Tickets
Donate
Volunteer

About Us

Pride Houston 365

A Celebration of Love and Diversity

Pride Houston 365 is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that proudly produces the largest LGBTQ+ festival and parade in Texas. For nearly five decades, we have hosted the official Houston LGBT Pride Celebration, which includes the Houston Pride Festival and Houston Pride Parade, uniting hundreds of thousands each year in Montrose and downtown Houston.

What began in 1976 as a grassroots march to honor the Stonewall Riots has grown into a powerful movement of visibility, advocacy, and celebration that amplifies voices, inspires change, and strengthens the bonds that unite our community. Through political opposition, the AIDS crisis, and ongoing fights for equality, Pride Houston has remained a steadfast symbol of resilience, hope, and progress.

Mission: Our mission is to raise public awareness around the need for diversity, equity, and equal rights while commemorating and celebrating the rich history of Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community. We work year round, not just in June, to uplift queer voices, foster connection, and create inclusive spaces that reflect the heart of our city.

Vision: Through thoughtful programming, community-driven education, and initiatives like youth scholarships and health and wellness outreach, Pride Houston is committed to long-term impact and transparency.

This is more than a parade. It is a 365-day-a-year commitment to our community.

Looking Ahead

Embracing a Bright Future

As we look ahead, Pride Houston remains committed to transparent communication, accountability, and ensuring our organization and mission shine brightly, untarnished for all to see. Our primary goal is to provide effective support, meet your needs, and continue making a positive impact on our community.
OUR HISTORY

Timeline of Pride Houston

The Houston Pride Parade is far more than a celebration, it’s a powerful beacon of hope. It visibly affirms the existence and resilience of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community and reminds everyone that no one stands alone in the fight for recognition and equality.
  • June 20, 1976 a "Gay Pride Parade" was held starting from the Exile (at 1011 Bell, at Main St)
  • June 16, 1977 The parade is nearly canceled due to lack of funding, but a large protest against Anita Bryant’s anti-LGBTQ+ campaign revives community momentum.
  • July 1, 1979 The Houston Pride Parade is officially established, coordinated by the Parade Committee and the GLBT Political Caucus.
  • 1991 Pride Houston, Inc. is formally founded edicated to producing the Pride Celebration.
  • 1997 The Houston Pride Parade started having its parade at night
Read More
our legacy

A Legacy Rooted in Strength, Courage & Vibrancy!

Rooted in history, we champion a future free from discrimination where everyone is treated equitably, protected by law, and empowered to live with pride and dignity.
dedicated volunteers

Discover the Faces Behind the Team

Kerry-Ann Morrison

President

Cheryl Peterson

Secretary

Jaimee Adkins

Treasurer

Aicardo Rivera Jr photo

Aicardo Rivera, Jr.

Vice President

Kitty Howard photo

Venita "Kitty" Howard

Board Member

Herman Finley

Board Member
Rahbe Simmons photo

Rahbe Simmons

Board Member
Samantha Wheatfall photo

Samantha Wheatfall

Board Member

Erica Tremillo

Board Member

Madison Irelan

Board Member

Kimberly K'necole

Board Member

Carlia Helm

Board Member
BECAUSE OF YOU

Volunteer Opportunity

Pride Houston’s events and programs thrive because of passionate volunteers like you. Whether you’re helping us plan large-scale celebrations, support educational initiatives, fundraise, or lead community outreach, your time and energy fuel our mission of visibility, advocacy, and joy for Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

All volunteers must be 18 or older.

Ready to make an impact? Join us and be part of the Pride movement.

  • Inspire the Next Generation – Be a visible example of allyship, leadership, and love in action—showing others what pride looks like all year long.
  • Be a Part of LGBTQIA+ History – Help carry forward a legacy of resistance, resilience, and celebration that began in 1976.
  • Make a Tangible Impact – Your time and energy directly support equity, visibility, and empowerment for the queer community in Houston.
  • Build Lifelong Community Connections – Meet like-hearted people, grow your local network, and find chosen family through service.
Volunteer
Our Celebration

Upcoming Event

Pride Parade

Registration for Houston Pride Celebration 2026 opens September 1, 2025! Pride Houston boasts a 48-year history, ranking as the third-largest pride event in the United States and among the top 20 internationally. This legacy stands as a testament to our dedication and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

by Pride Houston® 365

  • Houston, TX
  • June 6th 2026
  • 10 AM - 6 PM
Buy Tickets
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Kerry-Ann Morrison

President

Kerry-Ann Morrison is a queer Jamaican leader, entrepreneur, and advocate whose journey from Jamaica to Canada, New York, Los Angeles, and now Houston has shaped her global perspective and lifelong commitment to equity and inclusion. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and woman of color fuel her passion for creating spaces where underrepresented communities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

She currently serves as President of Pride Houston, where she leads with a vision of uniting diverse voices and strengthening partnerships to advance LGBTQIA+ visibility and advocacy. Kerry-Ann is also the founder of HerCity.com and I AM Toronto, a strategist for iMe, and works in public health with Harris County. With more than a decade of experience across finance, nonprofit leadership, and community development including her work with My Community One Foundation, she brings expertise in governance, fundraising, and equity-focused programming.

