National LGBTQ Task Force’s Jorge Amaro Named One of 41 LGBTQ Latinos Trailblazers in Annual Awards List

WASHINGTON, DC, December 1, 2016 – The National LGBTQ Task Force’s Jorge Amaro has been named to the annual “Honor 41 List,” which celebrates 41 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Latina/o role models. This year’s list includes a diverse group of distinguished academics, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, community leaders, and non-profit leaders. To view a video of all 41 honorees click here.

“Congratulations to Jorge for the well-deserved recognition for his tireless work to support LGBTQ people all across the country. Not many people know about his collaborative and innovative work to expand basic rights and protections for LGBTQ people, as the majority of it is behind the scenes. We truly value his ongoing contributions to the broader social justice movement and are proud to have him as part of the National LGBTQ Task Force family,” said Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director.

Honor 41’s name originates from an anti-LGBTQ hate crime that took place in Mexico City. In the 1901 incident, 41 men were targeted, beaten and arrested because of their sexual orientation. Since then, the number 41 has been used in Mexico to disparage against gay men. Honor 41 reclaims the number to celebrate inspirational individuals in the LGBTQ community and their tireless work toward equality.

“I am humbled and privileged to be included in this year’s list,” said Jorge Amaro, Media and Public Relations Director, National LGBTQ Task Force. “To this day, LGBTQ Latino youth lack the necessary and adequate support in school, home, healthcare, and places of worship in order to be able to live their lives genuinely and authentically. And despite the ongoing systems of oppression that we face—including racism, discrimination, violence, and hate—LGBTQ Latinos continue to succeed in a wide rage of arts and professions. In our work to secure justice and equality for all, we must continue elevating the voices of those who are often marginalized in society.”

Amaro was honored for his decade long advocacy work in support of immigrant communities, people of color communities, reproductive rights, workers’ rights, and LGBTQ people. He has appeared on live and national television on networks such as Univision, Telemundo, CNN en Español, Mundo Fox, Estrella TV, Mega TV, MiraTV, and shows such as “El Show de Cristina” and “Despierta America.” He has also written editorial pieces that have been published in the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, La Opinion, El Diario-La Prensa, Advocate Magazine, and many other publications.

In addition to his strategic media and marketing work, Jorge has helped raised thousands of dollars in funding for HIV/AIDS clinics and nonprofit organization all while mentoring emerging leaders in the LGBTQ movement. In 2012, Huffington Post named him as one of the “Top Gay Latino Activists Who Have Broken Boundaries.” Jorge graduated from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and grew up in southeast Los Angeles, California.

To view Honor 41’s interview of Jorge Amaro, please click here.

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CONTACT:
Mark Daley
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
202-379-8318
mdaley@thetaskforce.org