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Happy Holidays!
2 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
OF
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TO
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12.18.20 | Volume 37 | Issue 33 We Can Help!
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10 Queer arts groups fight to survive www.builderssurplustexas.com
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12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 3
instanTEA DallasVoice.com/Category/Instant-Tea Lady Maga
booed
over the weekend, among the speakers at a ral-
ly was Lady Maga, a far right-wing drag queen.
Lady Maga defended the white nationalist
Supreme Court rejects Biden nominates Buttigieg by Trump group The Proud Boys but was heckled by the
challenge to same-sex for transportation secretary crowd with shouts of “shame.” She said the
supporters heckling came from a rival group of Nazis, the
President-elect Trump supporters
parents on birth certificates Joe Biden on Groyper Army.
The U.S. Supreme Court, which many held their second
Tuesday, Dec. The purpose of the march was to protest
predicted would roll back LGBTQ rights with Million MAGA March
15, nominated election fraud even though there’s no evidence
its new 6-3 conservative majority, has turned since the election in
Pete Buttigieg Washington, D.C., INSTANT TEA, Page 9
down a request to hear a case that would
for transporta-
have undercut the guarantee of full marriage
tion secretary.
equality for same-sex couples nationwide.
If approved by
In its orders list Monday, Dec. 14, the court
without explanation signaled it had denied cer-
the Senate, he
will become the
█
pet of the week / PERSEPPHONE
tiorari in the case, known as Box v. Henderson,
first out LGBTQ
which seeks to undermine the Obergefell v. tan markings on her face, floppy ears and big, brown eyes. She
cabinet secretary
Hodges decision in terms of birth certificates may be a senior girl, but she still has a whole lotta love to give.
and the second
for children born to lesbian parents. She will do just about anything for treats and attention from
out LGBTQ person to hold a cabinet level
Despite the widely-held perception mar- people. She loves belly rubs, curling up for naps in a soft bed
position. Donald Trump appointed gay man
riage equality for LGBTQ families is settled and playing with soft toys. Persephone would prefer to be the
Richard Grennell as acting director of national
law and beyond any challenge, the question only queen in your home without other pets. She would do well
intelligence, a cabinet-level position. with older children and will make a loving companion to anyone
before the the court was squarely framed
Buttigieg is the former mayor of South looking for a giant teddy bear. Persephone is waiting to meet
as a challenge to same-sex marriage and
Bend, Ind., who ran as the viable openly gay you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in
asked the court to “take this case to address
presidential candidate to participate in the McKinney.
whether Indiana’s paternity-presumption law
debates and win delegates. Serving in the
is consonant with Obergefell.”
cabinet will give Buttigieg federal government In an effort to reduce the potential for spreading COVID-19,
The petition was filed by the state of
experience should he decide to run for pres- the SPCA of Texas’ shelters, clinics, mobile adoption events and
Indiana, which sought in cases of children
ident again. He’s seen as a rising star in the mobile wellness events remain closed to the public until further
born to same-sex parents who are women
Democratic Party. notice. Adoptions are available by appointment only. Adopters
to refuse to place the name of a non-birth
Buttigieg is the first LGBTQ person Biden will need to submit an adoption inquiry form in order to begin
mother on the child’s birth certificate, even if
has nominated. More are expected in a vari- the tele-adoption process and schedule an appointment to
the two same-sex parents in the relationship
ety of sub-cabinet positions. complete the adoption. Browse our available animals at spca.org/
are married to each other. findapet and visit spca.org/dogadopt to inquire about a dog or
— David Taffet Meet Persephone, a 7-year-old female Rottweiler mix
— Chris Johnson/Washington Blade weighing 86 pounds. She’s a big, beautiful gal, mostly black with spca.org/catadopt to inquire about a cat.
4 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 5
again
Feeling like a team
While many events have been Children’s Hospital, for example, had
canceled due to the pandemic, to be canceled because the hospital isn’t
Lost Souls figured out how to accepting donations of items during the
pandemic.
make one work But Maria checked with the school,
and officials there said they’d welcome
DAVID TAFFET | SENIOR STAFF WRITER the donations.
taffet@dallasvoice.com Next, Maria said, he knew they
couldn’t do the toy drive the same way
n the year of the pandemic, it’s they had in the past. In previous years, This year’sLostSouls toy drive place in
hard to say what’s been hard- the team took over the pool room at the the parking lot of The Round-Up Saloon.
(Photos courtesy of Todd Maria)
est hit. Certainly the bars — Round-Up, and people delivered bags of
which are only open right now toys that were piled up on and around be held sometime at the end of January
if they’re operating as restau- the pool table. or in February and will probably be an-
rants — have been a casualty. They couldn’t do that this year, but, other drive-through event.
So have restaurants, which are Maria reasoned, they could do a drive- Despite his commitment to serving
currently operating at only 50 through event where everyone was safe- his community, Maria said he can’t wait
percent capacity. And sports, which have ly socially distanced and wore masks. to get back on the rugby pitch. In local
experimented with playing in a bubble There could still be music. And they through international competition, his
and without fans. And non-profits that could still collect toys for the school they team has been very successful.
rely on their fundraising events to keep love. In 2016, Lost Souls won the Challenger
providing their services. …. “In some ways it was magical,” Maria Cup, the tier three level of competition
Lost Souls Rugby certainly fits into the said, adding that people responded to a in the Bingham Cup held that year in
category of teams that have been shut post in Dallas Voice and to messages on Nashville. That’s the international com-
down because of the physical contact of social media. The response overwhelmed petition named in honor of Mark Bing-
the sport. Team Captain Todd Maria said team members. ham, the gay rugby player credited with
there was no way to physically distance “For some of those kids, it may be the helping stop a plane hijacked by terror-
or play the game safely while COVID-19 only present they receive,” he said. ists on Sept. 11, 2001, and headed for the
rages. And for the members of Lost Souls, U.S. Capitol by crashing it into a field in
So how could he keep his team to- the toy drive got them back together as Pennsylvania.
