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The LAW Issue
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February 17, 2023 | Volume 39 | Issue 41
PUBLISHER Leo Cusimano, leo@dallasvoice.com
MANAGING EDITOR Tammye Nash, nash@dallasvoice.com
SENIOR STAFF WRITER David Taffet, taffet@dallasvoice.com
STAFF WRITER Rich Lopez, rich@dallasvoice.com
PROOF READER Philip Burton
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Azzopardi, Sean Baugh, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, Joey Casiano,
Jesus Chairez, Lawrence Ferber, Januari Fox, Hardy Haberman,
Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark Lowry, Jonathon McCellan, Cassie Nova,
Dr. Josh, Josh Robbins, Gilberto Rodriguez, James Russell, Howard Lewis
Russell, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray, Gregg Shapiro, Casey Williams
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chad Mantooth, mantooth@dallasvoice.com
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lookin’
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02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 3
Bites from our blog
WHAT’S THE TEA: DallasVoice.com
NASCAR Driver Zach Herrin Marriott Suites Market Center where will-call
tickets and passes will be held as well as hospi-
announces partnership with tality and information desk.
Lambda Legal Go to DallasVoice.com or PurpleFoundation.
If you watch NASCAR, you may be sur- org to see the full schedule.
prised, maybe shocked, when you see Lambda — Rich Lopez
Legal emblazoned across a car racing in the
Daytona 500.
Openly gay NASCAR driver Zach Herrin
House Democrats file motion to
has announced a partnership with Lambda expel Santos from Congress
Legal and said he was honored to support the House Democrats led by U.S. Rep. Robert
important work of the organization. Garcia (D-Calif.) introduced a resolution
“We are so grateful for Zach announcing Thursday to expel New York Republican Rep.
his partnership with Lambda Legal in Florida, George Santos from Congress — a move that
where we are currently fighting against the was seen as symbolic, given House Speaker
discriminatory ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ law,” Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) resistance to calls
said Kevin Jennings, Lambda Legal CEO. “By for the embattled congressman’s resignation.
drawing attention to the anti-LGBTQ+ discrim- The motion was backed by a number of oth-
ination for which Florida is becoming increas- er lawmakers who, like Garcia and Santos, are
ingly known, Zach will have a great impact for LGBTQ: U.S. Reps. Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Eric
our community.” Sorensen (D-Ill.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and
Herrin has been making waves since recent- David Cicilline (D-R.I.). Joining them were U.S.
ly returning to racing following a 10-year hiatus. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Dan Goldman
He’s making his NASCAR return and Brandt (D-N.Y.).
200 debut as an openly gay man. Herrin has According to Axios, Garcia had consulted
been open about the fact that finding sponsors with Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jef-
as an out gay man has been a challenge. He fries (N.Y.) ahead of the announcement.
credits the LGBTQ community for giving him “We cannot wait for him to be indicted or for
support during his 10-year hiatus. an ethics investigation,” Garcia said, because
— David Taffet neither would “address the things he has
already admitted to lying about.”
Santos faces multiple law enforcement
Purple Party announces investigations over alleged financial crimes
its full schedule — from pilfering crowdsourced money for a
ICYMI, the Purple Foundation has dropped its homeless veteran’s service dog’s oncology
full schedule of events for this year’s Purple Par- surgery to working for a company that is ac-
ty – Purple Odyssey. The dance event runs May cused of operating a Ponzi scheme to breaking
4-8 with a number of parties throughout various campaign finance laws.
venues. Tickets are available now. At the same time, the congressman has
Purple Odyssey will also feature a welcome admitted to lying about a wide range of matters
center open for two days at the host hotel Dallas concerning his life, identity and career — from
4 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23
OBITUARY
Terry worked in the Oak Lawn commu-
nity since the early 1980s at Off The Street
and The Roundup Saloon. He took great
pleasure in his work with audio/visual
aspects of advertising and entertainment
for the community.
For four years, he served on the board
of The Dallas Way. Serving on many orga-
nizations, charities, and fundraisers, one
of his greatest joys was participating in the
Annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade.
Terry may possess the largest photo-
graphic collection of Dallas Pride parades
through the years.
Terry Lynn Bucher, 69, passed away on Terry is survived by his partner David
Sunday, Feb. 12. He was born in Dallas and Creek of Dallas and his brother Eddie
attended business school for copy machine Bucher of Fort Worth.
repairs. He worked for Royal Business A memorial gathering will be held for
Machines and Konica Business Machines Terry Lynn Bucher on Saturday, Feb. 25 at
before working at Off the Street on Cedar 2 p.m. at ARIA, 10116 E. Northwest Hwy.,
Springs Road. Dallas 75238
█
Adoptable / NESSIE
environment. She absolutely needs to go to a home where there is
another cat who can show her the ropes. She’d prefer that all kids in
the home be at least 15 years of age. She is housed at the SPCA of
Texas’ flagship shelter at 2400 Lone Star Drive in Dallas.
Adult dogs and cats are normally a $75 adoption fee from the SPCA
of Texas. Puppies and kittens under the age of six months are $150.
Adoption fees vary for small mammals, equestrian and livestock.
Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations,
a heartworm test for dogs six months and older and a FIV/FeLV
test for cats four months and older, initial flea/tick preventative
and heartworm preventative, a microchip, 30 days of PetHealth
Insurance provided by PetHealth, a free 14-day wellness exam
with VCA Animal Hospitals, a rabies tag and a free leash. The Jan-
Rees Jones Animal Care Center is open to the public seven days a
Meet Nessie, a beautiful little domestic shorthair mix with an week. noon-6 p.m. Appointments are required for foster animals
amazing tortoise shell coat and big eyes that are constantly and animal housed in the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center.
exploring the world. Nessie is a timid cat, and she will probably be Please browse available animals at SPCA.org/FindAPet and visit
a bit shy at first meeting. She is really hoping to go to a calm and SPCA.org/DogAdopt to inquire about a dog or SPCA.org/CatAdopt
serene home so she can have an easier time acclimating to her new to inquire about a cat.
falsely claiming to have Jewish heritage to in- Austin — About 50 members of the Texas
venting degrees and jobs he never held to tell- LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce from North
ing constituents he owned 13 properties when Texas, Austin, Houston, North Texas lobbied
in reality he was living at his sister’s place. lawmakers in Austin on Tuesday. Their mes-
— Christopher Kane | Washington Blade sage was “Business is Business in the Lone
Courtesy National LGBT Media Association Star State.”
