OutInform: Houston Pride Guide 2017 Issue | Page 31

with different things; Houston, Dallas, El
Paso, The Valley, Tyler, there’s a different
hierarchy of needs going on and it makes
it difficult for folks. The best thing going
on right now is social media and how it
connects people to others and so they
know they’re not alone.
Do you think trans rights are
moving in the right direction in
Houston? In Texas? If not, what
are your suggestions to better
achieve victory?
LOU
WEAVER
Male Grand Marshal
I do think we’re moving in the right
direction, but I think we need to be moving
faster. I think we need to have more people
involved in being advocates for the trans
community. Transphobia affects the entire
LGBTQ spectrum of folks and we need
to have everybody engaged, everybody
willing to stand up for their trans
brothers and sisters and their
non-conforming siblings.
Do you think trans men and trans women
face different issues and/or stereotypes?
Is there unity in the community? Do you
feel the LGB folks are doing enough to
fight for trans rights?
I do think trans men and trans women face
different issues and different stereotypes.
As a perceived white man, I walk through
the world with a lot of privilege and I own
that and I try to open doors for others.
Trans women are facing a much harsher
reality because of misogyny and the
sexism. Trans people of color also have to
deal with racism and people with different
skin colors have a much harder reality.
While there is some unity I think we can
do more and we should do more. We need
the LGB folks to care about trans folks
and understand and open doors and make
ways to elevate the stories and the voices
of transgender people, especially the
transgender people of color.
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OUTINFORM