Pride month is a time for members of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate themselves and recognize their history. However, because of El Paso’s mass Latinx population, identities tend to intersect and create multiple perceptions of people.
El Paso’s demographic is 81% Latinx with a Mexican majority. For members of the LGBTQ+ community in El Paso, this sometimes means balancing both identities.
Some Mexican culture is often stereotyped as unaccepting to other minority communities, but El Paso’s LGBTQ+ youth feel it could be proven untrue in the border community.
Isabel Monroy, 21, says that she’s noted the stereotyping has to do with widespread religious beliefs in the culture. Although Monroy has witnessed injustices to her peers in the community for this reason, she doesn’t shy away from her belief that El Paso is building to be a true home for LGBTQ+ people.
“Historically, I feel there have always been people who have been accepting of queer people. There’s always been a niche of people who proudly show their care for each other,” Monroy said. “And I think so much of our youth is already accepting. Now we’re teaching [less accepting] elders how to also be accepting.”
Some members of El Paso’s LGBTQ+ community say that negative narratives about the community that are pushed into the media do significant harm to minority communities such as the LGBTQ+ and Mexican American communities.
Chloe Ramos, 24, transgender woman, is the author of “Dear Kevin – A Love Letter to Myself.” Ramos’ intention when writing was to teach that all her life events —good and bad— are simply the human experience and she just so happens to be transgender.
“Writing this book went from expressing a narrative to a responsibility—this book became a responsibility for me,” Ramos said. “I want to push to people that we’re not whatever stigmatization society has placed on us… we’re great people!”
Jay Monarez, 15, already knew who he was at an early age. He says he has always remained aware of the backlash he may receive for his authenticity but has had a predominantly accepting experience in his young life in El Paso.
“I haven’t felt out of place being here,” Monarez said. “I’ve never felt uncomfortable, and I’m so grateful for being surrounded with support. When we talk about Latinos being [unaccepting], I feel like that’s more of just a stereotype.”
El Paso’s youth are confident that with proper representation and education, the city will become an even more accepting community than it has already shown itself to be.
“I don’t want to invalidate anyone’s space,” Ramos said. “I’m just trying to create space for myself in society.”
El Paso’s LGBTQ+ members continue to celebrate pride month with events such as Sun City Pride Fest and Pride Parade. They built a community within themselves, but also through El Paso’s predominately Mexican American culture.
Jesie Garcia is the arts and culture editor and may be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram @jeslorenwrites.
