After Going Viral on Instagram in 2020, Leslie Jordan Has a New TV Show

What’reAfter going viral on Instagram in 2020, Leslie Jordany’all has a new TV show, a newdoin’? book and a new album for 2021 by Chris Azzopardi, Page 12 2 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 OFFER WEBOTOX NOW TOO! Tired of SHAVING? 02.26.21 | Volume 37 | Issue 43 We Can Help! toc Serving the LGBT Smashing High Prices! Community since 2011! 7 headlines Call Today for your The Largest Selection of Cabinets, Doors, FREE Vanities and Tubs in the DFW Area Consultation! █ TEXAS NEWS Save 40% - 60% 6 Dallas Council candidate roundup 682-593-1442 2610 West Miller Rd • Garland • 972-926-0100 htgtelectrolysis.com 7 FW candidates speak on LGBTQ issues 5832 E. Belknap • Haltom City • 871-831-3600 4245 N. Central Expy. www.builderssurplustexas.com Suite 450, Dallas, TX 8 Mansfield ISD eviewsr diversity audit

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02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 3 DallasVoice.com/Category/Instant-Tea instanTEA Highlights from the Dallas Voice website Gallup poll shows LGBTQ- House passeses Equality Act identified rises to 5.6 percent; HB 2069 would “address a wide range of issues impacting the LGBTQ community,” census releases LGBTQ data according to a press release from Coleman’s The latest Gallup survey found that 5.6 office. “Rep. Coleman has successfully pushed percent of Americans identify as LGBTQ. policies to become law including protections That compares to just 3.5 percent who for sexual preference in the James Byrd Jr. identified as LGBTQ in 2012 and 4.5 percent Hate Crimes Act, and suicide prevention in 2017. Only 86.7 percent say they are training in schools. Regrettably, many of the straight and 7.6 percent didn’t answer the LGBTQ policies Rep. Coleman has cham- question. pioned have yet to be passed in the Texas Of those identifying as LGBTQ, more than Legislature.” half say they are bisexual. Almost a quarter Rep. David Cicilline Included in the omnibus bill are elements identify as gay. Only 12 percent call them- The U.S. House of Representatives voted on proposing a constitutional amendment to selves lesbian and 11 percent transgender. Thursday, Feb. 25, to pass The Equality Act, repeal the current constitutional provision One reason for the lower number of women legislation which would provide protection defining marriage as the union of one man and who identify as lesbian is that women are from discrimination based on sexual one woman (the amendment approved by Tex- much more likely than men to identify as orientation and gender identity in employment, as voters in 2005 bans recognition of marriage bisexual. Overall, more women than men housing, credit, education, public spaces, equality and remains part of the Texas Consti- self-identify as LGBTQ. public funding and jury service. Rep. David tution even though the U.S. Supreme Court’s The biggest increase in people self-iden- Cicilline, a gay Democrat from Rhode Island, 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges makes it tifying as LGBTQ is among those who were re-introduced the bill the previous Thursday, a moot point); uniformizing and streamlining 18 to 23 years old in 2020 when the survey Feb. 18, in the House. All the House court procedures for change of name and was taken. In that group, one in six identifies Democrats and three Republicans voted for gender marker on state-issued IDs; including as LGBTQ. That compares to just one in 50 the measure. protection for transgender individuals in the who identifies as LGBTQ among those 56 Three Democratic senators — Jeff Merkley Texas Hate Crimes Law; repealing the Texas and older. One reason for that lower number of Oregon, Cory Booker of New Jersey and, sodomy law, which was deemed unconstitu- that Gallup fails to recognize is the number the first open lesbian elected to the Senate, tional by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2004 ruling of mostly gay men from the older genera- Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin — announced in Lawrence v. Texas, but which is still listed tions who died of AIDS. that same day that they would be re-intro- as a criminal offense in the Texas Penal Code; The U.S. Census has also released new ducing The Equality Act in the Senate this prohibiting discrimination against or harass- data on same-sex couples for 2019, the week when the Senate floor re-opened for the ment of a public school employee or student year before the latest census was taken. For introduction of new bills. on the basis of sexual orientation, or gender 2019, there were 980,000 same-sex couple The Equality Act passed the House of Rep- identity or expression; comprehensive employ- households in the U.S. Of that number, 58 resentatives in 2019 but stalled in the then- ment non-discrimination measures prohibiting percent were married couples. Among both GOP-controlled Senate. This time around, discrimination based on sexual orientation, or married and unmarried couples, there were with both the House and the Senate under gender identity or expression in employment, more female spouses than male. Democratic control, it’s chances of passing labor organization membership, and including The metro areas with the highest percent- Congress are much better. And President Joe LGBTQ people in Texas’ “Romeo and Juliet” ages of same-sex couples were San Francis- Biden promised during his campaign that he law. co, Portland and Seattle. would sign the bill into law within the first 100 The legislation as originally filed used Both same-sex and opposite-sex married days of his presidency. the term “sexual preference.” Coleman on couples were more likely to have children The day after Cicilline introduced the mea- Wednesday, Feb. 24, issued a statement than unmarried couples. Opposite-sex mar- sure in the House, President Joe Biden issued apologizing for that terminology and saying it ried couples were twice as likely as same- a statement applauding the bill and calling on would be replaced with “sexual orientation.” sex marred couples to have children. both houses of Congress to pass the bill and —Tammye Nash — David Taffet send it to his desk. During his campaign last year, Biden pledged to sign The Equality Bill into law within the first 100 days of his term if Congress gave him the chance to do so. █ pet of the week / CJ —Tammye Nash shown that he is a funny, curious boy who loves to explore and State Rep. Coleman files play with toys. He came to the SPCA of Texas last year through their Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, so he did not have LGBTQ omnibus bill the best life before. He can still be a little scared in unfamiliar situations, but he has come a long way. CJ would thrive in a home with another dog as his buddy; he just loves hanging out with friends, and they really bring out his confidence! He’s quite a smarty pants — and has learned tricks like sit, come, stay and down from the staff at the shelter. This goofy, lovable sweetheart is sure to be a loyal companion to anyone willing to give him a chance. CJ is waiting to meet you at the Jan Rees- Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas. To request an appointment to meet CJ, please visit spca.org/adopt.

Rep. Garnet Coleman Adoptions will be available by appointment. Adopters will need to submit an adoption inquiry form in order to begin the Texas state Rep. Garnet F. Coleman, adoption process and schedule an appointment to complete D-Houston, a longtime ally of the LGBTQ the adoption. Please browse our available animals at spca.org/ community, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, filed legis- Meet CJ, a 1½-year-old, black mouth cur mix with a great findapet and visit spca.org/dogadopt to inquire about a dog or lation that would protect LGBTQ Texans from personality! He spent some time in a foster home and has spca.org/catadopt to inquire about a cat. discrimination.

