REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Appointment Commissioner Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Mariana Krueger (she/her) Appointment District 9 KC Shepherd Coyne, Chair (they/he) District 2 Devan Daniel (he/him) District 10 Steven Rivas (he/him) District 3 Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Brigitte Bandit (they/she) District 4 Morgan Davis (he/him) Jerry Joe Benson, Secretary (he/him) District 5 Randy Pituk (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) District 6 Marlon Johnson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) District 7 Anna Nguyen (she/her) Garry Brown District 8 Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on May 20, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation regarding the impact of SB12 on the Austin Independent School District (AISD). Presentation by Edna Butts, Intergovernmental Relations Director, AISD. Presentation providing an update on SB12. Presentation by Ash Hall, Policy & Advocacy Strategist on LGBTQIA+ Rights, ACLU of Texas. Presentation by the SAFE Alliance regarding their closing and at-risk programs. Presentation by Dani Fletcher, Director of Communications and Marketing, SAFE Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding proclamation dates for the 2026 calendar year. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding SAFE Alliance – Eloise House funding. Approve the formation of a working group to create a recommendation on next steps for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update from the Health Working Group on their first meeting, areas of focus, timeline, and goals. Update from the Budget Follow-Up Working Group regarding their first meeting, areas of focus, timeline, and goals. Update from the Community …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701, Boards & Commissions Room 1101. Commissioners in attendance in person: KC Coyne (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Garry Brown Marlon Johnson Randy Pituk J. Scott Neal Anna Nguyen Steve Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Brigitte Bandit Devan Daniel Morgan Davis Rocio Fierro-Perez Mariana Krueger Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ry Vazquez – SAFE + Eloise House Courtney Szigetvari – SAFE + Eloise House Shelby Evans – SAFE + Eloise House Valerie Dabil - SAFE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 20, 2026. The minutes of the April 20, 2026 meeting were approved on Commissioner Daniel’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Bandit abstained. Vice Chair McLeod and Commissioner Knutson were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Austin Fire Department’s training and resources for LGBTQIA+ residents, internal support for equity, and challenges and priorities currently being faced. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Chief of Sta(cid:431), Austin Fire Department. The briefing was provided by Chief of Sta(cid:431) Tom Vocke and Lt. Xochitl Chafino, Austin Fire Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Update regarding the progress on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study. Update by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. The presentation was made by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. Update regarding the progress of the Mayor’s Public Spaces Task Force. Update by Commissioner Rivas. Update by Commissioner Rivas. Discussion to provide an update finalizing and installing a historical marker on the intersection of 4th St. and Colorado St. Update by Commissioner Brown. Update by Commissioner Brown. The meeting went into recess without objection at 8:15 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:24 p.m. Discussion regarding the development of the 2026 General Obligation Bond Program. Discussion was held. Discussion to review a new view-only folder for commission resources, community engagement, and what the commission has accomplished over the last year and goals for the next year for inclusion in the annual internal review. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. Approve the formation of a Working Group to …
FACT SHEET KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: S.B. 12 (DRAG BAN) Current status: Scheduled to take effect March 18, 2026. In September 2023, a federal court entered a final order declaring S.B. 12 to be unconstitutional under five independent grounds and issued a permanent injunction blocking the Texas attorney general and other government defendants from enforcing it. On November 6, 2025, a Fifth Circuit panel reversed some aspects of that decision and stated that the case should be sent back to the district court for more analysis on overbreadth in light of an intervening decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. After the plaintiffs filed a motion for panel rehearing, the Fifth Circuit issued a new opinion on February 25, 2026 that vacates the injunction, which will allow the law to take effect for the first time. Instead of deciding whether S.B. 12 is constitutional, the Fifth Circuit is sending the case back to the district court for further analysis. WHAT IS S.B. 12? S.B. 12 is a law that was passed during the 2023 Texas legislative session. Governor Abbott and Texas lawmakers stated that it was intended to ban drag shows in public, but it is not limited to drag and targets all performances that are “sexually oriented.” S.B. 12 defines a show that is “sexually oriented” as a “visual performance that features a performer who is (1) nude or (2) engages in sexual conduct” and that “appeals to the prurient interest in sex.” This applies on most public property and in front of minors (see below). WHAT TYPES OF PERFORMANCES DOES THE LAW PROHIBIT? “Nude” “Nude” is defined as “entirely unclothed” or “clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered . . . any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola . . . or any portion of the genitals or buttocks.” “Sexual conduct” includes: “Sexual conduct” “The exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of sexual acts;” “The exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state;” “The exhibition of a device and marked as useful primarily for the sexual stimulation of male or female genitals;” “Actual contact or simulated contact occurring between one person and the buttocks, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person;” or “The exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics.” “Prurient interest in sex” “Prurient interest in sex” …
