Talking ... Black, gay C&W rapper Lil Nas X made headlines with his smash hit song in 2019. See what else everybody was talking about last year ...
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Everybody’s talking ... Black, gay C&W rapper Lil Nas X made headlines with his smash hit song in 2019. See what else everybody was talking about last year. by Arnold Wayne Jones, Page 14
2 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20
toc 01.03.20 | Volume 36 | Issue 35
9 headlines
█
TEXAS NEWS
8 Construction begins on The Strip
9 ASD anounces new VP/COO
10 SCOTUS to hear employment cases
11 ‘Trial by internet’ can ruin lives
Employment
█
LIFE+STYLE Discrimination Lawyer
14 2019’s cultural hot topics
15 BOOKS: The can’t-miss titles of 2019 Law Office of
15
16 MUSIC: The top releases of 2019
Rob Wiley, P.C.
█
ON THE COVER
Lil
Nas X at the 2019 BET Awards.
Photo by Richard Shotwell/
Invision/AP 214-528-6500 • robwiley.com
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01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 3
instanTEA
Castro, the former housing secretary and Diplomat who defended
former mayor of San Antonio, was the only Lati-
DallasVoice.com/Category/Instant-Tea
no candidate in the Democratic Primary. While
a gay couple declared
he has “struggled in the polls,” he “remained a persona non grata
Parade registration opens Jan. 6 were killed and more than 50 others injured by a policy pacesetter on immigration and fighting U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Dan Foote
lone gunman on June 12, 2016. poverty,” according to the New York Times. has been declared persona non grata in
Dallas police were notified of the threat and In the email, Castro said, “We’ve accom- that country after he defended a gay couple
immediately increased patrols in the area, ac- plished so much together and made our mark arrested there for having a consensual
cording to DPD LGBT liaison Amber Roman. on history. We’ve stood up for the most vulner- relationship. Foote, a career diplomat rather
Roman asked the community to “be vigilant,” able Americans — folks who are left out, cast than a political appointee, had been in his
saying, “As always if anyone has any informa- aside, marginalized. We’ve fought for not only position since December 2017.
tion, please encourage them to report it and the middle class, but also the poor and those Foote said he was “horrified” by the arrest
remain aware of your surroundings.” who are struggling the most.” of the couple.
That information should be reported directly Castro noted that his campaign had “put According to Bob Satawake, Foote’s
to 911. forward some of the most bold and comprehen- previous assignment was in the Dominican
Anyone with more information on this or other sive policy that rivals any candidate,” and that Republic where he worked with Ambassador
such threats against the LGBTQ community is his campaign was the first to “release polices Wally Brewster, Satawake’s husband. Brewster
Registration for the 2020 Alan Ross Texas asked to let us here at Dallas Voice know so that on immigration, lead exposure, police violence, and Satawake now live in Dallas.
Freedom Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, we can pass the information along to the com- Indigenous communities, farmworkers, foster Although some news reports said Foote
Jan. 6. munity. Contact us at nash@dallasvoice.com. care and hunger. And we set the pace on so was recalled by Washington, Satawake spoke
The Pride festival takes place on Saturday, — David Taffet many other important issues.” directly to Foote on Sunday, Dec. 26, during
June 6 and the parade on Sunday, June 7. For He continued, “We’ve told the truth at a time the Lambda Weekly broadcast on 89.3 KNON
the second year, both will be held in Fair Park. when lies come easy out of the White House. FM, telling Satawake he was declared “PNG”
Castro suspends campaign We were the first to call for Trump’s impeach- — persona non grata. Satawake explained
For sponsorship information, parade Texan Julián Castro announced Thursday
registration prices and information and festival ment. We said frankly from the debate stage that usually when there’s a disagreement
morning, Jan. 2, shortly before 9 a.m., that he
information, visit DallasPride.org. that police violence IS gun violence. And we between the host country and an ambassa-
is suspending his campaign for the Democratic
— David Taffet said that it’s time for a state other than Iowa or dor, the country, through diplomatic channels,
presidential nomination.
New Hampshire to vote first, so that our prima- makes its displeasure known in hopes that the
It is “with a heavy heart and profound grati-
ries reflect the diversity of our party and nation. home country will withdraw the ambassador
tude, that today I will suspend my campaign for
Police patrolling Cedar Springs president of the United States,” Castro, 45, said
This campaign left our politics better than we and avoid a diplomatic dispute.
found it … .” While the Trump administration made no
after threat on Grindr in an email, time-stamped 8:50 a.m., announc-
Castro also pledged that he is “not done comment on the situation, it refused to recall
Someone posted a threat on Grindr during ing his decision. “With the Iowa caucuses just
fighting. I’m going to keep working to build an Foote. So Zambian officials declared Foote
the week of Christmas that Cedar Springs around the corner, and given the circumstances
America where everyone counts, and where persona non grata, a tactic rarely used, which
would be “the next Pulse,” a threat referring to of this campaign season, I have determined that
Democrats win races up and down the ballot.” forced him to leave the country.
the Orlando LGBT nightclub where 49 people it simply isn’t our time.”
— Tammye Nash — David Taffet
4 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20
Out North Texas,
2020!
Who
made
the cover
Find out in January!
Complete Guide to DFW!
█
Dynamic Relocation Guide
█
Comprehensive Business Directory
of people who want to do
business with you.
Hitting Newsstands
January 2020!
01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 5
THE
GAY
information to Managing Editor
AGENDA
Have an event coming up? Email your
Tammye Nash at nash@dallasvoice.com
Seafood & Oyster Bar, 2508 Maple Ave.
LGBTChamber.com.
the country at the Sheraton Dallas,
400 Olive St. CreatingChange.org.
signature event Toast to Life from
5:30-7:30 p.m. at Mama Tried
Deep Ellum, 215 Henry St.
or Senior Staff Writer David Taffet at • Jan. 11-12: Stonewall Democrats • Jan. 16: THRIVE Game Night MyResourceCenter.org.
taffet@dallasvoice.com by Wednesday at Primary Screening Game night with food, drinks and
5 p.m. for that week’s issue. Members hears from candidates in friends. Free event for LGBTQ adults • Jan. 23: THRIVE Discussion Group
all of the primary races and vote on 50+ from 6-8 p.m. at Resource Center, Peer-led discussion group called
JANUARY endorsements from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on 5750 Cedar Springs Road. Questions “Let’s Talk!” for LGBTQ adults 50+ from
• Jan. 4: Stonewall Democrats Saturday and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday at to THRIVE@myresourcecenter.org. 6-8 p.m. at Resource Center, 5750 Cedar
Primary Screening Sue Ellen’s, 3014 Throckmorton St. Springs Road. Questions to
Members hear from candidates in • Jan. 18: Gaybingo THRIVE@myresourcecenter.org.
