INSIDER
Queer Liberation Library helps people access books by LGBTQ+ authors amid book ban waves
Read full article: Queer Liberation Library helps people access books by LGBTQ+ authors amid book ban wavesKieren Hickey and his team of librarian volunteers at the Queer Liberation Library work to elevate queer voices in places where LGBTQ+ people may not have access to those types of books at their home libraries.
WATCH: Comedian AJ Rivas opens up about career, family, new HIV testing campaign
Read full article: WATCH: Comedian AJ Rivas opens up about career, family, new HIV testing campaignComedian and social media influencer AJ Rivas sat down with KSAT to talk about his career, what inspires his characters and a new CDC campaign that helps the Latino community with HIV at-home testing.
From service to serving God: San Antonio nonprofit aims to help people overcome religious trauma
Read full article: From service to serving God: San Antonio nonprofit aims to help people overcome religious traumaFrom the service industry to serving Jesus, Nico Bonner is working to help people with religious trauma heal in the San Antonio and Houston communities.
Thrive Youth Center partners with San Antonio businesses to raise funds during Pride Month
Read full article: Thrive Youth Center partners with San Antonio businesses to raise funds during Pride MonthThrive Youth Center is partnering with several businesses in the area to raise funds for Pride Month, furthering its mission of transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ homeless young adults.
Backstage: Classic Theatre brings ‘The Boys in the Band’ play to San Antonio
Read full article: Backstage: Classic Theatre brings ‘The Boys in the Band’ play to San AntonioThis Pride Month, Classic Theatre revived “The Boys in the Band,” a 1960s play about identity and relationships in the gay community.
Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade organizers seek hundreds of volunteers
Read full article: Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade organizers seek hundreds of volunteersPride San Antonio, which organizes the Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade, is in need of hundreds of volunteers for the upcoming event in late June.
Local LGBTQ-owned, allied business encouraged to apply for community impact grants
Read full article: Local LGBTQ-owned, allied business encouraged to apply for community impact grantsThe San Antonio LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Grubhub Community Fund to provide assistance grants to local LGBTQ-owned and allied restaurants, cafes and bars that serve food.
San Antonio artist to open new retrospective exhibition at Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio
Read full article: San Antonio artist to open new retrospective exhibition at Mexican Cultural Institute San AntonioSan Antonio-based renowned artist Anel Flores is opening a new retrospective exhibition featuring her work and that of eight other artists from San Antonio’s queer community at the Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio.
South Texas Pride: West San Antonio native cast on season 9 of ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars’
Read full article: South Texas Pride: West San Antonio native cast on season 9 of ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars’San Antonio West Side native Jorge Meza, also known as the drag performer Jorgeous, is “sashaying” back to the small screen after being cast on the ninth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: SA LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly events for entrepreneurs
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: SA LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly events for entrepreneursThe San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce connects local business owners and entrepreneurs with resources and monthly events. Executive Director Luis Vasquez joined South Texas Pride to discuss ways to participate and how the chamber helps.
South Texas Pride Podcast: Moments from San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ history
Read full article: South Texas Pride Podcast: Moments from San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ historyIn this episode of the South Texas Pride podcast, we spoke with UTSA Special Collections assistant archivist Melissa Gohlke to discuss local LGBTQ+ history and the many contributions that queer people have made to our city.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Top SA drag performer makes history by running for River Walk Queen
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Top SA drag performer makes history by running for River Walk QueenKristi Waters is making history by being the first drag performer in San Antonio to run for River Walk Queen.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Queerency offers the latest on money moves in LGBTQ+ economy
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Queerency offers the latest on money moves in LGBTQ+ economyTravers Johnson, founder and CEO of Queerency, joined the South Texas Pride Podcast to discuss how his publication offers the latest coverage on money moves in the LGBTQ+ economy. He also talked about the 2023 Corporate Pride Tracker and the Big Book of Queer Business.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: DEI growth leader discusses expanding queer visibility in workplace, growth strategies
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: DEI growth leader discusses expanding queer visibility in workplace, growth strategiesBlue Flores -- a growth-to-market advisor, digital nomad and DEI growth leader -- joined the South Texas Pride Podcast to discuss challenges and efforts to expand queer visibility in the workplace, as well as personal growth strategies.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Comedian AJ Rivas shares social media origins, how life changed after going viral
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Comedian AJ Rivas shares social media origins, how life changed after going viralDigital creator, influencer, and comedian A.J. Rivas joined this week’s South Texas Pride Podcast to discuss his social media origins, how his life changed after going viral, and his upcoming Pride comedy show.
