In what is called a “third reading,” the Texas Senate voted on March 15 to approve Senate Bill 6 which bars transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity and would prohibit local ordinances from protecting trans citizens from discrimination in public accommodations. The 21-10 vote include support from one Democrat, Sen.…
Tobin Center Anounces Melissa Etheridge Date
The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will present Melissa Etheridge on June 28. Known for her confessional lyrics and smoky vocals, Etheridge entered the music scene in 1988 and quickly garnered hits like Come to My Window and the Grammy Award-winning Ain’t it Heavy. In 1993, the singer came out as gay during the…
WOAI News Director Meets with Stonewall Board to Discuss SB6 Town Hall
The regional news director for the Sinclair Broadcast Group met with the board of directors of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio on March 13 to address the community’s concerns over a town hall which Sinclair held on March 9 to discuss the controversial Senate Bill 6 and during which supporters of the transgender community…
LGBTQ Activists Disrupt, Walk Out of WOAI “Debate” on Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. On Thursday night, WOAI’s Randy Beamer tried to host a “town hall” on Texas Senate Bill 6, the anti-trans measure that started to wind its way through the legislature this week. It did not go well. After about 15 minutes of discussion, LGBTQ activists and allies had heard…
Women of Color Art Show Marks Esperanza Anniversary
An exhibit of artwork by women of color which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is set to open on March 25. Aqui Estamos y No Nos Vamos (We’re Here and Not Leaving) will feature the work of over 40 women artists. The exhibit is timed to coincide with San…
SA Singer Raising Funds to Bring Water to Flint, MI Residents
San Antonio neo-soul singer Alyson Alonzo has started a GoFundMe campaign to buy bottled water for the residents of Flint, Michigan. Alonzo, who will perform at the Hispanic Technology and Community Center in Flint on May 6, hopes to raise $3,000 to rent a U-Haul and load it with bottled water. On her GoFundMe page…
Texas “Bathroom Bill” Endangers Trans People, Protects No One
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. This week, trans individuals, their loved ones and members of their community showed up at the Texas state capitol to lobby and voice their opposition to Senate Bill 6, also known as the bathroom bill. I tried my best to watch a live stream of the bill’s hearing,…
Carole King Musical to Make SA Premiere
The songs of Carole King have been recorded by artists across every genre from pop princess Mandy Moore to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. King’s 1971 album, Tapestry, featuring the classic singles Beautiful and I Feel the Earth Move, is one of the biggest sellers of all time and set a gold standard for songwriters…
Living Church Pastor Joseph Garret Talks Compassion, Affirmation and Celebration
Let’s face it: We live in a world where organized religion has been increasingly weaponized. We have been confronted with growing amounts of hate in the name of spiritual belief systems and practice. I’ve had multiple clients and friends tell me that they have fallen away from the faith of their youth for multiple reasons.…
Democratic State Senator Says He Supports Bathroom Bill
Democratic state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville announced at a press conference on March 6 that he will vote in support of Senate Bill 6, the so-called bathroom bill being championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. SB6 bars transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity and would prohibit local ordinances…