By Lou Weaver, lou.weaver@equalitytexas.org, @louweaver

I am thrilled to announce my new position as the statewide Transgender Programs Coordinator for Equality Texas. There is a lot of work to be done here in the Lone Star state, and I am looking forward to opportunities working with the LGBTQ community.

One of my top priorities will be to bring Trans communities throughout Texas together to support collaborations and base building between one another. I believe we are stronger together and we can have a strong unified voice. Many meaningful conversations this year will move our work forward, and I intend to foster these conversations with other stakeholders. As Trans people living in Texas, it will be up to us to highlight our communities and our individual stories. In my new position, you will see me working in three areas:

• Empower and elevate Transgender and gender nonconforming communities
• Introduce Texas to Trans folks through public awareness and public education
• Working with local communities to outline Trans inclusive public policies

Now more than ever, we need to show others that Trans people are proud Texans. I know we can conquer LGBTQ inequality. I look forward to working with everyone this year.

Please follow me on Twitter @louweaver, or email me at lou.weaver@equalitytexas.org to learn more.