all of the primary races and vote on • Jan. 12: Sweat for a Cause MyResourceCenter.org.
endorsements from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Join Equality Texas–Dallas and Barry’s • Jan. 24: Educare
Sue Ellen’s, 3014 Throckmorton St. Bootcamp for a feel good workout. • Jan. 18: Bowling with the Educare presents Becoming Visible:
Each spot for this class is $32 with Dallas Bears LGBTQ+ Care from Theory to Practice
• Jan. 7: Brewing Up Business Plano the proceeds befitting Equality Texas An evening of bowling from 6:45-9:30 with keynote speaker Tim Johnson from
Develop new business relationships from 2-3 p.m. at Barry’s Dallas, p.m. at USA Bowl, 10920 Composite SAGE discussing serious and unique
by giving your 30-second commercial/ 3600 McKinney Ave., Suite 150. Drive. RSVP to social@dallasbears.org health challenges due to historically
elevator speech, exchanging business EqualityTexas.org. no later than Jan. 15. DallasBears.org. unfair and cruel treatment from
cards and learning more about this 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Lovers Lane
month’s sponsor from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at • Jan. 14: Mingle with TWCD • Jan. 17-19: Women Lead United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood
3100 Independence Parkway, Suite 300, Mingle with The Women’s Chorus of Human Rights Campaign presents Road. Register at EduCareDallas.com.
Plano. $10 in advance. $20 at the door. Dallas with 25 percent of your dinner Women Lead Summit: Leading into the
Free to Chamber members. bill going to support the chorus from Future at Westin Dallas, 1201 Main St. • Jan. 28: Get Centered tour
4-9:30 p.m. at Rocco’s Uptown, HRC.org. Tour Resource Center and
• Jan. 7: Pride Night at 2717 Howell St. TWCD.org. learn about its programs from
The Color Purple • Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 5-6:30 p.m. at 5750 Cedar Springs Road.
Dallas Hope Charities and Cathedral • Jan. 14: Same-sex partner grief group MyResourceCenter.org.
of Hope present Pride night which Grief group for those who have lost a • Jan. 20: MLK Day of Service
includes an after-show party with the same-sex partner through death from with HRC DFW • Jan. 28: Same-sex partner grief group
cast and crew at 7:30 p.m. at Winspear 6:45-8 p.m. at Resource Center, Volunteers will help by sorting Grief group for those who have lost a
Opera House, 2403 Flora St. 5750 Cedar Springs Road. donations and cleaning up around the same-sex partner through death from
ATTPAC.org. shelter from 8 a.m.-noon at Jonathan’s 6:45-8 p.m. at Resource Center,
• Jan. 15-19: Creating Change Place, 6065 Duck Creek Drive, Garland. 5750 Cedar Springs Road.
• Jan. 10: DFW Pride Happy Hour The annual LGBTQ activist conference. No photography.
LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents The first two days are all-day institutes. volunteersignup.org/WLJWH. • Jan. 31: Business and Community
its first happy hour of the new year Friday-Sunday are workshops, Excellence Awards
from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Crab House plenaries, entertainment and plenty of • Jan. 23: Toast to Life mixer Awards luncheon at Renaissance
time to visit with activists from around Learn more about Resource Center’s Dallas Hotel. LGBTChamber.com.
• Weekly: Lambda Weekly at 1 p.m. a.m. at Resource Center, 2701 Reagan St. a walk or run at Oak Lawn Park, near the details; LGBT Sex Addicts Anonymous
on Sunday on 89.3 KNON-FM with David First Monday is birthday night at 5750 Cedar intersection of Turtle Creek and Hall Street, meets at 6 p.m. every Friday at 1919
Taffet, Lerone Landis and the late Patti Fink; Springs Road; Core Group Meeting every every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. and every Independence St., Room 19, Plano. 972-
Silver Pride Project Coffee and Convo for 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 8:30 a.m.; Leadership Lambda 316-9188 for details; Leadership Lambda
LGBTQ+ seniors meets Mondays from 11 Fuse game night every Monday evening Toastmasters practices and develops Toastmasters gay-identified Toastmasters
a.m.- 1 p.m. at Oak Lawn Library, 4100 Cedar except the last of the month at 8 p.m. at the speaking and leadership skills from 6:30–8 group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every
Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 Fuse space in the 3918 Harry Hines Blvd.; p.m. on Mondays at First Unitarian Church, Monday at the First Unitarian Church, 4015
p.m. at Grauwyler Park Branch Library, 2146 FuseConnect every Wednesday from 7 p.m. third floor of the Hallman Building, 4012 Normandy Road (does not meet on Mondays
Gilford St. Wednesdays for Breakfast Club For more information call or e-mail Jalenzski St. Andrews; Thrive, program of Resource that are holidays); United Black Ellument
from 10 a.m.-noon at Reverchon Recreation at 214-760-9718 ext. 3 or Jalenzski@ Center for LGBTQ adults 50+ support group hosts discussion on HIV/AIDS in the black
Center, 3505 Maple Ave. and Thursdays for myresourcecenter.org; LGBT square dancing every Monday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. community (UBE Connected) at 7 p.m.
Rainbow Rec from 10 am.-noon at Reverchon group Pegasus Squares meets the second followed by free lunch at Resource Center, every fourth Tuesday of the month at 3918
Recreation Center, 3505 Maple Ave.; Unwired and fourth Sunday from 2–4 p.m. at Grace 5750 Cedar Springs Road; Lambda AA Harry Hines Blvd.; DVtv in Spayse, news
Group of Crystal Meth Anonymous meets United Methodist Church, 4105 Junius St. meets at noon, 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and and entertainment discussion live streaming
Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday For more info, email pegasussquares@ 11 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, every Friday, 4–5 p.m., on the Spayse Station
and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 gmail.com; Dallas Frontrunners meet for 6525 Inwood Road. Call 214-267-0222 for YouTube channel.
6 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20
FEBRUARY • Feb. 17: President’s Day
• Feb. 6: Casablanca screening Honoring our presidents who haven’t
The Texas Theatre presents a pre- been impeached.
Valentine’s Day screening of the 1942
Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid Bergman • Feb. 21: Toast to Life Sponsor Party
classic Casablanca at 8 p.m. at the MyResourceCenter.org.
Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St.
