In a move acknowledging the importance of Houston's equal rights ordinance and those fighting for its implementation, Pride Houston announced this week the theme of its 2015 celebration will be Heroes!
At a kickoff event at Guava Lamp lounge on Thursday, Pride unveiled the theme and the logo for the celebration happening in June, the organization's first Downtown. In the fall Pride announced it was relocating the festival and parade from Montrose to Downtown.
The organization also announced the 2015 grand marshal nominees:
Ally nominees: Anna Eastmann (HISD Trustee) and Jared Lang (Founder of Fashion Houston)
Female nominees: Tamira "Augie" Augustine (Co-founder Epsilon XI Gamma Inc.), Britt Kornmann (HRC Board of Directors) and Fran Watson (Board member of Houston GLBT Political Caucus and Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston)
Male nominees: Bob Briddick (Board member of OutReach United) and Ryan Levy (HRC Board of Directors).
Grand marshal voting is now open.
In May, the Houston City Council passed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), which protects city residents from discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics. An unprecedented show of support from the city's LGBT community and allies overwhelmed City Hall during the debate. Groups opposed to the ordinance are trying to put the issue to voters and a trial is underway over the repeal effort.
