June 18, 2012

Pride Houston

By Joe
For more than 33 years, Pride Houston has been a central part of the local LGBT community in Houston. It core mission is to strengthen equality and increase awareness around issues important to our community such as health, safety and marriage equality. Pride Houston celebrates the individuality and diversity of every person as we all strive for acceptance from parents, friends and society-at-large.
From annual charity events to aiding LGBT-support and -counseling networks, its activities continue to promote social awareness and enrich the diversity that helps the Houston community thrive.

Nearly a decade after the Stonewall Riots in New York, the Gay Rights Movement for equality made its way to Houston. The Celebration is typically held the last Saturday in June to commemorate Stonewall, and the parade, which is held in the evening after sunset. This tradition began in 1997, arranged by then-Houston City Councilmember Annise Parker, where a parade ordinance was revised to allow for the nation’s only nighttime Pride Parade.

Pride Houston is a registered 501(c)3 organization incorporated in the state of Texas, and is 100 percent volunteer-run. Its annual June Celebration takes more than 10,000 volunteer hours to produce, along side its other initiatives, which require more volunteers than ever.

MISSION

Pride Houston shall work to bring lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered individuals and allies together to educate the world on issues important to the LGBT community, commemorate our history and heritage, celebrate our culture and strive for equality.

VISION

To honor the Stonewall Riots in New York City by having the largest and most accessible Pride Celebration in the Southern United States where all may attend, be themselves and find like-minded people.

Houston has a lot to be proud of.  I’ve only visited Houston once, but I had a great time in its gay district, Montrose.  The City of Houston supports its LGBT community. Take a look at Houston’s City Hall lit up like a rainbow for Pride Week.  Even deep in the heart of east Texas, Houston is a city of wonderful culture, and from what I saw, a very accepting atmosphere.  Annise Parker has served as the mayor of Houston since January 2, 2010. Parker is Houston’s second female mayor, and one of the first openly gay mayors of a major U.S. city.

About Joe

Unknown's avatar
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
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