Outlaw Lil Nas X is generating controversy not just with his music, but with his identity - Dallas Voice
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rising
Outlaw
Lil Nas X is generating controversy not just
with his music, but with his identity
by Rashid Eldoma, Page 20
Important Facts About DOVATO Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including
This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to
and treatment. your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO? • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that
interact with DOVATO.
If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.
virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including:
• Resistant HBV infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines.
before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the What are possible side effects of DOVATO?
hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including:
become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in • Those in the “What is the most important information I should know about
people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection. DOVATO?” section.
• Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HIV-1 and HBV infection, your HBV • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop
may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away
infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever;
be serious and may lead to death. generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth;
blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth,
° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare
provider before your DOVATO is all gone. face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing.
• Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an
° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. If
you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during
often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver. treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened
in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare
What is DOVATO? provider may do blood tests to check your liver.
DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following
human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults: who have not received signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes
HIV-1 medicines in the past, or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel
healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness
that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO on the right side of your stomach area.
is safe and effective in children. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis is a
Who should not take DOVATO? serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider
Do not take DOVATO if you: right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of
• have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble
or lamivudine. breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms
• take dofetilide. and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO?
death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the
if you: signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver
• have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection. problems.” You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver
• have kidney problems. problems if you are female or very overweight (obese).
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can
(dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get
° Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than DOVATO if you stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long
are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the first 12 time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after
weeks of pregnancy. you start taking DOVATO.
° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; nausea;
test before you start treatment with DOVATO. diarrhea; trouble sleeping; tiredness; and anxiety.
° If you can become pregnant, you should consistently use effective birth control These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical
(contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. advice about side effects.
° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become
pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment
with DOVATO.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO.
° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing
HIV-1 to your baby.
° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk.
° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.
©2020 ViiV Healthcare or licensor.
DLLADVT200008 August 2020
Produced in USA.
2 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21
HERO Art: 80.6%; effective PPI: 37 M03 LEFT Hand Page 9.5 x 10.458
SO MUCH GOES
INTO WHO I AM
HIV MEDICINE IS ONE PART OF IT.
Why could DOVATO be right for you? DOVATO is proven to help control HIV with
just 2 medicines in 1 pill. That means fewer medicines* in your body while taking
DOVATO. It’s proven as effective as an HIV treatment with 3 or 4 medicines.
Learn more about fewer medicines at DOVATO.com
DOVATO is a complete prescription regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have not
received HIV-1 medicines in the past or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines
when their doctor determines they meet certain requirements.
Results may vary.
*As compared with 3- or 4-drug regimens.
T:10.458"
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of
prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch,
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where can I find more information?
• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872,
where you can also get FDA-approved labeling.
August 2020 DVT:4PIL
Trademark is owned by or licensed to the
ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
New to treatment? Considering a switch?
Ask your doctor about DOVATO.
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 3
HERO Art: 80.6%; effective PPI: 37 M03 RIGHT Hand Page 9.5 x 10.458
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6 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21
instanTEA DallasVoice.com/Instant-Tea
week for funeral assistance under a program Colton Underwood:
created under the American Rescue Plan.
Highlights from the Dallas Voice Website Texans who paid for funeral expenses after Jan.
Newly out, new reality show
20, 2020, for an individual whose death may
have been caused by or was likely the result of
Rally for trans kids brother. She talked about puberty blockers,
COVID-19 can apply for up to $9,000 of assis-
saying they are completely reversible. A bill she
held at Capitol mentioned would punish doctors for provid-
tance per funeral through FEMA’s dedicated call
center. Call 844-684-6333 Monday-Friday from
ing “evidence-based care” to trans kids. And
8 a.m.-8 p.m. central time. The TTY number is
she described the effect transition had on her
800-462-7585. No online applications will be
brother.
accepted.
“My brother became happy for the first time
— David Taffet
in his life,” she said.
Rachel Gonzalez is a Dallas mom with three
daughters. Her oldest is transgender. NCAA: No championship games
“This is the third session I’ve had to come to with states banning trans youth
Austin to ask the Legislature to give my children
basic human rights,” she said. from sports Colton Underwood
Another mom of a trans child said she is be- The NCAA this week — as Texas lawmakers Colton Underwood, former star of The Bach-
ing accused of making her child transition. She continued to debate a number of anti-trans elor, has come out as a gay man. He talked to
said she can’t get her kids to make their beds measures — announced that it will only hold Robin Roberts about it on Good Morning Amer-
and certainly couldn’t force a gender change college championship games in states where ica, saying he had spent a lot of time running
Rachel Gonzalez, right, speaks at the rally. of them. transgender student-athletes can participate from his own truth and hating himself because
The rally took place in the underground without discrimination. of it. He told Roberts he thought that getting
Equality Texas led a rally for trans kids at the In addition to Senate Bills 1311 and 1646,
House of Representatives office extension and chosen as one of the contestants in 2018 on
Capitol in Austin on Wednesday, April 14, to which target trans youth and had hearings in
lasted 30 minutes. After the rally, parents and Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette,
oppose harmful legislation. the Senate States Affairs Committee this week,
allies were going to continue testifying against where he became famous for being a virgin,
Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez talked Texas lawmakers have filed six additional bills
the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills. and then being chosen as the star of Season 23
about bills that would ban hormone blockers that target transgender students participating in
— David Taffet of The Bachelor would deliver him from being
and prevent trans girls from participating in sports, including SB 29, SB 373, and HB 1458. secretly gay.
school sports. Wesley Story, communications manager at
Funeral assistance offered The same day that Underwood came out on
“We are going to be here to defeat these Progress Texas, warned this week, “Texas has GMA, TMZ broke the news that Underwood is
bills,” he said. “We will not be marginalized and to Texans who’ve lost loved two NCAA championship games in the immedi- apparently already in the process of filming his
oppressed anymore.” ate future, and a lot to lose if lawmakers contin-
ones to COVID own reality TV show documenting his coming
Dr. Aliza Norwood is the medical director for ue pushing forward hateful, transphobic bills.
