About Us

OUR STORY

LEA was founded in January of 2009, as a direct response to the passing of Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that took marriage rights away from same-sex couples. As Latine/x LGBTQ+ activists worked to dismantle Prop 8, our founders recognized a need for building a coalition and coordinated efforts to increase support for LGBTQ+ rights within the Latine/x community. As a result, an alliance of individuals and representatives from several organizations formed the Latino Equality Alliance. LEA’s founding mission was to promote liberty, justice, and equality for the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community.

Today, as an organization, LEA focuses on building power within the Latinx LGBTQ+ community and advocating for systemic changes that promote healthy and safe environments in schools, homes and neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ youth and families. We ground our work through public education, organized actions, coaliton building and leadership development.

We operate out of Mi Centro LGBTQ Community Center in Boyle Heights located at 553 S. Clarence Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033.

Phone: (323) 286-7224, email: info@somoslea.org

Photos Courtesy of Latino Equality Alliance Staff.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Latino Equality Alliance (LEA), a project of Community Partners, is to advocate for safety, equity, and wellness for the Latinx Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer + community. Our organization strongly focuses on youth empowerment, family acceptance, educational equity, public health, and civic engagement. Through coalitions, we strive to build power to elevate the LGBTQ+ voices in Boyle Heights and the greater East Side communities of Los Angeles.