Just in time for the Halloween season… it’s the return of GAYEST & GREATEST. Holla!
For 11 years, at the time goblins come out and drag divas select their best gowns, OutSmart readers proclaim who and what are the best and brightest lights of the Houston GLBT community. The bravest role model, most proficient physician, hottest dance club, finest margarita… look no further. None are scary, we promise.
People • Community • Businesses/Services • Dining • After Dark • Galveston
Gayest & Greatest Spotlights
Statue of Liberty Award: John Nechman
The Best Person to Safeguard Your Right to Vote: Pokey Anderson
Proof of Hope for the Next Generation: Aaron Alon
Non-Gay People We Love: Julie Eberly
One Reason to Be Proud of Pride Houston: Nick Brines
One Fabulous Volunteer: Bob Skinner
Best New Restaurant with a Fun Name: Beaver’s
One Great Thing About the Island Island Art
A Sweet Reason to Cross the Causeway: Speculoos Patisserie & Café
Island man: Vincent J. Tramonte
GAYEST & GREATEST SPOTLIGHT
Statue of Liberty Award
When attorney John Nechman spotted the inflatable figure inspired by Edward Munch’s Scream in the photographer’s studio, he asked to be pictured with it. The expression, he said, reflects the way he often feels in coping with this nation’s immigration situation. As he points out, Lady Liberty has welcomed people to the United States for more than 120 years—unless of course, they are gay, in a same-sex partnership, or HIV positive. As former chair of the national organization Immigration Equality, Nechman states that no presidential candidate has endorsed the Uniting American Families Act, introduced in Congress in May. He isn’t surprised, given the way immigration, gay marriage, and health care intersect as political hot buttons. On the home front, Nechman also leads the group People Opposed to Moving Pride Out of Montrose, which countered recent efforts to move the parade downtown. — Sally Huffer • Photo by David Lewis
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GAYEST & GREATEST SPOTLIGHT
The Best Person to Safeguard Your Right to Vote: Pokey Anderson
Pokey Anderson is without question one of the heroes in the struggle for GLBT equal rights. Among her achievements, Anderson helped establish the Gay Political Caucus (now the Houston GLBT Political Caucus), participated in the first official meeting of gay and lesbian citizens at the White House (read “News Briefs, May 2007OutSmart), and once owned the still-missed Inklings, the lesbian/feminist bookstore. Now Anderson, who co-hosts The Monitor, the 6 p.m. Sunday KPFT news-analysis program, is focused on the issue of voting machines and their controversial role in American elections.
“My early work in the gay and lesbian movement and my current work on election reform are linked,” Anderson says. “Back in 1975, I called three gay male friends and invited them o ver to my house to start the Gay Political Caucus. Why? I believed that the power of the ballot could really move our community forward. And I believe that it has. Now, three decades later, I feel like the power of the ballot is in jeopardy for everyone, endangering not just one community but all communities. With most votes currently being counted electronically, there is no way for citizens to observe or make sure they’re accurate. We all, as individuals and as members of any community, must know we can depend on our voices being heard through the ballot box. Fraudulent or simply flawed elections create cracks in the foundation of our democracy. And mock elections have consequences.”
