South Texas LGBTQIA+ History

Welcome to our living timeline of South Texas LGBTQIA+ history, where we honor the events, people, and stories that have shaped our community. From early grassroots organizing to modern-day celebrations, each milestone represents a step forward on the path to visibility, acceptance, and equality.

This timeline is built from personal narratives, photographs, and historical records generously shared by community members. We invite you to explore pivotal moments in local LGBTQIA+ activism, culture, and pride — and to submit your own memories and milestones to help us preserve this rich history for future generations. Together, we celebrate our past, acknowledge our progress, and look forward to a more inclusive tomorrow.

2017

October 9, 2017

Photo Credit: Debbie Noble

Photo Credit: Debbie Noble

1st LGBTQIA+ Non-Profit Organization Founded

The Mosaic Project of South Texas Inc. (originally known as Pride Downtown, now Pride Corpus Christi) is formalized with the IRS as the first LGBTQIA+ 501 C 3 Non-Profit formed in South Texas with the mission of serving the local LGBTQIA+ community.

Submitted by: Jonathan Swindle

Corpus Christi, Texas

June 3, 2017

Photo Credit: Beatriz Alvarado

Gay Wedding Hosted by Pride Downtown

AJ Galvan and Steven Burnt kiss at the end of their wedding at Congressman Solomon P Ortiz International Center during Pride on Saturday, June 3, 2017. The wedding was won after the couple entered a contest held by Pride Downtown (now Pride Corpus Christi).

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Congressman Solomon P Ortiz International Center – Corpus Christi, Texas

June 3, 2017

Photo Credit: Beatriz Alvarado

1st City-Sanctioned Pride Parade

Mr. Gay Universe Skyler Bellavia participated in Corpus Christi\'s first city-sanctioned LGBTQ+ pride parade Saturday, June 3, 2017.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Shoreline Blvd. – Corpus Christi, Texas

2016

June 18, 2016

Photo Credit: Beatriz Alvarado

Pulse Shooting Victims Honored by City

The front page of the Caller-Times on June 18, 2016 featuring the Harbor Bridge lit up in rainbow colors to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Harbor Bridge – Corpus Christi, TExas

1998

December 1, 1998

Photo Credit: David Pellerin

8th annual Candlelight Procession

Norma Linda Garcia walks with her grandson Rammi Garcia, 3, for the second year together during the 8th annual Candlelight Procession December 1, 1998. Garcia lost a friend to AIDS in August.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

1997

March 21, 1997

Photo Credit: Paul Iverson

Community Display of AIDS Quilt

Three panels of the AIDS Quilt that were on display in the parish hall at First United Methodist Church March 21, 1997. The couple at left, Dick (right) and Sara Beth Sells had a son die of AIDS, and they are showing Brad Kisner, the music director at the church, the square they made for the quilt.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

First United Methodist Church – Corpus Christi, Texas

1996

December 1, 1996

Photo Credit: David Adame

World AIDS Day Dedication

Sandy O\'Steen speaks during the dedication of the \"Tree of Life\" quilt at South Bluff United Methodist Church to commemorate World AIDS Day Sunday, December 1, 1996.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

South Bluff United Methodist Church – Corpus Christi, Texas

1995

May 21, 1995

Photo Credit: David Adame

12th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization

Joe and Diane Carrizales pause during the reading of a list of loved ones lost to AIDS at the 12th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization at Heritage Park Sunday, May 21, 1995. The Carrizales lost their son Joe Anthony to AIDS a year and two months prior.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Heritage Park – Corpus Christi, Texas

1992

May 17, 1992

Photo Credit: Paul Iverson

9th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization ceremony

Hector Garcia, from Corpus Christi who has AIDS, at the 9th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization ceremony May 17, 1992. With Hector, to the right of him is his aunt and uncle from Alice, Yoland and Frank Lopez. This is at the point in the ceremony they were reading the names of the people who had died of AIDS.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

May 11, 1992

Photo Credit: Jay Janner

Fundraiser Event Press Conference

Debbie Sewell, chairwoman of the Magic Mile Run/Walk/Roll, announces the event at a news conference Monday, May 11, 1992 at the Nueces County Health Building.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Nueces County Health Building – Corpus Christi, Texas

1988

August 17, 1988

Photo Credit: Ely Marsh

Blessing of the AIDS Quilt

Judy Hale embraces Lisa Franke (back to camera) after the blessing of the AIDS quilt Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1988.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

1986

September 27, 1986

Photo Credit: CBWF

Photo Credit: CBWF

TRE Hosts Coronation I

The Texas Riviera Empire hosts Coronation I at the Holiday Inn North Padre Island.

Submitted by: Bill Hoelscher

Holiday Inn, Corpus Christi, Texas

1985

April 9, 1985

Photo Credit: Lee Dodds

AIDS Screening at Blood Bank

Patricia Frye, a medical lab technician, goes through the HTLV III Screening Test at the blood bank looking for AIDS

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

1975

July 18, 1975

Photo Credit: Series by Kerry North

\"The Gay Life\"

An article in the 1975 Caller-Times series \"The Gay Life\" about LGBT life in Corpus Christi. The series included an inside look at people who identified as bisexual, drag queens, cruising and more.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

July 1, 1975

Photo Credit: Georgy Tuley

Party at the Jolly Jack Lounge

Men inside the Jolly Jack Lounge, a popular gay bar, in July 1975. Photo by Georgy Tuley

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Jolly Jack Lounge – Corpus Christi, Texas

July 1, 1975

Photo Credit: George Tuley

Photo Credit: George Tuley

Photo Credit: George Tuley

Drag Queens Perform

Photo 1 depicts drag performer Marcelle. Photo 2 depicts drag performer Dollie. Photo 3 depicts drag performer Laure Lee.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

July 1, 1975

Photo Credit: Tom Crabb

A Day in the Life

The gay scene at the Jolly Jack Lounge, a popular gay bar, in July 1975.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Jolly Jack Lounge – Corpus Christi, Texas

July 1, 1975

Photo Credit: Tom Crabb

Silhouette of Love

Two lesbian women photographed in July 1975.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

June 1, 1975

Photo Credit: Unknown

Stronger, Together

A gay couple hold hands for a photo in July 1975.

Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times

Corpus Christi, Texas

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• 1975 (6)