Pride on the Eastside Festival provides community with HIV educational awareness, resources
Read full article: Pride on the Eastside Festival provides community with HIV educational awareness, resourcesPart of Pride Month is having difficult conversations about LGBTQ+ issues and replacing negative stigmas with educational awareness. The Pride on the Eastside Festival did just that in a fun and empowering way on Saturday.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Pride Center San Antonio celebrates 2023 icons at annual brunch event
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE PODCAST: Pride Center San Antonio celebrates 2023 icons at annual brunch eventRobert Salcido, executive director of Pride Center San Antonio, joined Episode 1 of the South Texas Pride Podcast to discuss the upcoming Icons Brunch.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio expanding physical footprint, mental health services
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio expanding physical footprint, mental health servicesThe Pride Center San Antonio is expanding its physical footprint to offer more services to the local LGBTQ+ community.
Meet the first transgender military training instructor in United States Air Force
Read full article: Meet the first transgender military training instructor in United States Air ForceBrandon Rodriguez is a military training instructor for the 321st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland and has been serving for over a decade.
KSAT Digital Journalist Ivan Herrera named 2022 Media Icon by Pride Center of San Antonio
Read full article: KSAT Digital Journalist Ivan Herrera named 2022 Media Icon by Pride Center of San AntonioKSAT Digital Journalist Ivan Herrera has been named the 2022 Media Icon by the San Antonio Pride Center.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio invites community to family-friendly events this summer
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio invites community to family-friendly events this summerPride Center San Antonio will host several events during Pride Month in June and later this summer for families to enjoy.
South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio to host first-ever Pride Month river parade in mid-June
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio to host first-ever Pride Month river parade in mid-JuneThis year’s Pride Month will feature the first-ever Bud Light Pride River Parade by Visit San Antonio on June 18. Maggie Thompson, director of River Walk operations, joined this episode of the South Texas Pride Q&A series to discuss more about the parade and what visitors can expect.
South Texas Pride Q&A: West Side native cast on internationally acclaimed ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: West Side native cast on internationally acclaimed ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’San Antonio West Side native Jorgeous, has “sashayed” onto television sets all across the nation after being cast on the award-winning series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for the show's 14th season.
A look back: Best of South Texas Pride in 2021
Read full article: A look back: Best of South Texas Pride in 2021In late 2021, KSAT revamped the South Texas Pride series to bring viewers more long-form content full-length Q&As. We highlighted some stories that made a difference to the local LGBTQ+ community, as well as state, national and even international communities.
South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio native Ada Vox thrusts back into national spotlight on ‘Queen of the Universe’ competition
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio native Ada Vox thrusts back into national spotlight on ‘Queen of the Universe’ competitionSan Antonio native Ada Vox is once again thrusting into the spotlight to showcase her singing chops in the new Paramount+ competition “Queen of the Universe,” which premieres Dec. 2.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Nonprofit organization improves quality of life of young LGBTQ+ people, parents in San Antonio area
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Nonprofit organization improves quality of life of young LGBTQ+ people, parents in San Antonio areaA local nonprofit organization is working to improve the lives of young LGBTQ+ people and their parents in the San Antonio area.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio offers mental health services, resources to LGBTQ+ community members, families
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio offers mental health services, resources to LGBTQ+ community members, familiesPride Center San Antonio is offering mental health services and other resources to LGBTQ+ community members seeking help. Watch this week's South Texas Pride Q&A to learn more.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Del Rio mayor gives performance of a lifetime for community on HBO’s ‘We’re Here’
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Del Rio mayor gives performance of a lifetime for community on HBO’s ‘We’re Here’The town of Del Rio was shaken up by drag performances from their very own mayor and LGBTQ+ community members who were part of the Emmy-nominated HBO show “We’re Here.”
South Texas Pride Q&A: Statewide advocacy organization fights against anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the Legislature
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: Statewide advocacy organization fights against anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the LegislatureAdvocates for the LGBTQ+ community say they are fighting to keep transgender children from losing their ability to participate in sports at school and fighting a number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the Texas Legislature.
