Queer Voices 12/18/24: Playwright Isaac Gómez and activist powerhouse Tori Williams

12/19/24 • 57 min

Playwright Isaac Gómez joins us to explore their latest theatrical creation, "The Night Shift Before Christmas," a one-woman holiday comedy that transforms the stage at the Alley Theatre into a fast food joint on Christmas Eve. Inspired by personal experiences in Texas, Isaac crafts a modern rendition of "A Christmas Carol," focusing on Margot, who is working the graveyard shift for the holiday. This heartfelt tribute to Houston invites listeners to engage with themes of resilience and the unseen stories of those who work tirelessly during times when everyone else is off enjoying family.
Our journey continues with a deep dive into the world of playwriting and identity, where we uncover the collaborative process behind a fresh adaptation of a classic tale. Discover how a playwright's upbringing in a border town and life-shaping events, such as the tragic loss of a friend, have influenced their storytelling. They share their process of weaving narratives that address exploitation and working-class struggles while also reflecting on the lighter tones of their current project and the contemporary writers who inspire their work. Isaac identifies as non-binary, and we discuss that at the interview's conclusion.
Finally, we shine a light on the impactful efforts of Tori Williams and the Ryan White Planning Council. Delve into the evolution of HIV care and funding from grassroots efforts to the introduction of life-changing antiretroviral medications. Through an oral history initiative, the episode aims to preserve the powerful narratives of those affected by the AIDS epidemic, with a particular focus on documenting the experiences of transgender individuals. Our discussion emphasizes the critical need for ongoing community support and accessible healthcare, highlighting both the challenges and advancements in combating the HIV epidemic today.

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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12/11/24 Queer Voices: Artists Nick Vaughn and Jake Margolis and author Zachary Steele

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Wce speak with artists Nick Vaughan & Jake Margolin are Houston-based interdisciplinary artists creating an ongoing series of fifty installations made in response to little-known pre-Stonewall queer histories from each state. This multi-decade endeavor draws from recent groundbreaking academic work, the artists’ own archival research, and significant time spent learning from and collaborating with local LGBTQ community members.

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January 15, 2025 Queer Voices Your Astrological Forecast with Lilly Roddy

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Join us for an astrological journey as we welcome the insightful astrologer Lilly Roddy, who unpacks the cosmic shifts of 2025. Discover how this year's significant retrogrades, including those of Mars and Venus, may impact your personal and professional life by causing delays and prompting re-evaluations. Explore the rare simultaneous transitions of outer planets like Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, and what these shifts could mean for global and cultural transformations. With historical references such as the parallels to Bill Clinton's administration, Lily provides a unique perspective on how these celestial movements historically correlate with societal changes.
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As we look ahead to 2025, Lily offers tailored forecasts for Capricorns, Aquarians, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. Whether you're a Capricorn reassessing your career and family dynamics or an Aquarian entering a transformative phase, understand how Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus will shape your year. Find out how Jupiter's transition into Cancer promises growth, and why Leos, Virgos, Libras, and Scorpios should embrace these cosmic changes for personal development. Dive into these astrological insights and prepare to navigate the dynamic shifts of 2025 with confidence.

Queer Voices - Queer Voices 12/18/24: Playwright Isaac Gómez and activist powerhouse Tori Williams

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.661

Hello everybody , this is Queer Voices , a podcast version of a broadcast radio show that's been on the air in Houston , texas , for several decades . This week , brett Cullum talks with playwright Isaac Gomez . He wrote the Alley Theatre's holiday show , the Night Shift Before Christmas , which runs until the 29th . This is a spoof of A Christmas Carol .

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