In the opening days of the 87th Legislative Session, members of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus were named to several key positions including Speaker Pro Tem, five chair, and 12 vice chairs positions. The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus was formed in January 2019 to “create a forum for Texas legislators to discuss issues that affect…
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Texas Republicans want to keep transgender women out of women’s school sports teams
Lawmakers have filed legislation that would ban transgender girls and women who attend public K-12 schools, colleges and universities from playing on single-sex sports teams designated for girls and women. By Kate McGee and Aliyya Swaby, Texas Tribune Texas Republicans are again trying to limit the ways transgender youth can participate in athletics. Lawmakers have…
As State Legislature convenes, Equality Texas warns of bills targeting trans youth
The Texas Legislature convened for its 2021 session on January 12 and already Republican politicians, Representative Steve Toth and Senator Charles Perry, are targeting transgender youth with bills which Equality Texas says will put these young people “under a harmful spotlight.” In an email to its members, Equality Texas described the two proposed bills. “Toth’s…
Christmas trees by artist affectionately known as Tia Chuck on display at Ruby City
Just in time for the holiday season, the Linda Pace Foundation’s Ruby City Gallery is featuring an exhibit of Christmas trees created by San Antonio artist Chuck Ramirez, known affectionately as Tia Chuck. According to a Ruby City press release, “Commissioned by Linda Pace, these freestanding trees feature everyday items and oddities, from spoons and…
Texas education board approves new sex ed policy that does not cover LGBTQ students or consent
Most Republicans voted against proposals to teach middle and high school students about consent, sexual orientation or gender identity. The board will take a final vote Friday. By Aliyya Swaby, The Texas Tribune Starting in 2022, seventh and eighth grade students in Texas will learn about forms of birth control beyond abstinence, but middle schoolers…
RuPaul’s Drag Race bringing a drive-in show to Ingram Park Mall in December
San Antonians can celebrate the holiday season with the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race at a pop-up drive-in event at Ingram Park Mall next month. Held on the weekend of December 15-16, Drive ‘N Drag Saves Christmas follows Bianca Del Rio, the 2014 winner of Drag Race, as she sets out to destroy the beloved…
DAY OF DECISION: Where to vote on November 3
After four years of the Trump presidency, voters across the U.S. are ready to make their voices heard. The local election includes ballots for president, Congressional and U.S. Senate races, state offices ( judges, representatives and senators) and county officials including sheriff. In Bexar County, there are over 300 polling places. Additionally, voters can use…
San Antonio Express-News editorial criticizes anti-LGBTQ smears in local political races
An editorial in the October 29 issue of the San Antonio Express-News points out anti-LGBTQ claims made in two local political races: The first for a seat on the NEISD school board, the other a race for a U.S. House seat. In the editorial, the newspaper writes, “Let’s be clear: Homophobia has no place in…
Texas social workers will no longer be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ Texans and people with disabilities
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for social workers’ LGBTQ and disabled clients after backlash from advocates and lawmakers. By Edgar Walters, The Texas Tribune After backlash from lawmakers and advocates, a state board voted Tuesday to undo a rule change that would have allowed social workers to turn away…
Advocates take aim at Texas board’s decision to let social workers turn away LGBTQ clients
LGBTQ+ advocates and state lawmakers are mobilizing against the Texas State Board of Social Workers’ removal last week of protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and disability status from its code of conduct. During a Friday news conference organized by the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, advocates said they will pressure…