Supporters take Pride for a Walk

Boerne showed its pride last week with the annual Boerne Pride Walk, organized by Boerne Pride founder Anna Boyer-Chadwick.

Participants gathered at the Patrick Heath Public Library grounds and were greeted with rainbow flags, butterfly wings and bags to purchase goodies from the vendors in attendance.

“This is our eighth pride walk,” Boyer- Chadwick said. “We usually get around 300 to 500 people. We’re here to help the community with social and educational programming.”

The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 2002 and works alongside PFLAG of Boerne to help spread awareness of LGTBQIA rights.

“We didn’t know what to expect with this current political climate,” Boyer-Chadwick said. “But it’s been a good turnout.”

Prior to the walk’s commencement, the organization put on a presentation that included two singers and a word from Community Police Officer Christopher Dingman.

First-time attendee Stacy Lang was excited to show her support.

“My children have many LGBTQA friends, and I also have friends in the community,” Lang said. “It’s so important, especially in today’s political climate for those of us that are supporters and allies to show up.”

A number of vendors came from San Antonio all the way to the Hill Country area to show their support. Supporters included representatives from Planned Parenthood, League of Women Voters, Equality Texas, Boerne Area Democrats, Citibank, Texas Rising and Touchstone Community Church.

While Boerne Pride works on programming, PFLAG of Boerne offers support groups to the LGBTQA community, meeting every third Tuesday of the month in the community room at the library.

Boerne Pride offers the community monthly newsletters with helpful links that discuss current events, political issues, and crisis lines.

“We aim to create a safe space in our community,” Boyer- Chadwick said. “My wife and I have proudly called Boerne our home for almost a decade. We are deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where the voices of queer individuals are not only heard but also valued.”

Those wishing to show support can visit boernerpidewalk. org/services-1. Volunteers for next year’s event are welcome, she said.