FIGHTING THE RIGHT FIGHT FOR ALL

I have noticed in diverse social media over the course of the last month that some Latinos have felt the pain of the people in Gaza as evidenced by the nearly 2,000 killed ~ a minimum 70% of the civilian population, including a chilling 25% comprised of children. Then when you inject an additional layer felt by the LGBT community specifically, who know all too well what it is to be a victim of injustice in society, it is only natural that when you are Latino and gay you are sensitive to injustices occurring on both sides internationally. HOWEVER, I was taken aback when I saw spray-painted on a street corner in my historically gay neighborhood of the West Village in Manhattan, QUEERS FOR GAZA. That was not something I could innately support on two grounds.

I know the people of Gaza, for the most part, due to religious and cultural-conditioning would not embrace my personal values of sexuality and were I to be there would fear for my personal safety if I was true to myself and open about my natural being. But this following article from the Philadelphia Gay News, penned by Mark Segal, solidified how an arm of the Palestinian government, HAMAS who are also fighting for a free Palestine, officially ostracizes LGBT individuals. HAMAS' tactics are the antithesis of who I am and the values that I champion in demanding a free world of equality for all that favor peace with its neighbors.

So, before I am expected to support Palestinians unconditionally in achieving their ultimate goal, some of these discriminatory policies rampant in this government and community and have to be unequivocally and completely abandoned in order to create bridges of international support for a safe and equal two-state solution.

http://www.epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-LGBT+history-+LGBT+hypocrisy+%20&id=25566005

Good Sports/Bad Sports: Inclusivity, Camaraderie and Collegiality

Just because a term is culturally acceptable and has been used for decades doesn't make it correct. "Puto" in Mexico is a pejorative against male homosexuals and means they're bad and low-life's. When used by fans against an opposing sports team, it still makes male gays in the audience feel badly and conjure up lifetime memories of its use as an insult directed with impunity.

Another insult used similarly in other regions of Latin America can be found when Venezuelans use the term "Marica" -- a diminutive based on the offensive "maricón" (faggot) and is now used as a cultural term of endearment. However, this does not make it right when its roots, still pervasive, are an insult against male gays communicating a cultural sanction that it's OK to make some, without any other condemning factor, feel like a 2nd class citizen.

Society has been, is constantly evolving and must continue to do so. One hundred years ago white people in the USA used the term "nigger" as a pejorative against blacks with impunity, but today that is socially unacceptable. FIFA's rules against racism and homophobia by fútbol team players and/or fans warrant imposing a warning, sanction or fine against Mexico ~ I embrace the process ~ JUSTICIA!

NPR Morning Edition

Gracias, Tio

I never thought I would say, “Thank goodness for my machista and homophobic uncle and the impact that he has had upon my life.” Though his behavior towards me lacked any affection and was never supportive, the ramifications of his combined actions and inactions shaped my life in a positive way.

In my purposeful navigation through diverse cultures and as a resolute social reformer, I turned out to be a documentary filmmaker and educator. This has propelled me to explore the most obscure documentaries that examine culture and question society. One evening I exited a film screening rather fired up with rage. A brilliant Turkish feature film, BLISS explored “honor killing” as it related to the rape of a woman from a small, antiquated village dominated by orthodox Muslim beliefs. But as I processed the film with a fellow-Latino and gay filmmaker, it was that conversation that ensued that made me connect the dots as to what shaped my being, as well as my feminist ideologies.

For a few years, I have been producing a documentary feature on what it means to be Latina in the United States entitled, Latina Confessions. But the underlying drive to produce this project and the messages contained therein were fueled by a defining moment in my life that took place at the age of 10. In order to supplement our family income, my mother, like many Latinas of her generation in 1968, took care of neighborhood children whose mothers worked. One child that she cared for in particular was four-year old Richie whose mother took refuge from her marriage by living with her aunt. One particular night there was this desperate banging on our front door that almost blew the door off its hinges. The adults in the house followed by the kids in tow ran to see what was happening. When the door finally opened, I witnessed Richie’s mother drenched in blood holding her forehead. Her husband waited for her to return from work and slashed her forehead for leaving him and taking their four-year-old son. It was a time when married Latinas did not leave their husbands unless it was in a box.

