The Congressional Equality Caucus announced that Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) will serve as a Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.  The Equality Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and all other gender variant (LGBTQI+) individuals. 

“I am so proud to represent the diverse and dynamic LGBTQI+ community across my district in Houston, including the long-time heart of the community in Montrose,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Since my first term in Congress, I have partnered with our LGBTQI+ community to work as an active member of the Equality Caucus and to fight for our values and for equality.  I am honored to be recognized for that work by being appointed as a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus.  Together, we will continue to fight for equality for LGBTQI+ individuals and against anti-LGBTQI+ efforts in Texas and across our country.  I look forward to building on our progress and working under the leadership of Chair Pocan and the Co-Chairs of the Equality Caucus, as we work to protect the dignity, freedom, and equality of LGBTQI+ individuals.”

“The Equality Caucus begins this Congress with 190 members, its largest membership in history, demonstrating how many members of Congress are ready to stand up and fight for the rights of LGBTQI+ people,” said Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan. “As extremist politicians continue to attack the LGBTQI+ community, the work of the Equality Caucus is more important than ever. Our community deserves equal protection under the law, and that is what our members will fight for every single day.”

"The Chamber is excited to continue our work with Congresswoman Fletcher in her new role as the Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.  Our board and members extend our congratulations and appreciation to Congresswoman Fletcher for taking on this important leadership role and for all she has done for the LGBTQ+ community over the years," said Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.  "She is a champion for the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ owned businesses, as well as the Chamber.  We cannot think of a better choice considering her representation of Montrose, her longtime support of the LGBTQ+ community and her commitment to equality."

Since her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher has been a member of the Equality Caucus and a strong ally of the LGBTQI+ community.  In the 116th and the 117th Congresses, Congresswoman Fletcher co-sponsored and voted for the Equality Act, H.R. 5, to protect LGBTQI+ individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  She also co-sponsored the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, H.R. 4146, to prohibit for-profit conversion therapy; the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act, H.R. 1379, to support at-risk LGBTQI+ youth; and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act, H.R. 2629 to ban the use of “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses in federal court, a tactic to strengthen a defense and explain or excuse a defendant’s actions against LGBTQI+ individuals.  Last year, she voted for the Global Respect Act, H.R. 3485 to deny entry into the U.S. to foreign individuals found responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI+ individuals.  She also voted for the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, H.R. 4176, to require federal surveys to include voluntary and confidential data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity.  

In July, Congresswoman Fletcher co-sponsored and voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 8404, to enshrine marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples in federal law, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provide legal protections for marriage equality.  And in December, she voted for the legislation again after the Senate amended the bill.  Shortly after, it was signed into law by President Biden. 

To view the official announcement from the Equality Caucus, click here.