January 2026

Members and Supporters,

As we welcome 2026, we do so with gratitude, momentum, and a deep sense of purpose. This year officially marks the beginning of the Chamber’s Decade of Impact—a milestone moment that reflects how far we’ve come and where we’re headed together.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re looking back one more time at 2025—a year defined by resilience and growth—while also sharing exciting announcements, opportunities to engage, and meaningful moments already underway in our milestone year. From welcoming new Board leadership and celebrating members, to highlighting upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to stay connected, this edition reflects the energy and intention we’re bringing into this next chapter.

We’re also excited to kick off the first of our milestone celebrations with our upcoming 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, and we hope you can join us.

Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or recently joined our growing community or supporting our work from afar. Together, we’re continuing to build an LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem where our community is visible, valued, and thriving. 

In community,

Tammi Wallace (she/her)

Co-Founder, President & CEO

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time to get involved! Join now. 

🌟 In Case You Missed It: A Look Back—and What’s Ahead

As we wrapped up 2025 and looked ahead to a milestone year, we shared two important messages with our community. If you missed them—or want to revisit—here’s a quick recap:

📌 2025 Year in Review: Resilience, Growth & a Decade of Impact Ahead

A reflection on the progress we’ve made together—highlighting resilience, growth, and the impact that has shaped the Chamber's LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem over the past year.

👉 Read the Year in Review

🎉 2026 — We are Celebrating a Decade of Impact

This year, we celebrate 10 years of building an economy where our community is visible, valued, and thriving—with new programs, signature moments, and meaningful ways to engage all year long.

👉 Read the 10-Year Announcement

👉 Learn more about the Chamber's Decade of Impact

✨ Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey—past, present, and for your support as we move forward.

🗓 Thursday, February 26, 2026

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF IMPACT.

STRONGER. BOLDER. UNSTOPPABLE. TOGETHER.

🕔 5:30 – 8:00 PM

📍 POST, Rooftop Penthouse | 401 Franklin St., Houston

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we mark 10 years of impact with a milestone anniversary reception at the iconic POST. This milestone celebration will recognize our inaugural members and founding partners who believed in the Chamber’s bold vision when it launched on February 24, 2016—and the community that has helped it grow into a powerful force for LGBTQ+ economic inclusion across Greater Houston.

Secure your sponsorship now. The 10-Year Anniversary Reception is a signature celebration, and sponsors play a vital role in making this milestone possible.

👉 Sponsorship Opportunities

👉 Become a Sponsor

Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party — Sponsorship Opportunities

As we celebrate the Chamber’s Decade of Impact, Pride In Business 2026 returns as our flagship Pride Month celebration, on Friday, June 12, at the Hilton Americas-Houston. This will be one of the most visible moments of our milestone year. With more than 1,000+ business and community leaders expected, this event offers unparalleled visibility for sponsors committed to LGBTQ+ economic empowerment.

Be an early sponsor! We are getting ready to announce our early Pride In Business Celebration sponsors, and we want your company, organization, or name (individual sponsors welcome!) on our showcase list. Sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful brand exposure, year-round recognition, and a powerful way to show up during a historic year for the Chamber.

Welcome to Our Newest Board Members!

Rachel Bickham, CDT (she/her)

CEO, Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC

Rachel Bickham is a lesbian entrepreneur, workforce advocate, and founder of Bickham Services Unlimited, a Houston-based staffing and business development firm. With over 20 years of experience in project management and government contracting, she uses her

platform to support minority- and LGBTQ-owned businesses through mentorship, compliance guidance, and access to public opportunities. As a mother of a gay son and active

community leader, Rachel brings a personal and professional commitment to advancing equity, visibility, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ Houstonians. She has partnered with organizations like Bread of Life on inclusive workforce programs and speaks regularly on

LGBTQ+ rights, Black labor, and economic empowerment.

Ross Miller (he/him)

Head of Appeals Department, Gonzalez Olivieri LLC

Ross Miller is the managing shareholder at Gonzalez Olivieri LLC immigration firm in Houston, Texas. He currently serves as Chair-elect of the State Bar of Texas’ Immigration and Nationality Law Section. He has argued immigration cases before the Second, Fifth, and Eleventh Circuits and has successfully represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has been a guest speaker at Harvard Law School, for the State Bar of Texas, and the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (“AILA”), where he also serves on the Federal Litigation Steering Committee.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York and a master’s degree from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. He graduated from South Texas College of Law – Houston in 2018, where he obtained his juris doctorate degree.

We are proud to welcome Rachel and Ross as the newest members of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Both are longtime members and have supported the Chamber as part of their member companies. Rachel and Ross bring valuable leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing an inclusive LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem. 

We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the perspective and impact they will bring as we continue this work—especially as we celebrate a Decade of Impact and look forward to the next decade for the Chamber. 

Please join us in welcoming them to the Board!

