The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the passing of former Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman.

For more than three decades in the Texas Legislature, Representative Coleman was a steadfast champion for equality, fairness, and the people of Houston. He stood with the LGBTQ+ community for decades, including at times when doing so required courage and conviction.

Representative Coleman understood that our communities are interconnected and that creating a more equitable Texas requires showing up for one another. His leadership extended across health care, voting rights, social justice, and many other issues that profoundly affected the lives of Texans.

Houston and Texas have lost a remarkable public servant, and the LGBTQ+ community has lost a longtime friend and ally.

On behalf of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, we extend our deepest condolences to Representative Coleman’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the many people whose lives were touched by his decades of public service.

May his legacy of service, courage, and standing up for others continue to inspire us.