Mayor Turner speaks at the Pride Houston virtual rally
Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Pride Houston at the “It All Started With a Riot” virtual rally on Saturday. He thanked the organization for adjusting its annual event format this year in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Pride Month is celebrated annually to mark the anniversary of the June 28, 1969, Stonewall riots in New York City. Each year, thousands of people line downtown Houston streets for a festival and parade.
Pride Houston planned to host a First Amendment March from Discovery Green and rally at Houston City Hall, but the organization changed its plans because of the rising numbers of positive coronavirus infections and hospitalizations throughout Houston.
“I know it was a hard decision, and I want to thank the Pride Houston board. It demonstrates the love this community has not just for one another but also people across the community. But just like the LGBTQ+ community has demonstrated that degree of love, the community must demonstrate that kind of love to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We still have a way to go even in this city to make sure we address issues like public accommodations and housing. I look forward to addressing them before I leave office as the mayor of Houston.”
This year’s message at the virtual rally also included reminders for Houstonians to wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently to help stop the coronavirus from spreading in the community.