Contents

Welcome from Board Chair

President’s Message

Chamber Leadership

Corporate Partner Spotlight:

PGA of America

Staff Update: Erica Mendez

New Members

Member Anniversaries

Chamber Events

Feature Story: Nonprofits Serving

LGBTQ Community

Arts & Culture: Dallas Symphony’s Inclusive Workplace

The Business of Drag

LGBT Chamber Foundation scholarship recipient: Isaac James

LGBT Leadership Institute

Annual Fundraiser: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Corporate Partners

Member Directory

Vol. 2 | Issue 5 | Summer 2023

4123 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 1206

Dallas, TX 75219

(214) 821-4528 

lgbtchamber.com

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia (since 1997), publication created and produced for the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce,

4123 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 1206

Dallas, TX 75219

lgbtchamber.com | (214) 821-4528

Copyright © 2023 North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Sales Executives | Dede Harmell

Editor | Bob Oswald

Designer | Angie Davis

While every effort has been made to make the information contained herein as accurate as

possible, neither the North Texas LGBT

Chamber of Commerce nor Town Square Publications

accept any liability for errors or omissions.

Messsage from the Board Chair

Welcome to the Summer Edition of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce digital magazine, Inside Out

When I was presented with community as the theme for this issue of Inside Out, I began to think about the many meanings associated with the term. And, of course, as a former English teacher who has corrected hundreds of terrible essays in which students began by numbly quoting Merriam-Webster, I immediately turned to Google for the dictionary definition of community. (Note that I said former English teacher.) The gist of the dictionary definition is that communities are “groups of people with common characteristics or interests living together within a larger society.” As I considered this definition and weighed it against my thoughts on what community means in the LGBTQ+ and ally community, I knew it required much more nuance to be accurate and authentic. I see and celebrate our community specifically for its shared narrative – the stories of the collective. Whether these are profoundly personal narratives or powerfully public ones, it is that this community is one in which there is a sense of pride, an invitation to authenticity, a push for advocacy, and – above all – a place of belonging.

In this issue of Inside Out, we spotlight several community service organizations, emphasizing some of the smaller, less recognized groups that work tirelessly to serve individuals and segments of the community who might otherwise be overlooked.

In the pages of this issue, you will learn about the Oak Lawn Band and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. We will also take a look at Dallas Hope Charities, a beacon of hope that serves our LGBTQ+ youth, providing shelter, education, and resources to empower them in their journey toward a brighter future. And we will learn about The Coalition for Aging LGBT and their tireless advocacy for the rights and well-being of our aging LGBTQ+ community members.

We also take a look at trailblazing organizations like Texas Pride Impact Fund and their support of smaller organizations that typically cannot access traditional funding. Then there is the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, the first national Black trans-led nonprofit organization. We couldn’t spotlight community organizations without mentioning PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). If you’ve attended a Pride parade in any community, you know PFLAG gets the loudest cheers.

At the core of our community lie these and many other nonprofit and community organizations that tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. These organizations serve as pillars of strength, creating safe spaces, offering resources, and fighting for equality on our behalf.

As the regional voice of LGBTQ+ business, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, it is our privilege and responsibility to support and collaborate with these nonprofit and community organizations. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds within our community and create a platform for mutual support and success. The strength of our Chamber lies in the power of community. By recognizing and supporting the nonprofit and community organizations that advocate for our community, we foster an environment where businesses can thrive, diversity is celebrated, and equality is a reality for all.

In community and solidarity,

Rachel Wolf • Board Chair

BoardChair@LGBTChamber.com

Message from the President

Try That in a WE Zone

On June 30, as if to hijack LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the US Supreme Court took a moment to give our community a great big middle finger when it decided Colorado cannot enforce a state anti-discrimination law against a Christian website designer who does not want to create wedding websites for same-sex couples because doing so would violate her First Amendment right to free speech. To be fair, it was 6 of the 9 members of SCOTUS. Nonetheless, the majority wins, and we lose. Only the day before, the Court determined that colleges and universities cannot take race into consideration for granting admission because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution (XIV Amendment). If these two decisions feel contradictory to you, you are not alone.

These decisions came on the heels of the Texas 88th Legislature that prohibited necessary healthcare for transgender youth, forbade transgender athletes from participating in collegiate sports, outlawed Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices at state-funded universities, and determined that “drag” was somehow sexualizing children. If this sounds ridiculous to you, you are not alone.

This is the hand we, Texas’ LGBTQ+ community, have been dealt. Understandably, some community members have decided to fold and move to another state. The rest of us need to stand up and fight. Fighting doesn’t mean throwing bricks (at least not yet), but it requires us to know where we spend our money and who receives our votes.

We need to get more LGBTQ-supportive people elected to offices at all levels of government. We need to donate to their campaigns, volunteer, and vote. We need to talk to our family and friends. If we don’t educate them on LGBTQ+ issues, they will learn from cable television and social media; isn’t that a scary thought? We need to be visible and know where our money is going.

We are dusting off an old favorite and re-launching the LGBT WE Zone program.

Everyone remembers 2015 as the year we achieved marriage equality. However, we also had a Kentucky county clerk refuse a license to same-sex couples, we had states and municipalities enact bathroom bills, and Caitlyn Jenner came out, but that’s a topic for later. We wanted members of our community to patronize businesses that support equality and welcome everyone. With that, the WE (Welcome Everyone) Zone program was born. That first year, we distributed more than 200 WE Zone kits throughout Texas, 26 states, and three counties, so businesses could let their customers would know they “Welcome Everyone.”

In 2018, after the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision by the Supreme Court, we re-introduce the WE Zone with some modest changes and some new partners, the Austin, Greater Houston, and San Antonio LGBT Chambers of Commerce. Now, with the recent decisions of the Supreme Court, it feels like it is time to make certain we are supporting businesses that support us.

Get your WE Zone supplies at http://WEZone.LGBT

Standing together for equality,

Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM • President & CEO

tony.vedda@lgbtchamber.com

Chamber & Foundation Board Members

Swinging for a diversity hole-in-one

PGA of America provides an inclusive environment

for its employees and members

By Steven Craig Lindsey

In the world of professional sports, oftentimes diversity and inclusion get overlooked in favor of more profitable, less controversial endeavors.

