Words by Pioquinta
Edited by Abigail Vela
We’ve all seen it without actually knowing it. Performative allyship is “activism done to increase one’s social capital rather than because of one’s devotion to a cause. It is often associated with surface-level activism, referred to as slacktivism.” We saw this happen recently with Brownsville and Texas-based lifestyle brand line JZD’s removal of some of their 2023 Pride Collection from Target storefronts, which was in itself an act of performative allyship/activism and rainbow washing. However, there are ways that we can, collectively, prevent performative allyship from happening throughout the month of June and year-round.
First and foremost, actively support your local LGBTQIA+ organizations, performers, businesses, and community members. Share their stories, attend their events, and (if you’re able) donate to their causes! South Texas Equality Project (STEP) and Valley Aids Council are a few local LGBTQIA+ organizations to pay attention to.
Acknowledge and educate yourself about the history of Pride, nationally and locally. Check out the Library of Congress’ The History of Pride. Additionally, UTRGV’s Pride University Library Resources offers a plethora of films, books, and local authors to research.
Stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community. Call out performative allyship, homophobia, and transphobia. Show up to Pride events and lift up members in RGV’s LGBTQIA+ and Drag community.
Lastly, keep your rainbows up every day!
The RGV Queer Run Club is sprinting the way toward a new historic milestone this Pride Month by hosting the first-ever Pride race in the Rio Grande Valley on June 27 at the Mission Hike and Bike Trail.
Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) is a packed piece of legislation that gives Texas state and local law enforcement sweeping powers in an effort to crack down on immigrants. Learn more about what’s happening with this bill!
Hundreds of miles from the Rio Grande Valley, Austin’s Puro Pinche 956 showcase brings RGV drag performers together. Laredo-born Venus Rising (they/them) organized the showcase in 2024 to honor their upbringing and offer a liberating space for South Texas drag queens in Austin.
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May 28, 2026
The RGV Queer Run Club is sprinting the way toward a new historic milestone this Pride Month by hosting the…
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Hundreds of miles from the Rio Grande Valley, Austin’s Puro Pinche 956 showcase brings RGV drag performers together. Laredo-born Venus…
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