Two resolutions — one in the House and
one in the Senate — welcoming the Chamber
Legislature turns down members were voted down. These types of
resolution welcoming LGBTQ resolutions are routinely passed.
In response, the Chambers issued a state-
Chambers to the Capitol ment that read in part:
“Simple resolutions like
this express congratulations
and recognize individuals
and organizations across our
great state who work to make
Texas a better place to live and
work. Business is Business
and recognizing all business-
es in the state is important to
acknowledge and support the
diverse communities that make
up the whole of Texas.”
— from press reports
02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 5
VOICES
OPINIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY
Everyone’s a critic …
And why that is more dangerous
than ever before
B
ack when I was younger, I used
to love watching Siskel & Ebert —
and if you’re too young to know
who these two were, they hosted a very
entertaining movie critique television
show. They were clever, balanced. But
most of all, they were … Qualified.
They knew about film. They studied
film. They even made film. They were
experts in their field. And I never once, all was fun. in a car, then head to Whataburger for a I saw posts from friends: “Horrible.”
that I can recall, heard them call a film But, nah, it cheeseburger and forget the entire thing. “How dare they?” “Worst show ever.”
“garbage,” or “the worst ever,” or even just wasn’t When we critique, publicly, we brand Oh, and my, the list went on and on, with
something as simple as “bad.” They for me. And that’s OK. It wasn’t for me. ourselves as “experts.” Hint: we are not. nastier and nastier comments.
calmly debated their specific qualms I wasn’t qualified to judge a piece of art I Our personal taste does not give us I loved it. It still haunts me a year later.
about a film, their likes, their misgivings. have no training in. the right to be armchair critics of any art However, a glimmer of light. I sat in
But it was all based on one important But it WAS for many people. My Face- form, of any person putting art into the front of an older than I couple, who I as-
aspect of that “critique:” their shared book timeline overflowed with “Wow world. What we “like” has NO BEAR- sumed HATED the show. (This was NOT
knowledge of the art form, years of care- — best show ever,” and “Oh, I loved it,” ING WHATSOEVER on the quality and their Oklahoma.) They stayed. But were
fully assembled and curated expertise. and “IS SHE PREGNANT?” worth of that piece of art. obviously uncomfortable.
Back when I actually went to movies, But, more so, my timeline featured I recently returned from Paris where I asked them after the show, “Can I ask
my friends and I would leave the theater headlines such as “Worst Super Bowl I was so fortunate to visit the museum you what you thought?” And this little
and say something like “That was ter- halftime ever;” “That was garbage;” of my favorite visual artist of all time, old lady said this to me: “It wasn’t what
rible,” or “I loved it,” or “God that was “Why did she have to grab her crotch?” the sculptor Rodin. I was reminded that I was expecting, and, no, I didn’t like it.
sooooo boring.” And then we would I even read a post that said, “That was Rodin was despised during his lifetime. But I sure appreciated what they did. I
laugh, argue and move on with our lives. so bad, I will never watch a Super Bowl His art was ridiculed by both critics, and won’t see it again, but I’m glad I stayed
Flash-forward 20 or so years. We all again.” the public. It was called “garbage.” And through it.”
now have platforms, many of us with What’s worse, I saw fellow musicians now he has his own museum. And his I loved that little old lady. It just wasn’t
platforms that reach hundreds, even and artists making similar blanket state- “Thinker” is perhaps the most recogniz- her “jam.” And that’s OK.
thousands, of people. Social media is a ments — other people who create art! able sculpture in history. In this day of “everyone has an opin-
glorious, useful and fun tool to help us For a living! Other people who must en- One more story — and this is the one ion” — and specifically — “everyone has
connect. But it is also used, far too often, dure the same ribbing Rihanna did! that TRULY gets me worked up. I was an opinion and has the means to share it
to tear things down — food, entertain- Are we allowed our opinion? Of able to catch the revival of the beloved, with thousands of people,” let us remem-
ment, entertainers, movies, TV shows course we are. We are consumers, even cheesy, and popular Oklahoma! musical ber the old adage: If you don’t have any-
— all in the course of even ONE event’s if the product was delivered to us in our by Rodgers and Hammerstein in Dal- thing nice to say, don’t say anything at
timeline. homes for free. But where is the value in las. This was a reimagining of a familair all. Or even better, from the wise Clariee
Which brings me to last night. making generalized critiques, sometimes piece of art. It was dark, violent, sexual. from Steel Magnolias: “If you don’t have
I watched the 2023 Super Bowl (OK, in savagely, and judging entire performanc- Provocative. Personally, I LOVED it. It anything nice to say, come sit by me.”
all honestly I watched the halftime show es on our own personal preferences and was made just for me, my kind of show. Find a friend and share your thoughts.
through the end of the game), and I was taste? What expertise do we have, oth- But at intermission, I saw half the audi- Have a lively discussion. Disagree on the
privy to the performance by Rihanna. I er than our own walled-off-belief-and- ence leave. merits. But NO art is EVER garbage. No
could not identify a Rihanna song if she taste-system, to make general statements So, I had a conversation with the sou- art is EVER bad. And to call something
was standing in my living room right about any performance, piece of art, film, venir vendors from the tour. I asked “horrible” or “garbage” can only be
now, singing it inches from my face. or show? them “So, in general, how many people done, and rarely then, by those with the
I wouldn’t know who she was if she And here’s why it’s not just unsightly in the towns you have visited get up education, experience, knowledge and
walked into a room. I just don’t follow but dangerous: Long gone are the days and leave at intermission?” They braced background to do so.
pop music. of sitting in the car with your friend after themselves as they thought I was going If someone puts something new into
Did I enjoy the absolutely FREE a movie, arguing over its merits. We in- to complain about show. Still they an- the world, something many people
10-minute performance? I did not. fluence people, every single day. Wheth- swered, “About half. But Dallas has been love, then it’s worthwhile. Hard stop.
