Issue #134 June 18, 2010
Houston Parade as of 1997, was the first Pride Parade in the United States to be held at night. Pride Houston has been said to be “one of the Top 10 events to attend in Houston for 2010” by the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2010 marks the 32nd anni- versary of the Pride Houston LGBT Calendar of Events for Pride 2010 Celebration. Page 4 The annual Pride Festival is a multi- block celebration of the GLBT com- munity. Featuring a variety of per- formers on a number of different stages, the Pride Festival is a great way to experience the community, learn about it’s history, and visit the Pride Idol Update from Joey Guerra many booths from local vendors and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered on Page 2 organizations. See Pride Houston Calendar of Pride 2010 Events on Page 4. The Center the location of our community ser- The Houston GLBT Community vices. It remains the heart of the Queer Things to be Center is home base for lesbian, gay, community and where the parade bisexual, and transgender people and Proud of in Houston continues to be held by popular de- their allies in the metropolitan area by Deborah Moncrief Bell mand. and southeast Texas. Founded by a These are not in any particular order The Celebration group of dedicated activists in 1996, because we would have to hold some the Center is an all-volunteer non- For over 30 years, Pride Houston has See Page 10 kind of election but enough people worked at the heart of the local GLBT profit organization that focuses on contributed to ideas of what we have community to educate and celebrate serving the community by concen- in our fair city that we can celebrate the diversity within our city’s large trating on five broad areas: with pride. By the way, it is a given population. Every year, Pride Hous- * Arts and culture that having Annise Parker, a long- ton works hard with national spon- * Collaborations with other organi- time GLBT community leader as the sors and local volunteers to organize zations Mayor of Houston is something we and produce a series of events that * Education and public policy are extremely proud of, this is a list cater to and promote Houston’s ever- * Support groups/leadership devel- of a few of the other things. growing LGBT community. opment The Gayborhood The parade and surrounding events * Information resources “Montrose is a pocket of eccentricity for put together for a number of years The Center is located at 3400 Mon- and diversity where fine restaurants, by a loosely formed ad-hoc commit- trose Blvd., Suite 207. The phone The Psychology of Want, antique stores, art galleries, tattoo tee. Under the direction of Jack Va- number is 713.524.3818. The web- A young Houston writer publishes parlors, vintage clothing boutiques, linski, the Houston Pride Committee site is www.houstonglbtcommunity- his first novel-- Page 13 and some of the city’s top art muse- became more structured, organized center.org. ums can be found” - The New York and cohesive. Now a new group of The Radio Station Times people have entered the picture to carry on the the tradition. KPFT, a Pacifica station that is com- Many of us know that Montrose is munity and listener sponsored, hosts a state of mind as well as a physical The Pride Festival and Pride Parade two GLBT specific Programs. Queer location. Long called “Bohemian” are at the center of the celebration Voices and After Hours, as well as this early “suburb” of central Hous- and are attended by over 150,000 being inclusive in their other pro- ton has always had a certain flair people every year from all over the gramming. KPFT is at 90.1fm and at and character. Even though it is not world. That makes it the second larg- www.kpft.org. Shows are archived the area of Houston where the most est parade in Houston, and the larg- Mayor, Annise Parker, throws out the for 60 days after airing. GLBT people live (we are every- est gathering of LGBT individuals opening pitch at Pride in the Park, July where), it is our playground and is in the southern United States. The 10 at Minute Maid Park -- Page 15 See “Queer Things” on Page 12 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
Queer BINGO!
What an extraordinary launch of First Saturday Queer Bingo Exclusive to the Montrose GEM from (FSQB) and re-launch of the Queer Joey Guerra Bingo tradition! The fun started be- fore the first number was even called. Pride Idol update! The crowd was amazing (more than Photos by LeeRoy Holmes.
60 people!). Even better, the energy Show dates: 10 p.m. every Thurs- Pride Idol June 10 day through June 24 at Meteor, and enthusiasm in the room were at 2306-08 Genesee. (just off Fair- a very high level. Top Left: Tye Blue and Toddicus duet onstage. view). The finale is 10pm on June Tim Brookover, President, Board of 24. Directors of the Houston Gay, Les- Top Right: Tye Blue with duet part- The top six tackled Michael Jack- bian, Bisexual, and Transgendered ners Nina Lombardo and Brittni son songs and were paired up for extends his thanks to all those who Jackson duets. It was our most dynamic made it possible, “Especially to Bur- Bottom Right: American Idol 7’s night yet -- and probably our big- ton, our bingo wrangler, my unoffi- Kady Malloy gest crowd! cial title for him, who prepared thor-
oughly for the event and made sure it We said a very sad goodbye to Al- ran smoothly.” fin Nadjib, who always brought grace, charm and amazing polish “I also have to thank all our volun- to the stage. And what a vocalist! teers: John and Ron for working the I expect great things from him in money table, Lesa and Darrel for the near future! posting the bingo numbers on the big We also had a special performance board and verifying winners, Kris- from American Idol 7 finalist tian for keeping track of the called Burton Bagby-Grose is the Kady Malloy, who is leaving next numbers for each game, Chris and BINGO Wrangler. week to record in Nashville. We Ramiro for running the credit-card were honored to have her and machine and monitoring the room, blown away by her vocals. Kady and Albert for keeping track of the Pride Houston Volunteers has always been a big support of game winners and running cards to helped out and were fund-rais- the GLBT community. She per- the front for verification.,” Brook- ing partners for the inaugural formed two weeks ago at the Pride over expressed. First Saturday Queer Bingo Idol finale in Nebraska and head- “Burton and I remarked after FSQB lined 2009 Pride in Houston and how well everyone worked together Galveston. and pitched in to handle tasks,” he Our current host, Tye Blue, and points out, saying, “That is what former host, Toddicus, teamed makes it fun... that sort of commu- “Maybe I’ll Bingo with one of these up for a hilarious onstage duet as nity spirit.” guys tonight.” well! Brookover extends special thanks to The remaining singers are: Laz Trevor Eade and his crew from Pride Estrada, Nina Lombardo, Freddy Houston for joining us for the inau- Really? All this fun and they give Cauley, Brittni Jackson and Aike gural FSQB and selling raffle tickets prizes too? Jamal. so ably and giving away T-shirts. Next week, each singer will per- He states, “We were delighted to form two songs from a list of have Pride Houston on board for this “icons,” including Madonna, Pride month event.” Cher, Bette Midler, Fleetwood This is a wonderful new tradition Dabber at the ready! Mac, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, for the Center. Houston GLBT Com- the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Elton munity Center First Saturday Queer John and Queen. Bingo is a Center program, and pro- We will eliminate two singers next ceeds support Center programming. “When she said she had something queer week, leaving three to battle it out for us to do tonight, how was I suppose to during our June 24 finale. Saturday, July 3, 2010 know she was referring to BINGO?
