SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE

From the first transgender military training instructor to a contestant on Ru Paul's Drag Race, these are some of the moments that defined the LGBTQ+ community in South Texas.

The Pride Center San Antonio is expanding its physical footprint to offer more services to the local LGBTQ+ community.

Fiesta Youth is giving LGBTQ+ youths a safe space in San Antonio to be their true, authentic selves.

Brandon Rodriguez is a military training instructor for the 321st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland and has been serving for over a decade.

The month is almost over; however, there is still plenty of time to celebrate Pride in South Texas.

San Antonio’s Pride Month festivities are underway, with many of them kicking off for locals and visitors to enjoy this week.

KSAT Digital Journalist Ivan Herrera has been named the 2022 Media Icon by the San Antonio Pride Center.

June is Pride Month and to celebrate, there are many events taking place throughout the city.

Pride Center San Antonio will host several events during Pride Month in June and later this summer for families to enjoy.

The San Antonio Zoo is roaring into Pride Month with one highly anticipated event.

This year’s Pride Month will feature the first-ever Bud Light Pride River Parade by Visit San Antonio on June 18. Maggie Thompson, director of River Walk operations, joined this episode of the South Texas Pride Q&A series to discuss more about the parade and what visitors can expect.

Advocates say pushback against those targeting transgender children is growing as similar efforts to those in Texas and Florida are spreading across the country.

San Antonio West Side native Jorgeous, has “sashayed” onto television sets all across the nation after being cast on the award-winning series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for the show's 14th season.

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.

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.

A local nonprofit organization is working to improve the lives of young LGBTQ+ people and their parents in the San Antonio area.

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.

The town of Del Rio was shaken up by drag performances from their very own mayor and LGBTQ+ community members who were part of the Emmy-nominated HBO show “We’re Here.”

Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community say they are fighting to keep transgender children from losing their ability to participate in sports at school and fighting a number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the Texas Legislature.

San Antonio is brimming with new local drag talent, and one competition is helping entertainers strut their stuff in front of a live audience.

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.

The iconic rainbow crosswalk that was installed back in 2018 in the heart of the gay business district in San Antonio in the Main Avenue strip was replaced with a fresh new installation on Monday.

Thrive offers assistance with education, employment, mental health, life skills, medical care, legal care, and aftercare

The City of San Antonio flew a pride version of the city’s flag over City Hall on Saturday to commemorate Pride Month.

Pride Bigger Than Texas will be going virtual for the second year in a row and organizers believe support has never been more important.

After more than a year without hosting in-person meetings and their biggest fundraising events, the nonprofit Fiesta Youth is back and better than ever.

The second annual ‘Family Pride Night” will take place at Madison Square Park on Tuesday and include live music and LGBTQIA+-owned food and craft vendors, according to a news release.

Pronouns -- they describe a person, place or thing, but nowadays, they mean so much more to those who are non-binary and gender fluid.

In the heart of downtown San Antonio there is a nightclub that’s been a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community for the past 40 years.

There is plenty of grit, determination, skill, and most importantly pride to go around with members of the San Antonio Pride Softball League.

A months-long battle with COVID-19 isn’t stopping one San Antonio drag performer from making a comeback to the stage later this year.

Bexar County Court Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is awaiting her own day in court after she was forced to remove the rainbow Pride flag and other items from her courtroom in 2019.

While many Pride parades remain on hold, celebrate with these DIY, virtual and in-person options

This year’s Pride Bigger than Texas celebration will be held virtually and will include special celebrity guests and other community performers who will be remoting into the show live.

Anchors Steve Spriester and Isis Romero hosted a town hall on KSAT.com to discuss the LGBTQ community in San Antonio and the meaning of Pride Month.

Pride Center San Antonio is gearing up to host its first in-person fundraiser since last year.

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.

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”.

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.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: This story is part of KSAT’s South Texas Pride series, which focuses on LGBTQ+ stories. The help for the community hasn’t stopped from Cereal Killer Sweets' end. Cereal Killer Sweets has also helped LGBTQ+ organizations that support local youth. (COURTESY: Cereal Killer Sweets)As for the future, Morales says it’s all about creating a safe space for the community and serving others. “Of course, we’re going to continue to push nationwide, all of those shipments and sales as well, but just sticking with our San Antonio community.”Morales also reflected on her year running Cereal Killer Sweets.

