On Friday, October 11, the Montrose Center held its annual Out for Good gala in celebration of National Coming Out Day, where the legendary Tommie Ross received the 2019 LGBTQ Community Vision Award.
500 guests attended the event, raising more than $160,000 in support of the Center’s services, which include Houston’s only LGBTQ-specific senior services. All in all, the Center serves more than 100,000 Houstonians each year and has been empowering LGBTQ Houston since 1978.
The Center presented the 2019 LGBTQ Community Vision Award to Tommie Ross for her leadership, advocacy, and service to our city’s – and our nation’s – LGBTQ communities. A professional drag performer for nearly 40 years, Ross helped desegregate the LGBTQ pageant world and has participated in countless fundraisers, particularly in support of HIV/AIDS and homeless youth. A proud transgender woman, her passions include empowering transgender women and African American performers to celebrate their authentic selves and to uplift one another and their communities.
Her example of strength has paved the way for generations to follow, and her grace and talent make her one of our community’s most respected performers. Guests were delighted by a performance by Ross at the event, as well as her interview with Emcee Deborah Duncan.
“Each of us has our very own inner warrior living within. Sometimes the power we have is noticed sooner by others. There is a unique source of strength in each of us. Knowing yours is key!”
The event was hosted by Event Chairs Mark Jacobs & Shae Keefe-Jacobs and Kendra Walker. Speakers included Board President Gretchen Myers, Board Member Daryl Shorter, Volunteer/ Donor David Ramirez, and Senior Participant Frank Parsley.
Supporters of the event include: Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, City Council Member Robert Gallegos, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Congressman Al Green, City Council Member Candidate Shelley Kennedy, City Council Member Mike Laster, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Executive Director Ann J. Robison, and County Attorney Vince Ryan.
To make a donation in support of the event, please click here. Event photos below and on our Facebook album
