Dallas Pride is proud to announce that acclaimed actor, singer and LGBTQ+ advocate Billy Porter has been named its first-ever Honorary Grand Marshal of the Dallas Pride Parade, set to step off in Fair Park on June 2.
Porter, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality. With a career spanning decades, Porter has earned critical acclaim and been awarded for his roles on stage and screen including an EMMY®, GRAMMY® and two Tony Awards, winning his first Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in "Kinky Boots.”
In addition to his contributions to the arts, Porter has used his platform to advocate for marginalized communities, championing LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice and gender equality. His unapologetic celebration of individuality has made him a beloved icon and an inspiration to millions around the globe. Porter will receive the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award this year, his third, recognizing his dedication as an activist and spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ communities including his work for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund, among others.
“We are thrilled to welcome Billy Porter to Dallas Pride,” said Sherrell Cross, executive director of Dallas Pride. “He symbolized the spirit of unity, pride and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community, and will undoubtedly electrify audiences with his spirit and sparkle.”
The Dallas Pride Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in Texas, attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year, uniting people from all walks of life in a vibrant celebration of diversity and acceptance.
Weekend of Activities
Dallas Pride kicks off on Saturday, June 1, with the Dallas Pride Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Dallas Pride Festival & Parade on Sunday, June 2, at 10 a.m. with a pre-parade festival and activities before the parade begins at 2 p.m. Vendors will have refreshments, DJs will spin, and attendees can engage in Teen Pride and the Family Pride Zone, in addition to enjoying shopping and other fun. The parade is a rainbow feast for the eyes, with outrageous costumes, inventive floats, bands, groups and more marching in support of the LGBTQ+ community in a mile-long event featuring more than 150 parade entries. Admission for the Dallas Pride Parade is free.
Tickets are on sale now for the Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday, June 1, which will feature musical headliners CeCe Peniston and Ha Sizzle. A variety of musical and dance performances on multiple indoor and outdoor stages will include singer Lardi B, DJ Sedrick, and other talented entertainers that keep the festivities going. Morphine Love Dion, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Aquaria, season 10 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be featured performers who will also wow the crowds at the Dallas Pride Music Festival. Tickets are $10 (+ services fees); admission for children 12 and under is complimentary. To get your tickets, visit dallaspride.org.
The Dallas Pride Music Festival features more than 200 vendors, who will have booths to see and shop at the festival. Family Pride Zone, an area designed for families, will feature several bounce houses, face painting, entertainment for the kids and the Pride Train ride in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. The festival also includes Teen Pride, which fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 19 and their friends to enjoy live entertainment from artists and DJs, and other age-appropriate activities. Local animal rescue groups will also be on-site for guests to meet a possible new furry family member.
About Dallas Pride
The mission of Dallas Pride is to strengthen, support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing inclusiveness, Dallas Pride fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone from youth to seniors by creating events, initiatives and programs that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.
Follow @DallasPride on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.