San Antonio civic leaders are concerned the 2017 session of the state legislature could enact new anti-LGBT laws which would stifle the ability to attract events like the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament which the city is scheduled to host in 2018. The discussion of the effects of such legislation was part of a presentation…
Documentary Portrays Emotional Transition of Young Texan
A short documentary that premiered in March at the South by Southwest Film Festival tells the emotional story of a young Texan who is transitioning from female to male, with mixed reactions from his family. The 13-minute film, “Becoming Blair,” is a truly personal effort by director Bri Barsalou, the cousin of Blair Hanner, the…
Nine Times Ken Paxton Tried to Defeat LGBT Community
Last week, it was revealed that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accepted over $100,000 from the founder of a company who his office was investigating for Medicaid fraud. Paxton claims to have done nothing wrong because his $100,000 donation came from a “family friend.” In 2015 Paxton was indicted on two counts of securities fraud and one…
SA’s Homeless LGBTQ Youth Find a Safe Space to Become Themselves
Originally published in the San Antonio Current The mass shooting at an Orlando gay club this month killed 49 people, wounded at least 50 others, and, in the minds of many within the LGBTQ community, violated a sacred space. In his comments following the tragedy, President Barack Obama called the Pulse nightclub, the site of…
Challenging Transphobia Within Queer Spaces
Originally published in the San Antonio Current When I was asked to attend a friend’s queer-friendly Studio 54-themed party last year, I hit up my favorite thrift stores as soon as I could to find the perfect Bianca Jagger-inspired ensemble. The night of the party came, my look was red hot, and I spent the…
This Week’s Biggest Asshats in the ‘Bathroom’ Debate
As the debate over which public bathroom transgender people should be allowed to use continues, one thing has become increasingly clear: The people arguing against such rights have little to zero knowledge of what it means to be transgender. From politicians to television sports analysts, many have weighed in with poorly informed opinions. Here’s a roundup…
Great Expectations: A Trans Dilemma
“There is an expectation for trans women in our society to look and to act ‘traditionally feminine’ at all times.” When I wake up, I take a few minutes before I get out of bed — psyching myself up to get ready, whether for work, running errands or just hanging out with friends. I need that moment…
Transgender Woman Found Dead in Motel
A transgender woman has been found dead at a Southeast Side motel. The victim was found by police on February 19 in a bathtub at the EL Mio Motel on the 3500 Block of Rooesevelt Avenue. She has been identified by friends on social media as Veronica Banks Cano. According to a report on KABB-TV,…
Alamo Colleges Trustees to Finally Vote on Trans Protections
Almost six years after the Alamo Colleges board of trustees voted to add sexual orientation to the district’s nondiscrimination policy, a vote will taken on February 23 to add gender identity and expression as a protected class. The nondiscrimination policy covers students, faculty and employees at Alamo Colleges’ five campuses. (Links to relevant documents are…
What my transition taught me about how the world perceives men and women
“I know what it’s like on both sides of the fence.” You know what I miss the most about having breasts? People offering me free drugs (also: nipple sensation). I was born genetically female, and I lived that way for 16 years. By the time I was 17, I realized I wasn’t comfortable with this…