Letter to President Obama

This is the letter that was delivered to President Obama at the LGBT reception.

UNID@S
1325 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Suite 600Washington, DC 20005

June 28, 2009
President Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
The White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for the invitation and honor to celebrate the 40 years of LGBT rights movement at the White House. This is a historical event and one at which we are proud to represent the LGBT Latina/o interest. We understand your commitment to the LGBT community of this great nation as we were also part of your transitioning process. This has been a great relationship and we look forward to further developments and opportunities to collaborate.

The board of directors of UNID@S wants to take this opportunity to introduce you to the scope of our work and the issues affecting our communities. This is done in an effort to raise awareness of the type of struggles affecting Latina/o LGBT individuals in our nation, as seen by regional representatives within our board of directors.

The mission of UNID@S, The National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Human Rights Organization is to create a multi-issue approach for advocacy, education and convening of and for our communities. Guided by economic justice, feminist, environmental and pro-peace values, UNID@S joins a global effort to transform systems and policies to create the just and equitable World we know possible.

Earlier this year UNID@S conducted a needs assessment with Latina/o leaders across the nation. This needs assessment gave direction to our work and to the topics we are presenting to you in this letter. LGBT Latinas/os in the USA are deeply concerned about the lack of relationship recognition. We want to urge you to the importance of repelling pro-hate legislation like DOMA, and a non-gender inclusive EDNA. As you know for Latinas/os families are important and the ability to form same gender legally recognized families ensures us the safety others currently enjoy. DOMA has allowed states across the union to carry on bullying legislation and avoid the recognition of same sex partnership at times when is important such as the death of a partner, hospital interactions, and other basic rights.

LGBT Latinas/os are also worried about immigration rights. Many times this conversation goes without a look at what would this mean for same sex couples and their immigration rights. Same sex Hispanic couples do not have the right to ensure the safety of their relationships just through the naturalization process. Beyond this, many LGBT Latinas/os have fled to this country in search of physical safety, often flying from family members. The current immigration process needs revision to ensure that it is a fair and effective process for all.

As you know we have been at war for over 8 years and many LGBT Latinos have fought along side with non LGBT soldiers. To this day many of our brothers and sisters have hidden their true identity for fear of losing their ability to serve this great nation. The board of UNID@S pleads for your prompt attention to this matter.

Finally, 2010 provides with a new opportunity to gather statistical data which can transform our understanding of LGBT populations in the USA. UNID@S urges you to affect change and ensure that relevant questions are included in the census. In past census questions have been vague and the information gathered has been controversial. This has hindered research and the process of advocacy. Our community is left with projections and assumptions.

Your advocacy on these issues is important for the LGBT Latinas/os in the USA. As you continue to advocate for the changes needed to ensure fairness and justice for the LGBT Latina/o community, you will continue to enjoy our support.

Thank you again for this opportunity to be present during such an important and historical moment in our nation. For further communications you can reach our Board Chair at (312) 925-2132 or via email at jcestou@aol.com

Sincerely,


Jorge Cestou, Board Chair Midwest States Representative

Noris Chavarria, Board Treasurer New York Representative

Gabriel Gonzalez, Co-Chair of Communications and Outreach North Central States Representative

Lisbeth Melendez, Co-Chair of Communications and Outreach South East States Representative

Jose Alex Castro South Central States Representative

Tony Alvarado-RiveraIllinois Representative

Cristina MartinezTexas Representative

Wilfred LabiosaNorth East States Representative

Yoseñio V. LewisWestern States Representative