As we select our LGBT Texan of the Year, we also want to acknowledge some of the local folks who helped define 2014 for us on the cultural side — people who often don’t get the recognition they deserve, those who made an impact on the discussion and those who simply made North Texan a more interesting place to live. Thanks!
APRIL SWARTZ-LARSON, Butch queen
In October, this out McKinney High School student caused a stir — first by being recruited to run for homecoming queen (one of five candidates, and the only openly lesbian one), then actually winning. It may be the first time both members of the homecoming royalty accepted their honors in neckties and suits.
TJ and TIMMY MUNDELL-PATTERSON, Honorary Doctors
When these Dallas businessowners decided to get married earlier this year, they celebrated their love — for each other and for Doctor Who — with some theme engagement photos that quickly went viral, and suddenly marriage equality had a time-traveling immortal face on it. The couple made it official in California last month.
MONICA GREENE, Mistress of Mexican cuisine
Despite occasional departures to Colorado, this restaurateur can’t resist the lure of North Texas, and we can’t resist her food. She returned after a nearly two-year absence to design the menu at the fast casual Pegaso Diner in Fort Worth, and her recipes are just as delicious as we remember.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 12, 2014