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Drag
Texas’ limits on certain drag shows ruled unconstitutional again
U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled Tuesday that Texas Senate Bill 12 is unconstitutional, reaffirming his 2023 decision after the Fifth Circuit briefly let the law take effect earlier this…
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Community News
Asia’s House Offers Safe Shelter for LGBTQ+ Youth in Houston
Asia’s House provides emergency shelter and affirming support for Houston-area youth ages 15–17, addressing a critical gap for LGBTQ+ teens experiencing homelessness or unsafe living situations.
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LGBTQ History
National park signs on women and LGBTQ+ history are disappearing
A plaque at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument no longer mentions that suffragists were beaten and force-fed. The Stonewall website now says "LGB." Under a Trump administration directive to…
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News
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Drag
Texas’ limits on certain drag shows ruled unconstitutional again
U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled Tuesday that Texas Senate Bill 12 is unconstitutional, reaffirming his 2023 decision after the…
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Community News
Asia’s House Offers Safe Shelter for LGBTQ+ Youth in Houston
Asia’s House provides emergency shelter and affirming support for Houston-area youth ages 15–17, addressing a critical gap for LGBTQ+ teens…
Read More » -
LGBTQ History
National park signs on women and LGBTQ+ history are disappearing
A plaque at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument no longer mentions that suffragists were beaten and force-fed. The Stonewall…
Read More » -
News
US Has Sent Deportees to a Dozen African Countries. Here’s Why
Twenty migrants deported from the United States arrived in Liberia, the first of 1,200 expected under a new deal. Nearly…
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Photos
Reception and Dedication for Kennedy (Kent) Loftin, at Interfaith Ministries
Guests gathered at IM Houston on August 18 for a reception and dedication honoring the life and legacy of Kennedy…
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Photos
Bunnies on the Bayou 47 Check Presentation at Pearl Bar
Bunnies on the Bayou gathered at Pearl Bar on August 19 for its Bunnies 47 check presentation, recognizing and supporting…
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Photos
The Montrose Center’s Kindred Spirits Dance at the Ballroom at Bayou Place
The Montrose Center’s Kindred Spirits Dance brought generations together for an evening celebrating community, music, and LGBTQ+ history.
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Pride 2026
Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. II
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its rescheduled 48th Annual Pride Parade, bringing nearly 90…
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PRIDE 2026 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. III
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its…
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Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. II
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its…
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Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. I
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its…
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Pride Banners Set to Return to Montrose Along Westheimer
Pride banners are set to return to lower Westheimer as part of…
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Pride Houston 365 Parade returns August 15 with Cooling Stations
Pride Houston 365 Parade will return to downtown Houston on Saturday, August…
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Black Like That Community Festival presented by The Normal Anomaly
Black Like That Community Festival returned to Houston for its fifth year,…
FEATURES
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Photos
Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. III
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its rescheduled 48th Annual Pride Parade, bringing nearly 90…
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Arts & Entertainment
Shylah Salas Brings CHamoru Culture to Houston
Houston performance artist and CHamoru entrepreneur Shylah Salas talks Butoh, business, and building belonging ahead of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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Arts & Entertainment
Ben Chavez’s Last Day, County Fair. Grows into a Full-Length Musical
Performing Arts Houston gives singer-songwriter Ben Chavez the room to expand his 2025 New/Now piece Last Day, County Fair into…
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Music
Houston Cellist Nathaniel Cook Joins Recording Academy
Houston-based cellist Nathaniel Cook joins the Recording Academy's Class of 2026, bringing a queer voice — and a genre-spanning career…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
‘Xanadu’ Comes to Houston’s MATCH This August
The Garden Theatre skates the cult Broadway musical into MATCH this August, with producing artistic director Logan Vaden calling it…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
Harrison Guy Revisits Prairie View A&M Through Dance
Choreographer Harrison Guy brings his personal history with Prairie View A&M to the stage in Dear Prairie View, an evening-length…
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Scene Out Photo Galleries
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Photos
Reception and Dedication for Kennedy (Kent) Loftin, at Interfaith Ministries
Guests gathered at IM Houston on August 18 for a reception and dedication honoring the life and legacy of Kennedy…
Read More » -
Photos
Bunnies on the Bayou 47 Check Presentation at Pearl Bar
Bunnies on the Bayou gathered at Pearl Bar on August 19 for its Bunnies 47 check presentation, recognizing and supporting…
Read More » -
Photos
Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. III
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its rescheduled 48th Annual Pride Parade, bringing nearly 90…
Read More » -
Photos
The Montrose Center’s Kindred Spirits Dance at the Ballroom at Bayou Place
The Montrose Center’s Kindred Spirits Dance brought generations together for an evening celebrating community, music, and LGBTQ+ history.
