Local leaders are critiquing an Arlington Pride event’s sponsors, Charles Schwab, Lockheed Martin, and Frank Kent Cadillac of Arlington, for supporting an event that promotes sex toys and people wearing sexually provocative clothing.

Arlington Pride hosted an “all-ages” event at the Levitt Pavilion on June 8. The event featured drag performers such as Alyssa Edwards, known for competing in drag shows, including “Miss Gay America” in 2010. It also featured the DFW Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which has been described as an “anti-Catholic hate group.”

“Why is it okay for children, young babies, to be placed in an environment where they experience sexually explicit objects, nudity, and lap dancing at a young age? What’s the purpose of that?” Arlington resident Kathi Arocha asked while speaking with The Dallas Express.

“Imagine the sponsors agreeing to this filth,” Bo French posted on X.

French was referring to the Libs of TikTok post on X about the Arlington Pride Event:

(Warning: Contains Graphic Content)

Charles Schwab, Lockheed Martin, and Frank Kent Cadillac of Arlington have a history of expressing support for the LGBTQ community.

“Since 2004, Schwab has received a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ+ inclusion. This important award demonstrates the company’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees,” a post on Schwab’s website from 2022 boasts.

Lockheed Martin has conveyed a similar sentiment:

“PRIDE’s vision is that Lockheed Martin is a world class industry leader that is known for creating a workplace where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and beyond (LGBTQIA+) employees have a welcoming environment, positive work experience and career growth opportunities,” the company’s website states.

Frank Kent Cadillac Arlington also has a history of sponsoring Arlington Pride.

“We are happy to announce that the 2023 Frank Kent Cadillac Arlington Pride Celebration presented by the HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness will take place at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington on June 10 from 6-11 pm (doors open at 5),” per the Downtown Arlington’s website.

Despite the backlash over children being allowed at events featuring sexual behavior and sexual items on display, some argue that Pride events are about showing support and acceptance for the LGBTQ community.

“A lot of us don’t go out with our true colors. It’s very dangerous, unfortunately, in our time where we’re at. It’s a place where we don’t have to worry about kissing in public,” Max Wood, a 27-year-old bisexual from Tarrant County, said to the Arlington Report.

The Dallas Express contacted Charles Schwab, Lockheed Martin, and Frank Kent Cadillac Arlington to inquire about their brands’ support for sexually explicit behavior and products. Additionally, a request for comment was sent to General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Frank Kent Cadillac of Arlington is owned by General Motors. A request for comment was also sent to Dean Acosta, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Lockheed Martin. No response was received prior to publication.

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