migrants – Entre Hermanos

Drágame Brunch 2025: A Legacy of Celebration, Now Louder Than EverUna Tradición de Orgullo Que Crece Cada Año

Posted on May 12, 2025May 13, 2025 by Matthew Bromley

by Pablo Castillo, Entre Hermanos’ Communications Director
Photography by Lydia Brewer

For the past seven years, our spring drag brunch has been a joyful, bold tradition in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Latine community. This year, under a new name—Drágame Brunch—the celebration returned louder, prouder, and more vibrant than ever!

Durante los últimos siete años, nuestro brunch primaveral de drag ha sido una tradición alegre y valiente dentro de la comunidad LGBTQ+ latine de Seattle. Este año, bajo un nuevo nombre—Drágame Brunch—la celebración regresó más fuerte, más orgullosa y más vibrante que nunca.

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Held on May 4th at Club Sur, this sold-out event brought together dazzling talent and deep community pride. Our host, the incredibly talented Yohanna Lara, led the afternoon with charisma and heart. In a moving moment, she shared how Yesenia, coordinator of Monarcas, played a key role in her own transition journey—reminding us all how powerful sisterhood and community can be.

El 4 de mayo, Club Sur se llenó de vida con un evento completamente vendido que unió talento espectacular y un profundo sentido de comunidad. Nuestra anfitriona, la talentosísima Yohanna Lara, condujo la tarde con carisma y emoción. En un momento muy conmovedor, compartió cómo Yesenia, coordinadora del grupo Monarcas, fue una pieza clave en su proceso de transición—un poderoso recordatorio del impacto del apoyo y la hermandad entre mujeres trans.

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The show featured unforgettable performances from Geneva Karr (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16), Kameron Michelle, Glenn Coco, Lady Gugu, and the unstoppable beats of DJ Kalef.

El espectáculo incluyó actuaciones inolvidables de Geneva Karr (RuPaul’s Drag Race Temporada 16), Kameron Michelle, Glenn Coco, Lady Gugu, y la música sin descanso de DJ Kalef.

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We were proud to welcome the Grupo de Danzas Monarcas, a traditional Mexican dance collective that challenges gender norms in cultural performance—proving that tradition can evolve into something more inclusive and authentic.

Tuvimos el honor de recibir al Grupo de Danzas Monarcas, un colectivo de danza tradicional mexicana que desafía las normas de género en la cultura folclórica—demostrando que la tradición puede transformarse en un espacio de inclusión y autenticidad.

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Yesenia also took the stage herself, paying tribute to la chica dorada, Paulina Rubio, as part of a performance that blended joy, empowerment, and resistance. She represented Monarcas, the only support group led by and for trans Latinas in Washington State, hosted by Entre Hermanos.

Yesenia también se subió al escenario, rindiendo homenaje a la chica dorada, Paulina Rubio, con una presentación llena de alegría, empoderamiento y resistencia. Ella representa al grupo Monarcas, el único grupo de apoyo dirigido por y para mujeres trans latinas en el estado de Washington, dentro de Entre Hermanos.

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The event also featured a fabulous, show-stopping performance by our very own Entre Hermanos staff, with team members from Housing, Finances, Legal, Outreach, and Communications departments—dancing for a cause, with all tips going directly to our programs.

Thank you to everyone who came, cheered, tipped generously, and showed up for our mission. Huge thanks to Lydia Brewer, who captured every vibrant moment in photos.

This brunch is more than just a party—it’s a tradition of joy, community, and resilience.

And it’s only getting bigger.

Y por si fuera poco, el personal de Entre Hermanos se lució con una performance espectacular, uniendo a miembros de los departamentos de vivienda, finanzas, servicios legales, alcance y comunicación—todo por una buena causa: todas las propinas recaudadas se destinaron directamente a nuestros programas comunitarios.

Gracias a todas las personas que asistieron, aplaudieron, dieron propinas generosas y se sumaron a nuestra misión. Y un agradecimiento especial a Lydia Brewer, quien capturó cada momento con su lente.

Este brunch es más que una fiesta—es una tradición de orgullo, comunidad y resistencia.

Y esto… ¡es solo el comienzo!

Executive Director Edgar Longoria delivers a speech at the 2025 Dia de Muertos Gala. Background features wall of flowers.

