Latino LGBT group holds annual awards ceremony

Jocelyn Carrillo, owner of Club Majestic in Alexandria, was among the honorees at the Latino GLBT History Project’s annual awards ceremony. (Washington Blade photo by Jonathan Ellis)

The Latino GLBT History Project on Oct. 19 held its seventh annual awards ceremony at the Human Rights Campaign in D.C.

The group honored National Council of La Raza board member Catherine Pino, Russell Roybal of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Bamby Salcedo of the Trans-Latina Coalition and Jocelyn Carrillo, owner of Club Majestic in Alexandria. Candy Cintron of El Zol 107.9 in D.C. and David Damian Figueroa of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund were among those who attended, while Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Georgetown opened the event.

“We think it’s really special that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer Latinos and Latinas to embrace and celebrate both of our identities,” said David Pérez, president of the Latino GLBT History Project Board of Directors, as he acknowledged both Hispanic Heritage LGBT History Months. “Tonight we celebrate as I said this special occasion. We’re excited to celebrate the work of the Latino GLBT History Project over this past year as well as our community leaders.”

Pérez noted more than 70 Latinas attended his group’s first Mujeres en Movimiento reception that coincided with Women’s History Month in March. He said D.C. Latino Pride drew more than 700 people to three events throughout the city. The Latino GLBT History Project has also partnered with Equality Maryland and CASA de Maryland on the Familia es Familia Maryland campaign that seeks to gain additional support for in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants and the state’s same-sex marriage law.

Transgender activist Ruby Corado, Elliot Imse of the D.C. Office of Human Rights and Hassan Naveed of Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence were among those who attended the awards ceremony.