10 June 12–18, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents indicate that the queer community is ac- cepted in Denton. Armintor called attention to Hudspeth’s past words and actions that have “bungled” opportunities to show support for his con- stituents in the queer community. For in- stance, even though Denton’s non-discrimination ordinance was passed by a council majority in 2022, Hudspeth voted against it. “The mayor’s denial has backfired on him big time,” Armintor said, calling Hudspeth’s denial “a whole new Denton low.” Armintor ended her speech by reminding the crowd of the “beautiful life and violent death” of Dylan Gurley, a 22-year-old home- less transwoman who was murdered in Denton on July 23, 2024. “She would still be alive today if she had a bed at the shelter,” Armintor said, pointing out that the Denton City Council has since voted to lower availability at the local shelter. Cruz, founder of PRIDENTON, said that the mayor’s actions sent a “loud and painful message” that the contributions of LG- BTQIA+ Dentonites are not valued. Her speech also focused on this year’s theme for Pride events in Denton: Legacy of Resil- ience. “We are here because of those who came before us who refused to give up,” Cruz said. “We will not be erased, and we will not be si- lenced.” Following the rally, several people en- tered Denton City Hall to attend the City Council meeting, while those outside chanted, “We’re here! We’re queer! We won’t be ruled by fear!” The council chamber filled quickly, with roughly a dozen attendees standing along the back wall. Hudspeth remained mostly impassive during public comments. “Being loud and proud about who you are is a very Texan thing to do,” Jackson com- mented. “We’re not asking for much.” George Ferrie, a PRIDENTON board member and local activist, expressed disap- pointment during his public comment. “This is about life and death,” Ferrie said. “To deny a Pride proclamation in Denton is to contribute to this climate of fear. This harm is not abstracted; it is lived by real people.” Audience members softly snapped their fingers to show support for speakers. How- ever, a moment of louder applause resulted in Hudspeth waving for a police officer to stand at the chamber door to quell any disruption. One attendee suddenly left the chamber after loudly chanting Gurley’s name. Two of the council members who at- tended the rally, Beck and Meltzer, expressed support for the public commenters. Follow- ing Ferrie’s comments, Beck said, “It is a statement of fact that June is Pride Month,” while Meltzer asked the mayor to “give [Meltzer] a little latitude.” At one point, Melt- zer was interrupted by Hudspeth. “Succinctly say what you need to say,” Hudspeth told him. Visibly frustrated, Meltzer simply con- cluded, “I celebrate Pride month with you.” PRIDENTON’s complete list of Pride Month events can be found here. ▼ CITY HALL THE EYES OF DALLAS ARE UPON YOU DPD RAMPS UP USE OF AI FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY. BY EMMA RUBY A memo submitted to the City Coun- cil’s Public Safety Committee last week states that since the October rollout of AI-powered facial recognition software, the Dallas Police Department has generated leads in 34 cases. That’s out of the 94 approved requests by officers hoping to utilize the technology over the last six months, the memo states. The only question from the committee: why isn’t it being used more? “I think the first couple of months that we had it, (we were) just trying to get the word out there and talking to the [Crimes Against Persons] unit because all Unfair Park from p8 >> p12 Bethany Weston Rallygoers gathered at Denton City Hall last week after Mayor Gerard Hudpseth declined to make the city’s Pride Proclamation.