Read More » -
Pride 2026
Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. II
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its rescheduled 48th Annual Pride Parade, bringing nearly 90…
Read More » -
Pride 2026
Pride Houston 365 48th Annual Pride Parade 2026 – Pt. I
Pride Houston 365 returned to downtown Houston on August 15 for its rescheduled 48th Annual Pride Parade, bringing nearly 90…
Read More »
Out in the Arts
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Arts & Entertainment
Ben Chavez’s Last Day, County Fair. Grows into a Full-Length Musical
Performing Arts Houston gives singer-songwriter Ben Chavez the room to expand his 2025 New/Now piece Last Day, County Fair into…
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Arts & Entertainment
Houston Pride Orchestra Brings LGBTQ Musicians Together Through Classical Music
A new ensemble is giving Houston's LGBTQIA+ string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians a place to belong — and a…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
‘Xanadu’ Comes to Houston’s MATCH This August
The Garden Theatre skates the cult Broadway musical into MATCH this August, with producing artistic director Logan Vaden calling it…
Read More » -
Arts & Entertainment
Harrison Guy Revisits Prairie View A&M Through Dance
Choreographer Harrison Guy brings his personal history with Prairie View A&M to the stage in Dear Prairie View, an evening-length…
Read More » -
Stage
The Shared Stage
Fifteen years after meeting at Texas A&M, actor Brock Hatton and scenic artist Lee Barker share the stage at the…
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Music
Out At Stages Houston For ”Spamilton” with 21 Chump Street
Stages brought Broadway satire to Houston with Spamilton: An American Parody, presented May 29 through June 21 alongside 21 Chump…
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Out on Stage
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Arts & Entertainment
Houston Ballet’s Augustin Lehner Finds Magic in Giselle
Houston Ballet dancer Augustin Lehner reflects on his journey to ballet, LGBTQ body-image advocacy, and performing his favorite ballet, Giselle.
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Art
Urban Souls Dance Company Brings Black Stories to Hobby Center
Urban Souls Dance Company’s Truth Be Told premieres at the Hobby Center, using contemporary dance to honor Black history, confront…
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Art
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Brings Magic to Every Generation
As Houston Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker enters its ninth year, corps de ballet member Gretel Batista reflects on the production’s enduring…
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Out on Screen
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Arts & Entertainment
Houston Cinema Arts Festival Charts a New Course for October 2026
Earlier this year, the Houston Cinema Arts Society announced that Michael Robinson would become the festival’s new lead festival programmer, guiding the curatorial vision for the 2026 festival that runs October 1–11.
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Drag
STOP! THAT! TRAIN! Barrels onto Big Screens, Serving Camp Comedy Gold
STOP! THAT! TRAIN! embraces absurd comedy while centering drag performers as stars, not punchlines, in a rare mainstream queer ensemble film.
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Community News
The Dads Captures Families Fighting for Trans Youth
The Dads documents fathers of transgender children as they confront political attacks, healthcare restrictions, and fear while building community through the Dads Foundation.
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Arts & Entertainment
Adam’s Apple Chronicles a Trans Teen’s Life Across Two Decades
Adam’s Apple follows a trans teen’s journey through adolescence using years of home footage, highlighting family support, transition, and the universal experience of growing up.
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Arts & Entertainment
Mickey Reimagines Trans Storytelling Through Digital Collage
In Mickey, filmmaker Dano García blends archival footage, digital worlds, and personal memory to create a lyrical documentary portrait of a transgender woman and the community around her.
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Arts & Entertainment
Manhood Investigates the Business of Male Enhancement
Daniel Lombroso’s SXSW documentary 'Manhood' investigates the booming girth-enhancement industry, using humor and empathy to explore masculinity, shame, and the men seeking confidence through cosmetic procedures.