gether so that once the pandemic ends, a team. Community service, Maria ex- In 2018, Lost Souls won the Hoagland
they’d be ready to practice and return for plained, is the “secret sauce” that’s made Cup in the Bingham Cup competition.
another shot at the Bingham Cup? That them successful. That cup, named after and presented by
was the question on his mind. “Some other teams have seen the suc- Bingham’s mother, is the level two cham-
Service to the community has always cess we’ve had,” he said. “If every team pionship.
been a big part of Lost Souls mission. could give back, we’d be a better com- ers fill the boot campaign — fill a boot Lost Souls was headed to play in the
Among the events the team has put to- munity for it.” with cash solicited from passersby. They 2020 competition, but like all events, this
gether over the past eight years has been So just because Lost Souls isn’t playing donated the money to the bar’s benevo- year’s Bingham Cup was canceled. But it
a toy drive for the students at Adelfa Bo- rugby on the field, they’re still acting as lent fund that helps employees through will come back.
tello Callejo Elementary School in Pleas- a team. Maria said he’s labeled this the rough times. In the meantime, Maria and his team
ant Grove, where about 95 percent of the season of service. Next up for the team? Another suc- are happy serving the community. Get-
students are considered economically Because the Round-Up, which has cessful community service event that ting together to collect toys means more
disadvantaged, Maria said. been a big supporter of Lost Souls, had will be re-imagined to succeed during than just making children happy on
Maria knew a number of events like been closed, and its employees severely the pandemic. Each year, the team col- Christmas.
his have been canceled. The Teddy Bear affected by the pandemic, the team did lects socks to donate to the Austin Street “It’s been a tough year,” Maria said. “I
Party, which collects teddy bears each a “fill the boot” campaign. Maria de- Shelter, where socks are the number one needed this. It made us feel like a team
year for children who are patients at scribed it as a knock off of the firefight- item requested. Maria said the event will again.” █
6 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
Black Tie distributes
$875K
of our sponsors, allies and the LGBTQ+ this “difficult and unprecedented year,”
community throughout the Black Tie Dinner board voted to dis-
2020 and for Black Tie tribute all funds evenly.
LIVE. We were able to This year’s beneficiaries and the funds
reach nearly more than they received are:
10 times the audience • AIDS Outreach Center: $48,546
through our give-a-thon • AIDS Services of Dallas: $48,996
television special than • Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star:
[we would have with $49,296
FROM STAFF REPORTS an] in-person dinner. • Cathedral of Hope United Church of
“Due to the success Christ: $49,101
n a year when pandemic-re- of Black Tie LIVE and • Celebration Community Church:
lated restrictions have caused the dedication of our $50,421
nonprofits to either take their board, supporters and • Coalition for Aging LGBT: $25,136
fundraising events online, sponsors, we were able • Equality Texas Foundation: $49,221
scale them back drastically or to distribute close to or • Health Education Learning Project:
even cancel them completely, more than the previous $53,091
the Dallas/Fort Worth Black year’s total for most of • Human Rights Campaign Founda-
Tie Dinner — the nation’s Jeremy Hawpe, left, and Brad Pritchett. (Photo by Sheryl Lanzel) our local beneficiaries, tion: $76,001
largest LGBTQ fundraising dinner — which is a huge accom- • Lambda Legal Defense and Educa-
this week distributed $875,000 to its 17 thon television special, which reached an plishment,” Hawpe added. tion Fund: $50,021
beneficiaries. audience of more than 30,000 in nearly In previous years, about half of Black • Legacy Counseling Center: $49,371
Black Tie Dinner officials handed 100 Texas cities, 47 U.S. states and eight Tie’s proceeds would go to the Human • Northaven United Methodist
the funds out Thursday night, Dec. 17, different countries via television and Rights Campaign Foundation, and local Church: $75,147
during the Digital Wrap Party, which digital platforms. beneficiaries could increase their respec- • Planned Parenthood of Greater
was underwritten by BBVA & Lexus. “As we know, 2020 has proven to be a tive distribution amounts by going above North Texas: $52,491
Most of the distribution amount was year of challenges and pivots,” said Black and beyond with assigned requirements, • Promise House: $48,546
generated through the Black Tie Din- Tie Dinner Co-Chair Jeremy Hawpe. such as selling raffle ticket sales, donat- • Resource Center: $50,271
ner’s first-ever “Black Tie LIVE” give-a- “We were blown away by the support ing auction items and more. But during
BLACK TIE, Page 9
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 7
8 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
INSTANT TEA , From Page 7 OBITUARY BLACK TIE,
From Page 7
• Turtle Creek Chorale: $49,746
of election fraud. Nancy “Nini” Jessula-Clark of Rich-
The leader of the Groyper Army said that at ardson passed away peacefully on Dec.
• Uptown Players, Inc.: $49,596
the first march in November that if the Republi- 10, at the age of 64, at T Boone Pickens Also during Thursday night’s Dig-
can Party didn’t do everything it could to keep Hospice Center in Dallas. ital Wrap Party, Black Tie officials an-
Trump in power, his group begin to destroy the Nancy was born at Maxwell AFB in nounced the 40th annual dinner will be
GOP. And at last weekend’s march, he called Alabama and was raised in a military held Nov. 13, 2021, at Sheraton Dallas
for the destruction of the GOP. family, living in many places around the
Protesters clashed with counter-protesters world. She obtained a master of arts
Hotel. Hawpe, who has been co-chair
leaving nine people injured including four who degree in History of Ideas from University for 2019 and 2020, will be stepping
were stabbed. Four churches were vandalized of Texas-Dallas in 2004. down from that position. Terry Loftis
by Trump supporters. At least 33 people were Nancy had a positive impact on so will become junior co-chair, and 2020
arrested. many lives. She was outgoing, had a Co-Chair Brad Pritchette will be senior
— David Taffet positive attitude and a wonderful sense
of humor. For many years, Nancy was
co-chair for 2021.
