Pride Houston announces nominees for 2021 grand marshal and theme

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Pride Houston revealed this year's nominees for grand marshal Friday with a virtual announcement.

Executive director Lo Moton Roberts led the announcement, which also highlighted the nominated themes for the 2021 Pride Houston celebration.

Theme nominations include the following:

• #GameOver - This theme represents the fact that time is up for intolerance and hatred, and instead, the time is now to embrace all that we can, and make sure that every human is treated with the same respect and dignity.

• Pride Unbound - This theme is designed to represent the manifestation of the hope for progress, celebrate healing the nation and honor all who have spoken their truth, past and present.

• Diverse-City: Together We Rise - This theme is designed to represent the melting pot that is Houston as we strive for total equity and equality.

The 2019 theme was "Summer of '69." The year before that, Pride celebrated 40 years. Most of the 2020 Pride Houston celebration had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pride Houston grand marshals are chosen following a nomination period for four categories each year:

Female Identifying

• Ali Lozano - political social worker with the Texas Civil Rights Project

• Isabel Longoria - elections administrator for Harris County

• Melanie Toarmina Pang - advocate actively engaged in community involvement and leadership, including providing services in critical areas during Hurricane Harvey

• Kymberlie McGuire - co-founded the nonprofit organization Houston Gaymers, board member of CASN (Clinic Access Support Network)

Male Identifying

• C. Patrick McIlvain - mental health advocate who has been active with the Houston International Festival and still volunteers with the City of Houston's Department of Special Events

• Jovon Tyler - new president of Houston's GLBT Political Caucus

• Jaques Bourgeois - founder of Houston Gaymers, Bunnies on the Bayou board member, leader on Mayor Turner's LGBTQ advisory board

Gender Non-Binary/Non-conforming

• Kevin Nguyen - served as a member of Bunnies on the Bayou, Pride Houston and the mayor's LGBTQ advisory board

• Michael Stewart - known for actively opening doors, even at a young age, for non-binary community members through artistic expression and performances

• Chip Ware - proudly supports the LGBTQIA community through activism within the Jewish community and different organizations including the Texas Renaissance Festival

Ally

• Abbie Kamin - Houston City Council Member representing District C

• Chris Hollins - Former Harris County Clerk

A public vote on both nominees and celebration themes will begin Monday, Feb. 8. Those with the highest votes in each category will be announced in April as grand marshals.

You can read the full bios of every nominee and vote at this link.

Grand marshals are recognized by proclamation of the City of Houston and participate in celebration activities, including the parade.

Plans and a schedule of events for Houston's Pride celebration have yet to be announced.

ABC13 carried the stream live, but if you missed it, you can watch here on ABC13.com and free on-demand anytime on the the ABC13 apps for your smartphone, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV.

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