South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio talent competition gives drag performers a chance to shine locally
Read full article: South Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio talent competition gives drag performers a chance to shine locallySan Antonio is brimming with new local drag talent, and one competition is helping entertainers strut their stuff in front of a live audience.
KSAT 12 only Texas TV station to receive ‘excellent’ rating in GLAAD’s Local Media Accountability Index for 2021
Read full article: KSAT 12 only Texas TV station to receive ‘excellent’ rating in GLAAD’s Local Media Accountability Index for 2021KSAT 12 is one of three Texas media outlets and the only TV station to receive an “excellent” rating in the latest report from GLAAD, a national media monitoring organization that works against discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community.
Iconic rainbow crosswalk in gay business district getting a brand new install
Read full article: Iconic rainbow crosswalk in gay business district getting a brand new installThe iconic rainbow crosswalk that was installed back in 2018 in the heart of the gay business district in San Antonio in the Main Avenue strip was replaced with a fresh new installation on Monday.
‘It’s a chance to celebrate diversity’: Pride Bigger than Texas celebration goes virtual for second year
Read full article: ‘It’s a chance to celebrate diversity’: Pride Bigger than Texas celebration goes virtual for second yearPride Bigger Than Texas will be going virtual for the second year in a row and organizers believe support has never been more important.
LGBTQ+ nonprofit rebounds strong with postponed Fiesta fundraiser
Read full article: LGBTQ+ nonprofit rebounds strong with postponed Fiesta fundraiserAfter more than a year without hosting in-person meetings and their biggest fundraising events, the nonprofit Fiesta Youth is back and better than ever.
Second annual Family Pride Night to be held at Madison Square Park on Tuesday
Read full article: Second annual Family Pride Night to be held at Madison Square Park on TuesdayThe second annual ‘Family Pride Night” will take place at Madison Square Park on Tuesday and include live music and LGBTQIA+-owned food and craft vendors, according to a news release.
‘I couldn’t breathe anymore’: San Antonio drag queen hopes to grace stage again after long battle with COVID-19
Read full article: ‘I couldn’t breathe anymore’: San Antonio drag queen hopes to grace stage again after long battle with COVID-19A months-long battle with COVID-19 isn’t stopping one San Antonio drag performer from making a comeback to the stage later this year.
‘I was being targeted’: Bexar County judge fighting to get rainbow Pride flag back into her courtroom
Read full article: ‘I was being targeted’: Bexar County judge fighting to get rainbow Pride flag back into her courtroomBexar County Court Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is awaiting her own day in court after she was forced to remove the rainbow Pride flag and other items from her courtroom in 2019.
Pride Bigger than Texas virtual celebration to include ‘Drag Race’ stars, Tejano singer Shelly Lares, local entertainers
Read full article: Pride Bigger than Texas virtual celebration to include ‘Drag Race’ stars, Tejano singer Shelly Lares, local entertainersThis year’s Pride Bigger than Texas celebration will be held virtually and will include special celebrity guests and other community performers who will be remoting into the show live.
Pride Center offers new free group therapy for LGBTQ youth of color, Spanish speakers
Read full article: Pride Center offers new free group therapy for LGBTQ youth of color, Spanish speakersThe free program will cater to young people of color and Spanish speakers in the queer community. Salcido stayed true to himself, eventually becoming the executive director of the Pride Center of San Antonio. However, the second pilot counseling group, which is for adults 18 and older who speak Spanish, still has spots available. AdThe Pride Center will use research done during these eight-week counseling sessions to mold more group counseling programs for the future. To sign up for the Spanish speaking group, head to the Pride Center website’s group therapy page.
‘People saw her as a matriarch’: San Antonio woman leaves lasting legacy as LGBTQ+ pioneer
Read full article: ‘People saw her as a matriarch’: San Antonio woman leaves lasting legacy as LGBTQ+ pioneerSAN ANTONIO – Many would call Nickie Valdez an inspiration to others. She said Nickie was one of the first openly gay women in San Antonio. In the 1970′s she co-founded Dignity San Antonio, one of the longest running LGBTQ+ organizations in the city. She was passionate about her community and that was evidenced by her steadfast support of many LGBTQ+ organizations, causes, and initiatives. Pride Center San Antonio celebrates her life and share our condolences with her family, friends, and her partner Deb”.
