El Centro Hispano celebrates the 22nd anniversary of its LGBTQ+ program
El Centro Hispano celebrated the twenty-second anniversary of its LGBTQ+ program at the North Carolina Botanical Garden on November 18, 2023.
The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other non-heteronormative identities) program is part of the Department of Civic & Community Participation of El Centro Hispano. Its goal is to build leadership, create awareness and be a resource to uphold the rights, dignity and safety of the Latinx LGBTQ+ community.
During the Aniversario LGBTQ+, El Centro Hispano presented the Frida Kahlo awards, which honor the Volunteer of the Year,Ā Organization of the Year,Ā Ally of the Year and their impactful trajectory in the community.
It was truly a magical evening celebrating the trailblazers of our community.
2023 Frida Kahlo Award Recipients
The recipients of the 2023 Frida Kahlo Awards, whose contributions continue to inspire positive change and inclusivity in our community:
Raleigh Immigration Law Firm – Business of the Year
Ronal Barahona – Volunteer of the Year
Oscar Garcia Cervantes – Lifetime Achievement Award
Pedro Hernandez – Ally of the Year
The Aniversario LGBTQ+ celebration fostered unity, inclusivity, and empowerment by recognizing the members of our LGBTQ+ programās support groups, staff, partners and allies.
āHighlighting LGBTQ+ presence is essential for acknowledging the diversity and experiences within our community, promoting equality, inclusion, advocating for human rights and the well-being of diverse families, driving change and creating a safer and more compassionate environmentā, said Elsa Huerta, LGBTQ+ program coordinator.
