Celebrate Pride Month at the San Antonio Public Library

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) changes lives through the transformative power of information, imagination and ideas. As a community gathering place and setting for engaging discussion, SAPL celebrates the cultural diversity of the San Antonio community. During the month of June, we specifically recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Pride Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, along with the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) aims to accomplish this through hosting a variety of events and discussions throughout the month, at various branch locations. In addition to the events below, many branch locations will feature Pride programs and activities. Visit MySAPL.org for a complete list.

Pride Month Events will take place at the following Library locations, and are intended for adult audiences:

Find OUT
Monday, June 2, 2014
6 p.m.
Central Library Conference Room 2.1 (600 Soledad St., 78205)
Know your status. The Metropolitan Health District offers free and confidential HIV and AIDS testing.

Come OUT
Monday, June 2, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Central Library Auditorium (600 Soledad St., 78205)
Often a person who comes out of the closet encounters conflict between his or her spirituality and his sexual orientation. This panel discussion presents information for the LGBTI community to find faith based organizations that are supportive and edifying. Panelists include Rabbi Elisa Koppel of Temple Beth-El, Reverend Mick Hinson of Metropolitan Community Church, and Erika Forbes of Awakening Spiritual Community. Presented in part by the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Watch OUT
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Carver Branch (3350 E. Commerce St., 78220)
Yoruba Richen explores the relationship between the African American community and people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex in her documentary, The New Black. This is a screening of the full length documentary. *A panel discussion will follow on Monday, June 16 at McCreless Branch Library.

Work OUT
Monday, June 9, 2014
6 p.m.
Westfall Branch Library (6111 Rosedale Ct., 78201)
The San Antonio Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Chamber of Commerce offers information about businesses certified for diversity. Understand the importance of a diverse work force and doing business with diversity in mind.

Stand OUT
Monday, June 16, 2014
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
McCreless Branch Library (1023 Ada St., 78223)
Participate in a panel discussion centered on the cooperation and conflict between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex and the African-American communities. Is gay “the new Black”? Discuss the new civil rights movement as highlighted in the documentary, The New Black. *The film will be presented in full on Tuesday, June 3 at Carver Branch Library.

Speak OUT
Monday, June 23, 2014
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Landa Branch Library (233 Bushnell Ave., 78212)
Information can be life changing. At milestones in life, reliable information is critical to good decisions. Texas law can be convoluted in those critical moments like hospital visitations, adoptions, unions and death. The Library has invited leaders in the community to help navigate all those courses and resources. The panelists represent experts in family law, financial planning and civil rights with perspectives focused on the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities.

Meet the Author: Jesus Alonzo
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Library Auditorium (600 Soledad St., 78205)
Jesus Alonzo reads from his recently published book, “Jotos del Barrio.”

A Very Gay Fiesta
Thursday, June 26, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Tobin Branch Library (4134 Harry Wurzbach Rd., 78209)
Join us for a talk by Dr. Amy L. Stone, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Trinity University. She will speak on her current research area- the dynamics of Fiesta and the way that gay and lesbian visibility is part of a broader democratization of Fiesta. Since the 1950s, gay men and lesbians have been visible participants in and organizers of Fiesta events like Cornyation, the WEBB Party, and dozens of unofficial events.

Act OUT
Monday, June 30, 2014
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Central Library Auditorium (600 Soledad St., 78205)
The San Antonio Public Library and The Playhouse San Antonio present excerpts from the 2013-2014 season. Actors, directors, and staff from The Playhouse will bring to life passages from a selection of live theater. Enjoy a personal and up close experience with the dramatic and literary arts. Act Out is a part of the library’s observation of Pride Month and features San Antonio’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community.