James Poindexter, secretary of Pride San Antonio and event organizer of Pride Bigger than Texas Virtual 2020 - Celebrate PRIDE365, said the events official name change this year has an important meaning. And were going to have shoutouts from community leaders, elected officials.SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: Drag shows go digital in South TexasPoindexter says organizing a digital Pride festival didn't come without its share of difficulties. "We feel that this is absolutely our best effort that we're putting forth with this virtual event," Poindexter continued. Click here for more information on the Pride Bigger than Texas Virtual 2020 lineup, as well as more information on how you can watch the event. PLEASE SHARE---PLEASE SHARE---PLEASE SHARE Pride Bigger Than Texas Virtual 2020-Celebrate PRIDE 365 Live on Facebook and... Posted by Pride San Antonio on Thursday, June 25, 2020KSAT-TV EXTRA: Bittersweet moments mark Pride 2020; LGBTQ+ community continues fighting for change

Black queer lives are Black lives. If were gonna talk about Black lives mattering, we need to talk about all Black lives, the organizer said. The organizer explained why a big part of these marches are focused on transgender women of color. This Pride Month has been bittersweet for the community as they continue fighting for basic human rights. RELATED: Pride San Antonio announces digital festival for 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemicDrag shows go digital in South Texas

That kind of brought me up a little bit.Tencha La Jefa decided to follow in the steps of other queens and put on his own digital drag show. From drag brunches to club dance floors, he has also had to dabble in the world of digital drag to continue his performing career during the pandemic. Andrews said before the closures of venues went into effect, people started being more cautious when attending drag shows. We still had out dedicated fanbase they were so supportive.Digital drag shows allowed Andrews to continue performing beyond the closures and give the fans a party online. (Miss Toni Andrews)Jacob Ramirez/Jodie GalileiJacob Ramirez, who goes by the stage name Jodie Galilei when performing in drag, has been working to put on his second digital drag show for his company, NuQueer & Co.

SAN ANTONIO June 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions in the United States, and Monday is the first day of Pride Month. The first Pride March was held in New York City on June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, according to the LOC. In San Antonio, drag queen Tencha La Jefa is no stranger to Pride performances. Me being older, when I first came to San Antonio, Pride was small here, Tencha La Jefa said. To me, Pride Month -- Pride period -- nowadays, the way things are, is just living life to the fullest and being able to be you and being able to be yourself, being accepted by so many people.

SAN ANTONIO The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of several Pride Festival celebrations. However, in San Antonio, the event is going digital this year. In an effort to maximize the safety and wellbeing of our community and to continue to control the spread of COVID-19 we have opted to move Pride Bigger Than Texas 2020 to a virtual platform, Pride San Antonio said in a statement on its website. Pride Bigger Than Texas 2020 will stream online Saturday, June 27th. To learn more about the festival, visit Pride San Antonios website by clicking here.

SAN ANTONIO – The non-profit, Human Rights Campaign, just released its annual Corporate Equality Index, which grades companies across the nation on their level of inclusion for LGBTQ employees. Two San Antonio companies received perfect scores this year: Rackspace and USAA. "I think we both experienced that before Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed. HRC puts together an annual Corporate Equality Index, which uses a list of criteria to rate companies on inclusivity. We’re asking you to understand it and respect it in the workplace,” said USAA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jason Kamiya.

The Woodlawn Theatre is bringing the Australian outback to San Antonio with their production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The show is based on the 1994 movie of the same name. During the run of the show, the Woodlawn Theatre is collecting toiletries to benefit the SA Aids Foundation. The musical does contain adult themes and language, and the theater suggest patrons be over 18. The show runs every weekend until November 4th and tickets range from $18-$30.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

As part of KSAT’s South Texas Pride series, BEAT AIDS showed how easy it is to take an HIV test and what you should do once you know your results. How easy is it to take an HIV test? Several organizations in Bexar County, including the Metropolitan Health District, BEAT AIDS and the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, offer HIV testing for free or at a low cost. “Don't have any embarrassment, get treated, get with a medical provider.”If your test results are negative, experts say you should seek preventative measures. Eradicating the virusSan Antonio and Bexar County joined the Fast-Track Cities Initiative last December in an effort to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

SAN ANTONIO – Currently in the United States, 1.4 million people identify as transgender, according to a 2015 U.S. Transgender survey. It's a statistic that has grown every year, but many transgender individuals still face many obstacles. Jessica Zyrie and her father, Dwayne Price, are hoping their story will help other families. Their inspirational story is now being featured in a national GLAAD and Absolut Vodka campaign about acceptance. "Today, I know there's a lot more support, but there's still a long way to go," Zyrie said.