‘Looking Toward the Next 50 Years of Pride’ Featuring Our Executive Director, Edgar Longoria

Posted on March 14, 2025March 14, 2025 by Matthew Bromley

by Seattle Pride Magazine on March 1, 2025

We are beyond honored to have our Executive Director, Edgar Longoria, featured in Seattle Pride Magazine’s latest issue! In the article “Looking Toward the Next 50 Years of Pride,” Edgar joins influential voices such as Laurie Jinkins (Speaker of the House, WA State House of Representatives), Mattie Mooney(Co-founder of Taking B(l)ack Pride), Rosette Royale (Managing Editor of South Seattle Emerald), and Jamie Pedersen WA State Senate Majority Leader, to discuss the future of Pride and our LGBTQ+ community.

As the first Latine LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization in Washington, Entre Hermanos is proud to be part of this critical conversation about the future of our movement and the fight for equity, dignity, and visibility.

Original publication in Seattle Pride Magazine Spring 2025 Edition.

Last year marked a significant milestone in Seattle’s queer history as it honored the 50th anniversary of LGBTQIA2S+ Pride celebrations in Seattle. Now entering its 51st year, Seattle Pride asked local LGBTQIA2S+ leaders their hopes for the next 50 years.

How can the LGBTQIA2S+ community as a whole more fully embrace intersectionality and uplift BIPOC, disabled, and economically marginalized voices?

Edgar Longoria: “To fully embrace intersectionality, the LGBTQIA2S+ community must not only acknowledge but actively center the voices of those who experience multiple layers of marginalization. This includes recognizing the specific challenges faced by immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented, trans, and living with HIV. For these individuals, every aspect of their identity adds a layer of vulnerability—whether it’s being at risk for deportation, being denied gender-affirming care, or facing stigma in healthcare settings because of their HIV status.

The community must prioritize providing accessible, culturally competent services that meet the needs of people at these intersections. Creating safe spaces where individuals don’t have to fear being “outed” or having their immigration status questioned is key to building trust and solidarity in these marginalized groups.

Additionally, we need to ensure that leadership positions within the LGBTQIA2S+ movement reflect the full diversity of our community, including those most affected by systemic oppression. It’s not just about inclusion in conversation but about tangible, equitable access to resources, representation, and decision-making power for Latine trans and immigrant LGBTQIA2S+ people.”

What are the most pressing issues currently facing LGBTQIA2S+ communities in Washington?

Edgar Longoria: “The fear of deportation is a massive barrier that keeps many from accessing critical services, including healthcare, mental health support, and social services. Many undocumented trans individuals hesitate to seek help due to the fear that their immigration status will be reported, leaving them without the support they desperately need.

Transphobia is another significant issue. Trans individuals — particularly those who are undocumented — face systemic discrimination both within the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the larger society. This can result in high rates of violence, homelessness, and unemployment, as well as limited access to healthcare that is culturally competent or gender-affirming. All of these issues are compounded by the economic hardships faced by many immigrant families, leading to a cycle of poverty that is incredibly difficult to break.”

What initiatives or changes would you like to see in health resources for the LGBTQIA2S+ community?

Edgar Longoria: “Health resources need to be radically more inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent. Latine individuals account for approximately 27% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., despite being only 19% of the population (Center for Disease Control). Expanding access to PrEP, bilingual services, and community-led health initiatives is essential for prevention and care. To better serve this community, healthcare providers need to be trained on the intersectionality of these identities.

Mental health services must also be expanded, particularly services that address the compounded trauma of migration, transphobia, racism, and HIV stigma. Creating safe spaces for undocumented, trans, and HIV+ individuals within healthcare settings is crucial to overcoming the deep mistrust many of these individuals have in institutions that have historically failed them.”

What legacy do you hope today’s LGBTQIA2S+ leaders will leave for future generations? What legacy do you hope to leave as a queer leader?

Edgar Longoria: “I hope today’s LGBTQIA2S+ leaders leave a legacy of truly inclusive activism that centers the voices and experiences of the most marginalized. The legacy I hope we leave is one where these individuals are no longer forced to fight for the basics: access to healthcare, safety, legal protections, and economic opportunities. I want future generations to inherit a community that does not just acknowledge but celebrates the complexity of their identities, ensuring that every person is seen and supported in all their intersections.

As a queer leader, I hope my legacy will be one of advocacy for the most vulnerable, helping to ensure that future leaders don’t just fight for policy change but also actively dismantle the systems of oppression that affect the most marginalized. I want to be remembered for amplifying the voices of Latine trans individuals, undocumented immigrants, and HIV+ people, and for contributing to a world where they can live without fear, fully and unapologetically, as their authentic selves.”

A huge thank you to the Seattle Pride team for this opportunity! We are excited for what’s ahead, including all the incredible projects we will share at Seattle Pride 2025!

