Harris County Commissioner's Court announced on Tuesday the creation of an official LGBTQ Commission. Commissioner Leslie Briones, who wrote the resolution, emphasized the importance of creating a group to help assess the LGBTQ community's needs.
"I believe [this] is fundamentally important because Harris County represents the best of Texas and the best of the country," said Briones. "We must stand in solidarity in a county that respects everybody, that allows everyone to be their authentic selves."
Briones explained that the commission would be an advisory group made up of volunteers, community leaders, and experts from various fields. This group would assist the court in finding ways to improve public health and safety for the LGBTQ community.
After Briones spoke, several local LGBTQ leaders spoke in support of the bill, including the Vice President of the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus, Porscha Brown.
"I never thought that we would get the same rights or have a voice in the same rooms in my lifetime," said Brown. "Some things have changed, and while the creation of an LGBTQ commission isn't going to fight our battles for us, it will help us focus on issues locally."
The resolution to create the LGBTQ Commission successfully passed with a vote of four to one, with Commissioner Tom Ramsey being the one no vote. Commissioner Garcia celebrated the creation of the group, stating that he looked forward to helping LGBTQ Texans fight for their rights.
While local LGBTQ leaders applauded the resolution, some expressed apprehension. Landon Richie, a policy associate for the Transgender Education Network of Texas, stated that he hopes the commission can be effective in combating legislation regarding transgender youth.
"This 88th legislative session, our community faced an unprecedented attack on our very right to exist," said Richie. "Harris County has a responsibility to respond to these attacks, and I'm proud we're taking this next step.”