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Beautiful Princess Disorder opens a portal to a heavenly parking lot where Triangle Person seeks truth, humor, and identity. Kathy Ng’s playful, queer storytelling brings a tender cosmic spark to The Catastrophic Theatre. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/beau...
Beautiful Princess Disorder Brings a Queer, Surreal, and Tender Adventure to Houston
Playwright Kathy Ng’s surreal new comedy Beautiful Princess Disorder brings queer tenderness, cosmic humor, and a boldly imaginative afterlife to The Catastrophic Theatre stage.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Beautiful Princess Disorder opens a portal to a heavenly parking lot where Triangle Person seeks truth, humor, and identity. Kathy Ng’s playful, queer storytelling brings a tender cosmic spark to The Catastrophic Theatre. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/beau...
Gretel Batista helps bring Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker to life, performing roles from Clara to snow flurry. The longtime company member says each performance feels magical thanks to the young dancers who make the show new every year. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/hous...
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Brings Magic to Every Generation
As Houston Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker enters its ninth year, corps de ballet member Gretel Batista reflects on the production’s enduring joy, its young performers, and its lasting holiday magic.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Gretel Batista helps bring Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker to life, performing roles from Clara to snow flurry. The longtime company member says each performance feels magical thanks to the young dancers who make the show new every year. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/hous...
The weekend begins with Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor lives lost to violence. Houston hosts several TDOR events alongside a full slate of queer gatherings, from Friendsgiving celebrations and arts premieres to block walks and holiday markets. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/quee...
Queer Things to Do in Houston This Weekend, November 20 – 23
Your weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The weekend begins with Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor lives lost to violence. Houston hosts several TDOR events alongside a full slate of queer gatherings, from Friendsgiving celebrations and arts premieres to block walks and holiday markets. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/quee...
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to confront a devastating reality: anti-trans violence continues to claim lives across the globe. As we honor those we’ve lost, we also recognize the resilience, brilliance, and power of the community that continues to fight for a safer future.
November 20, 2025 at 3:33 PM
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to confront a devastating reality: anti-trans violence continues to claim lives across the globe. As we honor those we’ve lost, we also recognize the resilience, brilliance, and power of the community that continues to fight for a safer future.
Arlington’s debate over LGBTQ protections reflects a broader Texas trend as federal directives push cities to reconsider hard-won local safeguards. Advocates warn the impact could reach communities across the state. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
Texas Cities Face Pressure to Roll Back Local LGBTQ Protections
Texas cities are reassessing LGBTQ protections as federal and state pressure intensifies, leaving communities caught between funding concerns and the erosion of hard-won local safeguards.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Arlington’s debate over LGBTQ protections reflects a broader Texas trend as federal directives push cities to reconsider hard-won local safeguards. Advocates warn the impact could reach communities across the state. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
Texas schools enforcing SB 12 are now deadnaming some trans students and limiting support from teachers. Families and educators say the vague law fuels confusion and fear while LGBTQ students feel increasingly erased.
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
Texas Law Forces Schools to Erase Trans Students’ Chosen Names
As Texas schools implement SB 12, trans students report being deadnamed, teachers feel chilled, and families clash over “parental rights” and support for LGBTQ youth.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Texas schools enforcing SB 12 are now deadnaming some trans students and limiting support from teachers. Families and educators say the vague law fuels confusion and fear while LGBTQ students feel increasingly erased.
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
The Ninth Circuit has affirmed that third-party administrators can be liable under the Affordable Care Act's Section 1557 for discriminatory health plan exclusions and that RFRA is not a defense in private litigation. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/nint...
Appeals Circuit Sends Gender Affirming Care Case Back for Review
The Ninth Circuit upheld major parts of a lawsuit challenging Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois over gender affirming care exclusions and ordered renewed review of sex discrimination claims.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The Ninth Circuit has affirmed that third-party administrators can be liable under the Affordable Care Act's Section 1557 for discriminatory health plan exclusions and that RFRA is not a defense in private litigation. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/nint...
