Originally published in the Orlando Weekly. Kathy Griffin has plenty to talk about. The diminutive redhead comedian has a tendency to dominate a conversation through sheer volume – meaning a measurement of quantity, not loudness – as we learned in a recent phone conversation. The conversation runs the gamut of news and entertainment topics, from…
Comedian Paula Poundstone Headed to SA for Appearance at Empire Theatre
Comedian, author, actress, interviewer, and commentator Paula Poundstone brings her sharp wit and observational humor to San Antonio’s Charline McCombs Empire Theatre for a one-night gig on October 19. In addition to stand-up, Poundstone is a panelist on the National Public Radio quiz show Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me. She contributes commentaries for CBS Sunday Morning…
Valdez Agrees to Debate Abbott on Sept. 28 in Austin
By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune Lupe Valdez, the Democratic candidate for governor, has agreed to debate the Republican incumbent, Greg Abbott, on Sept. 28 in Austin, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the two would face off. Earlier this summer, Abbott announced his RSVP for the Austin debate, which is being hosted by Nexstar…
Republicans Slam Texas Congressional Candidate Saying He Wears Dresses and Makeup
Republicans in suburban Houston have unleashed a torrent of criticism against the Democratic candidate for the 22nd Congressional District saying, among other things, that “he has a propensity to put on lots of make-up and dress like a woman.” The candidate, Sri Preston Kulkarni, is an Indian American who’s seeking to represent a district that…
After Trump’s Vulgar Comment, State Rep. Mary Gonzalez Seeks ‘Positivity in Politics’
On January 12, the Washington Post reported that during a meeting with lawmakers on immigration President Donald Trump made a vulgar comment in reference to immigrants from Haiti and Africa. Trump’s words were met with widespread outrage. For State Rep. Mary Gonzalez of El Paso, the president’s comment presents an opportunity to endorse a more…
City of SA Stands Behind Trans Employees After AG Sessions Reverses Federal Job Protections
Officials from the City of San Antonio released statements in support of the city’s transgender employees after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo reversing a Justice Department policy that protected trans workers from discrimination under federal law. “Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination encompasses discrimination between men and women but does not encompass…
Trans Texans’ Military Dreams on Hold Under Trump Administration
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. In January, Misty Brandon’s 24-year-old son sold his furniture and his truck and moved from San Antonio to Colorado with one goal in mind: To join the military in June. That’s because in June, the U.S. Department of Defense was going to officially let openly transgender people enroll…
Trump’s Military Ban Rattles Trans Troops, Veterans in Military City, USA
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. On Wednesday morning, San Antonio army veteran Danny Ingram got a worried call from a friend in the Air Force. “She had seen the news and was scared, suddenly it felt like her job was on the line,” said Ingram. The call came a few hours after President…
Citing Trump and Taylor, SA Women’s Group Plans ‘March Against Hate’
Calling out what they say are similarities between President-elect Donald J. Trump and San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor, Mujeres Marcharan, organizers of the San Antonio International Woman’s Day March, are planning an event on January 21 dubbed, “From Trump to Taylor, SA Women March Against Hate.” The march, which takes place on the day…
Election Analysis: There’s Work Ahead for LGBT Democrats in SA
By Dan Graney, Guest Contributor Most of us are still reeling over the unthinkable – a Donald Trump presidency. We are in a state of grief, not so much because the Republicans under Trump will have complete power in Washington but the bigotry which was espoused by Trump and many of his followers has now…