Thousands flooded Uptown Dallas for the 32nd Annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, with city council members, Dallas Police Chief Brown, and the Dallas County Sheriff all taking part.
In addition, members of the NBCDFW team made their way through uptown, along with dozens of other organizations.
"It's a day that we can be ourselves in front of everybody and say we are proud to be gay; we are proud to have families," said Jose Fuentes.
"Most of my friends are gay, so I'm just out here for support, to have a good time, and social support to let people know that love is worldwide," said Molly King.
Amanda Tyler has been to the parade in years past, but was proud to bring her partner who was experiencing the parade for the first time. Tyler says she has been a part of the LGBT community in Dallas since moving here 20 years ago, and more than ever she feels people are more accepting.
“It’s good to finally feel like you don’t have to be so secretive about things anymore, it’s OK to be out, it’s OK to be open,” said Amanda Tyler.
“People are so much more accepting now than when I first moved here, and you know you had to be a little more careful about where you were, how you looked and who you were with even because people were still very hateful toward gays and lesbians, but now it’s become a lot more accepted and it makes you just feel better about being here and being ourselves, we don’t have to be ashamed anymore.”
Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and some members of the Dallas City Council participated in this year’s parade.
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Mayor Mike Rawlings was unable to attend, but he did write a letter published in the official guide to Dallas Pride 2015 that read in part, “As a melting pot of individuals, we take pride in being able to boast that Dallas is home to the sixth-largest LBGT population in the United States."
"I hope as you come and celebrate, both visitors and residents, that you feel welcome. Without you, we would not be the vibrant, diverse and enjoyable city that we love,” the statement read.
The parade, running down Cedar Springs Road from Wycliff Avenue to Reverchon Park, ended with a festival with country music star Ty Herndon.
