The Arlington Pride festival, a significant celebration in North Texas, has been cancelled following a decisive vote by the Arlington City Council to eliminate protections against discrimination for LGBTQ individuals. Organizers announced the cancellation of the 2026 event after the council rejected a proposed ordinance that aimed to safeguard gay and transgender residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public services.
On December 9, 2025, the council voted 5-4 against reinstating the ordinance, which had previously prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This decision came after months of heated discussions and appeals from community members advocating for protections. The ordinance also aimed to prevent discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, and disability.
The head of the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness, DeeJay Johannessen, expressed disappointment over the council’s decision, stating in a public statement that the organization could not endorse an event in a city that does not provide “the most basic protections.” Johannessen emphasized that “Pride is about safety, celebration, and community,” and without local anti-discrimination safeguards, those values could not be ensured for attendees, performers, or partners.
Arlington Pride debuted in 2021 and rapidly became a major event, attracting over 15,000 attendees to downtown Arlington in June 2025. The city council’s vote to repeal protections marks a notable shift, as Arlington becomes one of the first U.S. cities to withdraw a nondiscrimination ordinance due to concerns about federal funding. In September 2025, the council had suspended the ordinance amid fears that it could jeopardize over $60 million in federal funding, following statements from President Donald Trump regarding financial penalties for cities lacking such protections.
During the council discussions, some members expressed skepticism about the enforceability of the anti-discrimination ordinance. Council member Rebecca Boxall, who opposed restoring the ordinance, labeled it “bad policy,” arguing that it was misleading and offered no real protection at the city level. She stated, “From the very beginning, it was unenforceable at the city level.”
While federal law provides protection against discrimination based on disability, race, color, religion, or national origin, it does not explicitly address protections for sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, over 20 states and nearly 400 cities across the United States have implemented policies that ban such discrimination, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit organization that tracks LGBTQ-related legislation. In contrast, Texas lacks a statewide policy, although cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano have included LGBTQ protections in their local ordinances.
Amid the backlash to the cancellation of Arlington Pride, Mayor Jim Ross, who supported restoring protections, pledged to continue advocating for LGBTQ rights within the city. He stated, “Arlington is one of the most welcoming places. We want everyone to know they can feel safe and comfortable here.” The mayor indicated that the council would revisit the ordinance in the coming weeks.
Social media reactions to the cancellation have been mixed. Some individuals expressed a desire to withdraw their support from a city that does not ensure their safety. Conversely, others called for a larger, more vibrant event in response to this setback. One user remarked on Instagram, “Don’t you think now more than ever we should host a louder, more exuberant pride?”
The cancellation of Arlington Pride raises significant questions about the future of LGBTQ celebrations and protections in regions where such events are increasingly under threat. As organizers and community members navigate the implications of this council decision, the ongoing dialogue about safety, inclusivity, and rights remains crucial.
