Convenience Big Store: Pride Month is here. How do you celebrate in Houston?

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Why do we need to celebrate Pride in Houston?

Happy Pride!

Ever year, when the celebrations roll around, I see the same question: Why do you need to celebrate Pride? The answer is unique for every person who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visibility — simply being there — was vital for me when I first started attending Pride events. Being around people who are like you, who support you, who truly see you, is invaluable and something I didn't get growing up. It helped me accept myself after years of wishing that part of myself away and torturous school semesters of being bullied. I can't tell you how many times I quietly prayed in my parents' bathroom, trying to convince myself it was a phase, that I'd grow out of it and get married and be "normal."

Pride events are one of the few times I feel comfortable showing affection to my husband. Years ago, we shared a quick kiss, literally a second, at a restaurant during what was informally but universally known as their "gay night." A security guard knocked briskly on the table and said, "Not in here, boys." We were shocked and embarrassed and angry.

That's why Pride events are important. Because there are still too many people knocking on tables and scolding us for being ourselves. Expression and joy lead to action, visibility and ultimately change. And hey, we get to do it at two big Pride celebrations this year.

Look for my Pride Guide soon. What are your Pride plans for June?

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Olga Tañón, left, and Natalia Jiménez each have shows in Houston.

Photo by: Courtesy

Mujeres de fuego

Olga Tañon is known as "la mujer de fuego" (the woman of fire). That applies to both her and singer Natalia Jiménez. They both have shows in Houston this weekend and excel in multiple genres of Latin music, from merengue to mariachi. Tañon performs June 1 at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington; $87 and up. Jiménez performs May 31 at Arena Theatre, 7326 Southwest Fwy.; $51 and up.

Fireworks and country music: A trio of country acts will celebrate the 4th of July in Houston at the annual Freedom Over Texas. The lineup includes Russell Dickerson, who has earned four No. 1 country singles; Jo Dee Messina, whose run of hits includes "I'm Alright" and "Heads Carolina, Tails California;" and Chapel Hart, the female family trio who competed twice on "America's Got Talent." Tickets are $10 and on sale now.
Beyoncé watch: NYC friends, where y'all at? W magazine has released a limited print version of their Beyoncé cover, originally a digital-only edition. But it's only available in New York City. Now what sense does that make? The BeyHive is worldwide.

Fun family favs

Emancipation Park 150 year Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 19, 2022

Photo by: Jamaal Ellis/Contributor

Juneteenth kickoff

The Celebrate Freedom Fest brings together seven historic Black communities to kick off Juneteenth: Independence Heights, Fourth Ward, Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Sunnyside, Acres Homes and South Park. There will be food, music, vendors, family activities and more. 1-7 p.m. June 1 at Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation; free.

Families with Pride: Pride Month kicks off this weekend at Families with Pride, a free event featuring live entertainment, the Houston Public Library's Curiosity Cruiser, food trucks, a photo booth, immersive History of Pride exhibit and more. It's hosted by City Council Member Abbie Kamin. 8:30-11:30 a.m. June 1 at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney.

Houston on the cheap

Grammy winner Samara Joy is coming to the Carver.

Photo by: Thomas Niedermueller, Getty Image / Getty Images For Mastercard

A Joy-ful noise

A free concert featuring a three-time Grammy winner? Say less. Jazz singer Samara Joy brings her velvety vocals to town for an outdoor show. She won the Grammy for best new artist in 2023. This performance will also be livestreamed. 8:30 p.m. May 31 at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park; free.

All bacon everything: The Humble Bacon Festival promises more than 100 vendors, each with at least one "creative" bacon item at their booth. There will also be live entertainment and a kid zone with water slides, a rock wall and more. Who wants to go with? 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1 at Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy.; $10, free for ages 12 and younger.

Where to eat

Teso Life, a new Japanese store in West Houston, offers an impressive selection of Asian snacks

Photo by: Bao Ong / Staff

All that and a bag of chips

I've been on the crazy chip train since 2022, when I wrote about Exotic Pop in Houston. Since then, my son and I have tried all sorts of crazy flavors. And the newly opened Teso Life is on our weekend must list. Cumin lamb skewer, grilled seafood, Sichuan peppercorn? We're so there. 12230 Westheimer. They also have Asian candy, beauty products, home goods and arcade games.

Breakfast anytime: Alison Cook has revealed her favorite breakfast spots in Houston. And her top 25 includes several personal faves: The Breakfast Klub, Harry's, Koffeteria, La Gudalapuna and Dot. Though to be honest, Dot is good pretty much anyitme you're awake. That basket of rolls? Ridiculously good.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: The Accordion Kings and Queens concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre features performances by Las Fenix, Sunny Sauceda, and Marcus Ardoin & Da Zydeco Legendz. Queremos bailar! We want to dance! 7 pm. June 1 at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park; free.
Entertainer to know: I'm sure I've mentioned her before, but Houston's Christina Wells is currently eating up the stage as Medda Larkin in "Newsies" at TUTS. Seriously, this woman is a superstar. Go see this show. Through June 2 at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; $40 and up; tuts.com.
Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.