BIG The September Issue 2021 - Big fashion! Big talent! Big drag! Photos by Mark Mayr Story by Rich Lopez, page 14 - Dallas Voice
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The BIG September Issue 2021 Big fashion! Big talent! Big drag! Photos by Mark Mayr Story by Rich Lopez, page 14
09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 3
4 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21
09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 5
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In This Issue September 10, 2021
Volume 38 | Issue 19
1825 Market Center Blvd., Ste. 240, Dallas, Texas 75207 | 214-754-8710 | dallasvoice.com
THE BIG SEPTEMBER ISSUE
16 | Big Personality: Dee Pennington’s journey
PUBLISHER Leo Cusimano, leo@dallasvoice.com
20 | Big Balls: Texas Dems fight back
MANAGING EDITOR Tammye Nash, nash@dallasvoice.com 24 | Big Mouth: Lee Daugherty is not afraid to speak out
16
SENIOR STAFF WRITER David Taffet, taffet@dallasvoice.com 30 | Big Drag Star: A’keria says get ready for the body
STAFF WRITER Rich Lopez, rich@dallasvoice.com 32 | Big Danger: A community in hiding
PROOF READER Philip Burton 38 | Big Heart: A month of intentional kindness
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, Joey Casiano,
42 | Big Tex: A fall tradition returns
Jesus Chairez, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman, Scott
Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, 44 | Big Words: The Diversions debut
Howard Lewis Russell, James Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, 46 | Big Tunes: Pentatonix’s Mitch Grassi is flying solo
Leslie McMurray, Mathew Shaw, David Webb, Casey Williams
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chad Mantooth, mantooth@dallasvoice.com 30
MARKETPLACE MANAGER Stephen Mobley, mobley@dallasvoice.com ON THE COVER
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE National Advertising Representative BITES FROM OUR BLOG.............8
Todd Evans, Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021
VOICES.....................................10
PLAN YOUR WEEK....................64
ART DIRECTOR Kevin Thomas, thomas@dallasvoice.com
CASSIE NOVA...........................66
MULTIMEDIA Stephen Mobley, Social Media Director
Israel Luna, DVtv Video Producer, Host SCENE.......................................70
Brad Pritchett DVtv Host | Regina Lyn DVtv Host
MARKETPLACE........................78
46
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Linda Depriter, distribution@dallasvoice.com
Bleach, photographed by Mark Mayr
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Bites from our blog
InstanTEA: DallasVoice.com
Prism Health postpones Abbott calls 3rd special session, HRC fires Alphonso David to resign last month.
According to an article published shortly after
in-person LifeWalk event trans youth again targeted 10 p.m. Monday, Central Time, in the Los Ange-
les Blade, the newspaper’s White House reporter
“Chris Johnson had reported earlier Monday
that a tweeted statement on Sunday from David
declaring an independent review found no wrong-
doing on his behalf in the scandal on sexual mis-
conduct forcing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
to resign. The board co-chairs have responded
by disputing that account.”
In the Sunday tweet, David insisted that an
independent review had been completed and
found no wrongdoing on his part, and that even
though the board co-chairs had asked him to
consider resigning, he would not because “I have
Officials with Prism Health North Texas
the support of too many of our employees, board
announced Wednesday, Sept. 8, that they have
members and stakeholders to walk away quietly
“made the unfortunate decision” to postpone the
into the night.”
in-person LifeWalk event, MarketPalooza and Bar
HRC’s independent investigation was con-
Crawl, originally scheduled to take place Sunday,
ducted by Sidley Austin LLP, but, as the LA Blade
Oct. 3, on the Cedar Springs Strip.
notes, “Legal experts had doubted the validity
Noting that people living with compromised
of a review by Sidley Austin on the basis it was
immune systems, including many of the orga- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday, Sept. 7,
among the legal firms agreeing in 2019 to help
nization’s patients, are at higher risk of illness called a third special session of the Texas Legis-
with the Human Rights Campaign entering into
and complications from exposure to COVID-19, lature to begin Sept. 20, this time for lawmakers
litigation to advance LGBTQ rights, an agreement
PHNTX Events Manager Terry Walker said, “As to address redistricting, to address the ongoing
Officials with The Human Rights Campaign David spearheaded upon taking the helm of the
always, our priority is keeping our community COVID-19 pandemic and, yes, to once again
announced late Monday evening, Sept. 6, that organization.”
safe.” target transgender youth to try and keep them
the LGBTQ rights organization has fired its presi- The Los Angeles paper also points out that
But, he added, “Even though we won’t get from getting proper health care or playing sports
dent, Alphonso David, for cause. The move came “The findings from New York State Attorney
together for a big, in-person event, we can still in school.
following a joint meeting that same night of the General Letitia James on Cuomo names David
make a big impact on the lives of North Texans Abbott called the special session on the same
boards of the Human Rights Campaign and its nearly a dozen times,” including indications that
living with HIV.” day he defended the draconian anti-choice law
affiliated Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “after his tenure as counselor to Cuomo, [David]
Organizers are now planning to celebrate passed in the second special session of the year,
According to a statement by board co-chairs kept the personnel file of an employee accusing
LifeWalk in the spring of 2022, Walker said, not- which has no exception for victims of rape and
Morgan Cox and Jodie Patterson, David was the governor of sexual misconduct, then assisted
ing that organizers are encouraging community incest, by saying Texas women don’t need to
fired “effective immediately, for violations of his in returning that file to Cuomo staffers seeking to
members to still sign up for LifeWalk fundraising, worry about being raped because he is going to
contract with the Human Rights Campaign.” They leak it to the media in an attempt to discredit her.”
to invite friends and family members to join their “eliminate all rapists” in the state.
said that Sunday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. David has said the so-called file was a “mem-
fundraising teams or to make a direct donation at He also falsely claimed the law does make
6, David “released a statement that included orandum on an internal employment matter” that
LifeWalk.org. exceptions for victims of rape and incest.
significant untruths about the investigation and he kept because he worked on it, and that he
LifeWalk is one of the largest and longest-run- The abortion law and a law restricting voting in
his status with the organization. At HRC, we returned it when he left because he was legally
ning HIV awareness events in North Texas. It the state that also passed in the second special
are fighting to bring full equality and liberation to required to do so.
raises funds for PHNTX’s HIV medical services session are both already being challenged in
LGBTQ people everywhere. That includes fighting The New York AG’s report also said David
and programs, including HIV and STI testing, court. At least five separate lawsuits have been
on behalf of all victims of sexual harassment and allegedly agreed to help find people who would
clinical research, and operating the organization’s filed against the legislation affecting voting.
assault.” sign a draft op-ed seeking to discredit a woman
clinics and pharmacies. Abbott’s first two special sessions — the first
The organization had ordered an independent who accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct,
To register to fundraise, join a team, or donate one lasting 30 days, the second lasting 26 days
investigation after David had become entangled although David wouldn’t sign the document
directly, visit LifeWalk.org. — cost the state an estimated $1 million each.
in the investigation into sexual misconduct allega- himself. The op-ed was never published.
