
LGBTQ INFORMATION NETWORK │ RAINBOW OF RESOURCES
LATINX
SNL: Ariana DeBose and Kate McKinnon
First Latina SAG Film Actress Winner: Ariana DeBose
America Chavez, Lesbian Superhero, Debuts in Marvel's
Doctor Strange
Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser
Quien Eres
Salvadoran Drag Queen Emerges as Colorful Presidential
Critic
Chile Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Vote
Cuba Introduces its First Big Five-Star Gay Hotel
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
Gay Playwright Matthew López: First
Latino to Win Tony Award for Best Play
LGBTQ Filipina Boxer Nesthy Petecio Wins Olympic Medal
Deja Alvarez: Could Become the First Out
Trans Latina Member of Pennsylvania House
Doritos Day of the Dead Commercial With
Queer Couple Goes Viral
Ecuadorian Hunk Roberto Manrique Comes Out as Gay
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Transgender Latina Activists
Ricky Martin: Super Happy
About Decision to Come Out
Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica

Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro
LGBTQ Latinx Stories
Saray y Risos: I Don't Forget You Yet
LGBTQ Pride Parades in Latin America
Video: Latinos Talk About Coming Out
LGBTQ Latinx Heroes
Religion and Coming Out Issues for Latinas and Latinos
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community
Latinos in Love
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
Pulse: Short Film
Mi Amor Mi Vida
Video: Coming Out to Immigrant Parents
Coming Out as
LGBTQ and Hispanic
For many Hispanic and Latino/Latina/Latinx individuals, coming out
involves some specific cultural factors worth
considering. These factors include having to deal with a
culture highly influenced by religion and particularly
Catholicism, strong family foundations, traditional
gender norms and machismo, as well as racism and the
lack of visibility of Hispanic and Latinos in the
leadership of LGBTQ community. Many Hispanic and Latino
LGBTQ people have endured intensive prejudice and
discrimination from the various communities to which
they belong. Yet, thanks to courageous Hispanic and
Latino LGBTQ activists, writers and scholars, their
families and their allies, this is a time of growing
support, acceptance and visibility.
Religion -
According to the U.S. 2000 census, 70% of Hispanic and
Latino families identify as Catholic. The second largest
group is most likely Protestant, followed by people who
do not consider themselves members of any church, Jews,
and finally a very small number of converts to Islam. In
all of these communities, the Bible is a frequently
quoted source by those who condemn homosexuality. Those
who use the Bible this way support their view with a
literal reading of the texts and often take quotations
out of context, ignoring their historical and cultural
origins, and using them as ammunition against people
they hate or fear.

Patriarchy
and the Family -
In many Hispanic and Latinx contexts, the family remains
a crucial institution that defines both gender and
sexual relations between men and women. Therefore, any
behavior that deviates from the expected heterosexuality
must be kept secret.
Responsibility to one’s family is a very important
value. Family name and image are very important values
and every individual family member is seen as a
reflection on their larger family.
There is a strong cultural norm that families must solve
problems on their own and not mention them outside the
inner family circle. If problems remain unsolved or are
considered unsolvable, then the family often no longer
discusses the matter, and buries it in silence.

Mexican Soccer Team Asks
Fans to Halt Homophobic Chants at Games
Romeo and Julio: History of Love
Glitterbomb: New LGBTQ
Latinx TV Talk Show
Zander Keig: Latinx Trans Social Worker
Costa Rica: First Central American
Country to Legalize Same Sex Marriage
Que Es Ser Gay En Mexico?
CNN: Being LGBTQ in Latin America
Our Families: LGBTQ Latinx
Stories
Video Talk: Latinx Trans Woman
Te
Amo
Muxe: Third
Gender in Southern Mexico
Fidel and Alejandro: Wedding Ceremony
Brenda Besó a su Entrenadora
New Cuban President Backs Marriage Equality
Propuesta de Matrimonio: Yanet and Magda
LGBTQ Rights in Latin America
Luisita and Amelia: Secret Love Song
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple

Brown and Out: LGBTQ Latinx Play Festival
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Calle y Poche: La Correcta
Video Report: The Muxe Community
IGLTA: Plan Your Trip to Central America and the
Caribbean
Muxe: Third
Gender in Southern Mexico
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
Equaldex: LGBTQ Rights in Mexico
Latinx People Living With HIV Share How
They Came to Terms With Their Diagnosis
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community
Argentina's First Transgender Newscaster
Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro
LGBTQ Nation: Is Cuba a Gay Paradise?
Mi Amor Mi Vida
Video Report: Mexico's Third Gender
HIV Rates in the Latinx
Community: Why So High?
Many Hispanic/Latinx families have parents who believe
they would do anything to insure their children’s
welfare. However, like parents of all ethnic groups,
many are ill prepared to deal with having a LGBTQ child
because of a lack of education with regard to human
sexuality and sexual identity.
Gender stereotypes and the position of women in
patriarchal societies influence the treatment and
stereotypes of gay men in these societies. This can be
seen, for example in the contemptuous term term
“Maricón” used to slur gay men in Mexico and throughout
the Spanish speaking world by comparing them to women.
Patriarchal cultures with deep roots in the institution
of heterosexuality can also be experienced as requiring
that women commit themselves to men (of their culture)
while subordinating their own sexual desires.
Machismo - Most, if
not all, cultures have double standards by which male
and female sexual and gender behavior is judged. In
Hispanic and Latino communities, these values and
beliefs are often referred to as machismo and are highly
valued. Machismo doesn’t have to lead to homophobia but
it can if it leads to the“ the repudiation of all ‘
feminine’ virtues” in men and any suspicion of
masculinity in women.
Media -
The media (particularly TV and movies) and popular jokes
are powerful means through which Hispanic and Latinx
individuals learn about LGBTQ people. Spanish television
in the US often portrays gay men stereotypically, as
extremely effeminate, ridiculous, humorous characters.
LGBTQ people and their contributions to society are
rarely if ever depicted, though during the last decade,
some Spanish soap operas have begun to include a few gay
characters portrayed with a positive image. The sexual
orientation of successful and famous gay persons is
avoided, depriving LGBTQ youths of important role
models. Lesbians are rarely portrayed in the media and,
when they are, they are also shown stereotypically as
very masculine women.
LGBTQ Pride Parades in Latin America
Que Es Ser Gay En Mexico?
Latinos in Love
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Video Report: Mexico's Third Gender
Religion and Coming Out Issues for Latinas and Latinos
Short Film: La Chica De La Barra
Coming Out to My Latinx Parents
Dulceida y Alba: Dulceida Besos
Video Report: The Muxe Community
Propuesta de Matrimonio: Yanet and Magda
Under the Skin: Short Spanish Language Trans Film
Costa Rica: First Central American
Country to Legalize Same Sex Marriage
Our Families: LGBTQ Latinx
Stories
Out and Proud: LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities
Brown and Out: LGBTQ Latinx Play Festival
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
Tradition
-
Tradition is highly valued in Hispanic and Latinx
cultures. The idea of joining a support group strike
some member of Hispanic and Latino communities as
untraditional and contrary to the values of privacy and
family pride.
Economic Circumstances -
Hispanic/Latinx same-sex couple families in Florida are
disadvantaged compared to white non-Hispanic/Latino
same-sex couple families in terms of income,
homeownership, and disability.

Female same-sex households in Florida in which both
partners are Hispanic/Latina earn over $23,000 less in
median annual household income than white non-
Hispanic/Latina female same-sex households and over
$27,000 less than white non-Hispanic/Latino male
same-sex households.
Male same-sex households in Florida in which both
partners are Hispanic/Latinx earn $13,140 less in median
annual household income than white non-Hispanic/Latina
female same-sex households and $17,500 less than white
non-Hispanic/Latino male same sex couples.
Some Hispanic and Latinx LGBTQ individuals, parents and
allies are highly motivated to form or join support or
civil groups, but they are limited by their financial
circumstances and/or overwhelming work schedules.
[Source: Hispanic & Latino Same Sex Couples in Florida:
Report Based on 2000 Census by Jason Cianciotto & Luis
Lopez. Adapted from De Colores: Lesbian and Gay Latinos:
Stories of Strength, Family and Love Discussion Guide by
Nila Marrone and Peter Barbosa]
Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro
Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser
Quien Eres
LGBTQ Latinx Stories
Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica
Saray y Risos: I Don't Forget You Yet
LGBTQ Pride Parades in Latin America
Zander Keig: Latinx Trans Social Worker
Video: Latinos Talk About Coming Out
LGBTQ Latinx Heroes
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Pulse: Short Film
Mi Amor Mi Vida

