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Why Houston is holding two pride parades this year

Gillberg
Why Houston is holding two pride parades this year





Houston’s LGBTQ+ community The community is gearing up for a unique Pride season this year, featuring not one, but two distinct parades and festivals. This unexpected turn of events stems from a recent rift within the city’s longtime pride organization, Pride Houston 365. As a result, a new group has formed, Houston’s New Faces of Pride. The more, the merrier, we guess?

As parades from both organizations compete for attention, Houstonians face a Pride season filled with a double dose of celebration and choice. Perhaps the competition could inspire each organization to go all out to impress us.

Confused? Yeah, us too. Here’s what you need to know.

How did we get here?

The roots of this dual Pride drama go back to a time of turmoil within the OG organization. In recent years, Pride Houston has faced a series of challenges, from financial mismanagement to leadership conflicts, leaving the group scrambling to regain public trust. The firing of its longtime executive director following allegations of embezzlement sent shockwaves through the community. The ensuing legal battle, which forced the former director to pay $1.2 million in damages to the organization, cast a shadow over his reputation. Pride celebrations, once a joyful feature of Houston summers, have been canceled or scaled back because of these infighting.

Amid this controversy, a contingent of volunteers and leaders decided to chart a new course, forming the New Faces of Pride. This group aims to restore trust and transparency within the community, positioning itself as a modern, responsive alternative to the struggling Pride Houston.

Officially launching in October 2023, New Faces quickly made waves by announcing its own fashion show and festival. Organizers say the June 22 event is a contemporary take on Pride celebrations, with a focus on community engagement and philanthropic efforts throughout the year.

One week later, on June 29, Pride Houston will host its 46th annual parade and festival. The organization is now led by new leadership, which has focused on revamping operations, securing substantial sponsorships, and planning a series of events that honor the long-standing traditions of Pride celebrations from Houston.

What can we expect from each event?

Houstonians can choose to attend one or both of the upcoming Pride parades.




New Faces of Houston Pride Festival and Parade


Date: June 22, 2024

Time: Festival and musical performances from noon to 6 p.m., parade from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Planet Pink! the official after-party will take place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Location: The parade will take place in downtown Houston, starting at Lamar Street and ending at Jefferson Street. A detailed map can be found here.

Grand Marshals: Meghan Fairbanks, Rep. Al Green, Ian L. Haddock, Rice PRIDE and Iris Rodriguez

Performances: DJ Amarji, Hugh and Barry Mii Dandy, Dom, Gndrbndr, Billy Gilman, Chris Housman, La’Darius Mirage Jackson, Sugar Joiko, Adriana LaRue, Reign LaRue, Lauren Sanderson, Special K and Sam, Violet S’Arbleu, DJ Uri Via , and DJ Von Kiss

Tickets: Participation in the parade and festival is free; however, VIP tickets can be purchased for between $150 and $250. More details here.

How is it different: New Faces of Pride promises a modern take on traditional Pride festivities, with a strong focus on community engagement and philanthropy that aims to reconnect the LGBTQ+ community with its roots. The organization showcases new talent among its lineup of local artists.


Pride Houston 365 46th Annual Houston Pride Celebration Festival and Parade


Date: June 29, 2024

Time: The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m., the parade pre-show takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and the parade itself from 7:20 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: The parade will take place in downtown Houston, starting at Bagby and Lamar streets. The procession will pass through Smith, Walker and Milam streets before ending at the intersection of Milam and Pease streets. A detailed map can be found here.

Host: Muffy Vanderbilt

Grand Marshals: Kevin Dapree Anderson, Lesley Briones, Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, Sara Fernandez, Olivia Julianna, C. Patrick McIlvain and Odyssey Oakengrove

Performances: Brooke Eden, David Archuleta, Kayla G and K. Michelle

Tickets: The parade is free. The festival is free for those under 21 and 55 and over, $5 for everyone else with advance tickets online or $10 at the door. More details here.

How is it different: Pride Houston takes a more traditional approach to Pride celebrations with established and widely recognized artists, corporate sponsorships and a parade route that extends further.


What should I attend?

There are no right or wrong answers to this question. It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Pride experience. If you are attracted to a new perspective and enjoy discovering new talents, New Faces might be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you want to relive the grandeur of Houston’s long-standing Pride traditions, Pride Houston might resonate more. But really, you don’t even have to choose: just celebrate both. There is enough pride for everyone.

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