Austin Pride brought crowds on Saturday as attendees navigated rising event costs, extreme heat and the removal of a rainbow crosswalk in downtown.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Pride moved through the city on Saturday, even as this year’s celebration comes with some extra hurdles.
Downtown Austin’s rainbow crosswalk at Fourth and Colorado streets was removed earlier this year, and Jamal Crier, the outreach director for the Austin Pride Foundation, said the event’s operational costs have increased over the years.
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“This year we had to cut things down,” Crier said. “And really hone in on the community.”
Then came another challenge on Saturday: the Texas heat.
High temperatures followed attendees throughout the day’s festivities, with people carrying water, using fans and finding shade where they could.
Nonetheless, crowds still showed up to celebrate.
“To see a celebration like today happen, where people can come out and be proud and joyous and celebrate, it’s a very overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy,” Crier said.
Several attendees said their mission is to keep moving forward.
“I try to stay informed, active and vote,” attendee Chris Claro said. “Hope for the better.”
There were multiple live performances, vendors and community resources. Attendees said they’re filling the streets with color, even when some of it has disappeared from the pavement.
“It’s just super important to me to remain colorful,” attendee Lars Landers said. “And remind other queer people that it’s okay to be yourself and stand out.”
Another attendee said Saturday’s event was a chance to gather as a community despite the financial pressures, changing landscape and summer heat surrounding this year’s Pride.