No warnings for indecency after dress code shakeup, but police make 3 arrests for intoxication and are looking into officer’s conduct
PARTY HEARTY | Parade organizers said dress code confusion resulted in a bigger turnout, with police estimating about 10,000 more people showed up to celebrate than last year. (Chuck Marcelo/Dallas Voice)
Despite a dress code controversy last week that seemed to overshadow the 30th anniversary of Dallas Pride, larger crowds turned out for festivities without any apparel-related incidents reported.
Police estimated that well over 32,000 people lined the parade route at that time. That number was a large increase after last year’s rained out parade brought in an estimated 25,000 people. A police helicopter flew over the area to shoot digital photographs to estimate crowd size during the height of the event.
Detective Sgt. Jeremy Liebbe, the gay DISD police officer in charge of security for Pride, said the total number of people who attended Pride is higher than his estimate because the number does not include those inside the clubs and other businesses along the route and doesn’t take into account those who came and went, watching a portion of the parade before heading off to Lee Park for the festival or leaving.
Dallas Tavern Guild Executive Director Michael Doughman called the controversy over the dress code “much ado about nothing.”
“All the coverage did create a bigger turnout than usual,” he said.
No warnings were issued along the line-up route to anyone for inappropriate dress.
However, a costume malfunction did delay the parade soon after it started.
Although the parade stepped off on time, a saddle on one of the lead horses came undone about a block down Cedar Springs Road. The parade stopped while the problem was fixed, delaying the procession by more than 10 minutes.
Liebbe said police made three arrests for public intoxication. Of the three arrested, he said, two were involved in fights.
“They begged to get attention,” he said. “They were cussing people out and we had to step in.”
He said police intervened in other incidents. Several additional people were temporarily detained until they calmed down, met friends and went home.
“As long as they’re safe and not driving a car, we’re happy,” he said.
One incident involving an officer is being investigated.
“One person was interfering with traffic control at Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs,” Liebbe said.
Witnesses along the parade route did not see how the incident began but saw the officer placing the man in a chokehold.
Damon Carver was among those who witnessed the officer dragging the man off the street.
“Look at him. He’s choking that guy,” he said he told those around him.
He said the officer had his right hand around the man’s neck and pushed him to the curb in front of the Centrum. The incident happened quickly so he didn’t get a picture of the officer holding the man but posted on Facebook looking for anyone else who may have witnessed the incident and taken a picture.
Stephen Swartzendruber was among those who responded. He said he was standing on the Legacy of Love monument on the corner of Oak Lawn Avenue and Cedar Springs Road.
“[I] looked up to see this officer with a seemingly harmless guy in a chokehold as he was pushing him to the corner of the intersection,” he said. “I don’t know how this began, but the officer was using excessive force.”
Carver said he saw no weapons, no violence and no verbal exchange.
“Something happened before,” he said. But he agreed the response seemed excessive.
Liebbe said he was looking into the incident and asked those who witnessed it to contact him.
Fewer members of Dallas City Council participated than in any recent year. Council members Scott Griggs, Adam Medrano, Philip Kingston, Monica
Alonzo, Rick Callahan, Sheffie Kadane and Tennell Atkins rode on the float that led the parade. Councilwoman Carolyn Davis sent one of her constituents in her place.
Two of the no-shows were due to the weekend coinciding with the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur. Mayor Mike Rawlings was out of town on business.
In addition, Rep. Marc Veasey walked with Stonewall Democrats of Dallas, the first time a congressman participated in the parade in recent memory. State
Reps. Roberto Alonzo and Rafael Anchia, as well as a number of judges and candidates also marched with Stonewall.
This year’s parade featured more professionally designed floats and fewer pickups and cars than in previous years.
“For the 30th anniversary, we encouraged people to upgrade their entries,” Doughman said.
He called the Family Pride Zone in the Festival in Lee Park “an overwhelming success” with a larger-than-expected turnout.
Prizes for best entries were awarded in nine categories. The Round-Up Saloon won for best overall entry.
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Parade entry winners
Best Performance: Dallas Pride Cheer
Best Walking Group: AIDS Arms
Best Costume: Club Los Rieles
Best Social Commentary: Raytheon
Best Overall Entry: Round-Up Saloon
Best For-Profit Entry: Wells Fargo
Best Non-Profit Entry: Cathedral of Hope
Judges’ Choice: Kaliente
Best Parade Theme: Caven Enterprises
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition September 20, 2013.