By Forest Riggs There is no doubt about it: Summer is here! The “island near the United States” has experienced some record-breaking temperatures during the past few weeks and, if predictions are correct, there is more to come. Along with the intense heat this year has come days and nights filled with very high humidity

By Forest Riggs If the rising early summer temps aren’t enough, a quick drive around Galveston Island neighborhoods will remind you that July is the time to celebrate Independence Day 2019. Red, white, and blue buntings hang from most of the “old homes” for which the Island is well known. It is hard to imagine

By Forest Riggs I am not exactly sure where to start with this column, or how to progress. The subject is something that is near and dear to my heart, as it should be for all. Due to recent events in my own life and as a result of a great deal of discussions and

By Forest Riggs They did it again! Ask any Islander about their favorite Galveston events and you will get a resounding, “Oh, that’s easy: Mardi Gras, and the ACCT Champagne brunch in May.” Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), long recognized as a stellar program offering healthcare, education and support of HIV patients and their

By Forest Riggs With the onset of summer, which so far has been beautiful, comes the annual threat and fear of the “big one.” Yes, it’s hurricane season and for folks living along the Gulf Coast there are yearly fears and anxious feelings as the area rests in the crosshairs.  Even though coastal dwellers are

By Forest Riggs “The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.” —Harriet Ann Jacobs When it comes to months that are most celebrated in thoughts, songs, poems and movies, next to December would be the merry month of May. Finally, May has arrived and brings the onset of the summer

By Forest Riggs Easter has finally made it, complete with dyed eggs, jelly beans, peeps, baskets, and all the trimmings. The LGBTQ community seems to come alive again around Easter. Everyone knows we love to decorate, dress for Halloween, get creative as hell and “do it up” for just about any occasion. Easter, religious or

By Forest Riggs Spring has finally arrived and with it comes a time of renewal, rebirth, and growth. There is no better time than springtime to come out of old patterns, habits, and ways — the very things that impede our progress as human beings. It’s in the air, as “they” say. For over 20

| Galveston’s LGBTQ community loses an icon By Forest Riggs Allow me to begin this writing with an apology. Penning a column every two weeks, I keep a list of things and people in the Galveston LGBTQ community that I want to feature, mention or highlight. As there is so much going on in our

By Forest Riggs In 1962 crooner and heartthrob Bobby Darin released “The Party’s Over” and although it was a success, it wasn’t until Texas legend Willie Nelson sang the lyrics, “Turn out the lights, the party’s over,” that it became a huge hit, a crossover song. The lyrics go on to state that once the