January 25, 2010 | A statement from Pride President Meghan Stabler:
On Monday, January 18, the brutal murder of Myra Ical occurred in Houston. Myra is a transgendered woman, but the media continues to use male pronouns along with colorful statements about being found in an area known for drugs and prostitution. This lazy and irresponsible journalism shows the amount of ignorance about transgender issues that is rampant among far too many reporters despite the existence of resources to assist them to report more accurately (www.glaad.org/referenceguide).
With so many local resources and organization available to local media, I continue to be surprised that mainstream news sources are getting it so wrong. The prevalence of violent attacks against transgender people is horrible enough, and yet the situation is compounded when the press does not respect the transgender community enough to write in ways that are accurate and recognizes transgender humanity.
The media's inability to follow nationally recognized LGBT reporting guidelines bolsters fear, further dehumanizes the transgender community, perpetuates a lack of understanding, and supports a culture of transphobic violence. It must stop.
The murder of Ms. Ical must be solved and and the violence against transgender people eliminated.
I call upon the media to report with fairness, integrity and respect.
Meghan Stabler
President - Pride Houston
On Monday, January 18, the brutal murder of Myra Ical occurred in Houston. Myra is a transgendered woman, but the media continues to use male pronouns along with colorful statements about being found in an area known for drugs and prostitution. This lazy and irresponsible journalism shows the amount of ignorance about transgender issues that is rampant among far too many reporters despite the existence of resources to assist them to report more accurately (www.glaad.org/referenceguide). With so many local resources and organization available to local media, I continue to be surprised that mainstream news sources are getting it so wrong. The prevalence of violent attacks against transgender people is horrible enough, and yet the situation is compounded when the press does not respect the transgender community enough to write in ways that are accurate and recognizes transgender humanity.
The media's inability to follow nationally recognized LGBT reporting guidelines bolsters fear, further dehumanizes the transgender community, perpetuates a lack of understanding, and supports a culture of transphobic violence. It must stop.
The murder of Ms. Ical must be solved and and the violence against transgender people eliminated.
I call upon the media to report with fairness, integrity and respect.
Meghan Stabler
President - Pride Houston
January 10, 2010 |
Now is the time to start registering your organization or company as an exhibitor in the 2010 LGBT Celebration.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 26 from 12 PM until 11 PM in the Montrose Neighborhood.
Now is the time to start registering your organization or company as an exhibitor in the 2010 LGBT Celebration.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 26 from 12 PM until 11 PM in the Montrose Neighborhood.
Every year the Pride Festival and Parade is supported by a variety of local businesses, organizations, and retailers. If you are interested in participating in this year's festivities, it is important to submit the necessary paperwork to make sure your space in the events are reserved. Spaces are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. All forms are provided as Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files. If you have any questions, please contact us either by email or by phone at 713.529.6979.
Pride Houston
ATTN: Parade and Festival Management
PO Box 66071
Houston, TX 77266-6071
Additionally, you may submit your application via email. Please print, sign, scan, and email your application to INFO@pridehouston.org.
PLEASE EMAIL INFO@pridehouston.org TO REQUEST A DEADLINE EXTENSION.
December 30, 2009 | Mark your calendars for this historic event!
WHEN: Sunday January 3, 2010
TIME: 5PM - 8PM
WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel
PARKING: Reduced valet at $10, or a $5 parking garage opposite the hotel, or free street parking where available
PROVISIONS: Cash bar with a happy hour price of $5 for wine and a signature cocktail at the same price. Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres
As we launch into the new year, you are invited to the first most important event of 2010...
Next week, Houston will become the largest city in the United States to inaugurate an openly gay Mayor! This is an incredible moment for our city and for the LGBT equal rights movement nationwide. We would love for you to join us at this historic event.
Let's come together in a united moment of celebration on our collective achievement.
The election of Annise Parker because of her experience and competence sends a clear message that LGBT people are equally valued in American life. The entire LGBT community can now look to the Mayor of the fourth largest city in the United States - our beloved Houston - and say my sexual orientation will not hold me back from achieving my dreams!