Tickets at prekindle.com. • Feb. 21: LGBTQ Global Symposium
on Equality and Human Rights
• Feb. 11: Same-sex partner grief group A coalition of Dallas-based
Grief group for those who have lost a organizations presents a symposium on
same-sex partner through death from equality and human rights. A diverse
6:45-8 p.m. at Resource Center, group of LGBTQ and ally presenters
5750 Cedar Springs Road. will highlight Dallas’ rich history of
moving from openly opposing to
• Feb. 15: Gaybingo vocally championing human rights
MyResourceCenter.org. and equality from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at
Southern Methodist University,
• Feb. 15: Love Equality Tickets at DFWWorld.org.
An event benefitting Equality Texas is
a night of celebration and dancing with • Feb. 22: Turtle Creek Chorale gala
drinks and light food from Idina Menzel performs at a gala
8-11 p.m. at Seven for Parties, benefiting the Turtle Creek Chorale at
150 Turtle Creek Blvd. Suite 107. 7:30 p.m. at The Statler, 1914 Commerce
Tickets at Secure.Everyaction.com. St. TurtleCreekChorale.com.
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01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 7
Cedar Springs
construction begins
Upgrades and beautification are
meant to attract new business,
slow down traffic for safety
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
onstruction intend-
ed to beautify the
area and make it
safer has begun
on Cedar Springs
Road. Some of the
specifications of up-
grades are meant to
slow traffic and at-
tract more business to the area.
The city is paying for the project
through bond package money designat-
ed to the neighborhood by former Dallas
City Council members Angela Hunt and
Pauline Medrano. Cedar Springs Road di-
vides the two council districts now represented
by David Blewett and Adam Medrano.
The delay in construction has been due to dif-
ferent proposals by local businesses, residents
and the city. At one point, the city drew up plans
to narrow Cedar Springs to one lane in each di-
rection. That’s something that’s worked in oth-
er entertainment districts, like Bishop Arts and
Lower Greenville. But on Cedar Springs Road,
it would have halted traffic every day as beer
trucks made their deliveries to the many bars
along the street.
After years of back and forth, a design was
approved earlier this year, and construction has Top: New traffic lights are being installed on the corner of Knight In a lot behind the Melrose Hotel,
begun. A traffic light is being added at the corner Street on Cedar Springs Road to slow traffic on the Strip and make a mid-rise addition to the hotel has
of Knight Street and Cedar Springs. Several fatal the intersection safer for pedestrians. Right: Brick pillars and a fence been postponed a number of times but
accidents have occurred at that corner, and near will surround the Melrose Hotel’s new parking lot. Above: Roy G’s is is now on hold. The lot that formerly
taking shape at the Crossroads. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
misses continue to occur as cars race through the housed a vintage 1920s building that
flashing pedestrian lights. was home to the restaurant The Bronx for
Because there’s a jog in the street at that cor- Entrance gates to the district will be placed decades has been paved. The new parking lot
ner, each of the four corners has been dug up, where Cedar Springs intersects Oak Lawn Av- will be surrounded by a fence built in a style to
and the bases for traffic light poles have been enue and where it intersects Douglas Avenue to match the hotel’s architecture.
poured. New handicap-accessible sidewalks are mark the district. And up the street, a new restaurant is taking
being installed, and brick will be incorporated The last design element that will be added — shape. Roy G’s — after the acronym for remem-
into the design. and an indication construction is coming to an ber the order of the colors of the rainbow —
At Reagan Street and elsewhere along Cedar end — will be the rainbow crosswalks. features rainbow colors. The bar/cafe is being
Springs Road, cutouts are meant to slow traffic The crosswalks will be maintained by the developed and will be run by members of the
by narrowing the street. Landscaping will be North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Street family, pioneers who helped turn a run-
added, which also tends to slow traffic. Brick are being privately funded in a campaign head- down Cedar Springs Road into the gayborhood
will be used in the design to beautify the cross- ed by former Dallas City Councilman Chris in the 1970s with their original Black-eyed Pea
ing. Luna. restaurant. █
8 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20
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olanda Jones has BEFORE AFTER 2928 Oak Lawn Ave.
been named vice Actual Advanced Skin Fitness Patient advancedskinfitness.com
president and chief
operating officer
of AIDS Services
of Dallas, effective
Thursday, Jan. 2,
ASD officials have
announced.
“ASD is an amazing organization pro-
viding a holistic approach to housing
and care. It is indeed an honor and priv-
ilege to be a part of innovative program-
ming,” Jones said. “I have dedicated my
entire career to this population, and I’m
not giving up anytime soon.”
Jones graduated from Texas Southern
University with a bachelor of arts degree
in intercultural communications. She
earned her master’s degree in public ad-
ministration, with an emphasis in public
policy, at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Le-
land School of Public Affairs.
Jones is a lifetime member of the Tex-
as Southern University National Alumni Non-Commission
Association and Dallas Alumni Chapter Yolanda Jones Sales Team
president. She also serves as the chaplain Guaranteed Pay
for Collin County Alumnae Chapter of works to free American youth from sex
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. trafficking through prevention, identifi-
Health Care
ASD officials noted that Jones has cation and empowerment. Flexible Schedule
“dedicated her entire life to empowering Jones has a proven track record of
Great Work
individuals, families, and communities federal, state and regulatory program
Environment
affected by HIV/AIDS to create and sus- development and compliance at the
NOW
tain healthy lives.” leadership level, ASD officials. She has
Born and raised in Dallas, Jones pre- served as the quality compliance direc-
HIRING!
viously served as program director of tor for The Resource Group in Houston
Dallas Family Access Network at UT where she provided oversight and man-
Southwestern Medical Center, working agement of the quality management pro-
in the area of primary medical care and grams, specifically those funded in Ryan
support services to the HIV/AIDS com- White Part A, B/State Services C, D, F,
munity. She also serves as chair of the Al- MAI, and HOPWA.
locations Committee for the Ryan White In addition, Jones served in critical po- Make Our
Planning Council for the city of Dallas
and co-chair of the Care Coordination
sitions at AIDS Foundation Houston, in-
cluding a role as the Part D Program co-
Team Better,
Committee. ordinator managing a housing program One Individual
Jones said that one of her passions is for HIV-positive young adults between
freeing and advocating for youth impact- the ages of 18-24. That program worked at a Time!
ed by sex trafficking, and she serves as a to provide life skills and guidance as the
volunteer and mentor for Traffick911, a youth transitioned out of homelessness Call Rebecca Burns @ 972-283-9797
SouthwestKia.com/employment.htm
Texas-based non-profit organization that or foster care and into adulthood. █
01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 9
Religion
Equality vs.
