Fort Worth’s Trinity Pride Festival included drag performers accepting tips from minors, adult-themed signage, and booths run by Planned Parenthood and HIV outreach groups — all at a public event open to children.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trinity Pride returned to Fort Worth on June 28. The event, which has drawn criticism in prior years, was again open to minors. At least one nonprofit affiliated with the event had previously received public funds.
The event began with a march organized by several churches. Children were seen carrying “transgender” flags and signs with affirming messages, while adults held banners with slogans such as “FAIR MOUNTIES WE RIDE HARD” and “SHOUT IF YOU LOVE T-BOYS.” Drag performers also passed by riding a cart.
Vendor booths included tables from the HELP Center, which promoted free HIV testing, and Planned Parenthood. A video posted online showed a child tipping a drag performer during a live show. Merchandise for sale included slogans like “PURRIDE” and “DOGS & GAYS MAKE LIFE BETTER.”
Fort Worth City Councilmembers Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck, and Mia Hall participated in the march and festivities. Hall later shared photos on social media and wrote:
“I had an AMAZING evening at the Trinity Pride Festival. This was the first year to host the Festival on vibrant South Main, and I was honored to celebrate with my fellow Councilmembers Elizabeth Beck and Chris Nettles. We kicked the evening off with a short march from Broadway Baptist Church followed by live music, food, and fellowship with our Fort Worth neighbors.”
Later that evening, Fort Worth City Hall was illuminated in rainbow-colored lights — a move Beck supported. She told the Fort Worth Report:
“The LGBTQ community is so used to having to fight for their recognition, to fight to have their celebrations, and so I think a surprise of City Hall being lit up in honor of them and their fight and their pride is an unexpected surprise.”
Beck said she hopes the City Hall lighting will become an annual tradition.
The Dallas Express reached out to Trinity Pride organizers for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.