The doctor(ate) is in - CRNA T'Anya Carter focuses on helping the helpers By David Taffet, page 8 - Dallas Voice
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The doctor(ate) is in CRNA T’Anya Carter focuses on helping the helpers By David Taffet, page 8
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2 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22
In This Issue Feburary 25, 2022
Volume 38 | Issue 43
1825 Market Center Blvd., Ste. 240, Dallas, Texas 75207 | 214-754-8710 | dallasvoice.com
NEWS
10 | Looking back at the 2021 Texas Legislative session
PUBLISHER Leo Cusimano, leo@dallasvoice.com
12 | ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills endanger kids
MANAGING EDITOR Tammye Nash, nash@dallasvoice.com 10
SENIOR STAFF WRITER David Taffet, taffet@dallasvoice.com
STAFF WRITER Rich Lopez, rich@dallasvoice.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PROOF READER Philip Burton 16 | Lord Byron makes sure the beat goes on
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, Joey Casiano,
18 | Get immersed in Frida Kahlo
Jesus Chairez, Lawrence Ferber, Hardy Haberman, Scott Huffman,
Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Jonathon McCellan, Cassie Nova,
Josh Robbins, Howard Lewis Russell, James Russell, Terri Schlichen-
meyer, Leslie McMurray, Gregg Shapiro, Casey Williams
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chad Mantooth, mantooth@dallasvoice.com 16
MARKETPLACE MANAGER Stephen Mobley, mobley@dallasvoice.com ON THE COVER
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE National Advertising Representative BITES FROM OUR BLOG.............4
Todd Evans, Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021
VOICES.......................................6
PLAN YOUR WEEK....................21
ART DIRECTOR Kevin Thomas, thomas@dallasvoice.com
CASSIE NOVA...........................22
MULTIMEDIA Stephen Mobley, Social Media Director
Israel Luna, DVtv Video Producer, Host SCENE.......................................23
Tom Roma, DVtv Producer | Joseph Herrera, DVtv Producer
MARKETPLACE........................26
Regina Lyn, DVtv Host | Dom Pecikonis, DVtv Host 18
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Linda Depriter, distribution@dallasvoice.com T’Anya Carter.
Cover design by Kevin Thomas
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02-25-22 █ dallasvoice 3
Bites from our blog
InstanTEA: DallasVoice.com
March 12, at Seven for Parties, 150
Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 107. Tickets
start at $50.
For more information on Legacy Un-
der the Sea visit the event’s Facebook
page.
— Tammye Nash
Abbott, Paxton targeting
trans youth again
On Monday, Feb. 21, Texas Attor-
ney General Ken Paxton released an
opinion declaring gender-affirming
medical care for transgender children
to be child abuse. Not to be outdone,
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday, Feb.
22, directed the Texas Department
of Family and Protective Services to
investigate these practices.
The ACLU of Texas on Wednes-
day, Feb. 23, released a statement
reminding everyone that Paxton’s
opinion is not legally binding and that
“it remains up to the courts to inter-
pret Texas laws and the Constitution.
Don Maison has died Moreover, DFPS cannot remove any child
Retired AIDS Services Dallas CEO Don Mai-
from their parents or guardians without a court
son died Monday, Feb. 21. At the time he retired
order.
at the beginning of 2018, Maison, with 32 years
“No court here in Texas or anywhere in the
at the helm of ASD, was the longest-serving
country has ever found that gender-affirming
head of an AIDS organization in the U.S.
care can be considered child abuse,” the
ASD announced Maison’s passing on Tues-
ACLU statement continued. “The opinion re-
day morning, Feb. 22:
leased by Paxton cites highly partisan, outdat-
“It is with great sadness that AIDS Services
ed and inaccurate information that ignores the
of Dallas announces the passing of former
consensus of every major medical association
President and CEO, Donald J. Maison. Don
and the evidence-based and peer-reviewed
passed away on February 21, 2022. No further
standards of care.”
details are available. Please keep his family and
Adri Pérez, policy and advocacy strategist
close friends in your thoughts and prayers at
with ACLU of Texas, called on Texas’ leaders
this time.”
to “focus on helping our youth and all people
Dallas Voice will publish information on me-
in our state instead of falsely attacking parents
morial services for Maison when that information
and doctors who are lovingly advocating for
becomes available.
their children with the medically necessary
— David Taffet
care.”
And ACLU of Texas staff attorney Brian
Snooze restaurant Klosterboer noted, “[Paxton’s] opinion and
donates to Legacy Cares [Abbott’s] letter have no legal effect and can-
Cody Lynch, special events coordinator for not change Texas law nor usurp the constitu-
Legacy Cares, accepted a $1,300 donation tional rights of Texas families. But they spread
from Snooze A.M. Eatery’s assistant manager fear and misinformation and could spur false
Ayanna Moore on Wednesday, Feb. 23, on reporting of child abuse at a time when DFPS
behalf of Legacy. is already facing a crisis in our state’s foster
The donation came from the restaurant’s prof- care system.
its on Jan. 28, the day that Snooze, located at “The law is clear that parents, guardians,
3211 Oak Lawn Ave., chose to designate Lega- and doctors can provide transgender youth
cy as its beneficiary for 2022 and dedicated 10 with treatment in accordance with prevailing
percent of its proceeds from that day’s sales to standards of care,” he said. “Any parent or
the organization. guardian who loves and supports their child
Snooze also catered Christmas brunch for and is taking them to a licensed healthcare
Legacy’s staff and sponsors and donated two provider is not engaging in child abuse.”
$100 gift cards as auction items for the Legacy These continuing threats against trans youth
Under the Sea fundraising event and plans more in Texas are “part of a politically motivated mis-
efforts to benefit Legacy throughout the year. information campaign that harms children,” the
Legacy Under the Sea, presented by Nex- ACLU statement declared. Both Paxton and
Bank, the Anthony Bobrow Trust and Joe and Abbott are in the middle of contested GOP
Arnold Pacetti, begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Primary races to hold onto their offices.
