By Johnny Trlica 

Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial end of summer, except on Galveston Island where it is Pride Galveston Weekend. It’s three days to celebrate all things queer like other Pride festivities, only with a tan. 

September 2 through 4, 2022, will see numerous activities on varying parts of the island city. “The purpose of Pride Galveston is to embrace diversity, instill pride, and celebrate unity, as well as recognize the contributions of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community in the Galveston area. This shall be accomplished by raising visibility and promoting full human and civil rights via education, celebrations, and vast networking to the fullest extent allowed by the nonprofit status of Pride Galveston,” says the organization’s website. 

Galveston, an island city of only 47,000 people, about 50 miles from downtown Houston, has a large and active LGBTQ+ community. 

“Pride Galveston began in 2017 as Pride Galveston Beach Bash & Block Party, when Jamie Fuller-Waymire and Terry Fuller-Waymire decided a PRIDE festival would be a wonderful idea, as the island was lacking an event designed for the community. Pride Galveston has since ballooned into a three-day celebration,” reads their website. 

Pride Galveston, a non-profit organization, incorporated on April 18, 2018. Pride Galveston is operated under the direction of a board of directors that is committed to working for the betterment of the Galveston community. 

Pride Galveston Weekend 2022 

Friday, September 2, 2022 
9 p.m.: The Mister & Miss Pride Galveston Pageant takes place at Robert’s Lafitte, 2501 Avenue Q @ 25th Street. Emerald Foxx Paris and Brutus Dewayne surrender their tiaras as new royalty is crowned. 

Saturday, September 3, 2022 
10 a.m.: The Annual Beach Bash takes place on the sunny beaches of Apffel East Beach, 1923 Boddecker Drive. Refreshments under the Pride Galveston canopies are available, with Walgreen’s supplying free water and other goodies. 

Sunday, September 4, 2022 
12 p.m.: The 3rd annual Pool Party at Robert’s Lafitte promises to keep you cool, with male dancers’ poolside for your viewing pleasure. Special shows are ongoing inside throughout the afternoon. Headliners are the winners of Mr. & Miss Pride. Special guests perform, too. Enjoy drink specials throughout the day as well, and did we mention male dancers?