Wedding Guide
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Wedding Guide
Seth and Avery Brown-Hickman’s Small-Town Texas Love Story
East Texas car salesman Seth Brown-Hickman built a social media following on the showroom floor — but his real story…
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Wedding Guide
Darnell and Jamar Williamson-Fennell Turn a Decade of Love Into a Celebration
A rose garden in Berkeley. A rooftop in Houston. A decade of partnership. Darnell and Jamar Williamson-Fennell designed every moment…
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Wedding Guide
From Volleyball Teammates to Husbands: Nick Mostaccero and Brian Tighe’s Houston Love Story
Nick Mostaccero and Brian Tighe first met through Lone Star Volleyball Association in 2019, but their relationship truly took shape…
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Wedding Guide
A Love That Wouldn’t Wait
Michael Beard and Shane Hutsen’s Houston love story, sparked at pickleball, led to a deeply personal wedding shaped by resilience,…
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Wedding Guide
Hannah and Cortney Corpus: From Pickleball Rivals to Partners for Life
Hannah and Cortney Corpus turned a chance pickleball meeting into a joyful wedding, complete with heartfelt proposals, personal touches, and…
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Wedding Guide
Jovon and Jose Tyler Begin Married Life With New Year’s Eve Wedding
After a chance meeting at JR’s Bar & Grill, Jovon and Jose Tyler celebrated their love with a heartfelt New…
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Branded Community Content
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Black Voices
Diamond Stylz Elevates Black Trans Stories Through Media and Advocacy
Activist and media trailblazer Diamond Stylz is empowering Black trans communities through storytelling, advocacy, and her award-winning podcast, Marsha’s Plate.
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Branded Community Content
Houston Federal Credit Union: Start Saving for Your New Car Today
Learn how to save for your next vehicle with expert tips and strategies from Houston Federal Credit Union.
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Branded Community Content
Harnessing the Power of IV Glutathione for Inflammation Relief
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism in our bodies, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various disorders…
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Branded Community Content
Timely Care, Support Help HIV Patients Reach a Zero-Transmission Goal
Timely care and support help HIV patients reach a zero-transmission goal. Harris Health's READI program shows how to manage chronic…
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Branded Community Content
Castle Air Conditioning & Heating: Exceptional Service Since 1975
Castle A/C & Heating offers high-quality HVAC services, including air conditioning repair and replacement.
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Branded Community Content
Understanding Rolfing: The Art and Science of Structural Integration
Rolfing, developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, aims to better organize the body's structure and function.
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Money Smart
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MoneySmart
Taking a New Look at Old Money Habits
Many financial habits stem from early “money memories,” shaping how people save or spend. Understanding these patterns can help build…
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MoneySmart
Are You Actually on Track for Retirement?
Many retirement plans look solid at a glance, but gaps can emerge under scrutiny. Here are three practical ways to…
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Books
Nick Wolny’s Money Proud Makes Queer Finance Fun
Finance writer Nick Wolny’s new book Money Proud blends humor, queer culture, and practical advice to help LGBTQ readers manage…
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MoneySmart
How to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely
A tax refund may feel like a windfall, but it’s really your own money coming back. Here’s how to decide…
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Sign Out
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SignOut Horoscope
August 2026 Horoscope: Leo Solar Eclipse Ushers in Change for Every Zodiac Sign
A Solar Eclipse in Leo and a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces bookend August, bringing sweeping six-month cycles of change to…
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Columns
July 2026 Horoscope: Cancer Season, Mercury Retrograde, and What’s Ahead for Every Sign
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are all changing signs in rare alignment — and Mercury retrograde runs through July 23. Astrologer…
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Wigging Out
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Arts & Entertainment
Reign LaRue Steps Into Her Crown
Reign LaRue taught herself makeup, built her own costumes, and won her first competition in 2017. Now she's chasing a state title and showing plus-size performers there's room for them too.
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OUTSMART COMMUNITIES
Latinx Leaders
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Arts & Entertainment
Reign LaRue Steps Into Her Crown
Reign LaRue taught herself makeup, built her own costumes, and won her first competition in 2017. Now she's chasing a…
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Community News
Carlos Hernandez Builds LGBTQ Visibility in Houston News
KHOU’s Carlos Hernandez is shaping LGBTQ visibility in Houston through storytelling and leadership, using his platform and role with NLGJA…
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Arts & Entertainment
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Celebrated Latino Culture and LGBTQ Visibility
Bad Bunny led a mostly Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show celebrating Latino culture, with visible LGBTQ representation and appearances by…
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Cover Story
Alejandra Salinas and Elizabeth Hadaway Combine Public Service with Private Devotion
For Alejandra Salinas and Elizabeth Hadaway, love didn’t begin with a grand gesture. It started with five-minute car rides through…
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Arts & Entertainment
Real Women Have Curves Brings Heart to the Alley
Actor Brenda Palestina says playing Ana in Real Women Have Curves is deeply personal, blending immigration, body politics, ambition, and…
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Arts & Entertainment
On the Cover 2025
From sports and activism to art and culture, OutSmart’s 2025 cover stars define the voices telling Houston’s LGBTQ stories.
