(Texas Scorecard) – A pro-LGBT organization lists multiple taxpayer-funded entities in Houston as sponsors of its annual “Pride” parade.
The Pride Houston 365 sponsor list includes the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s office, and Houston METRO, according to its website.
Constable Rosen’s contribution was at the platinum level, which a sponsorship presentation pitches as costing $48,000. Both MD Anderson and Houston METRO are credited with silver sponsorships, which cost $12,000.
Both Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump have issued executive orders rejecting gender ideology and prohibiting taxpayer funding of such events.
“MD Anderson sponsors more than 200 local events each year, including Pride Houston, to build trust with the community and those we serve and to raise awareness of our mission. No state-appropriated funds are used for this purpose,” MD Anderson’s public relations office wrote to Texas Scorecard.
MD Anderson is funded in part by taxpayer dollars, grants, and patient revenue.
“METRO does not provide monetary sponsorships for events; however, while details are not finalized, for the Pride event, our involvement may include a public engagement booth or a cooling bus presence,” read a statement by METRO to Texas Scorecard.
A representative for Pride Houston 365 told Texas Scorecard that some in-kind contributions are accepted for the event, but usually those would be labeled as community partner sponsorships, not as platinum or silver sponsorships.
Other sponsors on the list include Legacy Community Health, a non-profit that receives federal and state grant support, and Allies in Hope, which also receives taxpayer funding.
Houston Police LGBT liaison Jo Jones will participate in the event as “Grand Marshal.” Jones also has a permanent office inside the controversial Montrose Center.
The Montrose Center provides “affirming” services to children as young as 7. It also sends counselors into Houston schools to provide LGBT-affirming counseling to students.
Texas Scorecard contacted Constable Rosen’s office to ask if its platinum sponsorship was paid for with tax dollars or private funds, but did not receive a response before publication.
The event is slated for June 28.