Queer Things to Do in Houston This Weekend, November 20 – 23 Your weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings.

The weekend begins with Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor lives lost to violence. Houston hosts several TDOR events alongside a full slate of queer gatherings, from Friendsgiving celebrations and arts premieres to block walks and holiday markets. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/quee...

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to confront a devastating reality: anti-trans violence continues to claim lives across the globe. As we honor those we’ve lost, we also recognize the resilience, brilliance, and power of the community that continues to fight for a safer future.

Texas Cities Face Pressure to Roll Back Local LGBTQ Protections Texas cities are reassessing LGBTQ protections as federal and state pressure intensifies, leaving communities caught between funding concerns and the erosion of hard-won local safeguards.

Arlington’s debate over LGBTQ protections reflects a broader Texas trend as federal directives push cities to reconsider hard-won local safeguards. Advocates warn the impact could reach communities across the state. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...

Texas Law Forces Schools to Erase Trans Students’ Chosen Names As Texas schools implement SB 12, trans students report being deadnamed, teachers feel chilled, and families clash over “parental rights” and support for LGBTQ youth.

Texas schools enforcing SB 12 are now deadnaming some trans students and limiting support from teachers. Families and educators say the vague law fuels confusion and fear while LGBTQ students feel increasingly erased.
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...

Appeals Circuit Sends Gender Affirming Care Case Back for Review The Ninth Circuit upheld major parts of a lawsuit challenging Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois over gender affirming care exclusions and ordered renewed review of sex discrimination claims.

The Ninth Circuit has affirmed that third-party administrators can be liable under the Affordable Care Act's Section 1557 for discriminatory health plan exclusions and that RFRA is not a defense in private litigation. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/nint...

China Removes Two Leading Gay Dating Apps from Stores China’s removal of gay dating apps Blued and Finka deepens fears of a shrinking LGBTQ space as censorship and surveillance intensify under government control.

China pulled the gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its app stores, leaving millions of users without key digital spaces. Advocates say the removals show how queer visibility is being narrowed in a country where offline gathering places are already rare. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/chin...

Angels in America Soars Again at Houston’s Rec Room For the first time in over 30 years, Houston audiences will see Angels in America professionally staged—an ambitious Rec Room production led by co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt.

Houston’s Rec Room is taking on Angels in America, a seven-hour epic that hasn’t been professionally staged in the city for decades. Directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt transform their 60-seat theater into a world of politics, faith, and human change. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...

Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Precedent In a victory for LGBTQ rights, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to revisit its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, ensuring that marriage equality remains the law of the land.

The Supreme Court refused to reopen the fight over same-sex marriage, rejecting a challenge from former clerk Kim Davis. The justices’ decision keeps Obergefell v. Hodges in place, a major win for equality and a powerful reminder that love still prevails. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/supr...

The Harris County Democratic Party is holding a rally with Governor Gavin Newsom. RSVP at the link below to attend.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕥 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
(Doors open at 12:30)
📍 Location: upon RSVP
secure.ngpvan.com/V1oSOsxycUWv...

Court Allows Texas to Enforce Law Restricting Public Drag Shows A federal appeals court has allowed Texas to enforce a 2023 law restricting certain public drag performances, reversing an earlier ruling that found the measure unconstitutional.

A federal appeals court ruled that Texas can enforce its 2023 law restricting certain drag performances in public. The ACLU of Texas called the decision “heartbreaking” and pledged to keep fighting for LGBTQ artists and free expression. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/texa...

Houston Food Bank Expands Aid as SNAP Benefits Remain Suspended As the federal shutdown halts November SNAP benefits, Houston Food Bank is distributing food to about 15,000 households weekly, offering relief to families and federal workers.

Houston Food Bank is expanding emergency food distributions during the ongoing federal shutdown. The effort supports 15,000 households weekly with fresh produce, dairy, and proteins while SNAP benefits remain suspended. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/hous...