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Beyond the Binary
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Music
Houston Cellist Nathaniel Cook Joins Recording Academy
Houston-based cellist Nathaniel Cook joins the Recording Academy's Class of 2026, bringing a queer voice — and a genre-spanning career…
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Beyond the Binary
The Language of Being Seen
On International Non-Binary People's Day, Riot Stanley, Nore Gonzalez, and Ethan Michelle Ganz share what it means to live authentically…
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Beyond the Binary
Abbie Madden Brings Queer-Affirming Nutrition Care to Houston
Weight is not a behavior. That's the foundation of Space City Nutrition, where dietitian Abbie Madden is building a queer-affirming…
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Beyond the Binary
Meet the 2026 Pride Grand Marshals: D’Trique Fitzgerald
Pride Houston 2026 Trendsetter Grand Marshal D’Trique Fitzgerald advocates for LGBTQ inclusion and access, supporting peers through campus leadership, community…
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Beyond the Binary
Meet the 2026 Pride Grand Marshals: Flawless Oz
Pride Houston 2026 Gender Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming Grand Marshal Flawless Oz, also known as Jonathan Demond Barnett, brings decades of drag,…
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Beyond the Binary
Autumn Lauener Advocates for Trans Visibility and Collective Liberation
Trans advocate Autumn Lauener works at the intersection of disability justice, disaster preparedness, and policy reform, pushing for collective liberation…
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Queer Youth
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Legal News
Texas Children’s Hospital Must Create Country’s First “Detransition Clinic”
Texas Children’s Hospital agreed to a Paxton-led settlement requiring a first-of-its-kind detransition clinic, a $10 million payment, and physician terminations.
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Legal News
Kansas Judge Protects Trans Youth Care; Settlement in Texas Attacks It
Texas Children’s Hospital agreed to a $10 million settlement tied to gender-affirming care investigations as a Kansas judge blocked that…
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Education
Texas Tech Students Hold Mock Funeral for Academic Freedom
Texas Tech students staged a horse-drawn funeral for academic freedom, protesting higher education policies they say threaten free expression and…
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Houston Pride
Meet the 2026 Pride Grand Marshals: Mandy Giles
Pride Houston 2026 Ally Grand Marshal Mandy Giles advocates for transgender youth through Parents of Trans Youth, providing education, resources,…
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Legal News
Conversion Therapy Ruling Raises Questions on Gender-Affirming Care
A Supreme Court ruling on conversion therapy is prompting debate in Texas, where advocates argue the same logic could protect…
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Education
Court Lets Iowa Restrict LGBTQ Topics in K-6 Schools
A federal appeals court ruled Iowa can enforce a law restricting LGBTQ topics in K-6 classrooms and banning certain books,…
Read More »
Jewish Heritage
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Arts & Entertainment
Ilana Glazer Brings Laughter, Catharsis, and Queer Joy to Houston This Pride Month
When Ilana Glazer brings her new stand-up tour, Ilana Glazer LIVE!, to Houston’s 713 Music Hall on June 23, audiences can expect plenty of laughs. But they can also expect a night of shared understanding, catharsis, and connection.
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Crime
Rob and Michele Reiner Were Fierce Advocates for Marriage Equality
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, longtime champions of marriage equality, are being remembered for their pivotal role in overturning Proposition 8 and advancing LGBTQ rights nationwide.
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International News
Honoring the Past, Safeguarding the Future: International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025
International Holocaust Remembrance Day honors Holocaust victims and promotes education to prevent future atrocities.
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Jewish Heritage
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Front Page News
Honoring Tradition and Welcoming Change
Congregation Beth Israel is a local voice for inclusivity.
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Front Page News
A New LGBTQ Jewish Group Launches in Houston
QJews kicks off with a Shabbat dinner on February 18.
Read More »
Disability & Accessibility
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Disability Awareness
Houston HIV Survivor Nathaniel De La Fuente Redefines Disability Pride
At 62, Nathaniel De La Fuente has navigated HIV, neurological damage, chronic pain, and a TIA stroke. He calls it…
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Beyond the Binary
Autumn Lauener Advocates for Trans Visibility and Collective Liberation
Trans advocate Autumn Lauener works at the intersection of disability justice, disaster preparedness, and policy reform, pushing for collective liberation…
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Disability Awareness
Texas Cities Face Pressure to Roll Back Local LGBTQ Protections
Texas cities are reassessing LGBTQ protections as federal and state pressure intensifies, leaving communities caught between funding concerns and the…
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Arts & Entertainment
Houston Art Weeks Debuts with Artists, Galleries, and a Lot of Heart
Houston Art Weeks launches October 10–19, spotlighting local galleries and artists while raising funds for the Montrose Center, Houston’s leading…
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Art
Houston Art Weeks to Debut in October
Houston Art Weeks launches October 10–19, spotlighting the city’s visual arts scene while raising support for mental health services through…
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Disability Awareness
Taking Queer Joy to New Heights
Houston Queer Climbers fosters an inclusive and active wellness community.
