Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Background Information
In 2006, the League of United Latin American Citizens approved the formation of the LULAC Dallas Rainbow Council #4871 in Dallas, Texas and founded by community advocate Jesse Garcia. Since that time, LULAC – the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization – has taken bold steps to advance equal justice under law for all Latinos—including our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) sisters and brothers. Through direct action and national resolutions, LULAC and its membership have stood firm on the rights of LGBT Americans to:
- be protected from hate crimes
- work free from discrimination
- to serve openly and honestly in the U.S. Armed Services
- allow bi-national couples to stay together by updating antiquated immigration laws, and
- officially oppose federal marriage laws that discriminate against couples who have entered legal unions in their state.
LULAC mourns alongside the LGBT community, which is suffering through a horrible increase of LGBT youth suicides. LULAC shares a commitment with the LGBT community to fight HIV/AIDS, an epidemic which has afflicted our communities in greater numbers compared to other segments of society. We recognize and appreciate the mutual support from local, state and national LGBT organizations that stand with the Hispanic community on its quest for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
Initiatives
The League of United Latin American Citizens’ advocacy and policy programs seek to advance the well-being of the Latino community through local, state and federal policy advocacy, general capacity building, issue-based technical assistance for community advocates, and public education through its media properties. Continuing in the tradition of LULAC Council 4871, LULAC fosters dialogue between the Hispanic and LGBT community, both of whom share a common goal: full equality.
This is accomplished through collaborative policy and advocacy partnerships with LGBT human rights organizations, policy briefings on LGBT and LGBT Latino issues at the LULAC National Convention, and the grassroots work of LULAC members. Our work to advance LGBT equality moves through the various LULAC networks, such as the LULAC News magazine, social media communities, e-newsletters, events, and campaigns.
