FORT WORTH -- Attorney Jon Nelson has been elected president of Fairness Fort Worth, an advocacy group for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender members of the community.
The 66-year-old trial lawyer was voted in by acclimation on Friday, Fairness said in a news release.He takes the helm immediately after the suspected suicide of long-time president Thomas R. Anable, 59. One of the group's founding members, Anable was found dead on Aug. 18 at Dutch Branch Park at Benbrook Lake of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said."Obviously, it was a tremendous shock and loss," Nelson told the Star-Telegram afterward. "We plan to continue with the group to solidify his legacy."In a news release, he said: "Tom's tireless efforts for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community created a firm foundation upon which we are eager to build. The next chapter in obtaining full equality for all of our citizens begins today. We're encouraged by the growing empowerment within our community and by the eagerness of allies in government, business and civic engagement who walk with us."Nelson has served as the group's spokesperson since it formed in the wake of what many called a raid at the Rainbow Lounge in June 2009.Anable, an accountant for the bar, was present when Fort Worth police and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission entered for what they called a bar inspection. Patrons insisted that it was a raid. Fort Worth settled with two injured patrons -- paying $50,000 to George Armstrong, who suffered a torn rotator cuff, and $400,000 to Chad Gibson, who sustained a head injury. The two agreed not to file a federal civil-rights lawsuits.The incident was the springboard for the creation of Fairness Fort Worth. Anable had been president of the group since June 2010.Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead initially was criticized over the incident, and later reached out to improve communication with the gay community.Fairness Fort Worth moved on to partner with city officials, strengthening anti-discrimination ordinances and developing provisions for partner benefits. Many Fairness Fort Worth members volunteer to teach an LGBT Awareness class for city employees to foster improved relations for citizens and visitors, expanding Fort Worth's tourism and employment base.More than 90 percent of all city employees have completed the training.Building upon that experience, Fairness Fort Worth worked with FWISD officials to prepare counselor training on anti-bullying and methods to insure LGBT youth can participate safely in school life, the release said."We will continue to reach out within Tarrant County and look forward to working with the growing number of regional governments and employers who are coming to understand that, by definition, equal rights and opportunities for everyone include our LGBT family," Nelson said.Marty Sabota, 817-390-7367Twitter: @martysabotaHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