— Tammye Nash
4 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22
VOICES
OPINIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY
From victim to victor
You are more than the sum of tween the
your regrets two can
mean the
F
or many of us these days, the con- difference
versations we are having with between a
ourselves are filled with anxiet- moment of
ies, saturated in grief and overwhelmed suffering
by loss. Every aspect of our lives has and a life-
been upended by chaotic circumstances time of suf-
unique to a pandemic. fering.
A sneeze isn’t just a sneeze anymore; a There
handshake isn’t just a handshake, and a was a time ical and emotional abuse, loneliness, loss poverty. The human spirit is greater than
meeting with friends isn’t just a meeting in my life and constant unwanted change. the things that assault our peace of mind.
with friends. Everything has changed. when I was But what I failed to see at the time was Be kind to yourself. It’s alright to have
Inasmuch as any tragedy is certain to “the vic- the power my outlook had on my ability limitations. And we have all been going
leave behind a victim or a person who is tim” who expected disaster. I saw myself to change my life. well beyond those limitations for some
harmed, it is important that we make one as trapped, not only by my circumstanc- By the time my circumstances changed time now.
clear distinction: Being the victim and es, but also in a life in which I no longer and my chains were broken, I had given But there are still things that make life
being a victim are two entirely different could see any value. I had many reasons up on myself. My new chains were invis- worth living. We may not be able to re-
things. And knowing the distinction be- to feel this way: I was experiencing phys- ible and of my own making. Tragedy had place what we have lost, but if there is
an ugly side-effect on me; it was what I tomorrow, we can build something new.
would call a “broken mirror complex.” You are more than the sum of your re-
Before the devastation, there was grets. And since we cannot change the
a clear and unbroken mirror. When I past, let’s work together towards mak-
looked in that mirror, I saw myself as I ing a better future for everyone. We may
really was — beautifully made. have limits, but if there is anything that
But suddenly, calamity struck without we have learned from the past two years,
warning, and my mirror had cracks in it it’s that we are survivors.
that were not there before. Let’s not forget that humanity has ex-
The unbroken mirror represents a perienced pandemics before and won.
mind free of the past. But the cracks in Whatever challenges may come our way,
the broken mirror represent the memo- we must keep pressing forward. Life is
ries we have yet to heal from. Our hearts not defined by our circumstances, but we
can break in such a way that every time define our circumstances by how we live
we see ourselves, we remember what our lives.
happened in the past and become de- If it rains, then sing in that rain. If feet
fined by it. of snow block your path, then build a fort
But just because you’ve been a victim and make snow angels. And if the world
of circumstances outside of your control hands you a pandemic, then let it be the
in the past, that doesn’t mean that now greatest story of unity and perseverance
your role in life is that of the victim. Nor ever told. █
is victim your adjective. If we accept that Jonathon McClellan is an award-winning
mindset, then we give up on our own fu- author who often writes devotionals for Ca-
tures, ones that can be bright, beautiful thedral of Hope. In the spring of 2022, he will
and blessed. release Messages of Hope for adults and
What is happening to us now need not The Ant’s Palace for children, each the first
last any longer than a moment. There are of series empowering adults to keep hoping
new days ahead of us, brimming with and encouraging children to look beneath the
possibilities. It will take time to get there, surface to find true riches. A large part of the
but it is worth fighting for. The human proceeds will be donated to Cathedral of Hope
spirit is greater than any pandemic, nat- programs for the homeless. Learn more Face-
ural disaster and emotional or financial book.com/NewSeedsOfHope.
6 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22
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02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 7
Helping those who help others t
w
c
e
PROFILE i
o
With a newly-minted Ph.D. t
under her belt, CRNA T’Anya
t
Carter wants to help nurses n
fighting substance use disorder i
h
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer n
taffet@dallasvoice.com
hile nurs-
es and
other med-
ical profes-
sionals have
experienced
burnout at an
unprecedented
rate during the pandemic, T’Anya Car-
ter forged ahead in her career, recently
earning her Ph.D. in nursing. Carter is a
certified registered nurse anesthetic —
one of only 11 Black CRBA out of 60,000
in the U.S. who has a doctorate. were approved, nurses with children
Carter started work on her Ph.D. five- who weren’t yet eligible for the shots
and-a-half years ago and began research continued limited contact.
for her dissertation, “Challenges for In her research, Carter found that even
Nurse Anesthetists Re-entering Prac- nurses who had self-medicated to cov-
tice Following Substance Use Disorder er a physical injury or emotional stress
Treatment,” before the beginning of the were treated successfully, they still had
pandemic. problems re-entering the field. “Hospital
“I wanted to know why they have systems wouldn’t rehire them,” she said.
