Summer heat in Texas is not just uncomfortable; it's a serious health risk, especially during large outdoor events like the San Antonio Pride Celebration. We gather to celebrate, but the current festival rules regarding hydration and the lack of guaranteed FREE WATER access for all attendees pose a significant concern for safety.

According to the official festival rules:

• "No outside drinks; with the exception of water. Water must be contained in the original packaging (water bottles only UNOPENED/SEALED) with a limit of 1 per person of 16 oz or less."
• "No Yeti's, cups, styrofoam cups, tumblers, containers, CamelBak or similar products allowed.”

This means attendees are severely restricted in bringing their own WATER to stay hydrated in potentially dangerous temperatures.

While a single, small, sealed bottle is permitted, this is often quickly consumed, leaving individuals with limited options for replenishment other than purchasing water at the event.

Putting a price tag on essential hydration in sweltering temperatures feels like putting a price on our safety and our lives. This is unacceptable, regardless of the reasoning behind vendor agreements, scholarships, or event costs.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, are dangerous and preventable. Dehydration significantly increases the risk of these conditions, turning a joyous celebration into a potential medical emergency.

We, the undersigned, call upon the City of San Antonio, Pride San Antonio Inc., and critically, ALL Sponsors, Vendors, and Organizations participating in the San Antonio Pride Celebration to prioritize the health and safety of all attendees by ensuring FREE and easily accessible WATER is readily available. This means:

Pride San Antonio Inc. and the City of San Antonio: Establishing numerous clearly marked, FREE WATER refilling stations throughout the festival grounds and along the parade route, and/or providing FREE WATER bottles at multiple accessible points.

Sponsors, Vendors, and Participating Organizations: Committing to providing FREE WATER at their booths, stalls, or designated areas. This could include offering FREE WATER cups, having WATER fountains accessible, or distributing FREE bottled WATER.

We understand there are costs associated with organizing and participating in such a large event, but the cost of a human life or a medical emergency due to heat should far outweigh these concerns.

Providing FREE WATER is a basic public health measure and a demonstration of true commitment to the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies who come together to celebrate. It is an opportunity for all involved to show their dedication to attendee safety and community care.

Let's make San Antonio Pride the safest and most enjoyable celebration possible by removing the barrier of cost from essential hydration and making it a collective responsibility.

Share Your Story: Add Your Voice

Have you experienced heat-related issues at past San Antonio Pride celebrations? Did the cost or lack of accessible FREE WATER impact your experience or health? Share your story here to help illustrate the importance of this petition. Your experiences can make a powerful impact and demonstrate the urgent need for FREE WATER access.

P.S. Organizations found to be giving FREE WATER at PRIDE San Antonio run the risk of being banned from participating in future Pride San Antonio Inc. events