LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Organization Spotlight: Pflag

Started in 1973 by the mother of a gay son, Pflag now has chapters nationwide, an annual conference, and a wealth of information on their web site - for parents, families, friends, and allies, as well as for members of the queer community.

Check out to https://pflag.org to get educated, to find support, and to get involved.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Show Recommendation: Pose

Speaking of Billy Porter, if you haven't watched Pose yet - what are you waiting for?

Pose was a show about the ballroom scene in 1980's New York City. It featured the largest cast of transgender and gay actors.

Billy Porter won an Emmy for Lead Actor for Pose.

MJ Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for her role in Pose, and was the first transgender actress to be nominated for a Lead Actress Emmy.

Pose ran for three seasons and is available on Hulu.

It is outstanding. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Unprotected by Billy Porter

There are so many memoirs I want to read.

I'm a biography / autobiography girl.

Unprotected is really good.

Billy Porter survived a rough childhood and was tested many times on his road to stardom.

Talent and determination saw him through.

librarianintx 

Saying Goodbye to a Doctor

 Yesterday I had my final appointment with my long-time pulmonologist - Dr. Shapiro. 

He has been a fixture in the NMD community for I don't know how long. 

He has been my doctor for about 20 years. 

Dr. Shapiro has literally changed my life. 

In my first meeting with him, just by looking at me, he diagnosed me with two health conditions and immediately started prescribing treatments and referring me to other doctors for confirmation of his diagnoses. 

I have seen him every three to four months since. 

He is one of those rare doctors that takes a lot of time with you, asks a lot of questions, and follows up. 

He makes sure that I get regular bloodwork and other tests to keep an eye on my health. 

He's also very personable, and we enjoy bantering with each other. 

Because he takes so long with every patient, I usually have to wait awhile to see him. 

Two funny stories, given that fact. 

Usually I meet with him in the late afternoon, after work. 

Knowing that I would have to wait, I packed a book, a journal, I don't remember what else I had with me. 

After our visit, he picked up my bag to help me with it. 

"Girl, what do you have in this thing? This is too heavy for you." he said.

"If you wouldn't make me wait so long, I wouldn't have to bring so much shit," I retorted. 

He grinned and said "Touche."

Another time I was reading when he finally came in the exam room. 

I looked at him over the edge of the book and said, "I'm at a good part in my book. You're gonna have to wait."

That is the relationship we had. 

I'm not sure I'll have that with another doctor. 

It's sad and I will miss him, but I am also happy for him. 

He has worked hard, and now it's time for him to enjoy his retirement. 

I have a friend whose long-time doctor died. So obviously I am grateful that Dr. Shapiro is retiring. There is even a chance that he will work part time as a consultant. But he doesn't know yet. So I treated yesterday's appointment as our last visit. I wrote him a card, and we hugged. I told him how much I appreciated everything he has done for me. 

I have met the doctor who will be taking over for him, and she seems nice and is definitely capable. 

There is a saying that goes something like, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." 

That is what I am trying to do here. 

Thank you, Dr. Shapiro. 

I have the life that I have in large part because of you. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Show: Overcompensating

 Overcompensating is a show currently streaming on Amazon Prime. 

The main character, Benny, is a closeted guy in his first year of college. 

Benny goes to great lengths to conceal his sexual orientation. 

Confession: I haven't finished the season. I have two more episodes. 

But I wanted to blog about it, especially after the blog post about Sally Ride. 

Isn't it so sad that in 2025 we have to have a show about a young person in the closet? 

Benny goes through so much torment, as he navigates attempting to join a fraternity, crushing on a classmate, dealing with his older sister and her boyfriend being at the same school, and developing a close friendship with a gal pal that he tries to date. He also struggles with family expectations and his identity as a high school jock. 

I'm not sure that I can recommend Overcompensating. 

Part of the problem is that I'm a middle-aged woman watching a raunchy show about a group of young people that don't know how to communicate with each other. 

I don't dislike it. 

But definitely the target audience is younger. 

It has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, so people like it. 

Maybe the appeal is that it is often over the top. 

Also, the nostalgia factor - many of us remember how hard we used to try to fit in, before we realized how important it is to be ourselves. 

There's nudity, a lot of sexual situations, and a lot of foul language in Overcompensating - but there's also real emotion and heart too. 

It's an ensemble cast, and all of them are struggling and finding their way, not just Benny.

Maybe I like it better than I thought I did. 

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Documentary Recommendation: Sally

 Sally is a documentary currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+ about the first American woman astronaut in space: Sally Ride. 

There are spoilers in this blog post, so stop reading if you want to watch the documentary and not be spoiled. 

Sally was not only the first American woman in space, she was also gay. 

But she hid that part of her life from everyone except her very closest friends.

She gave her life partner of 27 years, Tam, permission to tell the world after she died. 

Sally died at the age of 61 of pancreatic cancer. 

She and Tam had known each other since they were kids. 

They were together for 27 years. 

So why did Sally choose to stay in the closet? 

A number of reasons. 

She grew up in a family that did not express their emotions. 

She worked in a male-dominated field.