SAN ANTONIO – Presidential candidate and former Mayor Julián Castro will march in San Antonio's Pride Parade on Saturday. Castro's campaign manager confirmed to KSAT's Steve Spriester on the return to his hometown for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade. I just confirmed that Presidential Candidate and former SA Mayor @JulianCastro will be marching in the San Antonio Pride Parade tomorrow. #KSATnews — Steve Spriester (@stevespriester) June 29, 2019His arrival comes less than 72 hours after Castro and other presidential candidates squared off in the first Democratic debate. For more information on the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – Pride month is going out with a bang this weekend in San Antonio. The Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade will start at 11 a.m. and run till 7 p.m. Saturday. Starting at 8:45 p.m., the Krystal Kelly Running of the Queens High Heel Race will commence, acting as the official kickoff for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. Those running in the race will be competing for many prizes including a VIP pass to the Bonham Exchange. Serving as 2019 Pride Bigger than Texas parade grand marshals will be Autumn Summers, who has raised over $1 million for local charities and has worked in the drag world for 38 years and Gene Elder, who managed the well-known gay bar San Antonio Country and will be serving posthumously.

On Saturday, a troupe of drag kings welcomed San Antonio families to join in on their bilingual story time event. The group read a book called “They Call Me Mix” in English and Spanish in hopes of teaching tolerance and acceptance.

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.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio will celebrate its LGBTQ community on Saturday during the fifth annual Family Pride at Market Square event. The celebration will begin at noon and will include live music, vendors and plenty of food, along with informational booths for all visitors of the festival and will end at 6 p.m.Saturday's line up for the 5th Annual Family Pride at Market Square! Posted by Historic Market Square on Friday, May 31, 2019The event is co-sponsored by the San Antonio Metro Health Department, each of the following organizations will be represented:City of San Antonio Metro Health STD DivisionHuman Rights Campaign or HRCThrive Youth CenterPFLAG San AntonioUnitarian ChurchTransAllies SAPride Center San AntonioBEAT AIDSSan Antonio AIDS Foundation or SAAFAlamo Area Resource Center or AARCFestivities will continue into Sunday, with fiesta foods, more live music, specialty artists and specialty vendors, starting at noon and ending again at 6 p.m.For more information, you can visit the event’s Facebook page here.

Stephanie Flores wasn’t always protecting our city from criminals and working as the LGBTQ liaison for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a way to assure the LGBTQ community that it’s not alone when dealing with situations that can sometimes be dangerous. The Sheriff's Office asks community members if there's a bigger need for law enforcement in their area and just asks general questions to make sure they feel safe. We have an animal rights activist, or a liaison, so it just can go in so many different directions, Flores said. “And especially as (the LGBTQ) community is also expanding in different aspects, we also have to expand within that community.”For more South Texas Pride stories, visit KSAT.com/SouthTexasPride.

The Pride Center of San Antonio is trying to change that by holding its first free clinic Saturday in order to ease that legal process for the transgender community. It’s a process that Jamie Zapata, a transgender woman, said is important for her community. Robert Salcido, executive director of the Pride Center, said it can be an expensive and very difficult process. The clinic will be going through Travis County, which has a much more streamlined process than Bexar County. Salcido said Pride Center officials will also be talking with Bexar County judges in the future in an attempt to make it a more uniform process for the transgender community.

SAN ANTONIO – Fiesta Youth, San Antonio’s largest LGBTQ youth organization, will be hosting an open house event Saturday to celebrate the organization’s new, expanded space. The event will include a tour of the new facility, food, special speakers and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests will be able to visit with organizations and businesses such as the Thrive Youth Center, PFLAG, San Antonio Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Fiesta Youth, which was founded in 2013, said its mission is to “provide a safe, non-judgmental, affirming place for LGBTQ young people to express and explore who they are through education, peer-support, advocacy, and friendship.”The event will be held from 1-4 p.m. at Woodlawn Point: A Center of Community at 702 Donaldson Ave.Fiesta Youth activities will begin at the new location April 2.