active in the Jewish community, teaching “We would like to thank Jeremy
Prism Health doctor both children and adults and tutoring Hawpe for his service and leadership
elected as IDSA Fellow many for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah. She the past two years,” Pritchett said. “He
Officials with Prism Health North Texas Dr. Gillman has worked on the PHNTX team was affiliated with several synagogues
announced Monday, Dec. 14, that Dr. Jason since 2014, with a focus on treating HIV and leaves an incredible legacy as co-chair,
over the years and served as president of
Gillman, M.D., physician at Prism’s Oak Cliff related infections. He is also serving as an Beth El Binah before her illness took over.
including 2019’s record distribution
Center and the agency’s chief clinical infor- investigator on several clinical research trials, Nancy is survived by her wife of 23 amount and the very successful Black
matics officer, has been elected as a Fellow of including the AstraZeneca Oxford COVID-19 years, Lili; by her brothers, Mike and Tie LIVE give-a-thon television event
the Infectious Disease Society of America by vaccine trial currently being facilitated at Joe; and by nieces and nephews Cari,
PHNTX’s Oak Cliff Center.
this year. I’m looking forward to part-
the IDSA. Michael, Cameron, Katie and Joanne. A
The IDSA is the nation’s leading infectious Dr. Gillman is the first PHNTX physician to nering and leading with Terry Loftis as
graveside funeral service was held Dec.
diseases professional society. Each year, a be elected as a Fellow of the IDSA. “For me,” 14 at Restland Cemetery in Richardson.
we move into our historic 40th year.”
group of distinguished physicians and scien- he said, “election as a Fellow of IDSA means Shiva minyan was held via Zoom on Dec. Pritchett and Hawpe also announced
tists from around the world are elected to be a life-long commitment to respond to these 15 at 7 p.m. the Black Tie board’s first-year members
IDSA Fellows, a designation that is particularly unexpected challenges, and I hope it is some- Memorial donations may be made in
thing I can live up to.”
for 2021. They are Mackenzie Salenger
impactful this year as ID physicians across the Nancy’s name to the ASPCA.
globe battle the COVID-19 pandemic. — Tammye Nash and Lec Garcia. █
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 9
Virtual reality WHERE TO GO FOR INFO
For more information about upcoming
events or how to help, visit these websites:
• SaveOurStages.com
• TheWomensChorusOfDallas.com
• TurtleCreekChorale.com
• UptownPlayers.org
Queer-centric arts groups fight ers filmed its holiday show for online
streaming.
to survive the pandemic but still But a screen, for these guys, just ain’t
live for the applause the same.
RICH LOPEZ | Contributing Writer Voices activated
richlopezwrites@gmail.com
“We’re just tired of being onscreen or
t the end of this 2020 tun- on our screens,” TWCD’s Executive Di-
nel, there is the light of rector Crystal Koe said. “But our outlook
hope with the news of is to remain optimistic. It’s difficult at
a coronavirus vaccine times, but we can come back from this.”
on the horizon. The Albeit a diverse group of singers, the
idea of returning Women’s Chorus of Dallas has been a
to normal — or home for queer female voices since 1989.
perhaps adjust- The group has about 100 singers on its
ing to an entirely new normal — is with- roster with an average of three concerts
in grasp. But still, the collateral damage per season.
has already been felt beyond individuals With 2020 being what it is, active sing-
and hospitals. Bars, restaurants, small ers have significantly reduced. Deter-
businesses, charities have all felt the mined to keep its holiday show, Artistic
heavy blow of the pandemic. Director Melinda Imthurn pivoted to
Area arts organizations have suffered Zoom rehearsals for the year-end con-
greatly as well, to the tune of almost $70 cert, even with less than 50 percent of its
million dollars in lost revenue. singers chiming in.
The Save Our Stages Act could provide They know the impact won’t be the
$20 billion in grants to the performing same when patrons watch them sing on
arts depending on current negotiations their computers, tablets and smart tele-
in Congress. That money would revive visions. But, Koe said, “It’s better than Mark Trimble (Photo courtesy of Ami Sadeh)
the industry across the country with its nothing. We’re all just pulling together we live in now,” Imthurn said. “We all
relief, but the damage has been done. like a large family.” “Right now, there is nothing like log- had to stretch our creative muscles to be
For the local queer community, the Imthurn wanted something — any- ging into a Zoom call. They need what as engaging as possible and [stretch] our
loss of the arts is a heavy blow. Not sim- thing — for her chorus to keep some music offers them. There is the need to technological skills, but those will be-
ply because of the lack of the theater or semblance of its usual self. “For me feel involved and contribute. It’s very come super handy now.”
the concerts, but because the community personally, it’s been about keeping the powerful,” she added. Koe added that there has been time to
has the privilege of organizations that membership as engaged as we can,” she As TWCD has gone virtual, Imthurn explore within as well. “We’ve been able
speak directly to LGBTQ audiences. In said. “That has been the challenge. Keep- and Koe have discovered some positives to see where and how our organization
addition, there are plenty of out musi- ing them engaged means that when we to all this. Being in a virtual world allows falls into the larger conversation of our
cians, artists and actors all absent from can be with each other, we have a chorus them to invite former members back into society. A big motivator has been taking
their respective stages. to come back to.” the fold, wherever they are. And, for now the time of difficult conversations on
“I imagine that in the general public Now they Zoom each week to re- at least, they’ve let go of the pressure of what we want the chorus to look like.”
mind, a musician is not a frontline work- hearse, which is a tricky feat for Imthurn. attendance. A longtime goal for Koe and Imthurn
er. The arts are probably not at the fore- While they sing on their end, everyone “I get to explore possibilities of what’s is to remove any systemic problems that
front of other people’s thoughts right is muted, and she leads but doesn’t hear going on and creative ways to connect may have lingered within the chorus.
now,” professional musician Mark Trim- them. In today’s age, the technology with our patrons. We have new part- With diverse leadership, those talks have
ble said. doesn’t exist for her to lead a “live” cho- nerships and have the potential for an opened up the group to proceed with
But as the country is almost a year into rus on screen. even bigger audience,” Koe said. “Sure complete self-awareness. With the pan-
the pandemic, the arts have had to adjust The rehearsals, though, have become it’s hard to feel optimistic sometimes, demic black cloud still lingering, Koe
big time. Much like everything else, per- something much more: “We are on a but we’re still able to create and look for- and Imthurn do believe that TWCD will
formances are now virtual (mostly). The forced hiatus — from concerts, perform- ward to future projects.” come out of this ahead existentially.