SCOTUS to take up 2 cases
• In the Our
involving religious nonprofits and Lady of Gua-
LGBTQ employees dalupe School
case, the Her-
mosa Beach,
CHRIS JOHNSON | Washington Blade Calif.-based
Courtesy National LGBT Media Association school refused to renew the contract of sist them in one of their most important then essentially undercut that decision
Agnes Morrissey-Berru, a fifth-grade duties: Forming the faith of their chil- by determining in the Catholic school
ases the Supreme and sixth-grade teacher, who’s now al- dren,” said Montserrat Alvarado, execu- cases the ministerial exemption enables
Court has recently leging age discrimination under the Age tive director at Becket. “If courts can sec- religious institutions to engage in an-
agreed to take up Discrimination Employment Act. The ond-guess a Catholic school’s judgment ti-LGBTQ discrimination under federal
on the right for re- school has said it refused to renew her about who should teach religious beliefs law for an array of positions, including
ligious nonprofits contract because she didn’t fulfill her to fifth graders, then neither Catholics teachers.
to hire and fire em- cathecist certification requirement. That nor any other religious group can be con- If, on the other hand, the Supreme
ployees consistent was established in 2012, years after Mor- fident in their ability to convey the faith Court ends up ruling against LGBTQ
with their faith rissey-Berru was first hired in 1999. to the next generation.” inclusion, Title VII would end up pro-
could have major After filing a complaint with U.S. Although the Supreme Court has pre- viding no protections whatsoever for
implications for LGBTQ workers at those Equal Employment Opportunity Com- viously ruled religious institutions under LGBTQ workers, making a ruling for an
institutions, LGBTQ legal advocates are mission in 2015, Morrissey-Berru sued the ministerial exemption are absolutely expanded ministerial exemption under
warning. in district court. The judge, however, de- free to hire and fire whomever they want Title VII irrelevant for LGBTQ workers
The Supreme Court has announced it termined her claim was barred under the as ministers, it has not specified what po- in terms of federal law.
has granted a writ of certiorari, or agreed ministerial exemption and granted sum- sition, exactly, is a “minister.” Nonetheless, such an outcome would
to hear, two cases now consolidated as mary judgment in favor of Our Lady. A The decision in these cases will de- still undercut employment protections
one: Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Mor- panel on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of termine whether the jobs at stake in the for LGBTQ people as they exist under
rissey-Berru, Agnes and St. James School v. Appeals reversed the ruling, which led lawsuits — teaching positions at paro- state laws and local ordinances. Twen-
Darryl Biel. the school to file a petition for certiorari chial schools — qualify as ministers. As ty-one states explicitly ban discrimi-
In both cases, Catholic schools are before the Supreme Court. such, the ruling could impact whether nation against LGBTQ people in the
seeking an expanded right to conduct • In the St. James School case, the gay teachers have a legal right to sue a workforce, and numerous municipalities
employment practices — such as the Torrence, Calif.-based school refused to Catholic school if they’re terminated for prohibit anti-LGBTQ bias.
hiring and firing of employees — con- renew the contract of Kristen Biel after entering into a same-sex marriage, or Jon Davidson, chief counsel for Free-
sistent with their religious beliefs under she disclosed she had breast cancer. (She transgender teachers if they’re fired for dom for All Americans, said a ruling for
the ministerial exemption granted by the is now deceased and is represented by undergoing a gender transition. the schools would allow for a “greatly
First Amendment. Darryl Biel.) The school declined to re- It’s true LGBTQ people, as of now, have expanded exemption” under all non-dis-
Shannon Minter, legal director for the new Kristen Biel’s contract after telling extremely limited explicit non-discrim- crimination measures — and not just
National Center for Lesbian Rights, said her she would be unable to keep her job ination protections under federal law, laws barring discrimination against
a ruling for the Catholic schools “could because she couldn’t maintain order in and none in the workforce, but the EEOC LGBTQ people.
significantly expand the ability of reli- her classroom. has been accepting charges from LGBTQ “That would include laws prohibiting
gious schools and other religious em- The EEOC granted Biel a right-to-sue workers alleging discrimination, and the discrimination based on sexual orienta-
ployers to disregard anti-discrimination letter in 2015. However, a trial court ruled entire situation could change soon. tion, and gender identity, as well as those
laws when hiring and firing employees. she was serving in a ministerial position, At the same time the Supreme Court prohibiting discrimination based on race,
“In practice, the impact of any such thus the school was in its right to termi- has granted certiorari in the Catholic national origin and sex,” Davidson said.
broadened exemption would be espe- nate her. A divided panel on the Ninth school cases, it’s considering cases that The next step in the case is for the
cially serious for LGBTQ workers, since Circuit reversed the decision, prompting will decide whether anti-LGBTQ dis- scheduling of briefings and oral argu-
many religious employers view being in the school to file a petition for certiorari crimination is a form of sex discrimina- ments. Although the Supreme Court
a same-sex relationship or undergoing before the Supreme Court. tion, therefore illegal under Title VII of elected to take up the litigation half-way
a gender transition as contrary to their The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The two cas- through its term, it may well render the
doctrines and beliefs and thus grounds the same non-profit behind high-profile es alleging anti-gay discrimination are decision before the term ends in June
for termination,” Minter said. litigation that sought exemptions under Zarda v. Altitude Express and Bostock v. 2020. █
On their face, the litigation has nothing the Affordable Care Act before the Su- Clayton County, and the one case alleging Chris Johnson is Chief Political & White
to do with LGBTQ workers and instead preme Court in the Hobby Lobby and anti-trans discrimination is Harris Funer- House Reporter for the Washington Blade.
is about former teachers alleging wrong- Little Sisters of the Poor cases, is behind al Homes v. EEOC. Johnson attends the daily White House press
ful discrimination on the basis of age and both lawsuits. It’s possible the Supreme Court could briefings and is a member of the White House
disability. “Parents trust Catholic schools to as- rule for LGBTQ inclusion under Title VII, Correspondents’ Association.