The Pride Idol winner will perform at 4:00pm - 6:30pm 8pm on June 26th prior to the parade. One’s A Meal This will be in front of the judges ‘ Second Floor Ballroom And the magic word is BINGO! We review stand at Commonwealth and have a winner! Westheimer 812 Westheimer Road Yes, Fourth of July weekend, good Right: Janice and Nancy had a good way to get out of the heat. time sharing the games with friends. Page 2 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134 harassed by others in the shelter as well as BEELINES the staff themselves. I was discovered to MONTROSE OUR ADVERTISING by Deborah Moncrief Bell be physically intersexed by another shelter RATES recipient who walked into the individual shower section I was in with the intent to start a fight. When I was later told that even Color Ads: though I agreed to be there as a female that I GEM could not use the female restrooms or show- Full Page $300 ers, I was instructed to use a single person WWW.MONTROSEGEM.COM bathroom and shower on the first floor of Half-Page $200 I wanted to write about the same-sex mar- ISSUE #134 the building. I was happy about that because Quarter Page $150 riage issue, this being June, the month for June 18, 2010 I was obviously not comfortable using the brides and all. That and that the Prop. 8 trial multi-person restrooms and showers any- in California will be having closing argu- Black & White: way. When the girl who discovered I was Published every other Friday ments on June 16th. But Frank Rich, Op-ed intersexed told the staff, they made me get a columnist for the New York Times did such Full Page $200 ‘physical’ at the little medical place attached a good job of writing about it in the NYT next door. When it was confirmed I was in- c. 2010 Gulf Features Half Page $150 that there is little for me to say on the sub- 9720 Beechnut St. #380 deed intersexed, I was told I had to leave the Quarter Page $100 ject, being he said all that I would have and shelter because they had no place for me. I Houston, TX 77036 Eighth Page $75 more. That article is available at:
It’s summer. People want some comedy, There is a very talented cast here. They seriously, and maybe some serious com- can sing and dance, and act while they’re DWANE L. TODD edy. Do you want just fluff, or do you doing it, and play instruments – a violin, Attorney & Counselor want fluff with some substance? Or do a guitar, a trumpet. you want someone to try to make you feel guilty for something you didn’t do and Don’t worry. They are backed up by a is pleased to announce the can’t change now? good on-stage pit band. The pianist/mu- relocation of his law firm to sical director, Miriam Daly, even charm- Two very funny revues opened since our ingly plays the piano one handed while 801 Congress Street, Suite 350 last issue. There is a musical revue, all she sings a solo. lyrics and melodies by Tom Lehrer, at Houston, Texas 77002 Main Street at their Chelsea Market loca- I really thought that another star of the tion – Tomfoolery (playing through June show was the choreographer, Rob Fleb- May 1, 2010 27). And there is a sketch comedy revue at be. And, of course, nothing would have Stages – The Complete History of Ameri- dovetailed so finely without director Matt SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ca (Abridged) (also through June 27). Huff.
The zaniest, most hilarious of these is the But all would have been for naught – Same telephone: 713-965-0658 first act of History. I was almost embar- that’s wrong, these songs are always en- New Facsimile: 713-224-3111 rassed that I laughed so hard and so loud. tertaining – if not for a great cast like Kregg Dailey, Susan Koozin, and Da- Joshua Estrada (of the silly putty face), vid Metranga get us involved with them Daniel C. O’Brien (sardonic but sweet), The Firm Will Continue quickly and keep us with them through local favorite Jonathon McVay, silly so- a General Civil Practice some pretty off the wall stuff – like a white prano Susan Draper, and Shondra Marie man doing Geraldine as Mrs. Amerigo (about whom one can never say enough www.dwanetoddlawfirm.com Vespucci. You know, the map maker this good things). Full disclosure – Shondra continent is named after? works quite often for my children’s the- ater company, Thunderbird. But you would have to leave at inter- mission to keep that good taste in your mouth.
During the second act, the playwrights – BECAUSE WE ARE These 10 artists express their most intimate Long, Martin and Tichenor – slowly do feelings and strive for recognition through everything in their power to divorce the This exhibition presents the work of 10 dis- their own fine art. This exhibition consists of audience from the cast. They push us tinguished artists who are dealing with is- a range of media including sculpture, pho- away with all of their might. Sure they’re sues regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and tography, video, and mixed media. Coincid- willing to let us laugh now and then, but Trangender civil rights. Fundamental con- ing with Houston's Annual Pride Festival, nothing like the first act. Director Brian cerns include gay marriage, the AIDS crisis, this exhibition shares aesthetic, philosophi- Byrnes and lighting designer Frank J. The cast of Tomfoolery at Main Street The- religious and legislative persecution, hate cal, and political views and experiences Vela help them with that. ater’s Chelsea Market location - Jonathon crimes and gay sexuality. from a legitimate segment of society. McVay, Shondra Marie, Daniel C. O’Brien, So, OK. They want to get serious. But the Susan Draper and Joshua Estrada. Gay marriage is a controversial issue and a finale (actually an encore, in a way) will Theater Information subject that Brooklyn based artist Patricia be a really funny zinger and send us home Cronin personally confronts through her feeling good, eh? Ah, no. Actually, hell no. Main St. - Chelsea Market, 4617 well-known classically sculpted funerary They take us along a reverse time line, Montrose Blvd., B0 713-524-6706, monument Memorial To A Marriage. She going deeper and deeper back until they www.mainstreettheater.com also presents her intimate series of erotic finally arrive at Columbus chopping the watercolors. The AIDS crisis devastated hands off of a lot of Indians. Pardon me. Stages, 3201 Allen Parkway, B0 713- the gay community beginning in the 1980s. This is not my guilt and I’m not sure what 527-0123, www.stagestheatre.com Outspoken artists affected by this disease I could do to rectify it for anyone. So, why explored its effects in their artwork. One of did y’all dump it on me? That point, the Openings the most influential was New York based art- one that would allow me to forgive you The 25th Annual Putnam County ist David Wojnarowicz. His "Untitled" (One for rubbing my nose in it, is left unclear. Spelling Bee – Dionysus Theatre, Day this Kid...) reveals an intimate narrative that shows how devastating this disease is. Oddly enough, Tomfoolery, which is all through June 27th More recently, Daniel Goldstein's Medicine funny songs that were written in the Five Guys Named Moe – Ensemble, Man approaches AIDS on conceptual level. 1950s and ‘60s, looks forward more than June 19 – July 25 The suspended human-shaped sculpture History does, even though its very cur- consists of steel wire threaded with nearly Memorial to a Marriage by Patricia Cronin rent – hot in all the best regional the- The Laramie Project – Theater New 300 donated empty HIV medication bottles aters, with a pedigree that leads back to West June 24 – July 24 and 139 syringes. The sculpture is beauti- This exhibition will be on view on view NYC. These songs meant something back ful in spite of its foundation in hopeless- from June 19, 201, opening from 7pm to then and, oddly enough, they still mean Boeing, Boeing! now at The Alley ness and despair. Arthur Robinson Williams 10pm and continues through September 19, something now. A lot of the problems that presents intimate portraits of transgendered 2010. and was curated by Tim Gonzalez Lehrer talked about are still with us, and Like Our New Masthead? individuals and couples undergoing physi- with the help of the staff of the Station Mu- most of them worse. But if we can make It was designed by cal and emotional transformation in his seum. The Station Museum is open Wed - fun of them, gosh darn it, then it fills us photographic series My Right Self. Zanele Sun, 11am - 6pm. The museum is located in with a feeling that we are not defined by Angela Hon Muholi takes us on a photographic journey Midtown at the corner of Alabama and La our problems. We feel, optimistically, that Graphic design for advertisements, through post-apartheid South Africa focus- Branch. Admission is always free. Please there is something we can do about them. brochures, and Web sites ing on the subjective experiences of black call to schedule tours. That, even at this late date, it’s not too [email protected] lesbians in two of her series Only Half The late. She also did the ad for TC’s. Picture and Being. Page 5 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