— Tammye Nash — Tammye Nash
tions that forced New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo — Tammye Nash
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Abounding Prosperity Inc., which Myers
founded, was also recognized for its work in
the battle to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Myers and APInc were among those hon-
ored at Vision Community Foundation’s annual
Black Tie Gala, held at the historic Atlanta
Biltmore Hotel. The event was hosted by
actress Vivica A. Fox and actor and reality TV
personality Miss Lawrence.
Others honored during the gala were Pose
star Ryan Jamaal Swain, radio host Gary with
da Tea, actor/comedian Sampson McCormick
and celebrity hairstylist and reality TV star
Derek J.
“I am truly humbled and overjoyed to receive
this honor for the hard work we have done and
continue to do,” Myers said. “While my name is
on this honor, it really belongs to the people on
Vision Community Foundation the ground who continuously support Abound-
ing Prosperity Inc. Thank you.”
honors Myers, Abounding APInc has spent nearly two decades
Prosperity Inc. providing testing, prevention and treatment
The Vision Community Foundation, services for HIV/AIDS and other STDs primarily
headquartered in Atlanta, on Friday, Sept. 3, for Black and Latino LGBTQ community mem-
honored long-time community activist Kirk bers. As a proven leader in the field, APInc has
Myers of Dallas for his ongoing efforts to end been awarded millions of dollars in grants to
HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ community and for fight the AIDS epidemic, including a recent $1
his work as lead organizer for Dallas Southern million federal grant to help vaccinate Black
Pride, the organization that puts on Dallas and Latino people against COVID-19.
Black Pride each fall and the city’s LGBTQ — Tammye Nash
Juneteenth celebration each summer.
█
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rescued from a appointment at SPCA.org/DogAdopt. Don’t forget, all dogs and
hoarding situation cats 6 months and older are just $25 to adopt at the SPCA of Texas’
in February 2020. Dallas and Ellis locations. Fredrick is waiting to meet you at SPCA
He’s made a lot of Texas Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center.
of progress in his
time at the SPCA Regular adoption fees are $150 for puppies and kittens aged 0-6
of Texas. He was months and $75 for adult dogs and cats aged 6 months or older.
very nervous Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations,
when he first came to the shelter and just humans to just leave a heartworm test for dogs six months and older and a FIV/FeLV
him alone. Now he can’t stop grinning and barks when his human test for cats 4 months and older, initial flea/tick preventative
friends leave him. Fredrick bonds faster with women, so ideally and heartworm preventative, a microchip, 30 days of PetHealth
there will be at least one woman in the home with him. He’s a Insurance provided by PetHealth, a free 14-day wellness exam
little clumsy and a lot socially awkward; he doesn’t always know with VCA Animal Hospitals, a rabies tag and a free leash. The
how to interact with humans, but he tries his best. Fredrick gets Jan-Rees Jones Animal Care Center is open for adoptions every
along well with calm, laid-back dogs and wouldn’t mind a doggie day noon-6 p.m. Animals are available by walk-in on a first-come,
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09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 9
VOICES
OPINIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY
Living in interesting times
“M
ay you live in interest- to help doscientific term for long, thin pieces of law. But none of that will quell the anger
ing times.” Google the at least damaged intestinal epithelium or oth- and the fear Abbott’s so-called “heart-
phrase and you will slow the er bowel content that have been mis- beat” law has engendered not just here
likely find that it is said to be an “an- spread of identified as human parasitic worms,” in Texas, but across the country. None
cient Chinese curse.” the virus according to three different scientific of that will soothe or calm those on ei-
What? A curse? How could that be a “sheeple” sources quoted by Wikipedia, includ- ther side of the debate, and let me tell
curse? There are, after all, many of us are actu- ing “Regarding: A Common Source you, there is a lot of fury and vitriol
who would despair at the idea of im- ally taking Outbreak of Anisakidosis in the United out there. I made the mistake over the
pending boredom; so how could “inter- a medi- States and Postexposure Prophylaxis of weekend of commenting on some post,
esting times” be a curse?! cation in- Family Collaterals” published in The saying that women should have control
And yet, here we are — living in in- tended to American Journal of Tropical Medicine. over their own bodies, and that a bunch
teresting times. And I know I, for one, rid sheep Yes, you read that right. These peo- of old white men in Austin are enact-
wouldn’t mind a little boredom right (and oth- ple are taking ivermectin and literally ing this and similar laws simply to take
about now. But we are in the midst of er an- pooping out bits of their own intesti- control and power away from women.
times so interesting, they are killing us. imals) of parasites. nal tract. But hey, those of us listening One man responded by telling me,
There’s COVID-19 of course, and It boggles the mind, yes? to actual scientific experts are the crazy very adamantly, that abortion has ab-
even after 18 or so months, the pan- All the warnings from all the doctors ones. solutely nothing to do with a woman’s
demic is keeping things “interesting.” and scientists and researchers who have (PRO TIP: Don’t google “rope worm body (ummmmm…. What?), while a
Perhaps the most “interesting” thing devoted their lives to studying and images.” Trust me; just don’t.) woman declared, just as adamantly,
about COVID right now is the battle treating infectious diseases mean noth- If the battle between science and that I am a “Satanic demon.”
