Q&A with Precinct 2's Kris Banks, Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Affairs

Q: Describe your role with Precinct 2

A: As Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Affairs, my role is working to enact the vision and goals of Commissioner Garcia in regards to public policy and county operations, and to ensure the public understands his vision and goals for Precinct 2. I oversee a few departments and functions, including policy, communications, community relations, and legislative and external affairs.

Q: What do you like most about your role?

A: My favorite part of my job is problem solving. My job involves a range of complex issues, and those complexities can be legal, technical or human. I love working with my Precinct 2 colleagues, who are all experts in their areas, and guiding them from a big picture perspective through these issues.

Q: What does pride month mean to you?

A: The LGBTQ community has a dark history and, in much of the world, a dark present that is full of oppression and persecution, with constant pressure to conceal our identities despite what LGBTQ people and culture contribute to the world. Pride Month is a time to focus on the joyfulness of the community and reflect on how LGBTQ people are a part of the world and help shape it.

Q: What impact do you hope Pride Month has on the broader community?

A: Nothing in the world is inherently permanent, and that includes the gains in rights and acceptance that the LGBTQ community has earned over the past few decades. Pride is a welcoming environment, and it is my hope that people outside the LGBTQ community who are able to experience the joy and spirit of Pride Month will understand and take a firm stand not only against any attempts to roll back rights and acceptance, but that rights and acceptance should be expanded so that everyone can enjoy freedom and respect.