History

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.

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.

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.

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:

• LULAC Opposes Conversion Therapy

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