When I was a senior in high school, I watched states across America revolt against the gay community's landmark victory in Lawrence v. Texas, where the Supreme Court finally struck down the criminalization of private same-sex activity.  To "protect" against the normalization of our community, red and blue states alike sent proposed constitutional amendments to referendums, asking their citizens to vote on whether their state's constitution should be changed specifically to define marriage as a union between a man and woman--thereby barring same-sex couples from any legal protections bestowed by marriage.  In my home state of Texas, a majority of approximately 75% voted to pass such an amendment.  It was devastating to watch -- and live -- during my formative years.

That was 2005.  Now, fifteen years later, public opinion has turned.  The Supreme Court has recognized our right to marriage and our rights to anti-discrimination workplace protections.  The world has changed, and Lambda Legal has been at the center of every fight.  Their legal team takes on the most impactful litigation that has led to these victories and others like them, and their work is not done.  I'm a proud member of the Houston Leadership Committee because now, possibly more than ever, we need organizations like Lambda Legal to fight for the invisible and disenfranchised.   

Lambda Legal's annual events not only bring us together they provide more than $5 million in grassroots driven funding, raised by individuals and volunteer committees in communities nationwide. These funds raised from friends, families, corporate, and law firm employers, our main street small businesses represent one-third of Lambda Legal's overall operating budget. 

Every ticket and sponsorship sold contributes toward this goal.In Texas, our annual fundraising events raise $315,000, toward our overall goal and we're counting on you.  I hope you'll join me in supporting this great organization.