By Johnny Trlica 

In recent years Galveston Island has witnessed tropical storms, hurricanes and even a snowstorm, so a little wind and rain was not about to dampen the spirits of Pride Galveston on Labor Day Weekend.  

Festivities began on Friday evening with the selection of the new Mr. and Miss Pride Galveston. Mon’Terio J. Ross and India Sherry took home the crowns from the pageant held at Robert’s Lafitte. 

Partygoers began gathering before noon on Saturday at Apffel Park on East Beach to enjoy a little fun in the sun. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans as the winds kicked up and torrential rains came down and washed out the Beach Bash earlier than planned.  

Things revved into high gear with the annual pool party at Robert’s Lafitte on Sunday. Numerous and assorted vendors were on hand along with dancers as well as the Galveston County Health District offering the JYNNEOS monkey pox vaccine. GCHD had worked closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Harris County Public Health, Houston Health Department and Fort Bend Health & Human Services to secure additional monkey pox vaccine doses specifically for the Pride Galveston event. The health district had enough doses to vaccinate as many as 2,000 people. 

Pride Galveston President Terry Fuller-Waymire said: “I mean, considering the weather was up in the air, that weekend it was another fun and amazing year. Me and my husband Jamie own and run Pride, so we are just so happy to see everyone enjoying themselves and creating memories. Always a big thank you to Robert’s Lafitte, our home bar, the city of Galveston for supporting us, Sir Rat Leather, Cory Crow Leather, all our vendors and sponsors. Also, to Galveston County Health District this year for teaming up with us and providing the monkey pox vaccine and other services this year. Thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors KRBE and Del Papa for being our presenting sponsors.” 

This year’s celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride was well received across the island as many businesses flew rainbow flags as a visual of their support. City Hall still has the rainbow crosswalks in front of the building that were painted a few years ago.  

“Overall things went well and we are so happy with the outcome this year. And looking forward to next year,” added Fuller-Waymire. 

Pride Galveston is a registered nonprofit corporation founded and organized in Galveston, Texas.