April 12th 2023 Queer Voices

Queer Voices

Pride 2023 Update -- Robert Gallegos for Houston mayor -- Montrose Blvd. Project
We speak with representatives from Pride 365 about the 2023 Pride events and what will be different this year. Historically, Pride Houston is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit that has organized the official Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® every year in Montrose or downtown Houston. As of 2022, no longer will we only celebrate in June. Introducing Pride Houston 365. We will continue to strive to promote equality and inclusion through celebration and plan for numerous LGBTQIA+ events all year long to support our community. Why rebrand? Full transparency coupled with a goal of celebrating Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community year-round, raising critical funds for youth scholarships, and offering ongoing health and wellness education takes time.

And it equals a 365 days-a-year commitment.
Guest: Lavender Lee
https://pridehouston365.org
Then, we speak with Houston's lone LGBT city Councilmember Robert Gallegos who is announced he is running for Houston mayor. Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian. He was elected in 2013 to the Houston City Council, representing District I – an area that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport. Robert was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. He is the son of immigrants, working class parents, and proud labor union family.

Before being elected, Robert spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the community he now represents on city council. He was the founder and first president of the Eastwood/Lawndale Super Neighborhood Council and served as president of his neighborhood’s civic club (Houston Country Club Place) for over 15 years.
Guest: Robert Gallegos
https://voterobertgallegos.com
Finally, we speak with Nelson Vergel and Robert Snellgrove about the project to rebuild Montrose Boulevard with the possibility of adding historical markers to commemorate the LGBT community. The project spans a roughly 2-mile section from Allen Parkway south to I-69. It will involve a full roadway and drainage reconstruction with hard construction costs estimated at $52 million, Gauge Engineering Principal Mohammed Ali said.
Improvements will focus on improving mobility for all roadway users by widening sidewalks, making intersection crossings safer, replacing traffic signals and improving lighting.
Guests: Nelson Vergel and Robert Snellgrove
https://montrosehtx.org/
Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:
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