South Texas LGBTQIA+ History
Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation Opens Holly Rd. Location
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of new CBWF Building off of Holly Road with a dedicated space for the Pride Center.
Submitted by: Robert Kymes
Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (Holly Rd.) – Corpus Christi, Texas
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
CBAF Ribbon Cutting
The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation, now known as the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, was established on April 30, 1986, by a group of community volunteers dedicated to supporting friends and families affected by HIV and AIDS. The organization began by providing essential items such as food and blankets and has since expanded its services to include a broad range of health and wellness support for the community.
Submitted by: Bill Hoeslcher
527 Gordon St. Corpus Christi, Texas
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
\"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
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
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
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
Silhouette of Love
Two lesbian women photographed in July 1975.
Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times
Corpus Christi, Texas
Stronger, Together
A gay couple hold hands for a photo in July 1975.
Submitted by: Corpus Christi Caller Times
Corpus Christi, Texas
“Queer history is about the preservation of one’s own identity, the identity of friends and lovers, and the creation of a common community. It is about preserving our lives in the face of a society that has traditionally denied our existence.”
Michael Bronski
American Writer