In Small Town Texas a March for Equality

Harlingen, Texas isn't a big city by any means. The population is estimated to be around 64,000 people. The town is mostly Hispanic, due not only to the proximity to the border but also because it, like much of the Southwest was part of Mexico before the United States invaded.

Straight allies of gay people staged a march through Harlingen in favor of marriage equality. Around 80 people participated in the "Coming Out for Marriage Equality Walk" sponsored by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Diana Bermudez told the local paper that she, her husband, and their daughter joined the walk in support of a niece who is gay. Casey Garcia said she was there to support the rights of a good friend. The local paper reported that two elderly women stopped to watch and wave support to the walkers but that one old woman complained the walk would be bad for the economy. (A novel approach to economics to say the least.) She claimed it would drive people away but one other observer said that the march brought more people to area than they are used to seeing at one time.