While there have been plenty of local Pride events throughout the month of June, Los Angeles International Airport jumped into the end of the month with an event featuring West Basin Water District Board President Scott Houston.
“I was honored to speak to the EQUAL employee resource group of United Airlines at their Pride Celebration at LAX promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. And while June is the official month we recognize Pride, every day we celebrate the Pride of our LGBTQ community, the significant achievements that have been made, and the work yet to be done to achieve full equality.”
Houston told the lunchtime gathering of United Airlines employees “I first became engaged in political activism as a member of the LGBTQ community with organizations such as Human Rights Campaign and Equality California in our fight for acceptance, equal rights and marriage equality, including being active in the fight against Prop 8.”
That led into a broader political activism in local politics, and “after having been appointed to the public works commission in El Segundo, twice ran unsuccessfully for City Council in El Segundo, and later a successful run for the water board seat in a much larger jurisdiction and dealing with one of the most important topics of our time, water.”
Houston touched on lessons learned along the way, particularly the importance of “not giving up, seeking mentors in politics, and standing for what you believe in as a policymaker. He also mentioned how proud he was to have “the endorsement of openly gay former Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who strongly supported and encouraged me and gave me such wonderful advice and inspiration that I will forever be thankful for.”
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