HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- After being denied funds by the governor's office, an LGBTQ event turned to Harris County taxpayers or else organizers, saying it may have crippled the group.

In a matter of weeks, the ping from softball bats will take over Harris County fields with thousands of players from across the country.

"We felt like it was high time that we came back to Houston because of its great metropolitan presence, large population center, and its welcoming nature," iPride commissioner Jeff Sloan said.

But the southern hospitality is gone for the group behind the Gay Softball World Series.

"We were heartbroken because it made us feel like we weren't welcome," Sloan explained. "It made us feel like we weren't valued."

Sloan said the sporting event has 3,000 athletes, with

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