HAPPY PRIDE, John!
My name is Jesús Flores Rodríguez, and I am the Legal Services Program Lead at Immigrants Rising. I work with our Legal Services Team, overseeing the Pre-Law Fund program, creating resources and guides to bolster our community’s rights, and training our Legal Service fellows.
You may know me from one of the Instagram Lives that I host monthly on the Immigrants Rising account, but what you might not know is that as a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is undocumented, I felt very self-conscious about my voice for a long time. So much so that I used to shy away from public speaking in order to avoid standing out as either gay or undocumented. But over the past few years, I’ve learned how to speak truth to power. I found a voice and strength through my story. I know that ultimately, when my community needs resources, my voice has authority, no matter the tone.
June is both Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride Month. For me, living at the intersection of both these identities gives me the strength to stand up for both communities and advocate for others like me. I am proud to be an immigrant. I am proud to be gay.
I’m also proud to share with you some of the LGBTQ+ stories from the Immigrants Rising community as well as some resources that members of the community could benefit from.
Celebrating all of you,
Jesús
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