But in PGA of America’s quest to grow the game of golf, it’s essential to create an environment where people from all backgrounds, identities and abilities can contribute to the organization and the golf industry in meaningful ways.

“Their differences make us stronger,” said Molly Gallatin, Senior Director, Inclusion and Culture. “In order to attract more of the increasingly diverse population to the game, the workforce and the golf industry’s supply chain, we must become more inclusive across the board. We have made meaningful strides in embracing and leveraging inclusion since we made (diversity, equity and inclusion) a foundational principle within our Long Term Strategic Plan.”

She adds that it’s important to clarify that the PGA Tour and the PGA of America have been independent of one another since 1968. Recent headlines have covered the PGA Tour merging with LIV Golf, a golf league based in Saudi Arabia, a kingdom known for extreme discrimination against LGBTQ people.

“The PGA Tour is an organization of tournament-playing professionals who are elite competitive golfers, while the PGA of America is made up of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Club Professionals who primarily work at 10,000-plus on- and off-course golf facilities around the country, and the world, whose mission is to grow the game of golf,” Gallatin said. “Many PGA Members coach and teach millions how to play and enjoy golf.”

In addition, other PGA Members run the operations and manage golf facilities everywhere. The PGA Tour is headquartered in Florida. The PGA of America is based at PGA Frisco.

PGA of America also enlists a minority-owned company to help find diverse suppliers for planning and executing the PGA Championships. 

“We are committed to identifying and utilizing diverse suppliers and vendors for all of our championships,” Gallatin said.

Radius Sports Group connects sustainability and sports through engaging leaders of golf facilities, management companies, industry suppliers, and governing bodies to deliver revenue growth and reduce costs, while positively impacting society and the environment,” Gallatin said.

She adds that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) services include organizational DEI assessments; development of supplier inclusion and workforce development programs supporting major golf championships, according to economic/environmental/social impact reports, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG reporting; producing short-form videos showing positive golf impacts; and facilitating DEI presentations and education.

In June, PGA of America hosted a roundtable discussion for its employees about Pride Month and how it relates to the golf industry. The event was catered by Wendy Krispin Catering, a local LGBT-certified business in the Dallas area. 

“Our goal for the event was to raise awareness for the community, foster inclusivity and empower our golf community to engage with people who identify as LGBTQ+,” said Chris Noble, PGA of America Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead. “As a gay man myself and a former varsity college golfer, it is so crucial to engage in discussions on ways that all of us within the golf industry can create intentionally welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Golf is a sport of invitation, and we have the power to invite those who work, do business and play this game.”

At the event, the employees were joined by Kurt Weaver from You Can Play Project, Lisa Howe from the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Leslie McMurray from the Resource Center in Dallas to share some of their perspectives with the organization’s colleagues and PGA Professionals. 

“We are committed to continuing the conversation on how to make the golf industry more inclusive and inviting for all folks from the LGBTQ+ community and that golf is truly a game for all,” Noble said.

Get to know

Erica Mendez

The Chamber’s new

Membership Specialist opens up

By Steven Craig Lindsey

After 20 years in numerous high-level roles within the banking industry, Erica Mendez joined the team at the Chamber the Monday after Thanksgiving 2022. Her role as Membership Specialist keeps the organization’s cogs and gears running at full speed.

“I help set up the events and follow up with potential members. Anytime a guest at an event expresses interest in membership I will make sure they receive any information requested,” she said. “I help members through the onboarding process and make sure they know how to utilize their new membership.”

Working with existing members can range from helping them update their online directory to helping them make a connection with another member with whom they are looking to network.

“The North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an amazing chamber,” Mendez said. “I have been a member of plenty of chambers during my life in the banking world. Our Chamber is the most welcoming I have ever worked with because our members truly care about helping each other have successful businesses.”

The Chamber’s small-but-mighty staff of three work day in and day out to bring Equality Through Business. 

“That means not only is this a business chamber, but we work equally on our advocacy, and this legislative session was a busy one.” 

She chronicles countless meetings, visits to the capital, and continuous communication with members to keep everyone updated, informing them when it is time to reach out to our representatives.

Outside the office, Mendez said she cherishes quiet nights at home.

“If I get an entire weekend to relax at home, well, I just feel like I won the lottery,” she said, adding that several hobbies bring her joy, including cooking meals from scratch, baking desserts, crafting, and reading books with her furbabies by her side. 

“My life is currently very full.”

To learn more about your current membership or to join the Chamber, contact Erica at erica.mendez@lgbtchamber,com;

214-865-6548.

Welcome New Members

/side/ PARTNERS, LLC

Randy Hutcheson

Ability Connection

Lisa Wall

Ahoy Cruises

Thomas Pecena

Alzheimer’s Association

Megan Rowe, MPS

American Cancer Society

Tressa Malone

Blast Off PPC, LLC

Charles Weimer

Body by Stripped

Jason Sherard

Butcher Legal Group PLLC

Callie Butcher

The Can Cleaner LLC

David Frydberg

Candice Lott, Realtor

Candice Lott

Certainty Home Lending (NMLS 2611)

