Lasher, Reverend Ralph

Abstract

Reverend Ralph Lasher was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1928 and attended seminary in New York. He was ordained in the Episcopal Church and served as the rector of a church in New Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1950s. It was during this time that Lasher met his partner of 45 years, Harry Gibson. They moved to Houston in 1968, and Lasher served at the Metropolitan Community Church, an LGBT accepting church, starting in 1986. In 1988, Lasher became involved in AIDS awareness work and was the executive director of the Montrose clinic. In this interview Lasher discusses his religious leadership, the impact of AIDS in Houston, and his work throughout the city. Lasher also discusses how his Christian faith influenced his leadership and shares his thoughts on Houston's future.