Tentaciones Magazine (www.tentaciones.ws), the only National Bilingual LGBT Latina publication in the U.S., released its Top 10 annual LGBT Latina/o activists list of 2003. All the activists were chosen by Tentaciones Magazine's Editorial Board based on their activism records, achievements, visibility and leadership. They were also chosen in areas such as: politics, the arts, and community mobilizing.
'We are thrilled to recognize those who fight for our community everyday,' said Luis Chávez, Tentaciones Magazine's Editor. Tentaciones Magazine is celebrating its fourth-year anniversary and it is dedicating this issue to the LGBT Latina/o community. The 2003 choices include:
Amigas Latinas: Chicago-based organization for lesbian, bisexual and questioning Latinas. The group was founded 8 years ago. This year, they participated in a meeting with a radio station that had made wrong comments about the LGBT community. In addition, Amigas Latinas has always been characterized for being outspoken, giving feedback and input about the conferences they attend, and providing a safe space for 'mujeres de ambiente.'
Ruby Bracamonte—Washington, D.C.
Jesús Chairez—Dallas. Chairez runs the oldest LGBT-oriented radio show in the country.
Homofrecuencia—Chicago. Homofrecuencia is the only youth-oriented and youth-operated LGBT Latina/o Spanish-language radio show in the country. Based out of Chicago, the radio station (Radio Arte) won the prestigious 'Coming Up Taller' Award for its work with local, underserved youth this year. Homofrecuencia's staff conducts interviews with LGBT Latina/o activists and tackles controversial issues. Homofrecuencia has made a point to cover issues such as civil marriage, the abolishment of sodomy laws and other topics that might inform and educate the LGBT Latino youth about the current changes in our movement.
Nila Marrone—New York. Marrone is PFLAG NY's Executive director and the main contact for PFLAG Latino.
Mario Rodriguez—Puerto Rico. Rodriguez is the Editor of orgulloboricua.net, a news and entertainment Web site.
Pedro Julio Serrano—Puerto Rico. Serrano is the founder of Puerto Rico para Todos, a non-profit group.
Herb Sosa—Miami. Executive Director of Unity Coalition.
Mónica Taher—Los Angeles. Taher, a native of El Salvador, is the People of color Media Director for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Richard Zaldivar—Los Angeles. Zaldivar wanted to build a monument to honor all the Latina/os who had passed away to AIDS. After a long battle, Zaldivar and his group, The Wall/Las Memorias, were given green light to pursue this dream.