"LGBTQIA+ residents in Harris County have real concerns about health, safety, fairness, and belonging. This Commission was created so those voices have a seat at the table with local government — not just once, but on an ongoing basis. The report is a first step toward turning those conversations into real action."
Harris County's first-ever LGBTQIA+ Commission, formed in June 2023 under Commissioner Lesley Briones, released its inaugural report after a year of listening sessions and expert presentations. The report covers residents' concerns and recommends steps like a quality-of-life survey, cultural competency training for County departments, and investing in educational resources. The Commission meets every two months and welcomes everyone to participate and share ideas for a more inclusive Harris County.
First report from Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission details residents’ concerns and policy recommendations
Harris County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission has released its inaugural report, which goes in depth about its accomplishments and work over its first year. The Commission spoke with residents and came up with recommendations on how the County can support the LGTBQIA+ community.
"When we learn about each other, it makes it that much harder to devalue one another, and we are in need of that,” said Brandon Mack, Vice Chair of the LGBTQIA+ Commission. “This commission is important not only for representation, but also for the commitment that Harris County is making to the LGBTQ community to ensure we are always at the table and in partnership with local government to address needs and issues.”
In June 2023, under Commissioner Lesley Briones’s leadership, Commissioners Court formed the County’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ Commission. Since its creation, there have been listening sessions, Commission meetings, and presentations by LGBTQIA+ experts to help members of the Commission create this report.
“Here in Harris County, we are committed to equality, we are committed to justice, and we will not let discrimination stand,” said Commissioner Briones. “This is more than words. We formed this commission so we could have actionable recommendations in how we can continue to advance justice, fairness, security, economic opportunity, and beyond.”
Here are just a few of the upcoming plans for the LGBTQIA+ Commission detailed in the report:
Hosting a large scale LGBTQIA+ town hall
Identifying ways the County can improve public health
Building stronger partnerships with local law enforcement agencies
The Commission also highlighted several policy recommendations to make Harris County more inclusive, including:
Conducting the first quality-of-life survey of LGBTQIA+ residents
Introducing consistent LGBTQIA+ awareness and cultural competency training for County departments
Investing in LGBTQIA+ educational resources
Read all the recommendations and upcoming plans in the full report below.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
The Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission holds meetings every two months and everyone is invited to participate and share their thoughts on how to make a more inclusive and welcoming Harris County. For more information, visit the Commission’s website or email [email protected].
