Houston LGBTQ Advisory Board Chair Reveals Dismissal
Jacques Bourgeois, chair of Houston's LGBTQ advisory board, revealed to ABC13 that he sought a meeting with Mayor John Whitmire but was later informed of his dismissal. Bourgeois, who served on the board for seven years under Mayor Sylvester Turner, emphasized the importance of community support during challenging times. He had hoped to discuss issues pertinent to the LGBTQ community with the new mayor, requesting over a year's time for the meeting.
Bourgeois's Concerns and Response
"Our community needs as much backing as possible," Bourgeois stated. "His support is crucial."
In June, Bourgeois shared his concerns with ABC13. Weeks afterward, instead of a dialogue, he received an email informing him of his removal from the advisory board.
"It felt like retaliation," Bourgeois commented. "If we reach out and express our intentions, the response shouldn't be 'Goodbye.'"
Mayor's Office Explanation and Board Restructuring
The mayor's office explained that Whitmire's extensive legislative background in advocating for LGBTQ rights and recent board restructuring led to the change. Many ...