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New Blood

by Josef Molnar, OutSmart, Tuesday, March, 2010

The South's oldest LGBT civil rights organization draws criticism under its youthful leadership.

As the March primaries close and attention turns to this fall's general election, Houston's LGBT community looks to the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Political Caucus for non-partisan endorsements of candidates who believe in equal rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. But recent divisions within the leadership of this influential organization, and a few of thseir candidate endorsements, have some long-time members wondering where the nonprofit is headed. Central to the controversy is two-term board president Kris Banks, who some members say is causing the 35-year-old organization to stray from its original mission - political support of gay-friendly candidates - and toward his own interests. Others stand behind Banks and agree the caucus should broaden its mission. There's an obvious rift in the caucus. At stake is the future of an organization that should be playing a vital role in supporting and electing politicians who are sensitive to Houston's LGBT community. more

A Single Man

Now Playing at Landmark's River Oaks

Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, A SINGLE MAN, is the story of George Falconer, a 52 year old British college professor [Colin Firth] who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner, Jim [Matthew Goode]. George dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters, ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim. George is consoled by his closest friend Charley [Julianne Moore], a 48 year old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future. A young student of George’s, Kenny [Nicholas Hoult], who is coming to terms with his true nature, stalks George as he feels in him a kindred spirit.

A SINGLE MAN is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life.

Annise Parker urges LGBT community to dream big

Houston Mayor Annise Parker spoke directly to the LGBT community during her inaugural address before thousands at a downtown performing arts center this morning. Parker's election December 13th made Houston the largest city in the U.S. to elect an openly LGBT mayor. Parker spoke passionately about the diversity of Houston and its future, but her address turned personal when she told attendees she wanted to speak directly to the LGBT community:
"I understand what this day means to you. I can feel your excitement and your joy, but I can also feel your apprehension and your longing for acceptance. I will gladly carry you forward, but today is simply one day toward a tomorrow of greater justice. And when the time comes I will gladly pass the torch to the next in waiting, and I will cheer for them as you do for me. Your bravery in the face of threats, your bravery in the face of insults sustains me. We will support each other. Do not fear to dream big dreams. Bring your whole self to everything you do. Face the world with dignity and integrity. I promise you, the pain is worth the reward." more

Think Big and Live Large at Creating Change in Dallas, Texas!

The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change will be held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in beautiful downtown Dallas, Texas, Feb. 3 - 7, 2010. Produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Creating Change Conference (as it is affectionately known) is the nation's pre-eminent political, leadership and skills-building conference for the LGBT social justice movement. Since 1988, Creating Change has been the opportunity for thousands of committed people to develop and hone their skills, celebrate victories, build community, and to be inspired by visionaries of our LGBT movement and allied movements for justice and equality. The primary goal of the Creating Change Conference is to build our movement's political power from the ground up to secure our overarching goal of full equality, social justice and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. Please join us! Upwards of 2000 people attend the Creating Change Conference from all over the United States, with a few attendees from other countries. Attendees include:

* people just like you who are creating change every day
* young and old activists
* organizers and activists of color
* paid and unpaid staff people at LGBT political or community organizations
* lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates and straight allies
* elected and appointed officials
* leaders of campus communities and local community centers.

Creating Change is an annual gathering of organizers and activists working to create a world in which our sexual orientations and gender expressions will be welcomed and celebrated. Please join us in Dallas, Feb. 3 - 7, 2010! more