LULAC SAYS ARRIBA TO PRIDE MONTH 2024!
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Organization Urges All Americans to Embrace Our Diversity and Calls for Respect for All
Washington, DC - As we kick off Pride Month 2024, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) proudly joins millions nationwide in celebrating the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community. LULAC is committed to fostering an inclusive society where everyone is respected and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
"Our nation was founded on liberty and justice for all," says Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. "The U.S. Constitution guarantees protection and equal treatment under the law for every citizen, including our LGBTQIA+ community. LULAC is fighting discrimination, advocating equality and inclusion, and the right to live free of fear," he says.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment, sparking a series of protests that catalyzed the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality. This historic uprising laid the foundation for the annual celebration of Pride.
"LULAC's dedication to civil rights extends to our LGBTQIA+ community," says Rodolfo "Rudy" Rosales Jr., LULAC National LGBTQIA+ Committee Chair. "We celebrate Pride Month to honor our past and inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality. We stand together for a more inclusive society," adds Rosales.
Latino LGBTQIA+ individuals have significantly contributed to our culture and society throughout history. Icons such as Sylvia Rivera, a key figure in the Stonewall Riots, Ricky Martin, a global music superstar and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, and Dan Guerrero, an influential activist and storyteller, exemplify the courage and resilience of our community.
"LULAC has much to be proud of this Pride Month," says Jesus Garcia, immediate past LGBTQIA+ national committee chair. "LGBTQIA+ council members continue to be among the most active and philanthropic individuals within LULAC, raising thousands of dollars for scholarships, sponsoring youth councils, and actively participating at all levels," he adds.
LGBTQIA+ LULAC in Washington, DC, is on the move!
Bingo Fundraiser: LULAC Lambda partnered with D.C. Sisters in a Sunday Bingo for LULAC scholarships. The event helped raise $536.66! This year, LULAC Lambda raised enough funds to award two $2,500 Scholarships.
Youth Mentorship: LULAC Lambda helped fund initiatives where LULAC mentors visit with teens biweekly to discuss their well-being, professional goals, handling conflict, and using technology wisely.
Migrant Donations: LULAC Lambda coordinated multiple donations to assist migrants arriving on buses being sent from Texas without any resources. We collected more than 4,000 personal supply items from DC LULAC councils.
Washington Summit: LULAC Lambda, in partnership with the National LULAC Office, hosted a LULAC LGBTQ Leadership Unity Summit in November 2022 during a landmark 3-day event with 50 attendees.
LGBTQIA civil rights have witnessed overwhelming backing of the LULAC national convention membership for nearly two decades:
- 2019 LULAC Supports the Equality Act
- 2019 LULAC Opposes the Mistreatment of Transgender Asylum Seekers
- 2019 LULAC Supports Transgender Members of the U.S. Armed Services
- 2018 LULAC Opposes Conversion Therapy
- 2017 Affirming and Protecting the Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
- 2012 Resolution Supporting Marriage Equality
- 2009 Employment for All
- 2008 To Urge the U.S. Congress to Pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell)
"Pride Month is a celebration of authenticity and the freedom to live openly and proudly, states Amanda De Los Santos, Texas LULAC LGBTQIA+ committee chair. "It is a call to action for allies to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, amplifying our voices and ensuring that our rights are protected and respected," she says.
J.R. Mendoza, president of LULAC "Rainbow" Council #4871, says, "Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, highlights our struggle for justice, we get to shine, and show how important we are to the community. Our rights are constantly under attack, and our positive work year-round demonstrates that we deserve the same rights as everyone."
As we celebrate Pride Month 2024, LULAC encourages all Americans to embrace diversity and show respect for all individuals. By standing together and supporting each other, we can create a world where love, acceptance, and equality are the cornerstones of our society. Arriba with Pride!
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