A Message from Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace Moving Forward Together Post Election

As the election outcome for U.S. President became evident, for many of us it has been challenging to see a way forward. I’ve received calls, messages, emails and they all express a common theme. We are sad, scared, and quite frankly terrified, about what the next four years look like for the LGBTQ+ community, other marginalized communities and our democracy.

I want to be fully transparent; I am scared, as is our entire team and leadership, with the uncertainty before us. As I sit with my own fears today, I am reminded about how fragile our democracy is and how our lives hang in the balance.

Like many of you reading this message right now, I am exhausted fighting for the right to exist and live my life without fear, discrimination or attacks on who I am and who I love, and I know there is an exhaustion as well for those who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

What I know to be true today and having had to find the words in the past under these kinds of similar circumstances, is that we must move forward to preserve our democracy and fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community to exist and to be treated equally and fairly.

What I know was true yesterday and is still true today, regardless of the election outcome, is that we still would have much work to do to drive economic equity and justice for the LGBTQ+ community and to fend off relentless attacks on our community, especially in Texas.

The Chamber is committed to continuing this crucial work ahead, as I know many of our nonprofit members and partners are, to ensure we continue advocating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, even in what feels like the darkest of times.

I know for many that it doesn’t feel like there is a path ahead but there is a way forward. Our democracy and our community depend on us finding that way forward. We are not giving up and we are committed to the work ahead, even as we sit in our fear and grief today.

Please seek support…

During times like these, it’s more important than ever to be with community and seek support from each other. You are not alone. We offer our gratitude to Chamber Members, the Montrose Center and Sesh Coworking for offering immediate support to help our community process what has happened during this difficult time.

Rally at the Montrose Center & Support Groups

The Montrose Center will host a community rally tonight at 5:00 pm at 401 Branard St. Join the Chamber and other LGBTQ+ nonprofit groups as we gather to support one another.

Following the rally, join the Montrose Center for their FREE post-election drop-in support group in Room 106 at 6PM. This safe space, led by a licensed psychologist, offers an opportunity to process your feelings and connect with others about the election’s impact. No pre-registration is required.

Coworking Safe Space at Sesh

Sesh Coworking is offering a complimentary coworking safe space on Friday, November 8. Thank you to Sesh for opening their space to be with community and offer support.

The Chamber will host events over the next few weeks, and we invite you to join us, whether a member or not, to be in community and find support.

The Chamber is here for you. Our work continues. We are not giving up and we are digging in to support our members and community. We ask our members and partners to not give up, but to dig in and commit to the important and critical work ahead.

Please embrace being with community and seek support. We are here to support you.

In Community & Solidarity,

Tammi Wallace (she/her/hers)
Co-Founder and President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce