I am constantly working to identify Hispanic LGBT leaders. This week, a friend shared with me the Equality Forum’s Gay Icons from an NBC affiliate Web site in Chicago. Latino gay icons included were Lupe Valdez, Sheriff of Dallas County in Texas and Pedro Almodóvar, film writer and director. It is a good thing that Hispanics were listed, but bittersweet since they are two of almost 50 individuals.
This note from my friend came at a time when a reporter I know is working on a story to profile lesbian moms, preferably, Latinas. This offset my brief disappointment in the list results because opportunities to showcase Latino LGBT leaders are coming around more often than not. LGBT Hispanics becoming more visible from being named on top-50 lists to being featured simply in a local newspaper.
Leaders are also born through a more strategic, yet passionate, way, such as political marches and demonstrations. A march took place yesterday throughout the country in support of immigration rights. Certain locations such as Chicago, counted with an LGBT contingency march supported by GLAAD, which creates another platform to highlight Latino LGBT leaders.
You may be wondering why I am such a stickler to this topic if we are all lesbian and gay, then we are all one in the same. I know we, as an LGBT community, are faced with some of the same issues at large, however, culture can be so much more defining. Not just in the sense of self, but it defines so many of our choices, from brand loyalty (as Hispanics are of the most brand loyal customers, combine that with the LGBT brand loyalty tendencies and you’ve nearly got a marriage) to family profiles and spending decisions. Having the right leaders will only strengthen an already passionate community by providing something extremely valuable to relate to.
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