Hospitals to start add- the price for healthcare inequality. From This one is for the girls! the unfair taxation of employer-provid- ing Sexual Orientation ed domestic partner health benefits, to to Patient’s Rights and the fact that most health insurance plans Policies do not offer domestic partner benefits or healthcare benefits for transgender Human Rights Campaign’s President Americans – the need for further prog- Joe Solmonese Urges Action to moti- ress remains urgent. vate Texas Hospital Association A Community responds to the brutal Murder of a young gay man in The Laramie Project We can start by making sure the Joint This is big. Sweeping new changes will Commission’s new protections are im- Laramie from Page 4 -- soon dramatically transform healthcare plemented in Texas as soon possible, Some of the reviews THE LARAMIE in the U.S. for lesbian, gay, bisexual and so that not one more family needlessly Professor Karen Schilt has a new book PROJECT has received include: transgender (LGBT) people. suffers. Write your letter to the hospital about Transmen who transition in the association in Texas today! workplace coming out this winter “Deeply moving…This play is OUR TOWN with a question mark, as in ‘Could this be The Joint Commission – the largest or- our town?’ -The New York Times ganization that accredits hospitals na- Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE Kristen Schilt is a professor of Sociolo- tionwide – has announced that, in the President/CEO gy at the University of Chicago. She re- “Astonishing. Not since ANGELS IN future, all hospitals in America will Phone: 512/465-1012 ceived her PhD from UCLA in 2006 and AMERICA has a play attempted so much; need to have a non-discrimination pol- then spent two years at Rice University. nothing less than an examination of the icy for LGBT patients on their books. Mailing Address: She has just finished a book, coming out American psyche at the end of the millen- Once the new rules are in place, the hor- P.O. Box 679010 this winter, about the workplace experi- nium.” -Associated Press ror stories we’ve all heard of loved ones Austin, TX 78767-9010 ences of transgender men. She will be a “THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a ter- being met with hostility at the worst of special guest at a bar-b-que held at the rific piece of theater, history, and life… times, of already heart-wrenching deci- Physical Address: TG Center, 604 Pacific Street ib Sunday, There emerges a mosaic as moving and sions made even harder, of people being 1108 Lavaca, Suite 700 June 20, from 12noon to 5pm. important as any you will see on the denied care, will be a thing of the past Austin, TX 78701-2172 walls of the churches of the world… Non – in Texas and every state in the nation. For this project, she interviewed trans- important lesson profound to heart.” - Sample Letter (Please personalize) men in Texas and California who were New York magazine. But it will be years before every hos- stealth at work and who had openly tran- pital is on board. To ensure these new I have just heard about the Joint Com- sitioned and stayed in the same jobs. As SPECIAL NOTE: On Saturday night, Oc- tober 10, 2009, in Washington D.C., there protections are implemented in Texas mission’s decision to require that all she believes it is very important to study was a special dinner held by the Human non-trans people’s attitudes towards hospitals as soon as possible, we need hospitals implement fully-inclusive Rights Campaign. It was the eve of the fol- your help. The Texas hospital associa- non-discrimination policies as a condi- transgender people, she also interviewed lowing Sunday’s March on Washington for tion will play a crucial role in commu- tion of accreditation. the co-workers of transmen when pos- Gay Rights for: inclusion of sexual orienta- nicating the new rules, and we need to sible. Building on this research, she has tion in the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to ensure that new policies are put in place As a person who believes in equality, been collecting data on how cisgender reverse the military policy of “Don’t Ask, as soon as possible. I am thrilled that lesbian, gay, bisexual (non-trans) people understand the term Don’t Tell”, and for same sex marriage. and transgender (LGBT) people in my “transgender.” President Obama spoke at the dinner and Tell the hospital association in Texas: state will soon have protection against promised Matthew’s parents, who were at families shouldn’t be at risk of discrimi- healthcare discrimination. For her next major project, she is inter- the dinner, that he would make sure the bill, which bears their son’s name, would pass, to nation a single day longer. We need to viewing transgender, including cross include “sexual orientation”. He also prom- dressing, women about their transition implement these new rules immediate- And because these protections are so ur- ised to push for an end to the “Don’t Ask, ly! gently needed, I’m urging you to make experiences. In particular, she is interest- Don’t Tell” policy. President Obama sure that these policies are implemented ed in how making the physical transition kept his promise, on October 28th he You might not have known it, but as an and enforced as soon as possible. into womanhood impacts daily interac- signed a bill that would make it a Fed- HRC supporter you’ve played an impor- tions with friends, family, co-workers, eral hate crime to assault people based tant role in the Joint Commission’s new Thank you for your time and attention and people on the street. As with her on sexual orientation. accreditation standards. They credited to this matter. I hope I can count on you previous project, she is also interested HRC as one of the organizations whose to realize the promise of the Joint Com- in understanding how cisgender men Holocaust Museum Houston work for healthcare equality helped ex- mission’s much-needed new protections and women understand transwomen. 5401 Caroline St. pose why these new rules were so sorely for LGBT patients and families. So, she is also asking transwomen who Houston, Texas 77004 needed. are interested in being interviewed to 8 Performances- June 24 & 26 (Thurs- recommend two people who knew them day & Saturday (Pride Performances) And it comes not a minute too soon. Just “before and after” - whether a friend, a Center Coming Out Group then running July 10, 11, 15, 17, 22 and today, HRC released a new report show- family member, or a co-worker - for in- 24 (there are no performances on the 4th ing that among 200 of the nation’s larg- expands by popular demand! terviews. For her, this addition is vital. of July weekend). est hospitals, 93 percent do NOT have After only two monthly meetings, the As cisgender people, particularly men, fully-inclusive non-discrimination poli- Center Coming Out Group is expand- are the main sources of violence and ha- Curtain: Thursday evenings: 7:30PM, cies that protect all LGBT people, and ing two a bimonthly schedule at the rassment toward transgender people, it Saturday evenings: 8:00PM, almost half don’t include sexual orienta- request of the participants. The facili- is necessary to understand their beliefs Sunday Matinee: 6:00PM tion in their “Patients’ Bill of Rights” or tated group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and opinions on the transition process to Tickets: $25, Seniors 62 & over and non-discrimination policy. Read HRC’s and transgender people at all stages get social change. Students with ID $20, Healthcare Equality Index 2010. of the coming-out process will now meet on the first and third Mondays She will be conducting interviews with ONLY 8 PERFORMANCES, LIMIT- Though the Joint Commission’s an- of the month at 7 p.m. at the Center. transwomen who are interested in Illi- ED SEATING, RESERVE EARLY! nouncement came just before an im- The next meeting is Monday, June nois and in Texas. She welcomes many Reservations and Information: portant memorandum from President 21. For more information, call the questions about her research and hopes 713-522-2204 Obama on hospital visitation, far too Center at 713.524.3818 or contact anyone interested (or just hungry) can many same-sex couples are still paying the faciltator at burton.bagby-grose@ make it to the bar-b-que on Sunday, Email: [email protected] sbcglobal.net. June 20th. Page 6 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134 case management, services for survivors hurricane or other disaster. Because Mon- if you need to take your medication with of hate crimes, sexual assault, and domes- trose Counseling Center has been a hub for food and the stores are closed for days? Do tic violence, free HIV and TB testing, HIV members of the GLBT communities follow- you and your partner have all the legal docu- and STI prevention and education, HATCH ing hurricanes Katrina, Rita – and most re- ments you need to establish your relation- youth group, SPRY senior services, and 24- cently Ike – we have put together a disaster ship, such as wills, power of attorney, and hour crisis intervention on the Gay & Les- preparedness guide. advanced directives? bian Switchboard at 713. 