In-Sync Exotics Sanctuary Puts Felines First

Home , Carole Baskin, Denali (drag queen), Todrick Hall

Where cats rule In-Sync Exotics sanctuary puts felines first by Tammye Nash, Page 6 2 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 CAROLE ANN BOYD, DDS, PC 12.11.20 | Volume 37 | Issue 31 Over 30 years of experience in toc GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 10 headlines Welcoming JONATHAN VOGEL, DDS █ TEXAS NEWS 6 In-Sync: Refuge for exotic cats Call today 214.521.6261 10 Brandon Vance on leading Stonewall 4514 Cole Ave, Ste. 905 | DrBoyd.net

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Odin, a 6-year-old Bengal tiger Lynn S. Olinger Board Certified Immigration Law Specailist rescued by In-Sync Exotics from a Serving the LGBT community for 15+ years Wisconsin breading center in 2014. 214.396.9090 ` Photo courtesy of In-Sync Exotics. www.Isolaw.com Design by Tammye Nash

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4 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 DallasVoice.com/Instant-Tea Highlights from the Dallas Voice Website BOOK NOW instanTEA for the North Texan competing on identify, rather than their sex assigned at birth. HOLIDAYS! Drag Race Season 13 The case came from a school district near Salem, Oregon’s capital city. The federal appeals You might not court in San Francisco had upheld a Dallas, Ore., realize it just by school district policy that allows transgender reading through the students to use bathrooms and locker rooms list, released Dec. 9, that align with their gender identity. of queens who will be Parents sued over the policy in 2017, competing on the 13th saying it caused embarrassment and stress. season of RuPaul’s A lower court refused to block the policy, and Drag Race, but there is the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Elliott Puckett a North Texan among that ruling, writing that the school district did Overnight Lodging, Daycare, Bathing & Grooming the 13 entertainers who not violate students’ constitutional rights or a will be vying for the title of America’s next drag law that protects people from discrimination 6444 E. Mockingbird @ Abrams • 214-823-1441 superstars. based on sex in education programs. Y’all congratulate Elliott Puckett — known Similar lawsuits have been dismissed by on the show as “Elliott with 2 Ts” — from En- courts in other parts of the country. nis, who now lives in Las Vegas (via Dallas)! — Associated Press VH1 announced Wednesday that Season 13 of the Emmy Award-winning reality competition show premieres at 7 p.m. local Clyde ISD student suspended FASHION time on New Year’s Day (that’s 8 p.m. ET and for wearing nail polish PT). RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked follows Trevor Wilkinson, 17, wore nail polish to immediately after. The episodes were shot school. He was suspended. OPTICAL last summer under full COVID-19 protocols, a Wilkinson is a high school student in Clyde, spokesperson said. located along I-20 about 130 miles west This season will feature Drag Race’s first of Fort Worth, just before Abilene. Female THE ART OF EYEWEAR trans man contestant, Gottmik from Los students are allowed nail polish and makeup Angeles. Other contestants are Denali from in school. Male students aren’t. Chicago, Kahmora Hall from Chicago, Kandy Wilkinson told Good Morning America, Brioni | Cartier | Celine | Choppard | Freds | Fendi | Gucci | Tom Ford Muse from Brooklyn, LaLaRi from Atlanta, “I went into my class, and immediately my Olivia Lux from New York, Rosė from New teacher sent me to the office because she Jimmy Choo | Cazal | JF Rey | Henry Jullian| Inyake | OGA | & More… York, Symone from Los Angeles via Arkansas, said I broke dress code.” Tamisha Iman from Atlanta, Tina Burner from The school district told NBC News that it New York and Utica Queen from Minneapolis. reviews its dress policy each school year and — Tammye Nash a copy of the code is sent to each student and parent. Students who don’t meet the Supreme Court again rejects dress code are given a chance to correct the challenge to trans-affirming “problem.” And a student will remain in suspension until the “problem” is corrected. school policies Wilkinson said he met with the principal 45% The U.S. The Supreme Court on Mon- and vice principal who told him he’d remain in day, Dec. 7, declined to take up an appeal suspension until the nail polish is removed. He from parents in Oregon who want to prevent said he’s not removing the nail polish because *OFF transgender students from using locker rooms the policy is wrong. 1st FRAME (including sunglasses) and bathrooms of the gender with which they — David Taffet

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12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 5 Nice kitties In-Sync Exotics in Wylie is dedicated to letting exotic cats live their best lives

TAMMYE NASH | Managing Editor [email protected]

t all started with a cougar abandoned at a vet’s office, explained Angela Culver, board and media director for In-Sync She talked to the experts and got all the too big and too involved for her to do it three goats. It’s an unconventional fami- Exotics Wildlife Rescue and permits she had to have to do this legally, all on her own. So she decided to start a ly, but that’s cool with us.” Educational Center. and she built an enclosure for Tahoe.” nonprofit organization dedicated to res- In-Sync does have a few “temporary” Vicky Keahy was work- Keahy also talked with veterinarians cuing, caring for and educating people residents — animals, usually cats, that ing as a vet tech at that clinic and animal experts and folks at Texas about “exotic” cats. stay there for a bit on their way to some- when, in 1991, someone brought their Parks and Wildlife, doing everything And, in 2000, In-Sync Wildlife Rescue where else — and there are a few — in- “pet” female cougar named Tahoe in for she could to learn everything she could and Educational Center was born. It sits cluding three cougars rights now — that treatment. But when the vet called to let about how to provide the best life for just outside of Wylie, on County Road come to the rescue as babies and, for the owners know that Tahoe was ready Tahoe. So, in 1994, when TP&W learned 384, on the southern end of Lake Lavon. whatever reason, just stay. to go home, no one came. They waited. about another cougar that needed help, “That was 20 years ago, and here we But most, Culver said, are “geriatric” And waited. And waited some more. they went to Keahy. This time it was a are now. We have a staff of paid keepers cats — older animals that have been The owners never returned for Tahoe. male cougar who was sick. Keahy took and a vet tech, and more than 100 volun- rescued from some situation, including During all that waiting, Keahy had him in, named him Ranger and nursed teers,” Culver said. “And we have, let’s those rescued from other so-called sanc- become pretty attached to the 18-month- him back to health. Ranger and Tahoe see, 74 residents [animals] now.” tuaries or shows or breeders or even pri- old Tahoe. And she was determined that soon became inseparable, and Keahy’s Of the 74, there is one horse, three vate owners. At least two of the tigers the cougar would have a good home — big cat family had grown to two. goats, two lemurs and 68 exotic cats: there were rescued as cubs from smug- even if that meant she would provide Four years later, Keahy learned about lions, tigers (orange and white ones), glers. And some animals came to In-Sync that home herself. a three-week-old tiger cub, owned by leopards, cheetahs, cougars (of course), from reputable conservation breeding “Unlike with domestic house cats, breeders who determined that the cub serval cats, bobcats, lynx. There have programs after they “aged out” of those you can’t just put out a flyer looking for — injured and neglected — “was just too also been ocelots in residence and even programs. a new home for a cougar. And by that ugly to sell,” Culver said. Rather than a coatimundi (which isn’t a feline) for But, except in a few rare cases, no mat- time, Tahoe couldn’t just be released leave the cub to be left to die, or worse, awhile. ter where they came from, when they back into the wild,” Culver said. “And Keahy rescued her and named her Ken- The horse, Culver explained, belongs came to In-Sync, they came home. “Once Vicky was not about to let the cougar be ya. to Keahy. One day a goat wandered into they come here,” Culver said, “they are euthanized. So she started doing the re- With the addition of Kenya, Keahy re- the compound from the other side of the with us for the rest of their lives. And search to find out what she needed to do. alized that this feline family was getting railroad track that runs along the back our whole goal is to make sure the rest side of the property. of their lives are as good as they can pos- The horse and the goat sibly be.” bonded, so the goat Culver, who lives in Bedford, came got to stay. Then folks to In-Sync about 10 years ago and has noticed how, well, worked her way up through the volun- chubby the goat was teer ranks to a seat on the board. She getting. And before explained that she has always loved they knew it, the goat animals of all sort, especially cats and population had grown especially amur leopards. She learned to three. about the amur leopards — the most “They have their endangered of the big cats, with only 55 own special little hap- left in the wild and only about 100 left py family,” Culver total — while studying conservation and said. “The horse and biology. She was looking for a sanctuary