No ticket cost, no cover... just a happy hour cash bar and the great pleasure of your company! There will also be an opportunity to sign a Message Book to Annise, and meet representatives from many of the wonderful LGBT organizations in Houston, Texas and beyond.
To RSVP: Please go to the Facebook event, or don't worry about RSVP-ing and just join us!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email here.
As the host committee, we do look forward to celebrating our victory together and have our proud, united LGBT face forward!
This is a non-partisan, non-political event. For the sake of not wanting to exclude many of the wonderful organizations in Houston during this very, very short timeline in bringing the event together, the host committee of organizations has been set to those that are either political in nature, are explicit in LGBT empowerment in their mission, have worked on Annise's campaign, or any combination of these three. However, please be assured that there will be an opportunity for all organizations to document and be recognized for their support at the event itself.
Thank you! And we look forward to celebrating together.
WHEN: Sunday January 3, 2010
TIME: 5PM - 8PM
WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel
PARKING: Reduced valet at $10, or a $5 parking garage opposite the hotel, or free street parking where available
PROVISIONS: Cash bar with a happy hour price of $5 for wine and a signature cocktail at the same price. Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres
As we launch into the new year, you are invited to the first most important event of 2010...
Next week, Houston will become the largest city in the United States to inaugurate an openly gay Mayor! This is an incredible moment for our city and for the LGBT equal rights movement nationwide. We would love for you to join us at this historic event.
Let's come together in a united moment of celebration on our collective achievement.
The election of Annise Parker because of her experience and competence sends a clear message that LGBT people are equally valued in American life. The entire LGBT community can now look to the Mayor of the fourth largest city in the United States - our beloved Houston - and say my sexual orientation will not hold me back from achieving my dreams!
No ticket cost, no cover... just a happy hour cash bar and the great pleasure of your company! There will also be an opportunity to sign a Message Book to Annise, and meet representatives from many of the wonderful LGBT organizations in Houston, Texas and beyond.
To RSVP: Please go to the Facebook event, or don't worry about RSVP-ing and just join us!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email here.
As the host committee, we do look forward to celebrating our victory together and have our proud, united LGBT face forward!
This is a non-partisan, non-political event. For the sake of not wanting to exclude many of the wonderful organizations in Houston during this very, very short timeline in bringing the event together, the host committee of organizations has been set to those that are either political in nature, are explicit in LGBT empowerment in their mission, have worked on Annise's campaign, or any combination of these three. However, please be assured that there will be an opportunity for all organizations to document and be recognized for their support at the event itself.
Thank you! And we look forward to celebrating together.
December 2, 2009 | Grand Marshal positions for the LGBT Celebration are among the highest honors bestowed by Houston's LGBT community. Individuals and organizations nominated for Grand Marshal have made significant achievements for LGBT rights and have made considerable contributions to the LGBT community at large.
Questions? Read some quick Q&A's!
Who should be nominated?
Nominees should be selected based on their commitment and outstanding contributions to the community. Areas of contribution to be considered are social, political, health, child welfare, education and business. Types of contributions to be considered are mentoring, volunteering, generosity, leadership roles and civic pride.
Grand Marshals should be seen as role models to the community as a whole, not just one segment of the community. This should be shown in the contributions they have made to the community.
What Grand Marshal categories are there?
There are four Grand Marshal positions for the 2010 LGBT Celebration: Male Grand Marshal, Female Grand Marshal, Honorary Grand Marshal, and Grand Marshal - Organization.
Who qualifies for each category?
Male Grand Marshal is reserved to those who are self-identified as a gay-man, bisexual or transgendered man. This category is reserved to those who reside within the Greater Houston area.
Female Grand Marshal is reserved to those who are self-identified as a lesbian, bisexual or transgendered woman. This category is reserved to those who reside within the Greater Houston area.
Honorary Grand Marshal is awarded to a self-identified heterosexual, non-transgendered man or woman who has shown outstanding dedication to the LGBT community. There is no residency restriction.
