An LGBT organization in the Rio Grande Valley is conducting what may be the first survey aimed at LGBT immigrants.
Aquí Estamos RGV, in cooperation with the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP) of United We Dream, is initiating the No More Closets survey to “humanize and uplift the real lived experiences of LGBTQ immigrants living in the U.S. with the goal to transform the immigrant and LGBTQ movements to adopt an intersectional analysis in their efforts to advance and build power for the rights of both communities.”
Over the next few weeks, Aquí Estamos will have locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley where people can take the survey.
Organizers say they are seeking feedback from LGBT immigrants of all statuses including the undocumented, those who entered the country before their 16th birthday, lawful permanent residents, naturalized citizens and people on a visa.
According to Aquí Estamos, there have been surveys of immigrants but this is the first survey to ask questions about the experience of immigrants in the LGBT community and “the unique situations they live in.”
“Because there is minimal data and little reporting done at addressing those who are both from immigrant communities and LGBTQ, the story collection campaign and survey will be critical to understanding how to create culturally competent work that reflects the issues of both communities,” QUIP coordinator Carlos Padilla said in a statement.
Leaders at Aquí Estamos say the survey is another step in building bridges between the LGBT and immigration movements.
“Aquí Estamos RGV believes that the No More Closets campaign is instrumental to materialize our mission of bringing marginalized voices to the center of our movements to continue to organize for meaningful liberation of queer people of color,” the group said in a press announcement.
