HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire has recently removed all existing members of Houston’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, following repeated demands from board members for greater access to his office. The dismissals, announced via email by Scout Odegaard—his senior adviser on boards and commissions—were effective immediately due to the expiration of all members’ official terms in 2020.

The board, originally created in 2016 by former mayor Sylvester Turner in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting, served as a liaison between Houston’s LGBTQ community and city hall, comprising up to 49 members—later revised to a 23-person maximum to avoid politicization.

Frustrations Over Lack of Access

Former board chair Jacques Bourgeois said that since Whitmire took office in early 2024, he requested multiple meetings—often five or more—without success, having received only one response from the mayor’s office appointing future candidate interviews. Bourgeois believes his repeated outreach led directly to the board’s removal, stating, “If we can’t move with you, we’re moving against you,” and calling the dismissals retaliatory.

A “More Effective” Board or Political Pushback?

Mayor Whitmire defended the move, citing the board’s inactivity and pledging to appoint a smaller, more effective group. He emphasized that his administration will rely on informal, ongoing engagement with LGBTQ community members rather than a large formal board. He noted that many of those removed had not been re-engaged since term expirations and criticized what he described as political posturing by previous members.

Only one new member—Clay Melder, a vice president at Amegy Bank with prior experience in community and corporate LGBTQ leadership—has been appointed so far, with more pending.

Community and Expert Reactions

Critics argue that the board’s removal undermines local LGBTQ advocacy, particularly in a political climate where protections for LGBTQ+ rights are under increased threat. David Maly, a former board member, warned that the message to activists is chilling: “You can be here and a part of things as long as you don’t say too much”.

Supporters of the mayor’s choice say turnover is standard when administrations change and argue that fresh voices can reinvigorate civic boards. However, advocacy leaders remain skeptical, pointing to broader distrust following the lack of formal communication since Whitmire assumed office