Queer Voices

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How do we transform pain into powerful storytelling? This episode brings together three remarkable creators who are documenting LGBTQ+ experiences through different artistic mediums, each offering unique perspectives on resilience, healing, and joy.

Award-winning journalist Nico Lang takes us behind the scenes of writing "American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era." Having spent a year traveling to seven states to document trans youth experiences, Lang shares emotional insights from this journey. Most poignantly, Lang describes connecting with Jack and Augie, trans siblings in Florida who lost access to gender-affirming care through Medicaid cuts while recovering from homelessness. "You could almost see the trauma in their bodies like a second skin," Lang reflects, noting how their story resonated with his own childhood experiences of poverty and family struggles.

The conversation then shifts to Aaron Alon, who has created "The Chosen Ones," a musical exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in conversion therapy. Despite the dissolution of major conversion therapy organizations like Exodus, Alon's research revealed these practices continue largely unregulated across America. His musical, premiering August 28th through September 6th at Houston's MATCH theater, challenges audiences to see the humanity in all characters while acknowledging the profound harm of these programs. "I hope that shows have the ability to soften people's hearts in a way that debate and policy and activism sometimes can't," Alon explains.

Filmmaker Wayne Chella rounds out the episode, discussing how creating autobiographical films about clergy sexual abuse became a pathway to healing. His emotional recounting of discovering his abuser's name on a list of credibly accused clergy, and subsequently channeling that trauma into his film "Insignificant," demonstrates the transformative power of artistic expression. "Releasing Insignificant into the world was my final act of letting go," Chella shares.

What unites these diverse stories is the power of authentic representation to foster understanding and create change. As Lang powerfully states, "Kindness will save us. Listening to other people's stories will save us." Whether through literature, theater, or film, these creators remind us that behind every headline about anti-trans legislation or religious discrimination are real human beings deserving of dignity, respect, and the space to share their stories.

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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The strength of queer resilience shines through in this powerful episode featuring two remarkable Texans taking bold stands in hostile territory. Representative Jolanda Jones pulls back the curtain on the disturbing reality of Texas politics, where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant assault and even moderate Republicans vote for discriminatory legislation out of fear of being "primaried" by extremists. As Texas' first openly queer Black representative, Jones shares her remarkable journey from ally to advocate, including her groundbreaking decision to hire an openly transgender person while serving on Houston's city council years before such actions were commonplace.

"Every day there was an attack on LGBTQ rights," Jones reveals with candid frustration about the recent legislative session. Her piercing question to Republican colleagues—"What is this fixation you have with who you think I sleep with?"—exposes the bizarre obsession underlying much anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Now running for Congressional District 18, Jones aims to become the first openly Black LGBTQ+ person in Congress, continuing her lifelong fight for equality and representation.

The episode transitions from political battlegrounds to creative expression with Joel Sandel, a veteran of Houston's theater scene currently starring as the Wizard in AD Players' spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz. Sandel explores why this classic story has become "the storybook for our community," with its themes of chosen family, belonging, and self-acceptance resonating deeply with queer experiences. The production itself mirrors this blending of traditional and progressive values, maintaining the beloved story while incorporating spectacular new elements like flying characters and restored musical numbers.

Both conversations illuminate different facets of queer existence in Texas—the political fight for basic rights and the cultural expressions that sustain the soul. As Jones powerfully summarizes: "Queer people are no different than straight people. We want families, jobs, happiness... We're just like you. We just happen to love the people that we love." Listen now for an uplifting reminder that whether in legislative chambers or on stage, queer voices will not be silenced.

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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In the face of unprecedented legislative attacks, how does Texas's LGBTQ community forge ahead? This episode of Queer Voices delivers a masterclass in resilience, featuring Brad Pritchett, the Interim Executive Director of Equality Texas, who reveals the brutal realities of the recent legislative session where over 200 anti-LBGTQIA+ bills were filed—the highest number in state history. Deborah Moncrief Bell is the interviewer. 

"We managed to stop more than 95% of those bills from actually passing into law," Pritchett explains, highlighting the power of community organizing even in hostile political environments. He takes us behind the curtain of Texas politics, exposing how some lawmakers waste precious legislative time on bills based on fabricated scenarios (like the ridiculous "furries bill") rather than addressing genuine concerns affecting all Texans. 

We then journey from legislation to theater as Houston-native actor Austin Colburn shares his experience returning home from New York to star in "The Last Five Years" at Queensbury Theatre, which runs from July 23rd through the 27th. Austin reflects with Brett Cullum on his evolution from a dancer who "couldn't sing a single pitch" to a professional actor tackling one of musical theater's most challenging scores. His journey from local stages to New York callbacks offers a heartening counterpoint to the political struggles—a reminder that queer joy and artistic expression persist.