There were some interesting visuals, er we want to or not. Our reach goes fur- the best, actually.” This made me proud And frankly, it’s more than most of us
which I did enjoy, and the spectacle of it ther than ever before. We can’t just argue of the city I call home. ever do. █
6 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23
Political theatrics The LAW Issue
LEGAL
A 12-year-old shouldn’t have to life. life that’s affected. It’s everyone around state to the next. That’s because they’re
defend her very existence to the Kelley Robinson, president and CEO her. being written by the Family Policy Al-
of the Human Rights Campaign, said And that, Gonzales said, is political liance, named an anti-LGBT hate group
Legislature that across the country, 315 discrimi- theatrics. by the Southern Poverty Law Center,
natory bills were filed last year, and 29 “It’s crazy to assume this is siloed to and the conservative Heritage Founda-
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer were signed into law. just the transgender family member,” tion.
taffet@dallasvoice.com Last year, she said, the governor of Gonzales said. “My son and daughter “The biggest differences are in the
Utah vetoed one of those bills, pointing are terrified my family is going to be torn remedies,” Oakley said. “Taking a doc-
hen Gov. out that exactly one trans child in the apart. They are so scared Frank [her hus- tor’s license, requiring prohibitively ex-
Greg Ab- state was participating in school sports. band] or I are going to be taken to jail.” pensive malpractice insurance.”
bott issued The governor justified his veto by say- She said each of her three children Lorie Burch is an attorney who spe-
an execu- ing, “I want them to live.” know that if CPS shows up at their cializes in guardianships and setting
tive order This year, Robinson said, bills are mov- school, they’re to tell them they have up estates. She recently put together a
instructing ing fast. In South Dakota, Gov. Christi an attorney who must be contacted im- document on ways parents of LGBTQ
Child Protec- Noem signed a bill into law earlier this mediately. What child in a happy and kids can protect them through the law.
tive Services week denying healthcare to transgender healthy home should live under that Among her suggestions is to choose af-
to investigate parents that were giving residents. threat? firming professionals.
their trans children age-appropriate “Don’t Say Gay bills are moving,” As a temporary fix, Gonzales said, she “Keep your family as private as pos-
medical care, Libby was an old hand at Robinson said. “Bathroom bills are and her family are covered by an injunc- sible,” Burch suggests.
the culture wars. By 12, Libby said, “I back.” And new kinds of bills — against tion issued by a judge last year in a case Use an LGBTQ attorney who under-
spent half my life begging my legislators using pronouns, attacking drag queens that PFLAG filed challenging Abbott’s stands the family dynamics to set up
to see me.” — are being filed, she said. executive order. guardianships, estates and powers of
She said they see her as a scary mon- And in Texas, Robinson said, “They’re Legislators are conflating social, legal attorney. Nothing can be scarier than
ster. expending energy attacking trans youth and medical transition. Bills that prevent the thought of your child entering the
“The people leading our government and not fixing the grid.” counseling of trans youth are justified broken Texas foster system.”
should want me to have a good child- Cathryn Oakley, HRC’s state legis- as preventing surgery, which simply While doctors are the target of much
hood,” she said. “My community gets lative director and senior counsel, said isn’t done on a minor. Hormone block- of the proposed anti-trans legislation,
it.” that while 91 percent of the bills pro- ers, which are completely reversible, are use a doctor that will understand the
Libby is wise beyond her years. She posed last year were defeated, “nothing discussed as if they cause permanent law as well as the trans youth.
understands the support she has, not short of 100 percent success rate is ac- changes. “Choose schools that are affirming,”
just from her family but from her com- ceptable.” But neither science nor facts are at Burch recommends. “I got bullied in
munity. But with the Legislature back She said at least 340 bad bills have play here. high school. I wasn’t out, but I didn’t
in session, Libby said she doesn’t sleep been filed across the country, making And neither is the health and happi- dress all girly. I have scars from that
very well. She said her younger brother this already the year with the most an- ness of trans youth. bullying.”
had a nightmare that he was taken away ti-trans legislation ever proposed. What is at work is millions of dollars She recommends steering clear of
from their family. Libby’s mother, Rachel Gonzales, said in donations, Oakley said. schools in districts where the right wing
She said she just wants lawmakers to those bills have real consequences in real She pointed out that there’s little dif- is trying to pack school boards. While
get out of the way and let her live her people’s lives. And it’s not just Libby’s ference in bills being written from one not everyone can afford private schools,
8 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23
e
The Gonzales family outside the Oak Lawn Branch Library with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
there are a number of charter schools “It depends on what our legislators bors to turn families in,” she said. “How On top of everything else, as the de-
that affirm their LGBTQ students. do,” she said. “I’m so tired of fighting is that not fascism?” bate heats up, there’s been an uptick in
“There are far more attacks this year for my kid to just have a life. I’m not go- And although Libby has come into violence and bullying. Two children’s
than any time in recent memory,” Burch ing to sit by.” her own as a public speaker, “she’s just hospitals involved in transgender care
noted. Leaving Texas is not off the table, but so tired of this,” her mother said. have received bomb threats.
Yet despite the attacks, she said she it is a last resort. The family thought going to Austin “Libby’s just so tired of this,” Gonza-
has no plans to leave Texas because Gonzales said she’s not going to stand and talking to their detractors face to les said. “Comments are being made to
she has as much right to live here in for discriminatory legislation that con- face would change some minds. her face. All we want to do is keep our
peace as anyone. tradicts the advice of every legitimate “It doesn’t change their minds,” Gon- kids safe.”
