H-E-B scores 40 out of 100 on HRC Equality Index
QSanAntonio.com, September 6

H-E-B (H.E. Butt Grocery Co.), the retail grocery giant based in San Antonio, received a score of 40 out of 100 on the 2009 Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. This is the second year in a row that the grocer has received the same score. Despite the low rating, H-E-B does have policies in place that address issues of equality for gay, lesbian and bisexual employees.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its seventh annual Corporate Equality Index on September 2. The index rates 583 businesses on a scale from 0 to 100 percent based on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. Two San Antonio corporations, AT&T (now moved to Dallas) and Clear Channel received scores of 100.

In the positive column, H-E-B’s company policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and provides diversity training covering sexual orientation. HRC also found that the company positively engages the external GLBT community and exhibits responsible behavior toward the GLBT community in that is does not engage in action that would undermine equality.

The areas where H-E-B was docked points was its lack of a policy prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression. It’s diversity training does not cover gender identity or has supportive gender transition guidelines. It does not offer health insurance, dental coverage vision, COBRA or dependent coverage to its employees’ partners. It also does not have an employer-supported employee resource group or firm-wide diversity council.

On question of diversity the H-E-B web site contains the following statement: "H-E-B's workforce differs by race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, physical abilities, marital status, parental status and in many other ways. We have a Partner (employee)-friendly organizational culture designed to develop the unique talents of each Partner and offer feedback consistent with each Partner's individual goals."

In 2006, H-E-B was picketed on three occasions by Christian extremists in San Antonio because it made a donation to PrideFest. The controversy lasted for almost two months. At the time the company released the following statement: "Our corporate donation policy has always been one of inclusiveness and focused on treating all our Partners and Customers with dignity and respect. Specifically, H-E-B's contribution to PrideFest amounted to a donation of $300. This donation in no way represents a political or social stance. It's about respecting our Customers and Partners and supporting the communities we serve."

Van de Putte to be roasted by League of Women Voters
QSanAntonio.com, September 6

State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, a longtime ally of the GLBT community, will be roasted at the League of Women Voters at its annual fundraiser on September 19. Former City Councilwoman Elena Guajardo is organizing the dinner.

The event, dubbed "Perfect Strike Roasting Matches," will feature a host of speakers who will roast Senator Van de Putte. Those scheduled to speak include Judge Alma Lopez, State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon, Robert Puente, Judge Karen Couch and Carlos Guerra.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It also seeks to influence public policy through education and advocacy. The roast is the organization’s primary fundraiser and helps cover the costs of their Voter Guide and the candidate forums that it sponsors prior to elections.

League of Women Voters annual fundraiser on Friday, September 19, 2008 at the Oak Hills Country Club. Silent Auction and Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Sponsorship levels from $1000 to $55. For tickets and information contact Elena Guajardo at 210-681-6789 or by email at webekg@swbell.net.

Gay Pride San Antonio distributed $12,000 in proceeds to six local non-profits at the Saint on August 27.

Gay Pride S.A. distributes $12,000 to local non-profits
QSanAntonio.com, September 4

Organizers of the Gay Pride San Antonio Block Party and Parade distributed $2,000 to each of six local GLBT non-profit organizations. The disbursements were presented at a special party on August 27 at the Saint. The funds disbursed were more than double what Gay Pride S.A. awarded last year.

This year’s beneficiaries were Beat Aids, We Are Alive, The Royal, Sovereign, and Imperial Court of the Alamo Empire, The Texas Gay Rodeo Association, Mujeres Unidas Contra el SIDA, and The Gay Dart League of San Antonio. Organizers told QSanAntonio that the Gay Dart League immediately turned over their money over to Garza Pharmacy, an organization that provides low-cost medications to indigent people with terminal diseases.

"We would like to thank the City of San Antonio for recognizing this event and we would like to thank the tremendous support of the GLBT community in San Antonio as this was by far our biggest year yet," says Philip Barcena, President of Gay Pride S.A. "Last year we were able to give away $898 to each charity and this year, with overwhelming support of the community, we doubled the amount from last year."