Grand Marshal - Organization may be any organization that has significantly contributed to the positive image and outlook of the LGBT community, or has supported the advancement of the LGBT rights, for more than two years.
Why am I required to give you the contact information of the individual or organization I am nominating?
Although everyone loves surprises, this unfortunately cannot be one. All individuals and organizations must be notified of their nomination and given the right to deny or accept the nomination.
My potential nominee has been a Grand Marshal before, can I nominate him or her again?
Yes! However, a person, or organization, cannot be recognized for the same contributions as before. Therefore, if the person or organization has continued to go above and beyond in the advancement of LGBT rights since being a Grand Marshal, then their nomination will be accepted.
What happens once I nominate someone?
Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of former Grand Marshals and Pride Board members for eligibility. All final candidates will be announced on Friday, January 15, 2010.
What's required of the nominee, and if chosen, of the Grand Marshal?
Nominees are requested to urge their friends, family and other contacts to vote for him or her, and to attend at least one "Vote Party" held prior to the 2010 LGBT Celebration Kick Off Party.
Grand Marshals are requested to attend selected Pride events leading up to the 2010 LGBT Celebration, help Pride in its fundraising efforts for its Community Partners Program, and to attend the LGBT Celebration.
November 29, 2009 |
Recognized as the South's pre-eminent annual Pride parade
and celebration, Pride Houston is committed to engaging and addressing the
interests of Houston's diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community
through on-going programming.
Pride Houston seeks a visionary and business savvy Executive Director experienced in leading nonprofit organizations in the strategic thinking and capacity building efforts that support efficient operations and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contractor and volunteer management, strategic planning, community partnerships, and working with diverse constituencies. He or she must have sound financial management skills, a proven track record in raising funds from individual donors, foundations, corporations, local and federal government agencies, and contract development experience. A background in large-scale events production and advocacy will be a plus. The candidate should be a proven consensus builder and collaborator able to clearly articulate Pride Houston's goals and policies to the public and elected officials. Experience in developing a diverse board of directors, as well as facilitating and negotiating change will be highly valued.
TO
APPLY:
If interested in the position
please send a cover letter and resume to rolachia@pridehouston.org. Applications will be accepted
until 4:00 PM December 18, 2009. Pride
Houston is an EOE.
November 28, 2009 | Please vote for Pride in the Chase Community giving Program. If you are
not a fan/member of Pride Houston on Facebook then come and join us.
Every vote counts, and your vote could land $25,000 for Pride and the
Houston LGBT Community.
November 23, 2009 | As we prepare for the new year, it is important to review our accomplishments
during 2009, as well as define our goals and plans for the next year and
beyond.
A powerful, immediate response from volunteers and our partners from every corner of the GLBT community has brought this initiative to life. In the past year, Pride Houston and the community came together like never before. Production Team members worked tirelessly to keep our volunteers involved within the organization throughout the year. Our Board of Directors and Production Team joined forces to reach out to media, and to maintain positive relations with all sponsors. And tens of thousands from the GLBT community have become part of the effort, participating in online interaction, attending year around events, and donating to help move the Pride mission forward. Is it any wonder that we've begun to see great progress in the effort to reinvigorate Pride among sponsors, media and the entire GLBT community?
While these accomplishments are too numerous to detail in full, this snapshot of 2009 includes relevant examples of progress toward each of our stated goals.
Year end Report.pdf
A powerful, immediate response from volunteers and our partners from every corner of the GLBT community has brought this initiative to life. In the past year, Pride Houston and the community came together like never before. Production Team members worked tirelessly to keep our volunteers involved within the organization throughout the year. Our Board of Directors and Production Team joined forces to reach out to media, and to maintain positive relations with all sponsors. And tens of thousands from the GLBT community have become part of the effort, participating in online interaction, attending year around events, and donating to help move the Pride mission forward. Is it any wonder that we've begun to see great progress in the effort to reinvigorate Pride among sponsors, media and the entire GLBT community?
