Media Room
What is the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce?
The Chamber is the leading voice for the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community in the Greater Houston region.
Mission: The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.
The Chamber launched in 2016 to ensure representation for the LGBTQ+ Business Community. The organization was founded by Co-Founders Tammi Wallace and Gary Wood. The Chamber is supported by members and Corporate Partners that invest in the mission of the organization.
- Grown every year since the launch of the organization
- Only business organization in the region focused on supporting and growing the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community
- Working with the Chamber and the NGLCC, the City of Houston is the first city in Texas to recognize LGBT-owned businesses
- Largest number of Certified LGBTBE® businesses in the State of Texas
Statement on Anti-Drag Bills and Impact to Member Businesses
"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."
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.
Additional Info
Media Contact : Tammi Wallace | Cell: 713-301-2266 | tammi.wallace@houstonlgbtchamber.com
Listen to Chamber Leadership talk about the important work of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce focused on economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ & Allied Business Community. The Chamber is at the intersection of business + community!
The Chamber provides tremendous value to member businesses through business development opportunities, marketing exposure to businesses and consumers, including the LGBTQ+ market, representation in the regional and national LGBTQ+ and business communities, resources for business growth and operation, and advocacy for equal rights and business-friendly public policy.
Media Inquiries:
For media inquiries, please contact 832-510-3002 or info@houstonlgbtchamber.com