Thread: PFAW Applauds Equality Resolution for LGBT Latinos

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=22451

PFAW Applauds Equality Resolution for LGBT Latinos


People For the American Way congratulates the National Latino Congreso for overwhelmingly passing a resolution calling for equal rights and civil rights protection for all Latino/as, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The National Latino Congreso passed the historic resolution during its gathering in Los Angeles, Sept 4-6. It was the first such convening since 1977 designed to build consensus in the broader Latino community. And it was the first resolution of its kind ever to be passed at a national Latino meeting.

People For’s Laura Esquivel participated in securing passage of the resolution as a voting delegate at the Congreso. Ms. Esquivel had high praise for the other Latino and LGBT activists particularly those from Lamdba Legal and the resolution’s sponsor Bienestar. Liliana Perez, the LGBT liaison for California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, also played a key role by demonstrating strong support on behalf of the Speaker.

"I am so proud of the Latino community’s formal recognition that all Latinos deserve equal protection and equal rights under the law,” Esquivel said. “The overwhelming support shown at the Congreso for this resolution simply demonstrates what we already know—that Latinos put familia above all else. The resolution’s passage is a public abrazo [embrace] and acknowledgement that LGBT Latinos are part of that familia and deserving of respect.”

The resolution specifically mentioned several topics that are of paramount importance to all Latinos: family and service to country. It unequivocally states that LGBT Latinos should have the right to marry, adopt, and serve in the military. It also calls for support for national, state and local legislation and policies that would protect Latinos/as from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity; support for legislation and policies that would enable LGBT Latino same-sex couples to sponsor their loved ones for purposes of immigration rights and benefits; and opposition to anti-same-sex-marriage constitutional amendments. The resolution also urges all LGBT organizations to become more responsive to the needs and issues of Latinos.

At the press conference announcing the passage of the resolution, legendary Latina civil rights leader and People For board member, Dolores Huerta, joined the activists saying, “Every Latino and Latino organization fighting for civil rights has the responsibility to help secure the civil rights of all members of our community—including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.” Ms. Huerta, along with her co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Cesar Chavez, were among the first national civil rights leaders to publicly express support for the equal rights of gay and lesbian people. A highlight of that early support was a speech by Chavez at the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

The resolution also specifically rejects any efforts to exclude LGBT Latino/as from the larger Latino community. “The adoption of such a resolution by this diverse group signals a new era in civil rights work for the Latino community” said Ms. Esquivel.

“Many Latino and LGBT people live daily with their rights denied or under attack in the public arena, so it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community. True equality, full justice and our community’s well-being can only be achieved through a unified front,” said Oscar de la O, the president and CEO of Bienestar, the resolution’s sponsor. “We already made history. Now we need to work together on improving the lives of all Latinos” concluded Mr. de la O.

The Congreso was convened by respected national Latino groups including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC), the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) and the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI). Motivated by the belief that the U.S. Latino community is at a fundamental crossroads requiring an intensified and broadened agenda, the goal was to establish a long-term Latino agenda and action plan, educate/train a wide range of Latino community leaders, elected officials and activists on critical issues, and mobilize Latino community leaders, with a special emphasis on establishing opportunities for new and young leaders.

People For the American Way congratulates the conference conveners and participants for their foresight and leadership and looks forward to working with our LGBT and Latino allies to further the goals of the resolution and achieving full civil rights for all communities.

Which appears to be at the expense of everyones elses.

No more $ for the United Way!!!!