While these accomplishments are too numerous to detail in full, this snapshot of 2009 includes relevant examples of progress toward each of our stated goals.
Year end Report.pdf
October 2, 2009 | 
Pride Houston (Pride), the largest Pride organization in the Southwest, and Pride's
Board of Directors today announced that Meghan Stabler will become the first
transgender Board President of Pride Houston. Stabler has been a long time
advocate for LGBT equality and works with numerous advocacy groups, including
the AETNA Healthcare GLBT Advisory Board, AIDS Foundation Houston Executive
Board, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Business Council and HRC Steering
Committees of both Houston and Austin.
"I am excited about the opportunity to help lead and build upon Pride Houston's 31 year history and strong record of excellence in community engagements. I will endeavor to work hard to ensure that Pride moves into 2010 with a solid foundation and with a team that is ready to capture the spirit of every member of the community," said Meghan Stabler, incoming Pride Board President. "It's energizing to see such a strong and enthusiastic board and volunteers brought together in one of the largest and most visible LGBT communities in the country."
"Meghan is an inspiring, new voice for Pride Houston," said Eric Skains, Pride Celebration Chairman. "With her board experience and community involvement, she will continue to build bridges among Pride and community partners. She is also an accomplished community leader and activist with the talent and experience to help move Pride to new heights."
Professionally Stabler is a Global Strategic Marketing Executive for BMC Software; a multi-billion technology company based in Houston, where she helps to develop and drive BMC's industry strategy and messaging. After twenty five years of leadership in I.T, she took on her toughest challenge and transitioned openly in the workplace at BMC. She helped establish understanding, communication and policies within the company to support global diversity and credits her co-workers and company DNA culture for LGBT support throughout the company.
As a nationally recognized spokesperson and activist Meghan has appeared globally on the television, radio and print media representing a number of industry and board related issues. Meghan has used her no-nonsense approach to advise a number of international governments, including members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. In June 2008 she submitted written testimony to Congress on Transgender Workplace issues and in March 2009 briefed the Congressional LGBT Caucus on LGBT equality needs.
Pride Houston (Pride), the largest Pride organization in the Southwest, and Pride's
Board of Directors today announced that Meghan Stabler will become the first
transgender Board President of Pride Houston. Stabler has been a long time
advocate for LGBT equality and works with numerous advocacy groups, including
the AETNA Healthcare GLBT Advisory Board, AIDS Foundation Houston Executive
Board, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Business Council and HRC Steering
Committees of both Houston and Austin. "I am excited about the opportunity to help lead and build upon Pride Houston's 31 year history and strong record of excellence in community engagements. I will endeavor to work hard to ensure that Pride moves into 2010 with a solid foundation and with a team that is ready to capture the spirit of every member of the community," said Meghan Stabler, incoming Pride Board President. "It's energizing to see such a strong and enthusiastic board and volunteers brought together in one of the largest and most visible LGBT communities in the country."
"Meghan is an inspiring, new voice for Pride Houston," said Eric Skains, Pride Celebration Chairman. "With her board experience and community involvement, she will continue to build bridges among Pride and community partners. She is also an accomplished community leader and activist with the talent and experience to help move Pride to new heights."
Professionally Stabler is a Global Strategic Marketing Executive for BMC Software; a multi-billion technology company based in Houston, where she helps to develop and drive BMC's industry strategy and messaging. After twenty five years of leadership in I.T, she took on her toughest challenge and transitioned openly in the workplace at BMC. She helped establish understanding, communication and policies within the company to support global diversity and credits her co-workers and company DNA culture for LGBT support throughout the company.
As a nationally recognized spokesperson and activist Meghan has appeared globally on the television, radio and print media representing a number of industry and board related issues. Meghan has used her no-nonsense approach to advise a number of international governments, including members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. In June 2008 she submitted written testimony to Congress on Transgender Workplace issues and in March 2009 briefed the Congressional LGBT Caucus on LGBT equality needs.
