Recent Posts
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State News
Texas Politics Leave Transgender Foster Youth Isolated
Story by William Melhado, The Texas Tribune, Video and photos by Greta Díaz González Vázquez, The Texas Tribune April 23,…
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National News
Things to Know as Courts and Legislatures Act on Transgender Kids’ Rights
By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press Three court rulings across the U.S. this week delved into laws restricting the rights of…
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Politics
Jill Biden Calls Trump a Bully Who is Dangerous to LGBTQ People
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden rallied LGBTQ voters for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign on…
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Photos
The Montrose Center Hosts Empowering Our Future Gala
The Empowering Our Future Gala at the Ballroom at Bayou Place celebrated LGBTQ youth services of the Montrose Center with…
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Photos
Black Queer AF Music Festival 2024
Warehouse Live Midtown was the venue for the 2024 edition of the Black Queer AF Music Festival. The entertainment lineup…
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News
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State News
Texas Politics Leave Transgender Foster Youth Isolated
Story by William Melhado, The Texas Tribune, Video and photos by Greta Díaz González Vázquez, The Texas Tribune April 23,…
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National News
Things to Know as Courts and Legislatures Act on Transgender Kids’ Rights
By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press Three court rulings across the U.S. this week delved into laws restricting the rights of…
Read More » -
Politics
Jill Biden Calls Trump a Bully Who is Dangerous to LGBTQ People
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden rallied LGBTQ voters for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign on…
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Religion
Vatican Blasts Gender-Affirming Surgery, Surrogacy, and Gender Theory
By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican on Monday declared gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy as grave…
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Food + Drink
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Features
Inside the Journey of Chef Henry Lu at JŪN
Chef Henry Lu blended his background and creative talents to launch a “New Asian-American” concept.
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Food + Drink
From Top Chef to Top Choice: How Sasha Grumman Redefined Houston’s Private Dining Scene
Chef Sasha Grumman is one of Houston’s most sought-after private chefs.
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Food + Drink
Redefining High Tea: Casual Elegance at McHugh Tea Room
Amy and Woody Quinn have created a welcoming tea experience in Houston.
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Features
Chef Diego Chiarello Revamps Rich’s Houston Cuisine
Rich’s new executive chef Diego Chiarello transforms the bar and restaurant’s “vibe dining” menu.
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Features
Double the Flavor: Tacos Doña Lena Launches Second Location in the Heights
Husbands Angel Cabrera and Brian Ponce open their second Tacos Doña Lena location.
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Features
Side Peace: Redefining Nightlife for Houston’s Lesbian Community
Julie Mabry and Valerie Redman’s Side Peace is Houston’s newest lesbian establishment.
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Features
From Urban Eats to Salt & Sugar: Chef Levi Rollins’ Delicious Evolution
Levi Rollins’ new Salt & Sugar bakery opens in Spring Branch.
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Community News
Nourishing Lives Beyond Hunger
Kinnon Falk’s Kindred Kitchen nonprofit uses food as a catalyst for transformation.
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Queer in Galveston
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Front Page A&E
A Home Run for Creativity
Island ETC Theatre’s Damn Yankees scores big with its queer-led cast.
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Nightlife
Serena Spellman Crowned Miss Island Goddess 2024 in Spectacular Gala
Resident Queen Mother Kymber DeVine inspires community and contestants alike.
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Front Page A&E
Island Idol Season 7 Unveils Spectacular Galveston Talent
Hostess Carly D. Nation is also well-known for her upcoming Transfolk YouTube series.
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Features
Pride Galveston Kicks Off on Sept. 1
The Island’s celebration of queer community is in its fifth year.
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Features
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Features
Inside the Journey of Chef Henry Lu at JŪN
Chef Henry Lu blended his background and creative talents to launch a “New Asian-American” concept.
Read More » -
Features
Chef Diego Chiarello Revamps Rich’s Houston Cuisine
Rich’s new executive chef Diego Chiarello transforms the bar and restaurant’s “vibe dining” menu.
Read More » -
Features
Double the Flavor: Tacos Doña Lena Launches Second Location in the Heights
Husbands Angel Cabrera and Brian Ponce open their second Tacos Doña Lena location.
Read More » -
Features
Side Peace: Redefining Nightlife for Houston’s Lesbian Community
Julie Mabry and Valerie Redman’s Side Peace is Houston’s newest lesbian establishment.
