|
Members and Supporters,
Pride Month has been full of powerful moments of visibility, connection, celebration, and community. From our record-setting Pride In Business Celebration to Pride Nights, flag raisings, member milestones, community events, and meaningful stories from across our Chamber family, June has been a reminder of what happens when we show up — for each other, for our businesses, and for the LGBTQ+ community.
As we continue celebrating the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and a remarkable Decade of Impact, we are proud to lift up the people, partners, and members who are helping build a stronger, more connected LGBTQ+ and allied community across Greater Houston.
With Pride,
| |
Tammi Wallace (she/her)
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time to get involved! Join now.
| | |
Pride In Business Celebration: Thank You!
Our hearts are full.
Thank you to everyone (over 1,000 attendees!) who joined us for the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration as we honored the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and celebrated a remarkable Decade of Impact.
The full ballroom. The energy. The emotion. The history. The celebration. The people. The power of seeing a cross-section of our region gathered together as community — it was unforgettable.
As Tammi shared in her remarks, “Ten years ago, we did not have a seat at the table, so we decided to build one.” What a celebration it was for the work we've done over the past ten years to make sure we are visible and heard.
Thank you to our sponsors, Co-Chairs, Host Committee, honorees, speakers, elected officials, community leaders, members, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this milestone celebration possible.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Casa Maestri / Agave Boom, our VIP Reception Presenting Sponsor, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, and our Chamber Impact Partner, Hilton Americas-Houston, for being the ultimate hosts.
👉 READ THE FULL UPDATE
Relive the moments from this year’s celebration through the event photo and video gallery. More photos are coming soon!
📸 VIEW PHOTOS
Get Ready for 2027! Secure your early sponsorship.
| | |
Honoring Our 2026 Pride In Business
Award Honorees
Each year, the Pride In Business Awards recognize leaders, businesses, organizations, and partners who are advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion, economic opportunity, visibility, and community impact across Greater Houston.
This year’s honorees reflect the very best of our Chamber community — bold leadership, meaningful allyship, business excellence, advocacy, service, and a shared commitment to building a stronger LGBTQ+ and allied economic ecosystem.
As we celebrated the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and a remarkable Decade of Impact, we were proud to honor these outstanding leaders and organizations:
| | |
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Pride In Business Award honorees. Your leadership, service, and commitment continue to move our community forward — and your impact will be felt for years to come.
👉 Learn more about our Honorees and hear in their own words what this recognition means to them.
| | |
Chamber Member Dessert Gallery is celebrating Pride Month with a special collection of festive cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Even sweeter — a portion of proceeds from these Pride treats will benefit the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
Stop by one of their locations and pick up something delicious in support of Pride, community, and LGBTQ+ economic inclusion.
| | |
A Decade of Becoming:
What the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber
of Commerce Has Meant to Me
| | |
As the Chamber celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary and A Decade of Impact, we are honored to share reflections from members, partners, and leaders whose journeys have been shaped by connection, visibility, and community.
In this guest blog, Clay Melder, VP | Relationship Manager, Corporate Healthcare & Not For Profit Banking with Amegy Bank, reflects on his own decade of growth — from BRG leadership and business engagement to civic service, friendship, and belonging — and the role the Chamber has played in helping him find both purpose and people.
| | Congratulations to Pamela Brantley Dunnings with Chamber Impact Partner Bracewell LLP on being named as a Board Member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. | | Congratulations to Kelly Adels Hess, CEO of Chamber Member CompuCycle, who is recognized as a 2026 WBE Star Award from the WBENC. The 14 WBE Stars exemplify the WBENC's theme of IMPACT, demonstrating meaningful influence across their businesses, communities, and industries through leadership, excellence, and service. 👉 Learn more. | | How Partnership with Tony’s Place Is Changing Lives Year-Round | | Over the past decade, the Chamber has worked to bring businesses and community together in ways that create real, lasting impact. That work is rooted in a simple idea: when we show up for one another, we all move forward—stronger, bolder, and together. | | | |
Our collaboration with Tony’s Place reflects that vision in action. While our work together has grown in recent years, it represents the kind of connection and collaboration the Chamber has been building since day one—linking businesses with organizations on the front lines to ensure resources, support, and opportunity reach those who need them most.
