LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-1 BUDGET PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee includes annual budget recommendations to City Council; and WHEREAS, informed recommendations require a knowledge of the current Adopted Budget, as well as departmental plans and performance and input from the communities we serve; and WHEREAS, this process is best served by an established and consistent process from year to year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that their adopted budget schedule each fiscal year include provisions for Commissions including: • Budget Office briefing on the Adopted Budget for member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee not later than October 31 of each fiscal year, • Budget Office briefing on the Proposed Budget process and outlook not later than • Commission recommendations to City departments and City Council not later than November 30 of each fiscal year, March 31 of each fiscal year • Budget Office briefing on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget within two weeks of the presentation to City Council outlining the status of Commission budget recommendations. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-2 SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHEREAS, the City of Austin has used tax supported bond proceeds to incentivize the development of affordable housing and has entered into contracts with selected developers to achieve this purpose; and WHEREAS, the developer contracts create additional obligations on developers regarding tenant selection and rental rates; and WHEREAS, there is a public interest in ensuring that the resulting affordable housing be equally available to all those qualified on an income basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, access to affordable housing also means that residents must be able to live there free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, public comments at town hall meetings have indicated a perception that the City’s affordable housing efforts have not adequately addressed diversity, inclusion and respect for all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that, Tax supported affordable housing development contracts include language that requires tenant application and selection processes to convey that affordable housing is supportive to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and That annual reporting of complete demographic information regarding the tenant application and selection process be required of developers and made available by the City to the community to support the perception of diversity, inclusion and respect with regard to the City’s affordable housing efforts. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-3 CONTINUED FUNDING FOR YOUTH LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WHEREAS, the recently completed LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study reported that survey responses indicated a high risk of serious mental health issues, including depression (42%) and suicidal ideation (12%); and WHEREAS, 52% of survey respondents also rated their overall mental health since the COVID pandemic as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS, an additional community survey reported that more than half (53.5%) of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair with youth and transgender/gender- expansive individuals indicating a higher percentage of very poor and poor mental health since the pandemic; and WHEREAS, a 2018 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers, transgender teens were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian youth were 3.71 times more likely, and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that the FY22-23 Budget continue funding of existing youth LGBTQIA+ focused mental health services at the current level of $100,000 through Austin Public Health’s Health Equity contracting portfolio. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 21, 2022 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some commissioners may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register email or call staff liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Katie Jones Rebecca Dreke VACANT VACANT District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier VACANT Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- March 7, 2022 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Discussion and possible action on FY 2022-23 budget recommendations. (Sponsor: Gonzales, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) b. Discussion and possible action to appoint an alternate representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC). (Sponsor: Curry, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) c. Discussion of vacant commission seats. (Sponsor: Gonzales, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2834 or email Alyssa.parra@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Alyssa Parra at (512) 974-2834.
Whereas, the responsibilities of Quality of Life Commissions includes annual budget recommendations to City Council, and Whereas, informed recommendations require a knowledge of the current Adopted Budget, as well as departmental plans and performance and input from the communities we serve, and Whereas, this process is best served by an established and consistent process from year to year, Now therefore be is resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that their adopted budget schedule each fiscal year include provisions for Commissions including: • Budget Office briefing on the Adopted Budget for Quality of Life Commissions not later than October 31 of each fiscal year, • Budget Office briefing on the Proposed Budget process and outlook not later than November 31 of each fiscal year, • Commission recommendations to City departments and City Council not later than March 31 of each fiscal year • Budget Office briefing on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget within two weeks of the presentation to City Council outlining the status of Commission budget recommendations.
Whereas, the City of Austin has used tax supported bond proceeds to incentivize the development of affordable housing and has entered into contracts with selected developers to achieve this purpose, and Whereas, the developer contracts create additional obligations on developers regarding tenant selection and rental rates, and Whereas, there is a public interest in ensuring that the resulting affordable housing be equally available to all those qualified on an income basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and Whereas, access to affordable housing also means that residents must be able to live there free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and Whereas, public comments at town hall meetings have indicated a perception that the City’s affordable housing efforts have not adequately addressed diversity, inclusion and respect for all, Now therefore be it resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that, Tax supported affordable housing development contracts include language that requires tenant application and selection processes to convey that affordable housing is supportive to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and That annual reporting of complete demographic information regarding the tenant application and selection process be required of developers and made available by the City to the community to support the perception of diversity, inclusion and respect with regard to the City’s affordable housing efforts.
