Pride in Dallas Parade 2023: A Celebration of Community
Photo by Madison Truscan for Dallas Observer
The annual Pride in Dallas parade, which began in 1972, celebrated its vibrant spirit once again on the Cedar Springs Strip in Oak Lawn this past Sunday.
Despite the sweltering Texas heat, thousands from the Dallas LGBTQ+ community and their allies filled the streets, demonstrating their pride. Known this year as The Michael Doughman Parade on Cedar Springs, the event followed the Big D Day Festival, which featured performances from pop singer Daya and local artists like Cure for Paranoia and Kameron Ross.
With joy and rainbow colors saturating Cedar Springs Road, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and perhaps a few vodka sodas. Led by grand marshal Kelexis Davenport, a Dallas drag legend, the parade featured splendid floats from local businesses, including a recreation of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church’s viral Pride flag-painted steps.
Parade-goers exchanged “Happy Pride” greetings, while colorful wigs bobbed along the route. Alongside the celebration, noticeable chants against Texas politicians like Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton reminded attendees of Pride’s roots in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
As glitter and confetti filled the air, a sense of community flourished. Attendees recognized familiar faces and collected “free mom and dad hugs,” while cheers erupted for local drag performers like Mulan Alexander.
This year’s celebration stood as a joyful testament to a community that knows how to embrace its identity openly and proudly. For more photos from the celebration, check out the full gallery below.
