I have some great news. Harris County Commissioner Court has appointed me to its LGBTQIA+ commission in one of its at-large positions.

Earlier this year, this commission was created to develop goals and coordinate research to recommend planning, programming, & action related to the queer community and protections of our rights here in Harris county.

https://lgbtqia.harriscountytx.gov/

The leaders on this commission have been selected because of their connection and fierce dedication to the community. We believe that inclusion makes us stronger….The strength of our community with its unique vantage point brings value to the table that should be considered. Personally, I have been a respected trans leader in the Houston community for 15 years. For 25 years, I have led community initiatives to combat discrimination, homelessness, domestic violence, and cultural incompetence. 

One of the best ways for residents to be involved and help shape our community’s future is through service on a public board such as this one

I’ve dedicated my career to creating safe spaces for all people through sociopolitical engagement and education. This is a new opportunity for me to continue that work by pushing our county to a higher standard of community care.

By putting strong leaders in advisory positions, we display a commitment to supporting this demographic of unique constituents with a powerful strategic point of view. This ensures LGBTQIA+ voices are heard and represented in decision making. On a practical level, if we advise leaders in one direction and they do something totally different, that’s a clear indication that they don’t value our contribution or our votes.

I want to do my part in guiding our city to reach its full potential as a world-class cosmopolitan city that is safe for LGBTQIA+ people. We are a city with a long history of multicultural diversity with a unique Southern charm. I want our healthcare infrastructure and city ordinances to reflect our compassion and ideals to be a welcoming city for all residents and visitors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

In our current political climate, the agency over our bodies and life choices are under attack. This creates legitimate concerns about rollbacks of rights and protections for our community…. We saw this in 2022 with the egregious overturning of Roe vs Wade. Lawrence vs Texas could easily be next. Staying vigilant ensures that progress made towards equality and body autonomy is not underdone, and that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld.

I’m a Black trans woman in the South. Hope is the foundation of all I do in community work. I don’t exist without my ancestors’ hope. My Pride doesn’t exist without the Queer pioneers’ hope. Hope is sometimes the only string of solace I have to hold and look forward to. Hope is how I survive. I hope that this commission will be effective in its goals, and I hope that my inclusion is an intricate part of its success.