By Rachel Afi Quinn
As an assistant professor of Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Comparative Cultural Studies at University of Houston, I’m particularly thrilled to see candidates who make the Texas political landscape reflective of the diversity of Houston. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Fran Watson through the city’s LGBTQ activist networks, and have seen her consistently show up to serve and engage with many different Texas communities. Fran and I traveled to Austin together this spring—as part of a delegation of the Houston-based GLBT Political Caucus—to advocate for our legislators to recognize and respond to the interests of our communities, as well as to be visible as queer black women constituents. I recently sat down with Watson to talk more about her decision to run for Senate District 17 in Texas.
Rachel Afi Quinn: I know you gave it a lot of thought. Why did you ultimately decide to run for Senate District 17?
Fran Watson: I want what’s best for our community. As a volunteer, an activist, and a leader in this community, I’m always thinking of how to improve the quality of life for all of us. This past legislative session revealed some serious shortcomings in our state government that clarified my decision to run for State Senate in SD17. Rather than supplying smart solutions for strengthening our public education system or providing access to quality healthcare and a living wage, the 2017 legislative session in Austin targeted and isolated Texas communities. District 17’s current senator, Joan Huffman, voted for numerous policies that are harmful to our diverse communities, as well as sponsored some of this legislation—even after hearing testimony from hundreds of people who were in opposition. If our elected leaders won’t listen to us, then we must find leaders who will—I’m prepared to step up and be a leader in Austin. My background and experience qualify me for this position, so I’ve made the decision to run against Senator Huffman.
As a queer black Houstonian, what do you bring to the conversation in Austin?
I bring important perspectives into Texas’ debate and current dialogue that are rarely addressed by our current legislature and I’m seeking long-term solutions for us all. For example, in the discussion around healthcare access, I’m uniquely positioned as a black, lesbian, cisgender woman to speak to disparities that are frequently left off the table. In addition to being a practicing attorney who has led several committees and community organizations in and around Houston, I’m also someone with multiple intersecting identities and I’ve served in all of the communities I belong to. As someone who has taken a non-traditional path in various aspects of her life—from education to being a young caretaker to becoming an activist in the community—my ideas and viewpoints come from my own life experiences, and the belief that government should serve us all.
What does your campaign slogan, “People First,” mean to you?
It means a level playing field. It means that all people, regardless of race, gender, immigration status, gender identity, zip code, or upbringing, deserve a good quality of life and access to the opportunity to succeed. As Fannie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody is free until everybody is free.” People-centered policies and solutions must be put in place in Texas for this to happen—and they have to come from our communities. Basic resources must be distributed in an equitable manner. School children in one area should not have to leave their books at school because there are not enough to go around, while students in another area have plenty of books, strong afterschool programs, and tutoring. We must strengthen our school system to ensure that kids in all areas—regardless of zip code—receive a great public education.
What inspires your dedication to public service for and within the Houston community?
I’ve been through some tough times in my life—from losing my mother at a young age to breaking both my legs and being temporarily disabled—and I have dealt with depression as a result of these challenges. But I’ve always recognized a chance for a better life. With community support, all things are achievable. I believe in public service and I am inspired to do the work by those who came before me, like the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan who once said, “It is a privilege to serve people, a privilege that must be earned, and once earned, there is an obligation to do something good with it.” My service is a way to be part of my community’s support system—there are times when any of us could be and will be knocked down and need help getting up. I want to be there in those times of need.
How can we support your campaign?
You can support the People First Campaign by donating your time, energy, talents, and treasures. Whether it is canvassing, hosting an event, making a financial contribution, or spreading the word about why this campaign matters, every level of support helps. If you live in Senate District 17, I ask for your vote and encourage you to ask your friends and neighbors to vote for me as well! If you have an out of the box idea for the movement we’re building, please reach out and let me know. Learn more about this campaign and how to get involved at franwatsonfortexas.com and on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the hashtags #FranforTexas #TeamFran #FranClub and #PeopleFirst.
Fran Watson’s People’s First Campaign Kickoff Event will take place Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at CRU Wine Bar, 2800 Kirby Dr, Ste B130, Houston, TX 77098.
