In a groundbreaking journey from childhood adversity to becoming the first openly gay president of the Hispanic Federation, Frankie Miranda is now at the forefront of defending LGBTQ rights. He draws upon his personal experiences of discrimination and prejudice to counteract the recent onslaught of laws targeting LGBTQ people. Under his leadership, the Hispanic Federation has initiated the Advance Change Together Initiative, providing $1 million in funding to support local organizations in safeguarding Latino LGBTQ rights, combating the fear and misinformation spread by conservative measures.
A 2022 poll revealed that 62% of Latinos feel comfortable around LGBTQ individuals, with 11% identifying as LGBT, higher than the national average. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Latino civil rights organization, called on state legislatures to protect and uphold LGBTQ citizens’ rights. LULAC’s history of advocacy spans issues from repealing discriminatory laws to supporting marriage equality.
However, the increasing visibility of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals has sparked backlash within the Latino faith community, where many hold traditional views on gender and sexuality. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, believes that the conversation should include diverse opinions to ensure equity and respect for all.
Yet, transgender people in Texas, like Gia Pacheco of Organizacion Latina Trans, face constant vulnerability despite providing essential services and shelter. Conservative political strategies use trans issues as a divisive wedge, aiming to pit the Latino and LGBTQ communities against each other. Scholar Juana Maria Rodriguez highlights that the right-wing’s focus on transgender issues comes as they lost ground in the fight for gay and lesbian rights.
While some recent boycotts indicate extreme backlash against LGBTQ support, Latino advocacy groups continue to embrace LGBTQ rights, recognizing the importance of family values in supporting their cause. Despite challenges, Frankie Miranda remains optimistic about the future, urging greater unity and understanding to ensure that all are treated with dignity and respect. With data showing significant Latino support for LGBTQ rights, the collective effort of Latino advocates promises a brighter future for an inclusive society.