What plans does the Gonzales fami- medical and psychological organiza- zales said. “They’re being held hostage And that, according to our governor, is
ly have? They’re leaving their options tion. by massive donors. But our kids’ lives reason enough to investigate this other-
open. “It’s a slippery slope, asking neigh- are not up for debate.” wise happy family. █
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02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 9
A love letter to his city
PUBLIC ART
Artist Will Heron painted an
LGBTQ-themed mural in
Uptown
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
n the early 1990s, when devel-
opers began buying proper-
ties along McKinney Avenue,
they complained about just
one thing: They couldn’t mar-
ket these new buildings be-
cause they were in Oak Lawn.
So the developers came up
with a new name for the portion of Oak
Lawn east of the Katy railroad tracks,
soon to be the Katy Trail — Uptown.
The gay bars and restaurants had al-
ready closed. And the queer antique
store owners were pushed out of the
neighborhood.
But now, Meow Wolf has hired Will
Heron, who also goes by the shortened
Wheron, to reclaim some of Uptown’s
queer past.
Meow Wolf is an arts company based
in Santa Fe, N.M., that has branched into
the Dallas area. Opening this summer in
Grapevine Mills Mall will be an inter-
active experience featuring works by
30 Texas artists. This will be company’s
fourth indoor art installation after Santa
Fe, Denver and Las Vegas.
In the meantime, Heron represents the
company with a three-story mural he
Will Heron’s Intergalacti mural along McKinney Avenue at Bowen Street. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
LOVE, Page 19
10 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23Comedy on tour
STAND-UP
XX
acting things at night. That all allowed Is it similar to the Netflix special Good
me to be adjacent to it and learn about Fortune that came out in October? No.
the industry. This whole tour is new material. There’s
Did you find those writing skills seep nothing from the Netflix special in this
over into your comedy writing? It did. show. It looks at where I am in life. You
I was never in a writers room but when I know, when it came to Good Fortune
went to write full time for Chelsea Lately, and leading up to this tour, I learned that
the job was helpful. I interviewed actors people respond to my storytelling or
and comedians and talked about pop these longer jokes. I sat down with that
culture, so that helped me understand and put this show together.
that world a lot better to write that into a People clearly are responding because this
comedy show that was about celebrities tour has already been successful. It’s
and pop culture. selling really well. The Friday night show
There’s also your radio show on Sirius in Dallas has already sold out. So people
XM on Netflix’s What A Joke with Papa better get their tickets for Thursday fast.
and Fortune radio show and your Duly noted. Last question: How was
podcast Sincerely Fortune with your your Valentine’s Day with your wife?
wife. It’s like you’re still a journalist. Well, with seven-and-a-half years being
For seven years I talked to people on together, it’s just like any other day.
the phone like this right now. Now, I get We’re low-key. I’m like “Should I buy a
to bring back those skills to interview present?” As a married lesbian, we just
people for my shows. It’s definitely a share our feelings and talk a lot — may-
full-circle kinda thing. be try to do dinner.
We should probably talk about the tour. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Comic Fortune Feimster Whew.
talks about her journalism The lesbian comic, writer and actor is
on the road for her Live, Laugh, Love Tour
days to sold out shows
which stops in Dallas for two nights at
the Majestic Feb. 23-24. She spoke with
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer the Dallas Voice about being back on the
rich@dallasvoice.com road again, her journalistic past and her
ho-hum Valentine’s celebration with her
wife.
ortune Feimster has a Dallas Voice: Thank you so much for
lot of grace and a lot your patience. Fortune Feimster: Not at
of patience. Particular- all. I appreciate you interviewing me to
ly when it comes to a help promote these shows. Hey, it takes
a village.
reporter who’s behind
schedule due to tech- You used to be on this end of the con-
nical difficulties with versation as a journalist. Have you
ever thought about how it feels to
Zoom. I was a quar-
be on the other side now? It’s inter-
ter-hour late to this interview, but the
esting. Like you’re doing, all I ever did
comedian was “all good” with the delay. was interviews. But I think I have this
She gets it. appreciation for it from this side. There’s
“I was a journalist for seven years — this copasetic relationship between the
an entertainment journalist,” she said media and me.
over the call. “I can definitely appreciate That was certainly my day job while I was
what you’re doing.” pursuing my improv and comedy and
02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 11‘Cave’ formation
Lesbian Latina actor sees
sionally and started onstage at 12 years
herself on stage in new thriller old,” Benavides said by phone. “To have
this character and this story written on
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer the page and expressed so beautifully is
rich@dallasvoice.com next level for me.”
Yet with all her experience, this show
F
our Latin women take over a Re- is a rare experience for her.
publican congressman’s sanctu- “In my 20 years of performing, I can
ary in Kitchen Dog Theatre’s Man count on one hand how many times I’ve
Cave. Written by queer Mexican-Ameri- played queer, and this is explicitly so. I
can playwright John C. Caswell Jr., the can certainly relate to her,” she said.
play makes its regional premiere in Dal- Originally from South Texas, Bena-
las on Friday, Feb. 17. Cast member Glo- vides graduated from the University of
ria Benavides finds herself immersed North Texas in Denton and was active
in a mix of horror, drama and thrills as in theater throughout Dallas as well as
Lupita — and in the middle of a charac- teaching in DISD. She recently moved
ter that presents a big opportunity for a to Chicago to pursue theater up north.
lesbian Latina actor. When director Christie Vela called
“Playing her means a lot to me. I’ve with this play, Benavides was immedi-
been doing this since I was 22 profes- ately on board. The cast of ‘Man Cave’ fron left: Gloria Vivica Benavides, Sheila D. Rose, Fatima Y. Flores and
Gigi Cervantes. (Photo by Jordan Fraker
12 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23“Anything she wants to do, I’m in,”
she said. “She’s my comadre, and I think
this is, like, my fourth show with her.
“I would always get these sad mom
roles, but she would always cast me
against type. She asked which character
I wanted, and I knew which one right
away,” she added.
Benavides’ character in the show, Lu-
pita, has a relationship with Rosemary,
although Lupita knows it won’t work.
