2022 HRC Houston Dinner Program Book by Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights Campaign Houston Dinner Saturday, April 9, 2022

HRC in ACTION THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS PRESENTING

EMERALD

PEARL

CRYSTAL

WINE SPONSOR

List current as of 4/22

HRC NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

List current as of 3/9/22

Welcome Lightning, hurricanes, winter storms be warned – The 2022 Human Rights Campaign Houston Dinner is here – rain or shine. And we’re back making a bigger splash than ever. Welcome to the Human Rights Campaign 2022 Houston Dinner and auction. Our theme for tonight’s celebration is “There’s No Stopping Us Now.” (Cue Queen) Rey and I chose tonight’s theme because our world has changed, our communities have been attacked, but in the end, we are here, tonight - surviving. (Cue Gloria Gaynor) Houston is a city of diversity, and we believe all individuals should be treated equally. Help us protect transgender children and adults, educate families, focus on global advocacy and create stronger partnerships. Join us in celebrating how far we’ve come. We could not do the work we need to advance human rights and equality without you. To all the HRC staff, volunteers, colleagues, and members – thank you for your hard work, time, treasure, and talents.

Equality drives innovation Equality is a powerful multiplier of innovation and growth. It inspires creativity and a sense of belonging. At Accenture we’re committed to championing a culture of equality where our people are empowered to be their best, professionally and personally. Because as equals, anything is possible. Learn more at Accenture.com/equality

SPECIAL PERFORMER DANA GOLDBERG

As seen on TBS, ABC, LOGO, and Last Comic Standing, veteran comedian Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS and HBO, and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland; her quick wit and playful stage presence have her earning loyal fans across the country and abroad. A crowd favorite, Goldberg has become a triple threat combining her comedy, hosting, and live auction talents to become one of the most sought after entertainers on the circuit. Voted one of the “Top Five Funniest Lesbians In America,” Curve magazine raves, “Goldberg is one of the brightest lights in a stellar comedy landscape.” Advocate.com named Goldberg one of the top three LGBT comedians in the nation. In addition to headlining clubs, theaters and festivals around the country, Goldberg has performed at and emceed dozens of high profile events and has shared the national stage with luminaries such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Meryl Streep, Katy Perry, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Carol Burnett, Sir Elton John, Mariah Carey, Shonda Rhimes, and many more. Combining her gift of humor with humanitarian efforts, Goldberg has raised over 20 million dollars for non-profits around the country in the fight for marriage equality, LGBT rights, women’s health, and HIV and AIDS education and prevention. As the youngest child in a single parent household run by a Jewish mother in which two of three kids are gay, Goldberg helps keep most of the comedy venues and half of the psychotherapists in the country in business.

photos by Rachael Jones (www.rachaelajones.com)

SPECIAL GUEST ALEXANDRA BILLINGS ALEXANDRA BILLINGS is an actress, singer, author, teacher and activist. Alexandra stars as “Davina” in Amazon’s multi-award winning television series “Transparent.” The series has won awards from AFI, American Cinema Editors, Critics Choice, DGA, GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, and WGA. On television, Ms. Billings played “Donna” in the ABC film “Romy and Michelle: A New Beginning,” one of the first times a transgender actress played a transgender character in the history of television. She has guest starred on “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “E.R.,” and the pilot “Nurses” opposite Lynn Redgrave. She stars in the upcoming feature film “Valley of Bones” opposite Autumn Reeser and Rhys Corio. Alexandra has been acting since 1968 and has performed across the United States in hundreds of plays and musicals. Her latest autobiographical performance “S/He and Me” was performed at Cal State Long Beach. She’s played everyone from “Mama Rose” in “Gypsy” to “Mrs. Lynde” in “A Doll House.” Most every stage role is considered to be a first for a transgender actress. Her one-woman autobiographical show “Before I Disappear” toured from Chicago to Boston to Los Angeles, and was performed offB roadway at The Producer’s Club, winning rave reviews and running for over ten years. She originated the role of “Alejandra” in “Time to Burn” by Charles Mee at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago and toured to off-Broadway in Jeff Richmond and Michael Thomas’ camp classic “Hamlet! The Musical!” Alex’s cd “Being Alive” produced by Ralph Lampkin Jr. was up for Grammy consideration. She is the recipient of five After Dark Awards and a Joseph Jefferson Award. Ms. Billings’ activism stretches across the continent. This year, she moderated a panel during Transgender Awareness Month at the White House. She has won the TPA Award, The Rainbow Spirit Award, and was inducted into the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in Chicago. Living with AIDS since the mid-eighties, Alexandra chronicles her life’s journey in her blog “Stilettos and Sneakers,” and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. Her life story “From Schoolboy to Showgirl: the Alexandra Billings Story” for PBS television was nominated for an Emmy for Best Documentary. Alexandra married her high school sweetheart Chrisanne Blankenship-Billings in 1996 in a ceremony held at the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago. The couple was legally married in 2009. Alex received her MFA from Cal State Long Beach and is an Associate Professor of theater at the university. She is a Viewpoints Associate at The Steppenwolf Theater and has taught in schools across the country.

