The Dallas Way returns to the stage once again for its new 2018 speaker series featuring three speakers with incredible stories to tell.
1. Dr. Wesley Phelps is a professor of history at Sam Houston State University who is currently writing a book covering legal challenges to Texas sodomy laws, including a chapter on Dallas's own landmark civil rights case, Baker vs. Wade, bringing to life the heroic story of the Texas Human Rights Foundation like never before. Come hear the fascinating story of how a humble law suit in Dallas, Texas, filed on behalf of a volunteer plaintiff named Don Baker, rallied the GLBT community of the entire state and started a chain reaction in the world of courts and judges that ended up changing the world for gay people throughout the country. In the end, state laws criminalizing same-sex relations were ruled no longer tolerable under the United States Constitution ... the bold premise of Baker vs. Wade.
2. Betty K Neal is our freind who says, “I have never been in the Closet, I’m designed this way.” Betty is one of the original Alan Ross Pride Parade board members, one of the original Dallas Southern Pride board members (and an avid supporter of its new leadership), and an original member of Stud Takeover Vegas. She’s a lover of all things “Drag,” a pageant owner, and a lifetime friend to the Entire LGBTQ Community. Betty is also an advocate for the homeless population of the city and serves as Co-CEO of THE GOOD JUDY GIRLS Blanket the Homeless.
3. In 2013, Gary Garcia was staring death straight in the face. Through no fault of his own, Gary suffered from sudden and acute liver failure and was told he needed a liver transplant ... a critical medical crisis for anyone. To complicate his situation further, Gary was also living with HIV. After one physician told him to go home and take care of his affairs, he knew he had to fight for his life in more ways than one. Gary’s hope is that by sharing his powerful story, others will have a better understanding of the importance of registering to be an organ donor and help save lives after their own has ended.
Our oral history evening will be hosted by well-known television news reporter Steve Noviello. Steve is a Consumer Reporter, News Anchor and Social Media leader whose work appears weekly on FOX O&O stations across the country. He is a 6-time Emmy Award wInner, has won 3 National Headliner Awards and has been honored multiple times by the Associated Press. On April 5th, Steve will bring his special style of hosting to our special event.
The doors to S4 / Rose Room open at 6:00 PM ... The program begins promptly at 7:00 PM. Address: 3911 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas 75219.