Originally published in the San Antonio Current. It’s been three years since San Antonio’s LGBT community has had an ally in the mayor’s office. During her time in office, former Mayor Ivy R. Taylor did little to recognize the existence of her LGBT constituents, let alone support them. She called 2013’s non-discrimination ordinance — a…
After Election, LGBT Allies Fill Majority of City Council Seats
While the defeat of Mayor Ivy R. Taylor by Councilman Ron Nirenberg in the runoff election has been widely cheered by San Antonio’s LGBT voters, there are other reasons for celebration considering the majority of City Council seats will be occupied by allies of the community. In a speech to LGBT supporters on May 21,…
Ron Nirenberg Wins Mayoral Runoff Election
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…
Who Do You Want to be Mayor? Early Voting Starts Today!
Early voting for the June 10 runoff election begins on Tuesday, May 30 and ends Tuesday, June 6. Polling sites include the Bexar County Justice Center along with scores of other locations. The runoff includes races for mayor and for City Council seats in Districts 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10. Below is the…
Dancing as a Cure for Poison Ivy (Taylor)
Almost one hundred people from the LGBT and allied community brought their protest to Mayor Ivy R. Taylor’s home for 45 minutes of joyous dancing in Dignowity Park on the evening of May 27. There were no speeches or angry words. Just the sound of music and laughter — all of which took place across…
SA Mom Organizes ‘Gay Pride Flash Mob’ to Dance in Park Across From Mayor’s House
With the mayoral election just two weeks away, one local activist is inviting the LGBT and allied community to participate in a flash mob dance in Dignowity Park across the street from Mayor Ivy R. Taylor’s house. The May 27 event is being organized by Rosey Abuabara who says it is meant to be a…
In Mayor’s Former District, Council Candidates Support the NDO
Four years ago, when Mayor Ivy R. Taylor was still the City Councilwoman for District 2, she said her vote against the nondiscrimination ordinance reflected not only her beliefs but also those of her constituents. However, once Taylor became mayor her statement proved to be untrue considering that all of the leading candidates who have…
Nirenberg Says LGBTs Deserve a City That Treats Them With Respect
Speaking to a group of LGBT supporters at a fundraiser on May 21, mayoral candidate Ron Nirenberg said that San Antonio’s LGBT citizens deserve to be treated fairly by their city government and that he was prepared to the defend the community from attack. Nirenberg’s comments were made at a fundraising event dubbed “1000 LGBTQ…
LGBT Friendly Candidates Treviño and Montaño Vie for District 1 Council Seat
District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Treviño came up 113 votes short of victory in the May 6 general election. As a result, he will face off against attorney Michael Montaño who came in second place with 31 percent of the vote. Treviño and Montaño say they are LGBT allies and have expressed support for the…
SAGA Endorses Montaño in District 1 Runoff
The San Antonio Gender Association announced on May 13 that it is endorsing Michael Montaño in the race for the City Council District 1 seat. Montaño is facing a June 10 runoff against incumbent Councilman Roberto C. Treviño. SAGA is the second LGBT organization to endorse Montaño. On March 26, the Stonewall Democrats of San…