryan Hlavinka, Andrew Edmonson and Matthew Williams

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

TX Gov allows Social Workers to Discriminate - Houston Cinema Arts Festival

On this edition of  Queer Voices, we speak with Januari Fox to discuss Gov Abbott's attempt to allow social workers to discriminate against LGBTQ and disabled Texans. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for LGBTQ and disabled clients to Texas social workers’ code of conduct just two weeks after removing them. Gloria Canseco, who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to lead the behavioral health council, expressed regret that the previous rule change was “perceived as hostile to the LGBTQ+ community or to disabled persons.”

Guest: Januari Fox
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Texas-social-workers-may-no-longer-discriminate-15678493.php?fbclid=IwAR38iwminZHk4effqYJYFpVo-tGJGfyFtSQO1-vFZ3G6PLVBf7vwZanVdLE

Then, we speak with Michael Robinson about the upcoming (Nov 12-22nd) Houston Cinema Arts Festival 2020 which will feature over 40 documentary and narrative films, short film blocks, Q&A’s, dance performances, DJ sets, and workshops. We discuss the documentary "Friday I’m in Love: A Night at Numbers" program featuring a work-in-progress extended segment from Marcus Pontello's upcoming documentary on the iconic Houston nightclub Numbers.

Guest: Michael Robinson
https://hcaf2020.eventive.org/welcome

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

Feed the Vote Houston - Depression during COVID - Boys in the Band

We talk to the folks behind Feed the Vote Houston. The mission is to keep Houston voters energized and reduce their stress while they exercise their right to vote and make their voice heard on election day. We speak with Chris Atwood.

Guest: Chris Atwood
https://www.facebook.com/FeedTheVoteHouston/

Then, we discuss depression during the pandemic.  We discuss symptoms, causes and things you can do to fight depression while in isolation. 

Guest: Ken McLeod
https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/michigan-psychiatry-resources-covid-19/specific-mental-health-conditions/depression-managing-stress-during-covid-19-pandemic

Finally, we have a special report on "The Boys in the Band," the landmark work of gay theater that caused a sensation when it premiered Off Broadway in 1968 and ran for 1001 performances.  Netflix has debuted a starry new film adaptation featuring Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, and Matt Bomer

We speak with theater historian Ken McLeod, who witnessed the original 1968 production about how the work electrified gay audiences at its premiere and how critical and community response to the work has evolved in the five decades since its debut. 

Guest: Ken McLeod
https://boysintheband.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

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Graphic Novel author Mike Curato

We speak with former Houston mayor Annise Parker who is now president and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund. 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

Then, we speak with author Mike Curato about his book "Flamer". Mike has just released his debut Young Adult graphic novel, FLAMER (Macmillan, 09/01/2020), a coming-of-age story that confronts ideas of racism, homophobia, body image and coming to terms with identity in every sense of the word. 

Curato's YA graphic novel follows 14-year-old Aiden Navarro who navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), as he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance. Unfolding over the course of the last week of Boy Scout camp in 1995, Aiden's story is heavily inspired by Mike's own experience coming out as a teenager. It's about how young men are indoctrinated into a culture of toxic masculinity, how faith and scouting intersect with queer identity, and how friendships can devolve into bullying. This book also is a contributor to a much-needed conversation about how we can better support LGBTQIA+ youth. A disturbing recent survey released by the Trevor Project and reported on by NPR notes that 40% of LGBTQ people have considered suicide in the last year; that rises to more than half for trans and non-binary youth. One of the most heartbreaking scenes in FLAMER deals with suicide ideation as the main character considers taking his life. This book can serve as a road map for teens dealing with bullying in their friend groups and at home and Mike speaks incredibly well to these subjects.

GUEST: Mike Curato
https://www.mikecurato.com/flamer

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 discuss non profit events and the effect COVID has had on them.  We speak with Legacy Community Health's Director of Development and Special Events, Chloe Rushing.  We talk about two upcoming events were majorly changed due to COVID. 
 
