Roxanne Werner serves as the Director of Community Relations for Harris County Clerk’s Office, which is responsible for administering elections for the third largest county in the nation. Roxanne focuses on outreach to various community groups to ensure they are included in the voting process. Roxanne is a graduate from the University of Houston and has a background working in communications, as well as a history of working with civic and community groups including the League of Women Voters and YWCA Houston.

In Her Own Words: Roxanne Werner

What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a reflection of what it means to overcome barriers and celebrate the progress of the LGBTQ community and our allies. Pride is also about being celebrating the ability to be comfortable in your own skin, and a time to come together to lift each other up. The attention in June also gives a spotlight on the issues that still face the LGBTQ community today, and the ways we can continue to work together for equality.

What inspires you about the LGBTQIA+ community?
The LGBTQIA+ community is welcoming and affirming, and fights for the rights of a variety of groups. Many LGBTQ people identify as members of other groups that have been marginalized as well – people of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities, just to name a few. This community knows that our rights are not something to be taken for granted, and that none us are equal until we’re all equal.

How would you like white folks to show up for Black and brown folks during these times?
It’s so important for white people to acknowledge the way racism has set up pretty much every system we have in place today. I think it’s important for white people to take inventory of their lives and look at ways we can change the system. Our public schools, political systems, and healthcare are all built on inequity.

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