Turtle Creek Chorale hosted its annual ing live, hiatus from the office and each Virtual concerts and rehearsals also
holiday concert online last weekend, and other,” Imthurn said. “Our members mean one more thing: technological Solo artist
The Women’s Chorus of Dallas will hold need the singing, so we’ve shortened re- know-how. If there was a silver lining, it
its “Love and Joy” holiday concert vir- hearsals and stay to socialize. Virtual or was that. Trimble is a professional musician
tually on Saturday. And Uptown Play- not, this has saved my life. “None of us were trained for the world who serves as principal flutist for the Ir-
10 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20ving Symphony Orchestra as well as the “I’m like the least handyman person
Amarillo Symphony. During the holiday there is, but I built most of a wood path
season, he often finds himself busy with and redid our cabinets. I guess there are
performances. definitely some ways for me to be cre-
“Normally during Christmas season ative outside of music,” he added.
I’m doing The Nutcracker, two or three Otherwise, he’s waiting it out with the
Christmas shows, a kids’ concert, some awareness that nothing could happen
have church gigs,” he said. “December for a long time.
is normally the busiest month for musi- “Those of us in the arts or music, it’s
cians.” just the least practical profession right
This year though, Trimble only pre- now because it’s inherently dangerous
pared for one: last weekend’s “Home for for us and for audiences,” Trimble said.
the Holidays” concert with the ISO at the His Irving concert served as some dis-
Irving Arts Center. All his shows in Am- traction. The music was familiar enough
arillo were canceled. to be easy for rehearsal, but the perfor-
For Trimble, the pandemic is frus- mance itself, different as it was, helped.
trating on different levels. At the Irving “I think everyone was pleased there
concert, the show was limited in capac- was a gig at all. We know the situation is
ity, and musicians played with barriers challenging,” he said.
between. Trimble was doubly affected by the
“It was very small, and it’s a very dif- pandemic earlier this year. He is one of
ferent sound experience for us as indi- the founders and board members of the
viduals,” he explained. “You don’t hear nonprofit BearDance, the dance event
the neighbors as you would normally, held during Texas Bear Round-Up in
and thus it’s hard to know if it’s in tune. March that had to be canceled the same
You get the gist but it’s not quite the day county commissioner Clay Jenkins
same.” decreed the lockdown. The event raises
In a normal year, he’d have close to a money for local nonprofits.
dozen performances at both orchestras. “There was a lot of disappointment,
The holiday show was his fourth and his but we were still able to donate a fair
last for the year. As a musician, it’s taken amount of money,” he said. “I was
a toll. thrilled we could do something.”
“Well, everything about the pandemic Trimble does have the freedom to
is bringing me down. It’s devastating for make choices should his creative side
musicians, but there are those who are need to break out: “Musicians are often
getting super creative with it. There is dependent on organizations, but we’re
an outpouring of creativity, but I haven’t freelancers, too,” he said. “I can always
tried that,” he said. do my own thing — especially if things
He’s taken refuge in another instru- go on much longer like this.”
ment — that and some updates to his
house with husband Ami. “I have a nice Positive notes
piano at home,” Trimble said. “I took
THANK
that up and have refined techniques that The Turtle Creek Chorale was all set
had gone out of my fingers. It became for its big Corona comeback with Tur-
this fun hobby, and right now I like it tles in the Park(-ing Lot) performance
YOU!
more than the flute because that now just
reminds me of work. REALITY, Page 13
from your
friends at
TCC’s 2017-18 holiday concert. (Photo by Michael McGary) PROUD 2021 BENEFICIARY
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 11i
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12 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20REALITY, From Page 11
in October at the Jackson Street Park- of the concert hall,” he said. “I think by
ing Garage. The venue was sold out for limiting ourselves to the hall, we limit
two nights, and Dallas case numbers who we can reach. So I’ve been think-
appeared to be on the decline. Feelings ing about the time we come back to-
were good until … . gether as a chorus and getting our mes-
“The week before, we had to cancel sage out from behind the walls.”
which was devastating,” Artistic Di- Hence, the parking garage venue; but
rector Sean Baugh said. “Just when we that hasn’t been the only innovation for
stuck our feet back in the water, too. We TCC.
worked hard, and our members were “If it wasn’t for the pandemic, we
so upset. That was a blow. I still credit wouldn’t have our new podcast Off-
the organization for having that brav- Stage, and we’ve discovered small
ery to try something different.” pockets of singers that work well to-
Next up would have been TCC’s hol- gether we’ve never put out before.
iday concert which is perhaps the cho- That’s been a huge positive.”
rale’s signature performance and, like As TCC moves ahead with virtual
their sisters in TWCD, this year, they programming and podcasting, Baugh
went virtual. is adapting to a bevy of new skills. For
“We’re following that lead, but it the sake of the choir, he’s working on
was more of a produced musical hour,” video editing, recording skills along
Baugh said. “We’re all learning that with leading virtual rehearsals and
transition from live performance to piecing together concerts.
broadcast.” But the emotional aspect of it all has
The concert featured soloists, smaller not been lost on the Turtles: “We used
ensembles and prior performances. The to rehearse twice a week, which is an
live concert being absent from the holi- enormous amount of time the guys
day landscape, however, was tough. gave,” Baugh said. “Going from that
“It’s a huge financial hit because it’s amount of time to zero was a pretty
the concert that sustains us throughout traumatic thing. The chorale is their
the year,” Baugh said. “Not having that musical and social outlet and a central
is a bit strange. This was the first time place of joy in their week. These guys
in 41 years the concert was not live.” have so much passion as volunteers, so
Still, Baugh considers TCC lucky. it was definitely an adjustment.”