Barcena and his partner, James Poindexter, who organized the Parade and other important elements of Gay Prides S.A., have worked with the organization for the past two years. The couple is being recognized with a Community Leadership award from the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio as a result of the improvements they’ve brought to Gay Pride S.A.

"Since Phillip and I have become involved with Gay Pride S.A. we have been committed to put this event on a path to new heights," says Poindexter. "With a dedicated committee in place, Gay Pride S.A. is on a path to show the world that our GLBT community is rising up to represent San Antonio as a truly a world-class city, befitting our status as the 7th largest in the nation."

A vintage photo of Pancho Rodriguez and playwright Tennesse Williams. In the play "Rancho Pancho" Williams is portrayed by Rick Frederick and Rodriguez is played by Benny Briseno.

"Rancho Pancho" explores Tennessee Williams’ relationship with Latino Texan
QSanAntonio, August 15

A new play by San Antonian Gregg Barrios explores the short-lived but intense relationship between famed playwright Tennessee Williams and Pancho Rodriguez, a Mexican American man from Crystal City, Texas. The production by the Classic Theater Company takes the stage on September 6 and 7 at the Jump-Start Theater.

Barrios’ play is based on correspondence between Williams and Rodriguez. Much of the material was acquired after Rodriguez’s death in 1993 at the age of 72. The title "Rancho Pancho" was Williams' name for the house he shared in Provincetown with Rodriguez and Carson McCullers in 1946, when he was writing "Summer and Smoke" and she was turning "Member of the Wedding" into a play.

Barrios points out that in Williams "Memoirs" he calls Rodriguez ‘Santo.’ Williams wrote that Santo was "at the center" of his life and that during that time he relieved Williams of his greatest affliction -- loneliness.

Williams’ relationship with Rodriguez lasted for only two years (1946 - 1947) but seems to have had an important effect on the playwright’s work. In an interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Barrios makes the case that Rodriguez’ influence can be traced to the volatile character of Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and to two other major plays, "The Rose Tattoo" and "Summer and Smoke."

"Rancho Pancho" is the inaugural production of the Classic Theater Company. The new troupe is founded by Diane Malone (the former artistic director of the Church Theater), Tony and Asia Ciaravino, Rick Malone, Terri Pena Ross, Allan and Chris Cheever. The group’s future plans include productions of "The Glass Menagerie," "Twelfth Night" and "Miss Julie."

"Rancho Pancho" has been selected for the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in Massachusetts where it will be performed in late September. Diane Malone directs the play. The cast includes Benny Briseno as Pancho, Rick Frederick as Tennessee Williams, Anna Gangai as Carson McCullers, and Annella Keys as Margo Jones.

The Classic Theater Company presents "Rancho Pancho" by Gregg Barrios. At the Jump-Start Theatre on Saturday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 general and $9 for seniors, students, and military. Call the Jump-Start box office for reservations and information at 210-227-5867.

East Side church backs off on name change for Gay Boulevard
QSanAntonio, August 8

The Second Baptist Church in San Antonio backed off on its request to the City Council to change the name of Gay Boulevard, a street which runs adjacent to the church’s property at 3310 E. Commerce, to Second Baptist Way.

Speaking at the City Council meeting on August 7, District 2 Councilwoman Shiela D. McNeil said that the church had decided "not to do this now." McNeil said the request had received a lot of publicity and media attention. She added that she had met with the church and the community and the consensus was not to go ahead.

Since the item was already on the City Council’s agenda, Councilwoman McNeil asked her fellow Council members to deny the request. It was voted down without further discussion.

The news of the church’s attempt to change the name of the street spread quickly through the Internet. Locally, KENS-TV carried the story and on Thursday afternoon, WOAI-TV was looking for gay community leaders who might want to comment on the record for their newscast. Scores of gay blogs across the country were carrying the story.

According to reports, church officials said the change had nothing to do with sexual preference. However, the news story by KENS-TV quoted a neighborhood resident as saying, "First of all, Gay Street, that’s not a proper name because I’m, anti-gay."

