The Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) will host the 4th annual Mujeres en el Movimiento celebration, a unique social event created by and for queer Latinas from metropolitan Washington, D.C. “We are extremely excited and proud to be highlight the stories of and honoring three courageous queer Latinas,” said Esther Hidalgo, the event chair.
The Rising Star Awards will be presented to two up-and-coming queer Latina leaders who have shown great dedication, commitment, and promise as a community leaders. Maria Alejandra Salas-Baltuano, born in Lima, Peru and raised in Northern Virginia, works as education organizer for Many Languages One Voice (MLOV). She has used her own experiences and identity as a queer immigrant to create a safe space for all intersections of our identities through projects at the Latin American Youth Center and her efforts to provide more support for English Language Learner students in the District. Joanna Cifredo is a writer and the founder of FireBreathingTGirl.com, the Brand Ambassador for the DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) and a fierce advocate for transgender issues. Cifredo, in conjunction with DCRCC, is launching a city-wide conversation called “SIS to Cis,” a conversation between cis and transgender people of color.
The Legacy Award will be presented to Dulce Benavides to recognize her long history of service to the LGBTQ and Latina/o communities. Since her early 20s, Benavides has been involved with improving the lives of LGBTQ people. She works as a practicing psychologist with the belief that we live our lives at the intersections.
“These women have demonstrated their commitment through their outstanding work in the areas of women’s empowerment, racial justice, and activism at the intersections of the Latino and LGBT communities,” said Latino GLBT History Project Vice President Alexa Rodriguez.
The Mujeres en el Movimiento Awards and Networking Event takes place on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Jin Lounge, 2017 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information on the event, visit www.latinoglbthistory.org/women.
