Item 1: September 21, 2026 Draft Minutes — original pdf

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LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, September 21, 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 Shepherd Coyne (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Garry Brown Marlon Johnson Asher Knutson J. Scott Neal Randy Pituk Steven Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Kitty McLeod (Vice Chair) Brigitte Bandit Devan Daniel Rocio Fierro-Pérez Anna Nguyen Mariana Krueger Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:31 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Yasir Imam – “As I am: unfiltered lives, unheard stories” book APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 17, 2026. There was a motion to approve the minutes with the below amendment by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Secretary Benson. The motion was approved on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were off the dais. Commissioner Davis was absent. The amendment was to strike “Zachary Henry-Lichliter, AIA, 2026 Chair-Elect", and insert “Stephanie Almendarez”. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Briefing regarding the status of grant funding related to HIV/STI public health services. Presentation by Cassandra DeLeon, Deputy Director, Austin Public Health. The presentation was made by Cassandra DeLeon, Deputy Director, Austin Public Health. Briefing regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presentation by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity & Inclusion The presentation was made by by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity & Inclusion, and Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion regarding potential support for businesses in the Red River Cultural District that provide critical LGBTQ+ gathering and performance space. Discussion was held. Discussion on a panel for former commission members, including possible discussion questions and invitees. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. 7. Update from the cultural center working group on next steps and continued advocacy on the LGBTQ Cultural Center. Update by Chair Coyne. Update from the community safety working group on progress on their working group goals Update by Secretary Benson. 8. Update from the trans resource guide working group regarding their progress on forming and distributing a trans resource guide. Update by Commissioner Bandit. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. 10. Report from the budget follow-up working group regarding the implementation of the commission’s budget recommendations. Report by Secretary Benson. Report from the health working group on A Public Health and Quality of Life Framework for LGBTQIA2S+ Austinites. Report by Commissioner Rivas. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. 12. Discussion regarding a public health framework for LGBTQIA+ Austinites, and possible action to approve a recommendation. Withdrawn without objection. Approve the formation of a working group to formulate budget recommendations for the FY2027-28 Budget Cycle. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to formulate budget recommendations for the FY2027-28 Budget Cycle was approved on Secretary Benson’s motion, Commissioner Johnson’s second on a 14-0 vote. Members: Commissioners Benson, Daniel, Knutson, and Rivas FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 9:23 P.M.