District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Treviño came up 113 votes short of victory in the May 6 general election. As a result, he will face off against attorney Michael Montaño who came in second place with 31 percent of the vote. Treviño and Montaño say they are LGBT allies and have expressed support for the…
The QSA
SA Children’s Shelter Hosts Foster Care Presentation for LGBTs
LGBT couples and singles interested in becoming foster parents will have an opportunity to learn more about the process during a special presentation by The Children’s Shelter on May 20 at the Friendly Spot Ice House. At the event, which is co-hosted by Out In SA magazine, prospective foster parents will have an opportunity to…
Stonewall Dems Update Endorsements for City Council Runoff Election
The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio on May 16 released an updated list of endorsements for the June 10 City Council runoff election. Last March, Stonewall held a forum where about 40 candidates came seeking the group’s endorsement in the May 6 election for 10 City Council seats and for mayor. To be eligible for…
SAGA Endorses Montaño in District 1 Runoff
The San Antonio Gender Association announced on May 13 that it is endorsing Michael Montaño in the race for the City Council District 1 seat. Montaño is facing a June 10 runoff against incumbent Councilman Roberto C. Treviño. SAGA is the second LGBT organization to endorse Montaño. On March 26, the Stonewall Democrats of San…
Trans Bathroom Issues Dominated Dripping Springs School Board Election
The days leading up to the normally quiet school board election in Dripping Springs, Texas erupted into a heated battle over transgender bathroom use with one candidate saying he opposed trans students using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Three candidates were vying in the May 6 election for two seats on the Dripping…
Texas House Approves Bill Allowing Denial of Adoption by Same-Sex Couples
On Tuesday, May 9, the Texas House approved House Bill 3859, which would allow faith-based adoption agencies to deny placement of foster children with same-sex couples, Jews, Muslims and others based on “the provider’s sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill, dubbed the “Freedom to Serve Children Act,” passed by a vote of 94 to 51.…
Texas Senate Approves Bill Disqualifying Trans Student Athletes on Hormone Therapy
State Senator Carlos Uresti of San Antonio was one of four Democrats who sided with Republican colleagues on the preliminary approval of a bill that lets the University Interscholastic League disqualify student athletes on steroids, including trans boys taking testosterone for gender dysphoria. Joining Uresti in approving Senate Bill 2095 on May 9 were fellow…
Texas Senate Passes Anti-Bullying Bill Named for SA Student
The Texas Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 179, legislation that cracks down on bullying in the state’s public schools. SB 179 was introduced in the Senate by State Senator Jose Menendez. In January, Menendez called for the passage of the bill saying, “Cyberbullying is a crisis in Texas and across the nation. Families need our…
Study Examines Impact of Discrimination on LGBT Texans
A recently released study by the Williams Institute finds that Texas laws and social climate contribute to an environment where LGBT adults experience stigma and discrimination in employment and other aspects of their life. Affected too are LGBT youth who are bullied in schools and rejected by their families. The study, The Impact of Stigma…
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Supports “House Companion” to “Bathroom Bill”
By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune April 28, 2017 HOUSTON — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed support Friday for “a House companion” to the Texas Senate’s “bathroom bill” that has been one of his biggest priorities this session. “Senate Bill 6 — or a House companion — we need to pass,” Patrick said during remarks…