LANDRY RHODES | Contributing Writer
larhodes1999@gmail.com
Amidst the seats of the Texas House of Representatives gallery this past Tuesday, a slew of salon owners, interior designers and marketing managers stood as they were recognized frpom the Floor by Rep. Ray Lopez from the floor. While several Republican lawmakers attempted to ignore the recognition, some even shaking their heads in quiet disapproval, the group stood proud as their purpose was called to the attention of the House: They were rallying for a united cause and advocating for a more equitable business environment.
The Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce met this past Tuesday, March 25. for their annual Day at the Capitol, an event in which LGBTQ businessmen and women from across the state gather in Austin meet with lawmakers in the Texas Legislature to advocate for and against certain pieces of legislation.
The Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commmerce is a coalition of nearly 2,000 businesses across the state that are either owned by or advocate for members of the LGBTQ community. While the group takes an active stance in protecting the community, they also work to move policies that promote economic development and give back to the community.
Since the inaugural version of the event during the 2023 Texas legislative session, Texas’ LGBTQ chambers of commerce have nearly doubled in the number of businesses they represent, and this session many members believe that they are in a position to promote a more dynamic relationship with lawmakers.
And the Day at the Capitol was a chance for chamber members to do exactly that. Droves of business owners walked the halls in paisley suit jackets and rainbow dresses to not only protect the rights they have already won, but to expand access to programs and resources LGBTQ businesses need to succeed. Since most of the attendees were business owners, their priorities were focused more so on the economic impact of state and federal policies.
“Texas has a long and storied history of being open for business,” said Austin LGBTQ Chamber President Tina Cannoni in a statement. “Even in the face of recessionary concerns at the federal level, our commitment to fostering a positive environment for business growth and attracting the best talent in the world remains unwavering.”
Texas government has certainly not been a friend of LGBTQ businesses in recent years. The state attempted to ban drag performances from making income in public spaces before a federal court ruled the bill unconstitutional. But even when bills fail, Republicans remain determined to make the LGBTQ community a target.
More than 200 bills have been introduced this session that target the community in some form, many economically. Still, many Chamber members who traveled to Austin this week had optimism in their voices.
“I am just astonished by the progress we have been able to make in just a few years,” said one member from San Antonio. “COVID had hit businesses incredibly hard, but now we have revitalized, and we are fighting the far-right agenda by connecting the financial interests of Texas together.”
The group does work to join with the broader community at large in fighting bills that target human rights for gay or trans people. However, what sets the chambers of commerce apart is their advocacy for the community from a commercial standpoint, not just from a civil one. They grouped inside several of the representatives’ offices to promote increased funding for state grants for minority-owned businesses, expanding diversity programs amid a nationwide wave of anti-DEI backlash and a competitive tax and incentive structure to attract more LGBTQ businesses.
The crowning jewel of the day’s events came nearly an hour into the House gallery’s business, when Rep. Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio) introduced the guests of the LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce. “These businesses are a vital part of our state’s economy.” Rep. Lopez proclaimed. “As a collective, these businesses contribute significantly to Texas’ economic landscape, reinforcing our state’s reputation for all types of businesses.”
This address was a welcome change from last session when, even though a statement was drafted, no recognition was read from the floor as is customary.
Through collaboration between lobbyist Mike Hendrix, Rep. Mary Gonzalez (D-El Paso) drafted a resolution that was quietly read into the House record in 2023. This year, however, Rep. Lopez was adding into the record a much louder statement, one that reflected how LGBTQ+ businesses contributed nearly $2 trillion across an estimated 1.4 million business owners.
Tuesday’s advocacy was part of a larger statewide solidarity campaign for the LGBTQ community. The day before, protestors hosted a rally on the steps of the Capitol to demand justice against this wave of legislation, and here in Dallas hundreds took part in the Queer and Trans Liberation March, marching down the historic Cedar Springs Rd in Oak Lawn to protest discriminatory state and federal policies. The Chambers wish to take the concern for gay and trans rights and tie it back to the financial interests of the state, providing for a more positive and welcoming business space.