6 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 that had an amur leopard “because I wanted to see though, those plans had to be put on one before they were all gone.” She heard about one hold. sanctuary, but when she contacted them to ask about “But that’s ok,” Culver said. “We will volunteering, they never got back in touch. just do it next year, bigger and better. “Then I heard about In Sync. I came to see it, and Right now, In-Sync Exotics is open for I knew, yes! These people really care bout the ani- self-guided tours on weekends. Visitors mals!” she recalled. can also schedule special guided tours Culver, who works Mondays through Thursdays on weekdays, including special “feed- as an admin for a group of psychologists in Bedford ing tours,” where they get to go along who do therapy and testing, joined the board about as employees and volunteers feed the three and a half years ago. These days, she spends cats, and even “bone tours,” that spe- her Fridays at In-Sync, where she works on a num- cial time each week when the cats get a ber of projects, including livestream presentations special treat. Tours start at a suggested featuring her different feline friends to help hold up donation of $12 for adults and $8 for se- the educational side of In-Sync’s mission. niors over 65 and children under 4. Culver — who says that the members of her own But if you can’t get out to Wylie to unconventional family like to come out and help visit in person right now, checkout the when In-Sync holds special events — is also in In-Sync Exotics website, InSyncExotics. charge of handling all the media requests from folks, org, or the sanctuaries Facebook page especially those who want to include the sanctuary where you watch Culver’s livestream in some sort of broadcast program or documentary. programs each Friday. █ And, she said, In-Sync has seen a definite up-tick in those kinds of requests over the last several months, in the wake of the wildly popular Net- flix docu-series Tiger King featuring Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. In-Sync Exot- ics values its reputation as a top-notch rescue and sanctuary, Culver said, and they aren’t interested in exploiting their animals for that kind of drama. And speaking of Tiger King and drama and exploitation, Culver said there are actually a number of establishments calling themselves big cat rescues and sanctuaries. But not all of them actually put the animals first. How do you tell the difference, though? First and fore- most, Culver said, steer way clear of any place that offers you the chance to pay to pet and have photos taken with the animals. And stay even further away from any place that breeds the cats and sells the cubs. In-Sync Sanctuary usually has a number of special programs throughout the year, including two times a year when a limited number of visitors can actually camp out overnight at the sanctuary. This year, the In-Sync crew had planned a big party to celebrate the sanctuary’s 20th anniversary. Thanks to the COVID pandemic,

PAGE 6, Photos by Tammye Nash/Dallas Voice. PAGE 7, Photos courtesy of In-Sync Exotics. FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS go to DallasVoice.com

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 7 OBITUARIES

las, of complications following a heart valve where he was known for his replacement procedure. work with several Realtors in Brett was born Sept. 18, 1962, in Brown- McKinney and surrounding wood, Texas. He moved to Dallas from Hous- areas. ton in 2000 where he met his future partner, Brian had a great per- Scott Howell, at “the old TMC” on Throck- sonality and was always morton Street. They moved to Santa Fe, reaching out to help others N.M., for five years when Brett was offered a through fundraising and job there, then moved back to Dallas. They charities. He enjoyed clean- later lived in Portland, Ore., for two years ing, cooking, gardening and before again moving back to Dallas, because cars and was always willing Dallas was home. to share his knowledge and Brett formerly worked in the funeral indus- Brian Todd Koch, son of Janet and Allen tips on those things. try, but, since 2012, he had worked as office Koch, passed away on April 6, 2020, after Brian is truly an angel who was greatly manager for Hunky’s and catering coordinator several months of illness. Brian was born in loved and will be greatly missed. for HamburgerMan. Hunky’s owner Rick Bar- Corcoran, Calif., on Nov. 13, 1967. He was He is survived by his mother and father; ton said Brett’s coworkers will miss his happy, a resident of McKinney at the time of his his sister, Leesa Mills; his brothers, Joel Koch bigger-than-life personality. passing. and Dana Koch; one sister-in-law, Jacki; two Scott described his partner as someone Brian spent his elementary school years brothers-in-law, Shannon and Gary; two niec- who never met a stranger and would do in the Melissa, Texas, school system, and he es, four nephews and his beloved dogs. anything for anyone. Brett always had a attended McKinney High School, graduat- The family offered thanks to the doctors smart-ass remark or funny comment; he was ing in 1985. From elementary through high and nurses of Medical City Dallas, doctors always full of life and will be greatly missed by school, Brian attended the Joan Martin and nurses of Baylor Hospital Radiology all who knew him. School of Dance and the Carol Crock Plano McKinney and first responders for their help Brett Penn is survived by his partner of Dance Academy, and he was part of a dance and care. A Celebration of life for Brian was 21 years, Scott Howell; by his beloved mini company that traveled to New York. held Nov. 14 at Frisco Commons Park in Fris- dachshunds Freddie and Betty, and by Brian attended Barbizon School of Mod- co. Many longtime friends, family and others countless friends and members of his chosen eling in Dallas and later moved to Atlanta gathered to share in the wonderful celebra- family. He will be cremated, and part of his for work. He attended classes in fashion tion, and the family thanked everyone who ashes will be interred at the family plot near merchandising and went on to graduate gathered to help them say goodbye to Brian. Brownwood, while Scott will scatter the rest from Capelli Learning Center in Therapeutic The family also asked that those who in Santa Fe in 2021. A celebration of life will Professional Swedish Massage. While in At- want to honor his memory make donations Brett Penn, 58, passed away Saturday, be held at a later date, when it is safe to lanta, he danced in the opening and closing in Brian’s name to the Greg Dollgener Me- Nov. 28, at Medical City Heart Hospital in Dal- gather. ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics. morial AIDS Fund or to the SPCA. Brian returned to McKinney in 1998,

