Houston LGBT Community Activist Shares her Creating Change Experience
By Andrew Edmonson
Lynette Ross Houston Creating Change Host Committee Co-Chair.
In January 29-February 2, 2014 we’ll be hosting the 26th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Houston, TX. Lynette Ross is co-chair for the Houston host committee for the conference. Below is a question and answer with Lynette about her experience at Creating Change.
Q. Which Creating Change conferences have you attended in the past?
A. Last Year in Atlanta 2013
Q. What are the 3 biggest learnings/discoveries/takeaways that you gleaned from the Creating Change Conference you attended?
A. Well, One…We not only want to come together as a community, but we are eager and will to do so; across generations, races and gender expression…. Two…We have much to learn from each other and much to teach each other…. and Finally Three… We have a seat at the table FINALLY, and it is time for us to lean in, throw our eblows out and enlarge our presence.
Q.What suprised you the most about the Creating Change Conference you attended?
A. The level of passion, energy, and commitment. It was palpable. I left there believing we could change the world. No, more than that, I left there believing there is no group better suited to lead the way to a truly inclusive world than the LGBTQ community. It is OUR time!
Q. What would you say to someone considering make the financial investment to attend Creating Change in Houston 2014?
A. First, there are a number of avenues and ways to decrease the cost of attending CC2014. Explore them all – especially volunteering. That being said, what is a world where being queer is a non-issue worth to you? Start saving now – $15 week (most of us throw that much a way and more in a week) and you’ll have it!
Q. What motivated you to volunteer to lead the 2014 Creating Change Organizing Committee?
A. As a pastor, I feel called to help heal those who have been wounded by organized religion. One of the ways you heal that wound is to be seen, have a voice, take a stand. I am excited to be doing that with so many amazing people. Also, the Houston LGBT Community is not particularly cohesive and CC2014 is a way to bring us together and hopefully maintain that togetherness after the conference.
Q. Is there anything else about your Creating Change experience that you haven’t told us that you’d like to share with us?
A. Whatever voice in your head is telling you not to attend, not to get involved – ignore it!
Lynette Ross is pastor of Houston’s Cathedral of Hope. She has long been active in Houston’s LGBT community, volunteering for many organizations, including serving on the board of directors of the Lesbian Health Initiative and acting as co-chair of LHI’s 2013 Annual Gala and Fundraiser.
