A TORRENTIAL RAIN storm didn’t stop the participants at the second annual Big Queer Quiz from raising money for Grace Place! Teams gathered at Houston Cider Co. and sipped beers such as the Prider Cider, a raspberry lemonade hard cider brewed for Pride month, as they competed against each other in categories about LQBTQ+ history.

The festivities were taken indoors when a rain storm blew through, but emcee Amir Diamond kept the partying going. Grace Place, whose mission is to help youths and young adults experiencing homelessness, has been working overtime as the heatwave continues (and brings with it extreme afternoon rain). “We were able to kick off our annual campaign, which is centered around keeping our youth cool, says Courtney Sellers, Grace Place’s executive director. “The funds raised will go toward buying a much-needed ice machine to keep youth refreshed and allow them to focus on enjoying life.”

Local nonprofit Kindred Kitchen catered burgers and fries topped with caramelized onions, cheese and a special sauce for the 130 trivia-goers. Kindred Kitchen gives at-risk youth culinary and job readiness training that will prepare them for food and hospitality positions.

Natalie Ferguson, Amir Diamond and Zach McKenzie

o Jaynes, Camille Boudreaux, Stephanie Handler

Melissa Rodriguez, Matthew Gibson, Kenny Bacak, and Sarah Yates

Amy Tanguay and Gus Helpers

Courtney Sellers and Becca Saenz

Guests make their way indoors during surprise rain storm

Houston Cider Co. owner Justin Engle