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8 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 OBITUARIES

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 9 Leading Texas’ largest Democratic club Brandon Vance reflects on two president and a year later move him up meetings with leaders of other orga- selves and work together, he said. to president. nizations, how many media requests Democrats from across the state con- years as president of Stonewall “I had no clue,” he said. But then he’d get for comments, how much time tacted Vance saying they’d like the en- Democrats of Dallas president Lee Dougherty “did a good would be required. dorsement of Stonewall Dallas because job preparing me.” But Vance took the challenge seri- they believed it was an important ap- Vance credits Dougherty for grooming ously. After all, Stonewall Dallas boasts proval. Vance said that just made his DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer him to take over as president of what is an impressive membership roster with job and that of his political chair just [email protected] the largest Democratic club in Texas, the quite a few elected city, county and state that much harder. largest Stonewall organization in the officials among its active members. He explained that just asking for hen Bran- country and one of the largest LGBTQ Stonewall’s political endorsements Stonewall’s support didn’t mean a can- don Vance organizations in Dallas and the state. are well respected and sought after. didate would automatically get that joined the Upon becoming president, Vance Vance said he expected candidates nod. Vance and his political chair re- board of knew he was up for a challenge. But, he running in every local race to seek his searched each race and reached out to Stonewall thought, “This is going to be fun.” organization’s nod, but some requests other candidates running for the same Democrats What he wasn’t expecting was his surprised him. Local Republicans have office to offer to screen them as well. of Dallas, he new position to become a daily job. He come before his membership knowing Vance was also Stonewall Dallas’ first had no idea the was surprised at how much behind-the- they couldn’t receive their endorse- African-American president. He was board was about to appoint him vice scenes work it involved — how many ment but anxious to introduce them- careful not to accuse anyone of specif-

10 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 Brandon Vance ically targeting him because of his race, fundraising powerhouse. but there were times the daggers came While everyone is glad to be rid of out that caught him off guard, he said. 2020 in just a few weeks, Vance has “Let’s say this position is difficult for quite a bit he’s looking forward to in anyone coming in new,” he said as dip- the new year. He’s been thinking of lomatically as possible. adopting a child for a number of years, After two years at the helm, Vance he said. In 2019, he began the required said he didn’t accomplish all of his classes and, this year, he met the two goals. But he did carry out much of kids he hopes he’ll be able to adopt what he hoped to do, he said, and he next year. And in fact, he just bought a is happy to turn over the reins to Todd bigger house to better accommodate his Hill-Jones. growing family. “We deepened our relationship with If everything works out, in February, other organizations,” Vance said of his the children will be coming to live with two-year tenure. “We’re positioned to Vance, and, he hopes, the adoption will do great things within the community.” be finalized about six months later. But during the election year that took That’s about the tightest schedule Texas place during the pandemic, Stonewall adoption laws will allow. Dallas didn’t focus as much on fund- But for now, as Vance ends his term raising for candidates as it usually does, in office, he pointed to Stonewall’s vir- and Vance said the organization didn’t tual holiday party earlier this week that support its endorsed candidates from ended a two-week fundraising drive a stronger position. And, he said that’s netting $12,000 in donations. He said why he’s excited about the incoming he was quite pleased with that total and team of Hill-Jones and his finance chair sees it as a great way to end his term in

Vonda Bailey, whom he described as a office. █

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 11 many surprises, but promise that the by artist Ciara Elle Bryant open • Through Dec. 13: Remember. traditional Silent Night in sign language noon-5 p.m. at Ro2 Art The Cedars, Breathe. Dream. THE will be featured. 1501 S. Ervay St. Opening reception on A contemplative visual arts journey Dec. 12 from noon-5 p.m. that will span the campus of the Latino • Dec. 12: Toy Drive Cultural Center. Only four participants Lost Souls Rugby will be in the • Dec. 13: Lambda Weekly will be allowed at a time presented by Round-Up parking lot collecting Christopher Zyda, author of The Storm: Cara Mia Theatre. Tickets and info at AGENDA unwrapped toys benefiting the One Voice from the AIDS Generation, is CaraMiaTheatre.org. Adelfa Callejo School from noon-4 p.m. the guest on Lambda Weekly at 1 p.m. GAY on 89.3 KNON-fm or streamed live at • Through Dec. 13: Have an event coming up? Email your • Dec. 12: Queer Reads KNON.org. Market at the Meyerson information to Managing Editor Tammye Queer Reads an online book club Dallas Symphony Association in Nash at [email protected] or Senior meets the second Saturday of every • Dec. 13: Home for the Holidays partnership with the Dallas Arts District Staff Writer David Taffet at taffet@ month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us to Cyndi Lauper’s annual fundraiser offer Market at the Meyerson featuring dallasvoice.com by Wednesday at 5 p.m. for discuss fiction and nonfiction books for homeless LGBTQ youth features a variety of gifts from the DSO, Nasher that week’s issue. about and/or written by the LGBTQ Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Cher, Sculpture Center, Crow Museum of community. Register online through the Dolly Parton and more on YouTube or Asian Art, AT&T Performing Arts The Gay Agenda is now color-coded: Red Dallas Public Library’s events calendar. Facebook. Info at TrueColorsUnited. Center, Dallas Museum of Arts and for community events; blue for arts and https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket. org/HomeForTheHolidays. others, noon to 7:30 p.m. daily. entertainment; purple for sports; green for com/events/queer-reads-book-club. nightlife and orange for civic events and • Through Dec. 13: • Dec. 14: Stonewall Tarrant County holidays. • Dec. 12: One Meal Matters Art+Fashion+Community New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas Food drive benefiting AIN from A holiday silent auction featuring is the guest speaker at Stonewall DECEMBER 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Kroger, Christmas stockings and face masks that Democrats Tarrant County monthly • Dec. 11: Turtle Creek Chorale concert 4142 Cedar Springs Road. benefits AIN is available online and meeting at 7 p.m. via Zoom: Meeting ID: The Turtle Creek Chorale performs in person at Martini Consignment, 898 3852 8495. Passcode: 001670. Holidays Unmuted, a virtual Christmas • Dec. 12-Jan. 30: Ciara Ell Bryant: 2923 N. Henderson Ave. Suite A. concert. BJ Cleveland hosts the Server 3.0 MuradBid.com/bidapp/index. • Through Dec. 18: Hanukkah show as Liza Minelli. They promise A solo exhibition featuring new works php?slug=ainafc.