Public hearings on the name change were held on June 3 and June 16 and attended by members of the neighborhood association and other at-large community members. Most who attended those hearings were in favor of the change. There are 15 residential and two commercial properties along the six blocks of Gay Boulevard, although none of those properties has an address on that street.

The church was planning to pay a $500 application fee to the city to change the name and pay for about $800 worth of new street signs.

The Second Baptist Church has been located on East Commerce for over 127 years. Its current pastor is Rev. Robert L. Jemerson. According to supporting documents provided to the City Council, the church wanted the name change to "provide immediate identification for the church's location to all who may be seeking its services."

In it’s petition to the City Council the church argued, "Changing the street's name to Second Baptist Way would honor the Church's forefather's, including, Reverend Doctor S.H. James, who once served on the City Council as a District 2 representative."

Councilwoman McNeil said that the church was going to try to come up with another way to bolster its visibility and name recognition within the East Side community.

Guajardo invites community to Annie’s List event
QSanAntonio, August 6

Former City Councilwoman Elena Guajardo, a member of the local Annie’s List steering committee, is inviting the GLBT community to attend that organization’s "Celebrating our Champions" reception being held on September 10. The event will honor three local women leaders: Ruth Bowers, Hon. Bonnie Reed and Ruth Stewart.

Annie’s List is an Austin, Texas-based organization founded in 2003 to help elect more Democratic women to political offices throughout the state. For the 2007-2008 election cycle, Annie’s List is endorsing 6 candidates for office and 6 more who are currently incumbents.

"I’m on the local Annie’s List steering committee because I want to help any Democratic candidate who will be an ally to GLBT issues," says Guajardo. "Presently, there is not one GLBT elected official in state office. Annie’s List has endorsed 11 candidates who are fair-minded women open to diversity. My intent is to help elect more allies open to our cause and open to working with Equality Texas."

Guajardo explains that the three women honored on September 10 are pillars of the community.

Ruth Stewart was an associate professor of nursing at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and served many years as a member and subsequently as chair of the Texas Board of Health. She has also been involved with the League of Women Voters, the Women’s Political Caucus and the Democratic Party.

Bonnie Reed was the first Domestic Violence County Court Judge in Bexar County. She has served on the boards of Las Casas Foundation, Gemini Ink and the San Antonio Symphony. She has been involved with non-profits like Meals on Wheels and the United Way and championed women’s rights through Planned Parenthood.

Ruth McLean Bowers created the Women’s Resource Center at Trinity University, helped develop the new breast cancer center at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center and has countless other charities to which she is dedicated.

Guajardo says that the funds raised by Annie’s List help candidates who can change the balance of power in Texas. "We are 90 days away from an historic November election. This is an opportunity to take back the Texas House and increase our margins in the Texas Senate. Beyond the presidential choice, there are several dynamic Democratic statewide female candidates on the ballot."

Annie's List Second Annual "Celebrating our Champions" Reception honoring Ruth Bowers, Hon. Bonnie Reed and Ruth Stewart. On September 10, 2008, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the King William Garden House, 732 South St. Mary's Street. Admission is by sponsorship. Sponsorships are $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250 and $100. Sponsorships can be posted at www.AnniesList.com. Sponsorships can also be put on a 3-month payment plan by calling 512-481-8100.

Iraq war veteran Eric Alva, right, with Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass., speaking out against "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" on Capitol Hill on February 28, 2007. (Photo courtesy HRC)

Alva to testify at Congressional hearing on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
QSanAntonio, July 19

Retired Marine Sergeant and San Antonio native Eric Alva will testify this week at a congressional hearing on the U.S. military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy. Alva told QSanAntonio that he was invited to participate by Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), chair of the personnel subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.

According to press reports, Rep. Davis says she decided to hold the hearing because Congress has not looked at the issue of gays in the military in 15 years. "Being in the middle of the two wars, as we have been, I think the issue has come up repeatedly, and it’s important to start that conversation," she told the Washington Blade.

This is the first time that Congress has examined the issue of gays serving in the armed forces since the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy was first instituted during the Clinton administration in 1993.