‘Shimi was my role model’: Community mourns beloved performance artist, LGBTQ+ social justice champion
Read full article: ‘Shimi was my role model’: Community mourns beloved performance artist, LGBTQ+ social justice championMessages of love poured in on social media after her friend and longtime neighbor Cherise Rohr Allegrini announced her passing. Her beauty, her grace, her spirit, her bad-ass woman, her fight for social justice, for art, for women, for people of color, for righteousness,” Rohr Allegrini wrote on Facebook. Rohr Allegrini met S.T. She spoke her mind, even when it was hard to hear, but then you wanted more,” Rohr Allegrini said. Her support and encouragement, her teaching about intersectionality and how to incorporate that into art was impactful,” Rohr Allegrini said.
LGBTQ-owned bakery delivering sweetness to customers during times of hardship in San Antonio
Read full article: LGBTQ-owned bakery delivering sweetness to customers during times of hardship in San AntonioSAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: This story is part of KSAT’s South Texas Pride series, which focuses on LGBTQ+ stories. The help for the community hasn’t stopped from Cereal Killer Sweets' end. Cereal Killer Sweets has also helped LGBTQ+ organizations that support local youth. (COURTESY: Cereal Killer Sweets)As for the future, Morales says it’s all about creating a safe space for the community and serving others. “Of course, we’re going to continue to push nationwide, all of those shipments and sales as well, but just sticking with our San Antonio community.”Morales also reflected on her year running Cereal Killer Sweets.
San Antonios Pride Bigger than Texas festival to keep LGBTQ+ community connected digitally this Saturday
Read full article: San Antonios Pride Bigger than Texas festival to keep LGBTQ+ community connected digitally this SaturdayJames Poindexter, secretary of Pride San Antonio and event organizer of Pride Bigger than Texas Virtual 2020 - Celebrate PRIDE365, said the events official name change this year has an important meaning. And were going to have shoutouts from community leaders, elected officials.SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: Drag shows go digital in South TexasPoindexter says organizing a digital Pride festival didn't come without its share of difficulties. "We feel that this is absolutely our best effort that we're putting forth with this virtual event," Poindexter continued. Click here for more information on the Pride Bigger than Texas Virtual 2020 lineup, as well as more information on how you can watch the event. PLEASE SHARE---PLEASE SHARE---PLEASE SHARE Pride Bigger Than Texas Virtual 2020-Celebrate PRIDE 365 Live on Facebook and... Posted by Pride San Antonio on Thursday, June 25, 2020KSAT-TV EXTRA: Bittersweet moments mark Pride 2020; LGBTQ+ community continues fighting for change
KSAT-TV EXTRA: Bittersweet moments mark Pride 2020; LGBTQ+ community continues fighting for change
Read full article: KSAT-TV EXTRA: Bittersweet moments mark Pride 2020; LGBTQ+ community continues fighting for changeBlack queer lives are Black lives. If were gonna talk about Black lives mattering, we need to talk about all Black lives, the organizer said. The organizer explained why a big part of these marches are focused on transgender women of color. This Pride Month has been bittersweet for the community as they continue fighting for basic human rights. RELATED: Pride San Antonio announces digital festival for 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemicDrag shows go digital in South Texas
Drag shows go digital in South Texas
Read full article: Drag shows go digital in South TexasThat kind of brought me up a little bit.Tencha La Jefa decided to follow in the steps of other queens and put on his own digital drag show. From drag brunches to club dance floors, he has also had to dabble in the world of digital drag to continue his performing career during the pandemic. Andrews said before the closures of venues went into effect, people started being more cautious when attending drag shows. We still had out dedicated fanbase they were so supportive.Digital drag shows allowed Andrews to continue performing beyond the closures and give the fans a party online. (Miss Toni Andrews)Jacob Ramirez/Jodie GalileiJacob Ramirez, who goes by the stage name Jodie Galilei when performing in drag, has been working to put on his second digital drag show for his company, NuQueer & Co.
June marks 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions in the US
Read full article: June marks 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions in the USSAN ANTONIO June 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions in the United States, and Monday is the first day of Pride Month. The first Pride March was held in New York City on June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, according to the LOC. In San Antonio, drag queen Tencha La Jefa is no stranger to Pride performances. Me being older, when I first came to San Antonio, Pride was small here, Tencha La Jefa said. To me, Pride Month -- Pride period -- nowadays, the way things are, is just living life to the fullest and being able to be you and being able to be yourself, being accepted by so many people.
