LookOut
Gay events of note.
by Nancy Ford
Lunch and a Movie. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church’s Welcome M.A.T. (Movies and Things) program presents Puccini for Beginners, starring Gretchen Mol (Life on Mars, 3:10 to Yuma), Elizabeth Reaser (The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Family Stone), and Justin Kirk (Weeds, Angels in America). The film, followed by a discussion, is free; lunch is available for $6, or bring your own. Feb. 14, 12:30 p.m., and each second Sunday. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Dr. • emersonhouston.org.
What Gay Men Need to Know about HPV. Northwestern University Professor Steve Epstein discusses “Discussing the Undiscussable: HPV Vaccination, the Politics of Non-Knowledge, and the Limits of Queer Biocitizenship,” focusing on gay men, human papillomavirus (HPV), anal cancer, and more. Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. Rice University’s Kelly International Conference Facility of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. A public reception follows. Presented by Rice University’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. RSVP: 713/348-2162.
Out at the Opera. Mix and mingle with Tosca star Patricia Racette, conductor Patrick Summers, and other LGBT fans in Houston Grand Opera’s Green Room following the performance of Puccini’s masterpiece. Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Wortham Theatre Center, 501 Texas Ave. • houstongrandopera.org • 713/228-6737.
A Gay in Every Port. The Krewe of Olympus celebrates Mardi Gras in a gay way with its 40th anniversary celebration with the global theme, “Ports of Call.” Benefits AssistHers, Colt 45’s AIDS Trouble Fund, and the PFLAG/HATCH Scholarship Fund supporting LGBT students. Feb. 6. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas • mardigrastexas.com.
Support for Our Furry Friends. The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program’s Animal AID program, which provides financial support for pets of people with HIV/AIDS, is represented annually by Mr. and Miss Purrfect. This year’s representatives compete in Fabulous in Faux Fur, with winners riding with the SNAP contingency in the Pride Parade. The evening features performances by Miss Purrrfect 2009, Miss Purrrfect 2008, and others. Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. TC’s Bar, 817 Fairview Ave. • [email protected] • 713/516-8950.
Misbehaving Mondays.The beginning of the week just got a lot more delightful and delicious. Bayou City Concerts Musicals celebrates the Great American Songbook with Let’s Misbehave: The Early Music of Cole Porter. Rob Landes and Paul Hope headline. Feb. 8, 15, and 22, 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. • bayoucityconcertmusicals.org • 713/465-6484.
Flutter By. Following the performance of Miss Saigon, the award-winning Vietnam War-era musical retelling of Madame Butterfly, join cast members for Out at TUTS. Mix, mingle, talk “theatah,” and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at the adjacent Artiste Restaurant. Feb. 11. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. • tuts.com.
Redefining Righteousness. Usually Pentecostal goes with gay like Leno goes with Letterman: the two just don’t mix. The Fellowship of Reconciling Pentecostals is working to change that perception. The network of Pentecostal ministers, churches, and ministries seeking “by means of the full gospel of Jesus Christ to reconcile all people to God without regard to race, gender, political persuasion, economic or educational status, sexual orientation, nationality, religious affiliation, and any other thing that divides” convenes its ninth annual General Conference. The conference includes public worship services, “Pentecostal style” music, workshops, including a session titled “Christianity and Homosexuality–Reconciled,” and more. Houston mayor, Annise D. Parker, addresses the Saturday, 6 p.m., worship service. Feb. 12–14. Community Gospel Church, 608 Aurora St. Go to rpifellowship.com for schedule and registration.
Loving Lesbians. Twice annually, the women of Lesbian Health Initiative–Houston provide mammograms and other life-saving services for lesbians with their Rainbow Health Fairs. The group’s Celebration of Love dinner dance funds those fairs. Comedian Michele Balan, a finalist in NBC’s Last Comic Standing, headlines. (See interview on page 47.) Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., with silent auction, photos, and drinks beginning at 6:30 p.m. Renaissance Hotel, 6 East Greenway Plaza • lhihouston.org.
