Travis County raises Pride flag, honors Kind Clinic for statewide LGBTQ health work

Travis County government leaders, advocates and community members gathered for the sixth annual Pride flag-raising ceremony on county grounds to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion and highlight local health and advocacy work. The event included speeches from local judges and advocates, the presentation of a Community Champion award to the Kind Clinic, and a group flag raising.

The opening speaker (the judge presiding over the event) welcomed attendees and framed Pride as both celebration and statement, saying the ceremony is a reminder that “every single person deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and welcomed for exactly who they are.” The judge thanked elected officials, community leaders, artists, vendors and county partners and emphasized the county’s stated commitment to inclusion and dignity for all residents.

Ash Hall, who identified themself as an ACLU of Texas staff member and a longtime trans resident, urged broader local solidarity with transgender people amid what they described as intensified political attacks. Ash Hall said local businesses, schools and governments should “follow Travis County’s example” and not “shrink back,” calling specifically for support for Black and Brown trans women and for institutions to be bold in their support.

Judge Denise Hernandez, County Court at Law No. 6, said Pride in Travis County is an annual act of solidarity and presented the Community Champion award to the Kind Clinic. Hernandez told the crowd that local government can make a tangible difference for LGBTQ+ families by supporting benefits and services and by showing up publicly for the community.

Christopher Hamilton, CEO of Texas Health Action, accepted the award on behalf of the Kind Clinic and Waterloo Counseling Center. Hamilton described the Kind Clinic as a grassroots effort founded in 2015 that has expanded into a provider serving more than 25,000 people statewide through in-person and virtual care. He outlined the clinic’s services — HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP), testing and care; STI testing and treatment; gender-affirming care; and mental health services — and said the organizations prioritize nonjudgmental, equitable care and assistance programs for people with difficulty affording treatment.

Organizers also highlighted a newly painted Pride Path on county grounds, encouraged attendees to sign the path to mark the day, and invited volunteers to help with a group flag raising. The event closed with applause and music as the flag was raised.

While the transcript supplied for this report does not specify the exact calendar date or time of the ceremony, the record shows the county used the observance to underscore local protections and public support for LGBTQ+ residents and to spotlight community-based health services that serve people across Texas.