This is the 210’s fifth-consecutive perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index. | Photo by SATXtoday
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 US cities on 49 different criteria across four categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Based on these criteria, San Antonio earned a score of 100 out of 100. A perfect score. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how we can go even further.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. San Antonio achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like offering trans-inclusive healthcare and non-discrimination in city employment. San Antonio got a 28 out of 28, and earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. San Antonio got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.
Where we can improve
Even a perfect score doesn’t mean a perfect city. San Antonio earned its score with bonus points and would achieve a higher score from the HRC with efforts like having a human rights commission in the county and municipality.
If you want to get involved, here are some local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
The Gingerbread Dollhouse | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 12-6 p.m. | Retro Fun Store & Museum, 619 W. Hildebrand Ave., San Antonio | $5-$10 | Get into the holiday spirit as you browse hundreds of vintage dolls.
Lightscape | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5:30-9 p.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio | $16-$60 | The outdoor illuminated 1-mile walking trail will showcase some never-before-seen installations, seasonal music, and beloved features that wowed audiences in its premiere season.
World AIDS Day 2022 - Remembrance and Hope | Friday, Dec. 2-Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Woodlawn Pointe Auditorium, 702 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio | Free | 11 panels of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display for the week of events.
ALORA Pop-Up Series: Twilight at Confluence Park | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St., San Antonio | Free | Make a magical core memory with other neurodiverse older teens, adults, and their caregivers.
Saturday, Dec. 3
San Antonio Artists Collective Grand Opening | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | San Antonio Artists Collective, 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. Ste. 4457, San Antonio | Free | Take in live painting and music while enjoying complimentary food, wine, and assorted beverages.
Noche Buena: Annual Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 4-10 p.m. | Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave., San Antonio | Free | Create your own ornament, take part in a magical visit from Santa, and witness a tree-lighting event with live music ringing through the plaza.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Cowboy Christmas | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., San Antonio | $0-$14 | Families are welcome to snap pictures with Cowboy Claus, while a special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt will lead you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection.
Joy to the World | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plz., San Antonio | Free | Head to the heart of the city for this free concert series featuring the Calmus Ensemble vocal group.
Monday, Dec. 5
Free Family Night | Monday, Dec. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway St., San Antonio | Free | Head to the museum for an evening of family-friendly fun.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Pro tip: It’s never too early to get started with a financial advisor who is legally bound to work in your best interest. Whether you’re a Gen Z or Baby Boomer, this free service can help you work towards financial freedom.*
The City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation announced the launch of a brand new public portal to view upcoming cases and application materials. Beginning January 1, 2023, the city will no longer be emailing a PDF link to the preliminary agenda. Learn more about the OHP online. 🖥️
Edu
TAMU-SA announced a new partnership with TAMU Science Center and University Health to develop and expand research opportunities for students. The partnership will craft a framework for collaboration that intends to benefit Bexar County and the region’s military community. 🔬 (San Antonio Business Journal)
Arts
The Contemporary at Blue Star will debut a new installationtoday during First Friday at 6 p.m. “With Urgency: Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Today” will feature works by MOSAIC student artists. Can’t make it out tonight? Families can also tour the exhibition tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 3 for free during Family Saturday. 🖼️
Award
The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District received a $25.5 million grant from the CDC covering a five-year period for the purpose of strengthening the public health workforce and infrastructure. This is part of a larger $3.9 billion grant intended to be distributed across the US. 🔬
Active
Those participating in this weekend’s Certified Piedmontese Beef Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can can take advantage of a few perks at local bars and restaurants. Take a look at deals like 20% off drinks at Elsewhere and $2 off general admission at SAMA. 👟 (KSAT-12)
Shop
Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
Health
It’s a good idea to review your Medicare plan options each year to see if you could get more benefits or save more money. This free seminar from Devoted Health is an easy, no-pressure way to do that — and learn about their Medicare Advantage plans. RSVP online or call 210-548-1022. (Disclaimer H7993_23P54_C).*
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Impress the table with a locally-prepared holiday meal. | Photo by The Hayden
Don’t go ho-ho-hungry for the holidays — The Hayden announced it will offer to-go Christmas meals for those looking to cross holiday cooking off the list.
It’s simple. Guests can choose to pick up an entire Christmas meal, or enjoy any of the items a la carte with each serving 4-6 people. Featured menu items include smoked turkey, an assortment of homemade sides, pies, and batched cocktails.
Each item will come with re-heating instructions with convenience in mind.
Pre-orders can be placed online now through Friday, Dec. 16. Meal pick-up times are Friday, Dec. 23, from 3-9 p.m., and Saturday., Dec. 24, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Editor’s pick: Yesterday, I drove over to to Austin to pick up my brother from the airport. If you ever find yourself in the 512 and need to kill some time, I recommend checking out Book People, Texas’ largest independent bookstore. Grab a book or chill with a cup of joe at its café (appropriately named CoffeePeople).
Pro tip: You get three free hours of parking at its lot.
Missed our last newsletter?Food, fun, and festivities — We’ve shared everything you need to know about the the King William neighborhood.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Ivan Briones, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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