Benavides said she relates to this in so
many ways.
“Well I am in a happy relationship,
but I dated every terrible person you can
think of,” she said. “I’m a lesbian, and
we fall for the worst people in the world.
In this show, Lupita has met the next
woman who is going to ruin her life.”
On top of all that, Lupita is brash and
audacious — or maybe it’s something
else.
“She’s an alcoholic which isn’t funny,
but she gets shit-faced in this serious
situation they are all in and says funny
shit. Also, she’s a pendeja. She says all
that stupid stuff to deflect what’s really
going on,” Benavides said.
CAVE, Page 16
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02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 13CAVE, From Page 13
In Man Cave, the four women con- something else.
vert a luxurious basement space in a “I love that it shows this Latina
Republican congressman’s house into friendship and Latinas just existing.
a “spiritual war room and protective All these characters are coming into
sanctuary away from the violence of this situation with their own prob-
men, both real and supernatural.” lems,” she said. “But we’re fighting
There is the threat of an ex-boyfriend, those demons, and it’s not women ob-
the violation of their actions and may- sessed about men. It totally passes the
be even some espookies in the house, Bechdel Test.”
not to mention the underlying political Benavides is certainly thrilled to tell
drama. this story, but she is also thrilled to
The actor, though, finds there is com- be part of her own representation on-
edy laced into the story as well. stage. For the actor, she’s been in the
“Even under the most ridiculous cir- game a while, but has struggled to see
cumstances, comedy does come out. herself on stage.
It’s a way we protect ourselves, both “The theater world is known for be-
as characters and as people. I laugh ing very queer-friendly, but it’s really
when terrible things happen, and you more male-centric. I’ve not met a ton
have to when the world falls apart,” of lesbians in this game, and there is
she said. “There is a lot of duress here, still a lack of representation of lesbian
Gloria Benavides
but there’s funny shit, too.” playwrights,” she said.
There are topical notes in Man Cave. While the show is culturally specific, “It’s so much more than ‘four Lati- isn’t it? █
Benavides says it does touch on immi- Benavides hopes all audiences won’t nas with problems.’ I think fans of hor- Man Cave opens February 17 and runs
gration status and the universal chal- dismiss the show for that reason and ror will like it, and it’s got goth witchy through March 5 at Trinity River Arts Cen-
lenges Latinas have. But it also shows will watch to find a deeper story. shit too,” she said. “That’s kinda queer, ter. KitchenDogTheater.com.
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16 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23‘Some Questions’
for her
BEYOND THE PAGE
An interview with only features characters that are lesbian
Rebecca Makkai and nonbinary, she manages to perfectly
illustrate the present mood with pod-
casts and COVID figuring prominently
GREGG SHAPIRO | Contributing Writer in the story. Makkai will be in Dallas
GreggShapiro@aol.com Tuesday, Feb. 28, in conversation with
Ben Fountain at Dallas Museum of Art,
B
eginning with her first book, and she was gracious enough to answer
2011’s The Borrower and continu- a few questions before the February 2023
ing with her 2015 short story col- publication of the novel.
lection Music For Wartime, novelist and
straight ally Rebecca Makkai has created Gregg Shapiro: Rebecca, the last time
some of the most unforgettable queer I interviewed you was in 2018 right
characters in contemporary fiction. before your third novel, The Great
This inclusion reached a crescendo Believers, was published. Were you
prepared for the reception that the
with 2018’s award-winning and ac-
book received? Rebecca Makkai: I was
claimed novel The Great Believers, about a
certainly surprised and absolutely thrilled. Rebecca Makkai (Photo by Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons)
group of gay friends in 1985 Chicago as I’m honestly glad that it all happened
█ AIDS was beginning to make its impact with my fourth book, rather than my first; Your new novel, I Have Some Questions comes from. Some of those lists are just
s felt on the city. I enjoyed and appreciated it more, and For You, has been appearing on a about the buzz, and about the audience
- In Makkai’s new novel, I Have Some I understand how much luck has to do number of “Most Anticipated Books an author already has. And some lists are
Questions For You (Viking, 2023), she not with it. of 2023” lists. What does that mean
to you? There are really two places that QUESTIONS, Next Page
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02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 17QUESTIONS, From Previous Page
made by people who’ve already read early at a vague and unstated distance. That
copies of those books. Both types of lists means I’m writing about a real time, and p
mean a ton to me, and I’m so grateful to that means global events are going to be A
know people are waiting for the book. It part of the story. M
definitely makes for a more fun book tour, The COVID thing was endlessly frustrating! I t
not having to worry as much about show- was finishing copy edits in late 2021 and
ing up to an empty bookstore. then in early 2022, which is when the last c
The title of the book comes from chapter section was set, and first I had to put face c
26. Which came first — the title or the masks on everyone and change out sen- e
chapter? If it was the chapter, how tences like “he smiled.” Then I assumed
did you know that it was the right title the masks would be a thing of the past,
d
for the novel? We (my editor and agent so I took them all off; then I put them back
t
and I) searched FOREVER for a title. The on; then New Hampshire lifted its mask
book’s working title was Ninety-Five, mandate, so I took some of them out.
d
which I liked. But it didn’t do much to It was needlessly exhausting.
telegraph the novel’s tone or content. I o
Bodie, the narrator, is a podcaster and w
found the title late in the editing process,
teaches film studies. With that in mind,
so the chapter title definitely existed first. u
if there was a movie version. Who
I like how, as a novel title, it signals the w
would you like to see playing Bodie,
complications and uncertainty at the heart e
Fran, Thalia, Britt, Alder, Jerome, and
of the narration. d
Geoff? The thing is, I’m absolutely terrible
Did you have a particular boarding school at actors [laughs]. I never recognize
in mind when you created the boarding anyone. I’d love Lizzie Caplan as Bodie,
school Granby, the main setting of the though. She’s so amazing in Fleishman is
story. Or is it more of a composite? Nei- in Trouble, and I love that we all have in
ther; it’s completely made up. I did make our heads exactly what she looked like as
a lot of maps, which was fun. a teenager. Paul Rudd is a little too old to
Throughout the book, there is this kind of play Geoff, but then he doesn’t look his
mantra of victims and their fates. Were age, so maybe we’re good.
