Contents
Board Chair Message
President’s Message
Chamber Leadership
Board Member Profile:
Kevin Williams
Corporate Partners
Event Calendar
New Members
Member Anniversaries
Member Profile: Kevin Jones
Partners in Pride
Pride Across North Texas
Member Directory
Vol. 3 | Issue 2 | Spring 2024
4123 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 1206
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 821-4528
On the Cover:
LGBTQ+ Progress Flag colors.
Tubular design by Tony Vedda
Messsage from the Board Chair
Welcome to the Pride Edition of Inside Out
As an ally member of the LGBTQ+ community leading an LGBTQ+ organization, I am keenly aware that Pride embodies values that transcend individual identity – it represents the essence of humanity, equality and solidarity. Pride serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity and inclusivity. It underscores the notion that our differences are not merely to be tolerated but embraced with open arms.
Furthermore, Pride functions as a beacon of hope for those who continue to grapple with acceptance and understanding. It sends a resounding message of affirmation, assuring individuals that it is not only acceptable but commendable to be true to oneself. By actively supporting and participating in Pride events, we exhibit our unwavering solidarity with the LGBTQ+ communities of North Texas, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to promoting equality and justice for all members of society.
In this edition of Inside Out, we delve into various Pride celebrations taking place across North Texas. I strongly encourage each of you to familiarize yourselves with these organizations and the invaluable contributions they make beyond their annual Pride festivities.
In conclusion, I implore each and every one of you to embrace the spirit of Pride every single day, and in every facet of our lives. Let us collectively celebrate diversity, champion inclusivity and stand shoulder to shoulder with these Pride organizations as they continue their tireless efforts toward a more equitable and just world for all.
With pride and gratitude,
Rachel Wolf • Board Chair
North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Message from the President
Welcome to Inside Out and our 2024 Pride issue
Although my party days are far behind me (not too far), Pride always puts a smile on my face. There were no Pride celebrations when I was growing up, and coming out, in Albuquerque. When I was the sweet young age of 30, I attended my very first Pride Parade . . . in San Francisco. I also attended my first Castro Street Fair and Folsom Street Fair, but reminiscing on those requires cocktails. Anyway, it was a bit of a culture shock going from zero Pride to San Francisco Pride. But I survived.
Back then, Pride was a colorful spectacle of rainbow flags, eclectic parade entries and camaraderie with friends. I recall a group of three girls with a boombox and a sign that read, "Lesbians for Madonna," which left me both amused and inspired by their unabashed enthusiasm.
Today, Pride isn’t limited to San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York (as it used to be). And it isn’t all rainbow flags and glitter any longer, although there is still a healthy amount of that, thank goodness. In a way, Pride has reverted to its origins, a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots. Like the Stonewall Riots, today’s Pride celebrations provide an opportunity to be visible; they are a powerful affirmation of our identities and our collective journey towards equality. They serve as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals across North Texas and around the world, instilling a sense of empowerment in who we are and who we love.
In this edition of Inside Out, we're delighted to showcase the diverse Pride celebrations taking place across North Texas. From community events to our new Partners in Pride program and profiles of outstanding businesses and Board Members, there's something for everyone to engage with.
As we celebrate in the spirit of Pride, let's recommit ourselves to fostering a society where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive.
In solidarity and pride,
Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM • President & CEO
American Airlines Executive is Chamber Supporter
Kevin Williams finds advocacy and
support in North Texas LGBT Chamber
As managing director with human resource business partners at American Airlines for more than five years, and previously managing director of DEI, Kevin Williams has long been aware of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
“AA is a huge supporter of the Chamber, and through that relationship and partnership I was introduced to the work the Chamber does,” Williams says. “My advocacy work at American Airlines led to an invitation to serve on the Chamber and Foundation Boards.”
For two decades, Williams has worked as a human resources professional. During his career he has had the opportunity to work for a number of global brands, including Toyota Motors North America, Brinker International and Office Depot.
“The majority of my career was developing strategic HR partnerships to support our initiatives,” he says.
Williams graduated from Midwestern State University and received his MBA from the University of Dallas.
“I am a gay man, and being openly gay in corporate America and with a career trajectory, I look for allies and organizations that support the LGBTQ community,” he says.
Williams says it wasn’t just the North Texas LGBT Chamber Board of Directors’ advocacy work, but also its support of small businesses, specifically those operated by LGBTQ folks and allies of the community, that propelled him to get involved.
