local
In the Rio Grande Valley, Pride is year-round
By Alexandrea Bailey at MyRGV
· June 26, 2026
· 9 min read
Participants carry a Texas-themed pride flag during the annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade celebrating Pride Month at Fair Park on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)
A DJ, a pastor and a fortune teller walk into Pride Month.
It sounds like the beginni...
Key takeaway STEP began in 2014 as a project of the Valley Aids Counsel (VAC), a local clinic providing sexual health services specifically for people living with HIV, but has grown into one of South Texas’ leading queer advocacy organizations.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The work of organizations like the South Texas Equality Project is crucial in the Rio Grande Valley, where LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges due to the region's border location and cultural dynamics. As a major border and immigration hub, the Valley is home to a diverse population, and STEP's efforts to provide resources, opportunities, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people are vital to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. The organization's focus on education, advocacy, and support is particularly significant in a region where access to resources and services can be limited. By providing scholarships and promoting education, STEP is helping to empower queer youth and create a more equitable future for all Valley residents. As the region continues to grow and evolve, with developments like SpaceX's Starbase launch site and the Port of Brownsville , it is essential that organizations like STEP remain at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Valley.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV . The Brownsville 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 .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV ·
Reading time: 9 min
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What is this story about? Participants carry a Texas-themed pride flag during the annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade celebrating Pride Month at Fair Park on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)
A DJ, a pastor and a fortune teller walk into Pride Month.
It sounds like the beginni...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by MyRGV and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexandrea Bailey at MyRGV. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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