How Beyoncé Became A Symbol Of Houston’s Fight For LGBT Equality
The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), which would protect LGBT people and many other groups from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, has been contentious since it was first passed in May of 2014. Beyoncé has enough star power that she could single-handedly ensure that HERO survives its challenge at the ballot in one fell swoop. He wrote as much at The Huffington Post, explaining that as “the world’s proudest and most famous Houstonian,”
Beyoncé Knowles “could change the debate” over HERO “with a single post to her over forty million Instagram followers.”
Maza makes a compelling case that it’s reasonable for her to chime in.
Beyoncé is not a stranger to political engagement, having drawn attention in particular to the death of Freddie Gray and supporting the Black Lives Matters movement. She’s also been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality; she celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling this summer with this #LoveWins tribute:
“When I think of Houston, I think of Beyoncé, and vice versa. I think it’s fair to say she’s the most influential Houstonian on the planet right now.
People listen to her. She’s always been a supporter of LGBT equality and her LGBT fans, and she’s used her influence to do a lot of good for her hometown. If she spoke out in favor of HERO, it would be a game-changer. I thought asking for her help was at least worth a shot.” Besides, Maza points out,
“she literally has a song called ‘Save The HERO.'”
“HERO protects everyone, and we’re all in this fight together,” Maza reasons.
Beyoncé’s support would certainly be welcome on the ground in Houston. We also know that Beyoncé loves her hometown as much as we do and HERO just makes Houston an even better place to live in, work in, and visit by protecting people based on 15 characteristics. And you can never underestimate Beyoncé’s ability to capture the attention of young people and we will need them keyed in to help protect HERO.”
So far, Beyoncé has not responded to the campaign, but it’s still early; the ballot language is still being worked out and Houston Unites, the coalition to defend HERO, is still coalescing. Maza doesn’t feel that she has any obligation to engage, but he does believe she would be on board.
“I really, truly believe Beyoncé loves the LGBT community. In her words and in her actions she’s backed her LGBT fans and never shied away from being an ally. And Beyoncé loves Houston. That’s her home. If anyone is going to fight to make sure Houston keeps treating everyone equally, it’s her.”
He’s also confident that if she did speak out, she would be able to do so articulately.
“Beyoncé is smart as hell, and she knows Houston better than anyone.”
Maza doesn’t currently have any plans to reach out to other celebrities because “Beyoncé is probably all I can handle right now.”
“I hope Beyoncé recognizes and supports the truly incredible work they’ve done for their city.”
Read more and find out about HERO here:
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/0...-hero-houston/
what the hell?