T
trouble re-entering the field,” she said, That hesistancy on the part of hospi-
explaining why she chose that topic. The tals came from concerns over liability. i
short answer? Fear and stigma. But that, Carter argued, was a false flag. s
Substance use disorder, Carter said, T’Anya Carter showing off her doctorate, above, and at her graduation ceremony when she Nurses treated for substance use dis- w
is a chronic “disease of the brain.” A received her Ph.D. order would be randomly screened for o
person with this disorder, she added, supported by management. thize,” Carter explained. “Keep patients drugs for the rest of their careers and, d
shouldn’t be shamed or feared but in- “At the beginning of the pandemic, at arm’s length.” therefore, would present no liability. a
stead encouraged to get help. we were the heroes,” Carter said of her- She compared the COVID-19 pan- But relapse could be a problem, and
Carter found that substance use self and her fellow nurses. “Now, we’re demic with the AIDS epidemic, saying when a relapse occurs, Carter said the p
among nurses often occurs after a the punching bags.” that while patients with AIDS often suf- first step should be to look at the treat- s
work-related injury — maybe a twist- Before there were vaccines, most pa- fered isolation, nurses didn’t have that ment program. “Did they go to a pro- s
ed ankle or a pulled back. Nurses often tients appreciated any medical help they same problem. They may have endured gram geared for healthcare profession- t
self-medicate because they have con- could get. Now, the majority of those stigma from people who knew they als?” she asks. And if so, were they then m
stant access to drugs, she explained. filling emergency rooms are the unvac- were working with HIV patients, but doing what they needed to do to main- b
Statistics aren’t available yet for the cinated who treat medical professionals the virus wasn’t communicable through tain sobriety? i
pandemic years, she said, but anecdot- with suspicion. normal nursing care. Carter said that during the COVID c
ally, there’s been an increase in suicide, But most nurses don’t care whether the But during the first year of the COVID pandemic, she has heard of CRNAs re- A
alcoholism and substance abuse among patient they’re treating is an anti-vaxxer, pandemic, nurses worked long shifts, lapsing after having been sober for 15 t
nurses over the last couple of years. Carter said: “We care for everyone.” caring for more patients than usual, years. One reason was that meetings,
Nurses are caring for double the num- Medical professionals who have suc- and then when they went home, they which help keep many people sober, P
ber of patients with more serious illness cessfully navigated the pandemic have focused on limiting contact with fam- weren’t happening. But she also heard
than usual, Carter said; they’re demor- developed an emotional defense mech- ily, fearing they’d transmit the virus to of nurses relapsing because of fear of
alized, have less help and are not being anism: “Sympathize but don’t empa- a spouse or child. Even after vaccines catching the virus. 1
8 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22
What happened to them? “Some re-en- her wife — Portia Cantrell, who is also
tered treatment,” Carter said. “There a nurse — at work in a hospital in Gary,
were some suicides. And some were suc- Ind.
cessful.” “I was her supervisor,” Carter said. “I
And with a terrible shortage of nurs- was the youngest charge nurse.”
es during the past two years, have hir- Carter said she and Cantrell were
ing practices changed? Not in Carter’s working in the emergency room togeth-
opinion — “And I’m working to change er, and Carter had just declared a patient
that,” she said. dead. Cantrell called her back into the
Carter has big plans. She would like room and said the patient was showing a
to open a treatment center in Dallas for heartbeat. Carter knew that was impos-
nurses. She said her goal is for the facil- sible, but Cantrell insisted and showed
ity to have 20 to 25 beds for those who her the monitor.
have already gone through detox and Carter checked the patient. No pulse.
now need to work on their sobriety. But the monitor displayed a pulse. That
She described it as an “intimate” facil- was impossible.
T’Anya Carter with her wife, Portia Cantrell
ity, “with a treatment program designed Then she realized Cantrell had put
specifically for nurses.” This facility the leads on herself.
would offer counseling focused not just “She just got to me,” Carter laughed.
on substance abuse but also on any un- “She has a great sense of humor. Also,
derlying causes — PTSD, depression she’s the best nurse I’ve ever known.
and anxiety among others. She treats every patient with dignity.”
Carter said that about 50 percent of They have been together ever since,
people are genetically predisposed to moving to Dallas in 2012.
substance use disorder. But predispo- “I was going to take a job at Park-
sition alone is not enough for someone land,” Carter said of the move to Texas.
to be affected. They also need access to Then she got a call on the Friday be-
medication and a triggering event. And fore she was supposed to begin work
because they have regular access to med- on Monday. They told her they weren’t
ications, that triggering event is what quite ready for her to start — after she
causes so many nurses to be affected. and Cantrell had just moved about
And that is where Carter believes her 1,000 miles.
treatment program should focus. But nurses have been in demand for
years and experienced nurses even
Personally speaking more so. Carter quickly found work at
Methodist Hospital and at a hospital
Carter received her B.S. in nursing in in Sunnyvale. And she has been going
1998 and her masters in 1999. She met nonstop ever since. █
02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 9
Attacking our rights
TOWN HALL
Legislators, community leaders
gather to discuss the 2021
legislative session
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
ive LGBTQ organiza-
tions last week came to-
gether to present a leg-
islative town hall that
included two panels
discussing the stressful
2021 session of the Tex-
as Legislature as plans
begin to deal with next year’s session,
which is expected to be just as stressful. From left, Chris Wallace, Coalition for Aging LGBT; Shelly Skeen, Lambda Legal; Gary Snachez, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce;
Rafael McDonnell, Resource Center, and Dr. John Carlo, Prism Health North Texas. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
Angela Hale, who serves as senior
advisor to Equality Texas, said the good ing was done to address those problems. ignored, and the A.G.’s opinion was not come back to Texas from the federal gov-
news is that her group is no longer alone Instead, Republicans were focused on binding. ernment is going to other states instead.
in lobbying for LGBTQ equality. A di- trans teens participating in sports and State Rep. John Turner said Republi- “And 26 percent of us don’t have in-
verse coalition of groups now work to- passed HB 25. He said he fears next ses- cans are so afraid of being seen as mod- surance,” she added.
gether, including Human Rights Cam- sion since moderate Republicans, who erates, they’ve done things that may Resource Center Senior Advocacy,
paign, Transgender Education Network walked off the House floor rather than potentially cost lives. Don Huffines, a Policy and Communications Manager
of Texas, the ACLU, Lambda Legal, the vote for the bill, are being “primaried” former legislator who is challenging Rafael McDonnell talked about chang-
state’s LGBT chambers of commerce and out of office by more conservative mem- Abbott in the primary this year, tweet- ing policies on a local level. In many cas-
more. More anti-LGBTQ bills were in- bers of their party. ed about a resource page for LGBT help es, he said, a conversation has worked.
