H.R. No. 263
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Brenda Risch has been a leader in the fight for
social justice for members of the LGBTQIA+ communities in Texas,
and their efforts have made a positive difference in numerous
lives; and
WHEREAS, In order to address the needs of LGBTQIA+
communities in El Paso, Dr. Risch led a campaign to establish the
Borderland Rainbow Center, which opened in 2016; they currently
serve as executive director of the organization, and its many
initiatives include support groups, therapy on a sliding scale,
casework, a food pantry, and a variety of social and educational
events; in addition, members of the organization promote equality
in the wider community by training local allies and advocating in
behalf of LGBTQIA+ residents; and
WHEREAS, Prior to working with BRC, Dr. Risch served as
director of the Women's Studies Program at The University of Texas
at El Paso and oversaw the development of internship and research
programs for gender and sexuality studies; they also founded the
Frontera Pride Film Festival in El Paso as well as Engendering
Community, a museum exhibit highlighting LGBTQIA+ people in the
Paso del Norte region; Dr. Risch holds a bachelor's degree in
comparative literature from Northwestern University, a master's
degree and a doctorate in comparative literature from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master's degree
in social work from The University of Texas at El Paso; moreover,
they are a licensed clinical social worker and therapist; and
WHEREAS, Through their myriad endeavors, Dr. Brenda Risch
has helped further inclusion and equality in the Lone Star State,
and they may indeed reflect with pride on their many noteworthy
accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Brenda Risch
for working in behalf of the LGBTQIA+ communities of Texas; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Risch as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
González of El Paso
González of Dallas
Zwiener
Johnson of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 263 was adopted by the House on
October 18, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House