HOUSTON — Thousands attended the first of two major Pride events in downtown Houston happening this month as the celebrations’ future remains uncertain.
The organization, New Faces of Pride, held its inaugural festival and parade on Saturday.
“For our first year, it's an incredible experience to be here,” Felicia Flores, the vice president of New Faces of Pride told KHOU 11 News. “It’s incredible, you have no idea how much time and effort we put into this and so there’s just a sense of pride in our community work, our community involvement, but also just seeing everybody’s face out here today is incredible.”
New Faces of Pride’s event came about as an effort to establish an organization with more transparency compared to that of Pride Houston 365, which has put on Pride events for more than four decades.
For months, city leaders have discussed ways to combine the events into one, but that didn’t happen this year.
“I tend to think the one next weekend will probably be more people just because it's established and I don't think a lot of people knew about this one,” James Hurst, a parade and festival attendee said.
Pride Houston 365’s event will take place on Saturday, June 29.
But with the future of Pride celebrations in Houston up in the air, people Saturday focused on the present and what Pride means in their lives.
“This is my first ever pride, so I’m so excited,” Olivia Lord of Houston said. “Everyone’s presence and happiness… I’m just so happy.”