529.3211. When you need us, we’re here for you. For more The guide provides some basic information Even if you’ve been out for years, you may information or to schedule an intake ap- about putting together a plan should you be faced with disclosing your sexual orien- pointment, please call 713.529.0037. need to evacuate or shelter in place. tation or gender identity in ways that are not comfortable in order to get the assistance We are out and proud 365 days a year! It is not always easy for our target popula- you need. These are concerns that aren’t al- Please join us… tion to receive the same level of services ways discussed when preparing for a disas- On Saturday, June 26, Montrose Counseling when facing a disaster, so it’s important to Center and Executive Director Ann J. Robi- ter, and situations that may make you feel Take our community pledge at the Pride do some legwork ahead of time. For ex- vulnerable. The most critical part of prepar- son, PhD, will open this year’s Pride Parade, Festival! ample, when people evacuated to Houston as Organization and Honorary Grand Mar- ing in advance is to have a plan. Know ahead from Hurricane Katrina, nobody anticipat- of time that there may be circumstances in shals. We are honored to have received these In appreciation of the community’s support, ed the levees would break and that people distinctions after a vote by the members of which you have to ask for help from others, we are encouraging people to be more ac- would be away from their homes for an ex- which isn’t easy. Houston’s GLBT communities. Thank you tive members/allies of Houston’s GLBT tended period of time. Mass public shelters for your support! communities. Stop by Montrose Counseling are a stressful environment for anyone, to Get a copy of all your prescriptions and Center’s booth at the Pride Festival, where be sure, but evacuees who identify as gay, “We are humbled by this honor and want write down what they are, what you take we will take your photo with your pledge, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or HIV+ face them for, what the dosage is, and what hap- to share it with the community as a whole. email you your picture, and include it on a some additional issues. Are you able to stay We wouldn’t be a stable and thriving hub of pens if you don’t take the medication. Keep link on our website, with your permission with your partner like other families that are it in a water-tight container, along with im- Houston’s GLBT communities without the of course. Not only is the photo a great sou- kept together? Can you openly hold hands generous support of countless individuals, portant phone numbers for any doctors you venir, but you’ll also leave the booth with and hug? Cuddle one another? What would are seeing, your therapist or psychiatrist, businesses, and community groups,” said the reaction of the shelter workers be, espe- a rainbow sticker, which you can proudly and the pharmacy where you get your Robison, “We have partnered with the com- cially if it’s through a faith-based organiza- wear at the Festival and Parade. prescriptions filled. munity to serve their mental health and sup- tion. What would the reaction of the other port needs for more than 31 years, and we Hurricane season: Are you Prepared? shelter residents be? What if you are trans- pledge to continue to do our best to respond gender and need to shower? What if you’re Put together a phone tree of contact informa- to the community’s changing needs.” taking HIV medication and you left home tion; including cell phone numbers, since it One of the rainbow of services MCC is of- is sometimes easier to text message one an- fering is: Are You Ready? with only what you would need for a couple Montrose Counseling Center provides a days and didn’t have your prescription with other when the cell phone network is over- Rainbow of Services to the members of whelmed. Make sure you and your loved June not only is Pride month but it marks you? If you had to relocate to another state, Houston’s GLBT communities, who will ones have some basic text messaging ability the beginning of the hurricane season, and would you be able to get those prescriptions forever remain at the heart of our work. so that you can check in with one another. although most hurricanes that impact the filled readily? And what if you take medi- These services include: individual, couples, Texas Gulf Coast occur later in the year, it’s cation that needs to be refrigerated and the and group counseling, various support See Be Prepared Page 10 never too early to prepare in the event of a electricity goes out and ice is scarce? What groups, substance abuse treatment, HIV
The Houston Pride Band has been serving Houston's gay, lesbian, and transgendered community for over 30 years. The Band has several performance groups which appear at community events, concerts, and parades throughout the year. Whether your interest is in marching, swing, concert band, or chamber music, we have a group that would t your tastes. We also provide a fun social and networking experience for musicians and volunteers alike.
Join us for rehearsal and a bite to eat afterwards, or maybe just a margarita!
Page 7 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
GARAGE APARTMENT
2 Bedrooms 1 Bath Over 1000 sq.ft. Washer/Dryer Houston LGBT Pride 2010 Off Street Parking Minutes from Downtown Pride Festival: June 26, 12pm to 7pm will be in Montrose, south $700 per month . 1 month deposit of Westheimer along Commonwealth and Yoakum. Ready July 1st Steve 281.660.9182 The Parade: between Dunlavy and Crocker along Westheimer. pre-parade entertainment at 8pm at Waugh Drive.
The Parade starts promptly at 8:45pm
To find out more or to volunteer:
www.pridehouston.org
713.529.6979
Appointments in Houston and Galveston mooreandhunt.com 713-522-4282
Debra E. Hunt Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney Advanced Estate Planning Probate & Trust Litigation Relationship Dissolution Connie Moore Second-parent Adoptions Donor Insemination & Surrogacy Collaborative Family Law Contested Custody Litigation
Page 8 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
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What good is sitting all alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Michael’s OUTPOST 1419 Richmond Ave.
Where the drinks are cold and the music is hot! 713.520.8446 Where friends gather!
Live Piano music Every Friday Evening and great tunes on the jukebox when the piano player’s not there Open at 11am daily Sundays at 12 Noon
I am not this thin, I won’t be barefoot In observance of National HIV Test- my dog won’t be with me (she is a Know Your HIV ing Day, Montrose Counseling Cen- WATCH FOR IT! Boston terrier, not a bulldog but they ter will offer free HIV testing on The Montrose GEM don’t give the choice of a Boston on Status. Get Tested. Monday, June 28th. Walk-ins are Online with our new the Avatar creating site). But I will welcome to come between 9 a.m. be at the festival and the parade and and 6 p.m. to the first floor GLBT updated website I hope to see you there. Come by the Cultural Center at 401 Branard, to All the news, stories, Montrose GEM booth and say hello! get tested. MCC uses the OraQuick entertainment and ADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 Anti- Deborah body Test. You can expect us to take advertising at a swab of the inside of your cheek. www.montrosegem.com Before you take the test and while you wait for the results, we will talk to you about behavior and reducing Be Prepared from Page 7 your risk for HIV infection. We can Finally, remember to take care of your tell you your results in about 20 min- emotional wellbeing. Consider the stress June 27 marks the 15th year for Na- utes. impact a disaster imposes on individuals, tional HIV Testing Day. Begun in couples, families and extended relation- 1995 by the National Association If June 28th is not convenient for ships. Some people may never show any sign of stress. Some are able to handle of People with AIDS, organizations you, please call our outreach depart- it by talking about it with friends, while across the country, including Mon- ment at 713.529.0037 to schedule an others may need the help of a professional trose Counseling Center, offer free appointment to get tested. Montrose therapist or clergy member. Some people Come by our booth at the HIV Testing to promote early diag- Counseling Center offers additional turn to coping mechanisms such as drugs nosis. services to those who test positive, and alcohol, and that can lead to a whole GLBT Pride Festival to host of issues, such as financial stress, including support groups, case man- fidelity problems, anger, resentment, ag- say ‘Hello!’