Pride San Antonio announces digital festival for 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Pride San Antonio announces digital festival for 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemicSAN ANTONIO The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of several Pride Festival celebrations. However, in San Antonio, the event is going digital this year. In an effort to maximize the safety and wellbeing of our community and to continue to control the spread of COVID-19 we have opted to move Pride Bigger Than Texas 2020 to a virtual platform, Pride San Antonio said in a statement on its website. Pride Bigger Than Texas 2020 will stream online Saturday, June 27th. To learn more about the festival, visit Pride San Antonios website by clicking here.
Two SA companies score 100% for LGBTQ workplace equality
Read full article: Two SA companies score 100% for LGBTQ workplace equalitySAN ANTONIO – The non-profit, Human Rights Campaign, just released its annual Corporate Equality Index, which grades companies across the nation on their level of inclusion for LGBTQ employees. Two San Antonio companies received perfect scores this year: Rackspace and USAA. "I think we both experienced that before Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed. HRC puts together an annual Corporate Equality Index, which uses a list of criteria to rate companies on inclusivity. We’re asking you to understand it and respect it in the workplace,” said USAA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jason Kamiya.
Backstage- Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Read full article: Backstage- Priscilla, Queen of the DesertThe Woodlawn Theatre is bringing the Australian outback to San Antonio with their production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The show is based on the 1994 movie of the same name. During the run of the show, the Woodlawn Theatre is collecting toiletries to benefit the SA Aids Foundation. The musical does contain adult themes and language, and the theater suggest patrons be over 18. The show runs every weekend until November 4th and tickets range from $18-$30.
SLIDESHOW: 2018 Pride "Bigger Than Texas" at Crockett Park
Read full article: SLIDESHOW: 2018 Pride "Bigger Than Texas" at Crockett ParkIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.
SLIDESHOW: Pride Bigger Than Texas 2019 Festival and Parade
Read full article: SLIDESHOW: Pride Bigger Than Texas 2019 Festival and ParadeIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.
Eliminating the threat of HIV in SA one finger-prick at a time
Read full article: Eliminating the threat of HIV in SA one finger-prick at a timeAs part of KSAT’s South Texas Pride series, BEAT AIDS showed how easy it is to take an HIV test and what you should do once you know your results. How easy is it to take an HIV test? Several organizations in Bexar County, including the Metropolitan Health District, BEAT AIDS and the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, offer HIV testing for free or at a low cost. “Don't have any embarrassment, get treated, get with a medical provider.”If your test results are negative, experts say you should seek preventative measures. Eradicating the virusSan Antonio and Bexar County joined the Fast-Track Cities Initiative last December in an effort to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Local transgender woman, father featured in national ad
Read full article: Local transgender woman, father featured in national adSAN ANTONIO – Currently in the United States, 1.4 million people identify as transgender, according to a 2015 U.S. Transgender survey. It's a statistic that has grown every year, but many transgender individuals still face many obstacles. Jessica Zyrie and her father, Dwayne Price, are hoping their story will help other families. Their inspirational story is now being featured in a national GLAAD and Absolut Vodka campaign about acceptance. "Today, I know there's a lot more support, but there's still a long way to go," Zyrie said.
Presidential candidate, former Mayor Julián Castro to march in SA's Pride parade
Read full article: Presidential candidate, former Mayor Julián Castro to march in SA's Pride paradeSAN ANTONIO – Presidential candidate and former Mayor Julián Castro will march in San Antonio's Pride Parade on Saturday. Castro's campaign manager confirmed to KSAT's Steve Spriester on the return to his hometown for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade. I just confirmed that Presidential Candidate and former SA Mayor @JulianCastro will be marching in the San Antonio Pride Parade tomorrow. #KSATnews — Steve Spriester (@stevespriester) June 29, 2019His arrival comes less than 72 hours after Castro and other presidential candidates squared off in the first Democratic debate. For more information on the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade, click here.
San Antonio closes out Pride month with Pride Bigger Than Texas event
Read full article: San Antonio closes out Pride month with Pride Bigger Than Texas eventSAN ANTONIO – Pride month is going out with a bang this weekend in San Antonio. The Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade will start at 11 a.m. and run till 7 p.m. Saturday. Starting at 8:45 p.m., the Krystal Kelly Running of the Queens High Heel Race will commence, acting as the official kickoff for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. Those running in the race will be competing for many prizes including a VIP pass to the Bonham Exchange. Serving as 2019 Pride Bigger than Texas parade grand marshals will be Autumn Summers, who has raised over $1 million for local charities and has worked in the drag world for 38 years and Gene Elder, who managed the well-known gay bar San Antonio Country and will be serving posthumously.
