Draft:Pride in Dallas
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Pride in Dallas is a non-profit organization that organizes an annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, including a parade and associated events, in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, United States. Established in 2022,[1] the organization was formed specifically to maintain the tradition of celebrating Pride in the historically significant "gayborhood" during September.[2] This emerged after the city's longer-standing Pride event, organized by Dallas Pride, relocated from Oak Lawn to Fair Park and moved its celebrations to June in 2019.[3] Pride in Dallas operates independently and focuses on neighborhood-centric events during the traditional September timeframe.[4]
Background: Dallas Pride Relocation
[edit]For over three decades, Dallas's main annual Pride parade, known for much of that time as the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade,[5] was held on Cedar Springs Road in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, the city's primary LGBTQ+ district.[3] Historically organized by the Dallas Tavern Guild,[6] the celebration was traditionally held on the third weekend of September.[6] This date commemorated Judge Jerry Buchmeyer's August 1982 ruling in Baker v. Wade, which temporarily struck down Texas Penal Code Section 21.06 (the state's anti-sodomy law) in the Northern District of Texas.[6][7] The first official annual parade following this ruling was in 1984.[7]
In late 2018, the Dallas Pride organization (operating as a separate non-profit from the Tavern Guild[3]) announced that beginning in 2019, the parade and festival would move to Fair Park and shift to the first weekend of June.[3][8] This aligned the event with national Pride Month (commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots) and addressed logistical constraints, as Fair Park's schedule was heavily booked in the fall due to the State Fair of Texas.[3][9]
Reasons cited for the move included anticipated construction on Cedar Springs Road, changes in city permitting processes for large events, the event having outgrown the neighborhood's capacity, and logistical benefits of Fair Park (more space, parking, weather protection).[8] New city policies regarding alcohol consumption and the unavailability of Reverchon Park were also mentioned.[8]
The relocation, while addressing practical issues, was met with mixed reactions. Many in the Oak Lawn community expressed a sense of loss,[10][9] feeling disconnected from the event's heritage and the neighborhood's role as the historic center of Pride.[4] Some criticized the move to Fair Park as potentially diminishing public visibility.[4] The shift away from the September date, tied to local Texas legal history, was also seen by some as a loss of specific Dallas identity.[3][7]
Formation of Pride in Dallas
[edit]Following the 2019 relocation of Dallas Pride, sentiment grew within the Oak Lawn community for Pride celebrations to return to the neighborhood in September.[10][4] This coincided with anxieties about neighborhood development and the potential loss of iconic venues.[10]
Mike Nguyen and James Ware, two long-time community members, began planning a new Oak Lawn-based Pride event in 2019.[10] Initial plans for 2020 were delayed by uncertainty surrounding Caven Enterprises properties (including Station 4 and JR's Bar & Grill), and 2021 plans were hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic.[10]
In spring 2022, Nguyen and Ware formed a board of directors and established the non-profit organization Pride in Dallas.[10][1] The organization announced its intention to host a week-long celebration in Oak Lawn in mid-September 2022, explicitly aiming to "rekindle the tradition"[2] and ensure the neighborhood's legacy as the center of Dallas Pride continued.[4][2]
Mission, Structure, and Funding
[edit]Pride in Dallas defines its mission around celebrating Pride in the historic Oak Lawn neighborhood, honoring history, and fostering community connection within the area.[2][11]
It operates as a "100% volunteer-based organization."[1] Initially, funding relied heavily on direct community support via a GoFundMe campaign and matching pledges from "anchor bars" along Cedar Springs, including venues owned by Caven Enterprises, The Round-Up Saloon, Woody’s, Lava Lounge, and Cedar Springs Tap House.[1][10] This community-focused funding model was emphasized in its first year,[1] contrasting with reliance on corporate sponsorships sometimes seen in larger Pride events.[12] Anchor bars continued as major sponsors in subsequent years.[12]
Leadership
[edit]James Ware serves as Board President and is considered the primary founder.[10][12] As of April 2025, other board members and key personnel include:[13]
- Betty Neal (Vice President)
- Tracy Nanthavongsa (Secretary)
- Adrian Velaquez (Treasurer)
- Michael Dewberry (Director at Large)
- Vincent DeLuna (Executive Director)
- Axel Gonzales (Website/Media)
- Jordan Webb (Media/Graphics)
- Isaac Alexander (Logistics Coordinator)
- Kris Galvan (Parade Director)
Earlier members included Sameer Paroo (Vice President) and Donnesh Amrollah (Creative Designer).[4] Andrew F Vargas organized the initial GoFundMe campaign.[1]
Events
[edit]Pride in Dallas holds its main celebration week in mid-September, culminating on the third Sunday, aligning with the historical Dallas Pride timing.[1][6]
Pride Parade
[edit]The flagship event is the Pride in Dallas Parade (also called the Dallas Rainbow Road Parade),[4] held on Cedar Springs Road. The parade typically starts near Douglas Avenue around 2 p.m. on the final Sunday of the celebration week and proceeds towards Oak Lawn Avenue.[11] Participants include local community groups, businesses, performers, and high school marching bands (such as Skyline, Kimball, and Carter High Schools in 2023).[12] Grand Marshals have included community leaders like Kirk Myers-Hill (2022)[12] and media personalities Chris Sapphire and Alyssa Edwards (2023).[12] The third annual parade took place on September 15, 2024.[14]
Other Events
[edit]The week typically includes various events hosted in collaboration with Oak Lawn venues:[11]
- Pride Week Brunch
- Nightly theme parties/happy hours at anchor bars (The Round-Up Saloon, Woody's, JR's Bar & Grill, Lava Lounge, S4, Cedar Springs Tap House)
- Rainbow Road Bar Crawl
- Pride Market (Sunday): Featuring community booths, artists, vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment stages.
