Our Mission
The mission of the Queerceañera project is to provide authentic artistic representation and narratives of LGBT Latin@ experiences that fully encompass our multiple identities. By providing spaces, programs and personal development opportunities , we ensure that our stories are not forgotten, lost, or silenced. We are committed to telling our stories through our own voices, our own bodies bodies, and our on aesthetic. We are take pride in showcasing local talent , promoting welcoming businesses and celebrating community leaders that support the LGBT Latin@ population.
Curator's Message
I have lived in San Jose all my life. I came out at a later age, after college. I am a Queer, 2Spirit, Chicana. I am privileged to have access to knowledge of Queer Latino writers, politicians, arts and community leaders--- but I had to look for them. Nowhere in the local community were they being showcased. Many times, it seemed as if they had to choose Gay or Latino. If they wanted to be in the Latino sphere they gave up their queer identity or for acceptance in the mainstream White LGBT movement, they hid their Latino heritage. Few have been privileged to witnessed Gay, Latino authenticity on a large stage from great like Cherrie Moraga, Tatiana de la Tierra, and Dan Guerrero.
In my work in the community I witnessed to many lives and perspectives. I saw Latin@ baby dykes, butchas, and young gay men express that the only time that they felt accepted or free was at the club, getting faded and involved in other high risk activities. I heard from preteens and teens who couldn’t wait to get out of the house and read newspaper articles of the ones who just could not take it anymore. I also saw older gay men not willing to express themselves as sexual beings and avoided falling in love for fear of having to choose between their loyalty to their families’ comfort and denial and their respect and commitment to their partners. And even I at moments, I find myself wondering, “Am I the only one who feels this way?”
The Latino community is diverse---multiple waves of migration from multiple countries all experiencing a distinct culture and community climate. The LGBT is as unique as the members who encompass it. We are whole and broken, united and fragmented all at once. Arts and culture events have healing effects of reflection, expression, and undeniable presence.
This project is a glimpse into our realities of joy, sorrow, frustration and anger, but especially a celebration of our resilient spirit.
Maribel Martinez
Data Behind the Movement
Latinos/Hispanics are the third largest racial/ethnic group in Santa Clara County and are projected to be the largest group by 2050.[1] The estimates of the percentage of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in a given population run from four (4%) to ten percent (10%). Based on 2010 census data and using this range, we estimate the number of LGB-identified Latinos in Santa Clara County to be between 19,168 and 47,921. Although there are no reliable estimates of transgender population size, we can assume that the county is home to some Latino transgender populations. Yet, Santa Clara County has no programs that explicitly meet the arts and culture needs of LGBT-identified Latinos and their families. In fact only one support group for LGBT Latinos is available, Colectivo AlA, a non-heteroconforming men’s discussion group for Spanish-speakers.
This LGBTQ community’s needs are unique, but also mainstream resources seldom make a commitment to provide LGBT consumers with culturally competent and affirming treatment.[2] In the recent county study Status of Latino/Hispanic Health Santa Clara County 2012, the report makes no mention of the health needs of the LGBT community and this community is left out of the scope all together. The 2005 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Needs Assessment: Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health conducted by the Billy DeFrank Community Center, included little mention of the specific needs of Latinos while reinforcing 1) the need to reduce stigma and isolation, 2) the need to provide safe school and work environments, 3) the need to improve access to information regarding social services, and 4) the need to explore specific needs of subpopulations.
The Queerseañera Project is the first to provide community arts events and services to the Latino LGBT community. With the launch of the 1st Annual Queerseañera, Latino LGBT residents, their family and the community can unite to celebrate their cultural heritage and affirm their sexual identity. Queerse used as a reflexive verb "to queer oneself" and añera meaning “on a given year marking a milestone” , this is an event designed combine aspects of cultural celebration, access to community resource, and actively build solidarity. Aside from the once a year large event, the Queerseañera Project will host a series of arts and culture workshops, community panels and talks, and showcase the contributions of Latino LGBT artists and community leaders.
