San Antonio Continues to Rise on the List of LGBT-friendly Cities

The election of Mayor Nirenberg and several new members of the City Council has solidified our status as a LGBT-friendly city. Following the progressive standard of Julian Castro, Nirenberg appeared at the San Antonio Pride Parade on July 1 and the city’s LGBT scorecard currently lauds a number of arts and cultural factors that strike a chord with the LGBT community including active organizations like the Pride Center San Antonio and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Recent wins for the LGBT community including passage of the NDO in 2015 also point to LGBT activists’ hope that the city of St. Anthony will continue to be considered a top choice for same sex couples and families.

Prior to the Pride parade, activists and allies paid homage to their cause and chalked the crosswalks at the intersection of Evergreen and Main streets. The same intersection is the focus of an effort to make the rainbow display a permanent addition to the area, known as the “gay district” in Tobin Hill. Councilman Roberto Trevino filed the appropriate paperwork and numerous other city leaders have voiced support for the installation. When approved, San Antonio will become the second city, after Houston, to allow such as display in Texas. Of course, questions remain about the source of funds needed for the installation and maintenance of such a display. LGBT activists have stated they are willing to raise the funds needed for the project however, no specifics have been shared about how much the display will cost or who exactly will foot the bill.

Atlanta, Georgia recently approved the installation of rainbow crosswalks to the tune of $200,000.