12 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth. $20. $10 Vitruvian Park.Visitors can drive • Dec. 18: Women’s Chorus of scavenger hunt from 3:30-4:30 p.m. youth. 7 p.m. 817-784-9378. StageWest. through the park to see the lights, or Dallas concert See Facebook event for details. org. Streaming available starting Dec. 4. park in one of three lots and walk the The Women’s Chorus of Dallas presents $30 per household. park in a socially distanced manner. its holiday concert, Love and Joy, • Dec. 20: A Marsha Dimes 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. 5-11 p.m. virtually at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at https:// Christmas Special • Dec. 25: Christmas Free. app.tickettailor.com/login?redirectTo=/ Marsha Dimes’ Christmas special event/485855. benefits the Turtle Creek Chorale at • Through-Dec. 31: Holiday • Through Jan. 2: Comfort and Joy 8 p.m. on Marsha’s YouTube channel at the Arboretum Brighten the season for the thousands of • Dec. 18: “A Holly Jolly Celebration” with a Zoom Afterparty. $10 minimum Two large-scale exhibits are featured: shelter animals in North Texas. Shelters The Dallas Symphony Orchestra donation at MarshaDimes.com. the classic 12 Days of Christmas are requesting blankets, toys, treats and presents a holiday celebration depicting each day in the beloved carol canned food for animals who need extra featuring sing-along at 7 p.m. • Through Dec. 20: Reliant Lights with 25-foot tall elaborately decorated nutrition. The SPCA of Texas is in most on Bloomberg Television. Your Holidays Victorian-style gazebos; and the return need of dogs toys to keep their pups Enjoy 550,000 LED lights illuminating and expansion of The Pauline and happy during the holidays and all-year- • Dec. 18-20: Drive N Drag Saves the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village round. SPCA.org for more information. Christmas Theatre, and the many trees in highlighting 14 old world European- Bianca Del Rio as Scrooge Del Rio and Sammons Park from 5:30-10 p.m. Free. style shops in a magical setting. Dallas • Through Jan. 3: Dallas Zoo Lights Asia O’Hara in Drag N Drive Saves Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. Check Cruise through a newly constructed Christmas from 4-11 p.m. at Irving Mall. • Through Dec. 20: Jingle All the Way website for hours, prices and purchase pathway as you marvel at over a $69 per car for two people. Tickets at A holiday family concert sung by timed tickets at DallasAboretum.org. million twinkling lights and endless VossEvents.com. your favorite holiday characters. holiday cheer along the way. $65 per car. Casa Manana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., • Dec. 31: New Years Eve ZooLights.DallasZoo.com. • Dec. 19: Messiah Sing-Along Fort Worth. CasaManana.org. Dallas Bach Society presents the annual Box office 817-332-2272. JANUARY • Through Jan. 3: Ella’s Swinging Messiah Sing-Along at 5:30 p.m. in • Jan. 1: New Years Day Christmas Strauss Square. Tickets at ATTPAC.org. • Through Dec. 22: The Naughty List This tribute to Ella Fitzgerald features Stage West presents a new holiday • Through Jan. 1: Vitruvian Lights Feleceia Wilson at WaterTower Theatre, • Dec. 20: Holiday Scavenger Hunt work as an outdoor experience at More than 1.5 million lights of all colors 15650 Addison Road, Addison. Tickets Rainbow Roundup presents a holiday Texas Wesleyan University Mall, 1201 bedeck over 550 trees in Addison’s and info at WaterTowerTheatre.org.

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12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 13 █ commUNITYvoices Phone 214-754-8710 █ Fax 844-313-2282 1825 Market Center Blvd., Ste. 240, Dallas, Texas 75207 Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • dallasvoice.com identity, ing that I decided to troll them in return. that we be There was one, in particular, who chose administration Send in given the a screen name declaring themself to be Leo Cusimano Publisher █ 114 same ac- gay and a Trump supporter (they never editorial cess to civ- use their actual names, of course). This Tammye Nash Managing Editor █ 113 the trolls il marriage particular commenter had repeatedly David Taffet Senior Staff Writer █ 125 These last nearly four years of the as non- insisted on calling people names and Philip Burton Proofreader Trump administration have been, well, LGBTQ posting comments intended just to insult Contributors: Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, J. Denton Bricker, Joey Cassiano, Jesus Chairez, Alicia Chang, trying to say the least. It seems like each folks, whomever had written the article they D’Anne Witowski, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman, day, there was some new outrage, some that we were commenting on or sometimes an- Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Steven Monacelli, new national embarrassment, some new not have other commenter. Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, Mikey Rox, Howard Lewis Russell, foolishness happening. It has been so someone At first I politely informed this person James Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray, that comments using anti-LGBTQ slurs Mathew Shaw, Brandi Amara Skyy, Mark Stokes, Jef Tingley, very easy to be angry. Even now, 37 days else’s reli- Casey Williams after Joe Biden was elected by a margin gious be- or promoting unfounded and insulting of more than 8 million votes, the outrage liefs forced on us, that we not be beaten accusations against victims of crimes advertising and the embarrassment continue. and murdered because someone hates us would be deleted. But they persisted, Chad Mantooth Advertising Director █ 131 Stephen Mobley MarketPlace Sales █ 123 In fact, it seems to have gotten even for being LGBTQ. seeming to find special delight in insult- National Advertising Representative worse over these last 37 days as Trump Of course, we at the Dallas Voice are ing transgender murder victims and us- Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021 and his minions literally try to flush our certainly not strangers to hateful coming anti-transgender slurs. Then I trolled democratic processes down the toilet in ments and insults and even threats di- back and, in one exchange, got this per- art his desperate efforts not to be a one-term rected at us because we are an LGBTQ son to inadvertently expose their own in- Kevin Thomas Art Director █ 119 president. media outlet. But like I said, it seems ternalized homophobia: “People like you multimedia Like I said, it has been easy to be an- in the last few months — as our coun- make me ashamed to be gay.” “I don’t Stephen Mobley Social Media Director █ 123 Brian Kennedy Video Producer gry, to be frustrated, to be flabbergasted try dealt with a pandemic, with unrest think you need any help with that.” And Israel Luna Video Producer/DVtv host by the things we’ve seen happening. But over injustice and the growing lunacy of then, fed up with the childishness of it Brad Pritchett DVtv Host you know, despite all the anger and frus- an outrageous and hateful presidential all, I told this person I felt bad for them Brandi Amara Skyy DVtv Host tration, I have never felt or expressed administration — the trolls have come and that I felt sorry for them because go- Regina Lyn DVtv Host the desire to vote a certain way for the crawling from beneath their crusty old ing through life filled with such hate for circulation chance to piss off somebody else, and I bridges at an ever-quickening rate. one’s self must be absolutely exhausting. Linda Depriter Circulation Director █ 120 cannot comprehend this burning need And I just cannot understand it. Their response: “Whatever, tranny.” founders some people seem to have to do just that. I mean, if you think Dallas Voice pub- Ah, there it is, this person’s idea of the Robert Moore █ Don Ritz How many times have you seen some- lishes dreck, why come to our website ultimate insult. affiliations/memberships one on the more “conservative” end of or pick up our print product to read At that point, I just began deleting Associated Press - Associate Member the political spectrum declare that they that dreck. I have in the past been able the insults and the slurs because it is National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association have, in some way, “owned the libtards”? to understand why some LGBTQ people unacceptable that such slurs would be Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Have you seen similar sentiments from supported the Republican Party; they allowed on an LGBTQ website where Founding Member - North Texas LGBT Chamber someone whose skin is not so strong as Founding Member - National LGBT Media Association the other end of the spectrum? Why? put what they saw as economic con- Why is it so satisfying for these people cerns over civil rights concerns that they mine could be hurt by them. to feel like they have somehow “put one didn’t think impacted them. But I have I don’t understand it, though. Why do over on” someone with whom they dis- never understood how any self-respect- these people feel the need to try to hurt agree? ing LGBTQ person could continue to others with their insults and their slurs? In the last few months, it seems, we support the GOP as it has skewed ever Why would one LGBTQ person want to have seen more and more people coming more extremely toward the LGBTQ-hat- pull down other LGBTQ people? Is there to the Dallas Voice website, commenting ing right-wing extreme. any way they can ever clean the hate — on articles to let us know how much they How can you justify support for a polit- for themselves and for others — out of hate us and everything we stand for. I’m ical party that promotes hate against you? their souls? © 2020 Voice Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. not talking about non-LGBTQ folks, ei- And yet, those people are out there. In the meantime, we at Dallas Voice Reprint rights are available only by written consent of the publisher or managing editor. ther. I am talking about commenters who And they have decided (at least some of will just keep deleting the insults and Dallas Voice is published every Friday. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each, payable in advance at are — or at least claim to be — LGBTQ them have decided) that their favorite the slurs, letting the hate bounce off us the Dallas Voice office. Dallas Voice may be distributed people who are just disgusted with the thing in the world is trolling Dallas Voice as we try to shelter others who aren’t as only by Dallas Voice authorized independent contractors or distributors. No person may, without prior written fact that other LGBTQ people actually and those of us who work here. strong from those barbs. Go ahead and permission of Voice Publishing, take more than one copy of each Dallas Voice weekly issue. want equal rights, equal responsibilities At first, back in about July or so when send in the trolls. We knew there had to Subscriptions via First Class Mail are available: Three months (13 consecutive issues), $65. Six months (26 and equal treatment. the influx started, I tried a few times to be trolls. █ consecutive issues), $85. One year (52 consecutive issues), I mean, how dare we! reason with them through responses to Tammye Nash is managing editor of Dal- $130. Contact Dallas Voice at 214-754-8710 x123. Paid advertising copy represents the claim(s) of the Surely we know we are destroying the their comments. I even tried to do it po- las Voice. The opinions expressed here are her advertiser. Bring inappropriate claims to the attention of the publisher. Dallas Voice reserves the right to enforce fabric of our society by expecting that litely. It made no difference. own. Prohibitions against insults and slurs its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and/or photographs. we not be fired from our jobs simply be- Then, I got disgusted enough with in comments on DallasVoice.com will be en- Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted by email only. cause of our sexual orientation or gender their hatefulness and obvious self-loath- forced. To obtain a copy of our guidelines for contributors, send a request by email to [email protected].

