Houston GLBT Political Caucus

The Houston GLBT Political Caucus (also officially known as the HGLBTPC) is the South's oldest civil rights organization dedicated solely to the advancement of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights. It was founded in 1975, and is the largest GLBT political organization in the city of Houston and Harris County. It is known locally simply as "The Caucus." The Caucus is nonpartisan and endorses candidates on the basis of their support for GLBT rights, regardless of political party or candidate's sexual orientation.

In 1977 it was known as the Texas Gay Political Caucus.

From 1980 to 1985 was known as the Houston Gay Political Caucus or simply the Gay Political Caucus. By 1991 it was known as the Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.

The Caucus was founded in June 1975 by four dedicated gay and lesbian activists (Pokey Anderson, Bill Buie, Hugh Crell, and Keith McGee) long before gay rights became a major national issue. From its earliest moments, the organization emphasized electing candidates who were gay-friendly and had made specific commitments to support issues important to Houston's GLBT community. Its first president was Gary Van Ooteghem, who served from 1975 through the middle of 1977. A Houston Chronicle photo of early GLBT advocates Ray Hill, Pokey Anderson, Jerry Miller, and Rev. Bob Falls is often mistaken for being a picture of the founders of The Caucus because many early activists, including some of the true founders were very closeted and were afraid to have their photo published.

Don Hrachovy, who served as president in 1977 until his employer sent him to Saudi Arabia, worked tirelessly to compile names and voter information for members of Houston's gay community and used it to build a much admired mailing list. "The List" allowed the organization to mobilize effectively the gay community during elections and remains its most powerful organizing tool today.

The screening committee was first chaired by Leland Marsters, who represented Precinct 34 (lower Westheimer) on the Harris County Democratic Executive Committee. His political experience was quite valuable to the new organization. For example, many leaders planned to attend a conference in San Antonio one weekend in May 1976. The Democratic primary was held on Saturday; it was crucial to re-elect state Rep. Ron Waters in the Montrose/Heights district. Marsters astutely urged everyone going out of town to vote absentee. He was a driving force in getting the Caucus involved in local politics.

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