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by China Doll
Houston, Texas

Houston Pride

Once again Houstonians came out to light up the night with Pride. Houston made history last year with North America's first nightime Pride Parade; this year, we had the same, although a little wet. But that didn't seem to bother many at all. There were over one hundred floats. Of course, I was hanging out in the media booth with Maria Todd and all other media groups and organizations. It was a real pleasant experience.

At the beginning, many left the parade due to the rain. This year's theme of the parade was "Unified, Diversified, and Electrified." The parade started right on time around 9pm, departing from Ridgewood and ending at Stanford. The 1998 Parade Co-Grand Marshals were Dr. Jackie Doval, Bob Bouton, the Texas Gay Rodeo Association, and Barbara Winston. Some of the organizations that were in the parade included Diverse Works, Gay Men's Chorus of Houston, The Greater Houston Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Chase Bank of Texas Pride Team, AIDS Foundation Houston, Bering Care Center, Amigos Volunteers in Education and Services (AVES), Colt 45s, Inc., Montrose Counseling and Clinic, Omega House, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Kolbe Project, Asians & Friends of Houston, Crisis Hotline, Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Houston, Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals (HATCH), Krewe of Olympus-Texas, The Name Project of Houston, Outrage Inc., and many, many more. The whole parade was covered via television by TV Montrose and several local new stations. Once again, thanks a million to all the support that you guys have given us to proceed with this wonderful tradition. Hope to see you again next year. Thanks to all the members of the Pride Committee for helping me organize my plans to be with you guys. GREAT JOB!!!

Before ending, I would like to mention one of the best organizations that provides education and information about the health issues concerning our lives. Project CAESAR is a non-profit organization leading us to the next century with better education and support groups. They are out there in our community passing out literature and condoms in local clubs, men's health and recreation facilities, and local schools. If you would like them to come to your group meeting or business function, please contact Philip Knowlton, Project Coordinator, or Randall Ellis at 713.623.6769. They can also be reached via email: mizwa@aidshelp.org.

In the next issue I will cover the Red, White and You Party at Rich's. 'Til then Houston, I hope you enjoyed the holiday.

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