Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to explore gender fluidity through performance? Join us as we unpack this and more in our enlightening chat with Paul Whitehead , the creative force behind his drag queen persona, Tricia Van Cleef. Inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger, Paul navigates the duality of his identity and the transformative power of self-expression. He opens up about how Tricia’s playful energy contrasts with his more intellectual and surrealistic art and shares candid...
Jul 10, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail What if you were suddenly faced with a life-altering diagnosis? This week on Queer Voices, we have an intimate and heartfelt conversation with David Taffet, senior staff writer for the Dallas Voice and co-host of Lambda Weekly. David opens up about his recent diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, sharing the challenges he encountered with everyday tasks like handwriting and walking. Through his story, we also hear from host Bryan Hlavinka, who reveals his own experience with Parki...
Jun 20, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Meet the Female-Identifying Grand Marshal for NEW FACES OF PRIDE, a parade and festival being held in Houston on June 22nd! What challenges do you face as a trailblazer in your field? Captain Iris Rodriguez knows all too well the hurdles and triumphs that come with breaking barriers. Join us as we share her extraordinary journey from becoming the first Hispanic female firefighter in Houston to her service in the United States Army. You'll hear Captain Rodriguez's heartfelt stori...
Jun 19, 2024•16 min
Send us Fan Mail How does an artist capture the essence of a community through a mural? On this episode of Queer Voices, we speak with the talented gay Swiss artist Mark Bauer, who shares his creative journey and mission while working on a new project at the Menil Drawing Institute. We unpack the depth of his research process and how his artwork reflects the vibrant and diverse experiences of Houston's queer community. Additionally, hear from local activist C. Patrick McIlvain, who discusses his...
Jun 06, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Happy Pride! This is a podcast exclusive that you will not hear on KPFT! The Barricade Boys are coming to Houston and performing at the Hobby Center on Thursday, June 6th, at 7 pm and Friday, June 7th, at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be found at: https://www.thehobbycenter.org/shows-tickets/ Brett Cullum interviews Kieran Brown and Scott Garnham from the Barricade Boys – a sensational UK theatrical singing group – who weave their stories from the West End's Les Miserables to American st...
Jun 02, 2024•13 min
Send us Fan Mail Kendra Walker, President of Pride Houston 365, takes us on a remarkable journey through the history and future of Pride in Houston. From the spirited Anita Bryant protests to the trailblazing activism of Larry Bagneris, Kendra shares the inspiring origins of the Houston Pride movement. She also reveals exciting plans for the 46th annual Pride Festival and Parade on June 29th and teases new initiatives for 2024, like a seniors' corner and a star-studded lineup of entertainers. Di...
May 30, 2024•59 min
Send us Fan Mail We speak with Houston Pride 365 honorary grand marshal, Sara Fernandez. We discuss her activism and her work in creating the banner project. Houston lesbian activist Sara Fernandez was visiting museums in New York City in the spring of 2013 when she first became inspired to bring her hometown’s LGBTQ history to life. While the exhibits she visited there were not highlighting the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ history was included in both. One exhibit documented queer life on the Lower E...
May 23, 2024•56 min
Send us Fan Mail Imagine navigating the complex and often harrowing world of Haitian politics with someone as informed and passionate as journalist and activist Anne-christine d'Adesky. That's exactly what we do in our latest episode, as Anne-Christine shares her deeply personal connections to Haiti and her experiences fighting against HIV/AIDS. The conversation illuminates the resilience of Haitians amidst political chaos and gang violence, while recognizing the journalists who work tirelessly ...
May 16, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Discover the vibrant spirit of community and activism as we converse with Poonam Kapoor from the Victory Fund about the exhilarating Sunday Funday event, celebrating and bolstering LGBTQ candidates. We're also joined by Texas Senate hopeful Molly Cook, as she passionately discusses the interplay of social issues from school safety to racial justice. Plus, we take a theatrical detour with the imaginative play 'Aces' and delve into the evolution of 'queer' with Mike Johnson and Ky...
May 02, 2024•1 hr
Send us Fan Mail As we unfurl the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ narratives, our Queer Voices family is set to embark on a heartfelt journey, resonating with both celebration and challenge. Our latest episode commemorates the cherished Lavender Graduation, an enduring beacon of progress for LGBTQ students, and we navigate the turbulent waters of Texas Senate Bill 17, highlighting the community's resilience at the University of Houston. Against a backdrop of adversity, witness the power of unity as st...
