SAN ANTONIO -- Hundreds of people gathered at Brick downtown Friday night to kickoff Pride, starting with their health.
- Showed LGBTQ community that health services are available
- Event featured free rapid HIV testing and more
- Was open to everyone to attend on a first come first serve basis
Nonprofits and clinics helped kick off pride festivities by offering free health services.
Kind Clinic, the event organizer, said the evening was all about showing the LGBTQ community that health services are available to them.
“We tailor a lot of our services to the unique needs of LGTBQ communities. We’re from that community, we’re for that community, so we felt very important to be here to help celebrate pride,” Marcus Sanchez with Kind Clinic said.
Inside of Blue Star Arts Complex, the event featured free rapid HIV testing and more. Many local businesses and food vendors were also there giving away free food and showcasing their local work. A drag show was also part of the festivities.
The evening event was open to everyone to attend on a first come first serve basis until 10 p.m.
"It’s a very powerful feeling. It’s a very secure feeling," Elleanna Martinez, tested for HIV, said.
Martinez and her girlfriend came to the event to celebrate pride but also stay informed on their health.
"I didn’t know what to expect but it was really easy," Crystal Flores, also tested for HIV, said. “I’ve never gotten tested before. It was my first time and I feel like it’s very important to get tested no matter what your circumstances are.”
Dozens of people were able to receive free rapid HIV testing throughout the evening. The organizers plan to have more free HIV testing events.