Dear Community,

June reminded us of the extraordinary power of connection. Whether through the collective joy of cheering for a team or the shared celebration of identity and authenticity, this month highlighted how communities are strengthened when people come together in belonging, solidarity, and hope.

This spirit of connection was reflected in the global excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, where millions of people across borders, languages, and cultures came together through a shared love of sport. That same sense of belonging, visibility, and community also lies at the heart of Pride Month. Throughout June, we honored the history, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the courage, diversity, and authenticity that continue to move us toward a more inclusive world.

Pride Month also reminded us that inclusion, safety, and belonging are not realities equally experienced by all. LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face violence and systemic barriers that undermine their ability to live safely and authentically. For Latina LGBTQ+ survivors, these barriers are often compounded by intersecting experiences of discrimination and marginalization. Racism, xenophobia, language barriers, economic insecurity, and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation frequently intersect with migration experiences that are not always voluntary, but instead driven by the need to escape violence, rejection, or persecution in their countries of origin.

These intersecting forms of oppression are reflected in the high prevalence of domestic and intimate partner violence, one of the most pervasive and too often invisible manifestations of these inequities. Stigma, isolation, economic dependence, immigration status, limited access to culturally affirming services, and mistrust of institutions can become invisible barriers that make it even harder to seek protection, leave abusive situations, and begin the process of healing.

At VIP, we believe that celebrating Pride also means advancing equity long after June has ended. We remain committed to making these intersecting realities visible, strengthening inclusive systems of support, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within Latina immigrant communities, can live with dignity, safety, belonging, and autonomy. Pride's spirit lives on through action, and we will continue to advocate, accompany survivors, and work alongside our communities to build a future free from violence and discrimination.

As we welcome July, we carry that work forward by recognizing BIPOC Mental Health Month: a time to raise awareness of the unique mental health struggles and systemic inequalities experienced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  We invite you to join us throughout the month as we continue these important conversations and reaffirm our commitment to equity, healing, and justice for all communities.

In Solidarity,

Community Engagement Program