Originally published in the San Antonio Current. Councilman Ron Nirenberg unseated incumbent Mayor Ivy Taylor in a heated runoff election for San Antonio mayor Saturday night. “Tonight the voters got it right,” Nirenberg told the crowd gathered at his election headquarters Saturday night. “Tonight the voters rejected the politics of division and false choices. They…
Texas lawmakers, “bathroom bill” opponents prepare for round two
By Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune June 6, 2017 Among the Elder family’s dinnertime conversations last year was nailing down which sports their son Ben wanted to try out over the summer. This summer, another conversation topic — whether their 11-year-old transgender son will lose the right to use the boys’ bathroom at school —…
Public Library Slates Pride Month Events
The San Antonio Public Library announced a list of events it is sponsoring in observance of Pride Month. This is the seventh year the library has presented such a series. A statement on the library’s web site explains the aim of the June observance: “The diversity of San Antonio goes beyond ethnic and racial lines,…
Rey Lopez Birthday Bash Promises an ‘Eleganza Extravaganza’
Since its 2012 premiere at the Bonham Exchange, the annual Rey Lopez Birthday Bash has featured appearances by some of the top performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race. This year’s extravaganza on July 28 pairs established fan favorites like Raja alongside newcomers Naomi Smalls and Valentina. Raven and Jujubee (AKA Team Rujubee) and Puerto Rican beauties…
Celebrating the Vital Work of Community Leader Andrea Figueroa
A lot of people take time off between high school and college. Most don’t end up playing in a band in L.A, but that was the start of Andrea Figueroa’s path to becoming the executive director of the Martinez Street Women’s Center (MSWC). Not-for-profit work was not part of her original life plan, but now…
Police Say Riverwalk Death of Trans Woman Was Homicide
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. April first met Kenne McFadden when they were eighth graders at Kirby Middle School, some 14 years ago. She described the 12-year-old as “goofy and uplifting.” “[McFadden] always kept us smiling and laughing,” April told the Current. (She asked to only be identified by her first name.) They…
‘Golden Glee Cub’ Returns for Summer Engagement
The Golden Glee Club will return for a second engagement at Woodlawn Pointe after a successful premiere in April. Directed by Greg Hinojosa, The Golden Glee Club, tells the story of four older ladies who decide it’s time to get off their rockers and start a glee club. The production is based on the 1980’s…
Richard Aste Leads the McNay into its Next Chapter
If you’re a frequent visitor to the McNay Art Museum, a follower of San Antonio arts and culture, or simply a person about town, you may know by now that the McNay has a new director. That director, Richard Aste — who is actually not so new anymore, having replaced 25-year director William J. Chiego…
Local Exhibitions Celebrate Diversity, Emphasize Humanity
In the wake of Kathy Griffin’s recent photo scandal, involving the fake severed head of President Donald Trump, artists around the country continue to speak out against the anti-immigrant and non-inclusive policies of the president’s administration. While most can agree that Griffin’s staged photo of a beheading crosses the line of decency, it no doubt…
Trans Youths Named Grand Marshals of SA Pride Parade
Pride San Antonio has named two transgender boys as Grand Marshals of the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade slated for July 1 along the Main Avenue Strip. Officials from Pride SA announced that 8-year-old Joe Maldonado of Secaucus, New Jersey, and 18-year old Mack Beggs of Euless, Texas were selected for their trailblazing efforts which…