14 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 15 LIFE+STYLE travel On the road again — for the first time while she was driving, I was shopping, A two-week RV trip for searching the grocery store for anything we could, would or might want or need. Thanksgiving sheds light on a The next day we packed up the RV. whole different way of life It was hard to know what to bring and what to leave behind. I made little JENNY BLOCK | Contributing Writer baggies of spices and small containers of flour and sugar. I packed extra blankets ’m not sure what I expected. I had and what turned out to be way too never even been inside an RV before, many tank tops. I packed a couple of Iso when my wife suggested we rent casual dresses for outings and Thanks- one for the week and do a Texas road giving. We brought along the Instant trip over Thanksgiving I figured, “What pot and the George Foreman and a little First day of the trip at the East Austin KOA Holiday campground. Photo by Jenny Block the heck!” Cuisinart grill. I even brought along a Ok. I didn’t exactly figure “What the cushy bathroom rug. bathroom with a shower that was not — when you’re inside — almost. heck.” I was actually kind of nervous. My wife packed one bike for trips to thank goodness — over the toilet, and We all hit it off immediately. There’s I like a bit of privacy and solitude, and the campsite offices, bungy cords, a first a slide-out section that doubled as our something about travelers — like kin- I like my bathroom space. But my wife aid kit, an outdoor rug, camping chairs, “family room,” complete with a table folk on the road, the kismet of meeting seemed so excited, so I said, “Okay! a table — in other words, all the things with benches and a sofa. people outside what your norm is, the Let’s do it!” that she knew would help create a bit of The dogs loved it. They got to sit on connection between people who like to We made the decision pretty late in home away from home. my lap all day long. And we took turns ramble …. the game, so we ended up renting an RV And on Saturday at 11 a.m., we head- playing DJ, listening to podcasts and Hayden Walker, a foodie friend of from a place all the way out in Shreve- ed out with our 12-year-old Chihuahua favorite playlists. mine in Austin, brought us dinner from port. It was a really cool Thor Motor terrier Walter and our eight-month-old Around 4:30 p.m., we arrived at the La Barbecue that night, and we sat by Coach from a super sweet guy at Arvey Chihuahua dachshund Aurora for our Austin East KOA Holiday. My wife the campfire and ate heavenly brisket Brothers. But yes, you heard that right: first stop: Austin. The RV was more checked us in and got us all set up. She and caught up. And I could feel my wife It was hours away in Shreveport. spacious than I imagined. It had a “bed- was a natural despite it being her first start to relax, which is a really big deal So before we even hit the road, my room” with a queen-sized bed; another time dealing with all of the hook-ups. for her. Between work and the pan- wife had to, well, hit the road — three queen-sized bed over the “cockpit;” a Despite any trepidation I may have demic and keeping me from losing my hours there to pick it up and three hours kitchen with a microwave, range, sink had, I liked RVing right away. I actually mind through the political debacle we back home. So hit she road she did. And and plenty of storage for a week; a really like camping, and it felt like up- are finally making our way out of, it’s graded camping — glamping, if you’ll been one hell of a year, as you obviously excuse the now-overused term. already know. We got a great spot at the camp- That was the point of this whole ground with a little extra yard for the thing, of course — to relax. To really dogs, and, because of them, we made relax. The funny thing is, much to both new friends right away. You know how my surprise and hers, as we left home, dogs are when they see other dogs. We we each admitted that we were both met the Watsons — Rebecca and Cory taking the trip for one another. I thought and their kids Adley and Shep — from she really wanted to do this RV thing, Washington state who are on the road and she thought I did. We both had a for a year. We met them through their good laugh, and I couldn’t help but dogs, Mae and Sunny. think that that’s what I always wanted The Watsons had their year-long road in a partner — that moment when you trip planned before COVID, interesting- realize you’ll both do anything for one ly enough. They own their rig, which another, even when it’s outside of your they customized with tile and a barn comfort zone. door and real furniture. You could We spent the next day sitting in the At the RV park in San Antonio. Photo by Rob Alferi almost forget you’re in a travel trailer sun and walking the dogs, and I even

