LBGT LATINX Part1

In the wake of the Orlando shootings and realisation of the fact that 90% of those killed were of the Latin American LGBTQI+ community, it’s a difficult time for a minority group that already faces serious discrimination, both here and in the USA. With factors like Brexit and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign stirring up racism, xenophobia and anti-immigration rhetoric, recent events have hit hard against a community that is already hurting.

James Egan spoke to several prominent figures within the Latinx LGBT community, both here in London and overseas, to discuss visibility, acceptance and what it means to be gay and Latinx in 2016. 

 


London’s LGBT Latin@s – Nowhere or Everywhere?

Dr Tony Furlong – Latino Seguro

Estimates for London’s Latin@ community are now in the hundreds of thousands with most being from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The population has grown rapidly following the crises in Spain and Portugal, from where many of the recent migrants have arrived. Indeed, you only need to take a walk through the Colombian grocery shops, Dominican hairdressers and arepa stalls at El Pueblito Paisa – Seven Sisters to experience the sights and smells of Latin America, and if you spend a couple of minutes in Elephant and Castle shopping centre with its Spanish shop signs, South American flags and colourful dishes with beans, rice and plantains you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Bogotá Buenos Aires or Bolivia. On the surface, then, the Latin American community is unmissable and seems to be present in every corner of the capital. But what about the LGBTQ Latin@ community specifically?

You might think this part of the Latin@ community is not present in London at all, but, you’d be wrong. Actually, a relatively high proportion of Latin Americans living in the capital are LGBTQ. The capital’s gay scene, reputation of tolerance of queer identities and relative freedom for the expression of identities means the city is an attractive location for many LGBTQ latin@s. London offers unrivalled opportunities to be ourselves that might not exist back home. However, the presence of LGBTQ Latin Americans does not translate to high visibility. Bar a few exceptions, such as the LGBTQ Latino night Exilio or the couple of organisations working with LGBTQ latin@s (of which METRO Charity is one) LGBTQ Latin Americans seem to go relatively unnoticed in the city. But why might this be the case?

The first factor is discrimination, both from within the community and in terms of internalised homophobia. Even today LGBTQ identities are viewed less favourably within Latin American countries than the UK. Many Latin Americans have experienced discrimination in the family, in school, at work and in the church before coming to the UK. Obviously, this influences how open LGBTQ latin@s are here in London, both within and outside the Latin American community.

The second factor is related to housing type and location. Many latin@s live in Lambeth and Southwark, which are amongst the most expensive areas of the country, and for cultural reasons (such as strong family bonds), many Latin Americans live in relatively crowded households with family or friends. This means that even here in the UK many LGBTQ latin@s feel the need to avoid being open about their gender or sexuality at home.

“Latin American migrants often cut ties with family and friends back home and must start from scratch to rebuild new links in the UK.”

A third issue is the migration journey itself. Migrating from one country to another is incredibly disruptive to social networks. Latin American migrants often cut ties with family and friends back home and must start from scratch to rebuild new links in the UK. This isn’t an easy task when you add language and cultural barriers, unsociable working hours, low disposable incomes and initial pressing concerns, such as finding a home or job. This can leave many latin@s physically and socially isolated.

A final related issue is that despite being one the most highly qualified groups in the UK, in terms of education, Latin Americans often end up in low paid jobs (especially cleaning, where 75% find their first jobs) where they are working long and irregular hours, often due to needing to develop their English skills. This means that LGBTQ latin@s are less likely to be aware of or to attend health services or support organisations.

All of these factors mean that the LGBTQ Latin American community in London can seem relatively small and invisible, when it is anything but that. The challenge for METRO’s Latino Seguro programme is to engage LGBTQ latin@ communities in spite of these barriers, which we do through being present at Latin American cultural events, such as La Clave festival, through promoting the programme online via social networks and dating apps and by working closely with other Latin American organisations in the city.