over ivermectin. For some reason, rela- ing to these folks. Because they have the conspiracies in the COVID-19 arena I considered asking what other kinds
tively large swathes of people have de- internet, and they have “done their re- weren’t enough, now Texas Gov. Greg of demons there are — atheist demons?
cided that a drug discovered in the late search,” and they have found one study Abbott has signed into law the most Godly demons? Demons who just aren’t
1970s in Japan (according to a paper in somewhere that claims ivermectin is draconian anti-choice law in the coun- sure what they believe? I didn’t though,
the U.S. National Library of Medicine, effective in preventing and/or treat- try, adding MOUNTAINS of fuel to the because I already had a headache from
National Institutes of Health) and first ing COVID-19. PLUS, they found that already-raging fire that is the debate living in such interesting times.
used to rid animals of parasites then lat- guy with a degree in basket-weaving or over abortion. The law bans abortion And if that’s not interesting enough
er adapted to rid humans of parasites, whatever who did his own research and past six weeks (or when, they claim, for you, a friend posted a photo of all
will keep them from getting COVID-19 swears it works. So it MUST be true! the fetus’ heartbeat can be detected, the white men and their eight or so to-
or, if they get the virus, cure them of it. These same folks have created Face- something that actual doctors and sci- ken women (also white) grinning and
Despite every reputable source saying book pages where they ask how much entists dispute), and then to top it off, making the “heart” sign with their fin-
“No! Don’t do it!” Despite the absolute of the ivermectin for horses that they offers a bounty to anyone who “turns gers as Abbott signed the abortion bill.
dearth of actual, scientifically sound bought at the feed store they should in” a woman who has an abortion, the And Facebook “automatically tagged”
evidence that it might possibly work. give their husband/wife/child who has medical professionals who performed Abbott in that photo as ME! I’d love to
Some folks insist on taking a medication COVID and can’t breathe and is getting or assisted in the abortion and even the see the look on his face when somebody
formulated for and meant for animals, worse. They are also the same people person who drove the woman to the ap- tells him. Wonder how interesting that
especially horses and sheep. Yes, that’s telling each other about all the “rope pointment. would be. █
right: Many of the same folks insist- worms” they’ve been pooping out since There will, of course, be legal chal- Tammye Nash is managing editor of Dal-
ing on calling those of us who got our they started taking ivermectin. SPOIL- lenges, and the federal government is las Voice. The views expressed here are her
COVID vaccine and who wear masks ER ALERT: “Rope worms” is “a pseu- said to be taking steps to counter the own.
10 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.2109.10.21 █ dallasvoice 11
Life inside the Dreamhaus
BIG FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHER: MARK MAYR
Model: Bleach
FW photog-
rapher Mark
“Frida Mon-
et” Mayr and
his muse, local
drag perform-
er Bleach (aka
Glen Aubrey
Roach) headed to The Dreamhaus in
Everman recently for a photoshoot for
the cover of and this two-page photo
spread in Dallas Voice’s Big September
Issue.
The two got their inspiration for the
looks you see here from Vogue maga-
zine, specifically Vogue issues featur-
ing Lady Gaga.
Turn to pages 14 and 15 for articles
about Mayr and Bleach. █
12 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.2109.10.21 █ dallasvoice 13
High fashion? Or high camp?
BIG SHOT
Photos by Rich Lopez/Dallas Voice
Whichever you’re looking for, Vogue featuring Lady Gaga.
Dallas photographer Mark Mayr Mayr has been shooting since he was
has it covered 15. But it was this past pandemic year
that seemed to get him back on track
with his photography.
RICH LOPEZ | Staff Writer “I definitely got a kickstart,” he said.
rich@dallasvoice.com “There was a lull, but I wanted to make
this thing happen.
uring the pho- “I know I can make this photography
to shoot for the dream come true. So I got all my equip-
cover of this ment together, and I’ve been freelanc-
week’s issue of ing.”
Dallas Voice, With his aesthetic perpetuated by his
Mark Mayr han- muse Bleach, Mayr is hardly short on
dled the camera. subjects in North Texas. Likely when
His approach you catch Mayr shooting, he will be
was efficient shooting drag queens. He’s been taking
and fairly quiet. He moved his equip- drag pics and Polaroids for almost a de-
ment with stealth. He set up his lighting cade.
quickly, and he was ready to go. “I’ve always been fascinated, because
But while he may be under the radar, with drag, you start from the ground
his eye searches for photos that are any- up,” Mayr explained. “That persona
thing but. comes from a place they create and
“My aesthetic is a mixture of loud col- build. Plus, when they’re in drag, peo-
ors, but with a clean, solid destination ple are at their happiest.”
point,” Mayr said. He would know. His own alter ego
All of that was easy in the Dream- is drag queen Frida Monet. As Frida,
haus, a special venue located in, of all Mayr performs primarily at Urban
places, Everman, Texas just south of Fort Cowboy in Fort Worth and with the
Worth. Inside are all the colors Mayr comedy group Claws Out Comedy.
needed — from aquamarine walls to a “She’s just a trash queen,” Mayr said
deep red bathroom. of Frida. “Mainly what I do is mic work
But it’s his subject that helps bring his and wear leopard print dresses.”
pictures together. And that subject is lo- Whether because of his own drag or
cal drag queen Bleach. because he takes so many photos of oth-
Bleach is Mayr’s muse, and they’ve er queens, there is a symbiosis going on
created magic together many times as within his work.
photographer and subject. This week, “I’m working on a character series
they brought that magic to the Dallas that challenges a bit what drag is for
Voice cover shoot. me,” Mayr said. “I have these messy,
“We wanted to make a vignette of dif- haphazard characters who are based on
ferent characters that Bleach embodies,” people I’ve seen growing up in subur-
said Mayr. ban white Texas.”
“Thinking about the Dreamhaus, we There is perhaps something to be said
looked at what was here and what story about the fact that the Dallas Voice cov-
we could tell,” Mayr said. er shoot was in the type of suburban,
Inspired by the likes of photogra- white city he describes, yet inside a
pher David LaChapelle, Mayr used the house where there is an entirely differ-
bright and bold colors of the art house ent world where Mayr can photograph
studio to bring Bleach to life in a variety a man wearing $600 silicone boobs.
of complex female roles — from high “Yeah, we did that,” he said with
fashion to high camp. For this cover, added excitement. █
the two pulled inspiration from Vogue Follow Mayr’s work on Instagram at
magazine, specifically those issues of @studio_trash_ and @Fridamonet.
