Tag: Pride

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