4 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21

Every seat Fort Worth candidates on contested LGBTQ issues At least two new gay candidates Commission and the board of the Great- er Dallas Planning Council. Both he and seek to join two gay incumbents Blewett live in East Dallas. Viney, an at- on the Dallas City Council torney who was named the winner of The Dallas Foundation’s Good Works DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer Under 40 award in November 2017 for Leland R. Burke, left, in District 13 and Jonas Park, right, in District 2 are the only two openly [email protected] her volunteer work with Advocates for LGBTQ challengers running for Dallas City Council. Openly gay Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano, Community Transformation, lives in District 2 cannot run again due to term limits. Openly gay incumbents Chad West in District 1 and hree Dallas City Lakewood Heights. Omar Narvaez in District 6 are running for re-election. Council members District 14 has never been represented have reached their by someone living in Oak Lawn. Fair Park-area seat has had a series of Dallas Pulse News. term limit and will Leland Burke, who ran against Gates one-term council members since Caro- Four candidates are vying to replace not be able to run for in her first campaign eight years ago, is lyn Davis left the office and was indict- Kleinman in North Dallas’s District 11 re-election., includ- running for the District 13 seat again. ed for bribery. Davis and her 26-year-old — Candy Evans, Jaynie Schultz, Hosan- ing openly gay May- Burke, a real estate investor who is gay, daughter were killed in a car accident na F. Yemiru and Barry Wenick. Schultz or Pro Tem Adam faces Gay Donnell Willis, Da’On Bou- caused by a drunk driver in 2019, af- is a business woman who has served on Medrano. Medrano represents District 2, langer-Chatman, Ryan M. Moore and ter she had pleaded guilty to accepting the City Plan Commission. Yemiru im- which includes part of Oak Lawn. Mac Smith. bribes when she was on the council, but migrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia when Incumbent council members Lee Donnell Willis is president and CEO of before she could be sentenced. she was 11. She worked on Rep. Colin Kleinman in District 11 and Jennifer the Turtle Creek Conservancy that main- Among Bazaldua’s challengers are real Allred’s campaign and was field direc- Gates in District 13 are also ineligible to tains Turtle Creek Park and Arlington estate broker Kevin Felder, who held the tor for Scott Griggs’ mayoral campaign. run. Dallas limits council members to Hall. Boulanger-Chatman is director of seat for one term, from 2017-2 019, social Evans is best known for her website four consecutive two-year terms. Medra- choirs and department chair for Visual activist Tramonica Brown, activist Wal- CandysDirt.com and is the North Texas no, Gates and Kleinman would be eligi- and Perfoming Arts at Lakeview Centen- ter “Changa” Higgins, lawyer Calvin D. editor of CultureMap.com. Wernick is an ble to run again in 2023. nial High School in Garland. Moore is an Johnson, pastor Donald Parish, pastor attorney. With the deadline for filing passed, attorney with Wick Phillips. James Turknett and Realtor Israel Varela. In Oak Cliff, District 3 incumbent Ca- each of the 14 seats on the Dallas City In addition to Medrano, the 14-mem- District 4 Council woman Carolyn sey Thomas faces maintenance company Council is contested, with more than 50 ber Dallas City Council has two other King Arnold, who represents South Oak owner and the city’s former senior facili- candidates having filed to run. gay incumbents: Omar Narvaez in Dis- Cliff, is running for a fourth term and has ties manager, Irby Foster. Six candidates have filed to replace trict 6 and Chad West in District 1. four opponents. Arnold won a seat on In Pleasant Grove, the District 5 in- Medrano on the council. They are Raha West, an attorney, faces three challeng- the council in 2015, but was defeated in cumbent Jaime Resendez has drawn Assadi, Jennifer Cortez, Michael Fetzer, ers in his bid for a second term on the 2017 by former council member Dwayne three opponents, including HR consul- Jesse Moreno, Jonas Park and Sana Syed. council. They are marketing specialist Caraway. Caraway they resigned from tant Ruth Torres, who Resendez beat in Moreno has served on the park board, and real estate agent Stephani A. Kyle, office under indictment in 2018. King a runoff in 2019. Veterinarian and animal and his wife, Monica, works as Medra- Walmart employee Gerardo Sanchez and won the special election to replace him clinic founder Terry Perkins and parale- no’s chief of staff. Park, the only openly teacher and community activist Giovan- in 2018 and was re-elected in 2019. She gal and former Dallas Park Board mem- gay candidate among the six, has started ni Valderas. Valderas also ran for the Dis- can serve two more terms before she is ber Yolana “Faye” Williams are the other several businesses and is best known for trict 1 seat against West in 2019. limited out. two candidates in that race. organizing the community to keep Sam’s Narvaez is running for a third term. After sitting out a term due to term District 9 incumbent Paula Blackmon Club out of the neighborhood. He is opposed by Monica Alonzo, Tony limits, District 8 Councilman Tennell At- in East Dallas faces two first-time can- The Oak Lawn neighborhood is split Carrillo, Wendi Macon and Earl Thomas. kins returned to the council last election. didates: chiropractor John Botefuhr and between Medrano’s district and District Alonzo, board chair for the Dallas He’s now running for a second second project manager Judy Kumar. In Far 14, where first-term Councilman Da- Convention and Visitors Bureau, was consecutive term against three candi- North Dallas, District 12 incumbent Cara vid Blewett is running for re-election, the District 6 incumbent running for her dates, each of whom has run for the seat Mendelsohn is challenged by Elva Curl, Blewett is being challenged by Paul Rid- fourth term four years ago when Nar- before. Atkins’ opponents are Subrina a former employee in the office of Sen. ley and Elizabeth Viney, both of whom vaez beat her by an overwhelming mar- Lynn Brenham, who owns a beauty sup- John Cornyn and a former city of Dallas are lawyers. Blewett, in his first cam- gin. Thomas is a minister at New Mount ply store and a tax services company, employee. paign two years ago, was accused of not Zion P.B.C. in West Dallas. Carrillo is a activist Lakolya London and activist/ The last day to register to vote in Dal- including the the LGBTQ community in construction manager, and Macon works musician Davante “Shawt” Peters. las city elections is April 1. Early voting his campaign. His first meeting after his for a charter school. Lake Highlands Councilman Adam begins April 19 and runs through April election was with LGBTQ leaders in his With five opponents, the first-term McGough, District 10, is running for his 27. Election Day is May 1, but with this district. Councilman Adam Bazaldua for Dis- fourth and final term and has one oppo- many candidates running, runoffs are al-

Ridley has served on the City Plan trict 7 faces the most opposition. The nent — Sirrano Keith Baldeo, owner of most guaranteed. █

