Rainbow stockings, check. Neon tutu, done. Grab your body glitter and don’t be a drag, just be a queen during PRIDE weekend in Oak Lawn! Named in memory of an indefatigable local activist and longtime executive director of the Dallas Tavern Guild, the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade — now in its 29th year — honors the legacy of a man who fought tirelessly to make Dallas a haven for its solid and thriving LGBT community. With the “Pride Links Us Together” theme, this year’s Festival roars from noon until 8 p.m. on Sunday in Lee Park, with the parade rolling out on Cedar Springs Road at 2 p.m. Starting at Wycliff Avenue, the route takes us to Turtle Creek Boulevard and Lemmon Avenue, where Lee Park bustles with food, beverages, live entertainment, arts and artists, vendors, prizes and an award ceremony honoring VIP guests such as Grand Marshals Dr. Gene Voskuhl (AIDS Arms) and the Reverend Dr. Jo Hudson (Cathedral of Hope). Party, jump, thump and whoop, and also learn how to honor Ross’ vision for a progressive community truly linked with pride by getting involved with the Holiday Gift Project, started in 1986 by Ross to serve local AIDS patients during the holiday season. Visit dallasprideparade.com.
Sun., Sept. 16, 2012