“I learned more about the work the Chamber does and, with AA a longtime Chamber partner, I was intrigued and inspired by it,” he says.
“Over the last year, my role has been learning and getting intimate knowledge of the Chamber, its Foundation and understanding where I can help, he says. “Now that I have a better understanding of the Chamber and Foundation , I am looking forward to working with the Chamber staff on DEI initiatives as well as with the Corporate Development Taskforce,” he says.
At a recent Board retreat, he learned more about the Chamber’s work around its mission and values, which align with Williams’ career path and help enrich the community.
"I find it incredibly inspiring to discover the breadth of support provided by the Chamber, not only for businesses but also for youth in our community through the Chamber Foundation. While many are aware of its business support, there's less recognition of its efforts, like aiding LGBTQ youth. I'm determined to shine a light on the Chamber and Foundation's impactful work, as it greatly benefits our community. My aim is to increase awareness among my colleagues and friends, encouraging their support."
Welcome New Members
John Broady
Ellen Sartin
Pablo Figueroa
Anthony Waters
Lorenzo Wilkins
Dominique Morales
Roscoe Compton Kelly
Shelby Brandt
Marco Dorsey
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Joshua Friend
Becky Steinhardt
Melodia Gutierrez
Kyle Hennings
Jami Kelly
Jamie Buck
Reuben Gregorian
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
Rev. Alan Bentrup
Jeremy Reed
Mark Thibodeau
Member Anniversaries
>15 years
10-14 years
Adam L. Seidel, P.C.- Attorneys
Adam Seidel
Chris Heinbaugh
Lorie Burch
Robert Camina
Eric Peay
Elite Homes of Texas/Texas Elite Property Management
Teresa Cain
George Harris
Retired
J Chester & Associates, Inc. Certified Public Accountants
Jon Chester
Lewis Wallace
Ron Allen CPA
The UPS Store on Cedar Springs
The UPS Store - Greenville Avenue
Jean Huddleston
Tri Truong
Cheryl Richards
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | PenFed Realty Texas
Phil Hobson
Mark Ridlen
Jaime Duggan
Tim Stoll
Brooke Nickerson-Henderson
LMSW
Lynn Olinger
Larry Paschall
Wendy Fahle
5 to 10 years
Out of the Closet
Robert Doty
Better Business Bureau of North Central Texas | Dallas & Wichita Falls
Brian Reagan
Hilary Bonial
Franceanna Campagna
Michael Jackson
Donna Barnard
Ken Ohlwiler
Amber Cox
Scott Carnes Realtor®
Kevin Hendricks Agency
Kevin Hendricks
Bobby Boliew
Jose-Luis Partida
Carlos Martinez D.D.S.
Jarrod Halbert
Andy Church
Lawrence Worden
Waylon Tate
Lucas LaChance
Giovanni Hager
Mylo Draven
NorthStar Roofing, Fencing, and Gutters
Morris Garcia
Premier Essential Services, LLC
Philip McCaffrey
Ray Scott
Renowned Group | Dallas Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Grant Woodruff
Drew Laws (NMLS# 366992)
Doug Roark
Alexander Melton
Mike Yates
2-4 years
Adam Rose Talent Management, LLC
Ty McCoy
Chad Sellers
Brand Management
John McGill
Robert Olson
David Estrada
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Helen Dorsey
Kipp Tuers
Michael Jackson
Cardinal Counseling Services, PLLC
Rachel Pinto LPC
CCRM Fertility (Dallas-Fort Worth)
Tracy Lee
Chad West
Charles Schwab | Fort Worth Branch
Matthew Bungo CFP®, CWS®
Attorney at Law
Christopher Hutson
City of Dallas Small Business Center
Joyce Williams
Frank McGovern
DR Hanson
Kevin Jones
Jonathan Cupples
Amy ONeil
Michelle Jolivet
Ricardo Martinez
Daphney Poyser
a private wealth advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Ky Fiser CFP®
Mark LeDoux, MD PA
Mark LeDoux
Jason Lucas
Justin Cartrite
Tristan Schukraft
Katie Newman
Morris Garcia
Eddie Burton
Grover Brillhart II
Seth Phillips
Myra Slaybaugh
Chelsie Paine-Reynolds
David Randolph
Stephanie Sammons CFP®
Sky Branded Apparel and Promos
Shelley Hunter
Jakki Perry
Phillip Martinez
Seafood and Crab
Kelly Barber
Robert Baldwin
First year
Randy Hutcheson
Thomas Pecena
Megan Rowe, MPS
Charles Weimer
David Frydberg
Derek Selders
Carlos Wendorf
J. Chad Pritchett
Jason Vallejo
Casey Wagoner
Gabriel Vazquez Hernandez
Paula Jones
Kimber Garrett
Law Office of Jayla Wilkerson, PLLC
Jayla Wilkerson
Austin Price
Meagan Skidmore
Bryan Womack
Plano Legacy West
Charles Craft
Britton Pavlic CPA
Downtown Market Center
Erin Barrios
Marlene Williams
A Second Chapter
Former accountant Kevin Jones
finds another passion as an
LGBTQ leadership coach
When Kevin Jones retired from his public accounting career at Ernst & Young at age 55 just over a year ago, he reflected on his accomplishments.
