Former Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate, Joins Equality Texas Board

Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization working to advance LGBT equality in the Texas Legislature, has announced the appointment of three new board members, including former Congressman Chris Bell of Houston.

Chris Bell

Chris Bell previously served as the U.S. Congressmen from Texas' 25th district and a Houston City Council Member. In 2006 he was the Democratic candidate for Governor of Texas. While in Congress he co-sponsored the 'Permanent Partners Immigration Act' which sought to give bi-national same sex couples the same consideration in immigration issues that opposite-sex couples receive.

"I have always been an advocate for equality and I'm excited to join the organization doing the most to make it a reality in Texas," Chris said upon his appointment to the board.

Also appointed to the board are Gary Carter of San Antonio and Wade Hyde of Dallas. Carter and Hyde will also serve on the board of the Equality Texas Foundation. (The foundation is the 501(c)3 non-profit arm of Equality Texas; Equality Texas is an advocacy and lobbying organization organization, the Equality Texas Foundation does not engage in lobbying but educates and engages the public on policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.)

Gary Carter

Gary Carter owns and operates the Castroville Cafe, and has served as President and Vice-President of the Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce. For the past several years, Gary has been one of the driving forces behind the success of Equality Texas' Spirit of Texas Brunch in San Antonio.

Gary said, "I am proud of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness in San Antonio of the important work being done by Equality Texas. I look forward to continuing those efforts as a board member."

Wade Hyde

Wade Hyde is a published writer and columnist, a member of the National Writers Union, and currently serves as an adjunct instructor of marketing at El Centro College in Dallas.

"There's no question that Equality Texas has accomplished some remarkable feats in our state over the past few years," Hyde said. "As a new board member, I'm excited to be able to help this great organization accomplish even more in the next few years."