As we anticipate another Election Day (November 6) and a critical presidential race in 2008, Anderson’s work is more relevant than ever. Read more in her article “Are Elections Very Important?” (first published by the group Where’s the Paper?.org). —Tim Brookover • Photo by Yvonne Feece
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Proof of Hope for the Next Generation: Aaron Alon
Mark your calendar: On November 3, you can hear the work of 26-year-old composer Aaron Alon in a performance at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music of his 2007 work Dulce et Decorum Est , a setting of the Wilfred Owen poem for baritone and string quartet. Alon, who holds a bachelor’s from University of Chicago and a master’s in composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music, is studying composition at the Rice Shepherd School. His work has been recorded more than once, and he has already compiled a long list of honors. On top of all that achievement, Alon has volunteered with HATCH, the youth support group, since 2006. “All that I can tell you is that it’s an incredible honor to be a part of this organization. The youth are amazing: smart, brave, and wise beyond their years.” —T.B. • Photo by David Lewis
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GAYEST & GREATEST SPOTLIGHT
Non-Gay People We Love: Julie Eberly
Julie Eberly is the development director for AIDS Foundation Houston, which means she is dedicated to raising money to improve the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Eberly has four great-looking grown children (yes, it’s true). Eberly is married to a minister, but is certainly one of the least narrow-minded individuals you can imagine. Two of her big current projects include the November 8 Art for Life exhibition and benefit auction at Gremillion & Co. Fine Art—part of the Mukuru Arts for AIDS series—and the annual World AIDS Day luncheon on November 30. Besides the fact that she is one hot mama, if you have ever heard her lilting laugh from across a room, you would know why we are wild about Julie. —T.B. • Photo by Yvonne Feece
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PEOPLE
Community Hero (Male)
Ray Hill
Runners-up
Don Gill
Jack Valinski
Community Hero (Female)
Annise Parker
Runner-up
Barbara Walker
Most Prominent GLBT Male Activist
Ray Hill
Runner-up
Jack Valinski
Most Prominent GLBT Female Activist
Annise Parker
Runners-up
Phyllis Randolph Frye
Carol Wyatt
Most Valuable Volunteer (Male)
Jeff Wallace
Runners-up
Don Gill
Brian Riedel
Most Valuable Volunteer (Female)
Rose Smith
Runner-up
Susan Hayes
Leading Male Fundraiser
Don Gill
Runner-up
Sean Carter
Leading Female Fundraiser
Misty Blue
Runners-up
Fiona Dawson
Annise Parker
Favorite Local Politician (Male)
Bill White, Mayor of Houston
Runner-up
Garnet Coleman, Texas Rep. District 147
Favorite Local Politician (Female)
Annise Parker, City Controller
Runners-up
Ellen Cohen, Texas Rep. District 134
Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Congress
Sue Lovell, City Council
Best GLBT Business Person (Male)
Charles Armstrong
Charles Armstrong Investments
810 Pacific • 713/521-0107
Runners-up
Ryan Monceaux, RJF Group
John Frels, Mortgage Associates
Best GLBT Business Person (Female)
Cristina Martinez (tie)
Gay & Lesbian Rainbow Pages
P.O. Box 716 Pearland, TX 77588-0716
281/997-9778
www.rainbowpages.net
Marion Coleman (tie)
House of Coleman
Coleman sold House of Coleman this year.
Best Attorney (Male)
Mitchell Katine (tie)
Williams, Bimberg & Andersen, LLP
2000 Bering Dr. • 713/981-9595
Jerry Simoneaux (tie)
Simoneaux, Frye & Thomason, PLLC
2990 Richmond • 713/227-1717
ww.sftlawfirm.com
Runners-up
James S. Walker
Sam (Trey) Yates, III, Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, P.C.
Best Attorney (Female)
Phyllis Randolph Frye
Simoneaux, Frye & Thomason PLLC
2990 Richmond • 713/227-1717
ww.sftlawfirm.com
Runners-up
Connie Moore and Debbie Hunt, Moore & Hunt Attorneys
Best Eye Doctor (Male)
Stewart Zuckerbrod, M.D.
5420 Dashwood, Suite 101 •
713/668-9118
www.slzuckerbrod.yourmd.com
Runners-up
Evan Mapes, O.D.
Scott Sawyer, M.D.
Best Eye Doctor (Female)
Lisa Woo, O.D.
Eye to Eye
432 W. 19th St. • 713/864-8822
www.eyeheights.com
Runner-up
Sheryl Pickering, O.D., Perfect Vision
Best Physician (Male)
Shannon Schrader, M.D.
The Schrader Clinic
4101 Greenbriar, Suite 200 •
713/526-1717
Runners-up
Gordon Crofoot, M.D.
Rod Frazier, M.D.
Gary Brewton, M.D.
Best Physician (Female)
Dr. Patricia Salvato
4126 Southwest Fwy., Suite 1700 • 713/961-7100
Runners-up
Arlette Pharro, D.O., Healing Arts Medical Center
Julia Kovacs, M.D.