 

• Dr Tony Furlong is the Project Lead for METRO Charity’s Latin American and Eastern European HIV Prevention and Support (LEEHPS). The Latino Seguro project is funded by MAC Aids Fund. This article is Tony’s own opinion and not necessarily the view of METRO as an organisation. To find out more about METRO’s Latino Seguro, Latin American HIV Prevention programme please visit  www.latinoseguro.wordpress.com

 


AB SOTO 

I always felt like an outsider growing up gay & Latino in East LA. Even though I was born in the U.S. I was still discriminated against and called names such as “wetback.” I was made to feel like I had to hide my heritage to fit in. I also felt like I had to hide my sexuality to fit in to an archaic role of Latin masculinity. It takes a real man to allow himself to be vulnerable so that you can see his feminine side.

Being Latino also comes with a lot of discrimination. I’m often underestimated when I tell people I’m Mexican, yet I get fetishized for being Latino by the same group of people. There have been numerous times where I’ve shown up to do soundcheck for an event and experienced discrimination within my own community. People who may not be familiar with my work will size me up and judge me based on my mariachi outfit. The same person will come and apologize after a show and say, “I’m sorry I categorized you and stereotyped you based on first impressions.”

Since it is a bit easier to be openly gay in the U.S., I’ve noticed that LGBT Latin Americans are rebelling against all gender norms and constantly provoking dialogue. The LGBT community in Mexico faces more traditional issues and being respected for the simple fact of being gay is still a main concern. Fighting to be gay while at the same time fighting traditional Latin roles can at times feel like an endless war.

“Fighting to be gay while at the same time fighting traditional Latin roles can at times feel like an endless war.” 

Being Latino comes with a lot of Pride. I’m proud of my heritage and how hard my parents had to work for us. I respect my culture and at the same time want my culture to respect me. This is a really exciting time for the LGBT Latin American community and I feel a great sense of togetherness within our community. Being Latinx is about visibility that has been long overdue. More and more artists are creating Latinx spaces for the community to showcase their unique experiences. We are redefining what it means to be gay and Latino in today’s world. Our community needs this. The world needs this.

 

• AB Soto is a singer, activist and all-around sweetheart. Check out his album MR. SOTO at www.absoto.com

 


London Brazilian

José Resinente – NAZ Vidas

My name is José Resinente. For the last 15 years I have coordinated a sexual health project called NAZ Vidas, for Portuguese speakers, all over London. I am also a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, researching on access to sexual health services for the Brazilian community. I am originally from Brazil, having lived here for half of my life.

The LGBT Latin American (LA) community in London is very limited. Spanish speakers have successfully created EXILIO, the only long standing LGBT Latin club which attracts nationals from many LA countries, including some Brazilians (Brazil is the only country in LA that speaks Portuguese).

There were attempts in the past by some Brazilian entrepreneurs to start a LGBT Brazilian club in London. It started well, but soon the clientele died down. There are several up-and-coming Brazilian heterosexual clubs all over London, however, not one LGBT!

In my opinion, one of the many reasons is because numerous Brazilian LGBT nationals have a ‘Cinderella Complex’. They come to London and want to integrate into the British Society. They romantically want to find their ‘white’ charming prince that will rescue them and take them from their reality, whatever it is, to a better one.

Some indeed do find their charming prince and together they go to live a happily-ever-after life. Many others find a different reality. Objectified by the London gay scene, many LGBT Brazilians feel they are only wanted for sex, and soon they get into isolation and financial difficulties, and end up in the sex work industry. Illicit drug use is also known to be high. Many of them report having been offered more money by their clients to take drugs with them.

“One of the many reasons is because numerous Brazilian LGBT nationals have a ‘Cinderella Complex’.”

A study by McGrath-Lone L et al, The sexual health of male sex workers in England: analysis of cross-sectional data from genitourinary clinics, shows that a third of male sex workers in England were migrants, mainly from Brazil. Also, according to Public Health England, between 2007 and 2011 Brazilian LGBT had the highest HIV incidence rate among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups in England.