14 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21Blonde
shells led him to create Bleach. Anna-Ni-
cole, Pamela Sue and Dolly are his icons.
But the blond bit is merely a part of a
deeper, much more complex Bleach.
“I feel like I have a broad range,” she
ambition
said. “I was never the girl who wanted
to perform a Britney number, but I found
joy in a way to do that. I do a lot of more
bizarre numbers, but when I need to pay
the rent, I throw in a Dolly or Britney
number.”
Bleach loves making love Bleach prides herself on being a cha-
to the camera meleon and being able to read the room.
This is, perhaps, a tool in every expe-
RICH LOPEZ | Staff Writer rienced drag queen’s skill set, but for
rich@dallasvoice.com Bleach, it lends to her evolution.
“Every day is a constant evolution. I’m
art of Bleach’s ap- changing every single day. Anytime you
proach to the photo have that much presentation going on, it
shoot for this week’s gives off new vibrations, and people feel
cover of Dallas Story that,” she said. “There’s a part of me that
was to tell a story of comes to life but also takes on a new life.”
who she is. Bleach If it wasn’t for drag, Bleach — er,
(nee Aubry Roach) Roach — would be a completely differ-
and photographer ent person far removed from the world
Mark Mayr were intent on having the of drag. Dressing up, he said, changed
shoot be more than just fabulous photo- who he was inside.
graphs. And while this wasn’t necessar- “It’s made me more uninhibited,
ily Bleach’s life story, it was indicative of which I apply to daily life. I’ve always
her complex take on drag. been a head-down, not-say-anything
“I really wanted it to be as if Bleach kind of guy. and I think drag has allowed
lived in these shots, from the bedroom to me to speak up for myself and assert my
me with the mask,” she said. point of view.”
Bleach and Mayr work off each other That same spirit has also kept Bleach
with such strong intuition, getting in- busy. This October marks the queen’s
spiration from high-end fashion maga- “third or fourth” year doing drag pro-
zines and creating a high-fashion photo fessionally as a full-time job. These days,
spread — while adding their own spe- she’s often performing in the Rose Room;
cial twist — was a snap. she’s part of Double Trouble with Raquel
Scrutinizing “a ton of art and photog- Blake every Tuesday at JR.’s, and she’s a
raphy books,” they found their referenc- staple at drag brunch events throughout
es, but Bleach’s own ideas elevated them Dallas and Fort Worth. One recent Satur- This must be a dream!
into some elegant drag camp. day, she said, she had three shows and
“I like having some control creative- was in drag from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. If you’re looking at more than Bleach on the cover and in the “cover shoot” photos here on
these inside pages, who can blame you? The setting for the shoot is a dream — a Dreamhaus, in
ly,” the 28-year-old drag performer said. “I get so tired because I am a work- fact.
“We do this dance though. He gets cre- horse, and it can get intense,” Bleach And what else could you ask for in a Dreamhaus? The interiors are bold, colorful and fabulous
ative where I get meticulous, but it’s a said. “But you know, I’m so lucky to be and right here in North Texas. Everman, Texas to be exact.
nice balance.” doing this. I love being in drag.” That’s just south of Fort Worth. nestled in a little nook southeast of Interstates 20 and 35W.
The Bleach and Mayr have known She also loves being a cover girl for Words to describe the Dallas Dreamhaus are hard to find. It’s a photo studio; it’s an illusion; it’s
a home. It’s pure fantasy.
each other for six years. They hit it off Dallas Voice. On the outside, it looks like any normal house on a small town street that’s not far from a run-
immediately when Bleach was booked “Well, I love doing photos, and I was down strip mall and a lonely memorial park. The neighborhood is modest and quiet. The cars and
on Mayr’s show (which he presents as excited to not just focus on one image,” trucks line the streets and driveways.
his drag alter ego Frida Monet) in 2015. she said. “I’m so excited and grateful for But when that door opens, it is like being shot at hyper-speed into a rococo dream — which
“We were doing little shoots in the this opportunity. My friends like Cassie makes the name make sense.
From that moment, your eyes are drawn to every inch of this insane house. It is three bed-
bedroom, just creating some stuff,” Nova and Raquel Blake — they’ve been rooms, two baths and a kitchen, along with main rooms, all filled top to bottom with gold trim,
Bleach said. “But over the last two years, on the cover, and now I get to join those cherub statues, moulding, chandeliers and ornate wallpapers in a multitude of colors.
we’ve really elevated our ideas to make ranks!” █ Owner Rachel Page brought the place into her fold as the Dreamhaus alongside her other
photos we were both proud of.” Follow Bleach on social media at @bleach- colorful spot, the Dallas Dollhaus. They both serve as backdrops for photo and video shoots while
Roach’s obsession with blonde bomb- pleasee Dreamhaus can also serve as an event venue.
See the place for yourself on Instagram at @dallasdreamhaus. It has to be seen to be believed.
— Rich Lopez
09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 15From the bars to the boardrooms
and beyond —
BIG PERSONALITY
Dee Pennington rose through It HAD to happen at was a Baptist preacher; number two,
the grassroots level I had terrible fear I would lose my job
the ranks at her job from teller since no one else (very legitimate fear for many years in
to CEO, all the while making was helping. It fell on our country), and number three, having
individual volunteers to try harder since I was a woman in an
her mark as a volunteer and — men and women extremely conservative, male-dominated
advocate in the LGBTQ — to come together environment. I didn’t want to have to fight
and raise the money the lesbian label along with the woman
community and the awareness, label.
to fight for the Even after things started progressing with
education and the our rights. I stayed mostly in the “don’t
ee Pennington
legislation. ask, don’t tell lane.” And I did, in fact,
has come a long
We all did it working have a couple of negative encounters with
way from her
full-time jobs and a couple of board directors — my bosses
first time at a
then going to work — that made me conclude the friction
gay bar, when at our volunteer was very personal and was based on my
she was shocked FULL-time jobs. If sexual orientation.
to discover that the day ended in a Y, And I guess there’s also a reason number
women could we were at a com- four: I was just chicken shit.
actually be gay, munity meeting.