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommended LGBTQ+ Observances for Potential City Council Proclamations (2026) Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends consideration of the following observances for City Council proclamations moving forward. These observances recognize important milestones in LGBTQIA+ history, promote awareness of ongoing equity and public health issues, celebrate the diversity of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and a(cid:431)irm the City's commitment to inclusion and belonging. Observance Date Priority Rationale International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27 Medium Barbara Jordan's Birthday February 21 High Transgender Day of Visibility March 31 High Lesbian Visibility Day April 26 Medium Honors the victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people persecuted by the Nazi regime, and promotes remembrance and education. Celebrates the legacy of Barbara Jordan, a trailblazing Texan leader whose life and service continue to inspire generations. Celebrates transgender and nonbinary people while recognizing their contributions and lived experiences. Promotes visibility and recognition of lesbian communities and their contributions to society. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia May 17 High Internationally recognized day addressing discrimination, stigma, and violence a(cid:431)ecting LGBTQIA+ people. Harvey Milk Day May 22 Medium Honors a pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights leader and public servant. Observance Date Priority Rationale LGBTQ Families Day / Pride Month Kicko(cid:431) June 1 High Celebrates LGBTQ+ families and marks the beginning of Pride Month. Pulse Remembrance Day June 12 High Stonewall Day June 28 High LGBTQ History Month October High Honors the victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub tragedy and rea(cid:431)irms a commitment to combating hate and violence. Recognizes the Stonewall Uprising and the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people. National Coming Out Day October 11 High Encourages acceptance, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 High Honors transgender people lost to anti- transgender violence and rea(cid:431)irms the City's commitment to safety, dignity, and equality. World AIDS Day December 1 High Recognized globally to honor those a(cid:431)ected by HIV/AIDS and promote prevention, treatment, and care. Additional Observances for Recognition Through Other Means The Commission also encourages recognition of the following observances through social media, community events, educational campaigns, Commission resolutions, or other City communications. Observance International Asexuality Day Date April 6 Observance Date National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week April (2nd or 3rd week) International Family Equality Day May 3 National Asian & …
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Continuity of Survivor Services and Community-Based Care Facilities Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Mayor’s O(cid:431)ice, in partnership with Travis County and other funding partners, identify and allocate su(cid:431)icient emergency and bridge funding to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of survivor-centered services currently provided through Eloise House and other existing community-based facilities serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human tra(cid:431)icking. The Commission further recommends that any funding strategy prioritize: • Continued access to forensic examinations in community-based, non-hospital settings • Trauma-informed advocacy and crisis response services • Emergency shelter and housing support • Legal and case management services • Culturally competent and a(cid:431)irming care for LGBTQIA+ survivors and other historically marginalized communities • Preservation of service capacity at existing facilities where survivors currently receive care The Commission also recommends that the City develop a sustainable, multi-year funding strategy that protects continuity of care, minimizes service disruptions, and ensures that survivors can continue accessing trusted, community-based support systems during any operational or administrative transitions. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin's network of survivor services provides critical support to thousands of individuals each year. These services include forensic examinations, crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter, counseling, legal support, and other wraparound resources that help survivors achieve safety and stability. Eloise House serves as a unique community-based location where survivors can access forensic examinations and advocacy services outside of a hospital setting. For many survivors, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, communities of color, and people who have experienced discrimination within traditional institutions, community-based care settings can o(cid:431)er a more accessible and trusted environment for seeking help. The Commission's concern is focused on ensuring that critical services remain available, culturally responsive, and accessible regardless of future administrative or funding arrangements. Any transition in service delivery should be carefully planned to avoid interruptions in care, loss of capacity, loss of critical facilities, or barriers to access for vulnerable populations. Funding should be directed toward maintaining service continuity, retaining trained personnel where possible, preserving community-based service locations, and ensuring that survivors continue to receive coordinated support throughout their healing process. Rationale: LGBTQIA+ survivors often face