LGBTQ Spanish
Phrases
Gay Y
Lesbiana - Gay and Lesbian
Transgénero - Transgender
Se Tu
Mismo - Be Yourself
Feliz Dia
Do Orgulho - Happy Pride Day
Igualdad En El Matrimonio - Marriage Equality
Normalmente Se Dice Salí Del Closet O Soy Gay - Coming
Out of the Closet
Todos Por
El Amor Y Amor Para Todos - All For Love and Love For
All
Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser
Quien Eres - It's Never Too Late to Be Who
You Are
Marcia/Maricon
- Offensive Term for Gay
LGBTQ
Latinx
Celebrities
Ariana
DeBose - Actor, Singer
Dan
Bucatinsky - Actor
Bamby
Salcedo - Activist
Patricia
Velasquez - Actor, Model
Ricky
Martin - Musician
Mathew
Rodriguez - Journalist
Emily Rios
- Actor
Ian Matos
- Olympic Diver
Julio
Salgado - Artist
Aubrey
Plaza - Actor, Comedian
Vicci
Martinez - Musician
Shane
Ortega - Soldier
Rosario
Dawson - Actor
Axis Mundo
- Artist
Michelle
Garcia - Editor
Carlos
Padilla - Activist
Richard
Blanco - Poet
Frida
Kahlo - Artist
Bad Bunny
- Singer, Rapper
Gabby
Rivera - Writer
Daniela
Vega - Singer, Actor
Pedro
Julio Serrano - Activist
Tatiana
Hazel - Musician
Nesthy
Petecio - Olympic Boxer
Manny Mua
- Fashion Guru
Emily
Estefan - Singer
Guillermo
Diaz - Actor
 |
Demi
Lovato - Musician
Indya
Moore - Actor
Matthew
Lopez - Playwright
Sylvia
Rivera - Stonewall Activist
Zander
Keig - Social Worker
Claudia
Lopez - Politician
Isa Noyola
- Activist
Patricia
Yurena - Beauty Queen
Rose
Troche - Filmmaker
Mario Jose
- Singer
Orlando
Cruz - Boxer
Yosimar
Reyes - Poet
Michelle
Rodriguez - Actor
Carmen
Carrera - Fashion Model
Linda
Perry - Musician
Jakk Fynn
- Pop Artist
Laura
Aguilar - Photographer
Perez
Hilton - Journalist
Jennicet
Gutierrez - Activist
Wilson
Cruz - Actor
Mondo
Guerra - Fashion Designer
Christian
Chavez - Musician
Zoe
Saldana - Actor
Janiecet
Gutierrez - Activist
MJ
Rodriguez - Actor
Ritchie
Torres - Politician
Tessa
Thompson - Actor
 |
Latinx Icons Inspiring LGBTQ Youth
Queer Latinx Trailblazers
Famous LGBTQ Latinx
Celebrating
Latinx Queer Icons
Hispanic Heritage: Queer Latinx Icons
Out and Proud: LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities
LGBTQ Latinx Heroes
Celebrities Adored by the Queer Latinx Community
Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica
Costa Rica becomes the
latest country to legalize same-sex marriage as a ruling
from its supreme court goes into effect ending the
country’s ban. Couples scheduled ceremonies (mostly
private due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some that
would be broadcast) to celebrate their unions before
judges and notaries after the ban was lifted. Costa Rica
becomes the sixth country in Latin America to legalize
same-sex marriage, following most recently Ecuador,
which allowed it last year. It is also permitted in some
parts of Mexico.

