January 4, 2015
Where to Go in 2015: Houston
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Go big or go home. It's going to be a Texas-style shootout in 2015 as LGBT advocates campaign for gay marriage in the Lone Star State. It's a strategic move, with Houston and Austin listed in the top 10 of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, according to Forbes.
Houston's population has catapulted more than 30 percent since 2000 - that's a lot of cowboys to lasso. Fortunately, they've got openly gay mayor Annise Parker on their side, cultivating a sense of progressive inclusion for locals and visitors alike.
"Houston has long been an incredibly diverse and welcoming city, but now more and more people around the world are learning about these characteristics and others that make Houston so special," says Parker. "Our dynamic culinary and arts scenes along with great shopping, parks and outdoor activities, attractions and nightlife are a draw for leisure travelers. And many of these features particularly resonate with LGBT travelers looking for a big-city experience. That, coupled with Houston's rich LGBT history and our thriving community here, will continue to bring LGBT travelers to the nation's fourth-largest city for years to come."
And the Winner Is
Houston's international LGBT film festival returns in July 2015 for its 19th incarnation. "Each one of these filmmakers possesses their own unique artistic voice," Kristian Salinas, QFest board president and artistic director, told the Houston Chronicle. "And because not all of them actually identify as LGBTQ, it goes to show that Houston is a very open-minded and accepting community for artists, and that filmmakers, regardless of their orientation, see QFest as a great showcase for quality work."
He Ate, She Ate
Two of Houston's top chefs also happen to be members of the LGBT community. Native Houstonian Greg Martin recently opened Bistro Menil featuring European-inspired American fare at the Menil Collection, a museum showcasing the 17,000-piece private collection of John and Dominique de Menil. Meanwhile, former Top Chef Masters contestant Monica Pope brings her own culinary flair to Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, a "back-to-basics" concept.
"F" is For . . .
Inspired by FashionBar in Singapore, this is Houston's go-to venue for drag, dancing and debauchery. The 4,200-square-foot nightclub is decked out in chandeliers and other luxe finishings, though you may not notice with all the young bucks around.
Historical Luxury
The JW Marriott recently transformed the 102-year-old Samuel F. Carter Building into a jaw-dropping property featuring local artwork, an executive retreat lounge and spa suites showcasing artisanal sculpted tubs, mood lighting and contemporary details.
Resource Guide
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
