Panhandle Pride Inc. has fostered a supportive space for members of the LGBTQ community in the Texas Panhandle since its founding in 2015. The organization plans and hosts events in the community, including the annual Pride Festival. The group also provides resources for LGBTQ individuals and those who want to learn more.
“Panhandle Pride is specifically for fostering a community and conversation for the queer people here in Amarillo and everywhere else near the Panhandle,” Panhandle Pride Inc. Public Relations Manager Marcus Rogers said.
In 1999, June was officially recognized as Pride Month in the United States. Celebrations take place all month long to celebrate and bring awareness to the LGBTQ community, as well as to commemorate the Stonewall riots that occurred in June 1969. The local Pride Festival features a wide variety of vendors, food trucks and entertainment.
“We want to have a space where everyone is accepted,” Rogers said. “That’s why this event is a kid-friendly, pet-friendly place where everyone and anyone can come and celebrate.”
Overall, Panhandle Pride aims to be an open and supportive group for people in the region.
“At Panhandle Pride, we want to make sure that anyone and everyone, regardless of age, regardless of what gender they identify as or what sexual orientation they have, that they are welcome here in the Panhandle and they have a community that loves and supports them,” Rogers said.