For these reasons, NAZ Vidas created a social support group called Portu-Gays, run by Tiago Brandão, a London based Brazilian counsellor, with the aim to increase the well-being of LGBT Portuguese speakers in the Capital. Those interested should email me on [email protected].

Despite these negatives, the LGBT Brazilian community is very present in London. Their joie de vivre, resilience and persistence should be commended. Their ebullience and exuberance felt in every gay club in London. For despite their troubles, they’re always ready to Samba!

https://www.naz.org.uk/


Gloria/DJ G 

– Founder of EXILIO LGBT Latin dance club

What is your experience of the LGBT Latin community in London?

Non-existent back in 1996, then slowly Latin nights started emerging. None of which lasted long until EXILIO came onto the scene. Now it has been almost 20 years and London has changed, becoming more accepting of the LGBT community and of other cultures like the Latinos. EXILIO has been a success but at times hard, as being Latin and being LGBT makes the marketplace seem very insignificant but to me, it’s totally the opposite. EXILIO is there for Latinos to come and be themselves and feel like they are at home, it totally fills me with joy and warmth that such space exists for our Latin LGBT community.

Do you think LGBT Latinos face specific challenges that other groups do not face, both here and in other countries from their cultures and families?

Depending where in the world you are located; New York, Miami, and of course South America, you feel more at home. In Europe it’s more challenging as the cultures are totally different, Spain shares the same language but not at all the same culture. The further we get from South America the harder it is, in every aspect of our lives. Food and drink, socialising, music, entertainment, weather… there are limited resources for the LGBT Latin community.

Depending on your immigration status then travelling is a challenge. Depending which generation you are it’s a challenge, or whether you are a political or economical immigrant.

Your religion, and how close your family are, is again a challenge. With a lot of Latin families, the closer the stronger, but it’s a double-edged sword as this can have a negative effect. If they turn their backs on you because of your homosexuality, then you are pretty much alone in a foreign country with limited resources, and it can be very dark times.

Do you feel the LGBT Latino community is treated well and has good visibility and perception here in London?

Not at all, unless you are a big fish, in which case you are seen. The rest suffer because of the lack of support, less time and effort are given to us. We are contributing immigrants but not a lot of people see it that way.

I believe that once you are in a foreign country it is healthy to adopt the culture, learn the history and be part of where you live; but is essential to believe in yourself, follow your roots and keep that Latin spirit alive. By listening to and speaking your mother tongue, by integrating with other Latinos and making the visibility more obvious. Together we are stronger, this is why EXILIO was created; to enhance the beauty of the Latin culture here in London and increase visibility. Nowadays Latinos are being seen but LGBT Latinos? Not so much so. Mainly because, for many, being gay is not acceptable so it creates many challenges.

“Depending on your immigration status then travelling is a challenge. Depending which generation you are it’s a challenge, or whether you are a political or economical immigrant.”

Have you or anyone you know experienced discrimination and/or racism for being either LGBT or Latino?

I have. I was born in Colombia and came to live in London at the age of 10. My dad was Catholic and also in the military, so it started from within the home, then at Latin clubs where we were not allowed to be ourselves. This frustration took me to a different level and gave me the energy I needed to come up with EXILIO; a place where Latinos could be themselves and be part of the Latino community here in London.

What is the best thing about being a part of the LGBT Latino community?

Latino means passion, it means fire, and the way I express this is through EXILIO and Latin music. The best thing about being part of the Latino community is the ability to be passionate, the feeling of home (South America), going back to your roots and to be able to give warmth to London and share our culture with another country. That is what fascinates me about London; the fact that it’s multicultural and so diverse. I thank London for giving me the opportunity to found EXILIO, for accepting our ways, and for loving them too! Que no te lo cuenten!

 

• Exilio is fortnightly at Muse Soho (23 Frith Street, WC1D 4RR). Visit www.exilio.co.uk for details of upcoming events.

 

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