. Author Da- It is estimated that one quarter of a agement, and both individual as well gression and even domestic abuse/vio- ryl Banner will be there million people living in the United as couples counseling. lence. Stress may take days, weeks and States are HIV positive and unaware even months to show up. If you do need signing copies of The of their status. That means that they Find out more about the Montrose to talk to someone who understands what Psychology of Want from you are going through, please give us a are at risk for infecting others and are Counseling Center at their website: call and make an appointment. We are 4 to 7pm. Then join us not receiving any form of treatment. here for you. The brochure is available at www.montrosecounselingcenter.org the center or can be downloaded from as at Michael’s Outpost af- a PDF from the MCC website: ter the parade for some downtime Page 10 -- from the MCC Newsletter June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134 Continued from Page 1 stated that she thought that the client was a male-to-female transgender youth. She then Cooking Capers with Dr. Dave Cristan: Hum. In any event, so if I refer went on to state, “They’ll have a physical this person to you, you all will force them and be housed by what’s down there.” The to live as a male? It has been my experience TG Center representative asked, “By what Hello ladies and gentlemen, that doing that to trans youth is extremely name will you refer to when working with psychologically damaging. How would you this client? I ask because the name every- I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day address that? celebrations as much as I did mine. There one knows this female-to-male transgender were some wonderful “sites” down here CH: Well, I don’t… My boss and I have had youth is a boy name. Would you be willing on the island. Summer is here, so if you discussions about this. This is our policy. I to call this FTM client by the name they are don’t live in Galveston, come and see us! mean, can’t you imagine… If we house him known by, or will you refer to them by their with the women… What if he… you know, birth name?” At this point, Angela relayed CHILLED CUCUMBER one night decides that he…. You know. the question to another Covenant House staff and replied, “No. We only go by what’s AND SHRIMP SOUP 1 cup all-purpose flour Cristan: Wow. I can’t recall ever hearing a on their identification.” salt and freshly ground pepper for sea- case like that anywhere. Ever. Well ladies and guys, this soup has a “lit- soning City of Houston Councilmember Jolanda CH: Well, we have to prevent that… tle” something in it for lesbians and gays; 16 sections of veal shank (12 to 14 Jones informed all of those present at the straight folks like it too! It has those pounds), each piece 2 inches thick Cristan: I understand, but at the same time meeting that the Houston Covenant House long, slender, cukes that can be used quite 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil it seems that your policy seems to be based is receiving federal funding through the City imaginatively, and then eaten! It also has 4 ounces (1 stick) sweet butter more on fear than on rational facts. We are of Houston and stated that she will take this a little “fresh fish” for the girls, and what 2 medium-size yellow onions, coarsely talking about someone who has been chemi- issue up with the national headquarters for gay boy doesn’t like putting succulent, chopped cally castrated – their penis does not work. the Covenant House located in New York. sweet things in his mouth--even if they 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and chopped Covenant House was unable to identify CH: Uh, well. We are a Catholic organi- are called shrimp? Trust me and my Jew- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil any written policies on how to work with zation… you have to understand. We are ish grandmother, try it; you’ll like it. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano transgender children in intake, assessment, against abortion, we… This cool, beautiful soup requires almost 28 ounce canned Italian plum tomatoes, placement, and other services. Currently, no cooking, and it’s ready in just minutes. drained Cristan: So, if I am understanding you cor- all treatment is all based on subjective in- Because it is so light but rich and filling, it 2 cups dry white wine rectly, you are saying that your policy – a terpretations of what is believed at the time is a perfect summer soup. Enjoy! 2 cups beef broth (canned broth is fine) policy that results in child homelessness by the staff. The Director of the Covenant 3/4ths. cup chopped Italian parsley and/or psychological trauma – is based House, Rhonda Robinson stated the she 2 large cucumbers (about 2 pounds), grated zest of 2 lemons upon your organizations interpretation of sincerely wants to do what’s best for trans- peeled and coarsely chopped the Bible. gender children and agreed to work with us, 1/4th. cup red wine vinegar Season the flour with salt and pepper the transgender community to create poli- CH: Well, I wouldn’t put it that way. 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar and dredge the pieces of veal shank well. cies to present to their Board of Directors, 1 teaspoon salt Heat the oil and butter together in a large Cristan: I mean, the principles your policy in September. The Transgender Foundation 1 pound raw shrimp, the smallest you can casserole or Dutch oven and sear the veal, is based on are biblically inspired, right? of America and the NASW-TX GLBT Eq- find, peeled and deveined browning it well on all sides. Transfer uity Committee have taken on the task of CH: Well, yes. The thing is, this policy 2 Tablespoons sweet butter the veal to paper towels to drain. Add on- helping draft policies to be added into the comes from New York. 1/4th. cup dry white vermouth ions, garlic, basil and oregano to the cas- Covenant House policies. The next meeting salt and freshly ground pepper to taste serole and cook, stirring occasionally, for Cristan: I see. is scheduled for July 6 at 11:00 AM at the 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, chilled 10 minutes. Skim off the excess fat. Add Houston Covenant House in order to discuss CH: Things are changing, but it will take a 3/4ths. cup chopped fresh dill, plus addi- the wine and bring to a boil. reduce the possible policy implementation. few years. tional dill for garnish heat and simmer uncovered for 15 min- We are asking that those of you who are utes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cristan: Okay. Well, can you refer me to concerned about this issue take a moment Toss the chopped cucumbers with the Return the veal shanks to the casserole another agency that will help this child? and contact the following: vinegar, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and let and add the beef stock just tot he point stand for 30 minutes. Rinse the shrimp the veal is covered. Place a lid on the cas- CH: Hum. I don’t know of any. Have you Council Member Jolanda Jones Please let and pat them dry. Melt the butter in a serole and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Remove tried [names off a few providers who also her know that the community appreciates small skillet. Add the shrimp, raise the the lid and bake uncovered for another refuse services to transgender people]. that she showed up to this meeting and that she fought hard for the rights of transgender heat, and toss until they turn pink which 30 minutes until the veal is very tender. Cristan: Well, I appreciate your time. Actu- youth. [email protected] should be about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated ally… Would you be willing to advocate for them with a slotted spoon and reserve. lemon zest and serve immediately. This this child. They need help maybe… Rhonda Robinson at rgrobinson@cov- Add the vermouth to the skillet and boil recipe will provide 6 to 8 portions. enanthouse.org Please let her know that CH: Well, again… these things take time. until it is reduced to a few spoonfuls. Pour while the community is displeased with Really, this policy is set by New York. over the shrimp and season them with the the track record of Covenant House, we are salt and pepper to taste. Drain the cucum- Cristan: I see. Okay. Well, thank you for very pleased about her willingness to work bers and transfer them to the bowl of a your time. with the community to institute explicit pol- food processor fitted with a steel blade. icy concerning GLBT youth. Process briefly, then add the buttermilk CH: Well, okay. Council Member Wanda Adams at: dis- and continue to process until the mixture Cristan: What was your name again? Could [email protected]. While she was is smooth. Add the dill to taste and pro- you spell it or me? cess for about one to two seconds. Pour not able to be at the meeting, her aide was
