March 20th 2024 Queer Voices

Queer Voices

Odyssey Oakengrove - Grand Marshal nominee -- Kevin O'Connor, LGBTQ author --Mr. Prime Choice James Martinez
We speak with Odyssey Oakengrove. Odyssey Oakengrove grew up in Houston and quickly moved back after their boyfriend broke off the relationships, saying that Odyssey was “too involved in the gay community, the trans community, and Black Lives Matter.” Not having recognized their transness, they simply said, “I am the gay community” and packed their stuff to move back home. Once here, they found a home with Black Lives Matter activists, learning advocacy and unlearning their colonized mindset. They realized they were genderqueer at an ACLU abortion access seminar, not simply a “really strong ally.” They have volunteered time with Clinic Access Support Network, Black Lives Matter: Houston, and Showing Up for Racial Justice. They have spoken with state reps at the 2021 and 2023 Texas Legislative Session, fighting for queer students, public education, and against oppressive immigration policies. Odyssey is a candidate for grand marshal for the Pride Houston 365 parade.

Then, we speak with Kevin O'Connor, author of “Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home”. Kevin O’Connor enjoys chronicling the stories of families and friends through tracing genealogical histories and writing. He is an expert at organizing family letters and artifacts. He sings and performs in theaters and is active with SMART Ride, a bicycling group that rides annually from Miami to Key West, raising funds for HIV awareness, treatment, and education. Kevin was an elementary teacher, principal, professor, and curriculum coordinator in California, Illinois, and Florida from 1973 to 2020. He authored content and provided training in areas including support for substitute teachers, LGBTQ advocacy, and Sexual Health/Family Life. Kevin resides in Ft. Lauderdale with his husband, Leon. Their family includes five sons and seven granddaughters.

Finally, we speak with James Martinez, Mr. Prime Choice 2024. Mr. Prime Choice is open to any male identified individual 40 or older living in the state of Texas. James is founder of Texas Men of Leather. We talk about what being Mr. Prime Choice is like.

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:
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