News Summary
North Texas is set to host a range of vibrant LGBTQ events in 2024 and 2025, including the House of DIFFA gala and the inaugural Lone Star Smokeout festival. With various networking opportunities, performances, and community gatherings, the weekend of May 2-4, 2025, promises to celebrate diversity and support crucial causes in the region. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and engagement among the LGBTQ community are also highlighted, despite recent setbacks faced by certain organizations.
North Texas Gears Up for Exciting LGBTQ Events in 2024 and Beyond
Dallas, TX – A series of vibrant events celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ community are set to take place in North Texas, with highlights including performances, festivals, and networking opportunities. Notably, the House of DIFFA: Royalty Untamed event, featuring performers Veda Von Bergen and Kyle Breaux, will showcase local talent and creativity in 2024.
In addition, the House of DIFFA: Dreamstate gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Sheraton Dallas, benefiting HIV/AIDS service organizations in the region. Tickets for this prestigious event start at $500, allowing guests to support a vital cause while enjoying an evening of entertainment and community spirit.
The weekend of May 2-4, 2025, is packed with activities aimed at engaging the LGBTQ community and beyond. The newly launched Lone Star Smokeout, a country music and barbecue festival at AT&T Stadium, will feature popular headliners including Jon Pardi, Cody Jinks, and Midland. This festival offers a unique blend of music, food, and culture for attendees to enjoy.
On May 3, the THRIVE Wednesday Support Group, catering to LGBTQ adults aged 50 and above, will continue to meet weekly at the Resource Center Community Center located at 5750 Cedar Springs Road, providing a supportive environment for older community members.
The RISE pool party hosted by the Purple Foundation will take place on May 2 from 1-6 p.m. at the Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center, setting a lively tone for the weekend. Following this, the main Saturday pool party, SHINE, will occur on May 3 at 1 p.m. at the same location, promising an afternoon of fun and connection.
Additionally, the Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo will be performing at the Moody Performance Hall from May 2-3, enhancing the cultural offerings of the weekend. For those interested in the performing arts, A Dallas Hedda, a re-imagining of Ibsen’s classic Hedda Gabler, will run from May 2-4 at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center.
On the recreational front, a pickleball tournament named Pickle & Tacos is scheduled for May 3 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, allowing sports enthusiasts a chance to engage in friendly competition.
The weekend will also see national LGBTQ celebrations with the grand opening of the first permanent LGBTQ+ Center in Santa Fe, NM, on May 3, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ empowerment across the region.
Following the festivities, the REVIVAL pool party will conclude Purple Party Weekend on May 4. The closing tea dance, GLOW, along with the late-night AFTERMATH party from 2-5 a.m., will round out a weekend filled with community connection and celebration.
On another note, following recent events, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce had to cancel the Thrive Small Business Summit, an initiative aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion due to an executive order affecting DEI activities. The co-founder of the chamber expressed disappointment regarding this cancellation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Moreover, Tarrant County College is set to organize numerous Pride Month events, emphasizing education and support for transitioning minors within the LGBTQ community. Past events have included LGBTQIA+ History Month activities aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration.
As North Texas prepares for this array of events, the community reflects on the importance of engagement and support in the ongoing journey towards equality and representation for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Voice: LGBTQ Events in Dallas
- Dallas News: Hundreds March for Queer & Trans Rights
- Lone Star Live: Dallas Hotel Cancels Daddyland Festival
- NBC DFW: North Texas LGBTQ Pride Month Celebrations
- Dallas Voice: Two LGBTQ Films at USA Film Festival
- Wikipedia: LGBT Culture
- Google Search: LGBTQ Events in Texas
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Rights Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
- Google News: LGBTQ Community Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
