Love Is For Everyone
Not only is there a sizable population of LGBTQ people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but it is also known as one of the most prominent American cities in terms of LGBTQ support and resources. It is also home to some of the most recognizable nightlife spots around. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the LGBTQ community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as some of the critical resources that are available.
What Is “Y’all Means All?”
If you’ve ever walked around Fort Worth, especially in some of the more touristy areas, you might have seen a shirt, sticker, or some other item with the “Y’all Means All” slogan. This slogan perfectly captures Fort Worth’s attitude of love and support for the LGBTQ population.
The exact origin of the slogan isn’t known, but it sums up how Fort Worth tries to create an inclusive setting, while still providing its trademark Texas flair. If you rewind to some of the key historical moments regarding Fort Worth/Dallas and the LGBTQ community, you get a better idea of how this environment was created:
1972: An unorganized march in Downtown marks the first pro-LGBTQ event in the city’s history.
1980: The city holds its first official gay pride parade.
1981: Tarrant County Gay Pride Parade is founded, for Fort Worth and Arlington.
1984: The Dallas Voice, LGBTQ newspaper of Dallas/Fort Worth, is founded.
1990: The MCC-Dallas/Fort Worth church marks a significant shift in its mission to reach out to LGBTQ people with a message of love and support. Today, the Cathedral of Hope is the largest church with a predominantly LGBTQ population in the world.
1994: The Phil Johnson Historic Archives and Research Library is founded. It is designed to hold and preserve archives relevant to the Dallas-Fort Worth LGBTQ communities. Information from the library is later used in the making of the film Dallas Buyers Club.
2002: Dallas City Council passes an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting all LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ Organizations In Fort Worth
From LGBTQ-friendly businesses to LGBTQ people being hired to significant city positions, you can see hopeful markers of LGBTQ acceptance throughout the Fort Worth/the DFW area. However, there are still a lot of people “on the ground,” so to speak, who need resources, guidance, and general support. Fort Worth has a variety of different organizations dedicated to just that. Here are some of the most notable ones:
PFLAG Fort Worth: This is the local Fort Worth branch of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG specializes in confidential peer support, advocacy, and education across the U.S.
HELP (Health Education Learning Project): This organization specializes in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well as promoting overall health through education. This organization sponsors programs like the Rapid Connect program and the iPlay program to further HIV prevention.
Tarrant County Lesbian/Gay Alliance (TCLGA): Founded in 1980, this organization works to promote positive LGBTQ awareness, as well as ensure equality and justice across the Fort Worth area.
While these are some of the most prominent LGBTQ organizations in the Fort Worth area, many other smaller groups serve a variety of different purposes, from helping provide a safe place to share your story or just serving as a way for LGBTQ people to connect with each other.
Whether you’re moving to the area or just passing through, be sure to take a quick look to see what matches your needs.
Fort Worth is leading the charge in terms of LGBTQ support and creating the infrastructure to provide it, but just about every major city across the country is beginning to develop systems of their own. These offer a variety of essential services, from counseling to additional items like getting tested for HIV and STDs. Many LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ youth, face greater health and wellness risks than the rest of the population, so it’s important to be familiar with the resources that are available in your area.
