(Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Pride)
After years of muted celebrations due to COVID-19, The Woodlands Pride Festival is back in full force with entertainment options including drag kings and queens, musicians, speakers and more.
The Woodlands Pride Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 22 at Town Green Park, will be headlined by Reign LaRue, with other performances by Cyn Queen, Lila Dubois, Muffy Vanderbilt, Hun’ee B, Alyanna IV Bones, Hugh Dandy, Barry Mii Dandy and the H-Town Kings. The lineup of musicians includes Joseph Staley and Uncle Tino, and the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce will be represented by motivational speakers Roxanne Collins, Kevin Nguyen and Tammi Wallace.
The Island Grill VIP Experience will offer ticketed guests an exclusive area with a private bar with unlimited drinks and snacks, VIP seating and air-conditioned restrooms.
A children’s area is back this year with bounce houses, face painting and other activities for children. And for adults who want to keep the party going after the event, Como Social Club, located at The Westin at The Woodlands, will offer entertainment, drinks and relaxation.
The mission of the Woodlands Pride organization is to foster connections and education in the LGBTQ community while promoting equality, unity and love in The Woodlands and beyond. That message will be at the forefront of Saturday’s activities, according to entertainer Persephone. “The annual festival we organize in Town Green Park is the most fun way to bring together all members of the human race without preference, prejudice or judgment. We love each and every one and encourage each other to do the same. Every year, I’m often greeted by queer kids, trans kids, or kids who are just allies. I think it’s important for them to see that there’s a whole world out there waiting for them. I really want people to have a sense of hope after attending this festival”.
(Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Pride)
Woodlands Pride founder Jason Rocha believes these types of events are still important because even though it’s 2022, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the LGBTQ community. “[They show not only our] progress, but also how much more work we have to do. There are so many young people who are abandoned by their family, friends, churches and society. Imagine if your school board or city council recognized them. Imagine the impact on a young person’s life. But it’s bigger than that: there are a lot of older people who have never come out, or have only recently come out.”
Rocha also wants the crowds to feel motivated to see our community for what it is. “It’s important to remember that though [a few Texas cities] protect certain rights and have more resources, we all live in a state that seems to want to constantly control the LGBTQ+ community. We may live in different zip codes, but our state government is the same and we need help here and in rural areas. From [fighting the] book ban [campaigning against] Hostile takeovers of school boards, we need to work together.”
What: The Woodlands Pride Festival
When: October 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
Where: Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands
Information: thewoodlandspride.org
