EQUALITY TEXAS, GLAAD RESPONDS TO TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 146 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF RESULTS

(Austin, Texas – May 28, 2024) Equality Texas, the largest nonprofit in Texas focused on securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, are responding to the results of Tuesday’s Texas House District 146 Democratic Primary runoff between LGBTQ candidate Lauren Ashley Simmons and incumbent Shawn Thierry, who had voted for anti-LGBTQ legislation during the last state legislative session. 

As of Tuesday, Simmons held a clear lead over incumbent Thierry, a promising sign for Houston and the LGBTQ community in Texas. Last year, State Representative Thierry voted for anti-LGBTQ bills banning LGBTQ books and prohibiting certain healthcare for transgender minors. Lauren Ashley Simmons, a lifelong Houstonian and member of the LGBTQ community, has committed to advocating for all Texans, including the LGBTQ community. 

Statement from Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas (he/him):
“This is a victory for all Texans. A clear message to the establishment that Texans won’t tolerate hate against their neighbors. You can’t stand on the House floor and amplify dangerous disinformation about trans Texans. If you do, the rest of us will step up to demand accountability and equality for our neighbors. We’re in this together, and lawmakers should take heed: using the LGBTQIA+ community as a scapegoat has consequences. Texans’ hearts are bigger than narrow-minded policies. Today, Lauren Ashley Simmons won because she has consistently stood with her community, fighting alongside us, not against us.”

Statement from Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO (she/her):
“Tuesday’s primary runoff results in Texas House District 146 show that voters are demanding equality, compassion, and service in their elected leaders. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Simmons has promised to fight for all Houstonians and against the rising tide of anti-LGBTQ bills in the Lone Star State. Simmons’ primary win proves that Texans will use their voices and votes for leaders who advocate for all, including the LGBTQ community.”

Additional research:

• GLAAD’s Accountability Project profile on Gov. Abbott shows a concerning trend of anti-LGBTQ efforts that include discriminatory rhetoric against transgender and non-conforming teachers, falsely identifying LGBTQ literature as “pornography” and recommendations to remove protections from state LGBTQ workers. 
• Texas led the nation last year in a record-breaking year of proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation that would codify discrimination against LGBTQ Texans. For a comprehensive list of the bills introduced and their status, visit this link.
• Anti-LGBTQ lawmakers this year pushed forward bans on healthcare for transgender youth, bans on inclusive education curricula that include LGBTQ issues and history, increased restrictions on transgender students participating in school sports, and bans on performances by drag artists, among other bills. For a comprehensive description of all LGBTQ-related bills in various states, visit this link. 
• At the same time, approximately 140 pro-LGBTQ bills were filed in 2023 by Texas lawmakers, demonstrating a change in tide as advocates and allies not only play defense against the barrage of harmful bills but also outpace them with a push for bills that would benefit the lives of LGBTQ+ Texans across the state.
• Research from The Trevor Project found that 86% of LGBTQ youth say the bills that were proposed in 2022 harmed their mental health.
• GLAAD’s Media Guide: State Legislation About LGBTQ People offers facts, context, and resources to journalists in pursuit of fair and accurate reporting on legislation that is proposed without evidence and against the expertise of medical, educational, and human rights professionals that would have negative effects on the dignity, equality, and physical wellbeing of LGBTQ people. Some recommended best practices in the guide include:
  • Include LGBTQ voices in stories about LGBTQ people and issues. If reporting on a transgender issue specifically, seek a transgender voice. GLAAD can connect you.
  • Elevate expertise over opinion, including facts from experts in relevant fields: healthcare, sports, education, and human rights.
  • Include facts and information from experts and research, rather than repeating inaccurate bill language or analysis verbatim and without challenge.
  • Challenge lawmakers and proponents of legislation to provide evidence and facts to support their assertions

###

About Equality Texas:
We envision a Texas where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of our fellow Texans and in all areas of the law. Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.