By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune November 6, 2017 Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez has emerged as potential Democratic challenger to Gov. Greg Abbott in 2018. In an interview Monday, Valdez described herself as “in the exploratory process,” looking at the data for a potential run against the Republican incumbent. “I’ve been approached and I’m…
News
LGBT Groups Speak Out Against Gun Violence After Texas Church Shootings
National LGBT organizations are speaking out against gun violence after news that 26 people attending Sunday church services were senselessly murdered and another 20 injured by a gunman in Sutherland Springs, Texas on November 5. Jason Lindsay, executive director of the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence, a political action committee that formed after the…
Noche Azul Concert Looks Toward Evening Sky for Inspiration
The moon will serve as the inspiration for this month’s concert by Azul Barrientos at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center where the singer will present Noche Azul: La Luna on November 11. Every month since 2007, Barrientos’ performances have showcased traditional Mexican music featuring a new theme with each concert and, over time, embracing…
Rick Perry Ties Fossil Fuel Use to Sexual Assault Prevention
By Claire Allbright, The Texas Tribune November 2, 2017 U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said Thursday fossil fuels can help prevent sexual assault because the “lights are on.” His comments came during an event hosted by NBC News and Axios in Washington, D.C., where Perry was to lay out the administration’s upcoming energy policy…
Texas LGBTs Reminded of Affordable Care Act’s Shortened Enrollment Period
Equality Texas is spreading the word to the LGBT community that the Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land and consumers can sign up for health care coverage during this year’s shortened enrollment period from November 1 to December 15. In an email sent out on October 31, Equality Texas CEO Chuck…
State Rep. Mary Gonzalez Nominated for Victory Fund Award
State Representative Mary Gonzalez (D-El Paso) is one of six finalists nominated for the Victory Fund’s first-ever Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award. The award was created to honor an up-and-coming state or local LGBT elected official “whose promising political career will move forward equality.” The award is named after Tammy Balwin, an openly-lesbian Democrat who is…
Van De Putte Endorses Gina Ortiz Jones in District 23 Congressional Race
Former State Senator Leticia Van de Putte announced she is endorsing Gina Ortiz Jones in the Democratic primary for the Texas 23rd Congressional District. “Anyone that knows me knows that I don’t mince words – Gina is exactly the type of leader we need to win back TX-23,” Van de Putte said in her announcement.…
Celebrations Abound for Dia De Los Muertos in SA
In the coming days, Dia de los Muertos will be celebrated across San Antonio at a variety of venues. The observances range from community processions, to displays of altars and, at least at one soiree, an all-star drag show. Following are some events where you can celebrate the Days of the Dead. San Antonio Dia…
Fundraising Begins for Main Avenue Rainbow Crosswalks
An effort to raise $30,000 to help pay for the installation of rainbow crosswalks at the corner of North Main and East Evergreen has begun in earnest with an online campaign on Kickstarter. In June, District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Treviño, submitted a Council Consideration Request seeking the council’s approval for the crosswalks. The…
For Second Year, SA Scores 95 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index
The City of San Antonio maintained its ranking in the Human Rights Campaign’s 2017 Municipal Equality Index. Now in it’s sixth year, the 2017 MEI scores 506 cities based on 44 criteria including nondiscrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and the city leadership’s public position on equality. “This year’s Municipal…