Janet Burrage Grigsby says she’s always been a passionate advocate. Women’s reproductive rights, at-risk youth, LGBT equality, and the Democratic Party platform are among the issues that get her enthusiastic attention. Grigsby’s efforts go well beyond lip service. She gets involved in public activities and isn’t afraid to take leadership roles. That is no doubt…
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What to watch (out) for at the 84th Texas Legislature
The 84th session of the Texas Legislature convenes, for better or (probably) worse, in January and as Out In SA went to press in mid November, this session’s pre-filed bills were already making news, locally and nationally. Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) kicked off the pre-file period with SJR 10, the Restoring Religious Freedom Amendment.…
First shelter for homeless LGBT youth to open in S.A.
The first non-profit in San Antonio to provide overnight shelter exclusively to homeless LGBT youth will open on November 18. Sandra Whitley, executive director of the Thrive Youth Center, says it will begin offering overnight shelter for young people aged 17 to 25 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The facility…
Why did SA’s ‘equality index’ score get lower?
When the Human Rights Campaign released its annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) last week, many in San Antonio’s LGBT community were puzzled as to why the city’s score had gone from 86 last year to 72 this time around. Now in it’s third year, the MEI scores cities on their nondiscrimination laws, their recognition of…
Forbrich to seek District 1 interim council appointment
Business owner and political activist Chris Forbrich confirmed to Out in SA that he will seek the interim appointment for the District 1 City Council seat left vacant by the departure of Diego Bernal. Forbrich, who is openly gay, has made two unsuccessful runs for the District 1 seat, in 2009 and 2011. He said…
Stonewall Dems will host farewell to Nellermoe and McManus
The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio are planning a farewell for two local officials who are considered solid allies of the LGBT community and who are both leaving their current posts. Stonewall co-chair, Elena Guajardo, told Out in SA that the group will be honoring Judge Barbara Nellermoe and Police Chief William McManus at their…
Campbell files resolution that says religious beliefs trump LGBT rights
State Sen. Donna Campbell of New Braunfels has proposed a constitutional amendment that would make it legal for Texas businesses to fire LGBT employees and turn away LGBT customers if their religious beliefs compel them to do so. The proposal, Senate Joint Resolution 10, was filed on November 10, the first day of pre-filing for…
Former councilwoman joins fight against hunger on West Side
Former City Councilwoman Elena Guajardo is joining with former City Councilwoman Patti Radle on a community project that seeks to raise $30,000 for a local food bank before Thanksgiving. “Patti has a pure heart and is a tireless advocate for her area of town,” Guajardo told Out in SA. “She and her husband Rod run…
Judge permits depositions in AT&T NDO case
Justin P. Nichols, attorney for a transgender man who says he was fired unjustly from AT&T last year, issued the following statement on November 7. On Wednesday, November 5th, a Bexar County district judge granted Matthew Hileman’s request to put three AT&T employees under oath, and depose them about alleged discrimination which occurred in September…
Plea deal in murder of gay man
The San Antonio Express-News is reporting that a man who murdered an out of town visitor he met in a local bar in 2013 accepted a plea deal on November 6. According to police and press reports at the time, Ivan Cruz Aguilar confessed to police that he had murdered Vincent Mark Diaz on December…