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Allyship in Action
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Allyship in Action
Ally PRIDE is Important Too
Allyship is not a trend or a season. OutSmart contributor Sarah Gish reflects on a lifetime of standing with LGBTQ…
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Allyship in Action
Local Allies Share Their Paths to LGBTQ Advocacy and Support
To mark International Allyship Day, OutSmart spotlights three straight Houstonians who have taken meaningful, long-term actions to support the LGBTQ…
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Allyship in Action
Meet the 2025 Grand Marshals: Rep. Jon E. Rosenthal
Ally Grand Marshal Rep. Jon E. Rosenthal 61, He/Him/His “I’m really amazed and honored to be named Ally Grand Marshal…
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Allyship in Action
Pedro Pascal Wears “Protect the Dolls” Shirt in Support of Trans Women
Pedro Pascal showed support for trans women at the London premiere of Thunderbolts by wearing a “Protect the Dolls” shirt,…
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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.
Read More »
OUTSMART'S GAYEST & GREATEST READERS' CHOICE AWARDS
Gayest & Greatest 2025
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Arts & Entertainment
Janan Araujo-Siam Builds Space for Queer Comedy in Houston
Comedian Janan Araujo-Siam is creating inclusive comedy spaces in Houston while using humor to bridge differences, challenge norms, and elevate…
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Arts & Entertainment
On the Cover 2025
From sports and activism to art and culture, OutSmart’s 2025 cover stars define the voices telling Houston’s LGBTQ stories.
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Arts & Entertainment
OutSmart‘s Top Stories from 2025
Here's a look at the stories that most engaged—and enraged—OutSmart readers in 2025.
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Features
Senator Molly Cook Champions Truth and Representation in Texas
State Senator Molly Cook, the first out queer member of the Texas Senate, embraces visibility, authenticity, and fearless advocacy as…
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Arts & Entertainment
Lyn Sullivan Combines Art, Leadership, and Advocacy in Houston
Houston’s Lyn Sullivan, a multiple Gayest & Greatest award winner and senior vice president at Alamo Title Company, blends art,…
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Features
WATCH: Outsmart Magazine Gayest and Greatest 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards
Experience the excitement and community spirit of OutSmart magazine’s Gayest & Greatest Awards celebration through this exclusive video, filmed…
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Gayest & Greatest
Outsmart Magazine Gayest and Greatest 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards – Part I
Hundreds of guests filled South Beach Houston for OutSmart magazine’s 28th annual Gayest & Greatest Awards celebration, honoring the people,…
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Gayest & Greatest
Outsmart Magazine Gayest and Greatest 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards – Part II
OutSmart magazine’s Gayest & Greatest Awards celebration lit up South Beach Houston as award winners, finalists, and friends struck joyful…
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Features
Outsmart Magazine Gayest and Greatest 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards – Part III
At OutSmart’s Gayest & Greatest Awards celebration, Houston’s LGBTQ community and allies turned out in style—showcasing the strength, unity,…
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Gayest & Greatest
Celebrate Houston’s LGBTQ Stars! Gayest & Greatest Awards, Oct. 23 — Benefiting OutSmart Foundation
Don’t miss the glitz and glam of our annual awards party at South Beach, where you can mingle with winners…
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Cover Story
OutSmart Magazine 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners
Celebrating those who make Houston shine.
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Beyond the Binary
Cleo Roasting and Cavo Coffee Brew Community with Every Cup
Cleo Roasting Co. and sister café Cavo Coffee are OutSmart’s 2025 favorites, celebrated for queer visibility, women-led sourcing, and brewing…
Read More »
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Smart Health
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Beyond the Binary
Abbie Madden Brings Queer-Affirming Nutrition Care to Houston
Weight is not a behavior. That's the foundation of Space City Nutrition, where dietitian Abbie Madden is building a queer-affirming…
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%…
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Features
Navigating ‘Dry January’ with Mindfulness
Prioritizing your well-being after the holiday season.
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Health & Wellness
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Featured
Tom Griffiths Centers Connection in Galveston HIV Prevention
Tom Griffiths doesn't lead with statistics. The ACCT outreach coordinator leads with connection. And for the people he serves across…
Read More » -
Beyond the Binary
Abbie Madden Brings Queer-Affirming Nutrition Care to Houston
Weight is not a behavior. That's the foundation of Space City Nutrition, where dietitian Abbie Madden is building a queer-affirming…
Read More » -
Features
How the Federal Government Is Using Every Tool It Has to End Trans Youth Care
Grand jury subpoenas. Medicare threats. FDA warnings over chest binders. The Trump administration isn't using one agency to restrict trans…
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Disability Awareness
Houston HIV Survivor Nathaniel De La Fuente Redefines Disability Pride
At 62, Nathaniel De La Fuente has navigated HIV, neurological damage, chronic pain, and a TIA stroke. He calls it…
Read More » -
Health & Wellness
988’s LGBTQ+ Crisis Line Returns This Year — But the Trevor Project May Be Shut Out
The 988 Lifeline's specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth is set to return by year's end after Congress directed $33 million…
Read More » -
Community News
Who Belongs in the LGBTQ Community?
