Lo Roberts
Lo Roberts first became involved with Pride Houston after an ex of hers forced her to volunteer, which led to her discovering a knack for organizing. After falling in love with the position, Roberts committed herself to work with the organization in an attempt to learn about the inner-workings and fill in any gaps in representation. She also made it her mission to support and serve in a number of capacities, including Parade Committee co-chair, Volunteer Committee chair, and special events director. Now, as the President of Pride Houston — and the first woman of color to hold that title — Roberts hopes to emphasize Houston’s diversity and blend of cultures in the Pride celebration and in general support for the community. “When I first became involved with the organization, there were not too many people that looked like me,” Roberts tells GO. “Prides and queer organizations as a whole in the south were run mainly by presenting cis white gay men.” Inspired and driven by the quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Roberts fights daily for both local change through policy and reform and international impact through her positions on the board of Pride’s International and National organizations (Interpride and United States Association of Prides). And during a time when the Black queer and trans community has been so visibly losing members to phobia and police violence, Roberts knows now is the time to mobilize and uplift. “I am a strong believer that the time is now and that our LGBTQIA brothers, sisters, and siblings must all rise to the occasion,” Roberts tells GO. “If we could do it once and enlist drastic change, we can definitely do it again!” —IL
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