For people who grew up in San Antonio over the last decade, it is easy to think LGBTQ+ equality has always been a priority. In short, the queer community is always valued and sits at the table in our community. For instance, the City Council of San Antonio cast 83 votes in 2013 to pass a non-discrimination ordinance stating gender identity, sexual orientation, and veteran status as a protected class (Office of Equity, n.d.). This topic attracts many LGBTQ + people because a large group of citizens advocates it.
A year later, the San Antonio Pride Center opened its doors and is still in operation. In 2015, nearly 100 same-sex couples were issued a marriage license at the Bexar Courthouse within hours of the groundbreaking ruling after the US Supreme Court decided to legalize marriage equality. Then, in 2018, a privately funded Rainbow Transition was drawn on Evergreen and Main Avenue to support inclusiveness and civil rights. But in its long history, acceptance, let alone celebration, was usually an exception rather than a standard. In many cases, the LGBTQ + community needed to be cautious and secretive because of their legitimate fear of discrimination and physical violence.
Non-Discriminatory Ordinance
San Antonio approved a broader anti-discrimination law for the LGBTQIA + community in September 2013. The law was written in such a way that sexual orientation and gender identity were added to the list of protected classes (City of San Antonio, n.d.). Later, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (DIO) was established to address complaints under the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. San Antonio believes that all residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that they should have equal access to opportunities. The Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) prohibits discrimination in city work, city contracts and subcontracting, board and committee appointments, and housing and public housing. Discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or national origin is prohibited in this area. Therefore, NDO protects against workplace discrimination for those employed and seeking employment under a contract with the city and applies to allegations of workplace discrimination by private companies. However, fees that affect private companies with 15 or more employees are investigated by the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Additionally, the ordinance does not require non-profit organizations or churches to rent buildings to groups to which the ordinance applies. However, it is limited to the case that the advantage of this premise is only for the use of the Association. After numerous complaints from the LGBTQIA + community, San Antonio recognized that there was still much work to be done to keep this community safe, protected and fair. The Ordinance also prohibits civil servants from discriminating against LGBT+ people or those assigned to a city contract in carrying out their duties.
Inspirations
Masha P. Johnson was the epicenter of the gay movement in New York City for nearly 25 years. However, it was not just due to LGBTQ rights. She was at the forefront of anti-repression police protests. She was instrumental in establishing one of the country’s first safe havens for transgender and homeless youth. She has also made tireless efforts for sex workers, prisoners, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Although she is considered one of the most influential activists in terms of transgender rights, she has never used the term “transgender”. Johnson identified herself as a “transvestite,” gay, drag queen, and she used she’s / her pronoun. Johnson was a key figure in the riots at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York, on June 28, 1969, after police attacked the gay bar and guests resisted. The protest was furious for the next 6 days.
Proposal
Based on the Social Justice Community Action Plan, I will be using the SMART Goal method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound), as illustrated below:
- S- Work with city leaders to pass legislation to limit or eliminate the exemptions for religious organizations to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community based on sexual orientation.
- M- Attend at least two city council meetings before the end of January 2022.
- A- I would like to bring more awareness to the exemptions within the NDO that allows religious organizations not to be held liable for discrimination against LGBTG+ people due to sexual orientation. I can achieve this goal by increasing the number of contacts I make each month by writing letters to city lawmakers and attending City Council meetings.
- R- Dedicate at least two hours per week towards writing letters to city leaders and attending events held by organizations that support rights for LGBTQ+ citizens.
- T- I would like to make contact and have a response by the Mayor’s office NLT at the end of January 2022.
Involvement
Some ways to be involved with these projects include; volunteering, writing to the city leaders while raising awareness, and being part of the cause by attending the council meetings and gatherings of people who meet weekly on Thursdays, except for the fourth week of the month.
Points of Contact
In this project, we would like to work with San Antonio’s Pride Center, San Antonio Equity Office, to advocate for further developments in the current NDO for members of the LGBTQ + community in Bexar County (Contact Us – Pride Center San Antonio: San Antonio, Texas, n.d.). Above all, this will help to limit the opportunities and loopholes for religious groups to discriminate on the basis of their sexual orientation. I have always been interested in improving and ensuring protection and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ + community.
Some of the major players I would like to partner with are; Jonathan Malagon- Interim Chief Equity Officer for San Antonio Office of Equity; Amy Casso- Equity Manager at San Antonio Office of Equity (Selby, 2018); Robert Salcido, Executive Director/Board Chair- Pride Center San Antonio, and Liaison to the LGBTQ+ community with the San Antonio Mayor’s Office.
Reflections
The most challenging thing is feeling like a bit of a fish in a big pond. Trouble navigating public policy, respecting religious points of view, becoming a victim of a hate crime, among many others. I also had a tough time in my research combining two sensitive topics, i.e., religion and politics. It is also a struggle being on the frontline in the campaign towards increased awareness of struggles facing LGBTQ+ people and increased knowledge of local ordinances and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Conclusively, I feel I am still developing my identity as an individual participating in a community social justice project. I am still trying to find that happy medium between advocating for human rights and how that corresponds with the law. Often there are elaborate mechanisms to involve citizens and interest groups in the policymaking process.
References
City of San Antonio. (n.d.).
Contact Us – Pride Center San Antonio: San Antonio, Texas. (n.d.). Web.
Office of Equity. (n.d.). Www.sanantonio.gov. Web.
Selby, D. (2018). 15 LGBTQ Activists of the Past and Present You Should Know. Global Citizen.