She was friends with Billy Jean King and witnessed what she endured when she was outed. She was taken to court, lost many of her endorsements, and was dragged through the mud in the media. 

Sally became a celebrity when she was selected to be the first American woman astronaut. 

She became a hero to many, especially girls. 

She and Tam started a program to get more girls involved in STEM. 

She was scared that if she and Tam were outed, then the program would be discontinued. 

With celebrity status comes intense media scrutiny. 

She was trying so hard to fit into the male-dominated world of NASA, and then she had to field ridiculous misogynistic questions. 

When reporters referred to her as miss, she would rely, "You can call me Sally, or you can call me Doctor. Do not call me Miss."

It is very sad that Sally felt she could not live her live out in the open. 

Given her situation, it makes sense. But it doesn't make it any less sad, for her and for Tam. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Documentary Recommendation: Will & Harper

When comedian Will Ferrell learns that his friend of more than thirty years has transitioned, they embark on a cross country road trip. It is an opportunity for them to reconnect as friends, and for Will, and the audience, to learn about Harper's transition. There are a lot of laughs, some tears, and unfortunately some nerve-wracking and hurttful moments,  most notably in my great state of Texas.

In sharing her story with such candor and bravery, Harper teaches Will and us the importance of living life fully and authentically. 

The documentary is also a testament to the power and sustainability of friendship.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Hotlines for the LGBTQ+ Community

 THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST.

It is simply stating facts. 

In July, the Trump administration will eliminate funding for the section of the 988 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline that serves LGBTQ+ youth. 

LGBTQ+ will still be able to call 988 and receive help. But there will no longer be a section specifically for them with specially trained staff to meet their needs. 

Here is a list of other hotlines that are available for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+:

https://pflag.org/resource/support-hotlines 

It is important for people to know these resources exist.

That there is help available. 

Please share.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: "It Gets Better" organization

 https://itgetsbetter.org/about/

It Gets Better is a non-profit organization that seeks to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. This is accomplished by sharing stories, educating, and connecting globally. 

By uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ youth, the goal is to create thriving LGBTQ adults, who can then help the next generation to thrive. 

"It Gets Better" is an important concept for all LGBTQ youth. 

And everyone can get involved in helping these young people feel safe to be themselves.

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: The T Guide

 I finished reading the T Guide last week. 

It has a longer title. 

I'm lazy. :)

Written by Gigi Gorgeous and Gottmik (both Drag Race alums, authors, and influencers among other jobs), this book contains everything you wanted to know about being transgender (including questions you shouldn't ask)

Contributors to the book are other members of the LGBTQ community, including Adam Lambert, Sasha Colby, and Senator Sarah McBride. 

It's designed to be both a handbook for those somewhere in the transition process, or thinking about it, and an educational tool for allies who want to know about the physical, mental, and emotional changes experienced by trans friends and family. 

I learned a lot by reading this book. An important thing to know is that transitioning is not a quick and simple process. Most people spend years transitioning. And there are a lot of options when it comes to the physical aspects.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Red, White and Royal Blue

 It's a completely implausible book that I absolutely loved. 

When will it ever happen that the son of the President of the United States falls in love with an English Prince? 

And the President is a woman from Texas, who is also a Democrat. 

Well, a girl can dream. 

And read a book about it. :)

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston was so up my alley - a gay storyline, one family from Texas, the other English royalty - I couldn't ask for much more. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Trans Lifeline

https://translifeline.org

Trans Lifeline operates a hotline that connects trans individuals to community resources and provides support.

Call or text 877-565-8860 if you or someone you know is in need.

The trans community is under attack.

Be a safe person for someone who needs that.

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Guncle

Guncle, by Steven Rowley, is a novel about a gay uncle who takes in his young niece and nephew over the summer after their mother (his best friend and sister-in-law) dies and his brother goes to rehab.

It's a funny and touching story about love, loss, starting over, guncle rules...and caftans.

I have not read the sequel yet - Guncle Abroad.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Drag Brunch

Went to Drag Brunch today.

It was a wonderful celebration of drag performers.

It was a safe space where everyone felt supported and included.

It was also super fun.

#pride

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Special

 Based somewhat on his memoir: I'm Special, and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, Ryan O'Connell stars as his himself in the two-season comedy "Special" on Netflix, as he starts his first job and negotiates adult life as a gay man with cerebral palsy. 

He's open about being gay. 

About being disabled - not so much. 

I'm very interested in intersectionality, so I enjoyed this show. I liked that the show dealt with ableism, co-dependency and body positivity, among other topics. 

I also liked that the character of Ryan wasn't inspirational and faultless. 

He was human. 

Sometimes he was a jerk. 

He was figuring out his life, just like everyone else. 

Does the Ryan in "Special" figure out his life by the end of Season 2? 

I don't spoil storylines! :)

Two years ago, the real Ryan published his first novel, Just by Looking at Him, which is about a writer who is gay, has CP, and is struggling with alcohol addiction and acceptance in our ableist world. It's on my TBR list (To Be Read).

librarianintx

 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Matteo Lane

 I watch very little stand-up comedy, so I'm no expert, but...

Matteo Lane is FUNNY.

He's also smart, talented, hot, and gay. 

