Texas Governor Greg Abbot signed House Bill 3859 on June 15, allowing faith-based adoption agencies to deny placement of foster children with same-sex couples, Jews, Muslims and others based on “the provider’s sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill was authored by Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls), vice chairman of the House Human Services Committee. According…
Festival and Parade Promise Day Filled With Pride
Organizers and volunteers at Pride San Antonio are busy putting the final touches on the full day of events which constitute the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade, slated for July 1 along the Main Avenue Strip. This year’s theme is “Living Now – Forever Proud.” The parade and festival are part of 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,…
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,…
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…
Eric Alva Named Honorary Co-Chair for National Equality March
Retired Marine Sergeant Eric Alva from San Antonio is among several distinguished trailblazers who have been named honorary co-chairs of the Equality March for Unity and Pride which is scheduled for June 11 in Washington, DC. In a statement to Out In SA Alva said, “At a time in our country when we still have…
Ft. Worth’s Historic Rainbow Lounge Goes Up in Flames
The Rainbow Lounge, a gay bar in Ft. Worth, Texas that was at the center of an infamous incident of anti-LGBT police brutality eight years ago, burned to the ground during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 1. Media reports indicate the fire broke out around 3 a.m. when bar staff was closing the…
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…
David’s Law Ready for Governor’s Signature
A law aimed at preventing and combating cyber-bullying is headed to Texas Governor Greg Abbot’s desk after receiving a majority of votes in the House of Representatives and an unanimous vote in the Texas Senate. The new measure, Senate Bill 179, is dubbed David’s Law after David Molak, a 16-year-old Alamo Heights High School student…
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…