HOUSTON — Pride Houston 365, the organization that has historically organized parades and activities for the city's LGBTQ+ community, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against another group, New Faces of Pride Houston.
The new organization is made up of former members of the original organization.
Pride Houston 365 said the lawsuit isn't about division, but rather to protect its legacy.
Lawyers for New Faces of Pride Houston, however, told KHOU 11 in a statement that they had agreed to meet with the lawyers for Pride Houston 365 about the dispute but the meeting was delayed.
"Lawsuits do nothing but divide our community," the statement said in part. "Pride Houston 365 chose a more expensive route by filing suit against our nonprofit organization."
"There is no monopoly on Pride celebrations," it continued.
In a press release, Pride Houston 365 said it wasn't intending to start trouble.
"This lawsuit is a testament to our commitment to preserving the integrity of the name and reputation we've established over decades," said Pride Houston 365 President Kendra Walker. "Our aim is not to engage in a feud but to ensure the community can continue to associate the Pride Houston with the same values of diversity, transparency, and accountability it always has."
Pride Houston 365 went on to say they "remain open to amicable resolutions."
Read New Faces of Pride Houston's full statement:
"Lawsuits do nothing but divide our community which is why we preferred to have our lawyer discuss any trademark issues. Ms. Hood reached out to Erik Osterrieder, the attorney for Pride Houston 365, and he agreed to meeting weeks ago. Due to their busy schedules, the meetings have been postponed. Instead, Pride Houston 365 chose a more expensive route by filing suit against our nonprofit organization.
"There is no monopoly on Pride celebrations.
"New Faces of Pride, LLC in Houston would have rather used its time and resources raising critical funds for the LGBTQ+ community rather than spending time in court."