As a gay white man in my fifties, my identity grew under the six-color rainbow, and to me that flag…
Read More »
Religion & Spirituality
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Community News
She broke barriers as a priest. She spends retirement organizing against ‘Christofascism.’
Episcopal priest Carter Heyward was irregularly ordained in 1974 as one of the Philadelphia Eleven. Now in retirement, she's organizing…
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Education
Texas Schools Move Closer to Bible-Centered Curriculum
Texas' State Board of Education has preliminarily approved a sweeping social studies rewrite and a statewide reading list requiring Christian…
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Education
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Same-Sex Parents and School Access
The Supreme Court will review a Colorado preschool law requiring equal enrollment for same-sex couples’ children, setting up a major…
Read More » -
Music
Finding Harmony: A Trans Composer’s Journey in Faith
A transgender composer finds acceptance in her Catholic parish, using faith and music to build inclusive community and challenge long-standing…
Read More » -
Legal News
Supreme Court Blocks California Policy Intended to Protect Transgender Students
The Supreme Court has blocked a California policy limiting when schools inform parents about a student’s gender identity, siding with…
Read More » -
International News
LGBTQ Catholics Look to Pope Leo for Greater Acceptance
Around 1,000 LGBTQ Catholics joined a first official Rome pilgrimage, processing through the Holy Door as many hope Pope Leo…
Read More »
Dining Out Smart
Food + Drink
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Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu Bring Houston a James Beard Win
When their names were called at the James Beard Awards, Chef Henry Lu called it an out-of-body experience. For Houston,…
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Business
UPDATE: Texas’ Oldest LGBTQ Bar Raises Funds to Stay Open
Robert’s Lafitte, the oldest LGBTQ bar in Texas, is racing to complete costly repairs after inspections threatened closure. Supporters are…
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Business
Houston’s Hungry Like the Wolf Keeps ’80s Spirit Alive
Mariah Martinez is redefining Houston’s Hungry Like the Wolf, expanding drag programming, nightlife, and community space while honoring the diner’s…
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Business
Michael Savino Bakes Nostalgia into Every Cookie
Michael Savino turned a career pivot into Michael’s Cookie Jar, a Houston favorite known for classic flavors, quality ingredients, and…
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Food + Drink
From an Intimate Dinner to Houston Catering Powerhouse
Greg Davis and Scott Moorman have grown Event Elementz into a thriving Houston catering business, known for personalized service, from-scratch…
Read More » -
Business
Matthew Barré Turns Trinidad Inspiration Into Craft Rum
Matthew Barré turned a Trinidad experience into Bamboo Bay Rum, a Houston-based craft brand focused on transparency, flavor, and a…
Read More »
NightLife
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Business News
Pearl Bar Houston Levels Up
Julie Mabry's Pearl Bar has relocated to a massive new space on Washington Avenue — complete with a concert stage,…
Read More » -
Drag
Wigging Out: Phoebe Seymour Brings Broadway Flair to Houston Drag
Phoebe Seymour brings musical-theater roots, live vocals, and offbeat pageant polish to Houston drag, carving out a persona shaped by…
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Arts & Entertainment
Ilana Glazer Brings Laughter, Catharsis, and Queer Joy to Houston This Pride Month
When Ilana Glazer brings her new stand-up tour, Ilana Glazer LIVE!, to Houston’s 713 Music Hall on June 23, audiences…
Read More » -
Business
Houston’s Hungry Like the Wolf Keeps ’80s Spirit Alive
Mariah Martinez is redefining Houston’s Hungry Like the Wolf, expanding drag programming, nightlife, and community space while honoring the diner’s…
Read More » -
Black Voices
Bliss Sundays Builds Community for Houston’s Queer Women
Bliss Mayon and Kaamil Al-Hassan are building more than parties with Bliss Sundays. Their Houston initiative creates consistent community spaces…
Read More » -
Black Voices
From Viral Content to Real Life Community, LesbianLand Takes Off
Sydney Mack and Racquel Simone turned their relationship into LesbianLand, a growing platform creating joyful, visible, and intentional sapphic spaces…
Read More »
Sports
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Photos
Montrose Softball League End of Season Party and Awards Ceremony
The Houston Montrose Softball League Association (MSLA) wrapped up its 2026 season on July 26 with an end-of-season celebration and…
Read More » -
2026 FIFA World Cup