troduced during Texas’ 2021 legislative State Rep. Terry Meza, who is a lines on the state website. Within two But in some cases, like at Irving ISD,
session than in any other state in one ses- teacher, served on the Public Education days, Gov. Greg Abbott had the page re- McDonnell said, he’s been trying to get
sion ever. Of the 52 targeted trans kids, Committee in the last session. She said moved. nondiscrimination policies in place for
11 were religious license to discriminate members of both parties serving on the Turner also called state Rep. Matt years, but no one will even discuss it.
bills, five attacked nondiscrimination committee knew HB 25 was bad policy Krause’s call for banning books in school “It’s feeling a bit bleak in Texas,” Cece
protections, and six were uncategorized and killed the bill in committee during libraries an abuse of power. Cox, CEO of Resource Center, summed
assaults. the regular session and in the first two Lambda Legal South Central Region- up. “But we survived a plague [that] our
Again, the good news is that 98 per- special sessions. al Director Avery Belyeu moderated a governor had zero interest in helping us
cent of those bills were killed. Hale But, she added, it was the “zombie second panel of community leaders. It survive.”
called that the best record of any state. bill. It just kept coming back.” included Prism Health CEO John Car- In a brief history of the LGBTQ com-
But, she warned, “We’re expecting an The third special session was laser-fo- lo, who chairs the 55,000-member Texas munity, Cox said that infrastructure that
onslaught next session.” cused on passing anti-trans legislation, Medical Association. He mentioned how grew for the AIDS crisis led to marriage
State Rep. Rafael Anchia, who this Meza said, so Speaker of the House interesting it was to see the state relaxing equality. “We’ve created families and
year is running for his 10th term in of- Dade Phelan created a special committee COVID-19 restrictions while pushing have been inspired by the civil rights
fice, called the 2021 session the “ugliest, to ensure its passage. legislation to criminalize HIV. movement, the women’s movement,”
most caustic session” he’s seen. Not only State Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, a found- North Texas LGBT Chamber of Com- and more, she said, adding that what’s
was LGBTQ equality under attack, so ing member of the House LGBT Caucus, merce Board Chair Gary Sanchez talked key to maintaining our rights is voting.
were voting rights, reproductive rights filed a comprehensive nondiscrimina- about building allies. A religious refus- “Vote, then take your friends to vote,”
and immigration. He blamed that on one tion bill during the session last year. She al law that passed in a previous session she said. “And let your employees go
thing: “Abbott has his eye on the presi- discussed another way the governor and was aimed at LGBTQ adoptive and fos- vote. Close your business on Election
dency.” attorney general are attacking LGBTQ ter parents but has been used against Day.”
Anchia agreed with Hale about next rights, noting that Ken Paxton released non-Christian parents. Resource Center will be working on
year’s session: “Brace for full-on war — an opinion that removed nondiscrimina- Lambda Legal Senior Attorney Shelly voter registration, Cox said, concluding,
they’re coming for us,” he said. tion protections for social workers. Skeen mentioned that Texas is one of just “Learn the issues that affect our commu-
Anchia said while the pandemic and Because that violates all ethical proce- 12 states that has not expanded Medic- nity. Tell our stories. Contact your legis-
power grid were real emergencies, noth- dures in that profession, it was widely aid. She said the money that would lators — visit, call, write.” █
10 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.2202.25.22 █ dallasvoice 11
Don’t say ‘Don’t Say Gay’
LGBTQ IN EDUCATION
Gag bills are a spreading plague
that will harm children
hen my
son was
little, he
did some-
thing at
school that
could soon
be banned in
Florida and numerous other states: He
talked about his two moms. A bill that
is speeding through the Florida legisla- Florida’s Parental Rights in
ture could soon squash all discussion of Education bill — known by opponents There’s a fragile line between banning see and South Carolina (among others),
LGBTQ identities in schools. But Flori- as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — is a good discussion and banning people with but there are also pending bills in more
da is not the only state pushing for such example, as the bill is moving quickly those identities. When we encounter the moderate and liberal states — like New
legislation. and has Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ former, the desire — and the effect — is Jersey, New York and Washington.
The attempt to remove content and support. often really for the latter. Even in my home state of Massachu-
discussion about LGBTQ and other The Senate version of the bill says that, Republican Florida state Rep. Joe setts, long a leader in LGBTQ equality,
marginalized identities from classrooms “A school district may not encourage Harding, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, there are candidates running for local
is a nationwide epidemic that must be classroom discussion about sexual ori- has said that the bill would not prevent school boards on platforms promoting
stopped. entation or gender identity in primary children from talking about their fami- “parent choice” in whether their chil-
There are currently 156 “educational grade levels or in a manner that is not lies. But the bill’s language is, in fact, dren participate in curriculum that fo-
gag order” bills that have been intro- age-appropriate or developmentally ap- dangerously vague. And even if Hard- cuses on social justice. These bills and
duced or pre-filed in 39 different states propriate for students.” The House ver- ing were right, banning any other dis- candidates might have a better chance of
since January 2021, according to PEN sion would ban classroom instruction on cussion of LGBTQ topics (which could success in more conservative locales, but
America, a nonprofit organization that these topics before grade three, or if it is include teacher responses to kids’ ques- that shouldn’t lull us into overlooking
champions free expression. These bills not age- or developmentally-appropri- tions, as above) still conveys that there them wherever they pop up.
mostly seek to block discussions of race, ate. is something wrong with such identities. As the parent of a child now grown, I
racism and gender in K-12 schools, pub- What is “developmentally appropri- In addition to the pending bills, five am grateful that my son read things in
lic universities, and workplaces. ate”? My son has known he has two states — Alabama, Louisiana, Mississip- school that exposed him to experienc-
Of the 156 bills, 12 have become law moms since well before he was in school. pi, Oklahoma and Texas — already have es and identities not his own and that
in 10 states, and 113 are currently live in What does it mean to “encourage” such “Don’t Say Gay” laws, according to the showed him how different aspects of
35 different states. For example, a pend- discussion? The bill doesn’t say. Movement Advancement Project. An- identity may impact, for better or worse,
ing Minnesota bill says that school dis- “Don’t Say Gay” laws get fuzzy — other five — Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, how he and his peers move through the
tricts and public schools may not require and ugly — really fast. What if a kid Montana and Tennessee — have laws re- world. I am glad he never felt he couldn’t
curricular instruction relating to critical with queer parents starts talking about quiring parental notification and the op- talk about who was in his family.
