Today on Hope Pieced Together, we are joined by Jason Rocha, founder and CEO of The
Woodlands Pride to discuss his incredible organization, his journey as a gay man, struggles within the LGBTQ+ community and so much more! Tuning in, you’ll hear about Jason’s upbringing, his difficulties with coming out and opening himself up to love, and why he decided to create The Woodlands Pride. We delve into how each person’s coming out experience differs before discussing the importance of open allyship. Finally, Jason tells us about The Woodlands Pride, what it has achieved, and where he sees it going in the future. To hear all this and more, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Jason Rocha.
• Jason tells us about his background, being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and his husband.
• What The Woodlands Pride is all about and why Jason decided to create it.
• Jason speaks about the different ways people ‘come out’ and why each experience differs.
• The importance of being an open ally and supporting members of the community (out or not).
• Jason tells us about where The Woodlands Pride is right now and where he sees it in future.
• The Woodlands Pride summit and festival.

“I want people to feel comfortable to not let go of their partner’s hand when they walk in public and if they can do that for just a few hours here, then great.” — Jason Rocha [0:10:04]

“[Coming out] is the biggest weight off the shoulders.” — Jason Rocha [0:17:52]

“If anybody ever has questions or doubts about their sexuality or gender identity, – I hope you know that I am a safe space to talk to about that.” — Jason Rocha [0:23:26]

“Small actions that allies can take really do contribute to people's ability to live in sort of a healthier way in this community.” — Jason Rocha [0:23:31]

“[The Woodlands Pride wants] to be an organization that highlights people who will help see others as people.” — Jason Rocha [0:32:50]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jason Rocha on LinkedIn

The Woodlands Pride

Nicole Suarez-Bronfman