When the Metropolitan Community Church of San Antonio holds its annual Love’s Day Dinner and Dance on February 22, it will be following a tradition started years ago by now-deceased activist Jim Isaman.
Isaman, who died in 2009, was the originator of the Love’s Day observance, which in years past included not only a dinner and dance but a Valentine’s Day commitment ceremony for same sex couples on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse.
Before his death Isaman expressed he wanted Love’s Day to continue as a fundraiser for MCC, so the church took over the dinner-dance and since his passing has hosted the annual event.
Isaman, who died from complications from AIDS died on May 21, 2009, was a fervent LGBTQ activist who was involved in over a dozen community groups including the board of the building committee for the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. In 1999 he was awarded the Community Service Award by the Human Rights Campaign.
In 1987, Isaman helped found the Lambda Students at UTSA and the San Antonio Lambda Students Alliance. His philosophy toward activism was embodied when he said, “The most important thing we can share with our next generation is our belief each of us has something immeasurable value to contribute to the world, and that this belief sustains all our hopes for the future.”
Isaman organized the 11th Annual Student Soire in 2000 and launched a fundraising campaign called the San Antonio Youth Delegation to send students to the Millennium March on Washington that year.
As one Love’s Day organizer told Out In SA, “We just want to recall Jim’s memory and fulfill his wish that this event continue after his passing.”
MCC San Antonio Love’s Day Dinner and Dance, Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Red Oak Ballroom, 618 Northwest Loop 410 in the Park North Shopping Center. Tickets are: $50 per person; $90 per couple; and $450 per table. Tickets available from board members or by calling (210) 472-3597.
