Sam’s Out-Smart Articles

 

Sam Byrd is a freelance contributor to Outsmart who loves to take in all of Houston’s sights, sounds, food and fun. He also loves helping others to discover Houston’s rich culture. Speaking of Houston, he’s never heard a Whitney Houston song he didn’t like. For more about Sam, visit “The Byrd Man Brings It On.” PS – Sam also contributes to the Houston Press.

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January 4, 2021 – All Hail the Queen – Hu’Nee B is a ruler of Texas’ pageant scene.

December 2, 2020 – Pandemic Party Planner – Taylor DeMartino keeps it glitzy in spite of the restrictions.

December 1, 2020 – Persistent Performer – Even in the face of adversity, nothing stops Regina Dane.

November 2, 2020 – Picking Up Where ‘Little House’ Left Off –  R. Lee Ingalls pens a book about his famous prairie family.

November 2, 2020 – Helping Couples through the Holidays – Mental-health therapist Ty David Lerman shares his family survival tips.

November 2, 2020 – The Mouth of the South – Lana Blake is well known for her outspoken attitude.

October 2, 2020 – Gayest & Greatest 2020: Drinks and Spirits – Reyna Rodriguez keeps things shaking at Hamburger Mary’s.

October 2, 2020 – Order in the Court – Judge Kelli Johnson is slated to again serve Texas’ 178th District Court.

August 11, 2020 – WhataQueen – To get to know Angelina DM Trailz, look no further than her ubiquitous social-media presence.

August 3, 2020 – Music to Our Ears  –  Steven Reineke leads the Houston Symphony’s POPS series.

August 3, 2020 – Singing Out Loud – Choir teacher and drag performer Sean Saunders hits all the right notes.

August 3, 2020 – Making Fetish Fashionable – ’80s rebellion lives on in Marcus Pontello’s new clothing line and music documentary.

July 9, 2020 – Nuptials for the New Normal  – Josue Hernandez and Jason Trippier tied the knot as friends joined them via Zoom.

July 6, 2020 – The Bearded Beauty of Texas – Blackberri is the gender-bending barrel of laughs who sports the whiskers of ZZ Top and the demeanor of Lucille Ball.

July 2, 2020 – Taking a Stand against Injustice – Lesbian lawyer Tatiaunna Holland defends those affected by police brutality.

June 4, 2020 – Finding a Home in Houston – CityBook’s Jeff Gremillion keeps it real while covering the local luxury-lifestyle scene.

June 4, 2020 – Standing up for Equality – Sports editor and LGBTQ ally Jenny Dial Creech advocates for progress at The Athletic Houston.

June 3, 2020 – Pioneering Performer – New biography follows trans entertainer Dina Jacobs’ courageous journey.

June 3, 2020 – Kofi Keeps It Piping Hot – This seasoned queen keeps the nights entertaining in the gayborhood.

May 21, 2020 – Classical Music and Modern Literature Share Stage In Symphony’s Livestream [UPDATED] – Now entering its fourth week, Houston Symphony is sliding into home base with the finale of its Living Room Series.

May 4, 2020 –  Drag Goes Emo with Belial – She’s an artsy performer with a flair for the emotional.

April 30, 2020 – Cooking up a BusinessChef Tae’s 210 Fusion Cuisine delivers unique comfort food.

April 21, 2020 – Big, Bearded, and BusyBarbara Coa is a videographer by day, and a drag queen by night.

April 3, 2020 – A Rose by Any Other Name April showers may bring May flowers, but this bouquet blooms year-round.

April 3, 2020 – From Vine to Vine – Marc Borel pours the perfect glass.

April 3, 2020 – Catching Up with Peppermint – Drag Race’s first openly trans contestant continues breaking barriers.

February 13, 2020 – A Jewel to Behold – Meet Athena S. Sapphire, a goddess tucked into a showgirl’s body..

February 3, 2020 – COVER STORY: Love Bugs – Ruben Salazar and Tristan Erickson turn insects into art.

February 3, 2020 – The Art of Dumplings – Michael Dorsey and Chih Lin’s cooking classes satisfy an appetite for fun.

February 3, 2020 – Leading Ladies of LGBTQ Philanthropy – Sallie and Carol Wyatt-Woodell are passionate about supporting their community.

February 3, 2020 – Balancing Business and Pleasure – Jeff Harmon and Anthony Villarreal are the busy couple behind ReBar Houston.

January 13, 2020 – A Hard Knox Life – Meet Chloe Knox, Houston’s most statuesque drag queen.

January 1, 2020 – Wellness Warriors– Barry’s instructors recount their journeys to fitness.

January 1, 2020 – Shiny Crowns and Sparkly Gowns – ERSICSS celebrates 35 years of supporting the community.

December 9, 2019 – Meet The Gay-Owned Company Behind Almost Every Holiday Display in Houston – Always In Season makes Space City sparkle.

November 21, 2019 – Picturing Progress in AIDS Treatments – Acclaimed photojournalist Smiley Pool documents families affected by HIV and AIDS.

October 9, 2019 – Gayest & Greatest: Community – MSLA hits a homer with local sports fans.

September 18, 2019 – Creativity in Motion – Meet Matt Johns, the man behind the experiential art.

August 19, 2019 – Does a Bear Float in the Woods? – The Houston Bears social club invites members and friends to New Braunfels next month for their annual event.

August 12, 2019 – 50 Years of Revolution: A Playlist of Emotions – Steven Evans’ exhibit sheds light on LGBTQ life after Stonewall.

July 4, 2019 – AIDS Foundation Houston Names John Huckaby as its New CEO – The not-so-newcomer has been associated with the org since the early ’90s.

July 4, 2019 – The He(ART) of the Matter – Galveston Arts Center curator Dennis Nance stitches together unique contemporary art.