Studies have shown that the LGBTQ community has an increased risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicide. The significant social stigmas and discrimination that lesbian and gay people experience may also place them at greater risk for psychological distress. The LGBTQ community is also at high risk for becoming victims of physical violence and harassment, particularly in non-urban areas. LGBTQ youth may face harassment and possible abuse from family and peers, and these youth are particularly vulnerable when they first go public with their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ older adults may avoid accessing health and social services due to concerns about insensitive and discriminatory treatment. Compared to heterosexual seniors, LGBTQ seniors are more likely to live alone and less likely to have a caregiver should they become ill. These factors can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are risk factors for depression later in life.[3] Family acceptance predicts greater self-esteem, social support, and general health status. [4] Interventions that promote parental acceptance and reduce societal stigmas of LGBT members are need to reduce health disparities and promote overall good health.
Additionally, within the arts community the 2013 Arts Diversity Index publication revealed that although the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas, the theatre community is still predominantly White. In Santa Clara County, although only 35% of the general population is White, this group makes up 87% of the theatergoing sample. [5] For communities, that experience marginality on multiple fronts, access is even more reduced.
Looking Toward the Future
However, support and acceptance of LGBT Latinos is shifting. A recent study concluded that Latinos are as open and tolerant, if not more so that the general population. [6] Still, some segments of the Latino community continue to carry anti-gay sentiments and oppose legal gay marriage. Yet, like the general population, the road to acceptance is paved by association. Acceptance grows based on how many LGBT Latinos an individual is close to or associated with.
With the passage of significant legislation in favor of LGBT rights and more and more LGBT Latinos going public with their sexual orientation, the Queerseañera Project will leverage this positive momentum and catapult Santa Clara County into a more inclusive and supportive space for LGBT Latinos.
Project Outcomes:
1. Establish a benchmark of Latino LGBT community needs: We will use this event to begin to explore future programs and activities needed to support this specific population.
2. Create a sense of community: Participant will have a public space to come together and share a common experience while celebrating the diverse heritage of multiple identities
3. Increase a sense of belonging and pride: Participant will learn of the great contributions of past and present LGBT arts and cultural leaders and reshaping the LGBT Latino discourse from one of silence and isolation to celebrations and solidarity-building.
4. Promote LGBT Latino artists and community leaders: Showcase the existing talent and created a foundation for future work.
5. Increase access to community services including the arts: Resources fairs create a one-stop open fair where participants interact with culturally competent and affirming providers, address the gap in access. Arts events specifically target LGBT Latinos of all ages, backgrounds, and language needs.
6. Reduce stigma and isolation for this community: By creating publicly supported community events, participants begin to see their place and potential involvement in the social milieu.
[1] Status of Latino/Hispanic Health Santa Clara County 2012 http://www.sccgov.org/sites/sccphd/en-us/Partners/Data/Documents/Latino%20Health%202012/LHA_Vol_1_oct1_2012.pdf
[2] No Need to Hide: Out of the Closet and Mentally Ill.http://lyceumbooks.com/pdf/BestPractices/Chapter06.pdf
[3] The California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental. Health Stigma and Discrimination (2009)
[4] Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Volume 23, Issue 4, pages 205–213, November 2010
[5] http://theatrebayarea.org/Programs/upload/The-Arts-Diversity-Index-2.pdf
[6] http://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/LGBTAS_HispanicPerspective.pdf
This LGBTQ community’s needs are unique, but also mainstream resources seldom make a commitment to provide LGBT consumers with culturally competent and affirming treatment.[2] In the recent county study Status of Latino/Hispanic Health Santa Clara County 2012, the report makes no mention of the health needs of the LGBT community and this community is left out of the scope all together. The 2005 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Needs Assessment: Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health conducted by the Billy DeFrank Community Center, included little mention of the specific needs of Latinos while reinforcing 1) the need to reduce stigma and isolation, 2) the need to provide safe school and work environments, 3) the need to improve access to information regarding social services, and 4) the need to explore specific needs of subpopulations.