China pulled the gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its app stores, leaving millions of users without key digital spaces. Advocates say the removals show how queer visibility is being narrowed in a country where offline gathering places are already rare. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/chin...
China Removes Two Leading Gay Dating Apps from Stores
China’s removal of gay dating apps Blued and Finka deepens fears of a shrinking LGBTQ space as censorship and surveillance intensify under government control.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:29 PM
China pulled the gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its app stores, leaving millions of users without key digital spaces. Advocates say the removals show how queer visibility is being narrowed in a country where offline gathering places are already rare. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/chin...
Houston’s Rec Room is taking on Angels in America, a seven-hour epic that hasn’t been professionally staged in the city for decades. Directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt transform their 60-seat theater into a world of politics, faith, and human change. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...
Angels in America Soars Again at Houston’s Rec Room
For the first time in over 30 years, Houston audiences will see Angels in America professionally staged—an ambitious Rec Room production led by co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Houston’s Rec Room is taking on Angels in America, a seven-hour epic that hasn’t been professionally staged in the city for decades. Directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt transform their 60-seat theater into a world of politics, faith, and human change. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...
The Supreme Court refused to reopen the fight over same-sex marriage, rejecting a challenge from former clerk Kim Davis. The justices’ decision keeps Obergefell v. Hodges in place, a major win for equality and a powerful reminder that love still prevails. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/supr...
Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Precedent
In a victory for LGBTQ rights, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to revisit its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, ensuring that marriage equality remains the law of the land.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Supreme Court refused to reopen the fight over same-sex marriage, rejecting a challenge from former clerk Kim Davis. The justices’ decision keeps Obergefell v. Hodges in place, a major win for equality and a powerful reminder that love still prevails. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/supr...
The Harris County Democratic Party is holding a rally with Governor Gavin Newsom. RSVP at the link below to attend.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕥 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
(Doors open at 12:30)
📍 Location: upon RSVP
secure.ngpvan.com/V1oSOsxycUWv...
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕥 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
(Doors open at 12:30)
📍 Location: upon RSVP
secure.ngpvan.com/V1oSOsxycUWv...
November 7, 2025 at 9:15 PM
The Harris County Democratic Party is holding a rally with Governor Gavin Newsom. RSVP at the link below to attend.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕥 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
(Doors open at 12:30)
📍 Location: upon RSVP
secure.ngpvan.com/V1oSOsxycUWv...
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕥 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
(Doors open at 12:30)
📍 Location: upon RSVP
secure.ngpvan.com/V1oSOsxycUWv...
A federal appeals court ruled that Texas can enforce its 2023 law restricting certain drag performances in public. The ACLU of Texas called the decision “heartbreaking” and pledged to keep fighting for LGBTQ artists and free expression. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Public Drag Shows
A federal appeals court has allowed Texas to enforce a 2023 law restricting certain public drag performances, reversing an earlier ruling that found the measure unconstitutional.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
A federal appeals court ruled that Texas can enforce its 2023 law restricting certain drag performances in public. The ACLU of Texas called the decision “heartbreaking” and pledged to keep fighting for LGBTQ artists and free expression. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...
Houston Food Bank is expanding emergency food distributions during the ongoing federal shutdown. The effort supports 15,000 households weekly with fresh produce, dairy, and proteins while SNAP benefits remain suspended. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/hous...
Houston Food Bank Expands Aid as SNAP Benefits Remain Suspended
As the federal shutdown halts November SNAP benefits, Houston Food Bank is distributing food to about 15,000 households weekly, offering relief to families and federal workers.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Houston Food Bank is expanding emergency food distributions during the ongoing federal shutdown. The effort supports 15,000 households weekly with fresh produce, dairy, and proteins while SNAP benefits remain suspended. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/hous...
