PastOut: Three years ago in ‘OutSmart’

Three years ago in ‘OutSmart.’By Donalevan Maines

Go with Vo,” crowed the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, urging re-election of state representative Hubert Vo in District 149, after Vo courageously voted against the antigay marriage constitutional amendment in the 2005 Texas Legislature.

In contrast, District 134 Republican incumbent Martha Wong had cratered to House Speaker Tom Craddick and other conservatives, abandoning gay constituents to vote in committee to send the resolution to the House floor, then abstaining in the floor vote. Accordingly, the GLBT Political Caucus endorsed Wong’s opponent, Ellen Cohen.

Gay politicos also endorsed the bid by out and loud Spring resident Dot Nelson-Turner to unseat a right-wing incumbent in District 150.

Galveston mayor Lyda Ann Thomas was voted the island’s “favorite politician” in the 10th anniversary Gayest & Greatest honors chosen by readers in Houston and Galveston. City controller Annise Parker was Houston’s favorite politician, as well as top community hero (female).

Houston favorites Patrice Pike and Ginger Leigh dominated the line-up at the Houston Women’s Festival that rocked downtown.

Further south on I-45, an exhibit at the University of Houston showcased gleaming toasters, waffle irons, mixers, and other everyday mid-20th-century treasures from the collection of designer Donald Emmite and his partner, Jim Power.

On CD, comedian Norm MacDonald played “Tex Hooper,” a country-music legend recording a comeback (and coming out) album. On another track, MacDonald and Will Ferrell portrayed the “World’s First Two Gay Guys.”

Fluff the Kat was featured at Chances’ Witches & Ho’s Ball, followed by Kitty Kat’s Naughty Dollhouse Body Art contest.

Halloween Magic cast its annual spell with M-U-R-D-E-R at the 16th Annual Montrose County Spelling Bee, with proceeds benefiting Bering Omega Community Services, Center for AIDS, and Legacy Community Health Services. James Fore, Wes Crain, and John Copous co-starred with Scott Sawyer as high-haired, scene-stealing Wanda June in the readers’ choice for Gayest and Greatest benefit event of the year, this month in OutSmart, 2006.

Donalevan Maines also writes about The Rocky Horror Show in this issue of OutSmart.

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