Gay Houses

A family unit of LGBT people, often comprised of individuals who have experienced some form of family rejection (including homelessness) or those that merely seek guidance and mentoring from more experienced LGBT people. Houses are usually led by a house mother or father and the kids of the house sometimes carry the last name of the house founder. For instance, recording artist and entertainer, Kevin Aviance is a member of the House of Aviance. Some, but not all, houses compete against each other at balls. Different houses have varying criteria for membership and often house members will refer to each other as mother, sister or brother.