Students and staffers from San Antonio Independent School District wore white T-shirts with the word “familia” in rainbow colors across the front. In rainbow socks, they marched as part of San Antonio’s biggest Pride celebration, waving at the crowd while holding flags and banners.
Their T-shirts featured a quote by the first openly gay elected official in California, Harvey Milk: “Hope will never be silent.”
The group from SAISD has a distinctive role in the annual San Antonio Pride Parade as the sole school district to partake in the event, organizers said.
Jolee Leos, a soon-to-be senior at Edison High School who had been bullied in school in the past for being queer, wore a pansexual pride flag as a cape with firefly lights hanging down the back.
The event was a step toward acceptance, Leos said: “Now I’m here and I see SAISD does have a place for me. … I feel very accepted, I feel very seen.”
Leading up to the event, Michelle Reyes, the director of integrated student and family support services for the district, said this was the second time the district participated, although she hopes others will join in the future.
“It’s… important for us to show the support that we have for the LGBTQ+ students and families in our district and to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community,” she said. “The parade actually falls within our district boundaries, so we feel like showcasing our district outside of the regular school day … [helps] foster that connection with the community.
The effort aligns with requests from the board of trustees that the district participate in more civic engagements, including other marches like the Caesar Chavez and MLK marches, Reyes said.
Board President Christina Martinez said the board felt it was important to participate alongside families and community members “whenever they celebrate their history, culture and values.”
“In alignment with the district’s non-discrimination policy, the board and district embrace our entire community,” she added.
About 130 staff members planned to join board members and the district’s Superintendent, Jaime Aquino, traveling along Main Ave during the march Saturday night, carrying a banner and wearing blinged outfits and school shirts. Around 60 staff members participated in the first year and were wowed by the reception, according to Reyes.
“One of the things that stands out for me from last year is the people in the stands,” she said. “When we rounded the corner, the reception was so overwhelming; people cheering us on, and I think that’s important for our students and our families to see … that everyone is welcome, everyone is included, and everyone is just committed to ensuring that our diversity is vast.
“As we were excited to see them, they were just as excited to see us,” she added.
