Male-Identifying Grand Marshal Nominees
Male-Identifying Grand Marshal Nominee
Davis Mendoza Darusman
Davis Mendoza Darusman is a nonprofit leader, community organizer, small business owner, and proud member of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community whose work centers dignity, access, and care for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
He is currently a candidate for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2, and would be the first AAPI JP in the county’s 189-year history, as well as the youngest openly queer judge in Houston. Davis has been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus for his commitment to fairness, accessibility, and dignity in public service.
Davis serves as President of the University of Houston LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, leading alumni efforts to provide thousands of dollars in scholarships, emergency aid, and ongoing support to LGBTQ students. He is also a founding co-chair of QUEENs of Houston, a first-of-its-kind coalition bringing together 10+ LGBTQ-serving organizations to share resources, coordinate community events, and expand access to support for all queer and Trans Houstonians.
Professionally, Davis leads Houston Unscripted Productions, recognized twice by OutSmart Magazine’s Gayest & Greatest Awards for event and commercial videography, and produced the pilot for Panning for Love, an LGBTQ+ reality dating show. In his activism, Davis fought against the removal of the Montrose rainbow crosswalk and led community art projects like Pride Chalk on the Sidewalk, a “Queer To Stay” banner drop over I-59, and a protest against Governor Greg Abbott at his re-election announcement event.
In recognition of his service, Davis is the 2025 recipient of the University of Houston Young Alumni Network’s Distinguished Service Award and a 2019 recipient of the UH Campus Leaders Legacy Award. Across his activism, nonprofit leadership, and public life, Davis believes love, visibility, and compassion should guide our institutions.
Male-Identifying Grand Marshal Nominee
Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., PT, PhD, DPT, MCHES (he/him)
Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., is a nationally recognized healthcare leader, social justice advocate, and proud Houstonian whose work has transformed access to inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQ+ communities across Texas and beyond. He is the Founder and CEO of Elation Physical Therapy, a Certified Minority and LGBT Business Enterprise®, known for setting the standard in culturally competent, patient- centered rehabilitation services.
Born and raised in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Rivera moved to Houston in 2003 to pursue his calling in healthcare. He earned his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, later completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a PhD in Health Studies. After nearly a decade of service within the Memorial Hermann Health Care System, he founded Elation Physical Therapy in 2014 with a mission to empower individuals to unlock their physical potential in an inclusive and affirming environment.
Beyond clinical care, Dr. Rivera is a leading voice in LGBTQ+ health education and advocacy. He is the international best-selling author of Shantay You Stay: A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practices, a widely used resource for advancing equity and cultural humility in healthcare systems nationwide. He is also the author of Lorenzo’s Big Dream, a children’s book that celebrates authenticity, self-expression, and belonging from an early age.
Dr. Rivera is deeply committed to community service and economic empowerment. He very recently served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Out for Education, one of the nation’s most successful LGBTQ+ scholarship foundations supporting LGBTQ+ youth. His work centers on increasing access to affirming healthcare, supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and mentoring future leaders.
In 2025, Elation Physical Therapy was awarded the Allstate Main Street Grant, providing $20,000 to expand LGBTQ+-affirming telehealth and virtual physical therapy services across Texas, with a special focus on rural and underserved communities where access to inclusive healthcare is limited. This investment reflects Dr. Rivera’s ongoing commitment to health equity, innovation, and meeting people where they are.
Dr. Rivera’s leadership and impact have been recognized with numerous local and national honors, including the American Physical Therapy Association’s Community Impact Award, the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s Minority Health Products and Services Firm of the Year, and the Small Business Administration Houston District’s Small Businessperson of the Year. He has also been recognized by the Houston Business Journal, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Outsmart Magazine, and Southwestern University for his contributions to healthcare, diversity, and community leadership.
Through healthcare, advocacy, philanthropy, and education, Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr. continues to advance dignity, equity, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people and all Houstonians. He would be deeply honored to serve as a Grand Marshal for the Houston Pride 365 Parade.
Male-Identifying Grand Marshal Nominee