The Chorale’s fundraising concert fea- Baugh likened rehearsals to a three-
turing Idina Menzel was held in Febru- hour therapy session. In lieu of phys-
ary, before the pandemic hit, which has ical company and in addition to re-
helped keep the financial side of things hearsals, TCC members try to make up
afloat. for it with virtual game shows, cooking
THANK
But he knows that only lasts for so demos and other types of socials.
long. “None of it equals coming together as
“We have to continually raise money. a family and singing, Baugh said. “We
YOU!
If we can still produce, donors are more kind of understand it’s totally fake. We
willing to give. They may not, howev- try.”
er, give to a group that hibernates. So He does say that without the per-
we’re asking all the time,” he said. formances and the live rehearsals, the
What worries Baugh though is many group sees exactly who they are and
people are having to prioritize dona-
tions right now. “If there’s any catastro-
what they provide.
“I’ve been thinking about what it
from your
phe, any emergency, people start to for- feels like when something has been friends at
get that arts need funding. This is going taken from you. It’s interesting to see
to be a long time with no revenue and all these things unfold in the news and
as a nonprofit, we’re reliant on spon- not sing about them. It makes it very
sorship and donations,” he said. clear the importance of a mission-based
All is not lost however. Baugh has choral organization,” he said. “Now we
discovered a few plusses. For him, put- see the power of that, and I don’t think
ting creative people in a bind amounts we’ll ever take that for granted after turtlecreekchorale.com
to a wealth of reflection and discovery. this.”
“The thing I’m really challenged with One parallel that strikes TCC as well
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REALITY, Page 15
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 1314 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
REALITY, From Page 12
founders Jeff Rane and Craig Lynch
were overseeing rehearsals of the musi-
cal Fun Home when the pandemic struck.
The show was set for an April opening,
but everything came to a halt for the
company, and it has been on perpetual
pause.
Uptown Players, a favorite among
LGBTQ audiences because shows pri-
marily revolve around queer topics and
Uptown PLayers livestreamed “Sister Helen themes, took their stage to the screen
Holy” for the holidays with past performances and two new
shows.
as the entire queer arts community is “We have been able to do the virtual
the effect of another virus wreaking thing,” Rane said. “In September, we got
havoc. TCC has often tackled HIV/AIDS permission to stream an archival perfor-
in song and performance, and now the mance video of Pageant from 2014. But
population is suffering under another right now, our other three shows of the
virus. season are on hold.”
The group has compared what people In the meantime, Uptown will wrap
are going through now with COVID-19 up its stream of Helen Holy’s Holiday
to the AIDS crisis. There are massive dif- Streaming Spectacular on Sunday and
ferences, but it’s also the cloud of a virus will open the streaming one-man come-
that affects everyone. dy Application Pending with BJ Cleveland
“We’re not seeing the same number in January. The hope is, though, that the
of deaths as we did then, but it’s equal- season can resume by May 2021 follow-
ly painful. The big difference is that we ing vaccine updates and safety protocols.
could get together before and be around Really, for the company, they are be-
each other,” he said. “I think singing hind schedule at the moment.
about solidarity and coming together “We should have already been selling
out of conflict and sadness is all very another season,” Rane said. “We’ve tak-
pertinent. en a pretty substantial hit, and over 50
“The garage concert was going to be percent of our revenues are gone. We’ve
all about that.” relied on minimal revenue from the
Baugh adds that each time they sing streamers but we were able to retain our
addressing an issue, the goal is to show subscription funds.”
the light on the other side. Uptown Players relies on revenue not
“We believe there’s no situation that only from its approximately 1,000 sub-
can’t be tackled through community or scriptions but also single ticket sales,
THANK
brotherhood,” he said. concessions and merchandise.
If there was a highlight for 2020, it’s
The show must go on that Uptown was able to do its annual
Broadway Our Way fundraiser in Janu-
YOU!
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16 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20REALITY, From Page 15
ary, which also provided what would “Our subscribers can’t wait for us to
become much-needed funds. Those be back, and they’ve let us know they
funds aren’t all for putting on shows. are behind us with their donations.
They keep the lights on and pay the We’ve had two North Texas Giving
rent. And Uptown is determined to Days where we matched our goals both
keep its limited staff of three full-timers times. It’s nice to know that they are
and two part-timers. there when we’re in need, and I think
“We did receive some CARES Act it’s testimonial to our mission of telling
money, which was $1,000, and there our life stories on stage.”
are grants and emergency funding out Uptown Players has the luxury of
there. But the demand exceeds those being both a theater for everyone and
limited funds,” Lynch said. a niche theater for LGBTQ voices. For
Rane added that any city funding dol-
lars are currently on hold. Needless to
their patrons to offer such support
shouldn’t come as a surprise then.
Employment
say, Uptown is stressed because of the Lynch describes Uptown’s subscribers Discrimination Lawyer
pandemic. Now, they are learning to more as a family.
Law Office of
live with the situation with alternative “At our theater it’s a fellowship. You
entertainment. see groups of friends or partners come
Rob Wiley, P.C.
“There’s so much uncertainty but and hug and kiss and greet each other.
not just with the virus. We could never They know our actors. We’ve had the
get clear messaging as it progressed,” same box office and concessions staff,
Lynch said. “As we became more edu- so they know them. There really is that
cated about everything, it feels like we human connectivity there.”
may be on the other side of the hump. When they look to the future, they
The morale at first was shock and awe have a vague idea of what it looks like.
and fear. It’s better now with vaccine They have secured rights for some 2021 214-528-6500 • robwiley.com
news and a new president.” shows, but there are no definite dates. 2613 Thomas Ave., Dallas, TX 75204
Almost a year into the pandemic, now For now, they are keeping flexible about
Uptown can bring something to its audi- the future and getting through the next
ences, and that offered some relief to its few months as best they can.
company. After being isolated, cooped The bigger challenge for the profes-
up or on Netflix overload, actors, musi- sional theater is working with its unions.
