Following last year’s successful inaugural run, the Festival Gay Latino–also known as Long Beach Latin Gay Pride–returns to Long Beach for its second celebration this September.

Founded, created and produced by local women–Angel Macias, Kim Maddox, Tonya Martin and Betsy Holmes–the event acknowledges National Hispanic Heritage Month while simultaneously engaging the LGBTQ community. And with Long Beach’s Latino population now at 41%, organizers are aware of the inherent need for an event like this.

“There is definitely a need to create events geared to the empowerment and preservation of this thriving population,” Martin told the Post. “We want to be a part of this positive growth, especially in the LGBT community.”

Citing an “inner drive” to serve the Latino community, Martin and her cohorts want to emphasize the myriad facets of Latino culture while also raising money for nonprofits which support Latino health and services throughout the city. For example, this year–through research that Align Productions conducts each year–they will focus on immigration.

“While our main focus is to celebrate the Latin culture and Hispanic Heritage month, there is more,” Martin said. “As some may know, citizenship comes at a high price in America and there is a lot of misinformation out there. In some cases, individuals are being taken advantage of and we want to do what we can to help. With that said, we will be offering immigration information and services at this year’s event. We also invite any local organization whose mission compliments this one to partner with us.”

Festival Gay Latino will take place Saturday September 14 at the Marina Green Park on Shoreline Drive, from 11AM to 10PM.

Currently, applications are being accepted for promotional and sponsorship packages, participates, vendors, performers, and volunteers. The event is open to the public and is welcoming of the LGBTQ community.  For more information log on to www.lbfgl.com.

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