THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Jason Rocha was walking through a park in 2018 when he came up with an idea to create a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community.
Since then, The Woodlands Pride has blossomed into a powerhouse organization with a headlining festival that continues to grow.
The path through Town Green Park is a familiar one for Rocha.
"I called all humans recycled stardust. I have for many, many years and so we stopped here for no particular reason," Rocha said.
It was next to the Stardust Bench at the park where he decided to create The Woodlands Pride.
"Kind of a stamp of approval from the universe. Everything is meant to be," he said.
Its mission aims to connect, celebrate, educate and foster relationships in the LGBYQIA community while promoting equality, unity and love. It's a mission that didn't come easy for the kid from suburban Texas, who turned military.
"I got to meet real people in the military and it really opened my eyes to humanity outside of a bubble," Rocha said.
It started with a festival that saw about 5,000 people attend, stayed afloat during the pandemic and most recently welcomed about 8,500 festivalgoers.
"Where people can come together and be themselves and be free," Rocha said.
He never imagined he'd be leading one of the largest free pride festivals in the state. The Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 pushed Rocha to chart a new path -- that's when he came out.
"We want to create an environment where you don't let go. If you love somebody, you love them, hold onto them and cherish them," Rocha said.
He said what he's created in The Woodlands is necessary to provide a space for people who need to connect with the community while expanding people's view of the world.
"This is where the laws are. This is where the laws are happening that are anti-LGBTQ, anti-trans, anti-women, anti-everything. It's in the rural and suburban areas," Rocha said.
Rocha had a message for those scared to stand boldly in who they are: "It's hard to be authentic in an inauthentic world."