cians and crew were put to use. Whatever the future may look like is
“The 13 actors and five orchestra determined by those unions’ stamps of
members and the crew we hired for approval. Rane explained that a vaccine
the virtual projects are so grateful just itself doesn’t automatically mean shows
to be able to perform,” Rane said. “I will magically reappear.
think that helped them. After all these “That would be positive news, but it’s
months, they had something to look for- about reducing the case count. Those
ward to.” numbers would determine if our unions
Rane and Lynch took extra measures would give us the go-ahead,” he said.
to ensure safety for the cast and crew. Fans of Uptown Players can continue
Strict guidelines called for participants to help the company. Although volun-
to be tested; there are temperature teers can’t be used at this time, Rand
checks, and only one to two people can and Lynch remind that Uptown is still
be on stage and, of course, six feet apart. selling merchandise, including Uptown
Uptown Players have shared at least Players face masks and 2021 calendars.
one bonus effect with the other arts or- In conjunction with the holiday spe-
ganizations: Now they are also audio/ cial, Uptown is hosting an online auc-
visual techs as well. tion that includes items such as a cabin
“We knew nothing about the technol- getaway in Fredericksburg and a wine
ogy when we brought actors in safely tasting.
to film. We learned through doing these “We’d love for people to help pro-
that is a skill we now possess,” Rane said. mote us in any way through the auction,
Rane and Lynch mentioned that it was wearing our masks and just tell us about
immensely reassuring to know and see their experience with Uptown Players,”
their patrons have had Uptown Players’ Rane said.
back this whole time.
“One hundred percent,” Lynch said. REALITY, Page 19
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 1718 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20
REALITY, From Page 17
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TITAS Does Drag II. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Bolton}
On the forefront could put together, and so we did a drag
show,” he said.
TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Execu- Initially, TITAS was going to present a
tive Director Charles Santos has been new series of edgier, adult performanc-
on the frontlines of advocating for local es called TITAS Unfiltered which boasts
arts organizations. He’s on the steering the slogan “If you’re easily offended,
board of the Dallas Area Cultural Advo- don’t come.” The original idea had to
cacy Coalition which mobilizes support be scrapped though, because shows
for arts and cultural groups. He’s also couldn’t be brought in. So Santis looked
on the board of the Dallas Arts District, to the Rose Room.
and both have given him insight to the “These are performers who make a
struggles across the arts landscape. living as performers but are often for-
“What we do at DACAC is a lot of ad- gotten. It was a big success, and people
vocating and organizing voices. Joanna had such a good time.”
St. Angelo really leads that charge, and Held outdoors in the Annette Strauss
Chris Heinbaugh, who came to us from Square, Santos saw a big audience en-
the mayor’s office, has the most experi- joying the entertainment. He also saw
ence with advocating government offi- that the queens were thrilled to be on-
cials,” Santos said. “But we’re pushing stage. It was such a success, they re-
to write letters to congressmen and to peated it earlier in December, giving the
the city for funding and to Save Our Winspear Opera House stage over to the
Stages.” drag queens. Not only did TITAS step
Santos has also led a roundtable of in to help the community, those events
talks with other arts CEOs to discuss likely did more bridge-building.
how to navigate today’s pandemic chal- “There were a lot of people who I bet
lenges as they received updates and it was their first time there. And it was a
guidelines. He took that information to first for the queens to be on such a stage.
open up a forum to other arts groups. Cassie Nova was such a professional.
“We were getting information that Kennedy Davenport went to Arts Mag-
was helpful to developing protocols net, and her teacher came. They signed
that others weren’t so we’d have a dis- the show wall backstage. It was such a
cussion every other week to share that good show,” Santos said.
and rebuild our community,” he said. For now, TITAS is keeping its sched-
Those talks will resume in January. ule with a new performance in February.
With TITAS, Santos was able to create They hosted Parsons Dance in Novem-
an opportunity both for his organization ber following the company’s guidelines
and local performers. Normally, TITAS and their own. Santos knows it can be
presents touring companies, but in Octo- done.
ber, they looked to their own backyard. “Right now everyone says ‘yes.’ We
“People want to go to stuff. I start- have six more shows, but we’ll see,” he
ed to think about other opportunities I said. █
12.18.20 █ dallasvoice 19Phone 214-754-8710 Fax 844-313-2282
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█ commUNITYvoices
Joseph Epstein:
administration
Leo Cusimano Publisher 114 █
editorial
Noted misogynist, noted homophobe
Tammye Nash Managing Editor 113 █
David Taffet Senior Staff Writer 125 █
Philip Burton Proofreader
Contributors: Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block,
J. Denton Bricker, Joey Cassiano, Jesus Chairez, Alicia Chang,
D’Anne Witowski, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman,
Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Steven Monacelli,
I
Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, Mikey Rox, Howard Lewis Russell, ’m trying to think of a scenario in harbor for DUDE! If you feel “offended” that
James Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray,
which it would be appropriate to call horrible your gay friend didn’t feel safe coming
Mathew Shaw, Brandi Amara Skyy, Mark Stokes, Jef Tingley,
Casey Williams Dr. Jill Biden “kiddo.” Maybe if you conserva- out as gay to you, then imagine how
were a long-dead relative of hers who tive ideas your friend felt. Spoiler alert: His pain
advertising has come back from the dead? Maybe if by horri- was far greater than yours, you empa-
Chad Mantooth Advertising Director 131 █
Stephen Mobley MarketPlace Sales 123 █ you are one of her children, and you are ble con- thy-deficient creep.
National Advertising Representative teasing her in a playful but loving fash- servative The end of Epstein’s essay is particu-
Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021 ion? people. So larly vile: “There is much my four sons
But if you’re some creepy old man Epstein’s can do in their lives that might cause
art writing an op-ed in the Wall Street Jour- piece is me anguish, that might outrage me, that
Kevin Thomas Art Director █
119
nal? Definitely not. very on- might make me ashamed of them and of
multimedia Unfortunately, both the WSJ and writ- brand. myself as their father. But nothing they
Stephen Mobley Social Media Director █
123
Brian Kennedy Video Producer er Joseph Epstein missed that memo. Epstein could ever do would make me sadder
Israel Luna Video Producer/DVtv host Thus was published a completely sex- is a writer than if any of them were to become ho-
Brad Pritchett DVtv Host ist piece of trash column that urged Dr. who used to be the editor of The Amer- mosexual.”
