Latino Equality Alliance: Advocating for the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community

Latino Equality Alliance: Advocating for the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community

Eddie Martinez clearly remembers requesting time off of work to join forces fighting California’s  Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative that took marriage rights away from same-sex couples. Later overturned, Eddie’s passion advocating for equal rights, especially within the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community was solidified. In joint collaboration with other activists and community leaders, Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) was formed in 2009, committed to promote liberty, justice, and equality for the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community.

Like most advocacy and coalition building movements, what started out as a response to take back equal rights, expanded into something much more due to the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community’s critical need for support and resources. Today, as an organization, LEA focuses on building power within the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community, advocating for systemic changes that promote healthy and safe environments in schools, homes and neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Currently the organization serves out of two locations, Mi Centro, in Boyle Heights and Mi SELA, in the City of Bell.

“For many Latino families, understanding and accepting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities can be challenging,” said Eddie Martinez, Executive Director, Latino Equality Alliance. “The educational component of our work is pivotal in fostering acceptance and support within families, allowing LGBTQ+ youth to thrive in an environment that respects and celebrates their identity.”

Research has shown that supportive family environments significantly improve the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to educational initiatives, LEA offers a wealth of resources aimed at helping Latine/x families, schools and communities create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, building affirmative safe spaces where young people can be themselves without fear of discrimination or rejection. These resources include toolkits on starting supportive conversations, guides for schools on inclusivity, series of workshops and open forums for families, and information about mental health services tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.

The struggle for equality and human rights transcends borders, cultures, and identities. Building community connections is at the heart of LEA’s mission. By fostering alliances among different cultural and ethnic groups, LEA not only elevates the voices of Latine/x LGBTQ+ individuals but also reinforces the idea that equality is a collective fight for all community members and residents. Although marriage equality has been preserved and advanced in the state, with the upcoming election it serves as a reminder of the battles fought and the vigilance required to maintain these hard-won rights.

As a public health advocate, LEA works to reduce health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community by advocating against social, environmental, and economic factors that impact individuals’ well-being. LEA  participates in many coalitions, such as Out Against Big Tobacco, We Breathe, and Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Los Angeles County, advocating against tobacco use.

The Latino Equality Alliance serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Latine/x LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Through education, resources, community building, and advocacy, their programs and powerful impact demonstrates that equality is not merely a goal but a journey that requires the collective efforts of all. As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain, it is imperative to recognize the power of informed and engaged communities. Together, we can build a future where love, acceptance, and equality triumph over discrimination, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about Latino Equality Alliance.