Entire neighborhood electrified by Pride San Antonio
QSanAntonio.com, July 3, 2011
Even though there was a fence around the Pride San Antonio Block Party in Crockett Park it could not contain the sheer size of the celebration. The entire Main Avenue strip, from the Essence Bar on the south to the Silver Dollar Saloon at the northern end, was bursting to the seams with revelers.

Parade Grand Marshal Mike Ruiz (in black shirt).

Parade Grand Marshal Will Phillips with his mother Laura.

Photos -- Pride San Antonio Celebrity Meet and Greet
QSanAntnonio.com, July 1, 2011
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Photos -- Recording artist Martha Wash visits San Antonio AIDS Foundation
QSanAntonio.com, June 30, 2011
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Photos -- Marth Wash's surprise visit to Cornyation check presentation event
QSanAntonio.com, June 30, 2011
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State Senator Leticia Van De Putte, State Representative Joe Farias, County Commissioner Chico Rodriguez, Genie Wright, Judge, County Court 7.

Diego Bernal, City Councilman District 1, Rey Saldana, City Councilman District 4, Ray Lopez, City Councilman District 6, Dr. Fernando Guerra, Former Director of Public Health who will be receiving the Vela Award Saturday night for his service, Dr. Thomas Schlenker, the newly installed Director of Public Health.

2011 Pride Parade Dignitaries
QSanAntonio.com, June 28, 2011

Reality star Mike Ruiz is Grand Marshal of Pride Parade
QSanAntnonio.com, June 25, 2011

Mike Ruiz, world renowned photographer, TV personality, former model, actor and director, will be in San Antonio July 2 to be one of two Grand Marshals for the Pride Parade.

The other Grand Marshal for this year's parade is 12-year-old Will Phillips, winner of a 2011 GLAAD Media Award. (See related story below.)

Ruiz was born and raised in Repentigny, a suburb in Montreal, Canada. After working for more than a decade as a successful model, his true calling came into focus one Christmas morning, when he got a gift of a lifetime: his first camera.

With focused determination, Ruiz immediately took to his new present--taught himself the intricate mechanics of the camera and to this day, he hasn't stopped clicking away. Whether it's Kim Kardashian to Betty White, or from Nicki Minaj to Katy Perry, he has seen and shot it all.

Ruiz' hard work, dedication and passion behind the camera has given him the opportunity to bring his message of hope to the forefront of all his efforts. He says that he has a true sense of social responsibility and is always intent on giving back to the community.

Among the countless organizations Ruiz supports, are The Ali Forney Center, the Gay Men's Health Crisis, The Trevor Project, Housing Works, It Gets Better Campaign, Living Out Loud, Project Angel Food--as well as The Men’s Sexual Health Project for NYU School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital.

Ruiz is also a recurring motivational speaker at New York University, the Art Center College of Design, Brooklyn International High School and the College of Design in Sacramento.

In addition to his advertising and celebrity clients, Ruiz has branched out as a director. He has produced music videos for artists, such as Vanessa Williams, Kelly Rowland, Jody Watley, Kristine W., Shontelle among others.

Ruiz has also appeared on several reality shows including Kathy Griffin's: My Life on the D-List; America's Next top Model and RuPaul's Drag Race, where he appears as a celebrity photographer and guest judge. He also rounded out the panel of expert judges on the third season of Canada's Next Top Model. Most recently, Ruiz has appeared in reality series, The A-List: New York.

For more information about Gay Pride S.A, visit them on Facebook under Pride San Antonio or go to GayPrideSA.org.

Video: An interview with Martha Wash
Popnography.com, June 16, 2011

(Disco diva Martha Wash will be in San Antonio on July 2 to headline the entertainment stage at Pride San Antonio 2011.)

"Wash's voice has been behind some of the biggest anthems and scandals in music history.

Wash is perhaps best known for singing The Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men," and Black Box's "Strike It Up."

The C+C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat," put Wash at the center of a controversy when the video for the '90s classic featured a more slender woman lip syncing Wash's vocal.

But even when her singing isn't creating scandals, it's still gorgeous, as most recently evidenced by her new single, "I've Got You."

Wash recently dropped by the Out studio to chat about "It's Raining Men" and her gay fans, what she learned from the C+C Music Factory experience, and what really moves her when she's got the stereo on."

Boy who stood up for equality is Grand Marshal of Pride parade
QSanAntonio.com, June 11, 2011

Two years ago, when Will Phillips was in the fifth grade at the West Fork Elementary School in Arkansas, he gained national attention for his refusal to say the Pledge of Allegiance because, he said, there is no "liberty and justice for all" when GLBT people in his state cannot adopt children or marry.

On July 2, Phillips, now 12-years-old, will be in San Antonio with his parents to be one of two Grand Marshals of the Pride parade. The other Grand Marshal is television personality Mike Ruiz.

Phillips' story made national headlines and he eventually ended up on CNN. That appearance earned him the GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding TV Segment." In his acceptance speech Phillips encouraged Barak Obama to "use the bully pulpit of the Presidency" to promote equality for all Americans.

The National Center Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco awarded Phillips the Fierce Ally Award in April 2010 for his outspoken stance on equal rights for everyone. When Phillips' story was covered on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, professional wrestler Mick Foley vowed to "bring a world of pain" to anyone who teased or harassed the boy.

In June, 2010 Phillips was Grand Marshal of the NWA Pride parade in Fayetteville, Arkansas and ignited a firestorm of criticism from religious conservative who were scandalized by the fact that a 10-year-old boy would appear at a gay event.