Brandi Amara Skyy DVtv Host Biden to act like a lady, damn it. ican Scholar magazine and a teacher at Yikes.
Regina Lyn DVtv Host
“Madame First Lady — Mrs. Biden Northwestern University. And he’s also First of all, NOTHING they could do
circulation — Jill — kiddo,” Epstein begins. “Any — and this is going to shock you — an- would make you sadder than them being
Linda Depriter Circulation Director 120 █
chance you might drop the ‘Dr.’ before ti-gay. gay? Not even, say, murdering? Or pub-
founders your name? ‘Dr. Jill Biden’ sounds and In 1970, Harper’s published an essay lishing an incredibly sexist attack against
Robert Moore Don Ritz
█
feels fraudulent, not to say a touch com- by Epstein in which he claimed that ho- the first lady of the U.S. for daring to use
affiliations/memberships ic.” mosexuals were “different from the rest the academic title she rightfully earned?
Associated Press - Associate Member Wut? Dr. Biden earned a doctorate in of us” and that he wanted to “wish ho- Secondly, people don’t “become” ho-
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association 2007. So she’s, like, a real doctor. mosexuality off the face of this earth.” mosexual. I think he’s confusing gays
Certified LGBT Business Enterprise “A wise man once said that no one Oh, and not only did Harper’s publish with werewolves or vampires, which is
Founding Member - North Texas LGBT Chamber
should call himself ‘Dr.’ unless he has this essay, they made it their cover story. understandable considering how much
Founding Member - National LGBT Media Association
delivered a child,” Epstein continues. The September 1970 cover has a close-up gays love Halloween.
“Think about it, Dr. Jill, and forthwith of a man’s very muscular chest in a tight Now, you might be saying to yourself,
drop the doc.” red shirt with, “The Struggle for Sexual “Hey, the guy wrote this 45 years ago.
Uh, does Epstein not know and/or un- Identity” printed over the ripped bicep. Surely he’s disavowed it by now.” To
derstand the difference between medical In that piece, Epstein wrote about his which I say, “No, he has not. And also
doctors and people who have earned a personal history with homosexuality, why would you assume he’s radical-
doctorate? Also, Dr. Biden has delivered beginning with his father explaining to ly changed? Did you not read what he
a child, and that child’s name is Ashley a young Joseph that there were perverts wrote about Dr. Jill Biden? Sexism and
Biden. And it is worth noting that there in this world who might want to “play” misogyny are directly linked with ho-
© 2020 Voice Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reprint rights are available only by written consent of the
are many medical doctors who have not with him. He also recounts a story about mophobia after all.”
publisher or managing editor. delivered babies because, like, specialties learning that a friend of his was gay and In 2015 he published a piece in The
Dallas Voice is published every Friday. Additional copies
may be purchased for $1 each, payable in advance at and stuff. that Epstein felt “victimized by his du- Washington Examiner where he defend-
the Dallas Voice office. Dallas Voice may be distributed
only by Dallas Voice authorized independent contractors
Also, that’s Dr. Biden to you, sir, not plicity.” ed the essay. He also said he didn’t want
or distributors. No person may, without prior written
permission of Voice Publishing, take more than one copy of
Dr. Jill. “We were not close friends, but I liked “Noted Homophobe” on his gravestone.
each Dallas Voice weekly issue. Epstein’s entire piece is so ragingly him,” Epstein wrote, “and it now seemed But he’s earned that title through years of
Subscriptions via First Class Mail are available: Three
months (13 consecutive issues), $65. Six months (26 sexist that it teeters on the edge of par- that every moment we had spent togeth- hard work, so who are we to deny him? █
consecutive issues), $85. One year (52 consecutive issues),
$130. Contact Dallas Voice at 214-754-8710 x123.
ody. But he means every word of it. So er was a huge sham, an elaborate piece D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and
Paid advertising copy represents the claim(s) of the who the hell is this guy? And why did of deception to hide the essential, the comedian living in Michigan with her wife
advertiser. Bring inappropriate claims to the attention
of the publisher. Dallas Voice reserves the right to enforce the WSJ publish him? number one, fact in his life. Of course his and son. She has been writing about LGBT
its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising
copy, illustrations and/or photographs. The answer to the second question is duplicity was necessary, I realized that, politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twit-
Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted by email only. that the WSJ editorial section is a safe but I was nevertheless offended.” ter @MamaDWitkowski.
To obtain a copy of our guidelines for contributors,
send a request by email to editor@dallasvoice.com.
20 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.2012.18.20 █ dallasvoice 21
LIFE+STYLE
screen
Making
gay
the yuletide
An interview with actress queer comes at a cost. Steenburgen, Tipper is the mother of three daughters. of so much laughter on and off screen,
who has a wonderful track record with You are both a mother and stepmoth- especially off screen, we were constantly
Mary Steenburgen Christmas movies, was kind enough to er. How much does being a parent getting giggles and playing silly games.
influence the kind of mothers you play But [there were] also, some meaningful
answer a few questions about the movie
H
onscreen? With my stepdaughters, we moments, because this was a storyline
appiest Season (Hulu), written and her career.
have three daughters and one son, so I’m that meant something to all of us. Much of
and directed by out actor Clea — Gregg Shapiro very familiar with having a house full of our cast is gay. Those that aren’t … have
Duvall, is one of the queer daughters. I think there’s little bits of me in loved people so long that have had these
Christmas movies that are especially Dallas Voice: What was it about the char- each of these mothers. struggles. For us to pull together and
popular this holiday season. Lesbian acter of Tipper in Happiest Season that
I think that Tipper is probably quite different make this movie that was in many ways
couple Abby (out actor Kristen Stew- made you want to portray her? Mary
than I am [laughs]. She’s really fun for me about an ordinary family in some ways —
art) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) are Steenburgen: First of all, I was attracted
to play because she is so different from wealthier, certainly, than a lot of families
on their way to spend Christmas with by the theme of the movie and the fact
me and because my own kids would — [that has] a lot of the issues and the
Harper’s family. But there’s a twist, not that there hadn’t been holiday rom-com
never let me get away with any of the little pettiness and all [those things] a lot
movies that had a gay couple at the very
revealed to Abby until they are almost bossiness and all that stuff that Tipper of people experience in their family. For
center of the movie, as opposed to a tan-
there; Harper’s not out to her parents, demonstrates — how she literally silences each of us I think it became this passion
gential character — at least to my knowl-
Tipper (Mary Steenburgen) and politi- people and tells everybody what to do and project.