Read the full interview here: https://seattlepride.org/news/looking-toward-the-next-50-years-of-pride

Entre Hermanos Official Statement: Stop Inhumane Immigration Policies!

Posted on February 27, 2025March 14, 2025 by Matthew Bromley

[Español a continuación/Spanish below]

At Entre Hermanos, the first Latinx LGBTQ+ organization in the state of Washington, we raise our voices to denounce the cruel and unacceptable immigration practices implemented by the United States Federal Government. The recent decision to send migrants to Costa Rica and Panama as ‘bridge countries’ while their deportations are processed is a flagrant violation of human rights.

A few weeks ago, the U.S. government reached an agreement with the government of Costa Rica to transfer 200 migrants to that country, intending to use it as a transit point before deporting them to their countries of origin. This process has already been carried out with the dispatch of two planes, transporting a total of 200 people, including 81 children. Likewise, migrants sent to Panama face alarming and extremely vulnerable conditions.

The countries of origin of these individuals include Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ghana, Jordan, China, Russia, India, Congo, Nepal, Yemen, Vietnam, and Georgia. All of them have cited economic, political, or armed conflict-related reasons for fleeing their countries. None of the individuals in the first deported group have criminal records. However, through these actions, they are being denied the right to seek asylum in the United States and are subjected to inhumane conditions in third countries.

Migrants are being forced to remain in these countries without security guarantees, without the right to free movement, and without access to legal representation. The facilities where they are held effectively function as prisons, criminalizing those who are merely seeking to survive.

This situation is even more critical for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Many of these individuals flee precisely because of persecution in their countries of origin, where their lives are in danger due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the ‘bridge countries’ to which they are being sent offer no guarantees of safety, as they have a history of discrimination and systematic violence against our community. This deportation policy is not only cruel but also puts the lives of LGBTQ+ migrants at direct risk.

We are deeply alarmed by the fate of the 81 children deported to Costa Rica. There is no clear information regarding the guarantee of their fundamental rights, including education, healthcare, and protections in the event they are unaccompanied minors. Additionally, the conditions in which people sent to Panama find themselves are extremely concerning, with reports of isolation, lack of medical attention, and arbitrary detention in remote areas such as the Darién jungle.

Entre Hermanos demands:

Immediate cessation of deportations to ‘bridge countries.’
Absolute respect for the right to asylum and the guarantee of due process for every migrant.
Protection of the human rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals and the migrant community as a whole.
Transparency regarding the whereabouts and conditions of the children deported to Costa Rica and Panama.

We urgently call on the international community, human rights organizations, and civil society not to remain silent in the face of these systematic violations. We cannot stand silently in the face of policies that continue to criminalize migration and endanger the lives of the most LGBTQ+ individuals.

Stop inhumane deportations! Stop putting our communities’ lives at risk!

Entre Hermanos is and will be fighting for the dignity, rights, and justice of our Latine LGBTQ+ and migrant community.

Entre Hermanos Comunicado Oficial: ¡Basta de Políticas Migratorias Inhumanas!

Desde Entre Hermanos, la primera organización latine LGBTQ+ del estado de Washington, alzamos nuestra voz para denunciar las prácticas migratorias crueles e inaceptables implementadas por el Gobierno Federal de los Estados Unidos. La reciente decisión de enviar personas migrantes a Costa Rica y Panamá como ‘países puente’ mientras se procesan sus deportaciones es una flagrante violación de los derechos humanos.

Hace unas semanas, el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos acordó con el Gobierno de Costa Rica el traslado de 200 personas migrantes a ese país, con el propósito de utilizarlo como punto de tránsito antes de ser deportadas a sus países de origen. Este proceso ya se ha materializado con el envío de dos aviones, transportando a un total de 200 personas, incluidos 81 niños y niñas. De igual manera, las personas migrantes enviadas a Panamá enfrentan condiciones alarmantes y de extrema vulnerabilidad.

Los países de origen de estas personas incluyen Uzbekistán, Afganistán, Irán, Armenia, Turquía, Azerbaiyán, Ghana, Jordania, China, Rusia, India, Congo, Nepal, Yemen, Vietnam y Georgia. Todas ellas han argumentado razones económicas, políticas o conflictos armados como motivos para huir de sus países. Ninguna de las personas del primer grupo deportado posee antecedentes criminales. Sin embargo, con estas acciones, se les niega el derecho a solicitar asilo en los Estados Unidos y se les somete a condiciones inhumanas en terceros países.

Las personas migrantes están siendo forzadas a permanecer en estos países sin garantías de seguridad, sin derecho a la libre circulación y sin acceso a representación legal. Los centros donde son retenidas funcionan, en la práctica, como cárceles, criminalizando a quienes solo buscan sobrevivir.

