In The News

Houston is mourning the loss of one of its most recognizable public servants, Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away at his home on March 5, 2025, following enduring health complications.

The late Sylvester Turner was a business-friendly Democrat who worked well with Republicans, a local expert says. Read leaders' reactions to news of his death.

“This is our opportunity to show up, speak out, and make an impact as we meet with lawmakers, share our stories and ensure that the voices of LGBTQ+ businesses, talent and families are heard loud and clear,” organizers said.

The gala promises to be a night of celebration, unity and progress for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, incoming Brazoria County Pride President Timothy Wayne said.

A Georgia group that advocates for members of the LGBTQ community in business says the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will no longer host its annual Economic Inclusion Summit.

The OUT Georgia Business Alliance, a chamber of commerce for LGBTQ entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and corporate workers in the state, had planned to host its annual Economic Inclusion Summit at the Atlanta Fed in April.

Now the group may be one of several LGBTQ+ orgs to sue Trump over his unconstitutional order.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Houston said it could no longer allow the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to hold a major event at the site.

Central bank pulls down web pages related to DEI program Fed squeezed by executive order and Dodd-Frank requirements

The Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas had been scheduled to host Thursday’s Thrive Small Business Summit & Matchmaker event. But the bank informed the chamber of commerce in an email late Monday night that it could no longer serve as host, citing Trump’s executive order.

(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump’s offensive against diversity, equity and inclusion programs is putting the US central bank in an uncomfortable squeeze. And so far, the Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, appear to be falling in line with the president.

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce was forced to find a new venue for a business event it hosted this week — because of an executive order by President Donald Trump banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government.

A Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce event that was to be held at the Houston Federal Reserve Bank was canceled two days before the event because of an executive order canceling all DEI activity in the federal government.

News Radio 1080 KRLD

As President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders sparks fear in communities across the U.S., some in Houston say they have already begun to feel the sting.

THRIVE Small Business Summit and Matchmaker

It was supposed to be held Thursday, January 30th at the Federal Reserve's location in Houston.

“It was a gut punch,” said Tammi Wallace, co-founder and CEO of the Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “Here’s an event that’s about businesses. It’s about our economy; it’s about supporting small businesses that are working hard…”

While the event was initially slated to take place at the Federal Reserve Bank on Allen Parkway, the Chamber received an email late evening on Monday, January 27, 2025, that, due to President Trump’s recent executive order ending DEI programs, the event could no longer be held there.

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce moves event to Hilton Garden Inn.

According to an email provided to KHOU 11 News, the Federal Reserve Bank said it could no longer host the event to comply with the order.

Representatives from over a dozen Houston organizations met to support LGBTQ initiatives.

Ranked by 2024 operating budget

These are the people and companies that make Houston great.

Wallace’s work has earned her other awards, but being recognized with a 2024 Gayest & Greatest award offers her something unique.

As head of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, she is a fierce advocate for the growing group of LGBTQ-owned business and allies of the queer community in H-town.

Pride month coincides with a growing political movement against corporate DEI.

The visit comes during LGBTQ+ Pride Month and is Congresswoman Fletcher’s third annual Pride Month business visit with the Chamber.

Meet Tammi Wallace, Co-founder of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Chandrayee Soneja, a professional photographer and creative director.

LGBTQ+ business owners now have representation in the Houston area, thanks to the efforts of two people.

“We’ve been so moved by Houstonians from all backgrounds coming together and being photographed in the second year of our ‘Show Your Pride’ campaign,” said Jack Berger, director of Programming and Events for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

For the second year in a row, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Soneja Creative have united for the “Show Your Pride” campaign.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammi Wallace.

The Astros-loving drag queen who wouldn't quit until she won.

Gala aims to raise funds for LGBTQ+ students amidst challenges.

After nearly half a century serving as the primary organization behind Houston’s Pride celebrations, Pride Houston 365 is facing competition for the first time and Houston city leaders have voiced concerns.