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announced out story.
Vivent Health, which provides gender-related — Tammye Nash
that FEMA will begin accepting applications this — Tammye Nash
medical care. Norwood said she has a trans
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04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 7
Trans rights
in the crosshairs
Texas Legislature considers
still voicing support for its intent. The
numerous bills targeting amendment failed 79-57, with 20 Re-
transgender Texans publicans voting no.
That same day, the House Public
Health Committee heard HB 1424,
BY JAMES RUSSELL | Contributing Writer also by Oliverson, which would allow
james.journo@gmail.com healthcare providers to deny medical
services based on religious beliefs.
pack of school yard bul- These bills usually target abortion ac-
lies is back in session, cess and LGBTQ people. Also that day,
and this time, making the committee heard House Bill 1399
life hell for transgen- by General Investigating Committee
der people is still Chairman Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth,
atop their agenda. which would bar insurance coverage
The LGBTQ for medical care related to transition-
community is ing.
once again playing defense as the 87th SB 29, another bill by Perry and
session of the Texas Legislature contin- a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s,
ues. Equality Texas, the statewide pro- would ban transgender youth from
LGBTQ advocacy group, is following playing sports based on their gender
more than 40 bills that either target or identity. It passed Wednesday in com-
support the LGBTQ community. mittee, 18-13. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
The negative bills include religious Earlier in the week, on Mon-
exemptions for licensed profession- day, April 12, the Senate State Af- dick, R-Midland, the longest serv- COVID-19 pandemic and catastroph-
als who think their religious beliefs fairs Committee heard Senate Bill ing member of the House. It’s a ic winter weather-related power out-
should exempt them from perform- 1646 by Senate Water, Agriculture so-called “HIV criminalization” bill ages, the state legislature’s priority
ing services for LGBTQ people, state & Rural Affairs Commit- that would make exposing should be delivering aid and relief to
pre-emption of municipal nondiscrim- tee Chairman Charles someone to HIV a crim- the people of Texas, not legislating
ination ordinances, HIV criminaliza- Perry, R-Lubbock, inal offense. against LGBTQ people and specifi-
tion and multiple attacks on transgen- designating tran- Similar bills have cally transgender kids,” said Human
der people — trans youth in particular. sition care as been filed in pre- Rights Campaign Texas State Director
The bills targeting transgender child abuse. It vious sessions Rebecca Marques. “The vast majority
youth are the most popular among would hold but always of Americans, including 60 percent of
conservative lawmakers, especially medical died in com- Republicans, support the equal treat-
those bills that would bar trans youth profession- mittee. ment of transgender people, and legis-
from obtaining medical care and from lating on transgender issues is among
playing in sports according to their the lowest priorities.”
gender identity. Andrea Segovia, the field and policy
Freshman Rep. Bryan Slaton, coordinator for the Transgender Ed-
R-Royce City, has tried several times als and par- LGBTQ ucation Network of Texas is keeping
to add amendments during debate to ents liable. and HIV/ watch. “While we at the Transgender
bills barring transition-related care. SB 1311 by AIDS advo- Education Network of Texas see the
On Wednesday, April 14, he almost Sen. Bob Hall, cates criticized attacks on trans youth spreading like
succeeded in tacking an amendment R-Edgewood, lawmakers for wildfire throughout the country, we
onto a bipartisan bill by Insurance would punish doc- wasting time at- know it is slowly burning in our own
Committee Chair Dr. Tom Oliverson, tors for providing tran- tacking certain Texans backyard,” she warned. “Dan Patrick
R-Houston, related to prescription sition-related care. when the Legislature has has continued to target trans people
drugs. Oliverson, who regularly re- On Monday, April 12, HIV and real and serious issues to attend. and especially trans youth in his time
ceives F on Equality Texas’s Scorecard, AIDS advocates testified against “During a time when Texans as lieutenant governor,” she said.
opposed the amendment itself while House Bill 369 by Rep. Tom Crad- have been challenged by both the
TRANS, Page 14
8 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21
Dallas Ryan White council
needs new members
Under-represented groups programs their agency offers. committee that determines how effective they have
The Ryan White program was decides what pro- been.
are especially needed for the named for a teenager who con- grams within the Annually, the Dallas Ryan White
council and its committees tracted HIV at the age of 13 after area should be Council, which is funded with state
receiving a blood transfusion. funded. Dornheim as well as federal dollars, is responsi-
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer He fought AIDS-related dis- said the commit- ble for $23-24 million dollars in fund-
taffet@dallasvoice.com crimination in school and tes- tee doesn’t ing. “That,” Dornheim said, “is a lot of
tified about it before Congress. decide money to have control over.” He said
he Dallas Eligi- He died a month before his high
ble Metropolitan school graduation and several
Area Ryan White months before Congress passed
Planning Council the Ryan White Comprehensive
is looking for new AIDS Resources Emergency
council and com- Act.
mittee members. Today, the Ryan White CARE
The council has 33
slots, and only 19 of them are currently
filled.
