ACLU of Santa Cruz County, CA

The first step in building a bridge between the homosexual and heterosexual communities in Watsonville

Latinas and Lesbians and Allies (LyLyA) has announced that they will be creating the First Annual Dyke March in Watsonville to be held on August 22nd, 2009. Designed to give visibility to a community that many times is shrouded by homophobia, this will undoubtedly be a historic event. The march will begin with a rally at Watsonville Plaza at 5 pm.

Margarita Rivas, President of LyLyA, stated that:

“We are overwhelmingly proud to be a part of what will prove to be a turning point for the local LGBT community. It is our opportunity to give visibility to the Latino LGBT population and show that we are, indeed, a vital part of the community. We hope to begin to build a bridge between the homosexual and heterosexual communities of Watsonville.”

 Statistics gathered from a 2008 Assessment of the Latino, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, community of Santa Cruz County confirms that the Latino LGBT respondents “experience discrimination not just based on gender and sexual orientation, but also based on their ethnicity and skin color." The report concludes that “while Santa Cruz County is generally known as a progressive and accepting community, it is not immune to the powerfully homophobic and racist environment and sentiments that encompass American culture.”

According to Executive Director of The Diversity Center, Jim Brown,

“The Dyke March is a potent political opportunity with a long history. In my mind, it’s all about clearly declaring the idea, radical in our culture, that women are powerful. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Watsonville community takes this event and makes it their own. It will be a great event!”

With an anticipated audience of 100+ community members and leaders, LyLyA is asking for support from the community at large specifically from local businesses which will garner priceless visibility from local community members. The LGBT community supports businesses that support them and by donating to LyLyA, you are supporting our commitment to advancing the causes and priorities of lesbian woman and their allies as well as creating loyal customers to your business.

If you are interested in being a part of the Watsonville Dyke March by volunteering or simply by making a contribution, please contact Margarita Rivas at LyLyA, (831) 477-9373

For more information, visit www.diversitycenter.org, or contact:

Margarita Rivas
President, LyLyA
(831) 477-9373
info@LyLyA.net

• Jim Brown
  Executive Director, Diversity Center of Santa Cruz
  (831) 425-5422
  info@diversitycenter.org