Austin PRIDE

The event was a colorful combination of revelry and political action. As in past years, celebrities and community leaders were on hand for the festivities and parade. We are sure we missed seeing many of you, but having your support is greatly noted. As an owner of BT2 (Bout Time II) I and the staff wish we could have taken the parade down IH35 to the HWY 183 exit to pass BT2. The parade was an amazing experience. Our staff and customers that were on our Trolley all complimented on the crowds participation in making there experience something to remember. I and the other owners would like to personally thank the many people who have made BT2 there home and wished us thanks that night. Austin TX has been so kind the LGBT community, witch is why we feel our clubs attract customers from the hole community not just the LGBT community. We saw a mix from all walks of life at the parade as we do at BT2. We look forward to seeing those of you that found out about the new BT2 location that opened in 2012 after we sold the Charlie’s Austin location in 2011 & moved from the ‘Bout Time location in December 2012. We also thank the Gay Pride committee for make this event another success.

Austin’s FINALLY getting there with regards to pride festivals. Okay, I’ve been to the extravaganzas in Dallas and Houston. So my expectations are Texas-​sized. It’s great the event is finally parading up and nearby the Texas Capitol-​especially since these residents are positioned to directly protest against so much of what the legislature attempts to either enact, uphold or both.
I understand why they have this in August – but I’d recomend starting it earlier in the day given how big the parade is now getting. The parade goes on ALL NIGHT. If you have work the next day, you either have to be high-​energy or just call in sick. You’re not going to be able to do both as a mere mortal.
If I had one actual complaint, the local media did not really cover these events. Our open city did not generate gay pride event coverage.

Somewhere under the rainbow I got my pride on. It was hotter than a $ 2 pistol, but, everyone made it a good time. There were many non-​profit booths around with lots of love going to our four legged friends. The fest was big and spread out, with the food section off to the left on its own, so, it couldn’t be upstaged. There was a hater’s corner outside the gates that consisted of three fools preaching that «Homo sex is sinful», and, «Jesus said marriage is one man + one woman». Actually, I thought «W» coined that phrase, but, we can call it a Jesus thing if it makes them feel good. The music and live acts were great and entertaining. I got to see Steve Grand (awesome voice!) and Ginger Snaps. Still confused about her, but, she had me laughing my arse off! Basically, she is an obese girl that stripped to her bikini and got all funky. It’s all good. Under the rainbow there is room for all!

For the sake of full disclosure, I was a volunteer and a vendor for the Austin Pride 2010, but I feel the event deserves a revue. ORGANIZED, organized, organized! This event was well planned, well thought out and executed on mark. Chad Peevy and the Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation got it right this year. With previous years as a basis for comparison, there is no comparison. Way to go!