Jason Sheppard

CLARKE Bartending Services

Steven Clarke

Common Sense Lending

Derek Selders

Crowne Plaza Downtown Dallas

Douglas Bradley

Custom Ink

Preston Mercer

Dave Perry-Miller - InTown

Adam Murphy, Agent

David Call Designs

David Call

Dezine News Inc

David Wagner

DFW Premier Staffing LLC

Carlos Wendorf

Displays by Martin Paul

Brandon Belokin

DJ Kelly Hooper

Kelly Hooper

Dominion Bank

Justin Crawford

Dream Job Recruitment LLC

Ryan Neff

Each & Every Detail

Wendy Kidd

Ebby Halliday Companies

Sherry Adams

Edward Jones

Jeremy Pritchett

ELEVATE North Texas

Jason Vallejo

Ellie Mental Health

Carolyn Litteral

FASTSIGNS of East Dallas

Casey Wagoner

Flight Reach Productions

Fisher Rinderknecht

Hair & Now Electrolysis

Valerie Jackson

Hanna Gender Center

Dany Hanna

Hardheaded Foundation

Deon Hedge

The Haven Wellness Center

Jessica Brazeal

Hegi Family Career Development Center

at Southern Methodist University

Amanda Bobo

The HERA Therapy Center, PLLC

Rebekah Torres

Inclusion Productions, LLC

Gabriel Vazquez Hernandez

Iris Memory Care

Paula Jones

Irving Cares

Kyle Taylor

J & K Solutions LLC

Kimber Garrett

Jennifer Jacobs, REALTOR

Jennifer Jacobs

JJ Essentials

John Jang

Joined By Jasmyn

Jasmyn Richardson

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District

John Klukan

JW/PR

John Walls

Keasie B’s Coffee Cafe LLC

LaKeast Boone

Key Property Management

Rusty Thornton

Kurtin Vision Specialists Dallas, Texas

Steve Kurtin

Law Office of Jayla Wilkerson, PLLC

Jayla Wilkerson

LeBoeuf Law, PLLC

Nicole LeBoeuf

LifeGift

Paul Cobb

Lorenzo Hotel

Matthew Jones

The Mamones LLC

Don Mamone

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Austin Price

The Mason Dallas

Kyle Hennigan

Mastermind

Dorsey Standish

Matt Travel

Matt Wahlgren

Meagan Skidmore Coaching, LLC

Meagan Skidmore

Meow Wolf

Kaitlyn Armendariz

The Muneton Group, LLC

Juan Muneton-Ramirez

Next Level Athletes North Texas

Shane Smith

Oak Lawn Band

John Cundiff

Power Construction Partners LLC

Russell Smith

Pride Frisco

Justin Culpepper

QuadraByte, LLC

Ronald Steelman

Radisson Hotel Fort Worth North-

Fossil Creek

Douglas Bradley

Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas

Mike Matthews

Red Volution LLC

Bryan Womack

Renaissance Dallas at

Plano Legacy West

Charles Craft

Rennergy Coaching

Thomas Renner

RF Development Group, LLC

Elizabeth Gates

River Ranch-Texas Horse Park

Vanessa Fry

Roy G’s

Marco Street

RSM US LLP

Joshua Kettler

Showtime Travel Agency -

Dream Vacations

Dusty Davidson

Sparkfish LLC

Jonathan Boarman

Sparkles Rhinestones LLC

Brandon Lind

Supreme Lending

Justin Huse

Tara Arseven Photography

Tara Arseven

TEN Construction

Kristi Roberts

Texas Latino Pride

Juan Contreras

Texas Pride Impact Funds

Ron Guillard

Thomas Edwards Group, LLC

Rob Brooks

T-Rock Roofing

Katie Frandsen

Tru by Hilton Dallas

Downtown Market Center

Erin Barrios

Varstaff

Marlene Williams

Verdure Wellness

Lorenda Morris

The View Dallas

Mark Shaw

Watson Marketing & Communications

Kayden Michael

YogaZama Studio

Melanie Wells

The Youngblood Group, LLC

Josh Youngblood

10 - 14 Years cont.

Access and Information Network (AIN)

Steven Pace

Beckley & Associates PLLC

Juliette Collin

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

PenFed Realty Texas

Phil Hobson

Community Unity Respect Education, Inc (C.U.R.E.)

Auntjuan Wiley

Debra Gloria Photography

Debra Gloria

DJ Deluxe Productions

Mark Ridlen

Duggan & Associates, PLLC

Jaime Duggan

Dulce Interior Consignment Showplace

Simon Veeren

Edward Jones

Kelli Poremba, AAMS®, CFP®

Everything Real Estate

Winn Schultz

Fantastic Moves

Francey Beall

Fathom Realty

Tim Stoll

Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers

Rick Barton

Independence Title Company - Dallas

Schultz & Kellar, PLLC

Justin Williams

Kevin B. Terrell, DDS, PC

Kevin Terrell

Legacy Cares

Brooke Nickerson-Henderson

LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Lisa Howe

Liberty Burger

Forest Lane | Keller Springs | Lakewood

Mariel Street

McShan Florist, Inc.

Jodi McShan

Nasher Sculpture Center

Jill Magnuson

Olinger Law PLLC

Lynn Olinger

Outlines Men’s Wear

Dale Holdman

Reliance Mortgage

Armando Ramirez (NMLS 740130)

Spotted Dog Architecture

Larry Paschall

Steven M. Pounders, MD

Richard Porter

Times Ten Cellars

Kert Platner

Visit Fort Worth

Estela Martinez-Stuart

W.M. Martin Advertising, Inc.

Wendy Fahle

Wendy Krispin Caterer, Inc.

Wendy Krispin

Zerbina Imports, LLC

Bryan Howell

5-9 Years

#TeamMylo @ VIP Mortgage, Inc.

Mylo Draven

AAA Texas, LLC.

Donald MacDonald

Affluence Insurance Services

Mark Bigham

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION &

Out of the Closet

Robert Doty

AIDS Services Dallas

Traswell Livingston

Aloft Dallas Downtown

Alex Cruz

Anderson & Associates Financial, LLC.

Sandy Anderson

Better Business Bureau of North Central Texas | Dallas & Wichita Falls

Brian Reagan

Bonial & Associates, P.C.

Hilary Bonial

Butler Accounting LLC

Suzanne Butler

Campagna Real Estate

Franceanna Campagna

Cathedral of Hope

Rev. Neil Thomas

CLVR Agency

Michael Jackson

CMIT Solutions of Denton

Brea Gates

Compass Risk Services, LLC

Chris Moss

Crickles and Co.

Donna Barnard

Critical Launch

Tracy Nanthavongsa

Cruise2next

Ken Ohlwiler

Dallas Hope Charities

Tamika Perry

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

Robb Puckett, Associated Broker,

Realtor®

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

Scott Carnes, Realtor®

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

Susan Melnick

EdUCare, Inc.