October 2, 2009 | The Lesbian Health Initiative's Rainbow Health Fair, serving LGBT women with no insurance or who are under-insured, is Saturday, November 7 at Legacy Community Health Services, from 8:15am-2:00pm. Come have fun, meet others, visit our vendors, get health screenings and learn.
This year, we have several free talks from community stars like Nancy Ford and others.
This year, we have several free talks from community stars like Nancy Ford and others.
- Free mammograms, pap tests, cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure checks. Schedule a mammogram and pap test now by emailing, or calling 713-426-3356. Leave your name, contact phone and email, and date of birth.
- Talk to Legacy and Montrose Counseling Center consultants to see if you are eligible for ongoing free or discount treatment with a primary care physician or counselor.
- Get a durable medical power of attorney, advance directive (living will) from Kristen Capps, JD
- Treat yourself to a massage by Andres Orozco, Elevating Massage
Listen to the following free talks:
9:40-10:00am: Brandy Reding, registered medical assistant, describes "Lesbian Safe Sex and Risk Factors for STDs".
10:00-10:20am: Javier Berrios, M.D.-Board Certified Rheumatologist, will present "Rheumatoid Diseases that Predominantly Affect Women and What Can be Done to Treat Them". Learn how to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sjogren's, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and several muscle diseases.
10:20-10:40am: Dr. Mary Alice Cowan, Ob-Gyn explains "Why You Still Need to See a Gynecologist-HPV, Endometriosis, and Cervical, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer"
10:40-11:00am: Kristen Capps, J.D., presents "A Legal Check-up for Those Living Together" Kristen, who practices family, civil and consumer law explains Texas law and how to plan in (and for dissolution of) non-community property intimate relationships.
11:00-11:35am: Ron Cummings, Registered Dietitian, The Buyer's Club discusses "Dealing with Fatigue" and "Sustaining Memory"
11:35-12:00pm: Kelly McCann, Aids Foundation of Houston and the infamous Nancy Ford present a Dr. Seuss-inspired poem, and Kelly presents, "Safer Sex and HPV"
12:30-12:50pm: Shelley L. Nadel, "Long Term Care Planning" Come for answers to questions like "Who will take care of my partner if she needs long term assistance? Will she be able to stay at home? How will I pay for care?"
12:50-1:10pm: Andrea Washington, Montrose Counseling Center Coordinator presents, "Behavioral and Mental Health Issues in the Lesbian Community"
September 17, 2009 | HOUSTON, TEXAS, Thursday, September 17, 2009 - Pride Houston (Pride), the largest Pride organization in the Southwest, today announced that the Board of Directors has elected ten new Board Members: John Buchanan, Tammy Dowe, Troy Dunnahoe, Robert Garcia, Ray Olachia, Ricardo Gonzalez, Michael Hatcher, Ernie Manouse, Frankie Quijano and Phillip Slaughter.
"The diverse ranges of professional experience and expertise that our new colleagues bring to the organization will be of great value as we continue the work of making Pride Houston the premiere LGBT organization in Texas," says Richard Graber, Co-Chair of Pride's Board of Directors Transition Team.
John Buchanan: Born in Florida, raised in Arkansas, Buchanan loves working with the LGBT community in all aspects. Buchanan has been a cheerleader for two major universities, and has a Masters from Texas A&M. He has experience in local and state fundraising, and intends on providing this experience with Pride Houston. Buchanan works in the community, supports the community, and is proud to be part of the community.
Tammy Dowe: As SpotOn Managing Principal, Tammy Dowe has fifteen years of experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Dowe's government and public affairs experience lies with the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, and the Greater Houston Partnership. More recently, she managed corporate public relations and legislative issues for a major U.S. oil & gas corporation.
In 2009, Dowe launched SpotOn Public Relations, a public affairs + policy firm with clients based in Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C. She has served the Houston community in various volunteer and board capacities, including Alley Theatre, Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, Senate Hispanic Research Council, United Way, et al.
Dowe attends St. Luke's United Methodist Church with her husband and two children.