6 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 Fort Worth candidates on LGBTQ issues Responses overwhelmingly nity. I will do everything I can to support progress.” Ann Zadeh Chris Rector Elizabeth Beck positive to questionnaire Chris Rector, a political newcomer, is an author and disabled veteran who is JAMES RUSSELL | Contributing Writer also running for mayor. He’s focused on [email protected] transparency, lower taxes, public safety and revitalizing the economy following lot of people are running the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s also an for Fort Worth City LGBTQ ally who has also marched in the Council. Tarrant County Pride Parade, he said. A lot. Rector wants to review the nondis- Nearly 60 peo- crimination ordinance and work with ple filed to run for local LGBTQ groups to get their input on mayor and coun- what is included in the ordinance and if Fernando Peralta Jen-Sarduy Tara Wilson cil. it should be updated. “It’s great that the she said. “In that vein, the city should unabashed- That’s in part because Mayor Bet- LGBTQ community has a liaison within work with business and community or- ly pro-LGBT sy Price is retiring after a decade in the the FWPD,” Rector said, adding that he ganizations to ensure that the city is a rights. office, leaving the field wide for con- wants to see one at City Hall, too. safe and welcoming place for members Her re- tenders that include Councilmembers “A lot of the younger generation doesn’t of the LGBTQ community.” sponse was Ann Zadeh and Dr. Brian Byrd. Anoth- know the struggle of what happened in Lee Henderson, a political strategist a mantra: er council member, Councilman Dennis the ’80s when gays were attacked and running to replace Singleton, laid out his “The great- Shingleton, is retiring. beaten before they had any laws or protec- vision: “Local protections for the LGBTQ est thing The Dallas Voice reached out to as tions. I have seen this happen, and I have community are imperative and necessary we can do many of the candidates as possible to stood up to these attackers. Everyone de- when striving to create a more fair Fort to protect get their takes on LGBTQ issues. Some serves the same rights and protections as Worth for all,” he said. But the nondis- each other responded by deadline; some did not re- everyone else,” he said. crimination ordinance is foundational. and to pro- Lee Henderson spond, and others were unavailable. Among the candidates seeking to re- “Like any city policy, we should be mote and We asked two questions: “Where do place Zadeh who responded to the Voice reviewing it to ensure maximum effec- nurture our you stand on local protections for LGBTQ are Elizabeth Beck, a combat veteran and tiveness, including taking steps such better selves people?” And, “We have a comprehensive attorney who ran for the Texas House in as funding and empowering commu- is to prevent nondiscrimination ordinance and liaison 2020, and soldier and Las Familias de nity support programs such as LGBTQ marginal- within the FWPD. But do you think we Rosemont Neighborhood Association Saves,” he said, referring to the LGBTQ ization of can do more to protect LGBTQ people?” President Fernando Peralta. youth outreach organization founded by all individ- All of the candidates who responded Both indicated strong support for Sharon Herrera. uals. In my said they support the LGBTQ communi- LGBTQ rights. The city should also conduct more out- experience, ty, and they all said more can be done to “I’ll do anything I can to support the reach and be more proactive when work- this means protect and support the community. LGBTQ community. I’m not gonna say I ing with the community, Henderson add- promoting Zadeh is perhaps the most openly know everything, but I’d love to talk and ed. “We can also work with ally groups community Katie Johnson pro-LGBTQ candidate for mayor. She learn their needs,” Peralta said. to understand how we can continuously and opportunities for enrichment across currently occupies the council seat pre- He said he challenged the Catholic support them. Additionally, we need to our population. viously held by Joel Burns, Wendy Davis Church at his wedding when he chose strengthen our Equal Rights Ordinance “When we get to know each other and and the late Cathy Hirt. Burns is gay, and his friend, who is gay, to be his best man. by making sure the Human Rights Com- work together, we find friends and al- Davis and Hirt were allies who advocat- “I grew up very Catholic,” Peral- mittee is enforcing penalties for noncom- lies. Together, we build a stronger, truly ed for LGBTQ rights. ta explained. “The wedding was at St. pliance, adding new ones as needed. diverse community,” Lowe continued. Zadeh, a former planning and zoning Patrick’s Cathedral in downtown Fort “The city at large needs to stand up for “Together, we evolve and enrich our col- commissioner, said as mayor she would Worth. I wanted to make a statement at protection policies made by companies lective lives as citizens.” do whatever she could to make sure no the cathedral by having a gay best man.” and actively support schools that do the Another candidate for the seat is Ka- one in the city is mistreated or denied ba- Beck praised the city for implement- same,” Henderson said. “When elected, I tie Johnson, who said she sees a need for sic human rights. ing, and updating, the nondiscrimina- am committed to taking all of these steps further protections for the LGBTQ com- “In my time on council, I’ve worked tion ordinance and creating a police liai- to ensure that every Fort Worthian has a munity. “I stand with protection for the with the LGBTQ community and sought son position. seat at the table.” LGBTQ community and feel that local advice on issues impacting them direct- “Our city has most certainly taken Anne Lowe is a magazine publisher and federal governments can and need ly,” she said. “Fort Worth has been and steps in the right direction to protect running for the open District 3 seat en- to do more for community protection. always should be an inclusive commu- members of the LGBTQ community,” compassing southwest Fort Worth. She is ISSUES, Page 10

02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 7 Mansfield ISD presented with diversity audit

