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
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.
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 and national conventions:
- 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
In 2018, LULAC Lambda passed a resolution at the State Convention and National Convention in July 2018:
- Resolution: LULAC Opposes Conversion Therapy
In 2018, Patricio Provitina was re-elected as State Director of DC LULAC.
In 2018, LULAC Lambda awarded its first scholarship.
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.