As we begin the Chamber’s Decade of Impact, we’re also taking a moment to reflect. In one of our latest blog posts, Ryan Wilson, Chamber Director of Corporate Relations, looks back on his first two years with the Chamber and shares why this organization is different—how economic empowerment, intentional spending, and community-building come together to advance real impact for LGBTQ+ people across Houston and beyond. His reflections are a powerful reminder of why this work matters and where we’re headed next.

We are grateful for all that Ryan does for the Chamber and for his service to the community.  

In light of the removal of the Montrose Pride Crosswalk, Chamber Member Stripelines invites you to turn your parking lot, entryway, patio into a Pride party. Let's "rainbow up" the city and the region! 🌈

Recently, the Houston Chronicle ran an article on Houston's biggest restaurant openings of 2025. Congratulations to Chamber Member Agnes and Sherman, who were included on this list.

We recently hosted our January First Friday Meet & Eat at Agnes and Sherman. Learn more at www.agnesandsherman.com.

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 the form below.

To Thine Own Self Be True: 

Honoring Rick Bryant, 2025 Volunteer of the Year

In December, we recognized Rick Bryant as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year—an honor that celebrates not only the hours he has given, but the heart, purpose, and conviction he brings to every space he enters. While he initially engaged with the Chamber as a professional member, he quickly offered his time and talent as one of our valued volunteers.

We are grateful for Rick's service to the Chamber.

👉 Read more about his journey.

Are you interested in volunteering for the Chamber?

👉 Complete the Volunteer Interest Form.

Rising Stars 2026 Applications Now Open

As part of our new collaboration with the League of Women Voters Houston, we are sharing an incredible opportunity.  

Applications are now open for the Rising Stars 2026 Cohort, a leadership and civic engagement program designed to equip the next generation with the tools to navigate local government, policy, and advocacy.

Through interactive learning, networking, and a final community project, participants gain hands-on experience while building the confidence and skills to lead and engage in their communities.

Ready to Apply?

Join the 2026 Rising Stars Cohort. Applications are now open for those ready to make a difference in Houston.

 🔗 Apply and view the cohort syllabus online.

Applications close on Sunday, February 15.

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit

🗓️ February 7 - 8, 2026

🕘 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📍the Montrose Center | 401 Branard St., Houston, TX 77006

Free | Open to All

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit is a free, two-day gathering bringing together voices from across our region to learn, connect, and help shape the future of LGBTQ+ life in Greater Houston.

Through advocacy training, workshops, and community visioning, participants will gain tools, resources, and connections to drive meaningful change—alongside more than two dozen LGBTQ+ organizations representing communities across the metro area. The Chamber is a participating organization for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit.

Plus, we are celebrating the Chamber's 10-Year Milestone Anniversary all year long.

Check out upcoming events by visiting the Chamber Event Calendar. We are regularly adding events to the calendar.

Make sure you add info@houstonlgbtchamber.com to your address book to get all Chamber communications.

📣 Calling all small businesses in Houston!

The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee is committed to empowering local suppliers through a transparent, fair, and equitable procurement process that creates real opportunities for businesses to compete and grow.

With the Houston Fan Festival coming to East Downtown, businesses will have more chances than ever to engage customers and be part of this historic moment.

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority launched the Buy Houston-By Houston Vendor Program to maximize procurement opportunities for local suppliers in partnership with high-profile sporting events.

Vendors interested in participating or learning more about eligibility should register with Buy Houston-By Houston at: www.fwc26houston.com.

For questions or assistance, contact: info@fwc26houston.com

3rd Thursday Breakfast

With 134 attendees, this marked one of our strongest January turnouts for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast and set the tone for an impactful year ahead.

We were honored to welcome Sean Teare, Harris County District Attorney, who shared the changes he has implemented since taking office that are already having a positive impact, along with his continued support of the LGBTQ+ community. We are grateful for his service to Harris County.  

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Cosmo Cool Concepts, Inc. for transforming Cadillac Bar Houston into a welcoming and energizing space for the morning. From the special stage setup to linens and details throughout the room, they truly added the wow factor.

Connect with the Chamber at McHugh Tea Room

Thank you to Chamber Member, McHugh Tea Room & Gifts for hosting our Connect with the Chamber gathering — and to everyone who joined us on a rainy morning!

The tea was absolutely perfect, the conversations were even better, and there’s nothing like meaningful connection over a warm cup on a gray day.

We loved spending time in such a welcoming space and connecting with our community. Stop by and check them out...they are more than just tea. If you haven’t visited yet, consider this your sign!



✨ Learn more: https://mchughtea.com/

Out & About Mixer with BABC

We hosted our first OUT & About Mixer of the year in collaboration with the British American Business Council of Texas, at Chamber Member Saint Arnold Brewing Company. The evening brought together business leaders and professionals from across the region for meaningful conversation, new connections, and community building in a welcoming, relaxed setting. It was a great evening to connect across networks. Thank you, BABC, for your collaboration!