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Features
From Urban Eats to Salt & Sugar: Chef Levi Rollins’ Delicious Evolution
Levi Rollins’ new Salt & Sugar bakery opens in Spring Branch.
Read More » -
Art
Exploring the Depths of Kehinde Wiley’s Artistic Realm: An Archaeology of Silence at MFAH
Kehinde Wiley’s thought-provoking new collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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Photos
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Photos
The Montrose Center Hosts Empowering Our Future Gala
The Empowering Our Future Gala at the Ballroom at Bayou Place celebrated LGBTQ youth services of the Montrose Center with…
Read More » -
Photos
Black Queer AF Music Festival 2024
Warehouse Live Midtown was the venue for the 2024 edition of the Black Queer AF Music Festival. The entertainment lineup…
Read More » -
Photos
HRC Houston Dinner 2024
The Human Rights Campaign held its annual HRC Houston Dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Downtown with special host, comedian…
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Photos
Trans Day of Visibility 2024 Rally at the Montrose Center
The Trans Day of Visibility rally at The Montrose Center attracted over 200 individuals, who gathered to show support for…
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Photos
Bunnies on the Bayou 2024
The 45th edition of Bunnies on the Bayou was a huge success, with approximately 2500 attendees in their best Easter…
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Music
Madonna: The Celebration Tour
Madonna is back in town for her two-night ‘The Celebration Tour’ in Houston at the Toyota Center this Thursday and…
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Arts & Entertainment
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Books
Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer Tops List of Most-Challenged Library Book
By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir Gender Queer continues its troubled run…
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Front Page A&E
Beyoncé’s Epic Act ll: Cowboy Carter Defies Categorization, Redefines American Style
By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Nothin’ really ends / For things to stay the…
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Art
Exploring the Depths of Kehinde Wiley’s Artistic Realm: An Archaeology of Silence at MFAH
Kehinde Wiley’s thought-provoking new collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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Arts & Entertainment
Harmonizing the Cosmos: Houston Symphony Showcases Jimmy López Bellido’s “Eclipse”
Jimmy López Bellido’s cosmic composition Eclipse premieres at the Houston Symphony.
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Front Page A&E
A Home Run for Creativity
Island ETC Theatre’s Damn Yankees scores big with its queer-led cast.
Read More » -
Nightlife
Serena Spellman Crowned Miss Island Goddess 2024 in Spectacular Gala
Resident Queen Mother Kymber DeVine inspires community and contestants alike.
Read More »
OutSmart Community
Trans Visablility
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News
Judge Blocks Texas Attorney General from Accessing Data on Trans Youth
A judge in Austin has blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton’s latest effort to persecute Texas families with transgender youth.
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Trans Visibility
Watch: On the Cover – An Interview with Avery Belyeu, the New CEO of the Montrose Center
Meet Avery Belyeu, the new CEO of the Montrose Center. With over a decade of experience in national nonprofit leadership…
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Black Voices
Breaking Down Barriers: Mo Jenkins Makes Transgender History in the Texas Legislature
Mo Jenkins is shaking things up as the first trans woman to be a committee director and committee clerk in…
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Trans Visibility
Leading with Purpose: Avery Belyeu is the New CEO of the Montrose Center
Avery Belyeu, 38, has joined the Montrose Center as its new chief executive officer, following Ann Robison, who retired after…
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Black Voices
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Black Voices
Meet Denisha Maxey-Estes: An Arduous Life Journey Helped Her Find Her Calling
Denisha works at the International Better Business Bureau and has been an active advocate for women and LGBTQ people across…
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Black Voices
Breaking Down Barriers: Mo Jenkins Makes Transgender History in the Texas Legislature
Mo Jenkins is shaking things up as the first trans woman to be a committee director and committee clerk in…
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Black Voices
Lauren Ashley Simmons is Running for Office to Advocate for Public Schools and Transgender Teens
Lauren Ashley Simmons knew she had to run for state representative in District 146 when Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Democrat…
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Black Voices
Creating Safe Havens: Ryan Wright Redefines Foster Care for LGBTQ Youth
Wright founded and currently serves as executive director for the Texas Greenhouse Project (TGP) and its Transitional Housing Mission, which…
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Arts & Entertainment
Empowering Narratives
Black Queer Advancement Festival Week is creating space for Black LGBTQ performers.