race theory, defined as “a practice of ex- their family vacation and another kid portunity to opt out of LGBTQ-inclusive Teaching children that gender is a
amining the role of race and racism in asks how they can have two moms or curricula. Several of these states, among spectrum and that people may be at-
society, the social construction of race two dads? Or asks why the kid refers others, have additional bills pending tracted to others of any gender isn’t in-
and institutionalized racism, and how to mom as “they”? Could the teacher that would further restrict LGBTQ-in- appropriate. Learning that society has
race intersects with identity, systems, help explain? Could they recommend an clusive materials in schools. treated people of different identities dif-
and policies.” LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ book to assist? In contrast, though, six states — Cal- ferently — and often unfairly — in both
To my mind, that eviscerates an un- How might the child with queer par- ifornia, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, past and present isn’t indoctrination. It’s
conscionable amount of U.S. history and ents feel if the teacher just shuts down New Jersey and Oregon — actually re- education. And it’s the kind of education
literature. It tells children of color that conversation? What if a child is them- quire inclusion of LGBTQ people in the our children need to thrive in today’s
their identities and experiences as chil- selves queer, especially if they are so- curriculum. world. █
dren of color don’t matter, and it tells cially transitioning and changing names Legislation blocking discussion of Dana Rudolph is the founder and publish-
white children that children of color and/or pronouns? Can the teacher help LGBTQ identities and of the impact of er of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD
don’t matter. other children understand this or must race and racism may not be surprising in Media Award-winning blog and resource
Fifteen of the bills in nine states would the child in question try to hide their conservative states like Florida, Indiana, directory, with a searchable database of 850+
silence speech about LGBTQ identities. identity? Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennes- LGBTQ family books, media, and more.
12 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22Philip is the only
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02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 13Put on those boogie shoes
DANCE SCENE
DJ Lord Byron invites you
to ‘Do the Hustle’ at his
‘Disco vs. Retro’ party
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
rich@dallasvoice.com
O
nce a month Byron Laszlo takes
his dancing audience on a jour-
ney back in time. He’s been do-
ing it for almost 20 years now, but it’s a
journey that, he said, never gets old. As
DJ Lord Byron and the founder of the
Panoptikon Party, he takes the dance-
floor back to its heyday.
“I describe it as the best of ’70s disco
and ’80s retro with some ’80s under-
ground sounds,” Laszlo said this week
by phone.
He’s talking about his longtime party
“Disco vs. Retro,” which goes down this
weekend. Boogie shoes, leg warmers
and acid washed jeans are all welcome
at this underground club event — a label
Laszlo digs.
“I do love that,” he said. “There is
something unique and special, and it
feels like a true underground experience
in Dallas,” he said — even down to its male go-go dancer amid the crowd of
longtime Pearl and Elm streets location goth, alternative fans of the event.
in a building that doesn’t even have a “He doesn’t quite respond to disco
name. music as much as he does Panoptikon
So how does a party night with throw- music,” Laszlo said of the go-go dancer.
back music that has been going on for Laszlo and his husband also operate
almost two decades stay fresh? Weekly Floral, a private design studio
“That’s a good question,” Laszlo geared toward corporate clients’ floral
agreed. “I think it has evolved and be- needs — mainly hotel type clients. Lasz-
cause of Panoptikon, which a lot of lo said that business keeps the two quite
younger people have found. They have busy during the week.
brought their energy to DvR. Some of But come the weekend, he switches
these people weren’t even born at that gears to his alter ego, Lord Byron.
time. With a number of years helming the
“We also have these go-go dancers party under his belt, Laszlo continues
who approached me about dancing at the dance tradition humbly. “We’re not
the party, and they have their following. the biggest party in Dallas,” he acknowl-
So they’re perpetuating it for a whole edged. “But I’m so passionate about it,
new audience for us.” and I love continuing it. People come
Panoptikon was Laszlo’s first project. out, and then they message me about
It is a weekly party at the same space it,” he said.
where he and his fellow DJs Red Vamp While he does have something of
and Son of Sam spin new and classic an audience and big fans in the queer
Industrial, synth pop and electro tunes
Byron and Karelin and which also features the team’s only BOOGIE, Page 20
16 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22★Implemented policies and procedures that increased productivity,
efficiency and streamlined services. ➥ Led efforts to assist landlords & tenants in Dallas County during pandemic.
★ Actively worked to clear the backlog of close to 10,000 warrants left by ➥ Continued court internship program for high school students.
my predecessor.
➥ Elected by her peers to the Dallas County Bail Bond Board
★ Successfully advocated for body cameras. to oversee bonding companies.
★ Created a work schedule that keeps deputies in neighborhoods ➥ Appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission where she is working for
to better serve our community. a diverse selection of highly qualified judges on the Dallas Municipal Court.
★ Worked with Judge Sara Martinez, Judge Juan Jasso to create first ever
collaboration with city and county law enforcement to combat domestic violence. ➥ Worked with Judge Juan Jasso & Constable Michael Orozco to create a
collaboration with city and county law enforcement to help combat
Constable Orozco Is Proud To Be Endorsed By Elected Officials
And Respected Organizations: domestic violence.
