Eighteen scholarships totaling $87,000 were awarded July 9 to gay youth during the monthly meeting of the Houston chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian & Gays.

The scholarships are awarded to honor the outstanding achievements of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender high school and college students between the ages of 18 and 24, said PFLAG officials. Two and four-year scholarships were awarded during the meeting.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” said Linda Enger, who is a member of the Scholarship Board. “I get goose bumps every time I talk about it.”

Enger said applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA, show a need for funds and be active in their community. The y must also write an essay and go through an interview process.

“These kids are pretty amazing,” she said.

For information on applying for the scholarships, call 713-467-3524 or e-mail helpline@pflaghouston.org.

HRC endorses Cohen for state representaive

The Human Rights Campaign has endorsed Ellen Cohen for the state representative District 134 seat. Officials said an endorsement of Cohen from the nationally-focused political organization signifies a willingness to broaden their scope when they are able to make a difference on a more localize local.

In addition to the endorsement, which will allow HRC Houston to host fundraisers and meet-and-greets using its membership database, HRC President Joe Solmonese personally delivered a campaign contribution of $5,000 to Cohen.

“I am honored to have the emotional and financial investment of the Human Rights Campaign. I feel extremely fortunate to have so many supporters living in the district and in my corner,” said Cohen. “The people of District 134 have voted for equality and against discrimination.

They deserve to have a representative that will stand with them and advocate for them in Austin.”

Cohen has served for the last 15 years as the president and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center, which is dedicated to eliminating domestic and sexual violence.

“Ellen Cohen is an amazing candidate. Not only does she understand the importance of respecting individual rights to privacy and equality for GLBT families, she also understands the need to get our healthcare, environmental and educational programs back on track,” said Mike Holloman, Houston member of the national HRC Board of Directors. “Because of this, HRC is delighted to offer one of its first ‘state-level’ endorsements to Ellen Cohen, and we look forward to working with her during her campaign and once she is elected.”

Regularly called one of the “races to watch” in Texas, Cohen’s campaign has never shied from her support of the GLBT community. She recently attended an HRC-hosted fundraiser for her campaign and spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion, whether gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Transgender, HIV/AIDS activist Brenda Thomas to be honored

The Houston Transgender Unity Committee will hold a party and reception July 28 to honor transgender and HIV activist Brenda Thomas.

The event will take place at Omega House, 602 Branard St. from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at. Finger foods, cake, and soft drinks will be served.

Friends of Thomas, who is Unity Committee executive director, are invited, along with others in the community. Due to limited space at the facility, the Unity Committee board is asking guests to limit their visit with Thomas to 15 minutes.

Thomas has expressed that donations to the Unity Committee’s Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund be made in lieu of gifts.

Guests are asked to RSVP with the time they plan to attend by sending an e-mail to info@houstontransgenderunity.org, or by calling Melanie Rudd at 281-347-6878.

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