Puertas Abiertas Reaches Out To LGBT Hispanic Community
Wednesday, 09 March 2011 18:56
Lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender Latinos in Tucson need look no further than Puertas Abiertas, a division of Wingspan geared towards LBGT Latinos in Tucson.
Puertas Abiertas was founded as a social group about three years ago by Ana Jimenez, but was shut down when Wingspan moved buildings and decided not to continue the program. In November, Alex Lopez and Jimenez decided to restart the program, wanting to make it a “way for different Latino people in the community to meet up and make new friends,” Lopez said.
“A lot of people in the community are afraid to get out of their own shell and they don’t know where to meet people like this that are similar to them,” he continued.
The organization is small as of now––Lopez and Jimenez are the only two who run the everyday affairs. Since reforming, however, reception has been strong––up to 60 people have shown up to events. The events include such things such as informational fairs.
Lopez said what makes Puertas Abiertas unique is its cultural aspect; in addition to bowling nights and regular meetings, the group takes part in such things as a Dia de Los Muertos celebration.
The group also hosts meetings in Spanish for PFLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, which often center on a discussion.
This month, Puertas Abiertas will host a discussion at Revolutionary Grounds on Fourth Avenue on March 18, and a bowling night on March 29 at Santa Cruz Lanes.
For more information, check out the Puertas Abiertas Facebook page.
Written by Bryan Ponton You are reading Puertas Abiertas Reaches Out To LGBT Hispanic Community articles
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