Browsing Tag

Houston

Talk Derby to Me: Meet Former Psych Ward Sirens Jammer MadCapnCap

Posted on July 20, 2018
A photo of Houston roller derby girl MadCapnCap.

After taking a two-year hiatus from roller derby to pursue her career as a firefighter, Sarah Harford, aka Mad Cap’n Cap, is ready to return to the rink. “I love the teamwork and comradery of the sport,” says the former Houston Roller Derby Psych Ward Sirens jammer. “I had to retire from skating for a short period time, but I never lost my passion for and love of derby. Even though I couldn’t skate for the team, I still was…

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QFest 2018: Houston’s International LGBTQ Film Festival Hits Screens July 26-30

Posted on July 19, 2018
A photo of QFest film The Miseducation of Cameron Post.

We will never achieve real progress unless we move beyond our own, often limited, perspectives. It is only when we open our eyes and minds to identities, cultures, and relationships different than our own, that we can find true strength in our togetherness, both as a community and as a force to be reckoned with. On July 26-30, QFest, Houston’s annual international LGBTQ film festival, will bring those stories and experiences to audiences across the city as it celebrates its…

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More Than His Size: Heavy Hitters Pride Empowers LGBTQ Urban Men of Size

Posted on July 18, 2018
A photo of the board of Heavy Hitters Pride.

The beauty of the LGBTQ community is that we are always able to carve out the spaces we crave to celebrate our identities. It is with grit, sweat, and much resilience that we create these spaces, but it is nonetheless exceptional to watch. From the trans folks of color who started the Stonewall Riots, to the emergence of gender-expansive icons like E.J. Johnson and Jaden Smith, to the reclamation of the word “queer,” we have excitedly watched as our community…

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Dear Somebody: The Mahogany Project Centers QPOC Narratives in New Visibility Campaign

Posted on June 27, 2018
A photo of the Mahogany Project's new visibility campaign, Dear Somebody

Verniss McFarland III is tired of queer Black and Brown stories taking a backseat. For the past year, McFarland has worked to uplift these voices through their work as founder of The Mahogany Project, a Houston-based nonprofit focused on bridging the gap between empowerment and education in Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. McFarland now seeks to bring these narratives to the forefront with the launch of the organization’s new visibility campaign, Dear Somebody: The Voices Once Unheard.…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Valkyries Blocker 2xForce

Posted on June 15, 2018
A photo of Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker 2xForce.

When Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker Jessica Julien, aka 2xForce, rolls onto the skate track, everything melts away and the competition of the game begins. “For me, roller derby is an addiction,” she says. “I love competition, which is why I have been with the team for nine seasons and have been captain of our travel team for the past three years."…

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Talk Derby To Me: Meet Retired Skater Pseudonym

Posted on May 18, 2018
A photo of retired Bayou City Boss skater Pseudonym.

When you think of roller derby, safe is probably the furthest word from your mind. Between the jams, blocks, and hip checks, the physical athleticism required definitely deems it a rough-and-tumble sport. Surprisingly enough, however, Houston Roller Derby (HRD) has not only created a safe space for its members, but a welcoming community for skaters, volunteers, and fans alike. I had the pleasure of catching up with retired Bayou City Bosses skater and blocker Suzie Sheldon, aka Pseudonym, to discuss…

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