government
Arlington Pride was canceled this year. These small businesses said otherwise
By Bianca Rodriguez-Mora at Fort Worth Report
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
With Tarrant County’s largest Pride celebration canceled this year, Dr. Jeckyll’s Beer Lab co-workers wanted to host an event at their Pantego bar. Owner John Valentine was quick to give “Jecky Pride” his approval. Just 10 minutes away, Truth Vinyl owner and general manager Elizabeth “Pearl” LeBlanc
Key takeaway Just 10 minutes away, Truth Vinyl owner and general manager Elizabeth “Pearl” LeBlanc got in touch with promoter Zayn Aguilar, whose Crystal Queer Riot plans events for the LGBTQ+ community.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The cancellation of Arlington Pride this year could have left a void in the local LGBTQ+ community, but small businesses like Dr. Jeckyll's Beer Lab and Truth Vinyl stepped in to provide alternative celebrations. This move not only ensured a safe space for the community to gather but also highlighted the importance of local establishments in fostering inclusivity. In a city like Fort Worth , where the Cultural District and Sundance Square are known for their vibrant events, it's heartening to see neighboring cities like Arlington and Pantego follow suit. The success of "Jecky Pride" and "Pride Without Permission" events demonstrates that the demand for LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces exists and can be met by proactive local businesses. As Tarrant County continues to grow and diversify, it's crucial for cities to support and amplify the work of these small businesses, which are often at the forefront of promoting community and acceptance.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With Tarrant County’s largest Pride celebration canceled this year, Dr. Jeckyll’s Beer Lab co-workers wanted to host an event at their Pantego bar. Owner John Valentine was quick to give “Jecky Pride” his approval. Just 10 minutes away, Truth Vinyl owner and general manager Elizabeth “Pearl” LeBlanc
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bianca Rodriguez-Mora at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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