John Steele

Edward Jones

Ashley Bloom

Farmers Insurance

Kevin Hendricks Agency

Kevin Hendricks

FASTSIGNS Love Field

Bobby Boliew

Food Dance Films

Jose-Luis Partida

Gently Maid

Chad Oliver

Glow Family Dental

Carlos Martinez

Goody Goody Liquor

Armando Gonzalez

Halbert Insurance Services

Jarrod Halbert

Insight Realty Network

Andrew Bearden

IQS, LLC

Andy Church

IVD Logix, LLC

Lawrence Worden

J. Waylon & Associates

Waylon Tate

Kerri Miene State Farm

Kerri Miene

Lane Gorman Trubitt, LLC

Lucas LaChance

Lekka Retail Concepts

Christopher White

Lure Salon, LLC.

Giovanni Hager

Medicare4USA.com

Steven Graves

Minuteman Press - Stemmons

Christine Bahr

North Texas Realty Group

Chad Haynes

NorthStar Roofing, Fencing, and Gutters

Morris Garcia

Oeftering Property Management, LLC

Rudy Oeftering

Out of the Closet

Robert Doty

Perky Poodle Dog Grooming

Leigha Scoudan

PFLAG Dallas

Sondra Howe

Premier Essential Services, LLC

Philip McCaffrey

PrintBurner

Mike Nguyen

Queen Mary Honey

Clint Thomson

Ray Scott State Farm

Ray Scott

RENOWNED RENOVATION

Design.Build.Renovate

Grant Woodruff

Savorista Kitchen & Catering

Lydia Gonzalez

Service First Mortgage

Drew Laws

Staff Perm LLC

Doug Roark

Street’s Fine Chicken - Cedar Springs

Street’s Fine Chicken - Forest Lane

Marco Street

THINH NGUYEN STATE FARM

Ken Southerland

TITAS/Dance Unbound

Charles Santos

The UPS Store on Lemmon at the Tollway

Rick Adams

Wyrmix

Alexander Melton

Yates Desygn

Mike Yates

2-4 Years

Abounding Prosperity

Tamara Stephney

Adam Rose Talent Management

Ty McCoy

Ahuja & Clark, PLLC

Chad Sellers

Alternate Route Marketing

and Brand Management

John McGill

American National Bank

Shelley Sarvarian

AMP Creative

Ofelia Yanez

Anthony’s Eatalian

Robert Olson

Axer Strategies

David Estrada

Ben Meyer Fitness

Benjamin Meyer

The Betwixt Boutique

Myra Slaybaugh

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Helen Dorsey

Bullseye Media, LLC

Ernie Cote

Bushwackers Landscape Design

Kipp Tuers

Camera Ready Studios

Michael Jackson

Cardinal Counseling Services, PLLC

Rachel Pinto

Casa M Spice Co.

Manuel Hernandez

CCRM Fertility (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Tracy Lee

Chad West, PLLC

Chad West

Charles Schwab | Fort Worth Branch

Matthew Bungo

CHRIS SANDLIN HOMES

Christopher Sandlin

Christopher Robert Hutson,

Attorney at Law

Christopher Hutson

CJ Carter Realty Group JPAR Powered

CJ Carter

Clearview Energy

Frank McGovern

Crush Limits, Inc.

Taryn Beaudoin

Currant Fielding Solutions LLC

Anne Miller

Cyclebar Allen

Gregory Cozad

The Dallas Opera

Amy ONeil

Dallas Southern Pride

Ahmad Goree

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Toni Miller

Edward Jones

Dave Daly

Elevate Brand Marketing

Mike Fiorentino

Equalitee Branding

Sarah Thomas

Equality Texas

Ricardo Martinez

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Reynaldo Solivan

Fern Connections LLC

Daphney Poyser

Fiser Wealth Management,

a private wealth advisory practice of

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Ky Fiser

Green Funeral Home

Ben LaFleur

Hearth Wisdom Store

Brys Roberts

HomeBase Senior Services

Mike Gibson

Housing Forward

Joli Robinson

Interventional Spine & Pain

Mark LeDoux, MD PA

KB Family Law, PLLC

Karri Bertrand

Kelly CPA

Jennifer Chittwood

Kontota Grooming

Hoss Belyadi

Marriott Dallas Uptown

Sabrina Lichtenstein

Massage 4 Real Life #MT131771

Rio Safford

MISTR

Tristan Schukraft

North Texas Pride Foundation

Morris Garcia

Penn Mutual Wealth Strategies

Grover Brillhart

Phoenix Wealth Partners

Myra Slaybaugh

Pinky’s Valet, LLC

Chelsie Paine-Reynolds

Polsinelli, PC

Jacob Krysiak

Prairie Trail Software, Inc.

