04/06/2025
Jonathan Joss, best known for his role as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, endured relentless harassment with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, before his tragic killing. Their San Antonio home was burned down after years of threats, and the fire killed their three dogs. When the couple returned to the ruins, they found the skull and leash of one of their dogs deliberately placed in clear view, a cruel reminder of the hatred they faced. The pain of that discovery left them in tears, overwhelmed by grief and disbelief at the cruelty aimed at them.
As they mourned at the site, a neighbor approached and began shouting violent homophobic slurs. In a moment that showed both love and courage, Jonathan pushed his husband out of the way when the man drew a gun and fired. Jonathan was shot and died in his husband's arms, having sacrificed himself to save the man he loved. His husband later described how Jonathan had shown him more affection than most people experience in a lifetime, and that he was with him when he took his last breath.
Despite the clear pattern of harassment and the hateful language used by the shooter, authorities and much of the media have refused to call this a hate crime. This refusal to acknowledge the reality faced by LGBTQ+ people is exactly why Pride remains so vital. Pride is not just a celebration; it is a protest against violence, erasure, and indifference. Until every act of hate is recognized and confronted, the fight for dignity and safety must continue, now more than ever.
