Browsing Tag

Houston

QFest 2019: Houston’s International LGBTQ Film Festival Returns July 24–31

Posted on July 18, 2019
A photo of QFest film Angel.

There’s something magical about the first time you connect with a queer character on screen. For me, it was Spencer Carlin in South of Nowhere (shout out to 2005!). Seeing someone who looks like you, loves like you, and is navigating similar struggles can be life altering—even life saving. The leadership behind QFest, Houston’s international LGBTQ film festival, understands the need for such representation. This July 24–31, the festival celebrates its 23rd year with an extended, seven-day lineup of more…

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Does Texas Love Me Back? On Being Femme, Queer, and Southern

Posted on July 10, 2019
A photo of queer southern femme Rachel Abbott.

I’ve lived in Texas my entire life—nearly 25 years, a quarter of a century. I love Texas. It’s in my blood and bones. I live for the margaritas and tacos, the inflated sense of ego, the trips to H-E-B, and the bright orange Whataburger cups. I even like the heat. The first day of spring, when the temperature creeps over 90 degrees, reminds me of being wrapped in a familiar blanket. The only problem is that I don’t know how…

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Photo Recap: Houston Pride 2019

Posted on July 5, 2019

On June 22, 2019, hundreds of thousands of attendees gathered in Downtown Houston for the city’s annual LGBTQ Pride Celebration—this year marking 50 years since Stonewall! Spectrum South passed out swag, snapped photos, and spread our mission at the celebration’s festival before heading to the always colorful nighttime parade. Check out our photo recap of the full celebration below. Happy Pride!…

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Nothing Good Happens After Midnight: Being Noah Diaz

Posted on July 2, 2019
A photo of Spectrum South writer Noah Diaz.

I turn off the rumbling window air conditioning unit at my apartment. It hasn’t worked in weeks, and I’m finally ready to come to terms with it. I open up the windows to my apartment, a building I tell people is 100 years old, but if I’m being honest, I don’t know if that’s true or not. I feel a breeze—warm, of course. It sweeps through the middle of my studio apartment, making my unopened mail join my dirty laundry…

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Transouthern Youth: Meet Alex Yoon

Posted on June 27, 2019
A photo of transouthern youth Alex Yoon.

20-year-old Alex Yoon was shocked the first time they saw an elderly gay couple kiss in San Antonio, Texas. But their reaction didn’t stem from homophobia. Rather, this was the first time Yoon realized that “queer and trans people can grow up and get old. They’re out there existing and thriving. Queer and trans people can become successful adults.”…

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The Path to Pride: A Road Traversed Together

Posted on June 25, 2019
A photo of queer pride.

Pride can take many forms. It can come from receiving a perfect score on an exam you’ve studied all night for; landing that dream job; or even from smaller victories, such as simply managing to make your bed in the morning. Yet, finding pride in ourselves, in our very being, identity, and personhood, doesn’t always come as easily—it is hard earned and often a long time coming. This sentiment rings true for Houstonian Kelly Sanders, who, like many queer people, did…

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A Colorful Guide to Your First Houston Pride

Posted on June 21, 2019

If you don’t know what to expect, Pride may feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t fret, first-timers! We’ve put together a guide for everything you need to know about the event, as well as essential ways to make the most of out of this beautifully queer day.…

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‘Peru and the City: A Pride Comedy Show’ to Showcase Gay Life in Houston

Posted on June 18, 2019
A photo of Peru Flores in Peru and the City.

The struggle is familiar and has been echoed by countless actors of color: “There were no parts for me, other than the ‘struggling friend,’ the ‘drug dealer,’ or the ‘misfit,’” says actor and writer Peru Flores, who will appear in his own comedy show, Peru and the City, this month at Rich’s in Houston. Flores’ family moved to Midland–Odessa, Texas, from Peru when he was a young teen. In the small town of oil workers and farmers, Flores was taken…

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Table For Two: A Thank You to My Father

Posted on June 16, 2019
A photo of my father and I's special spot.

It was our spot—a small table for two, nestled right against the partition dividing the bar from the rest of the restaurant’s clientele. The order was always the same: two chicken Cobb salads, and an order of cheese fries with bacon to start. The waiters knew our names, and always asked us how we were doing with sincerity. It was our spot.…

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