2025 Pride In Business

Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon & Awards

Make your plans to join us for the Chamber's signature Pride Month event, Pride In Business! We have an exciting theme for 2025!

Ticket Sales for the 2025 Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party are now closed. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Thank you to our generous sponsors for this year's event. Happy Pride!

We can't wait to celebrate with you in 2025! Now more than ever we need to come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Join us for the Chamber's signature event, Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party.

Sponsorship opportunities are are now closed.

Individual ticket sales are now closed.

The Pride In Business event recognizes the contributions made by Chamber members, Impact Partners and other key stakeholders in building a more diverse and inclusive business community in Houston and the region. The awards spotlight deserving companies and individuals and showcase the amazing work they are doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate leader, nonprofit, or ally, the Pride In Business Celebration is the event where business and community unite. It's a moment to honor businesses, leaders, trailblazers and celebrate not only our wins but our resilence, and recommit to economic inclusion. It will be an inspiring atmosphere and we hope you will join us for this not-to-be-missed Pride Month event.

This year’s theme honors the 10-Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality Supreme Court Ruling, celebrating a decade of love, commitment, and progress while acknowledging the ongoing work to protect these hard-won rights. Marriage equality is not only a victory for civil rights—it’s a cornerstone of economic inclusion.

The landmark ruling not only affirmed love and commitment but also advanced LGBTQ+ economic empowerment by creating financial protections and creating pathways to greater economic stability and opportunity.

In a time when our freedoms face new challenges, this celebration is more than an anniversary—it’s a call to action. Together, we will:

Reflect on the journey of achieving marriage equality.
Recognize our resilience as a community.
Reaffirm our dedication to the fight for equality for all.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s economic impact.

This year, coming together as a community to celebrate the visibility, resilience, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community—and this historic court decision—is more important than ever.

PRIDE IN BUSINESS graphic with After Party 1.10.25

Frequently Asked Questions

Ticket sales begin on Wednesday, April 23 and end on May 30, 2025.

Tickets will not be available for purchase on-site.

Members	LAMBDA NextGen	Non-Members
$195.00	$150.00	$250.00

Ticket sales are now closed.

Your ticket includes:

Access to the full Pride In Business Celebration

Admission to the Pride In Business Luncheon & Program

Entry to the After Party

A room full of inspiration, connection, and community

Whether you're a small business owner, professional, nonprofit, or passionate ally — this event is for YOU.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

JIM OBERGEFELL

(he/him)

We are thrilled to announce that Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the historic Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, that secured marriage equality nationwide, will be our special guest!

Jim’s courageous fight for marriage equality changed history, ensuring that love and commitment are recognized and protected under the law for LGBTQ+ couple across the nation. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact one voice can have in creating lasting change. He will share reflections on his journey and how he stepped into this critical moment to lead as the plaintiff for this landmark case.

Join us as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality as we reflect on the journey, recognize the progress we've made, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting these hard-fought rights.

It will be an inspiring fireside chat with Jim and our emcee, Len Cannon from KHOU 11. Secure your sponsorship or tickets today. Help us give a BIG HTown welcome to Jim! This is a can't-miss event to be in community and celebration.

This is a moment you won’t want to miss — to celebrate, reflect, and be inspired.

Jim Obergefell - Plaintiff in the Landmark Supreme Court Marriage Equality Case

Jim Obergefell draws from his unique experience at the heart of the Supreme Court marriage equality ruling to move and empower audiences to stand by their beliefs—and prove that love always wins.

A self-described accidental activist, Jim found himself in the role of caregiver for his partner of more than 20 years, John, as he neared the end of his life due to ALS. An unexpected series of events led to their decision to marry, eventually taking Jim to the Supreme Court and the landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that resulted in victory for marriage equality.

Jim and co-author, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Debbie Cenziper, captured Jim and John’s story, as well as the stories of others involved in this case in the book Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality.

Now a self-described purposeful activist, Jim is dedicated to the fight for equality not just for the LGBTQ community, but for civil rights for all. In his moving story of love, loss, dedication, and commitment, Jim brings audiences along on his emotional and empowering journey and his continued efforts fighting for human rights.

