Keller, a suburb in North Texas, is set to host its first-ever Pride festival on October 4, despite pushback from conservative Republican officials who want the event canceled. The festival, called Pride Kel-So, will be held at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and feature over 100 vendors, live performances, and family-friendly activities.
The event’s organizers, April and Shaina Dreyson, are determined to create a welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in their hometown. The couple, who own an event planning company, faced resistance from local Republicans who claim the festival violates Senate Bill 12, a law that bans certain types of performances in front of children.
Despite the criticism, April and Shaina remain committed to hosting the festival and ensuring everyone’s safety. “We’re proud to launch this event and hope it will help our cities chart a path forward in accepting the LGBTQ community,” said April.
The event has received significant support from local businesses, including Charles Schwab and Help Center for LGBTQ+ Health, which have donated over $100,000. Organizer Roger Calderon of Trinity Pride Fest hailed the festival as an opportunity to honor the stories, resilience, and joy of the LGBTQ community.
Pride Kel-So’s private church venue will host the event on 13 acres of land, with Rev. Alan Bentrup, a pastor who supports LGBTQ inclusion, overseeing the event. The church has hosted various events in the past, including a local youth soccer program, homeowners associations, and Boy Scouts chapters.
For April and Shaina, hosting Pride Kel-So is personal, as they both experienced “religious trauma” from their childhoods. They hope to create a space where LGBTQ individuals can heal and find acceptance.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/couple-launches-lgbtq-pride-event-in-keller-southlake-amid-republican-pushback