State Representative Venton Jones made history not only as one of the first openly gay Black men elected to the Texas Legislature but also through a deeply personal and symbolic act. On the first day of the legislative session, in the heart of a building where LGBTQ rights often face legislative challenges, Jones proposed to his long-time partner, Gregory Scott Jr.
The emotional moment, captured on video, occurred as the Texas House recessed. Jones, after taking an oath to serve his community, knelt and asked Scott to marry him. In his statement, Jones emphasized the resilience of their love amidst adversity. “In a time when our love and our very existence are challenged, often in the halls of this very building, this moment is a reminder that love conquers all,” he said.
Jones has faced an uphill battle in a state where LGBTQ rights remain under constant threat. The 2023 legislative session alone saw dozens of bills aimed at restricting LGBTQ freedoms, particularly targeting transgender youth. Yet, Jones used his position as Democratic Caucus Whip and Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus to stand firm against such policies. His proposal serves as a poignant declaration of love and resistance.
“Our love symbolizes resilience and our story reminds us that love can and will always overcome hate,” Jones declared. His act of courage and vulnerability at the Capitol underscores a broader narrative: that progress, no matter how slow or contested, remains unstoppable.