From the Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive to new opportunities for consistent, year-round support, this collaboration has helped create stability, dignity, and care for LGBTQ+ youth across our region.
| | | | As part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to highlighting the businesses, leaders, and organizations that make up our LGBTQ+ and allied economic ecosystem, we’re proud to spotlight Chamber Member Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal. | | |
Owned by John Nonemaker, Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal is a Houston-based, LGBTQ+-owned business focused on helping clients safely remove or lighten tattoos through advanced laser technology, education, and personalized care. From supporting clients through personal transformation to providing free tattoo removal services for survivors of human trafficking, Rethink’s work reflects the powerful connection between business, community, and impact.
In this Member Blog Post Highlight, John shares more about his business journey, what inspired him to join the Chamber, why visibility matters, and how Rethink is creating a welcoming, judgment-free space for clients across Houston.
| | Do you have some good news to share? From time to time, the Chamber highlights significant accomplishments, big milestones and other good news about our Members and Corporate Partners. Please submit news about your member business via the form below. | | |
Call for Arts + Culture Members!
Arts + Culture Members are invited to be a Featured Member at the Chamber’s annual Arts + Culture 3rd Thursday Breakfast in September. Our featured speaker will be Taylor Jackson, CEO, Houston Arts Alliance.
This is a great opportunity to share information about your organization, upcoming seasons, exhibits, performances, programs, and other ways Chamber members can support and engage with your work.
Interested in being featured? Please email Joe Mendoza, Membership Manager, at joe.mendoza@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
| | |
Why Visibility Matters:
The Lasting Impact of a Pride Flag
| | |
At the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, we know visibility matters — in our businesses, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. Sometimes, visible support shows up in bold public moments. Other times, it shows up in something as simple as a Pride flag in a front yard.
We’re proud to share this reflection from Chris Blackwell, with Chamber Member One Innovative, who reminds us that visibility is never just symbolic. For someone who needs to know they are seen, valued, and not alone, a visible sign of Pride can become a powerful message of safety, hope, acceptance, and belonging.
| | |
|
Subject to Love:
Pride, Parenting, and The Rainbow Bee
| |
We invited Chamber Member Ricardo Gattas-Moras to share a blog about what Pride Month means to him. As a father, business owner, and author, he brings one of many unique perspectives to both our community and our membership.
Take a moment to read his powerful reflection this Pride Month. Thank you, Ricardo, for sharing your story.
| | |
Foundations of Impact:
Honoring Our Inaugural Partners, Inaugural Members and Founding Members
| |
Every milestone has a beginning—and ours was made possible by partners and members who believed in the Chamber before it became what it is today. As we celebrate a Decade of Impact, we are honored to recognize the Inaugural partners, Inaugural members, and Founding members who joined in year one and helped us build this strong foundation.
This month, we are highlighting Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC, Patrick Torma | Goosehead Insurance, and REFUGE Marketing & Consulting.
| Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC- Inaugural Member | | Patrick Torma | Goosehead Insurance - Inaugural Member | | REFUGE Marketing & Consulting - Inaugural Member | | As we celebrate this milestone anniversary year, we extend our deepest gratitude to Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC, Patrick Torma | Goosehead Insurance, REFUGE Marketing & Consulting, and all of our inaugural partners, inaugural members, and founding members. Your belief in this Chamber from the very beginning helped turn vision into reality. Because of these members, we are stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together. | | Grace Place Provides Hope and Support for Houston Youth | Chamber Nonprofit Member, Grace Place, was recently featured on Great Day Houston, sharing more about their critical work and mission. | | How Houston's LGBTQ+ soccer club is growing the game and building community | | Chamber Member, Space City Pride FC, was recently featured in an article on Chron.com, "How Houston's LGBTQ+ soccer club is growing the game and building community." | | | Congratulations to Chamber Members Cosmo Cool Concepts on 25 Years and Eureka Heights Brew Co. on 10 Years! We were proud to recognize both businesses with milestone anniversary awards at the June 3rd Thursday Breakfast and celebrate their continued investment in the Chamber and their commitment to building a stronger, more connected LGBTQ+ and allied business community. | | 10-Year Inaugural Member Award - REFUGE Marketing & Consulting | We were proud to recognize Chamber Member, REFUGE Marketing & Consulting, with their 10-Year Inaugural Member Award. They were unable to join as in February when the awards were presented. While they are living abroad, they continue to be incredible supporters of the Chamber. | | | Tiffany Tosh, Founder & CEO, accepted the award. She is also on the Chamber's Founding Leadership Council and one of our past board members. We are grateful for the longtime support from REFUGE! | | |
L.O.V.E. Starts with You.