David Randolph

Proud Family Portraits

Terry Rickman

Sky Branded Apparel and Promos

Shelley Hunter

Spectrum Reach

Jakki Perry

Steffanie Grossman, PhD, PLLC

Steffanie Grossman

Texas Pride Realty Group

Bob McCranie

Toyota of Irving

Brian Smith

Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab

Kelly Barber

Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC

Wesley Smoot

White Rock Pottery

Robert Baldwin

Wise Insurance Group

Evie Wise

One Year

AccuPhotography

Rick Fogerty

City of Dallas Small Business Center

Joyce Williams

Common Ground Games

DR Hanson

Consilium Coaching LLC

Kevin Jones

Cooper Smith Agency, LLC

Cooper Smith Koch

Cowling Electric

Jonathan Cupples

CycleBar Uptown Dallas

Jorge Avalos

DEI Recruiting and Consulting

Michelle Jolivet

Essential Light Design Studio, LLC

Jill Klores

Fathom Realty | Kerin Guidry Team

Kerin Guidry

Flirty Utilitarian LLC

Robert Wargo

He Said Dallas

Cooper Smith Koch

Head & Heart Chiropractic

Kenneth Leu

Ideal Dental

Long Mugianto

Local Dwelling

Jason Lucas

MD Progressive Care

Justin Cartrite

Mommies In Need

Tabitha Evans

Nerdvana Frisco

Kristy Pitchford

Newman Healthcare Development

Katie Newman

Oak Lawn Pharmacy

Kelly Salinas

Panoramic, LLC

Eddie Burton

The Phillips Firm, PLLC

Seth Phillips

Rainbow Realtors

Lynette Anson-Briggs

Room for Change

Chad Hemmeline

Salum Restaurant

Abraham Salum

Sam Pridgeon - State Farm Insurance

Sam Pridgeon

Sammons Wealth Management LLC

Stephanie Sammons

Scripx Pharmacy & Health

Jon Eaton

Senior By Design

Glenn Segler

Steves’ Market & Deli

Steve Puckett

SugarTease

Phillip Martinez

Wellness with Ashley

Ashley StClair

Events Calendar

July

6 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD230706

11 Business Connection Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BCLTC230711

13 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230713

13 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230713

18 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL230718

18 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023Summit-DEIConference

19 Texas 2023 Diversity Equity Inclusion Conference

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023Summit-DEIConference

19 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND230719

27 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230727

27 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230727

28 LGBT ERG Council Meeting

https://lgbtqchamber.net/ERGCM230728

August

1 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL230801

2 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND230802

3 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD230803

8 Business Connection Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BLTC230808

10 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230810

10 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230810

10 New Member Showcase

https://lgbtqchamber.net/NMS230810

15 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL2308151

16 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND230816

24 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230824

24 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230824

30 Pride Happy Hour

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHH230830

September

5 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL230905

6 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND230906

7 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD230907

11 Brewing Up Business Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBP230911

12 Business Connections Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BLTC230912

14 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230914

14 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230914

16 North Texas Pride Festival

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023NTPF

16 Texas Latino Pride

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023TXLPF

17 Pride in Dallas Parade

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023PID

19 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL230919

20 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND230920

20 Pride Happy Hour

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHH230920

22 Business and Community Excellence Awards

https://lgbtqchamber.net/2023BACE

28 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS230928

28 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP230928

Oak Lawn Band

The 125-member-and-growing Oak Lawn Band is a 501(c)(3) (charitable nonprofit) organization dedicated to advancing music and the arts in our local community, our state and our country.  

“Since 1980, the Oak Lawn Band has served the local DFW LGBTQIA+ community through performance and musical fellowship,” said Jonathan Harvey, president. “We have a full symphonic band that performs August through May every year as well as a marching band performing at parades and events all over the metroplex and beyond. We also have several chamber ensembles and talented soloists featured at functions throughout the season.”

The Oak Lawn Band was the opener to this year’s Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade at Fair Park in June. Rehearsals for the 2023-24 season kick off on Aug. 8 and anyone who wants to join may sign up on the website. They have a concert called “Vivid Imaginations” set for Oct. 7, the first of 15 performances in the upcoming season.

www.oaklawnband.org

Coalition for Aging LGBT

The Coalition for Aging LGBT (CfA) works to improve and protect the quality of life of older LGBT adults in North Texas. 

“Visibility is key to survival for LGBTQIA+ citizens,” said Robert Emery, Founding Board Member. “The CfA makes sure that LGBT seniors are visible. The Silver Tsunami is coming to America, and the CfA works to make sure North Texas is ready for the large LGBT senior population of the future. Bringing LGBT cultural competency to retirement communities improves the lives of LGBT seniors within those communities, as well as all residents and staff who love someone who is LGBTQIA+. And that's everyone.”

The organization recently hosted its 6th annual summit with 139 seniors in attendance for a variety of classes and activities. CfA also hosts monthly Let’s Do Lunch/Let’s Do Dinner events in Tarrant County, and will be participating in the Big D Bowling event in Plano this August, along with hundreds of LGBTQ+ bowlers.

“We advocate for the Stonewall Generation. They fought and died for every human right and legal privilege we enjoy today,” Emery said. “To advocate for those who first advocated for us is our greatest honor.”

www.cfa.lgbt

Texas Pride Impact Funds

As an LGBTQ+ community foundation, Texas Pride Impact Funds (TPIF) is a grantmaking organization that prioritizes “low barrier” grant awards to smaller LGBTQ+ non-profits across the state, wherever community members choose to call home. Its annual community grants program provides unrestricted, capacity building funding, prioritizing historically under-resourced communities including BIPOC, Transgender, rural and small cities. 

“We invest in smaller organizations that typically cannot access traditional funding, nonetheless, are doing outstanding or innovative work at the intersections of queer, social justice and systemic racism,” said Ron Guillard, Executive Director.

The work of TPIF is vitally important because of the four most populous states, Texas ranks last in per capita funding to LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Yet nearly 10% of the US LGBTQ+ population calls Texas home.

In its sixth year of grantmaking, TPIF will cross the $1.5 million mark of grant funding since its first annual grants were announced in November 2018.

"With more than 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced in statehouses across the country — and more than 75 passed into laws — our movement faces a crisis. Texas Pride Impact Funds help to strengthen our community and the organizations that serve us,” Guillard said.

www.txpif.org

Black Trans Advocacy Coalition 

National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC) is the first national, Black trans-led non-profit organization. The group has supported the transgender community for more than twelve years, advocating for their socioeconomic rights.

 It's essential to recognize intersectionality in the work of BTAC and other trans organizations, particularly in the context of the Black trans community. Black trans and nonbinary individuals face unique challenges and a strong need for allyship and collaboration across marginalized communities. 

“Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, we build partnerships all across the U.S. to help extend our work with advocacy initiatives focused on employment, healthcare access, housing discrimination, economic empowerment, and ending violence against Black transwomen,” said Carter Brown, Executive Director.

This year, the nonprofit hosted its 10th annual Black Trans Advocacy Conferences in Dallas, TX, the city's first trans-centered conference space. The conference offers five days of education, empowerment, entertainment and networking. 

“We center the lives and experiences of Black trans and non-binary people. Still, we welcome our friends, families, and allies to participate,” Brown said. “This year, we had a record attendance of more than 500 people. Trans community members ranged in age from 13 to 76 years old and came from as far and wide as the U.S. stretches.”

