Emilia Schneider Becomes First Trans Woman Elected Deputy in the History of Chile
Robert Garcia becomes First Out LGBTQ Immigrant Elected to Congress
Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico Reveal That They're Married

NBC: Same-Sex Marriage is Now Legal in All of Mexico's States

José López Duvont: First Puerto Rican to Win Mr. Gay World
Cuba Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in Historic Referendum
SNL: Ariana DeBose and Kate McKinnon
First Latina SAG Film Actress Winner: Ariana DeBose

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, is a bisexual artist and political activist. She is arguably Mexico’s most famous artist. Inspired by the country's popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.

Her paintings often had strong autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy. In addition to belonging to the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement, which sought to define a Mexican identity outside of European colonialism, Kahlo has been described as a surrealist or magical realist.

Her clothing choices also reflected her determination to define a Mexican identity. She incorporated traditional clothing into her wardrobe as a way to show pride in her Mexican heritage. Much of what she wore carried both personal and political meaning to Kahlo.

Although she was disabled by polio as a child, Kahlo had been a promising student headed for medical school until a traffic accident at age eighteen, which caused her lifelong pain and medical problems. During her recovery, she returned to her childhood hobby of art with the idea of becoming an artist.  she was mostly self-taught.

Kahlo's interests in politics and art led to her joining the Mexican Communist Party in 1927, through which she met fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The couple married in 1928 and spent the late 1920s and early 1930s traveling in Mexico and the United States. Rivera was by far the better-known artist, but Kahlo did secure her first solo exhibition in New York in 1938.

Kahlo's work as an artist remained relatively unknown until the late 1970s, when her work was rediscovered by art historians and political activists. By the early 1990s, she had become not only a recognized figure in art history but also regarded as an icon for Chicanos, the feminism movement, and the LGBTQ movement.

She had a tumultuous relationship with her husband, Diego Rivera. Both had a number of affairs — some sanctioned and some on the sly. They even divorced for a year and then remarried. Her lovers included a diverse selection of men and women, many of them well-known thinkers and artists in their time. Over the years, she had affairs with Leon Trotsky, Josephine Baker, Chavela Vargas, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Isamu Noguchi.
 

Wilson Cruz (born Wilson Echevarría in 1973) is a American actor and, as an openly gay person of Puerto Rican ancestry. He has served as an advocate for gay youth, especially gay youth of color.
 

Cruz was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Puerto Rican descent. His family eventually moved to Rialto, California, where he attended Eisenhower High School, graduating in 1991. At age 19 Cruz came out to his parents as gay, first to his mother and then his father.
While his mother was initially hurt and shocked, she eventually accepted the news. His father, however, threw him out of the house, and Cruz spent the next few months living in his car and at the homes of friends. He later reconciled with his father.

Wilson Cruz: Biographical Notes
IMDB: Wilson Cruz
Wilson Cruz: Gay Actor and Activist

Cruz went to Hollywood to seek work as an actor, intending to be open about his sexuality from the beginning of his career. In 1994 he was cast as Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez, a troubled gay teen, in the short-lived critically acclaimed cult classic TV series ‘My So-Called Life’. This made Cruz the first actor to play an openly gay character in a leading role in a television series.

Cruz went on to play J. Edgar Hoover's servant Joaquin in Oliver Stone's film ‘Nixon’ and had a small role in the television movie ‘On Seventh Avenue’. In 1996 he appeared with David Arquette as Mikey in ‘Johns’ about the day-to-day struggles of male prostitutes.

In 1998, he portrayed Angel in the Broadway production of ‘Rent' and in 2000 played Victor in the final season of ‘Party of Five’. He also had a recurring role as Rafael de la Cruz on the series ‘Raising the Bar’. Cruz's other acting credits include roles in eight feature films, and guest appearances on seven television series including a featured role in ‘The Red Band Society’.

Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 in order to assist the organization through a leadership transition, and was the Grand Marshal of the 1998 West Hollywood Gay Pride parade and the 2005 Chicago Pride Parade.  In 2008, he was the keynote speaker at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet honoring graduating LGBTQ students, and joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer.
 

Equaldex: LGBTQ Rights in Mexico

Stephanie and Caro: Bachata Dancing in Buenos Aires Argentina

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

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

Juliantina: Speechless
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

Frida Kahlo: Famous Mexican Artist

LGBTQ Latinx: We Carry Pride Within Ourselves

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?

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]

Juliantina: Sexual Tension
Que Es Ser Gay En Mexico?

Amelia and Luisita

LGBTQ Latinx Celebrities Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

CNN: Being LGBTQ in Latin America

Frida Kahlo: Famous Mexican Artist

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

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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