Our Needs Have Changed
G Latino was initially launched in 2018 as a targeted initiative within our HIV/STD program to engage gay men who spoke primarily or exclusively Spanish, to encourage them to get tested. The name G(ay) Latino was specifically chosen to resonate with this community.
Since then, the needs within the LGBT & Latino communities in our area have changed. In recent years, there has been a growing number of individuals who identify as trans, gender non-conforming, or non-binary, including within the Latino community. These individuals often face heightened risks of harassment and bullying, especially in today’s political climate. Language barriers deepen isolation, making it even harder to access essential resources and support. Additionally, following the pandemic, there has been a significant influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants to our area, including people from Portuguese-speaking Brazil, many of whom are part of the LGBT community.
To better serve these evolving needs, we are refocusing and rebranding our program to support all LGBT Spanish speakers. Our goal is to create a welcoming and safe space for LGBT Latinos, Latinas, Latines (a non-gendered neo-pronoun in Spanish), and others who speak Spanish.
So, Our Program (& Name) Must Change, Too
The term “Latino” is an inclusive label that refers to anyone with origins in Latin America. It is a term that encompasses people from many countries and diverse backgrounds who, despite their differences, see themselves as part of a shared identity. Being Latino represents our rich cultural diversity, our various expressions of the same language, and often embodies the joy, cadence, and rhythm that define our heritage.
Latineando represents the verb form for “being Latin,” and can be translated as “Latining.” It is a playful use of the word “Latin,” meaning to infuse everyday activities, speech, or cultural expressions with the joy, rhythm, and sabor (flavor) characteristic of Latin culture. It’s about adding a Latin flair to everything or bringing the vibrant energy and passion of Latin traditions into all aspects of life.
Our Latineando program aims to provide LGBT Spanish speakers the opportunity to express themselves freely, become aware of available resources, build community and social networks, and ultimately be themselves, stay healthy, and make a positive impact on our world with the unique joy and rhythm inherent to our Latin culture.
Nuestras necesidades han cambiado
El programa G Latino de LGBT Network está evolucionando para satisfacer mejor las necesidades de la comunidad Latinx de habla hispana en general. El programa fue lanzado originalmente en 2018 para atraer a hombres gay de habla hispana para hacerse pruebas de VIH/ITS. Sin embargo, las necesidades de las comunidades LGBT Latinx se han expandido y diversificado, lo que ha llevado a un cambio en el nombre del programa para servir a más personas de la comunidad LGBT Latinx.
Presentamos Latineando:
¡G Latino ahora es Latineando! Nuestro renovado programa Latineando está diseñado para servir a todos los hispanohablantes LGBT, incluidos latinos, latinas, latines y otros. Este programa brindará un espacio acogedor y seguro que está dirigido principalmente en español y celebra la cultura latina al mismo tiempo que aborda las necesidades más amplias de nuestra comunidad, incluidas las personas trans, personas de género no conforme y no binarias. El programa seguirá siendo organizado y facilitado por Ernesto Hernández, Director de Outreach e Impacto, quien ha sido miembro del equipo de LGBT Network durante 8 años.
Latinando continuará ofreciendo servicios y apoyo vitales, ahora con un enfoque ampliado.
