Sara Ramirez, who formerly appeared on the hit TV show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” will be in Austin on March 20 as part of All In For Equality Advocacy Day. The event, which is being presented by Equality Texas, ACLU of Texas, Human Rights Campaign, Texas Freedom Network, and Transgender Education Network of Texas, will include a…
The QSA
Texas Senate Approves Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill
In what is called a “third reading,” the Texas Senate voted on March 15 to approve Senate Bill 6 which bars transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity and would prohibit local ordinances from protecting trans citizens from discrimination in public accommodations. The 21-10 vote include support from one Democrat, Sen.…
WOAI News Director Meets with Stonewall Board to Discuss SB6 Town Hall
The regional news director for the Sinclair Broadcast Group met with the board of directors of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio on March 13 to address the community’s concerns over a town hall which Sinclair held on March 9 to discuss the controversial Senate Bill 6 and during which supporters of the transgender community…
Women of Color Art Show Marks Esperanza Anniversary
An exhibit of artwork by women of color which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is set to open on March 25. Aqui Estamos y No Nos Vamos (We’re Here and Not Leaving) will feature the work of over 40 women artists. The exhibit is timed to coincide with San…
Democratic State Senator Says He Supports Bathroom Bill
Democratic state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville announced at a press conference on March 6 that he will vote in support of Senate Bill 6, the so-called bathroom bill being championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. SB6 bars transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity and would prohibit local ordinances…
HRC Opens Field Office in SA
The Human Rights Campaign officially opened a field office in San Antonio on Sunday, March 5 with scores of activists on hand for the occasion. The office, located at 315 9th Street in San Antonio, is one of four field offices HRC is opening in the state. The others are located in Austin, Houston and…
SA Town Hall to Address Texas Bathroom Bill
A local television broadcaster is sponsoring a town hall discussion about Senate Bill 6, also known as the bathroom bill, which is currently under consideration by the 85th Texas Legislature. The Sinclair Broadcast group, which own local stations Fox 29, News4 San Antonio and the CW35, is organizing the town hall at the Tobin Center…
Activists Denounce Lawsuit that Seeks to Block Benefits to Married Same-Sex Couples in Texas
Texas LGBT activists have filed amicus briefs in a case pending before the Texas Supreme Court (Pidgeon v. Harris) where the City of Houston’s ability to provide spousal benefits to married same-sex couples is being challenged. The case, brought against the City of Houston by anti-LGBT lobbyists Jonathan Saenz and Jared Woodfill, would specifically block…
Charges Dismissed for Former Club Essence Dancer Accused of Florida Murder
Charges have been dismissed for a male stripper and porn star who in past years performed at Club Essence in San Antonio and who has spent the last three years in jail awaiting trial for the September 2010 murder of a man in Florida. San Antonio-born John “Champ” Snavely was charged with the murder of…
Ron Casola, Founder of Live Oak Singers, Has Died
Ron Casola, founder and artistic director of the Live Oak Singers, an LGBT and allies chorus, died on February 21 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Casola moved to San Antonio from Phoenix in 2013 to be near his family after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In an interview with Jade Esteban Estrada in the San Antonio…