Rainbow sidewalks in Texas, transphobia in the gay community, cigars in the leather scene and upcoming events.

DAILY MEME: The more we practice empathy to get better we get at it – Renee Hebert

* Heard on the Throwing Light Podcast by Louis Toliver Jr

* Listening without judgment, observing nonverbal cues.

* Putting yourself in others shoes, trying to learn about people different from you

* Developing self-awareness, identify and question your own biases – blind spots

Check In:

* TestDrivenTV – Dodge Charger Scat Pack

* New threads for video, casual but nice – push and pull with my husband who has a different style template.

* Dermatologist – Actinic Keratosis

Good News: Rainbow Sidewalks

* The city of San Antonio is replacing the now banned rainbow crosswalks in the Pride Cultural Heritage District with new rainbow sidewalks.

* On both sides of North Main Street 6-foot wide rainbow flag striping will color sidewalks entire length of the “gay strip” in downtown.

* Chevron designs at the corners emulate the modern progress pride flag.

* Then entire $170,000 tab is being taken up by the city.

* This strategy overcomes the Texas state and Federal policy attacks that have forced the removal of rainbow cross walks. They won’t be able to take this rainbow away.

Social: Transphobia In The LGBTQ+ Community

* Even in our own community transgender people are othered

* Even in our own community transgender people are excluded

* Even in our own community transgender people are blamed

* Transgender, bisexual and non-binary people are all part of our family

Leather Season: Cigars and Leather

* Baked in the DNA of the leather and fetish genre

* Tom of Finland Art influence or influenced?

* Often part of the role play and role responsibilities in D/s relationships

Event: Smokeout 2026 Las Vegas

Self described as “a fun-filled, uncomplicated weekend in Las Vegas for cigar and pipe studs, bikers, leathermen, bears and friends from all over the world, with time to gamble, shop, be a tourist, enjoy a show, attend events or relax by the pools and have a great time!

* Wednesday through Monday at the Tuscany Suites Resort and Casino

* Special room rates for registered participants

* Vendors

* Smoking Lounge

* Private pool and playroom spaces

* Barbershop and bootblack

* Dinners and socials

* Motorcycle ride and offsite opportunities

* Event registration $60 ahead of time, $ 80 at the door

Event Save The Date: No Kings III – March 28

As always you can click on the EVENTS tab at our website growingoldergay.com for LGBTQ gatherings nationwide all year long. If you have an event you would like featured in our event calendar or even here on the podcast, send an email with the details to sam@growingolderday.com

Viewer Comments: “I agree with you about Tesla “

* Revisiting the Tesla Comments from last week

* Have a sense of humor