Days later, a plainclothes detective knocked on our door and asked if anyone had witnessed the crime. I being a Catholic school boy raised not to tell a lie and taught to always help others in need, invited him in. I went on to tell him everything I had seen. After the detective left, I was in seventh heaven feeling that I had made the most important contribution to someone who had been unjustly wronged. My uncle, a recent Cuban refugee who was left babysitting us and present during the detective’s interview, chastised me belligerently for opening my mouth. He brow-beat me and screamed that this stranger could have been the husband’s friend posing as a detective to determine if there were any witnesses to then return and slay us all.

For me, it was absolutely preposterous that we could stand idly by and not defend this woman, even if it put us all at risk. What this woman had done in leaving this relationship with child – for whatever her reasons – reflected the gumption possessed by Latinas from my community who had contributed to my rearing during the first ten years of my life. They were my role models as strong, Spanish-dominant immigrants who were independent and self-sufficient in pursuing a life where they defined what was best for them and family.

By the age of 12, I had nothing to do with my uncle who culturally was labeled “familia.” Even before I knew I was gay, he sensed by virtue of my demeanor and inability to play sports that I was a “maricon” – and he made me pay for it. At the slightest drop of a hat, whether it was waving good-bye in a child-like manner to my cousin, his six-month-old son or my distaste for meat, he would torture me verbally and emotionally. Today we have no relationship and the last time I reached out was eight years ago when I called from New York upon his mother’s death in Florida, my grandmother, to give my condolences.

So, when processing these bitter memories as a perennial optimist, I have finally evolved to a stage where I can say to myself, “Thanks, Tio, for being my moral compass.” His actions showed me exactly which road not to take in life. I’ve innately gained compassion for those denied rights by championing equal rights for all and devoting my life to ensure that everyone has a voice and story to tell. Who would have thought that with my only uncle failing to serve as a positive role model and without any children of my own, that I would nurture, validate and support countless of youth and women in life as, Tio Louie?

It simply reaffirms in the second decade of a new century that we are all self-made in one way or another. For me it took faith in humanity with love of culture – while shedding some of its limitations. At the end of the day we are the exclusive authors of our identity and the mission we pursue. For better or worse we are also shaped by others in our community who have touched our lives. We all have shackles that have kept us down at some time or the other. But it’s wonderful when you can move beyond those limitations and convert them into proactive measures benefitting others. To that end I say, “Gracias, Tio.”

Civil Marriage and Religion: Op Ed Piece (El Diario de la Prensa)

El Diario de la Prensa: Opinión (English translation)

I was born Latino. I was born in this country. I was baptized Catholic and educated in Catholic schools from first grade until graduating from high school. I was raised with Catholic teachings – religion predicated on “love for all” and “equally” – doing good for all who surround me without discriminating. Raised Christian, I ask myself, “Who am I to impose my values upon others?” “Since when have I demanded that a priest marry me in a church?” It should have no bearing that my love is directed to someone of the same sex and furthermore, as adults in a consensual relationship.

What I am intent on doing is to refrain from mixing religion with politics, as there is separation of church and state in this country that grant me civil rights under the constitution, which guarantee the same protections corresponding all citizens. What I do seek is the basic right to marry my partner through civil marriage. At this time the State Senates of New York and New Jersey are contemplating a vote, which would approve same-sex marriage and that law would legalize the right that appropriately corresponds under the Constitution of the United States.

Under the Catholic religion, divorce is not permitted. Nonetheless, there are Catholics who have divorced and remarried, without the church recognizing their second marriage. Under that premise, civil law will never impose on a priest to marry a Catholic for a second time. However, a Catholic can remarry under civil law without leaving the Catholic Church. He or she cannot have a second marriage by the Catholic Church, but that does not mean that they are not married and eligible to reap all the rights and benefits associated with this institution and accepted by everyone. In that case there is separation of church and state. So then on what grounds can I be denied a civil marriage?