10 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20Trial by
internet
don’t watch or care about the show (and have to ignore the soundbite or headline
many of us don’t, and you don’t need to and dig a bit deeper.
approve of these kind of shows to follow Closest to Ms. Locken’s heart has been
my thoughts here). Ms. Locken is em- her work with Legacy Counseling and
broiled in a scandal due to a comment Founders Cottage. But who was she
she made on air. She called a fellow cast- helping there? Her rich, stylish, white
mate a “chirpy Mexican.” And boy did gay friends? Nope. LeeAnne focused on
she get it. minorities of all colors. And it wasn’t just
Don’t make judgements I had nev- The charges of racism and calls for her service and fundraising galas. She was
based just on soundbytes er met; the removal from the show came fast and fu- there — listening, loving, hugging and
Amazon rious. And they came from all quarters: caring on each and every one of the cli-
and headlines
reviews of fans of the show, non-watchers, people ents and beneficiaries.
my novel that simply read a headline, fellow cast Those that work with her on her mis-
WILL KOLB | Guest Columnist were de- members or friends and fans of fellow sion don’t see racism in her heart. They
stroyed cast members. don’t see it in her actions. And perhaps
here can be no doubt by people Yet there is a backstory. The cast mem- while they flinched for her as she spilled
that the internet has that nev- ber called a “chirpy Mexican” is Kary out something that at the time seemed
changed the way er bought Brittingham, the newest of the cast mem- like a funny line but in retrospect is re-
we live. In my case, the book, bers of Real Housewives of Dallas. On nu- grettable, those in the know are quite
I rarely get lost driv- and even merous occasions, on air, she has called sure the intent and the heart are not what
ing anymore; I have folks at herself the “tough Mexican.” But no those so quick to try her by internet are
whole albums of sel- my place matter. In a heated discussion, LeeAnne determined to brand her: a racist. Simply
fies to select when of employ- let slip her “chirpy Mexican” comment. put, she is not.
I need to post something for an ego ment were getting emails from anony- Now, was that politically incorrect in this But the internet is determined — the
boost from strangers; I stay connected to mous strangers. day in age? Yes. Did she need to apolo- actions, the heart, the love being wiped
friends across the globe, and anything I Most of these people didn’t know me. gize? Yes. Did she? Yes. away by people who care to know the
want to know is at my fingertips. They had read something that someone But was it racist? No, in my opinion. headline and not the story.
In addition — by choice — my opin- insisted was true. They didn’t ask my And even if you think repeating what a The Housewives shows by their very
ions, thoughts and every move can be side. They didn’t evaluate my actions or woman has called herself multiple times, definition are designed for drama. Each
cataloged in a continuous online diary character. They just knew. Because they Mexican, is racist, the question then be- has the same formula: Find a group of
that people can either ignore or follow, read it on the internet. comes what was the intent and what women; let one rise to the top and be-
as they choose. It took years for that to die down. have been the actions of the person ac- come the alpha (in the Dallas case, it’s
But along with this comes a darker Which brings me to two cases in the cused of being racist? always been LeeAnne), and then let the
side, something I think of as trial by in- news at the end of 2019. The first is re- Is LeeAnne Locken a racist? If you others squabble and fight and kick at
ternet. And we are reveling in it as a so- garding our own Real Housewife of Dal- follow any of the sites on social media the pedestal until they can bring down
ciety. las, LeeAnne Locken. Now in case you devoted to the show or the network, the the Queen Bee and assume the top spot
As we read less and ignore long-form outlook is glum. She simply must be a themselves.
journalism, we’ve been reduced to reac- racist. After all, she said it, didn’t she? Rinse and repeat.
tionaries of hearsay and headlines — a So, a lot of people’s verdict is to de- And by the reactions of the other
giant online community that has an stroy Ms. Locken as quickly as possible. Housewives, they think they finally have
opinion about everything, regardless of And to my shock, many of those peo- the weapon to do it. And while accept-
how much we know; a ferocious cabal ple gunning for LeeAnne are part of the able that none condoned the comment,
of critics without credentials. Hidden LGBT community. not even one defended the heart of their
behind screens, bogus screennames and But those choosing to react to a heated castmate. They just went for the jugular,
cartoons as profile pictures, we gleefully conversation on air with all the pressures all the while knowing her record of ser-
comment away on anything and every- that go along with a definitive judgement vice to minorities. And considering the
thing. of racism might also wish to investigate skeletons in these women’s closets, that
From celebrity scandals to nonfactual Ms. Locken’s actual actions. surprises me a bit. I know a few of the
news, everyone has a voice now. Some- Those in the LGBTQ Dallas charity and ladies and racism, homophobia, hypoc-
one is angry at someone and posts it social services community are quite fa- risy and pettiness are not something that
online? Within minutes the likes and miliar with LeeAnne. Long, long before hasn’t played a part in more than one
vicious comments pour in from those it was fashionable or of any interest to of their lives. So far, they haven’t been
knowing, at best, one side of the story heterosexual women to be involved, Lee- caught.
and, at worst, nothing at all. Anne was charging ahead on the front- That’s why it surprises me to see ket-
I went though this sort of trial a few lines in defense of her LGBTQ friends. tles so anxious to point at a pot, even
years back. After starting a large network She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked when this indictment is mislabeled from
of online groups, I discovered that by the walk. From headlining to chairing to making an insensitive and politically in-
putting yourself out there, you not only hosting, Ms. Locken was there. correct remark to deliberate and blatant
attract fans, you get haters. A small group After her Real Housewives gig started, racism.
of those charmers ignited an online at- she didn’t retreat; she got even more in- In all fairness I know LeeAnne Locken.
tack campaign. Before I knew it, I was volved. And what does that have to do She’s brash. She’s outspoken. Occasional-
LeeAnne Locken
getting hate mail and texts from people with racism you ask? Well, again, we’d
INTERNET, Next Page
01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 11INTERNET, From Previous Page P
1
ly she opens her mouth and words just fall into thinking all their heterosexuals were H
out. Sometimes she regrets those words. going to run away from Hallmark? Of
But I am very clear on one thing: She course. Did they buckle? Sure did. a
isn’t a racist. I’ve never heard her once But within 24 hours the corpora- L
say anything negative about any racial
group. And if calling someone a Mexi-
tion had reversed the decision, made a
lengthy apology and promptly reinstat-
e
T
can makes her a racist instead of some- ed the ads. A
one just using a word that may be im- But didn’t the gay community threat- D
proper in a politically correct era, I hate en to boycott the network, you ask? Ab- P
to say it, but I don’t know anyone white solutely. But were we watching them C
J
over 40 that while having their every anyway? Doubtful. The Hallmark de-
F
moment recorded or filmed wouldn’t mographic is basically 1950s-longing L
get caught in some similar transgression. families with 2.5 kids anxious to watch a H
We have all said something insensitive. lonely secretary find a man before Santa T
We have all said something that can be forgets to come to her house. B
Get your
P
viewed as politically incorrect. But we But isn’t that just about money then? I
weren’t all being filmed or recorded. And Well of course it is. It’s almost always
luckily, we weren’t judged on the internet about money. Just ask any of our saint- a
business without a real way to show our true selves.
