Observances still set for June 28
A decision by Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola not to issue a proclamation highlighting Taylor Pride Day has the LGBTQ+ community hoping he will reconsider, even though planned festivities are still going forward.
Ariola said he would rather put his support behind events he feels unite the community, a view decried by local Pride activists.
“I made the decision not to advance a specific proclamation because I believe we have other meaningful opportunities in June to come together — such as
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I believe we have other meaningful opportunities in June to come together.”
— Mayor Dwayne Ariola Juneteenth, a unifying observance begun in Texas and now national in scope that honors freedom and resilience,” Ariola said.
His decision this week to reject the 2025 Taylor Pride Day proclamation application has shocked many supporters of June’s Pride Month and Pride Day on June 28.
A petition started on Change.org asking the mayor to reverse his denial gained almost 1,000 signatures in just two days.
“To say I was stunned is an understatement,” said Jose Orta, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community who submitted the application to recognize June 28 as Pride Day in Taylor.
“I am asking him to reconsider simply because nothing has changed in our request, our event has grown larger, more centralized and has a positive impact on this community,” Orta added. “Personally, I believe the mayor’s decision is shortsighted, discriminatory and regressive in nature. It’s a terrible reflection for our city.”
The decision to accept or deny requests for proclamations or special presentations lies solely with the mayor. There is no limit on how many proclamations the city’s chief elected official can approve.
In 2021, Taylor became the first city in Williamson County to formally recognize Pride Month or Pride Day, and the first festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community was held by the nonprofit Taylor Pride.
Neighboring cities followed suit, and now Hutto, Round Rock and others also recognize June as Pride Month and/or June 28 as Pride Day.
Ariola said there are many observances taking place in June the community can rally around, noting it is the birth month of Taylor native and former Gov. Dan Moody, who took on the Ku Klux Klan in court in the 1920s.
“These are powerful reminders of our shared values and rich local heritage. Let’s continue working together to lift up what unites us and build a stronger, more inclusive Taylor for all,” Ariola said.
In May, Ariola signed proclamations for National Salvation Army Week, Building Safety Month, National Police Week, National Public Works Week, National Tennis Month, and one honoring former Taylor Public Library Director Karen Ellis.
Orta said he is questioning the mayor’s rationale to forgo a Pride Day proclamation.
“He stated in his reasoning that Taylor Pride is not a unifying event and that proclamations should ‘focus on those opportunities to come together as a community,’” the activist said.
Orta reached out on social media to let others in the community know about the rejection and listed the mayor’s email for those who wanted to ask Ariola to reconsider. Former Councilman Gerald Anderson said Ariola’s response did not surprise him.
“He only represents those that agree with him or align with his beliefs,” said Anderson, who often disagreed with Ariola when the former served on the council. “We fought for equality and representation for everyone. Even those that didn’t agree with us or live the same lifestyle we live.”
Ariola’s rejection breaks a tradition started by former Mayor Brandt Rydell, who signed the first Pride Month proclamation in 2021.
“I’m honored to have been mayor who served with a council that believed everyone deserved fairness, respect and the freedom to live openly and without fear,” Rydell said. “(This proclamation) has served as a moment to reflect on how we can all be better allies to our LGBTQ+ neighbors and help make our town safer and more respectful for everyone.”
He added, “Being the first city in the county to have hosted a Pride event speaks to the spirit of openness that defines us and reflects the very best of Taylor.”
In spite of the mayor’s decision, Taylor Pride President Ben Morgan said the Taylor Pride Art and Music Fest will still go on 4-10 p.m. June 28 at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St.
“The proclamation is completely different from the festival,” Morgan said. “The festival is still going on full speed ahead. Us asking for a proclamation is not us asking for the mayor or a City Council member’s approval. It is an acknowledgment that there are citizens of this community that are different than the mayor or the City Council members, but their citizenship is still valued.”
He added, “Issuing this proclamation wouldn’t take anything away from any of the other wonderful organizations and nonprofits doing great work in our community. There’s room for us all. I just wish our … mayor could understand this.”
St. James’ Episcopal Church, 612 Davis St., is a sponsor of Taylor Pride Fest.
“I am totally in favor of Taylor Pride,” said the Rev. Terry Pierce. “We have a Pride sign in our church. We are making T-shirts and we will be at the festival. Jesus calls me to peace. That’s what we offer at St. James.”
The council meets twice before Pride Day — June 12 and June 26 — at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St.
The mayor’s decision is shortsighted, discriminatory and regressive in nature.”
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— Jose Orta, advocate for the LGBTQ+ community