It is important to note, Texas leads the nation in transgender murders, with nearly half of those murders in the Dallas area.

“I think this kind of hate and desire to dispose of us directly correlates to what our Texas government is trying to do to erase the trans population through legislation. Ironically, Dallas is rated one of the most LGBTQ cities in America by the HRC's Municipal Equality Index,” Brown said. “There's a vast gap between the experiences of gays and lesbians, and trans people in the LGBTQ community. It is more important than ever for trans organizations to exist in North Texas and receive the support and allyship of the broader queer community and our allies.”

www.blacktrans.org

PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) got its start in 1972. The organization envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The Dallas Chapter of PFLAG was formally organized on Aug. 7, 1992.

PFLAG Dallas is a fixture at the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade each year and often travels to Austin to speak with legislators to encourage passage of inclusive laws.

“These are challenging times in North Texas, and all of Texas, for the LGBTQ+ community. We want to be able to provide a safe and positive space,” said Jim Patterson, president. “We also want to create a louder supportive voice to quell negative noises and laws. And we need to be visible.”

PFLAG Dallas meets twice a month, an in-person meeting on the second Thursday of each month and a virtual meeting held on the fourth Thursday of each month. These meetings provide support and education for attendees, often featuring speakers for key topics affecting the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, PFLAG Dallas is in the process of establishing a scholarship program to assist LGBTQ+ individuals with their post-high school education.

www.pflagdallas.org

Dallas Hope Charities

Dallas Hope Charities is the first LGBTQ-focused youth homeless shelter in Dallas, providing a safe and welcoming environment to grow and be authentic. LGBTQ youth have a 120% higher risk of becoming homeless than non-LGBTQ youth, making the work of this charity nothing short of life-changing. Since 2018, the mission of Dallas Hope Charities has been to reduce homelessness with programs tailored to the needs of people ages 18-24. The transitional living program serves to both stabilize an individual’s situation then help them into independent living.

“Dallas Hope Charities received a completely transformed space for its LGBTQ+ residents with the support of three long-term partners,” said Tamika R. Perry, Chief Executive Officer.

Dwell with Dignity and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA sponsored the design and personalization of the interior living spaces, while U.S. Bank sponsored building construction, completed by MCS, and outdoor renovations, performed by SHINEscapes, to Dallas Hope Charities’ Hope Center. The Center is the first participant in the U.S. Bank’s Home Pride campaign.

“I am truly inspired by the growth and impact of Dallas Hope Charities in such a short time. However, we rely on the generosity and support of compassionate individuals to continue our vital work,” Perry said.

dallashopecharities.org

Arts & Culture

Orchestrating Pride

Dallas Symphony Orchestra harmoniously provides an inclusive workplace

Making beautiful music tops the priority list for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), and as of 2023 diversity and inclusivity land just below the sweet sounds of centuries-old classics.

Debuting this year, the DS Pride employee resource group established itself to promote an inclusive workplace and volunteerism spaces that actively work against bigotry, discrimination and harassment in all forms through advocacy and meaningful company policy adherence.

“Our community is a safe space to promote intersectional programming and serve all-around realness for employees and volunteers to expand their understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,” said Toni Miller, Managing Director of Development. 

“Together, we work to give everyone a voice and an opportunity to bring their authentic selves to center stage, providing a platform for personal and professional growth.”

The DSO has been a member of the Chamber since 2019 and Miller said the organization has benefited from many of the opportunities the Chamber provides, including collaborations on numerous projects.

“During the DSO’s 2022-23 Season, the Chamber collaborated with us on the launch of our first Friday Nights OUT Concert Ticket Package that celebrated the queer experience through music,” he said. “A specially curated package of three concerts included pre- and post-concert activations that connected attendees and brought attention to LGBTQ+ supportive community organizations.”

The 2023-24 Friday Nights OUT Package was launched in June during Pride Month and promoted at the 2023 Dallas Pride Festival and the Dallas Arts District Pride Block Party. The package includes three concerts for $99 and offers the best available seats to “Amadeus Live in Concert” (Friday, Sept. 1), “Rajaton Sings Queen” (Friday, Jan. 26, 2024), and “Troupe Vertigo” (Friday, April 19, 2024).

To purchase tickets for this series,

visit www.dallassymphony.org/

friday-night-out/

See & Do

The Business of Drag

Local entertainers offer insight into

the financial side

of looking fabulous

and being fierce

By Steven Craig Lindsey

Cassie Nova

Courtesy Dallas Voice

For three decades, James Love has been paying the bills with a little help from his alter ego, Cassie Nova, who slays the stage at the Rose Room and other Caven Enterprises venues.

Dozens of other entertainers in North Texas can proudly say that they, too, line up at the bank in full face and stilettos to deposit fistfuls of cash — fives, tens, and twenties if they’re lucky. To be a full-time drag performer takes an immense amount of talent, but also dedication to the art and a willingness to treat it as serious business.

“It’s only expensive if you want to be good at it,” Love said. “You have to stay somewhat current with new costumes and wigs and that sh** is expensive. Getting a costume made can be as cheap as $75, but on average I spend about $300 or more once you buy fabric and pay a seamstress.”

Then factor in jewelry, shoes and other accessories. 

“Them wigs ain’t cheap,” he adds, noting that each of his are double stacks constructed of two wigs sewn together.

“I am lucky that my best friend styles my wigs most of the time, and I pay him well. Sometimes I will buy a fully styled, ready-to-wear wig online and those can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. Don’t forget make-up, lashes and nails. It really adds up.”

Danny Lee Cabrera, a.k.a. Liquor Mini, stars at the new Hamburger Mary’s on Cedar Springs Rd. As Show Director, he books fellow performers to fill the restaurant’s robust entertainment calendar. He echoes Love’s analysis and has seen expenses rise exponentially since becoming a pro 10 years ago.

“I spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on my costumes,” Cabrera said. “Everything I use is custom-made so I don’t look like anyone else. I don’t like looking cheap so I invest most of my money back into Liquor Mini.”

For Brent Fields (Marissah D'amour Starr), drag has been more of a hobby for the past eight years. But he still needs to invest a lot to succeed beyond his early days, when he was honing his craft at Fort Worth’s Rainbow Lounge.