According to council chair John
Dornheim, a membership is limited
to two three-year terms. A number of Act,
people joined the council together, and as it’s
they all rolled off at the same time, he come to be
explained. known, pro-
Council members need to reflect vides money
the HIV/AIDS community, Dornheim for medication,
said. So if 30 percent of HIV cases in the PrEP and related
10-county area covered by the council services for people who he needs
are Hispanic, about a third of council living with HIV. would get additional
members should be Hispanic, too. Dornheim explained that adminis- the money. people to help
But, he noted, “We’re down to two tration of services is different in vari- That is left with that process,
Hispanic members.” ous councils throughout the U.S. The to the admin- and he hopes people
Dornheim said council members are 12-county area in the Dallas Council istrative agen- wouldn’t be intimidated by
also an aging group, while young peo- also includes Collin, Cooke, Denton, cy. “We don’t deal that task.
ple make up the fastest growing group Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, with providers,” “We need knowledgable people
of new infections. So committee mem- Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rock- Dornheim said. “We and people who care,” he said. “It
bers ages 21-45 are needed to make wall counties, and is administered by decide categories.” affects a lot of lives.”
sure the needs of people within that Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. The Consumer Coun- Dornheim said they’re not nec-
age group are addressed. Houston’s Ryan White funds, Dorn- cil Committee puts on essarily looking for people with
The transgender community, which heim said, are administered by that forums. Next month’s top- experience in HIV care, although
has among the highest HIV infection city’s mayor. ic is HIV and mental health, for people with experience are wel-
rate per capita, is also under-represent- There are seven councils in Texas. example. come to join. What they need, he
ed on the committee. Fort Worth’s planning council includes The Needs Assessment Committee stressed, are “people who are willing
To join, Dornheim said, you don’t Tarrant County and counties west of decides whether new services should to listen, learn and spend time.”
need to be a medical professional. Nor there. be funded. For example, as people liv- Council meetings and committee
do you need to be HIV-positive. Peo- New members may join a committee ing with HIV are living longer, what meetings are monthly, and each meet-
ple who work for an agency or hospital before they are appointed to the full new concerns do they encounter? ing lasts an hour to an hour and a half.
that provides medical or other care to council by Jenkins. Someone indicat- Should vision care or hearing be in- Some people serve on more than one
people with HIV may join but are pre- ing an interest in joining a committee cluded in what’s provided to people committee. █
vented from participating on certain would apply on the website and be in- with HIV? To join, visit DallasCounty.org/depart-
committees. That’s to avoid even the terviewed by members of the council. The Evaluation Committee reviews ments/rwpc and click on the link Member-
appearance of them directing money to Committees include Allocations, the programs that have been funded and ship Application.
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 9
Dispelling Myths
Social media campaign shines
scribes both the program and the cam-
light on trans women of color paign as a way to uplift and empower
the trans community and battle the stig-
RICH LOPEZ | Contributing Writer ma surrounding transgender women.
richlopezwrites@gmail.com “Transparency is a holistic program
that was developed out of a need to
ransparency, address the socioeconomic and health
a program of gaps that exist for Black and Latinx trans
Abounding women,” she explained.
Prosperity Inc., Abounding Prosperity launched
is in the middle Transparency in 2019 , creating it out of
of a campaign necessity, based on the rise in violence
that is working to against trans individuals as well as the
dispel myths about general discrimination and stigma.
transgenderism in Black and Latinx While inclusive of trans men of color,
Managers and participants in Abounding Prosperity Inc.’s Transparency program include, from
communities by getting people to “face the focus has been primarily on women, left, Naomi Green, Chevell Gee, Kellie Durhal, Shawn White, Zimora Evans and Gia Reyes.
the facts.” The campaign launched March who are disproportionately impacted by
31, on International Transgender Day of prejudices. by those specific days of recognition. But “We didn’t want this to be just one
Visibility, and runs through April 18, the The idea behind the “Face the Facts” Clinical Case Manager Gia Reyes was day,” Reyes said. “If you spread it out
National Transgender HIV Testing Day. came from the program’s advisory instrumental in having the campaign ex- and see it as a constant thing on social
Program Manager Naomi Green de- board, and was intentionally bookended panded beyond March 31.
MYTHS, Page 15
10 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21Resident of District 14 for almost 30 years
Committed Public Service for 13 years
Dallas Plan Commission for 8 years representing District 14
Represented District 14 on the Landmark Commission preserving Dallas’s Historic Neighborhoods
Greater Dallas Planning Council for 14 years
Volunteer of the Year from Dallas Housing Crisis Center
Oak Lawn Committee Outstanding Volunteer Award winner
Early Voting: April 19-27 | Election Day: May 1st
Endorsed by For more information, please visit
ridleyfordallas.com
If you would like more information on
where and when to vote, go to
www.dallascountyvotes.org
Pol. Adv. Pd. by Paul Ridley Campaign. Norma Minnis, Treasurer
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 11Easier access
Lawmakers in Missouri, Maine with seven Republicans voting “pres-
consider bills to make HIV ent.” The measure now goes to the
Missouri Senate.
prevention meds easier to get Christofanelli said he believes peo-
ple should be able to access the drugs
ASSOCIATED PRESS wherever it is most convenient because
they can save lives.
awmakers in the Mis- The bill would require pharmacists
souri House have to distribute the drugs with the su-
already approved pervision of a licensed physician and
Rep. Phil Christofanelli (Photo by Gage Skidmore) and right, Sen. Heather Sanborn
legislation making follow strict protocols. Patients would
it easier to get drugs have to follow up with a physician and fore the Maine Legislature’s Commit- HIV prevention medications include
to prevent HIV in- receive a prescription to get more than tee on Health Coverage, Insurance and drugs used as PrEP and PEP. Sanborn
fection, while Maine a 30-day supply of the pre-exposure Financial Services. Sanborn said her said, “We are incredibly fortunate to
legislators are con- medication. proposal would require state-regulat- have highly effective medication that
sidering a similar bill. Christofanelli said he hopes big ed health insurance providers to cover can not only treat HIV, but actually
In Missouri, the proposal sponsored pharmacy chains will adopt the plan if at least one HIV prevention drug. prevent someone from contracting it in
by Rep. Phil Christofanelli, a Repub- it is approved by the Missouri Senate. Sanborn’s proposal would also re- the first place.”
lican from St. Peters, passed easily. It In Maine, lawmakers are considering quire at least one such drug to be The proposal would face more con-
would allow people to go to pharma- a proposal to require health insurance available without prior authorization. sideration in committee.
cies to obtain pre- and post-exposure providers to expand their coverage of She said it would also create a process Sanborn has previously advocated
drugs to prevent HIV infection, the St. HIV prevention drugs. in which some pharmacists could dis- for the Maine Insurance Code to be
Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Democratic Sen. Heather Sanborn, pense up to 60 days of HIV prevention updated to prohibit the denial or lim-
It was supported by 148 lawmakers of Portland, submitted the proposal, medication to someone who lacks a itation of life insurance coverage for
from both parties on Monday, April 12, which was the subject of a hearing be- prescription from a doctor. people who take the medications. █
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12 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.2104.16.21 █ dallasvoice 13
PROUD TO BE A VITAL
PART OF THE FIGHT TRANS, From Page 8
AGAINST COVID-19!
