Recent Posts
-
Features
HGO Brings The Sound of Music to Wortham Center
Houston Grand Opera has brought one of the most beloved classic musicals to the stage. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater is…
Read More » -
Features
Historic Victory: Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate
Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate, winning District 15 special election.
Read More » -
Photos
The Normal Anomaly’s Project Liberate Graduation
The Normal Anomaly‘s Project Liberate concluded its 6-month leadership development program with a grand graduation ceremony on April 27th. This…
Read More » -
WiggingOut
Adriana LaRue: The Latina Diva of Houston’s Drag Scene
Adriana LaRue brings the show every single time—period. She and her set of voluminous …er…earrings can be spotted often…
Read More » -
Front Page News
United Methodists Repeal Longstanding Ban on LGBTQ Clergy
By PETER SMITH Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy…
Read More »
News
-
Features
Historic Victory: Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate
Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate, winning District 15 special election.
Read More » -
Front Page News
United Methodists Repeal Longstanding Ban on LGBTQ Clergy
By PETER SMITH Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy…
Read More » -
Local News
A Crucial Moment for LGBTQ Representation
Vote for LGBTQ+ candidates in May 4 and May 28 elections.
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
An Artist’s Journey from Food Insecurity to Helping Others
Missouri Wilkinson, a 28-year-old nonbinary artist, reflects on their food insecure childhood and the impact it had on their life.
Read More »
AAPI Leaders
-
Art
Artist Nikki Darby Tran’s Balloon Art Business Flourishes
Turning latex into masterpieces.
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Attorney Emma Brockway Juggles Career, Engagement, and Community Involvement
Attorney Emma Brockway has some big irons in the fire. She just started working at a new firm, she is…
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo: A Resistor of Oppression and Advocate for Community
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo (pronouns: they and them) is all about a solid value system.
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Houston’s Koffeteria: A Café Bridging Ethnic Diversity and Culinary Excellence
Houston's café and bakery scene is thriving, thanks to Chef Vanarin Kuch.
Read More »
Features
-
Features
HGO Brings The Sound of Music to Wortham Center
Houston Grand Opera has brought one of the most beloved classic musicals to the stage. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater is…
Read More » -
Features
Historic Victory: Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate
Molly Cook becomes first openly LGBTQ+ member in Texas Senate, winning District 15 special election.
Read More » -
Features
Houston’s LGBTQ Tennis Club: A Beacon of Inclusivity
Love may literally mean nothing in tennis, but at Houston Tennis Club (HTC) there is plenty of love to go…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
An Artist’s Journey from Food Insecurity to Helping Others
Missouri Wilkinson, a 28-year-old nonbinary artist, reflects on their food insecure childhood and the impact it had on their life.
Read More » -
Art
Artist Nikki Darby Tran’s Balloon Art Business Flourishes
Turning latex into masterpieces.
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Attorney Emma Brockway Juggles Career, Engagement, and Community Involvement
Attorney Emma Brockway has some big irons in the fire. She just started working at a new firm, she is…
Read More »
Photos
-
Photos
The Normal Anomaly’s Project Liberate Graduation
The Normal Anomaly‘s Project Liberate concluded its 6-month leadership development program with a grand graduation ceremony on April 27th. This…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
Arts & Entertainment
-
Features
HGO Brings The Sound of Music to Wortham Center
Houston Grand Opera has brought one of the most beloved classic musicals to the stage. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater is…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
An Artist’s Journey from Food Insecurity to Helping Others
Missouri Wilkinson, a 28-year-old nonbinary artist, reflects on their food insecure childhood and the impact it had on their life.
Read More » -
Front Page A&E
Travis Prokop Delves into Queer Themes at Barnstorm Dance Festival
Choreographer discusses his piece "Square Peg, Round Hole."
Read More » -
Front Page A&E
Dance into the Summer
Theater Under the Stars presents Disney's Newsies, a dance-heavy musical inspired by the 1899 newsboys' strike.
Read More » -
Art
Daniel E. Zamora: Healing Through Art After Substance Abuse
Zamora's new exhibit, "Joy and Fear on the Homeworld," opens May 2.
Read More » -
Art
Artist Nikki Darby Tran’s Balloon Art Business Flourishes
Turning latex into masterpieces.
Read More »
OutSmart Community
Queer in Galveston
-
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 » -
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.
Read More » -
Features
Pride Galveston Kicks Off on Sept. 1
The Island’s celebration of queer community is in its fifth year.
Read More »
Trans Visablility
-
Art
Artist Nikki Darby Tran’s Balloon Art Business Flourishes
Turning latex into masterpieces.
Read More » -
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.
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
Black Voices
-
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
Empowering Narratives
Black Queer Advancement Festival Week is creating space for Black LGBTQ performers.
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
Food + Drink
-
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Houston’s Koffeteria: A Café Bridging Ethnic Diversity and Culinary Excellence
Houston's café and bakery scene is thriving, thanks to Chef Vanarin Kuch.
Read More » -
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 » -
Features
From Urban Eats to Salt & Sugar: Chef Levi Rollins’ Delicious Evolution
Levi Rollins’ new Salt & Sugar bakery opens in Spring Branch.
Read More »
Latinx Leaders
-
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…
Read More » -
Features
Raising Funds and Raising the Bar
Margarita Pérez Frinsco excels at building bridges among diverse communities.
Read More » -
Latinx Leaders
A Writer’s Revolution
César Ramos uses his publishing venture to create spaces for Latinx creatives.
