In Solidarity: LGBTQIA+ Voices of Change in the Community

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is an educator who has committed to serving and empowering the community through representative policy-making. As the son of two veterans, and the oldest of three children, he was raised to value service to others, empathy, and integrity. Two years after graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BA in Communication, Jalen decided to continue living by family principles by working at Sam Houston High School as a high school math teacher. Through working closely with students and families in District 2, it became clear how heavily the environment impacts a child’s future -- how their housing, access to transportation, and access to recreational activities plays a huge role in these critical years of their lives. These observations are what inspired Jalen to run, and to make a difference for students and their families outside of the classroom. The Councilmember knows good representation is key for good policy - and listening is what is necessary for good representation, which will be done on the dais and in the city for District 2.

Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez was elected to serve District 2 on June 5, 2021 and began his term on June 15, 2021. In 2022, he graduated with a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UTSA.

Dr. Lulu aka the Momatrician is a Nigerian-born, pediatrician and mom of a transgender daughter, a life coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and award-winning LGBTQ* advocate. She is a parent/youth confidence coach who helps families with acceptance and support of their queer kids. Dr. Lulu speaks on parenting, childhood trauma, LGBTQ* issues, and youth suicide prevention. She has been featured on multiple media outlets including The Diaspora Show on the Nigerian Television Authority, and CBS This Morning with Gayle King. Her next book: “Invited In: How to Become the Parent Your LGBTQ* Child Needs”, is due out Summer 2022.

Liz Castillo is a Queer Chicana higher education professional, playwright, poet, and storyteller who has devoted her career to serving students from historically excluded populations.

She received a BA in Theatre from Sul Ross State University and an MFA in Playwriting from Texas Tech University. Her plays, most notably, Aye, No!, have been produced across the Southwest. She views theatre as a social, political, and cultural platform. It’s a space where we can dive into critical issues such as race, gender, sexuality, class, ethnicity, and the place they all intersect.

Dr. Jacob-Aidan Martinez is the Director of Student Life at San Antonio College (SAC) in San Antonio, TX. He received a doctorate of education in the Higher Education Administration program at Texas Tech University. He is knowledgeable in several areas within Student Affairs with over 15 years of experience. Dr. Martinez is also an adjunct faculty in the Student Development department at SAC. In his free time, he remains active within his community. Dr. Martinez is a member of the Board of Directors for Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. as the ex-officio.  He served as the 9th National President of the organization and the 1st openly gay president to date. He currently leads the LGBTQIA+ efforts at San Antonio College.