November’s Taurus full moon helps us balance emotion with practicality. Under its glow, each zodiac sign finds clarity about comfort, stability, and change. What’s surfacing for you, and what are you ready to release? www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/horo...
Taurus Full Moon Illuminates Truth, Change, and Emotional Clarity
The Taurus full moon on November 5 encourages balance between stability and emotion. Across all signs, this lunation reveals what’s ready to shift, release, or come to light.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:38 PM
November’s Taurus full moon helps us balance emotion with practicality. Under its glow, each zodiac sign finds clarity about comfort, stability, and change. What’s surfacing for you, and what are you ready to release? www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/horo...
UPDATE: Alejandra Salinas advances to a runoff in the race for Houston City Council At-large Position 4. After gaining the most votes in the special election held on November 4, she'll face Dwight Boykins in the December 13 runoff. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/sali...
UPDATE: Alejandra Salinas Headed to Runoff For Houston City Council
Alejandra Salinas, a Houston attorney and longtime advocate, is running for City Council At-Large Position 4, bringing her history of public service and legal victories to the campaign trail.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
UPDATE: Alejandra Salinas advances to a runoff in the race for Houston City Council At-large Position 4. After gaining the most votes in the special election held on November 4, she'll face Dwight Boykins in the December 13 runoff. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/sali...
SNAP cuts left millions of Texans struggling to afford groceries. Enter Grocery Buddy, a Houston-born platform by Nina Quincy and Brent Friar that connects donors to recipients through direct, private grocery orders—fast, transparent, and judgment-free. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/groc...
Grocery Buddy Steps Up as SNAP Delays Hit Texans Hard
With uncertainty over SNAP benefits for millions of Texans, a new online platform called Grocery Buddy is providing fast, private grocery support—restoring hope and dignity to families facing food ins...
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:51 PM
SNAP cuts left millions of Texans struggling to afford groceries. Enter Grocery Buddy, a Houston-born platform by Nina Quincy and Brent Friar that connects donors to recipients through direct, private grocery orders—fast, transparent, and judgment-free. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/groc...
People magazine just crowned Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. It’s historic—he’s the first openly gay actor to earn the title—and hilarious, given the “job” pays nothing and lasts only a year. Still, it looks great on a résumé. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/jona...
Jonathan Bailey is the "Sexiest Man Alive," According to People Magazine
People magazine has named Bridgerton and Wicked star Jonathan Bailey its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive—making him the first openly gay actor to receive the tongue-in-cheek honor.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM
People magazine just crowned Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. It’s historic—he’s the first openly gay actor to earn the title—and hilarious, given the “job” pays nothing and lasts only a year. Still, it looks great on a résumé. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/jona...
For the first time in 30 years, Angels in America returns to Houston. Co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt bring Tony Kushner’s epic to the Rec Room’s 60-seat stage, turning a monumental story into an intimate experience. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...
Angels in America Soars Again at Houston’s Rec Room
For the first time in over 30 years, Houston audiences will see Angels in America professionally staged—an ambitious Rec Room production led by co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
For the first time in 30 years, Angels in America returns to Houston. Co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt bring Tony Kushner’s epic to the Rec Room’s 60-seat stage, turning a monumental story into an intimate experience. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...
When Houston’s rainbow crosswalk was removed, many felt a symbol of pride was lost. Artist Nicky Davis and Korny Vibes Café responded with a mural bursting with color and joy—reminding Montrose that community, love, and pride can never be painted out. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...
A New Mural Honors the Lost Rainbow Crosswalk
When Houston’s rainbow crosswalk was removed, muralist Nicky Davis teamed up with Korny Vibes Café to create a new mural celebrating pride, hope, and the city’s LGBTQ community.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:11 PM
When Houston’s rainbow crosswalk was removed, many felt a symbol of pride was lost. Artist Nicky Davis and Korny Vibes Café responded with a mural bursting with color and joy—reminding Montrose that community, love, and pride can never be painted out. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...
