AUSTIN, Texas — Tens of thousands of Texans filled downtown Austin on Saturday night for the 36th annual Austin Pride celebration, with organizers emphasizing a message of resistance.
Thousands marched through the heart of the city as part of the parade and festival, which carried this year’s theme: “Viva La Resistencia.” Outreach Director Jamal Crier said the theme reflects Pride’s origins and its continued purpose. “What pride started as a riot and now lives as a resistance of love and celebration, even when administrations try and tell us that we can’t,” Crier said.
People in the crowd said the moment felt especially significant this year.
Cynthia Soliz, an Austinite, called it “tremendously important. Tremendously important.” Another Austinite, Matthew McFall, said, “With everything that’s been happening, it’s become more important than anything.”
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The celebration came weeks after the rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Colorado and Fourth streets were removed following a state order. On Friday, the city of Austin placed a permanent historical marker at the intersection honoring the community’s long history. The marker had been in the works for years, but its dedication came one day before the Austin Pride festival.
Asked whether he feels supported in the community, McFall said, “I absolutely do. It’s just the political part that needs to have the support in it. Otherwise, we’re still screwed.”
The parade finished at the Ann Richards Bridge near Lady Bird Lake. Attendees said it was important to show up in support of Pride.