BE A PART OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

The Chamber calendar is regularly updated, so bookmark it! We are continually updating the calendar with events so check back often. Our Event Calendar provides the details and all you have to do is register. We hope you'll join us - as always, we'd love to see you! We have so many ways to engage and be involved every month.

Restaurant Grants Available:

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

LAST CALL! Deadline is February 10, 2026.

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) FOOD: Fueling Opportunities for Owner Development Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund presented in partnership with Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s program features a refreshed structure with two e-learning cohorts, providing restaurants with not only funding but also training and peer learning opportunities to help strengthen and sustain their businesses.

Eligible restaurants can apply for grants of up to $2,500, which can be used for:


• Purchasing equipment or supplies
• Marketing and digital presence upgrades
• Community initiatives and programming
• Staff training or support
• General business improvements

Cohort Schedule

Applications for Cohort 1 & 2 are open now through February 10, 2026

Cohort 2 | Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 2-4pm ET

Peer Learning Roundtable | February 23, 2026, at 2-3pm ET (Optional)

For full details on restaurant eligibility, the application process, timelines, and program resources, visit nglcc.org/ghgrant or reach out to the NGLCC team with any questions at nglccgrants@nglcc.org.

We look forward to supporting LGBTQ+ and Allied restaurants through this year’s program! Help us spread the word! Share this info with a restaurant owner in your network!

Council Member Alejandra Salinas Swearing In

Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace attended the swearing-in of newly elected Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas, a former Chamber Board Member and partner with Chamber Impact Partner, Susman Godfrey. This moment also marks an important step forward in expanding LGBTQ+ representation on Houston City Council, strengthening visibility and lived experience in local leadership. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to welcoming Council Member Salinas as our featured speaker at the February 3rd Thursday Breakfast, where she’ll share insights as she begins this next chapter of public service."

Walk to End HIV Kickoff Meeting

It was a wonderful evening joining Chamber nonprofit member, Allies in Hope, for the kick-off of their annual Walk to End HIV.

Ryan Wilson, Chamber Director of Corporate Relations, shared remarks at the event about how the Chamber engages LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups across the region, who are part of our Chamber Impact Partners, to be part of the Walk. This is our third year to collaborate with Allies in Hope on this important day.  

Sign up to join the Chamber Team for the Walk to End HIV or set up your own team. Learn more.

Meeting with Catalyst Impact Partner Dignity Memorial

We are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our Impact Partner, Dignity Memorial as we look ahead to meaningful engagement in 2026 — a milestone year as we celebrate the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary.

We are especially grateful to the leaders of Dignity Memorial's UNITE ERG, who continue to drive this partnership forward. They and the UNITE ERG set a strong example of what authentic, values-driven engagement with the Chamber looks like.

We are incredibly proud to call Dignity Memorial one of our Impact Partners. The company lives its values every day, ensuring every family is served with honor, compassion, respect, integrity, and dignity. Learn more at https://www.dignitymemorial.com

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

We joined the Consul General of Israel Houston & the Southwest, along with other event partners, for an event at the Houston Holocaust Museum in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The commemoration, observed every January 27, marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. Designated by the United Nations, the day honors the 6 million Jews and millions of other victims murdered by the Nazi regime and reaffirms the importance of remembrance and education to prevent future genocides.  

All Partners Meeting with BakerRipley

We joined BakerRipley for their All Partners Meeting to connect with other organizations across the region and learn more about how BakerRipley is supporting Houston's small business ecosystem. We're excited about our work ahead with BakerRipley.

To help you prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections, we’re proud to share trusted, nonpartisan voter resources from Chamber Member, the League of Women Voters of Houston. Thank you to the League for providing the valuable voter information resources below.

Before the March Primary, voters in Texas’ 18th Congressional District will return to the polls for a runoff election after no candidate received a majority of votes in the initial contest. Early voting for the TX-18 runoff started January 21 and runs thru Thursday, January 29. While runoff elections often see low turnout, they play a decisive role in determining who advances and ultimately represents the district. Election day for this election is Saturday, January 31.

Read more on TX-18 election here >

Additional Early Voting Dates and Hours:

Wednesday, January 28, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, January 29, noon to 7 p.m.

⭐ Share Your Chamber Experience on Google!

Have a great experience with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce? 🌈

We'd love your feedback! You can also help others discover our work by leaving a quick Google Review! Your feedback not only supports our mission—it helps more businesses, organizations, and community members find and connect with the Chamber.

👉 Leave a Review on Google

Your voice helps amplify the impact of our incredible community. Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience! 💜

NOT A CHAMBER MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!

With over 575+ members, it’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community! Learn more about membership benefits and levels.

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Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce 

www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com

SPEND WITH PURPOSE

Choosing where you spend your dollars is one way to show support for LGBTQ+-inclusive businesses in our community.