Public Policy
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of its members and the broader LGBTQ+ & Allied Business Community for inclusive policies and legislation at local, state and federal levels.
Legislative Work
Your voice matters! Part of the Chamber’s role is to advocate on behalf of our members and the LGBTQ-Allied business community at all levels of government.
We are working towards a Texas where every LGBTQ+-owned business has equal access to economic opportunity and prosperity. It's unacceptable that LGBTQ+ people in Texas live and work in a state where discrimination and marginalization is the norm simply because of who we are and who we love. This must change.
The Chamber takes an active role to educate elected officials and key stakeholders about those issues that impact our members. How can you help? Participate in an upcoming advocacy day, contact your elected officials and help the Chamber attract more members to show the strength of the LGBTQ+ & Allied Business Community. And...vote for pro-LGBTQ+ candidates who support equality for the LGBTQ+ community and will promote equity in policies and representation.
Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Collaboration
In 2017, the Chamber started working with LGBTQ chambers across Texas, and, in collaboration with our colleagues, the inaugural coalition of Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce launched.
The partnership includes the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce here.
The Chamber worked with the coalition to develop a coordinated legislative agenda among all four chambers and a joint advocacy day. The inaugural “Day at the Capitol with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers” was held on February 20, 2019.
Advocacy Day
Each year during the legislative session, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce holds a "Day at the Capitol" to give our members the opportunity connect with legislators and have a voice in the Austin.
Thank you to our members who joined us for the Day at the Capitol this year on Valentine's Day or participating using the Digital Advocacy Toolkit.
While the overall day was successful, unfortunately, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce was not recognized with House and Senate resolutions as is customary. And the reason? Read the Chambers’ message about the resolutions here, and the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce statement here.
Make sure your voice is heard! Sign-up to stay updated on the Chamber's advocacy work and learn how members can engage through action alerts, outreach to elected officials and other actions through the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce.
Sponsor the Chamber's advocacy efforts. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
During the 88 Legislative Session, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce worked with State Rep. Jessica Gonzalez to file HB2182 which would add LGBTQ+ owned businesses to the State of Texas HUB Program.
Legislative Agenda
The Chamber’s legislative agenda is aligned with the responses from the legislative survey completed by members. The Chamber has collaborated with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce on a coalition legislative agenda for each legislative session.
88th Legislative Session - Click here to read the full legislative agenda. The 88th Texas Legislative Session was held January 10, 2023 through May 29, 2023.
89th Legislative Session - The next regular legislative session will be held January 14, 2025 through June 2, 2025.
Recognizing the Chamber
Thank you to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for recognizing the Chamber on the House Floor.
DC Fly-In
In April 2023, Chamber Leadership visited with elected leaders in D.C.
Legislative Affairs Committee
The Legislative Affairs Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending positions on legislation and public policy impacting our business community. It is through this committee, subject to Board approval, that Chamber advocacy decisions are made. Learn more about this committee and other Chamber committees here.
Voter Resources
In the News
NGLCC Media Release: Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Stand Against Discrimination to Remind Texas Lawmakers that "Business is Business" (March 2023)
Media Release: Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Legislative Advocacy Day (February 2023)
Media Release: Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce Members Visit Lawmakers at Capitol for Valentine's Day (February 2023)
Media Release: Statement from the Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce (February 2023)
KUT 90.5: Texas Lawmakers Clash Over Resolution Recognizing LGBTQ Business Groups (February 2023)
KHOU 11: Texas Advocacy Group Rates 72 Proposed Bills as Bad for LGBTQ Community (February 2023)
Dallas Voice: Legislature Turns Down Resolution Welcoming LGBTQ Chambers to the Capitol (February 2023)
Austin American Statesman: Resolution to Honor LGBTQ Businesses Fails to Get Hearing at Texas Senate (February 2023)
Upcoming Elections: Key Dates & Information
2023 Election Dates
- Last Day to Register to Vote for Uniform Election Date: October 10, 2023
- First Day of Early Voting for Uniform Election Date: October 23, 2023
- Last Day to Apply to Vote by Mail for Uniform Election Date: October 27, 2023
- Last Day of Early Voting for Uniform Election Date: November 3, 2023
- Election Day / Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail (in office, not postmarked): November 7, 2023
Voter Resources
Harris County Elections - Sample ballot, polling locations, register to vote and more.
League of Women Voters - Voters Guide
Texas Secretary of State - Voter information, elections
Who Represents Me? - Find your elected officials