Arlington Pride, one of North Texas’s largest LGBTQ celebrations, has been officially cancelled for the upcoming year. The decision comes after the Arlington City Council voted against a proposal aimed at banning discrimination against gay and transgender residents. This rejection has led event organizers to conclude that holding the festival would not be feasible under the current local governance.
The announcement was made following a City Council meeting on December 9, 2025, where attendees expressed their disappointment and frustration. DeeJay Johannessen, CEO of the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness, stated that the organization could not endorse a city lacking basic protections for its citizens. “Pride is about safety, celebration, and community,” Johannessen remarked, emphasizing the need for local anti-discrimination safeguards to ensure the well-being of attendees and performers.
Arlington Pride began in 2021 and quickly became a significant event, attracting over 15,000 people to downtown Arlington in June 2025. It sought to create an inclusive atmosphere for all residents, but this vision has been undermined by the recent council decision. The ordinance that was rejected would have prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various sectors, including housing and employment.
The council’s decision to discard the ordinance was decided by a narrow 5-4 vote, which followed extensive discussions, delays, and passionate appeals from community members. A previous ordinance had been suspended in September 2025 due to concerns that Arlington could lose upwards of $60 million in federal funding, a consequence of statements made by then-President Donald Trump regarding cities that fail to enforce certain policies.
Some council members expressed skepticism about the enforceability of the anti-discrimination ordinance. Council member Rebecca Boxall, who opposed restoring the protections, described the ordinance as “bad policy.” She argued that it did not provide real protection and could be misleading to residents.
While federal law does offer protection against discrimination based on race, disability, and other characteristics, it does not specifically cover sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, over 20 states and nearly 400 cities across the United States have enacted policies that protect against discrimination based on these identities. Texas, however, lacks such a statewide policy, although cities like Dallas and Fort Worth have included these protections in their local ordinances.
Mayor Jim Ross, who voted in favor of restoring the protections, pledged to continue advocating for the LGBTQ community. He indicated that the council would reconsider the ordinance in the near future. “Arlington is one of the most welcoming places,” Ross stated, aiming to reassure residents that the city remains committed to inclusivity and safety.
The cancellation of the 2026 Arlington Pride festival has elicited mixed reactions on social media. Some individuals expressed their reluctance to spend time or resources in a city that does not protect its LGBTQ residents, while others suggested that this situation could galvanize efforts for an even larger Pride event in the future.
This decision not only impacts local celebrations but also reflects broader societal debates about LGBTQ rights and protections. The roots of Pride celebrations trace back to the early 1970s, commemorating the anniversary of police raids on LGBTQ bars, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition in communities across the globe.
As Arlington grapples with these issues, the future of its Pride festivities remains uncertain, leaving many in the community to reflect on what safety and celebration truly mean in their city.