Kerry-Ann continues to champion initiatives that amplify marginalized voices, mobilize communities, and build lasting legacies of inclusion.

Cheryl Peterson

Secretary

Cheryl Peterson, from Houston, Texas, also known as The40YearOleVegan, is a life insurance educator, self-taught vegan chef, certified life coach, and passionate self-published author. She has written two books — 365 Shades of Affirmations and 20 Shades of Vegan — showcasing her commitment to healthy living, personal growth, and inspiring others. Cheryl proudly identifies as a lesbian and is a strong advocate for equality, representation, and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cheryl also works as a project manager in state government, combining her professional expertise with her passion for helping others thrive.

In her spare time, she enjoys working out, cycling, traveling, gardening, and spending quality time with her family. She also celebrates Pride and actively supports initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ voices.

Jaimee Adkins

Treasurer

Aicardo Rivera Jr photo

Aicardo Rivera, Jr.

Vice President

Aicardo Rivera, Jr. is a Houston-born strategist, innovator, and advocate whose journey from New York City back to his hometown reflects a full-circle commitment to purpose and community.

As the Founder of SERP Savvy Studios, Aicardo empowers brands to make smarter, data-driven decisions — transforming how organizations structure, govern, and activate information to create measurable, human-centered impact. His expertise in data analytics and SEO has made him a trusted partner for enterprise brands seeking to modernize their digital presence and connect more authentically with their audiences.

Now serving on the Board of Directors for Pride Houston, Inc., Aicardo combines his technical insight and strategic vision with a deep compassion for the LGBTQIA+ community. He is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, fostering meaningful partnerships, and providing impactful resources that elevate visibility, inclusion, and empowerment. Grounded in Houston’s dynamic energy and driven by a passion for progress, Aicardo continues to use data, innovation, and advocacy to inspire meaningful change.

Kitty Howard photo

Venita "Kitty" Howard

Board Member

Venita “Kitty” Howard is a passionate community advocate and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community since 2005. She actively volunteers with Pride Houston 365 and have been since 2008 and is deeply committed to giving back through service and outreach.

She is especially focused on creating safe, inclusive spaces where my LGBTQIA+ family can feel seen, valued, and supported—driven by her journey of embracing her authentic self after years of hiding. Her work reflects a strong dedication to empowerment, visibility, and unity.

Herman Finley

Board Member

Herman L. Finley III (also known as Father Blaque) is a proud Houston native, community leader, and advocate for public health and equity. He previously worked for 15 years at St. Hope Foundation in HIV prevention and health education, and today serves as a Member-at-Large on the Pride Houston 365 Board of Directors.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Herman is the owner of House of Blaque Marketing & Multi-Service Group and Blaque Room Lounge HTX, an inclusive community space. He is also the founder of the House of Blaque, where he mentors and uplifts LGBTQ+ youth and others in need.

A devoted father of six, Herman is recognized for his warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and community empowerment.

Rahbe Simmons photo

Rahbe Simmons

Board Member

Rahbe Simmons serves as a Director in the public health space, where he leads efforts to embed equity, innovation, and community voice into public health practice. With over a decade of experience in youth development, HIV prevention, and global health, Rahbe’s work centers on strengthening systems that advance inclusion and improve quality of life for underserved communities. He holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MEd from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with additional studies at the American Graduate School in Paris and Oxford University. Currently pursuing his MPH at Texas State University, Rahbe brings his passion for health equity, representation, and community empowerment to his role on the Pride Houston 365 Board of Directors, championing initiatives that celebrate diversity and promote holistic well-being across Greater Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

Samantha Wheatfall photo

Samantha Wheatfall

Board Member

Samantha Wheatfall is a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to empowerment, resilience, and inclusion. Also the founder of her company, S.Naomi & Co., LLC, she continues her mission to promote mental wellness and create spaces where authenticity and belonging thrive. 

As Director of Outreach for Pride Houston 365, she builds meaningful partnerships and leads initiatives that connect and uplift diverse communities. With over two decades of leadership experience in the military, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, Samantha brings expertise in resilience training and community engagement.

Erica Tremillo

Board Member

Madison Irelan

Board Member

Kimberly K'necole

Board Member

Carlia Helm

Board Member