A look back: Best of South Texas Pride in 2021
In late 2021, KSAT revamped the South Texas Pride series to bring viewers more long-form content full-length Q&As. We highlighted some stories that made a difference to the local LGBTQ+ community, as well as state, national and even international communities.
Mormon billionaire resigns, rebukes faith over LGBTQ rights
A billionaire who is believed to be the wealthiest person originally from Utah has formally resigned his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and rebuked the faith over social issues and LGBTQ rights. Jeff T. Green has pledged to donate 90% of his estimated $5 billion advertising-technology wealth, starting with a donation to a LGBTQ-rights group in the state, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Green said he hasn’t been active in the faith widely known as Mormon for more than a decade but wanted to make his departure official and remove his name from membership records, he said in a Monday letter to church President Russell M. Nelson.
news.yahoo.comMan struck by gunfire outside The Heat Nightclub on Main Avenue Strip
Gunfire on the Main Drag, San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ nightlife district, struck a worker overnight and left the man with a possible life-threatening injury, KSAT reports. Police believe the gunfire stemmed from an earlier fight at The Heat Nightclub since it erupted shortly after two groups who’d been involved left the building, according to the TV station’s report. One of the two groups was standing on the corner of North Main and Evergreen streets when someone fired on them from a car, according to KSAT. The worker, who wasn’t involved in the altercation, was bringing water to a security guard when he was hit. The security guard returned fire at the assailant before the car drove off, according to the report.
outinsa.comSouth Texas Pride Q&A: San Antonio native Ada Vox thrusts back into national spotlight on ‘Queen of the Universe’ competition
San Antonio native Ada Vox is once again thrusting into the spotlight to showcase her singing chops in the new Paramount+ competition “Queen of the Universe,” which premieres Dec. 2.
South Texas Pride Q&A: Pride Center San Antonio offers mental health services, resources to LGBTQ+ community members, families
Pride Center San Antonio is offering mental health services and other resources to LGBTQ+ community members seeking help. Watch this week's South Texas Pride Q&A to learn more.
State agency removed online resources for LGBTQ youth after complaints from a Republican challenging Gov. Greg Abbott, emails show
The resources were removed after Don Huffines, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized their inclusion on a state website. By Allyson Waller, The Texas TribuneTexas’ child welfare agency removed a webpage that offered resources to LGBTQ youth following complaints by one of Republican Gov. The page was populated with information from the Texas Youth Connection, a DFPS division that provides “local and national resources to help youth transition into adulthood.”Crimmins then emailed Darrell Azar, the agency’s web and creative services director. In response, Azar said the Texas Youth Connection had content for LGBTQ youth “for as long as I can remember” and that content was provided by staff from the agency’s Preparation of Adult Living Program. In each of the four legislative sessions this year, legislation targeting transgender youth has been a top priority for Republican lawmakers.
outinsa.comState agency removed online resources for LGBTQ youth after complaints from a Republican challenging Gov. Greg Abbott, emails show
Democratic state senators want the webpage reinstated. The resources were removed after Don Huffines, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized their inclusion on a state website.
Agency accused of removing LGBTQ webpage after criticism
HOUSTON — Texas' child welfare agency is being accused of removing a webpage that provided information about a suicide prevention hotline and other resources for young LGBTQ people, following criticism by one of Gov. Greg Abbott's primary challengers.
myrgv.comKSAT 12 only Texas TV station to receive ‘excellent’ rating in GLAAD’s Local Media Accountability Index for 2021
KSAT 12 is one of three Texas media outlets and the only TV station to receive an “excellent” rating in the latest report from GLAAD, a national media monitoring organization that works against discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community.
Texas sues Biden administration over guidance saying transgender workers can use bathroom of their choice
A federal document also says that misusing a person’s preferred pronouns could be considered harassment in some instances. Texas Republican officials have tried to pass state laws targeting transgender people’s access to bathrooms and school sports teams.
Baylor University stirs anger and confusion as it opens the door for first LGBTQ student group
The decision to openly consider recognizing an LGBTQ group while simultaneously affirming the university's belief that marriage is between a man and a woman raised concerns among supporters and opponents who say Baylor is trying to "have its cake and eat it, too."
