OutSmart Magazine

09/05/2025

Couldn’t get your votes in? We’ve got you covered! 🌈🗳️ Voting for OutSmart’s Gayest & Greatest 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards is officially EXTENDED until Sunday, Sept. 7. Let’s celebrate the best of Houston’s LGBTQ community together! Cast your vote: outsmartmagazine.com/gg2025

09/05/2025

Houston artist DJ Morrow proves that balloons aren’t just for parties. His large-scale fine art and protest installations have tackled grief, identity, and the state of society. From Sept. 19–21, Houstonians can see his newest piece—The Fount of Our Despair—at the iconic Beer Can House. Described by Morrow as a “cool, spooky fantasy scene,” the installation blends whimsy with urgency in a way only he can deliver.

DJ Morrow uses balloons to create fine art with a political edge, from immersive installations to protest pieces, challenging viewers to respond and rethink their world.

09/04/2025

For 30 years, Dessert Gallery has been Houston’s “Cafe of Love,” a space where first dates, milestones, and everyday joys are celebrated. To mark its anniversary, the bakery is inviting Houstonians to share their sweetest memories in the Cafe of Love Contest, including Love Wins!, a special highlight of LGBTQ stories that have shaped its history. Share your story for a chance to win: https://dessertgallery.com/pages/cafe-of-love-giveaway. The last day for submissions is Friday, September 5!

Dessert Gallery celebrates 30 years with its Cafe of Love Contest, inviting Houstonians to share their sweetest memories and spotlighting LGBTQ love stories through its Love Wins! campaign.

09/04/2025

Texas lawmakers have passed one of the harshest anti-trans bathroom bills in the nation. It blocks transgender people from using gender-appropriate restrooms, locker rooms, and housing, while imposing record fines on public institutions. Advocates warn it will fuel harassment and violence, not safety.

Texas passed an anti-trans bathroom bill banning transgender people from gender-appropriate restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and prison housing. Advocates warn it fuels danger, not safety.

08/31/2025

Vote daily through September 5 and make sure your favorites get the recognition they deserve. Shine a Light on Houston’s LGBTQ Leaders! The Gayest & Greatest Awards celebrate the best of Houston’s q***r community. Visit our site to vote daily: tinyurl.com/OSMGG2025

08/31/2025

Vote Daily! https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2025/08/gg2025-2/

08/31/2025

Pure for Men celebrated 10 years with its biggest event yet—a splashy anniversary pool party at Montrose Country Club on August 23. The afternoon featured live entertainment, food, drinks, giveaways, and community connection, honoring a decade of LGBTQ visibility, wellness, and advocacy. For full photo gallery: tinyurl.com/4s8s4bcu

08/30/2025

American Psycho The Musical slashes into Houston September 2–14 at the Hobby Center. Presented by Houston Broadway Theatre, this bold production blends Duncan Sheik’s score with ’80s hits in a satirical take on identity, ambition, and the American dream. Read more: tinyurl.com/vhr5wast

08/30/2025

Pride Houston 365 is inviting local LGBTQ artists, designers, and visionaries to help shape the theme of the 2026 celebration through a logo contest. The winning design will be featured on official Pride Houston 48 merchandise, promotional materials, and festival branding.

Pride Houston 365 is inviting LGBTQ artists and designers to submit logo ideas for the 2026 theme, with the winning design featured on merchandise and promotions.

08/30/2025

The Heights just got a little more colorful. The Feisty Collective, founded by Kris Owens, is more than a shop—it’s a community space spotlighting q***r artists, makers, and joy. From handmade goods to drag shows and family-friendly events, Feisty is building connections that go beyond shopping. Owens’s mission is clear: create a place where everyone feels loved, seen, and part of something bigger. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ye763zun

08/29/2025

Thunderclap Productions presents Aaron Alon’s The Chosen Ones — a bold new musical that takes on conversion therapy with heart, humor, and humanity. Follow six LGBTQ teens at a so-called “conversion camp,” led by an “ex-gay pastor,” as they navigate anger, hope, fear, and joy through 12 original songs. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/vt3sprfc

08/29/2025

The Texas House passed SB8, advancing a transgender bathroom ban farther than ever before. Amendments raise civil penalties to $25,000 for first offenses and $125,000 for second. Advocates warn the bill promotes discrimination and endangers transgender Texans.

The Texas House passed SB8 today, marking the first time a transgender bathroom ban has advanced this far in the state's legislative process since initial attempts began in 2017. The bill now returns to the Senate due to House amendments that significantly increased civil penalties to $25,000 for fi