He speaks four languages. 

He's a painter, a cook, and he sings opera. 

In April of this year, he released his first book: Your Pasta Sucks.

He's naturally funny, and he has a real gift for interacting with members of the audience and making them part of the show. 

Here's an example: Matteo Lane - Italians, Germans, And The French

If you attend one of his shows, ask him how he feels about the Olive Garden. :)

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Organization Spotlight: The Trevor Project

 The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project operates a 24/7/365 hotline for LGTBQ+ young people in crisis. 

The organization is also involved in advocacy, research, peer support, and public education. 

The Trevor Project saves lives, and changes minds. 

Donate if you are able. 

Consider volunteering. 

Spread the word about this vital resource for a vulnerable population. 

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Gay Men's Chorus

On May 18 I went to the Capital City Men's Chorus (CCMC) concert. 

I had not been to a concert in several years - since before the pandemic. 

I was so glad I went. 

It was an afternoon of beautiful music, heartfelt personal stories, and a wonderful sense of community and inclusivity. 

CCMC does not discriminate. 

You do not have to identify as gay, and you do not have to identify as male, to be a member of the chorus. 

You do have to be able to sing. 

And sing they did.  

If you have a Gay Men's Chorus in your city, go to a show. 

Support the arts in your community.

Now more than ever, support queer art where you live. 

Many programs are losing funding and need ticket sales and donations to remain operational. 

There are costs associated with choruses that many don't consider, such as venue rentals, paying musicians, printing programs, etcetera. 

I feel privileged to have a Gay Men's Chorus where I live, and I hope they have the opportunity to continue serenading the community for years to come. 

librarianintx

Me and the Queens

 I promise, all my posts for Pride month are not going to be about drag queens. 

Although they could be. :)

Anyway, here are some pictures of me meeting some of them. 

Most of the pictures are from Drag Race tour shows. 

The last picture is of me meeting Yvie Oddly at her book signing event. 

Two stories about me and queens. 

Story #1:

I met Eureka (blond in the red dress), who I absolutely adore!

After we hugged and took the picture and I told her I loved her, she said, 

"Girl, that hair color is everything!!"

It was one of the best moments OF MY LIFE!

A drag queen complimented my hair!

Life doesn't get much better than that. 

Story #2:

When I met Yvie, we did the sideways hug thing when we had our picture taken. 

Then she said to me, "Okay, now I need a real hug,"

And she gave me a full-on, just the right type of tight, big hug. 

It was wonderful. 

If you don't know Yvie, look for videos of her on YouTube. 

She has the most unique laugh I've ever heard. 

I love it. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Show Spotlight: "We're Here"

 Remember how I said in my last post that many queens from Ru Paul's Drag Race have gone on to star in other shows? 

Ladies and gentlemen, exhibit A: "We're Here."

We're Here was on for four seasons on HBO Max. 

The first three seasons starred Eureka, Shangela, and Bob the Drag Queen.

Season Four starred Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Jada Essence Hall. 

On the show, the drag queens traveled across the country, recruiting people (see what I did there?) to get drag queen makeovers and star in a town drag show. People from all walks of life, all genders, all colors - inclusive. 

True confessions - I have not watched Season Four yet. 

But I ADORED seasons one through three. 

So fun. 

So touching.

So much heart. 

So fabulous. 

These makeovers were transformative. 

I wish every homophobe was made to watch this show. 

Maybe it would change their narrow-minded views about gay people, especially about trans people. 

If you only watch two episodes, watch Florida Part One and Florida Part Two of Season Three.

But really, watch all of it. 

It will make you have all the feels.

Here's a clip from Season 1, with Hunter, and her Drag Mother Shangela: 

https://youtu.be/uBiLhWSl334?si=XerXSIUjVMxH04SD    

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Show Spotlight: "Ru Paul's Drag Race"

Happy LGBTQ+ Pride Month!

LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated every year during the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in 1969. 

You might be saying, "Why do you keep typing "LGBTQ+? We know what Pride is."

But Disability Pride is celebrated in July every year, so that's why I'm making the distinction. 

Ru Paul has been the face of drag for decades. 

His show, Ru Paul's Drag Race, began in America 18 seasons ago, and has since become a franchise and worldwide phenomenon. 

It is a weekly reality show where drag queens compete to win the title of "America's Favorite Drag Superstar" which includes a cash prize and gifts. 

It's a show filled with fun, camp, pain, heart, and fabulousness. 

There have also been "Drag Race All Star" seasons, Ru Paul's Drag U, Ru Paul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, and Ru Paul's Drag Race Global All Starts.

At least fifteen other countries have had their own Drag Race competitions. 

Ru Paul's Drag Race has won 27 Emmy Awards, and 6 MTV Movie & TV Awards, among other awards. 

Contestants from the show have used their exposure to carve out success in the entertainment industry, including touring; creating music, art, and fashion; appearing on Broadway; writing books; and staring in other television shows. 

Ru Paul's Drag Race will make you laugh, tear up, and show you how to "throw shade," "spill tea", and "be sickening." 

Check out Ru Paul's Drag Race on Paramount+.  

librarianintx