Dallas: A City That Embraces the LGBT Community

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Anyone can say they're LGBT-friendly, but when cities like Dallas actually do what they say, it adds that essential component that shows commitment to diversity

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) July 20, 2009

Get ready, as Dallas gears up for its immensely popular Gay Pride celebration taking place September 18-20, 2009. Members of the LGBT and straight communities alike come together to enjoy the colorful extravaganza, which includes such events as the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, Gaybingo Dallas, Gay Day at the Six Flags Over Texas theme park and the Pride Festival at Lee Park. Be sure to save the date!

"Live Large, Think Big" is not only the motto for the city of Dallas, it's also a way of life. Known as a progressive and diverse city with a strong economy, Dallas continues to shatter all stereotypes as its local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community paves the way for stronger relationships across all areas of the city.

"Anyone can say they're LGBT-friendly, but when cities like Dallas actually do what they say, it adds that essential component that shows commitment to diversity," said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau (Dallas CVB). "We're excited that the real power in positioning Dallas as a diverse city comes from our own local LGBT community."

The City of Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and offers domestic partner benefits to its employees. Dallas' LGBT community is represented, on the city council and among the city's top elected officials, including Dallas County Judge Jim Foster and Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Both Foster and Valdez are open about their sexuality and continue to shine as role models for gay men and women alike.

Rich in spirit, many notables call Dallas home. For example, the largest gay and lesbian church in the world, the Cathedral of Hope, is located in Dallas, boasting more than 30,000 members nationally. In addition, the most recorded all-male chorus in the world, the Turtle Creek Chorale, has called Dallas home for 30 years.

LGBT nonprofit organizations thrive in Dallas, as there are numerous groups that offer everything from health and support services, to housing and business development. Many of these organizations can be found centrally located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, the epicenter of Dallas' LGBT community for more than 26 years.

"The Dallas CVB recognized the strong LGBT community years ago and has since launched a comprehensive initiative to get the word out about all that Dallas has to offer," said Jones. "In addition, Dallas provides a bustling nightlife for the LGBT community with more than 25 gay bars and clubs, the best shopping destinations in the Southwest and the nation's largest urban arts district spanning 19 blocks in downtown."

For more information or to plan a trip to Dallas, please visit http://www.glbtdallas.com.

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