OutSmart presents the Official Guide to Pride Houston 2009
Celebrating 40 years since the famed Stonewall Rebellion in New York City when queers fiercely resisted harassment by New York City police, Pride Houston has adopted as its 2009 theme: Out 4 Justice. The snappy, superhero-looking logo, designed by Michael Hobley, David Wuensch, and TracyLynn Tessmer, reminds us of the courage it took—and takes—to be an out and open gay man, lesbian, or bisexual or transgendered person.
Here in the official OutSmart and Pride Houston 2009 Pride Guide, you’ll find stories of just a few of those courageous people, as well as tips to get the most out of your Pride experience, and dozens of very cool Pride–sanctioned and other out-and-proud events.
Pride Calendar
On the national front, the opposition to gay marriage is crumbling, state by state. We’ve got the most gay-friendly president at the helm in decades. Locally, we have our first real out candidate for mayor who, if she wins, would become the first openly gay mayor of a top-five American city, truly living up to the song’s claim, “this land is your land/this land is our land.” Which, come to think of it, could then be belted out by one of our very own Pride Idols (PrIdols, for those of you who need a shorthand for tweeting).
Well, there’s no better way to celebrate all this good gay fortune than with the 2009 Pride Month.
For the 31st year in a row, Houston is putting on a stellar Pride parade, and marking its 12th anniversary as the nation’s premiere nocturnal one. There are a myriad of very cool Pride-sanctioned (and other out-loud-and-proud) events to let your rainbow freak flag fly. We’ve compiled this list of places to go and things to do just for you, so keep this commemorative issue of OutSmart handy, as this is the Official 2009 Pride Guide. We should all be proud of ourselves. Happy Pride Month. —compiled by Nancy Ford and Steven Foster
June 3
Dine with Pride, Dinner 1
Why is the LGBT festival free while all city-sponsored fests shake you down with a wallet-wilting cover charge? Because the Pride Committee hosts fundraisers to keep it that way. This year, Pride is working with local Montrose restaurants for a series of fundraising fetes. Four generous
eateries will donate a portion of their night to Pride Houston.
For information on the restaurant location, go to PrideHouston.org.
June 3
7 pm, Angelika Film Center
Big-Screen Cabaret
Theatre Under The Stars celebrates its production of the musical masterpiece, Cabaret, with a screening of the Oscar-winning film starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. 510 Texas Ave. Tickets: $6.75–$9.50. Angelikafilmcenter.com • 713/225-1470
June 4
10 pm, Guava Lamp
Houston Pride Idols, Week 3
We’re down to the last finalists standing—make that singing—in this local American Idol knock-off. Could one be the next Kelly Clarkson? Or will the winner become the future Ruben Whatshisname? With a contest like this, it really could go either way. But if there’s a Susan Boyle in the bunch, it would be well worth your time to head over to Guava Lamp and check out the Pride Idols competition. FYI, the original 5-girl/5-guy contestants, coming in a rainbow of colors, were picked for their talent, not their gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. Kinda crazy how things come together during Pride, ain’t it? 570 Waugh Dr. Guava
Lamphouston.com. • 713/524-3359.
June 6
6-9 pm, Rich’s
Jocks in Dresses
Hide the bats. The studs of the Montrose Softball League don frocks for Jocks in Dresses, the league’s annual amateur drag fundraiser. Benefits AIDS Foundation Houston. 2401 San Jacinto.
Montrosesoftballleague.com.
June 7
5:30 pm, Ovations
Caring Cabaret
A different Cabaret . Pianist Roger Woest presents his annual Caring Cabaret, featuring vocalists Gary Bankston, Patti Barnes, Deborah Boily, Laura Finger Duggan, Terry Jones, Mark and Marla Stonebarger, and Charles Swan. Benefits Covenant House of Houston.?2536 Times Blvd. Tickets: $50. Ovationsnightclub.com • 713/522-9801.
