Originally published in the San Antonio Current. In the wee hours of last Friday morning, Texas House representatives decided it was finally time to vote on a state budget. But even after 15 hours of negotiations (and drama) on the House floor, there was still a long list of bill amendments they had yet to…
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star to Appear at Equality Advocacy Day in Austin
Sara Ramirez, who formerly appeared on the hit TV show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” will be in Austin on March 20 as part of All In For Equality Advocacy Day. The event, which is being presented by Equality Texas, ACLU of Texas, Human Rights Campaign, Texas Freedom Network, and Transgender Education Network of Texas, will include a…
Texas Senate Approves Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill
In what is called a “third reading,” the Texas Senate voted on March 15 to approve Senate Bill 6 which bars transgender people from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity and would prohibit local ordinances from protecting trans citizens from discrimination in public accommodations. The 21-10 vote include support from one Democrat, Sen.…
Equality Texas Launches TransVisible Project
In the aftermath of the defeat of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, the Equality Texas Foundation is launching a public awareness campaign called the TransVisible Project. “The purpose of TVP is to educate Texans that transgender people are our neighbors, families, coworkers, and friends,” said Lou Weaver, transgender programs coordinator for Equality Texas. The defeat…
Equality Texas Takes on Proposed ‘Religious Liberty’ Legislation
Despite support from more and more Americans for LGBT equality, Texas’ Republican politicians are still doing everything they can to thwart progress in the Lone Star State. This week in Austin, Steve Rudner, Chairman of the Board of Equality Texas, testified against several dozen pieces of anti-LGBT legislation referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee…
Texas Association of Business to be honored by Equality Texas
Equality Texas announced on April 9 that they will present the Texas Association of Business with the Vanguard Award which is given annually to an “exemplary business who has demonstrated a commitment to LGBT equality in the state of Texas through fair employee policy and community advocacy.” The award will be presented at the Spirit…
SAISD offers plus-one insurance for employees with domestic partners
The San Antonio Independent School District has sent a letter to its employees announcing it is expanding its group health benefits to include plus-one coverage so that employees can insure one additional adult living in their household who meets all the required criteria. The plus-one plan permits SAISD employees in same-sex relationships to insure their…
Equality Texas plans three advocacy days at State Capitol
In years past, Equality Texas organized a Lobby Day when LGBT constituents would visit members of the State Legislature to press elected officials on issues that are important to the community. This year, Equality Texas will hold three advocacy days each with a specific theme. In 2013, over 500 Texans participated in the Equality Texas…
Equality Texas executive director to appear on ‘The Daily Show’
“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” will travel to indicted Governor Rick Perry’s backyard later this month to broadcast a week of shows covering the midterm elections. One of the guests on the show that week will be Chuck Smith, executive director of Equality Texas. A press release distributed by Comedy Central this week touts,…