“I had great career at Ernst & Young, moving up into senior roles that were wonderful,” he says. “The company gave me the opportunity to move up as much as I wanted.”
Ernst & Young also was the first company where Jones felt he could bring his true self to work.
“The company is big on its employees being their authentic selves at work every day,” he says. “They encouraged me to bring my husband Simon to events and incorporate my full life into my work so I wasn’t living separate lives.”
Jones realized there was an opportunity to help others in the community find the same career success.
After receiving his executive coaching certification and testing the waters while still at Ernst & Young, Jones realized coaching was his passion. He then set out to set up his own practice after retiring from accounting.
Jones’ company, Consilium Coaching, takes its name after a Latin term meaning “collaboration” or “advice”.
“I took Latin in school so thought that would be a great name for our firm, which is targeted to the LGBTQ community and allies, but not exclusively,” he says. “It is all inclusive of gender, people of color, the agnostic; it incorporates everyone.”
The idea for his company and new career arose when Jones noticed people in the LGBTQ community had unique obstacles.
“In general, coaches have to start at a place further back in the process if they haven’t experienced those issues themselves,” he notes. “Even though I don’t want to put myself in their story as a coach, I understand where clients are from my own experiences.”
In addition to setting out on a new career path, Jones began writing a book, “Opening the Corporate Closet”, in late 2019.
“Like most people, I had a lot of time on my hands during the pandemic, so I dug into the reasons why I felt this book was so important and needed,” he explains. “One thing fascinating to me and that was my driving force was that I saw so few people like me, LGBTQ people, in corporate America who were out.”
He particularly noted a format with emails going out that didn’t make reference to anyone’s relationship unless it was heterosexual.
“When we are talking about modeling behavior in corporate America, the leadership should look like the talent we’re trying to attract,” he says. “When I saw an announcement of a lesbian in a leadership role, it caught my eye because it was so unusual. That, combined with my personal experiences, led me to write this book.”
“Opening the Corporate Closet” was published by Dreamwave Press during Pride Month, June 2023.
The accountant, executive coach and author has added facilitator/speaker to his list of accomplishments, as Jones served in this role as part of the LGBT Chamber Foundation’s LGBT Leadership Institute program.
“This is my second year as facilitator/speaker,” he says. “I have enjoyed working with Lisa Howe (the Chamber’s vice president, membership and programs), who manages the LGBT Leadership Institute program. There, I get to talk about change management, talent management and the Chamber.”
Jones enjoys getting to know younger leaders, since they are our next generation of community leaders who are facing unique challenges that are completely different than those of the Boomers and even Gen Z.
“Hopefully, challenges like mine are in the past or at least not as onerous as when I was coming up the ranks,” he says. “It’s great to see these new leaders embrace themselves in a way that wasn’t possible 30 years ago. Just imagine how it might be in another 30 years.”
Bridging the Gap
Partners in Pride Fosters Inclusivity and Growth
The vibrant landscape of North Texas boasts numerous Pride organizations. Recognizing this diversity, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce launched the innovative Partners in Pride program, an initiative fostering collaboration and ensuring equity regardless of organization size and location. This program goes beyond traditional sponsorship models, offering mutually beneficial opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community, local Prides, and the Chamber.
The Chamber understands the financial limitations faced by many Pride organizations. Traditional Chamber memberships might not be accessible to all. Partners in Pride bridges this gap by providing fair and inclusive benefits to all organizations, regardless of their budget. This ensures broader LGBTQ+ community representation within the Chamber and promotes equal access to valuable resources.
