All Posts By

Kelsey Gledhill

Racing to the Top: How Arqueze Girdy is Transforming the World of Rodeo

Posted on March 4, 2019
A photo of transgender rodeo competitor Arqueze Girdy.

“I’m always on my way to a rodeo,” says Arqueze Girdy. “Today, it’s Liberty.” The 27-year-old barrel racer graciously made time to meet me while traveling to east Texas for the next stop on her jam-packed weekend rodeo circuit. We hoist ourselves into the front seat of her Dodge dually pickup truck—which, by the way, is hooked to a 20-foot aluminum trailer carrying her beloved competition horses—and quickly dive into conversation. Her delicate voice is grounded in a steady, welcoming…

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Talk Derby To Me: Meet Retired Skater Pseudonym

Posted on May 18, 2018
A photo of retired Bayou City Boss skater Pseudonym.

When you think of roller derby, safe is probably the furthest word from your mind. Between the jams, blocks, and hip checks, the physical athleticism required definitely deems it a rough-and-tumble sport. Surprisingly enough, however, Houston Roller Derby (HRD) has not only created a safe space for its members, but a welcoming community for skaters, volunteers, and fans alike. I had the pleasure of catching up with retired Bayou City Bosses skater and blocker Suzie Sheldon, aka Pseudonym, to discuss…

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Out Loud: Musician Stephanie Rice is the Voice of the Next LGBTQ Generation

Posted on April 27, 2018
A photo of out musician Stephanie Rice.

We all need a voice—whether it’s our own or that of another—to lift us up, to comfort our hearts, and to bring us together. Through her incredible music and inspiring personal journey, Stephanie Rice is that voice for many LGBTQ millennials. Her singing chops aren’t that bad either. In May 2017, she finished in the top 11 of The Voice Season 12 and has since gone on to further her career as a professional singer-songwriter and musician.…

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Talk Derby To Me: Meet Houston Roller Derby Production Manager Sweetie Todd

Posted on March 28, 2018
A photo of Houston Roller Derby's Sweetie Todd

“I wish I would’ve found it when I was a little younger,” laughs Belinda Pedraza, AKA Sweetie Todd. At age 55, she’s one of the oldest members of Houston Roller Derby (HRD), but arguably one of the most versatile. Sweetie joined the league over a decade ago and has been happily ingrained in the female-dominated sport ever since, volunteering her time first as a medic, then skater, official, coach, and now production manager.…

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This Ain’t My First Rodeo: The Problem With Your Cowboy Drag

Posted on March 15, 2018
A photo from Rodeo Houston.

It’s March, and in Houston, that means three things: annoyingly ambivalent weather, springing our clocks ahead for the dreaded tradition of daylight saving time, and the most popular of the three by a long shot, Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo. Talk about tradition, this three-week-long event (celebrating 86 years this month) brings in over two million attendees every year and has committed more than $430 million to youth since its inception. No wonder it’s known far and wide as the…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Brawler Jammer Arrak-Kiss

Posted on January 30, 2018
A photo of HRD Brawler Arrak-Kiss.

“It’s the last jam of the 2017 championship...two minutes left, your HRD Brawlers and undefeated Psych Ward Sirens are neck and neck...get on your feet, Houston!” veteran Houston Roller Derby announcer Scarlet O’Hurtya yells out with anxious enthusiasm. Wild cheers from fans vibrate Revention Music Center. My ears are ringing, my legs are throbbing from jumping up and down, and my homemade poster is ripped at each side from my clenched fists. Brawler jammer Arrak-Kiss and Siren jammer Black Lung…

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Talk Derby to Me: Out Houston Roller Derby Skater Chats Life On and Off the Track

Posted on August 7, 2017
Houston Roller Derby teams the Brawlers take on the Psych Ward Sirens at Revention Music Center.

“I was recovering from foot surgery in 2010 and saw Whip It—the movie that I swear changes everybody’s life,” recalls Punch. “I Googled Houston Roller Derby and ended up going to watch my first bout...it was fantastic.” A week later, she bought a pair of skates and has been all in ever since—becoming one of the most-skilled blockers in the league and for her home team, the 2017 championship-bound Brawlers.…

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Breaking The Norm: Defying Tradition to Find Truth

Posted on June 30, 2017
Breaking the Norm: Defying Tradition to Find Truth. A photo of Kelsey Gledhill, co-founder of Spectrum South and a queer woman from Texas.

When you come from a conventional place dominated by conventional people, it can be hard to break the mold. It almost becomes second nature to want to graduate high school, get married (to a man), have children, vote Republican, and run to Wal-Mart. Tempting, I know. But I powered through, and when it came time for college, I happily went on my way.…

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