Next month, I’ll be attending my very first gay pride parade in downtown Dallas. Since I’ve obviously never been, I’d like a bit of help on what’s expected of me as someone on the sidelines (I mean, is it necessary for me to break out the “Str8 but Not Narrow” shirt?) and what to be prepared for (will there be Phelps-like protesters to avoid?). Can anyone give me overall pointers?
Oh, and if it matters, I’ll be going alone.
Thanks Dopers for y’all’s help!
From a guy who has been to more than 30 pride parades, You don’t have to do anything except show up and have a good time.
That’s good to know, but if you don’t mind, can you tell me a bit about what they’re like? I’ve only seen a few clips, so I’m not really completely clear on how things will be / go other than lots of revelry and costuming. I need my cherry popped here! Help!! 
It’s parade, for goodness sake. Just stand on the side of the road and watch it. If it makes you happy, you can smile and clap and stuff. If you aren’t enjoying yourself, walk away and do something better.
What exactly are you looking for here? There will be many thousands of straight people there watching just like you.
I wasn’t looking for anything specific haj, but as someone who has spent a great bit of time as an agoraphobic over the last decade, I’m sometimes concerned about my social interaction skills and thought maybe I could ward off a bit of awkwardness if I knew what to expect. It sometimes seems more difficult for me to fair well if I’m alone. 'Tis all.
First of all, don’t go to downtown Dallas! The parade is in Oaklawn. The parade runs down Cedar Springs to Lee Park. The only protesters will likely be right at the end of the parade by the entrance to Lee Park where the festival is.
On the sidelines, you will experience a party like atmosphere with open alcohol consumption and loud dance music. It is usually really hot so wear anything that is comfortable. If it gets too hot outside, most bars will be showing the parade inside. There is more room to move around inside Round up. As you might expect, the balcony at JRs is packed.
Ask away with any other questions. I lived in the neighborhood for 4 years
I’ve been to numerous gay pride parades in Chicago. There are lots of drunk, friendly people around… and prepare to be touched, hugged, groped, befriended, and possibly shanked.
I hope this isn’t your first excursion since being agoraphobic. It may be a bit of a rude awakening.
I’ve been to pride events before alone, and it’s a bit depressing.
Are you sure you can’t find someone online to hook up with?
As for what it’s like, it’s just a parade/floats etc. People will be wearing less clothing.
Since it’s your first parade, you might want to stay for the whole thing, but honestly, unless it’s a short parade, it’ll get boring and there will no doubt be activities going on at the same time, elsewhere. Hit the nearby streets where there should be food booths, craftspeople, etc. hawking their wares, just like any other festival in the country. Wander in and out of the local gay bars, which will probably be within walking distance. I’ve never been to the Dallas event, so I don’t know the layout.
I highly recommend finding someone to hang out with though. Check out the local gay chatrooms and see if anyone needs company, or a group wouldn’t mind including a newbie.
The bars are in walking distance. Jrs, and Sue Ellens are right next to each other. Jrs for the boys and Sue Ellens for ladies. Round up is across the street. It is a country bar and is more mixed
Thanks everyone for the replies! Now in order…
dalej: Ah, I appreciate the correction on location. I knew it started on Cedar Springs, but it’s been a while since I’ve been an actual Dallas-ite that I just consider everything that direction as “downtown.” Heh. I’ll also make a note to avoid Lee Park. As to other considerations, any suggestions on the best time to actually be there? Is it better to arrive before it starts or show up any time later? Where’s the best place to park or would it be better having someone drop me off and pick me up? Is this an all day event? And how safe is that area anyhow?
You actually being from here is a great resource. I appreciate your assistance. 
RedBloom: No, not my first trip on the outside. I can (and do) get about quite often. Especially of late, since I just moved. And I never have any problem leaving the house if I’m with my Other Half. It’s just I still freeze up a lot and this does come on the heels of much longer stretches of isolation. Now though, I should be okay. Thank you for your concern.
levdrakon: That’s a great idea for fiinding someone to go with. However, seeing as it’d have to be a stranger and I’m already concerned with my rusty social skills, I think I’d rather brave it alone than be more worried about interacting and fucking up exchanges (or, in the case of the spouse, not being comfortable) with anyone else. Hopefully, all my recent hard work of moving forward with my mental health issues will allow me to deal well enough. And if not, I’m not too far from home anyway.
I will definitely keep in my mind the length (and by extension, the heat and distance) so I won’t get bored. Although, I should be good with just plenty of people watching, right? And I didn’t realize there would be a fair atmosphere. I love looking at crafts, eating different foods and supporting the various causes, so I’m sure that’ll keep me plenty busy. I’ll just need to remember to bring extra cash and my camera.
Also, I just now realized that this’ll mean I can actually go to a gay bar, which I’ve never done before. Wow. How cool!
You don’t want to avoid Lee Park, that is where the actual festival is. The protesters will just hold up signs quoting Leviticus. The Dallas sheriff is a lesbian, so there is never any trouble!
Try to find parking early. Oaklawn parking is a pain on a typical weekend night, so it is a nightmare over pride weekend. The parade will not start on time and runs way too long. Go inside to one of the bars to cool off. If you see people walking around wearing “People of Hope” t shirts, they’re from the local gay megachurch and should be friendly and helpful if you have any questions. Oaklawn is safe, but of course it is an urban area.
Now that’s a sentence I never thought I’d read… well done.
To avoid? They showed up just like you did and you shouldn’t ignore them. Make them feel like they’re part of the event. Point them out and laugh at them.
Wear sunscreen! If you plan on seeing the whole thing, you might want to bring one of those easy portable chair things they make for park festivals, and get there early to stake out a spot.
Ok. I think I’m good to go. Now if I could maybe find a willing partner to help demonstrate against protesters like matt suggests, all might be more interesting in my world.
Thanks everyone for your participation and help. I can’t wait!