16 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 taught myself to how to felt. I made a actually was that good, but we enjoyed teeny owl that I gave to Adley because that pizza as much as or more than any it was her birthday, and she hand-wrote number of far fancier and far more ex- a thank you note to me for it. pensive meals we’ve enjoyed together. Things are different on the road. After San Antonio it was off to Fred- Everything is slower and more deliber- ericksburg, where we stayed at Texas ate. It takes time to cook things and to Wine Country Jellystone Park Resort. get things out and put them away every We went to a Dale Watson concert in time, which you have to do in a small Luckenbach, that night, which was a to- space. Everything you do is about jour- tal blast. I sent my dad a postcard from ney rather than destination — literally the gift shop, since it and the bar and and figuratively. the dance hall comprise the entirety of And, in case you’re wondering, we Luckenbach. People two-stepped in the opted to shower in the bathhouses at the street and we ate barbecue under the campsites since the RV shower was so stars, and I started to think that perhaps tiny, and you really can only take a two the best parts of life are just outside the minute shower because of the hot water frame. required. And we decided to mandate We got to Luckenbach via Lyft, the RV bathroom as a peeing-only which turned out to be half the fun. We facility. So, yes, I did have to run in the became fast friends with our driver, dark and cold some early mornings and who turned out to be country singer late at night to the bathhouse, which I Matthew Butter. He ended up taking us hated because I am no fan of the cold or to and from downtown Fredericksburg the dark, but I am less of a fan of a lack a day later. The one peril of having a of privacy. drivable RV and not towing a car: You And if it’s all the same to you, that’s need to hitch a ride to get anywhere. the last you’ll hear about all of that. But again, it was all part of the jour- Before we knew it, our two nights ney. First day of the trip at the East Austin KOA Holiday campground. Photo by Jenny Block in Austin were over, and it was time Thanksgiving was kind of a hoot. The to head to our next campsite. We were campground provided the turkey, and truly sad to say good-bye to our new all of the campers brought side dishes. friends, and I was reminded of the My wife made stuffing, and we brought bittersweet goodbyes at summer camp a prepared pie since I couldn’t bake a each year when I never wanted the whole pie with no oven in our RV. We summer to end or to leave my new got our food and sat at our campsite friends behind. picnic table complete with Thanksgiv- Next up was two nights in San Anto- ing décor from home and, of course, a nio at the Alamo KOA Holiday. On the fresh flower arrangement that my wife way, we masked up and stopped at the picked up in town. Vineyard Vines outlet in San Marcos, We had a great day shopping down- where we basically had the whole place town the next day. My wife got me the to ourselves. Vineyard Vines is my prettiest cowboy boots I’ve ever seen wife’s favorite, so we couldn’t resist. and new ornaments for our tree. And That night at the park, our friends because as it turns out, this trip was Rob and Jeff came by for dinner. I all about connecting, after waiting an cooked up a hearty pot of goulash, and hour for a table at Hondo’s on Main, we my wife set a beautiful table, complete bumped into a couple just arriving to with tea lights and a tablecloth. hear there was an hour wait who joked Cooking on the trip was a big part of that maybe our table would work for the fun for me. I learned to make bis- four. Turns out, it did. We invited the cuits and eggs and bacon all in my one strangers-turned-friends to join us and Finex cast iron pan right on our teeny ended up having just the best time. little grill. I figured out how to bake It was becoming a theme on our trip, chocolate chip cookies and even mini a welcome theme that I never expected: pumpkin pies in my George Foreman. following the journey; saying yes; open- I loved being able to figure out how ing our hearts to whatever adventure to make non-camping food in camp awaited us. settings. After Fredericksburg, we were We did decide to get pizza and wings supposed to return home. But instead, for our second night in San Antonio. We my wife suggested we add on another couldn’t resist, and we were glad we week and meet up with the Watsons, didn’t. I don’t know if it was because the family we met in Austin, in Galves- we were having so much fun and were eating by the campfire or because it █ ROAD Next Page

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 17 █ ROAD From Previous Page

ton. Arvey Brothers graciously agreed to let us keep the RV for another week, and the campground where our friends were staying had space. So it was game on. The weather had been gorgeous up until Galveston. But when we got to the beach, we were met with high winds Lambda SUNDAYS at 1 p.m. and frigid temps and pouring rain. on 89.3 KNON-FM Still, it didn’t matter. We were so happy Weekly to see our friends, you would have with David Taffet, Lerone Landis thought we had known each other for- and the always late Patti Fink. ever. And even though I’m a girl mom, five-year-old Shep and I fell madly in love. He’s like this wild sprite, and may- Jenny with Yogi Bear at at Jellystone in Fredericksburg. Photo by Robin Brown be, deep down, I have a little boy mama in me, too. one makes when traveling, when things We got in late that night, but the next get slowed down and simplified as to day we all went off to Gaido’s Seafood leave time and space for nothing but Restaurant for lunch and then hit The what is most important. Strand for ice cream before heading to That night it rained and stormed the tall ship Elissa for a tour and then and blew. My wife and I spent the next to Moody Gardens to see the holiday morning hunkered down, working lights and the animated dinosaur exhib- on our respective computers. Late in it and even a 4D version of Rudolph. the afternoon, the sky cleared and the We had the absolute best time. temperature warmed for almost exactly The next day, after the wind died one hour — time that we used to stand down and the temperature warmed up, between our campsites and say good- we took the dogs to run on the beach. bye again to our new friends. Well, to And that night, I made chicken stir fry Cory and Rebecca anyway; Adley was and took it over to our friends’ fancy stuck in an online class in the trailer and travel trailer where we ate and talked Shep was conquering the RV park with and drank and laughed like old friends. his new tribe of lost boys. I cried that night as I started to drift Just as well. I managed not to cry off to sleep. amidst the adult good-byes. I would “Are you ok?’ my wife asked. not have fared as well with the kids, I’m “Yes,” I insisted. sure. “Jenny,” she said. We got home that night and unpacked “I’m going to miss this,” I said. “I’m the RV in the driving rain. And the next not ready to go back. I’m going to miss day my wife drove the six hours round- you so relaxed, and us, so close, and our trip to Shreveport to return our home new friends. I feel so connected to other away from home while I unpacked and humans and to life out here.” unpacked and did more laundry than “We’ll take the feelings home with I’ve done since I had a newborn. us, baby. And we’ll do it again soon, I kept tearing up and tried to get a I promise,” she said. “Now get some handle on why that was. sleep.” I still don’t have any explanation, al- The next day was our last one on the though I will say this. I have never been road. My wife had to spend the day on very good at transitions or good-byes. I conference calls, as did Cory. So Rebecca don’t like endings, and new beginnings and I headed out with the kids to Crys- can scare me just as much. Rebecca and tal Beach. We took the ferry over and I have texted every day since we got drove down onto the beach where we back, and the Watsons have promised to walked and collected shells and let the visit us on their way back West. dogs chase one another and the wind. In the meantime, I’ll remain grateful We headed back after the sun went for what the road gave me as this very down, picking up pizza on our way strange and painful year draws to a back to the RV park. That night, as we close — proof, once again, that even the ate around the kitchen island in the most evil of forces, human and other- Watsons’ travel trailer, it was strange wise, cannot squelch the human spirit how natural and easy it was. It made and its innate penchant for wandering