Esta situación es aún más crítica para quienes forman parte de la comunidad LGBTQ+. Muchas de estas personas huyen precisamente de la persecución en sus países de origen, donde sus vidas corren peligro debido a su orientación sexual o identidad de género. Sin embargo, los ‘países puente’ a los que están siendo enviadas tampoco garantizan su seguridad, ya que cuentan con antecedentes de discriminación y violencia sistemática contra nuestra comunidad. Esta política de deportación no solo es cruel, sino que también pone en riesgo directo la vida de personas LGBTQ+ migrantes.

Nos alarma profundamente el destino de los 81 niños deportados a Costa Rica. No existe información clara sobre la garantía de sus derechos fundamentales, incluyendo educación, acceso a la salud y protección en caso de ser menores no acompañados. Además, las condiciones en las que se encuentran las personas enviadas a Panamá son extremadamente preocupantes, con reportes de aislamiento, falta de atención médica y detención arbitraria en áreas remotas como la selva del Darién.

Desde Entre Hermanos exigimos:

El cese inmediato de las deportaciones a ‘países puente’.
El respeto absoluto al derecho de asilo y la garantía de un debido proceso para cada persona migrante.
La protección de los derechos humanos de todas las personas LGBTQ+ y de la comunidad migrante en general.
Transparencia sobre el paradero y las condiciones de los niños migrantes enviados a Costa Rica y Panamá.

Hacemos un llamado urgente a la comunidad internacional, a organizaciones de derechos humanos y a la sociedad civil para que no permanezcan en silencio ante estas violaciones sistemáticas. No podemos permitir que se sigan implementando políticas que criminalizan la migración y ponen en riesgo la vida de las personas más vulnerables.

¡Basta de deportaciones inhumanas! ¡Basta de poner en riesgo la vida de nuestras comunidades!

En Entre Hermanos seguimos y seguiremos luchamos por la dignidad,
los derechos y la justicia para nuestra comunidad LGBTQ+ latine y migrante.

Seattle Symphony Highlights Entre Hermanos!

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Rafael Robles

■ COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Entre Hermanos

*Entre Hermanos staff at the organization’s annual Pride Picnic*

Entre Hermanos is a community-based organization that offers Latine cultural and health services to
the LGBTQ+ community in a space that is affirming, safe and supportive. The organization’s founders
sought to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis locally with programs deeply connected to Latine language
and cultural roots, surrounded by the warmth, love and care of their LGBTQ+ siblings. For over 33
years, Entre Hermanos has promoted the health and well-being of the Latine LGBTQ+ community
through disease prevention, HIV awareness and sexual health education, advocacy, community
building and cultural celebration.

Entre Hermanos also serves clients in areas surrounding King County, and in Central and Eastern
Washington who need critical health, housing and immigration services — services made available
by Entre Hermanos without cost, in Spanish and other languages, to sexually diverse Latines, and
without regard for immigration status. The organization reaches more than 7,000 annually, including
1,000 people who receive direct medical and non-medical higher-touch intervention through STD
testing, PrEP navigation and HIV medical case management; light-touch outreach and education via
radio and social media; and condom distribution to 6,000 individuals annually.

The organization’s inclusive social media and community education videos are produced in Spanish
and five Indigenous languages of Mexico and Central America. Entre Hermanos seeks ways to serve
those who are excluded from access to LGBTQ+ health services, knowing what it is like to navigate
complicated health systems with barriers such as language, sexuality, race, gender, and socioeconomic and educational attainment. Many of its clients are immigrants with dreams of a stable and
safe future, and its wrap-around services in housing, immigration law, and outreach and navigation
help its clients attain safety during the most critical period in their lives. Today, Entre Hermanos
continues to strive for progress and expand upon its support services.

Entre Hermanos is one of more than 70 partners in the Seattle Symphony’s Community Connections program,
which provides complimentary tickets to nonprofit organizations across the Puget Sound region.

ABOUT THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY

The Seattle Symphony is recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR) and is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming,
community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of
over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018
Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000
people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony+ streaming app, the orchestra’s concerts reach
audiences at home and around the world

Learn more at https://www.seattlesymphony.org/

Entre Hermanos 33 Years Into the Future

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Matthew Bromley

An article from WA Department of Health Newsletter

DOH 150-158 February 2024
HCS Newsletter

We want the community to learn about the wonderful work Entre Hermanos does for the LGBTQ+ Latino Community in Washington State. So we asked Entre Hermanos Executive Director, Edgar Longoria, to help us achieve this by answering a series of questions to clearly define the importance of this organizations role in providing community services.
Who is Entre Hermanos and for how long has it served the community?
We are an organization with roots in the community. Everything we do is community-based and we do it in ways that are culturally affirming, safe, and supportive. We were created to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Washington State in the early 1990’s. Our founders wanted to support members of the LGBTQ+ Latino community regardless of their immigration status.