Phillips' parents spoke out in defense of their son, saying they had taken part in the parade for years and they were honored to have him be a part of the event. Young Phillips received an award for his activism and spoke from the tailgate of a pickup truck to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

In an interview with the Arkansas Times, Laura Phillips, Will’s mother defended her son. “Yes, my son is 10,” she said. “But he’s probably more aware of the meaning of the pledge than a lot of adults. He’s not just doing it rote recitation. We raised him to be aware of what’s right, what’s wrong, and what’s fair.”

For more information about Gay Pride S.A, visit them on Facebook under Pride San Antonio or go to GayPrideSA.org.

Headlining the Gay Pride S.A. stage will be recording star Martha Wash. Grand Marshals for the Pride Parade are 2010 GLAAD Media Award winner, Will Phillips and Mike Ruiz of TV’s The A-List New York, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and America’s Next Top Model.

Founder of Gay Pride S.A. sees bold changes
QSanAntonio.com, May 28, 2011

Seven years ago, Carlos Vela envisioned a Pride event that would inspire and embolden the GLBT community. Today, Vela's vision, Gay Pride S.A., has grown from a block party festival and street procession to a full-blown Pride organization that hosts over 10 official events each year.

Back in 2005, Vela had fewresources to pull off an event of the type he envisioned. So he engaged the resources of a few bar owners along the Main Avenue strip to help him plan and execute a block party and Pride parade. And so, Gay Pride S.A. came to life.

"Carlos’ vision was to facilitate the needs of the individuals in our community so that they can facilitate the needs of the community," says Phillip Barcena, President of Gay Pride S.A. "He anticipated an event that celebrated community pride and that would inspire GLBT San Antonians to greatness with proceeds going directly to charity."

Barcena says that this year marks the inauguration of Gay Pride S.A.'s Vela Award to be given to someone who embodies the idea of “facilitating the needs of the individuals in our community so that they can facilitate the needs of the community.” The caption on the award will read “…lighting the way in San Antonio one candle at a time.”

Gay Pride S.A., slated this year on July 2, is now an official First Amendment event, co-sponsored by the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"Gay Pride S.A. is working to create a new gay holiday in South Texas," says Barcena. "Originating on the first weekend in July, we are committed to creating a Pride event that turns Fourth of July weekend into a community celebration for the residents of our city and a holiday destination for GLBT friends, family, and supporters from around the state and beyond."

This year, Gay Pride S.A. will move to Crockett Park (See related story below). There will be food, fun for all including families, and a stage show featuring legendary recording artist Martha Wash who will perform her new release “I’ve Got You” as well as her famous hit “It’s Raining Men."

Grand Marshals for 2011 Pride Parade are 2010 GLAAD Media Award winner, Will Phillips and Mike Ruiz of TV’s The A-List New York, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and America’s Next Top Model.

"To celebrate our growth, both as a community organization, and in keeping with the idea of San Antonio’s gay Fourth of July celebration, Gay Pride S.A. ends with a fireworks spectacular appropriately named 'Pride In The Sky' sponsored by The Patron Spirits Company," says Barcena.

"Our mantra has been that we have 'Pride Bigger Than Texas' and now we embrace that idea and challenge our GLBT brothers, sisters and allies to come out and show the world that San Antonio lives up to its potential as the seventh largest city in the United States and show we truly do have 'Pride Bigger Than Texas.'”

For more information about Gay Pride S.A, visit them on Facebook under Pride San Antonio or go to GayPrideSA.org.

Gay Pride S.A. moving to Crockett Park
QSanAntonio.com, May 14, 2011

Organizers of the Gay Pride San Antonio Block Party and Parade announced this week that the festival, which this year is slated for July 2, is moving to the west end of Crockett Park.

"Pride SA has outgrown the parking lot at the corner of Evergreen and Main Avenue," says Phillip Barcena, president of Gay Pride S.A. "We are excited to be moving to the beautiful Crockett Park located at the corner of Laurel and North Main Avenue just steps from the original venue."

Barcena says that in the last seven years, the Pride Parade has expanded from a low of five entries in the early days to a record 75 entries in last year's parade. "Additionally, Pride S.A. has expanded to become an organization that holds 10 events throughout the year, each one promoting Pride in San Antonio and surrounding areas," he says.

"Our event this year is about bringing hope to our community and to our city," adds Barcena. "We are working to create as 'green' a festival in keeping with the City of San Antonio's green efforts. We also will be hosting a health fair and educating the public about various city services that are available, including some of the initiatives from Mayor Castro's SA 2020 plan.

Part of the festival's expansion will include the placement of bleacher seating for the Pride Parade which steps off at 9 p.m. on July 2. Those seats will go on sale during May. No Grand Marshal has yet been announced but parade organizers say that this year there will actually be two Grand Marshals who will be announced later this month.

Previous Grand Marshals have included bormer Sheriff Ralph Lopez, State Senator Leticia Van De Putte, San Antonio Police Chief Wiliam McManus, retired Marine Staff Sargeant and HRC spokesperson Eric Alva, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and former National LULAC President Rosa Rosales.

This year Pride S.A. will benefit nine local non-profits: The Alamo City Men's Chorale; the Gay and Lesbian Association of San Antonio College; The Overtime Theater; Project Embrace; the Royal, Sovereign, and Imperial Court of the Alamo Empire; the Texas Gay Rodeo Association; the UTSA GLBTQ Scholarship; and We Are Alive Inc.

"We are still looking for sponsors as we take this event to new heights," says Barcena. "We will release a new list of sponsors in May but we are proud to say that we have brought on new sponsors this year including the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, QSanAntonio.com, Farris Foto, and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce."

Sponsorship, parade entry and booth applications are available on the Gay Pride S.A. web site at GayPrideSA.org/participate.html.

Gay Pride San Antonio is one of two major Pride celebrations in the city. PrideFest, which this year is on June 11 at Hemisfair Park, is the other.