June 7
7 pm, Brazos River Bottom
Colt 45’s Anniversary
Pride in perfomance. Colt 45’s celebrates 33 years of supporting people with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer with an anniversary show and awards ceremony. 2400 Brazos St. BrbHouston.com • 713/528-9192.
June 9
8 pm, Fitzgerald’s
Girl in a Coma
Saving the best for last. Girl in a Coma—that raucous, rocking Texas trio, two-thirds of which are out lesbians—is currently on a national summer tour in support of their new CD, Trio B.C. They wrap up visits to seven Lone Star cities with a show in Houston, sharing the stage with Miss Derringer. 2706 White Oak Dr. Fitzlive.com • 713/862-7469.
June 10
Dine with Pride, Dinner 2
TBA
For restaurant location, go to PrideHouston.org
June 11
10 pm, Guava Lamp
Houston Pride Idols, Week 4
If you’ve been to any of the Pride Idol weeks, you know that omnipresent Ernie Manouse is playing the Simon Cowell role, Houston Chronicle music writer and AI blogger Joey Guerra is the nice guy, and Project Runway Brit brat fashionista Vanessa Riley provides the estrogen. And after sucking down Guava’s powerfully potent cocktails, patrons are performing their own Paula Abdul slur and head bob. Now that’s entertainment.
June 12
Angelika Film Center
Outrage
Stall talk. Outrage, acclaimed filmmaker Kirby Dick’s new movie shedding light on the hypocrisy of closeted gay, antigay legislators, opens today. 510 Texas Ave. Angelikafilmcenter.com • 713/225-1470.
June 12
7 pm, Montrose Counseling Center
HATCH Prom
Prom and circumstance. OutSmart ‘s Nancy Ford emcees “Flashback to the ’80s,” HATCH’s Alternative Prom for youth and adults. (See page 142.) Montrose Counseling Center, 401 Branard St. Hatchyouth.org.
June 12
9 pm, Crocker Bar and George
Which Will Prevail
Simul-shows. ERSICSS celebrates Pride with Which Will Prevail, a pair of simultaneous, dueling shows benefiting Legacy Community Health Services. The men perform at Crocker Bar (2312 Crocker), and the women perform at George (617 Fairview). Susan Hayes and Natasha Nikole host. Ersicss.org.
June 13
10 am, Willis, Texas
3rd Annual Tranny Q
Pride parade float assembly will begin at 10 a.m. Bring screw guns, staple guns, air compressors, water, and sunscreen. A potluck BBQ dinner will be served at noon. This event is open to the entire LGBT community in honor of Pride Month. Go to Tq.transhouston.com for maps, carpool details, and information on overnight camping and fishing.
June 13
7:30 pm, Jones Hall
Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston
Muy caliente! Bayou City Performing Arts artistic director James Knapp says farewell to Houston, conducting Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston’s 30th anniversary season finale, La Perla!, a commissioned show?focusing on?Latino and Hispanic music. 615 Louisiana St. Tickets: $22–$65. Gmch.org.
June 14
7:30 pm, EJ’s
Gospel Revival
The glory of pride. ERSICSS board of directors host Gospel Revival . Benefits Legacy Community Health Services. 2517 Ralph St. Ersicss.org.
June 17
Dine with Pride, Dinner 3
TBA
For restaurant location, go to Pridehouston.org
June 18
10 pm, Guava Lamp
Houston Pride Idols, Week 5
Rumor has it Paula Abdul’s supposed to show up because someone called and told her Pfizer was giving out free samples of (insert pharmaceutical here). Okay, you know we’re kidding, right? 570 Waugh Dr. GuavaLampHouston.com • 713/524-3359.
June 18
6 pm, Alley Theatre
ActOUT
Television on stage. LGBT and supportive theater mavens enjoy a mixer with music, socializing, and complimentary cocktails followed by a performance of The Farnsworth Invention. Reception, 6 p.m.; curtain, 7:30 p.m. Alley Theatre’s 4th Floor Terrace Room, 615 Texas Ave. AlleyTheatre.org • 713/220-5700.