Love Is the Goal: What Dr. Nas Mohamed Wants Houston to Carry Forward
Throughout Pride Month and the World Cup, Dr. Nasser "Nas" Mohamed's Love Is the Goal campaign has encouraged people to…
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National News
Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Sports Bans in 6–3 Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that states may bar transgender females from girls' and women's sports at federally funded…
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2026 FIFA World Cup
From Qatar to the World Cup: Dr. Nas Mohamed Reclaims the Rainbow
At Qatar's June 13 World Cup match in San Francisco, Dr. Nas Mohamed wore an Arabian bisht woven with rainbow…
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2026 FIFA World Cup
Dr. Nas Mohamed Turned a Teenage Poem Into a World Cup Anthem
A poem Dr. Nas Mohamed wrote in Arabic at 17—a promise to protect his own innocence—becomes "Let Your Love Shine,"…
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Community News
World Cup Visibility: Nas Mohamed Launches “Love Is the Goal” at the 2026 World Cup
Dr. Nasser "Nas" Mohamed, the first openly gay Qatari, launches Love Is the Goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a…
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Travel
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Travel
Pura Vida with Pride: Exploring LGBTQ Culture in Costa Rica
Costa Rica blends natural beauty with a deeply inclusive spirit, offering LGBTQ travelers a warm welcome, rich cultural experiences, and…
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Blog
Cruise ship rescues 11 refugees adrift between Cuba and Mexico
The cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas rescued 11 people adrift in the Gulf of Mexico between Cuba and Mexico…
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Travel
Sail into Celebration: VACAYA’s Ultimate LGBTQ Cruise
For those seeking an unforgettable getaway filled with adventure, luxury, and all-LGBT+ camaraderie, VACAYA’s 2025 Caribbean Cruise is a dream…
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Travel
Luxurious Lodging
Hotel Saint Augustine, a concept by Bunkhouse Hotels, has opened in the heart of Montrose adjacent to The Menil Collection.
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Blog
Florida’s Visit Florida website removes LGBTQ+ travel section, sparks criticism
Florida's official tourism site removes LGBTQ+ travel section, raising concerns about state's stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
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Queer in Galveston
The Best Little Beach House in Texas
Galveston’s Hotel Lucine is a beachfront oasis that welcomes all with its chic casual vibe.
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Pride in the Media
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Community News
OutSmart Magazine Earns National Journalism Award for Montrose Crosswalk Coverage
OutSmart magazine has been named a recipient of a 2026 Excellence in Journalism Award from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+…
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Arts & Entertainment
Pride This Way Looks Beyond the Glitter
Heather J. Taylor’s Pride This Way explores Pride celebrations worldwide, blending joy, justice, and LGBTQ storytelling with a pay-it-forward model…
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Community News
Carlos Hernandez Builds LGBTQ Visibility in Houston News
KHOU’s Carlos Hernandez is shaping LGBTQ visibility in Houston through storytelling and leadership, using his platform and role with NLGJA…
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Arts & Entertainment
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Celebrated Latino Culture and LGBTQ Visibility
Bad Bunny led a mostly Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show celebrating Latino culture, with visible LGBTQ representation and appearances by…
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Community News
OutSmart Earns GLAAD Media Award Nomination
OutSmart magazine has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for its reporting on the removal of Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks…
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Arts & Entertainment
On the Cover 2025
From sports and activism to art and culture, OutSmart’s 2025 cover stars define the voices telling Houston’s LGBTQ stories.
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OUTSMART SPECIAL ISSUES
Our Music Issue
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Arts & Entertainment
Ben Chavez’s Last Day, County Fair. Grows into a Full-Length Musical
Performing Arts Houston gives singer-songwriter Ben Chavez the room to expand his 2025 New/Now piece Last Day, County Fair into…
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Music
Angela Uhegwu Finds Her Voice as S.O.U.L.A.S.P.H.E.R.E.
