Banner supplies were proudly funded by your donations through the Texas Rainbow Fund.
On Friday night, the courtyard of Bohemeo’s in East End Houston came alive with the sound of laughter, music, and the rustle of paintbrushes. Dozens of volunteers gathered under string lights for an evening of creation and connection: turning blank canvas into powerful banners and messages of love. This was the start of something bright: the “Queer to Stay” Banner Build & Drop, organized by Davis Mendoza Darusman with photos by Nora Dayton and partnership support from the Texas Rainbow Fund.
The Banner Build
With brushes, buckets of paint, and boundless creativity, participants came together to make vibrant works of protest and pride. Banners reading “Queer to Stay” and “Come and Take It” with the Trans flag became symbols of solidarity for Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.
From first-time volunteers to longtime advocates, everyone had a hand in painting. Kneeling over fabric stretched across the floor, they layered stripes of color and meaning late into the night. For many, it was more than art, it was affirmation that Houston’s queer community is here to stay, united, and unafraid.
The event at Bohemeo’s was supported by the Texas Rainbow Fund, which provided all the supplies — brushes, paints, and materials — helping transform a grassroots idea into a visible act of joy and resistance.
The Banner Drop
On Monday afternoon, the community reconvened — this time at the Montrose bridge over U.S. 59, one of Houston’s most recognizable crossings. As rush hour began, the banners unfurled in full color across the overpass.
Below, drivers honked and waved in support. Above, voices rose in laughter and cheer. The bright rainbow and trans pride stripes stood out against the concrete skyline — a visual declaration of visibility, love, and belonging.
It was a moment that could only happen in Houston: spontaneous, spirited, and supported by the community.
Community in Action
Organizer Davis Mendoza Darusman reflected on the collaboration and gratitude afterward:
“Thanks to all our collaborators, commuters who honked for us in love and solidarity, and to the incredible Houstonians who joined in holding up these beautiful banners, signs, and flags. You’ve made LGBTQ+ Houstonians feel seen, welcomed, and loved.”
Photos by Nora Dayton beautifully captured the heart of both nights — the care in every brushstroke, the pride on every face, and the glow of connection that carried from Bohemeo’s to Montrose.
🌟 A Thank You from the Texas Rainbow Fund
The Texas Rainbow Fund is proud to have helped make this project possible. Supporting community-led art and advocacy like “Queer to Stay” aligns with our mission: to empower LGBTQ+ Houstonians and celebrate creative acts of visibility that build solidarity and belonging.
From the first drop of paint to the final honk of encouragement, this banner was more than fabric — it was a bridge between hearts.
Credits
Organized by: Davis Mendoza Darusman Photos by: Nora Dayton Supported by: Texas Rainbow Fund
Banner Build Venue: Bohemeo’s
Collaborators: Triple A Alliance, Grace Place, Walk & Roll Houston, Friends of the Blvd, Houstono Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), 50501Houston, Save Our Sisters United (S.O.S.U.), The Mahogany Project, and others.
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