The backstory
Spearheaded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County commissioners voted in June 2023 to create the county's first LGBTQIA+ commission, which is made up of 10 volunteer members appointed by the court. As previously reported by Community Impact, the commission serves in an advisory function to the court providing recommendations regarding improvements for the LGBTQIA+ community in areas such as health and safety.
The approach
The inaugural report gives an overview of the work the commission has done in its first year, which included naming officers, creating three standing committees and hosting a series of listening sessions to engage with the community.
Major takeaways
During the listening sessions, LGBTQIA+ residents and allies voiced concerns on issues like safety, access to mental health resources, representation and support for LGBTQIA+ youth encountering hostility. The report included the following policy recommendations for county officials to consider:
- Enhancing local data collection through a quality-of-life survey of Harris County LGBTQIA+ residents.
- Becoming the named LGBTQIA+ liaison and advisory council for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and other county departments and areas in need of LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies and strategies.
- Introducing consistent LGBTQIA+ awareness and cultural competency training for Harris County law enforcement agencies.
- Developing a pipeline of qualified LGBTQIA+ residents for county boards and commissions.
- Investing in LGBTQIA+ educational resources at county community centers.
- "This inaugural report reflects the resilience of Harris County's LGBTQIA+ community and the commission members who have brought this vision to life," Briones said during the meeting. "This report is not only a testament to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices but also is a call to action for all of us to continue building a county where everyone can thrive. Harris County rejects hate and discrimination and is committed to building a more just, equal, inclusive community for all. I look forward to our continued partnership with the commission as we take action to advance justice."
- "Harris County has made such important progress for LGBTQIA+ people over the past few years and this commission is history-making and gives our community a voice we have never had before," Commission Chair Brad Pritchett said during the meeting. "It is our hope that the work of the LGBTQIA+ Commission will help inform how the county can uplift and support its LGBTQIA+ constituents in truly meaningful ways."
The report also outlined the commission's goals for the next year, which include:
- Convening LGBTQIA+ organizational and community leaders to identify gaps and areas of opportunities for change.
- Hosting a large-scale, LGBTQIA+ town hall.
- Hosting a banned book fair.
- Continuing to engage with community members and seek input.
- Partnering with local LGBTQIA+ organizations on Harris County's first LGBTQIA+ quality of life study.
- Identifying ways the county can continue to combat HIV locally.
- Building stronger partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to improve LGBTQIA+ cultural competency.