OUR EMCEE

LEN CANNON

(he/him)
Anchor

We are honored to welcome Len Cannon, Emmy Award-winning journalist and esteemed news anchor at KHOU 11, as the emcee for the Pride In Business Celebration!

With a distinguished career spanning decades in broadcast journalism, Len has been a trusted voice delivering the stories that matter most to Houstonians. His commitment to impactful storytelling and community engagement makes him the perfect host for this special luncheon.

Len's passion for connecting with the community and elevating important conversations makes him the perfect emcee for this special luncheon. His presence will undoubtedly add to the spirt of recognition, inspiration, and celebration that defines the Pride In Business Celebration.

Join us as Len Cannon takes the stage to guide us through an unforgettable afternoon of recognition, conversation, inspiration, and celebration!

Learn more about Len.

AFTER PARTY!

Pride In Business Celebration – It’s More Than Just a Luncheon!

Get Ready for the AFTER PARTY!

This year’s Pride In Business Celebration is all about the experience—from start to finish. Yes, we’ll gather to honor our Pride In Business Award recipients and mark the 10-Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality, but that’s just the beginning.

The energy keeps going after the main event with music, cocktails, connection, and community just outside the ballroom doors. You’ll want to stick around! After the luncheon finishes, we'll open the doors to a transformed space for the After Party.

A few years back, the Pride In Business After Party was born out of a simple truth: no one wanted to leave. The connections, energy, and celebration were too good to end with the luncheon. So we made it official—and it’s become a signature part of the day.

Once those ballroom doors open after the luncheon, the celebration continues with more networking, connect and activations that keep the party going all afternoon including:

Live DJ spinning feel-good beats to set the vibe!

Photo Booth to capture your pride in full color, as part of our collaboration with Chamber Member, Booth Boxx.

Caricature Artist creating fun, personalized keepsakes, as part of our collaboration with Chamber Member, Leaf Arts.

Show Your Pride Exhibit featuring powerful portraits and stories from our community, as part of our collaboration with Chamber Member, Soneja Creative.

And more!

Take the day off—seriously. You won’t want to miss a moment.

Don't even think about leaving after the luncheon… because the Pride In Business Celebration After Party is where the energy goes next level! Mingle, network, and keep the celebration going with the community.

Special thanks to our After Party Sponsors, including After Party Presenting Sponsor Brooks Ballard International Real Estate, for helping us keep the pride going strong well into the afternoon. Check out all of our After Party sponsors below.

OUR EVENT CHAIRS

ALEJANDRA SALINAS

(she/her)
Partner
Susman Godfrey LLP

MAGGIE SEGRICH

(she/her)
Co-Founder & President
Sesh Coworking

TRAVIS TORRENCE

(he/him)
U.S. Head of Legal
Shell USA

Thank you to these outstanding individuals who have stepped up as our Event Co-Chairs to support the 2025 Pride In Business Celebration. All have remarkable professional accomplishments, and by graciously accepting their roles as event chairs, continue to demonstrate their commitment to championing both economic inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community. We are grateful for their support!

Hear from each of them why they stepped up to support the the Pride In Business Celebration and why you should be part of this signature Pride Month event!

OUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our generous sponsors for the 2025 Pride In Business Celebration & Awards.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and The Better Business Bureau Education Foundation

VIP RECEPTION PRESENTING SPONSOR

VISIONARY SPONSORS

CHAMPION SPONSORS

EQUALITY SPONSORS

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

Bracewell LLP

Certarus

City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity

Composition ID Houston

Dr. Marilyn Zorn and Mr. Gower Brown

Dessert Gallery

Genevieve Graham & Cas Bridge

Jones Walker LLP

King & Spalding

LifeGift

Manousso Mediation & Arbitration, LLC: Solution2Conflict

Michael's Cookie Jar

Motiva Enterprises

Nelson Mullins

Scott Brogan

Silver Eagle Distributors Houston

AFTER PARTY - PRESENTING SPONSOR

AFTER PARTY - CELEBRATION SPONSOR

AFTER PARTY - RAINBOW SPONSORS

All-Pro Auto Reconditioning
Bickham Services Unlimited
Booth Boxx
Council Member Jonathan Estrada Pasadena City Council District E
FedEx
Frost Brown Todd
Kronbergs Flags & Flagpoles
Log Cabin Republicans of Houston
Party Props Inc.