As a full-service, Federally Qualified Health Center, Legacy identifies unmet needs and gaps in health-related services and develops client-centered programs to address those needs. A United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, they currently provide adult primary care, pediatrics, dental care, vision services, behavioral health services, OB/GYN and maternity, vaccinations and immunizations, health promotion and community outreach, wellness and nutrition, and comprehensive HIV/AIDS care.

GUEST: Chloe Rushing
https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org
 
We speak with Rebecca Marquez of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). We discuss their efforts to help elect Joe Biden and equality-minded candidates in Texas.  HRC has launched a multi million campaign to mobilize 57 million equality voters across the nation, with a special focus on seven battleground states: Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their aim is to put Joe Biden in the White House, and help elect fair-minded candidates across the nation.  HRC has identified three key factors that could depress turnout for Equality Voters, and has adopted strategies to counteract them.
GUEST: Rebecca Marquez
https://www.hrc.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 Harris County Clerk, Chris Hollins.  As the County Clerk, he records and maintains the records of Commissioners Court, the Probate Courts, and the County Civil Courts at Law.

As the County Recorder, this office records vital documents such as property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, birth records, death records, and notices of government meetings.

As the Chief Election Officer of the third largest county in the United States, he is highly aware of the responsibility of ensuring each citizen the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

GUEST: Chris Hollins
https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/CCOHome.aspx

Ryan Leach joined to discuss his article that looks at Trump's record on LGBTQ rights and to counter The Log Cabin Republicans & Richard Grenell (the gay, former Trump-appointed ambassador to Germany &  former acting director of national intelligence)  who called  Trump “the most pro-gay President in American history"

GUEST: Ryan Leach
https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2020/08/trump-is-the-most-pro-gay-president-ever/?fbclid=IwAR3lZoF1RhM9KkydnF8MqvN-NhBmvHZ-UB_blc0r4CnFbeg-4kWOlI9HHxE

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 Ann Johnson, candidate for Texas House District 134. Democrat Ann Johnson is a former Chief Human Trafficking Prosecutor, current teacher, and small business owner who works as an attorney in our criminal justice system for victims of sexual exploitation and those who cannot afford a lawyer. In Austin, she’ll fight for working families, investments in schools, long overdue gun safety reforms, and to expand access to health care for over one million uninsured Texans. Ann will work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure we’re investing in ordinary Texans and small businesses during this pandemic, so our communities can build back from this economic recession stronger.

GUEST: Ann Johnson
https://www.annjohnson.com

We discuss the important local races for upcoming election including congressional races for the Houston area.

Guests: Bryan Hlavinka, Andrew Edmonson and Jack Valinski

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 newly elected president of the Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This organization works to accelerate economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.

GUEST: Tammi Wallace
https://www.houstonlgbtchamber.com

Then, we speak with Dr. Joe Kort. Psychotherapist, coach and author Joe Kort, Ph.D, MSW, MA founded his practice in 1985.  Its specialties include:  Gay Affirmative Psychotherapy, emphasizing how being knowledgeable about gay issues informs the therapeutic process, and IMAGO Relationship Therapy, a specific program to help couples and singles learn to improve their communication and relationship skills. It is based on the books Getting The Love You Want  and Keeping The Love You Find  by Dr. Harville Hendrix.

This practice specializes in sex therapy and sexual identity issues, including Out-Of-Control Sexual Behavior; responsible non-monogamy/monogamy; childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse; mixed-orientation marriages; coming out; and depression and anxiety. The group offers workshops for couples and singles.

All services are for people of any sexual orientation. 

GUEST: Joe Kort Ph.D.
http://www.joekort.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 highlight local artists in this week's episode.  First up, we speak with local drag performer, Carmina Vavra.  We speak about his background and being Houston's "Nerdiest Drag Queen" as well as gaming passion.  We speak about the challenges of performing during the time of COVID-19.

GUEST: Carmina Vavra
https://www.instagram.com/carminavavra/

Then, we speak with Kyle Cragle, a local performer now performing in Cirque di Soleil. Kyle grew up in Houston but heard the calling of Cirque and moved to Montreal to pursue his passion.

GUEST: Kyle Cragle
https://www.instagram.com/kylecraglecircus

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/