Apr 25, 2024•59 min
Send us Fan Mail Imagine stepping into the sequined boots of a pop culture icon; that's the exhilarating challenge Ella Perez takes on night after night as Babe Cher in "The Cher Show." As I sit with her, we peel back the curtain on channeling Cher's spirit without falling into imitation—no easy feat when you're portraying the Goddess of Pop. Ella's own voyage of musical discovery lends an intimate touch to our conversation, as we marvel at the enduring influence of Cher over generations, and th...
Apr 18, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail When love and human interaction get tangled in extremities, the heart yearns for a voice that dares to explore these infinite complexities. That's why we called upon Walt Zipprian, Houston's alternative theater virtuoso, to unravel the threads of Sarah Kane's "Cleansed" in its regional premiere. Alongside this deep dive into the transformative power of performance, we celebrate the sheer resilience of Houston's queer community, personified by icons like Roxanne Collins, whose jo...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr
Send us Fan Mail Stepping into the spotlight is Brandon Mack, a beacon of hope and relentless fighter for the LGBTQ community. As a nominee for Pride Grand Marshal, male identifying, Brandon's story is one of undying passion and unwavering commitment. Our conversation traverses the inspiring landscape of his twenty-year activism odyssey, shedding light on his influential roles, the foundation of BMAC Strategies, and his pioneering research on ephemophobia. His voice captures the heart of the str...
Mar 29, 2024•11 min
Send us Fan Mail Join the celebration of resilience and jubilation as we spotlight Kevin Anderson, a lighthouse of advocacy in Houston's vibrant LGBTQ community and a nominee for Grand Marshal at the city's Pride 365 Pride Parade. Kevin bestows upon us the transformative power of storytelling, emphasizing how it fosters healing and fortitude, especially among queer people of color and those affected by HIV. Meanwhile, we trudge through the rodeo dust with Eric Hulsey, president of Out at the Rod...
Mar 28, 2024•59 min
Send us Fan Mail Odyssey Oakengrove - Grand Marshal nominee -- Kevin O'Connor, LGBTQ author --Mr. Prime Choice James Martinez We speak with Odyssey Oakengrove. Odyssey Oakengrove grew up in Houston and quickly moved back after their boyfriend broke off the relationships, saying that Odyssey was “too involved in the gay community, the trans community, and Black Lives Matter.” Not having recognized their transness, they simply said, “I am the gay community” and packed their stuff to move back home...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Send us Fan Mail Grand marshal finalists 2024 As we unfurl the banners of Pride and allyship, I'm thrilled to bring you heartening conversations from Queer Voices that not only celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community but also highlight the relentless support of our allies. We engage with State Representative John Rosenthal, whose journey from the energy sector to a beacon of advocacy in public office exemplifies true allyship. He carries the torch for marginalized groups, particularly trans, intersex, ...
Mar 14, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Dylan Forbis - transgender activist, Jimbo - Drag All Star, Late Night Catechism Nun As the vibrant hues of Houston's Pride rainbow unfurl, we're joined by Dylan Forbis, a transgender man whose tapestry of activism has positioned him as a candidate for Houston Pride 365 Grand Marshal. Dillon's story is a beacon for the LGBTQIA community, a testament to resilience amidst Texas' evolving legislative landscape. His dreams of reveling in the joyous celebrations of World Pride and Me...
Mar 07, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail As we sit down with the remarkable Atlantis Narcisse, her story unfolds, revealing the heart and soul she pours into Save Our Sisters United and her crucial role as a house mother. This week's conversation is nothing short of inspiring as we honor her nomination for Grand Marshal at Houston's Pride 365 Parade and delve into her commitment to offering stigma-free spaces for HIV/STD testing. Witness a powerful reflection on the importance of Atlantis's visibility as a black trans ...
Feb 22, 2024•1 hr
Send us Fan Mail Join me, Bryan Hlavinka, as I sit down with the insightful Brandon Mack to peel back the curtain on the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus's intense endorsement process. Discover the weight such an endorsement carries and the grueling scrutiny candidates endure to secure this emblem of progressive support. We navigate the significance of Dr. Cody Pyke’s historic appointment and the essential healthcare services for incarcerated populations, illuminating the challenges and triumphs ...
Feb 15, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail As the curtains rise on another episode of Queer Voices, we're whisked backstage into the world of "On Your Feet," where the effervescent Gaby Albo lets us in on the subtleties of channeling Gloria Estefan's spirit. Gaby’s anecdotes about her journey from the gymnastics vault to the theatre stage are not only inspiring but brimming with revelations, like her aspiration to plant her feet firmly on American soil. Our chat dances through the exciting intricacies of her role, from c...