SAN ANTONIO – The Pride Center is expanding the programs and hours to better serve youth and older adults in the LGBTQ community. The Center said LGBTQ students are at greater risk for truancy, depression and anxiety than their straight, cisgender peers. It also said LGBTQ older adults are twice as likely to live alone, making them vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, which is why the center is expanding its programs. The program offers a place for youth to do homework, socialize with other LGBTQ youth, use the cyber center and/or play games. The Center, in partnership with Older Adults Technology Services, also offers free technology courses for adults 60 and older.

AUSTIN, Texas – Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization that works to secure equality for LGBTQ Texans, released a new report Wednesday that details the state of equality for those individuals. The organization said despite this, some LGBTQ Texans are still struggling to access their right to vote. Equality Texas said it is supporting Senate Bill 151, House Bill 244 and House Bill 254, which are comprehensive nondiscrimination bills that have been filed in the Texas Legislature. To access the full report by Equality Texas, click here. To see Equality Texas’ new conference, click on the video below.

SAN ANTONIO – Members of San Antonio’s LGBTQ community said they want to have a say in future city policies that will help protect them. She said San Antonio has made great strides in becoming more welcoming of the LGBTQ community, but more needs to be done to protect victims of crimes. According to the FBI, in 2016, there were 10 hate crimes reported by participating Bexar County law enforcement agencies. In 2017, there were six hate crimes reported, but none were connected to sexual orientation or gender identity. The board will continue to meet with the mayor, but it wants the board to become permanent so that the LGBTQ community can have a place at the table when policies are formed in the future under new leadership.

As an alternative to the “Crosswalk Program,” infrastructure located beyond the limits of traffic travel lanes could be themed, such as sidewalks, traffic signal cabinets, banners, and murals. The policy framework outlines the City of San Antonio’s Community Crosswalk Program requirements. “The pilot revealed that symbolic, artistic displays like the Pride Crosswalk have a place in our community,” said Councilman Roberto Treviño. “If approved, the Community Crosswalk Program will add so much vibrancy and meaning to ordinary infrastructure throughout San Antonio. Thank you to 'Guardians of the Crosswalk' for their efforts to keep the crosswalk looking good!”

Local leaders with the LGBTQ community and the nonprofit BEAT AIDS said it's a good first step, but it will take work to get to that goal. Michelle Durham, with BEAT AIDS, said it's a doable plan since there is already a national HIV/AIDS strategy to end the virus by 2030. Durham said there are about 7,000 people who currently have HIV or AIDS in San Antonio and 1.2 million in the country. BEAT AIDS is inviting the community to a free luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church. February 7th is National HIV / AIDS Awareness Day!

SAN ANTONIO – Thursday is National Coming Out Day. KSAT 12 asked people in the South Texas LGBTQIA community to share their stories of how they came out, and how they felt when they were finally able to express themselves and be accepted by their friends, families and colleagues. National Coming Out Day was first observed 30 years ago. According to the Human Right Campaign, one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian -- and for transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

We wanted to make sure that we were reaching all parts of the city," said Darrell Garcia Parsons, Fiesta Youth board president. Every Tuesday, Fiesta Youth holds meetings for children ages 12 to 18 at 6:30 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church near Trinity University at 300 Bushnell. We let them hang out for about 15 minutes, get to catch up on their week," Garcia Parsons said. The one safe place they need besides this place, besides Fiesta Youth, is their own home." Alcocer said Fiesta Youth provides a safe space for those kids to speak up and express themselves -- free from judgment.

Zapata said 30 years ago, she was punished and bullied for wearing a dress and even threatened with her life. “High school kids were planning to lure me to some party to figure out what I was, make me strip and then kill me," she said. She said attitudes continue to evolve, but life is still difficult for many transgender youth. “You have it at school, then you have it at home and you have it online, on social media," Zapata said. Allow your loved one to live their truth.”Jazzmine Dunn, a transgender student who wants to become an inventor or artist, said the following about her classmates:“They don’t really care.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio is the latest stop for a traveling art exhibit that highlights LGBTQ artists from Texas. Arttitude has had five shows in McAllen, Dallas, Austin and now San Antonio. “The papel picado (decorative tissue paper) is very much San Antonio. I think that there is currently an absence of women artists, and if there’s an absence of women artists, then there’s an absence of queer artists. There’s an absence of gender nonconforming artists … an absence of trans artists.”The exhibit was made possible by partnerships with San Antonio organizations, including Galeria E.V.A., The Pride Center San Antonio, Kind Clinic and LULAC: Act Against AIDS.