Post-Mardi Gras Parties. Maybe you don’t have the stamina to attend all of the events associated with the 37th running of Let Us Entertain You (LUEY) Weekend. Local attendees pay $15 for the LUEY registration pin (out-of-towners register free), which provides entrance to three days’ worth of bar-based cocktail parties, meals, and related revelry. But if nothing else, swing by Sunday’s Show of Show (1 p.m. at Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto), a tantalizing roster of live entertainment interspersed with locally produced short films. Presented by Houston Council of Club, an umbrella organization of local leather clubs. Feb. 18–21. Full schedule at lueyweekend.com.
Movie Night. QFest and the Houston GLBT Community Center present The Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives. Considered the first feature-length documentary on gay and lesbian identity, the film focuses on 26 gay men and lesbians describing their struggle to live freely in America. Peter Adair, Nancy Adair, Veronica Selver, Andrew Brown, Robert Epstein, and Lucy Massie Phenix direct. 1977. Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Rice University Media Center Auditorium, 6100 Main St. • q-fest.org.
Speaking of Men in Women’s Clothing. In the tradition of the Greater Tuna series, Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies follows the exploits of two Shakespearean actors who don drag to try to inherit a deceased dowager’s estate. Performed by members of the Montana Repertory Theatre. Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. • thegrand.com • 409/763-7173.
‘Brokeback’ Director. Rice Cinema presents the early films of noted director Ang Lee, compliments of The Taiwan Economic & Cultural Office. Films include Tui Sho (Pushing Hands) on Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Xu Jan (The Wedding Banquet) on Feb. 20, 7 p.m.; and Yin Shi Nan Nu (Eat Drink Man Woman), Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Rice University Media Center Auditorium, 6100 Main St. • rice.edu • 713/348-4853.
Rites of Spring. Houston Pride Band says goodbye to winter with Flights of Fancy, the group’s spring concert. Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Resurrection MCC, 2025 West 11th St. • houstonprideband.org.
The Sincerest Form of Flattery. Female impersonators over age 40 compete in Puttin’ on the Ritz, a glamorous step toward the Miss Texas Classic drag pageant. The winner of this preliminary competition receives $1000 cash, $1500 worth of gigs, plus a paid entry and round-trip airfare to the main event in Las Vegas. Miss USofA Classic, Lawanda Jackson, and Duree Saunders (America’s Got Talent) perform. Entry fee for contestants: $100. Feb. 28, 11 p.m. Crystal Nightclub, 6680 Southwest Frwy. • [email protected] • 713/359-6927.
What’s Your Story? Some people walk in AIDS Foundation Houston’s annual AIDS Walk in honor of a loved one who died from the effects of HIV, some to support those living with HIV, and others simply enjoy taking a 5K stroll along Allen Parkway with thousands of friends on a Sunday morning. Walkers past and present are encouraged to share their individual reasons for walking with AFH. Your story may be chosen by AFH to share with the media prior to the March 14 walk. Send your 300-words-or-less story and a photo to [email protected].
PLANNING AHEAD
Pre-walk Party. As it has done each Friday evening prior to AIDS Foundation Houston’s famed AIDS Walk Houston for the past five years, Starbucks Coffee Company’s Pride Alliance once again presents its annual silent auction. Sales of various works of art, and gift certificates from local merchants benefit AFH. All donations must be received by March 1; email [email protected] for details. March 5, 5–9 p.m. Starbucks Coffee, 3407 Montrose Blvd. • starbucks.com • 713/521-7278.
Bringing in The Green. Montrose Counseling Center’s annual shamrock-inspired fundraiser is once again underwritten by John Danielson, who hosts the party at his home. The $50 suggested donation benefits programs of MCC, including their new support groups for transgenders and partners of transgenders. March 12. RSVP: 713/529-0037 • montrosecounselingcenter.org.
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