I sometime wonder if part of my motivation
to today as she is gearing to step back But there were, to be involved in our community was a
into the world of work and the world of thank goodness, al- way I could still help and assuage my guilt
activism. And she has made an indelible ready many who had at being closeted in certain environments.
impression on so many of the people she started the move- Right or wrong, I hope the fruits of my
has met along the way. ment in its infancy, involvement helped at least someone.
So what better time than our BIG Sep- who were working
But to answer your question, YES, I think it’s
tember Issue for Dallas Voice to catch up so tirelessly. I got to
imperative to be open at work if possible
meet and serve with
with this woman with a smile, a person- process by my dishonesty. and safe.
several of our community activists. Those
ality, drive, charisma and … hair … as One thing weird I never did was hide my
You worked in the corporate world, where are the ones to be admired and acknowl-
big Texas! things were more conservative. Tell me edged. activism or my overall desire for equality.
— Tammye Nash about your job when you first came There was a time I was stupid enough to
Was there ever a time when you felt like
out, and about how your job changed think I was living in two separate worlds,
the demands of your job clashed with
Dallas Voice: Tell me about when you first through the years. I know you retired and ne’er the two would meet! Even early
involvement in the community and your
began to realize you were a lesbian as president of a credit union. Did you on, when there was a picture of me in
activism? If so, how did you resolve
and about when and how you came work for the credit union all along? Tell the newspaper, on a stage, getting dollar
that? It clashed in the sense it was so
out. Dee Pennington: It’s a long story that me about your advancement at work. bills stuffed in my bra for a fundraiser,
time consuming and stressful — and also
spanned 10 years. One night, I went to I worked at the credit union from 1980 to it never dawned on me that I might get
challenging on relationships, as it took
a gay bar with my husband and another 2018. I started as a teller; after 38 years, I found out. As a matter of fact, when that
time away from home for sure.
couple and our gay guy friend to see Kan- retired the CEO. pic made the front page of Dallas Voice
I know that you were out at work, al- and the paper landed on my desk — after
dy Delight in a drag show. I went up to the I have a high school diploma, but that’s it though not necessarily “flamboyantly circulating 10 stories in my building —
bar, and this very attractive woman asked, as far as my education went. I was given out,” for lack of a better way to say thanks to a coworker, all I said, “Oh wow!
“What can I get you to drink baby?” I was great opportunities by my predecessor, it. Do you feel like it was important to I raised a lot of money that night for Home
gobsmacked! but I had to prove myself and do the be out at work? Do you feel like you for the Hoildays!” All without batting an
The next day, I asked my friend, “Why was work. I earned it, but I was also greatly helped pave the way for LGBTQ folks
supported by many people who had eye. Then I explained what Home for the
that woman working at a gay bar?” He — especially women — to be out in the
much trust and faith in me. Holidays was and was given a donation!
told me because she was gay. I ex- corporate world? Actually, I was never
claimed, “Women are gay????” I couldn’t As you became more active — and as So no, I was not OUT in the best and most
out out at work. When I agreed to do
believe it! a result more well-known — in the honest way, but whatever I was doing,
this article, I knew this would be — and
LGBTQ community, how did you bal- it WAS indeed in a very flamboyant way.
Fast-forward 10 years and two husbands should be — a question. I have tremen-
ance your corporate work life with your Either indirectly or directly, I do I hope I
later, my path crossed with this very same dous regret and shame that I was not
life and your work in the LGBTQ com- did “pave the way for some folks,” but I’ll
woman and voila, I fell madly in love brave enough to be who I was complete-
munity? I balanced it like we all did in forever regret some of my choices, and
and came out — sort of. I was about 33 ly. There are many reasons for it — some
those days. Our country and our commu- I apologize if I ever hindered anyone or
before I could acknowledge to myself that genuine, some lame.
nity were engulfed by the AIDS epidemic. kept them in fear.
I was a lesbian. It was very difficult for For brevity sakes, the top three challenges
me, and I hurt people who loved me in the That’s how and why I started my activism. I faced were, number one, that my father BEYOND, Page 19
16 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.2109.10.21 █ dallasvoice 17
18 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21
BEYOND, From Page 16
Talk to me about Chick Happy Hour. How olina Clammer have chaired CHH with me. ments that are important to you. I know 10 hours a week working for Texas Pride
and when did that start? Hmm … let’s And the success of CHH is because of women’s rights in general are very high Impact Fund, and I’ll be volunteering with
see. I’m not really sure what year CHH these women and the women who come on your list. What else? I actually retired the Human Rights Campaign with its
started, since it was just a little happy out and support it. from all my involvements years ago, es- Women’s Fairway to Equality golf tourna-
hour about which I had no foresight re- What is the best part of Chick Happy pecially when my parents became ill and ment next year.
garding its longevity. But I’m pretty sure it Hour, to you? What makes it an import- needed several years of caretaking. And When you think back, is there anything
was at least 20 years ago. ant part of the community here in North then, of course, after their deaths I had you would do differently? Not be such a
It actually started because, when making Texas? One of the first things I was quite no interest either. It’s been six or seven wuss! Listen better. Dial it down (at least
plans with friends I would cancel and adamant about was that, because I was years since I have been involved in any sometimes). Think before I speak. But
reschedule so frequently it was embar- always asking the girls for money, CHH activism or community participation other mostly, I wish I would have done more.
rassing. So I thought, let’s just pick a would be social ONLY — no fundraising, than CHH.
standing time, so that we could all know no ticket sales, no speeches. I wanted to BUT! Yes, my care and passion are still and
As a successful businesswoman and
when/where we’d be. It wasn’t initially for give back to those who supported me by will always be LGBTQ rights, women’s
someone who has been and continues
networking or hook ups, but just for my hosting them in a completely social way. rights and, for goodness sakes, EQUAL
to be active in the LGBTQ community
gal pals to get together. So while that’s still a “rule” for the same RIGHTS FOR ALL HUMANS! I can tell
and the women’s movement, what ad-
It started as a Sunday brunch for the first reason, we do — happily and frequently you I’m justifiably scared as hell in these
vice do you have for women in general,
couple of times. Then I met Michael Scott — use our list of 1,500+ by posting and times. I’m not quite sure what to do, but I
lesbians or LGBTQ folks in general
at a party, and we were talking about my sharing other community organization do know for sure it can’t be nothing.
