Houston 24/7: Pride and Beyond
It's the fourth-largest city in the country, but in many regards, Houston is number one when it comes to its LGBT calendar of events. From Pride and Bunnies on the Bayou to the annual Qfest and other happenings, head to Texas for big fun at any (or all!) of these gatherings.
Houston LGBT Pride Celebration
One of the oldest and largest Pride events in the South, this year's celebration marks 38 years and relies on the dedication of volunteers from the LGBT community and its allies. Here are just a few of the signature events:
June 25, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Houston LGBT Pride Celebration is free and open to the public (snag a VIP ticket for private cash bar, restrooms and other perks). The afternoon festival is at McKinney Street and Smith Street, while the parade itself kicks off at 8:30 p.m. at Lamar Street and heads north. If you're still juiced up, head to the After Party at South Beach nightclub to the wee hours.
June 26, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Hot-Tea is Houston's official closing party, this year held at the newly renovated Rich's Nightclub. It may be called 'tea,' but this packed gathering features sexy go-go boys, lights, lasers, and love for all.
For more information visit www.pridehouston.org.
QFest
An initiative of The Southwest Alternate Media Project, QFest (July 21-25) dates back nearly 20 years and offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to view some the most exciting short films, documentaries and features relevant to the LGBT community.
The story of QFest begins in 1996, when a group of maverick arts organizations collaborated and created The First Annual Houston Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, better known as The HGLFF. Inaugurated by Loris Bradley of DiverseWorks, Liz Empleton of Rice Cinema, Sarah Gish of Landmark Theatres, and Marian Luntz of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The HGLFF would soon grow to include Steve Buck of The Angelika Film Center and Andrea Grover of The Aurora Picture Show. In its early years as a multi-venue annual event, The Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) served as the festival's non-profit fiscal sponsor.
In 2006, the festival's tenth anniversary, under then-Board President Sixto Wagan, Rob Arcos, formerly of Landmark Theatres, was named Festival Director and Kristian Salinas was named Program Director. Now charged with creating its own program, the festival condensed its previous two week run into a five-day weekend. In 2007, led by new Executive Director Kristian Salinas, The HGLFF's 11th year launched with a new name - QFest.
Entering its 20th year, QFest promises to deliver an array of exciting and challenging programing that reflects the LGBT community's cultural landscape.
Bunnies on the Bayou
Mark your calendars for April 17, 2017... yes, that's Easter! This annual gathering is the largest annual outdoor cocktail party in Texas. Leave it to the LGBT community to turn a signature party into an event that's also instrumental in supporting local organizations.
In the last six years alone, more than $670,000 has been raised to support and strengthen important cultural and outreach programs, provide critical health care services and encourage life changing educational opportunities. For more information visit www.bunniesonthebayou.org.
There's More
When the summer heat finally starts to fade, Houston cranks up its LGBT calendar with more exciting events through the fall with these noteworthy events:
September 17
Transgender Unity Banquet
Nina Lombardo will host the 24th annual Unity Banquet, which raises money for scholarships, Houston Pride activities, Houston DOR, annual recognition awards, and small grants.
October 8
Houston Coming Out Party
Hosted by Outreach United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bring a better and more positive awareness and understanding to the Houston GLBT community, this long-running event draws more than 300 attendees for a night of live entertainment, silent auction, and open bar.
Whether you're headed to Houston for one of these special events or traveling to the beat of your own drum, the city continues to embrace and celebrate the LGBT community and its allies. For up-to-date information on things to do, events, nightlife, and dining, visit www.MyGayHouston.com.
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