Show Your Pride is aimed at capturing the essence of LGBTQ+ pride through empowering & visually captivating pictures.

The Show Your Pride campaign highlights the beauty of diversity, breaks down stereotypes and contributes to a world where everyone can openly and proudly express their authentic selves. Through photography the campaign captures the strength, joy and courage inherent in embracing one's true self or in their support of the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, 29 individuals have been recognized for showing exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Houston Rockets celebrated Pride Night 2024 with a win over the Portland Trailblazers

This year, 31 businesses in industries ranging from health care to law to energy have been recognized as organizations that have shown exceptional commitment to promoting these practices in the workplace.

Thousands are expected to take part in the fundraiser at Sam Houston Park on March 3.

Officials with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce will bring back the group's annual holiday food drive Nov. 30, this time in support of Tony's Place and LGBTQ+ youth.

Join Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce to commemorate how far the LGBTQIA+ Community has come.

Ivey said the chamber’s decision to join was driven in part by members’ perception that SB 12, along with other legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community, “is damaging to our state’s economy.”

SB12, which would go into effect Sept. 1, would ban drag and similar performances.

Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, was interviewed by Channel 2 about the lawsuit that the Chamber and other plaintiff's filed against SB 12, the Drag Ban Bill.

Today, the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA) celebrates its partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) during its 70-year anniversary. The SBDA and its private-sector members are proud to be a part of the SBA’s mission to further the American dream of small business ownership and entrepreneurship.

The LGBT Chamber hosts Workplace Alliance Summit and Texas Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference

Amid one of the toughest civil rights climates in a generation for LGBTQIA+ rights, some members of the community are ditching red states and taking their incomes, businesses and economic impact with them.

From soccer and baseball to runways and drag bingo, Pride Month in Houston has something for everyone with more than a dozen events.

KHOU 11 has partnered with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce for the Pride in Business event.

This weekend's events are highlighted by Houston's annual Pride parade, which will draw thousands of colorfully dressed people to the streets of downtown.

Partnering with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce has allowed their group to promote DEI initiatives outside their bank walls.

In honor of Pride Month, Council Member Kamin is again spearheading a family-friendly celebration that features fun and interactive educational activities...

SBA Administrator Guzman participated in an LGBTQI+ Leaders Roundtable to discuss challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses

Harris County will have its first LGBTQIA+ commission to serve in an advisory function to the court when it comes to improving the community’s economic, social, health and safety outcomes.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a space for businesses and their allies to foster economic empowerment and inclusion throughout the community.

In the historic 4-1 vote, Commissioner Lesley Briones introduced the motion, calling it an important step toward amplifying the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting equality in Harris County.

On Saturday, it will celebrate that growth with its first-ever Talking with Pride Summit event at Sam Houston State University's Woodlands Center.

Commission will advise Harris County to advance equality and better serve residents

Explore our collection of films, series, radio programs, news articles and more that dive into the LGBTQQIP2SAA experience in the United States and around the world.

Houston Dynamo Football Club today announced its matchday activations to celebrate Pride Month at Shell Energy Stadium, highlighting community members and organizations of the LGBTQ+ community.

Francisco Sánchez, Jr. to Share LGBTQ+ Journey at Pride in Business Celebration

Jumper Maybach is dedicated to curbing intolerance and hate—one piece of art at a time.

Listen in as they discuss the importance of empowering the LGBT Community and how Tammi and the Chamber are achieving this in Houston. You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation as they explore how to get your LGBTBE Certification and the doors it will open for your business.

A symbolic resolution honoring a Plano couple who challenged Texas’ gay marriage ban won’t get a vote in the statehouse after GOP opposition emerged.

