North Texas Pride is back this year with a “Come As You Are” festival at the ArtCentre of Plano. Admission will benefit Elevate, a North Texas youth shelter that assists homeless youth and youth who have been kicked out of their homes due to their sexuality.
The family-friendly event will feature sponsor/vendor booths, food, beverages, giveaways, donations to Elevate, adult and kid activities, bands, a DJ, dancing and entertainment for all ages.
“Although the LGBTQ community is becoming increasingly integrated and abl to live openly in our North Texas suburbs, there are many misinformed and determined people who would go to great lengths to repeal, legislate or destroy our recent strides everyone,” North Texas Pride Foundation President Morris Garcia said in a letter to sponsors. “With your support, the North Texas Pride Foundation can bring like-minded groups together to expand the reach of the North Texas LGBTQ community, cultivate a safe environment for LGBTQ families, couples and individuals to congregate and ensure continued community integration in suburban North Texas through a celebration of gay pride with straight allies.”
This year’s event is sponsored by Dallas Voice, NorthStar RFG, Lyla Lee, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Sexy Sisters Productions, Lifetime Windows & Siding, Toyota, Prism Health North Texas, GDMAF, Ahoy Vintage Cruises, Texas Pride Realty Group, AllyKat Designing, Renewal by Anderson, the North Texas Gay and Lesbian Alliance, NLA-Dallas, Comerica, North Texas Adolescent and Young Adult Psychology, Cyclebar Allen, Rainbow Realtors, Farmers Insurance, New York Life, Lifeworks and Art Savvy Llama.
Raffle tickets, available for $20 for 5 tickets, provide a chance to win the grand prize COLORWAY electric bike.
Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up or $25 for VIPs, who will get access to a seating area with air conditioning, light refreshments and alcoholic beverages from noon to 4 p.m.
The event is located at 902 East 16th Street and will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
