Texas state Rep. Venton Jones proposed to his longtime partner on Tuesday, on the opening day of the state's 89th legislative session and immediately following Jones's swearing-in ceremony on the Texas House floor.
The Texas House Democratic Caucus Whip and Vice-Chair of the Texas LGBTQ Caucus took to one knee inside the Texas state Capitol where he and his partner, Gregory Scott Jr., were surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.
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Venton Jones and Gregory Scott Jr. Texas House Democratic Caucus
“Today, I took a renewed oath to serve my community with courage, conviction, and love. I made a promise to the person who has stood beside me through every step of this journey,” Jones said in a statement shared with The Advocate. “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. Gregory and I stand as proof that progress is unstoppable, and no amount of hate can erase the truth of who we are.”
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Jones is one of the first out Black gay men to serve as a lawmaker in Texas.
“Gregory and I are building our family and future together. Today, I am sharing that joy with the people who have entrusted me to fight for a better Texas,”Jones added. “Just like I’m working to protect my family, I plan on using my power as the House Democratic Caucus Whip and Vice-Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus to protect all Texans. Our love symbolizes resilience and our story reminds us that love can and will always overcome hate.”