“I embellish my own, so I do save a little money when it comes to the labor,” he said. “Overall it's an expensive hobby but it makes me happy.” 

Though never required, when drag performers receive tips, it supplements their income tremendously, especially those just starting out who may be lip-syncing for free in order to get a shot in the industry.

Love offers some advice to audience members.

“Tip big bills! Just kidding, but we do love that,” he said. “Seriously, be respectful and attentive. Put down your phone and let us entertain you. It is what we love to do.”

Supporting drag right now in Texas has taken on a new level of importance as conservative lawmakers attack the artform, hoping to eliminate many of the places it can be seen. 

“It is extremely important for our community to rally in support of drag because our rights are already being compromised. Our world has been through so much and suffered so much loss,” Fields says. “We need to come together.”

As for anyone considering breaking into the DFW drag scene, Cabrera offers up a few tips of the non-monetary kind.

“Have integrity. Make friends with everyone, not just the show directors. You never know who can get you into the shows. Networking is the best way to get your heels into the scene,” he said, adding that respect for everyone is key, including the bartenders, DJs, club managers and bar patrons.

Support Local Drag at these

show & brunch locations

Mr. Misster

3900 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas TX 75219

https://www.mrmissterdtx.com/

Commons Club

1445 turtle Creek Blvd

Liquid Zoo

2506 Knight Street, Dallas TX 75219

Diva Royale Drag Queen Show

5815 Live Oak Suite 102, Dallas TX

https://www.dragqueenshow.com/

dragquenshow-locations.html

Second location: 425 Commerce Street, Fort Worth TX

JR’s Bar & Grill

3923 Cedar Springs Road

https://www.jrsdallas.com/

The View Dallas

525 S Riverfront Blvd

https://www.enjoytheviewdallas.com/

The Trove

320 W Seventh Street Dallas TX 75208

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drag-brunch-at-the-trove-ruby-diamond-and-her-dolls-tickets-162726143275

Bishop Arts Neighborhood

Rose Room

3911 Cedar Springs Road

https://www.roseroomdallas.com/

Round-Up Saloon

3912 Cedar Springs Road

https://roundupsaloon.com/

Station 4

3911 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas TX 75219

https://www.station4dallas.com/

The Mining Company

3903 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas TX 75219

BUZZBREWS Kitchen

4154 N Central Expressway, Dallas TX 75204

5815 Live Oak Suite 102, Dallas TX 75212 and

2801 Commerce Street, Dallas TX 75226

https://www.buzzbrews.com/events/

Lava Lounge

3908 Cedar Springs Road

https://www.instagram.com/lava.dallas/

Red Goose Saloon

306 N Houston St, Fort Worth TX 76102

https://red-goose-saloon.business.site/

Sleeping Panther

2000 S Beach Street, Fort Worth TX 76103

https://www.myohmytheshow.com/

Second location:

1000 Houston St, Fort Worth TX 76102

The Urban Cowboy Saloon

2620 E Lancaster Ave, Forth Worth TX 76103

Club Reflection

604 S Jennings Ave, Forth Worth TX 76104

https://www.myohmytheshow.com/

Club Changes

2637 E Lancaster Ave, Forth Worth TX 76103

https://www.facebook.com/ClubChangesFortWorth

1851 Club

931 W Division St, Arlington TX 76012 https://1851club.com/

Illusions the Drag Queen Show Dallas

https://www.illusionsthedragqueenshow.com/drag-queen-dinner-show-locations-pa

Havana

4006 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas TX 45219

Dallas Woody’s

4011 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas TX 75219

http://dallaswoodys.com/

Kaliente

4350 Maple Ave, Dallas TX 75219

Drag Star Diva

1811 E Levee Street, Dallas TX 75207

https://dragstardiva.com/

Mesa Mezcal

400 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving TX 75039

https://www.mesamezcal.com/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

Marty’s Live

4207 Maple Ave, Dallas TX 75219

https://martyslive.business.site/

Tequila Delicious

2901 Thomas Ave, Dallas TX 45204

https://dallasgaynightlife.com/uptown-dallas-drag-brunch-at-tequila-delicious/

Virgin Hotel

1445 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas TX 75207

https://dallasgaynightlife.com/lgbtevent/virgin-hotel-drag-brunch/2024-03-03/

On Rotation

7701 Lemmon Avenue Suite 200, Dallas TX

https://on-rotation.com/

Legacy Hall

7800 Windrose Avenue, Plano TX 75024

https://www.legacyfoodhall.com/

Six Springs Tavern

147 N Plano road Richardson, TX

https://sixspringslive.com/

Landmark Bar & Kitchen

6621 Fossil Bluff Drive, Fort Worth TX 76137

https://www.landmarkbars.com/

Peppersmash – a Cocktail Kitchen

7200 Bishop Rd Suite B-9, Plano TX 75204

https://www.peppersmashplano.com/

The Shot Cellar

931 Foch Street, Fort Worth TX 76107

https://www.theshotcellar.com/

Trees Dallas

2709 Elm Street, Dallas TX 75226

https://www.treesdallas.com/

Steve & Judy Deffibaugh Community Center

416 N 4th St, Princeton, TX 75407

https://www.princetontx.gov/

Blum Dallas

2516 Florence Street Dallas TX 75204

https://www.soclutchgroup.com/

Texas Republic

945 Foch St, Fort Worth TX 76107

https://www.txrbars.com/

Fort Brewery

2737 Tillar Street, Fort Worth TX 76107

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drag-brunch-at-fort-brewery-tickets-574669210077

Concrete Cowboy

2901 Crockett St, Fort Worth TX 76107

https://www.soclutchgroup.com/

Lava Cantina

5805 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony, TX 75056

https://lavacantina.com/

A Gentleman

and a Scholar 

Isaac James received two scholarships from the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation and continues to thrive

By Steven Craig Lindsey

When Isaac James graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors and Government, and a Minor in LGBTQ+ Studies, he achieved his goals in part through his involvement with the Chamber. Of course, his time as a Rhodes Scholar, member of Phi Beta Kappa, Point Flagship Scholar, and Eagle Scout didn’t hurt, either. 

