This is the third in a five-part series published by our public media partneras at Fronteras. Listen to the accompanying radio piece.
By Adrian Florido
LGBT Group Builds Support In Southern Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. — In Tucson, Ariz., a nonprofit group is working to reduce hate and bias against the LGBT community. It’s called Wingspan and it is doing so through education; training even government organizations about tolerance within the ranks.
Inside the airy rooms of Studio One, a group of artists is meeting on a late Saturday afternoon. The logistics are a little daunting but they have no shortage of volunteers. They are preparing for a Latino gay pride festival.
The circle of artists brings together burlesque performers, photographers, event planners, singers, dancers and poets.
tucson
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This week, in the wake of tragedy, Tucson witnessed—and inspired—an amazing coming-together of people by the tens of thousands. In both grief and solidarity, the people of Tucson have hosted vigils and memorials, with cities around the country following suit. They have created online groups and organized on-the-ground action. There are angels watching over the families of victims and cyclists whizzing through the streets. Yesterday evening, more than 26,000 attended the public memorial in Tucson at the University of Arizona, including President Obama.
When these days become a museum exhibit hall centuries from now, what will it say about us? And what will it say about this past Saturday? Was it the start of something terrible? Or of something amazing?
—Ulises Silva, Being Latino
This week we remember those who were killed and wounded in Tucson, Ariz. in an assassination attempt on U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The majority of Americans grieve together. No matter how you view these events, this is a pivotal moment.