Interviewer: Hannah DeRousselle

Project: University Of Houston

Jack Valinski, one of the three founders of Pride Houston along with Carol Clark and Brian Keever, did not live in Houston while the Houston Pride Parade was getting starting in the late 1970s. Mr. Valinski moved to Houston in 1981, and beginning in 1982, he became increasing involved in Houston‟s LGBT community, which eventually led to his co-founding Pride Houston. Mr. Valinski spent twenty-five years working in the Pride Parade, only retiring in 2008. Over those years, the Pride Parade evolved into a night parade, a process in which Jack Valinski played a large role. Pride Houston‟s open policy helped keep the obstacles facing the Pride Parade low in number. Great efforts continue to make the Pride Parade largely a community project. In fact, the community controls a great deal of what Pride Houston does. The parade, open to everyone and anyone, showcases just how diverse the Houston LGBT community is. Further, the Pride Parade helps educate people about the LGBT community and proves that the LGBT community is a part of Houston and the diversity of the city.