The issue took center stage in Costa Rica’s 2018
presidential election after the Inter-American Court of
Human Rights earlier that year issued an opinion that
countries like Costa Rica, which had signed the American
Convention on Human Rights, had to move immediately to
legalize gay marriage. It helped propel President Carlos
Alvarado to victory over an evangelical candidate,
Fabricio Alvarado, who had campaigned against it.
A campaign celebrating the achievement called “I do”
planned a series of events including hours of coverage
on state television and messages from celebrities,
including Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights. Gia Miranda, director of
the “I do” campaign, said, "It gives us so much joy."
She said it would help decrease discrimination and make
the country more prosperous and attractive to tourists.
Argentina,
Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay have already
implemented marriage equality. Mexico allows same-sex
marriages in 18 of 33 states its capital.
[Source: Javier Cordoba, HuffPost, May 2020]
LGBTQ Pride Parades in Latin America
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
Que Es Ser Gay En Mexico?
Religion and Coming Out Issues for Latinas and Latinos
Sí Acepto: First Lesbian Couple to Get Married in Costa
Rica
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Short Film: La Chica De La Barra
Our Families: LGBTQ Latinx
Stories
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
Coming Out to My Latinx Parents
Dulceida y Alba: Dulceida Besos
Propuesta de Matrimonio: Yanet and Magda
Under the Skin: Short Spanish Language Trans Film
Costa Rica: First Central American
Country to Legalize Same Sex Marriage
Latinos in Love
Out and Proud: LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
Coming Out as
LGBTQ and Latinx
"There are
so many significant experiences in my culture that have
something to do with a person's life as a heterosexual,"
said Sandra Telep, a Mexican-American activist in
Washington, DC. "Last night at work, my two best
friends were arguing over which one would be the padrino,
or godfather, at my wedding. Although I've come out to much of my family, I haven't
come out to them yet," said Telep. "I really wonder if
they would still want to be my padrino if they knew I
would be committing to a life together with another
woman."
Although Latinx Americans come from various cultural
backgrounds, many who come out as gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender or queer share similar experiences
and challenges. Some, who were raised Roman Catholic,
must reconcile themselves with the church's teachings
that acting on one's homosexuality is sinful. Language
differences often make finding resources and support
difficult, and a lack of LGBTQ Latinxs in media and
entertainment perpetuates invisibility.
Fortunately, however, anecdotal evidence suggests that a
growing number of Latinxs are coming out.
As challenging as being a gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender or queer Latinx may be, it can also be
extremely fulfilling. Linda Villarosa, lesbian author
and journalist, found the secrecy and silence too
taxing. "I came out because I couldn't stand not being
myself anymore," she said.
Many LGBTQ people report that after they come out, they
are able to communicate better with their family and
friends. Coming out at home, at work, in churches and
schools will also further the visibility of LGBTQ people
and help ensure that those who are still in the closet
know they are not alone.
[Source: Human Rights Campaign]

Guía de Recursos Para Salir del Clóset
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community
Queer Salsa
Our Families: LGBTQ Latinx
Stories
Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser
Quien Eres
Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Mi Amor Mi Vida
Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro
HRC: Latinx LGBTQ Youth Report
After
Orlando: What Do Queer Latinx People Deserve?
Short Film: Mi Amor Mi Vida
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
Fuerza
Fest: Queer Latinx Festival
Dulceida y Alba: Dulceida Besos
Latinx Incons Inspiring LGBTQ Youth
Muxe: Third
Gender in Southern Mexico
Support for
LGBTQ Latinx Youth
Supportive
parents, school administrators, teachers, counselors and
other youth-serving professionals play an essential role
in the lives of LGBTQ Latinx youth. Their support is
especially important as LGBTQ Latinx youth can struggle
in the absence of affirmation from their families and
communities regarding their sexual orientation or gender
identity. However, LGBTQ Latinx youth continue to be
their own powerful forces of change. According to
research conducted on the issues of LGBTQ Latinx youth,
their stories of empowerment, resilience, activism and
advocacy are pronounced. Across the country, they are
advocating for inclusivity and equality. They need us to
do the same. It is critical to support LGBTQ
Latinx youth in their pursuit of LGBTQ
equality and racial justice. It’s time that we
acknowledge the intersectional nature of the LGBTQ
Latinx experience and begin creating spaces that are
safe, affirming and welcoming for all.

--31% have
received verbal threats because of their sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
--Over 3 in 5 were teased at school about their
race/ethnicity.
--Only 15% have heard positive messages about being
LGBTQ in school.
--Only 28%
always feel safe in the classroom.
LGBTQ youth whose families are supportive and accepting
are more likely to experience positive health outcomes
across several dimensions including: greater self-esteem
and resilience; a lowered risk of depression, distress
and feelings of hopelessness; and a reduced risk of
substance use. However, many LGBTQ youth report that
sharing their sexual orientation or gender identity with
their family is incredibly stressful. Latinx youth
surveyed say that their real and perceived fears of
rejection are compounded by negative comments they hear
about the LGBTQ community from parents and family
members. It is important for LGBTQ advocates
(counselors, teachers, social workers) to provide
life-changing support to LGBTQ Latinx youth who may not
receive it from their parents or family members. Where
possible, these advocates may also be able to play a
role in educating families in the Latinx community.