who are following in your footsteps?
brunch and a way for it to include other causes and events. Since retiring from the credit union, what SHUT UP OR GET INVOLVED! BECOME
women (she was single). We wanted it to The important part to me is that, while we’ve are you doing these days? Do you A PART OF THE SOLUTION! GET OFF
be a completely diverse and inclusion- had as few as 60 people and as many have any big projects or plans you are THE COUCH OFF SOCIAL MEDIA. GET
ary happy hour for lesbian singles and as 600, we are still doing it. And we will working on? As of late, after three years, ENGAGED IN SOMETHING THAT HELPS
couples. continue to do it for anyone who still finds I’ve been watching a lot of Dr. Phil during OTHERS!
I chose the name, wrote a mission state- value in it. the day. Needless to say, that’s just not a
And last, but not least, what do you want
ment/“invite.” Michael found the venue; healthy choice or use of my time.
And I love that, at least once a month in our to talk about that I did not ask about?
we called our groups, and 60 women busy, crazy world, we get to see an old So, I’m excited to say that I start next week This issue just isn’t long enough for that,
showed up! friend or make a new one. working 10 hours a week at the North but thanks for asking! Do you think any-
Over the years Ibis Kaba, Sue Wyll and Car- Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and one is still reading?
Tell me about other causes or move-
09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 19Texas Dems fight back
BIG BALLS
Jenkins, Hinojosa, Parker defy
governor; LGBTQ Caucus defies
Republican majority
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
his year, North Tex-
as politicians put
public health ahead
of an executive or-
der, and members
of the LGBT Legis-
lative Caucus faced
arrest to stop a vot-
er suppression bill from advancing in
the Texas House.
County Judge Clay Jenkins put sci-
ence above Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive
order when Jenkins ordered that masks
be worn in buildings throughout Dallas
County to protect against the surging
Delta variant of the coronavirus. Several
county judges in urban counties around
the state followed Jenkins’ lead.
Dallas ISD superintendent Michael areas of the state recover quicker by or- Another group of politicians with big
Hinojosa ordered masks be worn in dering National Guard troops to assist balls this year are Texas’ legislative les-
DISD schools to protect children under in clean up or by sending needed medi- bians. Ok, I know: One’s bisexual. An-
12 who cannot yet receive the vaccine cal supplies or by diverting repair crews other pansexual. Another a gay woman.
and those with underlying health condi- to an affected part of the state. And one big-ole-dyke-get-used-to-it.
tions and suppressed immune systems What the governor can’t do is make But the group of six were leaders in the
for whom the vaccine may not work. things worse by ordering hospitals to Democratic walkout in the Legislature,
School districts throughout the area and close or by preventing EMS workers especially state Rep. Jessica Gonzalez,
around the state followed Hinojosa’s from doing their jobs. who spoke for the group at the outset.
lead. When Jenkins issued his mask order, Quorum in the Texas House of Repre-
Judge Tonya Parker was the first to he was saying that people in Dallas sentatives is two-thirds or — 100 mem-
uphold the mask requirements. Several County would be best served by wear- bers out of 150 members. The governor
judges around the state followed Park- ing a mask in office buildings and other has the power to arrest absent members
er’s lead and ruled in favor of local of- public indoor areas. He wasn’t implying and have them delivered to the Capitol
ficials. that what public health officials said was to make quorum.
The Texas Supreme Court struck best in crowded cities was necessary or After the 2000 census, Democrats fled
down Parker’s ruling without specifi- helpful in less populated areas. Hino- to Ardmore, Okla., to protest gerryman-
cally naming any local officials. So local josa was also making a decision based dered redistricting maps that Republi-
officials stood by their orders. When the on what was best for children in DISD’s cans were forcing through the Legisla-
issue returned to Parker’s courtroom, dilapidated schools, many with anti- ture. During this summer’s two special
she again ruled in favor of local officials, quated air conditioning systems and no sessions, the issue was voting rights.
and the Supreme Court hasn’t rushed to air filtration systems. And Parker was All six LGBTQ members of the LGBT
reverse her. ruling that a governor shouldn’t be al- Legislative Caucus flew to Washington,
Normally during emergencies, execu- lowed to issue orders that make things D.C., to urge members of Congress to act
tive orders are issued locally by mayors worse. on voting rights legislation that would
or county judges. Local officials know But these decisions by all three local make provisions in bills then making
best what’s needed after flooding from a leaders defied elected statewide offi- their way through the Texas Legislature
tropical storm in South Texas, a tornado cials, who were playing politics and illegal.
in West Texas or an ice storm in North pandering to their base with anti-mask Last week, the U.S. House of Repre-
Texas. What the governor can do is help decisions and rulings and orders. DANGER, Page 22
20 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21DANGER, From Page 20
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, left (Associated Press)
sentatives passed the John Lewis Voting it wasn’t enough. The bottom line is that
Rights Advancement Act. The U.S. Sen- this bill will be bad for Texas, and its im-
ate has yet to act on it.
But in the final days of the second
special session of the legislature, quo-
rum was regained and SB1, the voter
suppression bill Democrats were trying
to defeat, passed. Each house passed a
different version, so the bill went to con-
ference committee. No Democrats were
included in that committee.
State Rep. Ann Johnson, a Houston
representative and the newest mem-
ber of the LGBT caucus, announced the
news of the defeat and said in a press re-
lease, “Although we did what we could
to eliminate the worst aspects of the bill,
Judge Tonya Parker
pact will be felt for many years to come.”
State Rep. Celia Israel, caucus member
from Austin, explained passage of the
bill this way: “This special session was
ultimately designed to pass legislation to
placate the concerns of a fraction of the
electorate that doesn’t believe the elec-
tion results of 2020.”
She said that she and other caucus
members, along with other Democrats,
left Texas when there was no room for
negotiation on the issue.
“I eagerly await action by the U.S.
