Houston may have a reputation as gay-friendly city, but Alan Prewitt, a newly-out man and a recent Texas A&M University graduate, didn't have much initial luck fitting in when he moved here.
Unable to meet like-minded individuals at gay bars and uncomfortable attending community events alone, Prewitt desperately joked about an "invisible population of young LGBT professionals." But he saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
"In Aggieland there are over 800 student organizations and if you can't find something that fits, you make your own," he told CultureMap.
"In Aggieland there are over 800 student organizations and if you can't find something that fits, you make your own."
Bolstered by the guidance of his former campus mentor and the support of a new friend and fellow young professional pioneer, Beau Heyen, Prewitt made up his mind to form a proper group: Lambda NextGen Houston, a social network for young LGBTA professionals from 22 to 35 to connect, network and build relationships.
In addition to a monthly happy hour, Prewitt hopes that the group will attend events like the annual Pride Festival and Parade and Bunnies on the Bayou.
"For now we are attempting to fill the needed social void, but I can easily see this group collaborating with others in the community that excel in areas like professional development and service," Prewitt explained.
The organization's first happy hour at BlackFinn American Grille, advertised only by word of mouth, drew several dozen attendees; Prewitt expects the number to increase further for Tuesday's event at 6 p.m. at J. Black's Feel Good Kitchen & Lounge.
