Couples dance to a live band at Texas Latino Pride (Photo by Elias Cantu)
Juan Contreras, founder and president of Texas Latino Pride, reflects on the non-profit’s growth in the past 10 years
KAMILA VARGAS-GONZALEZ | Dallas Voice Intern
editor@dallasvoice.com
As he sits in his home, looking out the window, Juan Contreras reminisces on Texas Latino Pride’s 10 years of work for the community. Contreras, founder and president of the Texas Latino Pride non-profit, emphasizes that the organization is a platform for creative expression and empowerment amongst the Hispanic/Latinx LGBTQ communities in Texas, primarily in Dallas.
“We’re in it for a reason,” he said. “…so it’s been life-changing. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
The first year
Before the team grew in numbers to handle bigger productions and more events, Contreras found himself funding most of the Texas Latino Pride’s endeavors.
It was 2014, and Contreras made the first Texas Latinx Pride Fest happen with only a few square feet available in Reverchon Park. From a drag queen performing on a mobile stage to a pastor blessing the event, the fest brought in a crowd and made a lasting impression on the community.
“I really thought only a few people would show up,” Contreras said.
Due to a lack of funds, promotion was through word of mouth and a few Facebook posts. However, it managed to get the attention of many, and 100-plus people showed up.
“In my head, I was thinking ‘I’m going to do this because I feel like there’s a need in our community to do it. And if it doesn’t work, I can say that I tried. And if people show up, then there’s a need,” Contreras said, reflecting on how he first felt when he started the organization.
Throughout that October night, people held their partners or beers as they danced to cumbias; local vendors were selling, and non-profits promoted their organizations. This event has grown, continuing as an annual festival each fall.
“Fast forward and we see thousands of people [attending the yearly Texas Latinx Pride Fest],” Contreras proudly said. “It grew from a one-day event to several other themed events throughout the year.”
Today, Texas Latino Pride also hosts annual events like Orgullo and Vaquerx.
Facing unavoidable challenges
While Texas Latino Pride and Contreras have focused on making spaces to express love and art and promote health, the organization does not avoid confronting discrimination.
During the March 24 Nations Leagues final in Arlington, homophobic slurs were being chanted during the game, and Contreras and the nonprofit did not shy away from responding, releasing a statement to GLAAD: “Soccer is a global celebration of community that includes athletes and fans from all backgrounds. Last night’s incident included disturbingly homophobic chants that do not belong on or off the field. Our organization stands with CONCACAF, and we are disappointed these regressive chants continue to be an issue at some games.”
Homophobic discrimination continues in the present and feels like an inevitable challenge the LGBTQ community faces. “I have several experiences with just my family,” Contreras said. “I was in the closet for so long, I was outed at 18; I was kicked out of my home…”
Contreras persists in fighting against prejudice despite the personal hurdles he has encountered. “Machistas will always use slurs, but I think we should always speak about it,” he explains. “It is not going to go away, [and] I think we should not stay quiet when people are using slurs or being ugly against our community.”
At Texas Latino Pride, the non-profit leads with compassion to allow others to share their stories and experiences Contreras affirms.
Looking ahead
Texas Latino Pride continues and will celebrate its 10th annual Texas Latinx Pride Fest from 3-9 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Reverchon Park, 3503 Maple Ave. Admission is free with registration.“We are a platform that uplifts voices,” Contreras said. “I want it to be more than just organizing community events, and after the 10th annual, we want to have those discussions — that is what I’m hoping to see as we complete this year.”
For more information visit TxLatinoPride.org