Advocates cautiously hopeful for clearly defining expectations and direc- progress in the district tion for equity and inclusion, closing opportunity gaps for low income students and students of color, stronger systems JAMES RUSSELL | Contributing Writer of intervention for at-risk students, a [email protected] more diverse curriculum and addressing for policy changes in the district. The so-called “cultural blindness.” Rev. Katie Hays from LGBTQ-affirming he Mansfield Inde- LGBTQ identities span race, ethnicity Galileo Church in Kennedale has been pendent School Dis- and economic status, but, according to another as part of the Mansfield Equal- trict heard the results some respondents, homophobia on cam- ity Coalition, a coalition of activists who of an equity audit at puses is common. have called for policy changes in the dis- their Tuesday, Feb. “If making fun of someone because of trict addressing inequities. 23 meeting, and the their sexual orientation is bad, then our “We’re not advocating for program- report revealed what school is bad. And honestly, I don’t think ming. We’ve only asked for policies pro- many advocates for anyone really cares, and that is disap- tecting LGBTQ people,” Hays said. years: The district has a lot of room for pointing,” said one high school student. Of the audit, she said that she is- improvement when it comes to inclusiv- Another reported being very uncom- heartened, “But the tendency of that ity. fortable with “students being very ig- board is to gloss over any indication The audit was conducted by Texas norant, homophobic or even blatantly of suffering.” Clockwise from top left, Danyell Watkins, Association of School Administrators racist.” Activists calling for change have not Rafael McDonnell and the Rev. Katie Hays and Curriculum Management Solu- A middle school student had strong made much progress, however, since the tions Inc. late last year and announced words for classmates and teachers: “I Mansfield school district drew activists’ district add sexual orientation and a month after the district hired Danyell still see homophobia and racism every- ire in 2017 when MISD placed art teacher gender identity and expression to its Wells, its first director of diversity, equi- where, and it tires me that I don’t see Stacy Bailey on administrative leave fol- non-discrimination policy, the district ty and inclusion. Administrators, teach- anyone standing up for the victims. I lowing parents’ complaints that she was refused. ers, parents and students contributed to wish people were held accountable for promoting the “gay agenda.” Her “gay While her contract with the district the survey. their wrongdoings, instead of [being] agenda” was sharing photographs of her was ultimately renewed in 2018, Bailey According to the executive summary, praised.” family, including her then-fiancé/now- was reassigned to a secondary school. the research team’s guiding principles The summary was more explicit about wife Julie Vazquez, with students. She then filed a lawsuit against the dis- centered on the following question: How the district’s defects than the presenta- One student mentioned Bailey sharing trict claiming discrimination based on is Mansfield ISD supporting and assur- tion, said Rafael McDonnell, Resource the photo to her mother, and the mother her sexual orientation. ing equity and equality in its treatment Center’s communications and advocacy filed a complaint. School district officials Bailey won the lawsuit in February of and services to students? Those four manager. said parents complained about Bailey’s 2020, and among her settlement re- guiding principles included enhancing “If you look at it, a lot of it says what statements to the children, not her sexual quirements was one forcing the board vision and policy, academic achieve- advocates have been telling the district orientation. They defended the district to vote on adding gender identity and ment, equity and access, culture and cli- for years in terms of climate and policy. by claiming it has many gay employees sexual orientation to its nondiscrimina- mate and curriculum. It’s a vindication,” he said if the study. and doesn’t discriminate. tion policy. Among those recommendations were McDonnell is just one of the advocates But when Bailey requested the school DIVERSITY, Page 10 IMMIGRATION Same-sex Couples and Individuals Green Cards ❖ Fiancè Visas ❖ Citizenship Waivers ❖ Appeals ❖ Deportation Defense Olinger Law, PLLC Lynn S. Olinger Board Certified Immigration Law Specailist Serving the LGBT community for 15+ years 214.396.9090 www.Isolaw.com

8 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21

DIVERSITY, From Page 8 One week after the U.S. Supreme has not adopted the language, according Court ruled that “sex” includes sexual to McDonnell. The others are Grape- orientation and gender identity protec- vine-Colleyville ISD in northeast Tarrant tions under Title VII of the Civil Rights County and Highland Park ISD in Dal- Act, in the historic Bostock v. Clayton las. County case, the board did indeed vote “It’s been a long and winding mess,” on amending the policy: They unani- McDonnell said. mously rejected it. Both Hays and McDonnell are now That was despite a guidance issued by watching what steps, if any, the district the Texas Association of School Boards takes after this presentation. “Will they about inclusive language in light of Bos- take the information and adopt new pol- tock. icies? Or treat it like [The Ark of the Cov- Mansfield ISD is one of only a hand- enant in] Raiders of the Lost Ark and put

ful of school districts in North Texas that in a filing cabinet?” McDonnell asked.█

ISSUES, From Page 7 “Things that can be improved are at the National Harm Reduction Coa- awareness of hate crimes against the lition. “We see the results of the reluc- community and more thorough inves- tance of leaders to prioritize the safety tigations when they do occur. The dis- of LGBTQ people in our communities crimination that needs to stop includes everywhere from the school board to employment hiring and firing, adoption, thes federal level,” Sarduy said. “It’s housing, health, and education,” she important to note that local positions of wrote in an e-mail. leadership are where people’s lived ex- Tara Wilson, a nurse who is running perience meets the state, so the decisions against District 4 incumbent Cary Moon, our leaders make need to be brave and said she “wholeheartedly supports the thoughtful.” LGBTQ community” and praised the She has no doubt there’s more to do city for its early adoption of a nondis- for LGBTQ people at the local level. crimination ordinance. “Of course we can do more to pro- “I’d like for Fort Worth to continue tect queer folks in our community — OF being a leader in Texas in this regard. COURSE we can. When we adopt peo- I do think more can be done to protect ple-first policies that value and understand my LGBTQ community,” Wilson added. intersecting identities and oppressions, we “We still have a lot of conservatism here create the opportunity to transform Fort

locally, and even opposition, so being Worth, together,” Sarduy said. █ proactive and understanding this will Fort Worth council and mayoral candi- prevent complacency.” dates and incumbents who want to partici- One of the candidates taking on Dis- pate can send more information and respons- trict 2 incumbent Carlos Flores is Jen es to the questions to James Russell at james. Sarduy, the communications coordinator [email protected].

