Post submitted by former HRC Digital Media Manager Helen Parshall

As we mark the start of Latinx Heritage Month, HRC is proud to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of Latinx LGBTQ people and allies who continuously fight for change across our communities.

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Latinx Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the rich heritage of the Latinx community, with roots from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

We use the term “Latinx” rather than “Hispanic” to center the identities of non-binary and gender-expansive people and to interrupt language that excludes indigenous, Brazilian and other non-Spanish-speaking Latinx people from these celebrations.

"When I began my work in advocacy, there wasn't a national LGBTQ organization that reflected the intersections of my Latinx identity and my gay identity," said Alejandro Avilés, HRC Director of Outreach and Engagement. "In lockstep with our partners such as LULAC, NAACP and UnidosUS, HRC is committed to building and expanding our relationship with the Latinx community and standing strong together against the barrage of attacks from an administration that seeks to target the most marginalized among us."

Elected officials and candidates like Ruben Gallego, Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lupe Valdez, Nelson Araujo, José Julio Sarria and January Contreras provide bright lights in dark times, advocating for LGBTQ people at the local and federal level, and reminding us that the fight for equality is far from over.

Artists and creators such as Frida Kahlo, Alex Sanchez, Gloria Anzaldúa, Cherríe Moraga, Rose Troche, Denice Frohman, Julio Salgado and Ricky Martin use mediums from poetry to music and film to bring the experiences, struggles and triumphs of the Latinx community to life.

The leadership of Latinx HRC Global Innovators, including Diego Mora Bello, Alba Reyes, Gabriel de la Cruz Soler, Laura Frida Weinstein Nisenbon and Emilio Maldonado, drives the movement for global equality.

Orlando Cruz, Rudy Galindo, Bianca Sierra and Stephany Mayor have broken boundaries both inside and outside the sports arena for Latinx athletes.

Celebrities from Sara Ramirez, Mark Indelicato, Stephanie Beatriz and Daniela Vega to Laith Ashley De La Cruz, Emily Rios, Wilson Cruz and Natalie Morales live proudly, openly and authentically, inspiring others and serving as role models for Latinx youth.

We celebrate the work of fierce advocates like Ruby Corado, María Teresa Kumar, Cristina Jiménez, Bamby Salcedo, Alexa Rodriguez, Eliel Cruz, Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, José Gutiérrez, Anthony Romero, Joanna Maria Cifredo, Jennicet Gutierrez and Diego Sanchez, who challenge us to question the bias, discrimination and prejudice that disproportionately affect LGBTQ people of color.

HRC is committed to building and expanding our relationship with the Latinx community and working with our partners to address the challenges that they face, like violence and harassment, language barriers and access, HIV and health inequity and more.

This month and always, we stand firmly with those in the Latinx community who are under attack -- including immigrant families ripped apart by the Trump-Pence administration’s unconscionable policies and young people affected by the administration’s cruel decision to end DACA.

From turning out Equality Voters in November to our grassroots efforts mobilizing against these and other dangerous attacks -- HRC is fighting everyday to pull the emergency brake on Trump and Pence and to ensure full equality and justice is achieved for everyone, everywhere.

For more information about HRC’s work with Latinx communities and to access HRC’s Spanish-language resources, click here.