https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/qmmunity/2014-01-08/top-10-lgbtq-news-in-san-marcos/

Top 10 LGBTQ News in San Marcos

By Jordan Gass-Pooré, January 8, 2014, 4:15pm, Qmmunity

Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups that works to create a safer college environment for LGBT students, may have given Texas State University 3.5 out of five stars, but in my book, it's worthy of a 10.

1) SAN MARCOS RESIDENT WORKS TOWARD OPENING FIRST CITY LGBTQ BAR San Marcos resident Silvia Sandoval is fundraising to help open The Walk-In Closet, which will be the city’s first LGBTQ hang-out space and gay bar. The prospective location for The Walk-In Closet lies a block south of San Marcos’ town square. Sandoval is also working to create a San Marcos Pride and helped start the monthly party, Rainbow Nights, at various city locations.

2) TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY LAMBDA'S BIANNUAL BOBCAT BALL Hosted by Lambda at Texas State University, the biannual Bobcat Ball, a theme-oriented drag show and party, has raised funds for the on-campus LGBTQ group and provided a positive way for people to celebrate and unite the community since 2000.

3) TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY ALLIES PROGRAM CHANGES TRAINING SESSIONS Allies of Texas State University, a personal pledge made by students, faculty and staff to help make the campus more inclusive and welcoming for the LGBTQIA community by promoting awareness and understanding, revamped its student-only training sessions by having on-campus peer leaders, known as Allies Peer Educators, serve as co-facilitators. Texas State students interested in becoming an Ally can attend a four-hour training session this spring.

4) TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY INCLUDES MORE GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS In a continued effort to make its campuses, both in San Marcos and Round Rock, more inclusive for all, Texas State University has 12 gender-neutral restrooms.

5) NUMBER OF TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAFE PLACES CONTINUES TO GROW Texas State University has 27 designated “Safe Offices,” where 75 percent or more of the office’s staff has completed Allies Training. These offices pledge to “respect the sexual orientation and gender identity and expression of all people” by posting the university’s non-discrimination policy and updating current forms to be gender-neutral, among others.

6) LAVENDER GRADUATION CEREMONY CONTINUES This celebration recognizes LGBTQIA students by acknowledging their personal and professional achievements at Texas State.

7) WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Bobcat newbies can mix and mingle with fellow Texas State LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff at this annual fall event to learn more about on-campus organizations and resources available to freshman.

8) COMING OUT WEEK AT TEXAS STATE In observance of National Coming Out Week in October, Texas State promotes all LGBTQIA-related events on campus and in the San Marcos community.

9) ADVOCATS This on-campus programming team comprised of Texas State students and staff prepares people who identify with the LGBTQIA community to be responsible leaders through community-led educational outreach programs.

10) TEXAS STATE ALLIES NEWSLETTER Anyone interested in receiving more information about on-campus LGBTQIA events can register online for this free newsletter.