Want to
participa
in a vacc te
STI testing & treatment at our
ine
location on the Baylor campus
PrEP Services provided with
study?
specialty pharmacy on-site Texas state Rep. Dr. Tom Oliverson
Financial & medication
Still, lawmakers around the coun- in committee. House Bill 191 by Rep.
assistance available
try are persistent in passing such leg- Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, which
Prep & HIV Clinical Trials islation. Mississippi recently signed would bar housing discrimination was
available CONTAC the first bill barring trans athletes in also heard last month in Urban Affairs
Gender affirmation T US AT school sports into law. While South Committee and awaits a vote, while
vaccine.s Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republi- House Bill 1402 by Rep. Ann Johnson,
hormone therapy tudy can who is eyeing running for presi- D-Houston, to amend the James Byrd,
Anal Cancer screenings @ntidc.o dent in 2024, killed a similar bill last Jr. Hate Crimes Act to include LGBTQ
We accept most insurance plans!
rg month, she then signed two executive people, also got a hearing.
orders to accomplish the same goal. Two others supported by LGBTQ ad-
And on Wednesday, April 7, Arkansas vocates were heard on April 6. House
MAKE YOUR IN-OFFICE OR became the first state to ban transgen- Bill 198 by Rep. Mary González, D-Clint,
TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT AT der medical care for youth when the would amend the “Romeo and Juliet”
Republican-led legislature overrode a law protecting consensual relationships
214.823.2533 veto by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, also a between youth who are 14 years older
3409 Worth St. Suite 710 Dallas, TX Republican. Hutchinson had called the and with someone within three years
bill an over-reach. of their age. Only heterosexual couples
214.890.1616 Not everything is bad for LGBTQ are currently exempt; HB 198 would
9301 North Central Expy. Suite 310 people in Texas; a few pro-equality expand it to include same-sex couples.
Dallas, TX measures have even gotten hearings. House Bill 1178 by Rep. Jasmine Crock-
In fact, last month, three bills were ett, D-Dallas, which would legalize nee-
infectiousdiseases.com heard in committee. dle exchanges, was also heard. A similar
bill, House Bill 126 by Rep. Ina Minjarez,
or ntidc.org
House Bill 73 by Rep. Gina Hinojo-
sa, D-Austin, which would bar what’s D-San Antonio, awaits a hearing in the
called the “gay and trans panic attack” Public Health Committee.
argument from being used in court, There’s plenty of time for both good
was heard in the Criminal Jurispru- and bad bills to get hearings but it’s
dence Committee. It awaits a full vote tight. The session ends on May 31. █
14 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21MYTHS, From Page 10
media, eventually someone will click on say, we were stressed,” she said.
it. An ally on the board said that if we Transparency has also been a safe
do it on a regular basis, that starts to hu- space for Shawn White, a trans man who
manize us for people. has found respite with his sisters at the
“It’s about not just having it on these program.
‘special days,’ but all the time.” “First and foremost, Transparency
The campaign — often hashtaged has mentally and emotionally helped
#FaceTheFacts #StopStigma my confidence,” White said. “I feel at
#TransLivesMatter — can be found on home with my sisters here. I can get
Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @ counseling whenever I choose, and
aboundingprosperity. Posts are craft- they help me stay on top of my health.”
ed to dispel common myths about the Gee, who both works at Abound-
transgender community, such as “All ing Prosperity and participates in the
trans people are sex workers,” and “All Transparency program, echoed that
trans women have HIV.” The posts sentiment. “The program has helped
then replace the myths with facts about me to step outside of my box,” she said.
transgender lives, often accompanied by “I mean. I’m still stepping, but now I’m
photos of program participants. a little outside my box.”
The campaign works to shine a light In a roundtable discussion for this
on the stigma that can be so damaging piece, program participants discussed
for transgender people. One “fact” post the challenges they face as trans people
states: “Stigma makes it harder for trans of color, but they also spoke of the cul-
people to live. Stigma puts trans lives at tural discrimination within their Black
higher risk for HIV.” and Latinx families. Yet, with the social
The campaign also features videos by campaign where participants have re-
various program participants, includ- vealed their stories on video, feedback
ing Kellie Durhal for whom Transpar- has been positive.
ency is a haven. “I had known Naomi “I had an amazing response,” Durh-
[Green] for a while. I’m from Detroit. I al said. “I’m showing my vulnerability.
WIG OUT
was looking for a way to feel like part People have been touched. That’s reas-
of the community and meet new girls,” suring to me that I’m doing the right
she said. “Plus, I could navigate easier thing and makes me wanna do more.”
for services I couldn’t get there.”
Transparency works with local trans
These discussions aren’t new for the
group, which hosts a virtual meeting
this summer with
women of color on leadership and pro- called Chat ‘n’ Chews. some fashionable
fessional development, financial liter- “We come together and share these new shades!
acy, resume building, counseling and stories,” Green said.
more. As the case manager, Reyes helps Although the campaign ends next
those who need it find hormone thera- week, Green and Reyes remind every-
py, doctor/patient communication and one that they are here for the trans com-
even housing assistance. munity always. Currently, the program
“These are key components to the serves 34 but is open to new partici-
lives of transgender women,” Green pants who need any or all of Transpar-
said. ency’s services.
