Houston Non-Profit CEO Shocks Community with National Recognition
Ian Haddock, the founder and CEO of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, a Houston-based non-profit organization supporting black queer plus individuals, has been selected to appear on this year's Out100 list. This prestigious recognition celebrates the nation's most influential and impactful LGBTQ+ people across various fields.
Haddock was stunned upon learning he would be honored by Out Magazine, an annual event that showcases trailblazing LGBTQ+ individuals in entertainment, politics, activism, sports, and more. "When I look at the names of the Out100, I'm like, yeah. You got it right," Haddock said with a mix of humility and gratitude.
However, when he found out he was nominated, an imposter set in β he jokingly expressed his desire to share more about his work to prove himself worthy of the recognition. Instead, Out Magazine's representative politely told him that they already knew what he had accomplished through his non-profit.
Haddock founded The Normal Anomaly Initiative as a blog in 2016, providing a safe space for black queer plus individuals to share their stories. Over time, the organization gained non-profit status and expanded its services to include advocacy, community empowerment, and direct support like HIV testing and employment assistance. One notable achievement is the development of Texas' first Black Queer Music Festival.
The initiative's mission stems from Haddock's personal experience as an unhoused teenager in Houston at just 16 years old. He witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community and has dedicated his work to eliminating barriers for marginalized individuals.
"For me, community has saved, embraced, and changed my life," Haddock said. "I cannot do anything but advocate for people with HIV β but all marginalized people."
Haddock's story serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have when driven by passion and conviction. His selection to the Out100 list is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless work in empowering black queer plus individuals, and he continues to inspire hope and resilience through The Normal Anomaly Initiative.
Ian Haddock, the founder and CEO of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, a Houston-based non-profit organization supporting black queer plus individuals, has been selected to appear on this year's Out100 list. This prestigious recognition celebrates the nation's most influential and impactful LGBTQ+ people across various fields.
Haddock was stunned upon learning he would be honored by Out Magazine, an annual event that showcases trailblazing LGBTQ+ individuals in entertainment, politics, activism, sports, and more. "When I look at the names of the Out100, I'm like, yeah. You got it right," Haddock said with a mix of humility and gratitude.
However, when he found out he was nominated, an imposter set in β he jokingly expressed his desire to share more about his work to prove himself worthy of the recognition. Instead, Out Magazine's representative politely told him that they already knew what he had accomplished through his non-profit.
Haddock founded The Normal Anomaly Initiative as a blog in 2016, providing a safe space for black queer plus individuals to share their stories. Over time, the organization gained non-profit status and expanded its services to include advocacy, community empowerment, and direct support like HIV testing and employment assistance. One notable achievement is the development of Texas' first Black Queer Music Festival.
The initiative's mission stems from Haddock's personal experience as an unhoused teenager in Houston at just 16 years old. He witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community and has dedicated his work to eliminating barriers for marginalized individuals.
"For me, community has saved, embraced, and changed my life," Haddock said. "I cannot do anything but advocate for people with HIV β but all marginalized people."
Haddock's story serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have when driven by passion and conviction. His selection to the Out100 list is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless work in empowering black queer plus individuals, and he continues to inspire hope and resilience through The Normal Anomaly Initiative.