Long before LGBTQA was an acronym, there was Shocking Gray. Launched right here in the Alamo City circa 1990, this brave enterprise established itself as the nation’s premier gay and lesbian mail-order catalog by providing pre-internet shoppers with niche apparel, accessories, books, art, decor and an array of gifts emblazoned with pink triangles and rainbow…
On the Chartreuse Couch: Gene Elder Interviews Michelle Friesenhahn
Gene: Michelle, how nice to see you again. You are looking great as always. Thanks for joining me on the Chartreuse Couch, “my own private Alamo.” We have known each other for many years now. I even remember Shocking Gray. And this was before there were 50 shades. Who knew? I do want to talk about all…
On the Chartreuse Couch: Gene Elder interviews Ann Kinser and Michael Mehl
Gene: Ann, Michael have a seat on the sofa. Thanks for joining me and millions of others around the world. Michael, we know you are the spark that ignited the fire for Fotoseptiembre and we should talk about that. And Ann you were a major highlight at Cornyation for several early years, and I know a…
Gene Elder interviews photographer Susan Riley
“My shots of Elvis Presley from a concert here in San Antonio have been lost to the universe.” Gene: Hi, Susan. Welcome to my humble Chartreuse Couch. I am so glad you could be here to talk about your photography for Fotoseptiembre. Just move those pillows over and sit and feel the love. Susan: Hey,…
Opera Piccola’s Mark Richter on the Chartreuse Couch
My greatest hope is that the gay community will embrace coming to the opera as a gay-friendly choice for their entertainment. Gene: So, Mark. Let’s talk opera. I know you have a lot to say on that topic and you have a performance soon at the Carver Community Center. A good location by the way.…
Gene Elder interviews art critic Sarah Fisch
Gene Elder: Greetings Sarah. Thank you for joining all of us on the global gossip sofa. Just move those stuffed animals out of the way and have a seat. Don’t sit on Bugs Bunny. I am very interested in your recent study venture in California, but I know we have more important things to discuss. Let’s…
Gene Elder’s June Pride Deep Thoughts from the HAPPY Foundation
Gene Elder’s June Pride Deep Thoughts from the HAPPY Foundation (Dog-gone-it! Because people like me.) 1) What happens when the unmovable meets the unstoppable? I predict it’s not a pretty picture. That is how I view the conflict between the religious fundamentalists and the GayBLT community. The rest of us are in the path of…
Gene Elder interviews writer Taddy McAllister
… leave it to Taddy to ask the real question everyone avoids … Gene: So, Taddy, welcome. You look fabulous! I am so glad to get to talk with you and ask you some questions about our dear, dear San Antonio. I know you have been a dependable art patron and world traveler and lived…
Architect and restaurateur (and King Anchovy!) Chris Hill
Gene: So, Chris, we finally get you on the Chartreuse Couch. There are several topics that I want to inquire about. As you have heard, In-Queering minds want to know–such as your current opinion about art, and your deep thoughts about the San Antonio River, your vision for downtown development, UFOs, political art–my favorite–and whatever…
A View of Reality from a Chartreuse Couch*: Susan Yerkes
*My Own Private Alamo Gene: Hello, Susan. I am so delighted to have you visit the world-famous Chartreuse Couch, and we have a lot to talk about: San Antonio past, San Antonio future, Cornyation, UFOs and art. There is just a world of knowledge in your brain and we need to hear all of it.…