these written all at once or organically You have incorporated queer charac-
as you wrote the novel? These litanies ters into the story, including lesbian
came about because I wanted there to be couple Fran and Anne, and nonbinary
some major news story going on, some- student Lola, which is sure to make
thing that really triggered Bodie, but I your LGBTQ readers very happy. Can
neither wanted it to be a real story nor one you please say something about the
I made up for the book. At a certain point I inclusion of LGBTQ characters in your
just said, “Fuck it, it’s all of them at once.” work? I mean, it would be weird to have
Because that’s so often what it feels like. a fully populated novel and not include
I did not write those parts all together; they LGBTQ characters. When we look back
found their way in as the novel needed on high school, it’s interesting to think
them. not only about who we were, but who
I Have Some Questions For You is sep- we were pretending to be. Like Bodie, I
arated into two parts. Did you always graduated high school in 1995, and there
know the second part would involve were only one or two kids in the whole
m
the retrial? That was originally my plan school who were out. I’ve imagined things
for the whole book! The very first thing I the same way at Granby, where Fran had
wrote was Bodie showing up at the hotel to disguise herself more than most other
students just to get by. w
in New Hampshire, ready to testify. The
f
problem was I’d have had to include an Finally, have you started to think about
enormous amount of backstory — not your next book project? Yep! I’m keep-
only what happened in the ’90s, but ing quiet about it for now, though. Right n
everything that led to the hearing for now, I’m researching, but hopefully, by r
retrial as well. I thought I should back up the time I’m on tour, I’ll be writing on the
and give 50 pages or so to the events of airplane. t
a couple years earlier — but then those p
events ended up being the bulk of the Dallas Museum of Art Presents: Re- t
book. becca Makkai in Conversation with Ben
In the second part, COVID and the war in Fountain, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. c
Ukraine make appearances, giving the in the Horchow Auditorium. Tickets are $35
book a certain immediacy and timeliness. for the general public, $30 for DMA mem- m
It was important to me that this story bers and educators and $10 for students. Vis- s
happened some specific number of years
it RebeccaMakkai.com for details. t
after high school for the characters, not
18 dallasvoice.com █ 02.17.23LOVE, From Page 10
painted on the back of 3203 McKinney And the cacti, painted in rainbow
Ave. That’s on the northwest corner of colors and trans colors, represent the
McKinney and Bowen, facing away from LGBTQ community that is standing up
traffic on that one-way street. to political attacks.
Heron calls Meow Wolf “a huge bea- “Many queer Texans are rooted here
con in the arts community of queer ac- and will continue to live beautiful lives
ceptance [and] trans acceptance for both here,” he said.
employees and people who visit.” Heron said the response to the mural
Heron begins his work as pen and ink has been encouraging. While a few peo-
drawings in his studio. So, he said, he ple have questioned why his art needs
thinks of his murals as giant pen-and-ink to make a statement, many more have
drawings. sent him pictures taken while out walk-
If you’ve visited Cedar Springs Road ing their dogs or on their way to an area
over the past year, you may be familiar restaurant or bar.
with his work. He designed the metal And his response to the negative com-
undulating barriers separating the side- ments? “That’s art doing what art’s sup-
walk from the parking lot in front of Al- posed to do — start a conversation.”
exandre’s. One of the pieces was recently The work is Heron’s largest so far at
damaged and has been temporarily re- 50 feet high by 150 feet wide. It took a
moved. 60-foot cherry-picker boom lift to paint
In his work, Heron often uses cacti. most of it.
“I use cactus throughout all my art “I had to get over my fear of heights,”
work,” Heron said. “I use it as a symbol he said.
for my hometown — Dallas.” The project took four weeks to paint
He explained he uses plants that are ,and he enlisted the help of a few friends
native to Texas. The cactus symbolizes to color in some portions of the work.
resiliency. How permanent is it? The mural faces
“From a place of brokenness, the cac- a cleared, fenced lot that was owned by
tus will regenerate into stronger, better Dream Hotels for years but has been re-
plants,” he said. “Split it in two to create cently purchased by a major hotel corpo-
two new perfect plants.” ration for a boutique hotel. So the mural
In the mural, entitled Intergalacti, the will remain, but whether it remains vis-
cacti are floating on lily pads. ible is entirely up to the new neighbors
“Beautiful lotus flowers grow out of and how a new property will be situated.
muddy, murky water,” he said, which In the meantime, Heron said, the mu-
symbolized our current political sys- ral is his love letter to the city where he
tem. was born and raised. █
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campuzanomexicanfood.com 2704 Worthington █ 214-871-1115PLAN YOUR WEEK - The Gay Agenda... Our LGBTQ community calendar!
n Feb. 22: Ash Wednesday Dance Studio. Tickets at EventBrite.com.
Nat Turner was the slave n Feb. 22: Same-sex spouse grief group n March 2-12: ‘Silver Foxes’
responsible for the first Grief support group for people who have lost Uptown Players presents a premiere by Golden
rebellion against white a same-sex spouse or partner meets in person Girls writers James Berg and Stan Zimmerman
slaveholders. Mark- on the fourth Wednesday of the month from about three older queer men who save their best
Brian Sonna based his 6:30-8 p.m. at a restaurant or coffee shop. friend from his facility. Presented on the Theatre
new play on the court For this month’s location, contact Richard DeKnock Three stage. UptownPlayers.org.
record of the trial and at tastefullyrichard@gmail.com.
Turner’s confession. n March 4-12: ‘Beautiful’
The play details Turner’s n Feb. 22: Silver Pride Project The Carole King musical at Casa Manana,
inspiration, planning, Coffee and conversation 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth.
and harrowing story in Grauwyler Park Branch Library, 2146 Gilford St. CasaManana.org.
his quest for freedom.