SAN ANTONIO – A trio of San Antonio researchers launched a study on resiliency in the local LGBTQ community, and they're looking for people to interview. SOUTH TEXAS PRIDE: San Antonio church walks the walk of advocacy and inclusivityThe title of their project is "San Antonio Strengthening Colors of Pride." A short survey to determine each applicant's qualifications is available via Twitter and Facebook, and on the Pride Center San Antonio website. After the first round of interviews, the study will broaden to reach a larger group within the San Antonio LGBTQ community. "Our next phase next year will be conducting a really large survey, which has never really been done in San Antonio," Stone said.

SAN ANTONIO – Thousandsof people lined the streets of downtown San Antonio on Saturday night for the PRIDE Bigger than Texas Parade. The parade culminated a full day of events to celebrate the LGBTQ community in the Alamo City. The theme of the festival, which was held all day Saturday, and the parade was "Stand up, stand out, be counted." Autumn Summers of Pride San Antonio said the festival and parade helped celebrate the city's Tricentennial and said it's about appreciating how far the LGBTQ community has come in the Alamo City. Proceeds from the events will help benefit Pride San Antonio, which will disperse funds to charities that help the LGBTQ community.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio's LGBTQ Advisory Committee is working toward improving the quality of life for members of the local LGBTQ community. Erick Macias is a member on the committee and an advocate for the transgender community. He did not know he could get his gender marker officially changed to read male on all of his documents. He only learned about the option through a friend in the transgender community. He wants to make sure the city recognizes that the transgender community exists.

It feels like a safe space,” said Gabriel Martinez, a Main Avenue strip regular. You know, we’re here.”Installed Wednesday at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, the sidewalks are in place just in time for the San Antonio Pride Parade on Saturday. The location is at the heart of the gay business district and the Main Avenue strip, which holds a special place in the city’s LGBTQ community. The same crosswalks were decorated in rainbow colors ahead of last year’s Pride Parade, but only in chalk. In June 2017, District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino requested that the City Council consider installing a “Pride-themed rainbow crosswalk” at the intersection.

SAN ANTONIO – The rainbow crosswalk is officially being painted at Main Avenue and Evergreen Street in the heart of San Antonio’s gay business district. The crosswalk will be finished just in time for the city’s Pride parade on Saturday. Pride San Antonio raised nearly $20,000 for the crosswalk, while the city paid $12,668 toward the $32,000 project. The route for the Pride parade Saturday will take marchers through the intersection and over the rainbow crosswalk. Watch the video for more information.

SAN ANTONIO – South Texas will show its support for the LGBTQIA community on Saturday at the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade and Festival at Crockett Park in San Antonio. In 2017, about 30 Madison Square church members marched in the pride parade -- nearly one-third of its congregation. Roush shared that he wants that message to be clear as soon as community members walk into his sanctuary. So if you do a search on 'gay-friendly churches' then our church will pop up in San Antonio," Roush said. The Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade and Festival is an official San Antonio Tricentennial event.

SAN ANTONIO – Organizers have been planning and fundraising for months, and Wednesday, a rainbow crosswalk will finally be installed north of downtown. The crosswalk will be painted at the intersection of Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, in the heart of San Antonio’s gay business district. READ MORE: Rainbow Crosswalk coming in time for Pride ParadeThe San Antonio City Council approved the installation earlier this month after successful private fundraising efforts, including the sale of a rainbow crosswalk Fiesta medal.

The San Antonio sports league continues to grow to help the LGBTQ community strengthen bonds. Members of the military were still under the discriminatory policy of "don't ask, don't tell," which allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexual orientation a secret. "Several men that were in the military that were involved in "don't ask, don't tell" wanted to find a way to socialize using sports to kind of connect the LGBT military community together," Birmingham said. The group decided to start a flag football team, and Birmingham was one of the first members to join the sports team. The "don't ask, don't tell" policy is no longer in place, and the organization continues to thrive with more members joining the league over the years.

