LookOut

DINNER PLANS

Mary Jean Tiernan (l), the new AssistHers president, and past president Maria Perez are prepping for the annual Progressive Dinner fundraiser hosted by AssistHers and An Uncommon Legacy. On May 17, two buses will transport guests to seven host homes for a multicourse meal. The night will conclude with a party at Boca Chica. More info: 713/521-4628 or www.uncommonlegacy.org. Photo by David Lewis.

STAGE STRUCK

Theatre New West impresario Joe Watts inaugurates a second stage for his company this month with Jerker, the powerful Robert Chesley play. Brett Cullum and Glen Fillmore star as two men involved in an erotic telephone relationship that unexpectedly deepens.

On May 15, Watts will present a preview performance at his Theatre New West…too benefiting the Houston GLBT Community Center.

Composer and pianist Jim Brickman will perform at the Stages Repertory Theatre May 8 spring gala “…And All That Jazz.”

ART WATCH

Speaking of the community center, that organization plans to restart the Positive Art Workshop, perhaps as soon as this month. Painter Ryan Fugate will lead the regular free art classes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. A grant secured by Todd Williams, pastor of New Covenant Christian Church, which worships at the center, made possible the return of the workshop, first established by artist Patrick Palmer. Interested individuals may contact info@houstonglbtcenter.org.

The photographer David Lewis, Fugate’s partner (and an OutSmart contributor), will host a May 10 open house and exhibition at his new studio in the 3400 Montrose building. Artists who will show their work include John Painter and Kyle Fu and other talents from his Notorious Artist Guild. Mark Goebel will provide music.

Breaking away from the Houston International Festival this year, the Art Car Parade drives off on its own. Creative car designers include partners Philip Mayard and Mitch Pengra, who met at the parade in 2001.More than 250 colorfully adorned cars will roll along Allen Parkway on May 10.

GOOD WORKS

The Houston Black Tie Dinner board recently announced that Bering~Omega Community Services, H.A.T.C.H., Lesbian Health Initiative, Montrose Clinic, Montrose Counseling Center, People With AIDS Coalition of Houston, and Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church shared equally in $56,000 raised at the 2002 event. May 14 is the deadline for groups to request funds from the 2003 dinner, which will feature comic actress Kathy Najimy (Sister Act, King of the Hill), a vocal gay-rights supporter.

Gays & Lesbians Organized by Orgullo (GLOBO) will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a weekend of festivities beginning May 2 at Club Inergy. Miss Lupita will perform. On May 3, Club Kalipso owner Joe NAME will host an evening at his Spring Branch nightspot, which will include a midnight show, and GLOBO will sell homemade carne guisada tacos. On May 4, Val NAME of Guava Lamp will host a show at that club, and GLOBO will serve special tacos called patitos. Proceeds from the weekend will support Baile Internacional, the group’s annual benefit dance. Rachel Demo, Domingo Ovalle, Abel Rodriguez, Joe Sandoval, and Blanca Treviño are the GLOBO organizers.

On the Island, fundraising diva Misty Valdez will present a series of benefit shows throughout the month leading up to her Sweet Sixteen extravaganza on June 7 at Garza’s Kon Tiki. All proceeds support the AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas.

SCOUTS, COME OUT

On May 10, one local cell of the homophobic Boy Scouts of America holds an open house at its capacious new facility on the North Loop. Supporters of Scouting For All, the inclusive and gay-friendly nationwide scouting organization, might want to stop by and regale folks with the Scouts’ Skyline District—how gay is that?—with this observation by comedian Jon Stewart: “The Boy Scouts is already the gayest organization in America. The definition of gay isn’t same-sex intercourse. It is thousands of young boys in neckerchiefs eagerly awaiting next year’s Jamboree. What is gayer than thousands of young boys in neckerchiefs? Even the Village People won’t wear that.”

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