It's going to be hard to top last year's Pride Month. Ever.
Celebrated each June in memory of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, the yearly observance received a surprising new event to commemorate when the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage a fundamental right on June 26, 2015. Moments later, longtime couple George Harris and Jack Evans became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in a Dallas courtroom. We're still teary-eyed.
Update, June 24: Evans has reportedly passed away. The couple celebrated their 55th anniversary in February.
Locally, Pride Month does tend to be a bit sleepier than Dallas Pride week in September, when thousands parade through Oak Lawn. October goes even further; while not an LGBT-pride specific event, the Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party brings out the beautiful beasts in elaborate costume in a neighborhood historically known for fostering gay community.
In other words: Hold onto your panties. We're heading into the peak season for turnt parties in D-FW. Let's get things rolling with Pride-friendly events in the coming weeks.
QueerBomb Dallas 2016
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Founded in 2014 as an alternative to the commercialization of Gay Pride in Dallas, QueerBomb is a nonprofit organization that celebrates Pride Month with a series of events leading up to a rally, march and party during the last weekend of June.
June 12: QueerBomb Family Gathering and Weenie Roast at Lazy 3-Y Ranch, 1607 Kings Hwy, Dallas. Side dish donations and BYOB refreshments welcome.
June 25: QueerBomb Dallas 2016. Kick off the day with the Blow Torch! The QueerBomb Music Festival! from noon-7 p.m. at RBC in Deep Ellum. Suggested $10 donation to artists. Stick around for a rally at 7:30 p.m. and a procession through Deep Ellum, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Cap off the evening with the QueerBomb Ball at 9 p.m. and GlitterStock, an "outdoor, multi-arts jamboree with drag, music and lowered inhibitions." Want to help out? Check out the GoFundMe page.
Juneteenth Unity Festival
Come for the Bahama Beach Party, stay for New Orleans Queen of Bounce Big Freedia at the Bungalow Beach Club from 3 p.m. -midnight on June 18. Presented by Dallas Southern Pride, the first annual Unity Party is "designed to celebrate the live, love and culture of Dallas' Black LGBT community."
The pool party includes food and drink vendors, music. General admission is $25, with VIP options available. Tickets to the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Juneteenth Ball are sold separately.
RuPaul's Drag Race Battle of the Seasons Tour
Allstar past winners, finalists and fan favorites from each season of RuPaul's Drag Race return to Dallas' South Side Music Hall on June 22, beginning at 9 p.m. Hosted by Michelle Visage, see stars like Jinkx Monsoon, Bendelacreme and Sharon Needles lip-sync (and real sing) for their lives live on stage.
Way Gay Sing-Along
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Alamo Drafthouse's Sing-Alongs are often pretty gay -- we mean that in the best way imaginable; Lady Gaga, anyone? -- but they promise the Way Gay one will be the "gayest and most dance-worthy" sing-along ever.
If you've never been to an Alamo Sing-Along, here's a primer on why they are so much fun. The concept is simple: Show up (in costume, if you like) for a couple of hours of beloved music videos and cut loose. Dancing in the aisles and belting out your faves are not only acceptable, it's encouraged. Alamo offers its same food and drink menu, plus props like glow sticks and confetti.
Artists for the Way Gay Sing-Along incude George Michael, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Cher. Tickets start at $12, and the show starts at 9 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse Dallas on June 25.
Cinematic celebrations
Film fans can enjoy a couple of LGBT-focused screenings during Pride Month.
June 18: The Oak Cliff Film Festival presents Hunky Dory at Bishop Arts Theater Center, beginning at 7: 15 p.m. The film follows a "dive bar drag queen who is forced to look after his 11-year-old son in a tale of unconventional fatherhood." Tickets start at $10.
June 18: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth's monthly Q Cinema series kicks off with Christine at the Crossroads, a romantic drama about a young woman who faces a defining moment when she begins to fall for a co-worker. Tickets start at $8, and the screening begins at 2 p.m. See other upcoming titles in the Q Cinema series.
Burlesque and Drag Show at Texas Theatre
Oak Cliff's historic venue celebrates Pride Month with a Burlesque and Drag show on June 25, beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