Along life’s journey, let’s travel together. American Airlines is a longstanding partner of the Human Rights Campaign. American is a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights in the Twin Cities and beyond.

SPECIAL PERFORMER KIMBERLY LOCKE Kimberley Locke’s career took off after being the last girl standing on Season 2 of American Idol and has since continued to work in the entertainment industry in various capacities. While singing continues to be her anchor, she’s also a motivational speaker & coach, and she loves to cook. You can catch her online cooking show, “What’s Cooking with Kimberley” on YouTube. Over the last few years, she’s been whipping up some delicious recipes as the co-host with the legendary Chef Emeril Lagasse on “Everyday Emeril.” This past year Kimberley released 2 music projects, a lullaby album titled, “You’re My Baby” and a new Christmas album titled, “Christmas Is Here.” Kimberley’s last Christmas album was released in 2005 and had three #1 songs on the charts which lead Billboard Magazine to coin her as “The Queen of Christmas.” The title single from the new album “Christmas Is Here” is a cover originally performed by the late great Donna Summer. The album is comprised of some fun and obscure holiday covers as well as a few originals. This album has a bit of a retro, funky feel which can be attributed to the band EMP3 out of Brooklyn, NY. Kimberley and the band are giving you up beat holiday music that will lift your spirits and make your season bright! In 2011 Kimberley created I AM Entertainment, a company created for artists by artists where she consults with other aspiring and established artist to grow their brand and help them cultivate and tell their stories to a broader audience. It’s a very exciting time for I AM Entertainment as they are currently expanding, offering services to other businesses and non-profits alike.

Everybody. At Apple, we’re committed to using our voice to

advocate for LGBTQ+ people and the freedoms they deserve. Because we believe everybody should have the right to be free from discrimination.

We proudly support the Human Rights Campaign and stand with you to build a better future.

Join Us in the Fight For Equality in Texas In March, 63 companies joined an ad in the Dallas Morning News opposing anti-LGBTQ efforts in Texas and beyond (see ad on the next page). We want to grow the number of companies taking a stand for equality in the Lone Star State. If you work for an employer who may be interested in joining a 2nd version of this ad, email stakeholders@hrc.org to learn more. Thank you for joining us in the fight for equality!

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE HRC

HRC in ACTION The most impactful way to support HRC is through a monthly gift, because you will help fuel HRC’s fight for FULL equality all year long. Your ongoing monthly support will provide critical resources to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ bills, expand and protect our pro-equality Congress in 2022, invest more deeply in our grassroots efforts with strategic organizing in key districts, keep pressure to pass the Equality Act in the U.S. Senate and continue to show up and fight for the multiply marginalized in our community and country. Thank you for supporting HRC and for staying with us in the fight. Together, we are an unstoppable force for change! Join Now

Cocktails in every color for every identity. It’s time to COLOR THE FUTURE.

Join Smirnoff in support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and toast to a more colorful and inclusive future for all!

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. SMIRNOFF NO. 21 VODKA. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. 40% ALC/VOL. THE SMIRNOFF CO., NEW YORK, NY

Transgender and non-binary people are your neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. And when you or your friends and family are the targets of hate, violence and discrimination, you act. The Human Rights Campaign is actively working to advocate for the rights and lives of the transgender and non-binary community–but we all must do more–can we count you in? As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. So please take the actions below–but don’t stop there. The more people who show they care, including allies and trans and non-binary people who speak up for the most marginalized in our community, the more hearts and minds we will change.

State legislatures are attacking LGBTQ+ folks, particularly trans people, left and right. Show antiequality legislators that we won’t tolerate any more bullying and discrimination.