edge, especially with a big studio doing it.
cian Ted (out actor Victor Garber), or her where to stand and what not to say. That [One of the things] I love about it is that it
I felt like this is a nice thing because there
would never fly a single day in my family. isn’t a preachy film. People are moved by
sisters Jane (Mary Holland) and Sloane, are so many people that come out to their
They’re all too self-realized to put up with it, regardless of their sexuality. I’m proud
with whom she is extremely competi- families at the holidays because it’s when
any of that. of it. I’m proud to be one little part of it.
tive. people are together and the families are all
there. I know it’s challenging. I thought it’s That whole combination of people — Victor Entertainment Weekly recently crowned
This closeted fact leads to all sorts of
an opportunity to talk about how hard that Garber being my partner, who’s just the you the Christmas movie MVP from
wacky shenanigans — and a touch of
can be, but also have fun with it, too, and funniest and kindest man, just such a your appearances in Happiest Sea-
heartbreak. Aubrey Plaza as Harper’s ex sweet man, as well, to work with. From
really explore those themes. son, Elf, One Magic Christmas and
Riley, and Dan Levy as Abby’s outspo- the minute we all laid eyes on each other,
And I love the fact that Clea was the one that Four Christmases. Excluding your
ken gay BFF John add intrigue to the it was just a dream and a gift. We couldn’t
was directing it. She wrote a very beautiful own movies, do you have a personal
story. have known this at the time, but it was a favorite Christmas movie? I have to say
It’s a reminder that in 2020, even after letter to me that said, “This is my favorite
gift that occurred right before we all were Elf is pretty special for a Christmas movie,
genre of movie, but I’ve never seen myself
all the progress that’s been made, there going to go into such isolation, to have but you said besides my own. I do love
reflected in them.” That meant a lot to me
are still places and families where being such a magical human experience, full Love Actually. That’s a favorite Christmas
to help her fulfill that vision.
22 dallasvoice.com █ 12.18.20movie and it’s spectacular. I love [Richard comedy is me at my most joyful.
Curtis’] writing. It’s written and directed You were a Best Supporting Actress Os-
so perfectly. Such spectacular actors in it. car and Golden Globe winner for your
I’ve always loved it. third movie role, as Lynda in Melvin
We’re speaking a couple of weeks before and Howard. What did that mean to
Christmas. Where does Christmas fall you then and what does it mean to you
on your list of favorite holidays? I do now? I miss my friend Jonathan Demme,
love it. I’m very partial to Thanksgiving who directed that movie. He was a spec-
because I love food. It’s really the holiday tacular director. It means a lot to me that I
that’s mostly about food. Any holiday that won those amazing awards for that movie.
brings my family together is a holiday I Bo Goldman, who wrote it, who also won
love. We have a very close-knit family, and Best Screenplay that year, wrote the most
I adore every single one of them. I find beautiful script. It was like flying to play
them completely fascinating and hilarious. that part. It was a true honor and I feel
I love that regardless of what your faith is or very blessed.
even if that’s something you think about, I I think [winning an Oscar] causes the busi-
think there is something at Christmas that ness to probably take you a little more
challenges us all to think about being gen- seriously and to believe in you more.
erous to others, to reach out and maybe That’s a meaningful thing to me. This is
give people a little joy. Maybe that’s why something I’ve now done for 45 years.
I love doing Christmas movies. It’s a way I treasure every single day that I’m on a
of being generous with oneself, and I like set. I think anyone who’s worked with me
that. would agree that I’m not bored or jaded
Throughout your acting career you have or any of those things. For me, it’s still
struck a balance between comedic and an utter privilege to do this for a living. I
f never forget that for a second.
dramatic roles. Do you have a pref-
erence for one over the other? Yes, I Happiest Season is also not your first
really prefer comedic [laughs]. I know that LGBTQ-themed movie. In 1993, you
they don’t win the awards the way the played lawyer Belinda in the Oscar-win-
dramatic ones do [laughs]. It’s not that I ning Philadelphia. Do you have an
don’t love doing dramatic roles. But the awareness of a following for your work
only way I know how to do a dramatic in the LGBTQ community? I would love
role, which often equates to being stuff to be a gay icon. That is something peo-
that’s challenging for that character, being ple have been writing about me lately, and
sad or whatever, the only way I know how that makes me really happy! I thought I
to do it is to really go there. I don’t like won’t be because I don’t fall into the easy
making myself be that sad. kind of gay icon category, but I’m working
I do a [TV] show called Zoe’s Extraordinary really hard at it. It’s one of my main goals
Playlist, and last season was about the ill- in life.
ness and inevitable death of my husband, The thing about Philadelphia is, and I’ve
who’s brilliantly played by Peter Gallagher. talked about this before, I had an amazing
It hurt my heart to do it. It’s beautiful and experience about that movie. Two things
challenging, and I’m honored to do it. But — my friend Peter, who had been my
if you really ask me which I enjoy, anyone roommate and one of my best friends and
who knows me knows that I love to laugh. one of my acting partners in a comedy
I married the funniest man in the world (Ted improv group I was in, died of AIDS right
Danson). I have funny children. I didn’t before I went to make that movie. I was
get through a single scene in Happiest very torn up when I went. I remember
Season, except maybe the one at the very getting on the plane. I saw where my seat
end, without breaking up. For me, doing a █
YULETIDE Page 28
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