The San Antonio City Council in Texas approved a resolution recognizing May 4 through 10 as Trans+ History Week, an international observance held each year during the week of May 6, known as Trans+ History Day. The date commemorates the 1933 Nazi raid on the Institute of Sexology, one of the earliest centers for the study of gender and sexuality and a pioneer in transgender advocacy.
Out San Antonio City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez introduced the proclamation. McKee-Rodriguez said the recognition was about respecting all residents, adding, “The way that we talk about each other matters, and it’s pushing people to make life-ending decisions. So we all have a duty to treat each other with respect and kindness and love.” Naveen Farrani, spokesperson for Equality Texas, said, “At a moment when both our state and country are systematically trying to push trans people out of public life, erase our stories, and outright deny our existence, this proclamation recognizing Trans History Week is a beacon to trans people in San Antonio and across Texas.”
San Antonio has continued promoting queer inclusion despite ongoing tensions with the conservative state government. In March, the city unveiled rainbow sidewalks tied to its annual Pride celebration, shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s administration pushed to remove rainbow crosswalks on city roads. LGBTQ+ activists and local transgender leaders believe it is important for San Antonio to take such a stance and remain an example of inclusion in Texas.