In March 2003, Alva became the first soldier injured in the Iraq War when he stepped on a landmine resulting in the loss of his right leg part of an index finger. On February 28, 2007, he joined Rep. Marty Meehan, (D-Mass.), in calling for an end to the government’s "Don’t ask, Don’t Tell" policy.

The hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, will include witnesses who are for and against the policy.

Along with Alva, retired Capt. Joan Darrah, a former Navy intelligence officer and lesbian, and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman, who is straight and a decorated division commander will testify as well. No service member who has been discharged under the policy has been scheduled to testify.

The two witnesses scheduled to testify in favor of the policy are Elaine Donnelly, president for the Center for Military Readiness and an opponent of gays in the military, and retired Army Sgt. Maj. Brian Jones, who served in special operations.

Alva told the Washington Blade in an interview that he intends to tell lawmakers about his experience in the Marine Corps, how he was injured on the first day of the Iraq war and how current military policy shows that there is "prejudice" in the U.S. government.

"We’re allowing our prejudice to be put into action by allowing this discriminatory policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to still exist, even in this day and age," he said.

Hillary and Obama in San Antonio

Photos -- Obama in San Antonio
Photos by Antonia Padilla, QSanAntonio, February 20

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama brought his message of change to Plaza Guadalupe in the heart of San Antonio’s Latino barrio on February 19. The crowd of over 4,000 representing every demographic in the city began lining up early in the morning for the 2:00 Town Hall meeting. Prior to that Obama held a Round Table discussion at the Guadalupe Theatre with two San Antonio families to discuss the mortagage crises and predatory lending practices. Crowds for the event were so large that thousands who could not get in to the event were assembled on Guadalupe Street where the candidate gave some brief remarks before addressing the larger crowd inside.

Hillary in San Antonio
Photos by Antonia Padilla, QSanAntonio, March 1

Hillary Clinton made her second appearance in San Antonio on February 29 at Hemisfair Park. The crowd of over 2,000 supporters were warmed up by the Tejano band La Mafia and numerous politicians including including former Mayor Henry Cisneros, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, several California congresswomen and El Paso Rep. Silvestre Reyes. Senator Leticia Van de Putte introduced Clinton who spoke for a little less than an hour.

S.A. minister who endorsed McCain blamed Katrina on gays
QSanAntonio, March 1

John Hagee, the pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio who this week endorsed John McCain’s presidential bid, made statements in 2006 that blamed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on the "level of sin" by gays in New Orleans. In the past, Hagee has also made disparaging remarks about women, blacks, Muslims and Catholics. He also actively advocates attacking Iran.

On September 18, 2006 Hagee made the following statement to National Public Radio reporter Terri Gross:

"All hurricanes are acts of God, because God controls the heavens. I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God, and they were recipients of the judgment of God for that. The newspaper carried the story in our local area that was not carried nationally, that there was to be a homosexual parade there on the Monday that the Katrina came. And the promise of that parade was that it would was going to reach a level of sexuality never demonstrated before in any of the other gay pride parades."

Actually, there was no gay pride event scheduled in New Orleans at that time. The event to which Hagee referred is actually a circuit party called Southern Decadence that takes place annually during the Labor Day weekend.

Hagee has also called the Catholic Church "The Great Whore," an apostate church and a false cult system. He has been quoted as saying, "Do you know the difference between a woman with PMS and a snarling Doberman pinscher? The answer is lipstick. Do you know the difference between a terrorist and a woman with PMS? You can negotiate with a terrorist."

Catholic Groups have called on McCain to reject Hagee’s endorsement. McCain responded by saying he was, "very proud of the Pastor John Hagee's spiritual leadership to thousands of people and I am proud of his commitment to the independence and the freedom of the state of Israel" but that it "does not mean that I support or endorse or agree with some of the things that Pastor John Hagee might have said or positions that he may have taken on other issues."

Hagee is the founder of Christians United for Israel and leader of the Christian Zionists and has written several books. He founded the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio in May 1975. The church, located at 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, boasts a membership of over 17,000.