the soup into a bowl, add the shrimp and CH: Victor Hay… H-A-Y. present for the last 5 minutes of the meet- ing. Wanda is responsible for negotiating their liquid and refrigerate, covered, until Cristan: Okay… Thank you. Bye. very cold. Garnish the soup with addi- the meeting between community members tional chopped dill and serve in chilled On June 14, 2010 at 3:30 PM – 3 days and Covenant House. Please thank her for bowls. after the meeting with Covenant House – a her involvement! WANTED Transgender Center representative contact- Covenant House National: Please make ed the Covenant House intake and spoke DR. DAVE’S OSSO BUCO inquiries about policies concerning the with an intake specialist named Angela: transgender population. Please voice your Your community news Acting as a secret shopper, the Cen- Well folks, what lesbian or gay guy have support for the end of discriminatory prac- ter representative called Covenant House you met who hasn’t put her or his foot in tices.http://www.covenanthouse.org/about/ and photos Houston and stated that they were a case their mouth on certain instances follow- contact ing too many cocktails? Well, this recipe manager and had an 18 year old transgen- is intended to be savored in the mouth! Send to: der youth who needed housing. Angela Transgender Foundation of America- It’s wonderful and “almost” better than stated, “He can come in but because there’s Helpline: 713-520-8586 no room in the men’s dorm, he’ll have to anything I’ve ever had in my mouth! [email protected] TG CENTER sleep on the floor in the intake area.” The TG Center representative asked, “I wanted www.tgctr.org to be clear, my client is a female-to-male Page 11 transgender.” Angela became flustered and June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134 Women) and 007 Democrats (no it is not GEM: Why did you wait until your Queer Things from Page 1 a James Bond thing, it is for folks who live in the zipcode 77007). Forties to do this? Was it through a An Active Arts Community surrogate? Is Rosalee’s birth Mother Houston’s branch of the Human Rights involved in her life at all?. Houston is blessed in having a ballet, Campaign Fund (HRC) is one of the a symphony, and an opera as well as a most active in the country and was rec- BB: I guess we waited because it number of other venues where one can ognized as The Steering committee of was easy. Easy to just let the years experience excellent theater. Some of the Year by the national organization pass and focus on our civil rights these, including The Alley, Stages, and with particular acknowledgement of the and church involvement. God just Diverseworks, have GLBT themes in committee’s diversity. literally dropped this blessing into their productions and certainly have our laps – it was like God said, gay actors and theater staff. But we We include the “T” are doubly blessed to have two theater “Okay you’ve been talking about this for years, now it’s time to put companies that are GLBT specific. Joe The Transgender Unity Committee has Ron and Burton Bagby-Grose and their Watts has been producing gay theater worked to bring together the diverse daughter Rosalee Marie, who is named af- action where your mouths have been in Houston since the Seventies. The facets of the Transgender community ter their mothers. Ron is Dad and Burton is all this time. We adopted a young Laramie Project that will be stages at and other organizations in the commu- Papa to her. They combined their last names family member’s child. The biologi- the Holocaust Museum as part of Pride nity. The results have been a cohesion legally before her adoption and were legally cal mother sees the baby regularly. Month promises to be one of the most not found in some other major cities. married in the state of Massachusetts. important works ever staged in Hous- Members of the Trans-community are GEM: Did you have a preference ton. More recently Unhinged Produc- active in many other groups and have The Dream of Fatherhood for the sex of the child? tions has presented popular and criti- a true presence in Houston that means made real cally acclaimed work. there is never a question as to their place BB: We had no preference for the as part of the queer community. Hous- gender of the child; our only hope ton is home to one of the few Transgen- Buton Bagby-Grose and his partner Bayou City Performing Arts which was that the baby would be healthy. started as the Gay’s Men Chorus has der Centers in the country. Ron became the proud parents of a We’re really loving having a little become a multi-faceted performing arts little girl just over a year ago. Burton company. It includes the Bayou City The Women’s Community shared with the Montrose GEM his girl to dress up – she loves wearing women’s Chorus and the Bayou City story of how they came to be Dads. hats! Chorale. Their productions at Jones Hall AssistHers, and the Lesbian Health Ini- tiative (LHI) provide valuable services GEM: What has been the hard- drawn a diverse and appreciative crowd. GEM: What made you decide to be- to other women. AssistHers helps wom- est thing? The best. How has life come fathers? Was it something you en who face chronic or life threatening changed in the Bagby-Grose house- The Houston Pride Band has been pre- had always wanted? senting music for 32 years in Houston conditions in order to improve their hold? and around the country. They are part quality of life. LHI, hosts health fairs BB: As far as what made us de- of every Pride parade, hold a number of and provides free mammograms to help BB: We keep waiting for the hard concerts during the year. The recent No glbt women be and stay healthy. cide to become fathers, God blessed part and we’re sure it will come. She Strings Attached concert at Zilkha Hall Ron and I with such wonderful par- has slept through the night since she LOAF, is Lesbians Over Age Fifty. This at Hobby Center featured the Gay’s Men ents, so we have always wanted to was two months old. We have be- Chorus as guest performers. This pair- is mainly a social group but also pro- pass along those marvelous gifts vides a support system for older Les- come much more homebound, but so ing is something the two groups might of love and care to children. That’s many friends from church and oth- consider for a once a year joint event. bians. There are meet and greets each one reason I worked in Vacation month and other social gatherings. The ers visit so often, we are all pretty They will join with other member bands Bible School at South Main Baptist of the Lesbian and Gay Bands Associa- groups publishes a monthly newsletter. heavily socialized. The best thing Church as an openly-gay teacher for has been to see how this sweet little tion at the Gay Games in Cologne, Ger- so many summers. many this year. The Women’s Group, is a feminist baby has brought out the best in our group that is open to all women-iden- friends and family. It has been truly We also saw the joy that our siblings’ Organizations tified women. It is a diverse group overwhelming how loving and sup- that includes Lesbians and non-lesbian children brought to their lives and portive people have been. The HGLBTPC is the South’s Oldest women. It meets every Sunday morning vice versa. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgen- at 10:15am at the First Unitarian Church When we were returning from a fam- (it is an independent group not affiliated der Civil Rights Organization. Founded GEM: You made a big career change, ily reunion last week, we stopped for in 1975, the Houston GLBT Political with the church). The group has proved going into the ministry. How has that dinner at a charming little pizza par- Caucus is dedicated to eliminating prej- to be a valuable resource for women affected the decision to parent? udice, violence, and injustice against who are in the coming out process and lor on the town square in LaGrange. gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender for those that are interested in discus- A woman walked up to us and told BB: When I finally decided to answer people through education, activism, and sion and dialogue about women in soci- us that we must be wonderful par- political advocacy. It is well known that ety today. Social connections are made God’s call to pastoral ministry, we ents since we had such a happy baby. Mayor Annise Parker and Council mem- and other groups and activities have knew that life would be more compli- When her two teenage daughters ar- ber Sue Lovell both served as President spun off from The Women’s Group. cated in many ways and we accepted rived, she brought them over to intro- of this organization. The Caucus as it is that reality. Certainly the great gift duce them. Who would have thought most often referred to, has built a repu- There are so many more queer things to of being a parent complicates our we’re run into such love and accep- tation for its endorsement process and be proud of in Houston that I can not lives, but when God blessed us with tance in that small Texas town? the resulting endorsements have proven list them all here so I will save that for the opportunity to become parents, to have a visible effect on electoral poli- another issue of the Montrose GEM. we knew we had to say yes. We really Burton Bagby-Grose is an ordained tics. While the Caucus is non-partisan, believe that there are so many gay minister, a BINGO wrangler and a Houston also boasts an active Stonewall NEXT TIME: The Court and the fund- Christians like us here – people who contributor to the Montrose GEM Democrats club. Community members raising in Houston, The Universities, want to follow the way of Jesus in a are active and welcome in a number of and the Churches. Please let me know as well as a Dad. Look for his up- other organizations such as ROAD if you think of other queer things for us loving and inclusive church environ- coming regular column “It’s a Gay Women (River Oaks Area Democratic to be proud of in Houston that should be ment. We hope to help create that in Spirit”. included. a Baptist congregation or perhaps a Page 12 United Church of Christ community. June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134 of theater, such as scenery, lighting, The Psychology of Want directing, costuming, or as in the case Kitty’s House of Horrors While not quite as adept as Char- by Daryl Banner laine Harris (True Blood) at tying of the author, as a playwright. But we by Carrie Vaughn don’t really know that. He does not con- the prejudice against supernatural vey that his major is a result of a ‘want’. Reviewed by Jone Devlin beings and shape shifters into the ar- guments