By Johnny Trlica  Commentary: Not all Republicans are bigots, but if you’re a bigot, you’re most likely a Republican. Bigots, racists, white supremacists, Confederate sympathizers, and neo-Nazis have found a home in today’s GOP. The only difference between current and past party members is that, unlike years ago, they no longer feel a need to

By Johnny Trlica  Commentary: “Hi. My name is (insert name here), and I’m a Trump addict.†Like an Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, or Gamblers Anonymous meeting, a 12-step program for Trump addicts should start with a confession.   Trumpism is not a cult after all; it’s an addiction and therefore should be treated as one. Not

By Johnny Trlica  Commentary: We used to call them Karens. They were usually middle-aged white women policing parks while calling the police on black people, refusing to wear a mask at the Home Depot, or demanding to speak to the manager at your neighborhood Chili’s. That’s how it started, but just like the coronavirus, Karens

By Johnny Trlica  Commentary: In naming Elon Musk its Person of the Year, Time Magazine said, “Musk has spent a lifetime defying the haters; now, it seems, he’s finally in a position to put them in their place.† The same can be said for our selection of Person of the Year, Chachie Pedraza Van Wales.

By Johnny Trlica Commentary: Without a doubt, the biggest story of the year was the insurrection that occurred on January 6. Never has our nation seen a defeated presidential candidate not only refuse to concede but also incite a mob of his supporters to attempt a coup by preventing the election results from being certified

By Johnny Trlica Commentary: Many experts talk about the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude. There are numerous studies on the positive effects of having a mindset of being grateful. People who practice being thankful for what they have been found to have higher levels of positive emotions, a stronger immune system, feel less

By Johnny Trlica Commentary: No matter how you identify, be proud of who you are.  “Coming out — whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer — STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be

By Johnny Trlica Commentary: As summer winds down, our attention turns to ideations of cooler weather, men in skin-tight uniforms on the gridiron, and pumpkin spice. (Too soon?) Dunkin’ Donuts rolled out its fall menu on August 18, a full day earlier than last year. A new pumpkin cream cold brew topped with cold foam

By Johnny Trlica If “that which does not kill us makes us stronger,†there is a drag performer across the Galveston causeway who should have the strength of Superman and Wonder Woman combined. Chachie Pedraza Van Wales works and performs at Robert’s Lafitte where, depending on the day, one may find him bartending and hosting

By Johnny Trlica  Commentary: There was pride long before the first Pride parades. It showed up wherever LGBTQ+ people had the courage to gather as a group, most notably in bars and pubs. The taverns were like our church, and not just because some patrons spent a lot of time on their knees there. (There, I said it