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 Non-Binding Option Regarding Gender-Affirming Healthcare
“This action is not only an attack on transgender youth and families, but it undermines the business community in Texas.”
Statement on Non-Binding Option Regarding Gender-Affirming Healthcare
“This action is not only an attack on transgender youth and families, but it undermines the business community in Texas.”
HOUSTON, TX (March 4, 2022) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce stands adamantly opposed to the Governor and Attorney General’s attacks on transgender youth and families. This directive by Governor Abbot would criminalize best practice medical care that is widely recognized by leading medical associations across the country.
“This action is not only an attack on transgender youth and families, but it undermines the business community in Texas, said Tammi Wallace, Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO. “In a state that purports to tout business first, it’s ironic that the actions of the Governor and the Attorney General are in direct conflict with promoting a pro-business environment. Businesses actively use LGBTQ+ policies as an indicator as to if the state is truly ‘open and welcoming’ and an inclusive place for their employees to live and work. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and repeated attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are a deterrent to bringing businesses to Texas and attracting the best and brightest talent as well.”
This directive harms children and families directly and indirectly from their physical health to mental health. Putting transgender youth at risk for political gain is deplorable at every level. We call on Governor Abbot to rescind this attack on children and families and to stop using attacks on the LGBTQ+ community to undermine the business community in Texas.
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, as part of the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce coalition, signed onto a letter published in the Dallas Morning News on March 11, 2022. The letter was signed by more than 50 businesses and advocacy organizations and calls on the Governor to abandon anti-LGBTQ+ efforts. Read the full letter here.
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, tammi.wallace@houstonlgbtchamber.com, 713-301-2266
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