Austin recently marked a significant moment for its LGBTQ+ community with the unveiling of a new historical marker on Friday morning, drawing over 100 attendees to Fourth and Colorado streets.
Garry Brown, a member of the LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, expressed his pride in the project, which he conceptualized during his tenure on the Historic Landmark Commission. “For me, it was overwhelming because this is my baby. From dream to the erection of the marker today in this dedication ceremony. It’s been three years,” he stated. “The wheels of government moved too slowly, but it happened.”
The marker features a brick structure adorned with the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag and a bronze plaque titled “As Queer As You Want To Be.” The plaque highlights the area’s blossoming nightlife scene in the 1980s, which became a safe haven for Austin’s LGBTQ+ community.
This unveiling coincided with Austin’s annual Pride parade, scheduled for the following day, which will traverse from the Texas Capitol to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Notably, it also comes shortly after the removal of Pride-themed crosswalks on Fourth and Colorado streets, a decision mandated by the state.
Brown clarified that the concept for the marker was initiated prior to the crosswalk removal. He is currently advocating for the closure of Fourth Street between Colorado and Lavaca streets to create a pedestrian plaza, enhancing safety in the area.
Steven Rivas, another member of the LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission, emphasized the safety benefits of this proposed closure. “So we’ll create an LGBTQ Bettie Naylor Memorial Park,” he explained, envisioning a space for weddings, celebrations, and art festivals, while also reducing the risk of dangerous incidents like the mass shooting at Buford’s.
Bettie Naylor was a notable activist for women’s and gay rights in Texas, who passed away in 2012.
Many participants at the ceremony braved nearly 90-degree weather, equipped with handheld fans and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
Drag performer Sister Serena Severe described the event as “quite a celebration,” noting the joyful atmosphere. “There’s a lot of happy people, well dressed, schvitzy, but happy to be here before the real heat of the day,” they remarked, highlighting the importance of community connection. “What I really enjoy is having this opportunity to meet in a physical place and do what I call shaking hands and kissing babies.”
The upcoming Austin Pride parade is set to feature a vibrant lineup of comedians, artists, dancers, and live music, commencing at 11 a.m. The festival is free to attend, as detailed on the Austin Pride website.