10 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 Phone 214-754-8710 █ Fax 844-313-2282 █ commUNITY 1825 Market Center Blvd., Ste. 240, Dallas, Texas 75207 voices Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • dallasvoice.com administration Leo Cusimano Publisher █ 114 editorial Tammye Nash Managing Editor █ 113 █ One for the LGBT history books David Taffet Senior Staff Writer 125 Philip Burton Proofreader rights are abroad to ensure that our diplomacy Contributors: Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, Biden’s first month in office has J. Denton Bricker, Joey Cassiano, Jesus Chairez, Alicia Chang, been good for our community included and foreign assistance promotes and D’Anne Witowski, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman, as human protects the rights of LGBTQI+ per- Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Steven Monacelli, e are just one month into rights: sons, including combating the criminal- Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, Mikey Rox, Howard Lewis Russell, his term as president, and “Every ization of LGBTQI+ status or conduct, James Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray, Joseph R. Biden has already American, enhancing our range of diplomatic Mathew Shaw, Brandi Amara Skyy, Mark Stokes, Jef Tingley, W Casey Williams done more for LGBTQ equality than regardless responses to protect human rights any president in their full body of work of race, abuses of LGBTQI+ persons, building advertising in an entire four-year — or eight-year ethnicity, coalitions with civil society and inter- Chad Mantooth Advertising Director █ 131 Stephen Mobley MarketPlace Sales █ 123 term. Here’s a summary. zip code, national organizations, requiring an- National Advertising Representative Even before being sworn in, Presi- religion, nual reporting by the State Department Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021 dent-elect Biden had made his mark sex, sex- on human rights abuses experienced by appointing an impressive group of ual ori- by LGBTQI+ persons globally and re- art scinding inconsistent policies within Kevin Thomas Art Director █ 119 LGBTQ people to major roles in the entation, gender identity or disability, White House and the various depart- should be free to flourish in a society 100 days of signing.” multimedia ments of his administration. Among that values and defends equal justice And to cap off his first month in of- Stephen Mobley Social Media Director █ 123 Brian Kennedy Video Producer them were the secretary of transpor- for all.” fice, President Biden released a state- Israel Luna Video Producer/DVtv host tation, deputy director of the office of President Biden’s pro-LGBTQ ac- ment on the Equality Act, which he has Brad Pritchett DVtv Host presidential personnel, principal depu- tions have been equally impressive in pledged to sign in his first 100 days if Brandi Amara Skyy DVtv Host ty White House press secretary, senior his first 30 days in office. On Jan. 20, his Congress sends it to him. Regina Lyn DVtv Host advisor and spokesperson for the vice first day as president, Biden signed an “On my first day in office, I was circulation president, deputy White House com- executive order on combating discrim- proud to sign an Executive Order on Linda Depriter Circulation Director █ 120 munications director, deputy counsel ination against LGBTQ people, which Preventing and Combating Discrimina- founders to the president and director of political included directing all federal agencies tion on the Basis of Gender Identity or Robert Moore █ Don Ritz strategy and outreach. to ensure that workplace discrimina- Sexual Orientation. I directed agencies affiliations/memberships In addition, the spokesperson for the tion on the basis of sexual orientation to implement the Supreme Court’s Bos- Associated Press - Associate Member State Department, who serves as the and gender identity is prohibited. tock ruling, and fully enforce Title VII National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association official spokesperson for the United The same day, Biden sent an immigra- of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other Certified LGBT Business Enterprise States of America, is a gay man. And tion bill to congress which modernized laws that prohibit discrimination on the Founding Member - North Texas LGBT Chamber Founding Member - National LGBT Media Association Pennsylvania’s own Rachel Levine, the family-based immigration system basis of gender identity or sexual ori- whose confirmation hearings were ex- by including permanent partnerships entation. Now, it’s time for Congress to pected this week, has been nominated and “eliminating discrimination facing secure these protections once and for all to serve as assistant secretary of health. LGBTQ+ families.” by passing the Equality Act — because Ultimately, the Biden transition team On Jan. 26, Biden released a memo- no one should ever face discrimination was able to announce that 11 percent of randum on housing practices which or live in fear because of who they are White House staff are LGBTQ appointees. called out “systemic barriers to safe, or whom they love.” In addition to making all these cabinet accessible and affordable housing for President Biden is off to a blazing and staff nominations, the then-presi- people of color, immigrants, individ- start when it comes to support for dent-elect issued a statement for World uals with disabilities and lesbian, gay, LGBT equality. Now it’s on the House © 2020 Voice Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. AIDS Day in December reinforcing his bisexual, transgender, gender non-con- and Senate to pass the Equality Act and Reprint rights are available only by written consent of the publisher or managing editor. commitment to ending AIDS as a pub- forming, and queer (LGBTQ+) individ- send it to his desk. That would truly Dallas Voice is published every Friday. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each, payable in advance at lic health crisis. uals.” cap off the most pro-LGBTQ 100 days the Dallas Voice office. Dallas Voice may be distributed only by Dallas Voice authorized independent contractors “This year,” Biden said in that state- On Feb. 4, Biden signed a series of for any president in history. █ or distributors. No person may, without prior written ment, “World AIDS Day honors the executive actions designed to “restore Mark Segal is an American journalist. permission of Voice Publishing, take more than one copy of each Dallas Voice weekly issue. resilience and impact of advocates, ac- America’s place in the world.” This in- He is the founder and publisher of Phila- Subscriptions via First Class Mail are available: Three months (13 consecutive issues), $65. Six months (26 tivists and frontline workers who have cluded a memorandum on “Advancing delphia Gay News and has won numerous consecutive issues), $85. One year (52 consecutive issues), the Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around $130. Contact Dallas Voice at 214-754-8710 x123. spent decades treating people with dig- journalism awards for his column “Mark Paid advertising copy represents the claim(s) of the nity, fighting for human rights and sav- the World.” My Words,’ including best column by The advertiser. Bring inappropriate claims to the attention of the publisher. Dallas Voice reserves the right to enforce ing lives.” “This memorandum restores clari- National Newspaper Association, Suburban its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and/or photographs. A few days later, Biden issued an- ty to the U.S. position by directing all Newspaper Association and The Society of Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted by email only. other statement declaring that LGBTQ departments and agencies engaged Professional Journalists. To obtain a copy of our guidelines for contributors, send a request by email to [email protected].

02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 11 A viral star is reborn profile Thanks to Leslie Jordan’s older, and especially in West Hollywood, where everybody wants to be young and quarantine videos, the world beautiful. now knows him for exactly I think we’re past that as a gay community. who he is I hope. You know, I think that also had a lot to do with the bar scene, which has “Where should I be looking? There? been curtailed. But even before that, back Or there?” His face smothering the in my day — I got here [to California] in camera as he wonders where his eyes ’82 — all you had were the bars; you’d go should be, Leslie Jordan is settling into to the bars. That’s just where you went to our video interview like it could be a see other gay people and meet other gay comic routine about somebody trying people. Now I think, “My gosh, we have to use Zoom for the first time. Puckered everything. We have choirs. And we have gay camping. We have gay this, we have together in a kind of duck-face pout are gay that.” There’s a lot of ways, plus the his elastic lips. A delicate smile curls internet, where you can meet people. into formation. My generation, we went through so much. Then Jordan scoots so low that only I remember I walked up to these young his forehead is visible. More duck face. kids holding hands in Kitchen 24 [in West A big, eyes-squished grin. A peculiar Hollywood], and I just said, “You have no sound that may or may not be a fart. idea what we went through so you guys And finally a tickled laugh when I tell could...” — and then all of a sudden it hit him I recognize that he’s in the same me: Oh my god, I don’t want to be that, room that made him a viral sensation. like your granddad who would say, “You “It’s the only room I’ve got!” he kids have no idea what we went through!” chuckles, noting that he’s on video from I thought, “Oh my god! It’s the same his bedroom in West Hollywood. “I’ve thing!” They were like, “Yeah, uh-huh, go got everything set up. And there’s my on, Pop-Pop.” bed!” Does it feel like right now is kind of a new Sure enough, that IS his bed. Through- beginning for you? Or just THE begin- out the pandemic as he’s documented ning in a lot of ways? As you said, I’m 65. I have achieved everything I came to his quarantine experiences, that same Hollywood to achieve. I’ve done Broad- bed has been seen all over his Instagram way; I’ve done film; I’ve done a lot of feed. There, as a COVID respite, Jordan television. And I have this series now on has delivered lighthearted frivolity the air (Call Me Kat), and it looks like it’s and cheeky humor to those he calls his pulling some numbers. It may stay around “fellow hunker-downers,” in, of course, for a little while, which is a wonderful thing his signature southern drawl. In one clip, to know as an actor. I have a job! he listens to a Katy Perry song that is People think that you’re rich, you’ve said. “so lit,” while another finds him curious And I’m not. Listen, she works hard for about Lizzo’s definition of “her juice.” the money! I think what it feels like is that Internet virality might be new for I have achieved everything. And also, Jordan, but, at least in the LGBTQ+ com- I’m more comfortable with myself. I’m perfectly comfortable. I got sober 22 years munity, he’s always been a star. Jordan’s was fine; he didn’t have coronavirus. had and didn’t know I had: nothing about ago. I had a little drinking problem, and I three-decade career has, most iconically, But his friend was referring to Jordan’s religion, nothing about politics and no might’ve done a tiny bit of crystal meth. seen the 65-year-old actor in the Em- Instagram, where he has gone from just products. I’m kind of wanting to rethink I got clean and sober and realized that I my-winning role of Beverley Leslie, a thousands of followers to, currently, that “no products” part. Ha! was just riddled with internal homophobia. rival of Megan Mullally’s Karen Walker, around 5.6 million. I had a conversation with my house- [I was] 42 years old, and here I was, the in Will & Grace. But his career in TV and — Chris Azzopardi mate recently about being aging gays life of the party, this and that. But all of a film goes back to the 1980s. More recent- and how I look to you as inspiration sudden, I’m faced with that. And my jour- because you are 65 and in your prime, ly, Jordan starred in several seasons of Dallas Voice: Congratulations, first of all, ney into my sobriety, which has been the I would say. And so people telling me Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, on surviving AND thriving in a pan- last 22 years, has also been a real good that, for gay people who get older, and this year he stars alongside Mayim demic. Leslie Jordan: Give me a good journey into my queerdom. It was a lot there’s nothing left for us after a certain Bialik and fellow out actor Cheyenne pandemic, I just flourish! Ha! I don’t know of therapy. You go to your meetings, and age, you have completely turned that Jackson in the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat. why that is or how that happened, but I then I had to go to a recovery program upside down. Oh, that’s so kind to say. When a friend told him he had gone think people were looking for just some because I had too many meetings. I was laughter. I started that Instagram; I was Because I remember my 50s were tough. viral while Jordan was quarantining going to so many meetings, I thought, in Tennessee with my mom, and I didn’t As you get older, you walk down the with his mom in Tennessee in mid- “I’m addicted to meetings!” Ha! No, I’m have a lot to do. So I just started being street, and people don’t even look at you. March of last year, Jordan replied no, he funny. I had three rules that I realized I It’s weird the way we treat people that are █ REBORN Page 14