Furthermore, it is financially impossible for the Chamber to sponsor every Pride festival in North Texas. Yet, presence at these events is crucial for raising awareness about the Chamber's mission to achieve equality through business and to share information on the Chamber Foundation scholarships, LGBT Leadership Institute, and other programs that support our community. Partners in Pride addresses this challenge by allowing the Chamber to participate in all Pride festivals through a unified program, maximizing outreach and impact.
"The synergies and intersections between Pride organizations and the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce are abundant," remarked CEO and President Tony Vedda. "Within North Texas, numerous LGBTQ+ organizations exist, each with unique focuses. However, what unites us all is the shared commitment to equality and solidarity embodied by Pride. These partnerships serve to expand our outreach into new communities, while simultaneously offering Pride organizations access to LGBTQ+ and ally businesses that actively uphold the principles of equality and the spirit of Pride."
Benefits for All:
• Pride organizations: Gain significant advantages like Chamber membership (directory listing, networking events, festival promotion), access to LGBTQ+ business networks, and board development resources. This empowers Pride organizations to amplify their impact, become more sustainable, expand their reach, and connect with key stakeholders.
• Chamber of Commerce: Enhances its brand image as a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, attracts new members through its commitment to the LGBTQ+ business community, and expands its reach through Pride festival participation. This fosters deeper community engagement and strengthens the Chamber's role as a community leader.
• Community: Promotes economic growth by supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, empowers advocacy efforts for a more inclusive society, and fosters understanding and acceptance through community education initiatives.
Partners in Pride:
• Goes beyond individual benefits, creating a win-win-win situation for Pride organizations, the Chamber, and our community.
• Represents a commitment to equitable access and shared growth, fostering a stronger and more inclusive North Texas.
Join the Movement:
Partners in Pride welcomes Pride organizations who share the vision of an inclusive and thriving community. By participating, you can contribute to this meaningful initiative and help create a brighter future for all.
For more information, contact Lisa Howe, Vice President of Membership & Programs at 214-865-7313;
North Texas Pride Festivals
Celebrate and Support
the LGBTQ+ Community
In the near-55 years since the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969, Pride events have grown across the globe. From the largest major metropolitan areas to small towns in sometimes unexpected places, the importance of celebrating Pride is as strong today as it was in the beginning, perhaps even more so in today’s political climate in Texas. So it’s with great joy and appreciation that we live in a section of the state with so many gatherings of the LGBTQ community throughout the year.
Dallas Pride
Sherrell Cross, Dallas Pride’s new executive director, is the first woman to head the organization in 40 years.
“As a woman of color, it’s important to change the stigma in Dallas of all the different prides and people feeling like they don’t have a space or aren’t welcome,” she says. “So, we are going back to the drawing board to find unity in our community.”
An example is a recent Dallas Pride Mixer event, which brought together representatives from a wide range of organizations, including Latino Pride, Southern Pride and AIDS Walk South Dallas.
“We want to be an organization that’s not just Pride, but to hold events all year long to benefit the community,” Cross explains.
It’s biggest event, Dallas Pride, attracts 50,000 people to the parade at Fair Park.
“We had outgrown our former space at Cedar Springs, and it wasn’t ADA compliant or senior friendly, “ Cross says. “This will be our fifth year at Fair Park.”
The festival include Family and Teen Pride Zones, which have both grown substantially since the festival’s relocation.
“When the first Teen Pride Zone debuted, it was 15 kids in a parking lot,” Cross says. “Now, we have more than 10,000 youth come out.“
This year’s Dallas Pride will be held June 1-2 and includes the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, music festival and the Family and Teen Pride Zones.
Arlington Pride 2024
The HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness is a proud sponsor for Arlington Pride 2024, which is the largest Pride event in Tarrant County. Last year’s festival attracted approximately 5,200 attendees from three countries, 23 states and 114 cities.
“This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever,” says DeeJay Johannessen, CEO of The HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness. “We’re expanding our footprint, as we were packed in last year.”
Scheduled for June 8th at downtown Arlington’s Levitt Pavilion, the free event will include entertainment from 6 to 11 p.m., with vendors, food trucks and other activities. Alyssa Edwards will serve as Arlington Pride’s drag lead.
The first Arlington Pride event was held in 2022 at The HELP Center’s Arlington clinic.
“That year, we anticipated 200 to 300 people would attend, as we had only a couple weeks to promote the event; we ended up with 1,000 attendees,” Johannessen says. “We were shocked at the response and super excited about it.”
