Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has advanced two bills in the Senate that would allow professionals who provide health and counseling services to discriminate based on their “sincerely held religious beliefs.” The first bill, SB 444, which was introduced by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), applies to anyone holding or applying for a professional license. The…
The QSA
Ruby City Fiesta Medal Features Symbols of Inclusive Transfeminism
Ruby City, the Linda Pace Foundation’s arts complex on Camp Street in Southtown, unveiled its 2019 Fiesta medal, which this year is designed by local artist Suzy González. The medal, titled Prayers to the People, features two hands united in prayer holding beads that lead to a rose with gender symbols referencing an inclusive transfeminism.…
Cornyation’s ‘Cheap and Raunchy Romans’ Prepare for King’s Coming Out Party
The folks at Fiesta Cornyation are busy preparing to officially introduce this year’s King Anchovy LIV, Mindy Miller Hill, at a February 22 soiree themed “Cheap and Raunchy Romans.” While the King’s Coming Out Party is the first official appearance by King Anchovy, Hill’s name was leaked last October during the 80th birthday party for…
Kenneth Garrett, Owner of the Bonham Exchange, Has Died
Out In SA is saddened to learn of the passing of Kenneth Garrett, the owner of the Bonham Exchange. Gene Elder, archivist for the Happy Foundation who is a close friend, told Out In SA the 69-year-old Garrett died in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 8 at his home in the…
‘Rainbow Coalition’ Seeks to Help Re-Elect Mayor Ron Nirenberg
An ad hoc LGBTQ group calling themselves the Rainbow Coalition to Re-Elect Mayor Ron Nirenberg will meet on February 17 to develop strategies to support his re-election. “Please join in on a community effort to discuss our strategy to support and re-elect our Mayor [who] has been very public about his support of equality and…
San Antonio Activist Invites Everyone to Her 9th Annual Birthday Party Fundraiser
For almost a decade now, Ana Alicia Perez has chosen to ask guests at her birthday parties to forget the presents and instead make a donation to some of her favorite charities. This year is no exception. Perez is an activist and LGBT ally who is on the board of directors for Fiesta Youth and…
Texas House LGBTQ Caucus Announces Legislative Focus, Adds New Members
In a press conference on February 5 at the Texas Capitol, the five founding members of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus revealed their legislative agenda and announced that caucus membership has quadrupled. “I am so excited about the first Texas House LGBTQ Caucus Press Conference, which we hosted this morning,” state Rep. Mary González, who…
New Poll Shows Majority of Texans Support LGBT Protections
A new poll released on January 30 shows that a majority of Texans support laws which would protect LGBT citizens from discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing. The poll, released by the Public Religion Research Institute, reveals that support for LGBT Texans is bipartisan and endorsed by many religious organizations including white evangelicals. Researchers…
Four Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce Join Forces to Advocate for Equality
The LGBT chambers of commerce in Austin, Houston, North Texas and San Antonio have joined forces to form a statewide coalition “to achieve equality and inclusion by promoting economic vitality in our communities and strengthening LGBT and ally businesses.” The coalition, named the Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce, is composed of the Austin LGBT Chamber…
Pegasus Only San Antonio Club to Make List of Top 50 Gay Bars in U.S.
San Antonio’s Pegasus Nightclub, located at 1402 N Main Ave., was the only local LGBT establishment to make this year’s NewNowNext list of 50 Most Popular Gay Bars in the United States. The list was released on January 15. The Pegasus was ranked number 10 in the nation falling two places from last year when…