Taurus Full Moon Illuminates Truth, Change, and Emotional Clarity The Taurus full moon on November 5 encourages balance between stability and emotion. Across all signs, this lunation reveals what’s ready to shift, release, or come to light.

November’s Taurus full moon helps us balance emotion with practicality. Under its glow, each zodiac sign finds clarity about comfort, stability, and change. What’s surfacing for you, and what are you ready to release? www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/horo...

UPDATE: Alejandra Salinas Headed to Runoff For Houston City Council Alejandra Salinas, a Houston attorney and longtime advocate, is running for City Council At-Large Position 4, bringing her history of public service and legal victories to the campaign trail.

UPDATE: Alejandra Salinas advances to a runoff in the race for Houston City Council At-large Position 4. After gaining the most votes in the special election held on November 4, she'll face Dwight Boykins in the December 13 runoff. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/sali...

Grocery Buddy Steps Up as SNAP Delays Hit Texans Hard With uncertainty over SNAP benefits for millions of Texans, a new online platform called Grocery Buddy is providing fast, private grocery support—restoring hope and dignity to families facing food ins...

SNAP cuts left millions of Texans struggling to afford groceries. Enter Grocery Buddy, a Houston-born platform by Nina Quincy and Brent Friar that connects donors to recipients through direct, private grocery orders—fast, transparent, and judgment-free. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/groc...

Jonathan Bailey is the "Sexiest Man Alive," According to People Magazine People magazine has named Bridgerton and Wicked star Jonathan Bailey its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive—making him the first openly gay actor to receive the tongue-in-cheek honor.

People magazine just crowned Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. It’s historic—he’s the first openly gay actor to earn the title—and hilarious, given the “job” pays nothing and lasts only a year. Still, it looks great on a résumé. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/jona...

Angels in America Soars Again at Houston’s Rec Room For the first time in over 30 years, Houston audiences will see Angels in America professionally staged—an ambitious Rec Room production led by co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt.

For the first time in 30 years, Angels in America returns to Houston. Co-directors Matt Hune and Sophia Watt bring Tony Kushner’s epic to the Rec Room’s 60-seat stage, turning a monumental story into an intimate experience. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/11/ange...

A New Mural Honors the Lost Rainbow Crosswalk When Houston’s rainbow crosswalk was removed, muralist Nicky Davis teamed up with Korny Vibes Café to create a new mural celebrating pride, hope, and the city’s LGBTQ community.

When Houston’s rainbow crosswalk was removed, many felt a symbol of pride was lost. Artist Nicky Davis and Korny Vibes Café responded with a mural bursting with color and joy—reminding Montrose that community, love, and pride can never be painted out. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...

Houston Creates LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Role to Boost Opportunity Houston City Council member Mario Castillo announced a new LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator position to expand job access, business support, and city resources for LGBTQ youth and seniors.

Houston launched an LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator to strengthen access to jobs, business programs, and city services—helping LGBTQ youth and seniors build long-term economic stability. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...

Queer Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: 👻🎃 Halloween Edition Your weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings.

Houston’s queer Halloween weekend is packed!
Check out OutSmart’s Queer Things to Do: Halloween Edition for the best parties, performances, and community events around town. 👻🎃 Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of LGBTQ happenings! www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/quee...

Texas Judges May Refuse Same-Sex Weddings Under New Court Rule The Texas Supreme Court ruled that judges may refuse to perform same-sex weddings based on religious belief, a decision critics say weakens marriage equality and judicial impartiality.

The Texas Supreme Court now permits judges to abstain from performing same-sex weddings if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs. Advocates for marriage equality say the ruling weakens public faith in judicial impartiality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/texa...

Four Galas to Celebrate and Support Houston’s LGBTQ Community Four major LGBTQ galas this fall will raise funds for Houston’s nonprofits and advocacy groups, blending celebration with community impact to support health, education, and equality.

Four LGBTQ galas this fall will celebrate Houston’s legacy of giving and progress. Events hosted by The Diana Foundation, Avenue 360, Allies in Hope, and the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus raise funds for health, education, and equality. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/2025...