Within our Latino community we have senators in New York and New Jersey who are of Latino origin. There are so many Latinos like myself who are denied the right to marry under civil law. When we are discriminated against no one says it’s because we’re a Latino gay, Latino of color, Christian Latino or a Senior Citizen Latino; they simply say that it’s because we’re Latino. It’s time we unite and ask out senators to do the right thing, for the love and happiness of key persons in our family and community: vote to give us once and for all the basic human right that we have always merited.

Based on this belief system under which I was raised, I believe in loving my neighbor without discriminating against him or her in any shape or form. I believe in union and in the indefatigable work for community. And I also believe that justice will be rendered soon enough.

LOUIS E. PEREGO MORENO is a Director, Documentary Filmmaker, TV Producer and Educator living in New York.


El Diario de la Prensa: Opinión (Original Spanish-language Version)

Soy Latino, nací en este país, fui bautizado Católico y educado en escuelas católicas desde el primer grado hasta terminar la secundaria. Me criaron según la enseñanza católica – religión que predica el “amor a los otros” y “la igualdad” – haciendo el bien a los que me rodeen sin discriminar. Criado Cristiano, me pregunto quíen soy yo para imponerle mis valores a otro, ¿desde cuándo he exigido que un cura me case por la iglesia? No debería importar que mi amor esté dirigido hacia una persona del mismo sexo, y mucho más ya que somos adultos en una relación consensual.

Lo que si pretendo es que no se mezcle religión con política, ya que la separación del estado y la iglesia en este país me otorga derechos civiles bajo la constitución y garantiza las mismas protecciones que le corresponden a todos los ciudadanos. Lo que si busco es el derecho básico de casarme con mi pareja por medio de un matrimonio civil. El senado estatal de Nueva York y Nueva Jersey están en estos momentos contemplando la votación del proyecto de ley que aprobaría el matrimonio entre parejas del mismo sexo, y esa ley es la que legalizaría los derechos que ya de por si me corresponden según la Constitución de los Estados Unidos.

En la religión Católica, no se permite el divorcio. A pesar de eso, hay católicos que se han divorciado y se han vuelto casar, sin que la iglesia reconozca el segundo matrimonio. Por ello, jamás la ley civil le ha impuesto a ningún sacerdote que case por segunda vez algún católico. Sin embargo un católico divorciado se puede volver casar por lo civil sin dejar de ser católico. No podrá tener un segundo matrimonio bajo la iglesia, pero no deja estar casado, disfrutar de todos los derechos que esto implica y ser aceptado por todo el mundo. En ese caso hay separación del estado e iglesia. ¿En qué se basa negarme a mí entonces un matrimonio civil?

Dentro de nuestra comunidad latina tenemos Senadores en Nueva York y Nueva Jersey de origen latino. ¡Hay tantos latinos como yo a los que aún se les niega el derecho de casarse por lo civil! Cuando se discrimina contra nosotros no dicen que es porque somos latinos gay, latinos de color, latinos cristianos o latinos y viejo; dicen que es porque somos latino, simplemente. Ya es hora que estemos unidos y le pidamos a nuestros senadores que hagan algo justo, por el amor y la felicidad de personas claves en nuestra familia y comunidad: que voten para darnos de una vez por todas esos derechos básicos como seres humanos que siempre hemos merecido.

Debido a las creencias por las cuales fui criado, creo en el amor al prójimo sin discriminarlo de ninguna forma alguna. Creo en la unión, y en la incansable tarea comunitaria. Y también creo que muy pronto se hará justicia.


LOUIS E. PEREGO MORENO es director, productor, cineasta, educador y vive en Nueva York.

Parallels: The King of Pop & Black Gay Pride

Michael Jackson and I were born a month apart. We were both born at a time when being a minority was less than desirable – he, African-American, I, Latino. We are artists and we both shared a passion for children, but took different paths. He was seen as a role model in certain communities. However, due to his limitations and lack of evolution, he failed to live up to an image that would have made him a truly worthy role model. Everyone’s a saint the day after they die, but I’ll never forgive him for the manner in which he approached both his sexual and racial identity.