Senate” on the John Lewis Voting Rights
State Rep. Celia Israel Act, Lewis said. █
22 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21BE
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09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 23Not afraid to speak out
BIG MOUTH
Alexandre’s owner Lee
Daugherty always seems
to be ticking someone off
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
hen we
came up
with the
Big Sep-
tember cat-
egory of Big
Mouth, Lee
Daugherty im-
mediately came to mind. He laughed
when we told him, because he’s well
aware of his reputation.
Daugherty, who grew up in Allen,
admitted, “My mouth got me in trou-
ble in school too. And it wasn’t always
good trouble.”
Since moving from the ’burbs to Dal-
las more than 20 years ago, Daugherty’s
mouth has mostly gotten him into what
he calls “good trouble.” As a founder
of Take Back Oak Lawn, as a member
of the Mayor’s LGBT Task Force and as
the owner of Alexandre’s for the past
17 years, he’s always spoken his mind
and taken the kind of action that he be-
lieves is best for the community.
Daugherty said the most divisive
issue he has been involved with is
the removal of the Robert E. Lee stat-
ue from what is now known as Turtle
Creek Park. He began his campaign to
remove the bronze statue about four
years before it was finally moved from
the park.
He said his first Facebook post on
the subject drew about three likes. By
the time Confederate statues were re-
moved from public squares in New Or-
leans, his posts were getting hundreds
of likes and dislikes — as well as death
threats from neo-Nazi groups that pro-
tested the removals.
The most recent threat came just a
few weeks ago, several years after the
Lee statue was removed from what was
then Lee Park, when it was shipped off
to storage. Lee Daugherty
24 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21Another of Daugherty’s battles in- They got lights added on several
volved the renaming of that same park. streets and bushes trimmed to make
The name temporarily reverted to its those streets safer for people walking
original moniker — Oak Lawn Park to their cars at night. John Anderson,
after the statue was removed and the another group founder, bought equip-
city agreed that Lee Park was no lon- ment to measure the light on streets,
ger appropriate. Some neighborhood then turned the information over to the
organizers wanted the name changed city to correct the problem.
to Turtle Creek Park. But Daugherty The group also encouraged people
was on the side of not erasing the name to walk to their cars at night in groups.
“Oak Lawn” from the area as it rapidly Daugherty said he was gratified one
gentrifies. night when he was standing on his
Here’s where he compromised: The bar’s patio and saw a group of five
name Oak Lawn Park had a bitter his- people walking together. They spot-
tory itself, because Black people were ted someone walking alone and called
not allowed to enter the park when it out to him to walk with them to get to
first opened under that name. Daugh- his car safely. Daugherty also hired a
erty agreed that starting fresh was a security guard to patrol his block and
good choice. But, he notes, there are an- make sure his patrons safely got to their
other 60 parks throughout Dallas with cars, and he encouraged other business
similar history whose names should be owners to do the same.
changed as well. The efforts of Take Back Oak Lawn
Daugherty described how he became have worked. Violent crime in the area
a bar owner. His previous job was in has seen a double-digit decline in the
telecom and, he said, as the telecom in- years since it was founded. Daugherty
dustry fell, he was spending more and said the group still works in the neigh-
more time in bars. “I spent so much borhood. In fact, on Saturday, Sept. 11,
time in bars, it was cheaper to own volunteers will meet at Alexandre’s at
one,” he said. 10 a.m. to walk the streets of the neigh-
Daugherty acknowledged he isn’t borhood to clean up.
your typical bar owner, describing him- “Cleaning helps us find problem ar-
self as a “classtrator.” “I always listen to eas,” Daugherty said. “But it also helps
input,” he said. “I listen to the people us build pride in our neighborhood.”
who are actually doing the work. The in- There’s nothing controversial about
dustry’s tough. Don’t make it tougher.” any of that. But Daugherty said, he
He said bars are the No. 1 industry ticked off business owners throughout
losing employees these days. During the neighborhood who didn’t want
the COVID pandemic, bars were al- him talking about the crime rate when
lowed to re-open, and then they were it was high.
closed again. He said he kept his bar Despite his reputation as the Big
closed 410 days but kept all of his em- Mouth of Cedar Springs, business at
ployees on their insurance. And payroll Alexandre’s has been good. So good,
was covered PPP funds, so everyone in fact, that Daugherty is expanding his
had their basic income. Then bar finally bar into the space next door. Despite
re-opened only after all the employees pandemic construction delays, includ-
were vaccinated. ing a bottleneck at the permit office on
Daugherty said he met with his em- Jefferson Boulevard plaguing all con-
ployees on Zoom regularly while the struction projects, he hopes the larger
bar was closed, and, together, they space will be open by the end of the
decided what to do. Once the bar re- year.
opened, he kept all of his staff. And Alexandre’s, which has been
Daugherty counts the creation known for live music, is slowly adding
of Take Back Oak Lawn as a major performers and DJs to its schedule.
achievement. But some in Oak Lawn “Support LGBT musicians,” Daugh-
hold it against him. erty said, pointing out that they’ve
Take Back Oak Lawn was formed in been hurt by the shutdown as much as
2015 as a string of violent crimes was bar personnel. That’s Daugherty’s lat-
happening in the neighborhood. The est crusade, and he’s sure someone will
group identified several problems and find a reason to argue with him about
took action to solve those problems. that one, too. █
09.10.21 █ dallasvoice 25Honoring LGBTQ-
The
smart
owned businesses
choice
BIG BUSINESS
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, second from left, presented a proclamation declaring September as
LGBT Business Month in the city of Dallas to, from left, LGBT Chamber Foundation Chair Clint
• Making the complicated search for insurance simple. Thomson, LGBT Chamber Chair Gary Sanchez Chamber President and CEO. (Photo courtesy of
• The educated voice in insurance the city of Dallas, via the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce)
• More than 25 years of experience
• Representing multiple insurance companies
North Texas LGBT Chamber ate more than 1.5 million jobs annually,
• Award winning agency gets city, county to recognize about 64 percent of new jobs created in
“As a member of our LGBT community, I understand your needs.” September as LGBT Business the U.S., and they employ nearly 50 per-
Call today and learn how to save money cent of all workers in the U.S. We think
469-464-5740 or visit wiseinsurancegroup.com Month that is worthy of recognition.”