12 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 Dance screen film

Bruce Wood Dance premieres swept up in the dance. new works — on film — Storey’s piece uses the entire ensem- ble and should be an exciting premiere. choreographed by its dancers Vernon put together five short videos that will air and did the filming and DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer editing himself. [email protected] “Cole had just dipped his toes into film last spring,” Bruce Wood Executive ruce Wood Dance rolls out the Director Gail Halperin said. “He used first of three installments of new an iPhone.” She said his hi-tech gear B works choreographed by its own included a magnet to attach his phone dancers this weekend. WOOD/SHOP is to his car as he filmed himself. the result of the dance company offering So when this opportunity came along, its dancers the opportunity to create by Vernon jumped at it, using the addi- offering studio space and dancers to any tional resources offered by Bruce Wood Bruce Wood company member interest- Dance to expand his work. He hopes to ed in choreographing a new work. use his films to get grants to use toward “We encouraged them to play, explore even more ambitious dance film. and expand on any and every idea in Halperin described Vernon’s videos which they were interested,” Artistic as “absolutely hilarious” pieces done Director Joy Bollinger said. in vaudevillian style. Some are in color. On Sunday, Feb 28, the first round of Others are black and white. dances on film premieres, with works While Storey’s choreography took by Gabriel Speiller, Megan Storey weeks of rehearsal, more of Vernon’s and Cole Vernon. Storey and Speiller time was spent in the editing process. worked with filmmakers The Digibees, Bollinger called this a first step project while Vernon explored filmmaking on for these dancers and emerging chore- his own to create the five short dance ographers. And, she added, “We want pieces included in this first installment. to keep evolving.” Bollinger explained why she loves the Parts two and three of WOOD/SHOP, work of The Digibees so much, saying featuring work by four other danc- they’re helping define dance film. The er-choreographers, will be featured in works were shot in many takes and edited April and May. All will be on Zoom using lots of close-ups, including close-ups webinar so the audience will be able to of dancers’ faces, something an audience interact with the dancers and choreogra- can’t see in such detail in a theater. phers after each dance film. Speiller’s work deals with grief, and And, Halperin said, she is delighted Storey’s is about loss. But neither is to announce that with Moody Perfor- particularly about loss as a result of the mance Hall tentatively set to reopen in pandemic, Bollinger said. But after re- April, Bruce Wood Dance is preparing thinking for a minute, she noted that the for a live, indoor, hour-long, no-inter- pandemic has had an effect on every- mission performance in June. Dates thing we’ve done for the past year. aren’t finalized. █ “They’re stories of their own life, not The three WOOD/SHOP presentations COVID,” she said. Then again, mod- will be presented as a Zoom webinar on ern dance can be interpreted however Sunday, Feb. 28 from 4-5 p.m. The perfor- the viewer sees it, so that may be your mances are free but register for Zoom room take away. And a viewer might just get admission at bit.ly/3qFgZsD.

