Susan Risdon, Equality Texas, 214-226-6741, Susan@redmediagroup.com
AUSTIN, Texas – June 5, 2019 – Equality Texas celebrates its 30th anniversary as the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ Texans. The non-profit organization, which was incorporated in 1989, commemorates its biggest heroes, milestones and victories across three decades of fighting for LGBTQ equality in the state of Texas.
“Since the beginning, we have envisioned a Texas where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of our fellow Texans and in all areas of the law,” said Elizabeth Myers, Chair of the Equality Texas Foundation Board. “We’ve come a long way in the last three decades. We want to celebrate those who have fought against ignorance, hate and discrimination and stood tall for love, acceptance, and equality.”
Even before its incorporation, Equality Texas has had a long history of grass-roots efforts to advocate for LGBTQ Texans. Starting in 1978, groups of lesbians and gay men first recognized the need to actively monitor the Texas Legislature and lobby on behalf of LGBTQ interests. By 1989, these groups had joined forces and incorporated into the LGRL, or Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, and would eventually change its name to Equality Texas in 2006.
“The battle for equality in Texas has been an uphill fight– but that has never deterred Equality Texas,” said Samantha Smoot, Interim Executive Director of Equality Texas. “Despite an often-hostile political climate, Equality Texas has proven to be the state’s best defense against intolerance and the ignorance that feeds it. We’ve been able to increase AIDS and HIV funding, defeat destructive legislation like the “defense of marriage” amendment to the state constitution and the “bathroom bills,” and help elect out legislators who formed our first LGBTQ Caucus. It’s time to step back and celebrate this progress on the road to full equality.”
Throughout the year, Equality Texas will commemorate this milestone through a variety of campaigns and events. For information about partnership and/or sponsorship opportunities, contact info@equalitytexas.org.
Connect with Equality Texas
Website: EqualityTexas.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/equalitytexas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EqualityTexas/
Instagram: @EqualityTexas
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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration. The Equality Texas Foundation works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through education, community organizing, and collaboration.