A significant number of the proposed bills could potentially restrict freedoms for LGBTQ+ Texans. Organizations such as Equality Texas are currently tracking 221 such bills that would increase “restrictions on private decisions, private actions, and private spaces.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is tracking 88 bills that would increase legislation in areas ranging from drag performances to school sports, from gender-affirming healthcare to updating personal identification documents. Some of these bills’ progress through the legislative process is alarming to advocacy groups, local organizations, and marginalized Texas communities.
A group of LGBTQ+ activists in Denton is also paying close attention as they gear up for June’s Pride month events.
On May 12, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 229, which strictly defines men and women based on the reproductive organs they were born with, a definition that many LGBTQ+ advocates argue is too simplistic. If HB 229 becomes law, it would determine which gender marker is used on official state records such as driver’s licenses and passports, effectively erasing the presence of trans and intersex Texas citizens whose current gender identities are different than what would be mandated under this new legislation.
While some LGBTQ+ Texans are seriously considering moving out of state, or have already left, due to the political climate, others are instead focusing on how they can still make Texas home. In Denton, local organizations are working to make this year’s Pride celebration bigger and better than ever.
Pride in Denton
Local activist Anjelica Fraga Escalante shared that PRIDENTON has been planning Denton’s annual Pride events since 2017. The organization’s theme for this year’s Pride is “Legacy of Resilience,” highlighting the strength and perseverance needed to build community and experience joy when legislators seem poised to remove personal freedoms. Pride in Denton is not just a good time: “Our tagline is ‘More than a party, we are a community’ because we see Pride as an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and build the LGBTQIA2S+ community,” Fraga Escalante said.In Denton, events planned for June provide opportunities for community, activism and celebration. The month will begin with a rally and proclamation at Denton City Hall on June 3 and conclude with a dance party at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios on June 28. Other events on the calendar include chalk art, a vendor market, bingo, swimming, and an open mic. One of last year’s most attended events was the Night Out (Near) the Square, held at the Denton Civic Center.
Fraga Escalante, who coordinated with over 70 local vendors, businesses and organizations for the event, said that it was their favorite to plan. “I had a blast,” they shared as they described the beauty of all the vendors’ decorations and the excitement of seeing a community show up for one another.
Community relationships are integral to planning large events like Denton’s Night Out. In fact, PRIDENTON merged with another local organization, OUTreach Denton, last year “to combine our efforts and resources to meet our shared goals,” according to an Instagram post announcing the change.
While PRIDENTON is more active leading up to and during June, OUTreach Denton provides monthly social events and larger community events throughout the year to observe holidays such as National Coming Out Day. The two organizations are also closely linked in that “every single PRIDENTON board member has served on the OUTreach Denton steering committee—at one point there were four of us on both committees at the same time!” Fraga Escalante explained.
In addition to supporting local businesses, PRIDENTON seeks to support the local LGBTQ+ community by offering spaces and experiences in response to specific needs. For one year, PRIDENTON organized a panel for trans individuals under the age of 20 to speak about their experiences. The library’s meeting space was full, demonstrating the event’s value and importance to the community. Planned in collaboration with OUTreach Denton, Big Gay Swim Day also originated from a specific need and has become an annual favorite.
“Many queer and trans folks don’t go swimming in public spaces, or at all, because it’s unsafe for them,” said Fraga Escalante. “Maybe they’re not out, maybe they’re self-conscious, or maybe they’re worried about being harassed.”
Big Gay Swim Day provides a safe, non-judgmental, semi-private space for anyone who wants to swim. Fraga Escalante laughed and added, “It’s hot as Satan’s buttcrack in Texas in June, and I think we all deserve to go swimming,” a statement relatable to any Texan.
Fraga Escalante’s words, “I think we all deserve,” reveal the crux of what many LGBTQ+ Texans are concerned about: living a safe life in their home state to the fullest extent possible.
The Texas Legislature and the LGBTQ+ Community
As our conversation turned from celebrating Pride to considering the future, they said, “I have definitely considered leaving Texas many times, not just because I am queer but because my husband and I are brown, and now also because I’m pregnant.”Their concerns reveal the need for celebration this year, but also emphasize the political issues that Texas is facing that need solutions. “Every year, the Legislature fixates on trans folks instead of actually doing things that would help everyday Texans.”
Fraga Escalante shared that that very evening, there would be a going-away party for another set of friends moving out of state. For LGBTQ+ Texans, creatively celebrating Pride during a grueling legislative session is a significant part of that fight.
“Growing up, I was always proud to be a Texan, and I want Texas to become a place where I can be proud to be here as an adult. This is our home,” they said. “And Texas is worth fighting for.”
