WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, United We Dream’s QUIP program is launching the #NoMoreClosets campaign, a story collection effort that will highlight the intersection of the immigrant rights and LGBTQ movements.
UWD will also release a groundbreaking survey later this year on LGBTQ immigrants to better understand the needs of the community. This first of its kind survey will help pave the way for deeper and more fruitful work between both movements.
Carlos Padilla, QUIP coordinator of United We Dream issued the following statement, “For the LGBTQ movement, “coming out” has been a way to humanize the issue when talking about sexuality and gender diversity as well as addressing social and structural barriers that exist in the many communities we represent.”
“Because there is minimal data and little reporting done at addressing those who are both from immigrant communities and LGBTQ, the story collection campaign and survey will be critical to understanding how to create culturally competent work that reflects the issues of both communities.”
Bianey Garcia, Organizer of Make The Road New York from Queens New York said, “Coming out for me was not about visibility, it was about survival and about being able to share my strength with other youth who continue to remain in the shadows and in fear as undocumented and LGBTQ.”
“As a transgender immigrant woman, being able to be accounted is a critical step so my community can be protected.”
