Rest Is Ours, Too
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
June was a whirlwind. We laughed. We danced. We celebrated. We hugged old friends and met new ones. Together, we created spaces where people could simply be themselves, and that matters.
Now it's July. The decorations are packed away, the inbox is a little quieter, and our volunteers are finally catching their breath.
If you need permission to slow down, here it is.
Rest isn't something you earn after you've done enough. It's what makes community work possible. Take a nap. Read a book. Go swimming. Spend time with people who fill your cup. Or spend time by yourself if that's what you need.
There is no wrong way to spend July. We'll still be here.
A Word About July 4
This year marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Two hundred and fifty years is a long time to carry a promise. The promise that all people are created equal and that freedom and dignity belong to everyone.
Like every generation before us, we're still called to help that promise become more fully true.
Loving our country doesn't mean pretending it's perfect. It can also mean believing deeply in its ideals and doing our part to help them reach everyone.
However you spent the holiday, we hope you found moments of joy, reflection, and connection with the people you love.
Something We Keep Thinking About
This summer, people traveled from around the world for the World Cup.
For a few weeks, strangers became neighbors. Different languages, cultures, and stories shared the same spaces.
Not everyone had the same opportunity to be part of it, and that reminder matters too.
It reminded us of something we believe deeply.
Community isn't built because everyone is the same. It's built because people choose kindness.
That's the future we're committed to building right here in Dripping Springs: a community where everyone is treated with dignity, welcomed with kindness, and knows they belong.
June Events to Remember
Photos from Pride After Dark and Pride for All are here.
These images were graciously shared for personal and community use. Please do not alter or redistribute them. If you post, please credit the photographer. 💛
Something to get us through the Dog Days 🌈
A Little Good News
We have something new to celebrate!
Not only was Pride of Dripping Springs voted Best Nonprofit Organization in the 2026 Best of Dripping Springs awards…
We are also proud to announce that PODS is now a member of the Austin LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. This membership connects us to a broader network of LGBTQ+ affirming businesses and organizations across the region and helps us keep building something real.
📚 Summer Reading Challenge is Here - are you in?
Our Summer Reading Bingo Challenge runs through September 1.
Complete three squares to be entered to win a personal pizza from one of our local pride-friendly partners. Complete all twelve squares for bonus entries.
Tag us with #PODSSummerReads so we can cheer you on.
Our Recommendations are here: https://www.prideofdrippingsprings.org/pods-reads
Want reading recommendations for the whole family this summer? We've got you covered! Email info@prideofdrippingsprings.org
Looking Ahead to August
PODS is going to Cirque du so GAY! On Saturday, August 15th, the Queerest Show on Earth (or at least in Central Texas) comes to Highland Lounge in Austin and Pride of Dripping Springs reserved a block of the best seats in the house. Purchase your discounted ticket by August 1st and take a little field trip with us into the Big City for the glitter-soaked spectacle where bodies fly, stories hit just as hard as the slams, and every moment is built to make you feel something loud. Cirque du So GAY storms the ring with larger-than-life characters, gravity-defying chaos, and campy, hard-hitting matches that blur the line between drag and wrestling.
More events are coming your way including a Wine & Karaoke Night, a YA bookclub, and Full Moon hike. Keep your eye on your inbox for the lastest events and details.
All the Love for Our Pride Event Sponsors
Thank You — Pride After Dark and Pride for All None of this happens without our sponsors, partners, vendors, and performers. Two events. One incredible community.
Sponsors: Beerburg Brewing, Caren Roberson, Lynn Osler/State Farm Insurance, Austin Concrete Development, Indigo Healing Acupuncture, Moontower Counseling, PFLAG Austin, Plumb Projects, Tribe Comics & Games, Erin Zweiner
In-Kind Partners: Ally Medical, Julie Balderrama Coaching, Phone Booth ATX, Pink Metaphysical Beauty Collaboration, Reggie Rap's Room, Taylor Made Tattoos, Transportation Star, YMCA
Food and Treats: Pig Pen BBQ, Tino's Tex Mex, Snowie's Snow Cones
Community Partners: Rainbow Connections, Austin Pride, Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Stars and Science Austin, ACC Intersectionality Center
And to every performer who brought their incredible art to our stage... THANK YOU!
With Pride & Gratitude,
Pride of Dripping Springs 🌈
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