Queer Voices Queer Voices

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 students and alumni rally to honor the spirit of inclusivity.

This week, the spotlight shines on the dynamic worlds of Desi Love Blake and Varla Jean Merman, two titans of drag who chart their glittering odysseys from childhood fascinations to the pinnacle of performance art. As Desi Love Blake recounts her ascent to Miss Gay America, her narrative is a masterclass in tenacity and self-expression, while Varla Jean Merman's vibrant storytelling captures the ever-evolving landscapes of drag culture. From New Orleans' artistic rebellion to New York's glitzy stages, their tales are emblematic of the courage and creativity that fuel the drag community's heart.

Our conversation takes a turn towards the profound as we confront the controversies surrounding gender-affirming healthcare in the UK's Cass Review and its global reverberations. The complexities of transgender youth support are laid bare, and we dissect the potential ramifications on policy and the lives of those affected. Through engaging discussions and personal insights, this episode is an enlightening collage, reflecting on the triumphs, the trials, and the tireless pursuit of acceptance that defines the queer experience. Join us for an episode that promises to educate, inspire, and celebrate the rich diversity of queer voices.
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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 the thrills of performing for diverse fans who find a piece of themselves in her songs.

The dynamics backstage can be as captivating as the show itself, and Ella returns to share tales from the touring trenches. The bond between the cast of "The Cher Show" is palpable, a family forged in the spotlight, sharing both laughter and support as they crisscross the country. Our heartfelt discussion doesn't shy away from the show's impact on the LGBTQIA+ community, or the dreams that glimmer on the horizon for Ella and the cast. The universal quest for authenticity, so central to Cher's legacy, rings out as a powerful message for us all.

As the episode waltzes through a variety of intriguing topics, we're joined by an ensemble of voices that enrich the tapestry of our conversation. From Dan Knetchges' insights into Theatre Under the Stars' upcoming season to Davis Mendoza Darusman's candid exploration of pansexuality, each narrative thread weaves into the next. Julia Grossman's leap from food trucks to Fusion Eats serves as a delectable side dish to our main course, reminding us of the transformative power of passion, be it under the stage lights or in the bustling heart of a kitchen. Join us for an episode that celebrates the stories that bind us, challenge us, and inspire us to keep reaching for the stars.
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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 Ziprian, 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 journey from drag legend to a Tina Turner tribute artist encapsulates the spirit of authenticity.

The stage isn't just a platform; it's a mirror reflecting the most profound parts of our identities. This episode peels back the curtain on the self-discovery that can happen under the spotlight, as seen through Roxanne's evolution and the poignant tales from Houston's vibrant 1990s drag scene. We also step into the advocacy arena with Chris Berry, who, in the face of discrimination, remains a bastion of community-building and inclusivity in his work with the Human Rights Campaign. It's a reminder that our voices, when woven together, can create a tapestry of support and solidarity.

Wrapping up, you'll get a taste of the global stage of LGBTQIA+ rights and how local actions in Houston resonate with broader conversations, from landmark court decisions to the ongoing support for transgender student-athletes. We spotlight the collaborative efforts of our community and the allies who contribute to the rich tapestry of Queer Voices. With gratitude and humor, we extend an invitation to join in on this exploration of diversity, tenacity, and the endless pursuit of our collective rights and joys.
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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 struggle, echoing the fierce resilience embodied in this year's Pride theme, "You won't break our pride."

Hear from Brandon himself, as he shares with us the profound love he holds for his work and the LGBTQ community, expressing a dedication that transcends titles and accolades. His appeal for support isn't just a call to action, it's a reflection of a man whose life's work is deeply intertwined with the pursuit of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Whether he's crowned Grand Marshal or not, Brandon's journey and the voices of Queer Voices remind us of the enduring spirit of a community that refuses to be silenced or broken.
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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 Rodeo, who's hitching a rainbow flag to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—reminiscent of Disney's Gay Days, this initiative promises to expand the horizons of inclusion in spaces where the LGBTQ+ presence is still a frontier.

Our narrative tapestry weaves further with the compelling journey of Avery Belyeu, CEO of the Montrose Center, who unveils the rich spectrum of support services offered to Houston's LGBTQ populace. Avery takes us through a transformative trek from the Trevor Project to the Montrose Center, spotlighting the invaluable strides in mental health and community connection. As the episode progresses, Jacques Bourgeois, president of Buddies on the Bayou, orchestrates an overview of their philanthropic crescendo, turning celebratory events into vehicles of support for numerous LGBTQIA+ nonprofits, while teasing an exhilarating line-up for their not-to-be-missed annual festival.

Finally, we unfurl the banners of legal triumphs from across the globe, from the recognition of co-motherhood in Israel to the outlawing of conversion therapy in New South Wales, painting a vivid picture of progress amidst adversity. This tapestry of tales not only illustrates the relentless march towards equality but also serves as an invigorating call to join the dance of activism, community solidarity, and the persistent pursuit of joy within the LGBTQ+ family. We're not just sharing stories; we're charting the milestones of change and inviting you to be part of the movement.
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

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.  Once here, they found a home with Black Lives Matter activists, learning advocacy and unlearning their colonized mindset. They realized they were genderqueer at an ACLU abortion access seminar, not simply a “really strong ally.” They have volunteered time with Clinic Access Support Network, Black Lives Matter: Houston, and Showing Up for Racial Justice. They have spoken with state reps at the 2021 and 2023 Texas Legislative Session, fighting for queer students, public education, and against oppressive immigration policies. Odyssey is a candidate for grand marshal for the Pride Houston 365 parade.
Then, we speak with Kevin O'Connor, author of “Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home”.  Kevin O’Connor enjoys chronicling the stories of families and friends through tracing genealogical histories and writing. He is an expert at organizing family letters and artifacts. He sings and performs in theaters and is active with SMART Ride, a bicycling group that rides annually from Miami to Key West, raising funds for HIV awareness, treatment, and education. Kevin was an elementary teacher, principal, professor, and curriculum coordinator in California, Illinois, and Florida from 1973 to 2020. He authored content and provided training in areas including support for substitute teachers, LGBTQ advocacy, and Sexual Health/Family Life. Kevin resides in Ft. Lauderdale with his husband, Leon. Their family includes five sons and seven granddaughters.
Finally, we speak with James Martinez, Mr. Prime Choice 2024. Mr. Prime Choice is open to any male identified individual 40 or older living in the state of Texas.  James is founder of Texas Men of Leather. We talk about what being Mr. Prime Choice is like.



Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/