This week, Pride Frisco announced the initial slate of speakers, entertainment and special guests that will be featured at the second annual Pride festival on Oct. 22.
Taking place at Toyota Stadium (9200 World Cup Way) in Frisco, this year’s event will include a number of keynote speakers, including Sara Cunningham (Free Mom Hugs), Mandy Giles (Parents of Trans Youth) and Liz Dyer (Real Mama Bears).
“LGBTQIA+ people need fierce advocates who are unafraid to journey shoulder-to-shoulder with us every day, motivated by a deep and abiding love for our community,” said Jon Culpepper, Pride Frisco vice president. “I am excited for everyone to hear the stories of our speakers and know that they are not alone.”
This year’s roster of live entertainment will include Dallas-area LGBTQIA+ music group, Oak Lawn Band; local theater group, Uptown Players; interactive art installation company, Meow Wolf; as well as the Dallas Wings “Flight Crew” dance squad.
In addition to the entertainers, the upcoming pride event will also be featuring various music and art, several vendors to shop at, a rock-climbing wall, interactive activities for all ages, along with several sports teams that will be making an appearance — including the Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, etc.
A number of different organizations are expected to be in attendance to provide various support and resources to the LGBTQIA+ community. Among the ones that have been announced thus far include the American Civil Liberties Union (human rights nonprofit), Lambda Legal (civil rights org) and many more.
“As a proud mom of a gay son, pride celebrations are especially meaningful to me,” said Liz Dyer, founder of Real Mama Bears. "In addition to being a time to wholeheartedly celebrate the community, pride is also an opportunity to reflect on the hardships LGBTQIA+ people have endured over the years, remember all they have overcome and achieved and recognize and recommit to the work that still needs to be done so all people can live as their true self without hesitation or fear.”
To learn more about the second annual pride festival, or to claim your free ticket for the event, visit pridefrisco.org.
