WPN Newsletter Edition: 2023 — Issue: II

2023 Texas Legislative Session Awareness

A lot of Texans are feeling unsure with the current political climate. We have the absolutely amazing organization Equality Texas on our side. Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.

Keeping ourselves informed with all of the latest information can be really difficult. We highly recommend the Equality Texas Bill Tracker for correct and up to date information. They also have many upcoming events at the capitol to visit the offices of legislators to make your voice heard on legislation that impacts LGBTQ+ Texans.

If you are on social media, Equality Texas posts calls to action when our representatives need to be contacted about bills on the floor. They also plan many events throughout the month, including Testimony training click this link for more information.

We are so proud of this Texas organization and everything they are doing to try and protect the LGBTQ+ community.

Events Around Town

Want to be a better ally? Maybe you’re not sure where to start in understanding sexual orientation or gender identity, or maybe you have concerns about upcoming legislation and government attacks on LGBTQ+ healthcare in Texas. Join us to discuss gender and sexuality, healthcare needs, and how you can support the LGBTQ community in Waco and beyond. Register here.

Monday, March 6th

6:30pm

Planned Parenthood Health Center

700 W Highway 6

Waco TX 76712

Events Around Central Texas

Monday, March 20

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Texas State Capitol, Texas State Capitol, Austin, TX 78701

Join Equality Texas, the Transgender Education Network of Texas, Texas Freedom Network, ACLU of Texas, Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign at the 2023 All in for Equality Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol.

This is your opportunity to visit the offices of legislators an make your voice heard on legislation that impacts LGBTQ+ Texans.

Run of show:

9am- Registration opens

11am - Lunch

12pm - Rally on the Capitol steps

1pm - Office visits

4pm - Debrief visits

We will be providing transportation as available from major cities across the state. If you're interested in participating or need help getting to Austin, sign-up here and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Krause Springs

The Hill Country Ride for AIDS (HCRA) is the largest fundraiser in Central Texas for local LGBTQIA+ organizations that provide HIV/AIDS services.

A family-friendly and festive bike ride through the beautiful Texas Hill Country, “The Ride” raises funds that are given directly to Out Youth and eight other nonprofits serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Central Texas!

All levels are welcomed and celebrated for The Ride. Distances range from 12, 27, 45, 75, or 90+ miles, which can take as little as an hour.

You can join Out Youth’s team, All Ride, All Ride, All Ride, as a volunteer or a rider to raise money and awareness. Riders and volunteers are equally important: they both raise funds for Out Youth and its eight peer organizations! You can also take part in JoyRides, fundraisers, and social events throughout the Ride season to connect to the cause and one another.

On Ride Day (Saturday, April 22nd), riders will need the support of exciting and helpful volunteers to create a fun, party-like atmosphere!

Stay Connected With Us

Parent Support Group

Many parents don’t know what to do when their child comes out to them at any age.

This is a group of parents who have LGBTQ children that want to learn how to support, respect, and understand their child better.

The Waco Youth Pride Alliance

Created and is led by LGBTQ youth in the Waco Community with the goal of increasing the visibility, support, and understanding for LGBTQ youth in our community.

Follow them on Instagram and contact us to join the Discord server.

If you are an adult who would like to volunteer to help with the WYPA, please fill out our volunteer form.

Waco Pride Adult Group

This is Waco Pride Network’s place for Waco’s LGBTQ+ and allies to gather.

You can join our Facebook Group to connect.

Waco Pride TNG (The Next Generation)

This is Waco Pride Network’s group for The Next Generation. Anyone 18-24 who identifies as LGBTQ+ or allies is invited to join us as we build our community in Waco together.

You can join our Discord Server or Facebook Group to connect with others.

Upcoming Awareness and Remembrance Dates

MARCH: Bisexual Health Awareness Month
March 10th: National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 20th: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 21st-25th: National LGBT Health Awareness Week
March 31st: International Transgender Day of Visibility

Want to share something with the community?

Reach out to communication@wacopride.org