By electing Annise Parker mayor Saturday, Houston became the largest city in the United States to elect an openly gay candidate. More broadly, however, the city threw into sharp relief the conflicted – though not necessarily contradictory – stance that defines many Americans’ attitudes toward the gay and lesbian community. Houston chose Ms. Parker, the city controller, over Gene Locke, a former city attorney, with 53 percent of the vote. Yet, in the past, Houston has voted against extending benefits to the partners of... read full review »

The Houston GLBT Political Caucus, the oldest gay civil rights organization in the South, recently elected Noel Freeman as its new president. Freeman has been a member for four years and served one year on the caucus' board before taking the top leadership post this month. Freeman, 34, a city of Houston public works department administrator, is a California native who served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a senior airman. He moved to Houston in 2003 after earning his bachelor's degree in political science from Texas A&M... read full review »

Houston has one of the largest and most visible gay communities in the country, a fact that often surprises outsiders who think of Texas as being quite conservative. If you need any evidence that Houston's gay scene packs plenty of punch, check out the Pride Festival and Parade, which takes place in late June (June 25 in 2011). This will be the 33rd anniversary of Houston's Gay Pride celebration, which typically draws more than 150, 000 participants and spectators. Like many other cities that celebrate pride in June, Houston... read full review »

Dear Brothers and Sisters: I joined this congregation almost four years ago. Since then I have come to know and love many of you. And I would like to believe the feelings are mutual. After being a member for two years, as some of you know, I began to feel called to ministry. After discussing it with our Pastor, I approached the church council and requested to be registered with our governing body's candidacy committee. You unanimously agreed to register me and even offered me financial assistance if I needed it. It is with... read full review »