Adversity and Advocacy

Queer Latines have faced an uphill battle to be recognized and accepted by the wider LGBTQIA+ community. They have suffered from violence not only within their own community but also at the hands of government entities. Despite these obstacles, media outlets, artists, and community organizations have played a vital role in raising awareness and advocating against discrimination and violence.

Discriminatory laws and government policies have contributed to the negative perception of the LGBTQIA+ Latine community. The impact of these laws is reflected in the experiences of individuals' interactions with officers, co-workers, and family. The archive frequently references Penal Code 21.06, which criminalized same-sex sexual activities when it was signed into law in Texas in 1973. Such laws have led to violence against the community, making it crucial to push for legal protections for individuals.

Unjust laws have resulted in a turbulent relationship between the police and the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, the newspaper Aqui LLEGO published an experience of discrimination against a queer Latina police officer in her workspace. She was unsure if it was due to her sexuality or being Latina.

Having a dedicated space for discussion and community building is important to advocate against transgressions. LLEGO, for instance, participated in the Human Rights Panel at the Amnesty International Mid-Atlantic conference, which focused on human rights violations and advocated for resolutions. During the panel, LLEGO discussed issues with police violence, which are not unique to the US but are a worldwide problem, especially in Latin American countries. Police were raiding bars and assaulting queer folks, prompting organizations like LLEGO to demand global attention and action.

Grassroots organizations also advocated for rights at a local level. For example, the Anti-Violence Project is an inclusive program that protects and advocates against violence in the BIPOC queer community. The project began in 1980 in New York City in response to attacks against gay men in the city. Since the 80's they have offered workshops, mental health support, and a place for advocacy.

Religion has historically had a significant influence on US Latine households. As many Latine households identify as Catholic, queerness is seen as a sin, which shapes queer folks' self-perception and their families' attitudes towards their sexuality. Art has become an important tool for many individuals to counter these religion-based societal norms. For example, Alma Lopez, a New Mexico artist, created a controversial piece called "Our Lady," which featured the Virgin de Guadalupe as a half-naked woman. Lopez intended to represent womanhood, pride in the female body, and queerness. Her artwork encapsulates the challenges faced by the US Latine queer community, particularly women. Through her piece, she depicts the lack of acceptance and judgment from the Catholic community while forging a space for the Latine identity and queerness in society, the art world, and even within religion. Unsurprisingly, the work sparked criticism from the church, who viewed it as "denigrating women'' or "sleazy".


"Texas Penal Code § 21.06." Texas Legislature Online, accessed May 11, 2023, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.21.htm#:~:text=21.06.,is%20a%20Class%20C%20misdemeanor.

Latino/a Lesbian and Gay Organization, “Come Out Against Violence Day” , LLILAS Benson Latin American studies and Collections (Box 52, folder 8)

AVP (Anti-Violence Project). "About Us." May 11, 2023. https://avp.org/about-us/

Carmen R. Lugo-Lugo and Mary K. Bloodsworth-Lugo, "Queering Iberia: Iberian Masculinities at the Margins," Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies 16 (2012): 151-167, accessed May 11, 2023, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26776860.

Los Angeles Times. (2001, May 27). Our lady of controversy. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-27-ca-2979-story.html