unique barriers when seeking support following experiences of violence, including fear of discrimination, concerns about confidentiality, prior negative experiences with institutions, and challenges finding a(cid:431)irming care providers. …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number 20260615-005: LGBTQ+ Observances for Potential City Council Proclamations (2026) Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends consideration of the following observances for City Council proclamations moving forward. These observances recognize important milestones in LGBTQIA+ history, promote awareness of ongoing equity and public health issues, celebrate the diversity of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and affirm the City's commitment to inclusion and belonging. Description of Recommendation to Council: Observance Date Priority Rationale International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27 Medium Barbara Jordan's Birthday February 21 High Transgender Day of Visibility March 31 High Lesbian Visibility Day April 26 Medium Honors the victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people persecuted by the Nazi regime, and promotes remembrance and education. Celebrates the legacy of Barbara Jordan, a trailblazing Texan leader whose life and service continue to inspire generations. Celebrates transgender and nonbinary people while recognizing their contributions and lived experiences. Promotes visibility and recognition of lesbian communities and their contributions to society. Observance Date Priority Rationale International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia May 17 High Internationally recognized day addressing discrimination, stigma, and violence affecting LGBTQIA+ people. Harvey Milk Day May 22 Medium Honors a pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights leader and public servant. LGBTQ Families Day / Pride Month Kickoff June 1 High Celebrates LGBTQ+ families and marks the beginning of Pride Month. Pulse Remembrance Day June 12 High Stonewall Day June 28 High LGBTQ History Month October High Honors the victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub tragedy and reaffirms a commitment to combating hate and violence. Recognizes the Stonewall Uprising and the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people. National Coming Out Day October 11 High Encourages acceptance, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 High Honors transgender people lost to anti- transgender violence and reaffirms the City's commitment to safety, dignity, and equality. World AIDS Day December 1 High Recognized globally to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and promote prevention, treatment, and care. Additional Observances for Recognition Through Other Means The Commission also encourages recognition of the following observances through social media, community events, educational campaigns, Commission resolutions, or other City communications. Observance International Asexuality Day Date April 6 National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week April (2nd or 3rd week) International Family Equality Day May 3 National Asian & …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260615-006: Continuity of Survivor Services and Community-Based Care Facilities Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Travis County and other funding partners, identify and allocate sufficient emergency and bridge funding to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of survivor-centered services currently provided through Eloise House and other existing community-based facilities serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. The Commission further recommends that any funding strategy prioritize: • Continued access to forensic examinations in community-based, non-hospital settings in additional to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training for nurses • Trauma-informed advocacy and crisis response services • Emergency shelter and housing support • Legal and case management services • Culturally competent and affirming care for LGBTQIA+ survivors and other historically marginalized communities • Preservation of service capacity at existing facilities where survivors currently receive care The Commission also recommends that the City develop a sustainable, long-term funding strategy that protects continuity of care, minimizes service disruptions, and ensures that survivors can continue accessing trusted, community-based support systems during any operational or administrative transitions. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin's network of survivor services provides critical support to thousands of individuals each year. These services include forensic examinations, crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter, counseling, legal support, and other wraparound resources that help survivors achieve safety and stability. Eloise House serves as a unique community-based location where survivors can access forensic examinations and advocacy services outside of a hospital setting. For many survivors, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, communities of color, people with disabilities, and people who have experienced discrimination within traditional institutions, community-based care settings can offer a more accessible and trusted environment for seeking help. The Commission's concern is focused on ensuring that critical services remain available, culturally responsive, and accessible regardless of future administrative or funding arrangements. Any transition in service delivery should be carefully planned to avoid interruptions in care, loss of capacity, loss of critical facilities, or barriers to access for vulnerable populations. Funding should be directed toward maintaining service continuity, retaining trained personnel where possible, preserving community-based service locations, and ensuring that survivors continue to receive coordinated support throughout their healing process. Rationale: LGBTQIA+ survivors often face unique barriers when seeking support following experiences of violence, including fear …
