DANNY AND CHRISTIN ROE

Galveston’s ‘Dynamic Duo’

By Forest Riggs

There is an adage that says, “To know someone, is to love them.” This is indeed the case for Galveston’s much-loved couple, Danny and Christin Roe. One does not have to look too hard to find some activity, cause, fundraiser or event that does not have the involvement of the couple.

Their commitment to the island community is exemplified in their every endeavor and activity. This charming couple, well respected in Galveston, adds a strong sense of professionalism and validity to any project in which they participate. Individually, they each have their own work involvements that are quite challenging and require their expertise and professionalism. Together, they are a powerful force of positivity, credibility and inclusion able to bring success to the many island projects and programs for which they advocate.

She

Christin is a vivacious young woman who continues to make her mark. Born on the island (BOI) and raised in Texas City, she has, over the years, demonstrated her tremendous leadership, organizational and commitment qualities. Being a well-loved bartender in many clubs around the island has made Christin well known. For 21 years, she served patrons from all walks of life with a smile and a loving attitude, all the while remaining very involved in various projects that utilized her expertise and knowledge.

Christin took and entry level position with Access Care Coastal Texas (ACCT), providing assistance to clients and families living with HIV. It was not long before her skills and compassionate work led her to a new position: chief program officer for client services. This position keeps Christin very active and “out there” in the community. In fact, this past year, she was honored by being nominated as one of Galveston’s “40 under 40” award, presented by the Galveston Daily News, recognizing the next generation of leaders under 40 years old across Galveston County. These nominees are considered the “movers and shakers” in the county that, through their work and participation, will be future leaders and contributors to the county’s growth and development.

Over the years, Christin has striven for inclusion and opportunity in her personal mission and work ethic.

“I was so surprised and felt so honored when I was told I had been selected,” Christin said. “Everyone should get involved and not just sit and talk about it, make a difference.”

These days, Christin is busy planning and organizing ACCT’s participation National HIV Testing Day, scheduled June 27.

He

Danny Roe is a bright and affable young man and possesses tremendous drive and leadership qualities. Like Christin, he is also committed to equality and inclusion in all that he does.

Danny moved to Galveston to pursue a degree in Maritime Studies at Texas A&M’s Galveston campus. Having excelled in his studies and demonstrated his leadership qualities, Danny was offered the position of director of student assistant services with the university. This led to his becoming an integral part of the A&M staff, offering him the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of students.

In this position, Roe again excelled. He strived for students to feel welcome, accepted and comfortable with who they are.

Working with the Basic Needs Resource Center, Danny created a program that met and exceeded the needs of the students. A great deal of attention and work was utilized in involving the large transgender population in the community. “In order to build an inclusive and safe community, the students must be able to feel like they are themselves and accepted,” Roe said.

In 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17, banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices from public institutions of higher education. The legislation “generally prohibits colleges and universities from engaging in programs, activities and certain trainings that traditionally may have been conducted by these offices,” according to UNTSystem.edu. 

Unfortunately, when SB17 passed, things changed very quickly at A&M; the programs Danny had built and labored over were facing closure and removal. Additionally, all U.S. programs that were built on inclusivity and acceptance were stopped.

Simultaneously, Covid was terrorizing the country and greatly impacted the program. The fear of contamination, contact risks and caution made its way into the university programs. The future of the students and Danny’s job was in question.

“It was a very scary time for all of us,” Danny said. “Would I be let go? Would I still have a job after this bill?”

Danny met with school administrators and concerned regents seeking answers to his questions. The program had received many accolades and recognition and was too important to be terminated. Danny and the “powers that be” felt the program was pivotal, meaningful and not without merit.

“They could see what we were doing and what we had accomplished,” Danny said.

After much thought and discussion, it was decided to “tweak” the program so that it was not in defiance of SB17. The program, though altered, continued.

They

Danny and Christin met in 2009. From the very beginning, there was a spark between the two. As their friendship grew and they expressed shared goals and common ideas, the two started dating in 2015. Not long after that, both felt a tremendous connection and quickly said yes to marriage. 

“We are like best friends,” Christin said. “We share the joys and even the heartaches in a beautiful way.”

Together, along with Kristin’s young son (now 17), they have created a beautiful, loving family — one that is very involved in Galveston LGBTQ community. No matter what the need or call to assist, this couple is on it. Both Christin and Danny have the attitude to see what needs to be done and do it.

They enjoy helping others and, most of all, creating community in a safe and welcoming environment. They organize and participate in fundraisers and community events and get on board with anything that will promote inclusion, safety and a sense of acceptance.

Their work with the transgender community has progressed by leaps and bounds and continues to offer support and assistance to the large number of transgender folks living in Galveston.

Both Danny and Christin are very hard at work, planning the events that will occur during Third Coast Pride, aka Gay Pride 2026. The parade happens on the third Sunday of October and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“We want this to be a very family friendly event and one that everyone can enjoy,” Danny said.

They will be working under the umbrella of Galveston Island Fundraising of Texas (GIFT), which raises money for assistance and special events.

With a great couple like this duo, things are headed in the right direction — at least for Galveston.

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