There is nowhere else where diversity makes such a tremendous impact on society as Orlando does. For me, and many millions more, we have found so much strength in our diversity here, which interestingly has never excluded us but rather brings us even closer together.
This time of the year marks the celebration of all the tastes, colors and sounds that we bring to this land, showcasing our pride in our customs, traditions and language that is key to our heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month is traditionally celebrated starting Sept. 15 and running through Oct. 15, marking the observation of Columbus Day. It starts on that date because it was this day that the territory that today comprises the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, among others, finally gained their independence from Spain in 1810. So, for Hispanic-Americans, even if some of their countries of origin could have a different independence day celebration, it is generally observed as a celebration of our cultural heritage as one powerful unit.
The allyship we have built upon years of relationships with non-Hispanics in the United States tells the story of how little our differences are, and how much we, as a country, are steered towards equality, respect and freedom for all. The bonds of fellowship and camaraderie are fruitful in Orlando, and right after the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub took the lives of mostly Hispanic, Black and people of color, the community grew even tighter as an example of the relationship we all should maintain regardless of our upbringing and country of origin.
Hispanics have struggled immensely but — even through pain and sorrow, attacks and disdain — we remain faithful to this nation whose people are the real heroes and inspiration to follow. In this column, aside from taking pride in celebrating my own Hispanic heritage, the feats our fellow Latinos have accomplished and the voice we have come to use, I also want to elevate the work of those Americans and Orlandoans who truly understand the power of solidarity and the strength that lies in lending a helping hand.
Of the many working communities Hispanics represent in Central Florida a vast majority are farm workers. Day after day, these staunch individuals work under the sizzling Florida sun to bring food to your table, literally. Their hands know no language of hate, for to sow and reap fruitfully, your heart must be full of love. In this fashion, Orlando sees the work of Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes and Ann Kendrick, founders of the Hope Community Center in Apopka, who have provided and advocated for fair wages, housing, social and economic justice for farm workers for nearly four decades. Today, they also help provide legal counseling for those wanting to stay in the country, by way of citizenship workshops and even English courses, providing hundreds of Hispanic workers a dignified pathway to citizenship.
Within the LGBTQ community, Hispanics continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence, homelessness and HIV and STI transmissions due to a lack of healthcare options, which ultimately affect their function as active and necessary members of our society.
In the aftermath of the shooting at Pulse, a rainbow of organizations and leaders rushed in to help support the unattended needs of the families affected who were mainly of Puerto Rican descent, a group that has been battered by systemic oppression and disenfranchisement.
The City of Orlando, Orange County Government and Heart of Florida United Way created the Orlando United Assistance Center whose services include cultural and language-competent services to the survivors, their chosen family and families of those impacted by the tragedy.
Given the lasting effects in the mental health of survivors of violence and their families, community-based organizations like Hispanic Family Counseling provided families with Spanish-speaking treatment and intervention, bringing their healing process as close to home as possible.
Around the confounding topic of healthcare, many organizations stepped ahead to offer their multi-dimensional approach to holistic and integral care. In this respect today, 26Health (then TwoSpirit Health) has actively being involved as one of the lead providers of affordable healthcare to LGBTQ, Black and people of color, with special emphasis on the transgender community — a group disparaged by a chasm of institutionalized racism and outright discrimination. In their clinic, patients and individuals can cover all their healthcare needs, including general medicine, gynecology, mental health and even pharmacy, with little to no cost to the patient whatsoever; all in a highly confidential, inclusive and safe place for our LGBTQ family.
These are only a handful of organizations, companies and leaders that have demonstrated that they actually care for our welfare and success in this country, because they don’t see us as just a minority, but the people they want to learn from and work with. Our power as a Hispanic community keeps growing, and that power lies in our gratefulness and our historical memory.
As Election Day draws near, we will not forget the allies and accomplices who have fought alongside us and not only shared our voices, but actually brought us to the table. We want to say Muchas Gracias for making us feel heard and cared for, and as we continue to occupy more space in the conversations of power, dignity and freedom, I hear all of you chanting with me: ¡Pa’lante siempre!