This is a community-based, rather than corporate, event that focuses on great entertainment.
“This is something for Arlington that represents the LGBTQ community, and we’re excited to welcome guests for a fantastic event,” Johannessen says.
North Texas Pride
“Come As You Are” Festival
Put on by the North Texas Pride Foundation, the North Texas Pride “Come As You Are” Festival is an annual family-friendly event that celebrates pride in diversity. It features sponsor/vendor booths, food and beverages, giveaways, adult and kid activities, bands and a DJ. Donations benefit partnering nonprofit organizations in the area.
The festival is a once-a-year fundraiser supporting the vision of a permanent location that will be used for other organizations for events, meetings, education and a resource hub for communities north of highway 635.
“We are the originators of the Pride festivals north of Highway 635,” says Morris Garcia, co-founder and president of the North Texas Pride Foundation. “When we started in 2011, I was the former president of the Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance, now branded as GALA.”
During his tenure as president, Garcia knew the area merited its own Pride festival.
“It was 2011 when we put the first North Texas Pride “Come As You Are” Festival together with a group of volunteers in downtown McKinney, Texas,” Garcia recalls. “It was in the alleyway of my friend’s restaurant, and we promoted it on Facebook.”
The event turned out better than anticipated, with more than 200 attendees enjoying the food and drink; bottomless margaritas; a live band, DJ, dancing, and kid’s activities.
Over the years, the North Texas Pride “Come As You Are” Festival continued to grow, established 501( c ) (3) status, and move around to different locations throughout the area.
In 2017, Garcia reached out to Suzy Jones, executive director of the refurbished Saigling House & The ArtCenter of Plano, where the event has taken place ever since.
“It’s a great location, and we have sponsors, vendors, a kid’s zone, foods and drinks and activities for families to come together and get to know people,” Garcia says. “Our goal was to bring people together, and it’s really a labor of love.”
This year’s event will be held on October 12 and is sponsored by several corporate sponsors, local businesses, non-profits, and handmade arts and crafts vendors.
Pride Frisco
When Jon and Justin Culpepper moved to Frisco, Texas, they discovered a lack of resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As a result, Pride Frisco was created.
“We were founded in October 2021 as the first and only nonprofit LGBTQIA+ resource center in Frisco,” says Jon Culpepper. “Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in America, with a projected population of 230,000 in 2024, and it has an infusion of rapid diversity.”
Pride Frisco’s annual signature event is their Pride Festival.
“It’s a safe gathering space that brings together local and national resource organizations and agencies, along with artisan vendors,” says Justin Culpepper.
The event’s first year attracted 5,000 attendees at a local church. Last year, the event was moved to Toyota Stadium to better accommodate large crowds and to provide greater security.
This year’s Pride Frisco Festival will be held on October 6 at the stadium.
“October is significant to our LGBTQ+ community—LGBTQ History Month, Coming Out Day, and Spirit Day,” Justin Culpepper says. “This is a bookend event where the community can show up, enjoy the cooler weather, and get the helpful resources and support they need.”
Pride as big as Texas
Throughout the year—and the DFW region—the LGBTQ community unites
Below, find a chronological list of North Texas Pride events coming in 2024. Not all dates have been finalized as of press time, so in those instances, we’ve indicated the month when they have historically taken place.
Now get out your rainbow apparel and favorite Pride flag and join us out and about in North Texas from June through October.
June Pride Events in North Texas
Dallas Pride
June 1 & 2
Celebrating 41 years, the longest-running Pride event in North Texas has been held at Fair Park since 2019.
Carrollton Pride
June 1, 2024
Carrollton’s city-wide Pride event.
sites.google.com/view/carrolltonpride/home
Dallas Southern Pride
June 13 - 17
The official annual celebration for Black LGBTQ individuals.
PRIDENTON
June
Annual event to raise funds for a community center in Denton.
Trinity Pride Fest
June
Community Pride event taking place in Fort Worth Texas.
September Pride Events in North Texas
Pride In Dallas
September 15, 2024
A week-long slate of events in the heart of the Oak Lawn “gayborhood” at the crossroads of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton.
Texas Latino Pride
September 14
10th anniversary year to foster unity and solidarity among the Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities.
October Pride Events in North Texas
North Texas Pride
October 12
Family-friendly festival with a “Come As You Are” theme.
Pride Frisco
October 6
Annual event raising funds for a community center in Frisco.
