OutSmart Magazine

10/01/2025

Just in time for National LGBTQ History Month, Montrose’s iconic rainbow crosswalks are shining once again at Westheimer and Taft!

Temporarily removed for construction, the six-color landmark has been fully restored—reaffirming Montrose as the heart of Houston’s LGBTQ community. Originally installed in 2017 to honor Alex Hill, the crosswalks remain a powerful symbol of pride, remembrance, and resilience.

09/30/2025

Clarence Thomas says Supreme Court precedent isn’t “the gospel” and shouldn’t be followed if it “doesn’t make any sense.” LGBTQ advocates are raising alarms as conservative pressure mounts to revisit the court’s 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

Justice Clarence Thomas said precedent isn’t “the gospel,” raising fresh concerns about marriage equality as conservative states and activists push the court to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges.

09/29/2025

From lifesaving advocacy to fearless leadership, Atlantis Narcisse and Brad Pritchett will be recognized at the Montrose Center’s annual gala, which fuels programs that support Houston’s LGBTQ community.

The Montrose Center’s 2025 Out for Good gala honors Atlantis Narcisse and Brad Pritchett for their leadership in advancing Houston’s LGBTQ community.

09/29/2025

The Texas Tech University System has directed faculty across its five campuses to restrict classroom discussion of transgender and nonbinary identities. Students, professors, and free speech advocates warn the vague policy amounts to unconstitutional censorship and will further harm LGBTQ students.

The Texas Tech University System directed faculty to restrict classroom discussion of transgender and nonbinary identities, sparking backlash from free speech groups, legal experts, and LGBTQ advocates.

09/27/2025

When Catalina Seymour-Alexander takes the stage, she scorches. This Houston-born dancer turned drag diva blends high kicks, spins, and cultural pride into showstopping performances that celebrate her Latina heritage and LGBTQ community.

Houston’s Catalina Seymour-Alexander is a dancer turned drag diva whose Latinx pride, powerful performances, and dazzling pageant wins make her one of the city’s most magnetic entertainers.

09/26/2025

OutSmart is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Houston GSWS Gay Softball World Series, which kicked off in Houston on September 22 with the “Opening Stampede.” The event welcomed athletes and supporters from across the country for a weeklong tournament filled with competition and community. For the full photo gallery, visit our site: tinyurl.com/mtcfbe2r

09/26/2025

A familiar Montrose address is getting a new chapter. Jeff Harmon is opening Varsity Bar at the former Eagle Houston site, blending sports, music, and live entertainment. The refreshed space honors Montrose’s LGBTQ legacy while creating new opportunities for community connection.

Jeff Harmon’s Varsity Bar opens at the former Eagle Houston site, honoring Montrose’s LGBTQ legacy while adding a fresh mix of sports, music, and entertainment.

09/25/2025

Q***r Things to Do in Houston This Weekend, September 25–28! Your guide to Houston’s LGBTQ events and community highlights: tinyurl.com/OSMQQtoDo
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Your weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings.

09/24/2025

The 2025 Houston GSWS Gay Softball World Series opened in Houston with the “Opening Stampede,” welcoming athletes nationwide in a weeklong tournament. For full photo gallery, visit our site: tinyurl.com/2ua###b6

09/23/2025

For more than three decades, OutSmart has chronicled the struggles, victories, and vibrant lives of Houston’s LGBTQ community. Now, thanks to local historian JD Doyle and the Invisible Histories Project, every issue has been digitized. The full archive offers a vital resource for researchers, community members, and future generations.

With support from the Invisible Histories Project, historian JD Doyle has digitized OutSmart’s archives, preserving more than 30 years of Houston’s LGBTQ history in one accessible online collection.

09/23/2025

Ryan Williams discovered his love for dance at age 3. Now he brings passion and artistry to Houston Ballet’s Rock, Roll & Tutus. LGBTQ audiences and friends are invited to Out at the Ballet, a special reception before the September 26 performance.

Ryan Williams, a corps de ballet dancer with Houston Ballet, shines in Rock, Roll & Tutus, a program mixing classical elegance with Rolling Stones-inspired contemporary flair.

09/23/2025

The opening ceremony of the Gay Softball World Series brought teams and fans together in true Houston style, and the energy filled every corner of the 713 Music Hall. The celebration continues with the after-party at JR's Houston 808 Pacific St, from 10pm to 2am.