Drag King troupe hosts bilingual story time for local families
Read full article: Drag King troupe hosts bilingual story time for local familiesOn Saturday, a troupe of drag kings welcomed San Antonio families to join in on their bilingual story time event. The group read a book called “They Call Me Mix” in English and Spanish in hopes of teaching tolerance and acceptance.
Pride Month events in San Antonio
Read full article: Pride Month events in San AntonioSAN ANTONIO – In recognition of Pride Month, several events are happening around the Alamo City to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Central LibraryThe Central Library is featuring the “Out and Proud in San Antonio: Pride Celebrations across the Years,” exhibit until July 31 in the Chihuly area. Pride Center San Antonio Icon BrunchPride Center San Antonio will host its first Icon Brunch on June 23. LGBTQ Ally Pride MixerThe Pride Center San Antonio and PFLAG San Antonio will host an LGBTQ Ally Pride Mixer from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 28 at the Pride Center, located at 1303 McCullough Ave., Suite 160. Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and ParadePride San Antonio will host the annual Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade on June 29.
San Antonio kicks off pride month with Family Pride celebration
Read full article: San Antonio kicks off pride month with Family Pride celebrationSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio will celebrate its LGBTQ community on Saturday during the fifth annual Family Pride at Market Square event. The celebration will begin at noon and will include live music, vendors and plenty of food, along with informational booths for all visitors of the festival and will end at 6 p.m.Saturday's line up for the 5th Annual Family Pride at Market Square! Posted by Historic Market Square on Friday, May 31, 2019The event is co-sponsored by the San Antonio Metro Health Department, each of the following organizations will be represented:City of San Antonio Metro Health STD DivisionHuman Rights Campaign or HRCThrive Youth CenterPFLAG San AntonioUnitarian ChurchTransAllies SAPride Center San AntonioBEAT AIDSSan Antonio AIDS Foundation or SAAFAlamo Area Resource Center or AARCFestivities will continue into Sunday, with fiesta foods, more live music, specialty artists and specialty vendors, starting at noon and ending again at 6 p.m.For more information, you can visit the event’s Facebook page here.
BCSO liaison program bridging the gap between law enforcement, community
Read full article: BCSO liaison program bridging the gap between law enforcement, communityStephanie Flores wasn’t always protecting our city from criminals and working as the LGBTQ liaison for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a way to assure the LGBTQ community that it’s not alone when dealing with situations that can sometimes be dangerous. The Sheriff's Office asks community members if there's a bigger need for law enforcement in their area and just asks general questions to make sure they feel safe. We have an animal rights activist, or a liaison, so it just can go in so many different directions, Flores said. “And especially as (the LGBTQ) community is also expanding in different aspects, we also have to expand within that community.”For more South Texas Pride stories, visit KSAT.com/SouthTexasPride.
Pride Center of SA launches project to facilitate transgender document change process
Read full article: Pride Center of SA launches project to facilitate transgender document change processThe Pride Center of San Antonio is trying to change that by holding its first free clinic Saturday in order to ease that legal process for the transgender community. It’s a process that Jamie Zapata, a transgender woman, said is important for her community. Robert Salcido, executive director of the Pride Center, said it can be an expensive and very difficult process. The clinic will be going through Travis County, which has a much more streamlined process than Bexar County. Salcido said Pride Center officials will also be talking with Bexar County judges in the future in an attempt to make it a more uniform process for the transgender community.
Fiesta Youth to hold open house event Saturday to celebrate new expanded space
Read full article: Fiesta Youth to hold open house event Saturday to celebrate new expanded spaceSAN ANTONIO – Fiesta Youth, San Antonio’s largest LGBTQ youth organization, will be hosting an open house event Saturday to celebrate the organization’s new, expanded space. The event will include a tour of the new facility, food, special speakers and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests will be able to visit with organizations and businesses such as the Thrive Youth Center, PFLAG, San Antonio Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Fiesta Youth, which was founded in 2013, said its mission is to “provide a safe, non-judgmental, affirming place for LGBTQ young people to express and explore who they are through education, peer-support, advocacy, and friendship.”The event will be held from 1-4 p.m. at Woodlawn Point: A Center of Community at 702 Donaldson Ave.Fiesta Youth activities will begin at the new location April 2.
