(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Doug Magditch – HisBigD.com
“I like doing things that, hopefully, make for a better community for us.” – Michael Doughman
In 1984, Michael Doughman was invited to perform at an AIDS-related fundraiser at the Round-Up Saloon (the old Round-Up Saloon, before it burned down). It was then he decided it was time to get involved.
Since then, he’s been a part of just about every organization that’s in any way associated with Dallas’ LGBT community. The cause that he champions the most through his community advocacy is HIV/AIDS.
“A lot of our younger generation don’t consider it that serious anymore. The truth is, there’s still need for research and study and there’s still, obviously, a need for care of people living with the disease,” explained Doughman.
These days, Doughman serves on the Dallas Diversity Council, and works as the executive director of the Dallas Tavern Guild. (That’s the organization behind Dallas Pride, as well as the GLBT Press Tour, Voice of Pride competition, and holiday gift projects.)
“All those things, in their own way, have made, what I consider to be, important contributions to giving us a better community. So, I stay very involved with those,” said Doughman.
Perhaps the best way to explain Doughman’s contribution to Dallas’ gay community is to hear it from someone else…
“Michael has changed the image of Dallas in the LGBT community around the world through his dedication and strategic participation and promotion of Dallas,” wrote Cordey Lash, in a recommendation on Doughman’s LinkedIn profile. He continued, “Our city and community would relinquish much of its respect and presence without this man!
How about that?
And things are still changing for Dallas. Doughman says he’s most excited about the recent resurrection of the Cedar Springs Merchant Association.
“We’re really making some inroads towards improving the neighborhood and the appearance of the neighborhood. We’re making it cleaner and safer for the daytime retail merchants and for people to come and, not only go to bars and go out to the nightlife, but to come and shop and eat and socialize,” he said.
Expect things to only get better, if Doughman has anything to say about it.
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