PRIDE and Voter Turnout
The Dallas Pride Parade returned to Fair Park after a two-year hiatus. Even before, when it was on Cedar Springs Road in the heart of the “gayborhood,” there was still moderate controversy about its location in the LGBTQ community. Those more politically involved at the time had developed outrage that it wasn’t on Main Street, and rightfully so. It started off there. NYC Pride Parade starts less than two “long” blocks from the Empire State Building, and in LA, theirs goes right down Hollywood Boulevard. Granted, their population densities are way higher, but that also makes it even more crucial to put empowerment of the LGBTQ community at the very epicenter of our city life. But what does this have to do with voter turnout? Let me explain:
In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 28, 1969, nine policemen entered the Stonewall Inn, arrested the employees for selling alcohol without a license, roughed up many of its patrons, cleared the bar, and—in accordance with a New York criminal statute that authorized the arrest of anyone not wearing at least three articles of gender-appropriate clothing—took several people into custody. This sparked the Stonewall riots and the annual pride marches every year after that.
In “Pride is a Protest!” by Jayla Wilkerson, she explains, “Post-Stonewall activism was all about being loud and proud of who we truly are. Pride celebrations back then were all about two things: visibility and defiance.” So, although we celebrate our pride, we must remember we fought for it first, just like the civil rights movement fought for voting rights.
With the 2022 midterms right around the corner, we hope to bridge that gap between activism and voting by providing free round-trip rides to the polls. Increasing voter turnout can help combat the massive wave of voter suppression happening across the nation. We here at Rideshare2Vote hope to bridge the gap between activism and voting by providing that last step of transportation.
“Pride is a Protest” is also the name of the last pride march in downtown Dallas, founded by Jayla. Demonstrations like these and pride festivals all come with voter resources of some form. Non-profits and other political clubs always make sure to have a presence at Pride. To promote themselves, yes, and encourage voting in upcoming elections. Especially if that encouragement helps the communities we care for, like the LGBTQ. So, join us! Please help us create a better America by volunteering or donating.
by Joey Casiano
