Houston is often revered for its diversity but some say the culture diversity within just the southwest neighborhood alone remains a “hidden gem.”
Monique Welch / Staff writer
Monique Welch covers diverse communities for the Houston Landing. She was previously an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle, where she reported on trending news within the greater Houston region and across Texas, and occasionally contributed to the Chronicle's race and identity newsletter, HouWeAre. A native Baltimorean and previous Tampa resident, Monique joined the Chronicle in the summer of 2021 after nearly four years at the Tampa Bay Times, where she worked on all things digital, launched the newspaper's first race and identity newsletter, Regarding Race, and covered local news. Monique holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Media Studies from Goucher College.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Texas consistently leads the nation in attacks on trans people. Here’s how Houstonians are fighting back.
Self-defense is becoming a secret weapon for some queer Houstonians who are uncomfortable carrying a gun to better themselves from physical attacks.
Posted inDiverse Communities
‘The perfect space’: UH students protest closure of beloved LGBTQ, DEI centers over SB 17
Protestors gathered over the early closing of University of Houston’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion and LGBTQ Resource Center due to Texas Senate Bill 17.
Posted inExplainers & Guides
Texas’ anti-DEI law is wreaking havoc before it takes effect next year. Here’s what to know.
Texas Senate Bill 17 will lead to the closure of LGBTQ centers at public universities across Houston.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Students and faculty brace for the impact of Senate Bill 17 on a beloved resource center
A “premature” sign posted in front of the university’s LGBTQ Resource Center last week sent shockwaves to students, alumni and faculty not ready to bid farewell to a longtime safe place of acceptance.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Houston nonprofit Second Servings turns wasted food into an opportunity
The nonprofit has long provided free meals to struggling Houstonians, but its new PopUp store is now a favored option for complimentary groceries.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Celebrating Pride required ‘an extra level of bravery’ this year, Houstonians say
Pride month in Texas felt different from previous years for Houstonians struggling to combat the rise in hateful rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ state legislation.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Houston expands mpox vaccine accessibility after last year’s shortage
After falling short at the outbreak onset in May 2022, the Houston Health Department offers free mpox vaccines at various Pride events this month.
Posted inDiverse Communities
He’s a top Houston artist. Now, Reginald Adams is telling the story of Juneteenth nationwide.
Spurred by the success of his “Absolute Equality” mural in Galveston, Reginald Adams is unveiling six murals across the country, including one in Houston’s Fourth Ward.
Posted inDiverse Communities
Black queer folks have few spaces in Houston. Normal Anomaly Initiative fills that void
In just two years since receiving its nonprofit status, the organization’s small team of five is filling a void for Black queer people in the Greater Houston region and the state.