2014-03-10

Center for Public History, University of Houston; University of Houston Libraries, University of Houston

This is an oral history interview with Jack Valinski conducted as part of the Houston History Project. 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. Interviewer: Hannah DeRousselle.

interviews

Sexual minorities; LGBTQ community; LGBTQ people; Gay pride parades; Valinski, Jack

Houston, Texas

Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

University of Houston Libraries Special Collections

English

Collection
University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
Houston History Archives
Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

Preservation Location: ark:/84475/pm0136h163m