Houston, TX (May 11, 2023) – Drag performance art has a rich history in LGBTQ+ culture and has played an important role in many communities to celebrate and express identity. Drag performances generate revenue for both LGBTQ+ owned and mainstream owned businesses as well as nonprofits, all contributing to our state’s economy. Anti-drag bills are already having a chilling effect from propagating hate towards these businesses to increasing their expenses as we’ve seen with one of our members, Pearl Bar.

Texas should certainly be no place for hate, whether it’s drag bingo, the transgender community or the community as a whole. In this case, the attacks coming from the Legislature are hurting small businesses and our economy. Our state legislature should not enact legislation that limits small business growth and revenue streams.

"We are already seeing repercussions and negative economic impacts even without this anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed. Texas should live up to its moniker as a ‘business friendly state’ and be open for all businesses and closed to hateful, demeaning and anti-business rhetoric and legislation." - Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

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About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.