Pride Center expands hours, programs for LGBTQ youth, older adults
Read full article: Pride Center expands hours, programs for LGBTQ youth, older adultsSAN ANTONIO – The Pride Center is expanding the programs and hours to better serve youth and older adults in the LGBTQ community. The Center said LGBTQ students are at greater risk for truancy, depression and anxiety than their straight, cisgender peers. It also said LGBTQ older adults are twice as likely to live alone, making them vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, which is why the center is expanding its programs. The program offers a place for youth to do homework, socialize with other LGBTQ youth, use the cyber center and/or play games. The Center, in partnership with Older Adults Technology Services, also offers free technology courses for adults 60 and older.
Organization releases report detailing state of equality for LGBTQ Texans
Read full article: Organization releases report detailing state of equality for LGBTQ TexansAUSTIN, Texas – Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization that works to secure equality for LGBTQ Texans, released a new report Wednesday that details the state of equality for those individuals. The organization said despite this, some LGBTQ Texans are still struggling to access their right to vote. Equality Texas said it is supporting Senate Bill 151, House Bill 244 and House Bill 254, which are comprehensive nondiscrimination bills that have been filed in the Texas Legislature. To access the full report by Equality Texas, click here. To see Equality Texas’ new conference, click on the video below.
Members of LGBTQ community want say in future protective city policies
Read full article: Members of LGBTQ community want say in future protective city policiesSAN ANTONIO – Members of San Antonio’s LGBTQ community said they want to have a say in future city policies that will help protect them. She said San Antonio has made great strides in becoming more welcoming of the LGBTQ community, but more needs to be done to protect victims of crimes. According to the FBI, in 2016, there were 10 hate crimes reported by participating Bexar County law enforcement agencies. In 2017, there were six hate crimes reported, but none were connected to sexual orientation or gender identity. The board will continue to meet with the mayor, but it wants the board to become permanent so that the LGBTQ community can have a place at the table when policies are formed in the future under new leadership.
Pride Crosswalk Pilot could lead to Community Crosswalk Program
Read full article: Pride Crosswalk Pilot could lead to Community Crosswalk ProgramAs an alternative to the “Crosswalk Program,” infrastructure located beyond the limits of traffic travel lanes could be themed, such as sidewalks, traffic signal cabinets, banners, and murals. The policy framework outlines the City of San Antonio’s Community Crosswalk Program requirements. “The pilot revealed that symbolic, artistic displays like the Pride Crosswalk have a place in our community,” said Councilman Roberto Treviño. “If approved, the Community Crosswalk Program will add so much vibrancy and meaning to ordinary infrastructure throughout San Antonio. Thank you to 'Guardians of the Crosswalk' for their efforts to keep the crosswalk looking good!”
Local LGBTQ, AIDS nonprofit leaders weigh in on president's plan to eradicate HIV in US by 2030
Read full article: Local LGBTQ, AIDS nonprofit leaders weigh in on president's plan to eradicate HIV in US by 2030Local leaders with the LGBTQ community and the nonprofit BEAT AIDS said it's a good first step, but it will take work to get to that goal. Michelle Durham, with BEAT AIDS, said it's a doable plan since there is already a national HIV/AIDS strategy to end the virus by 2030. Durham said there are about 7,000 people who currently have HIV or AIDS in San Antonio and 1.2 million in the country. BEAT AIDS is inviting the community to a free luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church. February 7th is National HIV / AIDS Awareness Day!
South Texas PRIDE: Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day
Read full article: South Texas PRIDE: Oct. 11 is National Coming Out DaySAN ANTONIO – Thursday is National Coming Out Day. KSAT 12 asked people in the South Texas LGBTQIA community to share their stories of how they came out, and how they felt when they were finally able to express themselves and be accepted by their friends, families and colleagues. National Coming Out Day was first observed 30 years ago. According to the Human Right Campaign, one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian -- and for transgender people, that number is only one in 10.
