TAYLOR, Texas — Guy Pena said Pride month is an extra boost in the fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pena identifies as a gay Army veteran and heads the group Veterans for Equality. On Saturday, he and fellow vets sent their message at Taylor's Pride festival to keep fighting that battle.
"We're not going to be intimidated, and we're going to keep standing our ground and fighting for everybody's rights," Pena said. "I think it's important that we show up time and time again, even after Pride Month."
The festival, which was hosted at Heritage Square Park, allowed people to enjoy vendors, live music and a sense of community.
Taylor Pride President Denise Rodgers said cities like Taylor often lack representation and resources. Outside of the festival, the group does its fair share to host events to provide what is lacking.
"Quite frankly, there hasn't been a lot of queer celebration and queer joy allowed. And so, it's even more important that we show up and create these spaces in these rural communities where it doesn't exist," Rodgers said.
Taylor resident Tanya described not feeling supported when she and her wife first moved to the area in 2015. Fast forward to 2024, she sees the change.
"We were getting a lot of bad stares and stuff like that, and now [Taylor residents] are like, 'We are a cute couple,'" Tanya said.
Rodgers noted echoed Pena's statements, adding that even when Pride is over, their mission for equality will remain intact.
"We hope that everyone still continues to feel really welcomed here and safe and, you know, like they're seen," Rodgers said.