They put ideology before our 33,000 jobs and $1.7 trillion impact

Lawmakers’ refusal to acknowledge LGBTQ chambers signals dangerous anti-business trend

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the national business voice of the LGBTQ community, stands with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce as they fight to recognize LGBTQ-owned businesses in Texas contracting and procurement opportunities

Pride Weekend scheduled for Saturday, June 10 & Sunday, June 11

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 7th anniversary at Maggiano’s Little Italy. During the program, the Chamber Service Awards and Volunteer of the Year Award were presented.

Several Chamber Members and Partners are among the honorees

A resolution by Sen. Sarah Eckhardt seeking to designate a Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day was not considered in the Senate on Tuesday due to a lack of bipartisan support.

Two resolutions — one in the House and one in the Senate — welcoming the Chamber members were voted down. These types of resolutions are routinely passed.

The group said it wants to spread the word on how discrimination is bad for business, which is bad for all Texans.

A Senate and House resolution that was supposed to recognize Feb. 14 as Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day was never read on the floor.

Representatives of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce and EPAH came out to support Pride@5 hosted by Eureka Heights Brewing Company, followed by Drag Bingo with Dessie Love-Blake.

On Thursday, January 19, members and guests of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce gathered at Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room for their inaugural 3rd Thursday Breakfast – Community & ConnXions.

The beloved photographer’s condo suffered smoke and water damage on December 24.

Q&A: How the Houston tech community can support LGBTQIA+ innovators

It’s not the only state with a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages, but the Respect for Marriage Act, which gained bipartisan support, means every state will have to treat marriage equally, regardless of what the Supreme Court decides.

And it doesn’t look good for the LGBTQ+ community

Houston’s LGBTQ+ community stands in solidarity with Colorado Springs.

With Thanksgiving coming up Nov. 24 and other seasonal holidays following, several local organizations in Houston and Montrose are hosting food drives and distribution events in the coming days and weeks.

GHCCE urged candidates for elected office to refrain from engaging in attacks on an opponent’s race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin.

A festive crowd was on hand to celebrate LGBT History Month with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce on October 27, 2022.

Houston has some of the richest (and probably most underrated) queer history in the country. At the start of the modern-day LGBTQ civil-rights movement, Houston was considered one of the nation’s few hubs of LGBTQ life. It continues to trailblaze, and The Banner Project captures that.

Many are choosing to live elsewhere in search of cheaper housing and better amenities. They are finding growing acceptance in other communities after decades of political and social changes.

"A seat and a voice at the table matters because LGBTQIA+ founders often lack visibility in the broader economic ecosystem and continue to experience discrimination. This means they cannot engage with their full and authentic selves as entrepreneurs and experience unique challenges."

The 2022 Diversity in Business honorees represent outstanding individuals in all of Houston's industries, ranging from real estate and law to education and more.

ABC13's Melanie Lawson was on hand to emcee this year's awards, which also included a fireside chat with Reggie Greer, an openly gay senior advisor in the Biden administration.

“While our state leadership purports to be pro-business, the attacks on LGBTQ+ Texans say otherwise,” Tammi Wallace, CEO of the Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, said.

Chamber, Lone Star College Receive Recognition

Chamber Co-founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace is honored

General counsel Clay Allen serves as the highest ranking out executive in the organization.

Help local groups continue to support the community

OutSmart's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards Winners

Gayest & Greatest 2021: People Part III

Tammi Wallace empowers Houston's LGBTQ-owned businesses

Inspiring Conversations with Tammi Wallace of Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Comcast RISE Investment Fund to award small business grants in Harris, Fort Bend counties

Comcast offering grants for small businesses owned by people of color in Harris, Fort Bend counties

LGBTQ Houston Bars Team Up for a COVID Vaccination Drive

Lurch to Right May Imperil Texas' Attraction for Employers

Houston Women's Commission Includes LGBTQ Pioneers

28 LGBTQ-owned brands and businesses to support in 2021

Diversity Series | Who's Who in Houston

OPINION: 52 Years After Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ Community Still Needs Allies

Beyond the Rainbow: The Evolution of Pride Games

No rainbows in Ranger land