Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade, July 3, 2010
All photos copyright by Antonia Padilla

Pride parade is biggest ever
QSanAntonio.com, July 4, 2010

With over 70 entries, this year's Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade, brought thousands of revelers to Main Street to witness one of the largest gay Pride parade ever held in San Antonio.

Organizers had feared that the rain that had been falling over the past few days would prompt a cancellation. However, the weather cooperated and the parade went on without a hitch.

With a record number of entries and dignitaries participating, the parade lasted well over an hour and a half.

All along the parade route revelers greeted each entry with cheers and applause. At Luther's Cafe, diners stood on chairs to be able to get a better view of the floats and community groups as they passed.

Among the many parade watchers were families with kids in tow, seated in folding chairs along Main Street.

Those lining up for the parade were greeted with the festive sounds of music blasting from the Silver Dollar Saloon. The bar, located at the start of the parade route was selling refreshments in the parking lot.

Parade , party all about fun, funds, gay pride
San Antonio Express-News, July 4, 2010
With free liquor tastings, a plethora of gay-themed T-shirt witticisms, and proceeds going to a half-dozen charities, Saturday's Gay Pride SA Block Party and Parade was equal parts fundraiser, throw-down and showing of unity.

Pride Parade Grand Marshal Rosa Rosales, President of National LULAC. Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, State Senator Leticia Van De Putte, Deputy Police Chief Jose Banales.

State Representative Joe Farias, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, Bexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez, Director of Public Health Dr. Fernando Guerra, Dr. Charles White, Vice President Trinity University.

Judge Barbara Nellermoe, Judge Monica Guerrero, Judge Gloria Saldana, Judge Ron Rangel. (Last two photos this row: WalkerReport.net)

NO SHOWS: As in previous years, not one City Council member could muster the political courage to take part in the annual event. Nine out of ten City Council members did not even bother to give the courtesy of a reply.

Dignitaries, but none from City Council, line up for Pride parade
QSanAntonio.com, June 25, 2010

Local dignitaries including a Congressman, a State Senator, a State Representative members of the Bexar County Commissioner's Court and the San Antonio police have said they would march in the Pride parade on July 3. However, as in previous years, not one City Council member could muster the political courage to take part in the annual event.

Perhaps most frustrating for Pride parade organizers is that nine out of ten City Council members did not even bother to give the courtesy of a reply even through three requests had been sent. Only John Clamp of District 10 bothered to tell organizers that he would not attend.

The highest-profile absentee is District 1 City Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros in whose district the parade is being held. Cisneros’ district is also home to nearly all of San Antonio’s gayest neighborhoods -- King William, Tobin Hill, Southtown, Monte Vista, Alta Vista, Lavaca, Olmos Basin and others. Cisneros now has the dubious distinction of never participating in a Pride parade throughout her entire 4-year tenure, essentially ignoring a whole segment of citizens she purports to represent.

Parade organizer James Poindexter told QSanAntonio that this is the first year that members of the Commissioner’s Court will participate. Bexar County Commissioners Tommy Adkisson and Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez both accepted invitations to participate.

This year’s Grand Marshal, LULAC President Rosa Rosales, was feted at a reception given by Gay Pride S.A. at the El Tropicano Hotel on July 1.

LULAC’s Rosa Rosales to be Grand Marshal of S.A. Pride parade
QSanAntonio.com, May 15, 2010
Phillip Barcena, President of Gay Pride San Antonio, today announced that Rosa Rosales, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens, has been selected as Grand Marshal of the 2010 Gay Pride San Antonio Parade scheduled for July 3.

Girl in a Coma to headline Pride block party
QSanAntonio.com, June 24, 2010

Nationally renowned San Antonio rock band Girl in a Coma will be the featured act at the annual Pride Bigger than Texas Block Party and Parade scheduled for July 3.

Girl in a Coma is made up of Nina Diaz, who sings vocals and plays guitar, Phanie Diaz, Nina’s sister who plays the drums, and longtime friend Jenn Alva, who plays bass. The band’s name comes from a song by The Smiths called "Girlfriend in a Coma."

Phanie and Jenn, who are openly lesbian, started the band when they were in high school. Nina came on board after learning to play the guitar and honing her singing voice in order to get the thumbs up from Phanie and Jenn.

In 2004 the band took off in an old van and toured the South, Southwest and Midewest. The tour paid off and a huge fan base developed, giving the women opportunities to record a demo and open for acts like Morrissey, Frank Black, The Pogues and Joan Jett.

They released their first album "Both Before I’m Gone" in 2007. Most recently, they were part of the Cyndi Lauper True Colors Tour.

Their second CD, "Trio B.C.," is named after Phanie and Nina’s grandfather’s Tejano band from the 50’s. The album contains tracks produced by Greg Collins, who has produced for U2 and Gwen Stefani, with background vocals and guitar riffs from Joan Jett on some of the tracks. The band’s latest album, "Adventures in Coverland," was released in April.

Girl in a Coma will perform on the Gay Pride S.A. stage immediately after the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade which begins at 9 p.m. For more information about the parade and block party go to GayPrideSA.org.

Pridefest 2010 Photos by Antonio Padilla
QSanAntonio.com, June 12, 2010