Exchange’s Return to Upcoming Dallas Pride Festival and Parade Illustrates Inclusive Culture
In 2019, the Exchange marked the first time that it had a standalone presence at Dallas’ biggest annual Pride event. Then, like so much else during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was canceled during the next two years.
For the first time, an Exchange truck will be part of the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade in Dallas. The truck will feature a PRIDE trailer wrap, part of a mission to honor all special emphasis groups with wraps on Exchange trucks.
This year, Dallas Pride is back, highlighted by the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, and Exchange PRIDE (People Respecting Individuality, Diversity & Equality), the special emphasis group for LGBTQ+ associates and allies, is aiming for the biggest Exchange participation ever.
“The Exchange’s participation in Dallas Pride reflects the organization’s inclusive culture,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh Jr., PRIDE’s executive champion. “Our associates bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the Exchange team, and the festival provides an opportunity to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality in the workforce.”
The festival is part of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which happens in June. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“This is not just for LGBTQ+ people,” said Scott Lohmann, senior marketing manager and PRIDE program manager. “This is about equality for all. People bring their kids. It’s a celebration of acceptance for everyone.”
Dallas Pride will take place June 4 and 5, with the parade happening at 2 p.m. CDT Sunday at the city’s Fair Park, home to the Cotton Bowl and the Texas State Fair. On Saturday, the Exchange will have a booth at the festival.
“We’ll have Exchange swag and we’ll meet people as they’re walking around,” Lohmann said. “We ask them if they’re familiar with the Exchange. We have literature to hand out that informs people about the Exchange.”
The group plans to especially emphasize ApplyMyExchange.com and the Veterans online shopping benefit, along with handing out Exchange towels, sunglasses and other items.
The Exchange has participated in the festival and parade twice before: In 2018, about 30 associates walked with the Human Rights Campaign during the parade. In 2019, the Exchange registered its own spot in the parade, and more than 40 associates from headquarters and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth staffed a booth and/or marched in the parade.
PRIDE is making an effort at more regional participation this year.
“This is the first time we’ve invited regional exchanges, as well as associates from the Waco Distribution Center,” said Audit Project Manager Roger Hugh, PRIDE’s other program manager. “We’ve sent invitations to exchanges within driving distance of Dallas.” That includes Fort Sill and other Oklahoma installations, as well as Forts Hood and Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and other Texas installations.
For the first time, an Exchange truck will be part of the parade. The truck will feature a PRIDE trailer wrap, part of a mission to honor all special emphasis groups with wraps on Exchange trucks.
The festival and parade are not the only things PRIDE has planned for Pride Month. At noon CDT June 8, the group will present a lunch-and-learn featuring Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, chief of staff of the Headquarters, Department of the Army Naming Commission.
June will also mark Lohmann’s retirement after nearly 16 years with the Exchange. Hugh will become the group’s sole program manager. Tysheema Hunter-Mejia, Merchandising executive assistant, and Brittani Washington, Real Estate secretary, are the assistant program managers.
“I definitely have some big shoes to fill,” Hugh said. “Scott has done an amazing job. He has already laid the groundwork for getting more associates worldwide involved in PRIDE and I’d like to pick up the baton, continue on with that mission and see how far we can extend the group.”
Dallas Pride will take place 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Dallas’ Fair Park. The festival will feature food and more than a dozen musical acts. Vendor booths close at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10; $5 for teens 13-19; and free for children 12 and under.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Fair Park Coliseum. Admission is free. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site.
For more information, visit https://dallaspride.org