Those services also include direction “If you just want to be part of this
on name changes and gender marker family and need someone to talk to,
changes, things that aren’t easy to come that is here,” Green said.
by. As with any nonprofit, funding and
“Our names mean a lot to us so it’s im- volunteers are always needed. But
portant to get that changed,” participant Transparency also encourages orga-
and trans advocate Zimora Evans said. nizations, places of employment and
“We want to be addressed as we look.” those with any kind of sway to cre-
Evans’ video will be the last to be post- ate spaces for trans people, especially
ed. It will go online on April 17. Evans Black and Latinx trans women.
also helped Green, Reyes and program “Oftentimes, it’s us who have been left
Award-winning Contact Lens Specialists
assistant Chevell Gee with getting the behind for so long,” she said. █
Optometric Glaucoma Specialists • Therapeutic Optometrist
program up and running. For more information about Transparency
“I used to work here, and I was in the or to donate or volunteer, visit Abounding- 4414 Lemmon Ave. at Herschel
beginning stages of all this. Let me just Prosperity.org. Dallas, TX 75219 • 214.522-EYES
doctoreyecare.com Dr. Allen B. Safir
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 15MAY 1, 2021
GENERAL ELECTION
√V O T E 2 0 2 1
Council District 7
1 Kevin Felder
2 Donald Parish
3 Calvin D. Johnson
CITY COUNCIL
4 Tramonica Brown
5 Walter “Changa” Higgins
CANDIDATES 6 James “JT” Turknett
7 Israel Varela
COUNCIL DISTRICTS / 8 Adam Bazaldua
BALLOT ORDER Council District 8 MAY 1, 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION
1 Tennell Atkins AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF DAL
Council District 1 2 Subrina Lynn Brenham
1 Gerardo Sánchez 3 Davante “Shawt” Peters
PROPOSITION NO. A
2 Stephani A. “Skyle” Kyle 4 Lakolya London
Eliminating the Requirement That A Member of a Board or Commission Created
3 Chad West City Charter be Registered or Qualified to Vote.
4 Giovanni “Gio” Valderas Council District 9
Shall Chapter IV, Section 5; Chapter XV, Section 3; and Chapter XVII, Section 2 o
1 Paula Blackmon
Dallas City Charter be amended to eliminate the requirement that a member of a
Council District 2 2 Judy Kumar
commission created by the city charter be a registered or qualified voter?
1 Jennifer Cortez 3 John Botefuhr
2 Jesse Moreno PROPUESTA NO. A
3 Sana Syed Council District 10
Eliminar el Requisito de que un Miembro de una Junta o Comisión creada por la
4 Raha Assadi 1 B. Adam McGough
la Ciudad sea Registrado o Calificado para Votar.
5 Michael Fetzer 2 Sirrano Keith Baldeo
¿El Capítulo IV, Sección 5; Capítulo XV, Sección 3; y el Capítulo XVII, Sección 2
la Carta de la Ciudad de Dallas será enmendado para eliminar el requisito de qu
Council District 3 Council District 11
un miembro de una junta o comisión creada por la carta de la ciudad sea un vota
1 Casey Thomas, II 1 Jaynie Schultz
registrado o calificado?
2 Irby Foster 2 Hosanna Yemiru
3 Barry Wernick
PROPOSITION NO. B
Council District 4 4 Candy Evans
Eliminating the Requirement That a Member of the Civil Service Board be a Qual
1 Maxie Johnson Taxpaying Citizen.
2 Lelani Russell Council District 12
Shall Chapter XVI, Section 1 of the Dallas City Charter be amended to eliminate
3 Matt Canto 1 Elva Curl
requirement that a member of the civil service board be a qualified taxpaying citiz
4 Carolyn King Arnold 2 Cara Mendelsohn
5 Johnny Aguinaga PROPUESTA NO. B
Council District 13
Eliminar el Requisito de que un Miembro de la Junta de Servicio Civil sea un Ciu
Council District 5 1 Ryan M. Moore
Calificado.
1 Jaime Resendez 2 Da’On Boulanger-Chatman
¿Se modificará el Capítulo XVI, Sección 1 de la Carta de la Ciudad de Dallas pa
2 Ruth Torres 3 Gay Donnell Willis
eliminar el requisito de que un miembro de la junta de servicio civil sea un ciudad
3 Yolanda “Faye” Williams 4 Leland R. Burk
calificado que pague impuestos?”
