NASA Makes a Colorful Appearance at Pride Festival, Parade
The theme for the 2019 Houston Pride celebration was “The Summer of ’69,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of both the Stonewall Riots and Apollo 11—the first human Moon landing. As a result, space exploration and the importance of NASA to the Houston community was showcased throughout the festival and parade.
During the festival, several members of NASA Johnson Space Center’s Out and Allied Employee Resource Group (O&A ERG) shared how Johnson is inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community and more about our exciting work and renewed focus. Many festival goers came by the booth to not only learn more about what we do, but to show their love and support for NASA.
For the Pride parade, walkers from the O&A ERG—from senior managers to interns, from employees to retirees, and from friends to family members—all proudly sported their NASA shirts. Following behind the MRV, a huge crowd favorite, the volunteers threw NASA red, white and blue beads. The record-breaking crowd of 700,000 was electric as they clapped, waved and yelled, “We love NASA!”
And NASA returned the love.
At left, Johnson Deputy Director Vanessa Wyche waves to the crowd as Lucien Junkin takes the MRV for a spin in downtown Houston at the Pride Parade. Image Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
“I enjoyed seeing it all come together, and felt a great sense of accomplishment once complete,” said Cheyn Worn, Johnson O&A ERG co-chair. “The smiles on the public’s faces and their cheers and love made the months of planning and work totally worth it. We started support in February, organizing to support the festival, the parade and a month of activities for June [Pride Month]. I could not have done any of this without my co-chair [Johanna Petrocelli], our wonderful volunteers and O&A’s core members, whose experience and knowledge were incalculably valuable.”
The parade and festival was colorful and proud—with extra love, acceptance and a touch of stardust that only NASA can provide.
Enjoy more images from the day, below.