Before you read a headline and simply
ed LGBTQ celebs who come out after
already making their millions or when
C
N
in shape
S
judge her a racist, go to an event that their career was on the downslide. It’s N
LeeAnne is headlining. Watch her close- the money. R
with the a
ly. Watch her eyes as she’s speaking to All networks play to their demograph-
anyone of any color, creed, orientation ic. From Fox News pandering to the K
or social status. I have. And I’m a fair Trumpdalytes to Logo giving us a daily
WELLNESS
S
judge of character. Her eyes are attached
to her heart, and all I’ve ever seen pour-
dose of RuPaul, networks play for those
who watch. A boycott from the LGBTQ
m
ISSUE
S
ing out towards anyone not on a show community would not have truly hurt B
where she’s paid to be embroiled in dra- Hallmark. They did the right thing after I
ma, is love, kindness, compassion and 24 hours because they did the right thing. B
B
arriving JAN. 24, 2020!
an assurance that she finds herself no They have a track record that shows that R
better or worse … just another human. within their company.
Which brings me finally to the second And yet the trial by internet is deter- c
L
news item: Hallmark and the pulling of mined. Everywhere you saw our com-
the lesbian wedding kiss advertisement munity certain that the company hates f
from their network. Here is yet another us despite their record. Nothing they R
trial by internet. We read the headline, said, no apology was good enough. a
and it was off with Hallmark’s orna- The internet has taught us to react, to A
ment-shaped head. simply agree with whatever headline N
C
The headline was all we needed. Ho- suits us. Humans tend to see what they F
mophobic, horrible company was the want to see and hear what they want to F
Reserve verdict. BOYCOTT! hear. I’m certainly not immune. But be-
Yet those that went a little deeper dis- fore I decide someone or something is
YOUR covered a few things. First, we discov-
ered that the company has a 100 percent
racist, homophobic, guilty of #MeToo
moves, etc., I always dig deeper. I read
space by inclusivity rating from Human Rights more, and I mull it over. Life-destroying
Campaign. Their LGBTQ employees judgments are far more complex than a
JAN. 20 have benefits and protections. The com- simple headline. They are more deserv-
for the pany has frequently fought for tolerance
and human rights. They have a full line
ing of consideration than a reaction to a
shared meme or post.
best of LGBTQ-themed products. And I almost never comment online.
placement Now don’t get me wrong, pulling
the ad WAS homophobic, pandering to
Frankly, I presume someone so certain
has already made up their mind, and I
Contact a very low hate group determined that
their families have the only values that
won’t be able to convince them other-
wise in a comment.
us at: matter. Having been through a trial by inter-
But again, it’s about actions and intent. net myself, I try to remember that once
214.754.8710 Did some executive feel the heat from
a right-wing conservative so-called
a judgement is passed, the accused has
no way to counter the avalanche that the
advertising@dallasvoice.com Christian group and scare the network internet becomes. █
12 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20Phone 214-754-8710 Fax 214-969-7271
█
1825 Market Center Blvd., Ste. 240, Dallas, Texas 75207
█commUNITYvoices
Ditching the gender guessing game
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • dallasvoice.com
administration
Leo Cusimano Publisher 114 █
editorial
I
was pleased to see recently that Mer- wife and Where did gendering people as a
Tammye Nash Managing Editor 113 █
Arnold Wayne Jones Executive Editor Life+Style 129 █
riam-Webster (the dictionary people) I are both greeting come from? The service indus-
David Taffet Senior Staff Writer 125 █ had chosen “they” as their “Word of transgen- try especially is rife with gender-based
Philip Burton Proofreader The Year” for 2019. This particular usage der. assumptions. Why? If you get it wrong,
Contributors: Chris Azzopardi, Gary Bellomy, Jenny Block, is as a gender-neutral singular pronoun, I can you are all but guaranteeing a bad expe-
J. Denton Bricker, Alicia Chang, D’Anne Witowski, Lawrence
often used by those who identify as non- only imag- rience. As a trans woman, it would ruin
Ferber, Hardy Haberman, Scott Huffman, Lisa Keen, Mark
Lowry, Joey Moreno, Cassie Nova, Josh Robbins, Mikey Rox, binary. It’s hard enough for those of us ine how a my night. It would also ruin your tip and
Howard Lewis Russell, James Russell, who are transgender to get those around nonbinary all but guarantee I won’t be back.
Terri Schlichenmeyer, Leslie McMurray, Mathew Shaw, us to get the pronouns right; for those custom- To me it seems as ridiculous as guess-
Brandi Amara Skyy, Mark Stokes, Jef Tingley, Casey Williams who identify as nonbinary, it must be a er would ing someone’s religion by how they look,
Photographers: Chuck Marcelo, Cassie Quinn
Intern: John McClanahan
nightmare. fare. sound or dress: “Hello Catholic. Welcome
Even having to explain the concept of Why is to Snarky’s. Oh, you’re Episcopalian? I’m
advertising nonbinary pronouns to, say, a grocery this even so sorry.” “Excuse me, could you show
Chad Mantooth Advertising Director 131 █
Nicholas Gonzalez Advertising Account Rep. 115 █
store checker who is trying to be polite necessary? me to the little Lutherans’ room?”
Stephen Mobley MarketPlace Sales 123 █ and respectful but just wants to move the
National Advertising Representative line along is hard. Do you just take the
Rivendell Media Inc. 908-232-2021 “sir” or “ma’am” and get on with your
art day?
I’ve been thinking about that a lot late-
Kevin Thomas Art Director 119 █
Shawn Weston Graphic Designer 132 █ ly. I have been enjoying some time off
multimedia from work over the holidays, and I spent
time out running errands and picking up
Stephen Mobley Social Media Director █
123
Brian Kennedy Video Producer last-minute things for Christmas. This
Israel Luna Video Producer/DVtv host means a lot more interaction with clerks.
Brad Pritchett DVtv Host I have also been more tuned in to just
Brandi Amara Skyy DVtv Host
Regina Lyn
how pervasive identifying someone else
by gender is.
circulation I got my nails done over the weekend
Linda Depriter Circulation Director 120 █
(one of life’s little pleasures), and al-
founders though I’m a regular there, each time I
Robert Moore Don Ritz
█
come in I’m given a mini clipboard with I get that we want to be polite, but guess- Gender identity is considered legally
affiliations/memberships a form asking for what services I want. ing at someone’s gender identity as a protected medical information, so why is
Associated Press - Associate Member This form also has my name on it. Still, show of respect is pretty high risk for a it relevant at Target?
