1. The Killing of SAPD Officer Benjamin Marconi The death of Officer Benjamin Marconi, who was shot in his patrol car in broad daylight outside police headquarters on November 20, stunned the citizens of San Antonio and the nation. Officer Marconi had scores of close friends in the LGBT community and supported the cause of…
2016 In Review: Honorable & Dishonorable Mentions
HONORABLE MENTIONS Advocate and ally: State Senator Jose Menéndez Long-considered an ally, Senator Jose Menéndez has worked to advance legislation that is beneficial to the LGBT community. Recently, Equality Texas named him one of the top five senators on LGBT issues. In April 2015, Menéndez worked to help prevent the passage of Senate Bill 2065,…
2016 In Review: A Year in the Life of LGBT SA
A select month-by-month recap of stories about our community reported here and elsewhere in 2016. JANUARY Rev. Mick Hinson to leave MCC SA Reverend Mick Hinson, pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Antonio announced he was resigning his position. Candidates line-up to speak at Stonewall Dems endorsement forum The Stonewall Democrats of San…
LGBTs Surprised by Van De Putte’s Endorsement of Taylor
Mayor Ivy Taylor remains an unpopular figure in San Antonio’s LGBT community, having voted against the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance in 2013 saying, “I have sacrificed a lot to serve in this role on city council, but I will not sacrifice my core values and religious beliefs for political gain or to be in alignment with…
Inclusive Environment Important to Keeping NCAA Tourney in SA
San Antonio civic leaders are concerned the 2017 session of the state legislature could enact new anti-LGBT laws which would stifle the ability to attract events like the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament which the city is scheduled to host in 2018. The discussion of the effects of such legislation was part of a presentation…
Mayor Jeered by Protesters at Vigil
San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor was jeered by about a dozen protestors while she gave the opening prayer at a June 16 vigil in Crockett Park for the victims of the Orlando shootings. The screams of “Shame on you Ivy” and “You’re part of the hurt Ivy” as well as other insults drowned out…
Some Not Happy With Taylor’s Appearance at Orlando Vigil
News that Mayor Ivy R. Taylor will be speaking at a vigil for victims of the Orlando shootings has not been met with universal acceptance by the LGBT community. Some activists are speaking out, wondering why Taylor was invited to the vigil, saying they plan to turn their backs to her when she addresses the…
Mayor to Attend Vigil for Orlando Victims
Pride Center San Antonio announced today that San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor will join members of the LGBT and allied community for a candlelight vigil on June 16 in honor of the victims of the Orlando shooting. According to a press release, the event, which is being organized by Pride Center San Antonio, will…
Adkisson endorses Taylor for mayor
LGBT voters in San Antonio were stunned on May 21 when they learned of an email being circulated by former County Commissioner and mayoral candidate Tommy Adkisson saying he would endorse Mayor Ivy Taylor in the runoff election. The email was brief and to the point in announcing the mid-day press conference on the steps…
With budget vote, mayor’s NDO proposal passes
Mayor Ivy R. Taylor’s proposal to create a Department of Diversity and Inclusion and hire a human relations liaison to run it became reality on May 14 when the City Council approved the measure as part of the city budget. The proposal, designated Item 16 in the budget, was among other items on the consent…