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Our apologies on the lack of updates on this year's float. Since the 4th of July floods, we've been assessing the impact on the river and watching the weather forecasts to ensure that we could host the float safely. We are happy to say that our outfitter reopened back up this past weekend and the weather for this coming weekend looks perfect for floating.

Tickets are now on sale at www.biggayriverfloat.com

biggayriverfloat.com

It's almost time! The Big Gay River Float 2024 is THIS SUNDAY and with this heat, this is the escape that you need. The buses are air conditioned and the spring fed San Marco River is a cool 72°. Online ticket sales for the bus will active up until the last bus leaves The Iron Bear and online sales for tickets for those meeting up with us at Texas State Tubes will be active until 3 PM.

NOTE: The portion of the river we float is not included in the San Marcos can ban. But glass and styrofoam are still prohibited. We ask all attendees to help keep the river clear of trash. Mesh bags for trash are available at the start of the float.

Be sure to bring plenty of water to keep hydrated and sunscreen to protect yourself from this hateful sun.

For more information about the 2024 Big Gay River Float, including package details, ticket links and FAQs visit http://biggayriverfloat.com/

Some q***r Texans may fear disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to neighbors or the government. The lack of accurate numbers makes it more difficult to provide appropriate health care, especially in rural areas.

Read more from the Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/3EcGqdh

U.S. census and other surveys likely undercount the number of LGBTQ+ people living in Texas Some q***r Texans may fear disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to neighbors or the government. The lack of accurate numbers makes it more difficult to provide appropriate health care, especially in rural areas.

The state attorney general’s office appealed a state district court injunction that said the new prohibitions deprive trans kids of “necessary, safe, and effective medical treatment.”

Read more from the Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/3PaZvTG

Texas ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids will go into effect despite legal fight The state attorney general’s office appealed a state district court injunction that said the new prohibitions deprive trans kids of “necessary, safe, and effective medical treatment.”

To lower energy use, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas recommends that residents raise their thermostat by a degree or two if safe, refrain from running large appliances such as washing machines and dryers, and turn off and unplug lights and other appliances that aren’t needed.

Read more from the Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/3QP5nTX

State grid operator asks Texans to reduce energy use Thursday afternoon as demand spikes This is the second voluntary conservation notice issued this summer by ERCOT, which hopes to lower electricity use and avoid tight grid conditions amid an ongoing heat wave.

State officials backing Senate Bill 12 have said they want to protect children from seeing sexually explicit performances. But a new legal challenge says the law is so broad and vague that it criminalizes constitutionally protected expression.

Read more from Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/47l1E68

LGBTQ+ advocates sue to block Texas’ new law that could criminalize some drag performances State officials backing Senate Bill 12 have said they want to protect children from seeing sexually explicit performances. But a new legal challenge says the law is so broad and vague that it criminalizes constitutionally protected expression.

TONIGHT: I'm From Driftwood presents I'm From Driftwood - Storyteller Spotlight ATX at The Highball Austin on WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023 with mixer starting at 6 PM and program starting at 7 PM. Featuring 3 video stories from local LGBTQIA+ storytellers followed by a Q&A. FREE, but RSVP required (see below for link).

Sponsored by ASHwell and Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Tickets available at https://gaytx.co/3KdBYyk

Q***r & Trans Storyteller Spotlight - by I'm From Driftwood Free q***r and trans community event featuring three powerful Video Stories from local Austinites, followed by Q&A from the storytellers.

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s elected leader, Sid Miller, has fought protections for trans workers.

Read more via Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/3Oe1Z31

Texas agency renounces workplace training that mentioned gender identity definitions The Texas Department of Agriculture’s elected leader, Sid Miller, has fought protections for trans workers.

The families argue the new law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, violates their parental rights by stopping them from providing medical care for their children and discriminates against transgender teens.

Read more via Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/3NPSYvG

Lawsuit seeks to block Texas from banning gender transition-related care for children The families argue the new law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, violates their parental rights by stopping them from providing medical care for their children and discriminates against transgender teens.

McLennan County Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley filed a lawsuit after a state agency warned her about refusing to marry gay couples. She hopes a recent U.S. Supreme Court case about religious freedom helps her cause.

Read more via Texas Tribune at https://gaytx.co/44FDJwc

Texas judge who doesn’t want to perform gay marriage ceremonies hopes web designer’s Supreme Court case helps her fight McLennan County Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley filed a lawsuit after a state agency warned her about refusing to marry gay couples. She hopes a recent U.S. Supreme Court case about religious freedom helps her cause.