Thousands braved the heat to attend Saturday night's Pride Bigger Than Texas parade in downtown San Antonio.
"We definitely want the world to know that we are very appreciative to our allies and we support equality for all," said recording artist Jaime E., Mr. San Antonio Pride 2022. "Love is love."
Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade #PrideMonth2022 @TPRNews @TPRCommunity pic.twitter.com/lW1Flec3cY
— Jia Chen (@jiawenc17) June 26, 2022
This year's pride parade took on a different feeling one day after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
"Even through all this celebration and joy, there's a somber feeling because we know our sisters are being prevented from having a choice," said Jack Patrick Rodriguez, Jaime E’s manager. "It's heavy on our hearts. Even though we're trying to be happy and celebrate, we still remember our sisters."
Jo Meng attended Saturday's Pride festival and parade with her wife Hannah.
"We came to the festival during the day and looked at all the vendors. Had a great time. And at night, we participated in the parade march and stayed in the streets to watch the rest of the parade," Meng said. "We love the enthusiasm and the energy."
Meng said Justice Clarence Thomas' concurring opinion released Friday also weighs heavily on her. Thomas recommended that other precedents, including same sex marriage, be reviewed by the court. At the same time, the official Texas GOP party platform refers to being gay as "an abnormal lifestyle choice" and opposes any legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
"Me and my wife are very worried about our rights being taken away. I feel a sense of uncertainty. We're scared," Meng said. "But we also know that we cannot give in. We need to voice our opinions and stand together."
Sunday marks the finale of the city's pride celebration with Pride in the Park at Fiesta Texas.