June 18
8 pm, Hobby Center
OUT@TUTS
Come hear the music play. OUT@TUTS explores the decadent world of 1930s Berlin in Cabaret with a post-show sing-along reception with cast and crew downstairs at Artista Restaurant. Theatre Under The Stars. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. TUTS.com.
June 19
8 pm, Hobby Center
Houston Pride Band
Band of brothers and sisters. Conducted by artistic director Jason Stephens, the Houston Pride Band concludes the season with the continuing theme, Beyond Fences: Music without Borders, featuring music from England, Japan, Chile, and, of course, the USA. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts’ Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St. Houstonprideband.org.
June 20
6 pm, La Maison on Revere
GLBT Wine Tasting
Exclusive to Friends of Pride, this wine soiree takes place at the swanky new La Maison in River Oaks. Members snack on designer hors d’oeuvres and move from tabletop to tabletop sampling prime vintages. If you’re not a FOP, why should you care? For Pride next year. Grab a few friends and pool your cash and buy the $750 champagne package which includes—get this—two on-site festival parking passes, six VIP bleacher seats for the parade that includes your own personal waiter, six tickets to an exclusive pre-Parade reception, four invites to the wine party, and more. PrideHouston.org
June 20
7:30-10:30 pm, Bistro Calais
Jerry Atwood and Rick Comeaux
Greenway cabaret. Legendary piano bar darlings Jerry Atwood and Rick Comeaux perform favorite show tunes, ballads, and more in the musical dining room the third Saturday of each month (this month, June 20). Check the website for appearances by Sharon Montgomery, Tommie Lee Bradley, and other local favorites. 2811 Bammel Ln. Reservations: BistroCalais.com • 713/529-1314.
June 20
1 pm, Community Gospel Church
The Bible and Modern Humanity
Holy man. The Reverend Samuel Kader, renowned author and international leader in the Community Gospel Church denomination, conducts Everything you were afraid to ask*, but really need to know, a four-hour seminar addressing what the Bible really says about homosexuality and how it relates to modern humanity. Free. 608 Aurora St. CommunityGospel.org • 713/880-2245.
June 21
11 am, Community Gospel Church
Reverend Samuel Kader
From the pulpit. The Reverend Samuel Kader addresses the congregation following his June 20 workshop (see previous entry). 608 Aurora St. CommunityGospel.org • 713/880-2245.
June 20-21
10 am, Slick Willie’s Family Pool Hall
13th Annual Houston Billiard Open
Don’t scratch. Experienced pool players and amateurs alike are welcomed at the Independent Billiard League of Houston’s 13th Annual Houston Billiard Open. The event is the final stop of the prestigious ACS/J. Pechauer Cues All American Tour. “The $500 added money purse provides us nationwide promotion with regional focus, and this alliance promises to increase player participation,” says IBL representative Greg Killips. Registration, 10 a.m.; play, 11 a.m. 1200 Westheimer. Tickets: $30–$35. IBLHouston.com.
June 21
8:30 am-10:50 am,
Bering United Methodist Church
Interfaith Service
One of Pride’s most endearing characteristics is its inherent inclusiveness. The colors of the rainbow, while separate, form one unifying image. Why not celebrate that spiritual diversity and unity by joining others in worship? If you haven’t been to church in awhile, do yourself, your spirit, and your psyche a favor and join Bering’s interfaith service. God loves you. And in whatever form you envision God, He/She would love to see you. BeringUMC.org
June 21
6 pm, Community
Gospel Church
Entertaining Angels
Hospitality (sweet). Community Gospel Church presents its annual Pride celebration, Entertaining Angels, a musical drama revealing the real story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Free. 608 Aurora St.
CommunityGospel.org • 713/880-2245.
June 24
Dine with Pride, Dinner 4
TBA
For restaurant location, go to PrideHouston.org
June 25
10 pm, Guava Lamp
Houston Pride Idols, Week 6
Someone’s going to have their PrIdol dream come true. Will there be a Kris Allen-style upset? Or will the contestant with the most buzz actually win the top prize? Find out tonight at this, the big Pride Idol finale. 570 Waugh Dr.