me wonder yet again about the bonds and for connection. █

18 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 19 L+S screen

Bottom’s Up Viola Davis shines in ‘Ma ing for the session. Also there is pianist Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Toledo (Glynn Turman), bass player Slow Drag (Michael Potts) and ambi- GREGG SHAPIRO | Contributing Writer tious trumpeter Levee (the late Chad- [email protected] wick Boseman). Levee is an unrelenting thorn in Ma’s oing to the theater to see a play and the band’s side. He writes and is on hold for the near future, plays arrangements that differ from Geven as talk of a COVID-19 Ma’s. He scoffs at the older band mem- vaccine is getting mixed reviews. Fortu- bers, becoming threatening to Cutler nately, there are enough movie adapta- and Toledo. He even dares to flirt with tions on the way — including The Prom, Dussie Mae. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, In The Here’s the problem with Ma Rainey: Heights and West Side Story — to quench In the hands of gay, Tony Award-win- a theater queen’s thirst. ning director George C. Wolfe, the Sadly, the late, prolific playwright movie alternates between being stagey August Wilson, who died in 2005, never and cinematic. The scenes with band got a chance to see the movie versions members in the rehearsal space before of two of his plays: Fences from 2016 and Ma’s late arrival are filled with typical, 2020’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix). if exaggerated, male banter, teasing and He probably would have been particu- competitiveness. There is talk of God larly pleased with the performances of and blasphemy, the ways black men Viola Davis, who won a Best Supporting must find to survive in white culture. Actress Oscar for Fences and appears The rehearsal space, with one open door to be a shoo-in for an Oscar nod for Ma and one locked door, feels claustropho- Rainey’s Black Bottom. bic and too theatrical, and the often-re- From the moment she appears petitive dialogue doesn’t help matters. onscreen, performing a show in a tent Enter Ma Rainey! Each and every in rural Georgia in 1927, followed by a scene in which she appears, from the car more professionally presented concert accident in front of the studio and her in a theater, it’s impossible to take our heated interactions with white manager eyes off of queer mother of the blues, Irving (Jeremy Shamos) and recording Ma Rainey (Davis). From her gold teeth studio head Sturdyvant (Jonny Coyne) and dark eye shadow to her glorious to her intimate moment with Dussie dresses and occasional fur collar, she is a Mae and her encouragement of stutter- sight to behold. ing Sylvester are gloriously vibrant. Her In Chicago for a recording session, clashes with Levee are raw and real. she is accompanied by her nephew — Her performance at the recording studio and driver — Sylvester (Dusan Brown) mic is riveting. and her lover Dussie Mae (Taylour It makes you wish there was more Ma Paige), and for every stare she gets, she Rainey and less of everyone else. gives it back double. Nevertheless, Boseman, in his final Her band, led by trumpeter Cutler performance, more than holds his own (gay actor Colman Domingo, whom from start to finish. Domingo also con- some may remember for his portrayal tinues to prove himself a fine dramatic

of Maya Angelou on The Big Gay Sketch actor. █ Show), is already at the studio rehears- Rating: B-

20 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 LIFE+STYLE best bets

FRI 12.11 You can’t keep a good Chorale down! It would take more than a pandemic to keep the Turtle Creek Chorale from continuing its 41-year tradition of presenting a extra-special holiday concert event, although the holiday concert will be a little bit different this year. The Chorale presents “Holidays Unmuted,” a free virtual holiday experience streaming on the TCC Facebook page and the TCC YouTube Channel. 7 p.m.; Facebook.com/ ONGOING TurtleCreekChorale; YouTube.com/channel/UC0dllQ5Js2BWCVBAjXsKVFw. Now at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, you can see Gabriel Dawe’s “Plexus No. 34,” a large-scale, site-specific installation that was created out of more than 80 miles of multicolored thread and designed to look like frozen technicolor vapor while at the same time drawing attention to the majestic architecture and natural light of the museum’s Atrium, which was designed by architect Philip Johnson. Dawe, by the way, is the same artist that created the string rainbow featured in Resource Center’s Community Center in Dallas. Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. The museum is closed Mondays. The museum closes at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and is closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. SUN 12.13 Pride Sports Dallas hosts an Open Play session to welcome the sport of tennis to the Pride Sports Dallas family. The open play event is open to anyone 20 years old and older, of all skill levels, all genders and all sexualities. Bring your own racquet, but balls will be provided. Samuell Grand Recreation Center, 6200 E. Grand Ave.; noon-1:30 p.m.; $5.

• Chocolate Classes • Unique Gifts • Corporate Gifts • Chocolate Whisky Disks Yelibelly.com • 817-789-5563 • 4500 Ratliff Lane #102 • Addison, TX 75001

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 21 L+S scoop Cassie Nova The boogyman in Midlothian

