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2020 Democratic Presidential Contender Pete Buttigieg Meets with Communities of Color in Houston

Posted on May 7, 2019
A photo of Mayor Pete Buttigieg in Houston.

On May 4, South Bend, Indiana mayor and 2020 presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg gave an impassioned speech and posed for photos at a campaign fundraiser at Chapman & Kirby in Houston’s East Downtown. But before shaking hands with eager fans and donors at the public event, the openly gay Democratic contender sat down for an intimate, transparent conversation with some of the city’s most notable Black spiritual leaders at the private residence of Houston community leaders Vince Pryor and Alan…

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Through The Lens: The Power of Queer Photography

Posted on May 3, 2019
A photo of queer photography Anthony Flores.

During my time as a writer for Spectrum South, I’ve established a brand with my work: holistic and inclusive profiles of some of the South’s most prolific and boundary-pushing queer artists. I’ve detailed the avant-garde performances of Experimental Action, revealed five queer southern artists you should know, and journeyed through the transformative work of gender-nonconforming artist Cassils, among others. But I want to push myself further—to try something new and outside of my standard. My intention with the piece you’re…

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The Broad’s Way: Houston’s Drag Queen Broadway Revue

Posted on April 30, 2019
A photo of Regina Blake-Dubois at The Broad's Way.

“Four numbers in and we’ve already had a dildo and a 9/11 joke,” quips host and star entertainer Regina Blake-Dubois during the second-anniversary performance of The Broad’s Way, Houston’s only Broadway drag revue. At the Broad’s Way, the mood is always tongue-in-cheek and campy, like you hope to see at any drag show. But at Michael’s Outpost, the revue’s home stage, the performers bring more than kitsch comedy and silliness.…

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Farm to Bedroom: James Stevens’ Holistic Sex Work

Posted on April 25, 2019
A photo of James Stevens, a sex work advocate.

Blue skies and warm light surround me, as the rich, delightful smells of a homemade breakfast fill the high-rise apartment. Across from me sits James Stevens, his warm, rugged mouth smiling as he talks. The only sign that we’re in the middle of downtown Houston is the low hum of the city below us. He tells me about the architectural and developmental differences between East and West Berlin, his European home for the past three years. Stevens is passionate about…

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Let’s Set The Record Straight—Abuse Doesn’t Make You Gay

Posted on April 23, 2019
A photo of a queer survivor of abuse.

To this day, one of the most common misconceptions I hear in both my classes and from my well-educated non-queer colleagues (one that I actually addressed in my 2015 doctoral dissertation) is that being LGBTQ is not always a normal, naturally occurring identity. Instead, it is the result of abuse. I am both terrified and frustrated to no end that this myth—that abuse can “make you gay”—is still very much alive and well. I am in awe of how many…

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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Sara Ramirez, Activist Bamby Salcedo to Judge Miss & Mr. Trans OLTT Fundraiser

Posted on April 17, 2019
A photo of OLTT founder Ana Andrea Molina.

Organización Latina de Trans en Texas, better known as OLTT, is a Houston-based non-profit organization that provides life-saving resources to the trans Latinx community. The organization was founded by Ana Andrea Molina, an undocumented trans Latina, who currently serves as the organization’s executive director. One of the main services OLTT provides is housing for Latina trans women at the organization’s shelter, Casa Anandrea. In 2018 alone, the organization was able to provide housing to 120 trans Latinas throughout the course…

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