A school district in a liberal area of Texas wants its students to attend a sexually charged LGBTQ parade so much that it is offering a free shuttle service to students, staff, and their families to make the experience easier.
This Saturday, Austin Pride will once again host the city’s annual Pride festival and parade. This year, the theme is “Keep Austin Queer’d.” “From attacks on our Drag community to the fight for trans rights…
sometimes it feels that our community is getting pushed from all sides,” the organization’s website said. “When that happens, WE STAND OUR GROUND! And no matter what, one thing is for certain. We will KEEP AUSTIN QUEER’D!”
Both Pride events are open to people of all ages, and children 6 and under get in the festival free. “Drag Queen Story Time” is listed on the festival’s itinerary as well as carnival rides and games.
Last year, drag performers Deborah Cox, Fishy Queen Jezebel, Hermajestie the Hung, and Babiboi all appeared on stage. A promotional video for the festival demanded listeners to get the “f*** out my way [when] you see me/ I’m gonna put the LGBT.”
The festival is followed by a Pride parade in the evening. Starting at 8 p.m., participants will march from the state Capitol down Congress Avenue and end at the Ann Richards Bridge, about 1.2 miles away.
The Austin Independent School District is so anxious to help young students attend that it is offering a free shuttle service to and from the parade. “Staff, students, and their families are invited to represent Austin ISD in the annual Austin Pride Parade,” a district website said.
“We are #AISDproud to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families and to highlight our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all!”
The district is even providing participants with an “Austin ISD Pride T-shirt,” though quantity is limited. Those who arrive too late and miss out on the T-shirts need not fear that they won’t fit in as Austin ISD attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear “Pride costumes and rainbow colors” anyway.
