A Personal Letter from Larry Bagneris

"Taking Care of Our Own"

As a citizen of the City of New Orleans and a proud gay man, I would like to personally thank you for contributing to the Pride Houston/Hurricane Relief Fund.

For years, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to relief efforts across the globe without recognition and without assurance that the special needs of GLBT victims are addressed. Too often, our own people are victimized again by homophobic service providers.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have the opportunity to directly assist GLBT evacuees from my hometown and the surrounding area who are now in the Houston area and are coming to the area. In helping these individuals and families, we will be recognized as the GLBT community taking care of our own. By helping evacuees today, we are also helping to ensure the future development of a city that is not only my home, but also a city that has been home to all of us in so many ways. We have enjoyed the food and music of New Orleans and we have spent many memorable occasions in the Big Easy, such as Southern Decadence, Halloween, Jazz Fest and, of course, Mardi Gras. Last year, the city hosted the International Conference of Lesbian/Gay Officials.

Now, I personally invite you to make a major contribution, in the name of our GLBT community, to be used by the Montrose Counseling Center for services to GLBT evacuees in the Houston area. Please donate online or download a donation form to mail a check.

Genuinely and respectfully
requesting your assistance,



Larry Bagneris, Jr.