against the GLBT commu- Banner creates a protagonist who is at Kitty Norville is famous for two nity, Vaughn still does a good job of first, very hard to like but that you find yourself caring about. You want to know things; being an overnight radio talk painting the parallels. For instance, in one scene in the book, Kitty sug- what happens to him and you want him show host who covers all things su- to be OK. The young man definitely has gests that the resident skeptic is pernatural; and being a werewolf. problems. He is very self-absorbed and So it comes as no surprise when she probably safe given that he has no thinks himself to be very self-aware, is tapped to participate in a reality supernatural powers and therefore is but I think that is where he is woefully show that is supposed to enlighten not considered “tainted” in the minds lacking. He thinks he doesn’t feel, but the general public about the paranor- of the captors. His response is that, maybe he feels too much and when that mal. as an atheist, he’s considered just as Author Daryl Banner Graduated from the sort of repressed feeling finally surfaces “unnatural” (and therefore in just as University of Houston. A PFLAG/HATCH ‘it ain’t pretty’. Scholarship helped him get through school. At first Kitty is skeptical about do- much danger) as the supes. You never learn the names of anyone in ing the show, especially considering Something is wrong with him. He just the book because the main character just The characters here are vivid, with that some of the producer’s past ef- is not sure what it is. And neither will refers to them as by their descriptions: forts have been less than stellar; but no disposable “red shirt” types, and the reader be for sometime into this first “Big, ugly, fat guy”, “the boyfriend”, after they throw around a few other Vaughn really knows how to build novel by Houstonian Daryl Banner. It is “my roommate”, “Mom”, “Dad”, famous names from the paranormal tension. There are scenes in this not because he is gay. “Tragic Girl”, “pimple face”, “Elfy world, including some whom Kitty book where I literally found myself girl”, and the “the guy with the pretty Well, there is that matter of how much knows and trusts, she decides to par- holding my breath, heart pounding, lips”, etc. The only name given in the time he spends seeking time alone in entire book is that of the sister he never ticipate. as I waited to see what would happen his dorm room with his right hand. But knew he had. next. The author is also very good at is that really what is wrong with him? The area where the show is being tempering excitement with humor, There’s that seductive demon, and the As the story unfolds, you can under- filmed is very remote, but after a which keeps the novel from becom- story about the Lovers at the Lake and stand where his problems stem from, grueling day of private plane flights, ing too dark. the tragic girl who cries every night in what with a dysfunctional family of ori- adjusting to the cameras, meeting the dorm lounge, and the girl that stalks gin such as his. A pill addicted Mother who is seldom fully present and a father the other supernatural guests (some Like Dead until Dark (renamed him but runs away when he spots her. True Blood due to the success of the who is distant and busy indulging in an vampires, a fellow were, an empath, Soon you start thinking that there is affair with a neighbor. There is more to TV show) the Kitty Norville books a psychic ghost hunter, a magician, much more than one thing wrong with the mystery than that though. and a bona fide skeptic) Kitty finally are a series, but don’t let that dis- him. You almost shout out loud “GET settles in for what is supposed to be a courage you. The stories are written HELP!”. I think everyone can understand the in such a way that readers can eas- concept of “want” and at times there relaxing week in the wilderness. But, you see he has a big distrust of “the ily start with any of the books and is a certain psychology regarding why goblins”, as he calls those in psychol- not have a problem catching up with we want what we want. But is it healthy The first two days are relatively un- ogy. There is a horrific gay-bashing to want it, is it healthy to have it? Ban- characters or “leftover” storylines. eventful, and Kitty actually begins incident that makes you think there ner draws out the mystery well. Food to enjoy being out in the middle of is something much more wrong with for thought is provided also because it nowhere with no cell phones or other Interesting, scary, exciting and loads him than you would have ever suspect- prompts one to think about their own distractions. But then on day 3 the of fun, Kitty’s House of Horrors is ed. This is when he is forced to see a wants and the why of them. group wakes up to find no power, a great addition to a great series, as school counselor, which eventually lead well as a really fun summer read. through some breakthroughs. The book ends on an uplifting hopeful no radio communication, and, most note. You are left feeling that “he”is go- disturbing of all, one of their fellow I must tell you that I liked this book very ing to be all right in the long run, with guests dead in the woods. Kitty’s House of Horrors is pub- much because Banner is a really good his demons behind him he is moving to- lished by Grand Central Publishing storyteller. I would not use the word wards a future that looks a lot brighter. Kitty and the others try to go for and is available everywhere. brilliant, but he is very clever in weav- At UH Banner did several productions help, only to find that the camera Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ing his tale. I got the book on a Sunday and was finished reading it by Thursday as an actor and a writer (two plays and crew has also been murdered. It is a musical, all produced in the Blackbox at this point that they figure out that evening, and it is a decent sized novel at about 360 pages.. That being said there Theater) While there, he met friend and they are not part of a TV program, were a few issues for me with the book. mentor, Pulitzer-prize winning play- but have been tricked by a right wing Part of it is with style which I think wright Lanford Wilson who encouraged militia group that used the “real- stems from a generation gap. I don’t re- him in his writing. ity show” story (and set up) to lure ally know this style, which is one I think The book is available through Amazon. a bunch of “abominations” out into would appeal to a younger person. It is com. along with his collection of short an area where they could easily be kind of a shorthand of talking. What- stories, Love and Other Bad Ideas. He killed one by one. ever. also has an author page on Amazon. Another place where these seems to be As the group tries to work out how Reviewed by a disconnect is that the main character Deborah Moncrief Bell they might escape from people who is a theater major, yet seems to lack a know all their weaknesses and seem true passion for involvement in it. Many Psychology of Want - Book Signing at to always be one step ahead of their assume that theater means acting, and Houston Pride Festival on Satur- “prey”, they find themselves facing while it is true that the character does day, June 26, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at down not only the prejudices of their take an acting class in the second semes- the Montrose Gem Booth. would be killers, but their mistrust ter of his sophomore year his interest is theater may well be in the other aspects and misunderstanding of each other. Page 13 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
Pride in the Park Mayor Annise Parker will have a chance Groovelines Aguilera describes the album as a Special to the Montrose GEM to recall her softball skills when she toss- by DJ Chris Allen unique mix of many genres and styles of es out the first pitch at the “Pride in the music, “I was able to explore and create Park” night at the Astros game on July Earlier this year, members of the Hous- Howdy disco citizens! It’s time for your a fresh, sexy feel using both electronic 10th, benefitting community groups. ton Astros sales team became aware of the bi-weekly dose of Groovelines – your and organic elements with subject mat- Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s source for what’s hot and hip in the land ter ranging from playful to introspec- online MyGayHouston campaign. This was The Astros have also assigned an individual of electronic dance music and beyond. tive. I am so excited for my fans to hear the original catalyst for a member of the on staff to manage Group Ticket sales, for the new sound. It is something I don’t sales team at the Astros to contact one of the groups more than 20 people; they should Over at iTunes, and hot for digital think anyone will expect.” profiled members of the CVB’s campaign, call Joe Schiavi at 713.259.8314”. download, are several offerings from Trevor Eade and set-up a group night event the headlining acts from Austin’s 4th to celebrate Houston’s LGBT community at Once again, the top 40 market is flood- Eade and Sanchez also pointed out that Street Pride block party. American Idol ed with electronic dance music. Learn Minute Maid Park . Pride in the Park is a family friendly event. semifinalist