DESSERT SPONSOR

CENTERPIECE SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSOR

MEDIA PARTNERS

MEDIA SPONSORS

2025 Pride In Business Sponsor Packet cover 3.4.25

Download the Pride In Business sponsor packet to learn more about sponsor benefits.

Complete the Pride In Business sponsor form to reserve your sponsorship today.

Pride In Business is a great opportunity to promote your company or organization during Pride Month!

PRESENTING SPONSOR - SOLD
$25,000

VIP RECEPTION PRESENTING SPONSOR - SOLD
$20,000

TRAILBLAZER SPONSOR
$15,000

VISIONARY SPONSOR
$10,000

CHAMPION SPONSOR
$5,000

EQUALITY SPONSOR
$3,000

ADVOCATE SPONSOR
$1,000

AFTER PARTY TITLE SPONSOR - SOLD
$3,500

AFTER PARTY CELEBRATION SPONSOR
$1,500

AFTER PARTY RAINBOW SPONSOR
$500

SHOW YOUR PRIDE PHOTO EXHIBIT SPONSOR
$10,000

CHAMPAGNE STATIONS SPONSOR
$10,000

DESSERT SPONSOR - SOLD
$5,000

CENTERPIECE SPONSOR - SOLD
$5,000

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS

SPONSORSHIP FORM

The deadline to sponsor the Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon & Awards is Friday, May 16, 2025.

Sponsorship opportunities are now closed.

THE AWARDS

Recognizing Excellence & Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s Pride In Business Awards recognize member companies, organizations and leaders committed to fostering an inclusive community and promoting economic inclusion. Nominees who demonstrate high-quality standards in their field, promote an inclusive work environment, and proudly support the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply. Honorees will be announced at the Pride in Business Celebration & Awards Luncheon on June 6, 2025.

Thank you to Chamber Member and Awards Sponsor, PromoPrint Group, for underwriting the beautiful Pride In Business Awards.

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

LGBTQ+ Business of the Year

This award recognizes an LGBTQ+-owned member business that exemplifies excellence and a strong commitment to the Chamber's mission of accelerating economic opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. This business demonstrates leadership through its dedication to the broader community, actively supports fellow members by fostering connections and promoting opportunities and has a proven record of success. Their achievements serve as an inspiring example for other Chamber members and the wider LGBTQ+ business community.

Eligibility: Open to Small Business Members only

LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year

This award recognizes an LGBTBE® Certified Member Business that has proudly achieved certification and demonstrates outstanding success. This business serves as an inspiring example for other Chamber members, showing commitment to both business excellence and the mission of promoting economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.

Eligibility: Open to LGBTBE® Certified Member Businesses only

Allied Business of the Year

This award honors an Allied-owned business that is an active member of the Chamber and demonstrates a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through its actions, work, and visible support of the community. With a proven track record of success and engagement, this business stands as a dedicated advocate for the Chamber’s mission and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Eligibility: Open to Allied Member Small Businesses only

IMPACT PARTNER AWARDS

Impact Partner of the Year

This award recognizes a corporation or organization that has shown outstanding dedication as an Impact Partner of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. This company/organization exemplifies an unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by championing workplace inclusion and equity. Through its partnership with the Chamber and supportive policies and programs for LGBTQ+ employees, the company plays an active role in advancing equality through economic inclusion.

Eligibility: Open to Impact Partners only

Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year

Business/Employee Resource Group of the Year

This award recognizes a Chamber Impact Partner business or employee resource group that actively supports and fosters a culture of inclusion and acceptance within the workplace. The group serves as a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, both within the company and in alignment with the Chamber’s mission of promoting economic inclusion.

Eligibility: Open to Chamber Impact Partners only

Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year

NONPROFIT AWARD

Nonprofit Member of the Year

COMMUNITY AWARDS

Chamber Champion Award

Community Legacy Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has shown a longstanding commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Through advocacy, service, education, or community initiatives, they have made a lasting and positive impact, significantly contributing to the well-being and advancement of the LGBTQ+ community.

Note: This award is chosen by Chamber Leadership and is not open for nominations.

Chamber Advocacy Award