Houston has one of the largest and most visible gay communities in the country, a fact that often surprises outsiders who think of Texas as being quite conservative.

 If you need any evidence that Houston's gay scene packs plenty of punch,

check out the Pride Festival and Parade, which was in late June (June 27 in 2009). This was the 31th anniversary of Houston's Gay Pride celebration.

You don't have to be gay to love the events I know we did.