FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Robert Salcido, Jr., 210-857-6928, robert@pridecentersa.org 

Pride Center San Antonio Releases Statement from Executive Director, Robert Salcido, Jr., Denouncing Homophobic Rhetoric During Local Elections 

San Antonio, Texas – May 26, 2021 – Today, Pride Center San Antonio, San Antonio’s local LGBTQ+ community resource center dedicated to providing a safe space and building allies in the community, denounces political and community leaders stirring up prejudice through homophobic rhetoric, especially during our local elections.

“The political use of homophobia has become an all too familiar part of the political landscape as a means to a political end. It’s easy to criminalize one’s political opponents by accusing them of violating moral laws. The use of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression for blatant political purposes is not new. Those in power use it as an attempt to bolster their legitimacy, increase popularity and distract voters from pressing social issues and the real problems. It is a clear scapegoat to create a moral panic — a perceived threat to our community that easily escalates and becomes a modern day witch hunt. 

“Homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, and ableism are not gone yet and likely never will be entirely but San Antonians deserve better, our LGBTQ+ community deserves better. Being an out and proud candidate should not be a political liability. It is our hope that communities prove that appealing to anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is no longer a winning political strategy.” said Robert Salcido, Jr., Executive Director, Pride Center San Antonio

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Pride Center San Antonio (The Center) is a community safe space and resource center that serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV communities by connecting them and their families to community resources and organizations related to health, wellness, support, education, activities, and advocacy.