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 got in touch with promoter Zayn Aguilar, whose Crystal Queer Riot plans events for the LGBTQ+ community. It was just days later that the pair started planning Truth Vinyl’s “Pride Without Permission.”
Dr. Jeckyll’s and Arlington’s Truth Vinyl both opened their doors to the LGBTQ+ community June 20. Both bars point to Arlington Pride’s cancellation as a primary motivation — as small businesses — to host their own events and provide safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate…