Somos Latin@s promises muy caliente Latin Pride
Somos Latin@s LGBT Coalition of Mass is having their annual Latino Pride celebration kicking off Saturday, May 10 until Friday, May 18. The week-long event, which marks the organization's 5th Anniversary, will feature a diverse set of activities, from films to live music performances.
The film, "Through Thick and Thin," follows the extraordinary stories of seven bi-national gay and lesbian couples whose lives are dramatically affected by current immigration laws. The director will be present for a question and answer immediately following the screening. "Through Thick and Thin" will be shown on May 10 at the Museum of Fine Arts as part of the Boston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
The award-winning film, *"Manuela Y Manuel," from director Raul Marchand and made in Puerto Rico, will also be shown at the MFA. Marchand, the film's writer, and cast members will also be presenter a discussion following the screening.
On Sunday, May 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Dyke March and Somos Latin's LGBT Coalition will host the first speed dating event for both men and women.
Opening Night of Latino Pride '08 will kick off 8 p.m. at Frans Place. Attendees will learn how to dance the hottest Latino Rhythms, Dance Face-Off and a night of shows from past Latino Crown Winners.
On Thursday, May 15, there will be a Latino Pride '08 Political Community Discussion, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. called "The Rise and Importance of the Latino GLBT Community in Election 2008." Panelists include Representative Carl Sciortino, Joel Barrera, Gloribell Mota, Giovanna Negretti and others from the Latino/Latina Community. The discussion is slotted for Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Student Center Building, Room 201, Roxbury Crossing.
Friday, May 16 will offer AMIGAS! Latino Pride's Women's Party, which begins at 9 p.m. at Fran's Place in Lynn. The party features a special performance from JenRo, a queer Latina hip-hop artist.
Saturday, May 17 features Our Pride of Latinos/as GLBT Reception. The awards are presented to members of the community and allies. Honorees include Ana Maldonado, Proyecto Orgullo of the Hispanic Health Council and Paul Moreno, Gloribell Mota, Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLAAD) and state Rep. Carl Sciortino.
The Miss Mass Gay Latina Pageant '08 will be held at 8 p.m. at theBack Bay Events Center.
Sunday, May 18 has the Vision Party at Fran's Place, where the new crowned queen will perform.
Wilfred Labiosa, one of the founders of the group, as well as a member of the advisory board, said an increasing number of GLBT Latino/as are seeking out activities aimed toward their community.
Somos Latin@s is a nonprofit group by and for the self-identified Latino/a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community of Massachusetts, that works towards the advancement, recognition and education of Latino/as LGBT related issues by the general population, and provides safe spaces, activities, and social support to its members.
For more information about Latino Pride, go to www.somoslatinoslgbt.org.