Houston Gaymers is a highly active 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and community group that strives to bring together and provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and fellow video game enthusiasts through our online presence, community, and monthly meetups.
How We Started
Now the largest gaymer group in Texas, Houston Gaymers was founded in 2009 as a way for friends to get together. Founder Eric Hulsey says, “Houston Gaymers started as an idea discussed at dinner between five new friends. We all had videogame interests and asked ourselves why it was so hard to find others with the same interests.
Our conclusion was that there just wasn’t a group or event that would even bring them all together and so we discussed starting one. We started a (Facebook) group page and set our first meetup event with one of my friends, J.R. Cohen, at Coffee Groundz. We had no idea that the first meetup would do so well and have so many people show up—it was then that we realized this was needed in the community.”
The organization has since evolved into a charity that has many events ranging from Handhelds get togethers to volunteer events that help the community.
Meet the Board
Hello! My name is Jeffery and I’ve been a member of Houston Gaymers for 12 years now. I’m a Realtor when I’m not helping out with Gaymers. Both activities are where a lot of my focus goes so when I’m not doing one or the other I do like to play games (surprise). I mainly stick to Switch Titles but every once in a while I’ll also do some tabletop gaming and miniature painting. Come to one of our meetups and let's play some games.
I run an online bookstore company and spend most of my time buried in many many spreadsheets. In my off time my passions are tech, High Fantasy/Sci-Fi books/media, food, time with friends, and of course video games. I try to only play multiplayer games with friends I know IRL to limit my obsession. You can tell I am invested in a game if I have a spreadsheet for it. When gaming I am a Caster/Glass Cannon (dying is coded into the game for a reason after all), in FPS games I melee or use explosions (think Junkrat). I tend to over prepare in most games so bag/Inventory space is my biggest bane.
I moved to Houston with my partner in 2011 and this quickly became my new home. I enjoy spending my free time setting up events, gaming, and experiencing Houston's diverse culture. I have the privilege to work as a Veterinary Hospital Manager for over 10 years now and throughly enjoy the feeling of helping pet's in need. My why in life is to give with an open heart, so that others feel acceptance.
For over 13 years I have helped grow Houston Gaymers from a small friend group to a non profit community that has touched countless lives. I find joy in bring people together, solving problems, and helping others reach their true potential. My adventures outside of gaymers include attending music festivals, swimming, traveling with friends, and gardening.
I'm just your average gamer and k-pop stan who loves to eat! I've been apart of the organization for a few years and love to participate in volunteer events. I'm currently in school and in my free time I love to play horror games! Lets be friends!
By day time I’m a high school math teacher, by night time I’m an amateur drag performer who is broke and has an expensive taste. When I’m not teaching or lip syncing for my life, I enjoy playing games such as Dead by Daylight, Smash Bros, or diving into a good JRPG. I also enjoy working out, going to music events, movies, watching anime, and trying new foods. Making a difference in the world whether it be in education or helping others has always been a passion of mine.
Originally from New Orleans, I've lived in nine different cities across six different countries and now call Houston my home. While I possess a PhD in Analytical Psychology, my professional history is pretty random: I've had my own psychological practice, worked as a mahout (elephant keeper), ran a dance school in Manhattan, and now I spend my days in the technology field. I thrive in chaos and tend to get disinterested in stale scenarios. I joined the Houston Gaymers board because I want to make an impact in the community...while having fun along the way.