Two events this morning in Corpus Christi highlight the importance of PRIDE celebrations and demonstrate why the struggle for equality, dignity, respect, and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community must continue.

First, at the Nueces County Commissioner’s Court PRIDE Week proclamation, County Commissioner Carolyn Vaughn read a statement speaking out against PRIDE Corpus Christi as well as against LGBTQIA+ rights in general. County Judge Barbara Canales, who is Grand Marshal of the PRIDE Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2019, issued the proclamation, which does not require a vote of the County Commissioner’s Court.

Secondly, an online video currently circulating on Facebook shows a patron directing hateful comments towards unidentified McDonald’s employees on Horne Road he perceived to be homosexual. These types of discriminatory practices and comments against LGBTQIA+ people are all too common and grow in prevalence.

In no uncertain terms, the Mosaic Project of South Texas, the non-profit organization responsible for the annual PRIDE Week activities, condemns discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as discrimination against all marginalized people. The Mosaic Project of South Texas was founded to remember victims of hate crimes and violence and to celebrate the accomplishments and hard fought civil right victories for LGBT Americans that most people take for granted. We know those achievements remain endangered and that continued efforts by local, state, and national officials to eliminate LGBT protections do persist. We all should remain vigilant in safeguarding our limited protections, support the efforts of those who champion our causes, and most importantly—show our PRIDE publicly and visibly today and everyday.

Discrimination leads to violence or worse. The national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 34% of LGBT youth face school-related bullying. Police in Dallas are investigating their fourth transgender death since 2015, with two murders in the past month indicative of an anti-trans killing spree.  

“Our goal is to highlight the wonderful diversity of the Coastal Bend. We ask our community, supporters, and allies to demonstrate their public support for PRIDE Corpus Christi at our events this week,” said Bill Hoelscher, President of the Mosaic Project of South Texas. “Come out and show your enthusiasm and support for your LGBT family and friends.”