Vedda said those figures are a con-
TAMMYE NASH | Managing Editor servative estimate extrapolated from
nash@dallasvoice.com a wide-ranging economic study con-
ducted by the National LGBT Chamber
ince the beginning of of Commerce and based on surveys of
September, both the LGBT-certified businesses (businesses
Dallas City Council certified by the National LGBT Cham-
and the Dallas County ber to be majority owned by LGBTQ
Commissioners have is- individuals as part of the chamber’s
sued proclamations rec- LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative).
ognizing this as LGBTQ Vedda said North Texas LGBT Cham-
Business Month, at the ber officials had “looked at the city of
request of the North Dallas and the county of Dallas, at the
Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. LGBTQ population here and our spend-
The proclamations, explained Chamber ing power, along with the number of
President and CEO Tony Vedda, are in- what we assume to be LGBT-owned
tended to both honor and urge support businesses and what their economic
for the many LGBTQ-owned businesses output is.” In the end, he said, as noted
that help the Dallas-Fort Worth Metrop- in the proclamations, they determined
lex grow and thrive. that Dallas has the largest LGBTQ pop-
“We wanted to bring a focus to how ulation of any city in Texas, and that
these LGBTQ-owned businesses sup- that population has a combined buying
port the economy here in North Texas,” power of more than $4 billion.
Vedda said. And, he added, the chamber esti-
Gary Sanchez, chamber board chair mates that there are about 4,000 LGBTQ-
and director of public affairs at Visit- owned businesses in Dallas with a com-
Dallas, said the chamber estimates that bined gross output of more than $1.5
LGBTQ-owned businesses in Dallas billion.
“contribute more than $30 billion to the Vedda said that the idea for recog-
local economy. … It has been well doc- nizing LGBTQ Business Month started
umented that small businesses are the a couple of years in talks between him
backbone of any community. They cre- and Tammi Wallace, cofounder, pres-
26 dallasvoice.com █ 09.10.21ident and CEO of the Greater Houston other small nonprofit or business, has
LGBT Chamber of Commerce. been working hard to keep things going
“Tammi and I talked about how there through the pandemic, and that work
is no recognition of our LGBTQ busi- continues. “Like everybody else, we are
nesses, and we felt like we needed to do listening to the physicians on TV and
something about it. And this year, I just to our local experts — Dr. John Carlo at
decided this was the time to ask the city Prism Health North Texas is a wealth of
and the county for these proclamations. information — but I think everyone is at
“It would be nice to do something least a little cautious at this point. We all
statewide, but with everything going want to think the worst is over and that
on, it’s just not the time for that,” Vedda we will get back to normal soon. But see-
continued. “And the Houston chamber ing how this Delta variant has grabbed
is celebrating their 5th anniversary this hold — especially among the unvacci-
year, so they decided to hold off for now. nated — people are still being very cau-
Next year, hopefully, we can include tious.”
Houston and maybe even the chambers That’s why, he said, the chamber chose
in Austin and San Antonio, too.” to cancel the awards luncheon that had
Over the last year and a half, as the been planned for mid-September.
COVID-19 pandemic has raged across The chamber’s small groups had start-
the country, Vedda said that LGBTQ- ed back with in-person meetings in July,
owned businesses — just like every oth- but the annual awards luncheon was a
er business — have suffered. “The LGBT different matter, Vedda said. “We held
bars — the gay and lesbian bars every- an awards luncheon in January of 2020.
where — have all had a really hard time, That was our last big event before the
and personally, I find that very sad. Be- pandemic hit,” he said.
cause for so many people, the bars were After people began getting vaccinated
their first entry into the community. For at the first of the year, and the severity of
so long, the bars were our only safe ha- the pandemic seemed to be easing some,
vens. chamber officials decided to schedule
“I don’t know of any LGBT bars in the 2021 luncheon for September. But
Dallas or Fort Worth that have [perma- then came Delta.
nently] closed because of the pandemic, “So we decided to nix the luncheon
but they have all suffered — as have our and plan a virtual event instead.” Now
restaurants. Our restaurants have really the chamber is planning for a virtual
We take
PRIDE
had to traverse a minefield through this event to take place live on Friday, Nov.
pandemic. They still are,” he said. “Some 3, from 10-11 a.m. Video of the event will
businesses have not been affected as be rebroadcast later for those unable to
much, but others have been greatly im- watch the first time.
pacted. Cleaning services, for example, The delay, Vedda said, “gives us time in the
came to a grinding halt when everything
started shutting down and people left
to expand the awards and work on some
really cool things for the virtual event.”
neighborhood.
their offices to work from home.” In the meantime, Vedda encouraged
Through it all, Vedda said, the North everyone to do what they can to support
Christian
Texas LGBT Chamber has worked dili- the community by supporting LGBTQ-
gently to find ways to help its members owned businesses whenever possible.
Johnson
survive and stay connected. The cham- “We want people to remember that for
ber has worked with the Small Business just about any goods and services they
Administration to help chamber mem- need, there is most likely an LGBTQ-
bers access the SBA’s programs, grants owned business that can serve that
and loans, and the chamber has found need,” he said, suggesting that individu-
ways to keep its own programs and als check the chamber’s website, the Dal-
groups accessible through virtual events las Voice website and the Dallas Business
and online efforts. Journal’s annual list of top LGBT-owned Your local mortgage lender AND champion of the community.
The SBA has a new program com- businesses in North Texas.
Join me in supporting:
ing specifically for restaurants that the “The chamber’s mission is to achieve
chamber hopes to be able to announce equality for businesses, and the easiest HRC’s Fairway to Equality | Black Tie Dinner
soon, he added. And in addition, the way to do that is for people to support
chamber has chosen not to drop mem- LGBTQ-owned businesses,” Vedda con- Call today 214-763-8767 | homeloansbychristian.com
bers during the pandemic, even if those tinued. “Always look for and support NMLS#: 552551
members were not able to continue to those LGBTQ businesses and the busi-
pay membership dues. nesses that contribute to and support
Vedda said that the chamber, like any our community.” █
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