Queer Voices 12/18/24: Playwright Isaac Gómez and activist powerhouse Tori Williams

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Playwright Isaac Gómez joins us to explore their latest theatrical creation, "The Night Shift Before Christmas," a one-woman holiday comedy that transforms the stage at the Alley Theatre into a fast food joint on Christmas Eve. Inspired by personal experiences in Texas, Isaac crafts a modern rendition of "A Christmas Carol," focusing on Margot, who is working the graveyard shift for the holiday. This heartfelt tribute to Houston invites listeners to engage with themes of resilience and the unseen stories of those who work tirelessly during times when everyone else is off enjoying family.
Our journey continues with a deep dive into the world of playwriting and identity, where we uncover the collaborative process behind a fresh adaptation of a classic tale. Discover how a playwright's upbringing in a border town and life-shaping events, such as the tragic loss of a friend, have influenced their storytelling. They share their process of weaving narratives that address exploitation and working-class struggles while also reflecting on the lighter tones of their current project and the contemporary writers who inspire their work. Isaac identifies as non-binary, and we discuss that at the interview's conclusion.
Finally, we shine a light on the impactful efforts of Tori Williams and the Ryan White Planning Council. Delve into the evolution of HIV care and funding from grassroots efforts to the introduction of life-changing antiretroviral medications. Through an oral history initiative, the episode aims to preserve the powerful narratives of those affected by the AIDS epidemic, with a particular focus on documenting the experiences of transgender individuals. Our discussion emphasizes the critical need for ongoing community support and accessible healthcare, highlighting both the challenges and advancements in combating the HIV epidemic today.

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:
https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Chapters

1. Night Shift Before Christmas Playwright Discusses (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Playwriting and Identity (00:09:03)

3. Evolution of Ryan White Planning Council (00:24:33)

4. HIV Funding and Healthcare Evolution (00:32:29)

5. Ongoing HIV Epidemic and Treatment Options (00:38:46)

6. Houston's HIV Epidemic Oral History (00:44:20)