The Diamonds
The suit of Diamonds historically represents the merchant class and the accumulation of financial resources. Our suit of Diamonds members have dazzled the community through their efforts in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and fundraising for the LGBTQIA+ community.
John Lawrence and Tyron Garner
Ace of Diamonds
Plaintiffs in landmark Lawrence vs Texas Supreme Court case ruling prosecution of sodomy unconstitutional.
Kelly Bennett, MD
4 or Diamonds
Openly Lesbian Physician; advocating for and creating LGBTQ+ educational material for medical community
Black Tie Dinner
7 of Diamonds
Dallas LGTBQ+ philanthropic non-profit; raised > $25 million since 1982 for North Texas queer organizations
Mary E Gonzalez
10 of Diamonds
State Rep. for House District 75, founder of the Texas LGBTQ+ Caucus; first openly pansexual elected US official
Glen Maxey
Jack of Diamonds
First openly gay member of the Texas legislature, HIV activist, won Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Brian Klosterboer, JD
2 of Diamonds
ACLU staff attorney; litigates to protect LGBTQ+ rights and families, end police violence & transform Texas
Ricardo Martinez
5 of Diamonds
LGBTQ+ Advocate for equity and social justice; CEO of Equality Texas, work with Stand for Children & GLSEN
Veronica Escobar
8 of Diamonds
First woman elected to Texas 16th Congressional District; former El Paso County Commissioner & Judge; native El Pasoan
Texas Pride Impact Funds
King of Diamonds
LGBTQ non-profit foundation raising money to secure the future of LGBTQ+ people in Texas, founded in 2015
Guadalupe "Lupe" Valdez
3 of Diamonds
First openly Lesbian sheriff in Texas; gubenatorial candidate; veteran, daughter of migrant farmworkers
Dee Pennington
6 of Diamonds
LGBTQ+ volunteer, advocate, fundraising maven; founder of Chick Happy Hour social network
Annise Parker
9 of Diamonds
First Lesbian mayor of a major US city -Houston; advocate for LGBTQ+ leadership & political representation
Phyllis Randolph Frye, MBA, JD
Queen of Diamonds
First openly transgender Judge appointed in the world; trangender rights activist; veteran, civil enginner