Judge Martinez is proud to be endorsed by:
23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats
Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats
Stonewall Democrats of Dallas Hon. Victoria Neave
Mexican-American Bar Association of Dallas
Mexican American Bar Association Hon. Rafael Anchia
Preston Hollow Democrats
Tejano Democrats Hon. John Wiley Price
Stonewall Democrats of Dallas Latino Police Officers Association
LGBT Victory Fund Hon. Chad West
Hon. Dr Elba Garcia Hon. Gay Donnell Willis Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats Hon. Jesse Moreno
Hon. Marian Brown Hon. Adam Medrano 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats Hon. Omar Narvaez
Hon. Rafael Anchia Hon. Cristal Retana Hon. Adam Medrano
Hon. Adam Bazaldua Hon. Joe Carreon Hon. Adam Bazaldua
Hon. Jesse Moreno Hon. Justin Henry
Hon. Omar Narvaez Hon Ben Mackey Democratic Primary Election:
Hon. Chad West Hon. Guillermo Ramos March 1, 2022
Early Voting: NOW through February 25 Early Voting: NOW through February 25
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION:
March 1, 2022
You may call Constable Michael Orozco at: 214-236-0463 or email him at
constableorozco@gmail.com saramartinezforjp.com
Pol. Adv. Paid for by Sara Martinez Campaign | Chad West, Treasurer
Pol. Adv. Paid for by Michael Orozco Campaign
02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 17Good Frida
ART EXPANDING
Artist and queer icon
Frida Kahlo surrounds
Dallas in art
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
rich@dallasvoice.com
I
mmersive art installations are clear-
ly the new thing. The Metroplex just
finished its experience being inside
the works of Vincent Van Gogh in two
recent immersive experiences. Now Dal-
las gets the Frida Kahlo treatment.
Lighthouse Immersive and Impact
Museums’ Immersive Frida Kahlo: Her
Life, Her Love, Her Art opened in Dallas
on Feb. 3 and runs through April 17. The
show features the 20th century Mexican
artist’s works re-envisioned through
digital art by Massimiliano Siccardi and
a score by Luca Longobardi. Some of
her famous images will be larger than
life and in motion in the Lighthouse
ArtSpace in downtown Dallas.
Mara De Anda and Mara Kahlo at Immersive Frida Kahlo (Photo courtesy Kristina Vicario. All other photos courtesy Kyle Flubacker)
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be
part of the producing team bringing sponse to Immersive Van Gogh, we are On Friday, Kahlo’s family will come to
the amazing work of Frida Kahlo to confident that Immersive Frida Kahlo Dallas to experience the exhibition here.
Dallas,” said Vito Iaia, co-producer and will take fans on another groundbreak- In a partnership with Fundacion Familia
co-founder of ImpactMuseums via press ing journey through the mind of one of Kahlo, a nonprofit run by the artist’s liv- w
release. “Following on the incredible re- the world’s most celebrated artists.” ing descendants, Immersive Frida Kahlo f
p
c
h
p
e
a
e
c
f
F
d
d
i
i
a
fi
e
p
t
a
s
18 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22the family approves
of the show: “The
work that Frida Kah-
lo’s living relatives
do to carry on the
legacy of their ances-
tor is inspirational,
and we are proud to
be a part of it.
“Frida Kahlo is
iconic in so many
ways and is a role
model for so many,”
will raise money toward the work of the Dvoretsky continued. “We are ecstatic
foundation’s mission. that her family sees the Immersive Fri-
The Kahlo foundation functions to da Kahlo exhibit as a compliment to her
preserve the legacy of Frida Kahlo, in- legacy, as it has always been our primary
cluding her artwork and artifacts from goal to celebrate this remarkable woman
her life. Its other focus is to support and and grow the appreciation of her power-
promote women’s rights and other caus- ful, highly personal work and life.”
es important to the artist in her lifetime Kahlo has become a queer icon with
as well as issues of today, such as female her open display of sexuality in a time
empowerment, global consciousness, when women were rather inhibited. She
creating an equal and just society and was married to artist Diego Rivera but
freedom of artistic expression. also had relationships with Josephine
“I’ve always felt very proud of being Baker, fellow artist Georgia O’Keeffe
Frida’s great niece,” said Mara R. Kahlo, and actor Dolores del Rio, and she had a
daughter of Frida’s only niece and presi- close friendship with photographer Tina
dent of Fundación Familia Kahlo. “But it Modotti. Perhaps one of her most fa-
is also a great responsibility. I have ded- mous lovers was singer Chavela Vargas.
icated my life to protecting her image But her iconic queer status doesn’t
and my family’s legacy. And we are con- rest on the people she knew intimately.
fident that the Immersive Frida Kahlo Her queerness shines through in her art,
exhibit is in line with this legacy and are whether through her notions of femi-
proud to partner with them to further nism displayed her self-portraits or her
the appreciation of Frida Kahlo’s work rejection of gender norms, such as in
and legacy, and also raise funds that will “Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair.” █
support causes important to her and us.” For more information or tickets, visit im-
Producer Svetlana Dvoretsky is glad mersive-frida.com.
02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 19BOOGIE, From Page 16
community, Laszlo said that there is a But he did have enough queer fans
bit of disconnect between his party and in 2013 that DvR was voted best theme
the community. A big reason for that is night for the Dallas Voice Readers Voice
that DvR has remained in Deep Ellum Awards.
or downtown instead of moving to the Laszlo understands that there are
gayborhood. those who aren’t quite ready to get back
“That’s where a lot of people will go out into the crowds – and he hasn’t for-
for their entertainment. I get that,” he gotten those folks.
said. “I used to do a lot of flyers and “When we were in complete shut-
posters before the pandemic around the down, we had to learn the whole process
area.” of streaming. But that not only connect-
“Lord Byron” Laszlo and his fellow DJ,
Red Vamp
ed us locally, it connected us globally,”
he said. “We streamed both shows, and
it was just so much better than I could
have imagined.”
The shows streamed on Twitch. People
who want those bell bottom vibes and
those who simply want a sample of what
DvR sounds like can find mixes of those
streams available on mixcloud.com/
panoptikondallas.