Our voices matter. This is how we make them count.
LAST CALL! Survey Closes on June 30, 2026
Last call to complete the Houston Area L.O.V.E. Survey.
The Houston Area L.O.V.E. Survey — LGBTQ+ Opinions, Voices, and Experiences, is a partnership with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University and the Montrose Center.
This first-of-its-kind in the region, community-driven survey is designed to ensure LGBTQ+ voices across Greater Houston are seen, counted, and reflected in the data that shapes decisions that impact our lives.
If you identify as LGBTQ+ and live in the Greater Houston region, take the survey and share it widely — your voice matters.
👉 Take the Survey: https://tinyurl.com/2026LOVESurvey
| | |
Did you know that one of the valuable membership benefits is the ability to post open job opportunities on the Chamber Jobs Board? Plus, we regularly promote listings featured on the Chamber Job Board to help expand your reach.
Posting a job is quick and easy through the Member Info Hub. Don’t miss out—take advantage of this benefit to connect with talented candidates within the Chamber community and beyond.
| | Please note that the Chamber office will be closed from July 1 - 7 to allow our team some downtime to recover from Pride Month. | | |
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony with the Houston Dash
On the first day of Pride Month, we were proud to raise the Pride Flag with our Impact Partner, Houston Dash, for the third year in a row.
Thank you to Jessica O'Neill, President of Business Operations, Houston Dash & Houston Dynamo, and the entire team for your continued partnership and for standing with the LGBTQ+ community. The Dash holds a special place in the Chamber’s history as our very first sports partner, and we are grateful to continue building on this powerful partnership.
We appreciate Council Member Alejandra Salinas joining us as well to kick off Pride Month in H-Town!
| | | | | |
Pride Night with the Houston Astros
Our hearts are full after an incredible Pride Night at Daikin Park with the Houston Astros. It was more than a game — it was a powerful night of visibility, celebration, community, and Pride.
Thank you to the Houston Astros and Astros Foundation for creating space to celebrate Houston’s LGBTQ+ community and for continuing to show up as a proud Chamber Impact Partner.
A special thank you to Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages for your partnership and support of this special evening. We are grateful for your commitment to community and your continued investment in the Chamber’s mission.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, showed up, cheered loudly, and helped make the evening so meaningful.
| | |
First Friday Meet & Eat + Ribbon Cutting - Pride Month Edition
It was a special First Friday Meet & Eat as we cut the ribbon with Chamber Member Nando's PERi-PERi at their newest location in Montrose.
| | | | | |
Pride Night with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Thank you to our Chamber Impact Partner, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, for creating such a meaningful evening of Pride, visibility, and community at Constellation Field.
We were honored that the team recognized the Chamber’s milestone 10-Year Anniversary during the celebration, and we were proud to recognize the team’s 15-Year Anniversary as well. These moments of partnership matter — and they remind us of the power of showing up for community in visible and intentional ways.
From the on-field Pride activations to the energy in the ballpark, it was a night filled with connection, celebration, and Houston-area Pride.