4 Terry Perkins 5 Mac Smith
DALLAS COUNTY DATES / TIMES /LOCATIONS
Council District 6 Council District 14
April (abril) 19 – 23 Monday-Friday (lunes a viernes) 8a.m. to 5p
1 Earl D. Thomas 1 Paul E. Ridley
April (abril) 24 Saturday (sábado) 8a.m. to 5p
2 Tony Carrillo 2 David Blewett
April (abril) 25 Sunday (domingo) 1p.m. to 6p
3 Omar Narvaez 3 Elizabeth Viney
April (abril) 26 – 27 Monday – Tuesday (lunes y martes) 7a.m. to 7p
4 Mόnica R. Alonzo
5 Wendi Macon
16 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21LOCATION ADDRESS CITY ZIP CODE
(Lugar) (Dirección) (Ciudad) (Código postal)
ADDISON FIRE STATION #1 4798 AIRPORT PKWY ADDISON 75001
AUDELIA ROAD BRANCH LIBRARY - AUDITORIUM 10045 AUDELIA RD DALLAS 75238
BALCH SPRINGS CIVIC CENTER 12400 ELAM RD BALCH SPRINGS 75180
BROOKHAVEN COLLEGE “W” BUILDING ROOM W105 3939 VALLEY VIEW LN FARMERS BRANCH 75244
CARROLLTON LIBRARY @ HEBRON & JOSEY 4220 N JOSEY LANE CARROLLTON 75010
CEDAR HILL GOVERNMENT CENTER LOBBY 285 UPTOWN BLVD CEDAR HILL 75104
COPPELL TOWN CENTER 255 E. PARKWAY BLVD COPPELL 75019
21
CROSSWINDS HIGH SCHOOL ROOM 104 1100 N. CARRIER PKWY GRAND PRAIRIE 75050
DISCIPLE CENTRAL COMMUNITY CHURCH 901 N. POLK ST DESOTO 75115
DUNCANVILLE LIBRARY ROOMS 1, 2 & 3 201 JAMES COLLINS BLVD DUNCANVILLE 75116
EASTFIELLD COLLEGE MAIN CAMPUS “C” BUILDING 3737 MOTLEY DR MESQUITE 75150
EASTFIELD COLLEGE PLEASANT GROVE CAMPUS
COMMUNITY ROOM 108/109 802 S. BUCKNER BLVD DALLAS 75217
El CENTRO COLLEGE – MAIN CAMPUS “C” BUILDING LOBBY AREA 801 MAIN ST DALLAS 75202
EL CENTRO COLLEGE-WEST CAMPUS COMMUNITY ROOM 3330 N. HAMPTON RD DALLAS 75212
FIRE STATION #10 4451 FRANKFORD RD DALLAS 75287
FLORENCE RECREATION CENTER ROOM 102 2501 WHITSON WAY MESQUITE 75150
FRANKFORD TOWNHOMES 18110 MARSH LN DALLAS 75287
FRETZ PARK LIBRARY - BLACK BOX THEATER 6990 BELT LINE RD DALLAS 75254
FRIENDSHIP WEST BAPTIST CHURCH
BANQUET HALL FOYER 2020 W. WHEATLAND RD DALLAS 75232
OF DALLAS **GEORGE L ALLEN SR COURTS BLDG.
MAIN LOBBY - Main Location** 600 COMMERCE ST DALLAS 75202
GRAUWYLER PARK REC CENTER RM A 7780 HARRY HINES BLVD DALLAS 75235
Created by the HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION DALLAS 8080 W PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH HWY DALLAS 75252
HARRY STONE RECREATION CENTER SMALL ACTIVITY ROOM 2403 MILLMAR DR DALLAS 75228
HIGHLAND HILLS LIBRARY AUDITORIUM 6200 BONNIE VIEW RD DALLAS 75241
ection 2 of the HUTCHINS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 321 N. MAIN ST HUTCHINS 75141
mber of a board or IRVING ARTS CENTER ART LAB, CLASSROOM 1 3333 N. MACARTHUR BLVD IRVING 75062
? IRVING CITY HALL MAIN LOBBY 825 W. IRVING BLVD IRVING 75060
J. ERIK JONSSON CENTRAL LIBRARY 1515 YOUNG ST DALLAS 75201
JAYCEE ZARAGOZA RECREATION CTR 3114 CLYMER ST DALLAS 75212
da por la Carta de JOSEY RANCH LIBRARY THE MEETING ROOM 1700 KELLER SPRINGS RD CARROLLTON 75006
LAKESIDE ACTIVITY CENTER LARGE ROOM 101 HOLLEY PARK DR MESQUITE 75149
LAKEWOOD BRANCH LIBRARY 6121 WORTH ST DALLAS 75214
ección 2 de LANCASTER VETERANS MEMORIAL LIBRARY THE MEETING ROOM 1600 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY LANCASTER 75134
ito de que LOCHWOOD LIBRARY BLACK BOX ROOM 11221 LOCHWOOD BLVD DALLAS 75218
a un votante MARSH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL 10716 MARSH LN DALLAS 75229
MARTIN LUTHER KING CORE BLDG MAIN LOBBY 2922 MLK BLVD DALLAS 75215
MARTIN WEISS REC CENTER SMALL ROOM 1111 MARTINDELL AVE DALLAS 75211
MOUNTAIN CREEK LIBRARY AUDITORIUM 6102 MOUNTAIN CREEK PKWY DALLAS 75249
MOUNTAIN VIEW COLLEGE - “’E” BUILDING MAIN LOBBY 4849 W ILLINOIS AVE DALLAS 75211
be a Qualified
NORTH LAKE COLLEGE “F” BUILDING ROOM F105 5001 N MACARTHUR BLVD IRVING 75038
OAK CLIFF SUB-COURTHOUSE THE MAIN LOBBY 410 S. BECKLEY AVE DALLAS 75203
liminate the OAK LAWN BRANCH LIBRARY AUDITORIUM 4100 CEDAR SPRINGS RD DALLAS 75219
aying citizen? OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH THE PARLOR ROOM 7611 PARK LN DALLAS 75225
OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH - GP FELLOWSHIP HALL 4729 S CARRIER PKWY GRAND PRAIRIE 75052
PAUL L DUNBAR LANCASTER-KIEST LIBRARY CLASS ROOM A & B 2008 EAST KIEST BLVD DALLAS 75216
a un Ciudadano PRESTON ROYAL LIBRARY 5626 ROYAL LN DALLAS 75229
REVERCHON RECREATION CENTER 3505 MAPLE AVE DALLAS 75219
RICHARDSON CIVIC CENTER WEST ALCOVE 411 W. ARAPAHO RD RICHARDSON 75080
Dallas para RICHLAND COLLEGE-GARLAND CAMPUS MAIN LOBBY 675 W. WALNUT ST GARLAND 75040
un ciudadano RICHLAND COLLEGE - MAIN CAMPUS - GUADALUPE “G” BLDG.
FOYER AREA 12800 ABRAMS RD DALLAS 75243
ROWLETT CITY HALL ANNEX CONFERENCE ROO 4004 MAIN ST ROWLETT 75088
SACHSE COMMUNITY CENTER RESERVATION ROOM A 3815 SACHSE RD, BUILDING E SACHSE 75048
.m. to 5p.m. SKYLINE BRANCH LIBRARY AUDITORIUM 6006 EVERGLADE RD DALLAS 75227
SOUTH GARLAND BRANCH LIBRARY THE PROGRAM ROOM 4845 BROADWAY BLVD GARLAND 75040
.m. to 5p.m.
