The Banner Project Adds Two New LGBTQ Heroes
Houston has some of the richest (and probably most underrated) queer history in the country. At the start of the modern-day LGBTQ civil-rights movement, Houston was considered one of the nation’s few hubs of LGBTQ life. It continues to trailblaze, and The Banner Project captures that.
October is LGBTQ History month, and the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is celebrating with the Banner Project. A large-scale visual depiction of significant moments and people in Houston’s LGBTQ community, the project unveiled two new banners in October. The art recognizes legendary photographer Dalton DeHart and Houston Pride parade founder Larry Bagneris.
“When I began taking photos in 1989, I never expected my photos to become such a valuable community [history archive]. I just loved taking photos, and that love and passion sort of took over my life,” DeHart admits. “I have never taken photos for myself; it has always been for others. It is the people that motivate me to do what I do. My greatest desire is that people see in the photos the passion with which I take them.”
Sara Fernandez, along with Houston historian JD Doyle and graphic designer Kirk Baxter, form the team that’s responsible for curating The Banner Project. DeHart is also a contributor, in addition to now becoming a banner subject. Together, this tireless team provides Houston’s LGBTQ community with something unique as well as educational. Houston has some of the richest (and probably most underrated) queer history in the country. At the start of the modern-day LGBTQ civil-rights movement, Houston was considered one of the nation’s few hubs of LGBTQ life. It continues to trailblaze, and The Banner Project captures that.