National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association I’m only referred to as “ma’am.” Not that pretty low reward. If you guess wrong, I recently came across a restaurant
Certified LGBT Business Enterprise
Founding Member - North Texas GLBT Chamber
I have any problem with it; it’s music to I’m going to remember you. I also won’t in Toronto called “Hey Lucy’s” that
Founding Member - National LGBT Media Association my ears. But why is it even necessary? even feel safe coming back to your store. has instructed staff to greet guests in a
It’s everywhere! It’s another risk to guess someone’s non-gendered manner. It’s a work in
My wife Katie and I like to play golf, so relationship status. For instance, when progress, but “Hey ladies” doesn’t fly.
I was at a golf shop looking at something a clerk asks, “Is this for your husband,” Their attitude is, “If you don’t know,
I wanted to get her. The sales associate there are any number of uncomfortable don’t assume.” A customer shouldn’t
stepped up and said, “Yes ma’am, how possible answers: “No, my husband just have to share their gender identity in or-
can I help you?” I described what I was passed away on Thanksgiving. This is der to be served a meal.
looking for, and as he showed it to me, he for my son.” “No, my husband cheated A gender-neutral approach can not
© 2019 Voice Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reprint rights are available only by written consent of the
asked, “Is this for your husband?” on me, and we were divorced just last only be more respectful but also more
publisher or managing editor. That’s a lot of assumptions for a short week. This is for me.” “Yes; I’m hoping profitable, too.
Dallas Voice is published every Friday. Additional copies
may be purchased for $1 each, payable in advance at conversation with a stranger. Not only that playing more golf will distract him American Airlines realizes that as well,
the Dallas Voice office. Dallas Voice may be distributed
only by Dallas Voice authorized independent contractors
did he make a guess as to my gender from his porn habit.” having just last week added nonbinary
or distributors. No person may, without prior written
permission of Voice Publishing, take more than one copy of
identity, but he went on to take a guess Who it’s for? Nunya. If I volunteer gender options when purchasing tickets.
each Dallas Voice weekly issue. as to my relationship status. He was only that information, then let’s talk. But ask- Maybe it’s time to ditch gender guessing
Subscriptions via First Class Mail are available: Three
months (13 consecutive issues), $65. Six months (26 50 right; that won’t even get you an invi- ing can be risky. and ask only if you really need to know,
consecutive issues), $85. One year (52 consecutive issues),
$130. Contact Dallas Voice at 214-754-8710 x123.
tation the Gator Bowl. Maybe ask if this is for me? Women like if you’re my doctor.
Paid advertising copy represents the claim(s) of the There was a nice, awkward silence play golf, you know. If I volunteer that Leslie McMurray, a transgender woman,
advertiser. Bring inappropriate claims to the attention
of the publisher. Dallas Voice reserves the right to enforce when I corrected him: “No, it’s for my information, then you can ask questions is a former radio DJ who lives and works in
its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising
copy, illustrations and/or photographs. wife.” I imagine I would have really sent about swing speed or handicap to make Dallas. Read more of her blogs at lesliemi-
Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted by email only. him into a spin if I’d told him that my sure this is the right fit. chelle44.wordpress.com.
To obtain a copy of our guidelines for contributors,
send a request by email to editor@dallasvoice.com.
01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 13Culture LIFE+STYLE
From memorable exhibition to ice cream
vandalism, the stuff we talked about in 2019
year in review
hours a day, writing in journals, was the most
ARNOLD WAYNE JONES | Executive Editor provocative art exhibition of the year.
jones@dallasvoice.com Garrett Smith. Bruce Wood Dance com-
missions a new dance from the international
T
he culture at large — across the U.S. and choreographer, and it becomes one of the best
especially right here at home — was original works since the company’s founder
filled with excitement, strangeness and died.
meme-able things to get us talking about. Not Blue Bell licking. The prankish vandalism
politics per se, and not movies or theater (we of the Texas ice cream maker, already reeling
have separate categories for that), but sports, from adulteration controversies, disgusts more
art and the community as a whole. Some things than it creates a meme, and further damaged
were inescapable, for good or bad; all defined the brand.
the year. Ryan Russell, a three-year veteran of the
NFL (one season with the Dallas Cowboys),
Lil Nas X. Totally unsigned, he released the comes out, one of only a few current or former
best selling single of all-time — a self-produced pro football players to do so.
song that set him
back all of $35.
Countless remix-
es. Straddling hip-
hop and country
charts to create a
pop hybrid unlike
any we’ve ever
seen, especially
from a black artist
… and a teenager,
at that. Chalks up
Grammy nomi-
nations. Then he
comes out as gay
and says “fuck it”
to all the haters.
2019 was, like it or
not, the year of Lil
Nas X. And I like
it — I like it a lot.
Dior at the
DMA. The exhibit, the first of its kind in the Bowen Yang becomes Saturday Night Live’s
U.S., was the ticket of the museum world … not first regular Asian cast member. Plus he’s
just in Dallas, but all over. Fashion as art never gay — very, very gay — and hilarious as hell,
had a more comprehensive and respectful writing and performing in some of the best bits
gallery treatment. this season. Meanwhile, queer black playwright
Bon Appetit names Dallas Restaurant City Jeremy O. Harris lights up stages with his “col-
of the Year. The rest of the foodie world finally orful” appeal (from his fashion-forward Insta to
knows what we have known for a long time: his controversial hit Slave Play).
That Dallas’ restaurant scene is thriving (maybe Botham Jean’s killer Amber Guyger is found
too much!), diverse and delightful. We do more guilty but sentenced to only 10 years (eligible
than tacos and steaks … though of course, no- for parole in five). Days later, Joshua Brown,
body does those better. (Not mentioned by the a key witness against Guyger, is murdered
Bon Appetit article? Past Dallas Voice contrib- on Cedar Springs Road with two gunshots
utor Jose Ralat was hired by Texas Monthly as fired from an automobile. Conspiracy theories
the nation’s first official “taco editor.”) proliferate.
Elmgreen and Dragset at the Nasher Tornado alley. On Oct. 20, a devastating tor-
Sculpture Center. The exhibit by these gay nado rips across North Dallas, flattening homes
Scandinavian conceptual artists, including an and businesses including Marek+Richard and
installation where three people sit, for eight North Haven Gardens. █
14 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20Books
The best of fiction and
nonfiction in 2019
Season’sreadings
So many books, so little time. That’s what they say, and in
2019, it was the truth. Here are the can’t-miss, shouldn’t-skip
books of the past 12 months
Fiction erally takes on a life of its own and the
lengths the man goes to perpetuate it.
