Chamber Statement on Non-Binding Opinion
Regarding Gender-Affirming Healthcare
|
|
“This action is not only an attack on transgender youth and families, but it undermines the business community in Texas.” |
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce stands adamantly opposed to the Governor and Attorney General’s attacks on transgender youth and families. This directive by Governor Abbot would criminalize best practice medical care that is widely recognized by leading medical associations across the country.
“This action is not only an attack on transgender youth and families, but it undermines the business community in Texas, said Tammi Wallace, Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO. “In a state that purports to tout business first, it’s ironic that the actions of the Governor and the Attorney General are in direct conflict with promoting a pro-business environment. Businesses actively use LGBTQ+ policies as an indicator as to if the state is truly ‘open and welcoming’ and an inclusive place for their employees to live and work. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and repeated attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are a deterrent to bringing businesses to Texas and attracting the best and brightest talent as well.”
This directive harms children and families directly and indirectly from their physical health to mental health. Putting transgender youth at risk for political gain is deplorable at every level. We call on Governor Abbot to rescind this attack on children and families and to stop using attacks on the LGBTQ+ community to undermine the business community in Texas.
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, as part of the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce coalition, signed onto a letter published in the Dallas Morning News on March 11, 2022. The letter was signed by more than 50 businesses and advocacy organizations and calls on the Governor to abandon anti-LGBTQ+ efforts. Read the full letter here.
|
|
|
LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Launches Today! |
|
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance officially launches as part of the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit today.
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance program creates connection, learning and community for LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups across Chamber Corporate Partners through networking and programming across the city, region and state of Texas.
Developed exclusively for Chamber Corporate Partners, the program is designed to facilitate engagement and learning between LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) leads and others who are a part of their companies' diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives.
The program will include engagement at the regional level as well as statewide with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce.
|
|
Ready for Pride Night with the Houston Rockets? |
|
|
|
A ticket to the game plus a Rockets Pride Hat will start at $19. When you use the link above, $5 from each ticket sold will go back to the Chamber.
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner once again with our Corporate Partner, Houston Rockets for Pride Night 2022!
|
|
Letter Urges "Big Three" Credit Unions to Take Action |
|
Harris County is conducting research into ways to improve its existing procurement processes and determine what new measures might be appropriate.
Please complete the survey below. Your response is very important to Harris County. The survey will be open until March 31, 2022. All responses will remain confidential.
Let’s make sure the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community is well represented. Complete the survey today! Thank you for your participation.
|
|
Pride In Business Awards Nominations
Deadline March 30, 2022
|
|
Is your company, nonprofit or an individual a champion for the LGBTQ+ community? Submit your nomination for the 2022 Pride In Business Awards!
The Pride In Business Awards launched in 2021 as part of the Chamber's signature event, Pride In Business. The Pride In Business Awards recognize the contributions made by Chamber Members, Corporate Partners and other key stakeholders in building a more diverse and inclusive business community.
|
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event. Please contact the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or complete the sponsorship form.
|
|
The deadline to submit Pride In Business Awards nominations is March 30, 2022. |
|
 |
Corporate Partner Spotlight |
JSX offers regular daily flights between private terminals on 30-seat jets. Simply book a flight at www.jsx.com and arrive 20 minutes before departure. Each flight saves up to two hours by removing the hassles associated with the major airport.
|
|
|
|
Join Us for the GrubHub Community Impact Grant Announcement Event! |
Seven businesses will receive grants as part of the Grubhub Community Impact Grant. On April 7, a special event will take place at Harold’s Restaurant and Bar featuring outstanding business owners and community leaders from our region, as well as guests from the NGLCC, Grubhub, and partner organizations.
Join us for the “big check” presentation and help celebrate these businesses!
|
|
|
|
Register for Upcoming Events! |
|
There’s plenty of ways to engage with the Chamber in 2022 and make some great connections! Are you ready to connect? |
|
The Chamber events calendar is regularly updated so check back often and keep an eye out for event announcements.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for various programming throughout the year. Click here to learn more and become a sponsor.
|
|
We ❤️ seeing our members highlighted! Check out the recent article in OutSmart Magazine about Chamber Member, BakedBones, and founders/couple Brantley Highfill and Chris Steward. https://bit.ly/3KTPipG 🐶 🦴 🌈
|
Christopher Barry, with Chamber member BUDDY’S, has been named a 2022 Grand Marshal Finalist for the male-identifying Grand Marshal category. Read more.
|
We love seeing our members take on leadership roles in the community. Tamika Caston-Miller, with Chamber member, The Ranch Houston, has been appointed to the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.
|
|
Congratulations to newest member The Normal Anomaly on their one year anniversary this month! The organization centers on black, queer plus persons to overcome barriers, end stigma and problematic narratives to actualize a new normal. Learn more about the organization and their groundbreaking work in the community at https://www.normalanomaly.org/.
|
Congratulations to our very own, Dalton DeHart, who was recognized by Mayor Sylvester Turner with one of the 2022 Mayor’s Volunteer Services Awards this month. Dalton gives back so much to the community! Read more. |
Travis Torrence, with Corporate Member Shell USA, has has been named a 2022 Grand Marshal Finalist for the male-identifying Grand Marshal category. Read more
|
|
|
Do you have some good news to share? From time to time, the Chamber highlights significant accomplishments, big milestones and other good news about our Members and Corporate Partners. Please submit news about your member business via this form.
|
|
Check out the SBA Houston District Office's recently released Small Business Resource Guide featuring our very own Chamber Member, David Alcorta with David Alcorta Catering, on the front cover! |
|
Renewing Corporate Partners |
|
|
|
Thank you to Bronze Corporate Partners Horizon Advisory Group and Regions Bank who have renewed their investment. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber!
|
|
|
|
Empowering Differences
Read the latest on the Chamber Blog
|
Speaker and Author, Ashley T. Brundage (she/her), was the keynote speaker for Pride Across Texas. Ashley is the founder of Empowering Differences. Read more about Ashley here.
|
|
|
|
Chamber Member The Cannon has recently partnered with the PEDC to create an entrepreneurial hub in Pearland with the goal of bringing local entrepreneurs together by hosting events and programming including: proactive coaching, workshops, and business plan competitions. The position of Navigator will oversee marketing, events and reporting for the initiative. View the job description and application instructions at https://bit.ly/3HOEBCG.
Quick reminder that Chamber members can post open positions to the Chamber Job Board. Another member benefit!
|
|
Make sure your business is included in the online Chamber Directory where the community finds LGBTQ+ supportive businesses. Show your support and get more visibility for your business in the LGBTQ+ community!
|
|
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce www.houstonlgbtchamber.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