South Texas PRIDE: Fiesta Youth expands support program for LGBTQIA youth
Read full article: South Texas PRIDE: Fiesta Youth expands support program for LGBTQIA youthWe wanted to make sure that we were reaching all parts of the city," said Darrell Garcia Parsons, Fiesta Youth board president. Every Tuesday, Fiesta Youth holds meetings for children ages 12 to 18 at 6:30 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church near Trinity University at 300 Bushnell. We let them hang out for about 15 minutes, get to catch up on their week," Garcia Parsons said. The one safe place they need besides this place, besides Fiesta Youth, is their own home." Alcocer said Fiesta Youth provides a safe space for those kids to speak up and express themselves -- free from judgment.
Back-to-school event for transgender students set for Saturday
Read full article: Back-to-school event for transgender students set for SaturdayZapata said 30 years ago, she was punished and bullied for wearing a dress and even threatened with her life. “High school kids were planning to lure me to some party to figure out what I was, make me strip and then kill me," she said. She said attitudes continue to evolve, but life is still difficult for many transgender youth. “You have it at school, then you have it at home and you have it online, on social media," Zapata said. Allow your loved one to live their truth.”Jazzmine Dunn, a transgender student who wants to become an inventor or artist, said the following about her classmates:“They don’t really care.
Traveling art exhibit featuring LGBTQ artists from Texas stops in San Antonio
Read full article: Traveling art exhibit featuring LGBTQ artists from Texas stops in San AntonioSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio is the latest stop for a traveling art exhibit that highlights LGBTQ artists from Texas. Arttitude has had five shows in McAllen, Dallas, Austin and now San Antonio. “The papel picado (decorative tissue paper) is very much San Antonio. I think that there is currently an absence of women artists, and if there’s an absence of women artists, then there’s an absence of queer artists. There’s an absence of gender nonconforming artists … an absence of trans artists.”The exhibit was made possible by partnerships with San Antonio organizations, including Galeria E.V.A., The Pride Center San Antonio, Kind Clinic and LULAC: Act Against AIDS.
SA researchers seek interview subjects for 'resiliency' study in LGBTQ community
Read full article: SA researchers seek interview subjects for 'resiliency' study in LGBTQ communitySAN ANTONIO – A trio of San Antonio researchers launched a study on resiliency in the local LGBTQ community, and they're looking for people to interview. SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: San Antonio church walks the walk of advocacy and inclusivityThe title of their project is "San Antonio Strengthening Colors of Pride." A short survey to determine each applicant's qualifications is available via Twitter and Facebook, and on the Pride Center San Antonio website. After the first round of interviews, the study will broaden to reach a larger group within the San Antonio LGBTQ community. "Our next phase next year will be conducting a really large survey, which has never really been done in San Antonio," Stone said.
Thousands line downtown for PRIDE Bigger than Texas Parade
Read full article: Thousands line downtown for PRIDE Bigger than Texas ParadeSAN ANTONIO – Thousandsof people lined the streets of downtown San Antonio on Saturday night for the PRIDE Bigger than Texas Parade. The parade culminated a full day of events to celebrate the LGBTQ community in the Alamo City. The theme of the festival, which was held all day Saturday, and the parade was "Stand up, stand out, be counted." Autumn Summers of Pride San Antonio said the festival and parade helped celebrate the city's Tricentennial and said it's about appreciating how far the LGBTQ community has come in the Alamo City. Proceeds from the events will help benefit Pride San Antonio, which will disperse funds to charities that help the LGBTQ community.
SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: LGBTQ Advisory Committee works toward improving quality of life
Read full article: SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: LGBTQ Advisory Committee works toward improving quality of lifeSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio's LGBTQ Advisory Committee is working toward improving the quality of life for members of the local LGBTQ community. Erick Macias is a member on the committee and an advocate for the transgender community. He did not know he could get his gender marker officially changed to read male on all of his documents. He only learned about the option through a friend in the transgender community. He wants to make sure the city recognizes that the transgender community exists.
New rainbow crosswalk excites Main Avenue strip regulars
Read full article: New rainbow crosswalk excites Main Avenue strip regularsIt feels like a safe space,” said Gabriel Martinez, a Main Avenue strip regular. You know, we’re here.”Installed Wednesday at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, the sidewalks are in place just in time for the San Antonio Pride Parade on Saturday. The location is at the heart of the gay business district and the Main Avenue strip, which holds a special place in the city’s LGBTQ community. The same crosswalks were decorated in rainbow colors ahead of last year’s Pride Parade, but only in chalk. In June 2017, District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino requested that the City Council consider installing a “Pride-themed rainbow crosswalk” at the intersection.