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
Allyship in Action
-
Allyship in Action
-
Allyship in Action
Coalition Builder
The Montrose Center’s Ann Robison reflects on concluding her 35 years of service.
Read More » -
Allyship in Action
An Ideal Ally
Chris Hollins hopes to advocate for marginalized communities as Houston City Controller.
Read More » -
Allyship in Action
Becoming an Ally in Word and Action
Confronting bigotry is a necessary part of the equation.
Read More »
Gayest & Greatest 2023
-
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
Cover Story
Houston’s TV Gem
For six years, Derrick Shore has co-hosted Houston Life on Houston’s KPRC 2.
Read More » -
Gayest & Greatest
-
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.…
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
OutSmart at 30
-
Arts & Entertainment
The Triumph of Persistence
Chloe Knox claims Miss Gay Texas crown on the fourth attempt.
Read More » -
Black Voices
-
Black Voices
Trailblazing Journey
Harrison Guy continues to break barriers at City Hall and in the arts.
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
Shattering Barriers
Jessica Zyrie graced the cover of OutSmart magazine in February 2019. As a Black trans woman and model, Zyrie uses…
Read More » -
COVID-19 Coverage
Prioritizing Mental Health
Nicholas Olaverria speaks out on his experience during the pandemic.
Read More »
Columns
-
WiggingOut
Adriana LaRue: The Latina Diva of Houston’s Drag Scene
Adriana LaRue brings the show every single time—period. She and her set of voluminous …er…earrings can be spotted often…
Read More » -
MoneySmart
Managing the Challenges of Caregiving
Recognizing the financial and emotional impact of caregiving.
Read More » -
SignOut Horoscope
Mars Sparks Action
We are in an active month. Mercury finished its retrograde path in April, so now is the time to put…
Read More » -
SignOut Horoscope
-
MoneySmart
Home Ownership for Unmarried Couples
There are special legal and financial issues to consider.
Read More » -
WiggingOut
Lifestyle
-
Health & Wellness
Jim Benton’s New Path: From Caterer to Clinical Sexologist
Over the past five decades, Jim Benton has been active as a music instructor, a caterer, and a florist. Now…
Read More » -
Features
Houston’s LGBTQ Tennis Club: A Beacon of Inclusivity
Love may literally mean nothing in tennis, but at Houston Tennis Club (HTC) there is plenty of love to go…
Read More » -
Wedding Guide
Houston Couple Throws Versailles-Themed Disco Party for Post-Wedding Soiree
Matt Johns and Nick Puccio’s wedding bash brought a bit of Studio 54 to Houston.
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo: A Resistor of Oppression and Advocate for Community
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo (pronouns: they and them) is all about a solid value system.
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Houston’s Koffeteria: A Café Bridging Ethnic Diversity and Culinary Excellence
Houston's café and bakery scene is thriving, thanks to Chef Vanarin Kuch.
Read More » -
Health & Wellness
Plant Medicine Helped Me Accept My Identity
Brad Wells built multiple successful companies over his career attempting to prove his self-worth and sacrificing much in the…
Read More »
Sponsored Content
-
Health & Wellness
Plant Medicine Helped Me Accept My Identity
Brad Wells built multiple successful companies over his career attempting to prove his self-worth and sacrificing much in the…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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.
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 » -
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…
Read More » -
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.
Read More »
Wigging Out
-
WiggingOut
Adriana LaRue: The Latina Diva of Houston’s Drag Scene
Adriana LaRue brings the show every single time—period. She and her set of voluminous …er…earrings can be spotted often at Ripcord, but also makes the circuit at JR’s Bar and Grill, South Beach, Tony’s…
Read More » -
-
-
-
Wedding Guide
-
Wedding Guide
Houston Couple Throws Versailles-Themed Disco Party for Post-Wedding Soiree
Matt Johns and Nick Puccio’s wedding bash brought a bit of Studio 54 to Houston.
Read More » -
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.
Read More » -
Wedding Guide
Love Knows No Distance
Carrie McManus and Ashley Campbell grew closer during their long-distance courtship.
Read More »
Pride in the Media
-
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…
Read More » -
Pride in the Media
A Serendipitous Shift
Stuart Rosenberg’s creative passion led him to public-relations success.
Read More » -
Front Page A&E
-
Front Page A&E
Brilliance in the Digital Realm
TikTok creators do their part for Houston’s LGBTQ community.
Read More »
Health and Wellness
-
Health & Wellness
Jim Benton’s New Path: From Caterer to Clinical Sexologist
Over the past five decades, Jim Benton has been active as a music instructor, a caterer, and a florist. Now…
Read More » -
Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo: A Resistor of Oppression and Advocate for Community
Dr. Bec Sokha Keo (pronouns: they and them) is all about a solid value system.
Read More » -
Health & Wellness
Plant Medicine Helped Me Accept My Identity
Brad Wells built multiple successful companies over his career attempting to prove his self-worth and sacrificing much in the…
Read More » -
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,…
Read More » -
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.
Read More » -
Features
Breaking the Mold
Joe Salinas offers tips and tricks for getting into shape in the new year.
Read More »
Community
-
Community News
-
Gayest & Greatest
-
Queer Creatives
Designing in the Digital Age
Bilal Rehman leveraged his social-media fame to open an eclectic interior-design studio.
Read More » -
Features
Fashion in Bloom
Designer Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas premieres his first collection in October.
Read More »