History
League of United Latin American Citizens
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, is the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States of America. LULAC was created at a time in our country’s history when Hispanics were denied basic civil and human rights, despite contributions to American society. The founders of LULAC created an organization that empowers its members to create and develop opportunities where they are needed most. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.
LGBTQ and LULAC
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Latinx community has always been a part of LULAC, as members and leaders throughout its many decades. But in June 12, 2016, the very first LULAC Council -- created specifically for and by LGBTQ members -- was launched in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Rainbow Council, LULAC Council 4871, helped start sister councils in San Antonio and Houston. One of the co-founders of the Dallas council helped launched LULAC Lambda in the District of Columbia in 2014.
LULAC Lambda
On Oct. 27, 2014, the DC Latinx LGBTQ community came together to launch LULAC Lambda, Council 11125 (founding members pictured on the left). With nearly 30 members, LULAC Lambda quickly became a popular council within the DC family and won DC Council of the Year in 2015.
Our mission is to mobilize and strengthen the LGBTQI and Latino Communities of Washington, DC through community and civic engagement.
Accomplishments
2015
In 2015, LULAC Lambda won DC Council of the Year at the State Convention, along with Man of the Year for member and president, Victor Martinez. At our holiday party, we bestowed the following awards to members who helped build the organization:
- Member of the Year: Luis Torres
- Board Member of the Year: Dion Barela
- Ally of the Year: National LULAC Office - David Perez
2016
In 2016, LULAC Lambda won two grants to promote nutrition and HIV testing in the District of Columbia.
2017
In 2017, LULAC Lambda members won state council seats: Jesse Garcia, Deputy State Director, and Patricio Provitina, State Director.
In 2017, LULAC Lambda successfully passed resolutions at the state convention in May 2018 and national convention in July 2018:
- Relative to the Assertion of LULAC’s Commitment to Establishing Paid-Family Leave in the United States of America
- Relative to LULAC’s Commitment to the Pursuit of Debt-free or Tuition-free Public Postsecondary Education as a State and National Policy
- Relative to LULAC’s Commitment to Affirming and Protecting the Rights of Transgender and Gender Non-conforming People
Awards given that year at our holiday party:
- Member of the Year: Mario Reynoso
- Board Member of the Year: Patricio Provitina
- Ally of the Year: Latino GLBT History Project - Jose Gutierrez
2018
In 2018, LULAC Lambda passed a resolution at the state convention in May 2018 and national convention in July 2018:
In 2018, Patricio Provitina was re-elected as State Director of DC LULAC. LULAC Lambda awarded its first scholarship. LULAC Lambda launched two youth councils: Council 17001 at Columbia Heights Education Campus and Council 17002 at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. Member Alexa Rodriguez was named to the LULAC Women's Commission, becoming the commission's first transgender representative.
Awards given that year at our holiday party:
- Member of the Year: Javier Chavez
- Board Member of the Year: Erik Rodriquez
- Ally of the Year: Human Rights Campaign - Alejandro Aviles
2019
In 2019, LULAC Lambda passed resolutions at the state convention in April 2019 and national convention in July 2019:
- Better Treatment of Transgender Asylum Seekers at the Border
- Support for the Equality Act
- Support for Transgender Military
- Support for Green New Deal
- Support for Responsible Sexual Health Education in Schools
In April 2019, Patricio Provitina was re-elected as State Director of DC LULAC state board., along with fellow LULAC Lambda members Deputy Director Erik Rodriquez, Deputy Director for Women Cecilia Sanchez, Deputy Director for Young Adults Joshua Alvarez, and Treasurer Daniel Munoz. Also at the state convention, Joshua Alvarez was named Man of the Year and Letitia Gomez was named Woman of the Year. In May 2019, LULAC Lambda awarded its second annual scholarships - a total of three.
Awards given that year at our holiday party:
- Member of the Year: TBD on December 14, 2019
- Board Member of the Year: TBD on December 14, 2019
- Ally of the Year: TBD on December 14, 2019
Leadership
President
Jesse Garcia grew up in the border town of Brownsville, Texas. He moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he earned a Bachelors in communications at Our Lady of the Lake University and a Masters at St. Mary's University. After graduation, he was hired by the U.S. government as a writer, working in public affairs, marketing offices, and editing services for the last 20 years. Jesse joined LULAC in 2006, cofounding the first LGBT LULAC council in Dallas, Texas. He helped launch LULAC Lambda in 2014.
Vice President
Erik Rodriquez is a scientist and researcher with a PhD in epidemiology from the University of California-Davis, and a MPH is health services research from Loma Linda Vuniversity, and a BS in community health from California State University-Fresno. Prior to moving to DC from California, Erik volunteered as a mentor for his alma mater's Fresno State Career Connections and for clients of Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco.
Chaplain
Mario Reynoso is a graduate of Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. He is a lifelong resident from Woodbridge, Virginia and now resides in Washington, D.C. He works as a research associate and volunteers for progressive causes Sister District DC and Prince William County Democrats.