Houston’s Taxpayer-Sponsored LGBT Parade Featured Sexualized Performances Near Children

Houston’s Taxpayer-Sponsored LGBT Parade Featured Sexualized Performances Near Children

By | Texas Scorecard | June 30, 2025

Despite promotional claims of being “family-friendly,” the Houston Pride Festival and Parade included open drug use and sexualized displays—all occurring in shared public spaces where children were present.

Texas Scorecard documented numerous instances during the event, which was officially promoted by the City of Houston and sponsored by multiple taxpayer-funded entities.

The event, organized by Pride Houston 365, featured many men masquerading as women and dancing provocatively in front of children.

Mayor John Whitmire attended and shared his support online, stating, “Proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community at today’s Houston Pride Parade. Celebrating love, equality, and the vibrant diversity that makes our city stronger.”

Throughout the afternoon and evening, Texas Scorecard observed and recorded multiple adult-themed elements. One video shows a grown man wearing only a diaper walking through the festival grounds as families walked nearby.

Children were seen playing at a foam party near City Hall during the festival. Admission to the event was free for children 12 and under.

Uniformed Houston Police Department officers participated in the parade and were filmed waving an LGBT flag featuring support for “transgender” individuals from a police vehicle, an action that drew significant online criticism.

Alcohol was consumed openly in the streets, and the odor of marijuana was strong in areas where children were present.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and other government entities participated in the parade. Along the parade route, men in Speedos, leather harnesses, dog masks, and other costumes danced and interacted with the crowd in full view of minors.

Texas Family Project called the event, “one of the most sexual pride festivals in the nation” and warned that Texas has “a serious problem” with explicit performances in front of children.

As of publication, no statements have been issued by city leaders in attendance addressing the overtly sexual behavior at the event.

Joseph is a journalist for Texas Scorecard reporting from Houston. With a background in business, Joseph is passionate about covering issues impacting citizens.