The Queerseañera Project is the first to provide community arts events and services to the Latino LGBT community. With the launch of the 1st Annual Queerseañera, Latino LGBT residents, their family and the community can unite to celebrate their cultural heritage and affirm their sexual identity. Queerse used as a reflexive verb "to queer oneself" and añera meaning “on a given year marking a milestone” , this is an event designed combine aspects of cultural celebration, access to community resource, and actively build solidarity. Aside from the once a year large event, the Queerseañera Project will host a series of arts and culture workshops, community panels and talks, and showcase the contributions of Latino LGBT artists and community leaders.
Studies have shown that the LGBTQ community has an increased risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicide. The significant social stigmas and discrimination that lesbian and gay people experience may also place them at greater risk for psychological distress. The LGBTQ community is also at high risk for becoming victims of physical violence and harassment, particularly in non-urban areas. LGBTQ youth may face harassment and possible abuse from family and peers, and these youth are particularly vulnerable when they first go public with their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ older adults may avoid accessing health and social services due to concerns about insensitive and discriminatory treatment. Compared to heterosexual seniors, LGBTQ seniors are more likely to live alone and less likely to have a caregiver should they become ill. These factors can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are risk factors for depression later in life.[3] Family acceptance predicts greater self-esteem, social support, and general health status. [4] Interventions that promote parental acceptance and reduce societal stigmas of LGBT members are need to reduce health disparities and promote overall good health.
Additionally, within the arts community the 2013 Arts Diversity Index publication revealed that although the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas, the theatre community is still predominantly White. In Santa Clara County, although only 35% of the general population is White, this group makes up 87% of the theatergoing sample. [5] For communities, that experience marginality on multiple fronts, access is even more reduced.
Looking Toward the Future
However, support and acceptance of LGBT Latinos is shifting. A recent study concluded that Latinos are as open and tolerant, if not more so that the general population. [6] Still, some segments of the Latino community continue to carry anti-gay sentiments and oppose legal gay marriage. Yet, like the general population, the road to acceptance is paved by association. Acceptance grows based on how many LGBT Latinos an individual is close to or associated with.
With the passage of significant legislation in favor of LGBT rights and more and more LGBT Latinos going public with their sexual orientation, the Queerseañera Project will leverage this positive momentum and catapult Santa Clara County into a more inclusive and supportive space for LGBT Latinos.
Project Outcomes:
1. Establish a benchmark of Latino LGBT community needs: We will use this event to begin to explore future programs and activities needed to support this specific population.
2. Create a sense of community: Participant will have a public space to come together and share a common experience while celebrating the diverse heritage of multiple identities
3. Increase a sense of belonging and pride: Participant will learn of the great contributions of past and present LGBT arts and cultural leaders and reshaping the LGBT Latino discourse from one of silence and isolation to celebrations and solidarity-building.
4. Promote LGBT Latino artists and community leaders: Showcase the existing talent and created a foundation for future work.
5. Increase access to community services including the arts: Resources fairs create a one-stop open fair where participants interact with culturally competent and affirming providers, address the gap in access. Arts events specifically target LGBT Latinos of all ages, backgrounds, and language needs.
6. Reduce stigma and isolation for this community: By creating publicly supported community events, participants begin to see their place and potential involvement in the social milieu.
[1] Status of Latino/Hispanic Health Santa Clara County 2012 http://www.sccgov.org/sites/sccphd/en-us/Partners/Data/Documents/Latino%20Health%202012/LHA_Vol_1_oct1_2012.pdf
[2] No Need to Hide: Out of the Closet and Mentally Ill.http://lyceumbooks.com/pdf/BestPractices/Chapter06.pdf
[3] The California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental. Health Stigma and Discrimination (2009)
[4] Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Volume 23, Issue 4, pages 205–213, November 2010
[5] http://theatrebayarea.org/Programs/upload/The-Arts-Diversity-Index-2.pdf
[6] http://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/LGBTAS_HispanicPerspective.pdf