Politics inspire LGBT action
At volunteer fair, widespread worry leads to uptick in civic interest
Frankie Quijano still had the glow of a newlywed, smiling widely as he pointed to his husband across the room.
The CEO and president of Pride Houston eloped in Miami three weeks ago, about a year and a half after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision that guaranteed marriage rights to same-sex couples. But his joy in that ruling is now tinged with concern that the new presidential administration could somehow undercut the opportunity it afforded him, and he has since taken to carrying a copy of his marriage license with him at all times just in case someone asks questions.
“There is the fear that our rights, where they are right now, might go away,” he said. “Everyone is worried.”
Quijano and other members of Pride Houston, a nonpolitical group promoting rights for people of all sexual and gender preferences, spearheaded its annual volunteer fair on Saturday to raise awareness about opportunities within the city. About 12
organizations, most based locally, provided information about their outreach efforts to anyone interested in getting involved. Fears incite action
For many in attendance, the event had particular significance this year amid concerns that new state and federal proposals could curtail efforts to expand the rights of the LGBT community.
Several expressed worry about the so-called Texas “bathroom bill,” a proposal that would require transgender individuals to use public restrooms aligning with their biological sex.
Others objected to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to roll back a federal policy that affirmed the rights of transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice in public schools. And some still harbored disappointment over the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, an anti-discrimination measure that failed during the 2015 election.
Many groups noted an uptick in interest among volunteers and contributors this year in response to recent political changes. Andrea Segovia, a Houston field organizer for the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, said her organization received an outpouring of support since the inauguration.
“A lot of people are realizing that other people are losing their rights,” she said. “I have so many emails, and my list just keeps on growing.”
Mary Meyerson lingered at the Transgender Foundation of America’s booth, introducing herself to organizers and pocketing materials. For the last several years, she has watched her son, now 15, transition from a biological female.
It started during puberty, she said, a deeply confusing and upsetting period that made him realize he identified as male. He began testosterone treatments about a year ago and has since struggled at times to feel accepted, particularly in light of the socalled bathroom bill now in the political spotlight.
“It’s easy to throw these people under the bus to score points with the religious right,” Meyerson said. “But there’s been an awakening of people in this country, and this won’t stand.” Complacency ending
Katy Allred and her fiance Emily Kitchens arrived at the fair early afternoon to connect with groups supporting women’s and LGBT rights. They moved to Houston from Louisiana seven months ago, and recent political events motivated them to get more involved in a relatively unfamiliar city.
“It was easy to be a little complacent under Obama,” Allred said. “Then no one saw this coming.” ACLU rally
Elsewhere in the city, groups rallied to support the rights of other individuals who have felt targeted by changes under the new administration. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas held an event at Axelrad, a Midtown beer garden, to encourage support for the organization and its role in defending the rights of minority groups.
Tom Hargis, the organization’s director of development, said the administration’s efforts to impose a temporary ban on travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries and its crackdown on immigration policy enforcement have elevated the ACLU in the public consciousness. It has received an unprecedented level of support since the election, he added.
“There is a palpable fear, and that fear is real,” he said. “It is time for us to retake the meaning of patriotism, and part of that is celebrating our diversity.”