HOUSTON, TX  (June 15, 2020) - As we began our week today, we heard news of the Supreme Court's ruling, in a 6-3 decision, that employers can no longer discriminate against an employee on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a landmark case for the LGBTQ community, and even more impactful when considering the wider implications for every LGBTQ person. From a job to our livelihood...being able to provide for ourselves and our families is a fundamental need and today the Supreme Court drew a line in the sand by adding protections for LGBTQ workers in the workplace. What an incredible win for our community!

"Like many other LGBTQ people, I spent the early part of my career living in constant fear I would be fired if I came out like, so many other LGBTQ people," said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder and President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. "The fear is paralyzing, and it takes pieces of you every day. No one should have to live in fear of being fired simply because of who they are and who they love."

With this historical ruling, the path is laid to enable LGBTQ people to have protections in the workplace. This decision, which is paved by years of advocacy to get us to this point, will require employers to evaluate at their core how LGBTQ inclusion will be instilled in their culture and ensure all employees are valued and respected.

While we celebrate this ruling, LGBTQ discrimination still exists, particularly in housing, public accommodations, and healthcare. There is still much work to do to ensure that no one experiences discrimination in the workplace or any other part of their lives. We must continue to dismantle discrimination in every aspect of our lives. To say there is still much work ahead to create an LGBTQ inclusive country is an understatement.

As a business organization, the Chamber believes LGBTQ inclusion is fundamental to our vision to ensure economic opportunity and economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ business community and community as a whole. Our economy only works when it works for everyone. We need LGBTQ business owners to succeed, we need LGBTQ entrepreneurs to start new businesses, and we need the LGBTQ community to have access to the same economic opportunities to support families and build generational wealth. The protections gained today through the SCOTUS ruling is one step along this journey of economic inclusion.  

While we take a moment to celebrate this victory we must also recognize we still have a long road ahead of us. We must channel our energy to support those in our community, including people of color and the transgender community, who have long suffered and long felt the pain of discrimination. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we roll up our sleeves and get back to work.  

About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Established in February 2016, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to accelerate economic growth for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business community using an entrepreneurial approach. The Chamber aims to achieve its goals, including advancing policies that foster inclusion and equality, by building a strong network of business allies and developing innovative programs and strategic partnerships.

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