We celebrate more members of the North Texas LGBT community who added color and memories to 2016
MUSIC Ivan Dillard, trans rocker
The Dallas musician had a second coming out, which only served to influence his musical derring-do more, as leader of The Mystiks.
MUSIC Todrick Hall, super-hyphenate
The Arlington native first attracted attention on American Idol, but popularity on YouTube, followed by tours, TV appearances and a Broadway stint (as the lead in Kinky Boots) prove there’s almost nothing he can’t do.
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PHOTOGRAPHY Robert Moore, first person shooter
Dallas Voice’s former publisher was one of many locals trapped while a sniper shot at Dallas police officers in July. His dynamic snapshot captured the energy of the experience, and went viral.
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MUSIC Lady BSmoove, hip-hop pio-queer
Hip-hop music has long been considered anti-gay, but Dallas musician Lady BSmoove helped launch Austin’s Pink Elephant queer hip-hop festival.
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COMMUNITY Alyssa Edwards, fierce queen
It’s been a banner year for Edwards, a local fave who returned with a memorable appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, as well as killer live performances across North Texas.
COMMUNITY Jake Papadakos, best boy
ILSb titleholder is part of a leather power couple.
COMMUNITY Will Sale, Easter bunny
Following an abortive Easter in the Park event in 2015, the local activist helped bring the event back to where it belonged in the gayborhood.
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FINE ARTS Agustin Arteaga, arts magnate
The new executive director of the Dallas Museum of Art plans to expand the role of the museum on the lives of North Texans.
FINE ARTS Ronald Radwanski, caring curator
After 100 exhibits, Radwanski decided to step down from the ilume Gallerie, where he showcased many local artists while also raising money for many area charities.
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PUBLISHING Wes Smoot, beefcake chef
He produced Weslo’s Home-O-Erotic Cookbook, which made kitchen time sexy.
DINING Stephan Pyles, culinary wizard
His new restaurant, Flora Street Cafe, is one of the buzziest eateries in Dallas in years.
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THEATER Cheryl Denson, director extraordinaire
Denson has been one of the best stage directors in North Texas for years, but her one-two punch for Uptown Players in 2016 — the Judy bioplay End of the Rainbow and the return of the groundbreaking Angels in America to the Kalita —accounts for some of the best theater you could see in Dallas this year.
THEATER Brigham Mosley, handy solo artist
Moseley writes and performs his confessional (and very gay) autobiographical one-man shows with skill, humor and humanity.
THEATER Kelsey Leigh Ervi, live action multi-talent
Ervi has been an assistant director, director, actress, festival coordinator and artistic associate at WaterTower Theatre, in addition to podcasting, making her one of North Texas’ most active and indispensable theater artists.
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SPORTS The Lady Quins, rugby lovers
The women’s team of the local Harlequins organization rides high with Olympic focus on their sport.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 16, 2016.