October 4th 2023 Queer Voices Montrose Center ED Ann Robison, Pride president Kendra Walker

10/05/23 • 60 min

We speak with the Montrose Center's Executive Director Ann Robinson. She will be retiring soon and we catch up with her about her 35 years at the Center and what is next. The Montrose Center opened in 1978 as Montrose Counseling Center (MCC), after the widely successful Town Meeting I at the Astro Arena.

The Center faced many financial burdens in its formative years, particularly because of the high cost of providing health insurance for its employees living with HIV/AIDS. In the 1990s the Center became one of the first places in Houston to offer temporary housing to gay men and transgender people. In 2013, the Center changed its name from Montrose Counseling Center to the Montrose Center, as services had evolved beyond just counseling and wanted people to feel they could come to the Center for services other than mental health.

Today, the Montrose Center serves as a community hub, with a long, proud history of empowering LGBTQ Houston since 1978.
Guest: Ann Robinson
https://montrosecenter.org/

We get up close and personal with Kendra Walker, a dynamo businesswoman, entrepreneur, and community leader hailing from Jackson, Mississippi. Rising from her humble beginnings to the top, Kendra opens up about her dedication to self-care and how her unstoppable work ethic has catapulted her to success. Uncover more about her upcoming events in Houston, her unprecedented contributions to Pride Houston, and her tireless initiatives aimed at supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
And as we wrap up, we cast a lens onto the grim reality of Anti-LGBTQ Abuses in Uganda, providing a broader perspective on the global challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Kendra’s thoughts on this issue, and her challenges to us all to step up as active change-makers, are not to be missed. Join us as we celebrate the resilience of the Montrose Center's staff and emphasize the importance of continuous support for the LGBTQ+ community. An episode brimming with inspiring stories, insights, and calls to action, this is one you wouldn't want to miss!
Guest: Kendra Walker
https://pridehouston365.org/

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:
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Today, the Montrose Center serves as a community hub, with a long, proud history of empowering LGBTQ Houston since 1978.
Guest: Ann Robinson
https://montrosecenter.org/

Previous Episode

September 27th 2023 Queer Voices Actor Charles Busch, Attorney Chris Bacon, author Lee Ingalls

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We speak with Chris Bacon about the recent Supreme Court decision allowing businesses to discriminate against LGBT people. Can you imagine a world where businesses are legally allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation? The Supreme Court's recent ruling permitting such discrimination has sent ripples through the global LGBTQ community and beyond. We invite you to sit down with us as we unpack this ruling with Houston attorney Chris Bacon, providing a comprehensive analysis of the 303 Creative LLC versus Elenis case.
Guest: Chris Bacon
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-476_c185.pdf
Our exploration into the 303 Creative case opens up a Pandora's box of potential consequences. With the skilled guidance of our guest Mr. Bacon, we navigate the choppy legal waters to understand the precedents set by West Virginia v. Barnett, discerning its differences with the current case. Discover how this ruling could serve as an open invitation for litigants to refuse goods and services to LGBTQ Americans, posing a stark challenge to the principle of equality. As we delve into these contentious issues, we also weave through Mr. Ingles' personal journey of self-discovery, his decision to pen his life story, and his unique perspective on the significance of the Little House and Prairie Books for the LGBTQIA Plus community.
We speak with Lee Ingalls author of "Ingalls on the Prairie: The Gene and Fern Ingalls Story". R. Lee Ingalls is part of the famous family Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about in her series of beloved books. Lee describes himself as more of a story teller rather than an author. He often says Laura Ingalls was part of the fabric of America as it was populating and moving westward. Her life and experience didn’t differ much from most living at that time, but the remarkable act was she documented the journey. That is what Lee is doing with his new work. He is continuing the legacy Laura began by telling the life experiences of his parents.
Guest: Lee Ingalls
https://ingallsontheprairie.com/about-the-author-r-lee-ingalls/
Moving from the courts to the theater, we offer a tantalizing glimpse into Charles Busch's new play, Ibsen's Ghost. Unravel the intricacies of the story, the production process, and the creative symbiosis between Charles and the director, Carl. Lastly, we venture onto the global stage, examining the implications of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ equality and rights. We discuss the impact of discriminatory statements from world leaders, celebrate victories like the legal recognition of lesbian mothers, and mourn setbacks like the ban on queer student groups. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through the complex and often challenging world of LGBTQ rights and representation.
Guest: Charles Busch
https://www.charlesbusch.com/

Next Episode

October 11th 2023 Queer Voices Katy pride president, drag performer Chloe Knox, artist Hunny Marie

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We speak with Amanda Rose, president of Katy Pride, and their plans for this event. Anticipate a weekend filled with advocacy, acceptance, and celebration as she unveils a sneak peek into the lineup of vendors, riveting entertainment, and the cascading events from the kick-off party at Postino Cinco Ranch to the after-party at the First Christian Church of Katy.
Guest: Amanda Rose
https://fcckaty.org/katypride/
Next, we shift gears into a world bedazzled with sequins and feathers, as David Sartie, a.k.a. Chloe Knox, takes us down a captivating journey into the realm of drag pageantry. Listen closely as David unveils how at the tender age of 15, he stepped into the spotlight of drag and how it played a pivotal role in his personal and professional trajectory. Learn about David's experiences with homophobia and the reflective role of his mother's support. Get a glimpse of his flair for fashion as he navigates through his unique drag style.
Guest: Chloe Knox
http://www.missgayamerica.com/chloe-knox.html
And finally, step into the shoes of the multifarious Hunny Marie - a socialite, realtor, and artist. Join us as we walk through the pages of her book, 'She's a Runner, She's a Trackstar: How Love Became an Anchor,' and discover how her past experiences shaped this poignant tale. Engage with her advocacy for mental health awareness and her upcoming book tour. Be sure not to miss out as Honey invites us all to her book launch on October 22nd, and shares a portal to her online world. Buckle up, beloved listeners, as this episode is an adventure you don't want to miss.
Guest: Hunny Marie
https://www.hunnymarie.com/

Queer Voices - October 4th 2023 Queer Voices Montrose Center ED Ann Robison, Pride president Kendra Walker

Transcript

Glenn Holt00:00:00.661

Hello everybody , this is Queer Voices , a home-produced podcast that has grown out of a radio show that's been on the air in Houston , texas , for several decades . This week , brian Levinca talks with Dr Anne Robison , the retiring CEO of Houston's Montrose Center .

Ann Robinson00:00:20.620

It was first started to be just an affirming place for LGBTQ people