Recommendation for Continued Funding for Youth LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services Whereas, the recently completed LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study reported that survey responses indicated a high risk of serious mental health issues, including depression (42%) and suicidal ideation (12%), and Whereas, 52% of survey respondents also rated their overall mental health since the COVID pandemic as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns, and Whereas, an additional community survey reported that more than half (53.5%) of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair with youth and transgender/gender-expansive individuals indicating a higher percentage of very poor and poor mental health since the pandemic, and Whereas, a 2018 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers, transgender teens were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian youth were 3.71 times more likely, and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual, Now therefore be it resolved: that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that the FY22-23 Budget continue funding of existing youth LGBTQIA+ focused mental health services at the current level of $100,000 through Austin Public Health’s Health Equity contracting portfolio.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 7, 2022 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some commissioners may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register email or call staff liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Katie Jones Rebecca Dreke VACANT VACANT District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier VACANT Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- November 8, 2021 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. New Commissioner Introductions b. Honor Saul Gonzalez, former Commissioner c. Budget Workshop recap, including timeline, possibilities of new funds, and discussion on the goals of the commission. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) d. Joint Inclusion Committee appointment (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government e. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity data recommendation. (Sponsor: Wollerson; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) f. Overview of working groups (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for That Works for All) All) g. Request for commission representation on The University of Texas Osher Lifelong Learning Institute board (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) h. Update on Council member Tovo conversation and relevant city positions (e.g., Equity Liaison, APD designate) (Sponsor: Dowling; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) i. Vacant commissioner positions (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) j. Meeting schedules 2022 and discussion for a different date for our March meeting (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) k. Update on the Equity-based historic preservation plan. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) l. Update on the Quality-of-Life Study. (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That m. Requests for QOL study data access update (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 14, 2022 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some commissioners may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register email or call staff liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Katie Jones Rebecca Dreke VACANT VACANT District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier VACANT Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- November 8, 2021 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. New Commissioner Introductions b. Budget Workshop recap, including timeline, possibilities of new funds, and discussion on the goals of the commission. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) c. Joint Inclusion Committee appointment (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) d. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity data recommendation. (Sponsor: Wollerson; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) e. Overview of working groups (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) f. Request for commission representation on The University of Texas Osher Lifelong Learning Institute board (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) g. Update on Council member Tovo conversation and relevant city positions (e.g., Equity Liaison, APD designate) (Sponsor: Dowling; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) h. Vacant commissioner positions (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) All) i. Meeting schedules 2022 (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for j. Update on the Equity-based historic preservation plan. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) k. Update on the Quality-of-Life Study. (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That l. Requests for QOL study data access update (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government Works for All) That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, November 8, 2021 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Rebecca Dreke VACANT Saul Gonzalez District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Grant Loveless Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- October 11, 2021 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Presentation by Breathe with Pride Coalition. (Sponsor: Wollerson; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) b. Discussion and action on a recommendation concerning the FY22-23 budget process. (Sponsor: Curry; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) c. Update from the Quality of Life Study Working Group concerning public briefings, town halls, and potential sub-working groups. (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2834 or email Alyssa.parra@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Alyssa Parra at (512) 974-2834.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, October 11, 2021 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Rebecca Dreke VACANT Saul Gonzalez CALL TO ORDER District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large AGENDA Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Grant Loveless Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- September 13, 2021 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Presentation by Health Management Associates of a final report on the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2834 or email Alyssa.parra@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Alyssa Parra at (512) 974-2834.
Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... 1 Community Partners ............................................................................................................................. 1 Research Team ..................................................................................................................................... 1 City of Austin ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 3 Key Themes .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Key Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 4 Study Framework ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Key Themes Across Data Collection Tools ............................................................................................... 6 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 9 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 9 COVID-19 Pandemic and Racial Unrest ............................................................................................... 9 LGBTQIA+ Population in US, Texas, and Austin ................................................................................ 10 Austin LGBTQIA+ History ................................................................................................................... 11 Research Advisory Board ................................................................................................................... 12 Qwell Foundation Prior Surveys.......................................................................................................... 13 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Qualitative Findings ................................................................................................................................. 14 Stakeholder Interviews ........................................................................................................................ 15 Town Halls ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Focus Groups ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Power Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 27 Quantitative Findings .............................................................................................................................. 30 Summation of Comparative Data ........................................................................................................ 30 Demographics ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 33 Economic Opportunity and Work ........................................................................................................ 37 Educational Opportunity and Access .................................................................................................. 41 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 43 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 68 Personal Safety ................................................................................................................................... 70 Social and Public Services/Benefits .................................................................................................... 75 Overall Quality of Life .......................................................................................................................... 78 Disparities................................................................................................................................................ 79 Policy Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 92 Findings Across Foundational Outcomes ............................................................................................... 93 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 93 Economic Opportunity ......................................................................................................................... 94 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 94 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 95 Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 96 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ........................................................................................................... 97 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 98 Key Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 98 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................. 101 About HMA Community Strategies ....................................................................................................... 102 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 103 Acknowledgments A. HMA Community Strategies is deeply grateful for the support and participation of countless LGBTQIA+ and allied organizations, groups, businesses, and community members throughout this project. Community Partners Research Team HMA Community Strategies Charles Robbins, MBA – Project Director Iliana Gilman, MA – Project Manager Michelle Parra, PhD Catherine Guerrero, MPH Ryan Maganini Research Advisory Board Alexander Anderson KB Richard Bondi Sha’nyia Baltimore Sam Davis Tabitha Hamilton Lex Keaton Rocky Lane Lais Milburn Philip Schnarrs Alexander Zapata City of Austin City of Austin’s Equity Office Brion Oaks, Chief Equity Officer Kellee Coleman, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Amanda Jasso, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager Rocío Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager Joshua Robinson, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator Enakshi Ganguly, Public Information Specialist, Sr. Brandon Kroos, Business Process Specialist LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Ruben Baeza Sandra Chavez Charles Curry Kannou Curette Tarik Daniels Deirdre Doughty Nan Dowling Saul Gonzalez Christina Gorczynski Kathryn Gonzales Terrance Hines Holly Kirby Rebecca Dreke Dr. Victor Martinez Melissa Taylor Brandon Wollerson Tarik Daniels 1 2 Executive Summary This report summarizes the results of the ShoutOut Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, September 13, 2021 7:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church Family Life Center 1300 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas 78701 District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Rebecca Dreke VACANT Saul Gonzalez District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Grant Loveless Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 9, 2021 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may take action or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Update concerning an LGBTQ quality of life study. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) b. Update from the Quality of Life Study Working Group concerning public briefings, town halls, and potential sub-working groups. (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) c. Discussion and action on a response to Governor Abbott's threat to take executive action to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender and non-binary youth. (Sponsor: Kirby & Wollerson; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All, Health) d. Discussion of future In-person Commission Meeting Locations. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust at 512-974-2154 or email neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Neal Falgoust at (512) 974-2154.
Versión en español a continuación. LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting August 9, 2021 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held August 9, 2021, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 8, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 9, 2021, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2154 or neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov no later than noon August 8, 2021. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission la August 9, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (August 8, 2021, antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de junta en (512) 974-2154, neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 9, 2021, via video conference. Chair Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. Members in Attendance: Gonzales, Curry, Curette, Dowling, Kirby, Martinez, Taylor, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The minutes of July 12, 2021, were approved without objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Charles Robbins of Health Management Associates provided an update concerning the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. All of the recommendations are aligned to the City Council’s Strategic Direction 2023. b. Chair Gonzales addressed the role of the commission in publicizing the results of the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. The commission intends to conduct town hall-style meetings with stakeholder groups. Chair Gonzales acknowledged the difficulty in communicating with the community during the pandemic. The commission appointed, without objection, Chair Gonzales and Vice Chair Taylor as spokespersons on the Quality of Life Study. c. Vice Chair Taylor discussed the organization of working groups to address topics within the Quality of Life Study. d. Chair Gonzales discussed the Special Session of the Texas Legislature and the current quorum break, and requested the commission to keep track of what is happening at the Capitol. No recommendations were presented. e. Commissioner Kirby discussed Governor Abbott’s attacks on transgender youth. Commissioner Wollerson agreed to work on drafting a recommendation to City Council. f. Commissioner Curette discussed the eviction of 85 families from Rosemont Apartments. The evictions have been halted for now with the help of BASTA. Chair Gonzales asked that commissioners work on drafting a robust recommendation on housing issues. g. Chair Gonzales discussed the need for an amendment to the Commission’s Bylaws and quorum requirements. h. Chair Gonzales noted that a final report on the Winter Storm Uri Review Task Force will soon be made public. Recommendations will be made to Council i. Chair Gonzales discussed the Vision Zero Stories Program and encouraged Commission members to complete the survey ADJOURNMENT – Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. without objection.
Versión en español a continuación. LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting July 12, 2021 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held July 12, 2021, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 11, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 12, 2021, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2154 or neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov no later than noon July 11, 2021. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission la July 12, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (July 11, 2021, antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de junta en (512) 974-2154, neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