Feb 08, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail On tonight’s Queer Voices , we speak with Allison Mathis, a candidate for 338th Judicial District Court Judge of Harris County. She is a native Houstonian who grew up in Spring Branch. When she was a teenager, she watched her brilliant, funny aunt struggle with a crack cocaine addiction that destroyed her life and sent her in and out of prison for years. She also watched several friends lose their bright futures due to their entanglement in the legal system due to non-violent dr...
Feb 01, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of a life fully embraced as Leah Lax joins us to recount her incredible journey from Hasidic Judaism to living openly as a lesbian. Leah's narrative is a testament to authenticity, captured in her memoir ‘Uncovered’ and its subsequent adaptation into an opera. Her tale is not just about self-discovery, but also a profound look at the intersection of faith, sexuality, and identity, as she opens up about the structure and solace she initially foun...
Jan 25, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey through the remarkable life of Fran Watson, a beacon of hope and an emblem of resilience, who has risen from personal adversity to become an out-candidate for a probate court judge. Her candid conversation with us illuminates the path from a GED to the heights of legal practice, showcasing the power of determination and compassion in her quest to serve Harris County. Fran's touching narrative about aiding a daughter to secure her father's guardianship is a te...
Jan 18, 2024•59 min
Send us Fan Mail Step into a world where the pulsing heart of America's nightlife intersects with history, culture, and the stars. As we sit down with Dr. Lucas Hildebrand, author of "The Bars Are Ours," we illuminate the profound legacy of gay bars in American society, from their role in the 1960s as bastions of community to their modern-day struggles and triumphs. Delve into the vibrant past of venues like Houston's Mary's bar, uncovering their place in the narrative of queer history and their...
Jan 04, 2024•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Tony Award-winner Renee Elise Goldsberry graces us with the story of her theatrical journey, from Houston's bustling stages to the bright lights of Broadway, most notably as Angelica in "Hamilton." In an intimate conversation, Renee reveals the profound influence of the LGBTQ+ community on her and the theater world at large, and reminisces about her Houston upbringing that so deeply sowed the seeds of her passion for the arts. The cultural tapestry of the city, from its culinary...
Dec 28, 2023•57 min
Send us Fan Mail As we convene in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Kathy Renna from the National LGBTQ Task Force reminds us that the fight for equality is steeped in both struggle and jubilation. This week's episode is a mosaic of our community's resilience, as we examine the intersection of queer joy and activism at the Creating Change Conference. We're marking half a century of progress with the Task Force, and there's no better time to discuss the pressing issues we face, from the erasure of...
Dec 21, 2023•58 min
Send us Fan Mail Are you curious about the intersectionality of being Black and Queer? Then let the captivating voice of Joelle Espuet wash over you as they share their experiences as a program director for the Normal Anomaly, a Black Queer-led nonprofit. They're not just breaking barriers; they’re establishing norms for communities often misunderstood and sidelined. Discover their groundbreaking work, from creating safe spaces for the community to hosting exciting events like the BQAF music fes...
Dec 07, 2023•58 min
Send us Fan Mail This week Deborah Moncrief Bell has a conversation with Carrie Rai, the Executive Director of Tony's Place, talking about the organization, and the services it provides for Houston LGBTQA+ youth. Tony's Place is a safe haven for marginalized youth.Tony’s Place opened in 2016 in loving memory of Robert Anthony “Tony” Carroll. Tony Carroll was a pillar of the Houston community and a tireless advocate for numerous LGBTQ+ causes. Tony and his husband Bruce Smith were strong advocate...
Nov 30, 2023•58 min
Send us Fan Mail First, we speak with Dr. David York, the music director of the Houston Pride Chorus. We'll explore their upcoming holiday performance, "Ring it In," and get a glimpse of the rich tapestry of talent that forms the chorus. You'll feel the power of unity and the importance of allies in the LGBTQ+ community echoing through their music. And surprise, the Houston Bronze Ensemble, a handbell choir, joins in the concert to add more harmony. Our next stop takes us to the vibrant scene of...
Nov 23, 2023•58 min
Send us Fan Mail We're taking you to the frontlines of battle in Texas, where the LGBTQ+ rights are under a severe attack with the introduction of over 140 anti-LGBTQ bills by the Texas legislature. Brian Clusterbore from ACLU paints a grim picture of the situation, but reminds us that unity is our strongest weapon. From the drag ban to the Death Star preemption bill, we're tearing apart these restrictive laws and shining a light on their implications. As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of W...
Nov 16, 2023•59 min