Protests continue outside of D.C. bar after a woman is dragged down stairs by her hair
Nellie’s Sports Bar located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington D.C. is under fire after a video went viral showing a security guard dragging a Black woman by her hair down a flight of stairs. The demonstrations started around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, with dozens of people rallying behind Keisha Young, 22, of Maryland, the woman seen being dragged out of the bar in video that was shared on Instagram. Young told the outlet that she did nothing to warrant the mistreatment during her visit to celebrate Pride month.
news.yahoo.comFull slate of events mark celebration of Pride Month in San Antonio
All event proceeds will benefit the Pride Center of San Antonio. On June 22, SAY Sí is hosting a virtual film series and discussion featuring three LGBTQ+ youth films created by SAY Sí alumni. Free, 7-8 p.m., June 22, San Antonio Public Library, (210) 207-2500, mysapl.orgFiesta FrenzyCelebrate power, pride, and perseverance in PRIDE San Antonio’s Fiesta Frenzy, hosted by the Mistresses of Ceremonies Eryca Daniels and Autumn Summers. $15-$25, 7 p.m., June 23, Public Theater of San Antonio, 800 W Ashby Pl, pridesanantonio.org. (Photo: Julián P. Ledezma)Free, 5-10 p.m., June 26, Pride San Antonio, pridesanantonio.orgDrag Show for a CauseTicket sales to this two-part drag show benefit The Center, a resource center for LGBTQ San Antonians.
outinsa.comCalendar: Pride month events in Northwest Arkansas
June is Pride month, which celebrates LGBTQ+ people and commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, when people rioted against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.What's happening: Several events are going on around NWA to celebrate Pride. Here are a few.June 5: You Belong — a community resource fair with food, music, and drag shows. The event will focus on how domestic violence affects the LGBTQ+ community, co-hosted by The Momentary and the NWA Women’s Shelter.12-5pm at The Momentary in BentonvilleTickets are free but requiredJune 12: Crystal Bridges' Forest Concert Series — featuring Little Rock-based Dazz & Brie and Kansas City band True Lions.7pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and free for people under 18June 18: 21c Bentonville Pride Patio Party6pm at The Hive in BentonvilleTickets are free but requiredJune 20: Ozarks Drag Brunch: Advocates and Allies12pm at Fayetteville Town CenterTickets are $120 for a buffet of fourJune 24: NWA Trans March — this new event is a protest against the state's recent passage of laws concerning transgender and gender non-conforming people, according to event host Northwest Arkansas Equality.Starts at 7pm at West Avenue and Spring Street in FayettevilleJune 25: Out in the Ozarks — comedy show featuring Matteo Lane8pm at Fayetteville Town Center Tickets are $260 for a table of fourJune 26: The 17th annual NWA Pride ParadeStarts at noon on Dickson Street in FayettevilleOf note: The usual NWA Pride festival in Fayetteville that includes street vendors will not happen this year because of COVID-19, according to Northwest Arkansas Equality.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
news.yahoo.comEnter the Outside and Proud Photo Contest
In honor of Pride Month and the coming out of Outside Inc.’s queer- and ally-run LGBTQ+ community, we want to encourage you to show your pride outside during the month of June. Getting outdoors is its own reward, of course, but in case you need an incentive, we’ll be selecting 26 of the most fabulous and adventurous entries to our photo contest to win more than $1,300 in gear from Pit Viper, Brooks Running, Bobo's Bars, Original House Wine, Superfeet, Fjällräven, and Outside Safe Space, plus nearly $1,000 in subscriptions to Outside+. To enter, all you need to do is take a picture of you showing your LGBTQ+ pride on your latest run, bike, hike, ski, or other epic mission and post it publicly to Instagram with #OutsideandProudContest and @outsideandproud, or upload it in the form below.
outsideonline.comAmazon has stopped selling books that frame LGBTQ+ identities as mental illnesses
Amazon has stopped selling books that frame transgender and other gender and sexual identities as mental illnesses. In a response, Amazon's vice president of public policy Brian Huseman sent a letter explaining that "When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment" and other books that frame LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness have been removed. As described above, we have chosen not to sell books that frame LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness." In a statement to CBS News, Anderson said: "Amazon justified its decision to delist my book claiming it has decided 'not to sell books that frame LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness.' Nowhere have I ever said or framed LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness."
cbsnews.comPride Center offers new free group therapy for LGBTQ youth of color, Spanish speakers
The free program will cater to young people of color and Spanish speakers in the queer community. Salcido stayed true to himself, eventually becoming the executive director of the Pride Center of San Antonio. However, the second pilot counseling group, which is for adults 18 and older who speak Spanish, still has spots available. AdThe Pride Center will use research done during these eight-week counseling sessions to mold more group counseling programs for the future. To sign up for the Spanish speaking group, head to the Pride Center website’s group therapy page.
