Faith United Church of Christ (UCC) will host NBTX Riverside Pride Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday after Comal County Fair’s board of directors sent a letter telling them to find another place.
The group was ready to set up at the fairgrounds for a fourth year, but Tuesday received a letter from the Comal County Fair’s board of directors informing them their LGBTQ+ values didn’t align with community values.
The board caved to public pressure and concern about sexually suggestive drag queens, and also to a letter from Rep. Carrie Isaac, a Republican who represents Canyon Lake in the Texas House, warning them Riverside’s presence on the grounds could expose them to potential civil and criminal liability.
However, Riverside Pride, which claims its festival drag queens are always family-friendly, stood its ground, promising, “We will not be silenced…and we are not going anywhere!”
On Facebook, they thanked UCC for allowing them to use the church facilities located at 970 Loop 337, New Braunfels, and for putting “feet to their faith through allyship and wholehearted welcoming of our LGBTQIA community.”
“This will not be a religious event but it is one of social justice as we celebrate the beauty and dignity of the entire rainbow with flagrant joy, extravagant love, and a keen eye toward safety for all families.”
UCC describes itself as a “shame-free, peace-seeking, justice-working, deconstructing, decolonizing, immigrant-supporting, open and affirming (to LGBTQIA+ folx), Black Lives Matter, Reproductive Freedom, Jesus-following congregation that takes the Bible seriously but not literally.”
For safety reasons, Pride Fest will remain inside the church. Outdoor space is available for those interested in bringing lawn chairs and shade. Security guards will be on the grounds and inside buildings during the event.
Scheduled to perform is Kerville Folk Fest winner and drag queen Flamy Grant. The annual Post Competition returns along with belly dancers, a hula hoop contest, DJ music, and Karaoke.
Food is free.