The play runs through n Feb. 23: Empowerment Connection outing n March 5: Fly Queens Drag Brunch
the end of Black History A day at the African American Museum, Mesa Mezcal presents The Fly Queens hosted by
Month at Addison 3536 Grand Ave. at 1 p.m. RSVP to Liquor Mini from 1-3 p.m. at Mesa Mezcal,
Theatre Centre, and Teddrick.Douglas@prismntx.org. 400 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. Reservations
tickets are available at on Open Table.
MBSProductions.info. n Feb. 24: Another Badu Birthday Bash
Erykah Badu’s Another Badu Birthday Bash at n March 7: Classic Chassis
8:30 p.m. at The Factory in Deep Ellum, Classic Chassis Car Club meets 6-8 p.m.
2713 Canton St. Tickets at axs.com. at Ojeda’s, 4617 Maple Ave.
n Red for community events Addison Theatre Centre, 15650 Addison Road. n Feb. 24-26: Modern Masterpieces n March 8: Same-sex spouse grief group
n Blue for arts and entertainment MBSProductions.info. Texas Ballet Theater presents pieces by Bela Grief support group for people who have lost a
n Purple for sports Bartok, Gustav Mahler and Philip Glass at the same-sex spouse or partner meets on Zoom
n Green for nightlife n Feb. 18: Gaybingo Krewe Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St. ATTPAC.org. on the second Wednesday of the month from
n Orange for civic events and holidays Gaybingo at 6 p.m. Play for a chance to win cash 6:30-8 p.m. For notifications, contact
and prizes. Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. n Feb. 25: Eat Your Art Out Richard DeKnock at tastefullyrichard@gmail.com.
n Every Wednesday: THRIVE Tickets at myresourcecenter.org/gaybingo. Arlington Museum of Art’s biggest and most
Resource Center’s THRIVE Wednesday Support delicious fundraiser of the year helps the museum Have an event coming up? Email your
Group for LGBTQ adults 50 and older meets from n Feb. 18: ‘Das Rheingold’ present world class exhibitions from 7-9 p.m. information to Managing Editor Tammye Nash
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Resource Center Community Dallas Opera presents the story of gods and at Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., at nash@dallasvoice.com or Senior Staff Writer
Center, 5750 Cedar Springs Road and is led by goddesses, giants and dwarves, betrayal, cheating, Arlington. Info and tickets at ArlingtonMuseum.org. David Taffet at taffet@dallasvoice.com by
interns from the SMU counseling program. For illicit love and murder. Winspear Opera House, Monday at 5 p.m. for that week’s issue.
more information on the support group 2403 Flora St. ATTPAC.org. n Feb. 26: Classic Chassis Look for extended listings online at
and how to join, please send an email to Classic Chassis Car Club lunch, social and The DallasVoice.com
THRIVE@myresourcecenter.org. n Feb. 18: Rusty Scruby Shop tour. Drive your classic to spend some time
Gay artist Rusty Scruby’s solo exhibition of new outdoors socializing. Then head upstairs for lunch
n Feb. 17: Les Ballets Trocadero works opens with the artist in attendance from at the Derby restaurant before a tour of the facility.
de Monte Carlo 5-8 p.m. Cris Worley Fine Arts, 1845 E. Levee St., Derby/The Shop, 9100 John Carpenter Freeway.
This all-male-presenting dance company keeps its Suite 110. Through March 25. CrisWorley.com.
twists on classic ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle n Through Feb. 26: ‘Native Gardens’
en pointe. 7:30 p.m. at the Irving Arts Center, n Feb. 18-March 12: ‘To Die:Go In Leaves’ You can’t choose your neighbors in this
3333 North MacArthur Blvd. IrvingArtsCenter.com. Cara Mia Theatre devised this production inspired contemporary comedy where cultures and gardens
by Frida Kahlo’s paintings and biography. Get clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into
n Through March 5: Kitchen Dog Theater: tickets for the English or Spanish versions at feuding enemies. Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636
‘Man Cave’ CaraMiaTheatre.org. Turtle Creek Blvd. DallasTheaterCenter.org.
This regional premiere is a political thriller by
queer playwright John J. Caswell Jr. that centers n Feb. 19: Dash for the Beads
on four women who take over a Republican Annual 5K run and one-mile walk benefiting MARCH
politician’s man cave and turn it into a sanctuary. Oak Cliff schools. This year Dash in Heels is
Trinity River Arts Center, 2600 N. Stemmons Fwy. added that benefits Black Tie Dinner at 10 a.m. n March 2-4: ‘On Your Feet!’
KitchenDogTheater.org. at 715 W. Davis St. DashForTheBeads.org. Broadway at the Center presents the story of
Gloria Estefan. Winspear Opera House,
n Through Feb. 26: MBS Productions: n Feb. 20: Presidents Day 2403 Flora St. ATTPAC.org.
‘Confessions of the Slave Nat Turner’
The play chronicles the trial and sentencing of n Feb. 21: Classic Chassis n March 3-4: ‘Wood/Shop’
Nat Turner, the enslaved man responsible for the Classic Chassis Car Club monthly watering hole Bruce Wood Dance presents new works by
first rebellion in 1831 against white slaveholders. 5:30-8 p.m. at Liquid Zoo, 2506 Knight St. company dancers at 7 p.m. at the Bruce Wood Dash for the Beads
02.17.23 █ dallasvoice 21Ask Howard
HOW TO DO THE WRONG THING RIGHT
A weekend in Vegas of incorporating bait- condemned laun- ne blowing into a long horn known as
&-switch tactics to fill dromats and ’70s a didgeridoo before heading to Hol-
Q: You wanna know what the most seats, poor Joe Schmoe, potluck church socials. lywood for a sight of Princess Leia’s
interesting thing about the month of who flew all the way Oh, and for anyone hairdo, Miley Cyrus swingin’ atop her
February is? A: Absolutely nothing. from Idaho just to catch worried about the em- wrecking ball and a seductive Kim Kar-
OK, sure, the Aquarian/Pisces firma- an up-close glimpse of barrassment of possi- dashian smiling over-the-shoulder at
ment is bejeweled with such dazzlers as his idol, RuPaul, bly being, uhm, invol- her colossal ass with its monumental
Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Pres- will depart Vegas untarily aroused during butt crack. And as a cherry on top, we
idents Day, Chinese New Year’s, Ayn sadly disappoint- showtime; well, fear were off to the movies for a play-by-
Rand Day and, of course, who among ed upon discovering not, pretty piggy. play reenactment of the infamous base-
us could possibly forget National Baked that in no way does Ru, Inviolate are ment dance from The Silence of the Lambs.
