The Pride East Texas Longview 2026 celebration included a drag show that has drawn scrutiny from right-wing groups (Photo courtesy of Dusty White)
CAROLINE SAVOIE | East Texas Reporter
CaroSavo@StoryDustSearch.com
LONGVIEW — Pride East Texas Longview is reminding folks that they’re “stronger together” after conservative voices and at least one advocacy publication alleged that a drag performance at the group’s annual Pride event earlier this summer violated a 2025 state law restricting sexually oriented performances in front of minors.
The event, held at the city-owned Maude Cobb Convention Complex, included local drag performances and a “Pups in Drag” runway competition. Criticism of the July 11 event escalated in early August, when social media posts and an Aug. 12 article from the Texas Coalition for Kids Substack accused the organization of allowing a “sexually oriented performance” to take place in front of children, in violation of SB 12, which was passed by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Greg Abbott in 2023, but was not allowed to take effect until earlier this year due to a legal challenge and a restraining order issued by a judge.
Dusty White, president of Pride East Texas Longview, said the group planned the event with the law in mind from the start.
“We were aware of SB 12, but it [was not in effect] when we started to plan Pride,” White said.
“We navigated it with caution, not only to protect the organization but the community as well.
Once it [went into effect], it sealed the deal for us that what we were preparing for was correct.
“We did everything we could on our end not to violate any laws or put those who support us at risk.”
SB 12, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, bans sexually oriented or explicit performances on public property or in the presence of minors. Following court approvals this year, SB 12 allows civil fines up to $10,000 for venues and criminal misdemeanor charges for individual performers.
The law defines a sexually oriented performance as a visual performance involving nudity or specified sexual conduct that also appeals to a prurient interest in sex.
The Texas Coalition for Kids Substack article said the event was advertised on the city of Longview’s website as family-friendly and that video from the festival showed a performer pole dancing in a sexually suggestive manner.
The article said the performer’s underwear was visible throughout the video and argued the footage “raises serious questions” under SB 12’s standard that should be reviewed by law enforcement.
The Substack is an advocacy publication that has previously criticized Pride events; Dallas Voice has been unable to verify its claims.
A Dallas Express social media post made similar claims. In the comments, Jenni Bruce Vinson disputed the characterization of the event as “kid-friendly,” writing that no advertisement or flyer for the festival used that description.
The Dallas Voice reviewed the event’s marketing materials and could not find any instances of “kid-friendly” claims. White said the organization did not specifically discourage families with children from attending but structured and shared its schedule so parents could make an informed choice.
“We say that our Pride drag performances are at these times, so parents know when the performances are,” White said. “It’s an all-inclusive event, and it’s up to parents to allow or disallow. Since it’s a public event, it’s hard to put restrictions on that.”
White acknowledged the ambiguity organizers face under the law.
“There’s a lot of gray area, which leaves a lot of room for the law to be interpreted,” White said. “It’s a hard spot to be in. We interpreted the law the best we could, and we took steps to follow that.
“We have not confirmed any children present at this time,” White added. “We aren’t sure of what ages were present at that very moment [in the video].”
White said the organization had not been contacted by state Sen. Bryan Hughes’ office or any state agency regarding an investigation as of Aug. 18.
“The city does have an eye on us now, and they’re being precautionary to ensure that no laws were violated,” White said. “We did not do anything wrong; we did not break the law.”
White said the organization has continued to receive community support despite the criticism.
“Though we’ve had some backlash, and some people have backed away to protect themselves — which we understand — we have a lot of support in other ways and from other people,” White said. “We really are stronger together. I hope we turn towards each other, ignore the hate and believe and trust the strength of our community. Love is love, and love is also strength.”