By Lou Weaver, @louweaver

This week I watched a horrible commercial. It is a malicious ad that hit the airwaves to scare fellow Houstonians. Our opponents are desperate for people to vote against the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), aka Prop 1.

The new commercial falsely claims that registered sex offenders can follow women or young girls into bathrooms. Please do not watch this ad if you do not have to. The ad makes me feel bullied.

Today is #SpiritDay. Millions go purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. I’m writing today because the well being of fellow transgender Houstonians are in my thoughts.  I want all young, and young at heart Houstonians, to know that we are in this together. You are not alone no matter what your story is. You have people who love you and care about you. We are here for you.

If the doldrums of the campaign are bringing you down, I encourage you to take time for self-care. Check in with each other. Here are few things we can today #SpiritDay and until help pass Prop 1 in Houston:

– Watch movies that make you laugh
– Learn about our LGBT history
– Unplug from the Internet and enjoy time with friends in real time
– Call the Montrose Center helpline at 713-529-3211
– Sign-up to volunteer for a Houston Unites phone bank event

You have the right to be treated with respect, and to be called by your name and pronouns. Equality Texas looks forward to the day when all gay and transgender Texas are protected from discrimination.

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In community,
Lou Weaver