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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2011)
(¡0 ] 2 0 — latinogaypride •— JULY 1,20)1 WWW.JUSTOUT.COM Filling A Void In 2009, a small group decided that some thing needed to be done about the stigma of being gay in the Portland Latino community. That group became SOMOS, whose goal was to be the first social and educational organization for Latinos. The word usom os” roughly translates to “we are all”—as in “we are all Latino, we are all gay, we are all les bian,” says Cesar Pecori, one of SO M O S’ founding members. The group is relatively new, but it’s trying to get its name—and purpose—to the mass es. SOMOS has had a vibrant presence in the Pride parade with a Carnival-inspired float, flamboyant headdresses, balloons, feathers and dancers. SOMO S seeks to be a household name in the Latino population because its very mis sion is to connect the community. W hen it was established two years ago, there was no specific group that targeted LGBTQ_Lati- nos, Pecori explains. In his community particularly, Pecori says he noticed many people were becoming in creasingly isolated. i------------------------------------------------------------ SUBMITTED PHOTO SOMOS connects a previously ignored population The word “somos” roughly translates to “we are all”—as in “we are all Latino, we are all gay, we are all lesbian,” says Cesar Pecori, one of “Young Latino men were coming out and didn’t know where to go,” he shares. “People wanted to know any other gay men or lesbians whom they could talk to.” So SOMOS was cre ated to provide support to others who weren’t connected or involved with the community. The founding members also thought it was important that the organization be one by and for Latinos. They envisioned a place where folks could feel comfortable and have no fear of discrimination. “We wanted others in the community to see that the group was led by Latinos,” Pecori says. SOMOS holds meetings in the offices of Educate Ya, a nonprofit for the well-being of the Latino community. SOMOS organizes events, parties and support groups, and it also serves as a bridge to other resources. For ex ample, sometimes Latinos need help finding medical or legal services geared toward them. The group offers bilingual assistance to help RO N M ILLIGAN PRINCIPAL BRO KER SOMOS’ founding members. point individuals in the right direction. SOMOS has several events planned for this summer, including a sex education and STD prevention workshop July 15, a potluck July 30 and a hike at Multnomah Falls August 13. Visit groups.google, com/group/somos-lgbtq-latinos. — A aron S pencer re f t adventures king Ordinary and Making Extraordinary Int Schrader, President Oregon's SBA Commumy Sank of tfw Year ___ Portland, OR 97221 503-292-0675 it@worldaccents.com e8adventures.com . Corporate Travel . Resort Vacations . Custom Independent Explorations . Escorted Tours . Family Adventures . Cruise Expeditions We believe in this city. It's why we've built a bank SPECIALIZING IN that embraces diversity and supports our local neighborhoods. It's what we've done for the past UÍHUSTAD CONDOMINIUMS i n 16 years, and what we'll continue to do. What does Funeral Home P riv ately O w ned a n d O perated since 1 9 5 8 your bank believe in? PortlandsCondoPro.com w/m PROPERTIES Albina Community Bank ( 503 ) 484.3166 www.albinabank.com email: RonMilligan@Remax.net Member FOK L r J f q u a l O p p o rtu n ity le n d e r fq u a l H o u s in g L tn d e i 2717 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232 (503) 282.4000x143 (503) 282.8558 (fax) Caring Service for All Families We will take the time to plan every detail and help to relieve the burden on your family during your time of loss. 7232 N Richmond Ave. Portland, OR 97203 (503) 286-9663 hustadfuneralhome.com
