April Ayers
Photo by: Dalton DeHart
April Ayers has been an activist since 2003, volunteering with HRC as a Federal Club co-chair in Houston, Texas for several years. Her motivation for getting involved is a great story. Ayers explains:
A year after I came out , I started hearing my elected officials, including the President of the United States, talking about passing constitutional amendments to deny LGBT people the right to marry. I was confused. How could any state or federal constitution be used to limit anyone's rights?
One of those people was Texas State Representative Martha Wong. She was my elected official and her district included Houston's Montrose area. The Montrose area is Houston's LGBT neighborhood and has a large LGBT population. During committee, Martha Wong voted in favor of adding an amendment to the state constitution denying LGBT people the right to marry. When the voting results came out on this referendum, Martha Wong's district was one of the few districts that voted against it. Martha Wong did not represent her constituency due to her own prejudices.
As a result, I created a website and t-shirts with a Martha Wong is Wrong logo. I researched her voting records and exposed her tendency to say one thing but vote a different way that was picked up by several local publications. I am thrilled to be able to say that Martha Wong lost her reelection campaign!
Ayers went on to volunteering with HRC once again in 2014 as a Membership co-chair. In addition to HRC, Ayers has served on the board of the Houston LGBT Political Caucus, on the board of the Houston Community Center and on the national board of directors of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.
As a current member of the HRC steering committee, Ayers is also involved in a great deal of outreach work, including participating extensively in Houston Unites, the team that fought for the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO); working with the local NAACP chapter; Legacy Community Services; the Houston Victory Fund team; and other local groups.
And now Ayers is really in the spotlight as one of the tri-chairs of this year's HRC 19th Annual Houston Gala taking place on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Hilton Americas Houston. Here's Ayers on why HRC is still relevant and why events like the Gala are so vital.
Why is HRC still relevant now that gay marriage is legal?
We won nationwide marriage equality; but the fight for full LGBT equality has not yet been won. Not by a long shot. With the onslaught of anti-LGBT bills around the country this year -- including a huge uptick in bills specifically attacking the transgender community, we're reminded of a broader reality: discrimination against LGBT people is alive and well in our country.
As the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the nation, the Human Rights Campaign seeks to build on positive momentum from the marriage ruling to make progress in two key areas. First, fight for protections for LGBT people at the federal, state and local level and, second, to improve the lived experiences of all LGBT Americans, especially those who experience inequality, prejudice and injustice in their daily lives.
Why is it important for members of the LGBT community to be involved with HRC?
HRC runs a lot of important LGBT programs. Just some of these include:
Aggressively pushing for the passage of the Equality Act, comprehensive new federal LGBT non-discrimination legislation.
Working to address the horrific violence that threatens many transgender people -- and especially transgender women of color -- and continue our programmatic efforts to one day achieve an AIDS-free generation.
Working with state groups to push for LGBT equality and defeat state and local laws that target LGBT people.
Creating safe and welcoming schools for all children and families through HRC's Welcoming Schools program.
A comprehensive, multi-year campaign to dramatically expand LGBT equality in the South, including permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas through HRC's Project One America.
Working with corporations around the country to promote non-discrimination policies and benefits for their LGBT employees through the Corporate Equality Index.
2016 HRC Houston Gala Dinner Tri-chairs
Photo by: Dalton DeHart
What has been the biggest challenge in terms of serving as a tri-chair for Gala?
Getting ready for the gala is a big task. Along with the tri-chairs, there is a gala committee who is responsible for ticket sales, obtaining corporate sponsorships, obtaining silent auction items, other gala entertainment (dj for the after party, etc), local marketing and a host of other details. The tri-chairs and the gala committee are all volunteers doing this on their spare time.
What has been the biggest surprise you've encountered since planning for Gala and/or serving on the board?
The amount of support that we receive from businesses and individuals that are not in the LGBT community.
What has been one the most rewarding aspect of being involved with HRC and Gala?
One of the most rewarding experiences I have had is attending the Gala itself in past years, hearing the motivational words from known entertainers and other personal heroes talking about LGBT rights.
Does one need a date to go to Gala?
Not at all. There is a prominent couple in town (Carol and Sallie Wyatt-Woodell) who host a number of tables that are dedicated to people meeting new friends. Every year, they host a pre-gala meet and greet at their home and their tables are known to be very fun.
Why should people come to Gala?
The galas around the country are a big part of HRC. Besides the fact that they are fun, they provide a mechanism for people to hear about the work and get involved. The events raise critical funds for HRC in the fight for full LGBT equality.
2015 HRC Houston Gala Dinner
Photo by: Dalton DeHart
What can guests at Gala expect?
Guests at the gala can expect a full evening with an extensive silent auction, dinner and a program that will showcase known entertainers and political figures speaking about LGBT equality, and, of course, a fabulous after party.