Request and Show Off Your Sticker

Spread the Word On Social Media

Display your special edition HRC sticker on your car, laptop, water bottle — no matter where you put it, you’ll be saying you support our trans community.

Post these image shares on your social media channels and update your profile photos and let your networks know you believe in a more just and equitable world for trans folks — full stop.

Speak Out

Request A Sticker

Contact State Legislators

Sign the Pledge and Impact Change The first step in voicing your support for the trans and non-binary community is to sign your name to the Count Me In pledge. By taking this action, you’re sending a message that you vow to go out of your way to raise awareness and uplift the lives of our trans and non-binary friends and family.

Download Now

Count Me In

Provide Inclusive Books to an At-Need Library

Share a Voice Message of Support

Your contribution will provide a set of three books to a Title 1 school or community library serving multiply marginalized populations across the country.

State legislatures are targeting trans kids. Text HEART to 472-472 to share a public message of support for trans youth and show you’re fighting for them.

Donate Now

(Msg&dataratesmayapply. Recurring msgs. TxtSTOP2quit. HELP4info.)

Let Kids Play

Wear Your Support

Rebekah is a 14-year-old girl who loves school, reading, hanging out with her friends and playing field hockey. But lawmakers across the country are trying to pass laws that would prohibit Rebekah from playing sports with other girls.

From T-shirts to pins to socks to masks, you can show off your support for trans equality no matter where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.

Meet Rebekah

Visit HRC.org/Shop

Transgender Justice eNewsletter Stay up to date on our Transgender Justice Initiative and what we’re doing to dismantle stigma and end the epidemic of violence against trans and gender non-conforming people. Subscribe Now

Can we count you in? www.hrc.org/CountMeIn

Proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re struggling in the closet, or marching in the streets, your experience matters. Google is proud to join HRC in amplifying the voices of all LGBTQ+ people. Visit: pride.google

GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.

GOAL

HOST A FUNDRAISER

HRC MEMBER

FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MORE...

DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY

FLY A FLAG

GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY TODAY hrc.im/WaysToGive

GIVE A MEMBERSHIP FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

DONATE IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF SOMEONE

Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!

TRANSGENDER

INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

OF THOSE RATED ON HRC FOUNDATION’S 2021 CEI…

99%

of CEI-rated employers explicitly include gender identity as a part of their non-discrimination policy.

49% of CEI-rated employers

allow employees the option to selfidentify as LGBTQ+ in anonymous employee engagement surveys or as part of data collection on confidential employee forms or in the HRIS system.

94 % 600+

OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES

have non-discrimination protections that include gender identity,

UP FROM 3% IN 2002.

major employers have adopted workplace gender transition guidelines.

Over its 19-year history, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has been the driving force for the adoption of equitable workplace policies, practices and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the United States and beyond. Participating companies know that building an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, it is also the best business decision and allows companies to attract, retain and engage top talent. Their commitment to building inclusion has only strengthened over the past year, with a record-breaking number of corporations achieving top marks.

91%

of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgenderinclusive health insurance coverage, up from 0 in 2002 and 22 times as many businesses as 12 years ago.

87%

of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage while also eliminating blanket exclusions for medically necessary care in all other employer-sponsored plans.

Lyft supports safer spaces, and all the humans who inhabit them.

That’s

WHAT WE DO The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. We are now working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration, fight back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ+ legis-lation in states nationwide and ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. While our opponents are emboldened and on the attack, the Human Rights Campaign and our grass-roots army of more than 3.2 million members and supporters are energetically defending the rights we’ve gained and ramping up our fight for full equality across the board.

ANTI-EQUALITY LEADERS AND LEGISLATION

The alarming spate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country in 2020 has continued to surge in 2021. These include bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving genderaffirming care and bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports. This wave of anti-transgender legislation harkens back to the surge of anti-transgender bathroom bills that hit state legislatures in 2016, including North Carolina’s HB2. We remain committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality by those who seek to undermine our rights. HRC will do whatever it takes to protect the rights and fundamental equality of every LGBTQ+ person in this country.

BUILDING AND DEMONSTRATING POLITICAL POWER

HRC’s decades-long work to build political power has uniquely positioned us to reach LGBTQ+ and ally voters who prioritize equality on the ballot, also known as Equality Voters. HRC has identified 57 million Equality Voters nationwide who, if they turn out to vote, will support pro-equality candidates. HRC’s early and sustained year-round engagement in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin bolstered historic turnout in 2018 and 2020 producing pro-equality outcomes at every level of government. In 2019, HRC’s mobilization of Equality Voters in Virginia, where lawmakers had repeatedly blocked proequality bills over many years, produced groundbreaking progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in the South. These victories led to the Virginia Values Act becoming law, making Virginia the first state in the South to advance statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

ADVANCING EQUALITY IN OUR DAILY LIVES

The HRC Foundation improves the lives LGBTQ+ people by building understanding and shaping the public debate of LGBTQ+ people and the challenges they face through innovative research and public education campaigns. We also change the policies and practices in the institutions that shape our everyday lives (hospitals, schools, workplaces, and more) and empower strategic partners, community advocates, and allies through convenings and capacity-building. Guided by these theories of change and seeking to prioritize work impacting those who are multiply marginalized, we have 11 cuttingedge programs advancing equality in the U.S. and beyond.

All Children - All Families is the only national program

dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in child welfare (foster care and adoption agencies) that provides resource development, technical assistance and training.

Public Education & Research produces written resources and conducts original quantitative and qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. Global Partnerships provides capacity-building and leadership development opportunities to LGBTQ+ advocates from around the world to strengthen movements and advance global LGBTQ+ equality. HBCU Program is the only national project that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities on establishing an LGBTQ+-inclusive campus climate. Health & Aging provides resources and training to help thousands of healthcare facilities adopt inclusive policies and practices to better serve LGBTQ+ patients and employees. HIV & Health Equity develops public education and capacitybuilding programs to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black and Latinx communities. Religion & Faith provides faith leaders with opportunities

and tools to stand up for equality even as opponents attempt to weaponize faith against LGBTQ+ people.

Transgender Justice Initiative leads economic empowerment programs, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement efforts, and public safety education campaigns that combat the discrimination faced by transgender people. Welcoming Schools is the only bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+-specific training and resources with an intersectional lens, developed for use in elementary schools. Workplace Equality advances equality for LGBTQ+ workers through the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in the U.S. and beyond.

Youth Well-Being provides professional development to over 5,000 youth-serving professionals annually, through the annual Time to THRIVE conference, webinars, participation at major national convenings, and by amplifying the stories of HRC Youth Ambassadors. The program also convenes HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council. Updated 10-26-2021

Celebrating Pride+Joy every day

We stand with the Human Rights Campaign in our commitment to respect, equality & inclusion for all. These values continue to guide us in everything we do—now more than ever as Platinum National Partners.

THANK YOU

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION salutes our Foundation Partners with our heartfelt thanks. Airbnb

Morningstar Foundation, The

Anonymous

National Education Association

AT&T

Open Society Foundations

Black Tie Dinner, Inc.

Pfizer

Carlson Family Foundation

PhRMA

Cisco Systems, Inc.

PVH

Collingwood Foundation

Rockefeller Foundation

Danaher Foundation

Russell Grinnell Memorial Trust

David Bohnett Foundation

SiriusXM

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

S&P Foundation

Electronic Arts E SP N Gilead Sciences, Inc. Google Gucci America Guidewire IKEA Kors Le Pere Foundation, The Levi Strauss & Co. Match.com

State Farm T-Mobile Toyota UPS Foundation USAA U.S. Bank Vanguard Group Foundation Verizon ViiV Healthcare WarnerMedia

MetLife Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to care for their families, earn a living and live open, honest and safe lives at home, at work and in the community. The HRC Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about our work, visit www.hrc.org/Foundation Current as of February 10, 2022.

THE COMFORT OF BEING YOU

Custom designed for you, with you. Collaborate with one of our designers and we’ll build your dream furniture by hand in our North Carolina factory. Start today and work with us in stores, online, in-home or by virtual appointment. mgbwhome.com/design-services.html

We must do the work. Real progress on diversity and inclusion doesn't happen without real work. Our determination to drive sustainable change, grounds us in the ways we can make the systemic shifts necessary to create a more inclusive industry for all. Microsoft continues to be a proud sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign.

