REMINDER: CAUSA Hosting Coming Out Party Tomorrow Night

Over the last year, CAUSA—Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Coalition—has stepped up its alliance work with the LGBT community. To highlight those efforts, CAUSA is hosting a Coming Out Party Thursday, December 8 at The Slate (2001 NW 19th Ave. #104) from 6 to 8 p.m. The party will showcase the importance and history behind creating alliances and conversations between the LGBT and Latino communities.

CAUSA’s work to integrate LGBT issues into its agenda has included bringing queer DREAM Act activist Yahaira Carillo to speak at its annual membership assembly, as well as organizing equality assemblies where LGBT Latinos gave personal testimony on discriminatory experiences. CAUSA has also partnered with Basic Rights Oregon to build support for the freedom to marry in Oregon.

“We have a long-standing relationship with LGBT organizations such as Basic Rights Oregon and [the] Rural Organizing Project, because it made sense strategically and politically,” says Aeryca Steinbauer, special projects coordinator for CAUSA. “Immigrant and LGBT communities have both faced attacks on our basic rights at the ballot in Oregon, and we needed to come together to protect our communities.”

The party will include live music by Xavier y Su Banda Clasica, as well as jazz and Broadway tunes from David Hastings. Emcees are El Hispanic News publisher Melanie Davis, and Star Empress 34 FabuLanzaa. Wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’ouevres will also be served.

Steinbauer is positive that the event will serve as a testament to CAUSA’s committed work ethic, and the reinforcement of bridges built with the LGBTQ community.

“Even though we’ve taken action in support of LGBT equality for years, we feel this year was our ‘Coming Out’ year because we started our work for LGBT equality in a more integrated, public way,” says Steinbauer. “The Coming Out Party will be a fun time to celebrate this work and recognize the leadership and contributions of LGBT Latinos and Latinas.”

Tickets to the Coming Out Party are $15 in advance, and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available by visiting causaoregon.org.

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