--72% of
LGBTQ Latinx youth surveyed have heard family members
say negative things about LGBTQ people.
--Only 1 in 5 have had family get involved in the larger
LGBTQ community.
--28% of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth have been
taunted or mocked by family.
--45% of transgender youth have been taunted or mocked
by family.
LGBTQ Latinx youth face significant challenges accessing
affirming, supportive counseling services or mental
health support. LGBTQ Latinx youth are also wary of
opening up. Only six percent of respondents said they
would be very comfortable discussing a question about
their LGBTQ identity with a counselor. This may be
because their counselors do not seem open to discussing
LGBTQ topics. However, several respondents wrote in that
they would be more willing to talk about their
identities if they knew their counselors were
supportive. Access to mental health service providers
that are culturally competent and LGBTQ-affirming is
essential to the well-being of these youth. Many
learning opportunities, from web-based learning modules
to large-scale
conferences, are available to professional counselors
and therapists who work with LGBTQ youth and wish to
improve their skills, knowledge and competence in
working with young people who have intersecting LGBTQ
and Latinx identities.
[Source:
Human Rights Campaign]

Que Es Ser Gay En Mexico?
Amelia and Luisita
LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Month
CNN: Being LGBTQ in Latin America
Fidel and Alejandro: Wedding Ceremony
Guía de Recursos Para Salir del Clóset
Propuesta de Matrimonio: Yanet and Magda
Latinx People Living With HIV Share How They
Came to Terms With Their Diagnosis
Te Amo
Saray
y Risos: I Don't Forget You Yet
Queer Salsa
LGBTQ Rights in Latin America
Gay Playwright Matthew López: First
Latino to Win Tony Award for Best Play
HRC: Latinx LGBTQ Youth Report
Latinos in
Love
Brenda Besó a su Entrenadora
Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser
Quien Eres
Video Talk: Queer Mexican Couple
Calle y Poche: La Correcta
Our Families: LGBTQ Latinx
Stories
IGLTA: Plan Your Trip to Central America and the
Caribbean
LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves
Equaldex: LGBTQ Rights in Mexico
Stephanie and Caro:
Bachata Dancing in Buenos Aires Argentina
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community
Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro
Mi Amor Mi Vida
LGBTQ Travelers
to Central America
Central
America can be an unwelcoming place for gay men and
lesbians, but there are some bright spots. Same-sex
marriage was legalized in Mexico in 2009 and in Costa
Rica in 2013. The current president of Costa Rica, Luis
Guillermo Solís, has been unusually vocal in his support
for gay rights, and even flew the rainbow flag at the
presidential house.
Advocacy groups in other Central American countries are
eager to follow suit. Consensual gay sex has been
decriminalized all around the region, with the exception
of Belize. Gay and lesbian travelers can actually be
barred from entering Belize, though we are not aware of
any such incidents.
That said, official and unofficial harassment is
possible anywhere in Central America. In general, public
displays of affection will not be tolerated and gay men
(and possibly women) could find themselves the target of
verbal or physical abuse. Discretion is definitely the
rule in Central America, especially in the countryside.
Lesbians are generally less maligned than gay men so
women traveling together should encounter few, if any,
problems.

CNN: Being LGBTQ in Latin America
New Cuban President Backs Marriage Equality
LGBTQ Rights in Latin America
IGLTA: Plan Your Trip to Central America and the
Caribbean
Equaldex:
LGBTQ Rights in Mexico
LGBTQ Venues in
Latin America
There is usually at least one gay bar in big cities,
which makes meeting people easier. Some of the more
public gay and lesbian scenes:
Costa Rica - There is a thriving gay scene in San José
and in Manuel Antonio.
El Salvador - The charming mountain town of San Vicente
is a popular gay destination.
Guatemala - Travelers will find a small and subdued gay
scene in both Antigua and Guatemala City.
Mexico - The biggest and best gay scene in the region is
at the bars and clubs in Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Nicaragua - Travelers will find a few gay-specific bars
in Managua.
Panama - Bars come and go, but the gay scene in Panama
City is surprisingly limited. The normally discreet
population is more open during Carnaval festivities,
which usually feature a gay float in the parade.

Queer Art World: Latinx and Chicanx
Changing the Music Industry: Queer Latinx Musicians
LATV Launches First LGBTQ Latinx Talk Show
Making a Difference: Queer Latinx Musicians
Calle y Poche: La Correcta
Famous LGBTQ Latinx: Changing the World
Glitterbomb: New LGBTQ
Latinx TV Talk Show
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│ LGBTQ Information Network │ Established 2017 |