The episode concludes with Melelani Petersen's powerful reflection on "Town Meeting 1978 to 2028," an art exhibition commemorating a pivotal 1978 gathering of 4,000 LGBTQ Houstonians that birthed vital community institutions. 

Ready to join this vibrant community conversation? Subscribe, share your thoughts, and become part of the ongoing story of LGBTQ resilience in Texas and beyond.

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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Tonight's show on KPFT will be a repeat, but here is an exclusive for QUEER VOICES podcast listeners! 

Ramone Nelson is in the touring production of PARADE, which hit the Hobby Center last night, and will be here through July 20th. The show is an uncompromising look at the mistrial of a Jewish man in Atlanta in 1913. Ramone talks about his time in MJ THE MUSICAL and how he got into performing. He also talks about what PARADE has to say to the LGBTQIA+ 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/

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We speak with grand marshals Hayden Cohen and Lane Lewis. First, Hayden the Trendsetter grand marshal talks about an organization that they are apart of, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas. Then we speak with Lane Lewis one of three Distinguished Grand Marshals for the 2025 Official Houston Pride Celebration®  Finally Brett Cullum speaks with director Domenico Leona about the upcoming production “Pullman, WA” happening at Match Theater in August.

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 local community photographer, Nora Dayton, about their work in the community. Then we catch up with Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston, who has announced a run for Harris County Judge. We also speak with the Pride Chorus of Houston artistic director David York about Rainbow on the Green happening Friday, June 27th. Finally, we catch up with Catastrophic Theater's Tamarie Cooper and Kyle Sturdivant about their production, "Another Ding Dang Tamarie Show," which opens on June 27th and runs through August 2nd.  

Tickets for Tamarie: 

https://matchouston.org/events/2025/another-ding-dang-tamarie-show

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 the dynamic new president of Pride Houston 365 -  Kerry Ann Morrison. Then our own Glenn Holt interviews Jevon Martin about Houston Trans Pride. And finally speak with distinguished Grand Marshal 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/

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On this episode, we speak with Brandi Lira, the president of Out for Education, and all the good work they do in the community.  Then we speak with Daron Yanes Perez, the male-identifying Grand Marshal for Pride Houston 365. Finally, Brett Cullum has a conversation with his husband, Lee Ingalls, about staying friends with an ex.  

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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For Pride month, we will be speaking to the grand marshals.

First, we speak with Josephine "Jo" Jones, the Female Identifying Grand Marshal for Pride Houston 365 and senior police officer with the Houston Police Department. For the past five years, Jo has served as the LGBTQIA+ liaison, building crucial bridges between law enforcement and the queer community. With 18 years on the force, she brings unique perspective to her role: "Behind the badge is a human being who cares deeply." Jo discusses how her position allows her to advocate for community members while helping transform perceptions within the department. Her selection as Grand Marshal represents both personal validation and institutional progress.

Lauren Tennyson takes us inside the First Christian Church of Katy, where radical inclusivity is reshaping suburban ministry. As Outreach Director, Lauren oversees their "transparent closet," providing clothing and resources to LGBTQ+ youth in need. The church has earned recognition as Outsmart Magazine's favorite trans support organization through their commitment to creating safe spaces outside the Loop. Lauren invites listeners to their upcoming Pride events, including drag bingo fundraisers on June 7th and a special Pride Sunday service featuring a trans male preacher sharing his journey.

We close with Derek Charles Livingston, artistic director of Stages Houston, discussing his direction of the world premiere "Let Her Rip." This innovative production weaves together two historical threads – the Jack the Ripper murders and the matchstick maker strike of 1888 – to examine ongoing violence against marginalized women. The parallels to contemporary issues, including violence against trans women of color, make this a particularly powerful Pride Month offering. Derek also shares exciting plans for Stages' upcoming season, featuring diverse voices and stories.

Don't miss the Houston Pride Parade on June 28th! Subscribe to Queer Voices for more conversations with the LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and advocates shaping our community's future while honoring its past.

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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Brett Cullum has a conversation with D. Jerome, who was recently starring as the TIN MAN in a Hobby Center production of THE WIZ.

Deborah Moncreffe Bell talks with openly lesbian author Patricia Grayhall about her new book "A Place for Us"

Brett and his husband Lee Ingalls review the Hulu series MID-CENTURY MODERN. 

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/