The Southlake City Council on Tuesday unanimously denied a specific use permit for the Pride Kel-So festival planned for October 3 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Council members did not discuss the item or question city staff or organizers before the vote.
Council members voted to deny ZA26-0037, Resolution No. 26-028, a specific use permit for a mass gathering at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 223 S. Pearson Lane. City records identify April Dreyson of Dreyson Ventures LLC as the applicant and the church as the property owner. Southlake’s Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval 5-1 after organizers agreed to reduce the event’s footprint.
“We deny item 6G, Resolution No. 26-028, ZA26-0037, specific use permit for mass gathering,” a council member said as the council moved to deny the permit.
An Eventbrite listing for the event advertises more than 150 “inclusive vendors,” food trucks, activities, live music and “family friendly entertainment.” The listing also names Sharon Herrera of LGBTQ SAVES as the festival’s “spotlight speaker.”
“So please help us make some noise by joining us on this fine day to let the cities of Keller and Southlake know that WE WILL NOT BE ERASED!” the event description states.
LGBTQ SAVES is a Fort Worth-based organization that works with LGBTQ youth. The Fort Worth Report reported in 2022 that roughly 65% to 70% of the youth served by LGBTQ SAVES openly identified as “transgender,” according to Bertie Gardner, then the organization’s program director. Gardner said other youth served by the organization were still exploring their “gender identity.”
Resident Paul Segal spoke against the Pride Kel-So permit, citing concerns about community values and last year’s event.
“We moved here because of community values, its student values, its children,” Segal said. “Last year this event caused a lot of upheaval.”
“I don’t believe that’s really representative of the values of our community. And seeing these drag queens out there like last year, it was abhorrent,” Segal added.
Last year’s Pride Kel-So was held October 4, 2025, at the same church, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Crowd estimates vary, with accounts putting afternoon attendance in the hundreds; later reports cited about 1,600 people, and organizers told FOX 4 as many as 2,500 attended.
Southlake Mayor Shawn McCaskill issued a statement following last year’s event distancing the city from the festival and saying Southlake had no role in approving or supporting it.
Organizers also removed a “transgender” performer from the festival lineup following backlash from parents and elected officials.
Children were present throughout the event. Vendor booths displayed “transgender” and Pride flags, while the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness operated an HIV-prevention station.
The festival promoted performers including Anastasia Diamond Doll, Nylie Diamond Doll, Cherise Maraschino, Bradina Jay Kage and Día Monté. The Dallas Express reviewed social media posts from Anastasia Diamond Doll showing sexually suggestive performances at other venues.
Following the council’s decision, Pride Kel-So organizers accused city officials of discrimination and vowed to continue the event.
“The City of Southlake has made it clear that they believe LGBTQ+ people do not belong there,” Pride Keller wrote on Facebook.
“I feel very manipulated throughout this whole process,” the organization continued. “I was told over and over through different departments that we were all working together to ensure that all the right things were in place to make it a no brainer for our permit to be passed.”
Dreyson said she has not received an explanation for the denial after last year’s event proceeded, is reviewing options, and still hopes to hold a Pride festival.
The Dallas Express reached out to Pride Kel-So for additional comment but did not receive a response by publication.
Provided by Dallas Express