For this weekend, Laszlo said, he
wants everyone to boogie on down and
let the good times roll: “I don’t know
of any other place where you can hear
‘Xanadu’ and ‘Dancing Queen’ back-to-
back on the dancefloor right now.” █
Disco vs. Retro begins at 9 p.m. at 108 S.
Pearl Street. @panoptikondallas
20 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22GAY AGENDA
SING OUT LOUISE
For folks who love to come
together to sing, having to
spend large swathes of time
quarantined can surely weigh
on your soul, and meeting via
Zoom to sing together just isn’t the same. But
now with omicron waning, singers from a wide
variety of choral groups are coming together
for “A Grand Night for Singing,” conducted by
Jonathan Palant and The Women’s Chorus
of Dallas Artistic Director Melinda Imthurn,
with accompaniment by Turtle Creek
Chorale’s pianist Scott Ayers, on Friday,
Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morton Meyerson
Symphony Center. No charge for non-singers
to come watch, and singers who want to
participate should get there at 6 p.m. to pick
up music packets for $20.
WHATCHA GOT COOKIN’?
Is there anything better than
a big ol’ pot of chili when
the weather gets chilly?
Resource Center hosts
a chili contest Saturday,
Feb. 26, from 2-5 p.m. at the Community
The 12th annual Dash for the Beads fundraising run, founded by David Sassano and Chad West, steps off Saturday morning, Feb. 26, at 9
Center, 5750 Cedar Springs Road. There will
a.m. at Kidd Springs Park, 711 W. Canty St., in Oak Cliff. Dash for the Beads, which raises funds to support local schools, includes a 1-mile
be prizes, outdoor games, music and photo
fun run, a 5K route and a 10k route, with medals presented to the top three finishers in nine different age groups. After the runs, the party
opps. Categories for the cook-off include
continues for a Mardi Gras party that include mimosas, cold beer, local vendors, food trucks and more. Check out DashForTheBeads.org
best overall, best plant-based, best Texas-
for all the details. (Photo by Chuck Marcelo/Dallas Voice)
style (no beans) and spiciest. Get your tickets
at EventBrite.com/e/family-chili-cookoff-
PLAN YOUR WEEK tickets-262235362027.
The Gay Agenda is now color-coded: and friends including chosen families and noon-6 p.m. BLKMuseum.com. YOU BETTER CALL
n Red for community events childless families. Categories for the cook-off SOMEBODY …
n Blue for arts and entertainment include best overall, best plant-based, best MARCH … but you caint use my
n Purple for sports Texas-style (no beans) and spiciest. From 2-5 n March 1: Primary Day phone to do it. Not only is
n Green for nightlife p.m. Resource Center, 5750 Cedar Springs If you’re registered in Dallas County, vote at any Erykah Badu the Queen of
n Orange for civic events and holidays Road. Outdoors for COVID safety with heaters. polling location. Other counties, check local Neo-Soul, she is a Dallas
Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fami- ordinances, but usually vote at your precinct. native and an ally to the LGBTQ community
Biweekly: Hope Cottage Foster Parent ly-chili-cookoff-tickets-262235362027 (she was one of the performers at Dallas
Information Meeting n March 1: Classic Chassis Southern Pride’s Juneteenth celebration last
Hope Cottage holds information meetings for n Feb. 26: Madame Butterfly Car Club meeting summer). Now Badu brings her Caint Use My
those interested in becoming foster parents. The Dallas Opera presents Madame Butterfly at Enjoy the car out in the parking lots and then Phone tour — the title echoes the closing line
The meetings are held alternately on Satur- the Winspear Opera House. DallasOpera.org. enjoy the food from 6-8 p.m. at Ojeda’s, 4617 of her 1997 hit “Tyrone” and her 2015 mixtape
days at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. For Maple Ave. ClassicChassis.com. “Caint Use My Phone” — to The Factory in
information email Clyde Hemminger at chem- n Feb. 26: Dash for the Beads Deep Ellum, 2713 Canton St., Saturday, Feb.
minger@hopecottage.org. Co-founded by gay Cliff Dwellers David Sas- n March 1-6: The Choir of Man 26. Doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets are
sano and Chad West, the 12th annual event is Presented at Casa Manana, 3101 W. Lancaster available at TicketNetwork.com.
FEBRUARY $25 for the 1-mile fun run, $40 for the 5K dis- Ave., Fort Worth. TicketMaster.com.
n Feb. 25: Early voting tance and $70 for the 10K distance. Supports Find more entertainment options at
Vote at any early voting location in the county local schools. DashForTheBeads.org/sign-up. n March 3: Wine Walk DallasVoice.com/Plan-Your-Week.
where you’re registered. The Cedar Springs Wine Walk is back.
n Feb. 26: Erykah Badu Purchase a $10 Cedar Springs Merchants
n Feb. 25: A Grand Night for Singing Dallas’ own Erykah Badu brings her “But You Association wine glass and enjoy free wine all
Communal musicmaking with singers from Caint Use My Phone” tour to Dallas. The Facto- evening from participating merchants. Wine n March 4-6: Scoot Back to Big D
a wide variety of choral groups conducted ry in Deep Ellum, 2713 Canton St. TicketNet- glasses can be purchased at the tent in front of Pegasus Squares hosts its third fly-in at the
by Jonathan Palant, TWCD Artistic Director work.com. the Round-Up Saloon. Receive a raffle ticket to Hilton Richardson Dallas, 701 E. Campbell
Melinda Imthurn and others with Turtle Creek win a great gift basket filled with goodies from Road. ScootBacktoBigD.com.
Chorale pianist Scott Ayers at 7:30 p.m. at n Feb. 27: Oak Cliff Mardi Gras the CSMA. The drawing for the gift basket will
the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center. No Parade down Davis Street that ends in Bishop be held inside the Round-Up at the end of the Have an event coming up? Email your
charge for non-singers to observe the concert. Arts from 4-6 p.m. event. From 6-9 p.m. information to Managing Editor Tammye Nash
Singers should arrive at 6 p.m. to pick up mu- at nash@dallasvoice.com or Senior Staff Writer
sic packets for $20. n Through Feb. 27: n March 4-5: A.I.M by Kyle Abraham David Taffet at taffet@dallasvoice.com by
The BLK Experience Pop-Up Museum Monday at 5 p.m. for that week’s issue.