Morgan Stanley is a Proud National Corporate Partner of the

Human Rights Campaign At Morgan Stanley, a diverse, dynamic and inclusive culture underlies the success of our company. It widens our perspective, helps our employees achieve their professional objectives and allows us to better serve our clients. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion also garners accolades that consistently recognize Morgan Stanley amongst the top places to work for minorities, women, the LGBT community and diversity overall. To learn about career opportunities and to apply visit morganstanley.com/people

On your side Through our shared values with the Human Rights Campaign and a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Nationwide® continues to advocate for LGBTQ equality. Together, we can create change for a better world.

nationwide.com/diversity

We believe that creating a team and a workplace that values diversity, embraces equity and fosters inclusion is pivotal to promoting innovation and increasing productivity and profitability. Our goal is to continually support and nurture the large number of Northrop Grumman employees whose backgrounds, characteristics and perspectives are as diverse as the global communities in which we reside. Diversity is a key component at Northrop Grumman. We are proud to be a sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign.

ngc.com /diversity

We all bring our own backgrounds and our own strength. That’s what makes our work special. Be a part of it. We are proud to support the mission of The Human Rights Campaign. pfizercareers.com

Pride Prideisispower power

When people can bebe themselves, When people can themselves,they theycan cando doanything. anything.That’s That’swhy whywe we provide anan environment where everyone provide environment where everyonefeels feelssafe, safe,included includedand andproud proud —and why wewe support the Human —and why support the HumanRights RightsCampaign. Campaign. RTX.com/diversity RTX.com/diversity

Target is proud to sponsor HRC in continuing our shared mission of creating accessible and affirming spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we #takepride

Underwriting Equality Through Action: • Signing amici curiae in support of LGBTQ+ rights for workers • Partnering with HRC to share stories, experiences, and resources • Maintaining top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, the HRC Foundation’s annual scorecard assessing LGBTQ+ workplace equality, for the third year in a row • Providing financial support to organizations promoting equality, including the National Black Justice Coalition and the Transgender Law Center • Promoting diversity across our own ecosystem through a dedicated effort to increase gender representation on our portfolio companies’ boards • Creating an inclusive environment through signage in our offices that encourages employees and guests to use the restroom that bests fits their gender expression

At PayPal, we believe every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, without fear of discrimination for being who they are. We are proud to work with partners like Human Rights Campaign to advocate for non-discriminatory legislation and to fight for fairness, equality and inclusion.

Celebrating everyone’s unique magic. At Cox, inclusion is much more than a word. It’s at the very core of our values. We thrive on what makes us different, empowering our people, clients and communities to build a better future for the next generation. No two employees look or think the same. And we prefer it that way!

Ray Robinson, Cox Communications

PRIDE AT

Learn how we’re united by our uniqueness at coxenterprises.com/inclusion.

Make your mark

Ambition without boundaries We all have ambitions. And working together, valuing each other and respecting our uniqueness creates the best environment for us to achieve them. Our ambition is bold, to help the world get to net zero by 2050 or sooner. That’s why we value diversity and put being inclusive at the heart of how we operate. It’s also why we’re recognized as a top employer by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. If that sounds like a culture you would thrive in, explore bp.com/careers

Everywhere It Matters.™

Protecting What’s Vital. Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. We touch what is fundamental to quality of life and in all things, we do what’s right, what’s fair, what’s honest. We’re proud to be a place where the diverse perspectives of our 45,000 associates worldwide are valued. And we’re proud to support the Human Rights Campaign.

ecolab.com/diversity

Boldly committed to change.

Founded over 160 years ago by a civil rights attorney, Guardian has a history that’s deeply rooted in social justice.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come since then, but we know there’s more to accomplish. Guardian is committed to helping our communities thrive and creating an environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and respected. Visit us: guardianlife.com/about-guardian/ inclusion-and-diversity Guardian is proud to sponsor the Human Rights Campaign.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America | guardianlife.com Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. ©Copyright 2021, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. 2021-118159 Exp 3/23

Furthering Human Progress Through Technology Our core purpose is to further human progress through technology, and nowhere is this opportunity more apparent than amid the 4th Industrial Revolution. We believe humanity is always at its best when it produces innovative technologies that advance the ways we live and work. In support of this purpose, our mission is to deliver amazing customer experiences with networking, cloud and security solutions that power next-gen business applications. We aim to democratize complex and cutting-edge technologies and deliver simple solutions, so our customers can focus on innovation, not their IT. Our philosophy of continuous improvement means we tirelessly pursue exceptional outcomes for our customers, partners and team. And we do all this while boldly embracing change with a daring spirit to excite and inspire our customers to imagine new possibilities.