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Black Voices
Lauren Ashley Simmons’ Run for Office Sparked by Rep. Thierry’s Support for Senate Bill 14
Lauren Ashley Simmons knew she had to run for state representative when Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Democrat from Houston, announced…
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AAPI Leaders
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Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Empowering Diversity: Rafferty Laredo’s Journey in United Spinal Houston
Rafferty Laredo’s Filipino American heritage inspires his occupational-therapy work.
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Asian American and Pacific Islanders
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Asian American and Pacific Islanders
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Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Challenging Homophobia in the Muslim World
Activist Sharjeel Hanif is encouraged by the progress he sees.
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Latinx Leaders
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Latinx Leaders
Olivia Julianna Inspires Over a Million Followers to Create Meaningful Political Change
Whether she’s advocating for abortion rights or meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss queer policy changes, 21-year-old Olivia…
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Features
Raising Funds and Raising the Bar
Margarita Pérez Frinsco excels at building bridges among diverse communities.
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Latinx Leaders
A Writer’s Revolution
César Ramos uses his publishing venture to create spaces for Latinx creatives.
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Health & Wellness
Legacy’s AmistadesHTX: Fostering Connections, Reducing HIV Stigma in the Latinx Community
"Amistades" means friendships in Spanish, and friendships and connections are at the heart of AmistadesHTX, a grant-funded program by Legacy…
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Allyship in Action
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Allyship in Action
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Allyship in Action
Coalition Builder
The Montrose Center’s Ann Robison reflects on concluding her 35 years of service.
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Allyship in Action
An Ideal Ally
Chris Hollins hopes to advocate for marginalized communities as Houston City Controller.
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Allyship in Action
Becoming an Ally in Word and Action
Confronting bigotry is a necessary part of the equation.
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Gayest & Greatest 2023
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Cover Story
OutSmart’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners
OutSmart magazine is excited to once again honor our community’s best and brightest—individuals and businesses who were this year’s top…
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Gayest & Greatest 2023
OutSmart’s 26th Annual Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards – Part I
Nearly 500 guests gathered at South Beach Houston for the 2023 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards celebration, presented by…
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Cover Story
Houston’s TV Gem
For six years, Derrick Shore has co-hosted Houston Life on Houston’s KPRC 2.
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Gayest & Greatest
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Gayest & Greatest 2023
OutSmart’s 26th Annual Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards – Part III
Houston’s “Gayest and Greatest” gathered at South Beach Houston for this year’s celebration of the community’s favorite personalities and businesses.…
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Gayest & Greatest 2023
OutSmart’s 26th Annual Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards – Part II
Close to 500 guests rubbed elbows with 2023 winners and finalists at the 2023 Gayest & Greatest Reader’s Choice Awards…
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OutSmart at 30
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Arts & Entertainment
The Triumph of Persistence
Chloe Knox claims Miss Gay Texas crown on the fourth attempt.
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Black Voices
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Black Voices
Trailblazing Journey
Harrison Guy continues to break barriers at City Hall and in the arts.
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OutSmart at 30
An OutSmart Magazine 30th Retrospective
We look back on the last 30 years and recognize how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to…
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Arts & Entertainment
Shattering Barriers
Jessica Zyrie graced the cover of OutSmart magazine in February 2019. As a Black trans woman and model, Zyrie uses…
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COVID-19 Coverage
Prioritizing Mental Health
Nicholas Olaverria speaks out on his experience during the pandemic.
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Columns
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SignOut Horoscope
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MoneySmart
Home Ownership for Unmarried Couples
There are special legal and financial issues to consider.
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WiggingOut
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WiggingOut
Nibbles Zon Bits Thorne is the Cat’s Meow
Known as the tuxedo cat who is always fitted with a bow tie, the performer is remembered for delivering a…
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Columns
Tips for First-Time LGBTQ Diverse Investors
Are you new to investing? In the world of investing, the power of compounding is a force to be reckoned…
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Columns
Protecting Your Peace: Strategies for Resilience from Legislative Attacks
Nationally, LGBTQ+ people continue to experience greater visibility and overall acceptance. According to a recent Gallup poll, over 7%…
Read More »
Lifestyle
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Features
Inside the Journey of Chef Henry Lu at JŪN
Chef Henry Lu blended his background and creative talents to launch a “New Asian-American” concept.
Read More » -
Food + Drink
From Top Chef to Top Choice: How Sasha Grumman Redefined Houston’s Private Dining Scene
Chef Sasha Grumman is one of Houston’s most sought-after private chefs.