Troy Dunnahoe: At the age of only twenty-three, Dunnahoe is the youngest person to become a Board Member of Pride Houston. Currently, Troy is a fulltime student with the University of Houston Clear Lake pursuing a degree in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources. Dunnahoe is a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and Sigma Alpha Pi.
Robert Garcia: Having been raised in a Pentecostal Missionary family traveling through Texas and Mexico, Garcia's experiences shaped his views on compassion, equality, and the desire to help his fellow man. His work ethic started at a young age in several work environments but was refined when working for Atlantis Laboratories for over fourteen years, leaving as their Business Manager. Once in Houston, Garcia has continued his charitable work, and is constantly using and improving his skills and talents to better the lives of the less fortunate. Taking from the lessons learned early in life, his desire is to give back to a community that needs education on health, awareness on prejudices, and access to funds for support those in need.
Ray Olachia: Living in the Greater Houston Area for most of his life, Olachia has had various roles within the nonprofit community, including a launch of his own small business providing administrative services for nonprofits including all aspects of fundraising, event planning and coordinating of campaigns.
Olachia is a member of the Montrose Softball League's Board of Directos, where he is heavily involved with fundraising efforts for local charitable organizations.
Ricardo Gonzalez: Ricardo grew up in a small community where "gay pride" was never discussed nor mentioned among his peers. He realized he was "no longer in Kansas," but in a different world of acceptance when he was introduced to the Montrose Softball League. His contributions to MSL include event organization and fundraising. Gonzalez believes that the LGBT community involves a neighborhood of business, accomplishment of success, and union. He lives his life to the motto, "Live, Love and be Loved." Gonzalez vows to help bring the LGBT community to that next level of success and pride.
Michael Hatcher: Michael has worked for OutSmart Magazine as an Account Executive for the past eighteen months. Prior to joining the OutSmart team, he was in national commercial sales in television. Hatcher began his career as a Claims Representative handling multi-million dollar claims across America, where he traveled extensively for trials and mediations.
Ernie Manouse: Emmy nominated Ernie Manouse, graduate of Loyola University Chicago, started with NBC Network News before coming to Houston PBS. On television, Manouse hosts and produces the nationally syndicated series InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, in addition to anchoring the local news/current events series Houston 8. Manouse's community work includes eleven years as emcee for the Houston LGBT Pride Parade, three years as a judge for Houston Pride Idol, and board positions with the USO, STAGES Theater, and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.
Frankie Quijano: Frankie is the Organizational Development and Communications Specialist for Foxconn, Inc; a $60 billion, international technology manufacturer. Quijano has been involved in Pride Houston for four years, serving on the Special Events Committee, and currently the Volunteer Director. His dedication and passion for volunteer work has been an inspiration to Pride Houston and its volunteers. In 2009, Quijano was named Pride's Director of the Year.
Phillip Slaughter: As a graduate of South Texas college of Law, Slaughter is now the owner of his own law firm focusing in Litigation and First Amendment Litigation. Slaughter is the former President for both the LGBT Student Law Organization at the South Texas College of Law and the Stonewall Law Association. In addition, Slaughter has worked with the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance and the United States Marine Corps Association.
"Pride's work in building awareness and bringing a familiar face to this human rights movement is shaping our culture today and helping to grow and develop acceptance of LGBT people," said Richard Graber. "There are many victories our community is experiencing and we are confident that the diverse range of expertise found within the new members of the board of Pride Houston will help advance the important work of this organization."
"The diverse ranges of professional experience and expertise that our new colleagues bring to the organization will be of great value as we continue the work of making Pride Houston the premiere LGBT organization in Texas," says Richard Graber, Co-Chair of Pride's Board of Directors Transition Team.
John Buchanan: Born in Florida, raised in Arkansas, Buchanan loves working with the LGBT community in all aspects. Buchanan has been a cheerleader for two major universities, and has a Masters from Texas A&M. He has experience in local and state fundraising, and intends on providing this experience with Pride Houston. Buchanan works in the community, supports the community, and is proud to be part of the community.