He was a phenomenal singer and interpreter of human emotion. I first remember bopping to him in sixth grade at my desk in Catholic school as the music drifted in from the streets of the South Bronx. For what seems like generations, we danced, made love and moon-walked to his music. Undoubtedly he was a pioneer in so many ways. In the early ‘80’s when MTV was initially playing only “white rock” and holding onto the platform of “genre” in order to refrain from injecting Black artists in their playlist, it was he who first broke down the gates with videos from his Thriller album and the rest is music video history with “Thriller,” “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”

As Latino and gay, my life took a different path. I was a filmmaker and TV producer who decided to make a difference because of the South Bronx community that shaped me and I opened a non-profit organization in the early 90’s devoted to training Black and Latino youth to counter negative stereotypes by producing 70 documentary shorts over nearly ten years.
Yet, I was always frustrated that this multi-talented man with adoring fans, celebrity friends, platinum records, hit movies and such, couldn’t convert this power and millions to advocating by example for gay men and women by unleashing his inner being to the world fully. Was it the abuse suffered as a child star, religion or was it the marketing machine run by self-serving adults who counseled otherwise?

When I am taking children who have been marginalized in society because of race and ethnicity and encourage them to love themselves and showcase the best of their culture in media, what can I say when one of their own is incessantly changing his physical features, color and procreating with surrogate moms purposely to produce Caucasian offspring? But they and many others still loved him and like me, bopped to his music.

I live in the West Village often cited as the most expensive neighborhood in Manhattan and clearly defined by class, which is inextricably linked to race. Prior to living here, I always hung out in this neighborhood fleeing my own Bronx in the mid to late ‘70’s to experience the utopia that seemingly could not be found in my own borough. In the last few years, I have also seen Christopher Street change from a predominantly white, gay male population – many who died during the AIDS crisis of the 80’s and 90’s – to a more ethnically colorful community. In the last few years, to the great chagrin of my neighbors, we’re experiencing a new phenomenon. Throughout the year, but especially at the end of the Gay Pride parade there are, what appear to be hundreds of thousands of Black and Latino lesbian, gay and transgender youth who like I did, flee their local communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island to be themselves. Many of them could never dress the same way or openly display their affection to the same sex in their home turf.

Undoubtedly, Michael Jackson confronted many challenges and broke down barriers in his own subtle and inimitable manner. Hence, I’m left with gnawing questions: What if in regard to sexual orientation and race, he had made it unequivocally clear who he was? What if, in regard to his identity, he had expressed pride? What a difference this would have made to several generations of young people and those that marched and bopped on Sunday in the West Village – and throughout the rest of the country for the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

To that end, I light candles to Michael Jackson and say, “May you now rest in peace.”



Louis E. Perego Moreno is a Producer and Educator who for the past 27 years has had a bilingual, English and Spanish-language multimedia production company targeting Latinos, Blacks, Urban Youth, Women, LGBTQ Youth and Children with Disabilities.

Coming Out as a True Red, White & Blue Latino

As a Gay Latino documentary filmmaker, educator and feminist, I was producing my own documentary on what it means to be Latina in the U.S.A. entitled, "Latina Confessions." While casting for Latinas at a national conference of Latino producers in LA, a male responded to my casting call and stated, "Why not interview us Latino gays? We have a story to tell also!" Not being one to reject people easily, I invited him to come in for an interview. What followed was an enlightening experience as I heard him say, as well as a Latina lesbian I interviewed for the actual documentary reiterate, "I belong to three worlds: I am Latino, I am in the U.S. and I am gay." I was struck by the simplicity of the statement and how it reflected my life also. This was a subtle, yet seminal moment in my life as a social reformer who advocates for Latinos, Blacks, Women, Urban Youth, LGBTQ youth and children with disabilities. I clearly heard my identity called and want to expand the net to others in this country like me.

Please share your story in English, Spanish or Spanglish of what it means to be Latino, born or living in the U.S. and to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning. There's quite a community of us and TIO LOUIE would like to hear your comments, observations or questions -- we're in it together. BIENVENIDO!