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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blessing of the AIDS Quilt
Judy Hale embraces Lisa Franke (back to camera) after the blessing of the AIDS quilt Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1988.
TRE Hosts Coronation I
The Texas Riviera Empire hosts Coronation I at the Holiday Inn North Padre Island.
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
"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.
Party at the Jolly Jack Lounge
Men inside the Jolly Jack Lounge, a popular gay bar, in July 1975. Photo by Georgy Tuley
Drag Queens Perform
Photo 1 depicts drag performer Marcelle. Photo 2 depicts drag performer Dollie. Photo 3 depicts drag performer Laure Lee.
A Day in the Life
The gay scene at the Jolly Jack Lounge, a popular gay bar, in July 1975.
Silhouette of Love
Two lesbian women photographed in July 1975.
Stronger, Together
A gay couple hold hands for a photo in July 1975.
“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