UNIVERSITY PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH -
.m. to 6p.m. CALDWELL ROOM (#120) 4024 CARUTH BLVD DALLAS 75225
.m. to 7p.m. VALLEY RANCH LIBRARY SUITE 150 401 CIMARRON TRAIL IRVING 75063
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 17Phone 214-754-8710 Fax 844-313-2282
█
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Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • dallasvoice.com
█ commUNITYvoices
Noem vs. Lil Nas X
administration
Leo Cusimano Publisher 114 █
editorial
Tammye Nash Managing Editor 113 █
David Taffet Senior Staff Writer 125 █
Philip Burton Proofreader S. Dakota governor worries with pen- makers have passed legislation to keep
about souls, but doesn’t mind
Contributors: Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block,
J. Denton Bricker, Joey Cassiano, Jesus Chairez, Alicia Chang,
tagrams transgender women and girls from
D’Anne Witowski, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman, sacrificing lives and up- playing sports — a solution looking for
Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Steven Monacelli, side down a problem as there is no huge influx of
Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, Mikey Rox, Howard Lewis Russell, crosses transgender athletes dominating wom-
T
James Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray,
o create the right kind of atmo- in order en’s sports. But when the legislation
Mathew Shaw, Brandi Amara Skyy, Mark Stokes, Jef Tingley,
Casey Williams sphere in which to write this col- to create reached her desk, Noem sent it back,
umn, I have all the lights off and “Satan asking for some tweaks. And that now
advertising am using a black background instead of Shoes,” has her critics claiming that she caved
Chad Mantooth Advertising Director 131 █
Stephen Mobley MarketPlace Sales 123 █ a white one on my computer. I’m also which to the transgender agenda.
National Advertising Representative
burning a candle and listening to heavy sold out But who cares what they say — or
Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021 metal. almost im- what I say, for that matter. Because Lil
Mind you, I have the lights off be- mediately Nas X’s response to Noem is perfection:
art cause it’s 2 p.m. And I’m burning the to the tune “ur a whole governor and u on here
Kevin Thomas Art Director █
119
candle because I made vegan mac and of a grand a pair. (But don’t worry, you tweeting about some damn shoes. do ur
multimedia cheese for lunch and my wife hates the can buy them for thousands of dollars job!”
Stephen Mobley Social Media Director █
123
Brian Kennedy Video Producer smell. (The candle is called “Holiday on eBay.) Yeah! Except she is very terrible at her
Israel Luna Video Producer/DVtv host Sparkle” and supposedly smells like This got some people real mad. Nike, job.
Brad Pritchett DVtv Host “Bright Sparkling Water, Sugared Cit- for example, has filed a lawsuit, since You’d think that someone whose re-
Brandi Amara Skyy DVtv Host rus, Wintertime Jasmine and Creamy they didn’t give the Satan Shoes their fusal to act in any way to protect the
Regina Lyn DVtv Host
Sandalwood,” but it really just smells blessing. And then there’s the negative people in her state from a deadly epi-
circulation like someone accidentally knocked into reaction of South Dakota Gov. Kristi demic led to hundreds of unnecessary
Linda Depriter Circulation Director 120 █
a perfume counter at Macy’s and a ran- Noem, who you know has gotten tip- deaths would appreciate a little con-
founders dom collection of bottles smashed onto sy and danced to “Old Town Road” structive criticism from someone who
Robert Moore Don Ritz
█
the floor.) Also, heavy metal is legit my at a wedding reception and has given is actually really good at his job. But in-
affiliations/memberships favorite kind of music, so I’d be listen- her complete refusal to issue any kind stead of “Thank you,” Noem responded
Associated Press - Associate Member ing to it regardless. of restrictions to stop the spread of with a Bible quote: “What good will it
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Still, let’s pretend I’m opening myself COVID-19 in South Dakota. be for someone to gain the whole world,
Certified LGBT Business Enterprise up for Satanic possession or something. Retweeting a photo of the shoes yet forfeit their soul? — Matthew 16:26”
Founding Member - North Texas LGBT Chamber
It freaks out the Christian right, and Noem wrote, “Our kids are being told A good question! Especially for a gov-
Founding Member - National LGBT Media Association
that’s fun as hell. that this kind of product is, not only ernor who sat on her hands while peo-
Because it’s time to talk about Lil Nas okay, it’s ‘exclusive.’ But do you know ple died but managed to get real fired
X and the video for his song “Montero what’s more exclusive? Their God-giv- up over an art piece sold by a Black gay
(Call Me by Your Name).” en eternal soul. We are in a fight for man. One could even argue that she for-
As I mentioned, I mostly listen to the soul of our nation. We need to fight feited the souls of innocent people in
metal, so I have not closely followed Lil hard. And we need to fight smart. We order to score political points with ex-
Nas X’s career. All I know is that “Old have to win.” tremists.
Town Road” is very catchy, and that Lil First of all, if a product is limited, Thankfully, she doesn’t have the
Nas X is really fun to follow on Twitter. numbered and pricey, it is literally ex- whole world, just South Dakota. But we
© 2020 Voice Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reprint rights are available only by written consent of the
Oh, and he’s gay. clusive. You don’t have to like, want or are in a fight for the soul of our nation.
publisher or managing editor. But even I, a middle-aged lesbian lis- approve of the thing being sold for it to We need to fight hard. And we need to
Dallas Voice is published every Friday. Additional copies
may be purchased for $1 each, payable in advance at tening to Iron Maiden in the light of day, be exclusive. These shoes are essentially fight smart. We have to win.
