By Bobby Hankinson

When Wilfred Labiosa came to MA for college after growing up in Puerto Rico, there was just something missing. I noticed there was no organization for Latino LGBT folks.” And with that, the inspiration for Somos Latin@s was born. The organization seeks to address the unique concerns and needs of this specialized group. (The “@” is used to indicate both the masculine ~ Latinos ~ and feminine ~ Latinas.) It strives to be an organization “…by and for Latino/a LGBT people of Massachusetts…” and promotes advancement, education, and social support to its members.

Based out of communities including Worcester, Boston, Haverhill, Springfield, Brockton, Lowell and Lawrence, Somos Latin@s holds monthly events and some of their past activities include potlucks, salsa lessons and film screenings. But Labiosa shares that there’s lots of behind-the-scenes work as well, such as phone calling and door-to-door grassroots advocacy to help enlighten the general public as well as politicians.
The group’s largest event of the year ~ Latino Pride of New England ~ is a celebration with tons of events spanning several communities and May 13 – May 20. Some events will take place outside of the Commonwealth, too; the group continues to spread as former members relocate to CT and RI.

Latino/a members of the LGBT community face numerous obstacles that may not be addressed by organizations aimed solely at assisting one group or the other. One issue, immigration, has been a recent concern for Somos. “If you are LGBT and you marry the person you love, that’s still not recognized by INS and your status won’t change.”

There are also special internal concerns. Labiosa said Latino/a LGBT people face a sort of dual-racism and dual-identity. For example, the Latino culture is deeply tied to religion, which is hard to reconcile with identifying as LGBT. “We are taught a concept of a man and a woman, a concept of family, a concept of Jesus and the Virgin Mary,” Labiosa said. “It’s hard for a lot of LGBT culture to look up and really see those are just concepts.”

It’s not only the Latino aspect of the identity that conflicts; the LGBT side, based on diversity and understanding, doesn’t always grasp Latino culture. “If you’re not out of the closet, then you’re not part of the movement,” Labiosa said. “A lot of Latino LGBT folks prefer to stay in close circles that will support them.”

Fundraising also remains a challenge. Some people don’t know about the organization and many prefer to give to larger organization, even though it’s the smaller ones that need the money the most. But despite the obstacles, Somos Latin@s has persevered by providing specialized service to an under-served community. Labiosa will be leaving his post at the organization to pursue a position at a national Latino/a LGBT group, Unid@s, but, with his input, discussions for his replacement are already under way.

As he readies for the transition ahead, Labiosa remains confident in the potential of Somos Latin@s. “I hope the organization continues to grow and hold Latino Pride of New England and that it will continue to be an outlet for LGBT Latinos in the future.”

Visit www.somoslatinoslgbt.org for more about the organization and upcoming local events.

Photo used with permission, copyright AnhDao Kolbe