Approved Minutes — original pdf

Approved Minutes

LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021, via videoconference. Chair Kathryn Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members in Attendance: Gonzales, Baeza, Chavez, Curry, Curette, Dowling, Kirby, Martinez, Taylor, Wollerson. Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The minutes of April 12 were approved without objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Charles Robbins of Health Management Associates provided an update concerning the LGBTQIA+ study. The study has moved into the drafting phase. HMA hopes to have a draft available for the commission to review in August. b. Chair Gonzales expressed thanks to Transgender Education Network of Texas and Equality Texas for the work done during the legislative session to defeat bills harmful to the community. They will be invited back to address the commission if the governor calls a special session of the Legislature on these topics. c. Vice Chair Taylor discussed the reorganization of the commission’s working groups to better address topics of interest to the community. d. Chair Gonzales asked for volunteers to review the effects of Proposition B on the community. e. Chair Gonzales provided an update on the Winter Storm Uri Review Task Force. The task force has conducted several listening sessions. ERCOT has issued conservation notices this Spring. Members of the community can submit written, video, and audio testimony on SpeakUp Austin. f. Chair Gonzales moved approval of a recommendation supporting a budget recommendation by the Asian American Quality of Life Commission concerning the translation of emergency communications. Commissioner Curry provided a second. The recommendation passed unanimously. g. Commissioner Wollerson discussed efforts by an ad hoc committee to fill the vacant at- large position. Two candidates were presented by the committee for consideration: Coyote Shook and G.E. Loveless. Commissioner Martinez moved to recommend G.E. Loveless; Chair Gonzales provided a second. Commissioners approved the motion 8-2, with Commissioners Baeza and Wollerson voting against. h. Chair Gonzales moved adoption of a proclamation in celebration of Pride Month; Commissioner Kirby seconded. The proclamation passed unanimously. i. Commissioner Curry moved adoption of a recommendation to include additional data related to quality of life metrics in the commission’s annual report; Commissioner Chavez seconded. The recommendation passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m. without objection.