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Call Me Larry - A trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Houston pens new memoir | Houston Public Media

Call Me Larry: A Trailblazer for LGBTQ Rights in Houston Pens New Memoir

In a compelling episode of Houston Matters, host Craig Cohen sits down with Larry Bagneris Jr., a pivotal figure in Houston's LGBTQ community, to discuss his newly released memoir, *Call Me Larry*. Bagneris, often hailed as a trailblazer for gay rights in the city, shares intimate details of his life, from his upbringing in a devout Catholic family in New Orleans to his transformative years in Houston, where he became a leading advocate for equality and visibility. The memoir, published by a local press, chronicles not just personal triumphs and struggles but also the broader fight for LGBTQ rights in a conservative Southern landscape during the late 20th century.

Bagneris begins the conversation by reflecting on his early life. Born in 1946 in New Orleans, he grew up in a large family steeped in Catholic traditions. His father was a strict disciplinarian, and religion played a central role, with Bagneris serving as an altar boy and even considering the priesthood. However, as he navigated his teenage years, he grappled with his emerging sexual identity. "I knew I was different," Bagneris recounts in the interview, describing how societal expectations clashed with his inner truth. This internal conflict led him to Houston in the 1970s, a move that would define his path as an activist.

Houston in the 1970s was a burgeoning metropolis, but for the LGBTQ community, it was a place of both opportunity and peril. Bagneris arrived during a time when gay bars like the Montrose area's iconic spots served as underground havens, yet discrimination was rampant. Police raids were common, and coming out could mean losing jobs, family, or worse. Bagneris vividly describes in his memoir the fear and exhilaration of those days. One anecdote he shares on the show involves his first visit to a gay bar in Houston, where he felt a sense of belonging for the first time. "It was like stepping into a world where I could breathe," he says, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

His activism took root in the early 1980s, amid the AIDS crisis that devastated the community. Bagneris became involved with the Gay Political Caucus (now the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus), one of the oldest such organizations in the South. He rose to prominence as its president, leading efforts to combat discrimination and push for political representation. A key moment in the memoir is his role in the 1985 referendum on Houston's anti-discrimination ordinance. The measure, which aimed to protect LGBTQ individuals from employment discrimination, was ultimately defeated after a vicious campaign led by conservative groups. Bagneris recalls the hate mail, threats, and public vitriol, including ads that falsely linked gay rights to child endangerment. "We were portrayed as monsters," he notes, but emphasizes how the loss galvanized the community for future battles.

The interview delves deeply into Bagneris's personal experiences with the AIDS epidemic, a chapter that forms the emotional core of *Call Me Larry*. He lost countless friends and lovers to the disease, and his own HIV diagnosis in the 1980s forced him to confront mortality head-on. "AIDS wasn't just a health crisis; it was a human rights crisis," Bagneris explains. He details his work with organizations like the Montrose Clinic (now Legacy Community Health), where he advocated for better healthcare access and education. One poignant story involves organizing vigils and fundraisers, turning grief into action. His memoir includes letters and journal entries from that era, providing a raw, unfiltered look at the pain and resilience of those affected.

Beyond activism, Bagneris's life story is one of intersectionality. As a Black gay man in the South, he faced compounded discrimination. He discusses how racism within the broader LGBTQ movement and homophobia in Black communities created unique challenges. "I had to fight on multiple fronts," he says. This perspective enriches the memoir, offering insights into how identity politics played out in Houston's diverse fabric. Bagneris credits mentors like Annise Parker, Houston's first openly gay mayor, and other local figures who paved the way. He also highlights positive milestones, such as the city's eventual passage of LGBTQ protections in 2015, which he sees as a direct result of decades of groundwork.

Throughout the Houston Matters segment, Bagneris reads excerpts from *Call Me Larry*, bringing his narrative to life. One passage describes a family confrontation after coming out to his parents, a moment of heartbreak and eventual reconciliation. Another recounts his involvement in the 1991 Texas Lesbian and Gay Conference, where he helped organize workshops on civil rights. These stories underscore themes of perseverance and hope. Cohen probes Bagneris on the evolution of LGBTQ rights, from the Stonewall riots' influence to contemporary issues like transgender rights and anti-LGBTQ legislation in Texas. Bagneris expresses optimism, noting Houston's progress—such as Pride parades drawing massive crowds—but warns against complacency. "We've come far, but the fight isn't over," he asserts, referencing recent bills targeting drag shows and gender-affirming care.

The memoir isn't solely about struggle; it's laced with humor and joy. Bagneris shares lighter tales, like his adventures in Houston's vibrant nightlife or his career in social work, where he counseled at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of chosen family in the LGBTQ community, crediting friends who became his support system. In the interview, he encourages young people to embrace their identities early, advice drawn from his own regrets about living in the closet for too long.

As the discussion wraps up, Bagneris reflects on why he chose the title *Call Me Larry*. It's a nod to his preference for informality, symbolizing authenticity over pretense. "Larry is who I am—unapologetically," he says. The book, available at local bookstores and online, includes photos from his life, adding a visual dimension to his journey. Cohen praises the memoir for its honesty and historical value, calling it essential reading for understanding Houston's LGBTQ history.

Bagneris's story resonates beyond Houston, offering a microcosm of the national struggle for equality. From his Catholic roots to becoming a beacon for rights, his life exemplifies resilience. As he signs off, Bagneris leaves listeners with a message: "Visibility is power. Tell your story, and change the world." This episode of Houston Matters not only celebrates a local hero but also reminds us of the ongoing quest for justice in an ever-evolving society.

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[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2025/07/25/527238/call-me-larry-a-trailblazer-for-lgbtq-rights-in-houston-pens-new-memoir/ ]