URGENT -- ACTION NEEDED

Texas Lawmakers to Consider "Bathroom Bill"

On Tuesday, March 7, Texas lawmakers will hold hearings on Senate Bill 6, the so-called "bathroom bill," that discriminates against transgender Texans and denies them equality in the Lone Star State. If this bill passes, it would not only humiliate and discriminate against vulnerable transgender Texans. It could also cost Texas billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs and ruin Texas’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming state.
 
The State Affairs Committee is hosting a public hearing about SB6 on Tuesday, March 7th 8:00 AM. We must act now if we hope to stop SB 6. Here’s how you can help:

1.  Call the members of the State Affairs Committee that have not yet said that they are against SB6. Feel free to use Equality Texas’ talking points during your calls.

These are their names and numbers: 

Joan Huffman, Chair    (512) 463-0117
Craig Estes                  (512) 463-0130
Eddie Lucio, Jr.            (512) 463-0127
Bryan Hughes              (512) 463-0101
Brian Birdwell               (512) 463-0122
Brandon Creighton       (512) 463-0104
Jane Nelson                 (512) 463-0112
Charles Schwertner     (512) 463-0105

2.  Call Senator Lois Kolkhorst (512) 463-0118 and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (512) 463-5342. Senator Kolkhorst filed this bill and the Lt. Governor has been extremely outspoken in his support. Give them a call and let them know that Texas is a diverse state, and that we will not stand for legalized discrimination!

3.  Come to the State Affairs Committee Hearing on Tuesday, March 7th to show your support. Carpool with friends or we can work together to find more transportation options through our coalition partners. 

4.  Testify at the Hearing. If you are willing to take your advocacy to the next level, consider testifying at the State Affairs Committee hearing. Click the link below for FAQ's about the hearing then email info@galantx.org to discuss how you can participate.

Thanks for staying engaged. We need you more than ever.

"All In For Equality" Advocacy Day in Austin

Monday, March 20  7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Join us at one of this year's most empowering and important events. 

Hundreds from across the state are gathering to meet with our elected officials. We need you to be a voice for equality -- no experience necessary -- we will provide training on the bus ride to Austin and you'll be accompanied by an experienced group leader.

GALA is chartering motor coaches that will depart from West Plano and Dallas on Monday morning, March 20.

Our event co-sponsors include: Resource Center, Human Rights Campaign, Cathedral of Hope, Stonewall Democrats, Coalition for Aging LGBT, Lambda Legal, LULAC, ACLU Texas, Texas Freedom Network, Transgender Education Network of Texas and Equality Texas.

Looking For Angels

People from across the state are gathering to meet with our legislators who will be considering what is expected to be 100+ anti-equality bills. 

GALA is working with North Texas groups to mobilize advocates to ensure our voices are heard in Austin.  Critical to this effort is the support that we receive from our Advocacy Day Angels who donate to cover expenses such as chartering the motor coaches, feeding attendees, and printing training materials.

Please consider becoming an Advocacy Day Angel today.  Our Angels are typically donating $100 but any amount helps us to achieve our goal.

Thank You to our Advocacy Day Angels

Mike McKay

Jennifer Campisi

Christine Crockett Smith

Robert Straka

Glenn Cron

Wendi & Valerie Hollenbeck-Loyet

David Hearn

Dave Steinman & Donna Bender

Neelam Math

Jim Hertwig & John Perez

Henry Jimenez

Sandy Anderson, Anderson & Associates Financial, LLC

Taleen Savant

Bob Shimmin & Ramon Ponce

We want to add your name to our list today

Gather with fair-minded voters to meet candidates for mayor, city council, school board, and Collin College trustees. Be informed by knowing who represents us at the local level. This is just as important as knowing who represents us in Austin and Washington DC.

Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served.