Tammy Dowe: As SpotOn Managing Principal, Tammy Dowe has fifteen years of experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Dowe's government and public affairs experience lies with the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, and the Greater Houston Partnership. More recently, she managed corporate public relations and legislative issues for a major U.S. oil & gas corporation.
In 2009, Dowe launched SpotOn Public Relations, a public affairs + policy firm with clients based in Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C. She has served the Houston community in various volunteer and board capacities, including Alley Theatre, Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, Senate Hispanic Research Council, United Way, et al.
Dowe attends St. Luke's United Methodist Church with her husband and two children.
Troy Dunnahoe: At the age of only twenty-three, Dunnahoe is the youngest person to become a Board Member of Pride Houston. Currently, Troy is a fulltime student with the University of Houston Clear Lake pursuing a degree in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources. Dunnahoe is a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and Sigma Alpha Pi.
Robert Garcia: Having been raised in a Pentecostal Missionary family traveling through Texas and Mexico, Garcia's experiences shaped his views on compassion, equality, and the desire to help his fellow man. His work ethic started at a young age in several work environments but was refined when working for Atlantis Laboratories for over fourteen years, leaving as their Business Manager. Once in Houston, Garcia has continued his charitable work, and is constantly using and improving his skills and talents to better the lives of the less fortunate. Taking from the lessons learned early in life, his desire is to give back to a community that needs education on health, awareness on prejudices, and access to funds for support those in need.
Ray Olachia: Living in the Greater Houston Area for most of his life, Olachia has had various roles within the nonprofit community, including a launch of his own small business providing administrative services for nonprofits including all aspects of fundraising, event planning and coordinating of campaigns.
Olachia is a member of the Montrose Softball League's Board of Directos, where he is heavily involved with fundraising efforts for local charitable organizations.
Ricardo Gonzalez: Ricardo grew up in a small community where "gay pride" was never discussed nor mentioned among his peers. He realized he was "no longer in Kansas," but in a different world of acceptance when he was introduced to the Montrose Softball League. His contributions to MSL include event organization and fundraising. Gonzalez believes that the LGBT community involves a neighborhood of business, accomplishment of success, and union. He lives his life to the motto, "Live, Love and be Loved." Gonzalez vows to help bring the LGBT community to that next level of success and pride.
Michael Hatcher: Michael has worked for OutSmart Magazine as an Account Executive for the past eighteen months. Prior to joining the OutSmart team, he was in national commercial sales in television. Hatcher began his career as a Claims Representative handling multi-million dollar claims across America, where he traveled extensively for trials and mediations.
Ernie Manouse: Emmy nominated Ernie Manouse, graduate of Loyola University Chicago, started with NBC Network News before coming to Houston PBS. On television, Manouse hosts and produces the nationally syndicated series InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, in addition to anchoring the local news/current events series Houston 8. Manouse's community work includes eleven years as emcee for the Houston LGBT Pride Parade, three years as a judge for Houston Pride Idol, and board positions with the USO, STAGES Theater, and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.
Frankie Quijano: Frankie is the Organizational Development and Communications Specialist for Foxconn, Inc; a $60 billion, international technology manufacturer. Quijano has been involved in Pride Houston for four years, serving on the Special Events Committee, and currently the Volunteer Director. His dedication and passion for volunteer work has been an inspiration to Pride Houston and its volunteers. In 2009, Quijano was named Pride's Director of the Year.
Phillip Slaughter: As a graduate of South Texas college of Law, Slaughter is now the owner of his own law firm focusing in Litigation and First Amendment Litigation. Slaughter is the former President for both the LGBT Student Law Organization at the South Texas College of Law and the Stonewall Law Association. In addition, Slaughter has worked with the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance and the United States Marine Corps Association.
"Pride's work in building awareness and bringing a familiar face to this human rights movement is shaping our culture today and helping to grow and develop acceptance of LGBT people," said Richard Graber. "There are many victories our community is experiencing and we are confident that the diverse range of expertise found within the new members of the board of Pride Houston will help advance the important work of this organization."
401 Branard St, 
: 713.529.6979