Join our amazing team. Be you at Lumen.

jobs.lumen.com

@LumenTech

Supporting your financial journey

by helping you along the way.

From saving for what’s important to planning for life's biggest moments, we’re committed to helping those in the LGBTQ+ community take control of their finances and face their futures with confidence. Learn more at pnc.com/LGBTQ

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL

We celebrate life stories.

AT SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL*, we’re proud to be part of the diverse

communities we serve and proud to embrace the backgrounds that make each of us unique. The dedicated associates of SCI businesses are committed to providing compassionate funerals, life celebrations and cemetery services that honor lives and create lasting legacies. SCI proudly supports HRC’s work towards an equal society for all.

Get to know us at SCI-Corp.com.

UNITE @SCI

1929 Allen Parkway, Houston

713-522-5141

*Service Corporation International” and “SCI” refer to the affiliates of Service Corporation International.

At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

TOGETHER WE ARE MOVING TOWARD EQUALITY AND EXCELLENCE From its inception, the Human Rights Campaign has been a fundamental, proactive force raising the standards of equality and opportunity for LGBTQ individuals. Shell has long recognized that a fully inclusive workplace allows our employees and our business to flourish. That’s why we’re a longtime National Corporate Partner of the HRC.

www.shell.us/getconnected

Cocktails in every color for every identity. It’s time to COLOR THE FUTURE.

Join Smirnoff in support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and toast to a more colorful and inclusive future for all!

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. SMIRNOFF NO. 21 VODKA. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. 40% ALC/VOL. THE SMIRNOFF CO., NEW YORK, NY

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN JULY ’21

HOUSTON'S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

QUEER IN GALVESTON

BUILDING BROTHERHOOD

The Island’s must-know people and places

Heavy Hitters Pride celebrates larger men of color Pg.48

Pg.36

POP-CULTURE EXTRAVAGANZA

Cosplayers gear up for the return of Comicpalooza Pg.58

The

NUMBERS Narrative

Filmmaker Marcus Pontello documents the vibrant history of the legendary gayborhood venue Pg.52

WRITTEN IN THE STARS: LILLY RODDY’S 2022 ASTROCASTPg.54

OCT. ’21

JAN. ’22

HOUSTON'S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

JUNE ’21

HOUSTON'S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

24TH

ANNUAL

GAYEST & GREATEST 2021

CELEBRATE All MONTH LGB LGB

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

TQ even TQ events ts you can’ you can’tt miss miss!! Pg.72 Pg.72

MEDIA INFLUENCERS

Fitness gurus

Three journalists spotlight H-Town diversity Pg.88

QUEER COMMODITIES Must-have rainbow apparel Pg.84

Pg.42

REMEMBERING PULSE

WINNERS INSIDE!

Artists commemorate fifth anniversary at Texas Capitol

Amir Diamond, Tammi Wallace,

Pg.55

Pg.107

Pride

FEATURING

JANUARY 2022

Fan-favorite performers STOO, QUEEN PERSEPHONE, and DJ ATHENZ sparkle in this year’s spotlight

HOUSTON’S LGBTQ MAGAZINE

GLITZ n’ GLAM

Medical Milestone

2021

HOUSTON’S BEARDED BEAUTY BLACKBERRI PUTS LOCAL DRAG ON THE RADAR

FDA APPROVES THE FIRST INJECTABLE PrEP TREATMENT

O U T S M A R T M AG A Z I N E .C O M

Nakita Bowman, Jeff Watters, Tiffany Scales, and more

UTHealth’s Jonatan Gioia helped research the HIV prevention technology in Houston Pg.34

Pg.44

YEARS

STORIES THAT BRING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER. YOUR DAILY LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE NATIONAL NEWS • LOCAL FEATURES • LIFESTYLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • EVENTS & CALENDAR

O U T S M A R T M AG A Z I N E .C O M

Where you can be your authentic self Kirkland promotes a culture of belonging that encourages attorneys to find strength from our differences. We are proud of our attorneys’ rich and varied backgrounds, knowledge and skills, which make us a more unified, global Firm. Kirkland is proud to sponsor the 2022 Human Rights Campaign Houston Dinner.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP | 609 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 +1 713 836 3600 | www.kirkland.com/diversity

Voted Best Financial Planner/Advisor

The HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN salutes our National Partners based in the HOUSTON area.

THANK YOU

for supporting the Human Rights Campaign