For over 33 years we have honored that legacy by promoting health and well-being for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. The work we do is rooted in love, care, and support.

Who are your clients?
We serve sexually diverse Latinx people, including transgender immigrants. Most of our clients reside or work in King County and surrounding areas, but we also see clients from Central or Eastern Washington. Clients that come from afar are drawn by a need for our integrated services in health, housing, and immigration.

What services does Entre Hermanos provide?
We provide testing services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We also provide HIV medical case management and help remove barriers to transportation and other essential needs. We offer preventive services such as PrEP navigation and condom distribution. We do light-touch outreach and education
via radio and social media. We have
wrap-around services in housing and immigration law. Every year we reach over 7,000 people in our community. Our services are free of charge in Spanish and indigenous languages from Central America. Our staff speak the same language as our clients. This helps decrease communication barriers and provides a sense of safety to clients.
Our cultural experience helps us understand clients’ holistic and intersecting needs.

*Joel Aguirre interviews a community member on an episode of an Entre Hermanos podcast*

What makes you proud of the work
Entre Hermanos does?
I am proud of our collective intersectionality experience. It makes us look for ways to serve those who are excluded in other contexts. We know from our own experience what it is like to be pushed aside due to our languages, sexualities, races, and genders.
Our collective intersectionality experience helps us understand client’s holistic and intersecting needs.
And we can meet these needs through case management related to medical care, housing assistance, support groups, and more.
I am also proud of the way we cultivate a transformative and gracious space where people can live their most authentic and empowering selves.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Yes. Very soon Entre Hermanos will expand our reach to the community. We are excited to announce that are opening an office in rural Yakima. This was possible thanks to a Congressional Direct Spending project from Senator Patty Murray. We hope to be ready to roll this out by next year. This office will help us expand our holistic programs on HIV care and prevention, legal representation, prevention education outreach via radio, and more. Rural areas in Eastern Washington are home to many Hispanic/Latinx individuals.Members of the LGBTQ+ community in those areas have little access to culturally and linguistically sensitive services that are LGBTQ+ affirming.Our presence hopes to change that. We want to continue marching into the future, on the road to justice, striving for progress, and expanding our services to sexually diverse Latinx individuals in Washington.

We are blessed with a supportive community, talented and committed staff, and the support of health champions, like you. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Entre Hermanos. We look forward to future opportunities to advance the health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ+ people in Washington State.
Thank you for your support!

Contributor: Edgar Longoria
Executive Director, Entre Hermanos

Entre Hermanos Statement: June 4 Executive Order Restricting Access to Asylum

Posted on June 5, 2024June 5, 2024 by Matthew Bromley

NEW RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, Washington

June 5^th, 2024

Contact: Robert Foss

Title: Director of Legal Services

Email: robert@entrehermanos.org

The executive order of June 4 restricting entry and suspending access to asylum has serious ramifications for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. It is disappointing that at the very beginning of our community’s celebration of pride, we are faced with new barriers to justice.

So many members of our community have suffered persecution, violence, and assassination simply because of who they are and who they love. These new restrictions on asylum will directly increase the number of deaths for LGBTQ refugees, both in their home countries and in the border regions. Transwomen in particular are subjected to astonishingly vicious levels of hate and violence, demonstrated by the ongoing death toll in many of our neighboring countries. The executive order does not reflect the most basic of human rights—the right to live and love. The members of our community deserve safety, refuge, and respect as they seek to simply be who they are.
We urge the Biden Administration to implement policy which is in line with the human rights of our Latinx siblings and with the humanitarian values which should inform our immigration policies. We call for an asylum system consistent with both justice and our international obligations which recognizes the plight of all refugees, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. We must process many more cases of refugee status for our community through our embassies and consular offices worldwide. We must simplify and uphold due process for all asylum seekers both at the border and in our immigration courts. In the end, we must approve many more cases.

Entre Hermanos has firsthand knowledge of the suffering of asylum seekers. We also know the richness, beauty, and joy which they bring to us. We stand with the newly arrived in this month of pride, knowing that our own struggle for justice is far from complete.

Robert Foss
Entre Hermanos Director of Legal Services

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Tag: migrants