November 2023
Thank you to Pride San Antonio for providing the float for the San Antonio Veterans Day Parade. AVER – American Veterans for Equal Rights, Inc. had our largest participation ever for the parade Thank you to everyone who participated. Best comment: “Thank you for paving the way.” So important to recognize and honor the journey.
— in San Antonio.

December 2023
Robert Weeks, US Army, has passed. Robert Weeks, a Vietnam Veteran, died this morning at the age of 80 in San Antonio. Robert was a longtime supporter of AVER – American Veterans for Equal AVER – American Veterans for Equal Rights, Inc. where he was very active in the AVER Texas Lone Star Chapter. Robert is pictured here (Right) with Ron Clarke and George Takei at the2009 Human Rights Campaign dinner
in San Antonio. Robert will be greatly missed. Thank you for your service, sir. See you on the High Ground.

January 2024
Congratulations to AVER member Sergeant First Class Freyja Eccles who retired yesterday with 25 years of service in our United States Army. Hooah!

New Braunfels Pride 06 Jun 24

On June 8, 2024, American Veterans for Equal Rights(AVER) was represented at the New Braunfels Pride event by Diane Stubel and Sue Ashinhurst.
To start the day, we provided the The Honor Guard. It was a very moving ceremony for all that attended.
Following the ceremony, we returned to our booth and interfaced directly with more than two hundred people. So many had a chance to tell us their stories of military service.
We had the opportunity to explain our mission. This information was well received and so many thanked us for making the connections with LGBTQIA veterans and active-duty personnel, along with making them aware of the VA benefits that all veterans should receive.

Although it was an extremely hot day, we were satisfied with our Pride event.

New Braunfels Pride festival offers LGBTQ+ community safe place for celebration
Erica Wilson | The Herald-Zeitung Jun 10, 2024 Updated Jun 11, 2024

The nonprofit Riverside Pride hosts the annual event. The group’s mission is to connect, support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community by providing safe places to gather, a directory of resources and responding to individuals in need.
The day included an array of vendors and live entertainment, where attendees found not only community and connection, but also could receive information on supportive resources available in the community.
At one booth, attendees learned about the Lone Star Chapter of the American Veterans For Equal Rights. The organization raises awareness and advocates for LGBTQ+ veterans and current service members.
Chapter vice president Sue Ashinhurst said the opportunity to show support at the Pride event was emotional.
“It means everything for people to be able to show their face in a public space and say ‘this is who I am,’” Ashinhurst said, telling a story of how chapter president Diane Stubel married a good friend of hers, a gay man, while she was in the service to avoid detection as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Women’s Celebration for Veterans Day 06/15/24

American Veterans for Equal Rights attended the Texas Veterans Commission Women Veteran Programs and all of the other organizations that came out to Rev Mortgage Center to celebrate Women Veterans Recognition Day! Great guest speakers, gift bags, lunch, door prizes, resources and sisterhood! We educated the women veterans on AVER mission that supports LGBTQ+ equal rights.

Austin Pride Parade 08/10/24

American Veterans for Equal Rights(AVER) Lone Star Chapter participated in the Austin Pride Parade on 10 August at 20:00 hours. AVER led the parade with the color guard. The parade lasted hours and involved over 10,000 participants. We hope to see you their next time! their next time!

San Marcos Pride Parade 09/14/24

American Veterans for Equal Rights(AVER) Lone Star Chapter participated in a small city Pride Parade on 5 September 2024 at 10 am in San Marcos TX. AVER led the parade with the color guard. The parade lasted a hour. We hope to see you their next time! Be proud of who you are because we are you!