OutInform: Houston Pride Guide 2015 Issue | Page 24

Ryan Levy

Q&A

Male GM

as full members of society at home, at work, and in every
community. What this means is that even after marriage,
we have to continue to strive to bring safety to LGBT people
in schools by stopping bullying, in the workplace by passing
an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, in
communities by helping LGBT people in poverty, and globally
where LGBT people are facing extreme violence and hatred.

7
8

9

1

2
3
4

What does it mean to you being named Grand Marshal of the
Houston LGBT Pride Celebration?
Being chosen by my peers to represent the LGBT community
in Houston's first ever downtown Pride celebration is a huge
honor. The theme of the parade this year is Heroes, and I
plan to ride in the parade with my heroes, my husband Ian
and my parents, who have been hugely influential in our
community's quest for equality over the past decade.
What do you think makes Houston’s LGBT Community
so unique?
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Our
community is made up of every ethnicity, belief system,
socio-economic background, and gender identity. That
diversity is what makes us so strong as a community.
What sparked your fire to begin the work that you have done
for the LGBT Community?
I believe that the struggle for LGBT equality is the civil rights
movement of my lifetime. It would be impossible for me to
sit on the sidelines and watch as others worked tirelessly for
my rights. As soon as I came out I began volunteering.
Who are your role models and why?
I was raised in right-wing, conservative suburbia.
Specifically, Tom DeLay's congressional district. Despite my
surroundings, my grandmother had been a trailblazer for
women's rights and progressive causes. She had a profound
effect on the development of my personal values.

5

Being an ally to the LGBT movement can take great courage.
Can you tell me about a time where you were
faced with adversity for supporting the cause?

6

With the LGBT community being more accepted in today’s
society why do you think Pride is still relevant?
Unfortunately, marriage equality gets all the media
coverage, but there is already amazing work happening in
our community on a local, national, and international scale.
These aren't the "next" issues, they are the right now issues.
I have volunteered for over 15 years with hundreds of other
volunteers at the Human Rights Campaign to work on many
social issues that will still be critical after marriage equality.
Like HRC, I too envision a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender people are ensured equality and embraced

24 OUTINFORM

pridehouston.org

10
11

What is your favorite part about Houston Pride Week or the
Houston LGBT Pride Celebration and why?
What advice would you give someone who wants to
find a way to contribute to the LGBT community in
some way?
Pride is a chance for us to invite all Houstonians to celebrate
the LGBT community's contributions to the city's culture,
prosperity, and beauty. It transcends acceptance. That is
what I love about Pride.
What is the one (1) thing that you’d like readers to know
about you that’s not in your biograp O‘