Dallas Pride Weekend

Terry and I had a fun weekend. It was gay pride weekend here in Dallas. Let me give you some insight on one of the gay communities biggest celebrations. The history of gay pride celebrations comes from the Stonewall Inn riot on June 27th, 1969 in Greenwich Village, New York City. Police raided the gay bar and for the first time gay people fought back at the police and a small riot ensued. It marked a beginning of gay people standing up for themselves and being proud of who they were. Most large cities hold a "Gay Pride" celebration on June 27th on the anniversary of Stonewall. It just so happens that Dallas moved theirs later in September, and thank goodness, because June would be blistering hot here for a parade. For gay people "Gay Pride" always has been a special day. It's the one day a year that you can be completely open and free about being gay, and expressing yourself however you see fit. It's the one day during the year I can walk down the street and hold Terry's hand and not worry about getting beat up, or have people make fun of you. This year they estimated that 40,000 gay people attended the gay pride parade. It was so cool to be around so many people just like you. The parade is always fun but the people watching can be even more fun. One thing about the gay community is that the freedom to be yourself and express yourself is always encouraged. It's amazing just how people do that and the crazy fun stuff you see. If you ever want to see the most diverse crowd you've ever seen go to a gay pride parade. You just have to have an open mind and have fun. Well here are some pictures from the parade.

Here is the beginning banner and the Gay Rodeo Posse holding the flags.

Me Todd and Bill staking out our place at the parade

Our Gay Rugby Team the Dallas Diablos

Terry and a VERY tall Wonerwoman Drag Queen

It wouldn't be Dallas without gay cowboys, WOW

Of course the parade wouldn't be the same without big butch lesbians called "Dykes on Bikes"b

Here is the locay gay bears, with a construction themed float

Gay sailor boys

Here we have the latino drag queens performing (crazy wigs!!)n

The gay latino organization float

The ultra masculine local gay leathermen in biker chaps and harnesses

Another tough looking leatherman with orange wings?? or something like that

Here we have a huge heart shaped wig made out of flowers



Girl you better not fall off those shoes or your gonna get road rash

Proud guy with gay pride flag and matching pride pants
Me and Terry at the parade just trying to cool of in the 90 degree heat and humidity

We also caught a ton of beads from floats