Hello all of you beautiful people! Today, It was so weird. I walked out into the yard for him; even his pool has a ramp into the froze and prayed that I was dreaming. Fear I want to tell you about something weird to look but saw nothing. water. It’s really cool. bubbling in my throat like acid reflux until I going on here in Midlothian. As most of you A few months later it happened again. I Chris told us that both he and his girl- screamed. know — well, you know if you read this col- came home about 3:15 a.m., opened the friend had seen the red eyes in the woods Of course, none of that actually hap- umn on the reg — I live next to a fairly large door to let them out and — nope! They all and even argued over what it could be. He pened. I am bored and couldn’t think of wooded area. We see all of the regular crit- refused to get off the porch. This time they also thinks that whatever it is, has been anything to write about, so I thought I’d ters, ranging from opossums and racoons went back inside really quickly. leaving animal skins next to his lot. He said bullshit y’all. to coyotes and even a few wild turkeys. We I looked out into the dark wooded area it is like someone just completely skins the That was kinda fun, hope you enjoyed it. even have a big ol’ heard of boars that show and saw two huge, glowing red eyes looking animal without tearing the fur too much. Remember to always love more, bitch up every once in a while and fuck up my back at me. I totally pussed out and ran They have found a couple of rat skins, a less and bullshit whenever you can; it keeps front yard. inside and woke my husband, Jamie, to go racoon and a fairly large coyote. I was like, the boredom away. XOXO! Cassie Nova But you know what: Something else lives check out whatever it was I saw. He didn’t “That ain’t no owl doing that! Not a coyote, out there. see anything though, and for a few weeks it’s way too big for an owl!” About six years ago they tore down a he made fun of me, joking about the mon- Finding out about the skins really freaked bunch of the trees a few acres away from ster in the woods that was going to get me. me out. We decided to only take the dogs to this week’s solution here, closer to the freeway. That is when I That was until he saw it himself a month the back yard where they are fenced in and started to see it. At first, I thought it was a later. But when he saw it, it was 30 or so to never leave them unattended. It terrifies pair of orange-red bicycle reflectors some- feet up in a tree. me to think anything could ever happen to one had left out in the woods. One second, Even though it freaked him out a bit, he them. I would see them, the next they would be convinced himself that it was an owl. We It has been a while since anyone has seen gone. I thought it was just a trick of the light hear them all the time. I asked him, “Did you anything in the woods, and Chris said that or possibly even the taillights of a car on the hear an owl?” He said no, but the only ex- he hasn’t found any skins anywhere. Plus, freeway. planation was that it had been an owl. I was during the summer months there are lots It was during the winter, so there were no like, “Would the dogs be scared of an owl?” of leaves on the trees, and you can’t see leaves on the trees, and sometimes you can He said, “The little ones definitely would.” that far into the woods. But trust me, I look. see lights from 287 through the trees. “What about our Chow?” (She is huge, but Sometimes I look obsessively. But I hadn’t Then one night, a few years back, I came the truth about our Chow, Lucy, is that she seen anything in a long while — until the home around 3 a.m. after the show and took was scared of her own shadow.) other night. the dogs out. At the time we had six dogs, The next day we went to visit our neigh- Last Tuesday night I awoke from all of the so it is always a little bit of chaos taking bor, Chris, who lives diagonally across from dogs moving on the bed. (We have five dogs them out. I opened the front door to let us and is basically next door to the same now; we lost Lucy a while back to old age.) them out, and they took off. But then they woods. I needed to ask him if he had seen All five dogs sleep on the bed with us, so all screeched to a halt — like they do when anything out there in the dark. when they all get off the bed and get under it is raining — and refused to leave the Chris is in a wheelchair and had his house it, even when they move as quietly as they porch. Each one quietly turned and slowly built on his lot a few months before we can, you can feel it. █ browse █ submit walked back inside, refusing my commands moved in. That was 15 years ago. Fun fact Before I could even yell at them to to go out and go potty. The last one in was about Chris: His entire house was built to get back in bed, I noticed the two huge, For a more complete Community To submit an item for inclusion in Calendar online, visit the Community Calendar, visit our terrier, Benji, who let out a low growl fit someone in a wheelchair and has been orange-red eyes looking at me through Tinyurl.com/dvevents. Tinyurl.com/dvevents. before he turned and walked back inside. featured in many magazines. It is perfect the sheer middle panel of the curtain! I

22 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 froze and prayed that I was dreaming. Fear bubbling in my throat like acid reflux until I screamed. Of course, none of that actually happened. I am bored and couldn’t think of anything to write about, so I thought I’d bullshit y’all. That was kinda fun, hope you enjoyed it. Remember to always love more, bitch less and bullshit whenever you can; it keeps the boredom away. XOXO! Cassie Nova

12.11.20 █ dallasvoice 23 A look back at the days before COVID when the bars were full

Belinda Carlisle performs at MetroBall BINGO!

Bearly clothed at Magnum Asia showing off her goods Bleach says her secret is TrimSpa Bobby serving Smirnoff and smiles at S4

DJ Kitty Glitter spins at Magnum Cassie’s Christmas party Boys night out at Hidden Door Dressed up for the Todrick Hall concert

Drew G always fills the Dallas Eagle dance Fantasha and Ross dressed up for a night on floor Drinks? Abbbbsolutely the town Date night at DSO

24 dallasvoice.com █ 12.11.20 q-puzzle Gay best friend

DJ Dan Slater spins at The Teddy Bear Party BINGO!

Solution on Page 22 Across 42 To some extent 11 It’s over your head Boys night out at JR’s 1 Hairy market 43 Our Town playwright 12 Dessert cheese Bobby serving Smirnoff and smiles at S4 pessimist? 44 Valhalla VIP 13 Queer 5 Susan Feniger 45 Guthrie with a guitar 21 Not forthcoming preparation 46 Greg Kinnear played 22 Country house, 9 Swedish import to the GBF in this to Nureyev Tinsel Town 1997 movie 25 Here are the pricks 14 “She” to Bonheur 52 Resell REM concert 26 Glaringly sensational 15 One-time Atlanta tickets, e.g. 27 Affleck’s Chasing Amy arena 53 Piece of gay rodeo gear crush 16 Mild oath 54 Bear overhead 28 Completely clear 17 Trump portrayer 55 Harbor site 29 Fag hag on a date, Baldwin 56 Colleges, to Ruby Rose perhaps 18 Neeson of Kinsey 57 Richard of 30 Zellweger of Chicago 19 Get around A Summer Place 31 Figure skating Daphne hosts karaoke at The Round-Up Saloon 20 Wilson Cruz played 58 Actor Robert and star Brian the GBF in this ‘90s family 33 Strategy in Cassie’s Christmas party TV series 59 Depilatory brand Billy Bean’s sport Check out that brilliant beard 23 Gay demographer 60 “Chim-Chim-Cheree” 34 Talks with Socrates Gates residue 36 One to ten, e.g. 24 Reclined 37 Knocked over, 25 “The Trolley Song” Down as a drink noise 1 Supporter of Julia 42 Becomes a gay parent 28 Small suckers Morgan? 43 Most sardonic 29 Christopher, to 2 Cousin of Jethro 44 Duly noted a hottie Madonna and Jethrine 45 Degree of easiness 32 War hero Murphy 3 Stein fillers 46 The Boys in the Band 33 Our Sons actor Grant 4 Accept the authority of problem 34 Lots of bucks 5 Their cuspid neighbors 47 Barneys event 35 Nico Santos played the are bi 48 Tops GBF in this 2018 movie 6 Wild Nights with ___ 49 Proof word 38 Martinac’s Out of ___ 7 Like a rim job 50 Poet ___ Wu 39 Working hard 8 Broadway illumination 51 Director Gus Van ___ 40 Gay city 9 Soccer position 52 Kneeler before a queen Date night at DSO Casey keeps us safe Backstage at The Rose Room 41 Psyche parts, to Frasier 10 Singing chipmunk

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