ORGULLO=PRIDE.

“We are building bridges in the community again,” says Abel Rodriguez (r), president of the Latino group GLOBO. Jose Luis Reyes (l) serves as vice president of Gays & Lesbians Organized By Orgullo (Spanish for pride). This year, the three-year-old organization will seek more women members and partner with other groups, Rodriguez says. Later this month, GLOBO will aid the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star with its coronation extravaganza. GLOBO is also gearing up for Baile, the Pride Week benefit dance.

Photographed by Gavyn Aaron at Marbella on Harrisburg

BIG BUILD UP.

This month, Dave Knox (l) of Maranatha and Debbie Maurelli of Resurrection lead a contingent of volunteers from both Metropolitan Community Church congregations in building a Habitat for Humanity house. The January 10-16 construction project—resulting in a GLBT-raised residence—is part of Habitat’s SuperBuild XXXVIII program to finish 38 houses in Houston before the February 1 Super Bowl. On January 11, Don Gill will raise funds for the effort by producing Believe, a benefit show at Keys West.

Photographed by Yvonne Feece at Resurrection MCC

MARATHON MAN.

On January 18, Jeff Benavides will complete his last marathon. “I’ve run in 10 marathons already, and I’m ready to give it up,” says Benavides, who currently trains by running 28 miles weekly. After finishing races from New York to Portland, he will face his final challenge, the HP Houston Marathon, which includes a Montrose leg. Look for fans cheering him on in front of the Houston GLBT Community Center. Benavides, Thomas Street Clinic HIV health educator, does plan to keep running for fitness and health.

Photographed by David Lewis in Bell Park

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