The strength of queer resilience shines through in this powerful episode featuring two remarkable Texans taking bold stands in hostile territory. Representative Jolanda Jones pulls back the curtain on the disturbing reality of Texas politics, where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant assault and even moderate Republicans vote for discriminatory legislation out of fear of being "primaried" by extremists. As Texas' first openly queer Black representative, Jones shares her remarkable journey from ally to advocate, including her groundbreaking decision to hire an openly transgender person while serving on Houston's city council years before such actions were commonplace.
"Every day there was an attack on LGBTQ rights," Jones reveals with candid frustration about the recent legislative session. Her piercing question to Republican colleagues—"What is this fixation you have with who you think I sleep with?"—exposes the bizarre obsession underlying much anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Now running for Congressional District 18, Jones aims to become the first openly Black LGBTQ+ person in Congress, continuing her lifelong fight for equality and representation.
The episode transitions from political battlegrounds to creative expression with Joel Sandel, a veteran of Houston's theater scene currently starring as the Wizard in AD Players' spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz. Sandel explores why this classic story has become "the storybook for our community," with its themes of chosen family, belonging, and self-acceptance resonating deeply with queer experiences. The production itself mirrors this blending of traditional and progressive values, maintaining the beloved story while incorporating spectacular new elements like flying characters and restored musical numbers.
Both conversations illuminate different facets of queer existence in Texas—the political fight for basic rights and the cultural expressions that sustain the soul. As Jones powerfully summarizes: "Queer people are no different than straight people. We want families, jobs, happiness... We're just like you. We just happen to love the people that we love." Listen now for an uplifting reminder that whether in legislative chambers or on stage, queer voices will not be silenced.
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:
https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/
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