the Dallas Voice office. Dallas Voice may be distributed
only by Dallas Voice authorized independent contractors
have heard about the recent controversy works of art. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got
or distributors. No person may, without prior written surrounding Lil Nas X’s dance with the Secondly, these shoes are not stealing some eBaying to do, because it’s never
permission of Voice Publishing, take more than one copy of
each Dallas Voice weekly issue. devil. In his video for “Montero (Call anybody’s soul. They’re shoes. And Sa- too early to get that Christmas shopping
Subscriptions via First Class Mail are available: Three
months (13 consecutive issues), $65. Six months (26 Me by Your Name),” a song about sex, tan is pretend. done. █
consecutive issues), $85. One year (52 consecutive issues),
$130. Contact Dallas Voice at 214-754-8710 x123.
he slides down a stripper pole into the Perhaps Noem came down hard on D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and
Paid advertising copy represents the claim(s) of the depths of hell where he gives Satan a Satan Shoes because conservatives are comedian living in Michigan with her
advertiser. Bring inappropriate claims to the attention
of the publisher. Dallas Voice reserves the right to enforce lap dance. To commemorate this feat, mad at her for not being mean enough wife and son. She has been writing about
its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising
copy, illustrations and/or photographs. he commissioned a design company to to transgender people. LGBTQ politics for over a decade. Follow
Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted by email only. customize 666 pairs of Nike Air Max 97s Like many states, South Dakota law- her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.
To obtain a copy of our guidelines for contributors,
send a request by email to editor@dallasvoice.com.
18 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21Endorsed by
An Experienced
LEADER
for District 2
Early Voting
April 19-27
Election Day
May 1st
★ Lifelong resident of District 2
★ Small business owner
★ Former Park Board Member
★ Proven advocate for residents
Jessemoreno.com
If you would like more information on
where and when to vote, go to
www.dallascountyvotes.org
Make Your Voice Heard!
Pol. Adv. Paid by Jesse Moreno Campaign 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1600, Dallas, TX, 75201
04.16.21 █ dallasvoice 19music
LNX
and, especially the video for the song.
In the video, against hyperpop cacoph-
ony and simmering flamenco, Montero
is seduced by the Biblical serpent and
stoned to death for sodomy before pole
dancing down to Hell and onto Satan’s
lap. Then Montero breaks Satan’s neck
and dons his crown, dark angelic wings
bursting out of Montero’s back in the
martini shot.
The video advocates finding power
and agency, even in the ghettos society
banishes you to when you are different.
It is a message alluding to both Black
empowerment and queer liberation. It is
an overdue attempt to shift the Overton
window leftward and normalize same-
sex lust in pop music, a sentiment made
explicit by the artist.
The video, of course, inspired a pre-
dictable rightwing backlash — all over
a video whose sum parts I have seen
before. Brendon Urie transformed into
Satan in the music video for “Emper-
or’s New Clothes” six years ago; Miley
Cyrus angered parents by dancing on a
stripper pole during a performance of
“Party in the USA” 12 years ago, and
Nicki Minaj lap danced in the “Super
Bass” music video released just a year
later. And we haven’t even mentioned
Netflix’ recent Chilling Adventures of
Lil Nas X accepts the award for top hot 100 song for “Old Town Road” at the Billboard Music Awards last October. As a gay Black rapper with a hit
country-western song, LNX was already in outside the norm. His latest hit single, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” cements his outlaw status. (AP
Sabrina series, in which a white girl
Photo/Chris Pizzello) literally becomes the queen of Hell.
“Montero” is simply a culmination of
Outlaw by default, she liked someone queer, whether in person or pop history thus far and its logical con-
celebrity by design bright through representation. clusion. Along the way LNX forces us to
colors and On the ground, though, reality skews contend with the contradictions of that
“Mister, don’t take this the wrong pastels! one way: Girls are more open about same pop history: its dark underbelly of
way, but are you gay or bi?” a student You their queer identities than are the boys. racism and homophobia.
asked during the last minutes of class. never When it comes to the boys, I often have Complicating LNX’ situation is a
“Yes,” I answered without elabora- know with to rely on context clues — not dissimilar unique intersection: the diametrical
tion. girls, he from my own middle school days. worlds of country and hip-hop, each with
“Which one?” told me, The Overton window of acceptable their own expectations of the 22-year-old
I paused, then answered, “Why do but not behavior for men remains fixed vehe- artist from Georgia. Sure, it didn’t matter
you ask?” with guys. mently rightward, discouraging homo- if Britney kissed Madonna or danced,
“You just … dress weird. Like, who And he sexuality in a way it doesn’t seem to for scantily clad, with a boa constrictor. That
wears a shirt like that?” promised women. It is not a surprising phenom- was for publicity, canonized in the two
I looked down at my shirt. I was me he enon: Female homosexuality can still decades since then as “iconic.” But a gay
wearing a burnt sienna waffle knit with would cater to the male gaze, whereas male Black man kisses a CGI serpent (Aaliyah
burgundy slacks, a business-casual out- never turn gay. I told him he need not homosexuality challenges the heteronor- also famously played with snakes, might
fit I felt perfectly respectable for work. worry about turning gay; then I added mative gaze, causing men to look away I add), and suddenly it’s not just about
Yet it seemed to my 13-year-old student ominously as the dismissal bell rang in either disgust or, worse, fear that they publicity, nor is it immediately iconic. It’s
a dead giveaway of a secret perversity. and he rushed out, “Unless you are.” might like it. just notorious.
In our ensuing dialogue, the student Sexuality is a topic I am loath to They, too, might run out of the door Precisely when the pop-star becomes
told me he had asked his art teacher the discuss with my students, yet they often the minute the alarm bell rings. not an abstract object of sexual attrac-
same question, and she had answered bring it up. Queerness is something Take, for example, the recent con- tion and admiration but someone whose
affirmatively. This surprised him; he almost normal — except for those adults troversy over Lil Nas X and his song identity is anathema to established
could’ve sworn she liked guys. After all, who frown on it. The children all know “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” █
Lil Nas X Page 23
20 dallasvoice.com █ 04.16.21You can also read
