Gene: Ken, here you are at last. On the couch where you belong. Now, I want you to just lie down and make yourself comfortable and just say the first thing that comes to mind. What do you think of when I say, “Artists giving their art to fundraisers and musicians playing for free at…
Columns
From the Archives: The Shocking Gray Years (1990-1995)
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…
One-Week Stands and U-Hauling
Unless you live directly in the center of your Dirt Devil, you’ve heard the joke: “What does a lesbian bring on a second date?” Say it with me, now: “A U-Haul.” My lady-lovin’ ladies may get the most crap for this behavior, but in reality, no one is really exempt. Doesn’t matter if you are…
Former Children’s Shelter Resident Blue Hess Overcomes Great Odds
Three years ago, when Blue Hess decided he would volunteer at The Children’s Shelter, he never imagined he’d become one of the nationally accredited nonprofit’s most vocal advocates — speaking regularly to local media and working with the community to help spread the word about its many services. Since its founding in 1901, The Children’s…
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…
Great Expectations: A Trans Dilemma
“There is an expectation for trans women in our society to look and to act ‘traditionally feminine’ at all times.” When I wake up, I take a few minutes before I get out of bed — psyching myself up to get ready, whether for work, running errands or just hanging out with friends. I need that moment…
The Power of Language: Discussing Trans Identity
As a trans woman, I would rather someone inquire politely than assume anything about me. Like most users of popular dating apps, I’ve had some fairly dodgy experiences while trying to put myself out there in the digital dating world. Unfortunately, these experiences have been shaped by how others receive my trans-ness. Unless I want…
Sexy Gifting on Point
That thing you bought last year seemed like a good idea at the time. It would have been hella hot, had you and Boo used it. But instead, Boo flipped and you got the verbal reaming of a lifetime. And now the season for stress is once again upon us. Damn. I know you’re thinking:…
Gay dads featured in new Allstate Insurance ad
With the Supreme Court’s ruling making same-sex marriage legal in the United States, and the increasing acceptance of the LGBT community into the mainstream, 2015 has certainly been a landmark year for civil rights and advancement. On Sunday, a new ad featuring two gay dads was posted on Allstate Insurance’s Facebook page, perhaps signaling a new era that…
Online community Gays With Kids raising funds for mobile app
With the holiday season steadily approaching and families coming together, it’s hard not to feel the stress of managing a household. Head on over to Gays With Kids: the world’s first and largest online resource for gay dads and those considering raising children. Since launching in 2014, Gays With Kids has been helping its visitors navigate…