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Gay Softball League is one of several athletic programs in the Alamo City's LGBTQ community that helps bring people together on and off the field. Many people around San Antonio are taking notice of SAGSL throughout the year. Images: SA Gay League Softball LeagueLisa Rodriguez credits her husband for introducing her to SAGSL. This year, three SAGSL teams will participate in the LGBTQ community World Series. The teams traveling to Tampa, Florida, for the competition are Los Cucuys, San Antonio Venom and The Leftovers.

SAN ANTONIO – A permanent rainbow crosswalk will soon be installed in the heart of the gay business district in San Antonio, just in time for the Pride parade on June 30. Members of the Pride San Antonio community said they feel proud of their eight months of hard work. The President of Pride San Antonio, Phillip Barcena, said this is a proud moment for LGBTQ+ community. The rainbow crosswalk will go at the intersection of Main Avenue and Evergreen Street. You can see the crosswalk June 29 during its official opening ceremony, followed by the San Antonio Pride Parade on June 30.

SAN ANTONIO – Fiesta Youth will be hosting its annual Love, Not Labels event Saturday to celebrate Pride Month in the Alamo City and benefit local nonprofits. The goal of the event is to bring different groups of people in the Alamo City together and celebrate inclusion. The acts include spoken word, drag queen and drag king performances, dance troupes and live music. The proceeds for the event will benefit three nonprofit organizations. Love, Not Labels will take place from 2-10 p.m. Saturday at the Woodlawn Pointe Auditorium.

DEL RIO, Texas – At 35 years old, Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano is the youngest mayor in Del Rio history. KSAT 12 traveled to Del Rio Wednesday before Lozano took his oath of office for his first job in politics. “I just dove in.”But that’s not what the citizens of Del Rio had in mind. No, you can run for council all you want, but we need you as mayor of Del Rio,'” Lozano remembered. Then February came along and he filed his paperwork stating his intention to run for mayor of Del Rio.

DEL RIO, Texas – The city of Del Rio swore in its youngest mayor ever Wednesday. An Air Force veteran and the city’s first openly gay city official, Bruno “Ralph” Lozano’s swearing in drew in a record crowd in the City Council chambers. Lozano won with more than 61 percent of the vote. He said his goal is to bring unity to the city, and it all started with a vote. “We elected officials place our names on ballots in the hopes of achieving many things, but we cannot accomplish a single thing without you, the voter,” Lozano said.

SAN ANTONIO – It was a long road, but the approved Rainbow Pride Crosswalk, set to be installed at the corner of Main Avenue and Evergreen, is finally near the finish line. Originally drawn in chalk during the San Antonio Pride Parade in the summer of 2017, and appearing again this month on a Fiesta medal, the powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ pride will soon become a reality. At Senior Fiesta at the Pearl Stable on Tuesday, Treviño said his Fiesta medal raised more than $10,000 for the crosswalk so far, and Fiesta has only just begun. Rainbow Crosswalk Fiesta medals are being sold for $15 each at businesses along Main Avenue, near the intersection where the actual crosswalk will be. To learn more about Pride San Antonio, click on the link.

SAN ANTONIO – At least 48 openly LGBTQ candidates in Texas ran for office this election cycle. That number is roughly three times higher than any previous election cycle, according to Outsmart, a Houston LGBTQ magazine. I was raised in a Catholic household, first-generation American," said San Antonio native Gina Ortiz Jones, who is running for a U.S. congressional seat. "Yeah, I stand on the shoulders of leaders, not only LGBT but strong women," Ortiz Jones said. She said the number of LGBTQ candidates this election cycle is a true sign of the times.

SAN ANTONIO – Pride Center San Antonio has the keys and is ready to move into its new, open walk-in center. "We created it because we wanted to bring awareness to the LGBT community center. We wanted to raise money for the LGBT community center," said Julian P. Ledezma, Pride Center board member, local photographer, and creator of the Emerald Ball. The staff who runs the ball is comprised of volunteers – just like the staff that runs the Pride Center. GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE PRIDE CENTER RIGHT HERE.

SAN ANTONIO – Lez Ride SA met up last Saturday at the Pearl for a Galentine’s bike ride. If you don’t know already, Galentine’s Day is a holiday that celebrates female friendships, made famous by “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope. So we thought we would tell you a little more about Lez Ride SA and what they do around the community as our favorite civil servant would -- with a fun infographic below! (Click here if you can not see the graphic.)