In September 2013, Fiesta Youth launched the city’s first organization dedicated to LGBT youth. In January 2015, the non-profit will expand to include a twice-monthly support group for young adults aged 18 to 24. The new group, Fiesta U, will meet twice a month starting January 8. “The board of directors recognized that in addition…
Applicants line up to replace Bernal on City Council
Fourteen District 1 residents have filed applications to fill the City Council vacancy created when Diego Bernal stepped down to run for Mike Villarreal’s seat in the State Legislature. LGBT constituents in District 1 have a particular interest in who is chosen given that the district has the largest number of “gayborhoods” in the city.…
Bexar County Clerk ready to issue licenses if stay lifted on Texas marriage ban
The Texas Observer is reporting that Bexar County Clerk Gerard C. “Gerry” Rickhoff is ready to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples if U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia lifts the stay of his February decision that found the Texas equal marriage ban unconstitutional. On November 24, attorneys with Akin Gump, the law firm representing plaintiffs Vic…
Equality Texas plans three advocacy days at State Capitol
In years past, Equality Texas organized a Lobby Day when LGBT constituents would visit members of the State Legislature to press elected officials on issues that are important to the community. This year, Equality Texas will hold three advocacy days each with a specific theme. In 2013, over 500 Texans participated in the Equality Texas…
Abbott responds to motion by plaintiffs to lift stay on Texas marriage ban
State Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a response on November 25 to a motion filed by the plaintiffs in the Texas equal marriage case asking Judge Orlando L. Garcia to lift the stay he imposed in February after finding the state’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. The motion was filed on November 24 by attorneys…
World AIDS Day a reminder of high rates of HIV among S.A. gay and bi men
As the local observance of World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, it serves as a reminder that the number of those infected is rising in San Antonio, particularly among gay and bisexual men. Bexar County saw an 11 percent increase in HIV infection from 2012 to 2013, according to statistics released by the San…
Motion filed to lift stay on Texas equal marriage ban
In a Facebook post on November 24, Mark Phariss, one of the plaintiffs in the Texas equal marriage case announced, “Our attorneys with Akin Gump filed a motion with the federal district court this morning to lift the stay.” Along with his post, Phariss added this excerpt from the motion: If something were to happen…
Leadership change at S.A. LGBT LULAC chapter
LULAC chapter 22198 Orgullo de San Antonio sent out an press release from its new president on Friday, November 21 announcing a leadership change. The new president of LULAC Orgullo is Robert Salcido, who serves on the boards of the Pride Center and the S.A. LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He also is on the mayor’s…
Openly gay U.S. Attorney recommended for federal judgeship
U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman of San Antonio, who is openly gay, was recommended for a federal judgeship on November 20 by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The recommendation now moves to the Senate floor for a vote. Pitman is one of three nominees recommended for Texas federal judgeships. According to the Dallas Morning News, the other…
Mercado de Paz slated for Thanksgiving weekend
Shoppers looking for an alternative to crowded malls and shopping centers will find a unique selection of gifts at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 25th International Peace Market or Mercado de Paz, slated for Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29. For the past 25 years, visitors and local patrons have gathered for the…