We agree with Deb Murphy that throws should not be allowed in future Pride parades [See "Parade Rest" in Letters to the Editor, August 2008], not only to improve safety and reduce cost, but from an environmental standpoint.
We all know this is a rebuilding year for Pride Houston. Pride Houston committees did a marvelous job making sure we even had a parade this year. Kudos to all the dedicated volunteers who made this weekend happen.
I just read the feature article on the band, and words cannot begin to express my delight with and appreciation of the article [“Let the Music Play” by Nancy Ford, June 2008]. I, along with the Houston Pride Band board and all band members—past and present—want to thank OutSmart , wholeheartedly, for placing such a bright, positive light on our organization and the upcoming anniversary concert.
I loved the piece Nancy Ford wrote regarding McDonald’s versus the American Family Association [What a World, “McDonald's and the Gay Agenda,” May 2008]! Although, I must admit to you I was somewhat troubled by her over-reliance of biblical characterizations as a vehicle to deliver her charming wit.
It may seem like I am splitting hairs, but I must take some issue with the caption under Annise Parker’s piece on Louie Welch in the March OutSmart [“InsideOut at City Hall”]. It identifies her as the highest GLBT elected official in the top 10 U.S. cities.
Great article on Bill T. Jones [“Just Our Bill,” March]! As a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and advocate in the Houston dance community, I see, read about, and participate in a lot of dance. It’s refreshing to read such intimate background material not only on the company, but also on the work we are about to see. I am sure it will heighten my experience at the show. I’m linking this article to my newsletter that reaches over 500 Houston dance community members.
I was disappointed, shocked, and angered by the article that Wayne Besen wrote titled “Nude Warrior Adventure” [“LeftOut,” January 2008]. It appears that he has based his findings on hearsay, third-hand rumors, and unfortunately is blatantly misinformed. I would think that a writer of his stature would at least check some of the facts. Apparently he did not.
In our January issue, OutSmart published a column by Wayne Besen that was critical of the Mankind Project (“Nude Warrior Adventure: ‘Ex-gay’ conversion therapy looks pretty gay to us”), and in particular alleged the organization had ex-gay affiliations. As a matter of fact, the Mankind Project is wonderfully affirming of all men, gay and straight, as we know through many members of the OutSmart circle who have participated in and even led the Mankind Project’s New Warrior trainings through the years.
Who, if not American gay men and lesbians, should celebrate our freedom more? Instead it seems we stifle ourselves with labels. Masc., femme, top, bottom, tv, ts, bi, and probably the most destructive to our collective psyche, straight-acting. What does a straight person act like? I know plenty, and they all act differently. So why shouldn’t we?
I recently read the interview you did with Lily Tomlin [“Classic Lily,” September 2007 OutSmart]. Like you I am a huge fan of Miss T. I wanted to tell you that I really loved that article. How fabulous it must’ve been to have talked and heard all those wonderful stories from Lily herself. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Lily myself a few times, and she is indeed a very nice, warm, down-to-earth person who makes you forget you’re talking to a living legend.
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