A transgender student at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy in Texas received an 18th birthday surprise from fellow students who raised the money he needed to legally change his name. “They’ve been planning it for a month and I’m surprised none of them slipped up or even hinted at it happening,” the young man (identified…
SXSW Premiers Film That Tells Story of Young Trans Wrestler From Texas
A short documentary film about a transgender boy on the wrestling team at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas had its world premier on March 8 at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival in Austin. The film, Mack Wrestles, which was produced by ESPN Films, tells the story of Mack Beggs, who in 2017…
Back to School Event Offers Support for Parents and Trans Kids in SA
For many kids, the beginning of a new school year sparks nervous excitement. For trans students and their parents, however, the experience may be a little more daunting. Fortunately, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center has been keeping the needs and concerns of trans students in mind since 2016. It is hosting its third annual…
Senators Ask Trump to Reconsider Nominating Anti-Trans Texan to Federal Court
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. The confirmation of a Texas federal judge nominee who’s said transgender kids are part of “Satan’s plan” has been put on hold by the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee. According to committee chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican, the committee told the Trump administration that “they ought to reconsider”…
Trump Judicial Nominee from Texas Says Trans Kids Are Part of ‘Satan’s Plan’
One of President Donald Trump’s nominees for a federal judgeship in Texas is a notorious homophobe who supports conversion therapy, says marriage equality will lead to polygamy and bestiality, and maintains that trans kids are evidence of “Satan’s plan.” Jeff Mateer currently serves as the first assistant attorney general of Texas, a position he has…
Esperanza Center to Host ‘Trans Kids Back-to-School’ Workshop
Back-to-school time can be daunting for any child. For transgender children and their parents, the beginning of a new school year holds challenges the rest of the population may not face. On September 30, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present its second annual ‘Son Tus Niños También – Trans Kids Back to School’ workshop…
Trans Youths Named Grand Marshals of SA Pride Parade
Pride San Antonio has named two transgender boys as Grand Marshals of the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade slated for July 1 along the Main Avenue Strip. Officials from Pride SA announced that 8-year-old Joe Maldonado of Secaucus, New Jersey, and 18-year old Mack Beggs of Euless, Texas were selected for their trailblazing efforts which…
SA Activists Set to Protest Reversal of Protections for Trans Students
A decision by the Trump administration to rescind protections for transgender students has hit home with San Antonio LGBT activists who are ready to take to the streets to protest the decision. The rescinded policy originated with the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. It emphasized there is no “medical or mental health diagnosis or…
Texas Judge Halts Federal Transgender Protections
A federal judge in Texas issued a temporary injunction on December 31 against efforts by the Obama administration intended to ban transgender discrimination by hospitals, the Texas Tribune reports. U.S District Judge Reed O’Connor sided with Texas, along with the religious hospital network Franciscan Alliance and four other Republican-led states, in a lawsuit that claimed…
Texas Judge Issues Injunction Against Protections for Trans Students
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. A federal judge in Fort Worth ruled late Sunday that conservative states that oppose allowing trans kids in public schools to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity won’t face punishment for maintaining the status quo. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor issued a nationwide injunction stopping…