Frenchie Davis has 2 EPs more about the diva Christina Aguilera, “I was thrilled to hear that members of available. F.D’s cover album Dance Hits the new album and the steaming hot Since the original planning meeting in Janu- offers her cute takes on Sweet Dreams & staff at the Astros were taking an interest in ary, Eade and Sanchez have been busy hold- new video online at www.christinaagu- Be My Lover by La Bouche, Hot Stuff by Houston’s LGBT community” said Eade. ing planning meetings with the seven ben- ilera.com. eficiaries for Pride in the Park. Donna Summer, and Million Dollar Bill After a couple of planning meetings with by Whitney Houston. Frenchie’s remix Also diggin’ the good vibes and kick ass the Astros sales team, it became clear to Eade continued “Earlier this year, we re- single for her collaboration with Tony grooves being offered up on iTunes from Eade that ‘Pride in the Park’ had the po- ceived a lot of applications from various Moran, You Are, features slammin’ re- Dynasty by Kaskade the Kaskade Club tential of becoming a mammoth event. “I LGBT not-for-profits in Houston, and while mixes of the floor filler from Joe Gauth- needed expert help” Eade said, and called in Remix, Not Going Home from Faithless we wanted to include everyone, this event is reaux, Klubjumpers, Skotty K, and a – the Rollo & Sister Bliss Monster Acid the support of well known Houstonian and in uncharted waters, so we didn’t want to di- few Tony Moran team-ups with Warren Mix, Cry Cry by Oceana – the DJ Fisun philanthropist, and fellow MyGayHouston lute the proceeds, by adding too many ben- profiled individual, Edward Sanchez. Rigg, Dave Saronson, and Giuseppe Extended Mix, Spaceship from Benni eficiaries” he continued “there was a very D. American Idol 2nd runner up Blake complex voting mechanism put in place to Benassi featuring Kelis, Agyness Deyn Lewis is also on the bill for this year’s “With Edward’s expertise, I knew we choose the top 7 beneficiaries, and I am de- by Larry Tee featuring Jodie Harsh, the would have the wherewithal to create an lighted with the diverse outcome.” block party. Blake has 2 full-length al- full length album Rokstarr from Taio event Houston’s LGBT community would bums available on iTunes – Audio Day Cruz featuring guests Ludicris & Ke$ha, be proud of; we both agreed from the get The Seven Beneficiaries are: Dream and Heartbreak On Vinyl. Lew- Let The Bass Kick by Chuckie featur- go, this was an opportunity not to be taken is also has several remix EPs posted for ing Lil Jon & Jermaine Dupri, Monster lightly – as the potential for giving back to PFLAG, Out and Equal Houston, Bayou purchase, including Sad Song and How the community was enormous.” from Ne-yo, Heartbeat by Enrique Igle- City Chorale, Pride Houston, Bering Ome- Many Words. Blake’s most recent single, sias featuring Nicole Scherzinger, and ga, Legacy Community Health Services and Heartbreak On Vinyl, was remixed by the compilation Just Dance 3 featuring Sanchez and Eade leveraged the world of Bunnies on the Bayou. Social Media to receive some initial feed- DJ/producer Chris Cox. Chris Cox will hits from the likes of Rihanna, Mariah be spinning the block party after the pa- back, and within 72 hours of launching an The group of beneficiaries are now assisting Carey, Taio Cruz, Tiesto, & more. Great rade. Well known for his Thunderpuss event page on Facebook more than 1,000 in the promotion and marketing of this inau- stufff. You’ll find those floor fillers and people had responded in a positive manner. gural event. At the recent record breaking remixes, Cox has also done outstanding more online at iTunes. To date, this number continues to grow, this (in attendance) Bunnies on the Bayou event, work for Christina Aguilera, Annie Len- is a perfect example of how, in today’s digi- the Pride in the Park team had a tented area, nox, Britney Spears, Donna Summer, You can hear me play these mentioned tal world Social Media is a necessary vehi- and received more than 500 requests for Shannon, Janet Jackson, Kelly Osborne, hits and more weekly at Meteor & JR’s cle – so long as it is done correctly, and it ap- more information about the event. Rihanna, and more. Check him out on- pears Sanchez and Eade have achieved this. in Houston and at Halo in Bryan/Col- line at chriscoxonline.com. Learn more lege Station. Be sure to tune into Hy- Up next is the Pride Festival and Parade. about Blake Lewis online at blakelewi- personic Radio every Saturday night Cyd Zeilger from OutSports.com is quoted “The timing of this is no fluke – the choice to have said in a recent article “The event’s sofficial.com. Visit with Frenchie Davis at 10 pm to catch Groovelines Aloud of holding the game on July 10 was a strate- on the web at frenchiedavis.org. Facebook page shows 1,100 confirmed gic decision, as we wanted to make sure we on 101X in Austin. Stream it live from guests and another 1,500 “Maybes.” It re- had a presence at the Pride festivities. We the web at hypersonicradio.com or from mains to be seen how many of those people have a booth where attendees will [hopeful- Really enjoying the new full-length al- your iPhone using the free 101X app. will actually purchase tickets, but if just ly] be able to purchase tickets on-site, which bum from Christina Aguilera - Bionic. For info on all upcoming DJ C.A. events half of those do it will be one of the largest would be fantastic; in addition we will be We got a preview of what was to come and happenings head over to djchrisal- gay events ever at a Major League Baseball in the Parade in the evening, we have some in early May when Christina released game.” len.com. Stalk my every move at twitter. great giveaways, and some ‘special guests’ the album’s first single and sizzling hot com/groovelines, MySpace.com/djchri- on our float” continued Eade. music video, Not Myself Tonight. Bion- During the following weeks, further meet- sallen, and facebook.com/djchrisallen- ic features songs co-written by Aguilera ings were held at Minute Maid Park , and the On game day, some of the programming official. And finally, always feel free programming became clearly defined, with along with her much buzzed about col- to e-mail me directly at djca.groove- highlights include Mayor, Annise Parker, laborations including Sia, Tricky Stew- ticketing options from the $95 VIP level to throwing out the opening pitch. And the 160 [email protected]. art, Polow Da Don, Le Tigre, Hill & a more modest $10 View Deck ticket level. members of the Bayou City Chorale (Gay Eade pointed out, “Our goal was to ensure Switch, and Ladytron among others. Men’s Chorus and Bayou City Women’s Deep in the heart of Texas, that is the that everyone could come to Minute Maid Chorus) will sing the National Anthem. Park for this inaugural event without break- Aguilera notes, “Working on this al- Groovelines for now. You know the golden rule boys and girls - play it loud ing the bank, this ticketing model is slightly Both Eade and Sanchez are hopeful that this bum with so many talented artists and different than other groups have done at will become an annual event and a tradition producers that I admire was really an and disturb the neighbors! The scene other MLB games”. He continued, “The for Houston’s LGBT community. The plan- amazing experience. The artists I chose can only grow and thrive if we par- Astros Group Sales team have been great to ning duo has since been approached by the to work with added so many unique ticipate in it folks. It exists because we work with – they set-up a vanity URL for Houston Rockets to help produce a similar make it so. Be active, support your local us: www.astros.com/pride to purchase tick- sonic layers to Bionic. My intention was event later on this year, during the Basket- to step into their world and what they talent. Buy, don’t share. ets online... but, it is important that the user ball season at the Toyota Center . type in the code PRIDE when promoted, so do combined with my own vision and they get the discounted ticket, and a portion sound. The results were magic.” Remember, life might not always be of their ticket goes to the beneficiaries. Saturday July 10, 2010 – 6:05 PM the party you had hoped for, but while For more information and The title Bionic reflects Aguilera’s abil- you’re here you might as well dance. to purchase tickets, visit: ity to take her range to new levels and www.astros.com/pride use her voice in various ways never Page 14 heard before. June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
Celebrating Houston’s LGBT Community!! Join us for this inaugural baseball event at Minute Maid Park.
– “Pride in the Park will be one of the largest gay events ever at a Major League Baseball game...” – Cyd Zeigler, www.Outsports.com Saturday July 10, 2010 Minute Maid Park Houston Astros Vs. St. Louis Cardinals National Anthem Performed by Bayou City Chorale. Opening Pitch thrown by Mayor Annise Parker. Discounted tickets available online: www.astros.com/pride Be sure to select discounted tickets and use the code PRIDE. A portion of all tickets sold using the PRIDE code* benefit these great organizations
*For Group Ticket Sales (20 or more) Contact: 713 259 8314
Page 15 June 18, 2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #134
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