- Closing Tea Dance (Spectrum Tea Dance)
Organizers reported a positive reception for the inaugural 2022 events and implemented accessibility features like safe viewing spaces in subsequent years.[12]
Community Dynamics and Challenges
[edit]Relationship with Dallas Pride
[edit]Pride in Dallas organizers state there is "no competition or bad blood" with the Dallas Pride organization that hosts the June event at Fair Park,[4] emphasizing that there is room for both celebrations.[15] However, the formation of Pride in Dallas was a direct response to community desire for a return to the Oak Lawn September tradition following Dallas Pride's move.[4][2] The existence of two major Pride events reflects different visions and priorities within the Dallas LGBTQ+ community.[4]
Reception and External Challenges
[edit]Pride in Dallas appears well-received within the segment of the community seeking an Oak Lawn September celebration, evidenced by initial fundraising success and event participation.[10][12]
The event has faced challenges, including the presence of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters at the parade, requiring security coordination.[12] It also operates within a broader challenging political climate in Texas regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Concerns arose in 2023 regarding the potential impact of Senate Bill 12 (a law targeting drag performances, later temporarily enjoined), prompting organizers to prepare contingency plans.[12]
Comparison with Dallas Pride (Post-2018)
[edit]| Feature | Pride in Dallas | Dallas Pride |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Timing | Mid-September[1] | Early June[3] |
| Primary Location | Oak Lawn / Cedar Springs Road[4] | Fair Park[8] |
| Main Event(s) | Neighborhood Parade & Week-long Activities[11] | Large Corporate Festival & Parade[8] |
| Historical Link | Baker v. Wade (Sept. tradition)[7] | Stonewall riots / Pride Month (June)[3] |
| General Atmosphere | Community-centric, Traditional[4] | Larger Scale, Festival[8] |
| Organization Type | Newer Non-profit, Volunteer-Based[11][1] | Established Non-profit[3] |
| Primary Funding Emphasis | Community Based / Local Business[1][12] | Corporate Sponsorship Highly Significant[8] (Based on scale/history) |
| Origin Context | Response to Dallas Pride's relocation[2] | Longstanding event, evolved over decades[6] |
See Also
[edit]- Dallas Pride (organization)
- Oak Lawn, Dallas
- LGBT culture in Dallas
- List of LGBT events
- Baker v. Wade
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Nash, Tammye (May 20, 2022). "Pride returns to Cedar Springs". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Our History". Pride in Dallas. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Blaskovich, Sarah (January 25, 2019). "Dallas Pride parade and festival moves to June at Fair Park". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Carter, Simone (May 23, 2022). "New Nonprofit Aims To Bring Pride 'Back to the Home of Dallas' Queer Community'". Dallas Observer. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Dallas Pride Guide". Dallas Voice. May 26, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e E. Young, Michael (September 15, 2014). "Dallas Pride parade started modestly, grew into major event". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Taffet, David (September 16, 2016). "September Pride". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Taffet, David (January 25, 2019). "Dallas Pride Parade moving to Fair Park June 1-2". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Blaskovich, Sarah (September 13, 2019). "For the first time in 35 years, there's no Pride parade this September in Dallas' Oak Lawn neighborhood". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Nash, Tammye (August 26, 2022). "Pride returns to Oak Lawn thanks to community support". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Events". Pride in Dallas. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Nash, Tammye (September 18, 2023). "PHOTOS: Pride In Dallas Parade returns to Cedar Springs Road". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Leadership". Pride in Dallas. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Nash, Tammye (August 26, 2024). "Pride In Dallas announces details for third annual celebration". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Nash, Tammye (September 16, 2022). "Pride In Dallas organizers say there's room for two Pride celebrations". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.