Alaska Day? herself, participate live, Nevada’s laws Nonetheless, I have to say my person-
Oh, man, how the revelry has petered in the flesh, in her own permitting “blue” al origami favorite was the passing of
out. fuckin’ spectacle! In performances on- Olympic torches (in direct violation, too,
Unless one can afford to jet down to fact, so angry was stage in front of a I noticed, regarding touching a fellow
Rio for Carnivale, there ain’t nothin’ left the person seated general-viewing, performer’s family jewels); however, the
worth upchucking against a sodium next to me that he public audience. En- night’s showstopper was, undoubtedly,
lamppost for, unless one wants to count suggested we go Dutch forcement is two-fold: the hamburger — a four-step, secret pro-
piss-poor Mardi Gras faking its usual in sending Ru a beautiful Via threat of imprison- cess revealed exclusively to all hallowed
February maleficence as frolicsome fun. M3gan doll as thanks. ment, all male performers patrons harbored within the moldered
Face it, fellas: Winter’s gone weary; Yes, RuPaul nary graces are forbade achieving onstage walls of EHM’s Jewel Box Theater.
spring hasn’t sprung. Our New Year’s an appearance at her nightly, eponymic erections; moreover, to touch the genita- And so Howard’s February high wa-
resolutions are now about as pure as LIVE Drag Race, and her Vegas residen- lia of another fellow performer (acciden- termark of entertainment. Catch you
yesterday’s driven slush, and, with pris- cy flounders for it. Her entire show of tally, be damned) equally guarantees a again next month, guys, when spring-
sy, puritanical Lent suddenly looming nothing but five prior seasons of Drag night spent in the pokey. time’s in the air!
monolithically before us, just what’s Race winners mincing through an “au- As our two, well-cloaked puppet — Howard Lewis Russell
there left to do except dress up like ste- dience-favorite” runoff competition masters spouted these arcane statutes of Have a gay entertainment inquiry for
ampunk freaks and toss good money at — replete with a buffed-up himbo “pit what we would and wouldn’t be enjoy- Howard? As you see, there’s nowhere so low
bad. Indeed, cherished readers, bore- crew” donning gold lame wife-beaters, ing for our viewing pleasure, their blue- he won’t stoop. Try him sometime, at Ask-
dom can be quite expensive! all prancingly swirling and twirling draped Dracula capes slowly began Howard@dallasvoice.com. Go ahead, toss
Case in point: Dear Howard here just about at a fever pitch in a desperate bid fluttering down to the floor and, finally, your best dice. Who knows, you might get
returned from a world-class, weekend to keep the audience half-way lusting to grins spreading ear-to-ear, they hooted, lucky. After all, somebody has to hit jackpot!
losing streak in Las Vegas. Just for the re- fuck something up on stage as it’s forced “So, you twisted fuckers, y’all ready to
cord, I loathe gambling. What little I do endure more than two hours of lip-sync- see some dick?”!
gamble, I prefer my wallet upon leaving ing by talent-free pool with names as Little Known Fact: When flaccid, any
a casino be larger than when I entered.
That leaves little wiggle room but to
unimaginative as their dazzle-free per-
formances.
adult human penis, irrespective of size
(believe it or not) can create an entire
this week’s solution
sally-up to the roulette wheel and drop Truman Capote is credited to have menagerie of zoological wonders! Nor,
one’s wad on either red or black. Its remarked (jadedly, no doubt), “There is apparently, is penile origami dependent
50/50 winning odds are the best you’re such a thing as life-saturation: the point upon swingin’ a big, grinning Louisville
gonna get. when everything is pure effort and total Slugger between one’s legs, as both per-
Yet, somehow, Hit-Me-Again-Howard repetition.” Clearly, Capote had never formers at my show possessed junk that
here spent all of last weekend squander- experienced a staging of Puppetry of the one could only label, to put it kindly, as
ing solid Benjamins over and over on ex- Penis, now permanently playing (when being merely “family-sized.”
actly the wrong winning color — every not on world tour) at its Las Vegas res- Tis stunning what just a mere pair of
single time! Like, what are the chances idency, the Jewel Box Theatre, located ordinary human testicles attached to
of, given just two colors, never once inside Sin City’s rather grandly named a limp, fleshy four-inch tubesnake can
winning? Well, 50/50 — that’s what Erotic Heritage Museum. create: A bird’s nest of hungry chicks,
one’s chances are. Every single spin. The true exuberance with Puppetry for instance, fighting for a worm from
Oh, well. At least there are always of the Penis is how everything about mama, a sea mollusk, a pelican or giant
plenty of shows. Unfortunately, though, this howler lives down so smarmily to snails.
Vegas’s entertainment spectacles are one’s very lowest tongue-in-cheek ex- Gradually, we move further up the
equally rigged: RuPaul’s Drag Race, pectations — from the mangy, crushed food chain to a human’s beating heart,
LIVE! — a residency show at the Flamin- red velvet stage curtain with its tat- and brain, traveling round the world █ browse █ submit
go — being a prime example. ty gold-fringe swag, to the audience’s to view the Eiffel Tower in Paris and
For a more complete Community To submit an item for inclusion in
Illuminating Vegas’s common practice folding metal chairs — reminiscent of witness a squatting Australian aborigi- Calendar online, visit the Community Calendar, visit
Tinyurl.com/dvevents. Tinyurl.com/dvevents.
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