GuavaLampHouston.com • 713/524-3359.
June 25
5:30 pm, Bayou City Bar & Grill
Author Book Signing
Author, author. Local author B. Alan Bourgeois signs copies of GAPH 2: The Readers, a sequel to his successful God’s Army to Purge Homosexuality . 2409-A Grant St. Bayoucitybar.com • 713/522-2867.
June 26
10 pm, Meteor
Pride Fashion
Sponsored by Male UWear, this runway extravaganza gives you the chance to gawk at, and plan, your perfect outfit for the Pride Parade—skivvies. We all know it’s about a thousand degrees in Houston, so less in this case really is more. More comfortable, that is. Swimsuits are also on display, so if it rains (a definite possibility), you won’t mind getting your new fashion statement a little soaked. But don’t worry. Even if you don’t have the perfect gym body to pull off something skimpy, there are plenty of other hot fashions to peruse. Meteor, 2306 Genesee. Meteorlounge.com • 713/521-0123.
June 26
8 pm, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Stonewall 40
Without the brick throwing. PWA Holiday Charities presents Stonewall 40, celebrating 40 years of LGBT Pride, with all community entertainers invited to perform. Benefits PAW Holiday Charities and Legacy Community Health Services’ medication and insurance assistance programs. Pwahc .org. Tony’s Corner Pocket 817 W. Dallas St. Tonyscornerpocketbar.com.
June 27
11 am–7 pm, Westheimer & Yoakum
Houston Pride Festival
A now-standard Pride accompaniment, the Pride Festival is basically a drink and food recharge zone for those who aim to make Pride an all-day affair. However, this year, there are a couple of events worth special mention. The Walgreen’s Health & Wellness Pavilion hosts HIV/STD testing, along with cancer screening information, nutrition information, and Men’s & Women’s Wellness education. The Stonewall Legal Advice Tent allows you the chance to speak privately with probate and family law experts, and various legal eagles on LGBT rights. Community Street offers pro-LGBT exhibitors, food courts, pet adoptions, and the Pride Oasis “cool zone” (thank you, Bud Lite!). For the little ones, the Family Space & Kid’s Zone boasts inflatable games, a rock wall, Wii station, face painting, and specifically family-friendly exhibitors.
June 27
6 pm, Bering Omega Float
Tailgate Party
Pride party. Bering Omega Community Services hosts a tailgate party before the Pride parade begins. Check location of their float on the official parade lineup. Beringumc.org • 713/526-1017.
June 27
8–11 pm
Houston Pride Parade
It’s hot. It’s sweaty. It’s fun and it’s funky. And thank God it’s at night. It’s the 31st annual Pride parade. Expect the usual eye-popping floats from the big brand names, although in this economy, even that’s up in the air. Although safe betters can reasonably bank on Charles Armstrong providing some glitz, they can also expect plenty of walking contingents. But the PFLAG group gets the loudest hoots and hollers, with or without the added pizzazz of bead-tossing. And while we he have your attention, please, please, everyone, put your trash in the provided bins. It’s inexcusable that we throw a party and afterwards it looks like we trashed the place. And to you parade organizers: take a note from the Art Car Parade and get those floats moving . We love our funky parade, but to have a 10-minute lagtime between motorcades is a real buzzkill. Get those floats rolling and crack that whip! (We’re supposed to be good at that, remember?) Pridehouston.org
June 27
HIV Testing
Get tested. June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Call AIDS Foundation Houston for a list of testing locations. AIDSFoundationHouston.org. • 713/623-6796.
June 27
4 pm–4 am, Club Adam and Eden
Daylong Pride Party
All-Day Pride. Club Adam and Eden present a daylong Pride Party for those who prefer to parade their stuff closer to the Gulf. 522 NASA parkway in Webster. Clubadam.net • 281/554-3336.
June 28
9 & 11 am, Resurrection MCC
Day-After Services
Worshiping with pride. Resurrection MCC conducts its annual “day after the parade” Pride services. ResurrectionMCC.org • 713/861-9149.
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