LookOut
by Tim Brookover

LEATHER LONGING

When Steven Lloyd competes in the May 27–31 International Mr. Leather event in Chicago, he will seek to follow in the bootsteps of the Texans who have won the title, Houstonian Colt Thomas (1983) and Stephen Weber of Dallas (2002). Lloyd—photographed by Steven David at the Ripcord—will travel to the Windy City bearing the local Master of Leather title.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Our Sapphic sisters have often bemoaned a dearth of social opportunities for lesbians in Houston. “Where are all the women?” the sisterhood cries. Once again, Carolyn Wyatt has an answer. The founder of the popular first-and-third-Wednesday Professional Women’s Happy Hour at Meteor now publishes a snappy weekly e-mail newsletter packed with events and activities of particular interest to the gals. Want to fill your calendar? Drop a request to carol.wyatt@nuasis.com.

Still looking for something to do? Therapist Daniel Garces has formed the Montrose Social Group, which meets on Thursday night at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church. Learn more at www.MSGHouston.org.

Bryan Lari has seen such crowds at his weekly yoga class at the Houston GLBT Community Center that he now offers two sessions every Monday—at 6 p.m., then at 7:30. Lari also teaches monthly classes at Thomas Street Clinic.

GLOBO president Abel Rodriguez recently e-mailed to announce the first Mr./Ms. GLOBO Pageant. Of course, you knew that GLOBO means Gays & Lesbians Organized by Orgullo (pride), sí? On May 9, the hombres and señoritas will strut down the runway at Club Inergy, competing for cash and prizes. Think you have what it takes? Call 713/710-0268 to register.

Becky Cochrane and Timothy J. Lambert will sign copies of their new novel, The Deal, at Borders River Oaks on May 25. Some of you learned about these two Houston writers in our February 2003 article (“Author! Author?”) about He’s the One, the book they wrote with two additional collaborators under the nom de plume Timothy James Beck. Perplexed? Stop by Borders and sort it all out.
Mark your Frank Gehry calendar now for the American Institute of Architects annual sandcastle-building contest on June 5 on Galveston’s East Beach. Competitors from 85 teams—some of them scantily clad, hello!—will vie for the Golden Bucket Award.

GOOD WORKS

Never clean your own ride? Then motor over to Mary’s on May 8 for the Sundance Cattle Company carwash benefiting Darla’s Learning Center, the school for adults with mental retardation that recently moved into Montrose. Cattle Company chairman Norman Umstead and his fellow scrubbers will also sell exuberantly colored art created by Learning Center students, including school namesake Darla Deese.

On May 19, Brad Brandt, Jon Famestad, Tivona Watson, and Jamie Zelko will host a reception at Sunset Body Works benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. To RSVP: 713/524-7707.

Deterred by inclement weather on Easter Sunday, the Bunnies on the Bayou fundraising bash will hop to May 23. Hosts of the outdoor event held next to Wortham Center include Nelda Billescas and Kirsten Vaselaar.

CHO FUNNY

As we went to press, Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival president Zig Zigman buzzed with the news that the fest will host an advance screening on June 5 of the new Margaret Cho concert flick, Revolution. Sponsored by Sundance Channel, which will premiere the movie June 19, the sneak peek, and a party, will take place at Rice Cinema. Evening details were still in development. Check the festival website, www.hglff.org, for updates.

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