October is just around the corner and with it comes cooler temps and the opportunity to wear layers...maybe. While everyone is loading up their Starbucks card in preparation for pumpkin spice latte season, the Houston leather community is polishing their gear in anticipation of one of the most entertaining  weekends in the south, G.L.U.E weekend from October 11-13.

G.L.U.E. stands for Gear, Leather, Uniform, Etc... It’s an annual weekend in the leather community where enthusiasts gather to show off their creative side with costumes and leather goods. It’s also an opportunity for the group to raise money to help support local causes like Youth Rapid Rehousing, which is part of HATCH out of the Montrose Center. 

Youth Rapid Rehousing provides case management and rent for young adults ages 18-24. Access to these services is through the Coordinated Access program managed by the Coalition for the Homeless.  This program is funded in part by: the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Houston Housing Authority; State of Texas Emergency Shelter Grants through Harris County and the Coalition for the Homeless; private community funds. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Weekend passes for the event are now on sale online. Tickets purchased before September 18 are just $55, and will go up to $65 from September 19 -October 11. Passes include access to all G.L.U.E. weekend events including the “Officers Luncheon” where Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Sims will be the keynote speaker.

Sims is widely known for his ardent advocacy for the LGBTQ community across the nation. He is the first openly gay state representative in Pennsylvania and  represents the “gayborhood” of central Philly. Before being elected to the State House he was a civil rights attorney and the first openly gay college football team captain in NCAA history. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The weekend also includes pool parties, meetings for those in recovery and special gatherings  at the  host bars Ripcord and George’s when spectators can meet and greet in their gear. There will also be a Mr. Third Coast contest and prize for the winner. So if your fetish is leather pageants you may want to throw your harness in the ring. The contest will run all weekend evenings with the winner announced at the end.

If you’re traveling from out of town the Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering group rates on a first come basis. It is recommended you book soon as this block usually fills up.

So grab your gear, leather, uniform or “etcetera” and get stuck on Houston during G.L.U.E. Weekend. Click here to find out more about Youth Rapid Rehousing.