‘People saw her as a matriarch’: San Antonio woman leaves lasting legacy as LGBTQ+ pioneer
SAN ANTONIO – Many would call Nickie Valdez an inspiration to others. She said Nickie was one of the first openly gay women in San Antonio. In the 1970′s she co-founded Dignity San Antonio, one of the longest running LGBTQ+ organizations in the city. She was passionate about her community and that was evidenced by her steadfast support of many LGBTQ+ organizations, causes, and initiatives. Pride Center San Antonio celebrates her life and share our condolences with her family, friends, and her partner Deb”.
‘Shimi was my role model’: Community mourns beloved performance artist, LGBTQ+ social justice champion
Messages of love poured in on social media after her friend and longtime neighbor Cherise Rohr Allegrini announced her passing. Her beauty, her grace, her spirit, her bad-ass woman, her fight for social justice, for art, for women, for people of color, for righteousness,” Rohr Allegrini wrote on Facebook. Rohr Allegrini met S.T. She spoke her mind, even when it was hard to hear, but then you wanted more,” Rohr Allegrini said. Her support and encouragement, her teaching about intersectionality and how to incorporate that into art was impactful,” Rohr Allegrini said.
Texas social workers will no longer be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ Texans and people with disabilities
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to restore protections for LGBTQ and disabled clients to Texas social workers’ code of conduct just two weeks after removing them. The governor’s office recommended removing language that prohibited social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. That set off an immediate firestorm of criticism from social workers, LGBTQ advocates and advocates for people with disabilities. "We are so grateful for the vote to keep the anti-discrimination protections in place," said Will Francis, executive director of the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. "This is a recognition of the key principle that a social worker’s personal beliefs must never impede a person’s right to self-determination or access to services."
‘Our rights are at risk’: Texas rule allowing social workers to turn away LGBTQ+ clients, people with disabilities draws criticism
SAN ANTONIO – A change in policies has led to criticism of the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners after it announced Monday that social workers will now be able to turn away LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. According to the state’s current law, a social worker can face disciplinary action if they refuse services to clients based on religion, race or age. While these changes reflect the agency’s duty to duly enacted statutes, the Board and Council recognize the importance of legal protection from discrimination. Brown also serves as a licensed social worker. Brown said she believes social work is about adapting to others' needs, and refusing to help is detrimental.
Show us your Pride to celebrate National Coming Out Day
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride. National Coming Out Day has been celebrated for 32 years now, and it’s an important reminder on just how far the queer community has come since earlier times. There was an entire generation of LGBTQ Americans who had live inside the closet because of laws and discrimination. So if you’re proud to be out and want it to shout it from the rooftops, tell us about it below! If you have advice for people still in the closet struggling with their identity, maybe offer some advice, and tell us how your life has improved since coming out.
Oreo is giving away 10,000 packs of rainbow cookies. Here’s how to get yours
We’re PROUD to announce the first-ever Rainbow OREO Cookies made in honor of our partnership with @PFLAG 🏳️🌈 Join our #ProudParent campaign and you could snag a pack of Rainbow OREO Cookies! pic.twitter.com/Sg5U6Q7sTb — OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 9, 2020These rainbow Oreo cookies could be yours, here’s how the company said you can get the cookies:“Join OUR #ProudParent campaign and share a photo of what allyship means to you. Don’t forget to follow @OREO too.”Here’s how:1️⃣ Join OUR #ProudParent campaign and share a photo of what allyship means to you. Don’t forget to follow @OREO too. — OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 9, 2020According to the company, 10,000 “rewards” will be made available to participants throughout the contest, which ends Oct. 31 or when all of the rewards are claimed.
Pride Month events in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – In recognition of Pride Month, several events are happening around the Alamo City to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Central LibraryThe Central Library is featuring the “Out and Proud in San Antonio: Pride Celebrations across the Years,” exhibit until July 31 in the Chihuly area. Pride Center San Antonio Icon BrunchPride Center San Antonio will host its first Icon Brunch on June 23. LGBTQ Ally Pride MixerThe Pride Center San Antonio and PFLAG San Antonio will host an LGBTQ Ally Pride Mixer from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 28 at the Pride Center, located at 1303 McCullough Ave., Suite 160. Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and ParadePride San Antonio will host the annual Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade on June 29.