Houston-born musician and visual artist Angela Uhegwu, who performs as S.O.U.L.A.S.P.H.E.R.E, weaves her Nigerian upbringing and queer identity into music,…
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Music
Houston Cellist Nathaniel Cook Joins Recording Academy
Houston-based cellist Nathaniel Cook joins the Recording Academy's Class of 2026, bringing a queer voice — and a genre-spanning career…
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Arts & Entertainment
Meet Ruby Ortiz, Founder of the Houston Pride Orchestra
Houston Pride Orchestra founder Ruby Ortiz on stumbling into music, being bullied out of a classroom, and building a space…
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Arts & Entertainment
Houston Pride Orchestra Brings LGBTQ Musicians Together Through Classical Music
A new ensemble is giving Houston's LGBTQIA+ string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians a place to belong — and a…
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Featured
Sara Van Buskirk Is Ready for Her Next Chapter
Ahead of her long-awaited sophomore album, Houston singer-songwriter Sara Van Buskirk headlines the sixth Annual Miller Summer Mixtape — blending…
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Queer in Galveston
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Featured
Tom Griffiths Centers Connection in Galveston HIV Prevention
Tom Griffiths doesn't lead with statistics. The ACCT outreach coordinator leads with connection. And for the people he serves across…
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Community News
Tammy Fountain Leads TGRA’s Galveston Chapter
Licensed therapist Tammy Fountain has spent decades fighting for marginalized communities. Now she's bringing that same energy to the Texas…
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Community News
Galveston’s LGBTQ Community Builds Support Beyond the Beach
Galveston may be a small town, but GIFT president Christina Weaver says its LGBTQ+ community punches well above its weight.…
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Business
UPDATE: Texas’ Oldest LGBTQ Bar Raises Funds to Stay Open
Robert’s Lafitte, the oldest LGBTQ bar in Texas, is racing to complete costly repairs after inspections threatened closure. Supporters are…
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Arts & Entertainment
Galveston Gay Chorus Spreads Joy Across the Island
The Galveston Gay Chorus shares music, fellowship, and holiday cheer across the island, performing at community events while uplifting audiences…
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Community News
Galveston Pride Weekend 2025
Pride Galveston returns once again in late August 2025 to the island south of Houston. What started as a single…
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PRIDE 2025 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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Arts & Entertainment
On the Cover 2025
From sports and activism to art and culture, OutSmart’s 2025 cover stars define the voices telling Houston’s LGBTQ stories.
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Arts & Entertainment
OutSmart‘s Top Stories from 2025
Here's a look at the stories that most engaged—and enraged—OutSmart readers in 2025.
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Community News
UPDATE: Katy Pride Relocates Celebration After Abrupt Venue Cancellation
After Typhoon Texas canceled less than 72 hours before the event, Katy Pride organizers announced the celebration will move to…
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Community News
ERSICSS Hosts “Pride & Charity” at Tony’s Corner Pocket
As Houston Pride 365 festival goers prepared to watch the parade downtown on Saturday, customers at the closely situated Tony’s…
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Photos
Montrose Center Pride Brunch 2025
More than 550 guests filled Heights Social for the Montrose Center’s 7th annual Pride Brunch, an event that combined great…
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Community News
Galveston Pride Weekend 2025
Pride Galveston returns once again in late August 2025 to the island south of Houston. What started as a single…
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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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LGBTQ History
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LGBTQ History
National park signs on women and LGBTQ+ history are disappearing
A plaque at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument no longer mentions that suffragists were beaten and force-fed. The Stonewall…
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Arts & Entertainment
Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “Aristotle and Dante” Author, Dies at 71
Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the gay former priest whose novel "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" won Stonewall…
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Beyond the Binary
The Language of Being Seen
On International Non-Binary People's Day, Riot Stanley, Nore Gonzalez, and Ethan Michelle Ganz share what it means to live authentically…
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2026 FIFA World Cup
Love Is the Goal: What Dr. Nas Mohamed Wants Houston to Carry Forward
Throughout Pride Month and the World Cup, Dr. Nasser "Nas" Mohamed's Love Is the Goal campaign has encouraged people to…
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LGBTQ History
1776-2026: The Moments That Defined Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Rights in America
Uncloseted Media traces LGBTQ rights in America from colonial-era sodomy laws to the 2026 Supreme Court ruling on conversion therapy…
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Arts & Entertainment
First Chinese Queer Art Museum Opens in San Francisco’s Chinatown
A Chinese activist who faced government crackdowns at home has opened the first museum dedicated to Chinese queer art in…
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Arts & Entertainment
Celebrating the LGBTQ Artists Who Changed Music
Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969–2000 (Viking, 2026), by gay music journalist Barry Walters, is a practically comprehensive…
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Community News
Houston LGBTQ History Takes Center Stage in UH Libraries Exhibit
A new exhibit at the University of Houston Libraries’ Special Collections traces Houston’s LGBTQ history from the 1940s to the…
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Community News
Community Leaders Seek Lower Westheimer Banner Revival
Houston leaders are working to revive the Lower Westheimer Banner District, bringing Pride-themed banners back to Montrose after the controversial…
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