02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 13 █ REBORN From Page 12

teasing. Will any tea be spilled? Well, I don’t think Now Under I sit here [now] so comfortable with myself, so. Certainly not about anybody else. I with who I am and what I am. And that’s a made sure. I don’t like that, when people New Management wonderful place to be. So everything from talk ugly about other people. That’s my here on out is just gravy. It really is just New Year’s resolution: to be really, really living life one day at a time and having a sweet and nice and not ever talk ugly. I’m really good time. gonna try to stop cussing. I don’t know how I’m gonna do that. Ha! I cuss — not a And you can say that now because you have lot, but I just don’t want to cuss at all. finally met Dolly Parton. That’s it. Now all I ask myself is, “What would Dolly do?” She’s For this new generation of fans you have a sterling human being. Oh my gosh. who’ve discovered you on Instagram, what is something about your career What was the first thing that you said to you would like them to know? My first Dolly when you met her last year? I was job ever was [the 1980s TV series] The in Nashville recording. I have a gospel Full Body Waxing Fall Guy with Lee Majors and I played a album coming out [Company’s Com- For Men and Women killer. I did six episodes. Murphy Brown ing, featuring Jordan singing duets with came around about that time. What inter- several featured guests, including Brandi ests me [about] my Instagram, which has Carlile, Tanya Tucker, TJ Osborne, Travis just jumped to about 5.6 million, is how Howard, Katie Pruett and surprise guests many people discovered me there that still to be announced]. But anyway, we didn’t know me. I think: “I’ve been around FREE Eyebrow or Lip Wax in January & February were recording and she was at a studio forever! Foreveeeer I’ve been doing this!” near us and she said, “Drop by.” I just felt $35 Brazilian for Women or $50 Brazilian for Men like I’d known her forever. But I like the fact that I mistakenly thought (first time clients only) that people would know me from my What can you say about the song that roles. So they would think, “Oh, Beverley Full Back as low as $46, Chest as low as $40 you have in the works? It’s an old, old, Leslie on Will & Grace and, you know, old hymn. It’s one that she said to me, “I and Underarms as low as $19 [my line] ‘Well, well, well. Karen Walk- sang that in church growing up; I sang er.’” But my new fans know me as me. I that hymn over and over and over again.” Book Online at www.WeOnlyWax.com think that’s kind of nice that people are When I hear her singing this song with responding to ME, not some character or call 214-833-5958 me, I’ll wet my pants. 5610 Lemmon Ave + locations in Dallas, The Colony and Hurst that I play. How did the gospel album come about? What do you want to be remembered My friend Travis Howard and his produc- for? I want to be remembered like a Dolly ing partner in Nashville, Danny Myrick, we Parton — [somebody] that nobody had a would record Sunday hymns and just put bad word [about]. “He was a nice guy.” them on the internet, just the two of us, And the fact that I’m fairly talented in this and it was so popular on Instagram and and that, that’s OK. But I just want people people said, “You should do an album.” to know he was good. He was a nice guy. I thought, “Well, I’m not a singer, really. He was a good guy. I think that’s most im- I’ve got the kind of voice that’s good for a portant. And that I was raised right. I want hymn, but I’m not a singer.” The response to say to these kids now: “Who raised was just unbelievable [from] people who you? Who raised you!” said, “I’ll be on that album with you.” Was your Southern accent and what You also have a book called How Y’all you’ve called your “gay voice” always Doing? coming out in April. What are embraced like it is now? I got to Hol- we going to learn about you from the lywood and there was a casting director book that we don’t already know? I that told me, “You’re such a character don’t know that you’ll really learn anything actor already, and if you could lose your because I want to make sure that it wasn’t Southern accent… .” And I tried, and I — you know, in My Trip Down the Pink couldn’t. The day that I decided, “Well, Carpet, I covered everything. [For this], this is just a marketable package here” what I decided to do was to take all my was the day that I started working. But I best dinner party stories. So I’ve got 12 worried more, I think, because of my in- stories that are just fun, just things that ternal homophobia, about my gay accent. have happened to me, lessons that I have I would listen to myself and think, “Oh, learned. A little bit but not much about girl, you’ve gotta calm down a little bit.” me, just life in general. I don’t think that I ever lost a job [because My favorite of all of them is when I got to of it]. I was on Star Trek, and they hired throw the first pitch out for the Wash- a linguist to teach me how to say the ington Nationals, having never thrown a words, and she got so exasperated she baseball in my life. And it’s the craziest said, “Mr. Jordan, ‘feather’ doesn’t have story, and it involved Pulse nightclub. four syllables!” I don’t think I’ll ever be like Because it was part of my one-man show, Robert De Niro or Meryl Streep. I’ll never I got to tell it to Mrs. Obama. She was in just disappear into a role. I just do what I the audience. Michelle Obama came to do and various forms of it, and it’s worked see me! I got to tell that story. It’s in the thus far, and kept me afloat. book. It ends the book.

14 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 Will any tea be spilled? Well, I don’t think so. Certainly not about anybody else. I made sure. I don’t like that, when people talk ugly about other people. That’s my New Year’s resolution: to be really, really sweet and nice and not ever talk ugly. I’m Telehealth gonna try to stop cussing. I don’t know Health care from the safety of your home. how I’m gonna do that. Ha! I cuss — not a lot, but I just don’t want to cuss at all. For this new generation of fans you have who’ve discovered you on Instagram, what is something about your career you would like them to know? My first job ever was [the 1980s TV series] The Fall Guy with Lee Majors and I played a killer. I did six episodes. Murphy Brown came around about that time. What inter- ests me [about] my Instagram, which has just jumped to about 5.6 million, is how many people discovered me there that didn’t know me. I think: “I’ve been around forever! Foreveeeer I’ve been doing this!” But I like the fact that I mistakenly thought that people would know me from my roles. So they would think, “Oh, Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace and, you know, [my line] ‘Well, well, well. Karen Walk- er.’” But my new fans know me as me. I think that’s kind of nice that people are responding to ME, not some character that I play. What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered like a Dolly Parton — [somebody] that nobody had a bad word [about]. “He was a nice guy.” And the fact that I’m fairly talented in this and that, that’s OK. But I just want people to know he was good. He was a nice guy. He was a good guy. I think that’s most important. And that I was raised right. I want to say to these kids now: “Who raised you? Who raised you!” Was your Southern accent and what you’ve called your “gay voice” always embraced like it is now? I got to Hol- lywood and there was a casting director that told me, “You’re such a character actor already, and if you could lose your Southern accent… .” And I tried, and I couldn’t. The day that I decided, “Well, this is just a marketable package here” Erin Simms, Steven M. Pounders, Chad Nyland, D. Trew Deckard, Cameron Wyatt, Chad Crager, was the day that I started working. But I FNP-C MD DO PA-C, MHS FNP-C FNP-C worried more, I think, because of my internal homophobia, about my gay accent. Services include: I would listen to myself and think, “Oh, Give us a call TODAY girl, you’ve gotta calm down a little bit.” • In office appointments available Primary Care I don’t think that I ever lost a job [because to schedule your appointment! of it]. I was on Star Trek, and they hired • Telehealth appointments online HIV Specialists a linguist to teach me how to say the words, and she got so exasperated she • LGBT owned and operated Gender Affirmation Concierge Medicine offered by said, “Mr. Jordan, ‘feather’ doesn’t have Cosmetic Procedures four syllables!” I don’t think I’ll ever be like • More than 30 years-experience Steven M. Pounders, MD Robert De Niro or Meryl Streep. I’ll never Ask about PrEP just disappear into a role. I just do what I do and various forms of it, and it’s worked thus far, and kept me afloat. 214.520.8833 / 3500 Oak Lawn, Ste. 600 / DrPounders.com

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best bets

SUN 02.28 SUN 02.28 Dallas Museum of Art offers patrons a rare chance to explore a selection of works by acclaimed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo through Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and yet, too many women don’t understand the exhibition Frida Kahlo: Five Works. The installation features four the symptoms and the risk factors. That is why the American Heart Association in 2004 launched the Go Red of Kahlo’s paintings, including Still Life 1951, pictured here, and one for Women campaign. Now, some 17 years later, Go Red for Women has evolved into the driving force in of her drawings all on loan from a private collection and each acting accelerating science, advancing public health policy and addressing the gender and racial gaps for women as a vehicle for understanding her unique visual language and more in research, healthcare and more surrounding heart disease. This weekend, the American Heart Association aspects of her work. continues those efforts 106.1 KISS FM radio personality Kellie Rasberry hosts “Go Red Live! — United in Purpose.” Noon, WFAA Channel 8; email [email protected] for information.

