SANTA CRUZ, CA – The Diversity Center’s Latino Outreach program will hold a presentation of the “Assessment of the Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community of Santa Cruz County” on Thursday, January 15th, at 5:00pm at the Diversity Center (1117 Soquel Ave). This report will present what Latino LGBT people have identified as their issues and needs and how one can better support them as service providers, family, friends and teachers.

This is the second Latino LGBT needs assessment. The first was conducted in 2003 by Triangle Speakers. The survey was developed to implement culturally appropriate programming by understanding the social realities, needs and issues affecting Santa Cruz County Latina/o lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.

The report confirms that the Latino LGBT respondents “experience discrimination not just based on gender and sexual orientation, but also based on their ethnicity and skin color." The report concludes that “while Santa Cruz County is generally known as a progressive and accepting community, it is not immune to the powerfully homophobic and racist environment and sentiments that encompass American culture.” Read More

see also: January 17: Triangle Speakers Training