A time to honor and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Latinx history and culture
Dear Friend,
At The Trevor Project, we honor and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of LGBTQ Latinx history and culture. Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 - October 15, but supporting the Latinx LGBTQ community means showing up year-round. The Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis services, advocates for intersectional policy solutions, and amplifies the unique challenges and experiences of Latinx LGBTQ young people.
To celebrate the voices of this community we have invited our LGBTQ Latinx supporters to share their stories. They are celebrities, influencers, activists, and artists making their unique voices heard in the world today. Along with offering their stories, they offer thoughtful advice on navigating intersectional identities today.
Take Jason Rodriguez (he/him) for example. Jason is an actor, dancer, model, and entrepreneur. He embraces all aspects of his queer identity and his Latinx identity. His roots in the Dominican Republic, where he was partially raised, ingrained in him a love of nature. As a kid he said he wanted to bachata to the beat. Ballroom is where his queerness became rooted and where he found his blessing in the art of vogue.
“The road is never ending and remember that the driver is you. Embrace every turn, highway and pit stop that your road to identify has to offer.”
Singer/Songwriter Laith Ashley (he/him) loves being Latino and loves being trans. Laith was raised in New York City and wouldn’t change a thing about navigating his gender identity because – even though it wasn’t easy – he said it made him who he is today. He has faced discrimination simply for existing; but, he says these are opportunities to make change, even if it may seem like an impossible task.
“For all the young queer folks navigating the intersections in their identities, I would say, to be kind to yourselves. Know that it’s okay to explore your identity, and know that no one has all the answers.”
At the age of 43, designer and HIV advocate Mondo Guerra is still figuring out how Mondo is shaped by being queer and Latinx. Mondo grew up in the 80s learning about Mondo’s Mexican roots in a predominantly white suburb. Mondo still feels insecure about never learning to speak Spanish. Mondo began to find personal truth through passions for both music and fashion. Mondo started cherishing Mondo’s individual life and family experiences and continues to evolve.
“The way I think about myself never just clicked. It's never easy. It still takes work.”
These LGBTQ Latinx supporters remind us this Latinx Heritage Month to be on our own journey, and to embrace every aspect of our individuality. You can read these and more from our talent supporters by going to our website and reading our Latinx Heritage Month blog post.
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