SUN 02.28 At the end of 2020, after more than nine months of empty stages and darkened theaters, the folks at Bruce Wood Dance Company opened up rehearsal time and offered studio space and dancers to any company member interested in furthering their choreographic experience. The result is WOOD/SHOP, the first installation of which premiers virtually this Sunday featuring works by Gabriel Speiller, Megan Storey and Cole Vernon. 4-5 p.m. via Zoom webinar; free, but registration is required at https://bit.ly/3qFgZsD.

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02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 17 scoop I normally have a five-dog night. Those little beauties really came in handy during this mess. Cassie Nova I don’t know about the rest of you doggie I survived Snowmaggedon daddies (or mamas), but we have two little ones that refuse to even step outside if they Hello nurse! As I sit down to write this, see snow. There was a whole lotta nopes we have just survived the Snowmaggedon at our house last week. One of them would 2021, or the Snowpocalypse — whatever actually make it all the way to the welcome you wanna call it, it was a pain in the ass. mat before he peed or pooped. I guess he Between my gas bill, my water bill and the figured, “The porch is outside, so I’m good jacked-way-up price of the little electricity right?” Yes, you little fucker, you are good. we got, next month’s bills are going to ass On a lighter note, Saturday, Feb. 27, is rape me with no lube. And not in the good MY BIRTHDAY!!! AIR HORN BLAST! I’m not way. sure how to spell BUURRRMM BURRRMM We actually had it way better than most BUUURRRMM! people; we only lost power for about 60 I will be 49 years old. It is so weird to think hours. Luckily, my sweet husband installed of being this old. I remember being in my a gas fireplace about eight years ago, and it 20s and thinking, “Oh my Gawd! 50 years was a lifesaver. Those of you without even a old is soooo old!” Well, I am a year away gas stove, I don’t know how you did it. I’m from 50, and I don’t feel that old. Sure the not sure how cold a witch’s tit is, exactly, but wrinkles and the aches say otherwise, but I I think it was close. am thankful for all of it. I know a lot of people I want to say thank you for all the people that didn’t make it to 49, so I’m grateful I am checking to see how Ruby, our 125-pound still here and still fabulous! tortoise, has done with the electricity turned I remember my 22nd birthday: I was doing off. To be honest, it was very worrisome. a show at a little bar called The Anchor Inn. The first night, when the power went out at I got so drunk that I ended up emceeing the 2:45 a.m., we put a portable propane heater end of the show in just my pads — no wig, in the greenhouse with her. Usually she sits no dress, just a dance belt that looked like under a heating lamp and stays content until really tight panties. it warms up enough for her to come outside. It was not my finest moment, but I did We have a remote temperature gauge that learn one thing: Grand Marnier is the devil. tells us what the temperature is in the green- Even thinking about it now I want to throw house at all times. But bitch, we ain’t ever up. We all have that one liquor that we will had to deal with 5-degree weather and no never touch again because of the time it electricity before! made you projectile vomit. Mine is that The propane heater scares me. It just pro- bougie, orange-flavored death juice. What duces heat with no real regulation to shut off was yours? if it gets too hot or tell you when the propane They say what doesn’t kill you makes you runs out. So we were constantly having to stronger? Well, after 2020 and the bullshit check the temperature every 30 minutes or 2021 has brought us, we should all be so — fuck even trying to sleep. superheroes. Finally we decided to bring her into the Stay strong beautiful people. Remember house and let her sit by the gas stove in the to always love more, bitch less and be fabu- kitchen. That was a chore and a half. Ruby lous. XOXO, Cassie Nova to just be Ruby. Oh, and Ruby is also a giant wanted to wait until we were past the freez- is a big bitch and does not like to be picked for her age. She’s more tank than tortoise. ing temperatures and were sure the electric- up. She kicks like a donkey and can really be I love my Ruby, so I was very worried ity would stay on before we put her back in difficult when she wants to be. about her. It took the brute strength of my her house. We were extremely fortunate that this week’s solution Oh and FYI, Ruby is actually a Rudy; we Superman and a wheelbarrow to get her she never, you know, pooped in the house. named her before we knew the gender. But inside. Luckily, she didn’t fight us. I think she She pissed one day, like a freakin’ race- with the gender norms being questioned ev- knew we were trying to help her. horse, but I had towels down in anticipation erywhere, we thought it was fitting for Ruby She has been in our kitchen all week. I of the grossness. The moment she was outside in the sun, she let it out. The sun for her is like Metamu- FIND IT ALL HERE AT cil for me. Let’s just say I am thankful to have her back outside where she belongs. One AMAZING of the days she was inside she decided to INTIMATE ESSENTIALS Adult DVD, Novelties, Magazines play drums on my pantry door and just keep Watch All The Movies In banging up against it. I don’t know if you know this, but tortoises are stubborn as hell Our World Famous 1200 Channel Arcade and just don’t listen. Home of the Ruby came through fine, but I am sad to say we lost every plant we had in the green- World Famous house. It’s a graveyard now. I’m still hopeful $10 Movie Pass! that maybe some of them will sprout again Video Rooms - $10 • Over 1200 Channels from the roots. Something else I learned during the 11311 Harry Hines Blvd. #603 ROYAL Texas grid failure of 2021 is the meaning of █ browse █ submit Facing Joe Field Plaza on Joe Field the saying “three-dog night.” It’s not just a 972-243-2707 For a more complete Community To submit an item for inclusion in 1-35N REEDER band name; it means it’s so cold you gotta Sun-Thur 10am-12am JOE FIELD Calendar online, visit the Community Calendar, visit HARRY HINES HARRY Fri & Sat 10am-3am sleep with three dogs on you to stay warm. Tinyurl.com/dvevents. Tinyurl.com/dvevents.

18 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 scene Snowmageddon 2021

Bear helped his people keep warm by snuggling under the covers with them Brandon stayed under the blankets to keep warm Chaselyn and John bundled up againt the cold

Dallas’ First United Methodist shines in the snow (Photo courtesy Wesley Fryar) Jay at the John Neely Bryan Cabin Iris stays bundled up against the cold

Jay and Wesley with Chilly Willie Larry the Fairy braves the big freeze A brisk 23 degrees in Dallas. (Photo courtesy of Larry the Fairy)

02.26.21 █ dallasvoice 19 Dreaming of keeping warm Trudie’s granddaughter Addyson gets ready for her first snow Simm and his fur baby check out “Dallaska”

JFK Memorial (Photo courtesy Wesley Fryar) The Wilson Building (Photo courtesy Wesley Fryar) White Rock Lake foot bridge (Photo courtesy Wesley Fryar)

Diego and Danny snuggle for warmth Maxwell on a mission Marshal Casey on the job

20 dallasvoice.com █ 02.26.21 q-puzzle Love Her Tilda Cows Come Home

Reesh is ready for spring

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