Midtown Houston is kicking off Pride Month with a bold new public art installation at Bagby Park that celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ history through color, creativity, and community storytelling. The Midtown sign has been transformed into a visual journey that honors cultural landmarks, community icons, and the enduring spirit of inclusion that defines Houston’s queer legacy.
This year’s Pride-themed sign wrap titled “A Convergence of Eras, Forged through Time & United in Pride “was designed by Houston-based artist Angel Albarran, whose multidimensional creative background brings a unique, heartfelt energy to Midtown.
About the Artwork
This installation serves as a time capsule, a time machine, and a love letter to Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. Artist Angel Albarran shares, “The idea for ‘A Convergence of Eras’ sparked when I saw a photo of Ray Hill holding a teacup, and my immediate thought was, ‘Of coooourse!! Gay people love brunch!’ That whimsical connection launched a larger exploration of what it would be like to meet our heroes across time.”
The resulting piece fuses dynamic gradients, archival inspiration, and personal storytelling into a single visual experience that connects queer trailblazers with contemporary voices. Each letter spotlights an individual, a place, or a memory integral to Houston’s queer heritage from JD Doyle’s sonic archives and Annise Parker’s political trailblazing to the soulful heart of Montrose and the nightclub that once defined its rhythm.
Meet the Artist: Angel Albarran
A proud Houston native and first-generation American, Angel Albarran brings over a decade of experience in graphic design, illustration, and environmental art to this project. Known for his work with community-centered organizations like Houston Gaymers and Via Colori, Albarran blends artistry with advocacy to create public works that are bold, human, and inclusive.
“My goal is always to create art that connects people,” says Albarran. “This piece is about time and identity, how the past informs the present, how the queer community keeps forging its own future, and how we’re all part of that narrative.”
Honoring Houston’s LGBTQ+ Icons
Each bold letter of the sign becomes a vibrant tribute to the trailblazers, storytellers, and spaces that shaped Houston’s queer history.
M – Bryan Hlavinka
Houston’s Own Champion for Queer Visibility
The letter “M” radiates in a fiery red, symbolizing passion and strength. It pays tribute to Bryan Hlavinka, a devoted historian, archivist, and LGBTQ+ advocate whose work preserves Houston’s queer legacy. From his stewardship of the Botts Collection at the Houston Public Library to hosting “Queer Voices” on KPFT radio, Hlavinka ensures that the stories of LGBTQ+ Houstonians are heard, remembered, and celebrated.
I – Ray Hill
Planting the Seeds of Equality in Houston
Drenched in vibrant orange, the letter “I” honors Ray Hill, a fearless activist and cornerstone of Houston’s early LGBTQ+ rights movement. Known for his commanding voice and unwavering conviction, Hill organized Houston’s first gay rights demonstrations and remained a powerful advocate until his passing. His story reminds us of the strength it takes to spark change.
D – JD Doyle
The Archivist of Houston’s Queer Stories in Music and History
Illuminated in bright yellow, the letter “D” shines with the intellectual energy of JD Doyle, a music historian and creator of “Queer Music Heritage.” Doyle’s extensive archival work has preserved thousands of LGBTQ+ songs, broadcasts, and interviews, many from Houston’s own scene, ensuring future generations can access and learn from queer cultural history.
T – Phyllis Frye
Houston’s Voice for Transgender Rights and Recognition
Wrapped in green, a symbol of growth and renewal, the letter “T” pays homage to Phyllis Frye, the first openly transgender judge in the U.S. Appointed in Houston, Frye spent her legal career fighting for transgender visibility and rights, becoming a symbol of strength and progress in the legal and LGBTQ+ communities alike.
O – Montrose & Albatross
A Neighborhood with Soul and a Voice of Defiance
The teal-toned letter “O” brings together the heart of Montrose and the legacy of Albatross, one of the earliest queer publications with impact beyond Galveston. Montrose, long considered the epicenter of Houston’s LGBTQ+ culture, is both sanctuary and symbol. The inclusion of the Albatross publication—named to reclaim a term once used to denote burden—elevates this letter into a message of empowerment and reclamation.
W – Larry Bagneris & Mining Co.
The Heartbeat of Houston’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife
In shades of blue that echo calm and belonging, the letter “W” celebrates Larry Bagneris, a key figure in Houston’s queer nightlife and civil rights advocacy. He helped turn spaces like the Mining Co. into more than just nightclubs—they became centers of community, comfort, and celebration in eras when acceptance was hard-won.
N – Annise Parker
Leading with Pride and Purpose
Draped in regal purple, the letter “N” spotlights Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston and the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. Her election was a defining moment for the nation and the city, proving that inclusive leadership could shape policy and perception on the highest civic levels. Parker’s legacy is one of vision, courage, and impact.
Experience the Installation
This is a project of the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District in association with the Midtown Management District. Since 2022, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District has invited artists and designers to create rotating seasonal installations for the Midtown sign.
Our community is a designated State of Texas Cultural Arts and Entertainment District (2012). We are known for our many attractions, including picturesque park spaces, long-standing cultural arts organizations, impactful public art, and national award-winning public art. Many thanks to the Houston Endowment for funding this project.
Visit Bagby Park located at 415 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, to see the art installation.