Queer Cafe

CNN: Being LGBTQ in Latin America

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

Brown and Out: LGBTQ Latinx Play Festival

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?

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.

Cuba Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

LGBTQ Pride Parades in Latin America

Latinos in Love

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

Out and Proud: LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities

Brown and Out: LGBTQ Latinx Play Festival

Cuba Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Referendum
Orgullo LGBTQ: Querido Yo, Todo Mejoro

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]

Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser Quien Eres

LGBTQ Latinx Stories

Short Film: La Chica De La Barra

Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica

Top Concerns for Gay Latino Youth

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

Pulse: Short Film

Latinx Icons Inspiring LGBTQ Youth

Cubans Vote to Legalize Same Sex Marriage

Cuba Approves Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Referendum

In September 2022, Cubans have approved a sweeping “family law” code that would allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt as well as redefining rights for children and grandparents. The measure (which contains more than 400 articles) was approved by 66.9% to 33.1%. The reforms had met unusually strong open resistance from the growing evangelical movement in Cuba (and many other Cubans) despite an extensive government campaign in favor of the measure, including thousands of informative meetings across the country and extensive media coverage backing it. The code would allow surrogate pregnancies, broader rights for grandparents in regard to grandchildren, protection of the elderly and measures against gender violence.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has promoted the law, acknowledged questions about the measure. “Most of our people will vote in favor of the code, but it still has issues that our society as a whole does not understand,” he said. The measure had been approved by Cuba’s Parliament, the National Assembly, after years of debate about such reforms. A major supporter of the measure was Mariela Castro, director of the National Center for Sex Education, a promoter of rights for same-sex couples, daughter of former President Raul Castro and niece of his brother Fidel.

But there is a strong strain of social conservatism in Cuba and several religious leaders have expressed concern or opposition to the law, worrying it could weaken nuclear families. While Cuba was officially (and often militantly) non-religious for decades after the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro (Raul’s brother) it has become more tolerant of religions over the past quarter century. That has meant a greater opening for not only the once-dominant Roman Catholic Church, but also to Afro-Cuban religions, Protestants and Muslims. Some of those churches took advantage of the opening in 2018 and 2019 to campaign against a re-write of the constitution to allow gay marriage. Opposition was strong enough that the government at that time backed away.

[Source: Associated Press, September 2022]

NBC: Cuba Approves Same-Sex Marriage in Unusual Referendum
Washington Post: Cuba Approves Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Turnabout
CNN: Cuba Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Referendum
BBC: Cuba Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Ariana DeBose Becomes First Openly Queer Woman of Color to Win Acting Oscar

Ariana DeBose has won the Oscar for best supporting actress at the 94th Academy Awards. She makes history as first queer woman of color to win an Oscar. it is the same award Rita Moreno won, her predecessor in the same role in West Side Story in 1962.

DeBose beat out fellow nominees Jessie Buckley (“The Lost Daughter”), Judi Dench (“Belfast”), Kirsten Dunst (“The Power of the Dog”) and Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”) to take home the supporting actress trophy Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

DeBose won the prize for her role in the Steven Spielberg-directed West Side Story remake, in which she plays the key role of Anita, the girlfriend of Sharks gang leader Bernardo, and sings the famous number America. It makes DeBose only the second Latina actor to win an Oscar, after Moreno, and the first queer woman of color.

To a standing ovation, DeBose celebrated Moreno as a trailblazer: “I’m so grateful – your Anita paved the way for tons of Anitas like me, and I love you,” she said, gesturing to Moreno. “Now you see why Anita says ‘I want to be in America’, because even in this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true, and that’s a really heartening thing right now,” DeBose said.

DeBose has already won a string of awards for her role in the film, including best supporting actress at the Baftas, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards.

At the end of her speech, the 31-year-old actor harkened to her early days as an aspiring performer. “Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes,” she said. “You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.” To anyone who “has ever questioned your identity” or “lived in the grey spaces”, she added, “there is, indeed, a place for us”.

Ariana DeBose: First Openly Queer Woman of Color to Win Acting Oscar
West Side Story Cast Performs "America" From "West Side Story"

Ariana DeBose Becomes First Openly Queer Woman of Color to Win Acting Oscar
Oscars 2022: Ariana DeBose Wins Best Supporting Actress for 'West Side Story'
Ariana DeBose Accepts the Oscar for Supporting Actress
Oscars 2022: Winners Recap 94th Academy Awards

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

Inclusive Descriptors

Latino - Traditional term referring to men

Latina - Traditional term referring to women

Latinx - Progressive gender-neutral term

Latine - Progressive gender-neutral term

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
Sara Ramirez - Actor

Demi Lovato - Musician
Indya Moore - Actor
Natalie Morales - 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

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

Religion and Coming Out Issues for Latinas and Latinos

Sí Acepto: First Lesbian Couple to Get Married in Costa Rica

Short Film: La Chica De La Barra

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

Guía de Recursos Para Salir del Clóset
HRC: Resources for the LGBTQ Latinx Community

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]

Queer Salsa

Doritos and Dia de Muertos: Nunca Es Tarde Para Ser Quien Eres

Same Sex Marriage Now Legal in Costa Rica

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]

LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Amelia and Luisita

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

Calle y Poche: La Correcta

IGLTA: Plan Your Trip to Central America and the Caribbean

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