Equality Texas - A Quality Investment

Equality Texas matures to move Texas equality rights forward.

As an entrepreneur and CEO of a large behavioral health care organization offering employee assistance, elder assistance, and psychological assessment and treatment services throughout the United States, it is critical that my financial investments in LGBT movement building be based on a plan for success and quantifiable achievements. As a participant in the Gill Foundation's Outgiving program and as a supporter and new board member of Equality Texas and SLDN, I appreciate the importance of strategic use of resources. In Texas, this is even more important due to the sheer geographic size and population of the state.

My first interaction with Equality Texas was an initial round table discussion with local San Antonio activists and leaders to discuss how we as a group could be more effective in both local and Texas LGBT advocacy work after the passage of the Texas Marriage Amendment. I was invited as an observer initially because a friend felt it was important for me to learn more about Equality Texas.

Over the next few months I had the opportunity to speak with the new Executive Director, Paul Scott, to hear about Equality Texas' focus on capacity development and their plans for sustainable outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve equality for LGBT Texans. I was impressed with the organization's commitment to hiring a full-time Political Director to direct the legislative initiatives while the organization simultaneously developed a broad-based coalition to build the political power of the LGBT community.

WHY I BECAME INVOLVED

Though I was involved with the organization after investing in its capacity development, I eventually decided that I needed to be part of the change and committed to serving on the board of directors. Our statewide organization is the only one that is lobbying for legislation and policy at the capitol in Austin, and as Texans we have to take responsibility for advancing LGBT equality and not wait for others to do it for us.

In just a year, Equality Texas has successfully completed its first stage of growth and is now benefiting from a 72% increase in financial resources, allowing it to launch sustainable programs focusing on equality advancement in the workplace, schools, and in relationships.

The affiliated Texas Equity PAC had its most successful fundraising campaign, with seven of eight equality candidates being elected to the Texas legislature. We had our most successful Lobby Day ever with over 58 local and national organizations supporting a broad-based coalition on LGBT equality.

It is about developing a common goal, mission and purpose that makes sense and feels right. It is about learning and challenging myself and others in order to promote a better community that offers freedom from discrimination and equality for us and our neighbors. Equality Texas affords me an outlet to positively impact others and contribute in a meaningful way. Together we are creating change through education, awareness, and understanding by others through our relationships with those who reside all around us.

I welcome your financial support to keep Equality Texas moving forward. By harnessing the power and resources of our LGBT and allied community in Texas, we can bring change in five years rather than twenty years!

Thank You.

Paul Boskind, Ph.D. 
Equality Texas Board Member