The push during this legislative session, I learned at the Merry Merry Martini Mixer for Equality Texas, will be behind anti-discrimination bills in the areas of jobs and insurance. Good places to start, says director Chuck Smith.
Jenny Young and Kimmi Selinger
Last session, the lobby did spectacularly well helping to pass anti-bullying laws. Voices in the community now demand action on marriage equality. That’s not on the near horizon for Texas, Smith says, but if some legislator wants to get out in front of history, Equality Texas might consider it.
The Mixer is undiluted fun. This year, it was staged in tent over surface parking at 400 Congress Avenue, a site often utilized during festivals. A Moroccan theme meant fire dancers, belly dancers and a Bactrian camel, which Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo dutifully saddled while shooting the Hook ‘Em Horns sign. He’s a good sport and a good friend of the community.
His wife, Tanya Acevedo, looked smashing as usual. Also mingling among the crowd — mostly in their twenties and thirties — were social connectors Kevin Smothers, Stephen Rice, Mark Erwin, Tim McCabe, Scott Ballew, Allan Baker, John Hogg, Micah King, Graydon Parrish and others.