Out and Proud in San Antonio - Retracing the History of Pride Celebrations in the Alamo City

Every June, LGBTQ communities across America celebrate Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969-the catalyst that launched the modern gay rights movement. For many gay men, lesbians, and transgender persons, gay liberation translated into visibility, the path out of the darkness of the closet. Newfound visibility was cause for celebration and in large cities throughout the U.S., Pride parades, picnics, and rainbow flags marked the collective coming out of a community once relegated to silence and invisibility. But what about San Antonio? Did the city’s LGBTQ community join in the national veneration of Stonewall? Did San Antonio’s gays, lesbians, and trans people step out of their closets and shout we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it? In this presentation, LGBTQ historian and archivist, Melissa Gohlke will explore the rich history and evolution of Pride celebrations in San Antonio drawing on archival collections held at UTSA Special Collections.