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 …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 12, 2021, via video conference. Chair Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Members in Attendance: Gonzales, Chavez, Curry, Curette, Dowling, Kirby, Martinez, Taylor, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Acting Staff Liaison Joshua Robinson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The minutes of June 14, 2021, were approved without objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Charles Robbins of Health Management Associates provided an update on the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study and a schedule for presentation to the City Council. It is expected the report will be presented in late September. b. Chair Gonzales asked commissioners to keep an eye on the Special Session of the Texas Legislature. The commission did not consider any recommendations. c. Vice Chair Taylor discussed the organization of working groups to better address recommendations that are presented as part of the Quality of Life Study. Many community groups are engaged in the process. d. Chair Gonzales provided an update on the Winter Storm Uri Review Task Force. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. without objection.
Versión en español a continuación. LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting June 14, 2021 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held June 14, 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 (June 13, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 14, 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 June 13, 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 June 14, 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 (June 13, 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 RECOMMENDATION 20210614-2F: Support for the Asian American Quality of Life Commission’s Budget Recommendation Concerning the Translation of Emergency Communications Recommendation City Council should fully fund the Asian American Quality of Life Commission’s budget recommendation concerning the translation of emergency communications. 1. Add $100,000 to the City’s Public Information Office so departments have a central pool of funding to facilitate translation and interpretation services. The existence of this pool must be communicated widely to departments. Include the Equity Office, Resiliency Officer, and other appropriate community representatives in Emergency Planning, Response, and After‐Action reports in order to assure that an Equity Perspective is fully integrated into these activities. 2. 3. Establish stand‐by contracts with key community organizations who are already connected with Asian communities. In an emergency, these organizations can (1) be activated to review translated communications and (2) quickly disseminate those communications to the community. 4. Add $100,000 to the Emergency Operations Center budget for translations, interpretations, and emergency communications to non‐English speaking communities. 5. Provide all City-contracted non‐profit agencies access to the City’s pre‐screened vendors for translation services and any interpretation services that become available. This would assist contracted non‐profits in serving the entire community. Rationale Members of the Asian American Community with limited English proficiency have difficulty accessing COVID‐19 pandemic information and vaccinations. This communication difficulty was exacerbated during the City’s emergency response to Winter Storm Uri. The Asian American Community had to quickly identify and activate volunteers to assist the during the winter storm emergency (see Austin American Statesman article March 12, 2021). Time-sensitive messaging from the City is often only provided in English or English and Spanish. Asian Americans are the fastest growing demographic in Austin/Travis County and the City must provide timely information in major Asian languages. The City has responded to previously identified needs by establishing approved vendors for translation in multiple languages, but many Departments are unaware or don’t see Asian language translations as a priority. Most City offices have been closed during the pandemic and many City staff were also impacted by the weather and water emergencies. Emergency communications are primarily generated by the City Public Information Office, Austin Public Health, and the Emergency Operations Center. Communities of Color and Page 1 of 2 other marginalized communities are most impacted by emergencies, but equity is seldom considered in the initial response. With no system in place, Austin’s …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION PROCLAMATION 20210614-2H: Celebrating Pride Month Proclamation The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recognizes June 2021 as Pride Month globally and looks forward to celebrating Pride in Austin this August. We reaffirm our charge, as set out by Austin City Council, to ensure the highest and best quality of life for Austinites of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We carry on our work in honor and memory of those who came before us, especially Marsha P. Johnson and Syliva Rivera, who would settle for nothing less than full equality for LGBTQIA+ people. Page 1 of 2 Vote Date of Approval: June 14, 2021 Motioned By: Chair Gonzales Seconded By: Commissioner Kirby For: 1. Baeza 2. Chavez 3. Curette 4. Curry 5. Dowling 6. Gonzales 7. Kirby 8. Martinez 9. Taylor 10. Wollerson Against: None Abstain: None Absent: 1. Gonzalez 2. Gorczynski 3. Hines Attest: _____________________________________________ Kathryn Gonzales, Chair Kathryn Gonzales Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210614-2G: Appointment of Grant E. Loveless as an At-Large Commissioner Recommendation The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that Austin City Council appoint Grant E. Loveless to At-Large seat previously held by Tarik Daniels. Rationale Grant E. Loveless (they/he) is a lifelong Austinite and a Gen Z non-binary Afroqueer advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Grant serves on the boards of Texas Health Action and Austin Black Pride where they use a collaborative and community-driven approach to advocate for youth voices in our city and region. With their vast experience in digital marketing and focus on data and equity, Grant is the ideal candidate to join the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission as we embark on the next phase of our work advocating for the implementation of the recommendations proposed in our Quality of Life Study. Page 1 of 2 Vote Date of Approval: June 14, 2021 Motioned By: Commissioner Martinez Seconded By: Chair Gonzales For: 1. Chavez 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Gonzales 6. Kirby 7. Martinez 8. Taylor Against: 1. Baeza 2. Wollerson Abstain: None Absent: 1. Gonzalez 2. Gorczynski 3. Hines Attest: _____________________________________________ Kathryn Gonzales, Chair Kathryn Gonzales Page 2 of 2
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.
Versión en español a continuación. LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting May 10, 2021 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held May 10, 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 (May 9, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 10, 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 April 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 May 10, 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 (May 9, 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 …