Soon, he’ll be headed to the UK to continue his education.

“In May, I finished up a fellowship program based in New York City called the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs,” he said. “I worked in six different jobs over the course of nine months, including work for the New York City government, a labor union, a political campaign, and the American LGBTQ+ Museum.”

James is currently interning in Washington, D.C. for the summer and he leaves for the UK in September to begin two years of study at the University of Oxford as a student at Magdalen College. For his first year, he’ll be sitting for a Master of Studies in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. For his second, he’ll work toward a Master of Public Policy (MPP).

He first learned of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce while searching for scholarships in high school.

“I didn’t realize that there were scholarships specific to LGBTQ+ students, and I leaped at the chance to apply,” he said. “I knew it would make such a difference in my ability to pay for my education and maximize the opportunities I was able to pursue as a student at UT Austin.”

He received two scholarships from the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation. During his time at UT, he invested time in student advocacy while pursuing internships with the Texas House LGBTQ+ Caucus. He also volunteered with organizations in the local community, such as GLSEN Austin. 

“The financial freedom afforded by the foundation’s scholarships enriched my educational experience in ways that I will continue to realize for years to come,” James said.

For the summer, he remains active in work with the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute in Washington, D.C. 

“Organizations like the Chamber Foundation, the Point Foundation, and other organizations that have the ability to invest in LGBTQ+ young people, are more important than ever given the increasing obsession with policing queer and trans young people,” James said. 

“As the next generation of leaders and advocates, investing in our success and our futures will have exponential payoffs for many years into the future and for many generations to come.”

To learn more about the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation, visit www.lgbtchamberfoundation.org.

LGBT Chamber Foundation Graduates 3rd Leadership Class

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the graduation of its third LGBT Leadership Institute cohort. Launched in 2019, the program has grown steadily each year.

Members of the 2023 LGBT Leadership Institute graduating class include:

• Jed Billings, he/him; Texas Pride Realty Group

• LaKeast Boone, she/her; Keasie B’s Coffee

• Philip Brewer, he/him; Comerica Bank

• Eddie Burton, he/him; Panoramic

• Antoine Curry, he/him; Hardheaded Foundation

• Morgan Darling, she/her; Burch Law

• Tabitha Evans, she/her; Mommies in Need

• Armando Gonzalez, he/him; Goody Goody Liquor

• Deon Hedge, he/him; Hardheaded Foundation

• Michael Herrington, he/him; Children’s Health

• Brian Kennedy, he/him; Room for Change

• Devon Kodzis, they/them; Dallas College

• Randi McRae, she/her;

• Chloe Nicholson, she/her; Vistra Corp

• LaToya Porter, she/her; JBJ Management

• AnaChrista Robles, she/her; The Concilio

• Ofelia Yanez, she/her; Amp Creative

Class members participate in a nine-month program designed to provide valuable skills and knowledge, along with an historical view of the LGBTQ+ equality movement and community.

“I am so proud of this diverse group and appreciate their commitment to the program and passion to serve the community,” stated Lisa Howe, who manages the program and serves as Vice President of Membership & Programs for the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Although there are a number of quality leadership programs in North Texas, none are designed to fill the generational information gap in the LGBTQ+ community. The Foundation’s goal has been to fill that gap without duplicating the work of other leadership programs. We like to think of our program as a great preface to other programs where our graduates can be better, more informed representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they identify as LGBTQ or an Ally.”

The LGBT Leadership Institute provides a safe and nurturing environment for a diverse cohort of individuals to develop skills and explore the critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation is now accepting nominations for those interested in participating in the 2024 Leadership Institute class. Participation is open to members of the LGBTQ+ community and Allies. Tuition for the nine-month program is $2,000; partial scholarships are available. More information is available at https://lgbtchamberfoundation.org/leadership/

About LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Established by the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation carries out the charitable and educational objectives of the Chamber, supports young adults, and nurtures the development of leaders in the LGBT community. The Foundation is also home to the LGBT Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund, the LGBTQ Workplace Alliance for employee resource groups, and Texas Diversity Equity & Inclusion Conference, now in its 8th year.

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a Texas nonprofit organization designated as tax exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Additional information is available at lgbtchamberfoundation.org/

For more information on the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the LGBT Leadership Institute, please contact

Lisa Howe at 214-865-7313 or email lisa.howe@lgbtchamber.com.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Find out here!

The annual fundraiser returns in September 

By Steven Craig Lindsey

Named after the iconic and groundbreaking Sidney Poitier movie from 1967, the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner event (GWCTD) represents a joint venture between Human Rights Campaign DFW and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation. 

The entertaining night begins with dinners hosted by individuals at secret locations. Participants won’t know who’s invited, the theme, or who will be seated next to them. As few as eight attendees and upwards of 20 could be at any given dinner.

The annual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, from 5:30-11 p.m. Tickets, $95 per person, include dinner, dessert reception, a drink coupon at the final venue, valet parking and participation in the auctions.

After each surprise dinner ends, guests will unite at another undisclosed location for cocktails, desserts, and both a silent auction and a new live auction, debuting this year. In 2022, the silent auction itself raised $10,000 so expectations are to far exceed that number.

The evening’s proceeds support the critical work of the DFW Human Rights Campaign Federal Club and fund scholarships for deserving LGBTQ and allied students provided by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“The collaboration between both organizations is great in so many ways,” said Scott Collen, DFW HRC Federal Club Events Committee Chair. “We raise much-needed funds for both education for future LGBTQ business leaders, as well as money to help fight the barrage of anti-LGBTQ bills being presented in our state and at a national level.”

In addition, members of both organizations get a chance to meet each other.  

“While some people do have dual memberships already, we have already seen cross-pollination occurring, which is great for both organizations,” he adds.

Even if you can’t attend the event in person, you can register now to bid on the silent auction items at https://app.galabid.com/gwctd23

Auction items are also needed. Contact the Chamber or HRC Federal Club to donate.