Brittany Kelley
KYLE — After the cancellation of next year's Pride Market Days, LGBTQIA+ members of Kyle may still have a celebration in 2027, following direction given by Kyle City Council at its July 21 meeting.
This item follows a previous council vote June 27, which resulted in reducing Kyle Market Days from eight to two events. This meant that specialized days, such as Pride in June and Hispanic Heritage in September were removed.
It was at this meeting that council member Claudia Zapata stated keeping a Pride event for LGBTQIA+ community members was imperative, though others, such as council member Marc McKinney and Mayor Yvonne Flores-Cale, stated that, despite their support, they feel as though Market Days should be an event without themes.
The motion to reduce Market Days to two events, in the spring and fall, was approved 5-2, with Zapata and council member Lauralee Harris dissenting.
Since then, Zapata has taken to social media to advocate for the event and explain her reasoning behind the decision, resulting in both she and Harris bringing forward the item to consider and discuss staff to bring back options for a Pride event in 2027 at the July 21 meeting.
“During that discussion, it was said by members of this council that we cannot support a Pride event because we must think about everyone, that a government should remain neutral and that the city should not promote an agenda. Those statements are reckless at best and homophobic at worst,” began Zapata. “LGBTQ+ residents are not separate from everyone; they are part of this city … This agenda item does not mandate a large event. It does not establish a fixed budget or prescribe one format. It simply asks staff to develop reasonable options.”
Some of these options could include a small event similar to Market Days, a small parade or a sponsored- or partnership-based event that could be budget-neutral, said Zapata. She also noted that by having the event hosted by the city, it would prevent it from becoming bipartisan, as some of the groups that offered to host are political.
Harris said that she agreed with her co-sponsor’s statements and criticized the hateful comments Zapata received for her advocacy.
“I think that having Market Days has been a great asset to our city. It recognizes a great variety of people and a variety of cultures and that’s a good thing; that is not a bad thing,” said Harris.
McKinney noted that when he suggested separating Pride and Market Days, it was to never get rid of the celebration, but instead provide an opportunity to have a designated event: “The LGBTQ community is not a standalone entity. They encompass every kind of demographic that there is. They are a much bigger part of this community than you would like to believe.”
In opposition to the event was council member Melisa Medina, who emphasized that this is not because of homophobia, but because of fiscal responsibility. She noted that council member Courtney Goza shared on social media that she discussed a plan with a resident for a Pride event, in which she pledged $150 and offered to connect others with an individual to organize the event. The reception was positive, said Medina, and an opportunity to host the event without using taxpayer dollars.
The idea was presented by community member Dawn Conley for a Be You, Be Proud event, which would: collaborate with the Arts and Cultural Board for an art exhibit; ask the city’s Communication Department to create a Dialogue for Peace and Progress; and bring resources and fun for families.
Multiple residents supported the idea of a Pride event during public comment, one of whom was Heather Idella, who stated that she has seen the positive impact it had on those in this community.
“We had community members of Kyle express relief and appreciation for being able to be themselves fully at an event that was supported here. It also allowed them to learn about resources and build connections, which creates safety for all of our citizens,” said Idella.
Recalling a time when the city of Kyle didn’t host any events to recognize veterans, council member Michael Tobias stated that he went to the city multiple times searching for ways to celebrate them, until, ultimately, the community came together to form their own parade.
“I appreciate the story that you shared because I think it genuinely illustrates the failure of city government at that time to actually properly recognize and support veterans. Because the city failed, because the government failed, residents had to step up and do it themselves. Even after that, you continued going back to the city. Why? Because it means something. It means something for the city to recognize and put any sort of backing behind an event like this,” responded Zapata.
Regarding the city hosting the event, Goza noted that having an event specific to one marginalized group begs the question of how to determine which other groups also receive this treatment. So, a community-ran event would be better.
The mayor also shared support for a separate event, stating that she received emails from members of nonprofit Round Rock Pride, which offered to aid the community in creating its own Pride event.
Although there were multiple residents in support of Pride, several took to public comment to voice their objection for the item, including resident Alicia Hill.
“At a time when our city is facing significant budget challenges, I question whether asking staff to spend additional time researching options, estimating costs, preparing presentations and bringing back the issue is [the] best use of taxpayer resources,” said Hill. “[A] government’s main role is to keep us safe and our government recognizes every resident by providing equal protection under the law … not by sponsoring celebrations for particular identities or viewpoints.”
Ultimately, Tobias made a motion for the staff to work with nonprofits, community organizations and Zapata to bring an event for next year. This proposal would have event options, including budget requirements, and will be brought back to council at a later date for a vote. The item passed 5-2, with Medina and Goza dissenting.
To listen to the full discussion, visit bit.ly/4fO3t1D.
