District 1 Celebrates Declaration of Pride Cultural Heritage District
Published on June 06, 2025
The district recognizes LGBTQ+ heritage and culture.
SAN ANTONIO (June 6, 2025) - District 1 Councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur is announcing the designation of the area off North Main between Ashby and Euclid, commonly referred to as “The Gay Strip,” as a Cultural Heritage District. Meaningfully timed during June, the global month of LGBTQ+ pride, this designation recognizes the unique culture and history of the LGBTQ+ community in San Antonio and nurtures a geographic identity and sense of belonging among San Antonio residents. This was only possible due to the collaborative efforts of the Office of Historic Preservation, District 1, District 2, Pride San Antonio and the broader San Antonio community.
“As the first openly gay man elected to the San Antonio City Council, it is powerful to see our stories, our spaces, and our people honored—not just during Pride Month, but in the everyday fabric of our city,” said Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez. “This designation is a testament to the generations who fought, celebrated, and survived here. It sends a clear message: San Antonio sees you, values you, and will preserve your legacy with pride. We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with District 1on this designation.”
For a significant portion of American history, people who identified as LGBTQ+ went unseen and unheard due to the intense perception of shame and discrimination targeted against them, which helped perpetuate the prejudice against the queer community. Queer visibility is an essential method of combating bigotry and achieving restorative justice by healing the social and emotional wounds suffered by people who identify with sexual and gender minority communities. Understanding and preserving the history of this area for future residents is of vital importance for the City of San Antonio.
“From the beginning of this term, community members came forward with a vision to formally recognize the significance of this space to San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ history,” said Councilmember Kaur. “We listened. Through meaningful engagement and collaboration, we made this a reality together. Declaring this area a Cultural Heritage District is about honoring the stories that have shaped this city, ensuring they’re never forgotten, and creating a more inclusive future for everyone who calls San Antonio home.”
The Gay Strip acquired its name due to the high density of queer-owned, -operated and -oriented businesses within its borders. For decades, this part of San Antonio has been a refuge for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities who came to unapologetically be themselves. The “Pride Bigger than Texas” parade, for example, has been hosted annually in the neighborhood since 1982.
“Ruby Bridges recognized that tolerance, respect, and equality are often found in our laws but not in the hearts of all people,” said James Poindexter with Pride SA. “Famed slain LGBT leader and activist Harvey Milk proclaimed that true liberation would not come from mere tolerance of difference, but rather from communities that fostered hope and inspiration to thrive. Tolerance is a mere stepping stone towards a more inclusive and respectful society which would be the result of affirming and celebrating the diversity of safe and respectful spaces. Safe and respectful spaces come when people can recognize themselves in their surroundings and declaration of this PRIDE Cultural District will continue to meet those standards of recognition, acceptance, and celebration of our culture.”