🌈 OutSmart Gayest & Greatest 2025 Readers' Choice Awards Party Support LGBTQ Journalism and Party

DON'T WAIT! Last call to get your tickets now and join us today from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach Houston for a night of glitz, glam, and gratitude as we celebrate Houston’s Gayest & Greatest — the people, places, and businesses that make our LGBTQ community shine. givebutter.com/AXqNAG

HRC and The Normal Anomaly Host a "Party with a Purpose" The Human Rights Campaign and The Normal Anomaly Initiative will host “Party with a Purpose,” blending entertainment, harm reduction, and education to support Houston’s LGBTQ communities.

The Human Rights Campaign and The Normal Anomaly host “Party with a Purpose” on Oct. 23 at Pause Nightclub—an evening of entertainment and education to promote harm reduction, sexual health, and empowerment for Houston’s Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/part...

Montrose Rainbow Crosswalks Removed, Stirring Outcry Houston’s Montrose neighborhood is reeling after the removal of its rainbow crosswalks. As of Tuesday, the intersection remains bare, symbolizing ongoing tension over visibility and control.

Montrose lost more than paint when the rainbow crosswalks came up; it lost a visible piece of its identity. The removal, ordered under state pressure, has drawn protests and renewed calls to protect spaces that reflect the city’s LGBTQ history. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/mont...

Ian L. Haddock Named to Out Magazine’s 2025 Out100 List OutSmart contributor Ian L. Haddock has been named to Out magazine’s 2025 Out100 list, recognizing leaders shaping LGBTQ advocacy, visibility, and cultural progress nationwide.

OutSmart contributor Ian L. Haddock joins Out magazine’s 2025 Out100, honoring influential LGBTQ advocates. The Houston activist and founder of The Normal Anomaly Initiative is recognized for advancing equality and visibility nationwide. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/ian-...

UPDATE: Katy Pride Relocates Celebration After Abrupt Venue Cancellation After Typhoon Texas canceled less than 72 hours before the event, Katy Pride organizers announced the celebration will move to Bear Creek Rodeo Arena this weekend.

Katy Pride will go on at Bear Creek Rodeo Arena following an abrupt venue change. Organizers report no credible threats and say the celebration will keep its family-friendly programming, centering inclusion and a welcoming environment for the whole community. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/katy...

In Loving Memory: Lilly Roddy It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our long-time friend and colleague, Lilly Roddy, who died yesterday at the age of 73.

It is with great sadness that we share that OutSmart magazine's iconic astrologer and beloved friend Lilly Roddy has passed away at the age of 73. We will update information when it becomes available. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/lill...

🌈 OutSmart Gayest & Greatest 2025 Readers' Choice Awards Party Support LGBTQ Journalism and Party

Celebrate Houston’s Gayest & Greatest—the people, places, and businesses that make our community shine.

Every ticket supports the OutSmart Foundation, funding independent LGBTQ news and media initiatives that amplify our community’s stories. givebutter.com/AXqNAG

Legendary Transgender Activist Miss Major Dies at 78 Legendary trans activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Stonewall veteran and champion for Black trans women, has died at 78. Her lifelong fight for justice transformed LGBTQ history.

A giant of queer liberation has passed. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy—activist, mentor, and Stonewall veteran—devoted her life to protecting Black trans women and fighting injustice wherever it appeared.
www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/miss...

Erasing Color, Erasing Community: Houston’s Rainbow Crosswalks and the Fight for Visibility Houston’s rainbow crosswalks were created to honor a life lost, not to make a political statement. Now, after Governor Abbott ordered their removal, community leaders say the move represents a deeper ...

Houston’s rainbow crosswalks were built for safety and remembrance, not politics. Now, Gov. Abbott’s order to remove them has sparked outrage and renewed calls for LGBTQ visibility and belonging in Texas. www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/10/hous...