Our History

Fighting for Equality Since 1978

In 1978, a group of lesbians and gay men recognized the need to have our interests represented in the 66th session of the Texas Legislature. These men and women formed the "Human Rights Advocates." This organization and its lobbyists were able to remove a previously-passed appropriations bill rider that mandated state-funded colleges and universities to discourage the formation of lesbian/gay student groups on their campuses.

In 1980, lesbians and gays again recognized the need to be represented in state government. Members of the Lesbian/Gay Democrats of Texas and the Texas Gay Task Force hired a lobbyist to monitor the 67th session and lobby on behalf of lesbian and gay interests.

During January of 1982, TGTF and LGDT called a meeting to address the lobby efforts of lesbians and gay men. At this meeting, the Lesbian/Gay Rights Advocates was created. In 1989, LGRA became "LGRL," or the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas. The Lobby hired a full-time Executive Director to fight for the rights of lesbians and gay men.

In 1990, the Allan G. Calkin Human Rights Education and Research Fund was established. The Calkin Fund operates as LGRL's charitable arm. Its goal is to educate the public as to how policies regarding sexual orientation affect the lives of lesbian and gay Texans.

In 2005, LGRL became Equality Texas. The change was made to reflect the enormous growth in the organization and represent the strength and diversity of the coalition that was galvanized during the campaign to defeat proposition #2.

See also: Our Victories