Best Dentist (Male)
Bruce Smith, D.D.S.
1006 Missouri • 713/529-4364
Runners-up
Randy Mitchmore, D.D.S.
John Stockman, D.D.S.
Cory Logan, D.D.S.
Best Dentist (Female)
Dr. Jewel Day, D.D.S. (tie)
10786 Bellaire Blvd., Suite A •
281/495-0900
Diana Flanagan, D.D.S. (tie)
4101 Greenbriar • 713/522-6366
Best Chiropractor (Male)
Dirk Hunter, D.C. (tie)
Med-CREW
4040 Milam, Suite 100 • 713/524-9932
www.med-crew.com
Kenneth Lester, D.C. (tie)
Kirby Health & Wellness
3930 Kirby • 713/526-5252
www.kennethlesterdc.com
Runners-up
Daniel Boudreaux, D.C.
Byron Menard, D.C.
Best Chiropractor (Female)
Darla Thompson, D.C.
House of Chiropractic
10900 Northwest Fwy. • 713/880-1555
www.houseofchiropractic.com
Runners-up
Mary Ann Spires, D.C.
Jackie Doval, D.C.
Best Mental Health Therapist (Male)
Tony Carroll, LMSW-ACP
1006 Missouri • 713/527-0000
www.houstontherapist.com
Runners-up
David Genac, Ph.D.
Daniel Garces, M.S., L.P.C., L.M.F.T.
Best Mental Health Therapist (Female)
Kristin Anderson, Ph.D. (tie)
9525 Katy Fwy. • 713/263-0400
Denise O’Doherty, L.M.F.T., L.P.C. (tie)
3730 Kirby, Suite 910 • 713/524-9525
Best Massage Therapist (Male)
Tom Zeppelin, L.M.T.
Zeppelin Massage
713/742-0426
www.zeppelinmassage.com
Runners-up
Robert Wichman, R.M.T.
David Tritico, R.M.T.
Best Personal Trainer (Male)
Greg Mills
Body Houston
832/265-7266 • www.bodyhouston.net
Runners-up
Dwayne Cookson, Dwayne Cookson Training
Darren Lynch, Darren Lynch Fitness
Best Personal Trainer (Female)
Kimberly Marler (Coach Kimmie)
1210 W. Clay, Suite 4 • 832/443-348
Runners-up
Shana Ross, Fitness Exchange
Mary Jean Tiernan, Fitness Exchange
Best Veterinarian (Male)
Kenneth Williams, D.V.M.
Heights Veterinary Clinic, PC
1431 N. Shepherd • 713/869-6644
www.heightsvet.com
Best Veterinarian (Female)
Danielle Rosser, D.V.M. (tie)
West Alabama Animal Clinic
2030 W. Alabama • 713/528-0818
www.westalabamaanimalclinic.vetsuite.com
Kristen Olsen, D.V.M. (tie)
Greenway Animal Clinic
2706 Richmond • 713/807-1234
Runner-up
Paula J. Runte D.V.M., Cat Veterinary Clinic
Best Astrologer (Male)
Joseph Molina
www.astrologytarotandmore.com
Best Astrologer (Female)
Lilly Roddy
713/529-5842 • www.lillycath.com
Runner-up
Nan Hall Linke
Best Insurance Agent (Male)
Rob Schmerler
Rob Schmerler Insurance Agency
6575 W. Loop S., Suite 185 •
713/661-7700
www.schmerleragency.com
Runners-up
Jeffrey Bules, Insurance Associates Group
Johan Everstijn, RJF Group
Ryan Monceaux, RJF Group
Best Insurance Agent (Female)
Pippa Wiley
Pippa Wiley Insurance
10777 Northwest Fwy., Suite 102
713/957-4297 • www.pippawiley.com
Runner-up
Deb Marshall, Rob Schmerler Insurance Agency
Best Real Estate Agent (Male)
Tim Anthony (tie)
Karen Derr & Associates Realty
1545 Heights Blvd. • 713/862-1600
www.timanthony.com
Danny Pleason (tie)
Karpas Properties
3355 W. Alabama, Suite 800 • 713/850-1777 • www.karpas.com
Runners-up
Richard Hill, Keller Williams
Ronnie Kee, Inner Loop Living
Tim Surratt, Greenwood King Properties
Best Real Estate Agent (Female)
Karen Derr (tie)
Karen Derr & Associates Realty
1545 Heights Blvd. • 713/862-1600
Pat Walker (tie)
Hartman & Associates
