Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the city of Denton over an upcoming Pride Month event called “Big Gay Swim Day”.
The lawsuit seeks to block the 7 June event, which is scheduled to take place as a private rental at the Civic Centre pool in Denton.
Paxton’s office claims the gathering could violate Texas’ sex-segregated facilities law, known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act. The law requires access to certain public changing facilities to be based on sex assigned at birth.
According to The Texan, Paxton’s office argued that promotional materials for the event suggested the facility’s gendered changing rooms would be converted for the event, potentially placing it in conflict with the state law.
City officials have said the event is not sponsored by Denton and that organisers were told in advance they must comply with state law.
According to the city, organisers were informed that all-gender bathrooms or changing areas would not be permitted. Promotional language referring to those accommodations was also removed before the lawsuit was filed.
In a joint statement posted to Instagram, LGBTQ+ organisations OUTreach Denton and PRIDENTON called the lawsuit “frivolous” and a waste of public resources.
The groups said the city informed them on 21 May that all-gender restrooms would not be allowed, and that they had already updated event materials to comply with the requirement before legal action was taken.
“It is disappointing that bad actors have attempted to turn queer joy into a political spectacle. We will not allow these attacks to spread fear, isolation, or shame…. We look forward to celebrating and affirming Texans of all gender identities. Happy Pride,” the groups wrote.
The lawsuit comes amid ongoing efforts by conservative officials in Texas to restrict LGBTQ+ events, visibility and access to gender-affirming public spaces.
For local organisers, however, the event remains framed as a celebration of community, inclusion and Pride.
