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Megan Smith

Dear Somebody: The Mahogany Project Centers QPOC Narratives in New Visibility Campaign

Posted on June 27, 2018

A photo of the Mahogany Project's new visibility campaign, Dear Somebody

Verniss McFarland III is tired of queer Black and Brown stories taking a backseat. For the past year, McFarland has worked to uplift these voices through their work as founder of The Mahogany Project, a Houston-based nonprofit focused on bridging the gap between empowerment and education in Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. McFarland now seeks to bring these narratives to the forefront with the launch of the organization’s new visibility campaign, Dear Somebody: The Voices Once Unheard.…

Transouthern Youth: Meet Spencer Ray

Posted on May 30, 2018

Twenty-year-old Spencer Ray is rooted deep in the heart of East Texas. While he’s entering his senior year as a business management student at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Ray has found more than a career path in the Piney Woods—he’s found pride and strength in his identity as a bisexual, transgender man.…

When They Tell Us Fat Bodies Ain’t: This Atlanta Model is Changing the Plus-Size Narrative

Posted on May 25, 2018

A photo of plus-size models in "When They Tell Us Fat Bodies Ain't."

Miss Eaves’ 2017 hit song “Thunder Thighs”—which became a summer anthem for thick girls everywhere—reverberates through the speakers. Five plus-size models, dressed head-to-toe in vintage ‘80s fashion, strike poses that shamelessly show off the self-love they hold for their bodies (and give Olivia Newton John a run for her money).…

Transouthern Youth: Meet Niko Gonzalez

Posted on April 16, 2018

A photo of transouthern youth Niko Gonzalez.

High school sophomore Niko Gonzalez is a one-man revolution. At age 16, this openly trans and gay teenager is sending ripples through his Catholic school and diocese, challenging restroom regulation, and simultaneously paving the way for future generations of queer students.…

The Floor is Hers: Morena Roas Brings Hype to Houston’s Music Scene

Posted on March 26, 2018

The lights are low, but the energy is high as a hot Afrobeat hits the speakers at Houston’s Guava Lamp Lounge. Morena Roas takes the stage, grabs the mic, and the real fun begins. Her hip-hop vocals are laced with international flair, and fill the room with a salty sweet vibe. The floor is hers.…

Hear Me: The T.R.U.T.H. Project Puts LGBTQ Youth of Color and Ally Voices Center Stage

Posted on March 13, 2018

A photo of LGBTQ youth from Hear Me of The T.R.U.T.H. Project.

On February 24, LGBTQ and allied youth artists stood side-by-side, center stage at Houston’s MATCH with one declaration: “HEAR ME.” Their voices were shared as part of The T.R.U.T.H. Project’s first-ever installment that incorporated storytelling by LGBTQ youth and allies. Through intimate spoken word, movement, song, and visual art, this next generation of voices addressed and challenged stigma, rose above adversity, and united themselves with the audience for an incredible journey.…

Transouthern Youth: Meet Gwen Lambert

Posted on January 3, 2018

A photo of non-binary transouthern youth Gwen Lambert.

Gwen Lambert believes in trying on labels. As part of their gender exploration, they’ve adopted several labels, only to find most didn’t fit quite right. Now, at age 18, the high school senior has finally found comfort and confidence in their identity as a non-binary, bisexual person.…

Transouthern Youth: Meet Lily Pando

Posted on October 19, 2017

Lily Pando tucks a strand of bright pink hair behind her ear before she speaks. I’ve just asked her if she knows where she’ll be attending college—such a mom question, I know. “I don’t know where I want to go to school yet,” she responds. “But I’m definitely on that track.”…

Your Friendly Neighborhood Queer: Rooster Teeth’s Mariel Salcedo

Posted on September 29, 2017

A photo of Mariel Salcedo on Always Open on Rooster Teeth.

Mariel Salcedo has become a Rooster Teeth fan favorite, previously producing and guest starring in the now cult classic, Free Play, before taking on her current role on Always Open. For the production company’s LGBTQ devotees, however, she’s more than a comedic Internet celebrity—she’s someone they can connect to on a deeper level, someone they can call their own.…

Transouthern Youth: Meet Landon Richie

Posted on August 30, 2017

A photo of Houston transgender youth Landon Richie.

To his 26,000 Instagram followers, Houstonian Landon Richie embodies confidence—his posts are eloquent and encouraging, his face smiling and strong. In person, Richie is just as self-aware. He chats effortlessly about his activism, identity, and passions. It’s not until his mom, Erika, mentions an upcoming school band practice that I’m reminded the savvy individual sitting across from me is only 14 years old.…

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Megan Smith

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