In the wake of the tragic events at the Pulse Dance Club in Orlando, the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio will convene a panel discussion regarding safety issues for the LGBT community.
The panel will include Police Chief William McManus, Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau and Mark Forsythe, a veteran who served in the Navy’s Special Operations Counter-Terrorism unit.
The safety of LGBT citizens has been a topic of discussion in San Antonio since the tragedy in Orlando.
On the day of the shootings on June 12, Randy Cuniff, proprietor of Sparky’s, Heat, Luther’s and Knockout, told Out in SA he was contacted by Chief McManus to discuss how to improve security at the Main Avenue bars.
Before meeting with Cuniff, McManus told the press, “We stress vigilance and an awareness of your surroundings. If it doesn’t look right, say something. If it doesn’t feel right, say something. We will continue to stress that at large venues.”
After the meeting, Cuniff said, “The safety and security of all visitors to the Strip is always a top priority, so today we met with Chief McManus and his senior staff at SAPD to redouble our efforts and planning to provide a safe environment every day and night on the strip and particularly at our special events, like our upcoming Pride celebration.”
“The discussion at Stonewall will elaborate on what the community can do to assure their safety while out at the clubs and other public venues,” Stonewall board member Chris Forbrich told Out In SA.
The panel discussion will be part of Stonewall’s monthly meeting. According to the event announcement the short meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m. and the panel discussion will start at 6:45 p.m. and include a Q&A.
The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio discussion of safety issues for the LGBT community. Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Luby’s Cafeteria, 911 N. Main Avenue. All are welcome.