TITAS/Unfiltered — “If you’re easily offended,
n Feb. 26: Resource Center Chili Cookoff Innovative pop-up museum dedicated to Look for extended listings online at
don’t come,” — presents An Untitled Love by
Chili contest with prizes, outdoor games, celebrating Black lives and Black excellence DallasVoice.com
Kyle Abraham at Moody Performance Hall,
music and photo ops for all LGBTQIA+ families returns to Dallas’ Urban Arts Center, 807
2520 Flora St. ATTPAC.org.
Hutchins Road. $15. Friday 6-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun
02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 21Cassie Nova
ASK A DRAG QUEEN
Birthdays and prison pen pals about him. Is he writing me because I’m
the only name he remembered from the
Sooooo, I turn 50 on Sunday, Feb. 27, one time he went to a gay bar? He de-
and shit is getting real. scribes himself as a 38-year-old gay man.
I woke up last Tuesday, and my vision I googled him and found him on a pen
is worse. No joke — like, overnight. I’ve pal website that says he is straight. That
always had fabulous vision, then a few makes this situation even sadder.
years ago I needed readers. No big deal. I am not sure what to do. I feel bad for
Today, things are blurry far away. It’s like him, but do I even open that door? This
my eyes said, “Happy birthday Bitch! could be the beginning of a Dateline spe-
You are gonna need to get glasses.” cial. He said he is in jail for family vio-
Then on Thursday I get an envelope lence; I honestly don’t need any of that
in the mail from the AARP. It’s like the kind of energy anywhere near me. But
entire world is saying, “Buckle up ho. this is weighing on my heart and mind.
You’z about to die of old age.” He also asks that if I decline his offer to
In all seriousness, I don’t feel 50 — write him, could I please pass the letter
whatever that is supposed to feel like. off to someone who will. So, any takers?
Well, some days I feel 80. You know those I think the safest way is through the Pen-
days — where you’re just walking regu- Acon website.
larly and you hurt your ankle somehow. I’m not sure what to do about this one;
Or you turn your head just the slight- anybody have any advice? I watch too
est way, and your neck is sore for a few many movies, and my imagination goes
hours. No real reason for it other than crazy thinking about this.
your body reminding you it is in control Should I be a beacon of light for this
of everything; make one false move and dark soul, or am I shining a spotlight on
it will ruin you. myself for a predator? Am I overthinking
Of course, I know I should be taking this? Will the new Batman movie be any
better care of myself. It is a constant good?
struggle to find motivation, stay motivat- So many questions. I will keep y’all
ed and make better choices. But I’z weak, posted.
Lord. Bad for ya foods are so good, and Remember to always love more, bitch
good for ya foods are so meh. less and be fabulous! XOXO, Cassie
Good Lord! I sound like such a whiny Nova
baby! Enough of that. A few weeks ago,
I was complaining about how I focus too
much on the negative, so let me flip the
script and start over. …
this week’s solution
Oh my God, you guys! Sunday, I turn
50, and I couldn’t be more excited! funny and spoiled as fuck. They keep us carcerated in the Texas Prison System.
I am a hardworking, bad-ass, fabulous smiling. My first thought was, “Here we go with
drag queen who is proud of the longevi- This “focusing on the positive” thing some weirdo wanting to talk to a chick
ty I have experienced. I provide opportu- might not be as funny as being a Bitter with a dick.” But that is not what this
nities to my younger sisters and travel a Betty, but I think it is important to list was at all.
path forged by some of my older sisters. the good stuff in your life, too. And your He just said he needed a friend and
The circle of life is a beautiful thing. birthday is as good a time as any to do it. someone to talk to. He said he was sad
Fifty years old and I have the one thing This next subject is going to take this in and depressed and felt so alone.
I always wanted as a young person: Hap- a completely different area: That just kinda hurt me in my chest
piness. Plus, I have an incredible chosen Last night when I got to the dressing area. I’ve had friends that spent time in
family that is always looking out for me. room, I had a letter waiting for me. It jail, and they always said that getting let-
I was lucky enough to find my person was from a guy in prison. He sent it to ters was the only thing they had to look
and experience love. I fell in it, and now the Station 4 address. Now, I get letters forward to. I would send them random
I live in it. Without it, without my Hart, every once in a while, sent to the club. cards or letters to let them know I was
I’m not sure I would ever have found Most of them are fan mail that are just thinking of them. I would also buy them
true happiness. nice little ego boosters. magazine subscriptions so they would █ browse █ submit
I have a beautiful home that is full of I opened this letter, and the first sen- keep getting something in the mail.
For a more complete Community To submit an item for inclusion in
life and laughter. Our dogs are goofy, tence says his name and that he is in- With this guy, I don’t know anything Calendar online, visit the Community Calendar, visit
Tinyurl.com/dvevents. Tinyurl.com/dvevents.
22 dallasvoice.com █ 02.25.22SCENE
PEOPLE, PLACES AND FACES
Cannon and Dennis Bottoms up at Lava Lounge DJ Mateo at TMC First in line at S4
Kennedy’s All-Around Talent Contest Season 6 finals
Kennedy Davenport’s All-Around Talent Contest Season 6 finale - from left,
Marty’s DJ RudeBoy, runner up Marrisah D’Amour Starr, Kennedy, winner
Kennedy Davenport and Helen Holy go to church TheAmazon, Marty’s GM Mikey Howard and guest host Helen Holy The judges deliberate
FIND IT ALL HERE AT
AMAZING
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02.25.22 █ dallasvoice 23You can also read
