You Can't Have Pride — That Is A Sin!

Pride in Dallas: From Sin to Celebration at the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade

The Many Faces of Pride

Pride is a word that sparks all kinds of reactions. Is it a sin, a virtue, or a vibrant celebration? As Dallas gears up for its annual Pride weekend, including the iconic Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, it’s the perfect time to unpack what pride means—philosophically, culturally, and right here in the heart of Texas. Let’s dive into the layers of pride and explore how this weekend’s festivities tie into a rich history of resilience and community.

Pride: The Sin, the Virtue, and Everything In Between

In the Christian tradition, pride is famously the first of the seven deadly sins. Early theologians like Thomas Aquinas called it out as the root of all evil—an inflated sense of self that puts you above others or even God. Picture Lucifer’s cosmic ego trip in Milton’s *Paradise Lost*. But not all pride is the devil’s work. In moderation, pride can be a virtue, like Aristotle’s *megalopsychia*—a healthy confidence in your worth or achievements. It’s what fuels athletes, artists, and anyone who’s ever said, “I did that!”

Then there’s national pride, the kind that swells when you see the Texas flag waving or cheer for the Cowboys (win or lose). It’s about belonging to something bigger, a shared history and hope for the future. But it can go too far—think blind patriotism that ignores flaws or alienates others. And gay pride? That’s a whole different beast, born from defiance against oppression. It’s not about being better than anyone else; it’s about saying, “I’m here, I’m me, and I’m not hiding.” Dallas Pride, especially, embodies this spirit, and the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade is its beating heart.

The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade: A Dallas Legacy

Dallas Pride is more than just a party—it’s a testament to decades of struggle and triumph. The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, a highlight of Pride weekend, has deep roots in the city’s LGBTQ+ history. Here’s a quick journey through its evolution:

1972: The First Steps – Just three years after the Stonewall riots in New York, about 300 brave souls marched through downtown Dallas. It was small, with simple signs and decorated cars, but it was a bold statement for gay rights in a conservative state. The crowd grew to 3,000, and local papers captured the moment, a daring act in an era of widespread discrimination.
1980s: A Growing Movement – The parade took a hiatus until 1980, when Oak Lawn merchants and community leaders revived it. In 1982, the Dallas Tavern Guild stepped in, giving it structure. By 1983, they moved the parade to September to honor Judge Jerry Buchmeyer’s ruling against Texas’ sodomy law—a victory later overturned but a spark for change. The parade was renamed the Texas Freedom Parade to mark this milestone.
1991: Honoring Alan Ross – Alan Ross, a key figure in the Dallas Tavern Guild and a tireless advocate, became the parade’s namesake. Ross, who died in 1995, organized early parades and supported LGBTQ+ causes during the AIDS crisis. Naming the parade after him was a nod to his legacy of leadership and love for the community.
2019: A New Chapter – The parade moved to Fair Park and shifted back to June, aligning with national LGBTQ+ Pride Month to honor Stonewall’s legacy. Today, it’s a vibrant spectacle with over 150 entries, from dazzling floats to marching bands, drawing thousands to celebrate under themes like 2025’s “Pride is My Right.”

Did You Know? Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood, the heart of the “gayborhood,” was the first in Texas to be officially recognized as a gay and lesbian district in 2018. It’s home to iconic spots like Round-Up Saloon and Sue Ellen’s, making it a year-round hub for pride.

[](https://www.visitdallas.com/blog/remembering-dallas-lgbtq-legacy-is-fundamental/)

Why Dallas Pride Matters

The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade isn’t just a parade—it’s a declaration. In a state where LGBTQ+ rights have faced challenges, from sodomy laws to recent debates, Dallas Pride stands as a reminder of resilience. The 2025 theme, “Pride is My Right,” speaks to the ongoing fight for equality, amplified by grand marshals like RJAY, a multi-talented actor and advocate, and Anthony Bowens, a wrestling star known as “The Pride of Professional Wrestling.”

[](https://dallaspride.org/alan-ross-texas-freedom-parade/)

Whether you’re waving a rainbow flag, a Texas flag, or just soaking in the vibes at Fair Park, Dallas Pride is about embracing who you are and standing with your community. It’s pride in the best sense—not the sinful kind, but the kind that lifts everyone up.

Join the Celebration

Pride weekend in Dallas, happening this June at Fair Park, is a must-see. The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade kicks off at 2 p.m., winding through the historic fairgrounds with costumes, floats, and infectious energy. It’s free to attend, so grab your friends, hit up a brunch spot in Oak Lawn, and join the rainbow wave. Check out dallaspride.org for details on the parade, festival, and more. Want to dive deeper into the history? Visit The Portal to Texas History for archival footage of past parades.

[](https://dallaspride.org/alan-ross-texas-freedom-parade/)

So, what’s pride to you? A sin to avoid, a love for your country, or a celebration of identity? In Dallas, it’s all of the above—and this weekend, it’s a reason to dance in the streets. See you at the parade!

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