Houston launched an LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator to strengthen access to jobs, business programs, and city services—helping LGBTQ youth and seniors build long-term economic stability. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...
Houston Creates LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Role to Boost Opportunity
Houston City Council member Mario Castillo announced a new LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator position to expand job access, business support, and city resources for LGBTQ youth and seniors.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Houston launched an LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator to strengthen access to jobs, business programs, and city services—helping LGBTQ youth and seniors build long-term economic stability. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...
Houston’s queer Halloween weekend is packed!
Check out OutSmart’s Queer Things to Do: Halloween Edition for the best parties, performances, and community events around town. 👻🎃 Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of LGBTQ happenings! www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/quee...
Check out OutSmart’s Queer Things to Do: Halloween Edition for the best parties, performances, and community events around town. 👻🎃 Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of LGBTQ happenings! www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/quee...
Queer Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: 👻🎃 Halloween Edition
Your weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Houston’s queer Halloween weekend is packed!
Check out OutSmart’s Queer Things to Do: Halloween Edition for the best parties, performances, and community events around town. 👻🎃 Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of LGBTQ happenings! www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/quee...
Check out OutSmart’s Queer Things to Do: Halloween Edition for the best parties, performances, and community events around town. 👻🎃 Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of LGBTQ happenings! www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/quee...
The Texas Supreme Court now permits judges to abstain from performing same-sex weddings if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs. Advocates for marriage equality say the ruling weakens public faith in judicial impartiality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/texa...
Texas Judges May Refuse Same-Sex Weddings Under New Court Rule
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that judges may refuse to perform same-sex weddings based on religious belief, a decision critics say weakens marriage equality and judicial impartiality.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The Texas Supreme Court now permits judges to abstain from performing same-sex weddings if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs. Advocates for marriage equality say the ruling weakens public faith in judicial impartiality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/texa...
Four LGBTQ galas this fall will celebrate Houston’s legacy of giving and progress. Events hosted by The Diana Foundation, Avenue 360, Allies in Hope, and the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus raise funds for health, education, and equality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/2025...
Four Galas to Celebrate and Support Houston’s LGBTQ Community
Four major LGBTQ galas this fall will raise funds for Houston’s nonprofits and advocacy groups, blending celebration with community impact to support health, education, and equality.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Four LGBTQ galas this fall will celebrate Houston’s legacy of giving and progress. Events hosted by The Diana Foundation, Avenue 360, Allies in Hope, and the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus raise funds for health, education, and equality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/2025...
DON'T WAIT! Last call to get your tickets now and join us today from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach Houston for a night of glitz, glam, and gratitude as we celebrate Houston’s Gayest & Greatest — the people, places, and businesses that make our LGBTQ community shine. givebutter.com/AXqNAG
🌈 OutSmart Gayest & Greatest 2025 Readers' Choice Awards Party
Support LGBTQ Journalism and Party
givebutter.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:09 PM
DON'T WAIT! Last call to get your tickets now and join us today from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach Houston for a night of glitz, glam, and gratitude as we celebrate Houston’s Gayest & Greatest — the people, places, and businesses that make our LGBTQ community shine. givebutter.com/AXqNAG
The Human Rights Campaign and The Normal Anomaly host “Party with a Purpose” on Oct. 23 at Pause Nightclub—an evening of entertainment and education to promote harm reduction, sexual health, and empowerment for Houston’s Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/part...
HRC and The Normal Anomaly Host a "Party with a Purpose"
The Human Rights Campaign and The Normal Anomaly Initiative will host “Party with a Purpose,” blending entertainment, harm reduction, and education to support Houston’s LGBTQ communities.
www.outsmartmagazine.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The Human Rights Campaign and The Normal Anomaly host “Party with a Purpose” on Oct. 23 at Pause Nightclub—an evening of entertainment and education to promote harm reduction, sexual health, and empowerment for Houston’s Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/part...