If the subject of death can be taken
Clever, witty, perfect.
lightly, there’s no better way than in
How Not to Die Alone by Richard Rop- Lovers of Mark Twain’s adventure
er. It’s the story of a man who works in books will relish This Tender Land by
London as a finder: when someone dies, William Kent Krueger, the story of two
the people in his office are tasked with boys who run away from an Indian
locating the survivors of the deceased. Training School in 1932 and head down
That’s not the funny part; the humor
comes in a blurted statement that lit- █
READINGS Page 20
01.03.20 █ dallasvoice 15Music LIFE+STYLE
Our critics weigh in on the best
albums of the 2019
year in review
Lizzo
CHRIS AZZOPARDI’S
W
e all have different tastes, ways, Lambert also turned the page Sound & Fury was spectacularly insane.
and when it comes to music, BEST ALBUMS on what a country music artist could I was enveloped by it. I was scared by
sometimes we don’t even 10. Miranda Lambert, Wildcard. sound like, experimenting with a punch it. I couldn’t stop listening to it. It rides
make sense within ourselves. Case in After flooding a sublime double-disc of classic-rock on “Track Record” and in tame enough with “Ronin,” before
point: Two of our critics picked their album with her post-divorce feelings a charged psychedelic-rock edge on blasting into action and never letting
top alums of the year, and only one disc (hey, divorce is hard!), Miranda Lambert “Mess With My Head.” Then there’s up, each track fusing into the next, a big
appeared on both lists (and in differ- got her groove back and then finally Lambert, the observer, on the nod to “fuck you” to … well, to a lot. Including
ent spots). But considering how much decided that life is “pretty bitchin,’” a her country roots, “Dark Bars,” which nosy music journalists. It bombards you
music is out there nowadays — from sentiment she shares on Wildcard. Yeah, will make you feel like even when you with a constant procession of heavy,
traditional platforms to SoundCloud, I’m a turner, she sings on the stand- actually are drinkig, you’re never truly loud feelings that whips through you
YouTube and just hangin’ out in clubs out “Bluebird,” casually cool, earning drinking alone. And the rest? Pretty at a fast and furious pace, and if you’ve
— it’s a wonder we can agree at all. your own optimistic tears. I turn pages bitchin’, too. never walked into a fire after getting
So listen up! And continue to listen all the time. Don’t like where I’m at, 34 9. Sturgill Simpson, Sound & Fury. into a car accident, well, at least now
throughout 2020. █ was bad, so I just turned to 35. In many Country-rocker Sturgill Simpson’s █
MUSIC Page 18
16 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.2001.03.20 █ dallasvoice 17
want, with a wink.
6. Sharon Van Etten, Remind Me
Tomorrow. I couldn’t shake Sharon Van
Etten’s emotionally piercing fifth album,
but it was “Seventeen” that made me
want to roll down the windows, pop
open my moon roof, and then, Perks
of Being a Wallflower-style, cruise the
interstate. Sung to her 17-year-old self,
it is the centerpiece of Van Etten’s latest
work and also a downright masterpiece,
with its Springsteenian lyrics capturing
a mood relatable to anyone who man-
aged to survive that year: “I see you so
uncomfortably alone, I wish I could show
you how much you’ve grown.” If your 17
was anything like Van Etten’s 17 (or my
17), you’ll lament a time that seems so far
gone now, but yet, through Van Etten’s
Tanya Tucker wistful lens, not so distant at all.
5. Tanya Tucker, While I’m Livin’.
█
MUSIC Page 16
You get the impression Tanya Tucker,
you can say you feel like you have. pictured, might not have made another
8. The Highwomen, The Highwomen. album after her last, released in 2009,
Having Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, if it weren’t for Brandi Carlile, one of
Maren Morris and Amanda Shires join the most talented singer-songwriters
forces for these songs about women, of our time and now a true gay saint
written by women and sung by women for getting a country legend back in the
is perfectly in tune with the times. With saddle. Produced and co-written by
women’s stories and experiences taking Carlile, Shooter Jennings and Carlile’s
center stage in a broader sense, the lead- longtime collaborators, twins Phil and
ing ladies assembled as a powerful and Tim Hanseroth, Tucker’s resurgence
necessary collective, The Highwomen, takes a few notes from Carlile’s own
to show the male-dominated country sincerely real methodology, delivered
music genre just what women can do. by way of Tucker’s sincerely real (see:
Their smart, witty and emotional self-ti- ragged, husky) voice. These are classic
tled debut explores love, family and country songs that cut deep, and that’s
politics with a keen sense of their place palpable on Tucker’s version of “The
in the world. “Redesigning Women” al- House That Built Me,” which moving-
ready sounds like a modern-day classic, ly compliments Miranda Lambert’s
and the rousing story-driven title track original cut. Lambert longed for home
honors persecuted women. Through as a child who’d grown up and moved
and through, the quartet demonstrates away; with a few lyrical tweaks, Tucker
what I’ve always known to be true: is the longing mother whose children
Women do it better than men. are grown and gone. There’s even more
7. Ariana Grande, Thank U, Next. Bop feeling packed into “Bring My Flowers
on bop on bop. Before Thank U, Next, I Now,” a heartbreakingly vulnerable
was half-sold on Ariana Grande, but I’ve piano elegy that’s like looking at a life
finally come around to the pop star after through the rear-view mirror.
this fusion of pop and hip-hop, stacked 4. Bon Iver, i, i. I once listened to Jus-
with moods and hooks and enough vocal tin Vernon, the songwriter and frontman
flutters to give a clipped bird its wings. of the group Bon Iver, play underneath
It’s the first time I’ve truly thought of a blanket of stars. My body on scraps
Grande as a tastemaker … and also a of grass, I just let him take me away. I
human being. The proof is evident in approached listening to i, i in a similar
what I found to be her warmest song to way, which is to say, I didn’t overthink
date, “thank u, next,” which reshapes a his enigmatic verses and baffling non
cheeky kiss-off into a message of authen- sequiturs. Based on the spiritual connec-
ticity, positivity and self-love. And when tion I feel — feel, since this is music that
Grande wasn’t giving you reasons to love speaks to you in weird, discordant tones
yourself, she was — with “7 rings,” a sa- — I’m finally coming to the realization
tirical take on millennial greed — making that maybe understanding any of this
you feel like you deserve anything you isn’t the point anyway. By the end of i,
18 dallasvoice.com █ 01.03.20You can also read