Read More » -
Food + Drink
Redefining High Tea: Casual Elegance at McHugh Tea Room
Amy and Woody Quinn have created a welcoming tea experience in Houston.
Read More » -
Features
Chef Diego Chiarello Revamps Rich’s Houston Cuisine
Rich’s new executive chef Diego Chiarello transforms the bar and restaurant’s “vibe dining” menu.
Read More » -
Features
Double the Flavor: Tacos Doña Lena Launches Second Location in the Heights
Husbands Angel Cabrera and Brian Ponce open their second Tacos Doña Lena location.
Read More » -
Features
Side Peace: Redefining Nightlife for Houston’s Lesbian Community
Julie Mabry and Valerie Redman’s Side Peace is Houston’s newest lesbian establishment.
Read More »
Sponsored Content
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Sponsored Content
Looking for a Mortgage? Houston Federal Credit Union Has Options!
Houston Federal Credit Union (HFCU) Mortgage knows that your biggest investment is your home, and wants you to have a…
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Sponsored Content
The Men’s Clinic’s Approach: How Dr. Randolph Is Redefining Men’s Care, from Tackling ER Chaos to Healing Intimacy Struggles
Discover how one doctor's shift to a local clinic transforms lives.
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Health & Wellness
Aesthetics and Empowerment: Houston Circumcision Clinic’s Mission to Transform Men’s Health
Creating a holistic and aesthetic center for men’s sexual health.
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News
Janet Jackson and AIDS Healthcare Foundation World AIDS DAY Concert in Houston
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest provider of HIV/AIDS healthcare in the world, is teaming up with global icon Janet…
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Food + Drink
BB’s Tex-Orleans: Bigger, Better, and Boozy-er
From cozy corner to spacious oasis: check out BB's Tex-Orleans' new, roomier Montrose location.
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Sponsored Content
Modern Risk Management LLC: The Right Choice For Insurance
Full-service agency offers solutions with a personal touch.
Read More »
Wedding Guide
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Wedding Guide
Nothing Wrong with the Wrights
Courtney Wright and Dove didn’t let an awkward start keep them from their journey toward a lifetime of love.
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Wedding Guide
Love Knows No Distance
Carrie McManus and Ashley Campbell grew closer during their long-distance courtship.
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Wedding Guide
A Match Made in Med School
Will Jones and Tyler Young chose Houston’s Julia Ideson Library for their big day.
Read More »
Pride in the Media
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Black Voices
Ahmad Wilson Reps Queer Lives on the Morning KRBE Broadcast
“I remember the first time I hung out with Special K outside of the show. He showed me the most…
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Pride in the Media
A Serendipitous Shift
Stuart Rosenberg’s creative passion led him to public-relations success.
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Front Page A&E
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Front Page A&E
Brilliance in the Digital Realm
TikTok creators do their part for Houston’s LGBTQ community.
Read More »
Health and Wellness
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Health & Wellness
As More Young People Get Colon Cancer, It May be Time for a Colonoscopy
Colon cancer may seem like a distant concern for some, but with the growing trend of younger people being diagnosed,…
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Columns
Protecting Your Peace: Strategies for Resilience from Legislative Attacks
Nationally, LGBTQ+ people continue to experience greater visibility and overall acceptance. According to a recent Gallup poll, over 7%…
Read More » -
Health & Wellness
Aesthetics and Empowerment: Houston Circumcision Clinic’s Mission to Transform Men’s Health
Creating a holistic and aesthetic center for men’s sexual health.
Read More » -
Business
Smiles and Success: Cory Logan, DDS, and Joey Garcia on Building a Happy Marriage and Prosperous Dental Practice
Cory Logan, DDS, and Joey Garcia shed light on their 25-year relationship.
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Features
Breaking the Mold
Joe Salinas offers tips and tricks for getting into shape in the new year.
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Features
MAD About Fitness
Alex Alvarado is on a mission to help her clients reach their fitness goals.
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Health & Wellness
Rooted in Purpose
Jotina Buck’s vision for holistic healing is going international in 2024.
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Cover Story
Unleashing Fitness Passion
From fitness enthusiast to business owner, Andrew Hayes shapes a supportive gym experience.
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Community
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Community News
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Gayest & Greatest
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Queer Creatives
Designing in the Digital Age
Bilal Rehman leveraged his social-media fame to open an eclectic interior-design studio.
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Features
Fashion in Bloom
Designer Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas premieres his first collection in October.
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