Credit: @flawlessozproductions
Billed as the largest event for black and Latinx LGBTQ Pride and affectionately dubbed Black Gay Pride, Houston Splash is entering its 24th year of celebration May 2-6, 2019. This year’s iteration is set apart from previous years with the introduction of Her4Her, a Houston celebration catering to the lesbian community. Each year, Houston Splash expands its effort to provide a loud and proud banner of pride for every identity in their community.
Kicking off the month of May is a bit of foreplay at Crystal Nightclub on Southwest Freeway, featuring a special performance of Boylesque vs. Burlesque on Thursday, May 2. This dazzling little teaser will host a bevy of special guest dancers and a performance by Stasha Sanchez, Miss Continental 2018. Once attendees are sufficiently warmed up, an official welcome reception will be hosted at Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza on Friday, May 3 from 6 PM - 9 PM. After the welcome reception on Friday will be an exclusive Her4Her launch with the UncensHERed Kick-off Party and HIM! Houston Splash Kickoff Party starting at 10 PM at Crystal Nightclub.
Saturday, May 4 is jam-packed with events from the all-gender Ultimate Satur-Daytime Party from 4 PM - 9 PM, followed by Splash & Bosslady Productions Presents Vixens for the ladies, Party on the Patio at Capitol Bar Midtown, and HISteria at Lion’s Heart Event Center. Wrapping up the weekend and returning to its beachy roots, Houston Splash hosts Sunday Funday on Galveston Beach from 4 PM - 9 PM on May 6.
Originally, the event was a one-day-only beach bash called Splash Beach Party, primarily attended by gay white men. The number of black attendees increased over the years as Splash socially evolved to fill a desperately needed niche for celebrating and uplifting the black and brown queer community. For most people living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, safe spaces are first created out of necessity and protection. With that safety and protection then comes jubilation and kinship, something especially vital in the current political landscape.
As Jason Black, Houston Splash Committee Member and Co-organizer eloquently stated, “For the last 24 years, Houston Splash has created an empowering and celebratory space for our local LGBTQ+ communities of color to celebrate who we are without any shame as it relates to our sexual orientation, gender identity, and race or ethnicity! The nature of LGBTQ+ Pride is to celebrate who we are as a community and as individuals. We intentionally invite community partners that provide voter registration, HIV/AIDS testing and education, and additional resources that can help positively impact LGBTQ+ people of color.”
Houston Splash partners with Legacy Community Health to further its HIV/AIDS prevention initiative by offering free All Access VIP Passes for Splash 2019 to the first 50 community members that schedule a PrEP appointment with Legacy’s Pharmacy.
