What's the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Pride Parade and Festival? Only one of the biggest and most enthusiastic gay pride celebrations in the southern half of the United States. It's actually the formal name for Dallas Gay Pride, which this year celebrates its 26th anniversary (at least in its current form). Dallas actually began holding a Gay Pride celebration in 1972, in solidarity with and commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that are the basis for many Pride events held around the country in June.
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The Dallas Tavern Guild took over the operation of Pride in 1982, moved it to September, and called it the Texas Freedom Parade. It was later renamed in honor of one of the parade's key architects, the former Guild director Alan Ross. Since 1983, The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Pride Parade and Festival has been held the third Sunday in September - this year, it occurs on September 20, 2009.
Here's a look at some of the key activities that make up Dallas Gay Pride this year:
On Sunday, September 20, at 2 pm, the Annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Pride Parade commences in the tres-gay Oak Lawn neighborhood at 2 pm. It begins at the junction of Cedar Springs Road and Wycliff Avenue, marching south down Cedar Springs Road, and ending at Robert E. Lee Park. From noon until 5 pm the same day, the Texas Freddom Pride Festival takes place in the park, featuring a variety of musicians, speakers, and other performers. Noted activist and author Larry Kramer is the parade Grand Marshal this year, and entertainment includes AIDS Memorial Quilt founder and San Francisco AIDS Foundation co-founder Cleve Jones, and musician Anton Shaw and Her Band.
Also be sure to check out the full list of events related to Pride mentioned on the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Pride website, everything from a Pride Art Auction to a Dallas CVB and LOGO Present: Pre-Pride at the Park, on Friday, September 18. Also, on Saturday, September 19th, you can let off some steam with a wild Gay Day at Six Flags; attending a comedy concert featuring Leslie Jordan, Caroline Rhea, and Rue McClanahan at the Majestic Theater; and cutting loose at a number of other parties around the city.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as Dallas Voice and This Week In Texas, for details. Also check out the excellent site on gay and lesbian travel produced by the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
