Gay Pride San Antonio Parade, July 1, 2007

Pride Parade attracts thousands
QSanAntonio, July 2

The Gay Pride San Antonio Parade, the final event of Pride month in the city, attracted a crowd of about 3,500 spectators who lined the six-block route along North Main Street on July 1. This year’s big attraction was the participation by San Antonio Police Chief William McManus as Grand Marshal. The Chief and his wife received loud cheers and applause as they walked the Parade route, retreating into their silver sedan for the last block or so of the route.

This year’s event was much bigger and better organized than last year. There were more floats, more marchers and a higher level of enthusiasm. There is no doubt that Chief McManus’ participation energized the community. Politicians riding in the Parade included State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Judge Monica Guerrero and former City Councilwoman Elena Guajardo.

Some of the Parade participants included the San Antonio AIDS Foundation’s Wizard of Oz float, the Classic Chassis Car Club, the Stonewall Democrats "Building Bridges" float, the Bears of San Antonio, a group of cheer leaders from San Antonio College and a group of Barak Obama supporters in blue t-shirts who call themselves "Alamobama."

"Que Queer!" chronicles S.A.’s unique perspective on gay life
QSanAntonio, June 15
Over 40 years of community history went on display June 14 at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center’s "Que Queer! San Antonio!" exhibit. Articles on display chronicle the events, organizations and individuals that shaped San Antonio’s queer community over the course of the last four decades. The exhibit includes paintings, vintage posters, photos, video, and other memorabilia brought together for this special event. "Que Queer" is on view through July 27.

Photos top and center row by Antonia Padilla for QSanAntonio

Photos -- Men's Choral offers final concert of 20th Anniversary season
QSanAntonio, June 24

The June 23rd Alamo City Men’s Chorale concert, "HIStory: The Quest for Human Rights," featured the San Antonio premier of Robert Seely’s "Naked Man." The evening marked the final presentation of the ACMC’s 20th Anniversary Season. The Capital City Men’s Chorale of Austin and a 13-member orchestra joined the Chorale for the stirring performance at the Travis Park United Methodist Church.

PrideFest 2007, June 16 2007

Community comes out for PrideFest '07
QSanAntonio, June 17
Thousands of GLBT San Antonians came to celebrate equality for all at the 26th annual PrideFest held on June 16 at Hemisfair Park. Highlights this year included the Color Guard from the Bexar County Sheriff’s department (top row, first photo), the acceptance of a Community Service Award by the mother of gay Marine Eric Alva (top row, second photo from left), and a pet parade which was mostly for the dogs. Three protestors arrived early to yell rants at PrideFest attendees (top row, third and fourth photos from left), but by late afternoon they had left. Hating in the hot sun can be hard work. A thunder storm at around 9 p.m. sent the crowd scurrying for cover but the rain never damped the spirit of Pride that prevailed.