In politics, money talks. That's a lesson supporters of underfunded gay and lesbian candidates for public office have learned — and the results have been impressive.
The growing clout of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered political candidates and their allies was apparent Sunday as more than 700 supporters filled the mammoth Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom for the Victory Fund "Out to Win" Houston Champagne Brunch.
The event, which raised more than $200,000 to support gay and gay-friendly political candidates, featured Mayor Annise Parker, Texas State Rep. Mary Gonzalez, Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims and Arizona congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema.
"The Victory Fund didn't back me because I am openly lesbian. The Victory Fund backed me because I was a good candidate."
All credited financial donations from the Victory Fund for allowing them to be considered as viable candidates. Sinema is the first openly bisexual member of Congress while Sims is the first openly gay candidate elected to the legislature in Pennsylvania and Gonzales is the first in Texas in more than a decade. Parker is the first openly gay mayor to be elected in one of the nation's top 10 most populous cities.
In a rousing speech, Parker, who has received financial support from the Victory Fund in a host of city political races, told the audience that her election had helped change perceptions about Houston around the world as a more tolerant and welcoming city.
"The Victory Fund didn't back me because I am openly lesbian. The Victory Fund backed me because I was a good candidate, I am a good officeholder and I come to work every day where everyone knows that I am an out lesbian. That's the difference," Parker said.
Sims noted that Parker also serves as inspiration to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, queer, questioning, intersexive allied people all over the country—LGBTTQQIAA."
"My mother calls us the ABS community — All But Straight. How are the ABSer's today? We're awesome, mom. We're fabulous," Sims said to laughter and wild applause.
Co-chairs Richard Holt and Robin Brown, both members of the Victory Fund Campaign Board, were thrilled with the turnout and financial support. They shared their enthusiasm with Houston Victory Campaign Board members Alex Martinez and David Arpin, Truman Edminster, April Ayers, Rob Caballero, Bill Colburn, Bryan Hlavinka, Ryan Leach, Jenifer Rene Pool and Lou Weaver.
Also on hand were a host of gay-friendly officeholders, including Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, newly elected Texas State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Texas House of Representatives members Carol Alvarado, Jessica Farrar and Garnet Coleman and Houston city council members Stephen Costello, Ellen Cohen, Mike Laster and Larry Green.
Texas State Rep. Mary Gonzales, from left, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), Mayor Annise Parker, Victory Fund president and CEO Chuck Wolfe and Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims
