San Antonio formally designates first week of May as Trans History Week

San Antonio has officially recognized the first week of May as Trans History Week, following a proclamation by the City Council.

The observance, also referred to as Trans+ History Week, runs May 4–10 to include May 6 — the date in 1933 when the Nazi Party raided and destroyed the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin, one of the earliest institutions to provide gender-affirming care. Founded in 1919, the institute’s closure marked a major attack on early transgender and queer healthcare and scholarship.

Mayor Pro-Tem Jalen McKee-Rodriguez issued the proclamation, which highlights both the historic persecution and the ongoing contributions of transgender people, Texas Public Radio.

Among those recognized was former District 2 Councilman Leo Castillo-Anguiano, the first transgender member of the San Antonio City Council. He briefly served on the dais while McKee-Rodriguez took paternity leave after he and his husband welcomed a daughter.

“Growing up when I first realized I was trans, I felt completely alone, like I was the only trans person to ever exist,” Castillo-Anguiano said. “I didn’t really see myself reflected anywhere in community spaces, in leadership or in spaces like this. And over time, I found my people, and I learned about the history of my community through organizing and through community. I found my chosen family, folks who showed me that not only do we exist, but we’ve always existed, and that’s exactly why this proclamation matters so much.”

Trans activist Lynz Andrews, the first trans woman to serve on the city’s Arts Commission, also attended the ceremony.

“It matters, because trans people didn’t just appear like a new Fiesta medal. We’ve always been a part of this,” Andrews said. “Growing up, many of us didn’t see people like us anywhere. This week tells young people: you belong, you have history, you have a future. Trans history isn’t only a struggle, it’s a joy, it’s creativity and it’s community.”

Members of the council voiced strong support for the recognition. District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan emphasized the personal significance of the proclamation.

“I have people in my household, I have family, I have friends, I have mentors who are trans, who have helped shape me as the person I am,” Galvan said. “I always want to make sure that we are standing firm with them, as well as everybody in our community who is exploring, learning and trying their best to be their best selves and feel safe in our city.”

Trans History Week was first observed in 2024 and is part of an international movement led by QueerAF, a U.K.-based nonprofit that promotes LGBTQ stories and media. San Antonio’s proclamation places the city among a growing number of local governments publicly affirming transgender people’s past, present, and future.