LGBT Latinos Celebrate Dual Cultures with Pride

Latino Gay Pride committee gets ready for 4th Annual Portland Latino Gay Pride: La Lucha!

In determining the theme for the 2009 celebration, Portland Latino Gay decided to focus on a common element found in all communities and individuals - the ongoing “struggle” for respect, pride, and acceptance.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - ¡Que Viva La Lucha! Is the rallying cry for the fourth annual Portland Latino Gay Pride Celebration scheduled for Thursday, June 4th to Sunday June 7th.

In 2006 a volunteer planning committee was formed to organize the first official Portland Latino Gay Pride Celebration. Drawing on the talents, creativity and commitment from the local community an evening recognizing the talents and contributions of the Latino LGBTQ community took place.

Four short years later, the celebration has grown to four days of educating, celebrating and taking pride in the Latino LGBTQ Community. Along the way, friendships and partnerships have been established.

In determining the theme for the 2009 celebration, Portland Latino Gay decided to focus on a common element found in all communities and individuals - the ongoing “struggle” for respect, pride, and acceptance.

This struggle or “lucha” is something we can all identify with and understand. In addition, “Lucha” or “lucha libre” Mexican Wrestling, is a part of the Latino Culture and folklore. So in true Latino Gay Pride fashion, we’ve combined both the serious with the colorful to come up with: Papis, Chicas, y Mas presents: ¡La Lucha!

As our community moves forward and our lucha continues, let us never forget our past. Let us be strong and resilient in the present. And Portland Latino Gay Pride firmly believes our hopes and dreams for the future will be realized. ¡Que Viva La Lucha! Papis y Chicas Presentan: La Lucha
Opening Reception y !Voz Alta!
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
8:00 p.m. !Voz Alta! Performance
Miracle Theatre, 525 SE Stark, Portland OR, All Ages
Tequila Tasting y Tapas, Preview of Celebration Events, and an evening of Latino Gay Poetry, Musica, and Performances

Papis y Chicas Presents: La Lucha Dance PartyFriday, June 5th, 2009
VIP Party 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dance Party 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., $5.00 Cover
Boxxes, 1035 SW Stark Street, Portland OR 21 & Over
Featuring Seattle’s own DJ Luis, Special Luchador Go Go Dancers, and hot Papi y Chica action all night long

Chicas Who Brunch
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., $25.00 Admission
Casa Del Matador, 2424 E. Burnside St. Portland, OR, 21 & Over
Celebrating the Chicas in our lives! Join us for networking, amazing cuisine, as we honor some of our outstanding community leaders.

Portland Latino Gay Pride Festival – La Lucha 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Jupiter Hotel, 800 East Burnside, Portland, OR, 21 & Over
Wrestling Action, featuring local Luchador Mega Boy, Community Resources, Entertainers, Music & Performers, and Mercado