SAN ANTONIO – UTSA Assistant Archivist Melissa Gohlke discussed the legacy of local LGBTQ+ pioneer and developer Hap Veltman and his vision for the city of San Antonio in the KSAT Q&A.
Here are the three takeaways from today’s KSAT Q&A:
- Hap Veltman established San Antonio Country, which was billed as the largest gay disco in Texas and created a safe haven for LGBTQ+ community; later opened The Bonham Exchange.
- Veltman, who was an attorney, fought to allow service members to come to San Antonio country following military raids of the club.
- Veltman was instrumental in developing the Blue Star Arts Complex, St. Mary’s Strip, and opening one of the first restaurants along the River Walk that faced the river.