About the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Uniting businesses, organizations, professionals, and the community to build a stronger, more inclusive region.
VISION
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a leading economic voice in the greater Houston region. The Chamber achieves economic parity resulting in unprecedented economic opportunities for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) and Allied community.
MISSION
To accelerate economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) community through a strong network of Allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advances policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.
Areas of focus
Business Development & Growth
Education & Networking
Collaboration & Partnerships
Leadership Development
Advocacy
Through our work, we drive economic opportunity and advance economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. The Chamber fosters a thriving LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem, connecting community, businesses and organizations, and empowering professionals and entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.
We're building a more inclusive regional economy–one connection at a time.
Together, we are creating a vibrant, equitable economy where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive.
Support the Chamber's work to advance LGBTQ+ economic inclusion
Your donation helps build a more equitable economy for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Houston.
The support from Inaugural Impact Partners, Founding and Inaugural Members and our Founding Leadership Council and past and present Board Members to our entire membership, Executive Administrators, Strategic and Collaboration Partners and volunteers provided the Chamber with the strong foundation to grow and thrive.
The Chamber continues to celebrate major accomplishments and make contributions to the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community and the broader community, including:
- An increase in membership each year since the launch of the organization
- An increase in the number of LGBTBE® Certified businesses in the region and state
- An increase in programming and events to connect LGBTQ+ and Allied entrepreneurs
- Successful collaboration with other economic development organizations, other LGBTQ+ chambers, and both local and international partners
- Advocacy to ensure the LGBTQ+ business community has a strong voice locally, regionally and statewide
- Recognition as the leading voice for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ business community
Our Story
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce was launched in 2016 by Houston LGBTQ+ community leaders Tammi Wallace and Gary Wood. With cooperation from the National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), dedication of an exceptional Steering Committee that included Roy Alvarez, Jr., Jonathan Marrs, Jonathan Netek, and the support of Tony Vedda, CEO of the North Texas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber was able to ramp up quickly during its inaugural year and begin to have a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ business community and its allies. The Chamber continues to collaborate with the North Texas Chamber as well as other LGBTQ+ chambers across the state, through the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce, on initiatives including statewide advocacy and policy initiatives, statewide networking, and sharing of best practices.
Awards & Recognitions
2026
Houston Business Journal Community Leadership Award
2025
Unity in Community Award from the HRC Houston Steering Committee
Ada Edwards Humanitarian Award from Allies in Hope
2024
Houston Business Journal Diversity in Business Award
2023
National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Rising Star Affiliate Chamber
2022
Outstanding Diversity Helping Hand Award from the Houston Business Journal
2021
Outstanding Diversity Helping Hand Award from the Houston Business Journal
Outsmart's Gayest and Greatest Favorite Local LGBTQ Community Organization Winner
2020
Outsmart's Gayest and Greatest Favorite Local LGBTQ Community Organization Winner
2019
Chamber of the Year from Success in Business
Founding Leadership Council
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber launched in February 2016 under the leadership of the Chamber Steering Committee. We appreciate the leadership and tireless dedication of each member of the Steering Committee and the support for the vision, mission and work to lay a strong foundation for the Chamber.
In recognition of the tremendous contributions from this group, each person is recognized as part of the Chamber's Founding Leadership Council (FLC). The FLC serves as a source of expertise and institutional knowledge that is crucial to the long-term success of the Chamber. Many members on the FLC continue to serve in various capacities within the Chamber.
Tammi C. Wallace
Gary W. Wood
Roy Alvarez, Jr
Samuel M. Jacobson
Jonathan Marrs
A.J. Mistretta
Jonathan Netek
Tiffany Tosh