2000 Ella Blvd. • 713/861-2204
www.hartmanassociates.com
Runners-up
Heather Rayner, Karen Derr & Associates Realty
Terre Coffman, Coldwell Banker United
Dana Gray, GrayHomeTeam.com
Best Hairdresser (Male)
Fred Balentine (tie)
Four Star Hair Productions
1201 Westheimer • 713/524-7785
David Tritico (tie)
Muellers Barber Shop
www.barbershopcentral.com
1140 Smith • 713/650-1960
Runners-up
Tony Gonzalez, Hairitage
William Finglemann, White, A Salon & Skin Care Center
Best Hairdresser (Female)
Susan Romeo (tie)
Noble Lady Salon & Spa
1536 Heights Blvd. • 713/802-1281
Celina Velazquez (tie)
Nu-Cuts
515 Westheimer • 713/524-7858
www.hairsalonhouston.com
Runner-up
Vicki Fraychinaud, “The” Shop
Favorite Community Photographer (Male)
Dalton DeHart
Dalton DeHart Photography
713/622-2202 • www.daltondehart.com
Runners-up
John Conroy, Varsity Productions
Steven David, Steven David Artistic Photography
David Lewis, David Lewis Images
Favorite Community Photographer (Female)
Yvonne Feece
Yvonne Feece Photography
832/876-1053 • www.yvonnefeece.com
Favorite Radio Personality (Male)
Special K
KRBE 104.1 FM • www.krbe.com
Runner-up
Ryan Chase, KRBE 104.1 FM
Favorite Radio Personality (Female)
Roula Christie (tie)
KRBE 104.1 FM • www.krbe.com
Maria Todd (tie)
Maria Todd, for years a popular KRBE on-air personality, now works at KFRC-FM in San Francisco.
Best TV Personality (Male)
Frank Billingsley (tie)
KPRC Channel 2 • www.kprc.com
Ernie Manouse (tie)
Houston PBS Channel 8
www.houstonpbs.org
Best TV Personality (Female)
Dominique Sachsa
KPRC Channel 2 • www.kprc.com
Runners-up
Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen
Melanie Lawson, KTRK Channel 13
Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show
Favorite Pro Athlete (Male)
Craig Biggio
Houston Astros • www.astros.mlb.com
Runner-up
Brad Ausmus, Houston Astros
Favorite Pro Athlete (Female)
Sheryl Swoopes
Houston Comets
www.wnba.com/comets
Runner-up
Tina Thompson, Houston Comets
People • Community • Businesses/Services • Dining • After Dark • Galveston
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COMMUNITY
Favorite Social Organization
Executive Professional
Association of Houston
www.epah.org
Runners-up
Bunnies on the Bayou
Krewe of Olympus
Favorite Philanthropic Organization
Bunnies on the Bayou
www.bunniesonthebayou.org
Runners-up
Bayou City Boys Club
Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star
Favorite Community Organization
Bunnies on the Bayou (tie)
www.bunniesonthebayou.org
Krewe of Olympus (tie)
www.mardigrastexas.com
Runner-up
AssistHers
Favorite Benefit Event of the Year
Bunnies on the Bayou
www.bunniesonthebayou.org
Runners-up
Human Rights Campaign-Houston Gala
Houston GLBT Pride Parade
Favorite National GLBT Organization
Human Rights Campaign
www.hrc.org
Runner-up
PFLAG
Favorite Place to Worship
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
2025 W. 11th St. • 713/861-9149
www.resurrectionmcc.org
Runner-up
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church
People • Community • Businesses/Services • Dining • After Dark • Galveston
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