Person wearing a blue wig and a sequined dress singing into a microphone in front of a decorated background.

The Year in Review: Part 2 Looking back at the highs and lows

By Johnny Trlica

Commentary: “In fiction and less frequently in non-fiction, satire is a genre of literature and performing arts, in which vices, follies, abuses and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government, or society itself into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society,†reads the Wikipedia definition of satire.

June

One of our most read and controversial columns this year was a satire piece in June. It started with “reporting†a series of raids at Houston gay bars. In the “raids†over 500 people were taken into custody, bar staff as well as customers.

The satire piece reads in part: “Since the Supreme Court overturned marriage equality and now that the courts are packed with President Donald Trump appointed religious fanatics and confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, the administration’s policy of zero tolerance for anything associated with the gay lifestyle faces little resistance.

“If the aforementioned satirical story didn’t scare you or you thought that can never happen, think again. The LGBTQ community has never had a fan or supporter in the Republican Party. They are still fighting against same-sex marriage and equal rights.

“In May the House of Representatives voted on the Equality Act, passing it 236-173. All no votes came from Republicans. The bill will not even be put to a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.

“Don’t count on Christians to be a voice of reason. They have sold their souls for power. Trump promised them conservative judges and they are all too willing to bow to the president as long as he delivers.

“In June a Tennessee pastor crusaded for the killing of all gays, saying the Bible calls for the execution of LGBTQ people at the hands of the government. THE GOVERNMENT!

“As we celebrated the 4th of July this year there were babies in concentration camps on American soil. We had our president enforcing a ban on transsexuals serving in the military. For the first time ever, Independence Day was marked with a military-style parade in the nation’s capital. Fascism has come to America!

“As a minority, we must fight for all other vulnerable groups. LGBTQ people, people of color, immigrants, children, refugees, the disabled, and women are all under threat at the hands of this administration and must fight for each other across the lines of identity politics.

“A Jewish group recently formed to protest against family separations and caging children. Their motto is ‘When we said never again, we meant it.’ Powerful.

“We cannot change the GOP and Trump supporters; they’ve become a cult and feel emboldened. So don’t kid yourself into thinking that the satirical story written above can’t come true. A year ago no one would have imagined concentration camps in America.â€

July

This month we laid out the differences between Republicans and Democrats. “During the Watergate scandal, it was often said of Richard Nixon, “A man is judged by the company he keeps.†As it turned out the 37th president was surrounded by crooks. The Watergate scandal resulted in the indictment of 69 people, with trials or pleas resulting in 48 being found guilty, many of whom were top Nixon officials.

“Two and a half years into the Trump administration, 34 individuals have been indicted, eight have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of felonies, including five Trump associates and campaign officials.

“Nixon had supporters even as he resigned from office. Despite his character flaws and lack of morals, Trump is still the face of the GOP. There must come a point when even his staunchest supporters have had enough of the race-baiting, corruption, nepotism, and outright disregard for the rule of law.

“Until then, our difference is not our politics, it’s our morals.â€

August

Galveston’s Robert’s Lafitte celebrated its 50th anniversary. Owner Robert Mainor is the longest-tenured gay bar owner in Texas.

September

This month we researched Google to rate the area bars according to their online reviews. The top-rated bars in the Houston area were: Hamburger Mary’s and Neon Boots, both with a 4.5 average; next were Eagle, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, Ripcord, and Tony’s Corner Pocket, all with a 4.4.

October

For the national gay holiday, Halloween, we rated the must-see movies and TV shows. The top five were: 1. Hocus Pocus; 2. Carrie; 3. Bewitched; 4. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown; 5. Halloween.

November

Last month we talked about the current state of affairs in Washington. We wrote in part: “Do not confuse Republicans with facts. They simply do not care. If there is any justice left in this world, Republicans should be wiped out next November. Trump being exposed as an unabashed criminal is not going to help them win elections. It can only make them lose more. Or they can turn on Trump.â€

December

While a lot of folks were doing the 10-year challenge, Cher returned to the Bayou City for her “Here We Go Again Tourâ€. (Insert Cher’s mic-drop here.) She even told the adoring crowd she once lived in Galveston.

Let’s make 2020 and the entire forthcoming decade as fabulous as the ‘Believe’ singer’s costumes were.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the MONTROSE STAR. Johnny Trlica is the manager of the Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page, your source for the latest LGBTQ news and information. Contact him at [email protected].

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