Written by LGBTQ ally Alissa Chaney 

Friends of the arts and allies, there are things currently going on in our city that should be disturbing to all of us- and should be spoken out against. 

Lubbock city "leaders" have made the decision to pull funding from the Hotel Occupancy tax funded 2024 cultural arts funded grant because of their support and openness to LGBTQ+ themed exhibits. $30,000 is a drop in the pockets of some business people in this city, but to LHUCA and the artists it supports, a $30,000 loss can shut it down.

Theater and the arts have long been places of acceptance, safety, beauty and education that push the boundaries of tolerance, acceptance, and kindness. This is censorship of something because people in power disagree with it and think it’s wrong. Pure and simple. If city council members went after something like Christ in the Arts, people would lose their minds… but because it supports topics that make people uncomfortable, the greater populace will just go with it. Taking away opportunities from others because you disagree with them or don’t understand them is NOT what civil leaders are supposed to do. 

One very new member who ran unopposed was given a megaphone to amplify his personal views and was given the power of votes to negatively impact the lives and livelihood of many artists in this community.

Today's decision glaringly demonstrates the importance of voting and running for office and speaking out against people using their power to bestow their narrow, small minded thoughts and opinions upon everyone else. This is not ok- this is not your job as a city leader. 

Please take the time to sign this petition and show your support for inclusivity in the arts and demand Lubbock leaders restore funding.