The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, is the oldest and most widely respected Latinx civil rights organization in the United States of America. LULAC Council 22198, Orgullo de San Antonio is the first LGBTQ Council Charted in 2014 in San Antonio.
Recent annual elections were held and included; Attorney Maria R. Salazar, President; Julius Lorenzi, Vice President; Abel Zamora, Treasurer; Laura Mullin-Mendoza, Secretary and Francisco Saucedo, Jr. Vice President of Youth.
The Mission of LGBTQ LULAC Council #22198 known as Orgullo de San Antonio is to establish open and positive communication between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Latinx communities by promoting social and economic opportunity and full equality for ALL.
The Vision of Orgullo de San Antonio is to empower, inspire and embrace all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Latinx community. Take actions based on identified needs through building bridges between the LGBTQ and Latinx communities. Educate, train and clarify identifiers inclusive of Latinx & queer culture. Increase awareness of current issues involving civil and human rights, marriage equality, nondiscrimination, transgender protections and participation in the political process.
Orgullo de San Antonio LGBTQ LULAC Council 22198, one of only a handful of LGBTQ councils in the nation, was awarded District 15 Council of the Year at the Texas District LULAC Convention in March of 2016. Subsequently, the Council was nominated for the state award. On June 11th, Orgullo won the Council of the Year at the Texas State LULAC Convention in Laredo, Texas elevating the Council to compete for the national award. Orgullo was ultimately recognized and awarded National Council of the Year at the 2016 National LULAC Convention held in Washington D.C. LULAC National’s membership extends into every state in the Union and Puerto Rico.
“Orgullo de San Antonio has worked to facilitate an open line of communication between the LGBTQ and Latino/Hispanic community,” said U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, in a letter of support, “…this council works to bridge these communities through education and increased awareness of current issues involving civil and human rights.”
“With this national award from LULAC, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, San Antonio’s LGBTQ LULAC Council has been notably recognized, at every level, for their community work in advocacy, civic engagement, voter education, HIV awareness, immigration reform, as well as effective collaborations with local, regional and national organizations,” said outgoing Orgullo President, Robert Salcido. “This honor is exciting and reflective of our entire council’s commitment to the community”.
For more information contact Orgullo via email: info@lulac22198.org or visit the Orgullo website: www.lulac22198.org or Brad Veloz, Orgullo Media Advisor at (210) 416-8332.