Thank you to the Space Cowboys team for your continued partnership and support of the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to call you a Chamber Impact Partner.
| | |
Pride Edition - 3rd Thursday Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast – Pride Edition! Together, we celebrated our largest breakfast ever, welcoming nearly 200 attendees for a morning filled with connection, conversation, and community.
A huge thank you to our sponsor, Bering Church, for helping make this special Pride Month gathering possible and for the incredible work they continue to do in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
We were honored to hear from Clay Melder and Kylie McNaught, who shared the important work of Houston’s LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Board and the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission. Their message was a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ and allied voices belong in the rooms where decisions are made.
Mark your calendars for July 16! Our 3rd Thursday Breakfast will feature Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations for the Houston Rockets & Toyota Center, for an exciting conversation about the legacy and impact of the Houston Comets. This is one you won’t want to miss—and with our breakfasts continuing to sell out, be sure to register early to secure your seat!
| | | | | |
Pride Month Visit with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
The Chamber was proud to host Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for her annual Pride Month LGBTQ+ business visit with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
Congresswoman Fletcher has been a longtime champion for the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and the Chamber’s work to advance economic opportunity and visibility across our region.
This year’s visit was extra special as we stopped by SalonTrose to celebrate their beautiful new location. Congratulations to Meagan Kurharski and the Salontrose team on this exciting milestone!
| | |
Pride Edition: OUT & About Mixer in The Woodlands
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Pride Month OUT & About Mixer in The Woodlands!
We were proud to partner with The Woodlands Pride and the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an evening filled with meaningful connections, new relationships, and community.
Pride is about showing up, building bridges, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Thank you to our event collaboration partners and to everyone who spent the evening with us. We can't wait to do it again!
| | | |
BE A PART OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
The Chamber calendar is regularly updated, so bookmark it! We are continually updating the calendar with events so check back often. Our Event Calendar provides the details and all you have to do is register. We hope you'll join us - as always, we'd love to see you! We have so many ways to engage and be involved every month.
| | | | |
Interview with CW39
Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, joined CW 39 Anchor Maggie Flecknoe on H-Town LIVE to talk about Pride Month and the Chamber's 10-Year Anniversary.
| | |
Vigil for Persia Amarra Conway
Chamber Leaders joined the community at the vigil, held at the Montrose Center, for Persia Amarra Conway, a Black transgender woman who was tragically murdered in late May. Her mother, Michelle Simmons, shared her grief and called for justice in the case.
| | | | | |
Pride Panel at CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy Pride Employee Resource Group hosted a Pride Event with a panel discussion including several community leaders and members, including Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, and Council Member Mario Castillo.
| | |
SCI / Dignity Memorial Pride Flag Raising
Thank you to Chamber Impact Partner, Dignity Memorial, for inviting the Chamber to once again participate in their annual Pride Flag Raising. The flag is proudly displayed at the SCI corporate headquarters on Allen Parkway.
| | | | | |
Brazoria County Pride Festival
Way to show that Pride, Brazoria County! We joined Chamber Member, Brazoria County Pride, for their annual Pride Festival. Keep up the amazing work!
| | |
48th Annual Houston Pride Celebration® Festival
While the parade was rained out, we got some festival time in at Chamber Member Pride Houston 365's Pride Celebration® Festival.
| | | Photo credit: Bijay Dixit/Unique Photo Images | | |
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) & Greater Houston Partnership Event with Axiom
Thank you to the IACCGH for inviting us to participate in their event, "Leadership in Orbit: A Distinguished CEO Fireside Conversation" at Partnership Tower.
| | |
City of Houston Proclamation
June 9 was Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Day in the City of Houston!
We were honored to receive a proclamation from the City of Houston recognizing the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and our Decade of Impact.
Thank you to Council Member Mario Castillo for bringing this proclamation forward and for your leadership and continued support of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. We are also grateful to Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston City Council Members for recognizing this milestone.
This recognition belongs to our members, partners, leaders, allies, and the broader LGBTQ+ community who have helped build this Chamber and move our region forward.
Thank you, City of Houston, for standing with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
| | | | | |
MSLA All-Star Game
We joined Chamber Member Montrose Softball League Association for their annual All-Star Game. The game was held at Constellation Field in collaboration with Chamber Impact Partner, Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
| | |
FIFA World Cup Game with Coca-Cola
Thank you to Chamber Impact Partner, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, for the invite to join them at the FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium.
| | | | | |
Investiture for County Attorney Abbie Kamin
Congratulations to County Attorney Abbie Kamin on her investiture as the new Harris County Attorney.
Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace joined elected officials, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate this important milestone as she steps into her new role serving Harris County.
County Attorney Kamin has long been a champion for the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ community, and we are excited to see her continue her leadership in this new capacity.
| | |
PRISM A Night of Pride and Courage in New York
Chamber Board Chair, Stephen Miranda, participated in a special evening with PRISM: The Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors held in New York City. The event included leaders from across the country.
| | | | | |
Houston Dash Pride Month Kickoff Bingo at Pearl Bar
We were proud to collaborate with the Chamber Impact Partner, Houston Dash, to kick off Pride Month at the new Pearl Bar 2.0! A proud Chamber Member!
| | |
SalonTrose Grand Opening
We love seeing our members celebrate grand openings! Longtime member SalonTrose held a grand opening at their new location at 1834 1/2 Westheimer. Keep an eye out for more details about their July ribbon cutting!
| | | | | |
Battle of the Balls
Thank you to the Montrose Softball League Association, Space City United, and the Lone Star Volleyball Association for including the Chamber as a beneficiary for the Battle of the Balls event hosted at Chamber Member, The Montrose Country Club.
| | |
Commissioner Lesley Briones' Annual Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Chamber Leaders joined Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones for her annual Chamber of Commerce Luncheon bringing chambers together to connect and learn more about the work her team and Harris County are doing to support small businesses and economic development.
| | | | | |
Resolution at Harris County Commissioners Court
The Chamber was honored to be recognized by Harris County Commissioners Court with a resolution celebrating the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and a remarkable Decade of Impact.
Chamber leaders Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, and Maureen Maiuri, Director of Operations, shared remarks on behalf of the Chamber and our nearly 600 members.
A special thank you to Commissioner Lesley Briones for bringing this resolution forward, for her kind words, and for her support over the past decade. We are grateful for her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and to building a more inclusive, connected, and economically vibrant Harris County.
Thank you to Harris County Commissioners Court for this meaningful recognition and for your continued support of the Chamber’s work to advance economic opportunity, visibility, and connection for the LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, professionals and the community across our region.
| | |
⭐ Share Your Chamber Experience on Google!
Have a great experience with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce? 🌈
We'd love your feedback! You can also help others discover our work by leaving a quick Google Review! Your feedback not only supports our mission—it helps more businesses, organizations, and community members find and connect with the Chamber.
👉 Leave a Review on Google
Your voice helps amplify the impact of our incredible community. Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience! 💜
| | |
NOT A CHAMBER MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
With almost 600 members, it’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community! Learn more about membership benefits and levels.
| | We are proud to recognize our Chamber Impact Partners, whose leadership, investment, and year-round engagement help strengthen the LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem across Greater Houston. Thank you for your support of the Chamber! | | You’re Part of Our Story — Help Us Celebrate 10 Years | |
As we mark the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s 10-Year Anniversary, we’re reflecting on the people, businesses, and partners who made this decade of impact possible. Your support, engagement, and belief in building an economy where everyone belongs have shaped the Chamber’s growth, influence, and reach across Greater Houston.
We would be honored if you’d share a short testimonial about your experience with the Chamber. Your story may be featured as part of our 10-Year Anniversary celebration—helping us honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
👉 Submit your testimonial and be part of our story
| | |
As Pride Month comes to a close, thank you for being part of this extraordinary Chamber community. Your support, engagement, visibility, and partnership help move our mission forward every day.
Together, we are stronger, bolder, and continuing to build what comes next.
| | |
SPEND WITH PURPOSE
Choosing where you spend your dollars is one way to show support for LGBTQ+-inclusive businesses in our community.
| | | | |
